Lord Send the Rain

The weather is rainy here in Alaska, and it started last night, and is to continue until next week.  I am very excited about the rain because I have not smelled rain in about eight months, and also our grass is starting to turn green.  I know it sounds kind of silly but I know there are many people out there who love the smell of rain, and I realized it last night how much I missed it. 

With the 12+ hours of rain we have had I can see the grass is already turning green, trees are starting to spruce up, and everything is starting to look alive!!!  I am so excited about this new change in Alaska I had to share it with you.  Here are a couple of pictures that I took today to show how it looks now and then I plan on taking some more pictures next week to show you the change.  Plus, it is part of my son's science to show the change caused by the rain.  Sorry they are boring and I took them from my bedroom window so please look past the screen ;)

This tree has really started to turn a bright green.

I am hoping this tree will bloom by the end of next week or at least some type of liveliness.

What is the weather like where you live?  Are you enjoying the sunshine or the rain?

Saving for Christmas

Remember when I wrote about Swagbucks?  If you missed that post you may click here.Well, since that post I have earned $20 more in Amazon gift cards!!!!  So far I am up to $35 for Christmas and I am not stopping now.  I am so happy that I started using Swagbucks because I do not know about you but sometimes Christmas sneaks up on me.  I mean I know Christmas is the same time every year but I always say "oh I have a couple of more months, I will be fine" and then next thing I know I am rushing to get last minute gifts.  In our household we know the true meaning of Christmas and I guess that is why I always wait to the last minute.  However, I then purchase out of convenience and because of that I pass up great deals throughout the year. 

Not this year!  This year I am searching Swagbucks to earn Swagbucks to pay for Christmas.  My goal is to have $100 in Amazon gift cards by December 1st.  I am actually hoping for more but wanted to set some kind of goal to aim for.  The best part of all of this is that I earned these gift cards by using the Swagbuck search engine.  Ohhhhh how I love being frugal!

For more Frugal Friday tips jump on over to Life As Mom.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets

My family and I really enjoy these chicken nuggets.  They are very easy to make, and only take about 30 minutes to make from start to finish.  The longest part is cutting the chicken to the size you like; I tend to cut larger pieces. Eventually, I will cut about five to six pounds of chicken and freeze them so then it will not take as long to make.

Ingredients:
1-2 pounds of chicken breast
1 cup bread crumbs
parmesan cheese
salt
pepper
onion powder
garlic powder


1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2.  Mix dry ingredients in a ziploc bag and shake so all ingredients are mixed well.

3.  Cut chicken into bite size chunks or desired size.

4.  Moisten chicken either with water or butter.

5.  Add chicken to mixture in ziploc bag and shake until well coated.

6.  Place chicken on baking sheet or 13X9 inch pan. 

7.  Bake in oven for about 15-20 mintues or until chicken juice is clear.

                                     ***YUUUUUMMMMMMY***

Thursday Thoughts

Last night as the hubby and I were getting ready for bed, he tells me that we may have to go to a formal military ball in May.  Since the hubby has made E-7 we now have higher standards we have to follow, such as attending more events as in this formal ball. Of course, this is after I had just ate a large, moderate small portion of chicken fettuccine alfredo, two glasses of soda, some m&ms, and some other unhealthy choices during the day.  All I could think of was "oh great, I have a lot of work to do".  I am very happy that my hubby mentioned it to me last night instead of a week prior to the ball.  This event is a great incentive for me to jump start this weight loss that I have been talking about for the last six months.  I plan on using Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred to help get me started, and walking!  Of course I will need your help by holding me accountable! 

Now changing the subject, I am getting excited because each day I am getting closer and closer to planning a flowerbed in my front yard.  The hubby and I have thought of a cute little set up but we need the weather to cooperate here in Alaska before we can start on it.  I have to admit I am a little nervous because the last couple of years I had my bestest friend to help me (well, she did most of the work, I just bought the flowers) but this year I am on my own.  I know I can get it going, it is just making sure I get out there and pick out the weeds, and keep to tending the flowers.  Usually my bestest friend would come over and make sure I was watering the flowers, and tending to the weeds and all that other "green thumb" stuff. 

One last thing I want to say.....

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMBER" I am so blessed that God has put you and your family into our life's.  I pray you have a great day, and enjoy this next year because it is your last in your 20's!!!! 

What are your thoughts for this last Thursday of April???

