tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42472598293191541262024-03-05T00:35:17.808-06:00Katelyn's Online JournalA place for me to share my thoughts, goals, feats, and flops.Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-53677417524135133732012-08-08T20:33:00.001-05:002012-08-08T20:41:50.404-05:00Our Journey Into Envelope-dom.We have entered the world of envelope-spending. We've read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_7?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=dave+ramsey&sprefix=dave+ra%2Caps%2C253" target="_blank">the books</a>. We've done <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/home/" target="_blank">the classes</a>. I've done <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/tools/budget-forms/" target="_blank">the spreadsheets</a>. I've even made my own spreadsheets!! I did <a href="https://pearbudget.com/" target="_blank">PearBudget</a> for several months, but just didn't like it. Nothing was working. I read <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/" target="_blank">Money Saving Mom</a> constantly, and so many of her reader testimonials are how using the envelope system worked for them. My own mother used the envelope system. But, Mr. Dave's system seemed so...<i>all-consuming</i>.<br />
<br />
I want to be out of debt. I want to save more than the once a month auto-savings we have now. <i>I want to feel secure in an insecure world. </i>Is that too wishful?<br />
<br />
Apparently not, because people write in all the time to MSM about how they are saving and thriving. Not all of them. Some of them are weird. They take the "live like no one else" mantra to an extreme I'm just not willing to conform. BUT, that's no reason not to trust a system that seems to work.<br />
<br />
I did a lot of budget-minded soul searching and realized I'd been refusing to adopt a budgeting system that will probably work for our family just because people take it to an extreme that makes me sad. I don't want to not live because "it's not in my budget." You wouldn't believe the stuff I've read; the things I've personally seen! I didn't want to be lumped into that group. I didn't want to live a lifestyle that made Aiden rebel when he grew up. These parents are so immovable in their budgets that I fear their children will be frivolous when they are older because they weren't allowed to be as children (*I'm not saying we should all throw caution to the wind and spend all our money on things we don't need, but I do think a parent should buy their child a treat once in a while and not make them feel bad because they are hindering the paying off of debt).<br />
<br />
I have no basis for this, just fyi. Even though my mom did DR, she still had frivolous moments. Although, she may have had a "frivolous" envelope... <br />
<br />
We're keeping our envelopes very simple. I'm keeping our bill-money in the bank, since most of those are auto-pay, anyway. We have 'food,' 'meat (monthly Sam's run),' and 'misc.'<br />
<br />
I'm hopeful this will work. In all the research I did on budgeting, the envelope system just kept coming up. I just want it to be a tool, not a slave-driver.Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-61830879586120690462012-04-17T19:15:00.000-05:002012-04-17T19:15:24.702-05:00Gratituesday: Aiden"Gratituesday" is a time once a week to verbalize at least one blessing in your life. It's hosted by Laura at <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/" target="_blank">Heavenly Homemakers</a>. It's really uplifting to read her blog every Tuesday and see all the people who "linked up" to the post with their own "gratituesday" post. So, I decided to join in!<div><br />
</div><div>We've been battling a lot of sickness at our house the past 2 months- Aiden got an ear infection that lasted over a month, we've all had stuffy noses and sore throats, and now Aiden has Hand, Foot and Mouth disease! He has blisters on his hands and bottom, and had ulcers on his throat. Poor little guy!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Due to all the sickness, there's been a lot of fussiness. And when I say a lot, know it's drastically understated, ok? When Aiden's not feeling well, no one feels well! But all this fussiness and sickness has made me really appreciate the happy times.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Every laugh, smile, or peaceful moment where he plays by himself is a gift. And it should be every time, but he's always been such a happy kid, I took it for granted. He is strong-willed and gets frustrated, so don't think we never had any crying! But it was always for a purpose- a visible purpose that Momma could help with! I can't help the "I don't feel well" cry. I can't snuggle enough! But the moments that the pain meds have kicked in and he's running around, singing and laughing are gold! </div><div><br />
</div><div>He's getting over this HFMD mess, and we're finally getting back to more happy than sad (knock on wood!). We're all, especially Aiden, happy he's getting 'back to normal.' </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQPjt5m3yisJfD4eAC4KE47e5uKjbAAKbT4mnMdpOK-YXKUTON_5DtwdOAs12nzw9Y5QxI4IFD8rIoH40z9zIxokCvnheeTgptShWbPj4GbCmgnlF7Xh-WVtu8_uDnNMXPwpHSpR5CaL8/s1600/DSCN1427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQPjt5m3yisJfD4eAC4KE47e5uKjbAAKbT4mnMdpOK-YXKUTON_5DtwdOAs12nzw9Y5QxI4IFD8rIoH40z9zIxokCvnheeTgptShWbPj4GbCmgnlF7Xh-WVtu8_uDnNMXPwpHSpR5CaL8/s320/DSCN1427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div>Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-12653714885103646022012-04-17T19:00:00.000-05:002012-04-17T19:00:51.044-05:00Reading List Update<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Your-One-Year-Old-Fun-Loving-12-24-Month-Old/dp/0440506727/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IK5PBXYHBEKIE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank"><strike>Your One-Year-Old: The Fun-Loving, Fussy 12-To 24-Month-Old </strike></a><br />
2. <strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I34FMHSZTZRC5L&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</a></strike><br />
3. <strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity</a>*</strike><br />
4.<strike> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Bad-About-My-Neck/dp/0307276821/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IX7DVS1AIYHWC&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being a Woman</a></strike><br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grimms-Fairy-Stories-ebook/dp/B000JML1QG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334706586&sr=1-1" style="text-decoration: line-through;" target="_blank">Grimm's Fairy Stories</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Hunger-Games-Trilogy-Boxed/dp/0545265355/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334706858&sr=1-1" style="text-decoration: line-through;" target="_blank">The Hunger Games Trilogy</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Happiest-Toddler-Block-Four-Year-Old/dp/0553381431/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334706906&sr=1-2" target="_blank"><strike>The Happiest Toddler on the Block</strike></a><br />
10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Little-Years-Motherhood-Trenches/dp/1591280818/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2GK1WHB4XHTQN&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches</a><br />
11. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Husband-Project-Loving-Man-Purpose/dp/0736925228/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2MD5GJZ4IJ9AZ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan</a><br />
12. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rekindling-Romance-Loving-Love-Your/dp/0785200010/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3GW2ZR0PKJWEQ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life</a><br />
13. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Must-Crazy-Pretty-Sure/dp/0802414273/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I5UNPHO7OKSIA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">One of Us Must Be Crazy. . .and I'm Pretty Sure It's You: Making Sense of the Differences That Divide Us</a><br />
14. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Have a New You by Friday: How to Accept Yourself, Boost Your Confidence & Change Your Life in 5 </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Days</a><br />
15. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Money-Saving-Moms-Budget-Streamline/dp/1451646208/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I7U1EVVU8YH5F&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year</a><br />
16. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Calm-My-Anxious-Heart-Contentment/dp/1600061419/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2SU7DUGTFCZLW&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment</a><br />
17. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yes-Scientifically-Proven-Ways-Persuasive/dp/1416576142/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3AP0RPIS3CADS&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive</a><br />
18. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Practice-Robert-B-Cialdini/dp/0205609996/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3W0E7X3PDHGFK&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Influence: Science and Practice</a><br />
19. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I23NHFMU3VMGV7&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream</a><br />
20. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Networking-Magic-Doctors-Lawyers-Accountants/dp/B000EHTARI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I16C0G3SJ0FFK0&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Networking Magic: Find the Best - from Doctors, Lawyers, and Accountants to Homes, Schools, and Jobs</a><br />
21. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Love-Overwhelmed-Relentless-God/dp/1434768511/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UYQMXB59UU36&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God</a><br />
22. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Harris-Burdick-Fourteen-Introduction/dp/0547548109/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IN5SDGWSMPHB8&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales</a><br />
23. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonderstruck-Brian-Selznick/dp/0545027896/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VFIFK1F0951H&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Wonderstruck</a><br />
24. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Fay-Miracle-Man-Novel/dp/0345485602/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I37BSHR11Z384T&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man: A Novel</a><br />
25.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-Have-More-Think/dp/1591843316/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3CG8G16ONRXVA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think</a><br />
26. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Novel-Christopher-Moore/dp/0060590327/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I28NCSV1CTULF5&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Fool: A Novel</a><br />
27. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Owen-Meany-Modern-Library/dp/0679642595/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2ENYD730EUSVD&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">A Prayer for Owen Meany</a><br />
28. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Promised-You-Rose-Garden/dp/0805089268/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICBJJK6M8RK37&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Never Promised You a Rose Garden: A Novel</a><br />
29. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IPHLE3EZZ0VVE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Help</a><br />
*Did not finish<br />
<br />
Well, I've read quite a bit since last time I've updated: 6 total! March flew by and April's following suit, but I'm glad I still managed to read. I've fallen behind on my Bible reading by a week, but I'm hoping to get caught up on that soon.<br />
<br />
How are you doing so far with your reading list?Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-43436010289623131252012-02-27T19:52:00.000-06:002012-02-27T19:52:18.753-06:00Resolutions: How I'm doingIt's been almost two full months since I decided on my goals/resolutions for 2012. I wanted to give an update of how I'm going to far:<br />
<br />
<i>Read the Bible through</i>: I am happy to report this is going very well! I started a reading plan with an app on my iPod called "Eat This Book." It's 2-4 chapters a day plus one Psalm. I'm on Exodus 38 and Psalm 28. I'm already further than I've ever gotten in previous attempts!<br />
<br />
<i>Finish projects I start (including wedding book and Aiden's baby book)</i>: I'm doing decently with this. When I start getting scatter-brained and doing too many things at once, I remember this goal and focus on one thing until it's done. I haven't gone back to other projects yet. But I still have time, right?<br />
<br />
<i>Read at least two chapters from a book per day</i>: I was doing pretty good with this in January, but with my previous book selection it was hard for me to find the motivation to read. I was reading the Bible and going to sleep :( Hopefully with my latest book choice the motivation will return.<br />
<br />
<i>Read at least 24 books</i>: I've completed 2, and working on 2 right now.<br />
<br />
<i>Be in bed by 9pm 5x a week</i>: I think I might be in bed by nine, on average, once a week. I'm pretty good at getting in bed by 9:30, but I still want to get it down to 9.<br />
<br />
<i>Wake up by 7:30 5x a week</i>: Aiden helps me with this one :0) I'm hoping once it gets warmer I can get up and go jogging with him in the stroller. We shall see.<br />
<br />
<i>Exercise at least 30 min per day 5x a week</i>: I bought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Just-Dance-3-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B0053BG26C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330393352&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Just Dance 3</a> and have been doing the "Just Sweat" program for 35-45 minutes 3-4 times a week. Not up to 5 yet, but...that's why it's a goal!<br />
<br />
<i>Not have the tv on while Aiden is awake, except for the </i><a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/" style="font-style: italic;">Today show</a><i> and </i><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/" style="font-style: italic;">Nightly News with Brian Williams</a>: Embarrassing as it is, this isn't going well. It's fine until 4:30...when Jeopardy comes on. Then it's on, some nights, until bed. Very ashamed of myself!! <br />
<br />
<i>Do daily chores</i>: This is going pretty well. I'll try to do a post on my chore list soon.<br />
<br />
<i>Budget budget budget</i>: Ah, the worst for last! Our budgeting skills stink, guys. Like, bad. Hopefully, after we get all this new tax <strike>gross-migraine-anxiety</strike> business done (yay self-employment! hmph.), we can figure this budget stuff out (and yes, we've been through financial peace). 'Cause we need it. Badly.<br />
<br />
So that's how I've been doing. How are your goals/resolutions coming?Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-30947299631356260152012-02-27T19:21:00.000-06:002012-02-27T19:21:00.950-06:00Reading List Update<b><br />
</b><br />
1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Your-One-Year-Old-Fun-Loving-12-24-Month-Old/dp/0440506727/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IK5PBXYHBEKIE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank"><strike>Your One-Year-Old: The Fun-Loving, Fussy 12-To 24-Month-Old </strike></a><br />
2. <strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I34FMHSZTZRC5L&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</a></strike><br />
3. <strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity</a>*</strike><br />
