Overwhelmed by His Blessings

january photo-a-day-challenge complete. {almost.}

2012-02-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

on instagram there's an aussie gal who came up with a list of photo prompts for the month of january.

i LOVE the idea of a photo-a-day but, i almost always forget or lose interest.
hence, the deserted 365 blog over yonder. --->

this time was {almost} different.
of 31 days i managed to photograph 26.
good stuff.

here are my photos in a collage...that i plan on printing.
how much fun will it be to have all twelve months of these??

i'm already doing really well with february!

are you on instagram?
it's sooo much better than twitter.
and even though i'm not on facebook and have no idea what it's like, i'm gonna go out on a limb and say it's better than facebook too.
look for me, jonahbonah.

handmade photo cards for valentine's day.

2012-02-09T12:26:00.000-08:00

i've seen this idea floating around the internet for the last few years.
every year i say i'm going to do it and every year i don't.

this year i was determined.

and i made them!

here's jett holding his finished valentine...

cute, right?!?!

and, here's how you can make your own.

first, grab your camera and your kiddo.
do whatever it takes to get him to understand that he just needs to hold his hand out like that, no matter how silly it seems.
you'll get something like this. {after a kajillion outtakes}

next, go to picnik and add some words.
i chose happy {heart} day! primarily because "valentine's" was too long and running into his head.

have them printed at your local photo shop.

mine look great here on my computer screen yet, they printed really dark.
oh well, too late to worry with it now.
there's only FIVE days until {heart} day!

now, bring them home and grab your x-acto knife, self healing mat, a bag of lollipops, and your photos you just had printed.

in case you're wondering what an x-acto knife is...

cut a little slit above his hand and one below.

gently poke the lollipop through those holes and...

voila!
it appears as if he's handing his friend a lolli!

so, you CAN do this!
easy-peasy, right?!
and cute, taboot!

ok, GO!
you'll get ooh's and aah's from the teachers...of course, you aren't making handmade for that reason, though. :0)

*****************************************
did you make handmade valentine's??
i'd love to see them.
will you link them in the comments???

it was a good day.

2012-02-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

the other day i got happy mail.
did i tell you a few months ago that my mom bought me an epiphanie bag?
well, she did.
a lola, in turquoise.
and i loved it.
but, it had a flaw.
the good folks at epiphanie were so easy to work with when it came time to make the exchange.
unfortunately, the lola is on backorder until spring.
bummer.
at the time i figured i would settle with a replacement of the lyric in mustard.
boy, do i LOVE it!
dare i say that i love my lyric more than my lola?
i do.
i am seriously in love with this bag.
and, it's a camera bag.
bonus!

{no, i didn't get paid to tell you how wonderful epiphanie is}

moving on...

before naptime i took the kids to the park.
to get some fresh air.
and let their noses run...
au natural.
cause they were sick.

and the park is right in front of the housing office.
and i needed air vent filters.
win-win.
jett and mckinley got lollipops while at there.
bonus!

remember that lollipop i mentioned?
well, mckinley decided when we pulled into the driveway that she didn't want anymore of hers.
i was still sitting in the truck {with the door open holding the lollipop} when i looked down to discover a little friend.

for real.
and he just came closer.

i figured i better let him have it before he jumped in to my truck.
i was seriously thinking of my next move if he pounced on me.
what the heck would i have done????
creepy.

but, look at how cute he is??
he scurried off with his sweet lolli never to be seen again.
well, at least not until i'm sitting with truck door open whilst holding a lollipop.

something new. for you.

2012-02-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

what's jonahbonah been doing lately?
sewing these cute little zippered pouches!

you can find them here.

when i found these little zebra print dresses i knew they needed a minnie applique.
needed.

you can find this little number here.

**********************************************
are you having a good monday???

happy sunday.

2012-02-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

an evening in the country.

2012-02-04T05:30:00.000-08:00

these girls cracked me up.
after i took this picture they wouldn't let me get another.
look at their boots.
love.

*on our way to the wood pile
*kids and dirt piles
*koen and mckinley
*bonfire
*bathing babes
*aunt jen, mckinley, and kelsey

and one more.

jett got a splinter and uncle morgan worked to get it out.
in the end, though, aunt jen got it.

thanks, jen and morgan, for having us over.
we ALWAYS enjoy hanging out at your place!

her future is so bright.

2012-02-03T14:28:00.000-08:00

these were taken while we were home, in florida, at hubs' grandparent's new house.
they have a barn, y'all.

i want a barn just so i can take pictures like this.
all day long.

i predict cousin group shots in front of this old barn for years to come.

and then there's this guy.
my nephew, noah.
whom i don't see often enough.
and i don't get to ~~shove my camera into his face~~ take his picture often enough.
and he's about to be a big brother!

***************************************
a small piece of business.
YOU are the winner of my the biggest loser and progresso soups giveaway.
congrats!

if you didn't win this time don't worry.
i have a new giveaway coming up real soon!

so random. and a blessing.

2012-01-23T12:14:00.001-08:00

life around our house has been a little nuts lately.

i've captured a few moments here and there but, i've mostly been savoring every moment.

our kids are growing up so fast.
mckinley isn't a baby anymore.
jett will turn FIVE in a few short months.
jonah is reading like crazy. and loving every book!
jake is nearly TEN!

a few shots from the last couple of weeks...
straight out of the camera.
i have no time for editing.

jake fell asleep reading his book.
mrs. o'bryan and mrs. d would be so proud!

mckinley and i were supposed to be taking a nap.

she opted to have a mini photog lesson.
{i love that she shares my love of picture taking!}

we went to our life group christmas social on january 13 and got this bath spa as a "white elephant" gift.
joke's on the gift giver!
little did they know it creates hours of bathtime fun!!!
{check out all the bubbles that baby works up!!}

those slippery bubbles also make boo'boo's if children do not obey their parents.
mckinley got out of the bath and was told to get back in...she slipped and hit her neck on the water spout. OUCH!

daddy's not big on bringing home candy surprises.
he'd rather not rot the kids teeth.
so, he brings home princess towels for our princess and peanuts for our boys!
and he surprised us all with the new smurfs movie!

****************************************************

i had an amazing thing happen in the commissary this morning.

as i was checking out i noticed an older man {old enough to be my grandpa} checking out his groceries. {we were both in the self checkout lanes}
hubs will tell you that i have a hard time not listening to other peoples conversations while i'm out and about.
i call it being interested...not nosy.
i'm a self-proclaimed "people watcher."

anyway, i heard the old man tell the cashier that he only had $40 and he needed to take a few things off of his bill.
ugh...my heart strings were being pulled.
the holy spirit was telling me to not allow this man to go home without his jalepenos and shredded cheese. {these were the items he was putting back}
i slid over in his direction and asked the cashier if i could pick up the rest of his bill.
she looked confused that i would even ask such a thing but looked at the man to see if it was ok with him.
he obliged.

here's where it gets good.

as i looked in my wallet i realized i only had $3.00 in cash but said i would pay his difference on my debit card.
all of a sudden there was a lady behind me saying that she had cash.
she asked how much he needed and handed me $6.00.
ANOTHER lady then said she had the exact change. 55 cents.

oy!
i'm telling you i wanted to burst into tears right then and there.

God was at work.
spreading His love.
allowing us three ladies to shine a light.

the folks who were in line behind us looked a little annoyed that i was taking up a register and helping this man instead of ringing my own groceries.
i did not care.
i was being called to do something greater.

and do you know what that old man said to me???
with the sweetest smile on his face he said, "the Bible tells us to share in each other's burdens."

indeed, it does.

Galations 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

i pray for more opportunities to show and share God's love.
He has so much to give!

*****************************************************

i pray you have a super-duper monday!

saturday giveaway. {#myblogspark}

2012-01-21T05:40:00.000-08:00

Now that the ball has dropped and the confetti has settled, it’s time to consider how you will stick to your resolution for the New Year and maintain your weight management plan, without sacrificing on variety or the taste of foods you love. Thanks to Progresso®, you can have your soup and eat it too!

With 40 delicious soups with 100 calories or less per serving, Progresso Soup has a variety of offerings that help you beat diet boredom and satisfy your taste cravings, while helping you stick to your weight management calorie goals. Progresso soups are packed with hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices.

*This year, the Souper You® Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season’s live finale of NBC’s The Biggest Loser.

*Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd.

*Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th.

*In addition, you can click here to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup today, and feel free to share with your blog readers so they can take advantage of the savings as well.

*Also, tune into The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c.
___________________________________________________________

i was so excited to get this prize pack from progresso and myblogspark!

i'm not one to make new years resolutions...
anyway, it's been my last-nine-year-resolution to lose these pesky 40 pounds that were put on when i was pregnant with jake austin.

this year is THE year!

i WILL be using this dvd at least three times a week.
i LOVE that progresso has so many varieties of soups.
and tasty ta-boot!

ready to win a prize pack of your very own?

you MUST leave a comment telling me your favorite activity.

for additional entries {leave a single comment for each}

*follow me on twitter @jonahbonah*follow this blog via google friend connect --->
*follow me on instagram @jonahbonah
*leave a comment on any other blog post here at overwhelmed
*follow progresso on facebook

that's a total of FIVE entries!!!

giveaway ends january 31.
winner announced february 1.

good luck!

Disclosure: The Progresso® Souper You® prize pack, information, coupon, and giveaway have been provided by Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

a-photo-a-day, day 14. something you're reading.

2012-01-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

i'm actually in the process of reading three different books.

leaving by karen kingsbury

not a fan. by kyle idleman

and crazy love by francis chan

i have to say that they are all amazing books.

but, so far crazy love is taking the cake!

i urge you to RUN out and get it.

a-photo-a-day-challenge, day 6: makes you smile.

2012-01-06T12:58:00.000-08:00

it's hard to pick just one thing that makes me smile.

i look around my home at all that God has blessed me with and see many many reasons to smile.

*my husband
*my children
*my home
*my chalkboard wall
*my vintage pyrex collection
*my couch that wears a duck tape "band-aid", in more than one place.

what i chose to document as what makes me smile is... my blog.

because over the last few years i've placed so many memories in this here blog.
so many good memories.
and they make me smile.

a-photo-a-day-challenge, day 5: something you wore.

2012-01-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

if you know me you know i'm a jeans and t-shirt kinda gal.
i only get dressed up when i have to.
heck, sometimes getting into my favorite jeans IS dressed up.

i would love to change this.
i see pictures on instagram all the time of cute ladies all gussied up in their layered tees and rossette necklaces, a floral dress and boots...the list could go on forever of the outfits i would love to have hanging in my closet.

here on day 5, though, i was wearing something a bit different.
a smile.
one that went from ear to ear.

you see, i ran into goodwill to try to thrift some jeans for the big boys. {who seem to be growing 4 inches a day}
no trip to goodwill is complete without perusing the store for ~~things you don't need~~ castoff's that would look amazing in your home.

i am, at times, blown away by what people "throw away."

want an example???
i thought you'd never ask!

this, THIS was at goodwill!
i was thrilled at such a find.
but, at the same time bummed.
my first though was that hubs would never approve.
if i were to bring this thing home he'd have my head.

a record player/stereo AND mary poppins AND the sound of music???
why would he say no?

and then i thought i would just ask him.
i did still have a little bit of christmas money in my pocket, afterall.

he said YES!!!

so, that smile that i was wearing was because my always fabulous husband told me that i could own that 1970ish record player/stereo.
YAY!!!

i posted a picture of it on instagram and my cousin {hi, laurie} said it reminded her a lot of the one that was in our grandma and grandpa's house.
i thought so too.
we weren't allowed to touch thiers.
that's ok.
i have one i can play all day long if i want!!!

a-photo-a-day-challenge, day4: letterbox.

