Gingerbread House

Our home-made gingerbread house. Recipe here. (Not my fav recipe, but works)

Merry Christmas

I hope you all had a safe and wonderful Christmas. Praise to Him who is born!

Christmas Present Ideas

Just in case you are looking for something for your dog...

Bible Study Blues

My Wednesday morning Bible study finished last week. I definitely miss it. I didn't really know what to do with myself today. I managed to take the kids out in the bitter cold (20*, brrrr) and we did some grocery shopping and got some craft materials for our Friend Craft Day tomorrow, but it just wasn't the same. I love coming together with other women and sharing what God is teaching you through a particular study, learning from one another and praying for each other. Today was just a weird day with out it. Thankfully Bible study starts back up in a few weeks!!

Imaginary Friends

Good Advice

I just received some good advice from bug number one:

Don't eat poop, Mama!

I'll keep that in mind kiddo when the mood strikes!

Holiday Fever!

Do you have it? I know I do. I love, love, LOVE the Holiday Season! I love it all; the craziness, the shopping (not in crazy lines or on black friday), the gifting, the receiving, the eating, the tree, the lights, the snow. Yes, even the snow! I love it all. One of my favorites is Christmas music! Day after Thanksgiving that music is playing and pretty much doesn't stop until Jan 01. One of the neat things about this year is that bug number 1 is really old enough to start 'getting' Christmas. She loves all the "pretty lights." We have been talking about Christmas being a celebration for Jesus' birthday and how much we love Him and how much He loves us! It is so cute to hear her singing happy birthday to Jesus! We have stacking pyramid blocks and she calls those the "birthday candle" and blows it out after singing to Jesus! PRECIOUS!
She has Psalm 100:2 covered!
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

I am so excited for this time of year! I hope that you are really enjoying it as much as I am.

Grace and Peace to you this Holiday Season!

Christ is Born!!

Thanksgiving

I have so much to be Thankful for! I have been blessed with an AMAZING Hubby, 2 wonderful bugs and a sweet little pup. I love this time of year. I am especially Thankful this year...My cousin Rose, was shot in the chest in LA. She is alive! Not only did the bullet weave its way through her body, but she is well on her way to a full recovery. She has been amazing through this whole process. I am so glad that not only is she still with us, but sharing God's love as she recovers. It is such a great reminder that although family can be irksome, especially during the holiday season, life is short and to love and appreciate one other while we are placed on Earth. For Thanksgiving our Family gathers at my Grandpa's for feasting and fun. Each year we watch the Detroit Lions attempt to play football-one day they will figure it out, and then head to the table. I made my first Turkey ever! It was delicious!! I was so nervous that it wouldn't turn out, but it was easy-peasy! I followed this recipe and it was awesome.

My Grandpa and I lifting the bird out.

Me and My First Turkey!

First Coupon Trip

Okay, so I made my first coupon grocery trip. Honestly it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I didn't save hundreds of dollars but I did save $19.59!!!! More than I thought I would. The double coupons are the best! Sweet. I also didn't go crazy and buy things just because there was a coupon for them. Overall I think that this might work out. It was a little amount of effort to save 20 bucks. Totally worth it!

Really?

This morning the bugs were playing in their room while I was getting ready. A pretty normal situation. Lulu was also in the room with the kids. Sometimes this happens sometimes it doesn't. It really depends on it bug number 1 lets her in the room or not. Well, unfortunately for Lulu, bug1 wanted to play this morning. I was packing our bags and getting ready to head our for a massive day of grocery shopping (at least 4 stores!). Everyone was ready, so I thought. I walked in the kids room to get their shoes on and go, and what did I find!!! Bug1 COVERED in Vaseline. I just stood there, I had no idea what to do, and then I just started laughing. And then I looked and Lulu was COVERED in Vaseline. Lulu had this look of "you let me play in here, and do you see what THIS kid did to ME?!" Poor puppy. Of course, I had no idea what to do, so I started laughing even harder. I grab bug1 and Lulu and tossed them in the bathroom. Bug2 managed to stay fairly clean and just had a chunk on his cheek. There was some down the side of our Alligator stuffed animal and that was about it as far as the room. I went back into the bathroom and had forgotten to take the Vaseline away from bug1, so she was putting more on Lulu. Apparently Lulu had a dry coat and bug1 was helping out. Well, needless to say about 100 paper towels later and 2 baths for Lulu we are all nice and clean. Note to self: take the Vaseline OUT of the room BEFORE letting the kids play in there!

