Yes You Can!

"Can you hear me now?" That is a phrase we most often associate with cell phones. But it seems to be a under current of how we feel. Do you, can you, will you hear me? How often do you speak only to feel that your not heard. I think that is almost every mom's downfall.

Well as you know by now, I think the books that are written for the work force are great to use at home too. The issues are the same just on a different front. And us moms want not only to be heard but for the follow through to happen also. "Yes You Can!" written by Stacey Hanke and Mary Steinberg gives us tips on how to influence others to take action. Here we learn that it is not just what we say but how we say it.

A prime example is my Dear Hubby. He does not tell me what to do...he ask...in a loving way. In response I almost always want to comply. I mean how do you not say yes to a request that has Dear, Thank You, Please and Appreciate You all in it? Now this communication is not something that came natural to him or I. But through trial and error (we both have been married twice before).

And in return I have had to learn a few things. With my type A personality (you know the Mrs. Always Right issue) I have to stop myself and remind myself that I do not know it all. And what I do not know, I DO NOT know. And also to pause. Listen. Hear! Less is more you know. Or as so many designers will say, edit edit edit.

What I do like is the point of direct communication. Looking in the eyes when you talk. To speak to be heard not to just talk. And that we should speak less and listen more. What great skills to pass on to our kiddos.

Here Comes the Judge

Image by noyava via Flickr

I am just popping in to say I will see y'all tonight.
Today I will be in court to give support in a child custody case.
Please pray for all involved.

This will be hard on everyone concerned and I pray that a smooth transition will happen.

Update: Postponed again til April. That will be almost 1 1/2 years since this started. Poor kids have been in limbo all this time. Keep prayers for all concerned going please.

Mrs. Always Right

My Dear Hubby said he knew he would marry Mrs. Right one day, but he did not know her first name would be Always. Well, he does say that joking but for a reason. I am very OCD and quite logical. Sorta a logical in a Mr. Spock kinda way. And even though it really helps me stay on track there is a backlash. You see I am a problem solver. Type A personality too! And in doing the things that come natural to me I tend to micro-manage too much. Then, of course, I become overwhelmed.

I am now reading "Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box" (the 2nd edition) and am finding a few answers. Even though I do not work outside of the home nor in management, I find that there is many work principals that we use at home. I like learning how I can stop falling into the same traps and boxes. Where I do not use self-justification to get things done my way. Instead looking to see what truly will be best for the whole of the home. So, maybe? I can learn to be a lil calmer and still be that rational person. And dang it....I like being Mrs. Always Right anyway.

Smooth Moves

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dermajuv Skin Care Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am not good about using skin care products. Are you? I know what I should be doing. But instead I tend to try do things on the cheap. You know, like your mom or grandma use to do. I have done from cucumbers on my eyes to making a "mud" mask from eggs and avocados. What things have you tried?
But I do know that times have changed. And there are many good products that can really make a difference. Oh and no more mix it yourself experiments needed. Instead you can find some great products to do the trick. Recently I was able to look into Dermajuv and knew then I wanted to do something about the crows feet at my eyes and the furrows in my brow. How thrilled I would be to have younger and smoother skin again.

And compared to the new trends to do plastic surgery for a quick fix this would be affordable. Much less painful too! But I do see that the trend is still here for the magic number of 3. It seems almost all of the different skin care programs have a 3 step program. Hummmm.....think that is because we learn habits with 3 steps?

Eeeek! It's Cold Out There!

Did you know it is colder than.....well the North here in Texas? Well, let me tell you, STOP IT!
I am freezing. Honest I am. We do live in a 90 year old house. We do not have any insulation in the walls because there is not an inner wall to put any in. And even with the central heat (read gas and electric sucking bill maker here) it is still freezing in here.

I am currently wearing flannel pajamas, fuzzy socks, athletic shoes (and thinking of putting toe socks on my feet), my house sweater and a great big robe made from a chenille bedspread. Oh and was wearing fuzzy gloves (like the socks) but can not type with them on. I am also throwing in that I woke before 3 a.m. again too! Dang dogs barking to go out IN THE SNOW!

