Ten feet only go fast on race horses

Well one of my goals this year was to un a marathon or something. I was hoping to run in the prostate cancer run in Quad cities for my dad. Well, that isn't going to happen, but I do get the honor of running in the Thin Mint Sprint with Hannah.  I love that everyday she says" were going running right?"  We have yet to run and we only made it 3 houses before Abby asked for a water break and then thought a tree was growing broccoli. HaHa. Hannah has been a trooper, she is completely intranced by the big houses in our neighborhood.  She has always wanted a Lexus and now a big house. I think ours is big enough. I can't ever find a pair of shoes for the kids.  I really have enjoyed this time with her. She never whines and likes taking in all the things around her, she is an amazing daughter. That is when I realized exercise isn't just running and I am sure I am not burning a whole lot of calories at the pace we are going, but the slow walking time with my girls is priceless.  I sometimes wonder if I am in such a hurry all the time what else am I missing. How do I speak to my kids when we are pressed for time? I am not perfect but I am a mom. I am the best mom for my girls and the best wife to my husband. I may not always do it, fast enough, clean enough or perfect enough but to them it is just right.  When was the last time you put away your inner voice saying you are to busy, the house is to messy and had fun with your kids or made your spouse feel special. My heart has been aching since the news of my friend Mae's husband killed in Afghanistan. I feel like I must do something everyday because who knows what could happen.  Life is so precious but society is in a race for the finish line. What happens after the finish line? How do you run you race with your family?

I have the best friends a girl can ask for thanks for the support and thanks for supporting my business Scentsy rocks!!jjmellen.scentsy.us

Ranch dipping sauce isn't just for the big guns

Ok, as most of you know I have begun gardening for the first time ever unless you count the one cucumber I grew a few years back. So I am learning the hard way that gardens are natures little children and the require water and nurturing. My garden out back was planted with green beans, carrots, pumpkins sunflowers and watermelons. I am excited to report my green beans harvest about five green beans a week just enough for me to eat and not enough to feed a family of six ha ha. Next year I will plant more. I laugh knowing I kindly took one plant over to my neighbor as a kind gesture. Laughing they probably think I am cheap ha ha.Then there are my sunflowers or lack there of.I had these very awesome stalk things growing, I thought they were sunflowers I was waiting for them to bloom, my mother kindly told me they weren't. I can't tell what are weeds and what are veggies. My watermelons weren't watermelons and my italian parsley are carrots. I thought I had green onions they are chives. My pumpkins are doing great but the mowers ran over one vine. My tomatoes look great for vines but slowly growing. I have all these rubbery leafed weed things, I pulled most of them. I blame them on why my tomatoes aren't growing. Maybe they are sucking the energy out of my garden...

Well what a great way to venture into my next idea. I have been having some battling emotions. I love my husband and kids, but do I sell my self short. See as a mom we give all of our love to our families. Most moms will agree if we are given 20.00 dollars we spend 18.00 dollars on the kids and the 2.00 dollars we have left is just floating in our purse until they need something else. So a very dear friend and I have looked around for books that could help us. I don't have much time to read, but I am making time. We found the book "THE WORN OUT WOMAN, when your life is full and your spirit is empty". We are going to start reading it and answering the questions at the end of the chapter. I will post the questions. I am happy we are going through together yet sad at the same time. We are lucky our husbands are patient and caring. Our kids still look at us like we are super hero's. They are not yet old enough to see us with our masks off. To them we are perfect with imperfections. We have some people in our life not so lucky, divorced, separated or just unhappy with no where to turn. Feel free to watch but not post or post if you want. If I can fix myself and help someone else its a bonus.

Ok so back to the garden- Abby picked the italian parsley which is a baby carrot and asked for dipping sauce- it was about an inch big. I really don't think it needs dipping sauce-a/k/a ranch. ha ha.

May each of you be freed from the cares that are bothering you as you hit your pillow tonight!!!

Ok I am going crazy going to offer the most amazing thing free!!!

How does this sound!!? Free-----yes I said Free-for anyone that hosts a share and smell, I will give them a plug in warmer of their choice and 3 scents, plus they get the half off items and more free stuff....

Just to excite you I will show you some new warmers!!!

It is so easy even a caveman can do it!!!

I know you want to know, How do I do it.....

I mail you catalogs, the scents, the order forms----Here is he kicker-you open the catalogs and you smell  the scents  wahla-done..Not so hard you don't even have to do it at someones house, can be done at your desk at work.

Just email me at jkmellen@verizon.net....

Today was like everyother day naked kids and lipstick-please Lord save me!!

My little broke halo angels are very curious, inot everyhing a mach speeds. I love my girls but some days I am like please wake up and slow down...They were out front naked (abby and Grace) running through the neighbors water draining hose-not sure what he was draining but you would have thought it was the best thing ever. I finally got them home and dressed, oh for the 14th time. They hate clothes adn they like to torchure me. The day before I go all of them in so I thought and the door bell rings and there stood Grace with a women I didn't know. Grace was naked but had a t shirt in that was over her head. Really kids we are not going to Disney World if mommy doesnt sell her scentsy and know one is going to buy anything from a crazy person who lets her kis roam naked.  So we have to fnd a game plan, high locks on the doors something. deally it would be telling them to keep their clothes on. Well we had tha talk the other nigt..I made great points, Joey madde great points, and just when we thing they understand us. Abby says so sweet-Mommy go to the store now...I guess she was finished listening to me..This is easy street in oh about 10 years life will be a loaded gun or dunk tank....They will be dating, driving, and their mouths will be speaking. UGH God help us. My litl angels with my parents and my nephew. MG they have clothes on. haha.Well good night all...If you want to host a Scentsy party let me know I am excited for disney...

