Welcome Wednesday Blog Hop

I am participating in the Welcome Wednesday blog hop over at Take it From Me.  I honestly have a love/hate relationships with blog hops.....I guess it's a you win some, you lose some kind of thing. 
I do love it when I find great blogs that are funny, inspiring, interesting and fun.  I do not like the whole process that feels very high school-esque where you follow someone and wait for them to follow you back....sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.  It's the don't(s) that aren't fun. 
So CHEERS! to all you wonderful blogging women out there and here's to hoping we find each other interesting enpough to follow back.

What I'm Digging Wednesdays....

 I am starting something new this week! Each Wednesday I will post a "What I'm Digging Wednesdays" post. Just a list of things I'm really feeling that week....feel free to join and do it on your own blog as well. I have seen many different regular Wednesday posts, and lots of Wordless Wednesdays but I have to face the facts....I am rarely "wordless" so here's my version.



• Just a tad obsessed with the new cd by Adele, 21 .....take a listen to my fave

I truly love all of the songs on the cd; I have no problem listening to it repeatedly in my car. This particular song, To Make You Feel My Love, is special. We played the original at our wedding, almost 13 years ago. Love this.


• That Parenthood finally came back on last night!


• The DE-lish apple Dump cake I made last night....that is in no way or form natural or good for you.....

• The fact that we have chance at rain.....perfect movie snuggling weather.


• Funyuns


• Ibuprofen


• Hard salami+cheese+Wheat Thins=yum


• The first cup of coffee in the morning


• Frito Pies!


• Aveeno Exfoliating Facial Scrub


• EOS lip balm in Sweet Mint


• Organic apples


• That my son will finally be at his soccer game this Saturday and not at camp or anywhere else


• Looking at old pictures


• Homemade Sourdough bread from my friend Chris....YUM!


• Zulily "window" shopping....love finding good deals and love even more having the willpower not to take advantage of EACH one I see.

Griff is making the "heart" symbol to me with his little fingers this morning at breakfast


• Enjoyed playing Super Hero Squad with G this morning...and of course I had to be all the bad guys. Let your inner child shine!


• The new Kristin Hannah book


• My new blog design


• The fact that today at 4:30pm I will be sitting in my car with zero interruptions while I sit at Rhys' horse lessons and the boys are home with B. My NOOK will be so happy.


• That we are 2 days away from the weekend. Happy Hump Day!

Growing up way too fast.....

On the Today show this morning I was amazed when I saw once again Abercrombie and Fitch had made the news.  This is not the first time and I doubt it will be the last that this uber popular company will make headlines.  The issue right now is the bathing suit option they have on Abercrombie kids which before they changed the wording was called the Ashley: push up triangle.  Now, it is just being referred to as the Ashley: striped triangle.  They even dropped the price.  Guess it's hard to sell something that most parents are up in arms about.


This is the actual suit from the site

The picture on the website doesn't really show how thick the padding is but the video from the Today show this morning definitely does.  Please take a look at the video for a more in depth look...right here.  So, the question remains......do 8 year old girls need a push up bikini top?  Do they need a push up anything?  Abercrombie Kids has sizes for girls 8-14 and depending on the girl, they could be younger and still fit into the sizes. 
Over sexualization on girls is not a new issue, we as a society have been doing it for ages.  From the shows on Nick and Disney to the ABC Family shows like The Secret Life of the American Teenager, which is about teen pregnancy and of course basically all of the shows on MTV.  I don't care how much of a prude I sound like and people are of course entitled to your own opinion.  I've been that over sexualized teen, I've worn the short skirts and thought I was invincible because how can bad things happen to "real" people.....I will not let my children go that route.  There is no way I can prevent my kids from growing up and making their own decisions but I can let them know where I stand on issues.  One of those choices I make as a parent is not buying my 9 year old a push up bra or bikini top. 
As moms, we sometimes make mistakes around our daughters that really matter.  How many times have you said something negative about yourself and your body in particular around her?  That is something I am very conscious about and I never make comments about my body size and shape unless it is positive around her.  I think it's the same concept when you are purchasing a padded push up bra or bikini for your young daughter.  You're letting her know that what she's got is not good enough....so much so that she needs to life them up higher or make them bigger.  I have seen so many push up and padded bras in department stores, ones so small they should just be training bras and they sit alongside some racy looking panties as well.  Since when is it okay for your 7 or 8 year old to think it's okay to be sexy.  My kids can't even say sexy.  When I was little, you would never have heard someone use that word in an everyday conversation but that's what it has become, an everyday conversation.
In Junior High and High School I had my share of padded or push up bras and bikini tops to make my very small chest seem bigger.  Let's not kid ourselves here, that's what the "push up" is for....to make them seem bigger.  And I can't say that my own daughter will not want this when she is in high school....but I can say that right now, at 9 years old, my daughter who doesn't need anything (not even an undershirt) to cover her up is NOT going to have a push up anything in her drawers. 

