{Good Morning Mondays}

Welcome Back Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

So first off I want to tell you Thank You for those of you who have been reading the blog. I have been getting lots of e-mails and it is so encouraging to hear that you are enjoying it! 
So.... Thank You!


Second I will share with you a little bit about my Thanksgiving vacation: 
I will try and make it short! 

*Thankful For*

*Thankful For*

As I end the *Thankful For* post today I want us all to remember what we have said we are thankful for. Even if you didn't post anything I know it has been on all our minds.  I would like for us to remember this throughout the year and to be thankful for what the Lord has given us. Not just during Thanksgiving or the Holidays but to always be thankful. 

I wrote this a few weeks back but it is important for children to see thankfulness throughout the entire year. If it is practiced throughout the year, children will learn that those attitudes should be a way of life.
We do this through being a role model. Leading them by example.

First Thessalonian 5:18 reminds us that we are "to give thanks in all circumstances" (NIV); we are truly supposed to be thankful at all times.  

 

Giving Thanks to God for All Things Big or Small.

A Note to you from Me:

Thank you to all of you who have participated in the Thankful For post. I have enjoyed seeing what you are all thankful for and I look forward to hearing how everyones Thanksgiving went. I know other who have read them have found them encouraging. So thank you again!

 Don't forget I will be taking a few days off this week.  Wednesday the 25th -Sunday 29th. So I will be up running full force come Monday morning the 30th. I have some things planned for December that I think you will enjoy!! 

Take care and have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving!

Mommy Buzz

Recipe of the Day: Wheat Dinner Rolls

 I haven't given you all a recipe for bread or rolls yet so when I saw this recipe I thought it might help you out if you are wanting to make an easy roll. It does have whole wheat flour in it but you could substitute white flour instead.Hope this helps!

Wheat Dinner Rolls

 Ingredients

1 cup water
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup butter or margarine
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup oats, uncooked
2 packages dry yeast
1 tsp. salt
1 egg
2 1/4-2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Methods/steps

Combine water, honey, and butter in a small saucepan; heat until butter melts. Cool until really warm, but not hot. Combine wheat flour, oats, yeast, and salt in a large mixing bowl; stir well. Gradually add hot liquid mixture, beating at low speed of an electric mixer 1 minute. Add egg, and beat an additional 2 minutes at medium speed. Gradually add flour to make soft dough. Turn dough out onto a heavily floured surface, and knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes). Shape dough into 24 balls; place in a lightly greased 13x9x2 inch pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

{Shopping}

Shopping

So this past weekend my hubby and I, along with our two children, searched all over Savannah for our Christmas picture outfits along with a few other things for Thanksgiving. We traveled about 200 miles all weekend long. This did include driving 45 miles to Darien, Ga looking for: one particular store, that had one particular shirt, for one particular someone (to find out it didn't match.)

Now let me just tell you:

1st--I have a wonderful husband who puts up with my A type personality. Everything has to be perfect and until then I don't stop . Until--yes--my sweet husband-- brought me back to reality and reminded me we had been to every store possible (literally) in search of these items. We were on day #2 in search of these items. We had pushed our limit with the kids and we had church in one hour.

2nd-- I had two amazing little boys who traveled all over town very well... They were such troopers.

3rd-- I no longer want to step foot into another store looking for holiday outfits, shoes, a table cloth for Thanksgiving, or anything else until-- I guess next year--Or --until Friday (the day after Thanksgiving,where you will find me shopping but this time it will be for-- FUN!!)

So I say all this to ask:

Do you like to shop?

Will we be find you shopping this Friday and Saturday?

Are you going to be up before dawn, in a long line, standing in the cold to get that particular someone a particular gift?

It is a family tradition?

Share with us your ideal plan for the weekend after Thanksgiving....

Recipe of the Day: Apple Dumpling

Apple Dumplings

Ingredients

• 2 whole Granny Smith Apples
• 2 cans (8 Oz. Cans) Crescent Rolls
• 2 sticks Butter
• 1-½ cup Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• Cinnamon, To Taste
• 1 can (12 Oz.) Mountain Dew Soda

Preparation Instructions

Peel and core apples. Cut each apple into 8 slices each. Roll each apple slice in a crescent roll. Place in a 9 x 13 buttered pan.

Melt butter, then add sugar and barely stir. Add vanilla, stir, and pour entire mixture over apples. Pour Mountain Dew around the edges of the pan. Sprinkle with cinnamon and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Serve with ice cream, and spoon some of the sweet sauces from the pan over the top.

WARNING: Prepare this dish at your own risk. It is beyond imaginable.

This is a recipe that was shared with me by a lady at my church. Thank you Jackie!!I hope you enjoy!

{ Good Morning Monday}

Here are some announcements for the week.

