Eyes Wide Open

Carter Celebrates SIX and lost his first tooth!

2011-03-03T17:10:00.000-05:00

I have laxed a little with this blog, because I blog mostly on my other blog - Iced Tea in the Afternoon. I don't usually include personal information or business about my family on that one to keep it separate, but check it out if you haven't already....great info....great recipes....great giveaways....

To catch you up...Carter turned SIX on February 1st! WOW, seems like yesterday.......
We celebrate EVERY year since he was ONE @ Cheeburger Cheeburger in CityPlace. Kind of a tradition to celebrate at the same place every year. Here are some snap shots from that evening.

Then a few days later on a rockin' Friday night we hit the bowling alley for Carter's "Friend Party". A lot of fun! There's nothing like celebrating with all your family and friends around you!

On our way to the party...All strapped in and excited for a fun Friday night!

Nothing like the ladies to get the party started with the train dance!

Daddy Brett was full on at the party he was the bowling coordinator for all the kidlets!

Nana - Wild as ever!!

The BIRTHDAY BOY!

So exciting to celebrate together!

I had to include this photo, not one, but two, but three cupcakes.....for the birthday boy...not sure if he ate them all...but knew we needed to make two dozen for some reason!

Look - 3 days after I tuned SIX, I lost my first tooth!

The tooth was swallowed (oops).

Morning Play

2010-12-07T09:37:00.000-05:00

Some Fun November Pictures

2010-12-06T21:03:00.001-05:00

November came and gone...it's seems we were carving a pumpkin, and now we are decorating a Christmas Tree. Here are some fun pictures of the kids & family...

What a great game, because there was a big fan section for Carter!

Griffin is not the photogentic babe like Carter-so bear with the photos...:)

Let's Go Back a Few Weeks...

2010-11-20T13:54:00.000-05:00

Howdy Family and Friends-

It's been a few since I have updated our family blog. Here are a few snaps of the fun we had during the month of October. Hubs did a fabulous job on carving his FIRST pumpkin. We picked an easy pattern, that I think turned out pretty good! We trick or treated to a few houses with friends in Atlantis.

Another Fall Weekend...South FL

2010-10-24T22:13:00.001-04:00

Another Fall weekend...right here in our backyard. Bender's Farm in West Boynton. We took a long tractor ride through the crops in south FL. We heard just great country music, took home a balloon sword, picked out a plump pumpkin to carve later this week, shopped in a fabulous green market for local produce and goods, and climbed on some vintage tractors...It was a great afternoon.

Fun Fall Long Weekend in North FL

2010-10-24T21:45:00.001-04:00

One fo our favorite places to visit, just a few hours (four to be exact) is North FL. This trip we were able to get some real fall temperatures, bring out the long sleeves, and celebrate country style all weekend. We stayed with Aunt Joyce and Uncle Dennis, and we were also able to spend some time with close friends-the Garcia's and Sammets. We miss everyone dearly, but having a place to visit for a getaway makes it a little better.
There are photos from a great playscape park in Orange Park, and our highlight of the weekend-Aunt Joyce & Uncle Dennis took us to Conner's A-Maizing Farm- there were farming animals, tractor rides, racing pigs, redneck olympics, roasted corn, boiled peanuts, an AMAZING corn maze, pumpkins and so much more. We have a ton of photos, but here are just a few of our favorites to share...We love you both, and thank you for always treating us to a great getaway.

Have You Visited My NEW BLOG!

2010-10-11T23:13:00.002-04:00

Eyes Wide Open is still up and running, I will just be posting family events/photos, etc...on this blog. My NEW BLOG is named after passions that I love - CREATIVITY, FUN, COOKING, DIYing, THRIFTING/VINTAGE, and your personal concierge service for the Palm Beachs from a true native, all while enjoying a glass of iced tea.

So sit back and grab a glass of iced tea in the afternoon!

Check out: ICED TEA IN THE AFTERNOON! Follow me on the side panal for auto updates or on Facebook!

Some Random Snap Shots of Griffin-SEPT/OCTOBER 2010

2010-10-11T23:07:00.000-04:00

Rainy, Rainy Day in south FL, my new coupe from Nana, did ya'll know I assist with Jake's feedings, my first haircut 18 1/2 mos. old-bye-bye curls!

Menu Plan Monday-2 weeks

2010-09-12T11:21:00.001-04:00

uploaded to http://www.orgjunkie.com/

Last week was probably the busiest week I have had recently. My "balance" game is getting easier as my littliest boy is getting bigger. With the fall approaching lot's of activities are launching and meetings underway and now a school-age kiddo - Balance is my Mantra! I did not get my menu plan up, but I definitely had it posted up in my kitchen and used it!! That's the goal of menu planning, right?

We had some delicious easy dinners, and tried a few new recipes.

Here is last weeks:

BBQ Mixed Grill - steak/chicken/veggies
Baked Meatball Parmesan (Frozen Jumbo Meatballs (thawed), Homemade sauce, Parmesan/Mozzarella) - Layered and baked at 350 until cheese was gooey and meatballs where fork tender.
Slow Cooker Fajitas (Super EASY, Super Delicious!)**see notes below what I did different
Grilled Chicken with Sausage & Pancetta - Marinara - pictured above
Left Over Buffet

This is my menu for this week:

Baked Ham Sandwiches (we use the yummy Hawaiian Rolls), serve with cool side dishes, since it is still so hot in South Florida!
Breakfast for Dinner (Pancakes, eggs, bacon, fruit)
Taco Salad
Roasted Turkey Breast/Mashed Potatoes/Green Beans
Slow Cooker Open Faced Brisket/Coleslaw/Biscuits

**what I changed: used a red pepper instead of a green one. Served over brown rice. You could use yellow or white too (I try to ~~fool~~ sneak a little health in there when I can). I did not have coriander so I skipped that, but will try in the future with it...and I lessened the amount of cumin as didn't want it to be too smokey for the kiddos.

Recipes:

Homemade Sauce (Marinara)
This is a family recipe so good, so easy and I do it in large batches to freeze for dinner sizes for other meals.

Saute' one medium diced onion with 4 cloves of crushed garlic (the REAL deal, no fake garlic!!) for about 4 minutes or until translucent with olive oil or drippings from meat if using. Add 1 large can of Tomato Puree or Crushed Tomatoes 1 small can tomato paste, I like the canned organic tomatoes or Muir Glen brand, they just don't taste so-"canny"- does this make sense? Then use the small can of paste to fill with water and add. Bring to a boil on medium. Top the entire pot with fresh parsley and dried oregano. Add two tablespoons of sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes I add a shake of dried pepper flakes if you want a slight bite to the sauce. I like to allow it to simmer on the stove for a few hours. Always tastes better the following day. You can add water to thin it out as it thicken the more it cooks. You can add sauteed/cooked sausage/turkey sausage cut up or squeeze out of the casings or meatballs to the sauce while it is simmering all day. Make in double/triple batches so you can use for several recipes like your favorite pizza, lasagna, or pasta. Freezes great in freezer zip bags, flatten out so there isn't any air left, freeze flat.

Happy Eating this week!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-22T21:26:00.001-04:00

Linked up at ORGJUNKIE.COM

Well this is an interested week for us as I have to work two days during dinner time, and will be out of town on Friday night until Saturday night. Hmmmm~

However, I do have some meals ready to go, cleaned, washed, and frozen for whatever might happen... Here are five menu ideas for this week!

Steak Fingers-Mashed Potatoes-Fresh Fruit
Turkey Tacos-Yellow Rice-Fresh Fruit
Pasta/Alfredo with Grilled Chicken-Green Beans-Fresh Fruit
Meatball Parmesan-Garlic Bread-Fresh Fruit
Grilled Chicken or Mahi Ceasar Salad-Fresh Fruit

QUICK TIP: Next time your fire up your grill, cook your meat, veggies, etc... for several meals in advance. Makes it a whole lot easier to get your meal to the

table with the delicious taste of the grill.

I know our menu may seem redundant with FRESH FRUIT at EVERY MEAL. Well in all defense, we live 2 miles from a farmers market and who wouldn't want FRESH FRUIT at every meal. It is inexpensive, healthy, and everyone eats it! I hope everyone has a great week of cooking and eating. I plan on trying new recipes next week from a few new cookbooks I got from The Pampered Chef. I will be sure to include links to get those new recipes!

Until we eat again...

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-16T20:50:00.000-04:00

It's been a while for my MENU PLAN MONDAY posts. We have had crazy schedules with summer, but now that school is in...no excuses than to be on the ball.

This week's dinner menu looks like this:

Monday: Roasted Green Beans, Fresh Fruit, Over-sized Meatballs

Tuesday: Taco Salad, Fresh Fruit

Wednesday: Burgers on the Grill, Green Salad, Fresh Fruit

Thursday: Fend for yourself night-I have a PC party!

Friday-Grilled Mahi Mahi, Sautee'd Zucchini, Risotto

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

Today was the first day of Carter's school career! He was so excited to wake up this morning and dress in his uniform (thank God!), and make his way to his new classroom at Calvary Christian. His new teacher for Kindergarten is Mrs. Reena. He told me about his new desk, and all the new things he learned today. He is so excited to have Emma in his class this year since they have gone to school three years and not been in the same class.

This year he will focus on Reading, Math, and Language. They will also have studies in Science, Computers, Art, History, Music, PE, Social Studies & Geography. That sure is a lot, but I am certain he will maintain a hunger for all the new adventures he will go on this year and become a walking sponge with all types of new facts to teach Hubs and I about.

*On a side note-littlest boy sure was sad when Carter left this morning.

They have become buddies this past summer.

Last Weekend Before School Starts!

2010-08-16T15:47:00.000-04:00

The ocean was so calm, like a lake.

This past Saturday we had a treat out to Palm Beach Pier and breakfast at Benny's on the Beach our all time favorite place to dine at the beach. Griffin can officially out eat myself and definetely Carter. It was very warm and humid (love that about FL summer's) so our beach picture was foggy. We ended the day for Papa's 71st birthday and two tuckered out kidlets!

I promise...

2010-08-12T08:28:00.001-04:00

Haven't we all heard those endearing words..."I promise..." well I do...
I appreciate some of the emails and comments I have got about my blog-thank you fans-LOL!

