Beautiful Day For a Picnic

Earlier this morning, Tabitha suggested we have a picnic for lunch.  I thought it sounded like a great idea.  So, while the girls were playing outside at noon, I put their lunch on a cookie sheet to get it ready to carry outside.  First I had to bring out the blankets. That sort of gave it away.  I wasn't sure if Tabitha had remembered she asked about the picnic and I really don't think Amelia had any clue.

I just made some peanut butter and banana sandwiches (pb&j for Hannah), then I rolled up some cheese, brought out the mini carrots and some sliced green pepper. For Hannah, I put some canned carrots in her divided bowl and added some ranch dressing for dip in the other side.  And of course some cheesy balls for snack.

If you are wondering what the girls are holding, they had to include their little Minnie Mouses.

And we used paper towels for "plates." Next time I think I will give Hannah peanut butter and banana too.  She was taking Amelia's.  Fortunately, Amelia was willing to trade a quarter of a sandwich.

They really wished I hadn't turned the sprinkler off, but I didn't want them all wet again, like yesterday.

Wordless Wednesday: July 27, 2011 w/linky

Thrift Shop Demolition

(wish I had a picture of the thrift shop before they started the demolition)

In these pictures taken 7/19 they had taken the siding off.

They started by demolishing the back addition (which we didn't even realize had been an addition until we looked inside last night and noticed the siding on the inside wall).

And some video footage

Link up your Wordless (or not so wordless) posts here.

1.	Mom Caboodle w/Linky: Caylee Memorial	17.	Catch My Words	33.	Going Nowhere Fast! w/Linky!
2.	MAMA TO 4 BLESSINGS W/ LINKY	18.	JaMonkey w/Linky	34.	My-2-cents *(with Linky)*
3.	Jennifer @ The Thrifty Military Wife	19.	Savvy	35.	Ginger@JAMT (w/linky)
4.	Dreaming of Beach View w/LINKY	20.	My 3 Little Kittens - Summer Fun (Linky)	36.	Stonelaughter's Life w/linky
5.	MomVantage w/ LINKY	21.	Ramble Rd.Ramblings LINKY	37.	Barefoot Mahala (w/linky)
6.	DISCOVERING THE ME IN MOMMY	22.	Kristi @ Live & Love Out Loud *LINKY	38.	Because I'm the Mommy (Linky)
7.	Mommying On The Fly ~Linky	23.	Merry With Children w/Linky	39.	All I know is this...
8.	Tales from a Mother w/Linky	24.	project alicia **linky**	40.	Raising My Boys- Butterflies (w/ Linky)
9.	Professionally Insane M	25.	Why We Love Green *Linky*	41.	Keeping Up With The Rheinlander's
10.	TaMara @ Sloan Homeschoool	26.	Dilly Dally	42.	Thrifty Ninja
11.	Staci @ Playing House	27.	Lisa @ My thoughts w/Linky	43.	Bee Upon Lavender (w/Linky)
12.	Planet of the Apels - Professional Pictures	28.	Windshield Rider with ***LINKY***	44.	On the Road Mom
13.	Racing and Saving Mama	29.	Pumpkin Pie pumpkin	45.	Verenas schoene Welt *LINKY*
14.	Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy {linky}	30.	Ein bisschen Haushalt... w/Linky	46.	Ask Ms Recipe w/Linky
15.	CREATE WITH JOY - PEEK A BOO KITTY w/LINKY	31.	La-La's Home Daycare w/Linky
16.	Driving Duo {LINKY}	32.	me, Him and the Cats

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Tiny Talk Tuesday: July 26, 2011

I missed posting last week. Obviously I haven't been spending a lot of time on my blog these last couple of weeks. I feel I am neglecting my poor blog.  Last week was just way to hot for me to want to do ANYTHING.  So here are the cute little things I was able to write down these last couple of weeks.  I really wish I had a photographic memory or something. There were so many other cute things.

The other day, Amelia came into the room from the kitchen holding her knee, she said, "I hurt my knee by eating too fast."

Tabitha came up with a cute project for her and I to do during nap time last Monday.  She found different shaped objects to trace to make our houses.  Then we glued on real dirt out of the garden and flowers.

I didn't get a picture after this part, but she added bugs (not real ones!) and some Conversation hearts.

Later she said, "Our pictures look great, except for your's because your's doesn't have any bugs coming out of it."