4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Bad-About-My-Neck/dp/0307276821/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IX7DVS1AIYHWC&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being a Woman</a> <br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Little-Years-Motherhood-Trenches/dp/1591280818/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2GK1WHB4XHTQN&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Husband-Project-Loving-Man-Purpose/dp/0736925228/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2MD5GJZ4IJ9AZ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rekindling-Romance-Loving-Love-Your/dp/0785200010/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3GW2ZR0PKJWEQ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Must-Crazy-Pretty-Sure/dp/0802414273/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I5UNPHO7OKSIA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">One of Us Must Be Crazy. . .and I'm Pretty Sure It's You: Making Sense of the Differences That Divide Us</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Have a New You by Friday: How to Accept Yourself, Boost Your Confidence & Change Your Life in 5 </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Days</a><br />
10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Money-Saving-Moms-Budget-Streamline/dp/1451646208/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I7U1EVVU8YH5F&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year</a><br />
11. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Calm-My-Anxious-Heart-Contentment/dp/1600061419/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2SU7DUGTFCZLW&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment</a><br />
12. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yes-Scientifically-Proven-Ways-Persuasive/dp/1416576142/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3AP0RPIS3CADS&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive</a><br />
13. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Practice-Robert-B-Cialdini/dp/0205609996/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3W0E7X3PDHGFK&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Influence: Science and Practice</a><br />
14. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I23NHFMU3VMGV7&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream</a><br />
15. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Networking-Magic-Doctors-Lawyers-Accountants/dp/B000EHTARI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I16C0G3SJ0FFK0&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Networking Magic: Find the Best - from Doctors, Lawyers, and Accountants to Homes, Schools, and Jobs</a><br />
16. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Love-Overwhelmed-Relentless-God/dp/1434768511/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UYQMXB59UU36&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God</a><br />
17. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Harris-Burdick-Fourteen-Introduction/dp/0547548109/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IN5SDGWSMPHB8&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales</a><br />
18. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonderstruck-Brian-Selznick/dp/0545027896/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VFIFK1F0951H&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Wonderstruck</a><br />
19. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Fay-Miracle-Man-Novel/dp/0345485602/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I37BSHR11Z384T&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man: A Novel</a><br />
20.<a href="http://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-Have-More-Think/dp/1591843316/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3CG8G16ONRXVA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think</a><br />
21. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Novel-Christopher-Moore/dp/0060590327/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I28NCSV1CTULF5&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Fool: A Novel</a><br />
22. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Owen-Meany-Modern-Library/dp/0679642595/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2ENYD730EUSVD&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">A Prayer for Owen Meany</a><br />
23. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Promised-You-Rose-Garden/dp/0805089268/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICBJJK6M8RK37&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Never Promised You a Rose Garden: A Novel</a><br />
24. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IPHLE3EZZ0VVE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Help</a><br />
*Did not finish<br />
<br />
I started and got more than half-way through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers</a>, renewing it from the library once. I just could not get through this book! I want to get through 24 books in one year, but with the limited time for reading I have, I've decided if I'm not enjoying the book after giving it a fair chance, I'm not going to waste time reading it. I feel like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers</a> was written for mothers of older children, like 8-13ish, but she was unsuccessfully trying to make it relateable to everyone. In my opinion. She had good points, but this book just wasn't for me.<br />
I returned <a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers</a> to the library today and got <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Bad-About-My-Neck/dp/0307276821/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IX7DVS1AIYHWC&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being a Woman</a>. I read the first chapter while waiting to see my chiropractor and was cracking up in the waiting room. I think I'm going to like this book!Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-91598053166270237332012-02-03T11:58:00.002-06:002012-02-03T12:08:22.375-06:00God's Will vs. My Will<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">Have you ever prayed for something constantly, knowing that if God would just make your will happen, life would get much better and you would be happy, only to be told no? Why would God do that? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Although I've been to church all my life, my faith has gone through many different phases. I've had periods of my life were I didn't believe in God, kinda believed in God, really believed in God but didn't trust Him...and now I feel like I'm entering the phase of trusting and believing in Him, although I think it's more of a "learned helplessness" thing. :0) See, God has continually "beaten" me on my head saying, "<i>You are not in control, child!! I Am. Listen to Me. Do as I say.</i>" But if you know me, you know I am head-strong and a bit of a control freak (but just a bit haha).<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>I</i> know what is best for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>my</i> life, so God should do what I tell him to do. Because that is what matters. Me! Ahem, no.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">So many of us, in my opinion, have a vast misunderstanding of God. We pray for God to grant<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>our</b><span class="apple-converted-space"><i> </i></span>will because that is what<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>we</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>want and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>we</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>know what is best for<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>us</b>. Because God wants<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b>us</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>to be happy. Right? Jesus' final words were "Go preach the gospel to everyone and live as I tell you to and you will be happy and everything you want for your life will be granted as long as you follow me." Right? Isn't that was it says at the end of Matthew. Ahem....no. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">It says: Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. HCSB</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">Jesus says He will be with us. He doesn't say, ever, life will be easy. We see numerous examples in Acts, Paul's, and the Apostles' letters that life is anything but easy. Paul was ship-wrecked, beaten, stoned, and eventually killed for following Christ! I don't know about you, but if I were being beaten my first thought would be, "Maybe God wants me somewhere else." Isn't that our nature? When life gets hard, we want to leave. Because God wants us to be happy, so if we aren't happy, <i>clearly we are in the wrong place or with the wrong people or doing the wrong thing. </i>Sometimes yes, but sometimes no.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">God wants us to bring souls to Christ. Sometimes in doing that, life is pleasant and happy, sometimes it's not. Because God doesn't necessarily want us to be happy. That's not His goal. God wants us to be content. That is the number one thing I have learned thus far. Missy from It's Almost Naptime wrote an amazing post about being content, among other things, <a href="http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/02/i-dont-want-my-children-to-be-happy.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I really encourage you to read it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">God wants us to live for Him and be content with what we have, not lusting after this or that, just being "happy" where we are. Let me say, I do not think there is anything wrong with being happy. If you are, great! I don't think that means you aren't living for God. I'm just saying we need to re-evaluate our lives and our prayer lives. I don't think it's wrong to ask God for things, but before you ask, think about why you are asking. And if the answer is no, we need to accept that it's His will. Even if life would be much easier if the answer would have been yes, we need to realize and accept that God's will doesn't revolve around our happiness. It revolves around bringing souls to heaven. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">God is not our personal genie. We are placed on this Earth to serve God and bring as many people to Christ as possible. This world is <b>not our home</b>, friends. We haven't even been there yet!! It's waiting for us when this life is through. If this life is good along the way, awesome. If it's not, awesome. The best life is waiting for the faithful. It's open to everyone if you just do His will.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">I hope I see you all there.</div>Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-4896516589686090852012-01-29T15:01:00.002-06:002012-01-29T15:02:39.639-06:00Reading Resolution Update<b>Marriage/Family</b><br />
1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Your-One-Year-Old-Fun-Loving-12-24-Month-Old/dp/0440506727/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IK5PBXYHBEKIE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank"><strike>Your One-Year-Old: The Fun-Loving, Fussy 12-To 24-Month-Old </strike></a><br />
2. <strike><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I34FMHSZTZRC5L&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</a></strike><br />
3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Little-Years-Motherhood-Trenches/dp/1591280818/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2GK1WHB4XHTQN&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Husband-Project-Loving-Man-Purpose/dp/0736925228/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2MD5GJZ4IJ9AZ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan</a><br />
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rekindling-Romance-Loving-Love-Your/dp/0785200010/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3GW2ZR0PKJWEQ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Must-Crazy-Pretty-Sure/dp/0802414273/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I5UNPHO7OKSIA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">One of Us Must Be Crazy. . .and I'm Pretty Sure It's You: Making Sense of the Differences That Divide Us</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-Have-More-Think/dp/1591843316/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3CG8G16ONRXVA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Have a New You by Friday: How to Accept Yourself, Boost Your Confidence & Change Your Life in 5 </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Days</a><br />
10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Money-Saving-Moms-Budget-Streamline/dp/1451646208/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I7U1EVVU8YH5F&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year</a><br />
11. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Calm-My-Anxious-Heart-Contentment/dp/1600061419/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2SU7DUGTFCZLW&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment</a><br />
12. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yes-Scientifically-Proven-Ways-Persuasive/dp/1416576142/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3AP0RPIS3CADS&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive</a><br />
13. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Practice-Robert-B-Cialdini/dp/0205609996/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3W0E7X3PDHGFK&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Influence: Science and Practice</a><br />
14. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I23NHFMU3VMGV7&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream</a><br />
15. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Networking-Magic-Doctors-Lawyers-Accountants/dp/B000EHTARI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I16C0G3SJ0FFK0&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Networking Magic: Find the Best - from Doctors, Lawyers, and Accountants to Homes, Schools, and Jobs</a><br />
16. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Love-Overwhelmed-Relentless-God/dp/1434768511/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UYQMXB59UU36&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God</a><br />
17. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Harris-Burdick-Fourteen-Introduction/dp/0547548109/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IN5SDGWSMPHB8&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales</a><br />
18. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonderstruck-Brian-Selznick/dp/0545027896/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VFIFK1F0951H&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Wonderstruck</a><br />
19. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Fay-Miracle-Man-Novel/dp/0345485602/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I37BSHR11Z384T&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man: A Novel</a><br />
20. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Bad-About-My-Neck/dp/0307276821/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IX7DVS1AIYHWC&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being a Woman</a><br />
21. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Novel-Christopher-Moore/dp/0060590327/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I28NCSV1CTULF5&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Fool: A Novel</a><br />
22. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Owen-Meany-Modern-Library/dp/0679642595/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2ENYD730EUSVD&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">A Prayer for Owen Meany</a><br />
23. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Promised-You-Rose-Garden/dp/0805089268/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICBJJK6M8RK37&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Never Promised You a Rose Garden: A Novel</a><br />
24. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IPHLE3EZZ0VVE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Help</a><br />
<br />
I finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I34FMHSZTZRC5L&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</a> last week. It was a fun, light-hearted book. I got it knowing nothing about it, just that it came up on amazon.com when I was looking at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonderstruck-Brian-Selznick/dp/0545027896/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VFIFK1F0951H&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Wonderstruck</a> (another book I knew nothing about), and it looked interesting so I added it to my "library" list. I read this book in 2 days. It is mostly pictures, the pages with words aren't always full...it's a children's/pre-teen book. But it was good! I wanted the machine-man to work, right with Hugo! I wanted to know what the toy-maker had to do with anything, and why he was so angry. I would definitely recommend this book who wants a fairly quick, interesting read. <br />
This is what I'm reading now: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity</a> <br />
Later this week I plan on updating on how I've been doing with my resolutions so far.<br />
Have you read anything good lately?Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-55023564001870120722012-01-17T21:26:00.001-06:002012-01-17T21:26:57.189-06:00One down!<b>Marriage/Family</b><br />
1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Your-One-Year-Old-Fun-Loving-12-24-Month-Old/dp/0440506727/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IK5PBXYHBEKIE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank"><strike>Your One-Year-Old: The Fun-Loving, Fussy 12-To 24-Month-Old </strike></a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Little-Years-Motherhood-Trenches/dp/1591280818/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2GK1WHB4XHTQN&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Husband-Project-Loving-Man-Purpose/dp/0736925228/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2MD5GJZ4IJ9AZ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rekindling-Romance-Loving-Love-Your/dp/0785200010/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3GW2ZR0PKJWEQ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life</a><br />
<br />
<b>Self-Improvement/Christian</b><br />
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Must-Crazy-Pretty-Sure/dp/0802414273/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I5UNPHO7OKSIA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">One of Us Must Be Crazy. . .and I'm Pretty Sure It's You: Making Sense of the Differences That Divide Us</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-Have-More-Think/dp/1591843316/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3CG8G16ONRXVA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Have a New You by Friday: How to Accept Yourself, Boost Your Confidence & Change Your Life in 5 </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Days</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Money-Saving-Moms-Budget-Streamline/dp/1451646208/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I7U1EVVU8YH5F&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year</a><br />
10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Calm-My-Anxious-Heart-Contentment/dp/1600061419/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2SU7DUGTFCZLW&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment</a><br />
11. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yes-Scientifically-Proven-Ways-Persuasive/dp/1416576142/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3AP0RPIS3CADS&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive</a><br />
12. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Practice-Robert-B-Cialdini/dp/0205609996/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3W0E7X3PDHGFK&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Influence: Science and Practice</a><br />
13. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I23NHFMU3VMGV7&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream</a><br />
14. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Networking-Magic-Doctors-Lawyers-Accountants/dp/B000EHTARI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I16C0G3SJ0FFK0&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Networking Magic: Find the Best - from Doctors, Lawyers, and Accountants to Homes, Schools, and Jobs</a><br />
15. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Love-Overwhelmed-Relentless-God/dp/1434768511/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UYQMXB59UU36&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God</a><br />
<br />
<b>Fiction/Memoirs</b><br />
16. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Harris-Burdick-Fourteen-Introduction/dp/0547548109/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IN5SDGWSMPHB8&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales</a><br />
17. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonderstruck-Brian-Selznick/dp/0545027896/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VFIFK1F0951H&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Wonderstruck</a><br />
18. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I34FMHSZTZRC5L&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</a><br />
19. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Fay-Miracle-Man-Novel/dp/0345485602/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I37BSHR11Z384T&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man: A Novel</a><br />
20. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Bad-About-My-Neck/dp/0307276821/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IX7DVS1AIYHWC&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being a Woman</a><br />
21. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Novel-Christopher-Moore/dp/0060590327/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I28NCSV1CTULF5&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Fool: A Novel</a><br />
22. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Owen-Meany-Modern-Library/dp/0679642595/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2ENYD730EUSVD&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">A Prayer for Owen Meany</a>\<br />
23. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Promised-You-Rose-Garden/dp/0805089268/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICBJJK6M8RK37&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Never Promised You a Rose Garden: A Novel</a><br />
24. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IPHLE3EZZ0VVE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Help</a><br />
<br />
One down....if your one year old went from sweet and smiley to fussy and demanding seemingly overnight, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Your-One-Year-Old-Fun-Loving-12-24-Month-Old/dp/0440506727/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IK5PBXYHBEKIE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Your One-Year-Old: The Fun-Loving, Fussy 12-To 24-Month-Old </a> is for you. But, as with any self-helpish book, take her suggestions with a grain of salt. I really appreciated the explanations she provided for the changes the average one year old goes through, but her suggestions for dealing with them were hit or miss. Still a good read, though.<br />
<br />
Whenever I can get to the library I'm going to get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Harris-Burdick-Fourteen-Introduction/dp/0547548109/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IN5SDGWSMPHB8&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales</a>, as long as they have it.<br />
<br />
What have you read so far?Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-57113086491263298672012-01-10T11:24:00.001-06:002012-01-10T11:25:28.264-06:00Fun Kids MusicHave you all heard of the <a href="http://twotomatoes.com/site/" target="_blank">Laurie Berkner band</a>? An elementary school music teacher friend told me about her. She has really fun songs for little kids. She has a show on watch instant on <a href="http://netflix.com/" target="_blank">Netflix</a>, but it wouldn't load so I can't fully recommend it yet. I really like her song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLdDKNxrL68" target="_blank">We are the Dinosaurs</a>. We've been enjoying listening to her on <a href="http://pandora.com/" target="_blank">Pandora</a>.<br />
<br />
