Thoughts on breakfast

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day". How many times have we heard this? I wonder who we can credit with that little gem...anyway. For me, breakfast is a huge pain! I don't care for eggs, can't eat pork, and really don't care for oatmeal or cream of wheat. To make it easier on ya, I can eat turkey sausage and bacon, and I like grits. There, I'm a picky breakfast gal...sue me. :)

So, we have these chickens...now ya'll know me. I am SOOO not the country girl type (except for the bare feet course!), but MM loves chickens, and we can use them for eggs and meat! Bazinga! So, I cook lots...LOTS of eggs. In the coming days, I'll share some uses for eggs...and some new recipes I try out...even if they fail. Stay tuned!

Disappointment...and tears.

I fully expect to cry a bit as I write this...when I started blogging, it truly was a place for me to "get it all out". Now, i love posting about family, and pictures, and funny stuff that you just *CAN'T* make up...but today won't be the fun stuff...I'm disappointed. My children are still at grandma/tee's house...my baby started walking, took her first steps away from me. She's growing so fast, it's killin me ya'll!

We found this house, all happenstance like, and we fell in love with it. Started fixing ours up to put on the market and everything...today, our Realtor comes for market analysis and says the house was in contract when they discovered a lien on it.

I'm heartbroken guys...my baby is walking without me seeing! The house that would have been perfect is gone...I know how blessed I am...I'm even trusting that the Lord will bring us something MORE perfect. But I refuse to hide the fact that I'm *really* disappointed! *REALLY*

So, Karen, forget all what we planned...we don't need it for now. Maybe one day...but not today. For today, I'm going to focus on being thankful for the house we have, which might be a little tight, but we love our house. and I'll just know that for a little while longer, we can't raise our own beef. :(

True to my word, I'm crying by the end of this post...so disappointed. but so looking forward to the great things God has in store for my family...Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.

I'm a feature!

Hey ya'll...I was featured on another blog...well, my story was anyway.  Thought ya'll would wanna check it out:


So much fun! and hey, a totally true story too!

GTKYSundays!

Its' that time again...here goes.  Check out Keely's site to link up!

1. Thong or Granny Panties?
Neither...i prefer bikini or high cut. ha.
2. If you see a guy with his fly down, do you tell him?
maybe...do i know him?
3. Spanx or no Spanx?
guess not, don't know what a spanx is. ha!
4. Do you sleep in your sheets?
uh, yeah.
5. What is your favorite Disney character?
hm...Cinderelly!
6. Dream vacation spot?
Paris or Ireland
7. What is your dream job?
What I'm doing now...
8. Who is your hero and why?
My hubby...he has the ability to just trust without worry...

AR reached a HUGE milestone!

My first homebirth baby is the big 8.  wow...where did time go?  She was 8 pounds at birth...now she's my big girl...and you may ask what the milesstone is...she's now out of her carseat!  woot woot...two down. ha!


so...my baby girl, just weeks after her birth.

See her, wasn't she cute? and now, today's version...here's her birthday pics:

They grow so fast...I'll blink twice and she'll be driving...she's got the shades already. :)

One of those days....pics included! All about GRITS!

It's been one of those days...ya'll know....where I'd swear (but I don't swear) I did more before 10 am than most people do all day!  Got up early b/c MM had to be in town by nine...so I made his breakfast, then a nice hearty banana oatmeal for the children.  Baby got up early, and had her bottle.  Then I put her in the high chair and fed her some oatmeal...which she ate about half of.  Then, we started packing the older girls while she played contentedly in the high chair...until we heard "unh, uhn" and she started squishing up her nose.  So I head over to get her clean and up...and smelled her before I entered the dining room!  So...I knew I'd have to change a gross poopy diaper...but I'm a total pro at those.  Then...this is what I found...

See the corner there?

OH YEAH baby...that is POO! On her HIGH CHAIR! Now, I've been a mom for a decade...and seen lots...i mean LOTS of poo...but finger painting her high chair with it was nearly too much! Each of my children finger painted with their poo at some point...but this was a first for me! So...Miss V got a big time bath...as did the high chair...tray and all. I mean, soap and water, then vinegar. then more water for good measure!

EW! yeah...one for the record books...gotta love that girl!

Now, just so you don't assume I let her play with poo only, some pictures from dinner tonight...my G.R.I.T.S. girl!

What ma?  Not the camera again!

Want a bite?  I would share!

MMMM, cornbread!

What?!?

So there it is...My day...GRITS and all!  AJ made dinner...it was delish.  Course I had to help...I did grill the sausage while she cooked the peas and mashed taters...the cornbread was leftover.

Peace out ya'll!

childless for a week?

oh what's a mom to do?  My sister and mom offered to take the girls for a week...leaving me home alone for the bulk of that week!  dear me...a week?  at home?  sans children?  I wish i could say i'd be just hangin...but i'll be cleaning up in a BIG way!  while i'm at it...i'll be giving a lil tour of our homeschool spots after they are cleaned up...so stay tuned!