We ask our kids to grow up so fast anyway.  If you just take a second to listen to the lyrics of the music that is pumping through your SUV's speakers you would hear the sexuality in every song.  Let's dissect Rhianna's song, Rude Boy.....just read the lyrics and then imagine yourself reading them to your kids
Chorus]



Come here, rude boy, boy; can you get it up?


Come here rude boy, boy; is you big enough?


Take it, take it baby, baby







Tonight I'ma let you be the captain


Tonight I'ma let you do your thing, yeah


Tonight I'ma let you be a rider


Giddy-up, giddy-up, giddy-up babe


Tonight I'ma let it be fire


Tonight I'ma let you take me higher


Tonight, baby, we could get it on, yeah, we could get it on, yeah






Do you like it?


Boy, I want, want, want whatchu want, want, want


Give it to me, baby like boom, boom, boom


What I want, want, want is what you want, want, want


Nah nah-ah






[Chorus]


Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?


Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?


Take it, take it, baby, baby, take it, take it, love me, love me


[x2]






Tonight I'ma give it to ya harder


Tonight I'ma turn ya body out


Relax; let me do it how I wanna


If you got it I need it and I'ma put it down


Buckle up; I'ma give it to ya stronger


Hands up; we could go a little longer






[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/rude-boy-lyrics-rihanna.html ]






Tonight I'ma get a little crazy, get a little crazy, baby






Like it?


Boy, I want, want, want whatchu want, want, want


Give it to me, baby like boom, boom, boom


What I want, want, want is what you want, want, want


Nah nah-ah






[Chorus]


Come here, rude boy, boy can you get it up?


Come here rude boy, boy is your big enough?


Take it, take it, baby, baby, take it, take it, love me, love me


[x2]






I like the way you touch me there


I like the way you pull my hair


Babe, if I don't feel it I ain't faking, no, no


I like when you tell me 'kiss you there'


I like when you tell me 'move it there'


So giddy-up; time to get it up: you say you a rude boy: show me what you got now


Come here right now






Take it, take it, baby, baby, take it, take it, love me, love me






[Chorus]


Come here, rude boy, boy, can you get it up?


Come here, rude boy, boy, is you big enough?


Take it, take it, baby, baby, take it, take it, love me, love me


[x2]
Take it, take it; love me, love me


[x2]


Now, could you really see yourself reading these words to your kids.  To your daughter who has an innocent heart about boys and then hears songs that talk about sex as if it's not a loving act.  Is this really how we want our kids to learn about love and relationships.  I totally get that these entertainers and clothing companies are not supposed to be role models but they are.  How many times does Katy Perry's song "Teenage Dream" come on in your car when your kids are in there? How about Lady GaGa and her song "Bad Romance"? 

Sometimes, I think we all seem to just let it go.  We see other parents going along with it and for some reason think that it must be okay.  I am completely guilty of riding in the car with the kids and listening to a song that I cringing on the inside about.  I usually do keep a tight reign on the radio controls but I've also taken the easy road before and let them listen until I part I don't approve of and then turn it down really quick.  Sadly, my 4 year old knows the beat of "Like a G6"....what the heck was I thinking allowing them to listen to that song, even once.  Yes, the beat is totally catchy and makes you move but it's all about partying in a club with drunk girls all around.  Do I really want my daughter to think... "Score! I wanna be a drunk girl at a club!"...uh, no.   Do I want my sons wanting to hang out with those girls that are mentioned in songs like that?  Absolutely not. 

So, I make a vow to myself to be the parent I expect myself to be instead of the parent I think my kids (or anyone else for that matter) wants me to be.  I've already been told by both of the older kids that some kids think I'm the "goody goody" mom....and that is fine with me.  Will my 12 year old son ever be allowed to have Lil Wayne on his iPod, don't think so.  Will my daughter ever be allowed to wear a thong in elementary school....nope.  Am I a helicopter mom?  No, I let my children make choices but with our morals and values in mind.  My kids know more classic rock than some adults.  They have open minds and their own point of views.  They talk to my husband and myself about some things that would make other moms squirm.  It works for us and I have complete confidence that because we are the parents we are that our kids are the people they are. 