I am working on a few projects right now (crafting, food, and photo stuff) so I have slacked a bunch to keep up with my personal blog and keeping it updated throughout the summer. In the last three weeks we have traveled on our family get-a-way, I attended a AWESOME ALL*DAY craft day/workshop (thanks mom & Joe 4 hanging with the little people), gone to a four day MOPS conference at the GAYLORD-wha hooo with my MOPS leadership group, attended my grandmother's funeral (RIP DJ), my Pampered Chef business, and all the rest of the happenings with school starting (my golden child goes off to kindergarten (*sniff*sniff) and my No Child Left Behind job. WHewwwwww~ I'm tired of just listing all that in the last three weeks. So give me a few days and I'll get those photos up and the musings of our summer as it comes to a end in a few days~

Be blessed always as you go through the day!

Summer Fun

2010-07-11T15:43:00.000-04:00

What define's summer fun?
This year we decided to go naked for summer-what do I mean by that...no plans...no summer camp, etc.
We have ad-libbed all summer so far with no major commitments. We joined a few of the discount promos for the kids movies and bowling. C-man participated in his school VBS, but no day-to-day planned activities unless of course we needed to make set plans. It has been fun, relaxing, and a great summer so far.
We have beached-it , made trips to the library, water parks, had out of town visitors, old-fashion parks (LOL-no waterplay area-C-man calls it this), pool, movies, lot's of bowling, indoor playground @ church, arts & crafts, summer bridge learning times, and playdates classmates & lunch with friends! It has been a blast watching both boys GROW, GROW, GROW this summer!

We have planned a quick summer get-a-way at the end of July with our family and some family friends, but all in all-just lounging around and hanging out-after all we already live in Paradise! We have 5 official weeks left of summer before C-man starts Kindergarten! So we are soaking it up here in South Florida enjoying the lazy days of summer!

What is a Hybrid Mom?

2010-07-06T18:43:00.001-04:00

Hmm...funny thing happened on the way to the...

I was reading this magazine when I was relaxing *wink-wink*. It is called "Hybrid Mom". What in the world is a "Hybrid" Mom?- I'm just figuring out what Hybrid cars are...and now there are moms? WHAT?

Hy*brid*Mom-(noun)-Mom, wife, Blogger, Biz owner, Exec, PTA mom, Part-timer, Consultant...and so much more!

http://www.hybridmom.com/ This is a pretty neat site to my fellow mama's. Very hip, up-to-date, etc...

...just wanted to share...

New Look

2010-06-23T01:36:00.000-04:00

Okay ... I am trying out some new looks on the blog... let me know what you think. Sometimes the formatting gets messed up and the more I try to fix it the worse it gets. Oh boy!

Enjoy!

Top Ten Things I Love About Being a FLORIDA NATIVE!

2010-06-23T01:22:00.005-04:00

Can you imagine this is where I actually live. I'm on vacation everyday as my husband likes to remind me often of being a "work/stay at home mama"

I love being a NATIVE to life in Paradise. I can tell you I get ~~upset~~ annoyed whenever I hear people complain about the cost of living, complain about the drivers, the people, the jobs, and everything else people complain about because it isn't like it is where they are from-my answer-as brash as it may sound *wink* GO HOME! If it is so GREAT in _______________, then go back where you came from, if not than soak in a sunrise at the beach, get to know the REAL NATIVES of Palm Beach, and savor some local fare!

Somethings I LOVE about being a Palm Beacher...

Being able to go almost anywhere-BAREFOOT
Flip Flops and Sundresses are acceptable attire
Pink & Green aren't just for preppies-but for Palm Beacher's
Jack Rogers
Living in Paradise Year Round!

I remember when.....

I-95 stopped at PGA Blvd.

The Palm Beach Mall and Twin City Mall (both-no longer) were the places to be!
Jog Road was the boonies.
Wellington-never heard of that?
1st Baptist of WPB (downtown) was the largest skyscraper
Beaches were as wide as long
Everyone owned a boat
Braman Motorcars used to be the movie theater for the Palm Beaches
Families would bike everywhere after dinner in the summer
It was $5 to go to the Rapids (they only had the 4 yellow slides-really!)
Tarazzo floors & Jalousy windows were made for natural A/C purposes
and so many more..please feel free to comment below on what you rememeber!

By Popular Demand....

My Top Ten List

Favorite Places to Visit:

Lakeside Park in North Palm Beach
Oceanfront Beach Park, Town of Ocean Ridge
The Town Center Mall of Boca Raton (Best Mall of PBC)
Lion Country Safari, WPB
Loggerhead Turtle Museum
City Place-downtown WPB
Must-See Christmas Performances every year from 1st Baptist of WPB (Singing Christmas Tree) and Christ Fellowship Worship Performance
Local Farms to pick fresh produce (So. FL Produce/Rorabecks/Harvest Time)
Jupiter Lighthouse/DuBois Beach Park
The FAMOUS Palm Beach-Worth Ave./Ocean/A1A Drive

My Top Ten Favorite Places to Eat in Palm Beach County-

most local favorites, so hard to narrow it down to (11).

Benny's on the Beach, Lake Worth Pier
Too Jay's
Bud's Chicken
Camilli's Pizza-Lake Park
Chris' Taverna-Lake Worth
Bizarre Cafe-Downtown Lake Worth
John G's-Lake Worth Beach
http://www.chesterfieldpb.com/-Palm Beach
Houston's-Boca
The Dubliner-Boca
Tacos al Carbon - Lake Worth Road/Military Trail

Feel free to comment on any of the above, tell me what you remember if you are a Native!

I KNOW...it's been a while...just wait until you see...

2010-06-03T08:38:00.013-04:00

We have had a lot of activity the last month of May...

It was Mother's Day...my boy's are always so generous-flowers & a Tiffany's bracelet (redo). And breakfast at the beach at one of my top 10 Palm Beach restaurants-Benny's on the Beach-sits right on the pier! The sun was shining gorgeous on the Atlantic Beach-lot's of squinty-eyed pictures!

Then we had our MOPS Finale with a Mother's Day Tea for all the ladies, Karen Granger was our speaking (did someone say INCREDIBLE!) and the food-wow is all I can say-some of the ladies really our did themselves-Steering-we made hundreds {yes-100's) of chocolate dipped mega strawberries the night before and they were so yummy!

Then we hit the road for a week long get-a-way! and that it was...

First stop...Getting spoiled by Aunt Joyce & Uncle Dennis!

They are the most AMAZING hosts! Their hospitality is terrific, they greet my boy's with MORE toys (who wouldn't love that), hot breakfast EVERY morning, and a GORGEOUS home to indulge in the luxury! I love you guys and all you do to show us love back! The photo above is Uncle Dennis sharing a salvation cube with Carter. So sweet. We even caught a glimpse of nature while there-a deer on our way out!

We also celebrated Kyle's graduation at his house with a big bash while in North FL!

You both look GEORGEOUS!

one of my very best friends, Valerie & Kyle~

We wish you great success in all you do Kyle!!!

I even was able to sneak in a Pampered Chef show for dear close friend from my days in Jacksonville- Carol and was able to write that portion of my trip off-Thanks Carol and Pampered Chef!!

Here is her family we got to spend the day with while visiting.

Then... we drove just a little south to meet up with Nana & Papa at yet another place to be spoiled-Hilton Grand Vacations Club -now that is the way to travel these days~ This is our fourth time being in total luxury while vacationing. Everything you need right on the property-you never have to leave. Activities from the time you wake up-until you go to bed. Here are just a few [really...just a few]of our few days...

We just loved the pool area from early morning until early evening! It wouldn't be a summer without a google-faced Carter-would it? Yes, that is papa-69 years young going down the water slides with Carter. Griffin was quite the swimmer. He walked right in the beach-entry pool, flipped over and laughed. The activity rooms were great-lot's of fun activities to do-we engaged in a life-size Jenga game, Carter played in some pool Olympics, and then relaxed with his mango daiquiri. Each day we were glad we had a jumbo stroller- the picture above shows all our "stuff" we needed for a fun day and if you look close there are tiny legs/feet peeking out as there was a sleeping baby camouflaged in there.

One night we meet up with Christopher and went to Outback! Gosh, we miss him- we hadn't visited with him since Christmas so we were grateful to grab him for the night-too bad school wasn't out for him yet! We will see more of him this summer!

Thanks Papa & Nana for a fun few days away! You guys are the greatest!

We came home after a week of fun because Carter had a special event!

PRE-K GRADUATION

I'm so proud of my son! [* sniff-sniff *]

He is sunbeam on a cloudy day!

He just lights up my eyes when I see his face!

I am thankful to the Calvary Christian School-Preschool department for all the time they invested in my little boy to help mold him in the likeness of God and to help give him a foundation that he will build his life upon-JESUS! Every teacher and staff member is incredible and are true beacons of light!

I believe the saying to be true-"it does take a village to raise a child"!

What a great year it was for Pre-K!

So...this was our May...Hope you enjoyed taking a glimpse!

I WON!

2010-05-19T11:58:00.000-04:00

I won my second BLOG contest - Do I hear a shout out?

What did I win? a $40 gift card with Expressions Vinyl ( their button is on the right)! LOVE IT- LOVE IT!
I actually had an order in the shopping cart there. I am SO SO SO excited. Baby G was laughing at me as I was reading the email on my phone as I was making something for the school with my Cricut!!!
I wasn't just reading...I was SCREAMing!!!

I was just telling the hubster about this lady who I read in blogland won a $5 trip to Paris. She was taking a class at a college, and a club booster was hosting a fundraiser and she bought a raffle ticket for the trip-Holy Smokes- can you imagine?

Well, I'm not going to Paris, but I feel like I am in Heaven just for winning the vinyl! Can't wait to CREATE!

Thanks Kari at Ucreate who hosted the contest!!! She has great contests and GREAT project ideas for everyone! Check out her blog!

Some Cricut Samples-I'm proud of for a beginner

2010-05-12T11:44:00.002-04:00

Okay so most of you know that I got a Cricut Expression for my birthday from my dear hubster. I got the amazing pink one you can see in a previous post that came with 3 cartridges. WHA HOOO! if you know anything about Cricut. :) Anyhow-here are a few samples I have played with. I made monogrammed clipboards for the teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week, a banner sign that reads: PINK (for a Breast Cancer Tennis Tournament I volunteered at, personalized candles using vinyl, which have been a lot of fun (Mother's Day I had the mother and mother in love -design their own with the Cricut), and the cute picture of gorgeous Mother and the adorable birthday Babe below-show a snipit of a Celebrate Banner I made for our Maynard Celebrations! I will keep adding as I dream or borrow projects. I have yet to scrap with my Cricut--because the crafting has been so much fun!

-Menu Plan Tuesday-

2010-05-12T07:28:00.000-04:00

It's Tuesday-I know, but this was on the computer before today-just getting on the blog now~ Thanks for the reminder Jill P..

Here is my menu plan this week!