1. I know some of you are going to be traveling. Maybe across states, the city or just down the road but I hope that each of you have a safe and great Thanksgiving week.

Since it is a Holiday week I felt that I should take some time and spent it with my family.

I will be taking a blogging vacation from Wednesday the 24th til Monday the 30th, which I will then return.

 I will update you on Monday as to how: my Thanksgiving went, how hosting it at my house went for the first time, and how shopping on crazy black Friday goes..

2. I will have a December giveaway coming shortly after I get back and I think you all will love it... So more on that later....

3. Let's Continue the *Thankful For*

I will post two more *Thankful For*  this week-- If you haven't gotten a chance to tell us what you are thankful for then join in.....

So that is it folks... Not much this week since I will be away--

  I do have some neat things planned for December so I hope that you will keep coming back to check it all out!

So have a Happy Thanksgiving

Recipe Of The Day: Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkin Roll

So if you know me you know I am a sucker for sweets! So of coarse I am posting another sweet recipe. 

Time to Get Your Kids to Clean Up!

 Do you wonder when your child will ever learn to pick up his/her toys?

Are you asking yourself the question, "What age is a good age for my child to learn how to clean up toys?"

Maybe this post will help!

*Thankful For*

Thankful For: Another Day

How often do we roll out of bed come morning in a hurry to get ready for work, get our kids up to go somewhere, or to get ready for the day before our little ones get up and forget to thank the Lord for another day?

Today I am thankful for another day. I get another day with my husband and children. I have another day to teach and train my children in the admonition of the Lord. I have another day to spend loving my husband. What a blessing. Don't take each day for-granted. Be thankful for all things big or small.

So today I was reminded to be thankful for another day... 

*Thankful For*

So this was actually yesterday's *Thankful For* but I decided to use it for today's.

Last night when we were leaving our bible study Ethan and I started to have a conversation and this is how it went:

Ethan:" Momma, are you going to ask me what I am thankful for today?"

Me: "Sure Ethan, What are you thankful for today?"

Ethan: "Umm, I am thankful for my friend Micah. "

Me: "That is very sweet Ethan... You should be very thankful to have friends. And yes, we are very thankful for Micah. "

As I closed the door to the car, I thought," That was so sweet of him to ask me if I was going to ask him today what he was thankful for. And  then for him to say his little friend. I guess he is really remembering to be thankful for things." 

So last night Ethan was thankful for his friend Micah.

{Veggie Puree Recipes} hide these in your kids food

 I recently had a request to post some of the "Hidden Veggie" puree recipes. A while back I posted 3 simple recipes for you to hide your kids veggies in. But after looking back, I realized that it was hard to find. So I am reposting them and also labeling them under (recipes, family kitchen and hidden veggies) So all you need to do is click on either of those to find the recipes.

I would recommend you making these puree's ahead of time.It will save you less time in the kitchen when you go to cook dinner.Add whichever puree you think would better compliment the dish you are making.

Hope this helps!

Travelzoo's Top 20

Travelzoo's Weekly Top 20


Every week I get these e-mails and I thought I would share it with you since I know some of you might be traveling soon.  This is a list of airlines, hotels,cruises, Disney discounts and more....They have searched 1,000+ companies for their very best
sales and compiled this Top 20(R) list.

Let me know if you would like for me to continue to post these weekly on Mommy Buzz. Otherwise I will just make this a one time thing every so often!

************************************************************
TOP 20 DEALS * -- NOVEMBER 18, 2009
************************************************************

Thanksgiving Meals: Recipes of the Day

Thanksgiving Dinner Idea Includes:

Turkey
Sweet Potato Soufflé
Squash Casserole
Green Bean Bundles
Sweet potato or Pumpkin Pie
Don't forget some kind of Roll or Bread



These are taken from some our favorite Holiday dinner choices...Each year we have our staple dishes but then we add something new to the menu or add a dish we haven't made in a while. Give them a Try!!

A Perfect Stress Free- Thanksgiving

Are you hosting Thanksgiving at your house this year?

Here are some tips to help you out as you plan for Thanksgiving Day:

This year, for the first time ever, my husband and I are hosting Thanksgiving at our place. I am going to try to take the necessary steps in planning to make sure it all goes off without a hitch. (I will update you on how that goes when we all come back from Thanksgiving.)  Below are some tips on how you can host Thanksgiving Day with ease.

Shopping
At least a few weeks in advance, unlike me (deciding just last night) who is making what, what the menu will be, and what groceries you will need. Then compile a master shopping list that you can add to as new dishes pop up or you discover a great recipe that calls for specific ingredient.

