Blessed

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

 

This Christmas, may you find the peace that only comes from knowing Jesus.

 

With love,

The Dunnams

Yummy goodness

 

I have a MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) meeting this morning. It's my turn to contribute to the spread of yummy goodness that always awates the moms. I'm taking a Baked Frittata with Artichokes, Sundried Tomatoes and Feta Cheese. It looked festive with the green from the Italian parsley and red from the tomatoes, so I thought it would be perfect for our Christmas meeting. :)



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O Christmas Tree!

Here's our tree this year. It's full of nutcrackers and childlike fun! I would say it's very representative of our family right now. It's also full of our ornaments over the past 21 years of marriage and 10 years of children. I love picking up each one and remembering the story behind it...ornament exchanges with friends, gag gift ornaments, homemade ornaments, pictures, ballerinas, soccer balls and baby's 1st Christmas ornaments. I love putting all of them on the tree. My sweet friend, Shelly, helped me decorate this year. What talent she has! It's fun to let someone else go through your decorations and put their spin on them. She's such a blessing!

 

Merry Christmas!

ET

We had the best family night Saturday evening! Kelvin grilled some veggies and chicken for some bang up good fajitas, and then Cora revealed part of the contents of the first day of our muffin tin Advent calendar. It was a felt cut out of Mary which she placed on our big felt board. We read a short verse about the angel proclaiming to Mary that she would conceive and give birth to God's son. Can you even imagine? I think too often we skim over that scripture without letting it sink in. The girl (probably 12-14) was engaged, and now an angel, of all things, is telling her she is pregnant with the Son of God! I think I need to sit down! My goodness, what faith! And Joseph too! Makes my head spin. After the time of scripture reading, Luke read what the activity was for Day 1, "Family movie night. I see Reeses Pieces in our future!" Some precious friends gave us a the dvd of E.T. Bet you haven't seen that one in a while! Me either. I popped a big o batch of popcorn and during the part of the movie Elliot brings out his Reeses Pieces, we started eating ours too! It was so much fun! E.T. is such a neat movie.

Our scripture time for day 2 was introducing Joseph. The activity behind the number 2 was going to a Christmas parade. Who doesn't love a good parade? Today the scripture time was about Mary and Joseph making the journey to Bethlehem. We added a little "Bethlehem" felt to our board. Our day 3 activity was watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. It never gets old! Day 4 scripture and felt was about there being no room in the inn. Our activity was Cora's Christmas performance (in the dark! The transformer for the church was knocked out during a storm last night. It was sweet!) I love Advent.

What have you been doing to celebrate His birth?

wonder

The fall decorations are boxed and put away until next year. The kids are chomping at the bit to get all things Christmas out and deck the halls. I'm wondering...

 



Renew

A couple of our dear friends celebrated their 10 year wedding anniversary with a big 'o wedding ceremony yesterday to renew their vows. It was so much fun! They had the dress and tux and bridesmaids and groomsmen and dinner and dancing and the whole shabang, baby! We had a grand time. I was a singing bridesmaid, and Kelvin was the most handsome thang you ever did see in his groomsmen threads! He gave a beautiful toast at the reception. We were honored to host their rehearsal dinner Friday night. I'm so thankful for friends who loaned me everything I needed to pull it off without a hitch! We kept it casual with burgers on the grill. We had a hot chocolate station, mainly for the kiddos, and marshmallows at the ready for anyone who wanted to roast one around the fire pit. Target came through with some fabuloso cheesecakes and a chocolate pie. I spray painted some mini pumpkins a creamy color to go on the brown paper-covered tables. Of course there were candles, because every thing is better with candle light. I can't believe I didn't take a single darn picture! You'll just have to use your imagination. :)

This evening we enjoyed some more of the the Target desserts with some more friends around the fire pit. I love stree-free days with good friends, good food and drinks and a good fire. I'm looking forward to the week ahead without school for the kids. We get to enjoy two Thanksgiving dinners this year. YUMMY!