Monday-Garlic Beef Stir-Fry/Wide Noodles (I haven't used that pan in a few years and it sounded so good-and was!

Tuesday-Grilled Mahi Mahi-green beans-fresh fruit-baby salad greens

Wednesday-Deli Night (sandwiches on Rye), chips, fruit

Thursday-Chicken Cutlets with lemon butter sauce-mashed potatoes-fresh fruit

Friday-Make Your Own Soft Tacos, corn on the cob, fresh fruit

What is a Mom?

2010-05-09T13:56:00.002-04:00

All week long, I have received cards, emails, updates, deals, contests, discounts, giveaways, freebies, e-cards, and so on...but there is no greater feeling-than that of being a mom. I have two AMAZING kiddos, did I say AMAZING!

They give me enjoyment EVERYDAY! Even those not-so-fun moments are terrific when you realize your a mom. I thought age 4 was my favorite...but age 5 has been amazing...the compliments I receive are what make it worth it. :) as well as the kind-behaved-loving-Godly personality features on my boy The Babe-well he keeps me on my toes AT ALL TIMES! I look at him and KNOW-miracles are from God-and having kids is just that! You know-God picks us out to be moms-there is no greater gift! And behind all of it-I thank Him each day and I thank hubster too-without him-well we all know how that works~

Happy Mother's Day Family, Friends and Readers!

Random Mother's Day Wekend Pictures

Mother's Day Art Show at school, pool fun, and breakfast with all my boys!

Mother's Day Giveaway ($30 Rusted Chain Gift Certificate)-check it out! WHA HOO!

Blog Party - Pampered Chef Pink Party!

2010-05-03T13:18:00.039-04:00

It's that time of year again!

My Annual

Pampered Chef

Pink Party!

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer?
Do you sit on a committee or work in an office or have a Bible study or something where there are 8 ladies- look around? who might it be or perhaps maybe already someone has been diagnosed- With early detection and regular screenings and mammograms, the 5 year survival rate is improved to 98%. That is a great statistic, but this is SCARY people!!

Right now you can get several special Pampered Chef products that are "PINK" and at the same time help contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Programs.

Every year, The Pampered Chef joins the American Cancer Society to raise funds for this effort through their Help Whip Cancer campaign to date already 7.9 million has been raised through this 31 day program-That is AMAZING!. There are specific items designated for this cause that are only available in May and for each one purchased, $1 will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

I am hosting a 10 day online fundraiser to promote the Help Whip Cancer campaign. Rather than collect the rewards for hosting the fundraiser, I am giving them to one of my lucky readers that orders from my blog party! The winner will be able to choose from Pampered Chef products from the catalog (amount depends on total sales). What’s really cool is that everyone has a chance to earn something free! Anyone ordering $60 or more (before the discount, tax and shipping) will receive two Help Whip Cancer reusable shopping bags.

Instructions on how to order:
Go to: www.pamperedchef.biz/cookwithbarb
Click on: Shop Online
Add Host Name: BLOG PARTY
and begin shopping. Check out the specials (PINK stuff) and all the rest of the hundreds of terrific products Pampered Chef has each season!

Think you may want to host or collect some orders {traditional & pink products}? Not only are you getting rewarded for your efforts with these incentives - average host gets $140 in FREE shopping, up to 3 half price items, up to 30% off EVERYTHING else, FREE Shipping, 10% off for an ENTIRE year, and specials EVERY month (just for you)!! - you are also HELPING the American Cancer Society!
Thank you in Advance!!! This is a program special to me and our family!

Any additional questions? Email me at cookwithbarb@aol.com!

Don't forget to leave comments! I love comments!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-05-03T13:08:00.001-04:00

Okay here I am again... It's time to post my weekly menu.
I won't tell you as much as I did last post on Menu Plan Monday-so if you want some good tips check a few posts ago...

Here are my Five Menus for this week!

Monday- 30 minute Roasted Chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans
Honey Baked Ham :) carrots, fresh fruit
Mahi Mahi over salad greens, fresh fruit
Grilled Italian Chicken Sausage with Pasta and Marinara, fresh fruit
10 minute Honey Mustard Roasted Pork Loin. salad greens, corn on the cob, fresh fruit

Happy Mother's Day to all this week! I hope all of you readers have someone to cook for you or take you out for a well deserved meal! I am treating my mom and mother in love to a beautiful home cooked meal! I haven't finished my menu yet, but will post when I do~

Check out http://www.orgjunkie.com/ and see all the great menu's this week-grab some ideas-to help your family planning!

Springtime Fun! Random Pics

2010-05-03T12:32:00.003-04:00

~ Some great random pictures ~

My beautiful orchids for my birthday from good friends Lori and Jane!

~ My precious littlest boy~

This was at our pediatric dermatology office vist last week!

Funny story-Male nurse arrives to do vitals, etc...he leaves says doctor will be in - in a few minutes here is a gowna nd please have baby naked. Shyly- I said okay - in my mind I was saying " ARE YOU SERIOUS DUDE?" A one year old in a paper gown for a few minutes NAKED? I went with the program-3 minutes later the gown was in SHREDS (should have captured that on film) and doctor arrives and let's me know we will be signing paperwork after the appointment for America's Funniest Video's {laughing out loud-hyterically} - LOVE LOVE LOVE our newest specialist for our littlest boy~ he has a sense of great humor and he is a native Floridian - LOVE THAT!!! No sooner did we check out and he was fast asleep in the nurses arms~ can we all say -"AHHHH"

Princess Sophia 5th Birthday!

Sophia is a special friend to our family, always lot's of laughs- posed with her sweet mom and dad!

Don't you just love that smile!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-26T13:27:00.005-04:00

Join me and HUNDREDS of others who post and share great menu's for the week! Check it out at Organized Junkie!

You can go back a few menu's and see why Menu Planning is so important!

Here are just a few thoughts to get you started.

SAVES TIME!!

SAVES $$ MONEY!

IMPROVES NUTRITION!

Start Simple-Write down 5 meals your family likes-or-

5 meals you can start to plan with the ingredients you have in your icebox/pantry

-use your sale ads from the paper or online to create your menu/shopping list (this is the part that saves you $$)-be flexible {plan 5-7 meals and pick from those-instead of saying you will have ___ on Monday-that may throw people for a loop and then not continue}-continue once a week to set aside time to do this-take input from your kids and family members-if you don't blog and you need accountibility to do this EMAIL your menu's to me (cookwithbarb@aol.com)- I would be glad to praise you for your efforts-help you with recipe ideas or give your resources-and overall be your cheerleaderto help you stop asking yourself

at 5 PM "What's for Dinner?"

Here are my 5 menu ideas for the week!

Southwestern Beef Soft Tacos with all the fixin's/Corn on the Cob/Deviled Eggs
Grilled Mahi-Mahi over Salad Greens/Fresh Fruit
Parmesan-Garlic Shrimp over Angel Hair Pasta/**Caesar Salad/Fresh Fruit
10 minute BBQ Roasted Pork Loin/Buttered Egg Noodles/Mixed Veggies
Marinated Chicken Breasts-Grilled/Green Salad/Fresh Fruit

What's on your Menu?

Comment below and let me know!!

** Some of my readers have often asked -"why do you eat so much Caesar Salad?" Well-that is the hubster's only salad dressing choice-so I have searched HIGH and low for a "healthy" alternative to the original and I found it!! Thank you Publix Market! Found in the Produce section of refrigerated dressings Bolthouse Yougurt dressings are DE-LICIOUS! I linked to their site above so you can see!

Did someone say S-L-A-C-K--E-R?

2010-04-26T12:48:00.000-04:00

Yes, Yes!!! I am the ultimate slacker in the last few weeks-at least for my upkeep of my blog!
We have had event after event, birthday after birthday and yes...NONE of these have really been documented! UGH!!

We go back as far as...MARCH-Griffin celebrated his 1st Birthday-truly a MIRACLE! I did write a little about it a few posts ago. Check it out~ Then a day later was my mom's 70th Birthday which Pop and I threw a HUGE party for the event-it took up a whole lot of extra time for planning and making sure she was surprised with some out of town visitors, and getting everything together for that day. It was about a week of recovery time and time spent with out of town family-Oh yes, I still have my job with the government school program and Pampered Chef-both busy as ever-church activities-MOPS ministry, and then there is the housework-and all the things that need attention from the Stay at Home Mom-WHAT? I mean WORK AT HOME mamna!! Enough-complaining!

Asides all that...[I am sure your exhausted just reading about it]-I am excited about my new Cricut and learning Digital Scrapbooking and trying to keep up with crop time for both-what is cropping? Well that is time spent "crafting" as I put it.

I am going to try to keep up this week-little by little! I promise!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-19T12:55:00.000-04:00

I know, I know- I have been a slacker AGAIN!! the second week of the month is always a busy week for me amongst the regular to-do stuff. I did get to enjoy though three "girls night out's" one on Monday and one on Thursday nights and then most of the day on Saturday at a great craft crop. Much needed for the busy schedule during the day/evening!!

Here is my 5 meals we have available! This week we have a few evening events so I will have to pick and choose!

Grilled Pork Tenderloin with a Melot sauce (Tastefully Simple), corn on the cob
Breakfast for Dinner - scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, biscuits
Chicken Cutlets, pasta with a lemon-butter sauce, green beans
Steak Fajitas with tortillas and the fixins
Grilled Chicken Ceasar Salad, fresh fruit

Visit ORG JUNKIE to see lot's of menu's and get ideas for your meal time routine! If you blog-link up, keeps you accountable!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-12T10:50:00.000-04:00

It's Monday morning and I am hoping this week won't be quite as busy as the last!

Here is what is on my menu this week-what's on yours?

Just a little about menu planning if you don't do it already-start!

It saves TIME!

It saves MONEY!

It saves CONFUSION!

to just name a few-

I link up with http://www.orgjunkie.com/ along with hundreds of other's to post menu's, recipes, and meal planning ideas! Check it out-you won't be sorry-who knows-maybe you will be linking up too!

Monday: Grilled Chicken/Mahi-Mahi over field greens, fresh stawberries, and herbed cornbread (thanks mom!)

Tuesday: Spinach Salad with the works (me) - parmesan penna pasta/fruit (kids) (dad's night out!)

Wednesday: Caribbean Grilled Boneless Pork Chops, corn on the cob, fresh fruit

Thursday: Swedish Meatballs (thanks IKEA), mashed potatoes, green beans, fresh fruit

Friday: Grilled Flank Steak with Ceasar Salad

Yes- it's been a while...

2010-04-08T13:40:00.001-04:00

I know... I know... the chores had to be done, the paperwork filled out, the shopping and cooking and cleaning....it never ends does it?

