Oscar Weekend

I don't have a lot of time to spare today so I'll make it quick. This weekend was colder than my liking but the rain stayed away long enough for us to have a successful school carnival. The highlight of said carnival was my sweet little Sophia braving many new things such as a pony ride.

You have to know, Sophia is very shy and cautious...OK, she's pretty much a scaredy cat! When she first saw it she was all smiles but said "too scary!", same went for the blow up slide and bounce house, but by the time we were done she had tried everything...and LOVED every minute of it! I was totally shocked.


Obviously, Sunday I watched the Oscars (while sending and receiving hundreds of texts from Chantell) sharing our thoughts on the red carpet fashions. Here's my take...

Favorite Gown & Overall Beauty:

First Place

Camila Alves w/ Matthew McConaughey

I can't even wrap my brain around how beautiful she looks in this gown. If anyone could tame Matthew McConaughey it's her!

Second Place

Melania Trump...nice look Donald!

I think she is also gorgeous in this gown and definitely my second pick for all around beauty,  the only flaw is her date. Could 'The Donald' be any more annoying?

Third Place

Sandra Bullock

One thing I loved about last night was that no one asked about J.J. nor did Sandra speak of him! Dirt Bag with a capital D!! I thought she looked super fab, the only down was that she looked tired...maybe a smoky eye or just some eyeliner would have helped. I say this while wearing the same lounge pants I wore last night to the Oscars... so what do I know? :)

Favorite Winners

Christian Bale: The Fighter

This movie was fabulous!! I was blown away in the first 20 seconds of his acting. I've always liked him as an actor but he really nailed this role...I'm still blown away by his abilities. I was BEYOND happy he won.

Colin Firth: The King's Speech

I was also happy Colin Firth won for Best Actor. Not only did he do a fabulous job in The King's Speech, I love all his movies and thought it was time for him to win.

Biggest Upset (for me)

Amy Adams

I thought she should have won for Best Supporting actress however, the good news is the woman that won played the mom in The Fighter (so that eased the blow for me), I think Amy looked a little bummed that she didn't win though. Don't get me wrong, Melissa Leo was amazing too, but I was a little surprised she beat out Amy...maybe after seeing it a second time, I'll feel differently. I'm also sure Amy would have given a more classy acceptance speech...dropping the 'F Bomb'...really?

Least Favorite Gown

Kate Blanchett

While I love Kate Blanchett, and thought her hair and make-up were gorgeous (as usual)...I didn't care for this gown. It has pretty eliments to it, but I thought the circle thing was too distracting. The dress was artistic and interesting, but I'd rather have seen her in something more classic.

Favorite Film

The Social Network

My top three favorite movies this year were: The Social Network, The Fighter & The King's Speech (in that order). I was a little disappointed The Social Network didn't win Best Film. I thought it was fast paced, smart and relevant. I liked The King's Speech, and thought it was a great story of friendship and perceverance, but it was a little slow at times. I do love that it sheds light on those who are struggling with studdering and hopefully will help others be more compassionate toward them. As for The Fighter, it was totally insperational, I just wish they could have done it without using the language, but then again, it's a true story about a drug addict.

The Hosts:



James Franco and Anne Hathaway

 I'm not a huge Anne Hathaway fan so going into it I thought I'd be annoyed with her hosting abbilities...not the case! Poor girl had to work overtime to make up for her dry co host James Franco. I thought I'd enjoy him, but instead, found him boring (not to mention he himself looked totally bored)! In this photo he's actually smiling, but for the most part his head was tilted back and to the side like he was half asleep. I was bummed I didn't get the chance to see his film 127 Hours, but now I doubt I will.  At least Anne looked fabulous in all her costume changes...she sure knows how to work a gown.

OK, enough of this nonsense...time to get back to reality and things that really matter, like laundry and Miss Sophia. :) Have a fabulous week!!

xoxo,

Cub Scout Cake Contest

It was the Blue & Gold Banquet for my little Kade tonight. We had a lot of fun working together on our cupcakes for the contest.

I'm loving these gold cups & sprinkles (hmmm, I feel an Oscar party coming on). Oh and the spray food dye is the bomb! I'm going to be buying it in bulk I think. If you have a Cub Scout and a cake contest coming up, we used these Scout themed stickers. I just took the little cupcake sticks and stuck one in between two stickers...so buy two sets. Honestly though, I got them at Hobby Lobby for about half the price, but if you don't live near one your could get them here on Amazon.

The hamburger cake was my favorite (I'm imagining if it were real it would be a Veggie Boca of course!) it looked incredible. Kade was  awarded the BEST BLUE & GOLD THEME! Woo hoo Kade!!

A good time was had by all and Kade LOVED having the support. Next up...Pinewood Derby, consider yourself warned that Kimball knows all the tricks to make a fast car so I hope the other dad's bring their 'A' game! Ha! :)

Love you Kade!!

xoxo,

Mommy

Chicken Corn Chowder and Polka Dots

Nikon D200, 55 mm,  f/5.3, ISO 400, no flash, 1/60

I'm totally lovin' cute mugs and bowls lately...not to mention my polka dot addiction. While I'm at it, I may as well fill my new favorite mug with my new favorite soup...Chicken Corn Chowder. Remember when I promised you I'd cough up some more soup recipes? Well here you go!!