WOW convenion was inspiring and bank card number 300

I just got back from Denver Colorado. The Scentsy annual convention was last week. I have never done anything like this, but realized soon after starting Scentsy that it is a GOD thing. I truely have been bessed. I have met some awesome people. I am not sure if any of you have encountered anything that you stop and say wow it was GOD he even put his signature on it..Well I have been nagging my husband about taking the kids to Disney World. I bring it up at least every other month, he keeps saying they are to you. Thos of you that know my husband know he just doesn't want us to go to such a big tourist destination. Well sure enough Scentsy's big award next year is Disney world. I am doing back flips. Yes I have to work my bottom off to achieve this but I have a ton of friends that will help me. A scentsy party takes 30 minutes. So easy I can mail catalogs and scnets all you have to do is hand out catalogs, smell scents and walla done. You get 1/2 off items and free stuff and I am even giving away a plug in system to all those willing to host a book or home party. It doesn'tt matter where you live.  Also the new fall catalog comes out next month and this month is 10% off so help me get to disney.. Thanks for your support....This is the new special Breat cancer warmer all proceeds go to find a cure for breast cancer. I have a very dear and wonderful cousin Jen that is kicking breast cancer butt. Please keep her in your prayers.

So on to the the 300th bank card, yes I lost i again.. Joey thinks I am crazy and yes some days I am but if you would have seen how these kids attacked me when I came in the door you would know why the card is lost. So I ordered another one..My defense I am keeping from fraud. I change the number enough haha.

I was lost but now I am found by my footprints in mustard!!

So yes I have been missing in action..I have been more busy with the kids since they are on summer break and it is now my job to play short order cook and entertain my little ankle biters...At least that is what I call them today. It started out much last everyother day except Abby decided that she needed to pour out the mustard, because "mommy I wanted hotdogs" Well she did't even eat a hot dog she just poured out the mustard..She makes me scratch my head so much I will have a bald spot I am sure.

We had an awesome trip to lake of the woods in Wautoma Wisconsin. http://lakeofthewoodswi.com/We needed the drama free get away and time to flush out the bad in our life and start a new with just us....Sometimes the bad stuff floates to the surface and needs cleaned out...Thats just what we did. I had the best time playing with the kids and grilling out with the hubby. I think its important to get away from the high speed world and rough it a bit.

Hannah went to Girl Scout camp in June. She loved it. It was her first time at overnight camp and she stayed 3 days and 2 nights.  She then came home and we wen to a mother daughter weekend with Girl Scouts-now that was roughing it mosquito nets and all.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=67085&id=1406493115&l=4fefaa2562

I will be doing this again with her next year, it was fun.Oh another place to go in the Chicago area is wild west town-our kids loved it..Not really for older kids but my kids thought it was the best surprise ever.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=63821&id=1406493115&l=5128c6813a

Some awesome recipes from relishrelish.com, they even have a gluten free site. I made a yummy brisket burrito in the crock pot. It was to feed 6. relish relish is awesome they pull your recipes together and make you a grocery list. It tells you if its crockpot, kid friendly, vegan and several other things highly recommend them

[I] Shredded Beef Burritos


Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6-8 hours

per serving: 397 calories; 48 grams protein; 13 grams total fat; 2 grams fiber;

5 grams saturated fat; 19 grams carbohydrates; 113 mgs cholesterol; 376 mgs

sodium

3 3/4 pounds beef brisket

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/2 packets taco seasoning

1 1/2 white onions , chopped

3 teaspoons garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

1 1/2 cups cilantro, chopped (more for garnish)

6 10-inch flour tortillas

6 green onions , chopped

1/3 cup sour cream

3/4 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese

1/3 cup prepared chunky salsa

[1] Place the water and taco seasoning in the slow cooker and

mix well. Add the onion and garlic and mix well.

[2] Trim fat from the brisket and rub salt into the meat evenly.

Place the brisket in the slow cooker and top with cilantro. Cover

and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

[3] Remove the brisket from the slow cooker to a cutting board

and let it cool slightly. Using 2 forks, shred the meat into bite-size

pieces. Place back in the slow cooker to absorb the juices.

[4] Meanwhile, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat

in the microwave. Fill the tortillas with shredded beef and garnish

with green onions, sour cream, cheese, fresh cilantro, and salsa.

Police week is coming up don’t forget those that serve here

 

Well its been a while since my post-stupid Fibromyalgia

I have some good days and some bad days but I am almost back to normal. Lots of yummy things have been created since my last post. My hubby made a mouthwatering primerib on the grill. They trick is very simple. Marinate it in worchestister(not spelled right lol) for a whole day and then right before throwing on the grill make a crust like with season salt. Grill at low temp like 200 for couple hours until done-absolutely delish. If you want to splurge a little lobels has a dry aged prime rib that cuts like butter with a fork.