Yes-thank you to many emails of...What's for Dinner? this week! I have not flown by the seat of my pants, but definately had to put my blogging on hold so I could get my first priorities done or at least caught up since 3 family birthdays, two sets of out of town guests, soccer spring season opener and a few events at the club!

My menu this week has consisted of the following:

Monday: family night we went to Brett's softball championship-they lost :(, then out to Hooters for some wings!
Tuesday: formal at the club - as well as a date night with hubster
Wednesday: Crustless Spinach & Feta Pie (recipe to follow), Roasted Asparagus with Garlic
Thursday: Grilled Chicken Asian Salad
Friday: family is on their own - I have a Pampered Chef trunk show in Boca
Saturday: charity event at the club for Breast Cancer - "Playing in Pink"
Sunday: Old Fashioned Sunday Dinner - Roasted Chicken, Potatoes, Greens, and fresh fruit

Recipe: Crustless Spinach & Feta Pies (a quick take on Spanakopita)
courtesy of Food Network Kitchens Cookbook

1 T extra-virgin olive oil
1 10oz package frozen spinach, thawed
4 scallions, thinly sliced
3 eggs
1 T bread crumbs
2 t dried mint
1 1/4 t kosher salt
fresh ground pepper
pinch of cayenne
1/2 cup Feta cheese

Preheat oven 400 degrees. Heat oil in skillet, and add drained spinach and scallions and cook, stirring until dry, about 4 minutes. Transfer to colander and squeeze out any additional mositure. Brush 4-6oz ramekins with olive oil and place on baking sheet.

Transfer spinach ingredients and rest of ingredients except Feta to a food processor-pulse until finely chopped. Remove blade and stir in Feta. Bake until edges are set, but slightly soft in center-about 20 minutes. Turn oven off and leave for 5 additional minutes. Invert onto plate and serve with a veggie salad or Tazatiki Sauce-Yum!

My variation: I added a bit more Feta on the top, and a few cloves of garlic. I also made mine in a 9x9 and doubled the recipe to have leftovers to share with my neighbor and have for breakfast! I cut it into 12 pieces and served two per person. :)

Happy Birtday to my Miracle!

2010-04-08T12:56:00.000-04:00

It is so hard to believe that the first year of Griffin's life has passed so quickly. I know the age-old "unsolicited" advice from EVERYONE- say's... "They are only small for a short while"... is so sadly true! Being a mom second time around I cherished the time a little more intimate since I think my factory is closing for more children. :( I always wanted three. But on a happier note-I can't thank everyone near and dear, close and miles between, friends, family, church leadership, and those I don't even know by name for ALL the prayer and support that came to our family during this year from hot meals to hospital visits to just sitting with me. I thought I would never see an end to the year or for that matter and end to the endless journey Griffin has endured. We recently finished our taxes last month and 117 medical appointments for this little fella! WOW! But I am estatic to report he is doing fantastic, growing by leaps and bounds, and eating us out of the house! A real change from a year back!

GOD is so faithful, so good, and such the perfect healer! If Griffin's testimony from the very beginning of life in the womb with news of a possible brain injury to his prematurty to now a thriving baby isn't a song in GOD's book I don't know what it is that folks don't understand about GOD!

One of Carter's favorite songs to sing while in the house, in the car, wherever he is to himself is "God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He's so good to me!" And yes He is!!!

I love you my son! We love you Griffin Cooper Maynard!!

MOPS Easter Egg Hunt-Lot's of Friends-Lot's of Eggs

2010-03-24T08:05:00.004-04:00

Did Someone say Eggs??

So many smiles when you hunt for CANDY!

Papa always saves the day with the Babe!

Happy Early Birthday to me from my Hubster!

2010-03-24T07:47:00.002-04:00

Can you really believe it-I can't- all my local girlfriends are so tired of hearing me say how much I would love a Cricut Expression~ Well-low and behold they FINALLY went on sale at Michaels last week! I have the hookup with the manager there-Anthony-he is totally AWESOME and had this Limited Edition Pink Journey Cricut Expression-with 3 cartridges just for me because he knows I DROLL over it everytime I am in the store!! WHAHOO!!! What a BONUS that is to have a PINK one, and with 3 cartridges-if you know anything about Cricuts!!

While I was prego and nocturnal with Griffin-I would watch the hour-long info-mercials about the cricut expression-I knew I could do all the exciting projects they showed and -yep! I was sold!!

(isn't that the point of infomercials)

Anyhow-I could ramble FORever about my NEW CRICUT!!!

Love it, love it, love it!!!

Thank you so much love!!!

I will be posting soon, my first project!! It is a winner in my book! I can hardly believe I made it either...

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-21T23:51:00.002-04:00

All right, this will be an exciting week-

Griffin's 1st Birthday this Saturday, can you hardly believe it~ if you go back a year in my blog you can see the pitiful pictures when he was in NICU trying to survive! It is also a BIG birthday for my mama~70 years, she hardly looks a day past 29- ;) I sure hope I look that great when I turn 70! So needless to say-we have a lot going on with friends from out of town staying at our place at the end of the week and a party to plan~

Here are FIVE on-hand meals I have prepped while we have all our goings-ons~

Mini Teriyaki Turkey Sliders on Hawaiian rolls/fresh fruit/corn on the cob
Jumbo Chopped Salad with Chicken/fresh fruit/Pita Chips with Homemade Guacamole
Swedish Meatballs/Egg Noodles/Green Beans (thanks Ikea for the pantry items to make this-YUM!
Chicken Parmesan/Angel Hair Pasta/Fresh Fruit
Pampered Chef's Taco Ring/Green Salad/Fresh Fruit

What are you having for dinner? Remember even if you change it up a bit throughout the week, starting with a PLAN will prevent you asking yourself at 4 PM - What's for Dinner? Check out all the GREAT menu's (& recipes) for Menu Plan Monday at www.orgjunkie.com !

Spring is Here-Welcome!

2010-03-18T15:26:00.003-04:00

I have been waiting to post a few fun pictures from my Spring Tablescape. I can't wait to finish decorating for Spring. I just love Pottery Barn-don't you? I love their ideas to decorate, but don't like their prices. I was in blogland a few months back and found a fellow blogger who felt the same way- she transforms their ideas from Pottery Barn to Dollar Barn. I thought-I can do this {I am laughing-out loud!} So here is what I came up with-a little help from some basics I had in my closet (hurricanes from Southern Living at Home), a big chocolate (ceramic) bunny from Cracker Barrell and some inexpensive picks from Michaels. What do you think?

I'm linked up at The Shappy Chic Cottage~ Between Naps on the Porch ~ check out the other ideas!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T09:07:00.002-04:00

What's everyone making for St. Patty's Day? Will it be traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage - perhaps some Irish Soda Bread? I'm making Potato Soup and Boxty- something a little more kid-friendly-

and who doesn't like potatoes. I like to make both dishes plain

and then put the toppings out for everyone do make it "their-way".

An old Irish poem says:

Boxty on the griddle,

Boxty in the pan,

If you can't make boxty,

You'll never get a man

Boxty (Irish Potato Griddle Cakes)

Ingredients:

1/2 pound raw potato

1/2 pound cooked mashed potato

1/2 pound plain flour

Milk (as needed, see directions)

1 egg

1 medium onion, finely chopped

Salt and pepper

Directions:

Grate raw potatoes and mix with the cooked mashed potatoes. Add salt, pepper, onion and flour. Beat egg and add to mixture with just enough milk to make a batter that will drop from a spoon.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a hot griddle or frying pan. Cook over a moderate heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Recipe source: http://www.fantasy-ireland.com/Irish-potato-recipe.html

Our local pub- Sl'ainte - (Slawn-cha) - means good heath - is having it's annual St. Baldrick's Charity Head Shaving for Children's Cancer Research-largest independant ORG to raise money outside of the US Govt. Most Irish Pubs in the US- host the event, Sla'inte' is just a half mile from our house so it's neat to see~

Wearin' of the Green

by Dion Boucicault

"Oh Paddy dear and did you hear the news that's going 'round?

the shamrock is forbid by law to grow on Irish ground

No more St. Patrick's Day to keep his colours can't be seen

there is a cruel law against the wearing of the green"

I met with Napper Tandy and he took me by the hand
and he said, "How's dear old Ireland and how does she stand?"
"She's the most distressful country that you have ever seen

they're hangin' men and women there for wearing of the green"

Then if the colour we must wear is England's cruel red

let it remind us of the blood that Ireland has shed

so take the shamrock from your hat and throw it to the sod

and never fear will take root there though under foot it's trod

when the law can stop the blades of grass from growing as they grow

and when the leaves of summertime their verdue dare not show

well it's then I'll change the colour that I wear in my corbeen

but till that time praise God I'll keep to wearing of the green.

My Boy's!

2010-03-16T16:15:00.000-04:00

Some afternoon fun outside with Dad!

Spring Has Sprung!

2010-03-16T16:04:00.002-04:00

We met up with some friends for some Easter fun at the mall. They had chicks, rabbits, hens and roosters, and most of all a hunt for eggs. The children were given baskets and a list of all the stores that were passing out free food, candy, eggs filled with treats, and coupons. We decided to do some of our own photos in front of the decorated bunny area

instead of waiting in line and paying a fortune!

(I think our photos were cuter :)

My Sweet Boys!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-15T09:07:00.003-04:00

Good Morning Everyone~Hope it was a fun filled weekend for you-we are still a little sleepy with the time change, but it was nice to have some extra daylight in sunny south Florida which we like to call paradise!
On the menu this week-simple-but tasty! Griffin is off baby food now-WHA HOO! and he eats EVERYTHING at least this year~ This is a busy night-time week for us-Brett is out of the house Mon-Weds for dinner and Friday I am out at a Pampered Chef conference in Orlando. So here it goes~

Monday- Lemon Greek Roasted Chicken w/ Field Greens - Fresh Cut Fruit

Tuesday- ~~Quesadilla's using left over chicken~~ with Brown Rice - Fresh Cut Fruit - so like there's no chicken left over- it was that good- LOL - Just me and the kids tonight, Grilled Shrimp/over Field Greens (PB&J's)

Wednesday- Irish Potato Soup with Crusty Bread-Boxty Potato Cakes, Green Peas, Fresh Cut Fruit

Thursday- Beef Faita's over Field Greens- Fresh Cut Fruit

Friday-Take Out for whoever is home! (I'm in a conference in Orlando for the day)

There are HUNDREDS of great menu ideas, some with recipes too at Menu Plan Monday at http://www.orgjunkie.com/ Check out the site and link up with what your having~
I think a plan get's you started when you are looking at your clock at 4:30 wondering What's for Dinner???

