.Spring Has Sprung.

Spring is a time for new beginnings...

 

 

So this past week we have spent a lot of time playing and crafting. My oldest had quite a bit of fun building with his Lego's at his Grandma's house. He built this adorable Mario creation for his younger brother. How sweet! I'm a little biased, but I think he did pretty good! I couldn't even figure out how to do that! He watches the cartoon on Netflix and he made this by watching the show. How creative!

 

In honor of the first day of Spring, we made these sweet little flower bouquets made out of construction paper and glue! The boys had so much fun getting crafty this week! {more crafts to come on the blog}

 

What have you all been up to this week?

 

Why not get a little crafty with your kiddo's {if you have kiddos}! If you don't have kids, STILL get crafty! I love getting my craft bag out and getting my hands dirty!

 

xoxo

Burrito Bowls and Park Play Dates

 

Chipotle Style Burrito Bowls

 

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This week I tried yet another Pinterest recipe. Seriously folks, Pinterest hardly ever fails me. So this beautiful dish was very inexpensive to make! You can serve it over rice or quinoa but I decided to just dish it up veggie style.

 

Ingredients:

 

Romaine Lettuce (chopped)

Black Beans

Canned Corn

Tomatoes

Salsa

Chipotle Sauce (sourcream, chili powder, lime juice, cumin, salt)

Fresh Cilantro

 

Let me tell you, this was delicious! I could have ate two big servings of this, but I limited myself to just one.

 

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Spring Style

 

We enjoyed some fun at the park on Monday, as it was 72 degrees here in South East Ohio! We have enjoyed our days playing, taking country drives, playing board games, building Lego masterpieces, painting, crafting, reading, and much more! Sometimes I realize updating this blog isn't #1 on my to do list. However, I do love posting pictures of these sweet babes. They grow up far to quickly to not preserve these memories.

 

My boys love the playground at the park. I'm pretty sure they would stay and play ALL day if I'd let them.

 

How are things in your neck of the woods? Cool, Warm, Hot as a firecracker? I encourage you to do this, no matter how much you've got going on this weekend...take time for your kids. STOP and actually play with them. Get down on the floor, play the board games (even though they hardly EVER play by the rules), build those towers, throw rocks in the creek, whatever it is they like to do...do it with them. One day you'll wish you took the time out to do so.

 

xoxo

.snowpocolypse 2015.

Winter Wonderland

 

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So you have probably seen the #THOR all over television. If you haven't, you either A. Have been living under a rock for the past week or B. You live in Florida or California. I must say I am over Winter, however I have been waiting YEARS for a snow like this. I haven't seen this much snow in our town since 1993. I was a little girl and we had 24". Today we topped out at around 14". We have been blessed to have kept our power and water on, as most of the surrounding areas are without both. Prayers for those folks tonight! It is supposed to be -8 degrees tonight (that is NOT including the wind chill)! My hubs got a day off at the office, as he closed both down. Safety comes first, and no one should be driving out in this. WV is under a state of emergency due to flooding and also the snow. Our county is at a level 2 snow emergency which means, if you don't have to be out...don't. We enjoyed our day at home though.

 

 

Daddy and his little champ

 

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We spent our day doing lessons, reading, building all sorts of things with Legos, reading Lego magazines (seriously their favorite piece of mail all month, and only piece usually, I might add), and watching cartoons. The snow stopped around 1 pm so we ventured outside to play in the white fluffy stuff! The boys had a blast! These moments are so precious and they fly by far too fast.

 

 

Where's my car?

 

..................

 

This gives you an idea of how much snow we had. This picture was taken before the snow stopped, so there was even more on top of this. From upstairs on our deck, you couldn't even tell there was a car down there. Ha! Talk about a lot of snow! Well, a lot for our area at least. We aren't used to this much snow. 3-6 inches, maybe. But 14? Nope. Not used to that. I love it! So pretty! We are lucky to only be a block away from the local pizza joint. They delivered us a couple delicious pizza's for dinner! It was greatly appreciated and of course we tipped well.