Chicken Corn Chowder

Ingredients:

• 2  tablespoons  butter
• 1/4  cup  chopped onion
• 1/4  cup  chopped celery

• 2  tablespoons  all-purpose flour
• 3  cups  2% reduced-fat milk
• 2  cups  chopped roasted skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 2 breast halves)
• 1 1/2  cups frozen corn kernels
• 1  teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4  teaspoon  red pepper flakes
• 1/8  teaspoon  salt
• 1  (14 3/4-ounce) can cream-style corn

Preparation:
Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and celery; cook for 3 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in milk and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; cook until thick (about 5 minutes). Makes about (6) 1 cup servings.

Enjoy!!

xoxo,

Linking up with Finding Serendipity for Photo A LA {M}ode

Pure Intent {Giving}

Random Act of Kindness: A friend giving Sophia enough clothes to last the next two years!!

Recently in our scripture study, we came across Luke 6:32-36. I got thinking of the times I've given to others. Times I've given to someone with a pure heart, expecting nothing in return whatsoever, and times I gave hoping there would be some sort of payoff, whether it be a public "thank you", a favor in return, or even a closer friendship. Maybe I had a small hope in the back of my mind that this person would think I'm generous or Christ like.

Anyone can give if you expect to get back, even wicked people. Real giving comes when you see a need and you meet that need.

Luke 6:32-36
32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. 33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive , what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again . 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good , and lend , hoping for nothing again ; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Sometimes we give only to those in our small circles...our friends and family, but it's so important we also climb out of our comfort zone and seek out those in need whether we know them or not,  and even if we like them or not! It's easy to give to the beautiful, fun, and pleasant person, it's much harder to extent a hand to the grumpy and prickly neighbor, but you never know when your kind act might fill a tiny hole in someone's wounded heart.

    A while back, I reached out to help a sick neighbor who at the time didn't like me. Her kids didn't either, and at first I was met with strange looks and less than friendly receptions however, through that experience I learned to truly love her, and we became great friends. I learned the importance of serving not just those that think fondly of us but anyone who has a need. As promised in the scriptures, the reward for my pure intentions was great!

Fast forward several years and now as a mom of three little ones, stepping out of my circle isn't so easy, but service isn't supposed to be convenient, and acts of kindness take effort; I know I can do better.

From what I hear it's 'Random Acts of Kindness Week' so, I'm putting my words into actions and finding ways to give because, isn't that what we should be doing every day?

Unintentional RAOK: Today I woke up to 13 Sunday papers...clearly the paper guy is spreading the love too. :)

xoxo,

the wheels on the bus...

in my efforts to simplify and save,

i signed the boys up for the school bus.

while this may not sound like a big deal...

it is.

 to me.

it's one more step I take toward letting go...

baby-steps.

up until this point the boys have been spoiled,

having a personal driver to and from school.

i'm afraid now they think they're "slummin' it"!

if the loud cluncky noises weren't enough for my little worrier kade...

seeing the body fluid clean-up kit about sent him over the edge.

i can't stop laughing about that one!!

but if i survived the bus,

i know kade will too.

*******

to give you an update on this post...

with much effort jaxon has an A in math,

and kade thinks he just might like school;

it helped that he received the leadership award and got to eat pizza with the principle.

of course it didn't help when a fellow classmate told him to

"suck it".

that's what he gets for being bossy i guess...

all business that one!

sophia's finally loving preschool,

it seems she's crazy about a few boys there...

i fear what's to come. :)

big pappa got me this {my kids rock} tee for v-day,

thanks paperlili,

now sophia and i are twinsies...she loves it!

sorry to my facebook friends,

but i'm taking a break...

again with the simplifying.

-happy weekend-

Couponing 101...{The Story of a Newbie}

Spring has sprung here in Arizona, so it's time for some spring cleaning {in all areas of our life} as I wrote about HERE and to get back to the Dave Ramsey way of life.

Saturday I cleaned out the spare garage and dejunked a few areas in the house. I'm a nut when it comes to clutter...it makes me want to pull my hair out and I'm not kidding!! I also hate feeling like I'm being wasteful so it's time to tighten up the budget again so we can really crack down and save for THIS. We've been in a rental since May, and while we've been able to save money and pay down some debt, we could be doing a lot better.

Last month at Blissdom, I met a sweet and adorable friend named Ruth (on the left). She not only looks like a super model, but she's smart, domestic and SO much fun!! Ruth blogs over at Living Well Spending Less where she inspires women to use coupons and live a fabulous but frugal lifestyle. Her motto is save money on things you have to buy so you have more money for the things you want to buy.

Take a look at her blog and see for yourself the loads of money she saves each week!! If you are interested in starting to coupon but it seems overwhelming and you don't know where to start, go HERE.

