Last Day of Kindergarten

Today was Camden's last day of Kindergarten. I cant believe its already over--it feels like we just started. Its amazing how the time flies! Camden had a program which included a fashion show, songs, and a slideshow of pictures from the year. So, Grandma Hicks, Riley, Morgan and I all went. The fashion show theme was "what I want to be when I grow up". Camden told me he wants to be a chef. So, we found him an apron and made a chef's hat out of tissue paper and poster board. We added a bowl and spoon to complete the ensemble. I was surprised that all the of the kids had a different costume--there were no duplicates. A few of them included: country music star, dental hygenist, ballerina, and astronaut.



When it was his turn he came out from behind the curtain and just froze. Poor litte guy was so nervous. His teacher had to tell him to walk around the stage. He twirled around to show his outfit. He did a great job!

After the program we went back to the classroom for punch and cookies and to see his portfolio for the year. It is sad to think he wont come to this class anymore. He's off to 1st grade in 8 weeks. At this rate his school years will speed by in what seems like moments. Before we left we got a picture with his teacher Mrs. Jones.

What is your personality type?

You Are An INFJ

The Protector You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity. Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is. You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience. You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them. In love, you truly see relationships as an opportunity to connect and grow. You enjoy relationships as long as they are improving and changing. You can't stand stagnation. At work, you stay motivated and happy... as long as you are working toward a dream you support. You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher. How you see yourself: Hardworking, ethical, and helpful When other people don't get you, they see you as: Manipulative, weak, and unstable

What's Your Personality Type?

Funny Ways to Save Money!

So I am up late because I can't sleep. I decided to get on the internet. I found this article about ways to save money and for some reason I can't stop laughing. I am sure this wont be funny in the morning. I need to just go to bed, so I dont wake up my kids. But before I go I thought I would share:

10. Resist Eating Out
I dont think I am strong enough to conquer this one yet.

9. Avoid Brand Names
Is faded glory considered a brand name?

8. Kick Expensive Habits
do diapers count for this, because I spend A LOT on diapers!

7. Don’t Spend When You’re Drunk
I am pretty sure I have never spent money while drunk. In fact I dont think I have ever been drunk. Maybe I could apply this to me by saying " don't spend when you're drunk with happiness". I definately spend when I am happy!

6. Avoid Prepayment Plans

5. Choose Your Phone Company Wisely
I have Verizon! Can you hear me now? :}

4. Don’t Become a Tech Junkie
How about Scrapbook junkie?

3. Go Easy on the Plastic
My big problem. Luckily I am married to someone who doesnt believe in carrying a balance and paying interest. Problem is we have a huge credit card bill to pay each month. YIKES!

2. Use Coupons
I love to shop with coupons and find the deals. Its almost a quest!

1. Multiply Your Earnings at the Track
I cant believe this is actually #1. This article was obviously written by someone VERY special!

Total Money Makeover!

I am feeling motivated! Nathan and I just finished listening to the "Total Money Makeover" audio book. Dave Ramsey has a talk radio show on 570 KNRS that I usually listen to on my way home from teaching computer class. I love listening to him because he gives great advise about getting out of debt and investing. Anyways, he is always talking about his "baby steps", so I felt intrigued and needed to know more. The baby steps are (important to do them in order):

#1. $1,000 to start an Emergency Fund

#2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball

#3. 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings

#4. Invest 15% of household income into Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement

#5. College funding for children

#6. Pay off home early

#7. Build wealth and give! Invest in mutual funds and real estate

We are on baby step #2 which is requiring a lot of self control on my part. I am an impulsive spender and very good at justifying my purchases. Ask my husband--he will tell you ALL about it. But I am motivated, so I am trying to be less impulsive by paying for things I want with cash instead of whipping out the credit card. It hurts more when I have to part with cash, so I am purchasing less.

Happy Mother's Day

First, I just wanted to send a message out to all the mothers who visit my blog. I hope that your day was wonderful and that you felt appreciated for all the selfless acts you perform each and every day.
We had a really nice weekend. We got to spend time with both Nathan's mom and my mom. On Saturday we visited Nathan's mom. after our nice visit we took our kids to the park. Nathan flew one of his big kites (he loves kites). We played on the slides and monkey bars until it was almost dark. It was fun just playing outside and being together. I love church on Mother's Day. I love listening to the kids sing songs about Mothers. It always makes me cry. They also gave all the women SEES chocolate. How can you have a bad day when you have a little bit of chocolate. After church I checked my email and got a very sweet email from my Mother-in-law. She is so sweet and wonderful! Then, my mom came over for dinner. She brought me a "CRICUT" for Mother's day. HOW COOL IS MY MOTHER! Even on Mother's day she thinks of her daughter and not of herself. My mother is wonderful even when she doesnt give me such wonderful gifts. I am so thankful for her! I am grateful for her love and friendship. She is not only a great person to talk to but her example helps me to be a better wife and mother. I love you, mom!

Spring!

It has been a while since I posted. The month has just flown by. We have been out enjoying the patches of good weather that we have had. It has been fun taking the kids to the park. Last year Morgan was too little to play at the park, but this year she is the first one on the playgroud climbing the stairs and going down the slide all by herself. She loves playing with her brothers too. She is a tuff girl and makes every effort to keep up with her brothers. She loves riding on her big wheel--watch out when she learns to pedal.

My baby isn't a baby anymore. She reminds me everyday when I tell her that I love my baby. She says, " Mom, I am not a baby I am Morgan".

Great Recipes!

My favorite recipes are made in the crockpot. I love the days when I can throw something in the crockpot and I dont have to think about what to fix for dinner for the rest of the day. These are two of my favorites:

Crockpot Chicken (from my chomay Lianna)

6 boneless chicken breasts
1 can cream of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom ( I usually use two cans of cream of chicken--I am not a lover of cream of mushroom)
½ cup evaporated milk
1 package Italian dressing
8 oz cream cheese

Put in crockpot, cook for 8 hours on low
Put over rice or mashed potatoes

Sesame Ribs (we made on Sunday and it is sooo yummy)

INGREDIENTS:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
2 tablespoons vinegar
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger, or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
3 to 4 pounds boneless country style pork ribs
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 cup chopped green onion, with green

PREPARATION:
In large bowl, combine, the first nine ingredients. Add ribs and turn to coat. Place the onion in bottom of slow cooker; arrange ribs on top. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours. Place ribs on serving platter and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion. Makes 6 servings.

I took the ribs out and thickened the sauce a little and served it all over rice. YUMMY!

Thanks Nancy for the great idea!