Wishing you and yours a beautiful Thanksgiving. I hope to post more this week, but I don't have a very good track record, so I'm not making any promises. ;)

A gift sweet, salty, sipped

Thankful I am was able to go to Cora's Thanksgiving lunch at school yesterday. She makes me feel so good when she tells me how much she likes it when I'm there. Last week she told me she wished I was a teacher at her school...precious! She has the sweetest little friends. Her best boy buddy is moving in another week. I'm not sure how happy Cora will be that he won't be in her class at school anymore.

 

 

So thankful for sweet friendships. Thankful for the yummy turkey and all the festive food at the Thanksfeast.

 

Thankful for the spur-of-the-moment visit with family at Aunt Terry's store last night and the treats to eat and sip while we shopped.

 

Thankful tomorrow is Saturday! It's been a long week without my one true love. Kelvin returns tomorrow! Yeah!! So thankful for him.

~~The Joy Dare

3 gifts government

3 gifts government...

Thankful for our freedom to vote.

Thankful for Christians in places of leadership within our government.

Thankful for structure...someone to organize road construction, health benefits for special needs children and adults, people who work the polling places, people who serve on juries. Thankful that we have a government of the people, by the people, for the people.



~~The Joy Dare

From my window

Three gifts from my window...

The gorgeous sunshine pouring through the wooden blinds and landing on the hardwood floors on a crisp morning. Thank you for warmth, Lord.

A picture in my kitchen windowsill -- a reminder of a sweet day at the pumpkin patch with my littles...one who is now in Heaven. Thank you for holding me close.

The leaves and acorns falling, and the squirrels scurrying to gather the acorns. Thank you that you provide--for the squirrels and for me.


~~The Joy Dare

3 gifts acorn small

I am so thankful. Our lives are overflowing with blessings. It's good to take time to pause and see them. Three gifts acorn small...

a photographer I am not, but it's still pretty

 

my beautiful wedding ring, hand-picked by the love of my life more than 22 years ago. He did well. This ring is so much more than gold and diamonds...it's love, blood, sweat & tears, smiles, passion, laughs, unimaginable pain, sorrow, joy and even more.

Borlotti (cranberry) beans. I made Fabio's delicioso Pasta e Fagioli Soup (Bean and Pasta Soup) for dinner last night. YUM! Everything in it is little--beans, pasta, chopped carrots, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped fennel--but it packs a BIG punch, and it's great for a fall supper, especially when you have your sweet mama join you. :)

 

 

 

The little green accept call button on my phone. Yesterday a sweet girl from my very favorite store called to let me know I won the drawing for $75 gift card for their store. :) I'm sooo super excited! LOVE that store! I also won the gift card for the same store at bunco the other night, so I am ready to do me some shopping!! Can't wait!

 

I hope you have a wonderful day. Look for the small things...sometimes they are the big things.

Gathered, Given, Good

Today is easy, because the other night my sweet and extremely talented friend invited us for lunch after church today. I asked what I could bring and she suggested dessert. I made a yummy Apple Pound Cake which I topped with caramel. What is not better with a little caramel, huh? I attempted this cake several weeks ago, and I guess I didn't test the doneness good enough, because it went everywhere when I flipped it on the cooling rack. This time was wonderful though. :) She made a pork roast with potatoes and carrots, and it was dEElicious! I am thankful for the time of gathering at my friend's home and the fellowship which ensued. I am thankful the cake came out of the pan whole this time, and I was able to share some with my sweet friend. And I'm thankful too that everything was so good...the food, the kids, and especially the fellowship. God is good.

A month of thankful

I have missed the past couple of days of sharing what I'm thankful for. Actually, I guess it hasn't quite sunken in that it is November...already. I want to join Ann in the Joy Dare.

The first day, Thursday, was 3 gifts eaten...my favorite thing to do! The morning started off with oatmeal on the stove top complete with apples, cinnamon, and walnuts. Thankful for a full belly to start the day. So thankful for Cream Cheese Chicken Chili made in the crock pot, but especially dairy-free cream cheese. :) I love the crunch of the corn with each bite and the creamy goodness swirling around in the bowl. Thankful too for the small chocolate treat after dinner from the kids' trick-or-treat loot.

