For those of you anxiously awaiting Easter time, the one thing that makes Easter extra special are decorated Easter cookies. Just like Christmas cookies have become a staple of Christmas time, so have Easter cookies become a part of Easter tradition. There are numerous great ways to dress up the Easter season and embellished Easter cookies are just one of them. Here are some tips on putting smiles on the faces of your little ones or friends this Easter season.

Decorated Easter Cookies Come in Many Shapes and Sizes
Decorated Easter cookies can come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and if you can conceptualize it you can surely create it. For most people Easter is affiliated with bunnies, rabbits, chicks, lambs and Easter eggs. For the most part you can usually find all these shapes and more in the form of cookie cutters. [Read more...]

Having 5 kids it goes without saying we have a toy or two in our house. We have every kind of toy imaginable, toys that teach, light up, squeak, roll, sing, bounce, and even a couple that do all of the above.

We have went out and bought a lot of the expensive toys that say they help with speech, motor skills, and basic child development. I have yet to see one of these toys actually live up to its claim. I spend a fair amount of time playing with my kids and trying to teach them how toys work and what they do so they can use them properly and benefit fully from the use of the toy.

I may sit on the ground with my son Max and show him how to make the drum make a sound if they hit the top in a certain way. He in turn will show me how Willow will make a sound if he hits her with the drum in no certain way. I cannot for the life of me get my kids to use the toys like they were intended. Even my 5 year old never really uses her expensive toys the correct way.

On the other hand my kids play all day with the old simple toys. They kick and throw the balls, roll the trucks, and ride the rocking horses. They are able to use them correctly from the beginning and with little help from me or mommy. They still need to use skills to figure it out but the simple nature of the toy makes it possible to do on their own. I think they get more use from it too because it is something they can do on their own, and if they are using it for another purpose I don’t get upset because I only paid a couple dollars for it. Way better than thinking I just paid $50 for something to hit a sibling with.

5 for 50 says there are five things that every one of us can do to help the 50 million people in our world suffering from HIV/AIDS.

*Give 5 minutes a day to pray for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
*Give 5 hours a week to fast for those suffering from HIV/AIDS.
*Give 5 dollars a month to the Five for 50 Fund and support worthy causes.
*Give 5 days a year to travel overseas and help alleviate poverty and suffering.
*Give 5 people an opportunity to join you on your journey. Tell them about how they can be a part of ministering to the “least of these”.

- Take the time to pray for Africa and the orphans, widows, Christians, and missionaries.

- Fast one meal a week. Figure out the cost and make the commitment to donate to a charity each month. A typical family might be able to put aside $20 a month. $20 can go a long way in Swaziland. In fact, $20 will buy lunch for 400 kids.

- Participate in the 40 Days of Water.

- Eat low cost meals of rice and beans a couple of times a week and give the money you’re saving to a ministry that feeds hungry children.

- When someone asks you what you want for Christmas or your birthday, ask them to make a financial gift in your honor.

- Instead of taking an expensive vacation to DisneyWorld or Vegas, go on a missions trip.

- Cut off your cable subscription and use that money to sponsor a child monthly paying for their food and education.

- Put on a sweater, slip on houseshoes, and lower the temperature on your heater. Use the money save on your power bill to buy coats for poor children & blankets for homeless folks.

- Brown bag your lunch every day, or at least some days, instead of eating out and use that money to underwrite a ministry that is helping families grow their own food and raise their own animals.

- Live with the ugly carpet and “out of style” furniture and use the money you’d have spent refurbishing to build homes for families living in cardboard and sheet metal shacks.

- Quit buying expensive cosmetics and donate the money saved to organizations that minister to girls rescued from prostitution and slavery.

- Walk, ride your bike, or use mass transit when going to work or running errands so you can donate the saved gas money to an organization that feeds kids who walk miles for the only food they will eat that day.

- Don’t buy that magazine at the check out stand and instead give that $5 to pay for an orphan’s schooling for one month.

- Find ways to cut your grocery bill. Buy your bread at the bakery outlet. Use old fashioned oats instead of instant, flavored oatmeal.

- Buy generic items. Eat less meat. Eat more lentils and beans. Buy what’s on sale, not what you’re craving. Use the money saved to donate money to an inner-city soup kitchen or an organization that ships food to impoverished nations to feed orphans.

- Quit paying the pricey gym fee and instead walk & exercise at home. Use the money you save to buy tennis shoes for kids who have no shoes.

- Instead of buying that new bestseller, check it out from the library and donate the $15 or so dollars to an organization that teaches inner-city kids and parents how to read

- Wear last year’s Easter dress and bathing suit again this year and use the money you save to buy clothes for those wearing rags.

No matter how tight your family’s financial situation may be, with a little forethought and sacrifice you will be surprised at how you are able to make a difference in the lives of the suffering. Read about how one mom is making a difference.

I always suspected this guy - the ShamWOW! guy was a bit “off”…while I’ve always enjoyed his excitement, enthusiasm and overall twitchy quirks – he may have gone overboard at this point.

It’s been reported that he hired a hooker who began kissing him and then bit down on his tongue and would not let go!

Everyone knows hookers can be dangerous, but I bet they don’t think about THAT particular scenario happening.  I am really curious to see if this affects his attitude when doing his infomercials, will we see a contrite and humble shamwow man? I doubt it.  The fact that he wasn’t prosecuted for soliciting sex probably boosted  his ego and now he will be thrice as annoying.