 

Of course Mommy had her fill for the day too. I spent my day doing chores (as usual) and taking care of the house. Honestly, how in the world does the laundry keep piling up?!?! It never ends. Ever. I do love cleaning though, I almost take pride in it. It makes me feel like I accomplished something. Today I did one load of laundry, 2 loads of dishes (need to get on the third), cooked breakfast from scratch, and lunch then sorted and cleaned toys. Sometimes I do this in sweats and a t-shirt. And no make up. But today, even though I knew I couldn't go anywhere and I had no real 'reason' to get dressed up, I put on some jeans and a cute blouse and sweater. I put on make up, some cute accessories and did the chores. There is just something about being dolled up and putting on a few accessories that can make pretty much any chore so much more fun! Ha Ha! Yeah...I'm a little crazy. But that's okay.

 

 

Laundry, how I loathe you...

 

.but at least I can do it in style. bahahaha.

 

xoMELINDAxo

 



A Day in the Life of a Homeschool Momma

Breakfast is served

 

There is nothing in the world quite like bacon. Ok, so there is absolutely nothing in the world like bacon. Bacon sort of makes the world go 'round. Yeah. I love bacon. Don't worry, I didn't eat a whole pack. I limited myself to 3 slices. {even though I could have totally eaten a whole pack}

 

..............................

 

I've spent my day cleaning and doing laundry. {If you're a Momma, you know this routine all too well.} I don't understand how we go through so many bath towels. Seriously? You'd think I was running a B&B around here or something. Ha! We've spent the day learning about firefighters, thermometers, changing matter (both physical and chemical), organizational/study space, and we are getting ready to learn about life in the pioneer days (covered wagons and all that jazz). I'm actually excited! I love going over all of this again - it amazes me at how much I have forgotten and stuff that I didn't even learn. Such a good way to spend the day with my boys. Learning!

 

................................

 

Community Helpers - Firefighters

 

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Stella & Dot - Livvy Necklace

 

.....

 

I am in love with my accessories! Ha. This Momma doesn't buy magazines, get manicures or pedicures, get her hair colored, go to the movies every weekend, or even go out to eat every week or two. So what is my 'thing' for me? My jewelry! Ha. It makes me feel pretty and I love how I can wear a basic t-shirt and make it pop with a little bling. Makes it look like I at least made an effort on my appearance for that day. Ha!

 

Can I get an amen ladies?!

 

 

..............

 

Melinda 





 

Sunday Funday

 

all dressed up and nowhere to go...

 

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Have you ever had plans and got all dressed up only to find said plans have changed? Yeah that was my morning. I woke up, got showered, dressed and ready for church and walk out the door to find a mini blizzard and then freezing rain. Cars and trucks were sliding all over the roads. So, we spent the day indoors enjoying time together as a family.

 

 

 

This weekend was pretty awesome aside from being snowed in this morning and my youngest getting a case of the tummy bug. I fixed a fabulous breakfast (which I normally just do something simple like oatmeal or cereal) on Saturday and then took my oldest out for a movie day at the library. All in all we had a wonderful time! "Big Hero 6" was pretty good too, if I might say so.

 

 

my boy loves his popcorn and his fedora...

 

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**edit** at this very moment my youngest is singing and cooing and playing in the bathtub with his toys. It has to be the cutest thing I've ever seen or heard. It was such an adorable moment we had to video tape it. (mostly sound) Because he would not let us get much video if he saw us, so we had to stay behind the door. Ha Ha. 4 years old and he still makes me cry tears of joy. How can someone so ornery be so stinking adorable! Anyway, moving along with the post.

 

 

stella & dot

 

a girl and her bling...

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If you are a Momma then you know it is a special day when you can put on some makeup, pull down your hair, raid your closet of actual 'dressy' clothes and pop on some fabulous jewelry! I took my oldest out for a Mommy and son date on Saturday and we had a blast seeing "Big Hero 6"! I look forward to our next date. It is so important to give each of your children individual time and attention. It has really helped our relationship this year. I look forward to these moments so much, considering I have boys. When they get older they won't want much to do with Mommy. It will be all Daddy and sports, and girls. Ugh.

 

I wish you all a very happy week!

 

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Hello March

TGIF

 

Is it just me or does Friday just bring on a whole new person in everyone? I feel like I am always in a better mood on Friday's. The weather is usually sunny, the kids are excited that it is the last day of school for the week and we can all get excited about eating some pizza, popcorn or something that is totally not good for you. But hey, it's the weekend!

 

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Burt's Bees

 

.........

