Sunday, December 16, 2012

Some of Our Favorite Christmas Crafts...

Through the years we have made some pretty awesome Christmas crafts...so if you're still looking for something fun to keep those kiddos busy, here's some ideas.
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You can find lots more projects in the Kids Arts and Crafts section and the Kids Books and Themes section on the sidebar.  And there also seems to be quite a few past projects in the "popular" section on the sidebar as well.  And don't forget the Hey Mom, Look What I Did tab....for even more ideas.
 
 
have fun keeping those kiddos busy!
 
and please come back and share them with us when you do....by joining our weekly craft linky.
 
 
 
 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Nutrisystem #33

Today wraps up my 33rd week on Nutrisystem!
 
 
Last week, I got asked a lot of questions.
 
Mostly from people wanting to try or start Nutrisystem
and some from people just wanting to lose a few pounds on their own.
 
I never, ever, ever would have thought that I would have such a huge impact on people wanting to lose weight....I've had people tell me that I have inspired them to get healthy or to seek help and I can't tell you how awesome that makes me feel.
 
I also had a lot of people messaging me and telling me that I look fantastic, not just physically, but that they can see how drastically I changed in other ways too.
 
I feel like I'm walking on sunshine...It truly feels amazing to feel this way and I sincerely hope that everyone can feel how wonderful this feeling is.
 
 
Let's flashback a bit, shall we.
 
more than 8 months ago, I was miserable....completely and utterly miserable
yeah I put on a good front and threw a smile in the right places, but I was in such a sad state.  My physical health and well being rolled into everything that I did.
 
I felt like I was being held together with glue and coming apart at the seams.
 
I had quit the job that I hated.  I was getting ready to embark on a new life by becoming a college student.  My oldest child was moving into her very own first apartment, my second oldest child was graduating high school, I was turning 40 and thinking that I had wasted my life being unhappy and fat and having not accomplished anything in life, I was a mental basket case...my little world was changing.
 
On top of that, I was in physical pain.  That job that I hated was a very physical job, not to mention an emotional one as well.  It is not easy caring for others...those last few months at work, just confirmed how much I wanted out of the health care business....that is just not for me.  I was dealing with my asthma getting worse, I had pain in places I didn't know existed, my heart and lungs were working overtime and my poor knees were suffering from carrying around such a load.
 
Due to all the underlying stress and pain I was in, I had become this really mean, nasty person.  I would scream at Rich and the kids for no reason.  I was hurting and felt like no one could hear me.  It was nothing that they did, it was all me....and I just didn't know how to deal with it, so I screamed.
 
 
Then, Nutrisystem came along....it was like life had finally thrown me a bone.
 
This semester at school one of my professors had us make a timeline of our lives (just pick some important dates and share them with the class)...most of the class picked the day they were born and graduated high school, etc.  I picked the date I got married, the dates each of my children were born and the day I started Nutrisystem.  I changed my life that day...I chose ME.  I chose to save myself from more years of suffering and sadness and anger and frustration.  I chose to be happy.
 
I didn't start Nutrisystem to be skinny or hot, or because my husband and family wanted me to lose weight.  Or because I wanted to be happy and thought that being thin would make me happy.
 
 
I chose to do this for ME and me alone
I chose to get healthy for me
I chose to get off the merry go round that kept spinning the same path over and over again.
 
I can't say that this roller coaster that I've been riding for months hasn't always been fun...there are days where I put my hands up and lean into the curves and scream for joy down the hills....and there are days where I want it to stop and let me off.
 
But I can say, that this incredible journey that I have been taking has been worth every single minute!
every ounce of sweat
every tear I wept
every goody I denied
every mile that I walked
 
has been totally worth it....and you know what?
I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, just to feel the way that I do now.
 
This incredible joyful feeling that life has given me a second chance.
 
a second chance at life
at happiness
at finding me
 
My husband and children finally have the wife and mother that they deserve (or married).
My husband deserved to have a healthy wife...he didn't choose to raise six children on his own...he chose to have a partner and he was worried that with my health the way it was, that he would lose his partner, his lover, his friend.
 
My weight never mattered to him...It wasn't about the number on the scale to him.  It was about laying in bed at night and hearing me struggling to breath, it was about seeing me crying in pain - physically and emotionally.  He loved me through it and he will continue to do so.
 
My weight never mattered to my children.  They loved me for being me....the goofy, silly mom that made them treats and did crafts and read stories and rocked them to sleep.  But they also longed for me to be happy...to play with them physically...to stop sitting on the sidelines and join them when they played.
 
The day I chose to get healthy is the day I chose to live.
 
 
You too, can choose happiness and health.
 
I love Nutrisystem, it saved me and it could do the same for you.
 
You just have to believe.
Believe that you CAN do it.
It won't always be easy and you will struggle at times, but you know what....You won't EVER regret it.
I can guarantee it.
 
So, if you are looking to lose weight....reach out and get help. 
There is no reason that you have to do this alone.
Stop making excuses.
Stop waiting for next week or the beginning of the year.
Start Now!
 