FINGERPRINT FRIDAY-The Skies Have Opened!

2010-03-12T08:39:00.008-05:00

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God.

When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know its true

You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you - see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.

Is it in nature?

Kids?

Animals?

Where do you see them?

Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.

My Fingerprint today is NATURE~ the fury!

Here in South Florida we are under a FLOOD watch?

WHAT????

It has rained since 2:00am and isn't stoppin' today!

We have had INCREDIBLE weather for months

~since last summer actually~

Am I complaining?

~ Just amazed how we go from one extreme to another! I cannot relate AT ALL to snow, sleet, or nasty cold weather because I am a FL cracker-born and raised in the Palm Beaches~ I guess my parents were smart when they were 18 and moved south! I love living in PARADISE! Wouldn't change it for anything! Thank you Lord for the beauty around me! The ocean is steps away-Disney-2 hours-and to visit anywhere-a hop to the airport!

Psalm 85:12 - Oh yes! God gives

Goodness and Beauty;

our land responds

with Bounty and Blessing

Fellow blogger Beki at The Rusted Chain has a really great weekly post she does every Friday, called "Fingerprint Friday." We are to look around and see where we can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Anywhere? Go find out where Beki saw God this week, and be sure to check out the other bloggers who linked their stories as well. And post one for yourself!

Menu Plan Monday-okay Tuesday

2010-03-09T07:19:00.003-05:00

Okay Friends- this has been a busy week already, but I haven't forgot. I got to the school yesterday and a friend said, where was your menu, I looked at her and said - huh? She said, you know the one online you do- ahhhhh~ I didn't forget just have been busy - busy with all the tasks of the CEO of the house!

Monday- ate a late lunch - husband was gone so did not cook... :)

Tuesday - Deluxe Cheeseburger Entree Salad

Wednesday - Grilled Shrimp with angel hair pasta

Thursday - Breakfast for Dinner (Sausage, Egg Strata -fresh fruit)

Friday - Grilled Chicken Cesaer Salad - fresh fruit

Saturday - Caribbean Style Pork Loin, Black Beans/Rice, Biscuits

~Fingerprint Friday~

2010-03-05T09:19:00.004-05:00

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God.
When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.

Today I dedicate my "Fingerprints of God" segment to ...my Thursday's Post... (below) Are you allowed to do that? It isn't a picture, but the story is worth a million fingerprints of God's hands at work! Just like the clay - he is always molding us to who He intended us to be!

Fellow blogger Beki at The Rusted Chain has a really great weekly post she does every Friday, called "Fingerprint Friday." We are to look around and see where we can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Anywhere? Go find out where Beki saw God this week, and be sure to check out the other bloggers who linked their stories as well. And post one for yourself!

I'm So Proud of You!

2010-03-04T17:49:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I was invited to witness an amazing feat for one of my cousin's ~

It was a surreal experience for me.

it was out of my box-
it was non-judgemental-
it was colorless-
it was different-
it was welcoming-

My cousin was gone-out of society for a few years-I missed her-I'm glad she's back-and I am glad she is getting help!

Yesterday was her ONE YEAR anniversary for being DRUG-FREE & SOBER! I am so proud of her! Words cannot express the grin on her face as she waited her turn to be recognized for her accomplishment. Although the journey will never be over, she is on the road now. She told me things that made sense, she showed maturity, she has a new perspective-a healthier one. She is growing, still has a lot to learn, but she's back-that's all I care about-Did I tell you how proud I was of her? I'm beaming! Griffin and I attended her NA meeting yesterday when she received her ONE YEAR medallion. She left with balloons, cards, gifts, friends, her medallion, but most of all- a sense of being. She was alive, not left to die on the side of the road, and given another chance~

I love you cuz~ I'm so proud of you!!!
I dedicate this day to you.
All the hard work, suffering,
and pain may not be over,
but YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!

Home Office/Craft Space Major Makeover - I did it!

2010-03-02T13:51:00.022-05:00

Well, here I am - 28 days later - showing my before/after photos of the ORGANIZED JUNKIE 28 Day Challenge. I learned through this process -I had to do it when I was ready. After falling over a plastic crate and hurting myself pretty bad, and losing things to no end, I had to finally take over this space that was taking over me, burdening my marriage, and an embarrassment to those who visited my home.

First and foremost - I dedicate this new and improved home office space to the love of my life - he has waited over 5 years - 2 kids later for me to get my act together to purge and reorganize this space. Thank you sweetheart for loving me no matter what and although I know it hurt you that I just couldn't do it on your timing for finally being proud of me after all these years and waiting!

Thank you to all my friends for praying me through it (Spanish River Girls), and my friends who labored with me through the mess!

Here are some answers to some questions for the judging of the official contest:

1. What was the hardest part of the challenge for you and were you able to overcome it?

The hardest part for me was setting aside time away from all my personal activities, fun, kids, and friends to dedicate to the space and what needed to be done - sorting through 10+ years of business materials, photos, office/craft supplies, books, etc. - taking down teddy bear border and repainting a child's nursery to something a little more sophisticated to be a home office - re-doing the closet so it would accommodate a mini craft closet instead of using my foyer closet.

Did I overcome it? - YES! FINALLY! It feels like a huge elephant lifted off my back. I don't think about it when I walk past the room anymore and say to myself "just close the door"!

2. Tell us what kind of changes/habits you have put into place in order for your area/room to maintain its new order?

First and foremost-everything has a place to go now. Previously, things were shoved in large zip bags to categorize mail, papers, etc... Business supplies now have labeled file folders and are stored so they are accessible without hunting. Large crates were removed so things don't get piled up and forgotten about. Now that I have order in my space, I can maintain better business ethics and specific times that I can guarantee to work instead of "winging it" to get the job done.

3. What did you do with the “stuff” you were able to purge out of your newly organized space?

Personal papers of no use were shred-there were A LOT! Excessive craft and office supplies were donated to my son's school for various uses. Over abundance of "organizing tools" such as bins, baskets, boxes, and crates were either re-fit for the new space or donated to our local thrift we support. And things that belonged to other areas of our home were put back or returned to their owner.

4. What creative storage solutions were you able to introduce in order to create additional space as well as establish some limits and boundaries?

I utilized my file cabinets (3-3drawer) to what the are intended to do - create files for different categories (coupons, business materials, restaurant menus, bills, craft ideas, recipes, etc.). A few items that were in my "get rid of" pile I ended up using for creative storage in my closet for craft paper, magazines, and supplies. I am currently working on setting boundaries with my crafting and working time. I am working on keeping them separate and working on them separately so "stuff" doesn't pile up and things get left out from one day to the next-those projects whether work or crafting will have a place at the end of the day if they are not complete.

5. Why do you think you should win this challenge?

Because I restored a thorn in my marriage! Honestly whether I win or lose - I know in my heart I won already! This was a long, hard project for me, tears where shed with some purging, and the fact I know I pleased my husband means more to me!! :)

BEFORE: Blue walls, teddy bear border, and a BIG mess -!

Gloves off to those who didn't know I had a room in my house that looked like this~ Yikes! How embarassing!

Two years later-kids stuff still not moved into his new room! -Sad, very sad!

The teddy bears must go- down they came!The primer takes effect! Check out this site if you haven't already!

Still some things that need to be purged~

AFTER-The revelation~ WOWSERS!!!! Fresh paint, very sophisticated, for two home business and my husband who is a tennis pro who strings a lot of rackets with that HUGE stringing machine!

Paint leftover from living room - FREE

Shelving, lamp from IKEA - $68

Top section of closet

Other side of closet-Full length view of my "mini" craft area-

Book case re-done with TV, organized materials, etc...

That's it~ Come by and see it in person some time~I'm so excited to get in there and create and work! :)

Menu Plan Monday at the Maynard's

2010-02-22T14:34:00.004-05:00

I started meal planning a while back when Carter was born, it helped my daily tasks not to take over and dinner get forgotten. I check out the weekly menu's posted on Monday's at orgjunkie.com and it has inspired me to blog about it since everyone eats at our place, stops by, and so on. So, here is my weekly menu (all subject to change)as the days go on....What are you having for dinner??

Monday - Grilled Skirt Steak with Ceasar Salad/Deviled Eggs/Fresh Fruit

Tuesday - Make Your own Flatbread with Field Greens/Crock Pot Applesauce

Wednesday - 30 Minute Roasted Chicken/Fried Zucchini/Biscuits

Thursday - Breakfast for Dinner (Pancakes/Sausage/Fresh Cut Fruit)

Friday - Date Night with Husband :)

Saturday - Going to an ALL DAY :) scrappin' & stampin' fundraiser for Office Depot Corp. at their headquarters locally. Dad's on his own - kid's going to grandpa's!

Sunday - Italian Roasted Chicken with Field Greens/Mashed Potatoes

Fingerprint Friday!

2010-02-19T13:53:00.005-05:00

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of God.

When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of God

And I know its true You're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of God

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.

Today I dedicate my "Fingerprints of God" segment to ...how BIG life is to a child!

Do you ever wonder what they are thinking when they see things as infants, toddler's, and young children? I look into their eyes and wonder~ Now that I have a 5 year old I am so happy he shares his thoughts, dreams, and imagination with me...it's amazing to see life through his eyes!

Fellow blogger Beki at The Rusted Chain has a really great weekly post she does every Friday called "Fingerprint Friday." We are to look around and see where we can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Anywhere? Go find out where Beki saw God this week, and be sure to check out the other bloggers who linked their stories as well.

Blog Giveaway

2010-02-19T09:08:00.003-05:00

What kind of Chick are you? Beach chick. Country chick. Blogging chick. Sewing chick. Marathon chick. Photo chick. Flea Market Chick. Happy Chick. Well I'm a Mom Chick I have decided...Mom always and forever now, and Chick to my Hubbie!

Jump over to The Rusted Chain and let her know what kind of chick you are and what makes you smile and you too could win one of these stamped necklaces!

2010-02-18T13:24:00.003-05:00

So this week I made some Homemade Applesauce in my slowcooker - It was so good, there is none left to photo-HA HA! When I taught kindergarten in Jacksonville, we used to make it all the time in the morning and had a wonderful afternoon snack! I would bring my slow cooker in the classroom, place it on the table, and the kidlets would cut-up the apples with plastic knives we would measure some water, and add a dash of cinnamon. It created the most intense smell throughout the Ol' Country Day School, everyone wanted a taste. We even sometimes took fresh cream and whipped it to put on top.