. 

Rose Colored Glasses Will Suffice......

over 50
The number of times I say "ass" in a day

5
The number of people that I see dressed in pajamas in public places every day


7
The number of times I was jumped over today while lying on the floor


10
pairs of underwear I folded yesterday of Griffin's

4
number of times I answered "I don't know" to the kid's questions about the world yesterday afternoon (in a 10 minute conversation)

10 billion
number of times I've said "stop" in a duration of 12 years of parenting


10
number of companies I contacted yesterday for giveaways and reviews


4
times I heard the song Grenade by Bruno Mars yesterday


5
number of times I listened to my fave Mumford and Sons song in yesterday


4
zits that seem to popping up.....did my body not get the memo that I turned 30?!


2
how many eggs I had this morning....mixed in with white rice....no, I'm not on a diet, why do you ask?


around 200
poeople in my contacts

3
how many people on that same list I text everyday

40
number of books on my Nook


2
apples per day I cut up for Griffin....on a slow day


3
number of times per week I might put on makeup

1
season of ALF that is sitting on my DVD player right now from Netflix


0
number of times I've been to the movies this month


4
number of Roarin' Waters I have opened so far today


20
times a week that I question the state not requiring parenting classes along with childbirth classes after witnessing people out in public with their chidren


number of times that I have checked Facebook in one day
this is a stupid game, nevermind.......

The EnviroGLAS samples are in!

Well....the samples just arrived yesterday afternoon.  6 samples are sitting on my dining table now.  I have taken each sample and held it up against the cabinets, I've held them up to light, to the blinds, and looked at each piece of glass in each sample.  They are all really beautiful and you can see the amount of work that went into each piece. 
After all of that, I still have no clue to which one I really want for a counter top!  I like the resin color of one and the glass of another, which with EnviroGLAS is a definite option.  I realized after I got the samples that I picked samples with the only colors of blue, green and white....I really thought I would've been more creative with the choices but I wrote down each sample number and then sent that to the company.  I wonder now if I should have gotten out of my blue and green box and tried something with a hint of amber, which is what my husband wanted.  This is big though, once it's done-it's done!  I do not like the color of my cabinets, they remind me of the 80's .  I also don't like the thought of sanding and painting them.....which is why I was against the whole amber color that I think would tie in the cabinets and the counters instead of standing out from the cabinets. 
This is part of the process!  So, now I have to really use my decision making skills....did I mention I don't have any of those.  This is to be continued......

Please feel free to give your opinions on the samples. :)  I wish I could capture the colors in a picture but you just can't. 

My Journey with EnviroGLAS....the beginning

I don't know what it is about Spring that makes all of us want to freshen up our homes.  The breezy weather, the sunshine, the flowers starting to bloom...whatever it is, I have caught the bug. 
We have made some small updates that have made big differences in the house.  We finally got rid of those horrible mini blinds in 2 rooms in the house.  We went with faux wood blinds and I love them!  We have our gorgeous FLOR rug in the kitchen as well, and it was a super quick fix.  We got a new couch this past Christmas that I am extremely happy with and today I am getting my new dining table....finally. 
We started out very young together and it is so nice to be creating our home with things we have picked out ourselves instead of the hand me downs that we have had in the past.  My kitchen is small but is the hub of our home.  We have painted, added wainscoting, and changed out the hardware on the cabinets.  The next move is counter tops. 
I looked at tons of options but knew that I wanted to really go for something Eco friendly.  I ran across a few companies that offered options from recycled glass to recycled paper counter tops.  I found EnviroGLAS and fell in love with their ideas and the colors.  Imagine granite but actually good for the Earth instead of taking it FROM the Earth.  There are so many colors to choose from, it's actually a fun process.  Choosing EnviroGLAS, you are voting for a green company to succeed, which helps everyone. 
I am working with EnviroGLAS to create the perfect counter tops for my kitchen. Because I am picking out counter tops, we will be using EnviroSLAB.  They also have EnviroPLANK (for flooring and shower walls) and EnviroSCAPE (for mulching in landscape design). We are in the first steps of the process now, picking the colors of the glass and porcelain terrazzo that I think will go with my design ideas.  This is not an easy chore.  So far, I am stuck on about 10 different colors/designs.  After I finally narrow it down, I will be sent samples of the ones I have chosen.  This is a really important step because computer screens and printers just don't do justice for the amazing colors.  Take a look at their Project Gallery and it's easy to see why EnviroGLAS is being used in all kinds of places. 
EnviroGLAS is made from 100% recycled glass and porcelain terrazzo and can be used in all different ways; flooring, counter tops, shower walls, and even beautiful pieces of art.  The key to EnviroGLAS is their commitment to the environment.  They are here in Texas which called out to me, of course.  Another great part of EnviroGLAS is their choices!  You go through a whole process of choosing your design.  There is a sample gallery that gives so many beautiful options you might need the other option, customizing your design.  There are 3 factors to formulating your design:

1. EnviroRESIN color
2. EnvrioSCAPE aggregate color and size mix
3. Finish

You are totally in control of what you end up putting in your home!  Why not choose something that is Eco friendly and beautiful at the same time?  I am very excited about this whole process.  EnviroGLAS has been an amazing company to work with so far.  I can not wait to see where the process takes us next and what the end results will look like. 

                             
                    

Day 28-30 The END of the 30 Day Photo Challenge

When I started this 30 Day Photo Challenge I thought I would have no problem with posting everyday.  Well, then life happened.  But the end is here....

Day 28~Something you're afraid of
I am an axiety ridden freak so when I have to narrow it down to one thing I find it hard.  I'm afraid of many things:

• someone stealing my kids
• a freak drive by
• being car jacked (keep in mind I live in a town of less than 5,000 people so this highly rare)
• terrorist attack
• roaches
• fire ants ( my 4 year oldis allergic, so this understandable)
• my kids falling prey to peer pressure
• cancer...of any kind.....
• something horrible happening to my kids
• losing my husband in some crazy refinery explosion

okay, stop picturing me in a straight jacket....I told you I was nuts...so one thing worthy of a picture


Day 29~something that makes you smile
I love to smile, I love to laugh so there's a million pictures I could post.

Who says Texans aren't sophisticated?  Griffin hanging like a monkey on the homemade zip line the kids concocted this weekend.

Day 30~someone you miss

I miss all of my family!!  When we cross that state line I feel at peace.  Home. 

Day 27...30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 27~ a picture of you a family member...once again, pretty repetitive. 

This was from our recent vacation to San Antonio....such.a.good.time.

I love my FLOR!!! Do you want one too?? Giveaway time!

I am so excited about this giveaway!  FLOR is an Eco minded company that I am highly impressed with.  They offer modular tiles to create your own style rug or you can use one of their brilliant ideas as well.  So many colors are available, 100 to be exact, and styles to mix them with, it can be mind boggling.  FLOR helps you decide by narrowing down your options.  They have an easy to use Get Started section that gives you 3 easy steps.....color palette, room, and how heavy or light is the traffic in the room.  Easy peasy.  I was lucky enough to review a 5'x7' rug set (12 tiles) in Haute Stuff....I picked the color Chamomile to have a neutral to go with my turquoise walls in my kitchen, which is where I laid it.  Looking back, I really wish I would've gone bold and chosen the Lime color palette so it could really POP in my kitchen instead of just blend seamlessly.  I do LOVE my FLOR though, neutral color or not.  We received it one big box, that my husband's reaction was "What?!  I just installed your new blinds in two rooms?"  When we opened it though, we immediately saw how easy it is to put together. Using their FLORdots, it's simple.  You are given options on how you want it to be put together so you can mix it up or make it look perfect.  Either way works great.  I first feel in love with the Haute Stuff design when I saw it online in an ad.  It caught my eye, especially with the magenta color that is usually used in the ads.   After trolling the FLOR website for awhile I was hooked.  They have a fantastic eye for design and are very creative with their tiles.  So...back to my FLOR rug....I placed it in my kitchen, replacing my 2 worn out recycled rugs that were in front of my kitchen sink and my stove.  We have a rather small kitchen with very limited counter space so I am usually standing in one of those 2 spots.  This works perfectly.  It is so soft to the touch, which helps because I am pretty much always barefoot running around my house.  The Haute Stuff set is compiled of 2 different tile types....Eco-conscious Fez and it's soft cousin Rake Me Over.  Haute Stuff is FLOR's take on the positive-negative pattern and makes a complete difference wherever you put it.  It was like an instant makeover in my kitchen.  I just wish it was even bigger where it covered all of my ugly Southwestern-esque laminate that's been there since the 80's in my kitchen.  FLOR tiles brighten up any space their in.  The kids have fallen in love with this rug and it as been used as a "hopscotch" game numerous times already.  They challenge each other to get across certain ways calling out light and dark like a weird Twister type of game, which I love!! 