In the past I've used the excuse that I don't have time or that it's a pain in the tush, but the reality is, I'm not homeschooling anymore and the stores/internet have made it pretty simple once you get the system down. It also helps that I've got Ruth on speed dial! :)

I did my Couponing 101 homework this weekend and ordered 3 Sunday papers, printed a few coupons online and organized my small accordian envelope (to fit in my purse) and a hanging file system to stick the weekly paper inserts in. Here's how I did so far this week...

On my first run to Fry's Marketplace, I bought $135.oo worth of groceries and with coupons and VIP card saved $50.15, bringing the total to $84.27 a 37% savings!!!

I had to rush home to take the kids to school, but went back on my way home and got all my laundry & freezer/dairy items. I bought $166.00ish worth of groceries and with coupons & VIP card saved $78.81 bring the total to $88.76 a 48% savings!!!

I was pretty excited but I have to say, I know I can do better so it frustrated me a little, baby steps I guess! It will help once I learn what  the rock bottom prices are so I only buy sale items that are REALLY low, and once I learn how to stack coupons and get a stock pile of them. As the "house manager" though, it was nice to feel like I'm saving money for once rather than just spending it.

I am also working on using what I have on hand BEFORE it goes bad...especially w/ veggies. Don't you judge me, I know you do it too!!  The ultimate goal is to get a one year supply of food and necessities.

Thanks Ruth for all your help and inspiration!

If Loving Tim Riggins Is Wrong...

I don't wanna be right!

It's been a rough year, I'm not gonna lie.

First Favre got injured and retired (for good) and now my favorite t.v. show is going off the air,

so I'm doing what any true fan would do...

I'm throwing a party!!!

Friday Night Lights is my fave...second only to Arrested Developement.

I've watched all five seasons,

following it from network to network...

slowly picking up speed,

all the time secretly annoyed it wasn't actually aired on Friday night.

I will miss you Tim Riggins and Coach Taylor!!

xoxo,

Linking up with Things I Love Thursday's.

Weekend Happenings...

First of all, thanks to everyone who's participating in the adoption linky party for Sophia. This weekend she had a birthday sleepover and loved every minute of it. She got a couple new purses, a cell phone and her very own camera...

so basically she's a mini me!!

This adorable shirt is from paperlili, cutest stuff ever.

Soph continues to pull it (and the adorable flame pants) out of the hamper and wear them day after day.

I guess I'll have to sneak a wash in while she's sleeping tonight.

Sophia also got a beautiful quilt from her aunt Amie

and this adorable embroidered animal print blanket from Megan Freeman...so sweet!

It's official...I'm a taxi driver! Who knew I'd spend the majority of my thirties in my Yukon, carting kids around to ortho & doctor appointments, sports and school. I guess it's a 'no brainer' but really until you're the one doing it, you can't fathom what it's like {insert cursing myself for getting rid of my XM radio}. Love the kids, and being a mom, but the amount of time in the car feels like such a waste of time...I can't help but think of all the great books I could be reading or the amount of calories I'm not burning.

So yesterday at church, Jaxon fainted while passing the sacrament. I think he liked it a little too much...all the attention; waking up with a doctor, dentist, a vet and fire fighter at his aide.

After a morning at the doctor's office, lab and pharmacy, I'm pretty certain it will be the asthema (that we thought he'd outgrown). Fingers crossed it's something minor. 

Now I'm off to throw in another load of this

and then head to swim lessons.

Happy Monday!!!

xoxo,

our 'bundle of joy' turns four {adoption linky party}

that's right it's true.

she's four

and there's nothing i can do about it.

motherhood is a tricky thing.

we love them with all our heart,

care for them with all our might

knowing - that one day,

 they will spread their wings and fly.

*******

my prayer for sophia is...

she'll know how wanted she was,

the joy she brought

and oh how much she's loved!!!

happy birthday

 to my one and only sweet baby girl...

sophia isabella

Help me spread the message and miracle of adoption by joining the linky party (open for 7 days), or leaving a comment. As Sophia said to me when I got home from Blissdom, "Girls need moms!"...melted my heart.

What's On Your Nightstand?

ISO 400  f 4.8  1/25  Nikon 16-85mm



First off, Happy Birthday to my sweet Sophia who turned four today!


To Read Shelf:
David 90 Days With A Heart Like His

The Pioneer Woman Cooks

Unmarketing

The Gifts of Imperfection

One Thousand Gifts

*I've heard great things about each of these books. One Thousand Gifts is part of an online book club, Unmarketing and The Gifts of Imperfection were both written by the fabulous keynote speakers at Blissdom.

I can hardly wait to dig in!

Current Reads Shelf:

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy

Your Best Life

*I'm almost finished with Your Best Life, love it! Pretty much the whole book is highlighted and dog eared. Simple Abundance is good but it's one of those 'one page a day' for a year reads, so I'm trying not to rush ahead.

Recent Reads Shelf:

America By Heart

Decision Points 

* I loved both of these. To read my reviews click on the book cover below in my Goodreads section.

*To check any of these book out on Amazon, simply click on the title.

So let me know what you've got your nose in this week, OK?

-Happy Reading-

{linking up with finding serendipity for her new 'manual mode' series}