Snakes and snails and candle pears

I bought a shadow box at The Salvation Army the other day. They have a new Target section, which is a room in the back filled with discontinued or damaged Target merchandise. I LOVE IT! I got the shadow box for $4 and they had a ton more. I should have bought more. Anyway, I used the shadow box frame and a few plastic "creepy crawlers" to make a cute little wall art project for the Scientist last night. It turned out so cute!



I just painted the back board grey, glued on the bugs (which are only a small portion of the critters the kids got trick or treating) and made little scientific name tags on the printer and glued those in place. SO EASY! I used silly names rather than real scientific names, which include things like Smurfity Coilus (blue snake) and Nosferatu for the bat. :)



I know this picture is not the best (so hard to photo the kids rooms with the window there) but I thought my little minpin Wednesday looked so cute posing there.


She's been sick lately, poor girl. I bought a can of Gravy Train food at the Dollar Tree because... well because I remembered the commercial from when I was a kid and impulse bought it and now my poor puppy is paying the price :(

Speaking of eating until you are sick, Katie sent me a present loaded with candy and a pear candle! It looks so good in my little autumn display don't ya think?



This is the one and only time it will be lit so I'm glad I got a picture lol. I would have taken a picture of the candy, but if you recall, I segued into this with "Speaking of eating until you are sick..."
Check out Katie and her wonderful quips, and words of wisdom @ Not so Much.

Mean mom

I've been called a mean mom more than once in my life. Doesn't phase me a bit. As a matter of fact I sort of take pride in it because usually when I'm hearing it mumbled under breath, I'm making my kids mind and that's my job! Of course, proud of the title or not, I always give a quick turn, narrow my eyes and look deep into my child's soul and say "What was that?" to which they deny saying anything and quickly do as they are told, only thinking about how evil I am, like good little children should.

It's 2:30 and I'm already drooling over dinner plans. Spaghetti (actually rotini because I have issues with noodles that are not spiraled. I even have to buy the spiraled mac and cheese which is getting hard to find. What's up with that?) Anyway, meat balls, salad, and giant slabs of garlic bread. YUMMY! How does this tie into me being a mean mom? Because no one in this house likes pasta, some actually HATE this meal, (Ms. Thang once got sick after eating spaghetti, and now, almost 2yrs later, she still refuses to eat it) but I'm making it anyway!

Ramblings...

Ok, If you have me as a friend on Facebook then you know I'm supposed to be deep cleaning my son's bedroom and you may be thinking that I am ditching my duties and procrastinating. If that's what you're thinking.. You're right! :P

I have done a lot and needed a break and some fresh air. Oh, you thought fresh air meant outside air? Not when you've been on your knees, waist deep, sorting a 6yr old boy's toys and treasures. ANY air, away from there, is now considered fresh air.

I just sold his train table and accessories in less than 3 hours. I *heart* craigslist. I really do. I was sad to see it go, but the girl that came and picked it up for her son was so cute and excited and sweet.. I feel like it's really going to a good home. I'm feeling particularly attached to toys and their futures thanks to Toy Story 3 LOL..but seriously.

Loving the time change. I still can't believe it's only lunch time right now.

I've really been in the mood to craft, but I feel like I can't do anything until I get the house in "Holiday" mode. I'm not talking about seasonal decorations, I'm talking about everything else.

1. Out with the old and in with the new- Gotta make some room for those shiney new christmas toys!

2. Organization- put everything in it's place, and if it doesnt have a place, buy a storage solution with Christmas money! Last year the kids got a gift card from my dad and then another gift card from my Grandparents. Put it all together and I got this:

Well, I already had the doll-house shelf, but I bought the two flanking shelves and baskets. (I also lined the backs with Dollar Tree wrapping paper.) You might think it's a lame "gift" but the shelves are housing, almost soley, Christmas gifts from last year which I would have had to make room for by weeding out more of what they already had. It also really helps Ms. Thang out because she shares a room with Cutecumber and all these toys would have been cluttering their small room. Oddly Ms. Thang complains though, because SHE doesn't get to keep anything in the play room like the other two. Weird child I tell ya...