But I do get brownie points. I have done two loads of laundry. Well it was for self preservation. You know, so I could crawl into the warm warm warm bath towels right from the dryer. And I am wife extraordinaire too! Yeppers, you bet ya' I am. Just ask Dear Hubby? I took all of his underclothes (he works outside at one job) and put them in the dryer so they were all warm when he put them on this morning. Yeah, right from the warm blankets of bed to warm undies, socks and thermals.

Confession of a Budget Blower

When you deal with depression, many other issues come into play. For me a major one is money. I have to watch myself (and sometimes so do others) for financial infidelity. Or in layman's terms "feelgood" spending. You know where you buy things you just don't need to fill that hole inside.

Now I am lucky that I do not do this in large ways. Like buying big ticket items. But I can still lie about what I spend by just not telling. And being that I am the budget maker and bill payer then that is not always the best thing.

Well, I have a lil help now. "Mind Over Money:Overcoming the Money Disorders that Threaten Our Financial Health" has been written by a father and son team of financial psychologist. They have put down in easy to understand terms just what we do to hurt ourselves. The dangers and pitfalls that are in a disorder when dealing with money. And they also help in how to overcome those issues. What I really like is that this does not tell me how to manage my money. Instead it helps me learn about my relationship with money. How I use it or abuse it to fulfill other needs. And in turning that around I am releasing some of the mounting stress I feel. Of course, that helps my depression lift too! So it is a win win situation for me.

They also host a website named Your Mental Wealth. And there you can take a free money disorders test. Yes, we have test for all sort of disorders floating around. But this one may just help you get back up in the saddle in your pocket book. And with times as hard as they are for so many right now, who can not use a lil help. They would like to offer you a special code to take the money disorder test. The coupon code is "CRAZEDMIND" where you can take the test for free without owning the book.

Tuesday TV

Yes, I am starting another lil fun weekday blog post. Tuesday TV is for those must see shows. You may remember I told you to watch "Men of a Certain Age". I have so enjoyed that series. But more so has been Dear Hubby. We both agree that there is not too many shows that show how real men feel. This one sure did.

Well we have another TNT show coming up that I think you may also enjoy. "SouthLAnd" has moved over to TNT and has the season premier coming up next Tuesday (3-2-10 @ 9 pm central). We both enjoy drama on TV and the portrayal of how law enforcement works. Pop over to their site and get a preview of what is to come. I can not wait for out viewing party next Tuesday. I will tell you more about that real soon!

I'm Here---Again!

Hey there all my wonderful friends. Sorry I disappeared for a bit. I have to say dealing with depression is never fun. But when it just takes the legs right out from under you--then it is even harder to get back up and running. Well I am trying my best. Please forgive my absence from here and from visiting you. I am working very hard to get myself healthy again. In the meantime I have a lil housekeeping to take care of.

First I have two winners to announce. For the two books of "Feeding Penny Pig and "I'm Up in a Tree" the winner is:
Theresa N. said... Gosh a book that encourages saving sounds wonderful!! I will be sending you an email right away too!
Our second winner to celebrate 100+ followers we have:
PJ said... Congrats on your 100 followers! I'm glad to be one of them! Your froggy is adorable!
Love ya Bunches! OMG Pattie! Whoot and double whoot. I will have a gift for you really really soon. Something patterned for you from me.


Now since I have been so out of it lately, I feel like I can not even trust myself at times. Have you felt that way? Well what do you do when you begin to trust the men you have relationships with? Do you rely on your "woman's intuition'? Or do you ask questions behind their backs? I know that I am in wonderful relationship now but have had those relationships that was not healthy for me. Could I have done something to know "Is He Lying to You?" before hand? Well Dan Crum, an ex-CIA polygraph examiner has written a book just to help in that situation. He has over 101 examples of deception that men use. You can also see clues to know when to pull the plug on a date. Is there a "magic" question to trap a liar. Well Dan thinks he has the answers for you. "Dan Crum provides a unique and provocative insight into the minds of men and what they don't want you to know."
--Barry McManus, CIA Chief Polygraph Examiner and Interrogator (Ret.) I am aware that many relationships are healthy and happy. But at times we really do need to tune into who we are with and if all is on the up and up. If your unsure then you may want to check out "Is He Lying to You?"