Ok, back to more awesome recipes. Pillsbury has a website I highly recommend signing up pssst.generalmills.com-google it maybe. They will not bother you they send out awesome coupons and samples. I did a survey about hosting they mailed me recipe books coupons and gift cards to get the stuff I needed for recipes. I even got door prizes. If you sign up comment on the blog and I will pick a name out and you will get an apron,m recipe book and coupons. I made an easy cheese danish, breakfast tarts, and veggie pizza.It was nice to use fresh green onions from my garden

Here are some pictures:


I cant wait for the day they grow out of this stage but then they grow into something else, usually worse.

Don't forget to check out my scentsy site for the cute bird warmer of the month. jjmellen.scentsy.us.

Also if you dont mind posting me midwest family travel ideas.  We are always in the search of someplace fun when we get some time off.

Wow I was party of God's humor today!!!Did I bite off more than I can chew

So my lovely day started out so much as the last month plus and minus some TMI stuff. I knew God had plans for me about the time My husband kissed me goodbye today.. I screamed out in pain, hum could it have been the thin mint DQ blast- and the small pint of potatoe salad last night... Man I am craving some food aka benging. Anyways , I have not been sleeping, the hives gone while on medicine, but no sleep and every skin follicle above the knee brings me to tears. How did I get this was so fast, well sometimes when I ask questions God gives fast answer- Phone rang and it was the Dr wanting me to come in at 1;25 to see him. He thinks he has it figuired out. Glad he does because I am aging fast. I did'nt mention that even my clothes hurt and the includes the ones folded and more so the ones that aren't. Those were dragged up the stairs in a fitted sheet for hiding because my father in law arrived her today at 145. So I went in the office he did the trigger point test- the gentle version because he wanted to live today and he saw fear in my crying eyes. Yep, he said not just fibromyalgia- he said severe and I quickly went from 8 pills to 3. Finally-I had a pill for every symptom now just one illness explains it.  No more treating weird symptoms we are treating the evil demon.  So in all this 2 things occure I realized I have not been to the store, so no drinks in the house for company- my social butterfly has been  ate by whatever eats butterflies.ha and I decided this was Abby's last gluten weekend...See I didn;t know my body was going to fail me. I think I heard God litterly laugh at my situtation. Am I really going to do this gluten thing and that means going to the store-OMG my bra hurts I will not survive the store. So Peopod got a nice order from me with gluten free snacks. Oh when I am trying to excite Abby I told her 2 things- I am buying you special Abby snacks so your  tummy wont hurt andyou wont poo so much and she is going to love her special foods. She returned fresturated and said Awe mom can;t I just have pretzels...lol 10 minutes later she yells loud with company in ear shot MOM I AM POOPING AGAIN. Thanks Abby.

So as the day progressed I realized yes God is faithful in my life- proven only 100 times, but in times he is a concerned father and to ease my mind my symptoms increased. It was like he was showing me his direction and proof of the fibromyalgia. I am thankful for being a beliver I could'nt even image life without him.

Recipe idea:
pork loin ad Dr peper

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/563/Roast_Loin_Of_Pork49305.shtml

Screaming from the roof top-Fire safety can you hear me!! Taco Taco

GO Wickless-
Candles are one of the most common causes of house fires in the United States, as well as in our own community. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind when burning candles:



Use candle holders that are sturdy, non-combustible, and will not tip over easily.


Keep candles away from combustibles (paper, boxes, clothing, flammable liquids).


Do not burn candles in children's rooms, or leave children unattended with burning candles.


Do not place lit candles near windows or doorways, where a draft could bring combustibles in contact with flame.


Almost one half of all candle related fires start in the bedroom. If you burn candles in the bedroom, place them at least two feet from any bedding, curtains, blinds, wallpaper, upholstered furniture, clothing or reading materials.


The best way to prevent a candle related fire in your home is to never leave a burning candle unattended! Extinguish all candles before going to bed, or leaving the room.

I decided to throw together chicken tacos but without thinking I had no taco seasoning. Here is an easy recipe that saved dinner tonight and allowed for no leftovers!!

If your recipe calls for taco seasoning and you don't have a package handy, use this easy-to-make substitute.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

1.Spoon 1 tablespoon of minced dried onions in a small bowl or cup.

2.Add 2 teaspoons of chili powder.

3.Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt.

4.Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder.

5.Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch.

6.Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.

7.Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot paprika.

8.Stir to blend.

9.Makes the equivalent of a 1 1/4-ounce package of taco seasoning mix.

Tips:

1.Not just for tacos. You can use taco seasoning to spice up meatloaf, burgers, tomato sauce, casseroles, and dips.

What You Need:


•2 tsp chili powder


•1 1/2 tsp salt


•1 tsp garlic powder


•1 tsp cornstarch


•1 tsp ground cumin

List of 10 things they wish we knew before we became mothers

Women of Faith is asking Bloggers to share their  List of 10 things they wish we knew before we became mothers- so here's my list!


1. I wish I knew I was going to have all girls!!!I love it and boy do we have bins of clothes~
 
2. Why is it poop is considered a toy until after age 3, and did I say I had 4 girls.
 
3. That everytime I got pregnant my husband was going to get a promotion and move us.
 
4.That having kids in sports is so expensive, and lets not even talk about dance or recitals.
 
5. That my body may never repair itself.
 
6. That having a child with special needs, can be a joy and a challenge. I do know the amazing thing is God knew I can handle it becuase he picked me. Blessings
 
7. That I can never remember how old I am. So I guess  am 29 forever.
 
8. Getting shower alone or going to the bathroom is never going to happen.
 
9. That I never thought I would have 4 kids. Weird, I don't now what I thought but 4 under 7 is a little crazy, just sayin.
 