Don't waste any more time sitting on the sidelines letting life pass you by!
 
 
 
*********
My Stats

  • 04/27/12 - 180 (starting weight)
  • 05/04/12 - 175 (week one)
  • 05/11/12 - 174 (week two)
  • 05/18/12 - 172 (week three)
  • 05/25/12 - 170 (week four)
  • 06/01/12 - 169 (week five)
  • 06/08/12 - 169 (week six)
  • 06/15/12 - 168 (week seven)
  • 06/22/12 - 166 (week eight)
  • 06/29/12 - 166 (week nine)
  • 07/06/12 - 166 (week ten)
  • 07/13/12 - 164 (week eleven)
  • 07/20/12 - 164 (week twelve)
  • 07/27/12 - 165 (week thirteen)
  • 08/03/12 - 163 (week fourteen)
  • 08/10/12 - 160 (week fifteen)
  • 08/17/12 - 160 (week sixteen)
  • 08/24/12 - 160 (week seventeen)
  • 08/31/12 - 159 (week eighteen)
  • 09/07/12 - 159 (week nineteen)
  • 09/14/12 - 157 (week twenty)
  • 09/21/12 - 155 (week twenty one)
  • 09/28/12 - 155 (week twenty two)
  • 10/03/12 - 155 (week twenty three)
  • 10/12/12 - 154 (week twenty four)
  • 10/19/12 - 153 (week twenty five)
  • 10/26/12 - 153 (week twenty six)
  • 11/02/12 - 152 (week twenty seven)
  • 11/09/12 - 152 (week twenty eight)
  • 11/16/12 - 151 (week twenty nine)
  • 11/23/12 - 150 (week thirty)
  • 11/30/12 - 150 (week thirty one)
  • 12/07/12 - 150 (week thirty two)
  • 12/14/12 - 149 (week thirty three)




  • Do you want to get healthy and lose weight on Nutrisystem too? - Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog
     
     
    *Disclosure ~ I am receiving access to the website and food in exchange for reviewing the diet plan. All opinions herein are my own and were not influenced by Nutrisystem.
    

    Thursday, December 13, 2012

    Tissue Paper Lantern by Ashley of Life With Moore Babies

     So excited to be visiting here at Adventures-in-Mommy-Land today! I'm Ashley, and I normally share my adventures over at Life With Moore Babies where you can read all about the excitement of beginning to home school with a 5 year old, 4 year old, and 1 year old. There is certainly never a dull moment!

    Today I wanted to share a lovely tissue paper lantern we recently made.  I love the colors and the warm light they give off.  It seems so nice on cold winter days.  And if you are like me you have a bunch of tissue paper from previous gifts you can use up!


    To start with you need a balloon the size you want your final lantern to end up. The ones we used were about 6 inches in diameter.


    You also need small pieces of tissue paper (here is a great way to organize all the tissue paper too), Elmer's glue, a paint brush, and battery operated tea lights. Pour a small amount of glue in a bowl and add an equal amount of water. Mix thoroughly. This makes something very similar to Mod Podge.


    Make sure you have a kitten around while cutting up the tissue paper; it certainly adds to the fun!




     Using your paintbrush and working in small sections, apply a small amount of glue to the balloon and cover with tissue paper.



    Continue until the balloon (or at least the portion you want to use for the lantern) is covered with tissue paper.  You will want to make sure you overlap the tissue paper as you work, so it he balloon is covered well.


    After all the tissue paper is on, apply a thin coat of glue over all of it to smoothie out.


    Allow to dry.  I did this by placing the uncovered part of the balloon on a cup and letting it set a few hours.  After I had finished my trial one I let the girls start on theirs.  Once we get messy things out, it gets hard for me to take any pictures!


    Once dry Repeat the process to add a second coat of tissue paper. Again cover the entire tissue paper surface with a. Thin coat of glue and allow to dry. This was a little frustrating for my girls because they had a hard time getting the tissue paper to stick.  They were actually using too much glue! So be careful to use just enough to stick it down and then cover the whole thing with glue once the tissu paper in in place.



    Once completely dry (we left ours overnight), gently separate the balloon and the tissue paper.  You don't have to separate all of it, but I would do at least all around the edge.


    Then pop your balloon! Most likely the whole lantern will sink in on itself.  Just gently separate the balloon and fluff the lantern a bit.  It should return to its shape fairly easily.



    Stick a little flame less tea light under your lantern for some lovely decor without the fire hazard of candles. The tea lights I had bought ended up being yellow (I guess to look like a flame).  I did have one that changed colors, and when it was white it looked best because you could see the tissue paper colors. So if you can I would recommend finding white tea lights.  I would guess the floral department would have them rather then the candle department because they are the submersible type.


    If you don't want to mess with the whole balloon popping thing just use a cheapie glass fishbowl or vase and apply tissue paper the same way.  This is a great way to bring a little color and atmosphere to any event! One of the best things about it is the ability to match whatever decor you need at the time!

