Keep Going

"Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."--Will Rogers

This quote made me think. First of all, because it is in my Critical Thinking and Decision Making Book I am having to read for my current online class. For another, lately, I've struggled with what I'm supposed to do with my life, who I'm supposed to be, what I'm supposed to look like, how I'm supposed to dress, and much more. I think as women and mothers we all struggle with this. And most of the time we are all on right track but we don't go for our dreams and goals because we feel selfish about moving foward when our kids deserve all the attention. I know I do. I go shopping for me and with all good intentions I walk in saying I'm going to by ME something but then that guilt trip moves in on me and I end up buying nothing and something for them. If I do buy something for me its something little and something that will end up in a makeup drawer with absolutely little to no use.

I tell myself frequently that it is okay for me to splurge sometimes and for them to go without something. They aren't going to die if they don't get something everytime we go into a store. Lord knows I didn't get something everytime my mom went into a store..but then again neither did she.

I'd like us, as mothers and fathers, to look past the "kids deserve everything" for just one day and realize that we have to take care of our selves too. It is important to have dreams and goals that are gratifying and help us feel better about ourselves. It is important for them to learn to do without all of the time.

So if you find yourself on the track going in the right direction...don't just sit there...get up and act on your dreams and your goals because when your kids are grown and out of the house you may be too old, or too sick or for whatever reason can't accomplish what you put off today.

All You...Great for YOU

I found a fantabulous website that has it all! All You (http://www.allyou.com/) is a Wal-mart magazine with tons of coupons, recipes and tips for everyday people. The website is also just as awesome with tips on recipes, menu planning, printable coupons, fashion, and much more! I invite you to take a look and if you desire, subscribe to the magazine. If you frequent Wal mart I would suggest you pick up a copy because it will for sure save you money!

Cheerleading Clearance Sale!

If you guys are like me...you are always on the hunt for practical and great deals! My daughter will start her second year in Peewee Cheer this year and it is just about as demanding as high school. LOL. But either way, I love watching her have fun and she loves dancing around and being a prissy little girl.

Today, I ran across a clearance catalog from Varsity Cheer & Dance. The link is enclosed in the post. Check out the items and you're sure to save some moola on your cheerleaders upcoming season! :)

Good luck all you cheer moms!

http://ipaperus.ipaperus.com/Varsity/2010CLEARANCECATALOG/

Ok...sorry...its been a long time...I know

I haven't exactly kept up with this blog like I said I would...as always, school, baseball, kids, husband, house work...something comes up and by the end of the day the last thing on my mind is posting.

So, I'll take the time to update you on a few things.

Matthew played his last season baseball game on Monday night. Kind of bittersweet considering he has done so well the first year he's played and I kind of like meeting up with all of the parents twice a week or more for interaction and just to watch all the boys play. They do soooo good and try soooo hard. Our regional tourney is Saturday...ALL day. :) Depending on what time it ends the kids will then venture off to Camden to stay with my sister for a week or two. I won't know what to with myself then!

I've been home for three weeks now...waited all this time for unemployment and its not approved...so I must start the appeal process...personally, I'm not the least happy about it. I've been looking for PT work in Glenwood because to drive so far to and from Hot Springs barely makes it worth finding a job there.

I have two more weeks left in this Critical Thinking class that started three weeks ago. Then, off to the next class. I may take a couple of weeks off just so I can breath for a little while. But then again, the sooner I get it over with the faster I'll have my degree. Haven't decided if I want to pursue my Master's yet but seriously thinking about it...only because I might as well since I'm already in that frame of mind. I'm just tired of writing papers and working in "teams" when not everyone is as motivated as myself.

One of my goals this summer is to learn to coupon. I've been following and reading all these blogs of these women that coupon and they save and get all this stuff for free! I don't know why I can't do that especially since we live on one income now. That would, perhaps, lenghten my ability to be able to be a stay at home mom. We'll see. I'll post more information as I get it....so maybe you can become a coupon mom too!

I guess that's about it right now. Look forward to comments and suggestions. Have a great day!

Reflections

I think its great how church makes you think...I'm not talking about just thinking about for a minute but actually reflecting on your life. It's amazing how we all get caught up in the world and sometimes forget just who we are supposed to be living for. No matter how rough life gets and no matter how many times we forget...God is why we are here. If you aren't a Christian or could care less about any of this then don't bother reading any further. I realize not everyone is at "this" point in their life where I am and I'm not the way you get there. This is, however, my personal blog and if you'd like to read further please feel free. But please don't leave cruel comments about how you don't agree with me.