Last week's hot weather really got to us all I guess.  The one night, after it cooled down, I told the girls we were going to the park.  Amelia said, "It's hot in this house.  Jesus in heaven is not this hot."

One day at lunch we were having bananas, but there were only 2 left.  Here is the conversation:

Tabitha: Can I peel mine.

Daddy: There are only 2.

Tabitha: Hannah doesn't get one?

Daddy: You two are going to share this one...

Tabitha: And split the other one.

Friday at dinner Tabitha said, "Tomorrow is Saturday, then Sunday. Sunday we go to Penn York Camp" (we were going with church for our service, baptism and picnic).  "The baby will come along in your uterus.  The pregnant mommy is coming."

One day I decided to put serve dinner on paper towels.  One of the girls said, "We're having a paper towel supper, Hannah is having a table supper" (I just put her food on the table as she throws plates still).

Tabitha must have been anticipating something one day.  She said, "Can you fast forward the days?"

Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up- July 26, 2011

<a href="http://www.classifiedmom.com/search/label/Tuesday%27s%20Giveaway%20Link%20Up" target="_blank"><img alt="Classified: Mom" src="http://classifiedmom.webs.com/TGL.png"/></a>

Welcome to the NEW and improved Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up with your hosts Aimee @ Classified: Mom & Karen @ Tots and Me & Alicia @ McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts!

This link up will be posted Monday at 8 PM est. and run all week long! Make sure you stop in as often as you can to list your latest giveaways.

Here is how to use the Giveaway Link Up

1. Post your reviews and/or giveaways, as many as you have, be sure to add the end date (family friendly please)

2. Help spread the word about the giveaway link up by grabbing our button, Tweeting or posting on Facebook. (Not mandatory- but it helps get more exposure to your giveaways as well!)

3. Take a moment to enter any giveaway that strikes an interest to you!

If you would like to follow the two hostesses, we will gladly follow you back! Simply leave us a message to do so.

Thank you for linking up with  Aimee @ Classified: Mom & Karen @ Tots and Me & Alicia @ McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts!

Link up your current reviews and giveaways!

1.	Skirt from Lavender Bird Creations - 8/4
2.	annies home - opti art kit - 7/27
3.	annies home - Three60 gear tee 0 7/26
4.	HUGE K-Y Prize Package! (7/30) US 2 WINNERS!
5.	Along For the Ride (7/25)
6.	Choice Hat from Sweet Babies in Yarn on Etsy 8/8
7.	Personalized Name Pillow from Namely Pillows 7/31
8.	Personalized Hair Bow from TuTu Cute on Etsy 7/31
9.	Choice Print {Etsy giveaway} 7/28
10.	Choice Bloomers from Custom Cutees on Etsy - 7/28
11.	Shoulder Buddies - 7/28
12.	Skirt/Knot Dress Apple Blossom Kids Etsy 2 wins7/2
13.	$100 Gift Cert of Choice. Ends at 1000 followers
14.	Rosette Onesie {Ends 8/5/11} Open Worldwide
15.	Art Smock {Ends 7/29/11} Open to US & Canada
16.	Certain Dri Anti- Perspirant 8/7 US
17.	Jadience Stress Relief Herbal Pillow $39 Value 8/8 US
18.	Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash – 8/05 CAN & US
19.	Clipa Handbag Hanger – 8/04 CAN & US
20.	Bondi Band Giveaway – 8/03 CAN & US
21.	Eco Lips Giveaway – 8/01 CAN & US
22.	Robert Pierre CD-8/12
23.	Night Owl Paper Goods Gift Certificate-8/08
24.	BWinks-Cutest Owl Babies you've ever seen-8/08
25.	Sweaty Bands (2 Winners) 7/29
26.	Giveaway - Win a Ottilie & Lulu Prize Pack, ends 8/24, rafflecopter
27.	Win an iPad case, 7/28
28.	Kidorable Hand-Painted Wooden Hangers 8/8
29.	Geo Safari Kid Tuff Scope 7/28
30.	Peace & Quiet - $25 Walmart Gist Card (7/31)
31.	Supernanny Book (7/28)
32.	Home-canned Jars-DAILY ENTRY- (8/1)
33.	SafetyTat Giveaway – 7/27 CAN & US
34.	Usborne Business Kit (7/27()US only
35.	Win Boon Flo &/or Odd Ducks 7/27
36.	WindTunnel Max Multi-Cyclonic Upright Vacuum 7/27
37.	Legally Blonde 2 (8/6)
38.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Woombies Swaddler 7/30
39.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Dandelion Organic Receiving Blanket 8/2
40.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Z-Curve Bow and Zing-Shot Launcher from Zing Toys 8/2
41.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Whimsical Night Light 8/6
42.	Kate n' Kaboodle- The Devyn Bag 8/5
43.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Kidorable Hanger Set 8/8
44.	J4C- Baby Prize Pack worth $50+, 2 winners! 7/31
45.	J4C- Baby prize pack #2, 7/31
46.	Tofutti Coupon 8/7
47.	Lightlife (1 Wins 5 Coupons) 8/20
48.	Zoobies 3 in 1 Blanket Pet 8/3
49.	Farm Rich Coupons (3 Winners) 8/5
50.	5X7 Watercolor of your Wedding/Formal Dress 8/10 U
51.	Natural & Organic Giveaway 8/10
52.	$25 Wal-Mart gift card!! 8/7
53.	$25 in School Supplies - 8/15
54.	Scholastic DVD Set - Goodnight Gorilla - 8/1

