According to Random.org, the winner of my birthday giveaway is ---- Angel Taylor from Simply Lovely Things! Congrats, Angel! Please contact me with your shipping address so we can mail you your goodies! A hearty Thank You to everyone who entered, and also to the lovely ladies from Momma Rake, Punkin'heads and Doodaloo's, and Little Brown Byrd for contributing such amazing prizes!
I haven't always been an emotional person. Before I had kids, almost nothing made me weepy. Now that I have kids, I find myself teary-eyed all the time. And this week's featured book, The Pine Tree Parable, by Liz Curtis Higgs, definitely brought a tear to my eye.
We're trying to raise our children with an understanding of God and Jesus. And while they seem to have a general idea of God as the Creator and as someone deserving of our praise, it's very hard to explain to children the sacrifice that the Lord made for us. This parable does an excellent job of putting into child-friendly terms just what that sacrifice meant. Each page of the story is beautifully illustrated and also contains a bit of scripture at the bottom which mirrors the action taking place in the scene.
Beyond the parable of Christ, this story can stand on its own very well as a simple tale of giving from our plenty to help those in need. This time of year I am in constant wonder that I am surrounded by so much 'stuff' while so many struggle to fill their basic needs. I complain to myself about stepping on our piles of toys, then think of the children in countries all around the world who have no toys at all. This book is a wonderful reminder to us all, young and old, of the great satisfaction that comes from sacrificial giving, even if it is difficult to do. I'm hoping that my children, young as they are, will hear this story and be able to apply it just a little to their lives - even if it only means helping me box up a few of those toys to donate to needy children this Christmas. I hope, too, that you will find this simple story as inspiring as I did.
Want to help a good cause and enter for a chance to win some amazing prizes? Then we have a deal for you! Here's someone to give you the details:
Hi there, folks! My name is Abbie 
from: 
…and I’m so excited that Cat is having me by for a visit to share with you something I’m passionate about, which could benefit you guys in more ways than one. Pinky promise. How so? Well, I’m hosting a huge giveaway/fundraiser to help build a new classroom for a Christian ministry to orphans in Uganda that is home-grown in East Texas where I live. There are FIVE prize packages, chock-full of amazing handmade goodies and gift certificates (Lisa Leonard, anyone?) that you can win just by visiting and leaving me a comment. Here’s just a small taste: 
BUT! If you want extra entries, you can also donate to: 
…using a special button on my blog which will track your entries so we can see how much we raise and who wins! Honestly, folks, these kids are incredibly humble and deserving! (Their idea of a special treat is an apple…I’m not kidding). So, if you want to help us raise the money to build these precious children a new classroom + have the opportunity to be one of 5 lucky folks to win some awesome loot, please come check out The BIG PCM Fundraiser/Giveaway on my blog. No amount is too small, and every dollar you give is matched up to our goal of $5,000 (wow!). Which means, if you give up Starbucks just once, you’ll be donating not $10 but $20 (just kidding…but at least $8, right?) to a truly worthy cause. Hope to see you soon! Thanks again, Cat! You rock, girl
Do you love hand-made ornaments? I know I do! They always seem to make my tree feel just a little more special. Do you make hand-made ornaments? Do you know someone who does? Then join in the swap! Head on over to
to sign up to participate. You can either send an ornament you've made yourself, or purchase a hand-made ornament. Easy peasy. Head on over to read more details and link up. Someone will be receiving one of my Frosty ornaments - will it be you?
It's getting cold out there. We finally broke down and turned our heat on about a week ago. Brrrrr. And when it's cold out, all I want to do is throw on some cozy flannel pajamas and snuggle down under cozy flannel sheets. And where do I go for cozy flannels? Target! I've been a HUGE fan of Nick and Nora flannel pajamas for years now. Not only do they fit me just right (I'm really short, but the pants don't drag), but they are super duper soft and stand up to a lot of washing. I've had other brands of pajamas fall apart on me quickly - the buttons fell off or stopped staying buttoned, the edges frayed, they faded quickly, etc. But all of my Nick and Nora pajamas have held up to constant wear and washing and still look awesome. And they come in so many cute prints! I just bought this pair of pink and blue reindeer pajamas and I also have a pair of purple owl jammies from last season. They have everything from sock monkeys to puppy dogs to playful paisley - something for everyone. They even sell separates and nightgowns for those who aren't a fan of the thick coat-set type. So if you're facing the winter weather and need some new pajamas to get you through, head over to Target and check these out (and don't forget to test out the flannel sheet sets while you're there - holiday prints run around $30 for a King set - amazing!). Stay toa
Today I'm linking up with
Fun and random about me:
1. Have you ever licked the back of a CD to try to get it to work?
Nope. Didn't even know that was a trick. I just wipe them on my shirt or blow on them.
