"What would you do if you woke up today with only the things
that you were thankful for yesterday?"

This is a quote from a Facebook status I read the other day and it really made me think... 

What am I Thankful for today?

So, random and in no particular order, here is a list of things I am Thankful for today: Jesus, the Bible, my husband, my girls, friends, family, life, love, passion, excitement, compassion, my home, the farm, our horses, my birds, warm showers, hugs and kisses, protection, food, comfort, freedom, electricity, salvation, air conditioning, butterfly kisses, holding hands, star gazing, automobiles, plumbing, my vegetable garden, education, fun, flowers, gravity, dishwashers, ...

I would go on and on, but you get the idea and if I did, my post may end up too long! :)

What does the Bible say about being Thankful?

"16 Rejoice always,17 pray without ceasing,18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"Give thanks in all circumstances, " Wow, that is intense. God wants us to be thankful for everything, both the good and the bad. Probably, because the bad gives us valuable insight into what God wants us to know, as well as his plans for us. It shapes us into the person God wants us to be!

 So, What are YOU Thankful for today?

Have a wonderful day dear followers! 

 

 

Welcome to another FREEBIE FRIDAY!

Today's FREEBIE is a CD Envelope!

PLEASE note that the kit will ONLY be available THIS week so, don't forget to download it today!
What's My Memories Suite? Click here to read my review of the Digital Scrapbook Software. Don't have My Memories Suite? Go MyMemories.com to buy the software and start scrapping!  


Also, please note that the kit is saved in a format that isn't specific to My Memories Suite, so you can use them in other software as well!


  1. Download template file and install it into your software
  2. Using MyMemories Suite, choose Create Album From Designer Template and find your project
  3. Now you can print and enjoy the provided template, or customize it with your own papers and embellishments.

TIP:
You can right-click on the white guide and lock it in place to keep it from moving while you are working. Make sure this is the top layer of your project before printing.

Instead of adding the paper as a background paper, you can add it as an embellishment so that you can move the paper around.  This is especially useful when using papers with stripes or circles, so you can decide which part of the paper you want to use.

Once it is added as an embellishment, you can now select the paper and move it into the position you want it. 

Just SAVE and PRINT on cardstock!

After you have downloaded and enjoyed your project, jump on over to the My Memories blog, I will be a Guest Blogger on their blog today. Check out the cute hybrid project I made using My Memories Suite v3 and tell me what you think!

Have a Wonderful Weekend dear followers!

I've got a great opportunity for you to do something fun with your little one AND win a $100 gift card! Keep reading for more details!

In the summer months, rural-American families spend more time making memories outdoors and, in many cases, on a farm or ranch. Did you know that according to the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, each year an estimated 15,000 children who visit, live or work on farms or ranches are injured and more than 100 children die of agriculture-related injuries in the U.S. alone?

These statistics are simply too high, and Kubota is dedicated to helping families make sure summer memories are as safe and happy as possible. To help spread the word about the importance of farm safety, Kubota has launched a Family Safety Coloring Contest for a chance to win fun prizes!

 Here’s how families can get involved:

·         Now through October 1, 2012, visit the Safety tab on Kubota.com to download Kubota’s “Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety” coloring book.

·         Each child, 12 an under, can select one page to color as his or her contest entry.

·         Next, scan and email the child’s entry, along with the parent’s name, child’s name, address and phone number to KubotaSafety@fleishman.com. Or mail the entry with the same information on a 3x5 card to 500 Capitol Mall, Suite 1850, Sacramento, CA 95814.

·         Entries will be judged on coloring skill in each of three age groups: 5 and under, ages 6 to 8, and ages 9 to 12.

·         In each category, one grand prize winner will be selected to win a $100 gift card and Kubota merchandise gift pack. Additionally, one first prize winner in each category will receive a Kubota merchandise gift pack.

·         The first 100 entries will receive a Kubota “Safety First Sheriff” badge.

·         For more information, download the Official Contest Rules here.

For more information and safety resources please visit http://kubota.com/safety/TractorSafety.aspx

Have a great summer and happy coloring!

Followers, I'd like to inform you of another Family Friendly Event in Indiana!