Cooking
  Thanksgiving happens to bring out the cook in everyone so let your guest bring a dish if they insist! Let people sign up for sides and desserts to help take some of the weight off your shoulders. That said, be prepared to have enough food in case someone backs out at the last minute.Cook or prepare as much in advance. Then on Thanksgiving morning you can start placing your food in the oven to cook. It will be a lot less stressful if you do this!

Setting the Table
It seems simple enough, but if you plan on having a beautiful festive table, be sure to lay everything out the night before.Wednesday arrange all your seating, tablecloths, fold napkins, and make place cards. Be sure to have extra serving spoons for the dishes your guests are planning to bring. Even if you are keeping things simple, setting the table is one less thing you have to do the day of  if you set it the night before.

Getting Ready
The day before, double check that you have everything you may need. Be sure that there are enough hand towels and toilet paper in the bathroom, and ice in the freezer.  If you start with a glistening clean kitchen it will be easier to keep it that way as the cooking festivities ensue. Schedule in some time about an hour before guests arrive to get yourself ready. Waiting until that last fifteen minutes to tear off your apron and slap on some lipstick will only make you more frazzled.  The beauty of having a prep list is when someone asks to help you, can have them read the list and see what needs to be done.

Last but not least, just because you are the host doesn’t mean you cannot have a good time. Thanksgiving is a great Holiday in that the goal is simply to be together. No one will remember a dry turkey or a soggy pie crust. A host who is calm and happy will make everyone feel at home!

So enjoy the day and the time with family and friends!

Pear, Prosciutto and Hazlenut Stuffing

Pear, Prosciutto and Hazelnut Stuffing

 

*ThankFul For*

Thankful For: My husband having a job

I am so thankful today that my husband has a job. Well let me repeat that--I am thankful everyday that my husband has a job. He has been very blessed thus far and I pray that God continues to bless him with this job. Back in January my husbands company put a hold on raises and promotions. They unfortunately have had a few layoffs this past year unexpectedly and it is so sad to hear.  It just makes me realize how blessed we are right now for him to have his job.

I know some of you out their are without a job right now, or maybe your spouse is. I know that it can be tough, but hang in their.

We will go through difficult seasons in our life but remember that God will not give us more then we can handle. He wants us to cling to Him and His word and rely on Him. When we put 100% of our faith in Him it is amazing to see how He blesses us!
 

Kids Night Out or Kids Eat Free- Jacksonville Locations

 Kids Eat Free- This is a post on all the places you can take your kids to get a free meal. There are days and time restrictions.. so please read all the details.

You can also check this site out at :http://jax4kids.com/

 The JW Tumbles is actually a Kids night Out! Where you can take your kids and drop them off and have a date with your spouse or go Christmas Shopping, etc. So Check it out! 

Since this is a long post I need you to click on
( Please Click to Read More) to read the rest of it....Thanks

JW Tumbles- Jacksonville, FL

Kids Night Out-November 20th
You leave the kiddos

6:00pm-9:00pm.
Special Games, Art and Crafts, Pizza and a Movie
Ages 2-9 are welcome (call to reserve a spot) 904-886-8323

1st child- $20 member/ $28 non member
2nd child- $15 member/$18 non member


For questions or more details check this site out!

JW tumbles

Pineapple Cheese Ball

 I know this sounds weird to add pineapple to a cheese ball but you have to give it a try. It is really tasty and my family members love it!

Pineapple Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green bell pepper, or mixture of green and red bell pepper( if you don't like bell peppers then just leave it out of the recipe. I usually do)
  
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt, or to taste( I don't use alot of salt in my food. So try it as you add)
  
• 2 cups chopped pecans, divided

Preparation:

Directions for pineapple cheese ball.
Combine cream cheese, drained crushed pineapple, chopped bell pepper, chopped green onion, seasoned salt, and 1 cup chopped pecans. Chill in refrigerator until firm then shape into a ball. Just before serving roll pineapple cheese ball in remaining cup of pecans. Serve pineapple cheese ball with assorted crackers. Pineapple cheese ball makes about 3 cups of cheese spread.

Serve with your choice of crackers.

*Thankful For*

*Thankful For*

                  I asked Ethan today what he was thankful for and he said," For my Books." This child loves to read.... What a blessing...

I am thankful that he loves to be read too!

I think it is so important for children to be read too and learn how to read for themselves. I found these 5 reasons as to why your children should read... I think they are so true...

1. Books help children develop vital language skills.
2. Reading can open up new worlds and enrich children's lives and imagination 
3. Reading can enhance children's social skills. 
4. Reading can improve hand-eye coordination. 
5. Reading can provide children with plenty of good, clean fun!
   

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

 Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Icing

Fall crafts for your children

Fall Crafts for your children

This can be a fun way to for your children to have craft time for the fall.