2. What’s the largest age difference between yourself and someone you’ve dated?
2.5 years. But I've only dated one man (who just so happens to be my husband :))
3. Ever been in a car wreck?
Yes and it was terrifying, though I was pretty much unhurt. Destroyed my car, though.
4. Were you popular in high school?
Hahaha that's funny. No way. I was a total 'freak' in jr. high, then had lots of friends in high school, but was certainly still 'uncool.' By college everyone had his or her own niche, but I've never really been the 'popular' type.
5. Have you ever been on a blind date?
Nope - only dated one man and I knew him for 3 years before we started dating.
6. Are looks important?
I believe you should do the best you can with what you've been blessed with
7. Do you have any friends that you’ve known for 10 years or more?
Quite a few. Everyone I knew before I moved to the town I'm in now.
8. By what age would you like to be married?
I was married at 22.
9. Have you ever made a mistake?
Of course. I make many every day. Most people do.
10. Are you a good tipper?
Depends on the service
11. What’s the most you have spent for a haircut?
Not sure - quite a lot - $40+ for a cut, style and blow-out
12. Have you ever had a crush on a teacher?
No, but I had a crush on a doctor once
13. What song do you want played at your funeral?
How Great Thou Art - which was also played at my wedding :)
14. What would your last meal be before getting executed?
Wow - um, it would depend on my mood that day, but probably something involving cheese and chocolate. If I could even bring myself to eat.
15. Beatles or Stones?
Beatles. No contest.
16. Beer, wine or hard liquor?
I don't drink. And if I did, wine is the most gluten-free I guess (I cook with it)
17. Do you have any phobias?
Heights. Like really bad. I get shaky if I'm more than 4-5 feet off the ground.
18. What are your plans for the future?
At the moment, we're hoping to build a house and send all our kids to private school. Those are my main goals for now. Otherwise, just try to recognize my blessings every day and do as much good as I can with the time I've got here on earth :)
Tomorrow is my birthday. I can't believe it's here already. I feel like it was just summer. November is a very busy birthday month for us (mine on the 5th, my sister's on the 23rd, and baby girl's on the 24th- she's a Thanksgiving baby this year!) But I love celebrations, so I think it's wonderful that we get to celebrate three people in our family this month. And to help me celebrate, a couple of very lovely ladies have generously donated some treats for you!! Here's what's up for grabs: From Marissa with Momma RakeThis gorgeous headband! Isn't it sweet? From Mimi Baby BoutiqueOne Bella Bracelet in winner's choice of colors. From Little Brown ByrdThis darling Christmas bitty bot! (can I keep it? please? ;)) And here's Katie from Punkinheads and Doodaloos I am a mom to a 31 month old little girl that is as independent as they come, and a wife to a wonderful hard working husband. I love to cook and craft {in my spare time} and am always on the hunt for something new and interesting to try. I tend to use my blog as an outlet for my mind. I post tutorials, recipes and all the things that happen in our little world. Feel free to stop by I'd love to show you around! I also have a little {emphasis on LITTLE} Etsy shop called Doodaloo's, you can check that out here. Check back often as I am re-stocking for the holiday season! Today I'm thrilled to be able to take part in Cat's birthday bash giveaway. She's a great gal and I hope that her birthday is all she could hope for! One of you lucky ladies has the chance to win my little package: All items are handmade by me! 3 Snowmen gift tags 1 felt rosette hair pin with snowflake 1 black and white hair clip with velvet rosette 1 large white satin rosette with red cotton petals. Mounted on an alligator clip to use in your hair or as a broach All of these items will be available to order through my Etsy shop by the end of the weekend as well. Good luck! ~Katie Woohoo! Thanks, Katie for the adorable items! One winner will receive all these great gifts, plus a special surprise from me! Here are five ways to win: Entry One (Mandatory)Follow Momma Rake's blog via GFC Follow Mimi Baby Boutique's blog via GFCFollow Punkinhead and Doodaloos blog via GFCFollow Stuff I Love via GFC (see right sidebar)Leave one comment telling me you follow all 4 blogs and telling me what has been the best birthday present you've ever received (+1) Entry Two (Optional)Like Momma Rake on FacebookLike Mimi Baby Boutique on FacebookLike Punkinheads and Doodaloos on FacebookLike Stuff I Love on FacebookLeave a separate comment for each page you like (+4) Entry Three (Optional)Favorite Momma Rake on etsyFavorite Mimi Baby Boutique on etsyFavorite LitFavorite Doodaloos on etsyLeave a separate comment for each shop you favorite (+3) Entry Four (Optional)Facebook about this giveawayTweet about this giveawayBlog about this giveawayLeave a separate comment for each action you do. PLUS receive an extra entry for any referral who mentions your name in an entry comment. Entry Five (Optional)Make a purchase from any shop Leave a comment telling me what you bought and from whom (+5) So many ways to win!!! Giveaway will end Friday, November 11th at noon. Good luck!!