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Wordless Wednesday: July 20, 2011 w/linky

Link up your Wordless (or not so wordless) posts here.

1.	CREATE WITH JOY - w/LINKY	22.	Mrs. T, Naturally	43.	Ha Ha w/ Linky & Luv
2.	Keepin Cool w/ Classified: Mom	23.	All sewn up (linky & contest)	44.	Double Rainbow Momma
3.	It's Ugly! w/Linky	24.	Toronto Teacher Mom w/linky	45.	jumpin beans
4.	Mama Dweeb	25.	Crazy About My Baybah {Linky}	46.	Baby Baby Lemon *linky*
5.	Goodbye Disposable, Hello Cloth w/ LINKY!	26.	GrammyMouseTails w/linky	47.	Uh Oh Mom!
6.	Superman's helper w/Linky	27.	Verenas schoene Welt *LINKY*	48.	Colie's Kitchen
7.	MAMA TO 4 BLESSINGS W/ LINKY	28.	Family and Life in Las Vegas - Little Pilot	49.	Home of OHM
8.	project alicia **LINKY**	29.	Barefoot Mahala (w/linky)	50.	Catch My Words
9.	A Place For Every-Thing! - Watermelon Anyone?	30.	EdT. - linky	51.	Mummy Knows Reviews WITH LINKY
10.	Chipmunk Cheeks w/linky	31.	Seahorses	52.	Raising My Boys - Niagara Falls (w/ Linky)
11.	Tales from a Mother w/Linky	32.	Joy @ Joy of Desserts (LINKY)	53.	Girl Talk with Linky
12.	Angelica's Awesome Adventures {Linky{	33.	Sleepy Doorway Jumper	54.	Stacy Uncorked *linky*
13.	Happy 2nd Birthday Chloe! Airplanes and Dragonflies	34.	La-La's Home Daycare w/linky	55.	Better on a Budget - Garden
14.	Ry @ My Misadventures of Stay-At-Home Mommyhood	35.	Aleks @BusyWorkingMama (LINKY)	56.	SavingwithSaveOne
15.	Adventures of a Wee Mason Man	36.	caiafa craziness *linky*	57.	Beauty Of Butterflies
16.	Lisa @ My Thoughts w/Linky	37.	Enjoying the Chaos {LINKY}	58.	Knockout Rose (w/Linky)
17.	Mom Caboodle w/Linky	38.	Juggling in the Park	59.	The McCormack Spot
18.	Simply Delicious	39.	Planet of the Apels - Fire Truck	60.	Lisa@Granola Catholic
19.	The Mama Report w/linky	40.	My Pixie Dust Diary	61.	On the Road Mom
20.	Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy {linky}	41.	Susan Heim on Parenting - Swim Team	62.	Bornean Rainbow Toad
21.	Mom to 2 Posh Divas w/linky	42.	Just Winging It w/Linky

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Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up- July 19, 2011

<a href="http://www.classifiedmom.com/search/label/Tuesday%27s%20Giveaway%20Link%20Up" target="_blank"><img alt="Classified: Mom" src="http://classifiedmom.webs.com/TGL.png"/></a>

Welcome to the NEW and improved Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up with your hosts Aimee @ Classified: Mom & Karen @ Tots and Me & Alicia @ McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts!