  Post includes:

(Pictures and Directions for each Craft included)

• Easy Fall Pudding-that your children can make(if old enough) 
  
• Pumpkin Seed Pumpkin
• Fall Chalkboard
  
• Tissue Paper Fall Leaf
  
• Button Indian Corn
  

{Good Morning Mondays}

Good Morning Monday

So we have a few announcements:

1. There will be a giveaway this week.. Stay posted for it!

2. So since we are just one full week away from Thanksgiving I thought I would share with you a new fall recipes each day.

These will be recipes from my recipe book or family recipes that were past down to me.

Some days I might share an entire meal idea with recipes included or just simply a side dish, main dish, or dessert.

Maybe You Have a Question for a Recipe that You Saw Somewhere and want to Make?

If you are wanting to make a dish, or dessert this year but you have a question about how to do a specific thing (or maybe what something means in the recipe) then E-mail me or post a comment and I will be happy to answer any of your questions....I can also post a Poll on if this particular dish and see if it would be a hit or not!

3.Don't forget: We only have 10 more days until Thanksgiving so drop a comment on something you are *Thankful For* if you haven't already done it!!

4. Last but not Least- the week of Thanksgiving Mommy Buzz will be taking a blogging vacation. That means that their will only be a Monday and Tuesday post. Mommy Buzz postings will pick back up on Monday November 30th.

Have a Great Week!

*Thankful For: Our Freedom in this Country*

*Thankful For*

As we are nearing Thanksgiving I thought I would write a post on being thankful for: Our Freedom in this Country

As Americans we take for-granted what we have on a day to day basis. As I think about the men and women serving our country my heart goes out to them and their families.

I recently joined a MOPS group here in the Savannah-Richmond Hill Area. I am beginning to realize that alot of the women who are joining the group are Military wives. They are wanting someone to connect with, to talk to, to share with what is going on in their lives, to go and have play dates with, to have someone else besides themselves and their children to talk to because many of their husbands are deployed.

Many of them will be having Thanksgiving without their spouse..So be thankful for the poeple you do have around you to celebrate the holidays with.

If it wasn't for the many women and men who have served this county, risking their lives day after day, decade after decade, century after century, then we would not have the freedom we have today.

Just think about this:

We can walk around in public singing songs with Jesus in it to our children; We can pray at a restaurant before we eat our meal; We can read our bible on our break at work or in between classes at school; We can talk openly about so many things that other countries don't have the freedom to do.

So I think we should be very thankful for our freedom!

"Don't make me count to Three" Chapters 3-4

 Chapter 3-4 Overview

Basically for those of you just joining in on these Book Overviews, what we are doing is going through "Parenting in the Pew" and "Don't make me count to Three." I give you a week or two to read through some chapters and then I give a brief (well sometimes) overview of the book.. I highlight what I think stood out in that chapter and then I post it for you all to read. So join in with us!  

Chapter 3-4

Drawing issues out from the Heart

We should seek to understand what is in the heart of our children as well as show them how to understand and evaluate what is in their hearts.

When you help your child understand what is in his heart, you are teaching him to evaluate his own motives, which will help to equip him for his walk with Christ as he grows into an adult. And as we saw in Proverbs 31, "such a child will grow up and call his mother blessed."

• God has given us His Word and He expects us to use it in training our children. 

When issues are not directly addressed in the Bible, He has given us open communication with Him through prayers. He tell us in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

 1 Corinthians says, "Love is not rude"

Your first objection in correction must be not to tell your child how you feel about what they have done or said but to draw out the cause of the behavior.

Draw out the attitude of the heart by asking heart-related questions. You must help them in order to understand what is going on inside them. So look at the world through their eyes.

So we all know that when we figure something else out on our own we are more likely to remember it. So when your child learns how to recognize what is in his own heart, he is more likely to demonstrate godly responses on his own. in doing this he is growing in wisdom.

Here are some questions you can ask to get to the heart of the problem:

• What were you feeling when you hit your sister?
• What did you sister do to make you mad?
• Did hitting her seem to make things better or worse between you two?
• What was the problem with what she was doing to you?

Gods Word is profitable and beneficial for all ages. God's word NEVER changes...

So in all conflicts we should begin our training by seeking to understand the nature of the internal conflict that is expressed in the outward behaviour. For probing their heart, teaching them how to think like christians, and helping them discern the matters of their hearts, there are three issues to walk then through:

1.What was the nature of the temptation?

2.How did he respond to the temptation?

3.What other ways could have been responded that would have been better?

So encourage yourself to pull out what is in the heart of your child, work through how your child can replace what is wrong witht what is right, and then have your hild put what he has learned into practice. That is how to train them in righteousness.

Remember this is a process, and will not happen over night.