Italian Food in the MIdwest

Image via Wikipedia

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.

Did you know that the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel is bringing Italy to Branson, Missouri with their exclusive Italian Culinary Weekend. I heard about it and found out it will be February 26th and 27th. This excited me because PJ of PJ's Prayer Line has been to Branson several times. And this may be something that her husband and her would enjoy. I have always wanted to visit Branson. PJ says it is fun and they always pack so much into their trips there.

There will be a reception with antipasto and hors d’oeuvres along Italian wines. PJ, you can forgo the wine though. I would love to be there for the hands-on cooking demonstration. You can learn how to cook some of the items from the reception and some of the menu items from the 5-course meal to be served. They will also give out a goodie bag that is full of things for the home chef. You do have to make those reservations before February 23, 2010. So PJ that means some quick phone calls. But gives y'all time for the drive back to Branson. I do wonder what the weather will be like there compared to us in Texas. Of course we had a foot of snow here in north Texas last week.

I bet it would be beautiful to stay at the Hilton with all of the shops, restaurants, a river walk all around. You could drive to golf courses, lakes, museums, theme parks and 49 live entertainment theaters. But I am more of one to walk around and soak in the local environment. Last time I was able to site-see in Missouri, we went to St. Louis to visit the arch and of course the Budweiser brewery.

Yummy Breakfast

Today started a lil earlier than I chose, but that is pretty common. Off, weird and bad dreams for the last 3 days too! Oh well, I figure I can change the way I feel. So off to the kitchen to fix some yummy goodness.

Banana Muffins with Cinnamon Butter

Ingredients

• 3 or 4 ripe bananas, smashed
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar (can easily reduce to 3/4 cup)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch of salt
• 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Method

No need for a mixer for this recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix butter into the mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture and mix in. Add the flour last, mix. Pour mixture into a oiled muffin pan. Bake for 30 min to 45 min (check with a toothpick to see if done). Cool on a rack. Remove from pan and serve with Cinnamon Butter.

Cinnamon Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preparation:

Blend all ingredients; chill until serving time. Makes about 6 tablespoons.

100 as of Today!

Image by bp6316 is alive via Flickr

Yes today was the turn of a milestone for me.
If you look right over there ----------->
you will see I made it to 100 followers today!
What an amazing Valentine's present that is!

BTW I have a great lil froggie from my Dear Hubby as my V Day present.
Isn't it the cutest and so so so me!

I wish to thank every one for following me.
It makes me feel so very very special.
You would not believe it but I am all teary-eyed just knowing I finally hit 100!
I also wish to thank Jayde's Lil Corner for making my new page header.
Do you like it? I do!

I also want to thank Kristye for being #100.
It was due to her that I got here also.
As a thank you I am going to send her out a special lil box.
(So Kristye send me your address so I can get it there.)

Now for everyone else, you know I could never be here without y'all.
So I am doing a 100 followers giveaway.
And you can just leave your comments below to enter.
What will you get?
Honestly I do not know yet, but I will be getting a box ready right away.

So leave me some comment love, a few whoo hoos and be ready to be a winner!
If you go and visit Jayde, leave her a comment that you stopped by due to me then I will give you 2 extra entries. If you follow her I will give you 5! Jayde, help me keep up with your new ones ok!

Pie and Fish, but not Fish Pie

Image by karenchu121 via Flickr

I had to dip into the kids snacks today. You see I am working on a real easy peanut butter pie for dessert. But I did not have a graham cracker crust or any graham crackers to make one with. So I improvised.