Griff my little FLOR monkey

Rhys playing chef with her apron on decided to make FLOR angels

FLOR's options are absolutely never ending...combining all different styles, colors, tiles and even shapes there WILL be a FLOR tile combination for your home.  Some of my absolute favorites that I am already searching for a spot in my home for are:
DIY Faux Hide set in orange~I am in love with this one

Fine Feathers~how gorgeous would this be in a reading nook?!

Posh Croc~elegant!

Faux Bois duet~Faux Bois is all the rage

Find a Face duet~perfect beside a bed in a kid's room or even a funky update to the  kitchen or mudroom  rug


So, yes, FLOR is amazingly beautiful and creative way to update your home but more importantly it is the green choice compared to wall to wall carpeting.  It's also super easy to clean....just take the tile that has the spill and clean it in the sink. 
 Making the green choice is made easy with FLOR, their is no extra carpet that will be finding its way to a landfill near you....no padding, no glue, no tacks.  Just the tiles.  Simple.  FLOR puts sustainability at the top of its list.  They have goals, people!! Their goal is to use ONLY recycles and renewable materials when creating their ingenious tiles.  With FLOR, you only have to buy as many tiles as you actually need and according to FLOR, only 20% of your floor takes 80% of the wear (that's you, back door).  The greenest option out there....only with FLOR can you pick up your flooring option and take it with you when you move instead of it heading to a landfill. Redecorating is a snap with these tiles, you can move your FLOR rug when you rearrange your furniture.  Take it to a different room for a new look.  Move your kitchen FLOR to your bathroom.  Really shake it up and brighten up your laundry room!  You can add on and take away on a whim.  You can put some spark into a dark rug with 1 colorful tile...I would love to see a black croc rug with a bright yellow center tile!  FLOR also has an amazing Return and Recycle program.....you've worn your FLOR out?  Send it to them so they can recycle it and pull a Cinderella on it and make it back into a beautiful princess FLOR.  Feel free to call them with any questions: 866.281.3567

FLOR has been awesome enough to offer a 5'x7' rug (12 tiles) of ANY tile set in the Spring 2011 line!!  This an amazing opportunity and if I could enter...I totally would.  This company is definitely one to stick with and keep an eye on their design. 

To win your very own FLOR 5'x7' rug (12 tiles) from the Spring 2011 line you have to follow a few easy steps...and these top ones are MANDATORY.
1. You must be a PUBLIC follower of Staying Home and Staying Sane (just click the follow tab on my sidebar under the Google Friend Connect, it's simple, really)
2.  Head to http://www.flor.com/ and check out their New Arrivals and come back here and tell me what you would choose.  Take your time and browse, it's not as easy as you would think to pick only one.
3. Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you...that would be a total bummer on your end if you won and I couldn't contact you.

Now for the extras:
1 extra entry: "LIKE" Staying Home and Staying Sane on Facebook
1 extra entry: "LIKE" FLOR Inc on Facebook
2 extra entries: blog about my giveaway or share it on Facebook.....leave me a link so I can check it out, please.

This giveaway will end on March 24th...with entries ending at midnight (C/ST).  This giveaway is open to US residents and my Canadian friends as well....eh?. (sorry, had to get that in).

Good luck!!!

Day 23-26....30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 23~favorite book
I read this book years ago and really fell in love with it.  It is a wonderful read with intricate characters, most of whom are strong women.  This book still sits on a shelf in my home and I have recommended to many people.


Day 24~ something you wish you could change
being so far apart from part of my family, my grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins...all live in Alabama, a 12 hour drive from my house in Texas.  I miss them so much.

This was last July...we had a blast!

Day 25~my day

My day so far would be a picture of my coffee and my 4 year old's uneaten cereal on the table.  But tonight, my step mom and I are taking my daughter and a friend to the rodeo.  For all of you who are NOT in Texas....Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo rocks!!!  We go every year, thanks to my dad and step-mom and their spectacular tickets they give us each year.  These are great seats...50 yard line and very close. 
I am by no means a country girl....the only pair of boots I own are the ones I wear with skinny jeans....and they are by no means "cowgirl boots".  But I love it when it is rodeo time!  You will not see me slipping on a short denim skirt, boots and a tied button up shirt (thank God)...that is what 90% of the girls wear there....but you will see me with my t-shirt of choice, a comfy pair of jeans and probably my Chucks on heading out to watch the whole shebang.  I like all of it....from the barrel racing to the bull riding and especially the concerts.  I have been lucky enough to see some amazing performers in my years as a Texan.  Garth Brooks, Reba, Brad Paisley, Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5.....tonight is Miranda Lambert.  Tomorrow, my hubby and T are heading to Zac Brown Band and on Sunday my little cowboy is going to his absolute favorite....Jason Aldean.  G can sing Big, Green Tractor verbatim so I can't wait for that.  I'll dig up a pic of the rodeo from last year or the year before now.....