"Don't make me count to three": A moms look at heart-oriented discipline

by:Ginger Plowman

"Parenting in the Pew" Chapters 3-4

(Chapter 3-4 Overview)

Basically for those of you just joining in on these Book Overviews, what we are doing is going through "Parenting in the Pew" and "Don't make me count to Three." I give you a week or two to read through some chapters and then I give a brief (well sometimes) overview of the book.. I highlight what I think stood out in that chapter and then I post it for you all to read. So join in with us! 

Chapter 3

God delights in children, in their expectancy, in their vulnerability and ability to believe. These are gifts of grace that children bring to a church family. Parenting in the pew encourages children to participate in the life of a church, to share these gifts of unfettered faith and expectation. Children can enhance the worship of God for the whole congregation.

Children Believe:

Children are a symbol of the kingdom, indeed the "greatest" in the kingdom. (Matthew records, At the time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And He said: " I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me." Matthew 18:1-5)

We need children in our churches. They can remind us vividly what it means to be great believers. Young children have the capacity to accept as truth what is told to them by adults. Even at fairly early ages they can learn to tell the difference between the imaginary and the real if this distinction is made by trusted adults. But children delight in believing what adults find difficult to swallow. The ideas of faith we share need careful telling.

• Children are willing to believe, and this mans that their hearts have great capacity for worship
• Parents are the best people to teach their children what it means to worship God. 
  
• Children help us to pay attentions to what God is really saying.... 
  
  
  
  
  Chapter 4
  
  
  
  • Sunday Morning should be a time of joyous expectation for a family who loves the Lord. But too often it is a morning riddles with strife and filled with regret. 

  There is a way to turn the hearts of our children to worship and take the worry and worn out from the Sunday-Morning agenda. The key lies in another, better "w" word:work.
  
  Worship is work, hard work. It is also rewarding work. To worship the Lord "in spirit and in truth" does not come easily, and it certainly does not come naturally to us. It is difficult to worship on the leftover energy of a long week and a late Saturday. The Sunday morning encounter with God is worthy of our best energy, not our least.
  
  
  
  Note: Worship should not just be on Sunday Morning. This book refers to Sunday Momrning alot but every time we step foot in Gods house for church we should be ready to worship.
  
  • Worship is loving the Lord with an attitude. (a good attitude.)

  Parenting in the Pew comes with an attitude check.
  
  • Teaching our children to worship, is a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving that God rejoices to receive.
  • Teaching our children to tithe can help develop a generous attitude about giving praise, time, goods and blessing to God. 

  
  
  • Children need to sense our excitement about worship with God's people.  
  • Keeping Sunday simple can help keep Sunday special for God.

  
  God is worthy of our worship. The call to worship centers on the One who calls us. This call is not a friendly suggestion but a loving command.
  God sees us. He sees our posture, our faces, our antics, and he knows our hearts and minds.
  Well so does our children. Lead in good example!
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Parenting in the Pew: Guiding your children into the joy of worship
  
  by: Robbie Castleman
  
  Forward by: Ruth Bell Graham
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

*Thankful For: My Husband*

So I realized last night as I was vegging on the couch that I forgot to write a *Thankful For* for the day... So I thought, "I will just post one first thing in the morning"-- well little did I know the following would occur...

First off-- I woke up late due to not sleeping great last night -- and then--my child woke up crying because he thought I left him in bed and only got his brother up-- and then--my computer and Internet wouldn't work.... So all around this morning didn't go as I had planned.. (Wow, that was a long sentence)

So needless to say, I have my little one down and the other one playing, while I catch up on e-mails, the blog, and my cup of coffee (which I don't normally drink.)

I am finally getting to the *Thankful For* Part:

I am thankful for my husband

9 Medicines you should not give your child/infant

 What is in this post:

• A Real Quick Story: Don't give your child ibuprofen if you suspect your child to have a virus...
  

•  9 Medicines you shouldn't give your child/infant

Tres Leche Cake

 Tres Leche Cake

Ingredient:

1 Betty Crocker Super Moist Vanilla Cake mix (or) Yellow Cake mix

1 1/4 cup water

1 Tbsp Vegetable oil

2 tsp vanilla

4 eggs

Topping:

1 Can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup whipping cream

1 can evaporated milk (or whole milk)

Frost with whipped fluffy white frosting

Directions

Mix in bowl:

 1 box Betty Crocker SuperMoist vanilla

cake mix ;1 ¼ c. water; 1 TBS vegetable oil ;2 tsp. vanilla;4 
eggs.

Heat oven to 350. Grease or spray bottom and sides of 9x 13" 
pan. In large bowl, beat these ingredients with electric mixer on low 
speed 30 seconds and then at medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into 
pan. Bake 30-35 minutes until toothpick comes out clean. Let stand 
just 5 minutes.

