O{pin}ions

Hey all!
Ahhh... Pinterest it is ideas you give and time you take, but I keep coming back.  And actually, my boards are not sitting there gathering virtual dust (well not all of them anyway).  I have made and tried a few of the things I've pinned and here are my thoughts:

Quick and Easy Blender Salsa

(found on my "appetizer board")

Via ~ Mountain Mama Cooks

This salsa was super easy to make, even Action made a batch.  

It is easy to adjust the "heat" just by the amount of jalapeno you use.  I will (and have) definitely make this again.

Breakfast Coffee Protein Shake

(found on my "Beverages Board")

Via ~ Fit is the New Black

Typically I try to work out most mornings around 5am.  When I get home, I am a bit hungry as well as ready for some coffee.  I do love my coffee :)  When I saw this on Pinterest, I admit, I got a little bit excited and couldn't wait to try it.  I did end up enjoying the shake, but here's what I changed from the recipe after making it the first time.  I use chocolate protein powder, 'cause that's what we have right now at my house.  And along with the ice and banana, I doubled the amount of coffee (I told you, I love coffee), halved the amount of milk and didn't add any additional sugar.  It was definitely sweet enough for me!  Occasionally I add additional banana and/or chia seeds.  So, yep, this one is a keeper!

Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

(found on my "main dish recipes I've tried and like" board)

Via ~ Kraft

And this one ~ another keeper!  The kids liked it, hubby liked it, I liked it.  I don't think it's the healthiest pot pie ever, none the less, I will make it again.  For myself though, I thought it was a bit too cheesy so I would add less cheese.  And a tip for you, the crescent roll top ~ purchase one of those crescent roll sheets instead of the individual rolls.  So much easier :)

And no, I don't just eat at my house.... I read as well!  

Here' is a book review for you:

Kisses from Katie 

by: Katie J. Davis

(found on my "books" board)

Via ~ Amazon

It takes an extremely strong woman (in mind and faith) to leave everything she new ~ the wealthy comforts of home ~ to go to another country to serve those less fortunate (which is an extreme understatement). At the age of 19, she has more love and compassion than so many of the people I know. Her love of God and the desire to serve and follow him is simply inspiring. I definitely recommend this book.

Well, that's it for now!  

What have you been pinning, and where can I find 

you?

(you can find me here)

We all are

Busy.

Isn't that what we all say.
I am so busy.....
We are so busy........
I've have to do this
and this
and go here
and make this call/email.....

When life feels busy and full, things that aren't urgent take a backseat.  And yes, that is what has happened to my little 'ol blog.  It has taken a backseat in my life as of late.

We've been running here and there and attempting to enjoy life and remembering to be thankful for all that we have at this moment.

Here's a little bit of what we've been up to (the camera has taken a backseat too ~ boo)

Sumo Wrestling

Basketball playing for Action and Coaching for Hubby

Waterpark playing 

(pouting, playing, splashing, laughing, tubing running & balancing)

And more Basketball ~ this time for Sassy

(Breaking, Stealing, Winning by 2)

and celebrating a First Place end of the season League Tournament Victory.

It's been a fun whirlwind couple of weeks and I don't foresee things slowing down too much.   So life will continue to stay busy for us here ~ just like life is busy for you where you are.   We all are busy.  We just need to remember what is truly important and we need to remember to savor every second.

Friday Funny

Smiley, who is 4 years old has a love for paper, tape, scissors and now writing.  She is learning to write her letters at preschool and is thrilled when she can come home and "write" something.  Most days it is just random letters written out in a line that she then asks, "What does this say Mama?"  Like this picture:

 I try to give her my best pronunciation of the "word" she has written.  Usually we end up laughing because it makes no sense.

The other day she came to me with picture and words in hand and said,  "I made this for you Mama, what does it say?"

Yep, it says "OLD MOM"

Being told I'm old by my 4 year old daughter........ just.not.cool.

But I did have to laugh!!!

Oh and she also made me a dumbbell so I can "exercise"

So thoughtful!  :)

Have a great weekend!

Last Minute Valentine Idea

One of Smiley's favorite treats is popcorn.  And, I'm certain she will get plenty of candy at her preschool Valentine's day party, so we decided popcorn would be a fun valentine to hand out to her friends.

Here's how we turned some ordinary microwave popcorn into some cute valentines:

To make them exactly like we did, you will need:

White Paper
Red cardstock paper
Microwave popcorn
Blank Address Labels
Stickers

This is what I did to prepare for assembly:

First, I created a little label wishing her friends a Happy Valentine's Day

I cut them out using my handy 2 1/2" circle punch, but a scissors would work just fine.

I also designed a simple "From" label, using the blank address labels.  Since her class doesn't write individual names on each valentine, on the address labels, I designed it to say "Your Friend, ", Then Alayna wrote her name on each one.

Finally, I cut each 8 1/2" x 11" piece of red cardstock in half.

Now to assemble:

First we wrapped the red cardstock around the popcorn and secured it in place using the "Your Friend" address label.

Then we glued the "Just Poppin' in to say, Have a happy Valentine's Day" label on the front.

Finally, Smiley added a heart sticker to the back of each one under the address label.

Voila ~ easy peasy valentines for all of her preschool friends!

Friday Funny

Hello Friday!  Couple of things ~
First off, the kids have the day off from school today so we all decided to sleep in.  When I woke up at 8:00 this was what our indoor/outdoor thermometer read:

YIKES!!!  Great day to stay inside!  Except that Smiley has to go to gymnastics in an hour and birthday presents need to be purchased for parties this weekend.......

Anyway, this video was floating around Facebook and I found it fitting for this friday's smile, since this Sunday is Superbowl Sunday.  I laughed watching it and my kids watched it over and over, so I hope it brings a smile to your face on this lovely Friday!

So, what is the weather like where you live?

Are you going to watch the Superbowl ~ who do you want to win?  (I'm going with the 49er's!)

(via Football Fanatics)

Do you watch it for the game or the commercials?