Also, <a href="http://www.gofishguys.com/cms/" target="_blank">GoFish Guys</a> is a group of dads who wanted to make music for kids that didn't drive parents crazy. I liked the few songs I heard from them, especially <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Kp8yXDpNaQ" target="_blank">The Ten Commandment Boogie</a>. This group is probably more for elementary school aged kids, but I think Aiden could start listening to them now :o)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/media/" target="_blank">Seeds Family Worship</a> is recommended by <a href="http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2008/04/wfmw-blessed-are-booty-hearts.html" target="_blank">Missy on itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com</a>. The link is a good review of their music, written in true Missy style. They also seem good for older kids....like 7-8 and up, but I'm not sure. I've only listened to a couple songs on their website.<br />
<br />
I also really liked <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyVzjoj96vs" target="_blank">Will.I.Am's song on Sesame Street</a>, but he looked really bored while singing it. But it still liked it. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrqF7yD10Bo&ob=av3e" target="_blank">Jason Mraz</a> and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWp6kkz-pnQ" target="_blank">Bruno Mars</a> did a better job at looking like they wanted to be there, but I didn't like their songs as well.<br />
<br />
So that's what we're listening to here. What do you like to play for your kids?<br />
<br />
"Do the 10 commandment boogie, the boogie, the boogie, the ten commandment boogie...."Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-18186470225705342332012-01-03T21:09:00.000-06:002012-01-03T21:09:45.886-06:00Books I plan to read in 2012As I <a href="http://katelynsonlinejournal.blogspot.com/2011/12/goals-for-2012.html" target="_blank">mentioned before</a>, I want to read at least 24 books in 2012. I've broken my list down into 3 categories: Marriage/Family, Self-Improvement/Christian, and Fiction/Memoirs. These, with the exception of #1, are not necessarily in the order I will be reading them in:<br />
<b>Marriage/Family</b><br />
1. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Your-One-Year-Old-Fun-Loving-12-24-Month-Old/dp/0440506727/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IK5PBXYHBEKIE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Your One-Year-Old: The Fun-Loving, Fussy 12-To 24-Month-Old </a> - I actually started reading this on January 30th....but I'm still counting it for 2012. It was recommended by <a href="http://babyshrink.com/" target="_blank">babyshrink.com</a> and so far it is right on for Aiden. I love it because we've been going through the "terrible twos" with Aiden and he's only 15 months!! I call it the "ornery ones." <br />
2. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Habits-Happy-Mothers-Reclaiming/dp/0345518071/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I11EGLUPVYXU0C&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity</a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Little-Years-Motherhood-Trenches/dp/1591280818/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2GK1WHB4XHTQN&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches</a><br />
4. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Husband-Project-Loving-Man-Purpose/dp/0736925228/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2MD5GJZ4IJ9AZ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Husband Project: 21 Days of Loving Your Man--on Purpose and with a Plan</a><br />
5. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rekindling-Romance-Loving-Love-Your/dp/0785200010/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3GW2ZR0PKJWEQ&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Rekindling the Romance: Loving the Love of Your Life</a><br />
<br />
<b>Self-Improvement/Christian</b><br />
6. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/One-Must-Crazy-Pretty-Sure/dp/0802414273/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I5UNPHO7OKSIA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">One of Us Must Be Crazy. . .and I'm Pretty Sure It's You: Making Sense of the Differences That Divide Us</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/168-Hours-Have-More-Think/dp/1591843316/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3CG8G16ONRXVA&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think</a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Have a New You by Friday: How to Accept Yourself, Boost Your Confidence & Change Your Life in 5 </a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-New-You-Friday-Confidence/dp/0800719336/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IB2LG1O03UGHT&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Days</a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Money-Saving-Moms-Budget-Streamline/dp/1451646208/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I7U1EVVU8YH5F&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Money Saving Mom's Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life, and Save Thousands a Year</a><br />
10. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Calm-My-Anxious-Heart-Contentment/dp/1600061419/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2SU7DUGTFCZLW&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Calm My Anxious Heart: A Woman's Guide to Finding Contentment</a><br />
11. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Yes-Scientifically-Proven-Ways-Persuasive/dp/1416576142/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3AP0RPIS3CADS&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive </a><br />
12. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Practice-Robert-B-Cialdini/dp/0205609996/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3W0E7X3PDHGFK&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Influence: Science and Practice</a><br />
13. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Radical-Taking-Faith-American-Dream/dp/1601422210/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I23NHFMU3VMGV7&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream </a><br />
14. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Networking-Magic-Doctors-Lawyers-Accountants/dp/B000EHTARI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I16C0G3SJ0FFK0&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Networking Magic: Find the Best - from Doctors, Lawyers, and Accountants to Homes, Schools, and Jobs</a><br />
15. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Crazy-Love-Overwhelmed-Relentless-God/dp/1434768511/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I1UYQMXB59UU36&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God</a><br />
<br />
<b>Fiction/Memoirs</b><br />
16. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chronicles-Harris-Burdick-Fourteen-Introduction/dp/0547548109/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IN5SDGWSMPHB8&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales</a><br />
17. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wonderstruck-Brian-Selznick/dp/0545027896/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3VFIFK1F0951H&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Wonderstruck</a><br />
18. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Invention-Hugo-Cabret-Brian-Selznick/dp/0439813786/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I34FMHSZTZRC5L&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Invention of Hugo Cabret</a><br />
19. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daisy-Fay-Miracle-Man-Novel/dp/0345485602/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I37BSHR11Z384T&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man: A Novel</a><br />
20. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Feel-Bad-About-My-Neck/dp/0307276821/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IX7DVS1AIYHWC&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being a Woman</a><br />
21. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fool-Novel-Christopher-Moore/dp/0060590327/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I28NCSV1CTULF5&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">Fool: A Novel</a><br />
22. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Owen-Meany-Modern-Library/dp/0679642595/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2ENYD730EUSVD&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">A Prayer for Owen Meany</a>\<br />
23. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Never-Promised-You-Rose-Garden/dp/0805089268/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=ICBJJK6M8RK37&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">I Never Promised You a Rose Garden: A Novel</a><br />
24. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Help-Kathryn-Stockett/dp/0399155341/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=IPHLE3EZZ0VVE&colid=2CW64TQS3RQVV" target="_blank">The Help</a><br />
<br />
Since my other goal is to read one to two chapters a day, I hopefully will have room to add more books. I started reading the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sunday-Philosophy-Club-Dalhousie-Mysteries/dp/1400077095/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1325646275&sr=8-4" target="_blank">Isabel Dalhousie series by Alexander McCall Smith</a> in July 2011, and have really enjoyed the 2 I've read so far. He recently came out with the 8th installment, so I need to catch up!<br />
<br />
And in case you're wondering how I plan on getting all of these books, Crystal at <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/" target="_blank">moneysavingmom.com</a> wrote <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/03/five-ways-to-get-books-for-free.html" target="_blank">a great article about getting books for free</a>. We also have an awesome library here in Moline, which I plan to take advantage of this year. I've gotten a few books from there, but I'm hoping most of the above listed books will come from there. Wish me luck!Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-67952409852168890922012-01-01T12:40:00.001-06:002012-01-01T12:41:42.412-06:00Word VomitWord vomit. A phrase I heard for the first time while watching <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377092/" target="_blank">Mean Girls</a> in 2004. The best way to describe it is this: the overwhelming,sometimes uncontrollable, sensation to say something you should not say. Something stupid, or something that could get you or someone you love into trouble.<br />
<br />
I've dealt with word vomit a lot in my life, and over the years have learned to control it...mostly. Walking away helps. Smiling, biting lip, changing the subject...all are helpful. Walking away works best, though. But sometimes it is uncontrollable and you say something stupid. Something that, as soon as it's said you want to put your head in your hands and say, "Why? Why stupid human?" Then you have to do damage control and it's a big hassle, which is why I've learned to walk away. I've also developed a sort of mantra that I say to myself when word vomit might strike. I say, "Is it worth it? Will more harm than good come from my saying something? If even only a little harm will come, is it worth ruining this relationship?" 9 times out of 10, the answer is no. A big, huge 'NO NO NO.' <br />
<br />
My word vomit normally comes from someone saying something <strike>stupid</strike> inappropriate or offensive, and I have to ask myself my questions. The older I get, the more I realize my time is worth more to me than wasting it on being angry or causing conflict about something that I won't remember next week, next month, or next year. I've wasted too much time already.<br />
<br />
And, of course, when I get really riled up, I can always resort back to the age-old question of "Would Jesus say something, Katelyn?" and the answer is, majority of the time, 'no.' A big, fat 'no.' <br />
<br />
Are you a victim of word vomit? What are your strategies for overcoming it?Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-25110709733623174372011-12-31T21:17:00.001-06:002011-12-31T21:20:18.900-06:00Goals for 2012I think it was last year when I had lunch with two friends and "resolutions" were brought up. I brought up my usual disdain for this time of year, since it seemed so dishonest and self-destructive in a way. I had always watched people make unachievable resolutions and then get angry when they realized they couldn't reach their goal, or I'd see people decide to start the year off right by not committing a crime*. Hence my bleak outlook on resolutions. (*After writing this, I realize my parents should have given me money instead of allowing me to work with the people I did....)<br />
<br />
Anyway, they brought up how the first of the year isn't necessarily about striving to completely makeover your life, but instead about reviewing the previous year and finding ways to improve what is improvable. Those that make such unattainable goals were trying to speed up a process that should be taken slowly, which is why they often fail. And for those who start the year off by not committing a crime...well, they're not really understanding the point, either (although, not committing crimes is good!). The point, I believe, is to search your heart and prayerfully enter the new year with achievable goals that will make you a better Christian, parent, spouse, friend, etc. It's about having your priorities in order and striving to be better because you aren't yet. And you may never be "your best," but the first of the new year is a good time to evaluate and act.<br />
<br />
I made a private, simple resolution, or goal, this time last year. I hadn't made a resolution (other than the "I'm going to lose weight" one that never really sticks) in years, but decided I would try it and see how it went. My goal was to use the outline for prayer that Jesus gave us in Matthew 6:9-13 and pray at least once a week. I've struggled with prayer for a long time, not understanding how it works, or what God does with it, but I needed to try this. And I am happy to report that did. Unfortunately, I don't have an answer to any of the questions I had when I started, but I can tell you my anxious heart had a lot more peace this year. And honestly, that's worth more to me than answers that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things.<br />
<br />
Since I was able to stick to a resolution this year, I decided to be a bit more adventurous for 2012 and have more than one goal. Here's the list I've come up with:<br />
read the Bible through<br />
finish projects I start (I am SO bad about this! Hopefully our wedding book (over 3 yrs ago) and Aiden's baby book (he's 15 months) will be done this time next year!!!!)<br />
Read at least two chapters from a book per day<br />
Read at least 24 books (list to come later this week)<br />
Be in bed by 9pm 5x a week<br />
Wake up by 7:30 5x a week<br />
Exercise at least 30 min per day 5x a week<br />
Not have the tv on while Aiden is awake, except for the <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/">Today show</a> and <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/">Nightly News with Brian Williams</a><br />
Do daily chores (I'll write more about this soon)<br />
Budget budget budget (more on this later, too)<br />
<br />
In order to help with accountability, I plan on blogging about how I'm doing with these goals from time to time (this is my online journal, after all).<br />
<br />
Good luck to you all with your goals for this year. Have a safe and blessed 2012!Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-75044881008803931002011-12-28T20:30:00.000-06:002011-12-28T20:30:02.358-06:00Best Christmas Present Ever (Not!!)A couple weeks ago I went out to my garage and found a HUGE box delivered by UPS. It was for my brother, I assumed it was our Christmas present. I texted him, "What the heck did you get us?!!?"<br />
"Something awesome."<br />
"Something huge!!!"<br />
In hindsight, he probably thought I was nuts.<br />
So he gets to our house on Christmas Eve, and he, Daniel, and my dad lug this huge box into our basement. He goes to my mom and says, "I don't understand why it's so big and heavy. It should be smaller than that..."<br />
Christmas morning we go downstairs (since no one wanted to carry it up) and start opening the box. I see a packet of paper that says something like "Video Instruction Manual blah blah."<br />
