Blessed with Full hands: July 2009

Way to Go, Mom!

Here are my small successes for the week:

1. My hubby surprised me with a gym membership two weeks ago and this was the first full week I was actually home to use it. So, every morning this week, I got up EARLY and went to workout. I was home and showered before the boys woke up. Wow, that was nice . . . I see a new pattern emerging . . .

2. It was cloudy all day yesterday and was supposed to rain, so I had planned to take the boys to the free movie in our town. Well, I guess every day care and summer school program had that idea too (and a lot of other moms), because when we got there it was FULL. So, we came home, made popcorn and watched a movie together!

3. I cleaned our infamous back room . . . please tell me that everyone has a room that is messy 90% of the time . . .

Jul

Our trip to Buffalo

Last week the boys and I travelled to Buffalo to visit Grandma and Grandpa. Well, the purpose of the trip was to take our dog Cooper up so that he could go to his new home. Since I was travelling by myself with the boys, I was not up for a quick trip up and back, so we stayed the whole week.

We left early Monday morning and I planned for the 8 hr car ride. I had snack bags packed and ready to be tossed to the back of the van when necessary.

Jul

Brand of the Free T-shirt Review, Giveaway and coupon code!!

Giveaway is Closed

One of the great things about this journey of searching for products Made in the USA is the experience of finding great little companies that make cool products and getting to share them with you.

One such company is Brand of the Free, maker of organic graphic tees and totes. I stumbled upon them a few months ago and was immediately draw to their designs. I was sold when I found out that their products were eco-friendly and made in the USA.

Jul

Praying for Stellan

Praying hard for this little boy! Click on the button above to read what is going on.

Jul

A New Family Favorite Recipe: Pita Pizzas

Since starting the Transformation challenge, I have been working hard to eat healthy and make meals that the whole family likes too. I have found a recipe for Barbecue Chicken Pita Pizzas and Buffalo Chicken Pita Pizzas. Even the boys LOVE them. The recipe is based on one from Eating for Life.

Jul

Simple Woman's Daybook- The Abridged Version

Today's Daybook is going to be short and sweet. We are travelling to Buffalo to visit Grandma and Grandpa P and to take our dog Cooper to his new home.

I will be gone for a few days, but have some posts scheduled and will check in from Buffalo. Have a blessed week!

Pray for safe travels for us!

For other Daybooks, go here.

Jul

Just Jump

It is truly funny how life works.

Today was the last day of swim lessons. J got to jump off the diving board today. I was poised with my camera to take a shot by shot view of him jumping into the water. Well, the whole process took quite a while. After I got home and looked at the photos, I realized there was a lesson in it for me too!

Just Jump

How many times in life does God ask us to try something new, something unexpected? We say, OK Lord, I will "jump".

Jul

Way to Go, Mom!

Here are my small successes for the week:

1. Can I count getting my kids to swim and tennis lessons everyday this week as a success? Please say, yes!

2. I am still managing to keep on track with my exercise and eating program. I feel great and have lost weight. I have decided though, I may throw out the scale . . . it gets discouraging to see that numbers fluctuate so much.

Jul

Wordless Wednesday - The Pool Boys

Jul

Born in the USA, Baby!: Planet Wise Wet Bag Review and Giveaway

I have been cloth diapering for three years now and I love it. I have not always loved using cloth diapers and, to be honest, I almost gave up. About a year and a half ago, I realized two things:

(1) I had to keep on trying different diapers until I found the ones that worked for both me and my boys. As much as others could make recommendations, I needed to find what I liked best.

(2) Cloth Diaper accessories are essential. For me this included two things.