Topping directions:

During this time, into a small bowl, whisk together: 1 
can sweetened condensed milk; 1 Cup of whipping cream; 1 Cup of 
evaporated milk (or whole milk). Prick cake every ½ inch with long-
tined fork - carefully. Pour the milk mixture over hot cake slowly, 
allowing for it to soak into the cake. If it puddles in the corners, 
spoon back into the cake. . Cover and refrigerate at least an hour 
before frosting and serving.

Frost with Whipped fluffy white frosting.

Calories: 410 for 1/15 of cake.  Recipe actually calls 
for yellow cake. Might be good with chocolate frosting or coconut milk 
and shredded coconut in frosting. EASY AND YUMMY!!!

*Thankful For*

Today I am Thankful for: My Sister

My sweet sister, her husband, and two boys just left from spending the weekend with us in Savannah. We had a wonderful time gallivanting around going simply wherever we wanted.We wished that they could stay longer but are grateful for the time we had with them.

For those of you who know my sister you know that she is the kindest most giving person. She has a huge heart and loves to make you happy. She loves the Lord and is faithfully following him. I am thankful for a sister who I can talk with, laugh with, cry with, make memories with, and who knows me on my very best and very worst of days.

You know--It is amazing the difference that just a few years can make. Looking back we weren't the closest growing up but as we grew older and started our own families we realized that we had more in common then we thought.  We enjoy doing anything together and could sit for hours talking  about everything under the sun!  She won't judge me, or make hurtful comments behind my back.  You know-- having a sister is like having a best friend that you can't get rid of, because whatever I do, she will still be there. I love her for that!

So today I was reminded as my sister and her family drove off how sweet it is to have such a wonderful sister.

To my sister,
"Thank you for being such a wonderful sister to me. I can not even begin to find the words to describe how I appreciate  you and love you. You are an amazing mommy, sister, wive and friend.   I Love You!"

I thought that I would compile a list of quotes that I really like about sisters.  Some of them express my thoughts of having a sister....

She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities.  She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway.  She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark.  She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink.  Some days, she's the reason you wish you were an only child.

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.

You can kid the world.  But not your sister.

Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.

If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's wearing your best sweater. ( I liked this b.c it reminded me of when all my sisters and I lived at home)

Sisters don't need words.  They have perfected a language of snarls and smiles and frowns and winks - expressions of shocked surprise and incredulity and disbelief.  Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs - that can undermine any tale you're telling.   

What boot are you?

So I thought this would be interesting to do on the blog... We will see what you all think...

So as I was reading the Ladies Home Journal I saw an article on the 10 boots to have for this season. So I decided to post the name and picture of each boot and see which boot you would pick? I personally don't know anyone who would where some of them but I would be interested in seeing what you think...

So My Question To You Is--What Boot Are You?

Boot #1

Black High Heeled

  Boot #2

Brown Flat Boot

Boot #3

Black Heeled Bootie

Boot #4

Classic Flat Boot

Boot #5

Riding Boot

Boot #6

Zipper Detail Boot

Boot #7

Ankle Boot

Boot #8

Over the Knee Flats

Boot #9

Scrunched Ankle Boot

Boot #10

Grey Heeled Boot

Or are you #11

None of the boots.

I know I would be #11. I like a black or brown knee high heeled boot with skinny heels.. So they didn't have my pick.

So just click on comment and tell us what your choice would be! 

*Thankful For*

Today I asked Ethan what he was thankful for and he said, "My baby brother."

He adores him so much. It is the sweetest thing you could possibly imagine.

I am so thankful that the Lord has blessed us with such sweet little boys. Ethan loves Tucker so much.Ethan has recently started telling Tucker, "Tucker, you know better...You don't do that... Momma doesn't want it that way..." I just listen to him and laugh because I think it is so adorable.

Oh, the minds of our children...If we could just for a minute be in there mind thinking what they are thinking--they have this constantly churning mind--full of questions and so curious.

Thank you Lord for my two sweet little boys!

{Good Morning Mondays}

{Good Morning Monday}

Welcome to Mommy Buzz on this Monday Morning. I want to thank you for stopping by and checking it out!
As you can see there is lots to read and more to come-- I am always updating, adding, and creating new things that would be of interest to you--I hope...
If you don't see a topic that is of interest to you or would like something discussed on the blog, then comment or e-mail me and I will be happy to work on getting that posted.

For the Month of November you will notice that each day I will list a "Thankful For"Post. I have asked that you join in and let us know what you are thankful for.

We also have a photography guest writer who will bringing us tips, ideas, and ways to help better us with the camera about every couples of weeks.

Also this week, I will be posting --my overview (from chapters 3-4)--of the 3 books that I recommended for you to read along with me.