That's how we ate it this week- for dessert-over poundcake with fresh whipped cream with almond extract added-OMGosh it was wonderful! The cinnamon turns it a beautiful amber color. I am trying hard to descibe since there is no photo-HE HE!!

Here what you do if you want to try it yourself-we used ripe left over apples that were MIA in the back of the refrigerator and an abundance we got from the market before they got too soft.

6-8 peeled/cored/halved apples (we used 4 Macintosh, 2 Gala, and 2 Granny Smith
1/3 cup water or apple juice
dash of cinnamon (some people use red hots!)

Place cooker on high for 4 hours or low for 6 - check and mash with fork or Mix-N-Chop (from Pampered Chef) and serve.

This was a family favorite and got thumbs up - even from Griffin!

28 Day Challenge!

2010-02-18T12:16:00.005-05:00

Okay so many of you know that I am doing the ORGANIZING JUNKIE'S 28 Day Challenge on my home office for The Pampered Chef and my No Child Left Behind government job - which I share with Brett for his tennis stringer, his desk top computer and my crafting space- all in a 10x10 space. I have tried for over 5 years to streamline this space to be productive for both of us since we don't have the space for separateness. It has been a challenge, we orignally had the second double master which was ample space, but then baby #2 came along and we thought of losing it all together would be even worse so the boys share the other master and we took the smaller room for our businesses and hobbies. It has been a long time in the making, but I guess I have got caught up one too many times with other activities, my children or my jobs. So.....Here I am taking the "official" challenge-FINALLY-I think I also got sick of tripping on things, falling several times (actually hurting myself), and losing important papers for one thing or another~ the challenge is half over and I think I am doing well on schedule. I have purged just about everything that I no longer need in that room-although some may beg to differ, but for now it is going, and the desk is getting a clean slate right now-wha hoo- I may even be able to set up my own laptop soon. Take at look at the before pics below-pretty ugly-and stay tuned for the end results. This week I went to IKEA for some shelving that is my project this weekend amongst getting rid of the cute border and blue walls :) Wish me blessings!

Are those beautiful real hardwood floors under all that mess- Yeap!

Big Savings This Week at the Market

2010-02-18T11:01:00.006-05:00

WOWSERS-What a day at Joseph's Classic Gourmet Market-which I LOVE to shop at! I wanted to blog about my savings since some of my fellow bloggers show these amazing deals they get with coupons, double coupons, and BOGOs (?where did that phrase come from?). Our family doesn't do a lot of boxed or processed foods so sometimes I feel out of the loop for all the great deals out there, but I do watch my local meat market a.k.a. Joseph's for their savings each week and here is what I got this morning.

16 WHOLE (yes 16-like 4 meals for us) chicken breast (tyson) - $12.97 ($1.49 lb)
skirt steak -$4.42 ($4.99 lb)
1 pineapple - (dole) - $2.99
red seedless grapes ($1.99 lb)
1 navel orange - $ .99
1/2 lb Boars Head Provolone Cheese - $1.51
1/2 lb All Natural Black Forest Ham- $3.26
1/2 lb Boars Head Low Sodium Turkey Breast - $3.11
4 slices of Top Round Roasted Beef $1.57
2 Italian Hoagie Rolls (I ate one in the car) $1.58

TOTAL: $34.51 savings of $10.19 almost 30% off the cost of everything! And I know we are eating quality and fresh ingredients! So...Shop around, check out your mom and pop places before you hit the big box stores-gourmet doesn't have to mean expensive!

A Day of Love

2010-02-14T15:41:00.005-05:00

LOVE comes in all forms~

Valentine's Day was special today because it was a Sunday and we went to church to hear of God's LOVE for us~

1 Corinthians 13:4 The Love Chapter - LOVE is Patient, LOVE is Kind...

But the ULTIMATE is John 3:16

"For God so LOVED the world,
He gave His only SON,
that whosoever believes in Him
shall not parish,
but have everlasting life."

Husband & I celebrated V-Day on Friday night for a few reasons, one- we had a sitter, two- less crowded, and three- he had to work hard on Sunday since it is also President's Day weekend and the resort is super busy. But we had an enjoyable dinner out with reservations and all. He surprised me with TWO dozens roses, TWO cards, and a luxury gift! WOWSERS - If your reading this babe-YOUR THE BEST!!!

Kids, and buddy Gabster made cookies - cut-outs, and decorated, they were sooooooo~ good!

My two main squeezes got super huge cookies~

Gabster and Littlest Boy~ they are inseparable!

Gabby joined us for Valentine's Dinner - we had lobster tails and filets - she is an AMAZING single mom, who works hard to make a living, and a beautiful home for herself and her daughter! Brett treated her to a bouqet of flowers and candy too. We are so glad to call her friend, but wanted to spoil her a little too on this special day!

We hope everyone had a great weekend of LOVE, with a loved one, friend, or pet! What did you guys do??

My Baby Boy is Growing Up....

2010-02-12T10:47:00.005-05:00

My babies have been the perfect opportunity to put some of my photography class techniques to work. I love photography, and learning to use my complicated, but WONDERFUL Canon camera.

I just love the afternoon sun shots!

Fingerprint Friday!

2010-02-12T10:38:00.003-05:00

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of god.
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.
Is it in nature?
Kids?
Animals?
Where do you see them?

Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week. Today I dedicate my "Fingerprints of God" segment to nature...
Do you see this tree with no leaves (winter), but then in the background some tall Palm Trees (FLORIDA-winter), I thought it was an oxy-moron (is that how you spell that?)-you know two opposties. Nature amazes me.

Carter Celebrates His 5th Birthday at Sea World-Orlando

2010-02-12T09:53:00.010-05:00

IMAGINE...that big world beneath the sea

Carter, Griffin and Daddy Brett - my boys!

The star of the night show - Shamu Rocks!

A big part of our extended family - Joe & Sarah - They travel with us everywhere and help with the kids - they are the BEST!

Brotherly Love shown while holding hands in the strollers. Griffin would just giggle away when Carter would hold his hand.

This was a new aquarium in the Manta Roller Coaster area-this cool tube you could get in and be a part of the aquarium.

It was all about Carter this weekend! He is surely a sweet guy and I am proud to be his mama!

Griffin is Dedicated!

2010-02-04T12:58:00.004-05:00

Thank you Pastor Todd Mullins for blessing our baby!

Griffin was dedicated to our church Christ Fellowship in January! This is a special time were we make a public statement that we are giving our child back to the Lord, that our church family as well as our personal family will raise this baby to a young man on a firm foundation of Christ!

It's Birthday Week at Our House

2010-02-04T12:32:00.019-05:00

Happiest of Days to my BIG 5 year old this week! I love you soooooo much and hate that your getting so big! This has been a fun week celebrating~

Friends from the Womb~ Tiffany is a good friend and classmate at Calvary!

Homemade cake is BEST!!! made by: Carter and Mommy

Celebrating for the 5th year at Cheeburger Cheeburger in City Place. Papa Bill and Dad in the background.

The awaited BIG box from Aunt Char and Uncle Jim in Jersey! Always filled with lot's of goodies and fun! Thank you Aunt Char and Uncle Jim!!

What a GREAT smile!

Ms. Karen is the BEST! She is an amazing lower school teacher at Calvary Christian, we just LOVE her and love her style. She makes every child feel loved, and teaches the Bible to her class just like it should be! I commend her on her BOLD spirit and her ways of the Lord. She has special Birthday songs for the birthday boy!

Photo Session Give Away! Check it out!!

2010-02-04T12:26:00.000-05:00

Photo Session Give Away!

CoConut CirCle is thrilled to announce the 1st Annual Photo Session Give Away Contest!
Inspired by the generosity of others, and anxious to spread the word about my all new blog page and redesigned web site, I have decided to create a raffle....a random drawing, designed to give away 5, yes FIVE, individual Basic Package photo sessions with me, April, owner and photographer of CoConut CirCle.
These sessions are TOTALLY FREE to each of the 5 winners with nothing to buy and NO CATCH! Each winner will get a CD with the high resolution professionally edited images from their winning session to keep and duplicate! NOTHING to buy and NO CATCH. Just help me spread the word about CoConut CirCle Photography and you will be entered to win.

Here is how is works:
TO ENTER: make a "comment" to this blog post including your FIRST name and LAST initial, CITY, and the TYPE of photo session you would like to have, ie maternity, infant, engagement, newborn, senior photos, etc.

A sample comment entry:"April M, West Palm Beach, Engagement"You may only enter one time this way.

To increase your chances of winning, you may enter additional times using the following alternate methods (one time for each):

1) "FAN" CoConut CirCle on FaceBook and you will receive an entry (if you are already a FAN of CoConut CirCle, you will automatically receive this entry)

2) Create a Status entry about this contest blog entry on YOUR FaceBook page, then go to CoConut CirCle's FB page and post "I entered!" so that your entry can be verified and counted.

3) create a POST of this blog entry on YOUR blog or web site. Then come back to THIS blog post and enter a comment including YOUR blog or web address so that your entry can be verified and counted. Sample entry comment:"I entered: visit me at www.CoConutCirCle.com"

4) become a "follower" of CoConut Circle's "April's Inner Circle" Blog page. This will generate yet another entry for you.

5) send an EMAIL to your friends whom you think might be interested in winning a photo session, inviting them to visit this blog (http://www.coconutcircle.blogspot.com/) and enter. When you do, "CC " me in your email at CoConutCirCle@hotmail.com so that your entry can be verified and counted.These methods allow you to enter this drawing up to 6 times! The more you enter, the better your chances of winning and the more people you help me tell about CoConut CirCle!This raffle is open to everyone, including clients of CoConut CirCle. Each entered can only win 1 of the 5 sessions, and in the event a name is drawn twice, another name will be drawn and declared the winner. The five individual winning names will be drawn and posted on this blog on Monday, Feb 15th at noon. You have 2 weeks! The winners will be listed exactly as they were originally entered: first name, last initial, city, and session type for example:"April M, West Palm Beach, wins an Engagement Session"The winners will have 48 hours to contact me to confirm their prize. In the event that a winner does not come forward in that time, another name will be drawn. All winning photo shoots must be shot in Broward or Palm Beach counties, so basically, "you must be present to win!"That's it! I am giving away, TOTALLY free, 5 indivdual photography sessions to 5 lucky winners just for helping me spread the word about CoConut CirCle. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love in the supportive environment of my loving family, terrific friends and wonderful clients.

This is my way, in some little way, to "Pay it Forward" and give something back. Thank you for supporting CoConut CirCle, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Good Luck to everyone!April

Super Bowl Party Treat

2010-01-29T16:35:00.002-05:00

Okay so you all know I love to cook, right? Well, check out this Super Bowl Snack. Truly amazing! Wish I was havin' a party!

