BFFs are a Girl's Best Friend

Every little girl needs her BFFs. These childhood memories stand the tests of time and mean so much to us grown little girls.

Yesterday Avery had a good friend come over after school. I enjoyed watching them interact and have fun together. It reminded me of when I was my daughter's age and the memories of my BFF, Casey Cronin, came flooding back. I could not resist taking them to the mall, buying them matching Valentine's earrings, and getting treats. Before the night was through, we went to Bath & Body Works and sprayed ribbons with new fragrances and then tied them in the girls' hair.

My husband was getting a kick out of how much fun I was having! It was like reliving my childhood with Casey! My little girl and her friend were having so much fun together singing, playing, just being themselves. As we left the mall, they were holding hands. It just made my heart melt.

I am grateful for my BFF, Casey, when I was a little girl just like Avery. Casey and I were like sisters and always got along. We just clicked and it was wonderful girlhood magic.

I LOVE having a daughter and that she is so kind and sweet to others. I hope that she is a great friend to others and enjoys the blessings of receiving great friendships in return.

I know last night was magical for these two little girls, but it was magical for me as well. I was 7 years old again with my BFF and remembered things I had forgotten years ago. Time flies so quickly, but the memories are priceless.

I love you, Casey.  :)

I {heart} Valentine's Day!

There is just something so fun about having an entire day to celebrate all things LOVE! From the little cards to the treats you give to put a smile on someone special's face, I just can't get enough of it.

I hope if you are reading this post, that you can feel a big lot of love from my family to yours!

Happy Hearts Day!

Allison's Amazing Gluten Free Breakfast Quiche

From my friend, Allsion...this is AMAZINGLY delicious fresh and reheated!

About half of a loaf of Udi's bread
Chopped onion to taste
1 cup shredded cheese
1 pkg cooked crumbled bacon
8 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

"I usually use my 11 x 7 Pyrex baking pan. Spray with nonstick spray. Tear bread into pieces and place in bottom of pan. Sprinkle chopped onions over bread, followed by cheese and bacon. (At this point you can put the pan in the fridge and bake later.) In a bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in milk, salt, and pepper. Pour egg mixture over contents of the pan. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 35 - 45 mins, or until eggs are set. Works well with ham, sausage, or different kinds of cheese. Mild chorizo with green chiles is tasty, too." -Allison W.

Just a Thought on Zack

I love my son. This kid is one special boy. I know that every boy is special, but I have just been so impressed with my Zack lately. He is 12 and is in 7th grade. It is hard to make correct decisions when surrounded by a world filled with loud and incorrect influences. He loves fashion and sports and cool things as much as the next kid, but his desire to be clean and choose the right makes me appreciate him more each day. He is an incredible example to me of rising above the noise and making a positive difference in this world.

Plus, look at that grin! Who could resist that smile?

My Latest Yummy Gluten-Free Find

A few months ago I discovered that I am gluten intolerant. Since then I have found some pretty fantastic gluten-free foods (as well as some not-so-fantastic ones). On the top of my "fantastic" list has got to be these AMAZING double chocolate brownie bites by Enjoy Life. The flavor is full of chocolately goodness, the texture is soft and chewy, and the size is just perfect to eat 2 or 3 and not feel guilty. 

If you have a Fred Meyer, you can find them in the gluten-free health food section. If not, I have also found them on Amazon.com.

Seriously, if you are GF (or heck, even if you aren't!), you have got to give these a try! If you are in the neighborhood, come on by; I've got lots in my pantry!

Peggy's Picks: Magnetic Chore Chart

Peggy's Picks: Magnetic Chore Chart

This is a great idea! I would use words on the magnets rather than images because my kids are older, but either way...this is just too cute!

Thanks Peggy!

I'm a Producer!

I have never quite mastered the art of financial management. My successes and failures have ebbed like the tides of the sea over the years. My greatest efforts always leave me a little better, but never quite a master…or anywhere close to it.
I have goals of wealth like anyone, with hopes and dreams of being free of debt and long-term financial stability. I want to travel the world, do good for others and my family, and enjoy the freedom and peace that come from managing talents and resources well.
When I have found that something isn’t working, the blame is not to be tossed onto another, rather the fault lies directly within me. This is not an easy thing to recognize, nor admit once the recognition has been made. It is even harder when another takes the time to lovingly point out your all-consuming flaw. It hurts and the pain even worsens as you try to cut it out.
This last weekend I had an incredible revelation: I am a ravenous consumer. OUCH. It hurts to just type that. I realized that most of what I think about is what I want to buy for this room or that space in my yard or what shoes I need to complete this outfit. I get sucked in by ads and catalogs that show me the things my children and I  “need” to look absolutely gorgeous this Fall (insert current season here). I have realized that I am sucker! The sad news: it only hurts me and my family…it hurts my dreams and goals for the future.
I have decided that rather than being that crazy consumer, I am going to switch gears and become a PRODUCER! Not only am I going to produce income with my jobs, but I am going to produce success in our home by doing the following:

• Go through things that we do not need and sell them on Amazon.com or eBay. I have already had great success in doing so the last couple of days! You can actually “trade-in” DVDs for $ on Amazon and the bidding wars on eBay over your used items is a blast!

• Create and follow a weekly menu, allowing myself room for switching it up a bit. Shopping for and buying only the items on my list will eliminate a great deal of impulse purchases.

• Return and report each day to my best friend: my husband. Because he is patient and kind, it is easy to be honest with him. I can share my PRODUCER successes with him from the day and plan our expenses for the upcoming day and events.

• Revamp a monthly budget. My husband and I have looked at our needs and created a budget that is well below what we earn. We have room for some fun as well, which is critical. Having fun as a family and getting out is crucial for happiness in the home. Life is truly meant to be enjoyed…within our means.

• Set up untouchable savings accounts. I have set up one account for Christmas that I can contribute to anytime, but the funds are only available to me come November. We have set up a similar account for a Spring family vacation each year. These are exceptionally helpful to our family because the two most expensive occasions of the year will not have to come out of our monthly budget.

• Only use a credit card if funds are available to cover the charge. All purchases are to be made within our budget and recorded as such. If we do not have the cash in the bank to cover a purchase, we pass, wait, or plan to save for it.

Of course, the most difficult of all of this is changing my mindset. It has been hard to see myself as I really have been. Buying online is incredibly fun and having those packages arrive is like a gift at the door…but truly, it is a curse if one cannot afford it. I will not rob myself or my family of our dreams and goals anymore and I am on the prayerful road to correction. It is difficult to put off what we want right now in hopes of something better in the future, especially when the future is uncertain. However, the future will always be uncertain if no preparation is made to make it bright and stable.
In all honesty, I have found great relief since my discovery. Things are not perfect right now, but I feel God’s pleasing eye upon me as I have tried to humble myself to see my faults and desire change. I can see and feel the literal blessings upon our family already. Our relationships will improve, peace will abound here, and our future is brighter and stable. Consistency at being a PRODUCER will bring success. I just know it!

August 29th, 2011