Hey man! another award!

Check it out ya'll!  My friend Dee gave me a blog award...and it totally made me giggle!

The rules are going to be fairly simple. All you have to do is answer the 10 questions. And pick 10 people (or if you're feeling "Naughty" you can just do 5, or none at all) to pass it along to, then let them know that you've given it to them!

1. What is the silliest prank you ever played on someone?
  Hm...I never was a prankster...but MM and I played one on the girls last year in Dec...we got them a trampoline, and rather than tell them, we put it together in secret...then came inside and in our most mean parental voices demanded to know who put that in my yard!  Immediately, one of the girls started crying and blaming it on the younger sister!  It was a trip...they still love the trampoline!

2. If you could take a trip anywhere out of the country where would you go? Why?
   France...or Ireland.  why?  well, France b/c it's part of my heritage..and Ireland...well, it's just purty!

3. Who plays the most influential role in your life?
   I'm not sure there is just one answer...God has great influence over me, but I get the feeling this question wants an answer like mom or MM.  So all three...God of course, influences my every move, every desire.  My mom is a role model for me as a mom.  MM influences me daily...

4. Are you ok with your significant other being friends with an ex?
  Yup.  He's not...but I'd be alright with it.

5. Favorite candle scent?
  Hazelnut.  Vanilla.  Berry...all of the above!

6. Next movie you're excited about seeing?
 The Last Airbender...going with my girl Katie!

7. You must ban one word from the dictionary and all usage, to be no longer uttered or written. What word do you ban?
  Irregardless.  It's not even a word, so does it count? (Hey MM!)

8. Do you have any relatives in jail?
  Possibly...don't really know.

9. What crazy fads were popular when you were a teenager.
  jellys, slap bracelets

10. Have you ever been mentioned in a newspaper or on TV?
  Yup.  I was on TV as a young girl...the news i think...

So now I give this to 10 naughty or nice cohorts!  HM....In random Order:


Jessica
Summer
*K*
Beth
Tania
Keely
Kasey
Kimberly
Toni
5X Mom
Family Manager

Check them out ya'll!

GTKY again

This time Keely is out of town, so four ladies came up with today's questions...play along!


1. If you had to choose a country to live in besides USA (or the country you live in), which would it be?
  France...or Ireland
2. Which would be worse, wearing flip flops in the snow or wearing gloves in the summer?

  Gloves.  hands down.
3. Fried or Bake and why?
  baked...much better for you that way!
4. If you were an entertainment reporter, which celeb would you love to interview and why?
   uh...Hugh Jackman...just b/c he's SOOO yummy!
5. What was your favorite book as a preteen/teenager?
   To Kill a Mockingbird.  still is my favorite!
6. List your top 3 guilty pleasure television shows.
  Secret life of the American Teenager, Make it or Break it...I can't come up with three!
7. What bumper sticker slogan best describes you/your attitude/your life?
    ReElect NO ONE!
8. If you were to join a circus - what performer would you be?
   Clown...

Calling all bloggers...social spark

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
Hey ya'll.  Have ya'll heard about SocialSpark?  I just signed up thanks to a blogger buddy...and I tell ya, it seems simple enough!  Signing up required very little, though I think the more thought and time you put into it, the more you are likely to be called on for opportunities.

I'll admit that I've done little more than sign up and look around, mostly b/c I signed up this morning, and, well, five children, nuff said.  Basically, thru Social Spark, you are given the opportunity to review various products listed by the advertisers on the Social Spark site.  I've seen a couple that I look forward to reviewing already!  Social Spark uses the catch phrase "where we specialize in sponsored conversations!"  It's all about product review...and I'm great at giving my opinion! HAHA!

I found the process of signing up for Social Spark simple...and it only required a little bit of my time.  I love to blog, but can only really work when the children are in bed...and when I'm tired. HA!  So, being able to sign up amidst the goings on of my busy household means a LOT!  Today was no exception...very little time to spend, and yet, signing up required very little time.  I'd like to go back and add to my profile, because that is how Social Spark matches you up with review opportunities...so I need to expand upon myself. :)

So, head over to Social Spark and sign up ya'll...tell them Gen sent ya.  (j/k, they don't know me ya'll...yet!)

The life and times of the crazy family...

That would be us of course!  We have been uber busy lately...so I've not been around much. :(  Sorry bout that ya'll!

Here's what's up.  My dad came to visit for a week, back about two weeks ago.  He came with the purpose of looking for a house, so that he, my mom, and my sister could come and live near us.  So, in about three days, we looked at about 12 houses.  Instead of finding one for them, we found one for us!  Course, many things have to fall in place first, but God is bigger than all the obstacles I can see...anyway.  So dad got a job, now we're waiting to see if mom and dad want to buy our house, or if maybe we should try to sell our house and buy the other...we'll see.