2012-01-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

we don't call them letterboxes here in the united states.
but, the gal who created this challenge is from australia where they do call them letterboxes.
those aussie's have the coolest little language all their own!

when we say we're going on vacation an aussie would say they are going on holiday.
we call a stroller, well, a stroller.
an aussie calls it a pram.

pretty cool, huh?
didn't think you'd get a little lesson from this here blog, did ya?

y'all don't get too excited about this letterbox.

she's military issued.
she gets the job done.
she brings me the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to mail.
i'll keep her.
{for at least the next 5ish months.}

a-photo-a-day challenge, day 3: something you adore.

2012-01-03T19:35:00.000-08:00

i thought on what i would post for this picture for a better part of the day.

of course, i adore my children.
all four of them.

i also adore my husband.

and my best girlfriends.

and my camera.
and my iphone.

i truly adore my grandma's wedding rings.
and her jewelry box.

i adore all of these things.

but, when i laid down with jett and mckinley for naptime the sun shone through the blinds in such a way that i knew i had to capture the moment.
forever put it on film. {or digital file. whatev!}

i adore my sleeping kinley.
and i adore my ever persistent jett.
{i might add that he stayed awake playing his new dsiXL instead of napping. thanks, grandma!}

**are you participating in the #janphotoaday challenge on instagram? it's not too late to join in. just download the instagram app, take a photo based on the daily prompt, tag it #janphotoaday. and then, follow me. {jonahbonah}**

best of 2011.

2012-01-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

it's january 3.
already 2012 is busy.
i'm just getting around to posting some of my favorite shots from 2011.

2011, i'm glad to see you go.

while you did bring hubs home from afghanistan,
and aged hubs and i by one year,
and saw my children each to another birthday,
and gave us another full year with friends and family,
and taught us many life lessons...

i'm so looking forward to...
new days.
new adventures.
new experiences.
and new memories.

{i'm not looking forward to that pesky birthday.}

BRING IT, 2012!!!

a-photo-a-day challenge, day 2: breakfast.

2012-01-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

it's all part of my plan to be a new "me".

**are you participating in the #janphotoaday challenge on instagram?
it's not too late to join in.
just download the instagram app, take a photo based on the daily prompt, tag it #janphotoaday.
follow me. {jonahbonah}**

a-photo-a-day challenge, day 1: me.

2012-01-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

side note: i'm hoping "me" will look a whole lot different by this time 2013.

**are you participating in the #janphotoaday challenge on instagram?
it's not too late to join in.
just download the instagram app, take a photo based on the daily prompt, tag it #janphotoaday.
follow me. {jonahbonah}**

christmas recap.

2011-12-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

christmas was so good this year.
it's good every year, but this year seemed seamless.
no hiccups.
no tangles.
we were where we were supposed to be when we were supposed to be there.
{hubs was home and not in afghanistan.}
we visited with family.
we were loved on and shared our love.
our children were spolied rotten.
and so were we.

we are blessed.

santa visited.

christmas morning. 6:34 am.

next stop?
grandma and papa's house.

grandma got mckinley a purse filled with girlie goodies and refinished a chair just for her.
mckinley could have gotten nothing else all day and been a happy camper.

jett got a nintendo dsixl.
happy camper.

oh my gooly!
all four kiddos in picture.
smiling.
somewhere in the world pigs are flying.

back to ganny and poppy's.

noah got a camera.
happy camper.
{love this little boy.}

now, on to aunt debby's.

grandaddy getting him some grub.

hubs, jake, and isabella playing family feud on her new ipad2.

granny got a camel.
she was tickled pink.
{apparently, there's a family joke.
i don't get it.}

gathered 'round the tree.

and...

what christmas is complete without a hayride through the neighborhood.
of course, you must have multi-colored lights and christmas songs playing loudly.

you thought i was kidding.
i never kid.

'tis a true story.
for reals.

*********************************
how was your christmas??
did santa bring you all that was on your list?

instafriday.

2011-12-23T06:45:00.000-08:00

the two week edition.

*lunch.
*new hats from mrs. sandy.
*a helpful hubs.
*jonah's teacher spoiled him with christmas gifts.

*frugal garlic bread.
*cleaning out the pantry dinner.
*YIKES! a kitchen fire.
*grocery shopping before 9am.

*she fell asleep in my arms.
*she wasn't tired, y'all.
*this little boy is too big for naps. {coulda fooled me}
*and again, too big for naps.

*tea lover gift.
*tea lover gift sent across the country.
*two tea lover gifts sent across the country.
*a surprise gift for me from my favorite jewelry gal.

*sick.
*sick times four.
*jake was "aqua elf" in the school's christmas production of "a pirate's christmas."
*school is out for christmas vacation.

*applesauce out of a straw. in his undies.
*she told me "jesus is my best friend."
*jett told me "i love God."
*make-up + newly three-year-old = fun times.

*lucy made herself comfy in my freshly laundered clothing.
*roy g. biv books.
*it's her birthday and she'll cry if she wants to.
*big helper. {read mess maker}

*jonah and santa at the px.
*presents.
*"hand" made rudolph.
*bah-humbug.

*can you believe this beauty was at the road awaiting the trash man?
*i begged hubs to load it up and bring it home.
*it didn't happen.

*haircut number one.
*haircut number two.
*haircut number three.

linking up with jeanett over at liferearranged.

florida.

2011-12-22T05:59:00.000-08:00

oh my goodness, just thinking about this drive again makes me cringe.
it's so far.
so long.
such a legs-cramped-in-one-spot-and no-comfy-way-to-lay kind of drive.

here's a snipet of our drive.
our very long drive.

please, let's get there already.

one of our few potty stops.

this little pit-stop may have saved our sanity.

yes, we're crazy and stopped at chuck e. cheese.
trust me when i say $20 will buy you a few extra hours of silence...
or, at least a few hours of no "are we there yet's."

this sweet little face was g.r.u.m.p.y. about 12 hours into our trip.
stick a campera phone in his face to document to the world and he smiles.
really?

and this, my friends, is what traveling with six looks like.

you don't even wanna see the kids section.

FLORIDA!!!

what could be an even better sight than the florida sign?
JACKSONVILLE!!!

halleluah!!
we're here!!

**********************************
did you travel to see family for the holiday??
the CHRISTmas holiday??

hooray for water. {and a winner}

2011-12-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

we did it!
you did it!
another well will be built because of your gifts!

in three years, together we've built FOUR wells.
amazing stuff, y'all.

and while the giveaway may over, the giving doesn't have to end.
the donation page will be open through february.
let's build another well!
{we're already $1,000+ closer to a second well!}

you're dyin' to know who won my giveaway, yes?
the winner is jonnique!!!
congrats, girlie!
and thank you!

thank you ALL who donated!!!

project320. {charity:water}

2011-12-12T08:05:00.000-08:00

two years ago six amazing gals set out to raise money to build one well.
since then they've raised enough money to fund THREE wells.
through project 320.

every year i read their inspiring words.
in every blog post they tell how grateful they are to have clean water to drink.
clean water for their children to play in the sprinklers with.
clean water to wash their clothes in.
clean water to brush their teeth with.
clean water to soak in a bath with.
clean water to wash our dishes in.
clean water!

we are so very blessed to have clean water.
water we don't have to worry about contracting a disease through.
water we can make our babies bottles with and not worry about their health tomorrow.
water we know animals didn't trample through.
clean water!

that brings things in to perspective.
wow!

WOW!!

which gift can you sacrifice this year to bring clean water to others?

want an incentive???
how about a $30 Starbucks gift card?
and an inspirational print for your wall from jonahbonah?
and an appliqued tee with africa right on the front from jonahbonah?

also, alexandercreative has kindly donated a $30 credit towards anything in their shop!
have you seen the awesome prints and canvases that come from this awesome shop??
i have this one and LOVE it!!!

it just keeps getting better!
beki, at the therustedchain, has donated a $25 gift certificate to her store!!
i'm thinking i might wanna win my own giveaway!

with every $10 donation to charity: water you can be entered to win ALL of these fabulous items!!!

here's how it works.
go here and give $10. $20. $100. {http://mycharitywater.org/project320for2011}
whatever amount you feel the Lord laying on your heart to give.

for every $10 donation you make you can leave one comment to be entered in my giveaway.

if you give $20 leave two comments.
if you give $100 leave TEN comments.

let's build a well, y'all.
together we can do great things.

thank you, project 320 girls, for giving us the opportunity to give so little and make a HUGE difference in the lives of so many!

winner will be chosen in one week.
don't wait, give today!

green giant and myblogspark. {giveaway}

2011-12-10T17:43:00.000-08:00

Making meal time easier than ever, Green Giant has introduced vegetables with pasta and savory sauces to their already convenient and tasty line-up of Valley Fresh Steamers frozen mixes.

New Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables with Pasta varieties include:

*Macaroni and Cheese Sauce with Broccoli - classic elbow pasta and broccoli in a mouth watering cheese sauce

*Pasta and Vegetables with Alfredo Sauce – delicious corkscrew pasta with carrots and broccoli in a savory Alfredo sauce

wanna win this super fun prize pack???

leave a comment telling me, Do you ever have to be creative to get your child(ren) to eat vegetables?

for additional entries...

*follow this blog via google friend connect.
*follow me on twitter, @jonahbonah.
*tweet something like "i wanna win a fun prize pack from @jonahbonah, #greengiant, and @myblogspark! http://theperfecttrio.blogspot.com/2011/12/making-meal-time-easier-than-ever-green.html #myblogspark".
*"like" green giant on facebook.

leave a seperate comment for each of these you complete.

giveaway ends december 18th.
winner announced on the 19th.

good luck!

disclosure: thank you green giant and myblogspark for sending me these goodies, information about the products, and an additional prize pack to giveaway!

my baby is THREE.

2011-12-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

how on earth does this sort of thing happen?
one day you're headed to the hospital, so ready to bring a new little one in to your life.
then, you're wishing the sleepless nights will let up long enough for you to send the bags under your eyes packin'.
before you know it, she's telling you "no!" and then you can't remember why you were so excited for her to start talking.

but, seriously...
she's THREE!
mckinley is three.

i have no more babies in diapers.
{she's been potty trained since the ripe old age of 26 months. thanks, daddy!}

no more getting up in the middle of the night to nurse.
{as much as i love my sleep, i also LOVED nursing my babies. such a sweet sweet time}

no more diaper bags.

no more strollers.

ay, ay, ay!
i'm making it sound as if i miss it.
ok, i kinda do.
some days i feel like i've got one more baby to meet.
and other days i feel so very content with what the Lord has blessed us with.
four beautiful babies...and one more waiting for us in heaven.

happy birthday, mckinley rose.
you are momma and daddy's princess!

my oh so amazing friend, jamie, made cake pops for the party.
the girls insisted on digging into this cake before chowing down on a cake pop. or two.

present time!!!

mckinley got a make-up set from ganny.
emma, tally, and mckinley headed straight up stairs to play dress-up.
{man, i love having a girl!!!}

12 days of Christmas. {teacher edition}

2011-12-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

a few days ago ashley posted a picture on her instagram of a gift she was giving her son's teacher.
and then the next day she posted another.
i loved it.
and knew my boy's teachers would love it too.

it's a small gift every day for 12 days.
and an inexpensive way to bring a smile to your child's teacher's face every day, for 12days.

on the 1st day of christmas...

on the 2nd day of christmas...

on the 3rd day of christmas...

on the 4th day of christmas...