This is my niece and daughter headed out to Justin Bieber last year at the Rodeo. Good times!

Day 26~something that means a lot to you
some of these are starting to feel a bit repetitive.....of course, my family means a lot to me....so let me think of something that hasn't been mentioned yet....

This is the view from my aunt and uncle's lake house on Compass Lake in Florida.  I have so many memories there from when I was a kid and this past summer, we went as a family and created some more memories.  We only stayed for the day.  This summer I hope to go again and spend a few days.  I would love for my kiddos to have the same love for the lake house as I do. 

Friendly Wednesday Blog Hop

Time for another hop!  Feeding Four and Scraps of Life are hosting this Friendly Wednesday blog hop. 

Follow the hosts, be sure to let them know in a comment so they can share the comment love and follow you back. Then, follow as many of the blogs as you please! I really enjoy the blog hops that I participate in......I always leave a comment so they know I am following them and usually I am met with the same.  Sometimes, of course, you can run into people who don't follow back but I guess to each ~her~ own.

Cowgirl's Chocolates Review

Let me just say that when I received this package in the mail I was pumped!!  I have wanted to try Cowgirl's Chocolates for a while now....I actually saw them for the first time on a Food Network show a few years ago where Paula Deen's sons go on a road trip and try all sorts of goodies.  Cowgirl's Chocolates stuck with me....as a Southerner something with a name like they have just seems like a natural thing to have in my pantry. 


How darn cute is that?!

 When I opened the package from Cowgirl's Chocolates I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderfully it was packaged.  They thought of everything here!  It was wrapped in tissue paper and sealed with a sweet sticker.  After tearing open the tissue paper, there was the cutest little box tied with a red ribbon and finished off with a cowgirl hat charm.  Very precious wrapping job. 

Then I opened the sweet box and found very colorfully wrapped chocolates and caramels!  I know I had to look like a kid caught with a hand in the cookie jar.  My husband was just as intrigued as I was...he is a Type 1 diabetic and therefore has a wicked sweet tooth that he can NOT fulfill.  He is also obsessed with spicy things.  He eats peppers on just about everything and even makes his own salsa.  He couldn't resist trying one of the caramels.  There were 2 different caramels: habanero and chipolte.  He loved the habenero!! 
This is me after trying out the truffles.
Cowgirl's Chocolates are a sensory experience.  From unwrapping the box to unwrapping each metallic wrapped truffle or caramel you enjoy it.  These chocolates were amazing.  I am not a caramel person, unless it also involves coffee and whipped cream, but I love chocolate.  Especially truffles.  The creaminess of the Cowgirl's Chocolates are amazing. 

My advice when enjoying one of these goodies is to savor it! 
There are so many more things I would like to try from Cowgirl's Chocolates!  One being the hot chocolate.  During those cold winter days, yes we have those in Texas, hot chocolate is one of my favorite treats.  I also saw the Spicy Cherry Mango Almond bark and almost morphed into Homer Simpson again.  Go check out Cowgirl's Chocolates and I promise that you will find SOMEthing you want to try!  They have a beautiful Spring Basket that would be oh-so-much-more-fun than an Easter basket for a Mom or Dad treat to share.

Blog it Forward Tuesday with Sweep Tight and Just Married with Coupons!

I heart blog hops!  That's how I find a lot of my bloggy friends and new blogs to follow....while I should be doing things around the house.  Hops are an excellent way to gain more followers but more importantly, to get to KNOW other bloggers.  The blogging community is vast and getting to know a handful of blogs well really helps to make it seem a bit smaller. 
Try one out!  Just follow the simple "rules" to get it going correctly.  One rule of thumb I always try to go by is to leave a comment if you are a new follower...that way your new blogger friend can get to know you as well.  Both of the hosts on this hop are excellent blogs!! They have all kinds of ideas, coupons, freebies, giveaways...definitely ones you will want to follow. 

Another Catch-Up Day?!