The Red, White and Blue

My family and I were invited to a Change of Command ceremony and I thought it would be great for my children to witness this wonderful event, and also to show support to our friends.  For my non-military readers; a Change of Command ceremony is where an officer of a company; a Commander is leaving and a new Commander is entering.  Basically a "new boss" is taking over the company.  It was a wonderful event to watch a friend of ours take over this company, and we are truly excited for him and his family. 

At the beginning of the ceremony the first thing that is done is the singing of the National Anthem.  I cannot explain the feeling I get when hearing those words, seeing our flag, and seeing our military men and women in uniform.  I am honored to have served my country and I am even more honored to be a military wife.  When looking at the American Flag I do not just see red, white and blue; I see Freedom, Honor, Courage, and Sacrifice.  Our flag stands tall because of these men and women who have stepped forward to protect the flag and this blessed country.
 
I love hearing my five year old son say "I am going to grow up and be a Soldier like daddy."  Oh, how he loves his daddy but I love that my son wants to grow up to not just be like his daddy but wants to wear the same uniform as his daddy. 

Oh, how I love the Red, White and Blue!

Ballet

This post is linked up with We Are That Family, 5 Minutes For Mom and Wordless Wednesday

A Clean Home

Lately the family and I have had some busy days, weeks actually, and I feel my house has taken the short end of the stick.  If you walked into my house these past few weeks I would have been so embarrassed; really it looked like it had thrown up on itself a few times over.  I am just being real here! 

Yesterday I woke up refreshed and ready to tackle the house!  After having breakfast and finishing up school for the day, the two blessings and I went to work.  The children cleaned their rooms, took out the bathroom trash and picked up various items around the home.  I was able to clean the entire main floor of our home, and do a mountain of laundry (which is still not complete, but is laundry ever really done??).  After a hard day's work I was very pleased with our hard work.  We had worked for the entire day and by the time it was bed time the three of us were fast asleep before our heads even hit the pillows.

I think the best part of yesterday was not only did my house become clean but the three of us worked together.  We had no arguing, no whining, and no "that isn't miiiiine".  We all worked together to get the job done, and that made the day even better.

For more GratiTuesday jump on over to the Heavenly Homemakers.

Menu Monday April 26th-April 30th

I cannot believe this is the last menu plan for the month of April.  Is it me or is this year just flying by???
Here is what we will be eating in our home this week:

Monday~ oatmeal and french toast sticks
                 noodles with kiwi
                 homemade chicken nuggets, apples and lipton potatoes

Tuesday~ cereal
                 sandwiches
                 baked ziti

Wednesday~ pancakes
                      grilled cheese and smoothies
                      chicken fettuccine alfredo

Thursday~ bagels
                   sandwiches
                   hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill with dirty rice

Friday~ snickerdoodle cake
              fruit (we usually are full from breakfast so we will just snack for lunch)
              pizza

For more menu ideas jump on over to Org Junkie.

Friday Forecast

A friend of mine recently suggested that I have a weather report for here in Alaska, and I thought it was a wonderful idea!  I was always curious about the Alaska weather before we moved here, and I always thought that it would be so cold, and I also was very curious about the whole darkness/light thing.  So each Friday or every other Friday I will be "reporting" the Alaskan weather.

Here is a picture that I took last night while out walking with a good friend of mine.  I was able to watch this rain cloud move into our area and then leave our area.  When we lived in Maryland we were not able to see anything like that.  We could see clouds approaching but nothing like yesterday.  I was very intrigued by it.

This past week we had some beautiful weather.  I am to report we have had no snow! We did have some rain yesterday but it only lasted a few minutes.  The temperature has reached to about the 50s, and I saw that next week we are to reach 60 later in the week. 

Here is a picture that I took last night.  However, I would like you to play a little guessing game; what time of night do you think this was taken?  If you would like to take a guess please leave a comment here or on my Facebook page.  Tomorrow at 0900 I will be posting the time.

***This is taken right outside my back door, sorry there is not a better view***

This picture was taken at 0520 this morning.  However, around 0400 I can start seeing some brightness coming through our bedroom window.  I am still very intrigued by how long it can stay light here, and June 21st is called the Solstice which is the longest day of light; 22 hours. 

Remember do not forget to take a guess on what time of night that picture was taken!