Poor Lulu Puppy!

Starbucks

Man, I love me some Starbucks! I just found out that they are changing their rewards program. BONUS! Now you can earn free drinks! Sweet! If you have a registered card (gift or credit) before Dec 26th you automatically jump to the Green level! Make sure you register your cards!!!

Bible Study

Wow! We are doing a great bible study this time. We finished One in a Million and then went right into Anointed, Transformed, Redeemed by Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Kay Arthur (they brought out all the big guns!) It follows the life of David. It really is a great study. We are finishing up our time with Beth this week and will be hanging with Kay next week. Priscilla taught Annointed, Beth is teaching Transformed, and Kay will teach Redeemed. This has been a great study to follow One in a Million. I love it!

Couponing

I have started to coupon to save money. I was never a big fan of couponing. It was a little overwhelming to me, how and when to use coupons. Not to mention which ones you save and then remembering to use them. Too much for me. I am just starting, so we will see if it is something that I actually keep up with. This is a great website to help with couponing. It makes it really simple and easy to find the great deals. Enjoy clipping coupons!

CouponMom.com

Swine Flu

I thought that this was a interesting article. No matter where you fall on the vaccine spectrum-completely against to all for-it is most important to educate yourself on both sides of the story.

Swine Flu Article

Do I have to claim her?

My daughter is fun and outgoing. Bug number 1 is a joy to be around....for the most part. Yesterday was not one of those moments. I have never really been embarrassed by her or her behavior, and she has done some CRAZY things in public. Well I was yesterday. It was awful. I never thought that I would feel that toward my little bug. To give you a little background, we have had a very busy month: family in town, bug number 2's birthday, friends in town...go go go. I think that bug number 1 was really starting to feel the pressures of all our craziness. We finally have slowed down, but it is still that game of catch up. We I needed to exchange some shirts that we had gotten her, they were a little small. So my girlfriend-kw and I decide to meet at the store and shop together. It was one of those times where I should have canceled. One of those times where I let my plan for the day override my bugs obvious screams that today should be a home day. But I didn't....

I bundle them up and went out. The car ride there was not one of the more pleasant ones, should have turned around...but I didn't. We got to the store and before we were out of the car and in the stroller, tantrum. We did okay in the store, but towards the end bits of snack and sippy cups were flying. Should have went home immediately...but I didn't. KW and I walked around the plaza to another store, kw had some crafty things to get and I thought that I would join her. Should have went home....see the error. Well we had a full-fledged-knock-down-drag-out-temper-tantrum. Bug number 1 actually HIT a stranger and then told her to 'GO AWAY!' I tried to browse for a few more minutes, but things were getting worse. So I finally turned to my friend and said "I have to leave" and I promptly walked out of the store. YIKES! It's about time I got the message. Needless to say the car ride home was a mess. I was very grateful to be home, give the bugs some food and put them to nap.

Thankfully I know that my bug is only 2 for a year and that this behavior is just a season (and not a regular habit of hers-phew). It is hard in those moments to not lose it completely and chuck something (or someone).

Bye Farmer's Market

Although I love fall, I don't love that the Farmer's Market closes down. I will miss them. I love being able to buy fresh produce from local farmers. So yummy. See you in the spring my friends!

Trick or Treat

My friend made these and I thought that they were super cute. Take one package of oreos put the in a food processor and kneed one package (brick) softened cream cheese into the oreos. Form into balls and then place in the freezer until firm. Dip into melted chocolate and decorate and put the sticks in. Enjoy.