Another day of catch ups for me.....we had an awesome vacation and we are now back! Back to reality, back to laundry, back to the tweenager of the house having some sort of weird attitude problem.  YAY! (Times like these call for that sarcasm font I've been wanting)

So.....I am not going to give up on this challenge! I linked up with Scrap of Life for this...and I am sticking to it. :)

Day 19~ a picture from when I was little......(that's me...the little one in the braids and the smug smile)


Day 20~a place I would like to travel someday
Since, I've already made it clear that I would love to go to Cambodia on a mission trip I will put my other choice.....okay, maybe a few choices. 
  Italy....some day, some day
  Ireland......
  And Greece, of course

Day 21~ a picture of something you wish you could forget
hmmmm, this one is tough.  I thought about putting my 7th grade yearbook picture because lord knows that was a tough year...but I also met some of my closest friends that year...so i guess flat chested, zit having Liz will have to suffer and still remember.  I even thought about 8th grade summer...the year my parents got divorced, that was pretty memorable in a not so fun way but....sheesh, get over it already.  So.....let's just not forget any of it.  Yes, I would like to forget some moments in time but too many other memories are attached to those.  Sorry if that's cheating. :)

Day 22~a picture of something you wish you were better at
THIS one is much easier.....
   cleaning.....not something I love to do.  Laundry....I'll wash, dry and fold all day. Vacuuming...no biggie.  But scrubbing the floors and bathrooms, dusting?  No thanks.  I put it off as long as possible.  I hate doing it.  I honestly wish I was one of those women who enjoys cleaning...yes, they exist, I have met them. 
  Listening....I try to listen and I know I accomplish it more times than not but with my attention span >SHINY!< it makes it hard sometimes.  
  Better at doing my own hair.....I have long hair with some wave to it...I rarely blow dry it and I've never flat ironed my own hair.  I would love to be able to make it look luxurious and shiny rather than a ponytail or all frizzed out.

Catch up Day! We had a Birthday weekend plus a charity garage sale so I missed a few days

30 Day Photo Challenge~and I am WAAAAY behind!  Thank you again to Scraps of Life for hosting the challenge.

Day 12~Something you love

enough said.....

Day 13~favorite band or group

even though I was born in 1980....I was born to hippie parents.  I wear the hippie child badge proudly and have always LOVED the Beatles.  My favorite Beatle? George, of course. Who is yours?
Day 14~Someone you could not live without


Sweet Rhys



My little cowboy, Griff



The Birthday boy, Tyler, opening up his Birthday present, a phone.

Day 15~Something you want to do before you die


This is a picture of some beautiful children from the Hope for Cambodia orphanage.  My youth group and I did a book drive so they could have their very own books to help them learn English.  We have friends who go there frequently and a friend over there living for a year.  I would love to do a mission trip one day and it would be to Cambodia.

 Day 16~ someone who inspires you


This is my grandmother, whom I called Mamadot.  She passed away in 2004 but still inspires me daily.  She is my role model for many things but she showed me how to be a Christian woman....and also a Southern one.

Day 17~something or someone that has made a huge impact in my life


This book was like a big slap in the face.  It changed me forever.  I don't say this lightly. 

Day 18~a picture of your biggest insecurity
I've been deep enough so I'll just let you know a superficial one.....I was a thumb sucker for 6 years, I had braces but didn't wear a retainer.  No one else seems to notice but I don't like my teeth.  Which is the reason why I won't put my own teeth...so here's a pic of some one's perfect smile.


Now I am off to a secret weekend getaway....I know what you're thinking but no...the kids are coming.  That's who it is a secret from . :)

Sprig Toys Review

Last week there was a big box on my doorstep.  I just love it when the "big mail" comes!  I knew it was for my Sprig Toys review and I told Griffin, "Look!  We got something in the mail to review.  We get to play with it!"  It was a really cool box that opened a little differently, I lifted the flap to show Griffin in a dramatic way to show Griff the new toy we would be able to try out....well, it was wrapped in bubble wrap.  So, G takes one look and says..." BUBBLE WRAP! I LOVE it!! You can write that I LOVE it!"
Ah, the innocence of kids.  He was perfectly happy with the bubble wrap.  And being the green mom that I am I used the cool box and the bubble wrap to disguise Tyler's Birthday present later on in the week. 
Once I got through the totally awesome bubble wrap, we found the Dolphin Explorer Boat.  I just love Sprig toys.  Sprig encourages outside play, which let's face it, is truly essential for our kids.  G has played with this boat since we got it out of the box.  It has been in the bath numerous times.  Sprig is known for non-electric play and I particularly love how the people in their sets don't have faces.  This leaves even more room for imagination.  We already had the Dino Adventure Rig for over a year and he's always loved it.  Sprig toys are so rugged and durable, they can be really beat up and will remain forever intact.