I am also in the process of getting other guest writers for specific topics to write in as well as another giveaway coming soon.  So as you can see I have more to come so check back for updates!


Thanks again for checking Mommy Buzz out!

Family Tradition

{Share with me your Family Tradition}

As I was thinking about what I could write on today I started to think about family. So I decided it might be interesting to have a discussion on Family Tradition.

I am always interested in what other families do together during holidays, vacations, quick get-aways,etc.  You might even have a favorite food that you fix for a birthday every year that you would like to share...

So I am going to ask you all to get involved in this post:

Share with me your Favorite Family Traditions

Just post a comment to start the discussion.

*Thankful For: God's Merciful Grace*

This Morning was Gus' morning to answer what he was thankful for, here is his response:

I am thankful for... 

unmerited favor and grace from a merciful God and Father, Jesus Christ our Savior, and Holy Spirit.  without the plan of God, work of Christ fulfilling the plan, and the presence of the Holy Spirit with us, where would we be?  Apart from this work, we are nothing and deserve eternal death. Man is in complete ruin and sin.  God's plan, revealed in the Bible, is to bring us to Him again.  Thanks be to God our Father, Christ our Saviour,  and the Holy Spirit of Promise; for without the executed finished work, we die in our trespasses and sins.

Thank you dear Lord for such a wonderful husband. He has truly been a Godly leader of our home, a wonderful father, and an amazing husband.

Thankful for: Our Safety Today!

Today I am thankful for our safety while on the road today...

I know this may sound really cheesy but let me tell you the story and then maybe it will make more since.

This morning my children and I were on our way to MOPS. I recently joined a MOPS group in Richmond Hill to try and get to know other women while I am up here. So shortly after I pulled out of the gates of our neighborhood there was an accident. A family had gone into the woods and hit a tree. Fire and Rescue had just gotten there and the ambulance shortly arrived. I was waved to pull over til they could clear off the debris and glass off the road. I told Ethan that we needed to pray for the people in the car as well as the other 4 cars that were involved. So we said a prayer and was shortly waved to continue on. Ethan started asking questions and I tried to explain the best I could.

I got up to the next main light and another accident had just happened. I mean--  just happened--no one had even had a chance to get out of the car. As I drove by, I saw the lady, she was an older women of probably 70 or older... I remember her head just hanging as if she had been knocked unconscious...I wanted to help but with two children in my car and with the accident being in the middle of a busy intersection it would have been unsafe for me to help. I am not for sure what the out come was but again I told Ethan we needed to pray. At this point Ethan was so concerned for all the people involved in both accidents. He has been talking about them all day.

So tonight the people involved in the accidents today are heavy on my heart.  I am thankful that God allowed us to be safe and that we were not involved in either. It was the sweetest thing to hear my 3 year old praying in the back seat of the car for the people involved in the accidents.

So as I said at the beginning I know when you mention safety it sounds a little weird but after seeing 2 today--I am very blessed to be home safe tonight with my children.

Thank you Lord for protecting us today.

Open Light Studio:Top 10 items in Nate's Photo Bag.

So this is a different way for me to post something but I wanted all those of you who love photography to read this post. I find it interesting because I myself  love to know what and why photographers use. I am listing it as a link-- All you have to do is click and it will take you to this post.

Here is the top ten items in Nate Henderson's (with Open Light Studio) photo bag.

Nates Top 10 Items in his photo bag

If you are into photography and want to know what other photographers are using and why... then this will be of interest to you.

"Yummy Bars"

So I have been trying not to put sooo many recipes up. I just can't help it though--- I love sharing it with others---

Last night we had bible study and I made these --yummy bars--yes, that is there name--and they were a hit! Everyone loved them! So I thought I would share with you all.

Yummy Bars

Ingredient:

2 cans Pillsbury Crescent Rolls

2 Packages Cream cheese

1 cup sugar

Topping:

1 stick of butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1. Unroll 1 can of crescent rolls and place on bottom of 9x13 greased pan.

2. Mix cream cheese and sugar-spread on top. I usually heat up the cream cheese a little bit so it is easy to mix.

3. Place 2nd can of crescent rolls on top.

4. Melt Butter and mix with sugar and cinnamon then pour on top (this is the topping mix)

5. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until golden brown and the dough feels done.

Enjoy!

*Thankful For*

Thankful For: My Children

Today I am thankful for my Children. I look at them and know that I am so blessed. God is so wonderful!

As I was thinking about them I was wondering how,we as parents instill an attitude of gratitude into the lives of our children? How do we make children realize that they have much for which they can be thankful? How do we teach them the admonition found in 1 Chronicles 16:34: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever" (NIV)? 