How did I get this side tracked? A few other holiday "Honey-Dos":

Get the fireplace clean and ready. I really want to spray the inside black with heat resistant paint and get a pretty fireplace screen. (That's another present hint Honey..)

Bring the long sleeves and sweaters to the fronts of the closets and make a mental note of what clothing items the kids need. That helps me with more gift ideas, because yes, I am the kind of mom that wraps up underwear and socks and puts it under the tree and in stockings. I do TRY and package them with something fun though so it takes some of the evil out of the evil genius I am.

Clean out the fridge (need room for that turkey!) I should do a post on how I clean out a fridge, but I haven't decided if I'm too embarrassed about the lack of greens and multitude of soda...

I guess I've wasted enough time. That's all folks!

Etsy

I can literally spend hours (and probably just did) looking at vintage jewelry on Etsy. Oddly, I don't really wear jewelry often. I rarely even wear my wedding ring. I wear things in spurts. Usually if I pick up a simple necklace, I'll wear it until I forget about it. I usually don't change it for weeks, sometimes months, and then I may not wear anything again for a long while. I do tend to wear seasonal or holiday items. I have a really great snowflake pin I wear during the winter season, and a pair of Avon pumpkin earrings that I recently sported while visiting Fiddlesticks Farm. But for special occasions, I love a fun vintage signature piece.

Here are a two that have caught my eye recently and would love to own:

This vintage Peruvian hot air balloon from Freshly Fig brings up colorful feelings of youth, and having a slight phobia of the big balloons themselves, wearing the tiny giant would also put a little *oomph* in my step for attempting to conquer my fears, even if it is in it's miniature form. lol


Freshly Fig also has this little bird piece. It's no secret that I absolutely adore birds, but even someone without a love for the creatures would fall in love with this sweet little necklace. The branch is so dainty and delicate. You'd have no choice but to feel pretty wearing it, and have nothing but good luck from the little hand carved turquoise bird.

Etsy is such a fun place to shop and get ideas. About a month ago I ordered a few things from the site and have been meaning to do a review on one of the items purchased. So while I have your attention...

Athena Creates makes a paper towel alternative called Bird-E Towels and they are fantastic! They come in an array of different colors, and are packaged up like a special little present just for you. I ordered 30 in yellow (pictured), and I love how I can leave them out on the counter and it still matches my decor.


I actually have a peeve with any print on my paper towels. I've yet to see a pretty print and only ever buy white. Sometimes, by accident (sent Honey to the store) I end up with an ugly printed pack and have to hide them inconveniently under the sink. I know, it's almost sick, but I don't have to worry about it with these! I really like them, and although I admit I still have a roll of Viva (all white!) paper towels on my counter, they last a lot longer with the Bird-E towels right there as an alternative. The biggest bonus? Every time you use one, you feel good about saving the earth! My kids feel proud using them too and the Scientist even asked for some for Christmas in blue to keep in his room. lol He may be onto something there. Not only is his room constantly needing "spill" assistance, but the gift idea...yeah, that might be something I'll keep in mind.

ps Gwen, if you are reading... open an Etsy store already! :)

Financial message from God

Yes, really! I got a financial message from God. lol

I think even the thriftiest of thrifies and the richest of the richies have had to re-evaluate their finances recently.

I hate to brag, (ok, ok, I'm just saying that to sound humble) but I'm pretty good with money. For one, I don't care very much about it. I don't need the most expensive frills to feel good, and I actually feel more enjoyment when I spend less for an item than the proverbial Jones. My husband jokingly said "Angel was doing the Dave Ramsey plan before she knew who Dave Ramsey was!" and it's true. I'm blessed with the ability to be logical when it comes to financial planning.

Do I always stick with the plan? Ugh.. you had to ask?