Fingerprint Friday

2010-01-22T14:06:00.006-05:00

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of god.

When I look at you I can see the fingerprints of god

And I know its trueYou're a masterpiece

That all creation quietly applauds

And you're covered with the fingerprints of god

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints.

Is it in nature?

Kids?

Animals?

Where do you see them?

Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.

Today I dedicate my "Fingerprints of God" segment to the PEOPLE of Haiti-their country is broken, their hearts are broken, some families are now broken...

Living in South Florida has made us accustom to our close neighbors of Haiti across the Atlantic and in our own backyard. My job with the Dept. of Education/No Child Left Behind program has allowed me to work closely with the Haitian population locally with personal employees and recipients of the government program. Brett's job at the resort has allowed him to employ several loyal men of many years who are like family at work and the resort employs over a thousand Haitians in Hospitality/Convention Services, and other areas. These 5 men that we are honored to call friends have lost direct relatives in this disaster in Haiti. We often wonder why things like this happen and to the poorest of countries. We will never know the answers, only God.

God's Word says, " But You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head high." Psalm 3:3

This is a country of a large amount of Believers, but as many who are there are that many who are not. Please keep them in prayer to have faith, streghth, and endurance of whatever comes in their days ahead. And our world should be praised for their efforts in helping rebuilding.

The Wedding 11.15.09

2010-01-07T10:11:00.006-05:00

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Biotti

Beth & Greg

Not sure why the photographer did so many sideway's shots, but here's our group - Griffin, he was asleep! He was not a party animal that night!

Mommy (Matron of Honor) & Carter (Ring Bearer)

Griffin looks on.....

It was a great wedding on St. Pete beach at sundown! Congratualtions to Beth & Greg - we wish you many years of happiness!

I'm a Ham!

2009-12-01T14:48:00.005-05:00

When asked to smile for the camara-this is what I got. Too funny! We spent some time before Thanksgiving in Orlando with Nana and Papa and Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike. We went to Downtown Disney for some daytime fun on this day.

Griffin watches the stage show with deep thought and a few fingers.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-12-01T14:39:00.005-05:00

It was a day of Thanks this year. We have a lot to be thankful for and to have gratitude towards. We celebrated traditionally at my mom & Joe's house for an evening dinner with close family.

Fingerprint Friday

2009-11-20T09:46:00.004-05:00

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:

I can see the fingerprints of god.
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god

So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?

Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week!

This is an ICE sculpted display of the Nativity. Top picture is Mary, Joseph, and the babe-Jesus! and the second picture is the whole caboodle - We visited the ICE display yesterday at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando. A nice change to dress up with scarves, mittens, and hats. The exhibit gives you a Parka (what's that? - us, South FLORIDA folks don't own those). It was a chilly 9 degrees in the exhibit! It was just breathtaking of the artistry the designers come up with each year. AMAZING!

I LOVE MY BOYS!

2009-11-19T21:46:00.005-05:00

Today while at the Gaylord Palms Resort there was a whole lotta brotherly LOVE!

Scoobie Doo Visits for Halloween

2009-11-08T13:04:00.005-05:00

Scoobie Doo was the costume of choice this year. I am not sure why, but to Carter he is pretty cool!

A Day at The Patch with MOPS

2009-11-02T17:16:00.006-05:00

Soccer Season Begins

2009-10-14T15:56:00.006-04:00

Carter plays soccer for our YMCA we belong to here in Boynton. He is on the FORCE! If you have never come out to watch pee wee soccer it is sure to bring a a huge smile to your face. They run in every direction, score points for both teams, and have been discribed as being like a swarm of bumble bees going every which way. He loves it because he is active and not waiting for the ball as he did in T-Ball last year. His coach is our good friend, Ann, and her daughter Sophia plays too (shown below). Come on out and cheer him on at 10 am at the Boynton YMCA on Saturday's through November!

Isabella and Carter ready to head out to soccer! She is ready to cheer him on the first week!

Griffin is 6 months

2009-10-09T15:26:00.004-04:00

Wow, how time flies, GRIFFIN is 6 months now. Here he was enjoying a little time at the pool while we were in Clearwater a few weeks back.

Health Update: Griffin is doing much better these days. A week back he spent a few days in the pediatric unit at Bethesda for some respiratory issues, but he is bouncing back now. At his 6th month check-up this week he is on the full-term baby charts now for 6 month olds at 25% for weight, and 50% for height. He is growing like a weed. He has never missed a bottle or a meal and now enjoys lot's of pureed foods, and is drinking water from a sip cup. He is full of smiles and brings so much JOY to our lives!

Student of the Week

2009-10-09T15:21:00.002-04:00

This past week Carter was chosen to be Student of the week! He was so happy he got picked he said. He told the class all about himself with this cool poster.

Happy Fall

2009-10-02T11:58:00.007-04:00

These pictures are so "Fall-ish" - Love 'em! Do they inspire you as much as they inspire me? I had Brett head over to the storage this past weekend to pull the bins of "Fall" out of the sea of storage so we could decorate a little here in the Palm Beaches. We don't have rolling hills with leaves turning color or beginning to fall, but we have a little less humitity and a bunch of rowdy kids in the neighborhood ready to trick or treat in their hot little costumes, my son included! As well as some cheesey decorations to let everyone know Halloween is arriving and fall is making it's way...Enjoy~

?? Where are we ??

2009-09-25T23:35:00.003-04:00

Funny you should ask - I have heard, " Did you give up blogging?", How about that new family member, keeping you busy not to blog anymore?" Anwser: NO~

Well, long story short boy #1 had an accident with our big camera - a BIG accident! He had good intentions, but.... We borrowed a few dinosaur digitals from family and our stash in the closet, but nothing is like your great big fancy camera with all the fun features when you are an aspiring shutter bug as myself.

So.... after many months now "winging" it with the dinosaurs, and maybe a little bit of complaining...my honey bought be a brand spanking new and improved manual/digital Canon. Just like my old one, but the newer version. WOW- my heart is like pitter patter like the day last week when I said when do you think we can get a new one-the baby is like almost 6 mos. old-and we never took any photos on our terrific vacations this summer-life is passing us by...do you get my drift....maybe that's why he said last week- okay great, go on to Best Buy and buy what you want!! YEAH! Thanks Honey!!!

So stay with me, I haven't quit. I am unloading everything this weekend from the dinosaurs and the disks I had to make-and before you know I will be back. I know you won't be disappointed.

Speaking of not being diappointed...

Did anyone try the declicious CHOCOLATE cake recipe I posted? I only have one word-SINFUL!

BEST EVER CHOCOLATE CAKE!!

2009-09-17T11:01:00.000-04:00

Chocolate Bundt Cake

3 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 package of chocolate pudding mix
1 package of chocolate cake mix (any brand)
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup water
½ - 1 whole bag of chocolate chips (you decide how chocolatey you want it)

Mix above ingredients in a large bowl. Grease and flour a bundt pan. Pour mixture into pan and bake 45 minutes at 350. Let it cool before flipping it onto a plate. Garnish with strawberries, powdered sugar, or ice cream. Enjoy!

Sweet Soft Smile

2009-08-17T10:38:00.001-04:00

Love the soft smile of my littlest boy!

Griffy in his new high chair

2009-08-15T16:05:00.002-04:00

THE littlest BOY GOT A BIG BOY HIGH CHAIR- HE IS NOW EATING BABY FOOD!

Griffin Pics

2009-07-28T07:40:00.002-04:00

Alright, it's been a while I know since my last post. I have had some camera issues thanks to my little buddy Carter. Always meaning well he wanted to take pictures without my knowledge of Griffin and well...some reason there is a malfunction on my camera...oops. Anyhow, we had a coupon for some free shots at Picture People last week so since we have only had some infant pics done of Griffin, I decided to take him for the freebies. These were cut/pasted from their website so of course you see the watermark image across him, but I just wanted to share. He has come along way. Over 11 pounds now, and doing well. We have had a few praise reports for him this past month, one- we FINALLY qualified for the Synagis shots that will help his lungs stay strong when the RSV virus is around (a common type cold for us-him a hospital ICU stay), and second- his red blood cell count is slowly climbing since the blood transfusion now. Please keep that in your prayers that it will continue to climb in normal ranges. Enjoy the new pics~

My Little Firecracker!

2009-07-05T21:40:00.001-04:00

My little Firecracker-2009!

Fourth of July Photos from Guideposts.com Readers | Guideposts

2009-06-29T21:22:00.003-04:00

You have to check my boy who made International News! When you click on the link below-see the 5th page, there are five great patriotic kids that made it!

Fourth of July Photos from Guideposts.com Readers Guideposts

Shared via AddThis

Congratualtions TJ & Jackie!

2009-06-28T14:22:00.002-04:00

Congratualtions to TJ & Jackie on their marriage this past week! TJ serves in the US ARMY and I am so proud of his accomplishments and achievements! Last night we spent time with him and other family at a Pig Roast to send him off back to the Middle East in a few weeks! Please keep TJ and all our service men & women in your thoughts and prayers as they serve so we can live FREE in our country! We love you TJ and welcome to the family Jackie!

New Stuff

2009-06-27T22:58:00.005-04:00

All right, friends and family~ you all know that I love to shop, love to cook, love to eat, love to... a lot of things, but one thing that loves me is STUFF! In the last several years one of my closest friends has encouraged me to dump, simplify, reorganize, and rid my life as a WAHM (work at home mom) with the extra STUFF that is lying around my house, in my office, my bedroom, my kitchen cabinets, my pantry, my closets, etc. I have made some small goals since baby #2 was in womb, and can successfully say the process has be S-L-O-W, but I am doing it. In May, I committed to eating out of my pantry that was exploding with BOGO's (buy one get one), expired food items, and unnecessary purchases in the foodie area. So, we only went to the market or grocery store for additional food unless it was necessary, and on top of that we saved a TON of money from unnecessary purchases. Well, now my pantry is cleaned up-things thrown out that were too old, etc. and re organized! My good friend, Selene, who is a personal organizer by trade info@bellagiaservices.com came to rescue my beginning efforts. She redid with what I had left! You can see the pictures above and I have committed not to overstock.

VBS and Summer camp at Carter's school also gave me a push with overstocked scrapbooking and stamping supplies, dollar store treats, formula cans, and miscellaneous craft STUFF - I am glad I was able to donate two HUGE shopping bags to them!