The second day was 3 gifts worn. I wore a smile as I watched our children play with my friend's kids. They were so cute last night. Thankful for worn-out jeans that fit just right and the way my favorite lip gloss feels on my lips, keeping them from being dried out and chapped.

Today is three gifts that start with N. So thankful for naps the past couple of days, and Cora's long nap today which allowed me to get some work done on her room-to-be. Immensely thankful for my extremely nice mother-in-law who came over to help me with Cora's room-to-be. Thankful for new spaces. I can't wait to finish Cora's room. I'm looking forward to a fresh new color on the walls, baskets for toys, a big girl bed with pretty bed covers, and a space in which she can play and make believe. She is such a delight to listen to. She plays well by herself. It's funny to hear her conversations with her dolls and toys. I love this age.

It doesn't start with N but ends with N. I'm so thankful for our childreN who are excited about the little things, like getting doughnuts for breakfast. I'm thankful they realize it as a treat and don't expect it all the time.

I'm also thankful for filling up my gas tank for under $3/gallon this morning...$2.96, yea baby!

 

I'm super thankful for the extra hour of sleep we get tonight. I better go to bed now so I can benefit! 

Tons of fall fun

We had a jam-packed weekend full of fall fun. The weather cooled off Friday throughout the day, and we've had evenings in the low 40s and highs only in the 70s...what a treat! I had a ball hosting my Bunco group Friday evening. We always have such a good time. I made Creamy Chicken Chili, which was a HUGE hit! It is loads of creamy goodness--great comfort food. I have made it once before in the crockpot, which was fabulous. Whoever invented that thing was brilliant! Unfortunately, I wasn't home long enough Friday to throw everything in the crockpot, but I'm happy to report, you can make it on the stovetop, and it turns out great too!

Saturday was full of soccer, a fall fest and a Halloween party at a dear friend's house. Sunday evening was Trunk or Treat at church. Our "trunk" showed It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and gave out loads of candy...fun times. :) Cora has wanted to dress up as Super Why! from the PBS show for months now. I was excited because I knew I could make the costume easily. Well, when her best buddy heard that news, he no longer wanted to be a fireman or Spiderman. He had to be Super Why! too. I told his mama, "Never fear! Super Mom is here! I will make him a costume too!" I didn't really say that, but I did tell her I would be happy to cut him out a mask and cape and iron on a Super Why! logo to a green t-shirt just like I did for our little super hero! Here they are at the church. It is so hard getting them to stay still for a photo. So glad I got this one.

 

 

Carleigh is dressing up as a cup of Starbucks coffee this year. She has dance class on Wednesdays, and the teacher said they could wear their costumes as long as they could dance in them. So, off to Pinterest I went in search of a costume for her. I found a picture of an adorable girl wearing a Starbucks coffee cup sleeve and lid and thought that would be PERFECT for our girl. When I mentioned the idea to Carleigh, she thought it was pretty great too, so I checked off the box for her costume. A little felt, an iron on Starbucks logo, and some styrofoam, and she was good to go.

 

 

 

Luke is into monsters and creatures. He wanted to watch The Creature from the Black Lagoon the other day. He was pretty disappointed by how cheesy it was. I was surprised myself. But, he did like the whole concept, so I was thrilled when I found the costume at Target the other day.

 

 

 

We're looking forward to more fun this week. Hayride trick or treating...what could be better!? Hope you have a great time this week.

 

Have you heard The Pumpkin Patch Parable? I love the little book by Liz Curtis Higgs. I've shared about it here. Enjoy your day. Please don't forget to say a prayer for those facing the storm on the east coast.

 

 





 

 

 

mmm, mmm, good!

I love food.

Kelvin had dinner with some colleagues yesterday evening, and I am the the lucky one to have a husband who KNOWS me. He brought me some wonderful fare...




Chicken fried oysters from one of my many favorite restaurants,
Branch Water Tavern in Houston.
Oh baby! They are gooood!

 

 

He also brought me this incredible chocolately, toffey, pistachio bit of deliciousness!
This is the last blurry bite.