I stole their cookies. Yeah I know I shouldn't but I just really wanted to make this pie but not run to the store. So instead I crunched up iced animal cookies, some coconut cookies and vanilla wafers. These I mixed with butter and a lil cinnamon and sugar. This I pressed into my pie shells and then chilled for my pie shell.

The pie itself is pretty easy.

Peanut Butter Pie

3/4 C creamy peanut butter

8 oz of whipped cream cheese

1 C powder sugar

1 tub (8 oz) frozen whipped topping (thawed)

and my pie shell.

Beat peanut butter, cream cheese and sugar til smooth. Fold into whipped topping. Then just pour into the pie shell. You can top it with chopped peanuts or some chocolate syrup. Pop in to the fridge and chill til dinner.

Here are some of the ways I am going to do fish sticks for lunch for the lil ladies during Lent. Thought they might help out. Thanks to Van de Kamp’s® or Mrs. Paul’s® for sending me these ideas.

Try these no-fuss recipes as a great way to get kids “hooked” on fish:

CRUNCHY FISH STICKS OVER MAC & CHEESE Serves 2

Ingredients:

4 Van de Kamp’s® or Mrs. Paul’s® Fish Sticks, baked & chopped

1 box, Macaroni & Cheese (use your favorite)

1 tablespoon, milk

1 tablespoon, butter

1 tablespoon ketchup

1 small tomato, diced

Directions: Bake the fish sticks according to package. Boil the macaroni until desired doneness. Strain and move to large mixing bowl. Mix cheese sauce, milk, butter, ketchup and tomatoes with the macaroni. Chop up Fish Sticks. In 2 bowls, evenly divide the macaroni and cheese, then top with the chopped fish sticks.

SWEET & SALTY FISH STICK LETTUCE CUPS Yields 4 Lettuce Cups

Ingredients:

8 Van de Kamp’s® or Mrs. Paul’s® Fish Sticks, baked and chopped

4 Iceberg Lettuce Leaves, use ones that are more cupped shaped

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions: Bake the fish sticks according to package or until heated through and crispy. Wash the Iceberg lettuce leaves and pat dry. In a medium mixing bowl, add the honey and soy sauce. Mix together and then add the fish sticks. Coat well. Fill the lettuce cups with the fish stick filling.

FISH STICK SANDWICH WITH SPICY KETCHUP

Serves 2

Ingredients:

6 Van de Kamp’s® or Mrs. Paul’s® Fish Sticks, baked

4 slices of bread or bun, use your favorite

1 tablespoon hot sauce

1 tablespoon ketchup

2 slices Cheddar cheese

1 small tomato, sliced

Directions: Bake the fish sticks according to package or until heated through and crispy. Toast the bread slices. In a small bowl, mix the hot sauce and ketchup together. Spread equally on the bread slices. Now build your sandwiches. Add the 3 fish sticks, cheese and tomato slices. Plate and serve.

FISH STICK MELTS

Yields 2 Melts

Ingredients:

6 Van de Kamp’s® or Mrs. Paul’s® Fish Sticks, baked

2 slices of bread (use your favorite)

1 tablespoon mayonnaise

1 tablespoon relish

2 slices Jack cheese

Directions: Bake the fish sticks according to package or until heated through and crispy. Keep toaster on. Lay bread slices flat. Mix the mayonnaise and relish together and spread evenly onto both slices. Add 3 fish sticks to each slice, line up side by side. Lay a piece of cheese over each set of fish sticks. Bake until bread is crispy and cheese is melted.

For the times when a quick fix is what you’re looking for, here are some easy tricks you can use:

• Topper: Chop up Van de Kamp’s or Mrs. Paul’s Fish Sticks and sprinkle over coleslaw for a crunchy and creamy bite.
• Mixer: Mix Van de Kamp’s or Mrs. Paul’s Fish Sticks with some rice and soy sauce for a flavorful, crunchy super snack.
• Dipper: Bake your crunchy fish sticks and then dip them into your favorite sauce. Try some of these flavorful favorites: mix equal party mustard and honey or equal parts ketchup and hot sauce.