{i forgot to take pictures of day 5.}

on the 6th day of christmas...

on the 7th day of christmas...

i still have days 8-12 to go.
it's not too late for you to catch up.
i had to play catch up for days 1-4.

one of jake's teachers texted me as soon as she got it saying it was one of the best gifts she had received in a while!

the boys are excited to take a gift every day.
i might have created a couple of gift giving monsters.

{original idea was found here.}

************************************
what do you give your children's teachers for christmas?

family night out.

2011-12-07T08:06:00.000-08:00

i've been looking forward to this for a little while now.
i think i was the only one.
well, mckinley, jonah, and i.
daddy was actually a little excited himself.
ok, i wasn't the only one.

jett was a little nervous.
jake is too cool for santa...you know, cause he's NINE.

we made a night of it.
nashville bound at 4:30 pm.
didn't get home until 11:45 pm.
it was a good night.

mckinley was standing on the side quietly calling for santa claus.
she was such a sweetie.

bass pro shop's santa's wonderland is a-mazing!
there is so many activities for the kiddos while you wait.

the boys drove the train.

there was a shooting arcade.

jonah wrote a letter to santa.

and even put it in santa's mailbox.

jett and mckinley totally enjoyed the carousel!!
while these pictures didn't turn out completely clear, they are probably my favorite from the night.

after bass pro shops we walked over to the opry mills hotel.
it is so beautiful every day of the year, but even more beautiful at christmastime.

when we got inside we saw puss in boots.

and shrek.
as he was leaving.
{he passed gas on his way out. classy.}

kung fu panda.

it was super chilly outside, but we braved it to go see the nativity scene.

all together now.
ooooohhh! ahhhhhhhh!!
so pretty, right?!

it was such a great night spent together as a family!!!

you didn't see a picture of all four kiddos with santa in this post because it's the front of our christmas card.
you will be getting yours in the mail soon!
and then i'll post it on the blog.

*****************************
have you gone to see santa yet?

instafriday.

2011-12-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

i love recapping my iphone photos this way.
cause i've been taking so many this way and sharing on instagram that i sometimes feel like i neglect my blog.
this way you gals who aren't on instagram still get to keep up with my little {big} family.
jeanett is a genious to think of this!

here we go.
lots of pics this week.

*decorating.
*nutcrackers.
*breakfast.
*old glory.

*nuts for my "nuts".
*be merry.
*a little lesson in crochet. {self taught}
*the cutest torii towel in town.

*skyping with ganny and poppy.
*mini make-up sesh with my girl.
*8th grade chain reaction project. {helping a neighbor friend's son}
*someone got a hold of mama's instagram.

*lazy afternoon.
*new hats.
*pre-k drop off.
*silly girl.

*yummy $2 cold cut combo from subway.
*bath princess.

join in?
link up!

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas.

2011-12-01T13:35:00.000-08:00

can you believe it's already december 1st?
yowza, this year flew by!

the fam and i pulled out all the decorations over thanksgiving weekend.
it's our tradition to put the christmas tree up the day after thanksgiving.

{this is a horribly blurry picture of our tree.
i'm not sure why it's so blurry.
oh well, i was kinda hurrying around the house to get pictures to show you!}

and we gussied up the rest of our home too!

{we've been here 2 1/2 years and still haven't hung curtains...and won't.
this "treatment" will have to do for the next month or so. :o) }

{nevermind the mascara all over her face...she got into my make-up}

since hubs was in afghanistan last year i bought this ornament.

one of our oldest homemade ornaments.
i made this with my littlest sister when jake austin was just a baby.

my mom bought this one for us the year mckinley was born.
she bought a bunch of others too...but, they are clay and i'm scared to put them on the tree this year.
mckinley and jett still think ornaments are toys.

and, just for fun.
jett watching something on the tube.

********************************
are your christmas decorations up?
i'd love to see them!

winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!

2011-11-29T05:16:00.000-08:00

come on down, jenny's heart!!!
you've won the $25 burger king gift card!!!

email me within the next 48 hours with the address myblogspark can mail your prize pack to.
jakemelissajakea@aol.com

a little something to brighten your day. {giveaway}

2011-11-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

pencils down!
this giveaway is now closed.
you won!!!!!
contact me within 48 hours with your mailing address so i can forward it on to myblogspark.
maybe we can get it there in time for christmas giving!

how about another giveaway??
this one is tons of fun!
and brought to you by a company that we {and our children} all love.

From fun coloring and drawing products to activity toys --
With the new Crayola Jewelry Boutique, kids can become their own jewelry designers! Crayola put a unique “spin” on jewelry making with a special “jewelry spinner” that creates multi-colored beads using Crayola Model Magic. As kids spin their beads into shapes, they can string them together to create original bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and pendants that reflect their own personal style. Let the designing begin!
By combining eye-popping colors to create unique beads with the Jewelry Boutique “spinner,” the amount of fun and creativity is endless because no two beads turn out exactly the same!

For a dazzling finish, coat designs with bead glaze. For even more sparkle and pizzazz, add gems, and interchangeable pendant and bracelet charms!
Recommended for children ages 6+, each Jewelry Boutique kit includes 8 packs of Crayola Model Magic to mold 160 beads, 5 bracelet charms, 3 pendant charms, 2 shape cutters, a bead dryer rack, 5 toggle sets, 4 earring posts and ear wires, a bead punch, 18 gems, 2 necklace cords, 1 elastic cord, bead glaze, and the Jewelry Boutique Spinner with storage areas and retails for $24.99.

Crayola Glow Book

Let your kids’ imaginations run free this holiday season while creating glowing, moving art with the Crayola Glow Book. Turn the lights out and watch their artwork come alive on each page and appear as if it is actually moving!

Using special glowing-ink markers to draw on each of the four clear pages, kids can choose one of the four tracing guides to create original scenes, signs and messages, and arrange them in their desired order. Then, just hit the lights and allow your kids to wow you with wildly colorful, glowing animated scenes. Variable light settings create colorful, multi-layered effects. The Crayola Glow Book wipes off easily so kids can use their imaginations to create endless glowing artwork! A simple wet cloth will do.

Recommended for children ages 6+, the kit includes one Glow Book with 4 clear pages, 4 animation tracing guides and 6 glow markers and retails for $24.99.

Crayola’s Telescoping Crayon Tower and Ultimate Art Supply Case

For everyday inspiration and creativity, be sure to keep Crayola’s Telescoping Crayon Tower and all-inclusive Ultimate Art Supplies case handy, so they’re can always be prepared to create! Filled with crayons and all of the classic art tools for drawing and painting, kids can share their creativity through colorful works of art! The Telescoping Crayon Tower and Ultimate Art Supplies case make great gifts every child can use to jumpstart their creativity.
The Telescoping Crayon Tower puts limitless color at kids' fingertips and compacts neatly for storage with 150 Crayola Crayons and a built-in sharpener for extra convenience.

There are no limits to a child's imagination with the all-in-one, portable Ultimate Art Supply Kit.
Recommended for children 4+, the Ultimate Art Supply Kit contains 24 crayons, 8 washable broad line markers, 12 colored pencils, 8 washable watercolors, 1 paint brush, school glue, scissors, and colored paper and retails for $16.99. The Crayon Tower retails for $17.99.

wanna win ALL of these goodies for the kiddos in your life??
easy-peesy!
tell me which of these products from crayola would you most like to give as a gift to a special child in your life to inspire creativity, and why?

want additional entries?
{leave a comment for each of these that applies to you.}

*follow this blog via google friend connect {on the right sidebar}
*follow me on twitter @jonahbonah
*tweet something like... i wanna win a HUGE #crayola prize pack from @jonahbonah, @crayola, & #myblogspark! http://theperfecttrio.blogspot.com/2011/11/little-something-to-brighten-your-day.html
*follow crayola on twitter
*"like" crayola on facebook

winner will be chosen on december 12 and announced on december 13.
good luck!

disclosure: thank you crayola and myblogspark for sending me these goodies, information about the products, and an additional prize pack to giveaway!

instafriday.

2011-11-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

here you have it.
our life through cell phone pics.

don't forget to enter my giveaway for a $25 burger king gift card.

i'm thinking jett needs new shoes.
and...nike fail.

my lucy lu.

jett's cheese wagon.

pilgrim/indian day at school.
i made my kiddos all indians.
easy-peesy.
{the other two are our sweet neighbor friends}

hubs crashed after a long day at work.
all wrapped up in a thrifted throw.

a lesson on hex bugs.

that's my bed.
a king sized bed.
overtaken by little ones.

yes, please.

"look, mom! it's a four!"

i lovee love love LOVE my iphone camera!
i have over 5,000 pictures in my camera roll.
i might have a problem.
how many pictures are on your camera roll?

i'm linking up with jeanett over at liferearranged.
you too?

happy thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

it's been both a busy and a lazy day.

this happened in the middle of my kitchen floor...

and then we ate.

it was a good day indeed.

give thanks.

2011-11-23T06:43:00.000-08:00

the other day crystal over at littlebitfunky posted this fun little gift on instagram.

she challenged others to give.
i accepted her challenge.

i have always wanted to send little goodies to my boys teachers.
the thought is always in my noggin.
but, i've not ever followed through.

until yesterday.

all three boys took to school with them a bag of goodies.

{i only got a picture of jake...the other boys were dragging their feet to get ready for school}

the happy day project may have ended a couple of weeks ago but i am determined to keep it going.
for evah!

doin' the du.

2011-11-21T22:50:00.000-08:00

jake participated in his first duathlon a couple of weeks ago.
it was a father/son affair so i stayed home with the littles.
and, since i stayed home as did the camera.
hubs likes for their to be pictures of our family events but would rather not be the one responsible for taking them.
{thanks for laying the weight on me, babe}

luckily, a good friend was there and took these few with her phone.
love me a good friend!

they ran a 1/2 mile then biked 4 miles.

i was so proud as these pictures kept popping up in my messages.
i totally cheered him on from home!
where it was warm.

after the 4 mile bike ride was another 1/2 mile run.
go, jake, go!!!

whew, finished.
out of 15 or so boys, he finished 5th or 6th.
not bad for his first du.

great job, jake!!

burger king love. {giveaway}

2011-11-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

***giveaway closed***

have you been by burger king lately?
noticed anything different?

the good folks at burger king and myblogspark shared with me a prize pack that i'm so excited to share with you!

but first, before i could share with you, i had to make sure it was worth it.
the $25 BK gift card burned a hole right through hubs' wallet.
we went the very next day and enjoyed dinner, as a family, at a restaraunt.
mark it down, folks.
with four kiddos, we don't go out to eat often.
it's pricey and our kids are loud.
we are just a crazy bunch!

luckily, the night we went to burger king we were, literally, the only family dining.
there was the occassional single person or to-go orders.
but, on tuesday night, there were no families out.

here's a bit of inside info for you to chew on...