 

Well, I hope your Friday is as wonderful as mine has been. Oh yeah, it's only 10:45 a.m., but I have already devoured the treats my smokin' hot man brought home for me!



Thankful

Well, shoot! I started this post over a week ago now, and had every intention of completing it and posting it the same day. So much for good intentions. Since I began this post, we've had another lovely weekend I will try to tell you about in different post. No promises. I don't have a very good track record. :/ So to catch you up on things....

We had our first real cool front this weekend before last. It was so nice to have a change of temperature. We spent Friday evening listening to some of our favorite musicians with some of our favorite friends at our favorite chef's restaurant. (To clarify, we have a good friend who is a chef at a restaurant. We don't have a personal chef or numerous chef friends. :)) It was wonderful!

Saturday morning was beautiful for Luke's soccer game. He is such a good little player. It's fun watching him learn and improve. His sweet teacher came to cheer him on with us.

 After the game we packed a bag and headed to the lake. A friend Kelvin works with hosted a fish fry at his lake house. It was lip smackin' goooood! After all the fun of croquet, golfcart rides, and loverly desserts, we headed to another friend's lake house for the night. The air was crisp Saturday night, and it was such a treat to sit bundled in a blanket on the porch and listen to the breeze blow the leaves in the silver leaf maple next door and hear the water moving on the lake. I love the water. I feel such peace when I'm near it. Sunday brought sleeping late, kids playing and fishing, and a loooooong afternoon nap. I'm sorry to say I didn't take a single photo.

Yesterday Monday a week ago, the kids were out of school for Columbus Day. We made a fun craft and fallified the house. They have been begging to get fall decorations out since the beginning of September. :)

 

 

I am so thankful for our children and the fun we're having with them during this phase. I am thankful for the changes in the weather, watching the leaves change color and fall, and soccer games with a cool breeze. I'm thankful for apple pound cake (even if it was a disaster intially) and soup and apple cinnamon pancakes with cinnamon syrup. I'm thankful for a God whose mercies are new every morning and who loves me inspite of myself.

 

What are you thankful for?



All Things Fall

Fall

Sunshine and Crisp Air

Wagon loads full of pumpkins

Apples

Children playing in a big ‘o pile of leaves

flannel and plaid shirts

a warm cozy blanket

light jacket
sweaters
scarves
hats
jeans
boots

Roasted marshmallows when they’re just about to fall off the stick

Blessings

 

Curled up on the couch or in the recliner with a good book on a warm sunny day

pumpkins

Hayrides

hot apple cider, hot tea, & hot chocolate

R

E

L

A

X

I

N

G

BObBiNg for apples, apple pie, cinnamon & apples simmering on the stove top, caramel apples, and apple dumplins

Football

Harvest

Melissa over at The Inspired Room did a post about things she loves about fall and asked everyone to link their list too. I spent WAY too much time the other night creating a really cool word art collage, if that's even what you all it, about fall. (If anyone knows of a program, preferrably free, with which I can create said collage, please do share.)  I tried making my creation into a picture file, but the fonts didn't transfer. I tried cutting and pasting my creation into my blog post, and that didn't work either. I tried a couple of other things, and none of them worked. So, I just made a list. Funny, the only word that the font did paste was "Blessing." I guess I should be more mindful of those, huh? Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done (good old hymn.) I love fall. Would love to read your list too. Have a beautiful day!

Emma's Hugs Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A

**Updated**

Thank you for coming out tonight and supporting Emma's Hugs! There was a packed house tonight. :) 

 

 

Hey y'all! Don't know what to make for dinner tonight? Well, don't make anything! Head over to Chick-fil-A in Baytown and eat some chikin'! We'll be there for Emma's Hugs from 5-8 tonight. Make sure to mention Emma's Hugs when placing your order so we can get 20% of the proceeds. Thanks so much! Have a great day!