 

Seriously this stuff is made by fairies in some foreign, far off land that sparkles and smells of honeysuckle! Ok, maybe not really. But this stuff is AMAZING. I love it! And when you can pick it up at your local drug store for a $1 on sale - it is even better! This one in particular is called "Fall Foliage". I love the color! My lips are so chapped lately, as is my hands, my elbows, my feet...yeah it's annoying. Goodbye Winter, see you in 8-9 months. M'kay? This Momma is ready for Spring! I want long hours in the park with my boys and a picnic. Walks in my neighborhood and a snow cone on the way home. Is it so much to ask?

 

What are you looking forward to when warmer weather comes around?

.tbt.

Oh Spring, how I miss you...

 

 

Throwback to almost 2 years ago when we visited Washington D.C.

 

We love the Smithsonian National Zoo!

 

Can you believe that this guy will be 8 this Summer? Me neither. Where does time go?

 

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Roses are red

Violets are blue

Sugar is sweet

&

so are you.....

 

- Melinda -

.cinnamon & sugar crisps.

 

Have you ever wanted a tasty snack but are on the verge of having bare shelves and it isn't even close to grocery day? GASP! Yeah, I've been there. Not that I don't keep my pantry stocked or fridge shelves full, but I don't buy snacks. Not 'unhealthy' ones at least. I try my best to buy fresh fruits and veggies for snacks for my family. However, there are those moments when you just crave something sweet! We had one of those moments today. Well, I had to fix that problem right then and there.

 

I searched my Pinterest boards and found this super simple recipe for a sweet and crunchy treat!

 

Ingredients: Tortilla Shells (soft), Stick butter, Cinnamon, and Sugar. THAT'S IT!

 

Pull out a baking sheet and pre heat your oven to 350. Take your tortilla shells and lay them on your baking sheet. Melt half a stick of butter in a microwave safe dish for about 30 seconds - 1 minute. I'd advise you place a paper towel over your dish, otherwise you will have butter splatters all over your microwave (been there done that!). Next take a basting brush and baste your tops of your tortilla's with the melted butter (do so generously, you don't want to skimp on the butter or it won't turn out very well). Then after all your shells are basted, mix your cinnamon and sugar in a bowl with a fork. Shake/sprinkle over your shells. Then flip all shells over and repeat the previous steps. Put in your oven for 15-17 minutes and VOILA! My kids loved this tasty snack! I made 5 and they were gone in minutes!

 

cinnamon & sugar crisps

 

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What do you think? Try it for yourself, and let me know how you like it! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

xoxo

.Master Bedroom DIY Makeover.

 

yellow is the happiest color in my opinion...

 

I found this dresser at a yard sale a few years ago. I bought it for $20 I believe. (More than I usually spend on furniture at a yard sale, but I loved it) It was black when I purchased it. The previous owner had spray painted it. I purchased some primer and some adorable shades of yellow and went at it! I attached a beautiful removable applique to the top drawer to give it a little 'pop'. I love it! 

 

 

these are a few of my favorite things...

 

and the greatest of these is love...

 

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Sorry for the delay in updates these past few days. We had significant snow fall and we have been stuck indoors doing lessons, watching movies, and well...just having a fun time! Sometimes time away from electronics can be to our advantage. I love spending time with my boys. When we are playing board games, building with lego's or just playing out in the snow. Making memories that will last a lifetime!

 

I thought I would post about my master bedroom 'makeover'. Since we moved I had a whole new palette and 'clean slate' to work with. So I figured why not dress it up a bit! DIY is my style these days. Why pay big money for things you can do all on your own for just a few bucks?

 

The dresser shown above is one of my favorite DIY projects I've ever done. I'd say #2. #1 I will post another day. (You'll want to stick around for it though - it involves dinosaurs and a little boys room. It is NOT my PB knock off canvas paintings either. That was a project from a few years ago and since then the boys room has changed numerous times! You'll love it though, or at least, I did!)

 

I love adding vintage treasures around my home. The lace table runner over the top of the dresser I found at a yard sale for $1. It is a pretty cream color and goes nicely in our master bedroom. The candle sticks I found at a garage sale for $2 (for the pair) and the birdie jewelry dish was my splurge - pottery barn for $19 I believe (don't count me on that, but I think it was less than $20). Of course I added my Willow Tree figurines. They are special treasures that I have received over the years since I have been married and had my children. I added the applique to the top drawer of the dresser for $1. Dollar Tree finds are simply the best!