So anyway...that's what's been goin on...busy busy busy.:D

I've come to realize...

Totally stole this from my friend Dee...check out her "homesick cajun" blog here.



1. I’ve come to realize that my chest-size…won't shrink...and I'm ok with that.
2. I’ve come to realize that my job…the hardest thing I've ever done...and more rewarding too!
3. I’ve come to realize that when I’m driving…I *NEED* music.
4. I’ve come to realize that I need…a day off.
5. I’ve come to realize that I have lost…my will to lose weight.
6. I’ve come to realize that I hate…my selfish nature.
7. I’ve come to realize that if I’m drunk…well, never been drunk...but i bet i'd be a loud drunk!
8. I’ve come to realize that money…is only money.
9. I’ve come to realize that certain people…aren't worth crying over.
11. I’ve come to realize that my siblings(s)…are incredible women whom I love dearly! (Hi Tee and Teresa!)
12. I’ve come to realize that my mom…knew more than I gave her credit for as a teen. (hi mom!)
13. I’ve come to realize that my cell phone…rings a LOT!
14. I’ve come to realize that when I woke up this morning…I was late!
15. I’ve come to realize that my first love is…my Savior.
16. I’ve come to realize that right now I am thinking about…bedtime!
17. I’ve come to realize that my dad…is not the same man towards me that he was when i was young.
18. I’ve come to realize that when I get on Facebook…I look forward to seeing pictures and to frontierville!
19. I’ve come to realize that today…is the only thing I've been promised!
20. I’ve come to realize that my best friend(s)…are crazy, and keep me sane! (Hi Katie and Karen and Gana of course!)
21. I’ve come to realize that my spouse…i sjust as crazy as I am...or more so. (hey gorgeous!)
22. I’ve come to realize that I really want to…move into the house we found!
23. I’ve come to realize that life…is absolutely worth living!
24. I’ve come to realize that this weekend…is over!
25. I’ve come to realize that next weekend…may be quieter than this weekend!
26. I’ve come to realize that my children…are gifts from God...and each one is a blessing!
27. I’ve come to realize that when life gives you lemons…I'd prefer to make a lemon meringue pie tyvm!

Getting to know you Sunday!

Play along!




1. What is YOUR definition of sexy?
   Attentiveness...and GREAT muscles don't hurt!
2. Would you rather clean up puke or change a poopy diaper?
   Poop.  any day!
3. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
   depends on the day really. 
4. If you had to give up one of your 5 senses for a year..which one would you give up?
   hearing.  i've lived without it so long that i'm not sure i'd miss it that much!
5. Cake or Pie?
   hm...again, depends on the day!
6. If you could play any character on TV (old or current) who would you play?
   June Cleaver
7. My favorite website is.....?
   facebook...how sad is that?
8. The highlight of my day is....?
   When my darlin' comes home!

Homeschool update: School's out for summer

you're singing that now aren't ya?  So, my AJ finished third grade...i think i posted on that already.  Just ordered next years curriculum...whew.  that's done. Now, for the rest of the summer, AJ is learning to make bread...and that will be part of her weekly stuff to do next year...one day a week she'll make bread!

Fun stuff, summer is...we're watching movies and cartoons...I love netflix!  did i mention that before?

Next year we'll be doing things a lil differently.  We'll do one subject per day for the first four days, then Fridays will be our handwriting/baking/errand running day.  No idea if this will work, but I'ma tryin!

Upcoming giveaway from CSN!

Hey ya'll.  Have ya ever checked out CSN? CSNstores.com is a compliation of more than 200 online stores!  They seem to have everything, from outdoor accessories to twin beds!  In the coming weeks I'll be reviewing lamps from CSN, and will have one or two to giveaway as well!  Stay tuned, and in the mean time, head over to csn!

Raising Olives giveaway and more!

Hey ya'll, first off, check out my friend kimberly over at Raising olives!  She's doing a really cool giveaway!

Next...this week I've made oatmeal a couple of times for the children...and they loved it!  They love instant oatmeal, all the flavors and what not, but I ran out.  oh yeah, bad mommy and all, I ran out.  So sue me. ha!

anyway, their favorite is the apples and cinnamon, the cinnamon roll, and the banana bread.  so the first time this week, i made home made apples and cinnamon!  today i made banana flavored.  next week when i make this, I promise to take pics and write a big ole post on it ya'll!

school is OFFICIALLY over!!!

so after many months of setbacks, baby being born, daddy being gone, and the learning curve that comes with a new curriculum, we're done!  woo hoo!  So, my girl got a B across the board, and we couldn't be any more proud!  I've seen her grow so much over the past year, that it amazes me!  Now, to order fourth grade, and set up the computers so that both my big girls can work at the same time...so next year's school should be interesting.

I'm thinking of starting a weekly homeschool update here...what do ya'll think of that?

New Friend Fridays!

I found a new blog hop through my friend Tara...check it out ya'll! new friends are GRRREAT!