Thursday Thoughts~Spring has Sprung

I am so excited; Spring has sprung here in Alaska.  The weather is getting beautiful, flowers are about to bloom, and I know more and more wildlife will be out roaming the land.  The hubby and I have decided how we are going to beautify our yard with flowers this year.  My thought is, I wonder when we will be able to start the work?  It will be a big project this year, however it will be easy because the previous tenants did not work with the yard so we have a new "canvas" to work with.  Once we are able to work in the yard, I will be posting before and after pictures.

With it being Earth Day today, my family will be out walking our neighborhood and picking up trash.  Since "break up" season (when the snow and ice is melting) is over here in Alaska, a lot of trash is starting to appear.  Just yesterday I found a newspaper next to my driveway dated December 19, 2009.  What will you be doing for Earth Day?

Do you have any thoughts for today?

Yard Sale Deal

Last Saturday my family and I were so excited because we were able to go to our first yard sale of the season!  Actually, we were able to visit about three yard sales and the thrift store on post.

I purchased:
$1 capri pants for my daughter
$1 indoor soccer shoes for my daughter
$5 Nike running shoes for my daughter (never been worn)
$2 Reversible Spring jacket for daughter
$1 Gymboree long sleeve shirt for son
$2 truck for my son's hot wheel cars
$1 for happy birthday sign
$1 for two decorative gift card boxes
Total:
$14

Some of these items I would of liked to pay less for but overall I am very happy with our new purchases.  This weekend there are even more yard sales that we will be visiting.  I am in need of summer clothes and

jean for my two little blessings.  This Works For Me!

For more Works For Me Wednesday jump on over to We Are That Family.

I Love This Cake!

I am sure everyone is tired of hearing about this recipe but it is soooooo good, that I cannot help it.  I am so grateful that PennyPinchinMomma shared this recipe.  If it was not for her I probably would not be making this yummy cake every week.  It is so good that my family has requested that I make a double batch each time I make it.  The sad thing is, the cake is gone before the night is over.  Well, it is really gone by lunchtime.  My hubby will arrive home from lunch and pretty much eat what is left.

So, thank you PennyPinchinMomma, my family and I are grateful.

Menu Monday April 19th-23rd

We had a great weekend here in our household.  The weather in Alaska was beautiful; it reached 60 degrees and sunny!  I think Spring has sprung here, and I am very happy about that.  This week is pretty slowed compared to the last few weeks.  Soccer is over which means we will be having real dinners, no more breakner.  My daughter has one last ballet class on Wednesday, and that leaves just Tae Kwon do. 

Last week we had some unexpected events arise so I have some carry overs.  Here is what we will be eating this week:

Monday~ blueberry muffins
                 homemade chicken nuggets
                 enchiladas

Tuesday~ oatmeal
                 sandwiches
                 chicken tetrazzini

Wednesday~ french toast sticks
                      sandwiches
                      baked ziti

Thursday~ cereal
                   sandwiches
                   steak on the grill, with lipton potatoes

Friday~ snickerdoodle cake
              leftovers
              pizza


How was your weekend?  What will you be serving in your home this week?

For more menu ideas jump on over to Org Junkie.

Preparing Ahead of Time

Since finding out about my hubby's big promotion, I have started preparing for the celebration party that we are required hosting.  See how it works is when one makes E-7 the newly promoted Soldier is "suppose" to hold a celebration and spend the money that you received with your pay increase.  So not happening here!  I am sorry but to spend that much money on food, drinks, and cake is absurd; or at least it is to me.  However, they (other Army Soldiers) say that if you are promoted with someone else during that month you are to split the difference.  Again, that is too much money.  So I have come up with a nice frugal plan.  Or I hope it is a good frugal plan.

A written plan can help you see what you need to do, and what to plan for.  Listed below are a few things that I have came up with already:

1.  Have a menu plan.
   
2.  Prepare most of the meals yourself.

3.  When making grocery list, try to budget in an item or two.


4.  Coupons, coupons, coupons, coupons!

5.  Ask for help from friends.

6.  Pray that another Soldier will be promoted during the same time and that this Soldier(s) will be frugal.

Preparing ahead can really help save money in the long run because there is no last minute running around looking for items and then paying higher prices.  You know what coupons to look for and also you can ask that friend of yours who makes scrumptious cheesecakes to maybe prepare couple or a few for you. 

What do you think?  Do you have any other suggestions to add to this list?