On August 9th, Chipotle Mexican Grill is hosting their first ever Indianapolis Kids Film Series with a salsa demonstration and a screening of the new documentary film about kids and food politics, "What's on Your Plate." The film carries a message very much in line with Chipotle's vision for 'Food With Integrity,' which it works to share with children all over the country through a variety of educational programs. The August screening promises to be a fun and educational summer activity for families with children of all ages.

The event will take place at the Studio Theater in Carmel, Indiana on Aug. 9 with the salsa demonstration beginning at 6:30pm followed by the movie screening at 7pm. The event is FREE and is brought to you by Chipotle and the Carmel Farmers Market (another Indy first!). Free kids meal gift certificates and grow kits will be given away to attendees. Chipotle and Carmel Farmers Market representatives will be available for comment.

Have a wonderful day dear followers and have fun at the Chipotle Event!

I was surfing the net a couple days a go and came across a wonderful blog, The Peaceful Mom. In the parenting section of her blog, I found a link to FREE Child Safe Kits. Naturally, I was curious so I  clicked on the link. The Statistics on their main page just floored me:

It is no secret that I LOVE birds. I'm not sure when my obsession with poultry began, but I do know that all started with Pekin DUCKS!

All of my birds are fully feathered now, and I decided I would highlight one every once and a while to teach my readers a little bit about the birds that I own and my experience with raising them.

The Embden Geese are by far my favorite bird that we bought this year, so I chose to highlight them first! I had gotten a new camera for Mother's Day, so I was able to document their growth pretty regularly with photos. In order to keep this post from getting too long, I've selected just a few for your viewing pleasure!

5/1 - Embden Goslings the day we brought them home!

5/2 - I had them outside in a pen enjoying the grass and nice weather.

5/3 - Into the water they go!

5/18 - Growing like a weed.

5/22 - Geese are natural grazers and boy do mine LOVE their grass!

6/5 - Feathers covering about 50% of their body   7/12 - Fully feathered!

Since the day we brought them home, I have been feeding all of my waterfowl Purina Flock Raiser. The geese and ducks also have access to pasture grass. Here and there I try feeding different veggies, they all seemed to enjoy head lettuce that I let them sample from the garden. On days where they aren't allowed to graze on grass, they require more grain, but when I let them out to graze they eat considerable less grain at night. When the geese were small I would keep grain in front of them 24/7, however, as they got larger I changed to twice a day, and now their main diet is pasture with grain only at night. The main reason why I chose to feed grain at night, was to entice them to stay close to home and go back into their pen at night. This method worked really well and at times they are waiting at the pen before I even get out to feed!

I personally LOVE the sound of all my birds, but I thoroughly enjoy my honking geese! When young, the geese made a cheeping noise, but now they are full on honkers. They are very smart and know me by sight as well as by my voice. I think they even know what I sound like when I come out of the house because they will start honking even before I open the porch door. For the most part they are only vocal when they see me with food, someone approaches them, or a car pulls in the drive, otherwise they are quiet around the farm.

Most people think geese are mean tempered birds that will hiss and chase people. My Embden geese are complete opposite, unless you are a cat, they don't seem to like the barn cats too much. They are very curious and friendly birds, mine will nibble on my clothing while I fill their water buckets and I can stroke their necks and backs while they drink. They will also follow me around if I call and scatter back down to the barn if I scold them. I would have to say that the Embden geese by far have the most personality of the flock.

These geese love to jump in the water for a swim. I keep several containers of water around so that they have access to swimming water. They don't seem to want to stay in all day, they just like to jump in for a quick cool down and then back to grazing they go. They are also much less messy with their water than the ducks.

The Embden Geese seem to really hardy when it comes to hot weather as well. We have had temperatures 110*F+ and they seem to have no problems with it at all. They do pant and require more water, but are very good at finding shade and just lay around until temperature drop in the evenings. Since we just got them in May, I don't have any personal experience with them in cold conditions, but I imagine they will do just fine as well.

I hope you enjoyed my introduction to Embden Geese! These are great farm and family birds and I would encourage anyone interested in getting a goose, to choose an Embden!

Have a GREAT Day dear followers!

Welcome to another FREEBIE FRIDAY!

Today's FREEBIE is a Card with an Envelope!