No, I do not. Although I am blessed to know what would be BEST to do with our money and which priorities SHOULD come first, I'm cursed with being a human, and giving in to this stupid thing I refer to as "self". I love to order an over priced pizza a few times a month to avoid cooking, and I won't even go into how many groc. meals I could buy for the same price. I opt to buy decor for my home over new windshield wipers for the van, and ignore a payment on an old medical bill so I can put a little more in savings for a future vacation. I KNOW! But I'm not going to hang my head about it for long before you because guess what? You give into "self" too. We ALL do!

So what exactly is my point here? Sometimes I'm so infatuated with self, and her ability to rationalize bad decisions that I don't even know I'm doing anything wrong.( IE: But the vase was only $3 and the wiper blades can wait cause it probably won't even rain until next pay day )
I've tuned out "conscience" (which I believe = Holy Spirit) and let "self" (whom has proven many times in the past to be A LIAR) take the best seat in the house of my mind! This realization happened to me the other day as I read a piece in Amy's blog. Imagine me, reading along happily until...

"...I started out wanting to write about a financial journey it has become necessary for us to begin. I read and read and read about these wonderful women saving money, (me too!) cooking from scratch, (how do they do it?) garage sale shopping, (this is my speciality) and overall being good stewards of what God has blessed them with and respecting their husbands by not wasting the money they work so hard to earn..." (wait..what did she just say?)

"...being good stewards of what God has blessed them with and respecting their husbands by not wasting the money they work so hard to earn." (yeah, that's what I thought she said)

THE GUILT! As a SAHM, this really rings true for me, and I've never thought of it that way before. Suddenly I realized my excessive pizza ordering, ignoring bills, etc.. wasn't just fun little extra rewards for being thrifty in other areas (which is what "self" had been telling me. I told you she was a liar) but instead, I was wasting the rewards of my husbands hard work. I miss him so much. The thought that I am missing him for so many hours so we can eat pizza 3 times a month suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks. "Self" can cover my eyes, but can't cover God's, and he was watching me the whole time.
EMBARRASSING!
But, then I realized he was helping me. Through Amy he highlighted something I needed to read. Something to help me change.
Now, don't get me wrong! We all need a little reward, day off, easy meal from time to time but I was doing it in excess to the point it was wasteful and wrong. So thank you Amy for your post and inspiration, and thank you God for your guidance. Message received. I hope to be a better steward to you and a more respectful wife. I can do so much better. Amen!

Cutecumber the Terrible.

I'm in desperate need of a vacation away from my children, namely my youngest.

Cutecumber is in the full throws of her terrible-twos stage. While I clean up one horrible disaster, she creates another. This is a daily occurrence and I'm having trouble staying on top of it because I'm a little under the weather lately and constantly a few hours behind in sleep

Just a few recent examples of this double disaster in action:

*She squeezes lotion onto the kitchen tile, which I find out by sliding across the floor and catching myself with an elbow to the center island. Asking me if she looks "piddy" (pretty) with her yummy cotton candy lotion coating her from head to toe, it was hard to be angry. That is, until I turn to get towels and she pulls a glass from the counter and shatters it amid the lotion creating one of the top 10 deadliest areas in the world.

*Watching TV alone around 10pm last night I hear a crash in my bathroom. I go running and apparently my two yr old can now open her bedroom door. She came running covered in blood-red "something" spattered across her legs and feet. It was frightening for a few moments until the smell of fingernail polish hit me because I was unsure if it was actually blood. It was still questionable after discovering the bottle had shattered into 4 pieces on the bathroom tile (flinging polish and glass in every direction of course) and she walked all over it with her bare feet. Fortunately, no cuts on her precious tootsies. Unfortunately, I have tiny red foot prints on my carpet, from my master bath to my bedroom door. I have not dealt with those yet, even now after noon the following day. Oh, and this disaster came in two's also. I immediately sat her in the computer chair, checking her feet for cuts and glass, paying no attention to her hands. Long story short, confiscated bubbles, an insane reward from my son's teacher, were soon running through my hair and down the front of my shirt.

and just earlier that day I had to deal with this permanent marker disaster...


where I was still hopeful enough to snap a picture and think I'd look back and laugh.