10. It is amazing to hear my kids light up when they talk about Jesus. They fill my heart with joy.
 

Teacher appreciation

Where has the year gone!! and don't forget the teachers!

I got a notice from Hannah's school 26 days left. What!!!! I am going to be a sewing crazed person this summer. I am excited to make the girls cute little dresses.  So since I last posted I had two ER trips for hives and throat swelling which required epi shots and prednisone IV. My doctor sent me from his office. As of today no hives since 2:30 am. Finally, I am excited not to be scratching and my husband telling me to have self control. On a side note I think  he is the reason for the hives. lol I am looking forward to my business growing leaps and bounds and excited I am learning how dangerous and unhealthy candles with wicks are. So wickless is the only way to go.

My parents and neices and nephew left  Saturday, I was so sad to see them leave, but summer is right around the corner and they will be back. I am their seasonal mom. They have had a tough road and I have haad them every spring break and summer since they were itty bitty. Their paretns haven;t always done the right thing but they may finlly be matuing. We will see.

So back to the hives. I have been given awesome advice to treat them. A few are baking soda and water form a paste and put on skin. Lavender oil and zyrtec, and my mom said to put a little cream of tarter in my mouth. Of course Grace poured out my cream of tarter and I have yet to replace it.

ONLY 22.50

Ok teacher appreciation month is approaching quickly. May is the month. So don't forget the teachers young and wiser. I am getting my kids teachers something special of course from scentsy and helping wth food for that week. However on an important note what about our teachers. Most of them are retired by now. All they did was educate us and mold us or at least play a part in how we turned out, what about them. I sent my second grade teacher something special.  She is retired now and  recently lost her husband. Think about this for a while. They worked everyday to educate us always surrounded by kids, when all of a sudden it is time to retire. The days come and go and most are probally quite. So I am asking each of you to stop and write a note to them. Find them on facebook or even call your old school and ask if you mail the letter to them can they forward. Remind them they are not alone and they are missed. They never got paid much but they did alot for us. Not to mention the money they spent out of their pockets. So don't forget them drop them a note or gift card or better yet order thema scentsy ABC warmer lol.

Mrs Ballard 2nd Grade

yummy chicken everyone one loves!!! Applebee's sante fe chicken

http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/510/Applebees_Santa_Fe_Stuffed_Chicken31347.shtml

What an awesome day!!!

Finally got to take the big kids to the skydeck in Chicago. Awesome-however long lines. I am glad I bought tickets on the internet. The kids had a blast. Then we got our Easter/Spring/Cousins picture done. I am glad Brittany was able to be here for this one and Harmony. I think the outfits I came up with are awesome. I made the skirts and I ordered the shirts from lablingboutique@gmail.com. She is always very accomidating on what I need. She even shipped quick.

If you are afraid of heights this is not the place for you. We were on the 103rd floor adn even got to see the view fromt eh plexilass box off the side of the building. The cars under my nephew look like ants.

A big pat on the back for myself made lead consutant this month. It is final. Wahoo. I have the best team ever and it is growing everyday adn the orders are flying in. Thanks to everyone for your prayers and support. I have been very blessed with this business.

A awesome easy spoon licking dessert- my husband calls it cloud, my sister called it melt in your mouth, I just call it empty pan dessert because I  NEVER have had leftovers. lol

Chocolate Cream Cheese Dessert

Serves 8-10

This dessert has four yummy layers. Trying to think of something to serve for staff or work parties? This will win everyone over. This is also great for hot summer days.


1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter
1 cup flour
1 cup chopped nuts
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 8 oz container of cool whip
1 4 oz package instant chocolate pudding
1 4 oz package instant vanilla pudding
3 cups milk

Layer 1 (crust)


Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees. Mix butter, flour, and chopped nuts together and press in a 9 X 13" pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes.

Layer 2


Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup of cool whip (save the rest for the top.) Spread over layer one.

Layer 3


Mix chocolate and vanilla pudding and milk together well. Spread over layer two.


Layer 4


Spread on the rest of the cool whip. Refrigerate for 3-4 hours. Slice and serve.
You can also make this recipe in a light form.
For the following items use a lighter or fat free version of the product.
cream cheese, cool whip, milk and vanilla/chocolate pudding.

Scent of the month club=FREE Warmer!!!!!!!

My Perfect Scent Club: Now you can receive your Scentsy each month without worrying about how and when to place an order. My Perfect Scent Club works like this: Each month, for a period of 6 months, you commit to purchasing at least $25.00 in Scentsy products. By joining MY Scentsy club, you'll receive a FREE Scentsy warmer of your choice ($30 value). You'll also receive FREE shipping on your club orders! I will contact you to set up your payment options. Ready to get started!?!?

Your Name
Your Email Address
telephone#
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Which warmer:
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Rain rain go away we can't craft anymore today!

started the day with taking the big kids to the sky deck- downtown Chicago.  It was a nice waste of time hazy day We couldnt see anything from the 103rd floor.

It was a neat experience and because my need for funny didn't work out, we went for some deep dish pizza at Giordanos. Yum.

It was such a yucky day we ended up at hobby lobby and my crafting germs spread to my niece and nephew. My nephew tried out wood burning and it looked great. I was very impressed by his wood working.