*The BK CROWNTM/MC Program comes in a fully interactive Kids Meal box. Sitting atop each box is a newly redesigned BURGER KING® crown, because every kid deserves to be treated like royalty at BURGER KING®! With crowns on their heads, kids can dive into the box, taking it apart, playing fun games and activities that challenge their minds, inspire their imagination and engage with the whole family.

*With the BK CROWNTM/MC Program, Burger King Corporation invites kids to tell BURGER KING® what matters to them most. BKC has established a fund to help support the Wildlife Conservation Society, National Parks Conservation Association, DonorsChoose.org and Have It Your Way™ Foundation. By visiting BKCrown.com, kids learn how BKC’s charitable partners make a difference. Upon entering BK CROWNTM/MC Codes and clicking on their favorite cause, each kid’s vote helps BK® choose which charity to give back to.

*The fun doesn’t end at the restaurant; the BK CROWNTM/MC Program experience lives on at www.BKCrown.com where kids can place their vote for how BKC should give back, as well as find more games, win prizes and enjoy interactive play.

*Also at BURGER KING®, for just $9.99 your family can enjoy the “BK™ Family Bundle” which includes a WHOPPER® sandwich, WHOPPER JR.® sandwich., two small fries, two small soft drinks and a Kids Meal. Now that’s a deal worth getting together for! Limited time only. Price and participation vary. Prices higher in HI.

that "BK Family Bundle" had my family's name written ALL OVER IT!
times two.
for $19.98 we ate 2 whoppers, 2 whopper jrs, four small fries, four small soft drinks, and two NEW kids meals.
and we were stuffed!
my whopper jr {w/ cheese, no mayo, no tomato, extra onion} was fabulous!
i enjoyed it MY WAY to very last bite.
YUM!

jett and mckinley were the proud recipients of the kids meals.
the crowns attached to the box were a definite winner.
instead of first grabbing for their toy, they went for the crown!

i am happy to announce that just about every morsel of food was consumed.
my goodness it was good.

we {the kiddos} saved room for dessert.
the $0.89 soft serve cone was the perfect end to their meals.

we still have $2.77 on our gift card.
so, grand total for a family of six to eat dinner out {with dessert} was $22.23.
amazing.

thank you, burger king and myblogspark.
you rak!

*****************************************
wanna win a burger king prize pack of your very own???

tell me...why is it important for your family to have a fun mealtime experience?

for additional entries
*become a follower of this blog via google friend connect
*follow me on twitter @jonahbonah
*follow me on instagram @jonahbonah {iphone app}
*tweet {i wanna win a #burgerking prize pack from @jonahbonah and #myblogspark http://www.theperfecttrio.blogspot.com @myblogspark @burgerking}
*follow burger king on twitter @burgerking
leave a comment for each entry option you complete.

giveaway ends on november 28.
winner to be announced on november 29.
good luck!

happy day project recap.

2011-11-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

remember when i told you about this?
did you do it?
were you changed by it?

i looked forward to the monday it began all weekend!
i knew this would be easy for me.
i love to make and give to others.
i love to handwrite letters! i do it all the time.

but, i have to be honest.
last week something in me shook. broke.

seriously though, it went deeper than his absence.
it was just plain inspiring.
i'm having a hard time putting it all into words.

let me back up.
the week prior to the beginning of the happy day project a sweet couple in my sunday school class suddenly lost their five month old son.
i got the email sunday morning before leaving for church.
my heart hurt for them.
i cried and cried. for them.

the day after that hubs left for maine.
and on tuesday we remembered our friend that was killed in afghanistan one year ago to the day.
i couldn't get these families out of my heart, my thoughts. the tears wouldn't stop.

i am SO thankful for what the Lord has blessed me with.
i held each of my children a little more closely these days.
{as i should every day, of course.
unfortunately i, at times, take my blessed life for granted}

so, with all of that being said, and probably completely losing your interest in my rambling, i did take part in the happy day project.
some of it.

monday we made chocolate chip cookies and took them to our neighbor and friend.
her husband is deployed {as are most of the soldiers around here} and we thought her and her children would enjoy some fresh baked love.

tuesday we wrote handwritten letters to aunt debbie and a friend.

wednesday i was so torn.
i wanted so badly to go out and find a homeless person to give a gift card to.
but, without hubs here i just couldn't.
i could hear his voice telling me the dangers of being a woman with children in a bad part of town.

then, i read what jeanett said.
Every person…homeless or not…deserves warm food in their bellies. Every person…with a down comforter to snuggle under or a filthy sleeping bag on the sidewalk…deserves a smile and a moment of kindness from a stranger.

Did they make bad choices that led them to the streets? I don’t know. Do they struggle with mental illness that their families didn’t have the capacity or resources to address? Possibly. Are they themselves the product of broken families, the foster care system, abuse, neglect? I have no idea.

I am broken by the homeless.

Every dirty downtrodden face makes me want to burst into tears. Because underneath those old ratty clothes…beyond the dirty fingernails and the imaginary friends and the violent outbursts…there was once a wonderful and fabulously delicious newborn baby. A rambunctious and silly toddler. A mischevious little kid playing make believe slaying dragons from handmade forts.

her words are pure truth.
i've tried to explain my feelings to my husband.
the police officer/military police officer in him sees this in a completely different way.

so, i did not give a gift card to a homeless person. though i wanted to.
however, i did buy lunch for a boy that came in to burger king with no money.
jonah and i were having ice cream and i wondered why he was alone.
i then heard him tell the cashier he didn't have any money.
i jumped up and made sure he had a hot meal.

i still have plans to carry out the other daily tasks.
{buy a friend a book, refresh someone, blessing bags, and thank someone in service}
rinse and repeat.

the happy project does not have to be limited to one week.
and shouldn't be.

*******************************************
will you tell me other ways to show jesus' love through giving or thoughtful gestures?
i seriously want to make this a habit!

11.11.11

2011-11-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

my week has been a bit emotional...

monday morning hubs woke up early to head to the airport.
he was on his way to visit a now new forever friend and her daughter, heather and allyssa.

i think because i am so proud to be his wife that i must have cried everyday this week.
for reals.

a little background...
heather is the widow of one of jake's buds from afghanistan, andrew hutchins, also simply known as "hutch".
allyssa is the precious baby girl hutch was never able to meet.

jake was there from monday to wednesday.
tuesday was the one-year anniversary of hutch's death.
{only three days before veteran's day}
he wanted to be there for so many reasons.
to finally meet heather and allyssa.
to meet hutch's parents.
heather's parents.
to visit hutch's grave.
some reasons i may never know and even more so will never understand.

there is a significant age difference between jake and hutch.
jake thought of him as a little brother.
and now...heather is a little sister.
and allyssa a niece.
to us both.

thank you, heather.
veteran's day has been dear to me for the last ten years of being an army wife, but it now takes on a whole new meaning.
my husband lost a brother in afghanistan.
my heart hurts for him.
you lost your husband, your best friend.
my heart hurts for you.
for allyssa.
she lost her daddy.

i will NEVER take for granted my freedom.
because of my husband and because of hutch.
because of all the brave men and women who served before them.
and who are serving now.

{these are a few few amazing pictures from jake's trip}

is she not the cutest?!?!

this is my favorite.
he loves her so much.

allyssa giving her daddy some lovin'.

one final picture...
this is sunset on fort campbell.
just before the lowering of the colors.

r.i.p. cpl andrew l. hutchins
04.30.90-11.08.10

you will never be forgotten.

capturing a christmas card photo.

2011-11-07T19:27:00.000-08:00

do you have any tips or tricks??
i sure would love to pick your brain.
or better yet, could you come take my wild bunch's photo??

i went to the school today to watch jake's class picture being taken.
how on earth does one photographer get 31 children and two adults to smile? at the same time?
please tell me!

{purposefully blurred, with the exception of jake's head, to protect the identity of many children}

i only have four children and can not, for the life of me, get them to smile all at the same time.
{i was going to show you a couple examples...
they're no good.
instead, i'll show you the best i get of all four in one shot.}

i don't attempt pictures of all four of them often.
it's scary.
this is my most recent successful attempt...
it turned out ok...
not christmas card worthy.

this is it, y'all.

i need help.
please send me tips.
tricks.
a professional.
something.

***************************************
have you checked out shutterfly's christmas card selection???
i'll be getting my cards from them for the 3rd year in a row.

also, i've been wanting to make a photo book for years.
i've seen friend's books and i've never been disappointed.
i just might make one this year.

need a little help with your famliy christmas card photo?
me, too!
check out this shutterfly page to get a little insight into the perfect photo.

don't forget to give me a little help...

halloween 2011.

2011-11-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

halloween was so fun this year!
hubs was home.
{in our almost ten years of marriage he's only been home for like three halloweens...}
mckinley totally understood the whole trick-or-treating idea.
and she was lovin' that those three little words prompted candy in her bag!

these pictures of jake crack me up.
he only wanted this crazy old man mask for his costume.

jonah was a mad hatter.
creepy.

jett was captain hook.

he was perfecting his hook.

argh, matey!

mckinley was a gnome.
so cute!

jake and jonah's bud, simon, came along with us.

and nani and grandpa came up for a short visit.

it was a good halloween weekend!
this will be our last halloween in ft. campbell...sad day.
but, next year we'll be back in florida and enjoying a warmer halloween.

*******************************
did you have a fabulous halloween???

happy day project.

2011-11-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

today julie and jeannett launched their happy day project.
it's inspiring.
it's giving.
it's thoughtful.
it's perfect for this month of thankfulness.
the whole idea was inspired by this amazing post on another blog.
amazing.
i'm in.

will you join me?
it's going to be so much fun!

here's a list of next weeks assignments.
start thinking now how you'll give on monday.

you'll notice under the assignment is the name of a sponsor who is giving away printable.
under that, the name of a charity that is near and dear to julie and jeanett. {i think we'll be getting more info on that next week.}

i'm off to think about what treat i'm going to gift to a neighbor.

tootles!

fall.

2011-11-03T07:29:00.000-07:00

fall in tennessee doesn't disappoint.

every where you look is filled with color.

i love fall.
walking lucy.
riding a bike.
playing outside with the kids.
love.

*************************
what do you do in the fall?

winner, winner, chicken dinner! {and a dentist visit}

2011-10-31T07:40:00.000-07:00

let's take care of some business first...

winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!
the winner of the pink together gift pack from myblogspark is FamilyJourneys4!
thank you all for entering!

*************************************
mckinley rose had her first dentist visit last week.
we are happy to report no cavities!

pink together. {a giveaway}

2011-10-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Find hope.
Be inspired.
Know you are not alone.
Join the 2011 Pink Together™ campaign – now in its fifth year of celebrating hope – by visiting PinkTogether.com to connect with a unique online community of people who have been touched by breast cancer and share a passion for the cause.
Individually we are strong, but together we are stronger.

*Visit Pink Together YouTube Channel.

*General Mills will also be turning the packaging of participating products pink in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.

we all are affected by cancer.
either a loved one has been diagnosed or a dear friend or us individually.
join general mills and pink together in making a difference.