My next HUGE project is my bedroom. It is beautiful with the chocolate brown and Robin's Egg blue color going on, except the beauty is outweighed by the extra items that found homes in what is supposed to be my "secret place", "my refuge from a hectic day"! There are matchbox cars in there amongst other boy toys, dog toys that make there way in and under my bed, a vacuum cleaner, laundry that is not in the beautiful wicker basket, piles of clothes to be donated or consigned-do you see my visual? Anyhow, that is my next tackle. I will post my journey with simplifying and becoming clutter-free. I am thankful for my dear friend who has motivated me to rid-my-life of STUFF! She is an inspiration herself if you get to know her! Thanks Selene-you have seen my skeletons in the closet-literally and still love me the way I am~

Carter-Summer 2009

2009-06-20T00:02:00.002-04:00

BROTHERLY LOVE

2009-06-19T23:53:00.006-04:00

All right enough all ready!

Cousins!

2009-06-19T23:37:00.009-04:00

Christopher meets Griffin~ My three boys~

Buddies at heart! Carter just adores Christopher, and I think Chris enjoys him too, at least this trip he did! :)

These pictures took a few tries. Chris did so great with Griffin this week, always willing to help and even fed him! Thanks Chris for ALL your HELP!!!!

A little off- but sweet as can be~

Some nightly shananigans!

Sloan meets Griffin!

2009-06-19T23:32:00.002-04:00

Sloan has been waiting to meet Griffin for some time. She anticipated his arrival since I first was pregnant and couldn't wait until he was born and then when he was well enough to have visitors! She makesit look so easy! So sweet- my future sitter and definitely a GREAT mother's helper!

Build A Bear for Brother!

2009-06-19T23:07:00.011-04:00

Carter woke up last week and said, "Mama, can I make a brother bear for Griffy to make him feel better today?" How could I say no to that... It was a day that Griffin had a blood draw at the hematologist office. So he picked out the same bear he has and made one for little brother at Build A Bear - what a fun place!

Not sure about all this~ My foot hurts from giving blood today!

Carter stuffing Griffin's first Build A Bear!

Finding just the right "heart" to stuff in the bear!

Washing the newborn bear

"Look Griffin-this is the bear I made for you!"

BROTHERLY LOVE - ahhhhhhhh~

BEARS for BROTHER's - Sushi a.k.a. JACOB (Carter's bear-he renamed after we got home), and HENRY (the bear Carter made for Griffin)!

Summer Fun!

2009-06-19T23:00:00.005-04:00

Fun with friends & family! James J. and cousin , Christopher enjoy the cool pool on a HOT day!

Carter & daddy-o

Shot Day!

2009-05-27T22:35:00.002-04:00

Griffin had his 8-week check up today, do you think he looks a little scared? He did great and is growing well. He had 5 immunizations and a well check up. He is 8lb. 13 oz. at almost 9 weeks old. Only has a litte digestion trouble which is curing with special predigested formula, and a bad diaper rash caused by the constant stomach irritation which is being cleared up. Other than all that... he is doing great at the moment! We see the hematologist tomorrow on results from the transfusion two weeks back. Dad joined us today for this appointment so he could meet Dr. Julie Konowitz, Carter & Griffin's pediatrician at JFK Pediatrics. She is amazing! Thanks to Ann and Heidi for her referral last year!

Rain, Rain Go Away! We need indoor fun!

2009-05-27T22:14:00.017-04:00

Whoever thought of this place is ingenius! "A Latte Fun!" http://www.alattefun.com/ An indoor playground with 20 foot bounce house slides, trampolines, foam pit, dress-ups, games, arts -n-crafts, and more... to top it off, if you kiddo is over four you don't have to be in the room, there are kid sitters who are paid to make your kid have the best day ever, while you relax in a "Starbucks" style atmosphere watching on through the window~ Needless to say we will be visiting this place a lot of those hot summer days or when it is on a 9-day rain run again!

Mother's Day Afternoon Tea at The Chesterfield

2009-05-27T22:06:00.003-04:00

It is now a tradition that the daughter takes the mother's to Afternoon High Tea. This year we went to The Chesterfield in Palm Beach. It is a historic English Luxury Hotel, so high tea is right up their alley and ours. We indulged in tea sandwiches, homemade hot cranberry scones, and delicious desserts, oh-yeah - we even had tea!
Funny we all wore a shade of orange without even planning it~

Whose that at the Mother's Day outing? How did he sneak in? He dressed up for the occassion and was a pretty good boy. The grannies really loved on him that day, they took turns!

Weekend at Nana & Papas

2009-05-27T21:49:00.006-04:00

Griffin had enough a few weeks ago, he under went a blood transfusion to help his red blood cells develop, and he was sick of all of the doctor's visits we have had to go to in the last 6 weeks. Well, what cures that....Nana & Papas house of course! The boys and I spent four days in Palm Beach Gardens last week because Brett wasn't feeling well and he didn't want us to catch anything. We were spoiled of course with yummy homemade cooking, swimming in the pool, goodies to take home, ice cream before bed, and a little mother-daughter time that was due at the mall. Papa gladly took over when we needed him too with Griffin, but Nana is the main squeeze when it comes to the littlest grandbaby!

Starting to suck his thumb! oh boy!

Griffin's first bath at Nana's house, she was so excited to get everything ready, I thought I was going to laugh myself silly! Have at it!Big Brother always is a HUGE help!

All clean! My jammies are still a little too big, can you tell?

Big Brother Carter is the BEST!!!

Our Littlest Treasure

2009-05-09T23:19:00.001-04:00

Fire Fly Photography 561.309.9255

~ End of Soccer Season ~

2009-05-09T19:10:00.003-04:00

My Shar Pei Puppy

2009-05-09T18:59:00.005-04:00

My littlest Treasure

~ I love those wrinkles~

Griffin Cooper Maynard

photo-Fire Fly Photography 561.309.9255

~ Afternoon with the Arts ~

2009-05-09T18:47:00.008-04:00

Calvary Christian School hosted the Mother's Day Art Gallery. What a tremendous job they did to rein act a little art studio. We were blessed with homemade goodies, a handmade card, a fresh potted plant, and the beautiful artwork from our little treasure!
My little treasure!

~His special art~

~ Some of the Gallery ~

Mrs. Beth - Carter - Tiffany

White Night ~ Boca Raton Resort & Club

2009-05-03T21:15:00.007-04:00

We attended White Night at the Club this past week. It was a lot of fun. Carter really cut it up on the dance floor during the Zumba Technique Demo.

The Boy's - April 09

2009-04-28T00:15:00.001-04:00

~ Birthday Weekend ~

2009-04-27T21:43:00.008-04:00

MY HONEY!! He surprised me with roses and a Wii Fit for my birthday - WAY TO GO DADDY!

A worn out mama - sleep deprived, but still rocking for my birthday!

Mom and Beth ~ dinner at Village Tavern~

Birthday weekend! I am 36! WOW! Aunt Beth came to visit from Largo. She enjoyed every minute with Carter and Griffin and Brett and I too!! She spoiled me with the dinner to one of my favoritist (new word) restaurants -Bizarre Cafe' in downtown Lake Worth and a great present from Brighten! Go Beth Go! You really know how to cheer up a post partum mama! We also got to visit with Kim and Gary on SAT, and a delicious dinner out with Nana and Papa at our new favorite local spot-Village Tavern ! When we came home more suprises - lot's of balloons on my patio with two of my other favorites - Iced Tea and Chocolate - Thanks Leone's your the BEST!!

Brotherly Love

2009-04-27T21:39:00.004-04:00

Carter has been AMAZING with his new brother, Griffin! He is so helpful and always ready to support me with diaper changing! :) Gotta love that! I wish Griffin was stronger to allow Carter to hold and love with him with lot's of kisses, soon BIG brother!

Take Your Kiddo To Work Day!

2009-04-24T17:30:00.002-04:00

April 23rd is National Take Your Kid To Work Day! Papa Joe decided to take Carter to work that day. He does courier services for a local Toyota dealership. Don't they look sweet, they even match!

My family!

2009-04-21T12:40:00.002-04:00

Here is my AWESOME family!

Eyes Wide Open

Carter Celebrates SIX and lost his first tooth!

Morning Play

Some Fun November Pictures

Let's Go Back a Few Weeks...

Another Fall Weekend...South FL

Fun Fall Long Weekend in North FL

Have You Visited My NEW BLOG!

Some Random Snap Shots of Griffin-SEPT/OCTOBER 2010

Menu Plan Monday-2 weeks

Menu Plan Monday

Menu Plan Monday

First Day of Kindergarten

Last Weekend Before School Starts!

I promise...

**Summer Fun**

What is a Hybrid Mom?

New Look

Top Ten Things I Love About Being a FLORIDA NATIVE!

I KNOW...it's been a while...just wait until you see...

I WON!

Some Cricut Samples-I'm proud of for a beginner

-Menu Plan Tuesday-

What is a Mom?

Blog Party - Pampered Chef Pink Party!

** Menu Plan Monday **

Springtime Fun! Random Pics

Menu Plan Monday

Did someone say S-L-A-C-K--E-R?

Menu Plan Monday

Menu Plan Monday

Yes- it's been a while...

Happy Birtday to my Miracle!

MOPS Easter Egg Hunt-Lot's of Friends-Lot's of Eggs

Happy Early Birthday to me from my Hubster!

Menu Plan Monday

Spring is Here-Welcome!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

My Boy's!

Spring Has Sprung!

Menu Plan Monday

FINGERPRINT FRIDAY-The Skies Have Opened!

Menu Plan Monday-okay Tuesday

~Fingerprint Friday~

I'm So Proud of You!

Home Office/Craft Space Major Makeover - I did it!

Menu Plan Monday at the Maynard's

Fingerprint Friday!

Blog Giveaway

28 Day Challenge!

Big Savings This Week at the Market

A Day of Love

My Baby Boy is Growing Up....

Fingerprint Friday!

Carter Celebrates His 5th Birthday at Sea World-Orlando

Griffin is Dedicated!

It's Birthday Week at Our House

Photo Session Give Away! Check it out!!

Super Bowl Party Treat

Fingerprint Friday

The Wedding 11.15.09

I'm a Ham!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fingerprint Friday

I LOVE MY BOYS!

Scoobie Doo Visits for Halloween

A Day at The Patch with MOPS

Soccer Season Begins

Griffin is 6 months

Student of the Week

Happy Fall

?? Where are we ??

BEST EVER CHOCOLATE CAKE!!

Sweet Soft Smile

Griffy in his new high chair

Griffin Pics

My Little Firecracker!

Fourth of July Photos from Guideposts.com Readers | Guideposts

Congratualtions TJ & Jackie!

New Stuff

Summer Fun

Menu Plan Monday