Sometimes in a person's life their main goal is to get "something" or "somewhere" or to become "someone" yet they never really feel fully satisfied with their life. There is always something missing no matter how much money you get, how many "things" you have, etc. And its amazing how, typically, God is the last person on the list to make us realize that He can satisfy us. He's like a cold drink of water when you're in the desert. He keeps you going when no one or nothing can.

I was recently "ridiculed" by someone that really hurt me. I was referred to as "poor" and looking back...it doesn't hurt my feelings the way it once did. Not that I think I'm better than anyone because anyone that knows me knows I am not that way. My point is...I'm content with the small things in life. I'm content with living in a modest home and driving modest cars. I'm content with having what I need in life and maybe just a little extra. Life isn't about how much you can get or what you can become. Its about what you are doing to live for God and to help others in the name of Jesus. If you chose to live a luxurious life then go for it. But if I do not choose that for me and my children then don't ridicule me. Before you or anyone else judges anyone...perhaps you should look into the mirror and ask yourself are you happy with your life. Typically people will ridicule others when they are miserable. Don't try to fix mine when yours probably needs help more. And believe me, I'm not judging anyone throught his post. Its actually just a reflection of things that were on my heart at the time.

The funny thing about having blogs is that people will follow you and will read your posts and will claim on their blogs that everyone has their right to an opinion, religion and whatever else but when you post something that offends them then that right is absolutely void for anyone but them. The practical truth is that we all have a right to speech, religion or whatever. But that doesn't mean we have to be hateful or judgemental.

On another note, I think it is important that I stop worrying about what someone else thinks of me because in the end no one's opinion will matter...it wont matter what I wore...what my home looked like...what car I drove...what shoes I wore...how my hair was fixed...nothing. I pray God takes my blinders away and opens my eyes to what is important in life...and that is to follow Him and do His Will. Because, ultimately, I want to go Home and be safe from this world...no more pain...no more heartache.

Sun Smarts

Here are myths about sun, skin care, tanning beds, etc.

You don't need to wear sunscreen if you have dark skin. FALSE.
"Any skin color can get skin cancer," says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a dermatologist in Miami, "Also, the number on complaint in patients with skin of color is uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Sunlight makes hyperpigmentation worst, and you can never address these issues if a person does not wear sunscreen."

I read somewhere that sunscreen can expire. TRUE.
The active ingredients in sunscreens can lose their potency, so check the expiration date on the bottle. "To be safe, toss them after a year," says Dr. Bank.

I don't need sunblock when it's cloudy. FALSE.
You need to wear sunscreen every day, full stop. Remember: It's a beautiful day above the clouds, which offer little UV protection. So never skip the sunblock--ever.

Oral sunblocks can protect you from sun damage. TRUE.
So-called "internal sunscreens" can be used as additional sun protection. These supplements--one is called SunPill--contain potent antioxidants like green tea extract and the fern polypodium leucotomos, which help skin resist sun damage. They're great insurance but should be used in conjunction with sunscreen--not as a replacement. "These pills prevent damage to skin cells after sunlight hits the skin," says Dr. Verallo-Rowell. "Unlike sunblock, where you prevent the sun from producing chemical changes, antioxidants act later to quench the fire that has already started."

Tanning booths aren't all that bad. FALSE.
A tan is a signal that cells have been damaged, says Fairbrother. When you use a tanning booth, you're getting deeper radiation than you'd get from the sun. "Tanning booths also give people a false sense of security," she says. "A tan only gives you an SPF protection of two to four compared to sunblock, which gives you SPF of 30 or more."

June 2010 Better Homes and Gardens Giveaways and more!

Great Grill Off $2500 Sweepstakes! Enter today at www.bhg.com/grilloff

Win a $25,000 Dream Room Makeover! Enter today at www.bhg.com/dream.

The first 500 people to log on to www.bhg.com/sunblock will receive a free bottle of Neutorgena's new Spectrm+ Sunblock Lotion SPF 100.

iCamp. A free app for iPhone or iPods, enables your phone or iPod to emit strong white light--handy for finding things. Also suggests age-appropriate stories to read aloud--eerie sound effects included!