PLEASE note that the kit will ONLY be available THIS week so, don't forget to download it today!
What's My Memories Suite? Click here to read my review of the Digital Scrapbook Software. Don't have My Memories Suite? Go MyMemories.com to buy the software and start scrapping!  


Also, please note that the kit is saved in a format that isn't specific to My Memories Suite, so you can use them in other software as well!


  1. Download template file and install it into your software
  2. Using MyMemories Suite, choose Create Album From Designer Template and find your project
  3. Now you can print and enjoy the provided template, or customize it with your own papers and embellishments.

TIP:
You can right-click on the white guide and lock it in place to keep it from moving while you are working. Make sure this is the top layer of your project before printing.

Instead of adding the paper as a background paper, you can add it as an embellishment so that you can move the paper around.  This is especially useful when using papers with stripes or circles, so you can decide which part of the paper you want to use.

Once it is added as an embellishment, you can now select the paper and move it into the position you want it. 

Just SAVE and PRINT on cardstock!


1. Print your envelope and card on cardstock and gather supplies.  (Recommended supplies: craft knife, cutting mat, metal edged ruler, small scissors, glue runner, bone folder)

2. Start with the card and fold on the fold guides in the middle of the page.  You do not need to fold anywhere else for the card, because the rest will be cut off.
 
3.  With the card folded in half, use the metal edged ruler and craft knife and cut along the bottom edge and the sides.  Cut about ¼” in from the printed edge.  This will make your card slightly smaller than the envelope so it will fit inside.

4.  Now you have a finished card.

5. Next are the instructions on making the envelope.  Take the printed envelope and fold on all fold lines.  There should be a total of 4 folds.

6. Cut along the outside edges using scissors.

7.  Fold the 2 side flaps in towards the middle and apply glue along the side edges of the back piece.

8. Push the back piece up to adhere the sides and the back together.  This will form your envelope.

9. You can now write inside your card and put a name on the front of the envelope and you are ready to share your fun card and envelope.  Enjoy!!

Have a Wonderful weekend dear followers!

A while back I mentioned a blogger opportunity hosted by Young Mom's Deals. Well, I've decided to be a part of this awesome giveaway! Please read the following message and reviews from Young Mom's Deals and enter to win several GREAT prizes that she is giving away for her 11k Fan Bonanza!


Welcome new and old fans alike! It's been almost two years but Young Mom's Deals has finally reached 11,000 Facebook fans! Thank you for all of your support and making this blog what it is today! I've teamed up with some GREAT sponsors and fellow bloggers to bring you this fantastic giveaway. Let's check out the prizes below and be sure to read the reviews of each product by clicking the links below their images:

Freebie Friday from ME and My Memories!

PLEASE note that the kit will ONLY be available THIS week so, don't forget to download it today!
What's My Memories Suite? Click here to read my review of the Digital Scrapbook Software. Don't have My Memories Suite? Go MyMemories.com to buy the software and start scrapping!  


Also, please note that the kit is saved in a format that isn't specific to My Memories Suite, so you can use them in other software as well!

Using MyMemories Software to Customize your Cupcake Liners
 

1. Download template file and install it into your software
2. Using MyMemories Suite, choose Create Album From Designer Template and find your project
3. Now you can print and enjoy the provided template, or customize it with your own papers and embellishments.

TIP:
You can right-click on the white guide and lock it in place to keep it from moving while you are working. Make sure this is the top layer of your project before printing.

Instead of adding the paper as a background paper, you can add it as an embellishment so that you can move the paper around.  This is especially useful when using papers with stripes or circles, so you can decide which part of the paper you want to use.

Once it is added as an embellishment, you can now select the paper and move it into the position you want it. 

Just SAVE and PRINT on cardstock!   

1.  Purchase or Bake and Cool Cupcakes.  If cupcakes are frosted, place in refrigerator and chill cupcakes before putting liners on.  It is easier to put liners on if the frosting is cold.

2.  Print your Cupcake liner templates on cardstock and gather supplies.  Each printed page will have enough supplies for 2 cupakes. (Recommended supplies: small craft scissors, tape, foam squares, 1.25" circle punch, toothpicks and ribbon)

3.  Using the scissors cut along outside line.
TIP: Use a 1.25" circle punch to cut out the toppers.  If printed at full size, the circles should be exactly the same size.