Now, if you are anything like me, I would look at pictures of marked kids, paint spills and make-up disasters and think, "Where was this mother while these things happened, and why did she have so many dangerous things within a two year old's reach?" especially before children, because back then I was a perfect mother. But to those of you wondering, as many of you with multiple children already know...

IT'S THE FAULT OF MY OTHER CHILDREN!


Mom, I left it out on an accident.
Mom, I forgot to shut the bathroom door.
Mom, I'll watch her while you pee.
Mom, help me with, watch this, where is my, can you please...let me distract you for every second of the day so my younger sister can try and kill us all!

I don't need an actual vacation. At this point, I'd settle for a few hours alone. Long enough that I could take a bath rather than a 5 minute shower where I only wash my hair and hit the important spots, and clean a room without out sacrificing another area to a half supervised toddler, a dinner where I don't get up once until I'm finished, and a few chapters of a book that doesn't rhyme or begin with "once upon a time...".

I just want a few hours to step away and appreciate that I'm busy with life and not alone in silence. A moment to myself to realize my husband still hugs me just as tight whether I've showered in minutes or taken the extra time to shave my legs. Enough time to back away from the edge and realize a messy house is not worth going over the cliff of sanity, when the mess makers are actually the only things that keep me sane and grounded in this world.

Or maybe I just needed a moment to write out my thoughts in a blog while my toddler naps. :)

Trick or Treat!

Is it just me, or is Halloween a dying holiday? Remember when your mom could drop you off at one end of the street and pick you up at the other end and you would already have 1/2 your bucket full? I really had to drive around and find houses that matched my requirement list.

1. Had to be decorated for the holiday
2. Had to have the porch light on

The kids had a really good time. I did too, despite sneezing in between each word of every sentence I said through the night. We actually set out a bit early and made it home in time to pass out candy to our few trick or treaters. Ms. Thang really enjoys that part. She makes me proud too with her exaggerated statements about the kids costumes:

"Wow superman! Let me see your big muscles!" and "AHHH! You are so scary! I don't know if I can get close enough to give you any candy!"

Nice touches that bring big smiles. :)

Anyone get any weird items this year? A friend's children got old beanie babies and other small stuffed animals in their buckets. I think I would have busted out the hand sanitizer and Lysol spray, clouding up the van until everyone of us were coughing and gasping (that is how you know you sprayed enough) and then pitched them into the nearest dumpster. I am so strange about stuff like that. Cause if one of the kids got a homemade caramel apple, I would have been suspicious of poison and razorblades hiding deep within, concluding I better eat it to keep the kids safe lol.


Our strangest "treats" were Little Debbie snacks. Ms. Thang turned around and had a horrified look on her face. I was worried and asked her what they got. She told me about the Little Debbie brownies and I didn't think it was strange enough for such a big reaction but she is a teen and is notorious for having the wrong reactions. I give her a strange look and she says, "It's not the snacks mom!"
"Well, what is it?"
"The scientist!"
"What?"
"He totally just embarrassed me!"
"What did he do?"

Apparently, my son told the lady it was a strange snack, and then proceeded to tell her that her house smelled like dog food.
OH EM GEE!

Ms. Thang's reaction was wrong again and totally understated! I told the scientist to get in the van and explained that it was not nice to say things like that, especially in front of someone that is going out of their way to give you a treat!

"Why? It DID smell like dog food."

"What if that was their dinner you were smelling and you just told her that her delicious dinner, that she worked hard to make for her family, smells like dog food. That would hurt her feelings."

"It wasn't dinner. I KNOW it was dog food."

"Well don't tell people their house smells like dog food even if it does."

"Ok."


..you and I both know this could happen again don't we?

Happy Halloween. :)