Brittanay made shirts for Hannah and her and Hannah did some finishing touches.

I have decided to whip out the new sewing machine and make a cushion for me new bench for the table.

Easy lemon cake

lemon cake mix

instant lemon pudding

Cool whip

make as package instructions in between cake layers put pudding and cool whip on top- tada done

Have a blessed day- spend time with the ones you love... I AM

April Showers and blisters on the feet

Well last night my niece's and nephew talked me into taking all the kids minus the babies to the skate rink. That included Abby.  I initually was laughing internally when I found out it was 80's 90's night.  It was just like I was at Great Skate in Phoenix, Az yet I was much older and not as cool. ha. My kids stared in awe as I was 1) able to get skates on and 2)  able to skate backwards. I truely believe in their minds skates were invented sometime after I was married. To their surprise I was a rock star.NOT. Yet there were so many people older than me that surprised me. I was at least there with my kids to most people this was their over 30's hang out on Monday night. lol. It was great exercise though. I only fell once with Abby's help.lol She did well and never gave up skating around and even thought to try backwards which she did great at. I really enjoyed the mommy moments of seeing true happiness in their eyes. Hannah was awesome and had so uch fun.

Today we were suppose to go to the Sky Deck down in Chitown, but Brittany (niece) became a puker at 4 am. So we will reschedule todays events. I am sure it is just a bug. So now to find something to do with the others today.

Brittany did get to work on her own skirt for the kids photoshoot on Thursday. It is going to be so cute. She loved doing her own crafts. She is such a joy and she loves spending time with me helping even with my business. We call me the kids seasonal mother. I get them spring break and usually most of the summer. They love the visit and always hate to leave.

I even manage to take the lid of the pooh baby hamper and change it to lady bug to match the little ones room.I think I always have been crafty I am just know taking it up a notch.

While my paretns have been visiting my husband bought the kids a trampoline and my Dad being the amazing father he is bought me a very cool tool box. I am so excited to have the right tools I need to fix the things I need to fix. I will upload an awesome picture as soon as my silly computer quits giving me an error code.

A yummy recipe!!

Tender London Broil - 73238 - Recipezaar

Off to enjoy the family and get my sweet niece feeling better

Backwards dinner and crafting success- a little spring cleaning did't hurt

Well first off let me just say trying to find the garage door opener, that you know for sure didn't leave the van but cannot find at all has driven me into a cleaning frenzy. That and the fact that my neat/clean freak mom( whom I love dearly) has arrived. So the days leading up to today have been madning.Of course I had soot mess, the mud wrestling in my garden mess and then just the everyday poo makes the best finger paint-come on why play in the poo. Ayways found the garage door opener between the winter liner in the infant car seat. Why in the world didn't Caroline tell me. Ha, and of course Grace kept it to herself and Hannah acted like she knew it was there and chuckled like she forgot. That is a big WHATEVER. April fools came and went and so did the fun dinner I made.

They loved the meatloaf of course it was http://www.relishrelish.com/- cheesy meatloaf recipe.

I also was able to make the cute craft from http://repurposingonpurpose.blogspot.com/ using the small canvas' so very cute and easy. I had so much fun doing an adult craft without the kids. I enjoy the kids crafts but its nice sometimes to spend some mommy time alone.

I did some decorating and rearranging of things. I am really starting to feel like things are falling ino place and you certainly can tell that Caroline is my last baby. A little sad sometimes but its nice to have control over the house again. I even got into the vinyl wall decor movement. LOL.

Happy Easter- remember that Jesus forgives and forgets, you just have to ask!!!!

Tomorrow is the day April 1st,!!!

April brings to light so many things! Its almost Easter, the kids are out of school and as excited as I was for Hannah and Abby to be out of school, its kinda like a buyers remorse moment. I almost want to give up yelling for lent. My folks will be here on Saturday and I am trying to get so much done to prepare for their arrival. However the harder I work the harder the kids work against me. So I will wait until they go to sleep and the mommy vampire will spread her cleaning wings and scrub.

Ok so for tomorrow nights menu, not sure what to do for April fools dinner. I have always wanted to have fun with the kids. So I am probally going to do the backwards dinner thing. Meatloaf that looks like a iced cake, Dessert that looks like mashed potaoes peas and carrots. I will probally do fish stick cookies. I will have the kids do something fun to freak their dad out. I love driving him mad it is soooo easy.
What You Need:
Peanut butter log candy
Peas-and-carrots candy mix
Vanilla ice cream
Caramel or butterscotch topping

What You Do:
On each dinner plate, arrange four or five peanut butter logs (to look like fish sticks) and a small handful of the candy mix (for vegetables).

Right before serving, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt to each plate for "mashed potatoes." Top with gravy -- a spoonful of caramel sauce or butterscotch topping.

 
My final thought -It is time to start preparing my garden which because of Abby looks like a mud pit with italain parsley. I found this list of easy to grow stuff . Maybe this will help you find your green thumb.

Easy to grow crops include onions, peas, beets, rutabaga and zucchini squash. These can also be planted early.Tomatoes and peppers need to be started from seed indoors about 8 weeks prior to planting time or purchased as transplants. Be sure to space things in your small garden according to the instructions on the packets. And make sure you plant your tender crops (tomatoes, squash, beans and watermelon) after all danger of frost has passed. Ask the old timers in the area when this date is. One common mistake people make, especially in the northern climates, is to plant everything when the weather turns nice only to succumb to a frost a week or two later, thus wiping out all their hard work. Plant by the expected last frost dates, not the weather. Wow if that is not an ah ha moment. I almost became that person. I am sure because it was in the 70's today it will be snowing next week.