Meatless Monday

 

Fall=Soup, right? Yesterday we had an awesome one. It's great if you're doing a meatless Monday...very filling! I love Italian spices and the aroma that fills the house when I cook with garlic. The recipe says cook for an hour or until beans are tender. You'll probably want to give a little more like two hours. Wish I liked to bake bread. It would have been scrumptous with this pasta and bean Italian soup. I love fall! :)

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Happy Fall Y'all!

Don't you just love fall...and winter, and summer, and spring?!? I have said God really knew what He was doing when He made the seasons. He knew we needed change. I LOVE the seasons, and I'm so ready for each one. I really love summer. I love the beach and the pool, and sweaty little heads running in and out of the house, and staying up late and sleeping in. I love the 4th of July, and bike rides, and strawberries and watermelon. Fall is awesome. Even though our leaves don't change all that much, there is still a bit of coolness in the air occasionally. At least it's not 97 degrees with a heat index of 110. The break from the sweltering heat is such a nice change. I love everything associated with fall...pumpkins, apples, scarecrows, hayrides, festivals, jackets, brisk mornings, and cool evenings, soup, and big piles of leaves. Winter is mild where we live, but I love the thought of snow covered earth, of stillness, branches thick with ice, sleigh rides, and snow skiing, hot chocolate or coffee by the fire, more soup, warm ovens and mittens. I love when we do get a cold snap, and our children are bundled in coats and scarves. I love walks in the cold mornings or evenings. I love lights on houses at Christmas time and the hope that comes with the celebration of Jesus' arrival. Spring is beautiful. My eyes always have to adjust to the bright green of the leaves on the trees. Flowers sprouting up from the ground are a reminder of the goodness of God and the gift of salvation we have with Jesus' death and resurrection. I love the pretty colors of spring. I love time spent outside, grilling and enjoying eating on the porch. I love the newness that comes with the season and the urge to clean and make things better. So, I am thankful for the change that comes with each season and the promises He gives. Nicole Nordeman's song, Every Season, is a beautiful reminder of God's glory in Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring.

Have a beautiful week!

Spuds

Wednesdays are our late nights. Carleigh has dance for two hours. Glad we could fill our bellies with these deeelicious Black Bean and Corn Stuffed Potatoes tonight when we got home. :)

They were a hit!

A food photographer I am not, but here they are in all their scrumptiliousness. Yummy and pretty healthy too. :)

There is only a little cheese on top of each spud. They're filled with black beans, corn, potatoes, and salsa...mmm!

What did you have for dinner?

Tea Party

A couple of weeks ago, our sweet friend, Lesley, had a tea party for her little doll's birthday. It was such a good time. The girls and I were invited, and we all got to go. Our other sweet friend, Shelly, took some pictures of all the fun...

In the kitchen

Carleigh found her way to the Food Network online the other day. She asked me if she could cook dinner. I love that. Well, today we finally made it to the store to buy the needed ingredients for her Chicken Zucchini Alfredo. It's probably a good thing we don't have cable or dish or whatever else there is available to watch TV. We have a Wii and Netflix, and we stream Netflix through our Wii to watch TV. It's a good thing we don't have traditional TV, because we would probably watch entirely too much Food Network, HGTV, and cartoons. I miss not watching football. I know we could get an antenna and connect it to our converter box. I've tried, and it just doesn't work very well. Did a mention our TV is pretty old...like real old? We were excited years ago when we bumped up to the 25" because we always had a 21" or 22"!! Our "new" one is probably 15 years old or more. TV is just not a big priority around here. I'm always shocked when we go somewhere or to some one's house and the TV is on. The commercials are quite appalling, and there is really not much on, even with 200 channels!

ANYway, I totally digressed. Carleigh found an awesome recipe online. It was such a special time going to the grocery store with her and letting her pick out the ingredients. I enjoyed our time in the kitchen. Everything was made from scratch. I love that she is excited about cooking. Last night she made cupcakes from scratch. Betty Crocker has her place. We did buy her icing, but there's something very cool about making your own cupcakes and alfredo sauce!

As much as I hate to see them grow up so quickly, I like this phase. She is learning so much and liking some of the same things I like. This summer she and Luke both shot up like rockets.
At 10 years old, Carleigh is 5 feet tall and wears my shoes! (I wear a 6 1/2, but that is beside the point. I didn't wear a 6 1/2 when I was 10!)