Here are some ways we can do that:

Give Love, Not Just Rewards. 

A thankful attitude is alive in people who appreciate what they have. When parents reward their children for every accomplishment, or bribe their children with monetary rewards for good behavior, those children begin to expect rewards. Rewards should be reserved for special times.Give a "hug" or say "I love you" to show how proud of them you are, or how happy you are for them doing something right.

Give Your Child Responsibility. 

I think that children who are given more responsibility in their own home and for their own possessions take more pride in what they have. In turn, they are more thankful.

Get Involved In Your Community. 

It helps children understand how to appreciate and be thankful for the health of their own lives when they see how sick others are. The holiday season is the perfect time to start a new tradition in your family: get involved in community projects.

Be A Role Model. 

Children imitate us parents, so let your children see a thankful attitude in your own life. 

Make Thankfulness A Year-Round Concept.      

It sometimes seems that we stress thankfulness only during the months of November and December. If thankful attitudes are practiced all year long; however, children will learn that those attitudes should be a way of life. First Thessalonian 5:18 reminds us that we are "to give thanks in all circumstances" (NIV); we are truly supposed to be thankful at all times.  

Be thankful for your children. They are a blessing from the Lord. 

Life after the Honeymoon: Finances

"The Dreaded Budget"

Finances and Life after the Honeymoon

 So you are now back from your honeymoon and have been walking on cloud 9. As you start back in the "real world" as a newly married couple you realize that your life has to come back to reality..

I think this is a great point in your marriage (if you haven't already done this) to get your finances in order and talk about a budgeting plan. You are not at a point where you have made tons of mistakes with your money as a married couple. You now have a chance to create good habits with what is now known as y'all s  money..... "Start off on the right foot" so to say!

3 Simple Ways to Keep You on Track:

Communicate

Plan

Review

Announcing Our First Guest Writer: Open Light Studio:

--I am so excited about this announcement--

I have been in the process of gathering guest writers for Mommy Buzz and I can finally announce that we are going to have Open Light Studios Photography joining us!

Nate and Laura Henderson

It has been wonderful getting to know them and learn from them through a class I took while up while up in Savannah, Ga.

They are a sweet husband-wife photography team serving Savannah, GA/Hilton Head, SC area.

And was recently featured in THE KNOT: Georgia for the November issue.

They have a 2 year old boy named, Boaz,and are happily expecting there next little one in April. 

They will be providing us with great tips and ideas to help you better yourself with the camera and will be more then happy to answer questions that any readers may have. They will be providing these tips and ideas about every couple of weeks.

I have enjoyed learning and better educating myself with photography and I hope that you will enjoy these great pointers, tips and ideas as well.

Please stay tuned for more to come!

Please take some time to checkout there website and see there amazing work for yourself!

Open Light Studio

*Thankful For*

Today was the day I asked Ethan what he was thankful for:

He was thankful for his food.

How simple is the mind of young children?

That they are thankful for the food that they are given.

I know this is very small but it is something that we should all be thankful for!

Thank you Lord for providing for our needs each and everyday!

10 Ways to Save More, Waste Less

We all like to save money, right? Well here is a list of 10 ways to save-- These are not my ideas, however, they are taken from the Arm and Hammer website. They had some great ideas for people with allergies and how to clean those hard stains. Click on them and see what they have to say--

Live the green life! These eco-friendly ideas can also save you time and money:

Now I will tell you it is a ARM and HAMMER tip so they are trying to sell there product but I still think some of them could help you out! 

{Good Morning Mondays}

~Good Morning Mondays~

I know each day has a new morning but is it a "good" morning? Do you wake up thanking God for the health of you and your family? I know as mothers we have mornings that we wake up grumpy, want to go back to sleep instead of getting the kids up, can't wait til nap time, didn't get that cup of coffee, running late for work or an appointment, your kids aren't cooperating, etc. and the list goes on. But do we truly take a step back and thank God for all that we have?

Since it is now the month of November-we will be celebrating Thanksgiving soon. I would like to share with you all something that either my husband, children, or I am thankful for. I will hopefully-time allowing- be able to share something new with you each day.

I would love for you to join in and share with Mommy Buzz what is you are thankful for. Now you do not have to share everyday, unless you want to, but sharing something with us once would be awesome!

I think we take alot for granted and sometimes we look past the simple-est things to be grateful for.

Join Me-- in this month of November-- as we share with each other the things that we are thankful for!

I am thankful today for Ethan's health. This past weekend Ethan jumped out of a chair and we had to visit the ER. It was a quick fix for the Doctor. All Ethan had was Nurse Maids Elbow. Which just means his arm needed to be popped back into place. I am very thankful it wasn't more then that!

Visit Our Family Blog: trip to the ER for the full story!