*********************************
myblogspark sent me an amazing package of goodies.

wanna win a prize package of your very own??
you can!
from me and myblogspark.

ways to enter...
*tell me how YOU have been touched by cancer.
*"like" pink together on facebook.
*follow my blog via google friend connect --->
*follow me on twitter {@jonahbonah}

you have a total of FOUR ways to enter.
now, go enter to win!

you only have until Oct 25 to enter.
a winner will be drawn on the 26th.

Disclosure: The Pink Together prize pack, information and coupons have been provided free of charge by General Mills through MyBlogSpark

{i can't think of a title}

2011-10-23T08:12:00.001-07:00

this picture makes my heart happy.
jonah was having so much fun in the leaves.
he threw some above his head and stood still as they fell back on his face.
such a sweet moment.

happy sunday, y'all.

sweet moments. {in black and white}

2011-10-21T09:31:00.000-07:00

jett got a new bike...he calls it "red rocket!"

1st grade homework.

meet lucy.
she's our new {two year old} dachshund pup.
we love her so much already.

dentist appointments with reports of no new cavities are AWESOME!!

leftover chinese is also awesome.

she is her papa's princess.

cheese!

the family rules.

2011-10-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

have you guys heard of ryan alexander?
no.
well, i'm here to tell you about his little shop on etsy.
he has quite a few irresistable prints for your home.

ryan sent me one of his *family rules* posters.
isn't it great??

it's a black and white poster on super quality paper.
20x30 in size.
BIG.

my kids favorite rule on the poster is share everything.
jake said to me, after reading for the first time, "mom, you have to share everything. even your money!"
um, no!
you must share your toys and your love and your jesus.
i must not share my money.
HA!

there are many other prints to choose from in his shop.
here are a couple more of my favorites...

for us mama's with boys.
i may need this for my boys room when we put them all together next summer.

personalized with your family name!

****************************
want to own an alexandercreative of your very own???
go to his shop and enjoy 20% off today through friday!
{thank you, ryan!}
simply use the code OVERWHELMED at checkout.

happy sunday.

2011-10-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

in the archives.

2011-10-15T09:50:00.000-07:00

i found a picture of jonah and one of his buds in my old files.
i had long forgotten about these photos.
this was taken at his 6th birthday party.

{i think i'm gonna start posting an oldie every now and again and call the post 'in the archives.' }

******************************
how's your saturday shaping up??

pumpkin patch, part two.

2011-10-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

so, yesterday i left you with the beginning of our fun day at the pumpkin patch.
it was a beautiful, sunny day.
fall was evident in only the trees...it felt more like a cooler summer day.

we were all hot and sweaty after playing on the slides, hamster wheels, and 4x4's.

it was off to the snack bar for us.
everyone, except for jake austin, got an apple cider slush.
YUM!

mckinley made it her job to pull this wagon around. everywhere.

then, we were off to play again...

can i just say it was me, ME, who jumped up on these big 'ol tires and schooled all the kids on how to leap from tire to tire.
{what happened to the playground equipment we had as kids?
merry-go-rounds that you ran around to start and then jumped on, swings that went so high you thought you might go all the way over, tire courses that you leaped across....my kids would have LOVED the playgrounds i grew up playing on!}

jonah was so proud that he made it all the way around, without falling even once.

at this point we had been at the orchard for three or so hours.
hubs was past his "i'm so excited to be here" point.
it was time to go find the perfect pumpkins, sorghum, pumpkin roll, apples, and gallon of apple cider.

i told jake austin he should find him a good lookin' knucklehead pumpkin.
cause he's a knucklehead!
he didn't think it was a funny joke.

see you next time, jackson's apple orhcard!

*********************************
ready to see a picture that is nothing short of a miracle???

pumpkin patch, part one.

2011-10-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

early monday morning we set out on a day trip to bowling green , ky...
jackson's apple orchard.

this is our second year visiting this orchard.
we knew about this fantastic slide.

this next picture cracks me up.
jett would climp the stairs to the top, sit down ready to slide, just when you thought he'd push off normally he'd BLAST off on his back with his little arms by his side.
AWESOME!!

how much fun are these "hamster wheels?"

we all enjoyed them...

i even tried.
a little sideways but, i tried.

of course, mckinley had to see the 'hee-hee's.'

poppy, you totally need one of these 4x4's in your front yard!

after all this fun jett was ready for something cold to drink.
come back tomorrow to see what goodies we had!

*****************************

a little thursday funny for ya...
i told mckinley she was momma's precious girl.
she said, "no! i'm papa's girl!"

well, alrighty then.
i love you too!

winner, winner, chicken dinner!! {and other fun stuff}

2011-10-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

the winner of the betty crocker gift pack is jessica todd!!
congrats jessica!!!
email me your address and i can tell blogspark where to send your goodies.
jakemelissajakea at aol dot com
********************
as i type this we are on our way to bowling green, ky to visit the jackson apple orchard.
this will be our second time going there since we moved to ft. campbell...it's great fun!!

guess who was asked to shoot a wedding this past friday night?
ME!
i was flattered...and honored.
here's a sneak peek.

gina, you were a beautiful bride.
thank you for asking me to shoot your wedding.
it was my privilege.
best wishes to you and michael!

********************
last week was also dinner at wendy's/skate night for the boys school.
{it's a fun monthly fundraiser}
jake went somewhere with a friend so just jonah and i took off for a night of fun.
we met friends for dessert at wendy's.

it has been YEARS, i'm telling you YEARS, since i've last put on a pair of skates.

it was jonah's first time ever.

he was a little shaky but, he did great!!

and he wanted to hold my hand...how sweet is that!!?!?

********************
what have you done lately that's fun???

witches, werewolves, and clowns.

2011-10-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

i've been looking at different containers lately and trying to think of ways to upcycle them.
grits, oats, lysol wipes, milk jugs, you name it.
the only ones i've actually kept are the grits and oats.

i made this cutie yesterday out of a recycled grits container, scrapbook paper,
tulle, ribbon, a hot glue gun, and a black marker.

first, i wrapped it with black paper.
next, i hot glued and gathered the tulle wround the top.
ribbon hot glued around the top covered the mess of the tulle.
then, i cut out two legs and a pair of boots.
the last thing i did was draw stripes on her legs and stitches on her shoes.
done.

i filled this one with candy for a friend.
other ideas i had was using it as a "boo" container for my neighbors.
wouldn't it be fun to drop a mason jar filled with water down into the container and use it as a vase?

and just to get you in the halloween spirit...
here's two of my very own cuties!

psst...i've already got plans for the oats container.
{hint: it involves headbands}

**i'm linking up with made by you mondays, get your craft on, tip me tuesday, i'm lovin' it, and pity party**

betty crocker GIVEAWAY

2011-10-03T08:34:00.000-07:00

looking for something yummy to make to take to the next tailgate party?
do you want to surprise your neighbor with a special treat?
need a dessert for tonight's dinner?

look no further.

This fall, warm your family’s hearts and home with a fresh-from-the-oven treat that won’t have you spending hours in the kitchen.
New Milk Chocolate Traditional Brownie mix from Betty Crocker® can help you simplify your brownie baking regimen and get a head start on homemade.

the kind folks at betty crocker and myblogspark.com sent me this fabulous gift pack to try these brownies for myself.

i made them for a friend's going away party a couple of weekends ago.
i tasted one straight from the oven...oh my! i almost kept them all for myself!
these milk chocolate brownies are A-MAZ-ING!
the guests at the party thought so too.
i didn't even have crumbs to bring home.
the plate was empty!

Look for Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate Traditional Brownie mix in the baking aisle of grocery stores this fall.

now, here's the fun part!
wanna win a fabulous gift pack of your own???
you'll receive a milk chocolate traditional brownie mix, a betty crocker apron, a cookie sheet, and a mixing spoon.
fun, right??

here's how to win...

1st- you must tell me your favorite fall dish. leave the recipe if you feel so inclined. if you don't i'll probably have to ask you. ;o) {i NEED new fall recipes!!!}

want extra entries?

* follow my blog -->
* "like" betty crocker on facebook.
* follow betty crocker on twitter.
* tweet about this giveaway. you can say something like, come win an awesome @bettycrocker gift pack from @jonahbonah and #myblogspark! http://tinyurl.com/3vkmrq6
* blog about this giveaway.

leave an extra comment for each entry option you complete.
six total opportunities for entries!

**giveaway ends october 7th. winner will be chosen on october 8th.**

Disclosure: The product, information and prize pack have been provided by Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.

two wheels.

2011-10-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

look who ditched the training wheels for a two-wheeler!

it only took one or two tries and he was off all on his own.

there's no looking back!
this four year old is riding with the big kids now!

my baby.

2011-10-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

there's something about this {random} photo that i took with my cell phone that i love.
we were on our way to nashville for a marriage retreat {a post for another day} and mckinley fell asleep.
this girl is so full of energy when she's awake.
she's in to everything.
she never sits still long.
the other day she poured a whole one pound bag of grated cheddar cheese on my living room floor.
the day before that she cracked an egg on my favorite {fabric} chair.
not a day goes by that she doesn't lay on the floor crying/screaming for something to go her way.
there's never less than two cups of water on the bathroom floor during bath time courtesy of mckinley.
she insists on wearing pants...even if they're under her dress.
she is papa's princess. and she knows it.
guess who got two new pairs of shoes yesterday? not me. princess mckinley.

this girl is a mess.

but, look at those little fingers and toes.
they're still.
and precious.
i love them.
and i love her.

{mama loves you, sweet mckinley.}

beauty.

2011-09-23T21:24:00.000-07:00

this picture holds all that is beautiful to me today.
my hubs and my children. {minus the one who decided he was too cool to spend a weekend with his parents and stayed with a friend instead}
i love my hubs and all of my children all day but, when they sleep they are perfection.
every piece of them is calm.
it's easy to see the blessings God has given me...when life is silent.
cause, you know, life is LOUD these days!

adventures in cooking. {and the ER}

2011-09-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

i love me a good french onion soup.
preferably in a bread bowl.
from panera bread.

but, since the closest panera is 45 minutes away in nashville i needed to take matters into my own hands.

step one.
throw 4 tablespoons of butter, 2 thinly sliced red onions, and 2 thinly sliced sweet onions into the pot and sauté/simmer for 35 minutes.

step two.
add 48 ounces of chicken broth and 15 ounces of beef broth, 1/2 cup of red wine, 1 tablespoon of worschestire sauce, and bind 1 bay leaf, 1 sprig of thyme, and 1 sprig of fresh parsley.
throw it all in and simmer for 25 minutes.

step three.
remove herbs.
add 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar.
turn heat down to low and keep warm while preparing bread.

step four.
cut up a french bread loaf and broil. {i prefer chunks of bread instead of slices}
get yourself a cute oven-safe bowl and add 2/3 of soup.
top with broiled bread and swiss cheese and put under the broiler for 5 minutes or until golden bubbly.

purdy, huh?
and the perfect dish for a cool fall night.

recipe found at allrecipes.com.
now, go forth and cook.
you'll love this recipe if you love french onion soup!

one more thing, take my advice here.
after you've slaved over this amazing soup put the rest in the fridge.
if you don't, and you have to make an impromptu trip to the ER for your daughters fingers that were bitten by a mystery bug and are red and swollen and blister-y, you may come home to a clean kitchen and soup that you slaved over DOWN THE DRAIN!
mmmhmmm, you read me right.
hubs poured my soup down the drain.
his story is he wanted me to have a clean kitchen when i got home {after five and a half hours in the ER}.
sweet guy, right?!?!
i so think he owes me a trip to panera now.
even if it is 45 minutes away.
{love you, babe!}

here's a couple of cute shots while we were at the ER.
after five and half hours i was ready to pull my hair out...
but, {looking back} these two kept a smile on my face.

dr. mac is in the house.

mckinley was cleaning jake's boogies out of his nose.
{she didn't really get any boogies}

************************************************
what super exciting adventure have you been on lately??

hiking.