This link up will be posted Monday at 8 PM est. and run all week long! Make sure you stop in as often as you can to list your latest giveaways.

Here is how to use the Giveaway Link Up

1. Post your reviews and/or giveaways, as many as you have, be sure to add the end date (family friendly please)

2. Help spread the word about the giveaway link up by grabbing our button, Tweeting or posting on Facebook. (Not mandatory- but it helps get more exposure to your giveaways as well!)

3. Take a moment to enter any giveaway that strikes an interest to you!

If you would like to follow the two hostesses, we will gladly follow you back! Simply leave us a message to do so.

Thank you for linking up with  Aimee @ Classified: Mom & Karen @ Tots and Me & Alicia @ McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts!

Link up your current reviews and giveaways!

1.	blog bling giveaway
2.	Jesus Storybook Bible Low entries (8/1)
3.	18"X24" Custom Poster (7/23) US - *Rafflecopter!*
4.	KY Brands Prize Package - 2 WINNERS! (7/30) US
5.	Eye Chart Print of Choice - 7/28
6.	Shoulder Buddies -7/28
7.	Choice Pair of Ruffle Bloomers from Custom Cutees on Etsy - 7/28
8.	Skirt/Knot Dress from Apple Blossom Kids on Etsy - 2 winners - 7/28
9.	$25 GC to Taffie Wishes on Etsy - 7/19
10.	$30 GC to Midtown Doll on Etsy - 7/20
11.	Choice Skirt from Lunt Runts on Etsy - 7/22
12.	Knowledge Quest MapTrek Book and CD-7/22
13.	Personalized Name Pillow with Sock Monkey Fabric from Namely Pillows on Etsy - 7/31
14.	Personalized Hair Bow from TuTu Cute on Etsy - 7/31
15.	12 Apesjoy hair clips 7/31
16.	$100 Gift Cert of Choice. Ends at 500 followers
17.	UPrinting Giveaway Ends 7/22
18.	Stella & Dot earrings of your choice 7/28
19.	MMM-VeggieTales Live! Sing Yourself Silly DVD 7/26
20.	$50 Storkie.com Gift Card for party invites - 7/20
21.	EvoraPet 30 Day Supply 7/26
22.	Flexible Flyer Swing Set (7/26)
23.	TTOTT - $50 Disney Gift Card (7/22, US & CAN)
24.	SocialCam - iPad2 - ARV $499 (7/22, WW)
25.	$30 Duchess' Jewels Jewelry GC (7/23 WW)
26.	$135 in Fine Stationary & Paper Goods 7/24, WW
27.	SMinLA - $25 Visa Gift Card (7/26, WW)
28.	Cute Social Butterfly Pajamas Set and Book (7/29)
29.	Angry Birds Card Game (7/31, WW)
30.	SMinLA ~~ Kindle Wireless Reader (8/4, US/CAN)
31.	Art Smock/Jumper {Ends 7/29/11} Open to US & Canada
32.	Baby in Bloom Bouquet {Ends 7/22/11} Open to US
33.	Sonicare Power Toothbrush ($220) - Little Miss Kate – 8/10 (Can only)
34.	Moby Wrap – Little Miss Kate – 8/1 (can only)
35.	Baby Signs Kit - last chance! (7/20) US
36.	Cooper Cares for Your Precious Cargo Four Tires Giveaway 7/20
37.	Picky Sticky (rafflecopter) 7/31
38.	Uprinting 250 custom stickers (rafflecopter) 7/23
39.	{Cinnamon Scented Trivet} SpiceGroveDesigns 7/20
40.	Van Cleef & Arpels Inspired Bracelet Giveaway 7/20
41.	Eco Lips Giveaway – 8/01 CAN & US
42.	SafetyTat Giveaway – 7/27 CAN & US
43.	Grateful Body Natural Skin Care 7/20 US & Canada
44.	Charm Factory 7/23 US
45.	Biblical Parenting by Crystal Lutton book 7-25
46.	Reasonably Less
47.	SmartKlean Laundry Ball 3 Winners {8/13 US/CAN}
48.	C&L - Mama Cloth Giveaway, ends 7/24
49.	Velocity V50 Steam Iron ($99) - 8/8 US/CAN
50.	Electrolux Pet Vacuum 7/29 CANADA ONLY
51.	Loving Pets Bella Bowls 7/21 US/Can
52.	Akoya Pearl Stud Earrings 8/8 Zoara Facebook Giveaway
53.	Disney Have a Laugh Vol 3 & 4 US/Can 7/31
54.	CobraCo Copper Hose Holder 8/10 US/Can
55.	Lily Organics 8/11 US/Can
56.	Sip & Feed Birdfeeder 8/12 US/Can
57.	Trend To Go GC 8/9 US/Can
58.	Dinner Is Ready Book & Software Combo Ends 7/21 US
59.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Z-Curve Bow and Zing-Shot Launcher from Zing Toys 8/2
60.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Dandelion Organic Receiving Blanket 8/2
61.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Woombies Swaddler 7/30
62.	Kate n' Kaboodle- 250 Flyers from UPrinting 7/24
63.	Kate n' Kaboodle- Peaceable Kingdom This or That game 7/24
64.	travel sunscreen kit, 7/26 CAN/US low entries
65.	Hoot Owl Hoot Board Game via CodeNameMama 7/23
66.	Beka Wooden Building Blocks via CodeNameMama 8/1
67.	Nonviolent Communication book set via Code Name: Mama 8/22
68.	Win Boon Flo &/or Odd Ducks 7/27