We ate dinner alfresco on the porch she arranged for us. She's such a sweet little hostess. :) Everyone loved the dinner, except my little Picky Eunice, Cora. Kelvin and I gave it an enthusiastic two thumbs up!

Recovery

Ugh! I cannot imagine going through the surgery my sister, and many others like her, endured. She had a double mastectomy and complete reconstruction on Tuesday. She was in surgery for nine hours! She wasn't doing so well the first day after surgery...go figure! I don't guess I would be doing very well the day after both my breasts were cut off, my stomach sliced open, muscles and tissue  removed and used to replace the cancer infested breasts, all while recovering from being under anesthesia for nine hours either! Oh boy! But yesterday, Wednesday, I went to visit, and she was much improved. She was just finishing up walking with the physical therapist, a feat which surprised her and me! I am so proud of her. She has a long road ahead of her with recovery and chemo, but she is going to take it one day at a time. That's all anyone can do. It's hard not to worry, but God doesn't want us to waste the energy. He says,

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" Matthew 6:27

I wish I didn't struggle with worry. It is such a waste of energy. I am trying to give my worries to God and not take them back. Thank you for your prayer support for Cindy. She will need it even more in the coming days. Will you pray for her husband, John, and her children, Brett and Julia as well? Thank you so much!

And now for something sweet to brighten your Friday!

getting her toenails painted at the nail salon :)

Please join me

Will you please join me in praying for my younger sister? Please pray for Cindy's comfort, healing, and peace. On Tuesday, September 4, she is undergoing a 10 hour surgery to have a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I know cancer knows no age limit, but she is only 36 years old! Thank you for praying and believing with me that God will heal her.  

 

"For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

Weekly Menu

Updated to add link for Sloppy Joes...

Do you plan your meals for the week? I have been trying to incorporate that habit for a while now. This week, I have not been successful, until today (hopefully.) I knew yesterday was going to be tacos because a month or so ago Carleigh asked if we could start doing Taco Tuesday, and I said, "YES!" But yesterday, soccer practice went very late, I had a meeting, and the power was off when we got home. So, Subway to the rescue! Good thing is, I have everything for dinner tonight...Taco Tuesday on Wednesday. :) In case you're wondering, yes, we paid our light bill. Someone said a tree fell on the power lines. The entire neighborhood was down! Ugh! It was kind of fun though. The kids slept on a pallet in the living room, and we had fans going, which always makes me think of summertime on a screened porch by the lake taking a nap. Not sure if I ever did that or not, but that's what I think about nonetheless.

Anyway, I think the rest of the week will look like this...

Monday grilled cheese sammies -- check

Tuesday Chicken Taco Tuesday Subways -- check

Wednesday Chicken Taco Tuesday

Thursday Not Your Mama's Sloppy Joes

Friday fried fish with potato wedges and side salad (maybe we should just make it a poboy??)

Saturday grilled venison steak and veggies with salad and s'mores (maybe, hopefully??)

Sunday Speedy Paella

One of my new favorite dishes! It's soooo yummy!

First Day of School

"When I grow up I want to be someone who swims with sharks."

"When I grow up I want to be a teacher at SFA."

 "When I grown up I want to be a scarecrow!"

I found this idea on Pinterest, of course! Glad I did. I think these quotes are precious. Hope you and your little ones, or not-so-little ones had a great day at school today! This afternoon my kiddos got a special treat to celebrate their first day of the new school year. It's not every day you start preschool, third grade, and fifth grade for the first time!

 

source

Aren't these adorable!?! I used a clear bag so you could see the Dilly Bar, and each child got one with a note from Mom and Dad inside the card. Have I mentioned I love Pinterest?

 

 

Of course, the sting of not walking Emma to her first grade class did not go unnoticed. Would have been great to buy an extra Dilly Bar for my first grader today. Cora continues to ask when her sister, Emma, is coming home from Heaven. I try to explain to her that her sister isn't coming home but that we will see her again one day. Cora always says, "But I want her to!" To which I reply, "So do I." So do I.