Story Time = GiveAway

Have y'all heard about this weather we are having in Texas? Now snow is not that common here. And this is our 3rd snow storm this winter. Quite uncommon for us. I am going stir crazy here myself. I miss the warmth and sunshine and being outdoors and and and and....you know what I mean.

Well, the lil ladies that I help care for feel the same way. We have been experiencing the kiddie 5000 in my living room and dining room. Where they run in circles over and over again. I let them so they can get their energy level out....kid energy is everlasting I think. But we need some quiet time. Especially when the youngest lil lady has to take her nap. Thankfully I have 3 new children's books for us to enjoy. You may wanna look them up too.

"I' Up in a Tree" by Mark Alden Johnson has the brightest pictures. The ladies loved the stimulation of the greens, blues, reds and all. I enjoyed how it helped the figure out a solution to a problem. There is a great sing song to the words that makes the book sing to the girls. And it was nice to help them decide how to listen for the right decisions. I am so glad that currently we are not "Up in a Tree" too!

Next we moved on to a Texas writer, Rima H. Corral. She was a teacher who saw the for children to have help at home recognizing simple words. So she wrote "How Lil' Eddie Learns to Read". It all started with his 3rd birthday, when he received a book as one of his gifts. I loved seeing how this sparked his desire to read and to share til there was a neighborhood reading club. I feel that Rima allowed us to see how our children can grow through books. I am sure this helps her with the Houston PBS television show "Rima, Fuego and the Children". Rima is the creator, producer and host of this show.

I then was able to finish up our reading time with "Feeding Penny Pig". Now you may think this would be a good ol' farm story, but you would be in error. Instead this is a wonderful way to teach the lil ladies about saving money. I sure remember feeding my piggy bank when I was a lil child. Jeannie Fox, a grandmother from Magnolia, Texas (yes another lady from my home state) is a strong believer of hands-on grand parenting. I so agree and wish my own grand babes lived much closer. When we finished "Feeding Penny Pig" the girls were happy to help clean the house to earn some pennies of their own. I know I will be investing in piggy banks for all my lil ladies this weekend.

I want to thank all three of these authors for letting me review their books. And also Maia at Phenix & Phenix literary publicists for sending me these 3 books. They sure came in handy in creating a quiet time on this cold dreary day. If you would like to have help creating quiet time then please comment. For today we are hosting a giveaway of "I'm Up in a Tree" and "Feeding Penny Pig". I will pick one reader to receive both books. Just leave a comment here. Extra comments for blog followers, twitter and facebook friends will also be used as entries. I hope y'all enjoy these books as well as my lil ladies did.

Less Mess and No Mold!

Do you get excited about tippy cups? I know sounds silly. Of course is your Sippy Cup Chardonnay then it is something to consider. Otherwise I know most adults don't think alot about them. Well since I care for kiddos of the "let's spill drinks" age, tippy cups become an issue.

What do I have the biggest issue with them? MOLD! Yeah! ICK! But so many of the have mold that grows in the value parts. And you have a hard time getting them cleaned and dried. Well I have some that are easy to clean. Easy to dry and thus stop the mold issue.

Tommee Tippee has a great system. And they also have stage system too. You can go from the first sips all the way to spill proof drinking cup. One of my 3 yr ol lil ladies was thrilled to see the new cups this week. Of course she also put a whole new mind set with me when she exclaimed "I love my new travel mug!" Oh duh? We are all using sippy cups aren't we? And here we all thought we were so grown up.

Well if I have to have a "sippy cup" or travel mug, I would prefer the bright pinks and purples I have in the Tommee Tippee Explora cups. Of course we all know how I love pink. I am also looking to get me a spill proof water bottle soon for one of my 3 yr old lil ladies. Her mom does not want her to use a 'sippy cup" but a sports bottle is okay. I don't understand but it does not matter. All I want is where the drinks are not spilled.