 

Bedding came from T.J. Maxx for $40. This is a queen set. It is Cynthia Rowley - I just adore her line of products! Throw pillows also came from T.J. Maxx for $20 (for the pair). Throw pillow (grey) actually came with another bed set from previous years.

 

Table lamps I purchased at Wal Mart years ago. They were a see through green and I painted them yellow. I also re-furbished my shades using leftover fabric from craft projects and cut the flowers out of old tee shirts. (lol) Hot glue gun and some scissors...BAM! DIY dream. {ignore the crooked/leaning lampshade}

 

End Tables I purchased out of a catalog a few years ago - for some reason I thought painting them white at the time would make me happy, but they didn't so I painted over them with a lovely glossy grey spray paint and I absolutely love how they turned out! And of course I placed my Mother's yellow doily under the lamp.

 

So, this is just something super simple that I did over the past year and I wanted to share with you all just how simple and easy it really is to make your space look fresh and brand new without spending hundreds of dollars and too much time on it. Each one of these projects took me minutes. The dresser took the longest at about 24 hours (that includes drying time of course).

 

Any rooms you want to makeover? I know I'm already looking at my bathroom! Hmm...what paint color to put on the walls? What tile to put down? Decisions, Decisions...

 

...................................

 

Melinda

Brown Sugar & Honey Oatmeal

 

Brown Sugar & Honey Oatmeal

 

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 (^^our breakfast this morning consisted of oats, brown sugar, some local honey and some fresh apples on the side. I recommend this oatmeal to anyone trying to beat those winter blues!)

 

So this morning I got a lot done around the house. R.A. did his lessons and had a couple of quizzes. He did really well on both. I'm so proud of him. He doesn't much like school work, but then again who really does? However, when he puts his mind to it, he does a fantastic job and makes me proud. He loves History. I think that is his favorite subject.

 

Laundry seems non-stop these days. E.J. thinks he has to change his clothes every time he gets even just a spot of liquid on it. Makes me want to pull my hair out sometimes. I keep telling him, "This is why you never have anything to where, because you change your clothes 2-4 times a day and insist on putting them in the dirty hamper." Ah. The joys of motherhood. On the bright side, everything is clean around here.

 

The boys built a fort in their bedroom today. Absolutely cute. I couldn't help but smile when I looked in to see them hiding inside with all their stuffed animals and toys. I think my exact words were, "So that is where all of my pillows went." Ha!

 

We ordered pizza for lunch today. Yeah I know...I'm super lazy when it comes to the weekends. I'm sort of glad we ordered 3. I know...family of 4 ordering 3 pizzas. Crazy. However, while ordering said pizza's...I was watching the weather channel and realized we are supposed to get another 1-3 inches of snow tonight and another 5-8 inches tomorrow. Plus ice. Yeah...pizza was definitely a good idea. We can eat on it all weekend. However, I feel the need to work out will come pretty soon.

 

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Melinda

 

Elsa is having a little too much fun...

homeschoolers don't get 'snow days'

 

fruit salad

 

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Ah. Winter. I love a good snow storm. We have about 5-6 inches here in South East Ohio and I'm honestly loving every single inch. I'm not much for the frigid temps though. Local schools have been off all week and looks like they will more than likely be out again tomorrow. -25-30 wind chill doesn't sound that appealing when you have to drop your kids off or wait for the bus.

 

We however, don't get snow days in this house. Homeschoolers unite! lol. It honestly doesn't phase me one bit. We wake up when we want (most of the time it is by 7:30 anyway), we don't have to rush to get to school and I don't have to leave at 2:30 to pick my kids up. I'm not all for a rushed lifestyle these days. I've had my fill of that over the past 10 years. Time to relax.

 

Today consisted of a Math Live Lesson at 9am for my oldest. They are learning about Centimeters this week (among other measurements/units). He loves getting to pull out his ruler and measure random stuff in the house. He also had a test in Language Arts that consisted of 25 questions and I'm proud to say he only missed one question. Proud Mama right here! So now it is snack time and the kids are enjoying some fresh fruit salad. A mix of banana, strawberries, and apples. No sugar, no syrups, just naked fruit. Just the way we like it. The best way in my opinion (definitely the healthiest).