Already playing with it first thing in the morning with his bed head. :)

As a green geek, much of the Sprig toys appeal comes from the Eco friendliness of all of the toys.  Sprig toys are made from recycled Sprig wood which is actually recycled sawdust and recycled plastic!!! I love this.  What better way to show your kids how much you care about the planet. 
Sprig has so may options for playsets.  Everything from the ones I mentioned above to a whole world called Sprig Hollow, if my daughter wasn't 9 I would totally get her this one.  Sprig Hollow is like a fairy world that kids can create their own little world with. I also noticed the Story Builders sets.  These are incredible.  If I went with the Story Builders I would definitely go with the Three Little Pigs set, that is one of G's fave stories.
Sprig also carries a line of toddler toys, Adventure Vehicles, Adventure Guides (like our Dolphin Explorer) and even a Sand and Garden Series. 
I would recommend Sprig Toys for any mom, with kids any age.  My daughter has been playing with G's boat in the bath.  Most of these toys are big and chunky enough for even babies to play with.
Sprig toys is hereby certified AWESOME by Staying Home and Staying Sane.

Day 11....

Day 11....a picture of something you hate

I HATE that people all over the country and beyond are living like this.  This is not a photo taken off of Bing images or photo shopped in any way.  This is some one's home.This is specifically the outside of the home, behind the gray is their kitchen.  In this house, lives 7 people.  2 grandparents, 2 parents, and 3 beautiful little girls.  We met this family in October when my Bible study group and myself decided to make a move outside of our box after reading the amazing book, Radical.  We visited the church in the neighborhood, which helps out everyone within the neighborhood. 

The moment you drive onto the road, you realize that this place has been forgotten.  I have always longed to do mission work over seas in some 3rd world country that I could really make a difference in.  Lo and behold, there was a miniature version of a 3rd world country sitting 30 minutes from my house. 

These people were not expecting us...we rather boldly walked up to their doors and inside their houses asking if anyone needed help.  We might not be able to provide much money but we could help them in many other ways.  Nancy, the grandmother in this home, was the only one home when my small group of 3 came to her "door".  I use this term lightly because there is no door, just a door frame. 

God brought us to that home, that I was for sure was abandoned.  He gave us opportunity to listen to Nancy's story and start a relationship with her from the get go.  This was October this past year, and in Texas that is still super hot weather.  They had no air conditioning but in one room by a rickety window unit.  Their home looked like it had been literally turned inside out.  I have been blessed to get to know this entire family and their needs and also watch as their belief in God becomes more apparent.  Just last week, Nancy's daughter and I were having a discussion via text and she ended with God Bless!!

We all have been working very hard to find them a more suitable home.  One where they can open and close a front door, sit at a table for breakfast or even do homework.  Where they can invite friends over for the girls to play with and be proud of their home.  We have raised money only by the grace of God and by the amazing generosity of people we all know.  This family has been given food and water when they needed it, they have been gifted a microwave, window units, portable heaters, electric blankets....all because of the amazing compassion that this community can give.  They were even blessed with a Christmas, complete with wrapped presents and a little tree with all the trimmings. 

I am taking this moment to show something I hate but to also show how YOU can change the things you hate.  We have many fundraisers in the works, even a garage sale this weekend with every bit of the proceeds going to this family. 

God bless those that are willing to take a little bit of time to PRAY, give, serve, help, hug, and hold hands with the people that others may have forgotten.

Day 10

Day 10 of the 30 Day Photo Challenge! 
This has been really fun so far and I've enjoyed having something specific to post about each day.  I've noticed it's kept the creative juices flowing and I've written more.
Day 10 is a picture of the person you do the most messed up things with.
Well.....since I am not in high school anymore I don't really do a whole lot of "messed up" things.  But I do have some major cohorts in the wild and crazy arena.  Those accomplices would be my kids! 
Since the big kids are in school all week and Mr. G is just in school 2 days a week...he is the person I always seem to be the craziest around.  Probably because he still finds me wildly funny and endearing no matter what I do.

Here is Griffin playing statue on Christmas Eve.  I think this is the most serious picture I have of him!  He makes a funny face every single time I take a camera out.  My pride and joy.

I linked up with Scraps of Life for this challenge. :)