"Brandon! We need video instructions for what you bought us?!" I looked at the packet of papers, and I could make out what it said underneath the top page: Refrigeration unit for Kegerator*. Kegerator. "BRANDON!!!!!! YOU BOUGHT US A KEGERATOR?!!? WHY!!!!"<br />
"What!? I did not buy you a kegerator!!! I bought you an old-fashioned popcorn machine!!!!"<br />
So Brandon called Walmart on Monday to get the mess straightened out, and found out someone got a popcorn maker instead of a safe. So someone who was expecting a safe got popcorn maker, someone who was expecting a kegerator got a safe, and we got a kegerator.<br />
Wow, Walmart. Wow.<br />
The most hilarious part of the whole thing is when my brother was on the phone with Walmart, he told them he bought the popcorn maker for us since my husband is a youth minister and he thought it would be good for youth group activities. The woman might have peed herself from laughter.<br />
Happy Holidays!!!<br />
*For those who do not know, a kegerator is a refrigeration system for a keg. Of beer.Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-4605328015303203522011-12-21T16:39:00.000-06:002011-12-21T16:39:32.304-06:00It's been a whileI redid this blog. I felt very limited in the way I first set it up because I was only giving recipes from other blogs/websites and I was getting bored with it all. So, I decided to make it a journal instead (obviously...check the title haha). So this is just an update to say more to come!Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-31667890288161579372011-06-15T11:02:00.000-05:002011-06-15T11:02:37.249-05:00DIY Liquid Laundry SoapThis is a post I've been wanting to write for a while, but I can't find where I got the recipe! So, I give up. I know I Googled "homemade laundry detergent," and I found this particular recipe on the Duggars' website, but it isn't working now (*Hence the "giving up").<br />
<br />
Here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
You need:<br />
4 cups hot tap water<br />
1 Fels-Naptha soap bar, or Dial or Ivory. We used Ivory.<br />
1 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Arm-Hammer-Super-Detergent-Booster/dp/B0029XNTEU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308152685&sr=8-1">Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda</a> (it has to be washing soda)<br />
1/2 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Borax-Natural-Laundry-Multi-Purpose-Household/dp/B000R4LONQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308152731&sr=8-1">Borax</a><br />
More hot tap water<br />
1 5 gallon bucket<br />
Laundry soap dispenser (we used our old All container) with lid<br />
<br />
Grate the bar of soap and add to saucepan with the 4 cups water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until soap dissolves and is melted.<br />
<br />
Fill a 5 gallon bucket half full of hot tap water. Add melted soap mixture, washing soda and Borax. Stir well until all powder is dissolved. Fill bucket to top with more hot water. Stir, cover and let sit overnight to thicken.<br />
<br />
The next day, stir the liquid, and pour into a used, clean, laundry soap dispenser until half full. Fill the rest of the way with water. <br />
<br />
Shake before each use.<br />
<br />
Yields approx. 10 gallons.<br />
<br />
Use 5/8 cup per load for top load machine, and 1/4 cup per load for front load machines.<br />
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You can add essential oils once the soap has cooled if you want (10-15 drops per 2 gal), but we like the way the Ivory soap smells.<br />
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I LOVE this detergent! I've read you can use distilled white vinegar as a fabric softener, but we're still using Gain. I did try the vinegar, but I need to do it again before I have a real opinion on it.<br />
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Next to come: my favorite homemade cleaners!Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-83608673610648849752011-06-02T10:26:00.001-05:002011-06-02T11:42:24.108-05:00Crockpot Yogurt!Yes, you read that right- yogurt made in the crockpot! It works, and it's good! <a href="http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-can-make-yogurt-in-your-crockpot.html">Here's where I got it from.</a><br />
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I did it a little differently because I have a baby and he <strike>rules my life</strike> requires a lot of attention, so when it says "cook for 2 1/2 hours," mine cooked for 3ish. And when it said "3 hours," mine was closer to 4....but it turned out really well and closely resembles yogurt!!<br />
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I plan on adding honey and also using it for parfaits. I'm excited!!<br />
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I like this recipe because the only thing I had to buy that I wouldn't have already was a half gallon of whole milk, which cost $2ish. On the link above, she says you can add a packet of unflavored gelatin to low-fat milk instead of using whole milk. I'll try that next time. So a ton of yogurt cost me $2ish. Not bad.Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-88584595545107279622011-05-27T11:20:00.000-05:002011-05-27T11:20:27.811-05:00Homemade Peanut ButterThis is the <a href="http://heavenlyhomemakers.com/how-to-make-peanut-butter">best peanut butter ever</a>. Daniel doesn't like peanut butter, but he eats this out of the jar! It's really easy to make- I put 2 cups of peanuts in a food processor. When its creamy, I put it in a bowl and add a tablespoon or so of honey, and mix well. Store in the refrigerator. It's very yummy!Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4247259829319154126.post-38148808955980234162011-05-19T16:31:00.001-05:002011-05-19T16:32:35.105-05:00The "Green Monster Smoothie"While watching the <a href="http://www.today.com/">Today Show</a> a few days ago I saw <a href="http://www.kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2009/07/11/green-smoothie-recipe/">this smoothie</a>, and was intrigued. I've been wanting to start eating a smoothie in place of a meal every so often, but I didn't want a fruit smoothie that was loaded with tons of sugar. Since I misheard Kimberly on the Today Show and thought she said "Going Green Smoothie," instead of "Glowing Green smoothie, I Googled the wrong thing, but found a whole movement instead! What I found was <a href="http://greenmonstermovement.com/">the Green Monster Movement</a>. Apparently this has been around for awhile. There are hundreds of green smoothie recipes online! I read over a few of the recipes on Angela's website and thought, "I can do this!" So, I went to Walmart and bought a <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hamilton-Beach-WaveStation-Express-Dispensing-Blender/14979780">blender</a> for $17. I know, I should have gotten a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vitamix-1300-Vita-Mix-TurboBlend-4500/dp/B0000YRJT6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1305840050&sr=8-1">Vita-mix</a>, but 17 doesn't make me have a head-twitch and feel the need to go through the degrees of loss like 400 does.<br />
Anyway.<br />
I made a variation of the first recipe on the Green Monster Movement website. Here's what I did:<br />
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2 cups mixed greens (we have organic Market Side Mixed greens from Walmart)<br />
1 1/4 cup milk (I used 1%)<br />
1 T flax<br />
1 banana<br />
1 apple<br />
6 strawberries<br />
Approx. 8 cubes of ice<br />
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Place the ingredients into the blender in the following order: 1) Flax, 2) greens, 3) banana, apple, strawberries, 4) milk. The reason for this order is so the heavier ingredients weigh down the flax and greens and keep it from flying up around the blender and sticking to the side. Blend everything on the highest setting for 1 minute or so. Finally, add ice and blend on the ice setting.<br />
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It's delicious! If it's not sweet enough, you can always add more fruit. I'm going to do a variation of Glowing Green Smoothie next. She uses celery and lettuce. I'm intrigued.Katelynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12198985012891061893noreply@blogger.com1