Pumpkin Basket

Apparently I really did find my inner Martha. After making my homemade pumpkin puree, I had this wonderful 1/2 of pumpkin shell-I baked the pumpkin. It is easier and then you end up this this cool thing. So I took the twine I used for the pumpkin bird feeders, used a screwdriver to poke to holes on opposites sides of the pumpkin and braided the twine and tied it through the holes to make a little handle. SO CUTE! I think that I may end up giving it as a gift with some goodies in it. But for now it is decoration. I have buckeyes and leaves in it. Actually I think that this one is mine. I will have to make another pie if I am going to be giving any away.

The Finished Product, and was it YUMMY!

Tapping into my inner Martha

So I am starting to become more adventurous in my cooking and what not. Today we made the pumpkin bird feeders (for family) and then while the kids were napping I made pumpkin puree from a pie pumpkin to make homemade pumpkin pie! I also made quiche for dinner. YUMMY!! It was pretty fantastic. The quiche recipe came from my wonderful friend e.m. I felt like Martha Stewart. I love being able to do this kind of homemade stuff. So much fun. There is something so satisfying about it. It was my first time making quiche (I also cooked the fresh spinach to go in the quiche, another first) and my first time making the pumpkin puree. Tomorrow I tackle the pie portion!

This is a great site for make your own pumpkin puree and pies. It even has pictures. Click Here

Spinach and Sausage Quiche

Ingredients:
6 large eggs, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups of frozen baby spinach, chopped- cook it and drain it.
½ package sausage-the kind in the tube (like Jimmy Dean’s breakfast sausage), cooked and chopped
2 cups cheese- swiss and cheddar
3 tablespoons Romano cheese
1 9-inch frozen Deep Dish pie crust

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Cook sausage and spinach.
Combine eggs, cream, salt and pepper in blender.
Layer spinach, sausage, and cheese in crust.
Pour eggs on top.
Sprinkle with Romano cheese.
Bake about 40 minutes with foil on top.
Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

*You can also change the ingredients- make a pepper, onion, and mushrooms one, etc.

M2M Jackpot!

So I was at a Mom 2 Mom sale this weekend...actually I worked the sale and helped coordinate it (my MOPS group put it together). It was a crazy crazy day! We had over 50 tables and about 650 people come through our doors to shop! YIKES! The bonus is that I was able to sell our travel swing. Yeah! Neither bug really was a fan of the swing so we had this brand new swing that has been used about twice. I also got some great winter clothes for bug number 2 and a stinking cute Halloween costume! He is going to be a monkey. (he he!) All together I made out like a bandit. But the best purchase that I made (possible ever) for the bugs was bug number 1 got a tea set. It is so adorable and she LOVES it. She makes coffee and tea and cookies, and pretends for hours! Score!!

The Breakdown:

Costume, 2 pair shoes, brand name shirt: $10.00

3 brand name outfits, brand name shirt, brand name (new with tags) sweater: $14.00

shirt and dress: $2.00

tea set: $8.00

shoes and leap pad: FREE! (woot!)

Total spent: $34.00

Money made from swing: $30.00

So money I actually spent: $4.00!

That is how you work a M2M sale.

Pumpkin Bird Feeder

This is a great holiday fun craft to do with your bugs. Mine loved it!

Cut a 3- to 5-pound pumpkin in half; scoop out, leaving a 1/2-inch thick wall. Cut a 1/2-inch-deep groove in the rim for pumpkin seeds. For perches, poke holes and insert twigs. To hang, knot two lengths of twine together in center; tack knot to feeder bottom. Fill with birdseed.

From Martha Stewart Kids

Home-Made Cleaners

Making your own cleaners is such an easy way to save time and money. Basically the main things that you need are a spray bottle, a shaker (think Parmesan cheese at a pizza place), baking soda, white vinegar, and lemons. With these you are good to go. Besides it is a great way to 'go green' with out breaking the bank. Bug number 1 loves to clean with me and this is an awesome way to involve her with out wigging out about the chemicals! Here are some great websites to check out different recipes:

http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/25-safe-non-toxic-homemade-cleaning-supplies

http://organizedhome.com/clean-house/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products

http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/environment/a/alternateclean.htm

I love using my own cleaner. It saves money and if I run out I can just make more. I recently switched to making my own cleaners and I am still finishing up some of my old products. If you aren't too sure about making your own yet, here are a couple brands I really like.