2011-09-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

we set out on a hike after church on sunday.
hubs found a neat park that was perfect for a day out as a family.

jett was not happy about getting soaked in the chilly water.

we weren't prepared at all to get wet.
jett's jeans got soaked {with frigid water} first so we decided mckinley would be most comfy in just her undies.

sweet memories in the making.

i'm really looking forward to going back!

***************************************************
what fun did you have on sunday???

build and grow.

2011-09-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

we love, love, love lowe's build and grow clinics.
they are offered twice a month and are FREE!
who doesn't love free?

the kids get to build a something using wood and nails.
what kid doesn't like to hammer?

each child gets an apron and goggles and a kit on their first visit.
{just the kit every visit there after}
once they've finished their project they get a patch for their apron and a certificate of completion.
again, what kid isn't gonna like those goodies?

this past week was a police car.
i knew as soon as i saw that a police car was the project i had to sign my kiddos up!

even though jett was sick he was still hammerin' away!

jake usually finishes rather quickly.
he was already on his stickers before i could get him actually building.

jonah means business.

mckinley was just tap, tap, tappin'...i had to get in there and show those nails who's boss.

all the kiddos with their finished projects.
{jake asked if they had any of the lockers left over from the last clinic and they did!! the lady was nice enough to let him have it. so he got to build two that day.}

you should so go check these clinics out.
again, free!
and fun.

click here for more info.

no, i am not being paid to say great things about lowe's build and grow. i just really love the program for my kiddos!

insta-friday

2011-09-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

this week was a busy one.
i love being able to share my daily photos with you all via instagram!
{it's a fabulous app on the iphone.
if you have an iphone you should get this free app.
and follow me, jonahbonah!}

jonah lost another tooth.
the tooth fairy is gonna go flat broke on my kiddos alone.

sweet brothers.

our parakeet, blu.
i really wanna rename him pedro.
you know, we had alfredo...pedro just seems like a good follow-up name.

my cousin's anniversary is 9-10-11.
i made her and her hubby this pillow for their couch. or their bed.

i'm a volunteer in the library every wednesday.
i'm a nerd.
it's so much fun!

my boy came in to check out a couple of books.

friends who bake for me are friends forever!
thank you, jamie!!!!!

my pearly whites.
i could seriously have my teeth cleaned every week.
i love it that much!

we had a mini photo shoot before walking into preschool.
mckinley loves to have her picture taken. sometimes.

someone left a piggy on my night stand.

jett rides the bus two days a week.
i think he loves it.

watch out for this girl when she turns sixteen.
she'll be the beauty behind the wheel!

*************************************************
i'm linking up over at life rearranged.
you should too!

sunny.

2011-09-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

it's supposed to rain for the next few days.
i'm welcoming it with open arms.
it's been very dry and hot and humid and just yuck!
maybe the rain will be the start of cooler days.
maybe.

so, since it's gonna rain and i'm already missin' my sunflowers {that hubs planted for me} i'm gonna share a few pictures from the summer.

they grew to be over eight feet tall!!!
{hubs was one proud farmer!}

hey there, handsome.

this time next year we may be back in florida.
thank goodness sunflowers grow there too!!!

happy sunday, y'all!

jonah turns seven.

2011-09-03T13:18:00.000-07:00

we celebrated jonah's seventh birthday last weekend.

the whole party was a bit hectic.
i took as many pictures as i could but since we were in the cosmic bowling area they aren't very good...

the cupcakes were made by my friend, jamie.
of course, she did an amazing job!!!
i gave her an invite and she matched them up perfectly!

thank you to all the boys and girls {and moms and dads} that came and made jonah's day one he won't forget!

we had lots and lots of fun!

{now, i'm beginning to think of what i'll do for mckinley's third birthday party.}

insta-friday.

2011-09-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

this was our week courtesy of instagram.
{if you have an iphone and don't yet have this app you need to get it!!!!
follow me, jonahbonah.}

we're getting sick of fifteen cups being loaded into the dishwasher every night.
i saw this on another blog and thought it would work perfect for our family.
every kiddo has their own color cup.
we'll see how it works out.

jonah chose mcdonald's for his birthday breakfast on sunday.

we had jonah's birthday party at the bowling alley.

this is jett's mean face.

a custom order.

fourth grade homework.

first grade homework.

livingroom tents, brother and sister, and sharing.

jake and i went on a bike ride. fun times.

this is what your spine looks like.

i found this super awesome t-shirt at old navy for kinley.
rainbow brite was one of my favorites when i was a little girl!

we were outside one night at just the right time to take silhouette pictures...

i get little visitors in my bed every night.
this particular morning they looked extra sweet all snuggled up next to each other.

hubs pulled out the old skool tee.

the little boys had dentist appointments.
no cavaties. yay!!!

*********************************************
i'm linking up over at life rearranged.
you can too!!!

a keepsake.

2011-08-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

i had a little fun with jett's first day of school picture.
and created a keepsake for the scrapbook and also one of many photos to be added to the gallery wall i'm thinking of.
might even be a good gift for the grandparents...

******************************************
this keepsake was created using picnik.
it's a photo editing site with lots of free features.
you can also pay a small monthly fee to use some of the premium features.
i have only recently started playing with this program and am quickly becoming addicted!!!

first day of pre-k.

2011-08-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

it's hard to believe that i now have three kiddos in school.
three down, one to go.
that's what i'm saying now...
i'll be singing a whole new song when mckinley, my baby, is starting school.

the night before jett's first day of pre-k we had a little celebration for him.
he seemed okay with going to big boy school but, i wanted him to know we were all excited for him too.

sidenote: guess what i found at the walmart in clarksville????
carvel ice cream cake.
i searched and searched for this last year for my birthday while jake was gone.
i contemplated having one shipped from where ever an ice cream cake would be shipped from.
carvel is my absolute favorite cake.
my mom bought me one every year for my birthday for as long as i can remember.
jake picked up her tradition when we got married.
i love that man!
thank you, mom, for starting a wonderful tradition!
i'm hoping my kids come to love carvel ice cream cakes as much as i do!!!
then i can have a slice five times a year instead of just one!
end sidenote.

i asked the cake decorater to add pre-k rocks! on the top.
jett loved it!!

and here's his big boy day reveal!!

oh my goodness.
doesn't he look so grown up???

he said his first day was so much fun.
{he only goes from 8:30-11:15}
he came home singing a tooty tot song....i'm not sure what to think of it.
he was a good boy so he got a sucker at the end of the day.
he can not wait until monday!
and i can't either!
three hours of silence is SCREAMING my name!!!

for sale.

2011-08-16T07:07:00.000-07:00

i just added this print to my etsy shop.
it is an original photo taken by me with a bible verse.
joshua 1:9.
{your print will not have a watermark.}

i also added a custom bowling birthday party invitation.
since i couldn't find one that i loved for jonah i decided to make my own.
then, i thought maybe someone else would like it too.
good idea, right?!
{it will be customized with your party info}

now, go forth and shop.
please and thank you.

*********************************************************
is there a print that you have in your mind that you would like?
a photo?
i'd love to make a custom print for you!

happy sunday.

2011-08-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

yesterday afternoon the fam and i headed outside.
we played with homemade sidewalk paint.

mckinley and i went on a bike ride.

we met the boys at the park.

then, we all headed home for grilled hamburgers, french fries, baked beans, and sweet tea.
it was good times.

i pray your day is filled with good times!!!
happy sunday!

he's all smiles.

2011-08-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

jett and i hope you have a saturday that is full of smiles!

papa is the fun one.

2011-08-11T07:28:00.000-07:00

mckinley calls hubs papa.
isn't that cute?
not sure why...she started calling him that when he came home for r&r.
i'm not sure she was even talking before he left for afghanistan so she came up with it all on her own.
the boys still call him daddy.
i try to call him papa so that mckinley never stops saying it.
it melts hubs' heart!

anyways, one day long ago {a few weeks ago} papa, mckinley, and jett were all outside playing.
i think it started out as papa watering the garden and then turned in to play.
you'll see what i mean in these photos...

mckinley chased jett around the yard wearing this bucket on her head.
she was pretending to be a monster.

peek-a-boo!

a few minutes into the monster chase jett was clothes-lined by the bird feeder.
a bit of blood followed.
as did a popsicle and lovin' from papa.

RAWR!!!

the next day was another day of silly fun with papa.

fill it up!

dump it out!

and again!

*************************************************************
our summer break is officially over.
i am more than ready for fall!

when do you start decorating for fall??
august is too early, right?

infinity sports camp.

2011-08-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

i can't believe how little blogging i've done in the last couple of weeks...
i have a BUNCH of pictures from the all that time to put on this here blog.
hopefully i'll get to them all.

for now, these are from infinity sports camp that the big boys went to a couple of weeks ago.
although they had to be there at 8am, meaning we had to leave the house no later then 7:30am, it was a very nice break for me.
i didn't have to pick them up until 4:30!!!
{thank you grandma for paying for it!!}

jake and jonah played baseball, football, volleyball, basketball, had worship time, and bible study time.
they enjoyed every minute!

it looks like there was a little play time too...

{all photos courtesy of the infinity sports camp staff}

i totally recommend this day camp!
look for it at a church near you next summer.
i will be signing my boys up again!

i've done sew much.

2011-08-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

in the last few weeks i've done a few new designs.
have i listed them in my etsy shop?
no.
i'm too busy.

i need to list them.
if i love them so much i'm sure others will too.

here they all are.
some not so new, some new.

*all-american baseball usa tee.
*personalized tote bag.
*close-up of the two tote bags i made for a friend.
*tennessee pride tee.
*a tater tot tee for my nephew who lives in idaho.
*burp cloths for my bestie's new baby, conor.
*go, diego, go tee.
*my favorite princess tee.
*personalized under the big top tee.

there's so many more i want to do and need to do.
but, with school started and fall activities approaching i'll have to stick to etsy orders only.
new items can wait...

********************************************
what have you been up to lately???

thirty-one.

2011-08-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

i have not a lot to say.
i'd like to declare it just another day.
july 31.

i turned 31 on july 31.
quite frankly, it sucks.
getting old just plain sucks.

but, hubs did make it special.

i got a keurig.
big surprise.
never in a million years would i expect him to buy me one of these.

we got a baby sitter and went on a date.
kohl's, the mall, and applebee's.
such fun.

new toms and starbucks too.
if the rest of my 31st year is this good, it may not be so bad.

wanna know something else that was super fabulous about my 31st birthday???

this handsome fella was born.
yep, conor thomas wofford is here!!!!
on my birthday!!!
july 31!!!
he couldn't have asked for a better day to be born!!!!!
i love you conor!
and tera!
{she's my bestie!}

********************************************************
tell me 31 gets better!

today.

2011-07-29T11:59:00.000-07:00

we went to the park.
the end.

amish. again.