 
Oh I made lead consultant with Scentsy that is a promotion a month. I have 1 person under me (Annette De Angelis) and another that signed up today( Jen Tringl) they are both teachers. Maybe they will proof my blog (you wish). What a great business for my candle addiction. Paying down some medical bills and even helping some animals at Fur Angels. They help place animals that would have a hard time getting adopted in foster care until they can find a home.
Some events that are going on that you should look into and support:
MORGYPALOOZA.INFO (Morgan Strub is a beloved husband, brother, son, uncle and friend who has been quietly battling a rare form of cancer for years but only recently diagnosed in June 2009. His strength and spirit has profoundly inspired all who have been there to support him in this fight)

March is coming to a speedy end! So my kids are quickly tryin to drive me crazy

Today, my lovely 2 yr old Grace thought it would be oh so cute to shoveel soot from the fire place onto the HD DVR box, Yes soot in box- WHY, I banged it out sprayed it with that aerosol stuff that tastes weird-you know the stuff kids are huffing (another scratch my head moment) and even used the vaccuum. I was amazed at the stuff that came out laughing to myself at the look the comcast lady would give me if it were broken- I could here her saying Ma'am did you have a house fire,lol no just a 2yr old that today instead of playing in her poo desided to put soot in the cable box. I can't wait until tomorrow. Joey wonders why I stay up so late. Two reasons after the kids are asleep I get a burst of energy and secondly I am scared to death for the next day. Evidence A:

Evidence B:

Notice the broom in the back everything was covered, love the grey carpet I am so glad the carpet cleaners are coming Friday. My parents wll be here saturday.  Oh that dress is pale yellow. I am sure Abby had some involvement but her new thing is to quickly yell out Grace did it and babies don't lie. God gave me enough sanity to take an ativan and clean up the mess. Until tomorrow!!

Wow just had an amazing fun event fall in my lap from Pillsbury!!!

Ok here's the thing I signed up a while back for general mills pssst...Their site is http://pssst.generalmills.com/ they send me samples and coupons for different tings the coupons are always the price of the item so I get the item free. I love it. Well today they sent me a survey and I filled it out and they gave me 3 dates to choose from and now they are sending me a apron, gift card, coupons and recipes for this event. Pretty cool.They are even sending a door prize. SO here is the info for you to check it out, even if its just to try new stuff for free. They never call me on the phone it is only via email.

About MyGetTogether

Do you enjoy hosting? Do you like trying the latest products and sharing them with friends? Then MyGetTogether is right for you! And it is easy to participate.

•To participate in MyGetTogether, you will need to be a member of General Mills’ Pssst... network. Pssst... lets you try new products, take part in surveys, get exclusive, behind-the-scene looks at the company, as well as coupons from General Mills’ many brands.

•Pssst... members may be contacted via email when there are possible MyGetTogether hosting opportunities. Or you may find upcoming events listed on your Personal Page.

•You may be invited to take a short online survey to see if you qualify to host a particular event. Not all get-togethers will be available to everyone, but there will be plenty of opportunities.

•If selected as a host, you will be responsible for arranging the get-together (with our help!) and inviting friends.

•Tell us how it went! After the get-together, we want to hear from you and your experience with the product. We value your opinion and want to continue offering only the best.
 
http://mygettogetherpage.com/blog.php?profile_id=346
 
It is so worth signing up for. I just got anew yougurt coupon last week. Also want to tell you about a lady that design blog site thinking of having her d mine they are so cute. http://www.aprilshowersblogdesign.com/

Can you believe April first is around the corner!!!

 I have the cutest teacher gift at 10% startng April first Pre-order now. I am making cute little bags up with the warmer the scent of the month Red candy apple and I am melting wax in the shape of little apple discs. Very cute. I am doing that for free and am willing to ship anywhere. The warmer is 22.50 and the bars are 4.50. Just email me and I will place your order. jkmellen@verizon.net so I can package it for you or send you the wax apple melts if you are gving for a gift.

Thanks to all the really crafty people I have been really getting excited to sew. Like I really have time to sew. I barely have time to shower. So I broke down and bought a brother sewing machine. Can you believe it Ikea and a sewing machine all in one week.  I am excited to sew little things and who knows I might become pretty crafty and sew suits that I can hang my kids from in the basement.

Wow its almost April time for planting stuff in my little garden bed out back and now I have to come up with some fun April 1st food Ideas. I was going to make those cupcakes from familyfun.com.  I always wanted to make those cute corn ones. Tehn comes the most awesome event of Easter. I love celebrating this holiday surrounded by family. The resurrection of my creator.This year My parents, my nephew Devin, Niece Brittany and Harmony are driving up from South Carolina. I am thrilled to have everyone gathered around our table this year. To know that we have been through so much with the passing of my Unce Steve from cancer, my Dad diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, my cousin Jen fighting breast cancer and just the everyday things we have been battleing to take this time to give thanks and remember we are forgiven and he has risen for our sins. He paid the price. So I have really tried to come to peace with all things in my life and cut alot of unhealthy strings. Are there things holding you back from a healthy walk in life. If he can die on a cross the least we can do is let it go.