Seventh Generation

Mrs. Meyers

Green Works

Am I Crazy?

I received an email from a dear friend today asking me that question; am I crazy? Often I ask myself that question as well. There are those moments as Moms where all seems to be complete and utter chaos with no hope of ever returning to civilized life. You know those moments when you would like nothing better to throw your kids out the window! When you haven't showered in a few days, and the only words that you have uttered are "no, no, no!" or "stop that, get down, don't throw!" Those are some of the roughest days. I am always grateful on those days for my girlfriends. The wonderful women in my life who understand what it means to raising children and can empathize with me and don't judge me for my shortcomings. So take a moment and go hang with your girls. Join a book club, get some coffee, join your local MOPS. Find a way to keep yourself centered, so you don't end up throwing your bugs out the window! And no you are not crazy!!

Mom2Mom Sales

So you know I love a great deal and this is the season for great deals. The fall is a huge time for Mom 2 Mom sales. Basically they are glorified garage sale of only kids stuff; clothes, shoes, toys, gear, all the stuff you need. Check out local Mom 2 Mom Sales.

Can you tell the difference?

So I love getting things second-hand! One of my favorite things to do, I just love a good deal! One of these high-chairs we got brand new (as a gift) and one I bought recently at a consignment store for FIVE BUCKS!! Woot! It was listed for $8.00, but it was pretty dirty so I asked them to cut me a deal. So for $5.00 and a little scrubbing I have a brand new portable high chair! Rock it!

Have you figured out which one is the second-hand one? No? Well, I'm not telling! :)

E-mealz! Yeah they are!

A friend of mine recently brought this website to my attention. They are a great resource. Not only do they plan meals for a week, but they provide the recipe and a shopping list! It is really great. I am excited to start incorporating this into my meal planning. It is five bucks a month and totally worth it! Check out the link below and happy meal-planning!

Farmer's Market and Story Time

Today is Northville's Farmer's Market and I love it! I love being able to purchase locally grown produce. Added bonus it is cheaper and more fresh than the grocery store. SWEET! After a stroll around the Farmer's Market my friend and I took our kids to Story Time at Solid Grounds Coffee House in downtown Northville. This was our first time there and well it was interesting....we were the ONLY ones there! The story time lady was great, but it was a little awkward being the only Mama's there. Thankfully our kids were relatively well behaved. Bug number 2 was a little tired and cranky from missing his morning nap and bug number 1 was a little curious!

My Favorite Day of the Week

Wednesday is my favorite day of the week (not included weekends). I love it for many reasons. The week is half over, but more than that. Wednesday is Bible Study day. Now typically Wednesday are a little, okay a lot, bit of rushing around. We have to wake up early, get ready and all that good stuff and get out the door by 9 am. Then we have to rush home to eat lunch. I try and plan lunch the night before, but that doesn’t always happen. But the great part is, it that for 2 hours!!! some amazing ladies take care of my kids while I get to go spend time with Jesus and other women learning about him. It is such a blessing to my week. I love taking that time to just relax and soak things in. The bible study that we are doing now is called One in Million by Priscilla Shirer. We are just starting week 2, but I am really digging it.

This week was especially enjoyable because after bible study my girlfriend, kw and I had a picnic (kind of). We had planned to picnic at a local park, but the weather was a little bit chillier than we had bargained for and since we weren’t dressed very appropriately and neither were our bugs we decided to head into Starbucks and picnic there. Yum! My wonderful girlfriend surprised me with an early birthday present. A sandwich holder and a Carmel Macchiato! She’s the best!

One in a million Bible Study

My Sweet new Sandwich Holder

Welcome to BontyBugs

I am excited to share with you the ups and downs and all around craziness of being a stay-at-home mama. It seems that there is a never ending supply of comedy and tragedy with little ones.