 

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Now off to tackle my chore list for today. I suggest using Pinterest for chore lists. It has saved me so many stressful tears. I knock down 3-4 simple chores each day that make my routine so much easier. Today - dusting furniture, light vacuum, and wash the dark clothes. I think I can handle that.

 

xoxo



.Historic Valentine's Getaway.

This year Valentine's Day was pretty perfect. I had no plans whatsoever, and I pretty much thought my husband had the same idea. I was wrong. He totally surprised me with an overnight stay at a local historic hotel. The whole bit. Lunch at a quaint little deli, deluxe suite (that someone actually died in. seriously. no joke. a woman hung herself on the bedposts), champagne, roses, Holls chocolates (a local delight) and a fabulous dinner for two. We had the lamb. Did I mention that my hubby treated me to their spa for a 1 hour massage? Oh yeah. That happened. It was a true treat! I feel so refreshed and rejuvenated! However, this cough and cold has kicked my butt since Saturday night...so I hope to kick it soon so I can be on the mend once again. *sigh* But as for now I'm enjoying this...

Let it Snow

 

 

.Valentine's Day outfit.

 

.The new quilt my Momma made for me.

.Had to get a little trim (evened up my neck/back and thinned out top).

Hair growth...I loathe you.

 

.The Blennerhassett Hotel.

 

#211

 

According to the staff, a woman and her husband were celebrating their wedding night here many years ago and they had an argument. The husband went downstairs and the wife stayed in the room. He came back up to apologize but when he walked in he found that she had hung herself to the bedposts at the foot of the bed. There are still marks on the top of the posts. Very creepy. I'm glad I didn't find out about this till after we slept there. Even though, I was up all night with a migraine and I didn't notice anything. Then again, I know my Heavenly Father was and is always watching over me. It was a very lovely room and we had a very nice stay. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the historic Parkersburg, WV downtown area.

Champagne anyone?

 

 

.Do you wanna build a snowman?.

Christian Women - Christian Grey

I am not one to post anything political or anything of the sort, but as of late, with the whole "50 Shades of Grey" stuff, I felt I wanted to share something but didn't know how to get the words out. A friend shared this post with me today on facebook. I have copied the link below for you to check it out. This woman sums it up perfectly! I give scissortailsilk.com all the credit!

{Christian Grey? I think not. Open link here to read more > Christian Women & Christian Grey

*credit - scissortailsilk.com
*photo credit - google.com

Remember ladies, let's keep it classy.

.Game Day.

 

.Game Day Colors - GO SEAHAWKS!.

 

.EJ getting crafty.

 

I wanted to do something special for my boys this year for Valentine's Day. I found this little idea on Pinterest {where else? lol}. I will give them a little wrapped goodie every day from February 1st through February 14th. So excited to surprise them!

 

.Popcorn "Just wanted to POP over and say Happy Valentine's Day", "You are my HEART Valentine" and "Put Me in a ZOO cuz I'm "crackers" about you!". Popcorn, Sweethearts, and Animal crackers all wrapped up in Red/White bakers twine.

 

.Mini Banana Cream Pies in the works.

 

.I used Banana Cream Pudding mix (Jello Brand, but you could use any brand).

 

.Coming along great - I'll add cool whip right before they are ready to be eaten.

 

.Cheese Dip - online it is called Neiman Marcus Dip.

 

.Shredded Cheddar, Mayo, bacon bits, (green onions but I didn't have any so I used onion powder) and slivered almonds.

 

.Pinterest has loads of available print outs for pretty much anything. I printed these little beauties for Super Bowl Sunday!.

 

Not to mention I didn't take photos of the meatballs or kielbasa in the crock pot or the veggies, dip, or chips and other things I'm working on today.

 

I woke up this morning to 1 - 2 inches of snow on the ground and then freezing rain and sleet. Makes for an interesting day. I passed on Sunday services since I still felt a little ill from yesterday's stomach bug that hit my body. I must say though, it is nice to relax after a full week of lessons and errands.

 

I am sitting on the couch with my youngest while my oldest is out at Mamaw's for the weekend. I decided to watch "Little Women". It makes me feel full of joy when I watch movies like this. So ready for a day of relaxation with my family. Life is a blessing. It is a gift. Each day. A gift.

 

.melinda.