First Weeks of Summer

Last night we went to the "big" *sarcasm* city of Poyen, Arkansas to watch my cousin, Ryan, graduate from high school. It was awful! LOL. No, not really but it was really hot! Great to see him walk and get his diploma though...and he gave his mom, his Nana, his Aunt Melissa and ME a rose! I was so happy. It's sitting on my dinning room table now! :)

Today, Sara, Matt and I got up and ventured into Old Navy for $1 flip flops. Matt was less than thrilled and Sara wanted every color she could possibly get. We walked away with ten pair of flip flops! Now, we can start summer because everyone knows...flip flops are the start of summer! LOL.

Then we went to Wal-mart. I saw online, somewhere, that they were giving away free ice cream sundaes so I thought that would be the great ending to our shopping venture. I didn't expect them to be soooo big though. Great deal! Three types of ice cream, strawberries, whipped cream and chocolate syrup! I also got Sara some SUPER cute shorts to wear over her bathing suit when she has her FOUR day Science tour in a couple of weeks (blog to come about that later...super excited for her though!)

I've decided that this summer, since I get to be at home with them, we're going to plan our weeks (not so strict though) so that we always have something fun to do at least once a week. I bought some fun games for us to play at home too! And of course PLENTY of crayons, markers, glue, construction paper, glitter, pens, pencils, scissors and more for rainy days. Matt doesn't know it yet but he's going to master his times tables this summer too! I hope to blog daily on our adventures so keep your eye out! Maybe I'll see some of you on our journeys.

I'm so excited that I am able to be at home with them this summer! SOOO Thankful...it gives me so much joy in my heart because I feel this is where God wants me! I get to keep my home clean, study His word more and since I've been at home we have dinner together AT THE TABLE every night! Amazing considering we've never been able to do that...it was always rush rush rush. We actually sit down and talk to each other. I LOVE it!

Until next time,
Leslie

June 2010 Food Network Giveaways

Bobby Flay autographed a grilling fork right after a photo shoot with Food Network Magazine. Enter to win it, along with a whole set of tools from his line at www.foodnetwork.com/magazine.

Win a trip to the Big Apple to see Rachael Ray (two tickets), tour of the Every Day with Rachel Ray and lunch at one of her favorite restaurants. Go to www.facebook.com/mccormickspice to become a fan and enter to win.

Want to win $100,000? Enter the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Contest. See complete rules at http://www.sutterhome.com/

Enter the Bush's Grillin' Beans Ultimate Hostess Sweepstakes for a chance to win Dinnerware and Glassware for 12, a BBQ Set and more ($2500 retail value) at www.bushbeans.com/sweeps.

Save $1.00 on al fresco. See recipes and get coupon at http://www.alfresconatural.com/

Cook with Beer! Enter this month's home cook recipe battle and you could win $500 toward foodnetworkstore.com. Enter your original recipe at www.foodnetwork.com/recipecontest .The winner will also appear in the upcoming issue.

Check back next month for July giveaways! :)

Want to subscribe to Food Network Magazine? Go to Amazon.com

Love

Have you ever loved someone so much the very thought of them being taken away from you can literally bring tears to your eyes? After today's ridiculous events I realized that my husband is wonderful...he is a very hard worker...he goes to school...he provides for our family and pays child support on two kids he never gets to see (previous marriage...obviously)...and he's good to me. I am so thankful for such a great man!

Green Bean Salad

Green Bean Salad
Serves 4-6

1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and julienned
1/2 c chopped green bell pepper
1/4 c chopped fresh parsley

For dressing:
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 c fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/8 tsp salt

Wash green beans thoroughly. Drop the green beans into a saucepan of boiling water. Cook until slightly crisp, about four minutes.

Drain water off and let beans cool. Add tomatoes, peppers and parsley.

To make the dressing: Combine mustard, oil, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir well.

Then add pepper and salt and stir again.

Lightly pour the dressing over the salad, then toss. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least an hour until well chilled.