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Menu Plan Monday: Week of July 18, 2011

Here is this week's menu:

Monday: Lasagna

Tuesday: Tacos

Wednesday: Chicken Pile ups

Thursday: Chili Dogs with carrots

Friday: Chicken in the Crock Pot, rice and gravy, green beans

Saturday: Chicken Patties with pierogies

Sunday: Leftovers

We are not having Breakfast For Dinner Thursdays during the summer because I need to have quick meals ready due to the two different Summer Reading Programs.


Head on over to I'm An Organizing Junkie to check out other's menu plans.

Muffin Tin Monday: J is for Jonah

Today we started the letter J.  I decided to read the children the story of Jonah and create a tin based on the story.

The following story of Jonah is from a board book we sometimes use at Bible Time, I am only quoting the lines that are relevant.

Jonah boarded a ship and went to sea-banana boat

Into the water Jonah fell-glass of water (it was supposed to be blue Jello but I forgot)

A giant fish came into sight and swallowed Jonah in one big bite-Swedish fish

In the belly of the fish Jonah stayed and for forgiveness prayed and prayed

(hand shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches-I used a tracing of their hands)

I added the green beans to represent the plant that God provided for shade for Jonah and then destroyed, however, that part of the story is not in the board book, but it is in the Alice in Bibleland version, which I read this morning.

A graham cracker/cool whip sandwich onto which I wrote "obey" with food coloring

Monday Blog Hops: July 17, 2011

Time for some fun blog hopping.  Here are the Monday Blog Hops I have joined in the past.  I can't believe it has been two months since I went blog hopping. Hoping all these blog hops are still active. Won't you join us and make some new friends.

If you have a chance, I invite you to check out this week's Menu Plan and our Muffin Tin Monday.

And I co-host Tuesday's Giveaway Link Up with Classified:Mom and McCrenshaw's Newest Thoughts, head on over to link up your giveaways.

Looking forward to visiting some new blogs.

Scavenger Hunt Sunday: July 17, 2011

Scavenger Hunt Sunday items: Black and White, Reflections in Glass, Headlights, Seeing Double, and Bare
Black and White

I couldn't decide if I was going to look for something black and white or use the lovely photo effects from my computer. I loved this photo and wanted to share it, so I opted for the photo effects.

Also linking to

Reflections in Glass

It was a beautiful sunset the other night.  My camera wouldn't really do it justice, but I liked the effect of getting the picture of the reflection.

Also linking to

Headlights

When we take walks around town we are very used to cars coming at us.  Most of the way around town there are no sidewalks.  Usually we are back in the house before it is dark enough for cars to be using headlights.  When we went out later the other night I used the opportunity to take some shots for this prompt. I really liked the way the beams of light are shining beyond my hubby in this shot.

Seeing Double

We went to the library on Friday to spin the wheel for the summer reading program.  It was game day, so after we picked our books I let the girls try some games I thought would be good for them.  Then Amelia got two monkeys together with the Barrel of Monkeys game and I immediately thought of this challenge because I hadn't found anything yet.  And I liked the dominoes too. What can I say.

Bare

We were watering the garden when big brother Floyd decided to get the girls wet.  I told him I would like some pictures of their bare feet (I love feet pictures and I haven't taken any for a while).