A fun Easter craft for all, My mom used to do this with us:

Sugar and string Easter egg ornaments are a fun family craft idea, plus you can include a lot of science in this project. You can make smaller hollow string ornaments to hang or put in baskets or you can make a large crystal egg to use as an Easter basket.

Sugar and String Easter Egg Materials:
There are a few different ways to do this project. You can make either small eggs or very large eggs. Large eggs require multiple layers of sugar in order to support their size. Small eggs can be made such that they are open, revealing the abstract-looking string pattern. If you are concerned that the sugar will attract ants, there are two ways to avoid this problem. One is to spray the completed project with clear spray paint. The other is to change the ingredients altogether, using a mixture of spray starch or glue and water instead of sugar with egg whites or water. If you use glue instead of sugar your project will not be as stiff or sparkly, plus you won't get crystals.

•balloons
Use very small balloons if you want to make small eggs that you can put into Easter baskets or hang as ornaments. Use larger balloons if you want to use the egg as an Easter basket or as a larger decoration.

•string
You can use any type of string that you want, such as embroidery floss, thread, yarn, or even ribbon.

•sugar
I find normal white sugar (sucrose) produces the most sparkle and largest crystals. You can use confectioner's or powdered sugar.

•egg whites or water
Egg whites contain water plus the protein albumin. I feel the albumin helps you get a stiffer, glossier Easter egg, but you can use water instead with comparable results.

•food coloring (optional)
•scissors

Make the Easter Egg

The basic instructions are to blow up the balloon until it is the size you want for your Easter egg. Next, make the balloon sticky by coating it with sugar-water. Wrap string around and around the balloon until you have enough string to support the shape (more is better). Allow the string to dry. Apply more layers of sugar, allowing the balloon to dry between layers. Carefully pop the balloon and remove it. Use the sugar-string Easter egg as it is or else cut a hole in it using scissors.

Here are detailed instructions for the Easter egg that has larger sugar crystals and can be used as an Easter basket.

1.Mix together 3 egg whites and as much sugar as it takes (about 3 cups powdered sugar, somewhat less granulated sugar) to make a glaze that is thick enough to spread, but will not drip. Add food coloring if you wish. The consistency is important. If the glaze drips, the egg will take a very long time to dry and won't be as thick and strong. The amount of sugar that will dissolve in the egg white (solubility) is highly dependent on temperature. Much more sugar will dissolve in room temperature egg whites than in cold egg whites.

2.Blow up a balloon to the desired size. Tie it off with a knot. Tie a string around the knot. You will use this string to hang the balloon while it dries.

3.Coat the balloon with the sugar and egg white mixture.

4.Wrap the balloon with string. It may help to use several smaller lengths of string than to wrap one long piece.

5.Hang the balloon and allow the string to dry.

6.Coat the balloon with the sugar and egg white mixture. Fill in the gaps between the strings and try to get even coverage.

7.You may want to add more coats of sugar. For your final coat, one option is to sprinkle very coarse sugar onto the wet mixture. This will result in a very sparkly egg.

8.When you are satisfied with the thickness of the egg, allow 24 hours for the egg to completely harden. Pierce the balloon so that it slowly deflates. Your goal is to carefully remove the balloon from the inside of the egg. The crystallization that you get will depend on how well the sugar had dissolved in the egg white and the rate of evaporation.

9.You can use scissors to cut a hole in the egg. The cut edge of the egg may be covered with ribbon or frosting or whatever you like.

Open String Eggs

Another option is to make an egg that is simply stiffened string. This is a much simpler and quicker project. The egg must be relatively small, since the egg's shape is maintained by hardening thread or yarn with sugar. You could use the glaze described in this version of the project on the larger egg in order to make translucent glass windows in the thicker egg, but you will need to apply several coats of glaze.

1.Blow up a balloon to make a small egg.

2.Heat a little water until it boils. Remove the water from heat. Stir in sugar until no more will dissolve. If you don't have enough sugar in this solution, your egg will not harden, so it's better to add sugar until crystals start to settle out. If you aren't using colored string, you may wish to add food coloring to the sugar solution.

3.Dampen the balloon with the sugar solution. Don't burn yourself! You can let the liquid cool down a bit.

4.Wrap the balloon with string. Use enough string to provide adequate support for the shape.

5.Either dip the Easter egg in the solution or else drip solution over the egg to make certain the string is thoroughly saturated with sugar solution.

6.Suspend the egg from another string until the egg is dry.

7.Carefully pop the balloon and remove it.

8.Enjoy your Easter egg! After the holiday, you can save the egg for next year by wrapping it in tissue paper and storing it in a dry location.

Well its race day!!!

Our household has a love for racing, We celebrated our Honeymoon at the Indy 500. We had awesome seats and look forward to being so close to Chicagoland speedway.  I enjoy being exposed to so many different things. So we are enjoying a family day watching racine, shopping adn then Chuk E CHeese.

Ok a awesome recipe for the kids with Easter soon approaching. I love making the Resurrection cookies. Hannah always asks are we going to make those cookies again this year.
Easter Story Cookies
to be made the night before Easter

You need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important - don't wait until you are half done with the recipe!)

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink.

Read John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life.

Read John 10:10-11

Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.

Read Luke 23:27

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.

Psalms 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.

Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.

Read Matthew 27:57-60

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.

Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.

Read Matthew 27:65-66

GO TO BED! Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.


Read John 16:20 and 22

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! Explain that on the first Easter, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty.

Read Matthew 28:1-9

THANK YOU JESUS FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR US!

So excited wish I could back flip

So for scentsy I have been searching for ideas to display my small plug in warmer at trade shows.  I found this lady that madeone one out of a picture frame. Of course up for a challange and sitting in the home office (joey would kill me) I used a knife cut a whole in the frame, used a wiring box, outlet part adn 6'ft plu in cord, cut the end part of the plug in off wire it to the outlet box and used scrapbooking paper and tada a display for my warmer.  I still have to trim the ribbon-scissors broke lol.

Never limit yourself-get out of your confort zone and things happen, I don't usually deal with electricity. However I needed this and I felt that this wasnt so bad.

Hives today hopefully gone tomorrow

My mother told me to eat creme of tarter to remove hive. I didn't try it because I need to find out what is causing them but I did find this: Hives can be brought on by any number of causes. Whether related to allergies, stress or the climate, hives are unattractive and uncomfortable. A paste made with cream of tartar is a natural way to relieve the itching and swelling of hive-infested skin, and vitamin E helps heal and restore the area. Though this treatment works well on everyday outbreaks related to stress or the sun, it is imperative to ensure the hives are not related to a serious allergic reaction. If this is the case, seek medical attention immediately. So at least my options are open.

On a more personal note. I felt compelled today to release some things I was holding on to
but it wasn't bothering me. I feel there are things in life you should just let go. I am so blessed to have a healthy family. Abbys road of illness was very bad early on but she is doing awesome. There are so many more families not as blessed. I am making an effort give thanks for the blessings I have received and pray for those that need the blessings and healings. I hate reading stories of sick children it just tears at my heart. I feel for the parents and siblings and those strong little innocent victims of the illness. I had a childhood friend that got cancer at a young age and she really endured a lot so did her parents. But through it all they were strong and focused and all of them from my view were amazing fighters, even her brother and sister. Such an amazing family. I am sure it was these life lessons that you see but never truely realize until you are a parent yourself and they come back and remind you this isn't the first storm you witnessed or the last but each time you learned something different regardless of your age. So I begin to question? What others see of me, am I teaching them to be kind loving and thoughtful? What do my kids see and my husband? Is my mask a mask or am I truly one way or another. I am willing to really get real with myself and know how I act today may not impact someone now but years down the road. Thank you GOD for always allowing me to grow and learn things even the hard way when I feel alone and when I know you are carrying me.



Please remember to pray for all the sick children that they have a kind gentle caring hand to heal them.

Ok, now with something not so intense: A recipe my mom in law told me about. Not sure if you heard of fried cheese but its out there. She said to take american cheese the deli kind take 1 slice and cut into strips and 9 squares put a pecan on each square and then in the microwave for 1 min.until toasty and brown. There you go a nice little snack. I founf on the internet peopleare frying cheese making taco shells. Sounds yummy to me.

Have a blesses day!!!

Wow what a night and then an early morning

So my lovely day started at 5:30 am with Grace and Abby running and jumping around like the monkeys from Jumanji.  All I wanted to do is keep my head on my pillow they had other plans. I will be running around doing business stuff today. Awesome new warmer and scent released for April. The scent is red candy apple. They have pre-sold like hotcakes only 22.50 in April.Awesome teacher gifts. I am sending one to an old teacher from my childhood.

Ok somehelpful hints- I am not sure what areas are worst for bugs in flour from the store but to keep this from happening. I store my flour in the freezer. It doesnt change the taste. I also store my breadcrumbs, cornmeal and the southern staple GRITS in their. 

Another question that someone asked me was what to do with candle/warmer wax when it looses its scent and you don't want to just trash it. Well you can make fire starters. One way gives me flashback of girl scout days. We used to use the paper egg carton, lint from the dryer and the wax. Pack the lint in the egg carton and the poor the wax over it. Then cut each of the litttle cube things out whala firestarters, you can also pour it over pine cones.

This got me thinking, post your favorate campfire food. Mine was campfire eclairs.
Enjoy the recipe:::
Campfire Eclairs

This is a fun, easy, and somewhat messy recipe to do over the campfire. You can do different variations of pudding flavors and frostings. Add some sprinkles for fun too!

1 8-ounce can Pillsbury crescent dinner rolls
2 vanilla JELL-O Brand pudding snacks
1 tub Betty Crocker whipped frosting (chocolate)
thin-tip cooking sticks
aluminum foil
Pam cooking spray

Cover tip of stick with aluminum foil and spray with Pam. Stretch one crescent roll over foil and squeeze tip to close and tighten. Cook over campfire until golden brown turning frequently. (Crescent roll is done when it slides off the foil easily.) Fill center of crescent roll with vanilla pudding, spread chocolate frosting on top, and enjoy!

I went to home to a home improvement store and picked op inch wooden dowls( not sure if spelled right). They worked awesome!!

Excited to see your comments!!
Oh if you miss those camping fun days. We went last summer to http://www.campjellystone.com/ it was like scout camp for the whole family. We had a blast we stayed in a little cabin 1 queen bedroom full kitchena da sleeping loft upstairs for the kids. It was small but we had a blat. Go to the website: we will be doing it again probally this summer. My nephew was 12 and had a great time so fun for all ages.