He gives sham wow a bad name – because honestly, the sham wows are awesome, they really do work as the commercial shows.  They are very green friendly and we use them at work for cleanups of all kinds in our breakroom.

Sham WOW!

My mom called yesterday and informed me that my step dad and her were moving back to Michigan from North Carolina.

I really don’t know how I feel about this. On one hand they will be closer to all the grandkids (my 5 and my step sister has 2), on the other hand the only reason they are moving back is because they are both sick, broke, and need help from family and friends. My mom has MS and my stepdad just was diagnosed with lung cancer.

They moved to North Carolina about 10 years ago so my step dad could work for Nascar as an auto body repairman and fulfill a dream of his. He had been doing that type of work his whole life and even gave up his own business for it. A couple years ago he gave it up due to being stressed, tired, and overall just no longer happy with the work, but decided to stay in North Carolina.

They stayed in NC no matter what happened or who needed them up here (there were a few times they were needed) just because they say Michigan is too cold, which would be fine if the tune had not changed when they all of the sudden needed help and are now looking at us for help. I know that you are supposed to be there for family no matter what, it just becomes a lot more difficult when the feeling is not mutual. On top of all this, the only way my wife and mother get along is if they have no communication, so I also have that to look forward to, YAY.

An amazingly sweet and refreshingly different way to enjoy turkey.

Ingredients:

1 whole turkey
2 tablespoons freshly chopped sage
2 tablespoons black pepper, ground
2 tablespoons celery salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1, 12 oz. jar honey

Cooking Process:

• Preheat the grill for high heat.
• After removing neck and giblets from turkey, wash and dry it.
• In a bowl, mix sage, black pepper, celery salt, basil, and vegetable oil.
• Pour this mixture over the turkey and cover it with foil.
• Keep the roasting pan on the grill and cook for an hour.
• Uncover it and sprinkle 1/2 the honey over the turkey and continue cooking 1 1/2 to 2 hours
• Uncover turkey, and carefully turn it over in the roasting pan.
• Add the remaining honey and cook for another 15 minutes.

I’ve noticed a trend in my wardrobe lately…my clothes are SHRINKING!

Ok…it’s not EXACTLY the way that it is BUT for some reason I’ve convinced myself that this was the case all winter long.

Now that Spring has sprung, I’m beginning to reap what I’ve sown. And it’s not pretty y’all.

A little over 3 years ago, I managed to lose over 50 lbs without pills, potions or lotions.  I incorporated simple lifestyle and dietary changes.  It WORKED!  Not only did I shrink from a size 14 to a size 8, but I maintained that while continuing to eat REAL food and without starving myself.  However, with my mid-3o’s & winter blahs came my old habits.  Anyone else feel my pain???

So, I’ve decided to recommit and make those little changes in my everyday lifestyle that all add up to a BIG difference. (on the scale and in the dressing room)

1.  Skip the Soda

I’m a Dr. Pepper addict.   Anyone who knows me can tell you that.  However with the calories in regular softdrinks, you could easily add 10 pounds per year to your weight!  YIKES!  I’m opting for diet when I really need that caffeine fix and adopting WATER as my beverage of choice.  (Thank goodness for Crystal Light!)

2.  Cut back on Fast Food/Eating Out

Duh!  At home, you control the quality of ingredients used in your food preparation.  Also, you will more likely consume TWICE the amount of calories when dining out. Also, you can opt for steamed veggies instead of those fries when dining out.

3.  Say “NO” to Super Size!

Fat matters.  Carbs count.  But CALORIES are king!  The more calories you consume the more exercise your body must do to keep from storing excess fat.

4.  Snack strategically between meals.

Yes, I just told you to EAT.  Smart snacking keeps you from being ravenous at meal time.  Almonds mid afternoon really pack a punch!  A good rule of thumb for nuts is a palm full. (approximately 15)

5.  Get MOVING!

Even 20 minutes of walking a day can make a big impact.  Try parking further away when you are out and about.  This way you are forced to walk more than usual.  Also, buddy up!  You are far more likely to actually get out and get moving if a friend is coming along with you.

For additional ways to lighten up, view my post I LOVE MY THIGHS over at Family Foodies.

The marinade for this is divine and the addition of bacon into the kabobs is genius.

Ingredients

2 medium green peppers cut in 1 inch length
Salt
Pepper
1-1/2 pounds boneless lamb leg, cut into 1 inch cubes
1 medium onion, sliced into 1 inch pieces
4 slices bacon, cut in 4 pieces
1/2 cup olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons cognac
1 teaspoon ketchup
1 clove garlic
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 pinch of ground cayenne pepper
Vegetable oil

Process

• Place peppers in boiling water in a saucepan.
• When cooked, remove peppers from water and drain.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper on lamb cubes.
• Thread meat, pepper, and onion pieces alternatively on the skewers.
• Thread bacon pieces on both ends of each skewer.
• Blend the oil, onion, lemon juice, cognac, catsup, garlic, mustard, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper into a smooth purée.
• Coat kabobs with oil and grill for 7 to 9 minutes at 140°F/60°C, turning once during grilling.
• Brush kabobs with the purée during grilling.