Fruited Pork Chops

Makes: 6 servings

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 4 to 4-1/2 hours (low) or 2 to 2-1/2 hours (high)



Ingredients

6 boneless pork loin chops, cut 1 inch thick

1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

2 7-ounce packages mixed dried fruit

1 medium red and/or yellow sweet pepper, seeded and sliced

1 cup bottled barbecue sauce

Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Directions

Trim fat from pork chops. Place chops in a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with thyme. Add dried fruit and sweet pepper to slow cooker. Pour barbecue sauce over all in cooker.



Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 4 to 4-1/2 hours or on high-heat setting for 2 to 2-1/2 hours.



Transfer chops to a serving platter. Skim fat from sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over chops; pass remaining sauce. ,If desired garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Makes 6 servings.



Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 6 servings Calories 450, Total Fat (g) 11, Saturated Fat (g) 4, Cholesterol (mg) 92, Sodium (mg) 421, Carbohydrate (g) 49, Fiber (g) 3, Protein (g) 40, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

God's Picture Show

I recently moved my bedroom around so that I could open the curtains to the large window and look outside when I'm working. It's one of those "ah-ha" moments when you sit down and just look outside. That's because its spring and everything is bright green and the birds are chirping and flying around, the kids are on their bikes and running around their trails and forts they've made at the tree line. The grass looks lush enough that you could lay on it for a nap and it be as soft as your matress. The dogs and cat play around and lounge around in the lush grass all day long and I get to watch. Its like God's own picture show and its peaceful and it reminds me of why I love my life and am thankful for everything that is in it.

Today it is partly cloudy and I've been doing my usual Saturday routine of homework and cleaning the house. The cleaning of the house that doesn't get done during the week because of ball games and class and just lack of time to even care. My husband is at work until five so its just me and kids all day...sometimes its peaceful (like today) or other Saturdays its stressful because I either have too much to do or the kids wont quit arguing. Thankfully, today isn't that day. The floors get vacuumed and mopped and the clothes actually get folded and hung up. Dishes are all done and dried and placed in their respective places. This is when I feel my life is most in order.

Recipe of the Day: 4/14/2010

15 Minute Tuna & Rice Primavera

5 min prep
15 min total time
4 servings

1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of mushroom
1 1/2 cup Water
1 pkg (16 oz) frozen vegetable blend, thawed, drained
1 can (6 oz) Tuna, drained, flaked
2 cups white rice
1/4 c cheese

1. Bring soup and water to boil in a large skillet on med-high heat.
2. Add veggies and tuna; Return to boil.
3. Stir in rice and cheese; cover. Remove from heat. Let stand 5 min. Fluff with fork.

350 calories
25 mg chol
4 g fiber
50% Vit. A
20% Iron
10 g fat
840 mg Sodium
3 g sugar
70% Vit. C
3.5 g Sat Fat
49 g carbs
18 g Protein
15% Calcium

Tell me what you think when you try it!

{Not So} Typical Day in Our Life

I'm not sure what it is about blogging and reading other blogs that makes my day complete. I love reading what goes on in everyone else's life to confirm that my family isn't as disgruntle as I think they might be.

Here is a typical {busy} day in our home:

6:00 am: Alarm goes off. Wake kids up about four-six times. Hubby and I get ready for work.

6:50 am: Hubby leaves for work and kids go out for school bus. I finish up getting ready for work, get my lunch ready, etc.

7:00 am: I'm on way to work (45 min drive, one way) and hubby is already at work beginning his busy day (mechanic--one of the best in the town).

7:45 (or so) am: I'm at work...working through the pile of emails and phone messages I've accrued since 5 pm the previous day.

8:00 am-5 pm: Work

4:45 pm: Hubby leaves work to get ready for school (three nights a week).

5:00 pm: I leave work and drive 45 mins.

5:45 (or so) pm: Get mail. Get kids. Matt changes into ball practice attire.

6:15 pm: Leave for practice.

6:30 pm: Practice starts

8:30 pm: Practice ends.

8:45 pm: Start dinner. Look over kids papers from the day. Sign notes, get money ready if they need it, start laundry, etc.

9:00 pm: Hubby home from class.

9:45 pm: Kids in bed. I start on homework due, hubby works on homework, finish up laundry.

10:30 pm - 11:30 pm: Somewhere between this time is when I FINALLY get sleep.

This doesn't account for the stops at the store for groceries or the game nights when we may not get home til later than 8:45 pm. Life is so busy.

I'm not really sure when I fit in blogging...I think it just magically comes from my brain to my fingertips and is just easy to type out.