For more Frugal Friday tips jump on over to Life As Mom.

Foul Language in Books

I started reading this book a couple of weeks back, this particular book was turned into a movie that has been a big blockbuster.  The subject was football, and if you do not know I am huge football fan, and I mean huge.  I was very excited to read about the life of this certain football player, and went to the library to check it out.  After reading about half of the book I was starting to turn from it.  Not because it was boring, but because of the foul language.  At first, I was like "wow" and then it started to become a little more and more into the book, and now I cannot even enjoy it anymore.

I cannot quite understand why authors need to put such foul language into the storylines.  These words were not very nice words either, words that I do not like hearing let alone reading.  It is now at the point where I have just stopped reading it, and I will be returning the book to the library this week.  Now most of these words were interviews that the author had with other people; I understand wanting to have the full quote but is there any other way to exclude the words?

What are your thoughts on this???

Girl Scouts Father/Daughter Dance 2010

This post is linked with Wordless Wednesday, We Are That Family, and 5 Minutes For Mom

I Just Have To Say...

I just have to say this, well it is more of a rant than anything.

This is my conversation with my hubby last night when he arrived home from work:

Hubby: "Hey babe they say it is suppose to snow to night"

Me: "DON'T SAY THAT!!!"

Hubby: "Seriously, they say we are suppose to get two inches during the night"

Me: "It isn't going to snow, it is almost Spring"

Hubby: "I know babe, but seriously that is what they said"

Me: "We will have to wait and see then"

I wake up this morning to SNOW!!!! UGH!

It is not a lot of snow and it is not two inches (as of right now) but there is a light dusting on the ground.  No big deal, some may think.  BUT I am ready for SPRING!!! I know, I know, we live in Alaska, what do I expect???

So today I am going to just keep smiling and let this four letter word not bother me...well now that I am done ranting about it ;)

"This is the day that the Lord has made, Rejoice and be glad in it"
Psalm 118:24

My Two Blessings....

Do you have those days where you are just trying to get some things done but your children insist on aggravating each other, the dogs have to go out, the children are aggravating each other, the phone keeps ringing, laundry has to be switched over, the dogs have to go out, dinner needs to be prepared, and the children insist on aggravating each other????

Menu Monday April 12th-16th

This week is our last week for soccer (YAY!!) so our schedule for the following week will be so relaxing.  On top of that real dinner meals will be prepared; no more breakner for awhile or at least until t-ball starts up.  My hubby children will be devastated over that news, but he they will get over it, eventually! That is why I figured I will allow breakner this week ;)

Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

I had every intention of taking photos of this recipe but it is soooo easy that I figured I did not need to take pictures. 

Ingredients:

1 box of fettuccine noodles
1 cup of butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 to 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese (the cheese can somewhat overpower, depends on your preference)
1 tsp salt
Dash of pepper

1.  Cook fettuccine

2.  While the noodles are cooking, heat butter and whipping cream over medium heat, stirring frequently until butter is melted and mixture starts to boil.  Reduce heat to low.

3.  Simmer for about 5-7 minutes stirring constantly, and until slightly thicken.  Remove from heat.

4.  Stir in cheese, salt and pepper.

5.  Drain fettuccine and pour sauce over noodles until fully coated.

Some different options you may choose to do with this recipe are add chicken, or mushrooms, or broccoli, parsley, or all of the above. 

Hope you enjoy!!!

The Party Has Started!!!

Welcome Friends!!! Pull up a chair, a glass of sweet tea and let the chatting begin...

My name is Barb; I am a homeschooling mother of two, military wife, and a daughter of Christ.  My family and I just recently relocated from Maryland to Fairbanks, Alaska.  We have been here for six months and love it so far. 

***This is me =) ***

***My family...it was a tad bit chilly out that day***

I just started this blog back in late December 2009, on a late night insomina moment.  I had never really had intentions on starting a blog but I loved reading other blogs, and I guess I thought I should create my own.  I tend to write about different things anywhere from money saving tips, homemaking tips, military, homeschooling, and any other randomness I have on my mind. 

I love blogging!  When I am not blogging you can find me teaching my children, reading a book, trying to bake new recipes, figuring out ways to save money, or ways to stop spending money ;), and just spending time with my three blessings that God has truly blessed me with. 

I need to refill my glass of sweet tea, and when I return I would love to hear about you......

THE BIG NEWS!!!