2011-07-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

yesterday the kids and i took a short drive to the amish area of town.
i was specifically in search of fresh corn.
goodness knows i've got a ton of my own cucumbers and tomatoes!

look! some of the horses were taking in some shade.

she had a bunch of canned yummies.
i bought some bread and butter pickles.

she went out into the corn field, picked my corn right off of the stalk and brought it back in her apron.
love it.

i asked for six.
she graciously gave us seven.
and counted them with jett.
she was very sweet!

it's such a simple way of life.
simple and beautiful.

so, this next picture makes me laugh.

as we were driving away i noticed this wooden trunk in between the trash cans.
it was really a very neat trunk.
but, i wondered if it was trash or like an amish trash can.
what did i do?
i turned around and asked that sweet lady if she was throwing the trunk away.
she said "yes."
SCORE!!!
it's awesome!
and probably handmade.
and now mine!

**********************************************
totally off subject but, has your summer been as hot as mine?
it's sweltering out.
too miserable to go out in unless you absolutely have to.

what are some things to do with my kiddos for this last week before school starts???

today.

2011-07-19T17:23:00.000-07:00

this morning i was awake and out of bed by 5:45am.
if you know me you know this is not at all normal behavior for me.
but, the big boys have sports camp all week and it begins at 8:00...40 minutes away.
having four kids means allotting enough time for something to go wrong.
{you know, lost shoes, funky hair, grumpy kids.}

since i'm getting up before the birds every morning i've been napping with jett and mckinley.
oh, yeah!!!

today there was a whole lot of giggling going on.

made a pit-stop at sonic during happy hour for a diet dr pepper!

this was definitely the highlight of our day.
we saw an amish family driving their horse and buggy down the main road.
the kids all wanted to see the "he-he" {horse} so i made a u-turn and followed that buggy!
their were like five kids in the back and they were all waving to us and smiling.
all the while their parents looked straight ahead.

i would love to be a fly on the wall in an amish home.
i'd love to see what the children play, how many chores they do without complaining, how the dinner table is set, hear the stories of today's harvest.
i wonder if we could get a family to invite us to dinner?

hubs checks ~~our~~ his cucumber crop everyday.
sometimes twice.
it seems daily he finds one he's missed that is just huge.
like the one above.
huge.

my sunflowers are {mostly} still growing strong.
the bees are still loving them too!

i googled "how to roast sunflower seeds" and came up with lots of info.
first step is to cut the heads off and let them dry.

look at all of those beautiful seeds.
they will soon be tasty!
i'll let you know how it goes.

**************************************************
how was your tuesday?

homegrown and homemade.

2011-07-14T00:52:00.000-07:00

around here it's been very...ma and pa-ish.
you know, the way it was back in the old days.

we grow our own flowers.

and cucumbers.

and tomatoes.

we can our own salsa.
{with the before mentioned homegrown tomatoes.}

and we have friends over to make homemade fruit pizza.

i think we should do this more often.
look how well they work together.

all done.
it was delish.
and healthy taboot!

****************************
what have you homegrown or homemade lately??

thirty.

2011-07-13T20:39:00.000-07:00

it's official.
hubs is now thirty!

he's been giving me a hard time for the last eleven months and thirteen days.
{that's when i turned thirty.}

now i can pick on him.
well, at least until july 31.
{that's when i'll turn thirty-one.}

he hates decorating of any kind for birthdays.
oh well.
no way i was gonna not decorate for his special day!

call the fire department!!

happy birthday to you!!

after our family birthday celebration for daddy we took a moment to check one more activity off of our summer list.
family movie night.
we watched a classic...willy wonka and the chocolate factory.

****************************
hubs,
i love you.
i thank the Lord for you everyday.
here's to many many more birthdays!
marie.

happy sunday.

2011-07-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

three outta four isn't bad.
and since they were strapped into their seats they couldn't run from the camera.
buwahahaha!

have a blessed day!

insta-friday.

2011-07-08T08:27:00.000-07:00

this is my week via iphone pics.
via instagram.

my sunflowers are doing amazing!

we had ribs one night for dinner.
jett was in hog heaven.
haha!

hubs made a flag cake for independence day.
cause he's awesome.

splash!

we had a few lazy days.

and a few naps.

my neighbor and myself took six of our eight kiddos to see the fireworks at the parade field.
i'll spare you the story of TWO poopy accidents and only ONE change of clothes...

shootin' hoops.

whoa! see how tall my sunflowers are?
some are more than eight feet tall!
{some lady that was walking with her daughter the other day asked if she could have one.
then she asked for two.
of course, i shared with her.}

fun dinner.

a summer evening with friends.

hubs pulled out the dusty video camera.
these kiddos are growing up SO fast!

momma needs to shed a few {or 40} pounds.
and if i don't finish working out until fifteen minutes prior to preschool pick-up watch out!
i'll be the sweaty momma in the toddler room.

gotta love friends with big blow up water slides that invite ya over for play time!
jonah was lovin' every minute.

and finally, i walk in to these faces after coming home yesterday.
the three of them were VERY into the movie they were watching.

*********************************************************
i'm linking up with jeannett over at liferearranged.
you can too!

junkin'.

2011-07-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

last week i went junkin'.
just me.
no kids.
no "will you buy me this, PPPLLLLLEEEEEEAAAAAAAASSSSSSEEEEEE?".
just me.

on my adventure {cause you never know what you'll find} i found lots of goodies!
each of these things NEEDS a resting place in my home.
{or maybe not. but, i liked them all!}

This Old Place.
Clarksville, TN
{this is where the junkin' goes down}

i envision tea parties with mckinley.
i didn't buy.
$35 price tag, y'all.

would love a tall cup o'caffiene out of these.
i am an "M", afterall.
i didn't buy them.

this tea kettle.
not sure if i want it more for boiling water or to use as a centerpiece on the dining room table.
and would i leave it silver??
i didn't buy it.

i just thought this was way cute.
it was painted in 1989 by a little boy who's name begins with a D...his name was on the bottom and i don't remember.
maybe he wasn't a little boy.
but, in my mind he is...or was.
i didn't buy it.

i REALLY need one of these!
the soda bottle crate.
not the antlers.
i would totally hang it on my wall with the bottom flat against the wall and put thread in it!
i didn't buy it.

my grandma on my mom's side had one of these cracker tins.
it's one thing that i can still remember about her kitchen. her home.
i wish i had hers.
i may go back and get this one.
$10.
i didn't buy it.

OLD SKOOL!!
did you have a banana seat bicycle??
if you didn't, you must be really young.
or, i'm really getting old.
{be nice!}
i had one.
it was pink.
i think.
my memory isn't what it used to be.
i'm getting old, remember?
i definitely did not buy this.
{my boys would look at me like i was nuts if i brought this home for them to ride!}
{{or, it would make me the coolest mom ever???}}

vintage pyrex.
so beautifully worn around the edges.
has a story.
of someone else's...but, that's ok.
i bought.

crazy old cash register.
i don't think i would have even been able to pick it up if i did want to buy it.
i didn't buy it.

old toys.
hard to believe that back in the day boys had a few of these and that was it.
they'd probably play outside in the dirt, on momma's kitchen table, in the bathtub, with the SAME toys.
our kids are so spoiled.
i didn't buy them.
although, the camper was super fun looking.
{i want an old camper for hubs and i to venture out in when we get oldER.}

this fisher price cash register took me back!
i remember having one of these as a kid and playing with it. ALOT.
like the boys had one clunky metal truck and i had my cash register.
i loved this thing!
if it would have had the coins to go in it i would have bought it.
i'm told there's an updated version in the stores now.
i know what mckinley's getting for christmas!

this cute little mustard piece was sittin' all alone.
no lid.
$4.
i still bought it.
i love the color.
oh, and it's pyrex.
i love all things pyrex.

this, my friends, is my favorite thing i bought all day.
favorite.
my hopes and wishes is to collect lots and lots in this color to fill my grandma's china cabinet with.
i love her and i love pyrex.

*****************************************
what's the most recent thing you've bought that you love???

splish splash.

2011-07-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

there was sunscreen,
swimsuits,
excited kiddos,
sprinklers,
more sunscreen,
meltdowns over getting bumped into,
blue cream soda,
buckets that dumped loads of water,
sun tanning {silly boys!},
and lots and lots of fun!

***************************************************
how was your friday?

insta-friday.

2011-06-24T14:58:00.001-07:00

jake made it home from camp wednesday evening.
it's amazing how much a kid can change in only five days.
he responded to all of my questions with "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am."
i mean, we've taught our children to respond that way...but they often need reminding.
not him.
not on wednesday evening.
he was all manners.

before he went to bed he asked hubs to have quiet time in the bible with him.
camp'll change a kids heart.

thursday, we got up early and by noon he was passed out in the chair.
camp'll slap wear. you. out.

kinley and i had some snuggle time.
she was pretending to be shy.
truth is, she loves the camera.

granny and grandaddy came and spent time with the kiddos.
i'm so thankful for them.
they are truly amazing grandparents.

look at how sweet grandaddy is holding kinley while she shells peas.
love him.

i love onion.

and i love him.

i don't love doughnuts but this special delivery made me smile.

my wednesday afternoon lunch dates.
love.

this has turned into a "things i love" post.

i am the absolute worst at picking out a watermelon at the grocery.
seriously, the worst.
i brought home a watermelon the other day that was squishy.
watermelon picking is not my strength.
so, i stopped at a road side produce stand and had the lady choose one for me.
she thumped on about twenty before she found just the right one.
it was delish.
loved it.

these kiddos playing together quietly, for more than two minutes.
love.

guess what?

momma got a new haircut.
love!

the end.

centrikid 2011

2011-06-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

jake spent the last five days away at centrikid in ridgeview, nc.
we pick him tonight.
i can't wait to hear how much fun he had.

these are the few pictures i was able to get this week off of the facebook page.

he looks exhausted.

sunflowers and letters and crafts.

2011-06-21T12:49:00.000-07:00

since i left my sunflowers to grow at home...
i was on the search when we got to florida.
found them.

*********************************************************************************

we're marking off a few activities on our list too.
writing letters.

jonah wrote a postcard to aj.
i wrote one to jamie.

we've also been crafting.

i'm off to enjoy more summer.

happy sunday.

2011-06-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

i wish {and pray} for you to have an amazing sunday.

insta-friday.

2011-06-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

on saturday.
cause i'm a slacker.
or really busy.
you choose.

breakfast at cracker barrel.

on the road.

dinner one night.

dessert for more than one night.

a crazy centipede held by my bug lover!

a very involved game of fishdom.

the smoke in callahan/jacksonville coming in from the south is crazy!
it's hard to breath outside at times.

my mother-in-law treated jonah and i to cupcakes at a local cupcakery.

finally...

a tomato with a nose.
out of my father-in-law's garden.

it's been a full week.
***************************************
tell me about your week.

thursday.

2011-06-16T19:00:00.000-07:00

i guess you could say this started my thursday.
i was up at midnight making homemade cinnamon rolls...pioneer woman style.

we opted to not make the icing.
they are super yummy even without the icing.

i've been instructed to never buy pillsbury again.

funny thing about these cinnamon rolls, serving size says 8.
i'm thinking she means 8 PANS!!!

what else did we do today??

we hung out poolside.

i took jake out for new shoes for camp.

he chose these.
white with lime green accents.
hello, 80's.

we then ventured in to panera for take-out.
and to wal-mart.
then home.

that's it for thursday.

how was your thursday??

hubs is a genius.