Today, I thought it would be fun to link up with
so you could learn a little about the writer of this blog. Here are this week's questions:
This Weeks Questions:
1. What cell phone do you have?
It's an LG Cosmos Touch. No, it's not a smartphone so I can't install those fun little apps. And no, I will never ever get used to the touch-screen thing. Sorry for all of you whom I've pockt-dialed.
2. What is your area code?
It's a KS #, let's just leave it at that :)
3. What is one word you are uncomfortable with saying and/or hearing?
Unless it's referring to a cake (and even then, really), I just don't like the word 'moist' - it irritates me.
4. What is the time and temperature of where you are at right now?
Um - 1:26 (or so) and too-stinkin'-cold (esp with these KS winds!)
5. First word that comes to mind when you hear the word “Winter”.
Snow
6. Do you plan your meals or just eat whatever, whenever?
Oh I plan! I'm even in the process of making myself a really pretty painted wall decoration with a verse on it, then a white-board grid where I can write out each meal for each day of the week and that day's chores. I am SO excited. That's not to say I don't still mix it up and sub in and out a bit, but I need to know what I'm cooking so I know how to shop - and when I'm really having a good week, I'll plan meals around what's on sale at the store (or what's in the freezer). Otherwise, I spend way too much money (and too many calories) on Panda Express :p
7. What was one movie you saw recently where everyone said it was good but you thought otherwise?
Wow, I'm really not sure. We don't watch very many movies, really. We're mostly a 'watch some ancient tv show on Netflix while we work out at night' kinda couple.
8. Three words that would describe your mood today?
Tired. Grateful. Busy!
9. What room of the house do you usually use your computer in?
We keep the laptop on a shelf next to the kitchen most of the time - we have a very open floorplan so it's super accessible there. I tend to bring it down to our bedroom at night, though, so I can wake up slowly while checking my email in the morning.
10. Name one thing on your mind right now.
Just one? I'm currently rattling off the long list of other things I need to be doing during naptime (emails, laundry, working out, making some jewelry for the shop, cleaning something, thawing chicken, coming up with an afternoon craft for the kids) in my head while I type :S
And on that note - I'm off!
My kids don't love to eat. But they will gobble down pizza because they know it's supposed to be 'junk' food. We filled this one with protein and veggies so we don't have to feel too guilty about feeding it to them.
Garlic Chicken Pizza
1 16" pizza crust (store bought or home made)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped or shredded
4 tbsp ranch dressing
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp garlic powder
8 green onions, minced
5 roma tomatoes, diced
2-3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Prepare pizza crust. If making dough from scratch, spread on cornmeal dusted pizza pan, drizzle with olive oil and bake at 400 for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine chicken, ranch dressing and garlic. Let stand. When crust is finished baking, sprinkle with the garlic powder, green onions and tomatoes. Top with chicken mixture and spread evenly. Spread thickly with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
So I hear that some of you have had a little snow lately! We haven't yet (though I hear it could happen tonight), but we're sure ready for winter. We've been reading all kinds of Christmas books lately and the kids are SO excited. Our pick for book of the week this week is Snowmen At Night by Caralyn Buehner.
If your kids are anything like mine, they may tend to personify inanimate objects. My kids get distressed when stuffed animals get 'injured' and they worry about whether their toys need a bath. So I can only imagine what might happen when children like this see a snowman melting. Well, Snowmen At Night helps take the sting out of watching an icy friend slowly melt away. Through lively, colorful pictures and clever wording, this book describes all the exciting winter activities in which snowmen partake that leave them just a little rough around the edges come morning. My kids loved the idea that snowmen can be so much fun - and they enjoyed the sampling of winter activities that await them as well.
We give this book a hearty thumbs up and hope that you, too, will enjoy some cozy reading time snuggled under a nice soft blanket this winter!
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