 

Emma at Wee School







Hello Mornings

Monday started my Hello Mornings challenge.



I thought it was a good time to start something new, being the week before school starts for the kiddos and all. The idea behind Hello Mornings is God, Plan, Move. Get up before the kiddos, and spend some time with God, plan your day, and move...as in your body...in some form of exercise. I completely fell off the workout wagon this summer, ate like a horse, and gained 5 pounds!! GRR! I'm totally irritated with myself but inpsired to start fresh. I've managed to get up before the littles the past three days. Didn't manage to fit it in the MOVE portion this morning, so I'm signing off and moving my booty now! Have a good evening!

Hi, my name is Christy...

Hi, my name is Christy Dunnam, and I'm addicted to Pinterest. :) I love looking through all of the boards and repinning so as to remember all of the wonderful ideas...

Like cinnamon rolls in the waffle iron...GENIUS!! The kids loved this yesterday! Of course they couldn't understand why we can't do this EVERY day.

 

I've also found a cool DIY idea for Cora's Halloween costume. She wants to be Super Why (you know, from PBS).

A DIY gift for Carleigh because she LOVES building forts!

And countless dinner ideas like these beauties!

 

The problem is I'm spending WAY too much time in the wonderful world of Pinterest. Guess I'm going to have to take drastic measures and start setting the timer...when it goes off, I shut "X" out.

I have whittled my list of things to do around the house just a tiny bit. It feels good to do even one thing off the list. Hopefully by the end of the week I will have cleared out all of the boxes I packed a couple of years ago when we thought we were moving. I would have just called the Goodwill truck to come pick up all of them, but I really did need some of the serving platters packed away in the kitchen boxes. I also discovered where all of the blankets I've been looking for have been. Well, it's time to start sweating it out in the garage again. Maybe I'll lose a pound or two of the 5 I've gained this summer! I guess that's what happens when you stop exercising and eat without abandon all summer long...GRR! I'm so irritated with myself.

Ta ta for now!

500 and a project

Before I get too far along in this post, I wanted to do a little celebrating of sorts. This is our 500th post! I know it should be a lot more, but hey, let's celebrate the small things. :)

So to celebrate, how about some fro yo! I found some of our favorite yogurt on sale yesterday at my neighborhood Kroger store. (Wish I received compensation for that mention, but I don't.)

Don't ya just love a good deal!?

So, in order not to waste the yogurt and eat it before it expired in the next couple of days, I made some fro yo at home! :) The kids were delighted!

They loved the frozen treat yesterday afternoon, so I made some more this morning. We'll have one of these yummy treats after lunch! Cora just saw the pictures and said, "Ooooh, that looks yummy!" These little frozen treat molds have been the best investment. I don't remember how much they were, but I think I got them on sale at Target last year for pretty cheap. This summer we have made some delicious blueberry pops, watermelon pops, and now, these awesome frozen yogurt pops! YUM-O!

And now, for the reveal of the fantastic-deal-frame I referenced here.

I painted it a pretty shade of blue by mixing some craft paint that came in a big box of crafty stuff from my sweet MIL. Then, I added a back and was going to fill it in with wine corks to make a cool cork board. But, when I painted the backing, it started to peel. So, I punted on that idea, and did this instead...

I had some chalkboard paint from a project I did last year or the year before, so I measured the spot on my pantry door and taped it off with painter's tape. I had to use about 4 coats of chalkboard paint before it covered it really well. I'm sure I probably should have prepped the door somehow before I got started, but I'm not very patient, and I didn't have the time or patience to research it, so 4 coats isn't bad. It dried very quickly.

I plan on adding something else to the bottom of the door and putting something on the back of the door as well. I'll update you when it happens. I've wanted to do an organization station on this pantry door for years. I don't know what took me so long. I'm motivated to do some more things around the house, and I'm hoping to make it reflect a little more of me and our family.

Hope your Wednesday is wonderful!

Hello Sunshine

Good morning everybody! God made you beautiful...

Source: youtube.com via Kat on Pinterest