***I know I use this picture a lot, it is all I have of my hubby in some what of a uniform ;)***

Remember in early March I mentioned that my hubby was up for promotion?????

Well,

Thursday Thoughts~Answering the "God" question

Just recently a friend started telling me about her daughter asking questions about God.  Of course, I was all ears and was very curious to what the mom was going to say.  Well, the mom continued on and told me that her daughter asked "How do you believe in God if you do not see Him"?  The daughter is around ten years old, and I am not sure what kind of walk her parents are on.  I knew that I really needed God's help on this one.  Before I answered I prayed a little prayer asking God to give me the words I needed to help this mother.

Of course the scripture that popped into my mind was 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight" NKJV.  As I was explaining that scripture to the mother, God had put a thought into my mind; why not have my nine year old daughter talk to this mother's daughter?  After having a deep spiritual conversation with this mother I mentioned to her about my daughter talking to her daughter.  She was all for it!  Many adults do not realize that when we speak to younger children that we are not on their level of understanding.  So maybe if we were able to have a child close to her daughter's age explain it then maybe her daughter would have a better understanding.  

There are many children who have not grown up in church or whom have never even heard of God.  Mark 10:15 states "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it".   I strongly believe in that scripture.  Young children have a faith that I long for, and a desire to have childlike faith.  But what do we do with the children who have not grown up in the church or have had any knowledge of God? What do we do when they are around eight, nine, ten, twenty, or thirty years old asking "how do you believe in God if you cannot see Him"? 

As Christians we are to spread the Gospel; we are to show love to others even when it can be hard.  We are to love Jesus; to know that He died on the cross for our sins.  We are to sit with a mother and listen to her, and help guide her in the direction that God wants us to lead her too.  We are to help a mother explain salvation to a child of God.

What are your thoughts on this? Do you have any other suggestions that may help my friend?

Snooze Button

 This edition for Works for Me Wednesday is suppose to be your best homemaking tips.  Well, I believe the best homemaking tip is this.  However, after getting up early these past few weeks I know what I would like to share with you.

What works for me is setting my alarm clock an hour to an hour and a half early and hitting snooze until the latest time possible.  It works well for me because four out of five days my dear hubby has to get up at 0500 for his PT (physical training with the Army), and I then just keep hitting snooze until I need to get up. I have been doing this for years, probably since high school!

It works for me ;)

For more WFMW jump on over to We Are That Family.

"Tintabell, Ms Bob"

You know what I love?

I love listening to little children; especially those who mispronounce words, or cannot quite say their letters properly.  For example, my name is Barb BUT to most little ones I am "Ms Bob".  My son has a little speech delay, and was in speech before we moved from Maryland.  At one time it made me kind of sad having him go to speech because I knew that the words he mispronounced would eventually turn into the correct way.  Is that wrong???  I have a best friend whom lives in Maryland and my son will call her "Ms Angewa" (Ms Angela) or he will call her son "Aarwin" (Aaron).  Priceless!!

Menu Monday April 5th-9th

I have been following my menus, except for a couple of meals but overall I am pretty proud of myself.  This week is going to be a little crazy because my daughter has state testing three of the days, so our meals for lunch will be pretty simple.  On Thursday I will be sharing some wonderful news that God has blessed us with so please make sure to stop by to check it out!  Do not forget to join on me for the "Ultimate Blog Party 2010" starting on Friday!!! 

Importance of Menus

When the hubby and I fell off track with our finances just recently, one thing I noticed was we were wasting money by not following our menu.  Each week I would prepare a menu with every intentions of following it.  However, for some other reasons we would either eat something different or go out to eat.  Which in turn caused me to throw some of my produce out that was purchased for those meals that we did not partake in.  If I purchased some green peppers, tomatoes, green onions, potatoes, and the items cost, just say $5, then I just threw away $5.  It is almost like throwing a real $5 bill away in the garbage.  I do not know about you but I want that $5 bill! 

Thursday Thoughts

I know that by the time some of you receive this it will be Friday, and I apologize.  It was a very busy day yesterday and today. 

Proverbs 14:1 says "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down."

When I read this passage it makes me think about how am I building my house, or am I tearing it down.  Am I speaking respectfully to my hubby and children?  Am I showing my children the correct way to problem solve? Am I showing my hubby and children love or anger?  Am I showing my children how to love God, and to have a relationship with Him?