2011-06-15T22:04:00.000-07:00

do you have bread with every meal?
we don't either.
but, if it were up to hubs we would.

seriously, my wasteline just can't afford all that white flour and sugar that is bread.
i try to avoid it if not for a sandwich...
i use the word try loosely.
i do love me some bread.
of all kinds.

back to my original thought.

it was spaghetti night the other night and i forgot, possibly conveniently, to buy the garlic bread. {remember, i'm thinking of the waistline}
out of the corner of hubs' eye he sees some hotdog buns on the counter that are waiting for hotdog night.
why not make garlic bread out of them??

open 'em up, slather on the butter {only real butter will do...not margarine}, and sprinkle on the garlic salt.

voila!
garlic bread.

mighty tasty garlic bread.

we may never buy frozen garlic bread again.

the end.
*******************************

what tasty dinner secret do you have???

i'm linking up with kristen over at wearethatfamily for "works for me wednesday."

summer list 2011.

2011-06-10T14:10:00.000-07:00

before i begin i'm gonna totally brag and tell you that as i type this i am getting a pedicure.
yay for mommy time!!!
*********************************
a few years ago i saw on meg's blog that she makes a summer list.
i always have fun things that i'd like to do but often forget about them as quickly as i find them.
naturally, i knew this list would be perfect for me!

we have already marked a few off of our list.

i can't wait to really get into it!
ice cream in a bag and making edible playdough are a couple i'm most looking forward to.

this is the one i'm MOST looking forward to.

making CUPCAKES!!!

*************************************
do you make a summer list?
what kind of activities do you include?

the last few days.

2011-06-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

this life of mine is busy.
B.U.S.Y.

in a good way.

here's a glimpse of the last few days.

friday the fire truck came to jett and mckinley's school.

we stood and admired from afar, in the 100 degree heat, for a few minutes.
both of them too scared to go inside but not willing to leave.
this is the best picture i could get.

after school snack of strawberries, blueberries, cool whip, and a pb&j on our new watermelon plates and reversible placemats.

so cute, right?!?!

a little DIY action on saturday...

more on this to come.

saturday hubs decided on a spontaneous road trip.
to bowling green, ky.
we've only been once to go to dinosaur world.

we weren't sure if there was anything else to do or see in bowling green...but, getting out of town for the day sure sounded like a good idea.

there wasn't much to see but we did find a mall.
and a chuck e. cheese.

really.
we drove an hour and a half for chuck e. cheese?
oh yeah, and panera.
i seriously love panera!

1/2 of an asian chicken salad with extra almonds and a bowl of french onion soup.
life is good.

you better believe i got a to go french onion soup with a bread bowl so i can have it for lunch after church on sunday.
the nearest panera is more than 45 minutes away in nashville.

yum-o!

one last picture that's just too cute not to share...
mckinley got all dressed up from her dress-up chest.
she's as pretty as a princess.

*************************************************
i'm offering free shipping in my shop again.
just cause i love ya.

enter code SHIPME into the checkout info and you'll see $0.00 for shipping costs.
hurry, though.
it won't last long.

*************************************************
what did you do last weekend???

happy sunday.

2011-06-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

be still, and know that i am God... psalm 46:10

the bible commands us to "be still."
in all things, know that God is in control.
He knows the plans He has for our lives. {jeremiah 29:11}

this week our family has been called to "be still, and know."
good or bad, God is in control.
He will never leave us. {hebrews 13:5}

will you pray for our family?
God knows what for.
thanks!
you rak!

handmade father's day finds.

2011-06-02T18:47:00.001-07:00

father's day is right around the corner.

i found a few things that the papa bear in your life will love!

{source}

{source}

this is something i've wanted to do for years.
i have good intentions.
i bought the letters YEARS ago.
maybe this year...

{source}

there are so many good ideas out there.
gifts and crafts.

i hope one of these inspires you to give and create!

******************************
what are you giving your dad?
the daddy of your kiddos?
i need ideas, girls!

splish. splash.

2011-06-01T13:10:00.000-07:00

running towards mom with the water hose...fun.

realizing she gets a reaction keeps her coming back for more.

chasing after a nakey brother...so much fun.

realizing i'm on the dry side of the glass door...fabulous.

********************************
how much water did you ~~waste~~ have fun in today?

memorial day.

2011-05-31T13:21:00.000-07:00

me·mo·ri·al day {noun} a day, the last monday in may, on which those who died in active military service are remembered.
***
did you remember?
because you had a day off of work?
because you knew the true definition of memorial day?
because you know someone who was killed in action?

today, we remembered.

we remembered all those who have died in years past.
we remembered one who died just recently.

cpl andrew l. hutchins
son, husband, daddy {to a precious girl he never met}

never forget those who paid the ultimate price.
never forget those who live daily without loved ones so dear.
never forget wives who will never wrap their arms around their 'forever love' again.
never forget children who will grow up without mommy or daddy.
never forget why we still are still benefited freedoms.
never forget.

heather and allyssa,
you are forever in our hearts.
forever.

hello, nashville.

2011-05-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

today marked a pretty big event in our family.
the first time we've sent our firstborn boys off on an airplane BY THEMSELVES.
but, for good reason...
they went to ganny and poppy's house.

the boys were so excited to be going to florida!
there is so much to do and people to see and summer camp to go to....

boarding happened so fast.
we didn't have time to cry...even if we wanted to.

and they're off.
one hour and fifteen minutes later they are more than 500 miles away from us.
sad day.

**********************
once the boys were off to vacation in florida what were we to do?
my dad was at our house with the little kids and hubs and i were alone.

i don't even remember the last time we were faced with this dilemma.

mini golf sounds like the perfect activity for two parents who are without child for a few hours.

and go-karts!!!!!!

even though i lost at mini golf, two games of air hockey, and go-karts i had a great day with my love.

****************************
what did you do today?
do you have big memorial day weekend plans?

last day of school.

2011-05-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

{jonah, mikey, and jake austin}

happy.

2011-05-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

it's the most exciting part of lunchtime.
the mail comes!

in the last couple of weeks i've gotten a couple happy packages.

first, meg sent me a wonderful box full of goodies.

measuring spoons, little bowls {in a rainbow of colors}, an oven mitt, a tea towel...

and an apron.

i love it all!!!
thanks meg!!!

my second fun package came from crystal at littlebitfunky.

these super cute, and comfy, headbands.

mckinley doing a fine job of modeling one for ya...

and me...not such a fine job. it'll hafta do.

aren't those cute?
she'll have them listed in her shop soon, i believe.

******************************

look at our garden grow!

hubs has quite the green thumb.
i can't wait to show you the 89 sunflowers he planted for me.

{i'm patiently awaiting blooms.}

*******************************
don't laugh.

a couple of weeks ago my friend, jamie, and i went to the goodwill.
one of my first stops in that store is the frame section.
one can never have too many nice frames.

this teddy bear hot air balloon yarn art caught my eye.
i loved it!
but, seriously! where does one put such a picture?!?!

i left without paying the $3.99 for the floating bears.

can you believe i thought about those blasted bears everyday since then?
for real.
like, would pop into the goodwill every couple days to see if they was still there.

today was the day.
i had a couple things to return and therefore knew i'd be headed there.
telling myself that i would use the return money to get it and also telling myself it would be ok if those bears were in someone else's house now.

it was still there!!!!!
{jamie said it's because it's ugly and no one wanted it. whatev! it's awesome!}

once i've spray painted the ugly brown frame it'll hang in mckinley's room.
she can thank me later. :0)

********************************
do you have something that most everyone thinks is hideous but it makes you happy???

sunday.

2011-05-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

it's sunday.
sad, but true, any given sunday i can wake up knowing that there will be chaos of some sort.
the kids will drag their feet at getting out of bed or getting dressed.
mckinley runs from me as i chase behind her with a hairbrush and spray detangler.
jake austin can't find his hoodie {that he feels the need to wear...everywhere} that he remembers about five seconds before walking out the door.
jonah and jett are arguing over whether it'll be stuart little 3 or dinosaur train on the netflix.

all the while hubs and i are trying to get ourselves ready.
he's getting dressed, making breakfast {yes, he's amazing like that}, and keeping the kiddos on track.
i'm picking out everyone's clothes, getting myself dressed, and making my hair presentable. {make-up goes on in the truck}

unfortunately, satan is at work in our house on sunday morning.
he wants us to get so irritated with the chaos and with each other that we throw our hands up and say "forget it! we're not going to church."

i'm not gonna lie.
i was about to throw my hands up this morning.
i even told hubs to go without me.
he wouldn't have.

but, as i stood in the kitchen taking a deep breath, reminding myself that i am overwhelmed by His blessings, i also said "he {satan} tries this every sunday. every sunday."
and with those thoughts i inhaled deep and walked back out into the living room where my hubs and kiddos were still running around like chickens with their heads cut off trying to get ready for church.

we loaded up in to the truck and headed out.

after all the drama and yelling and fighting and DRAMA we were on our way to church.
on our way to socialize.
to fellowship.
to worship.
to praise Him for this day.

moral of the story?
when satan is trying to bring you down and ruin your day show him who's boss!!!

***********************************************
in other news...

use the code SHIPME now through may 23 for free shipping on anything in my shop!

Overwhelmed by His Blessings

january photo-a-day-challenge complete. {almost.}

handmade photo cards for valentine's day.

it was a good day.

something new. for you.

happy sunday.

an evening in the country.

her future is so bright.

so random. and a blessing.

saturday giveaway. {#myblogspark}

a-photo-a-day, day 14. something you're reading.

a-photo-a-day-challenge, day 6: makes you smile.

a-photo-a-day-challenge, day 5: something you wore.

a-photo-a-day-challenge, day4: letterbox.

a-photo-a-day challenge, day 3: something you adore.

best of 2011.

a-photo-a-day challenge, day 2: breakfast.

a-photo-a-day challenge, day 1: me.

christmas recap.

instafriday.

florida.

hooray for water. {and a winner}

project320. {charity:water}

green giant and myblogspark. {giveaway}

my baby is THREE.

12 days of Christmas. {teacher edition}

family night out.

instafriday.

it's beginning to look a lot like christmas.

winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!

a little something to brighten your day. {giveaway}

instafriday.

happy thanksgiving.

give thanks.

doin' the du.

burger king love. {giveaway}

happy day project recap.

11.11.11

capturing a christmas card photo.

halloween 2011.

happy day project.

fall.

winner, winner, chicken dinner! {and a dentist visit}

pink together. {a giveaway}

{i can't think of a title}

sweet moments. {in black and white}

the family rules.

happy sunday.

in the archives.

pumpkin patch, part two.

pumpkin patch, part one.

winner, winner, chicken dinner!! {and other fun stuff}

witches, werewolves, and clowns.

betty crocker **GIVEAWAY**

two wheels.

my baby.

beauty.

adventures in cooking. {and the ER}

hiking.

build and grow.

insta-friday

sunny.

jonah turns seven.

insta-friday.

a keepsake.

first day of pre-k.

for sale.

happy sunday.

he's all smiles.

papa is the fun one.

infinity sports camp.

i've done sew much.

thirty-one.

today.

amish. again.

today.

homegrown and homemade.

thirty.

happy sunday.

insta-friday.

betty crocker GIVEAWAY