But here are the facts you may want to know:

• BPA- and Phthalate-free
• Patented advance-flo valve for guaranteed easy drinking
• Super-sensitive Active Sensor valve is truly spill-proof and leakproof, yet allows liquid to flow on demand

The Tommee Tippee Explora BPA-free toddler drinking products are designed to take children from first sips to grown-up drinking by easing transitions along the way. The advance-flo™ valve used in Explora cups was designed by a physicist and requires almost no force to drink from, yet still remains spill- and leak-proof. Each Explora cup is progressively staged with a specific grip to fit little fingers and unique spouts, from soft touch to dura spouts, to meet the needs of every age, and to support natural oral development. Available in specific boy and girl colors and designs kids love. I wish to thank Tommee Tippee and Mom Bloggers Club for sending me these cups. It has been a great help and a lot less spills since they have shown up. Now I am just looking for a wine glass tippee cup for me!

Love in a Cup

This photo and the text below are from Wiseman House in Hico Texas. I was so thrilled to have won a giveaway over at Ramblings of a Texas Housewife. Lo' and behold if it was not from my ever favorite chocolate house. I am such a fan of their truffles! Well I have had the sipping chocolate before and now get to indulge again. This is a wonderful treat with our extended winter weather. So I just had to share the news with y'all. (You know this would make a great Valentine?)
Sipping Chocolate
Celebrate chocolate by enjoying it in the same way the ancient Mayans did over two thousand years ago; by sipping it. Kevin Wenzel invented a liquid chocolate so sublime to have to taste it to believe it. Wiseman House Sipping Chocolate is not hot chocolate, it’s tiny delectable 100% pure chocolate morsels (no fillers) that when added with hot piping water becomes a smooth sensual drink like no other.

Sick Day Save by Minnie's Bow-Tique

I hate that all the lil ladies here have been sick all week. You know that nasty runny nose and horrid cough going around. It sure has made play time less than enjoyable. And we have had alot of laying around time.

Well today we can rest and still have fun! I have the brand new (just released yesterday) copy of Minnie's Bow-Tique. This is the newest of Disney's Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series of DVD's. And my set of lil ladies squealed when they saw the dvd.

We started off all bundled up on the couches so we could see the shows.
Minnie’s Bow-tique
Minnie’s Bee Story
Minnie’s Picnic
Minnie’s Pajama Party (this has an episode not seen til 4-6-10)

Then was able to go on with two episodes, ‘Minnie’s Pajama Party,’ and ‘Minnie’s Bee Story, including Disney’s Adventure Mode – an interactive game using the remote control with multiple play levels.


They all took turns playing the special features with the Bow-Tique Game. We had Disney's Adventure Mode where each lil lady had the ability to do different levels with multi player controls. There was 4 different BOW show games too! So we did not get bored quickly and had lots of time to play each level. Our littlest lady really likes hands on toys...so she was drawn to the magnets that was in the package. We had several bows and a great photo frame too. She spent much time at the fridge rearranging them.

So I have to give Dustin at Click Communications and Disney a super big thank you for sending me this new DVD. It sure has saved our sick time and kept the lil ladies entertained.

Winners Abound

Ladies and Gentlemen (yes that is you Captain Dumbass and Skylers Dad)
I am proud to announce my newest winners!

Drum roll please. (yeah, we see the guys have their best air drums going)!

I would like to Congratulate
3 Monkey's in Disguise and M and M for winning in my last two giveaways.

3 Monkey's in Disguise will be getting a copy of this "rainbow tree" from Jayde's Lil Corner. I would like to thank Jayde for hosting this giveaway. And for my copy of the "rainbow tree" too!

M and M won the second copy of Crave! I so enjoyed reading this book by Chris Tomlinson. I can so recognize the desire to fill the craving I have. And weather it be for donuts, relationships or God we all have those empty spots we are looking to fill. The secret is to know if we are filling them with the right items? I want to thank Chris for sharing "Crave: Wanting So Much More of God" with me and hosting this giveaway!