4.  Wrap liner around cupcake and tape at seam.
TIP: If using a smaller cupcake, just wrap around at the desired height. You can place a smaller cupcake at the bottom of the liner or make it tighter and wrap it around at the top.

5.  Using foam squares or tape, attach the front and back circles together to form the topper. Insert toothpick between the circles.

6. Add ribbon onto the toothpick or at the bottom of the front circle, if desired.

7.  Insert toothpick into cupcake.  Enjoy the finished cupcakes and share.  Don't forget to use your imagination.  The possibilities are endless!

Have a Wonderful weekend dear followers!

While picking Blackberries by the woods, I heard a something moving along the wood line. Of course, since my natural curiosity overpowers me a great deal of the time, I felt the need to find whatever was making the leaves move about. Luckily, it wasn't anything that could jump out and eat me.

H e l l o!

She totally digged him!

Big Sister has seen cartoon turtles on movies and books, but had never seen one up close before. I asked her what it was and she said "Turtle!" What a smart girl! She liked the turtle and giggled when she touched its legs and shell. After we oohhed and aaahhhed over the Turtle, it was time to take him back to his home. So, we placed him back where I found him and was surprised at how fast he scooted off into the woods!

Going home...

Have a wonderful day dear followers!







P.S. When handling any wildlife, like turtles, always remember NOT to touch your face and mouth and wash your hands thoroughly! Many wild animals can carry diseases that are harmful and dangerous to humans.

I know I haven't been posting about the girls nearly as much as I should. We have been SO busy and it seems like I keep having to put the blog on the back burner! While I was writing the First Watch Review and Giveaway, I mentioned going to a wedding in Indianapolis. Well, before the wedding we needed to wind the girls down a little, so we decided to take them out and about for some FUN!

My Aunt, who lives in Indy, told me about a place called Monkey Joe's, located in Castelton.

3 and under area, Little Sister stayed here the WHOLE time!

Obstacle course, Big Sis was a little uncoordinated but it was cute to watch the other kids help her!

Slides, This was Big Sis' FAVORITE!

Monday-Thursday $8.99  
Friday-Sunday $9.99  
2 years and under (if playing) $4.99 
Adults are FREE (as all kids must be supervised)


I hope you are enjoying the summer dear followers!

I decided to make something FUN for Big Sister's Birthday at the end of June. I had seen and read about Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes on Pinterest and decide to try to make them myself!

YUM! Ice Cream Cupcakes!

 Ingredients:
1 box (18 count) JOY Colored Ice Cream Cups
1 Chocolate Cake Mix
1 (16 oz) White Cake Frosting
Food Coloring

Directions:
1. Preheat oven as directed on cake mix.
2. Place Ice Cream Cups in cupcake pan OR stand up in 9 x 13 glass casserole dish.
3. Mix up the cake mix as directed.
4. Pour cake mix into Ice Cream Cups, so that it is below the area where the cone starts to curve, any higher and your mix will overflow once it starts to bake.
5. Carefully move the pan or dish into the oven. Bake as directed on cake mix for cupcakes.
6. Remove and let cool.
7. Mix Frosting with desired color food coloring for extra fun, and spread on the frosting!
8. Eat and ENJOY!

I made mine the night before and covered them, then frosted them in the morning. The ice cream cups seemed to absorb some moisture and were a little limp. I placed them in the refrigerator after I frosted them and they seemed to crisp up a little but still didn't have the crunch I was looking for with the ice cream cup. I would highly recommend baking and eating these in the same day to keep the ice cream cup crunch!

These Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes were a big hit with my girls. They were great because the girls could hold the cone and eat the cupcake instead of crushing it like a normal cupcake!

Happy Birthday Big Sister!

Little Sister enjoying her Ice Cream Cone Cupcake!

Have a great day dear followers!

Wes, from Indiana Horse Rescue Southwest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a wonderful day dear followers!







Disclosure: In order to provide this review, I was given a gift certificate to sample the food at First Watch. I was not compensated in any other way and all opinions in this review are mine based on my experience with the First Watch Restaurant in Indianapolis. I, nor First Watch make any guarantees about their restaurant, services,  or food items.