    A big thanks to Charlene for having me here, and I hope to see you all again! You can find me on my blog, Life With Moore Babies, on facebook, on pinterest, and on twitter!



    Thank you Ashley for sharing this adorable craft with everyone here...If you haven't checked out Ashley's blog yet, please do.  Her children are adorable and she has awesome craft ideas and does some really fun projects with them as well.  Trust me, you'll thank me for introducing you to her awesome blog.


    Tuesday, December 11, 2012

    Hey Mom Look What I Did (#60)

    Welcome to the 60th edition of
     
    Hey Mom, Look What I Did!!
     
    I've been super busy lately (as I'm sure all of you are as well), so sorry this is a bit late.
     
    Please share all you cute, fun and festive children's holiday crafts, activities and baking projects with us, as I'm sure we are all looking for some ideas to keep those kiddos busy and I seriously love seeing everyone's projects and crafts and all those little cuties helping in the kitchen (that always brings a smile to my face).
     
     
    Here's a peek at some of my faves posted this past week.....
     
     
     
    (Wish they were my neighbors.....)
     
     
    (I'm thinking this might help keep the little ones from touching the "real" tree)
     
     
    (Love their little chef hats...clever idea)
     
     
    (Pretty!!)
     
     
    Nathan and I have been busy...Sadly, Nicholas is getting to the age where he doesn't want to make as many crafts anymore - bummer! So it's usually just me and Nathan and on occasion Sarah or Nick.
     
    We have been doing our 25 books/25 days....I just haven't had time to post everything.
     
     
     
    Here are a few of the things we have done so far...
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
      
     
     
    Now, it's your turn to show us what you've been working on this week and I can't wait to see it!!
     
     
    Please share your craft projects, baking activities and other fun kid friendly adventures. Grab the link button and put it on your blog, if you like, so that others can find us and share in the fun too.

     
    There are no requirements, but I would love if you would follow this blog via GFC.

     
    I also would like to invite you to come hang out with me on facebook and twitter, where I feature and share some your fabulous projects during the week.

     
    Thanks for joining us....Hope to see you again soon!!
     
     
    
    
    Adventures In Mommy Land

     
     

    Sunday, December 09, 2012

    eight

    Can you believe it's been 8 months since I started Nutrisystem?
     
     
    I can't believe how much my life has changed in those last months.
     
    It still seems a bit unreal to me.
     
    I'm not done with this journey yet, but it's been a lot of fun looking at some of my old pics and comparing them to now....where the heck does that fat go?
     
    (summer of 2011 - 180-185)

     
    I feel like I have bones that I never knew existed haha.
     
    I have a chin
    I have hip bones
    I have a collarbone
    I have knees
     
    and they are sharp too..hah
     
     
    Nathan used to lay on top of me every night before bed and now he says he can't stand it anymore, cause I'm not as squishy as I used to be, he says it hurts to lay on hard stuff...haha
     
    While, I don't always lose pounds...I am losing inches, since I started this journey I have lost around 10 or more inches around my waist.  I have gone from a size 18/20 to a size 8/10 in pants and a 2X to a small/medium in shirts...again where does all that fat go???
     
     (old work scrubs literally hanging on me)
     
     
    Like, I said I'm no where near being done with this journey, but I'm certainly enjoying the ride.
     
    But be forewarned, ladies.....
     
    Losing weight means those hubbies won't be able to keep their hands off you!
    so be prepared
     
     
    my monthly vlog...
     
     
     
     
    Do you want to get healthy and lose weight on Nutrisystem too? - Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog
     
    My Stats
  • 04/27/12 - 180 (starting weight)
  • 05/04/12 - 175 (week one)
  • 05/11/12 - 174 (week two)
  • 05/18/12 - 172 (week three)
  • 05/25/12 - 170 (week four)
  • 06/01/12 - 169 (week five)
  • 06/08/12 - 169 (week six)
  • 06/15/12 - 168 (week seven)
  • 06/22/12 - 166 (week eight)
  • 06/29/12 - 166 (week nine)
  • 07/06/12 - 166 (week ten)
  • 07/13/12 - 164 (week eleven)
  • 07/20/12 - 164 (week twelve)
  • 07/27/12 - 165 (week thirteen)
  • 08/03/12 - 163 (week fourteen)
  • 08/10/12 - 160 (week fifteen)
  • 08/17/12 - 160 (week sixteen)
  • 08/24/12 - 160 (week seventeen)
  • 08/31/12 - 159 (week eighteen)
  • 09/07/12 - 159 (week nineteen)
  • 09/14/12 - 157 (week twenty)
  • 09/21/12 - 155 (week twenty one)
  • 09/28/12 - 155 (week twenty two)
  • 10/03/12 - 155 (week twenty three)
  • 10/12/12 - 154 (week twenty four)
  • 10/19/12 - 153 (week twenty five)
  • 10/26/12 - 153 (week twenty six)
  • 11/02/12 - 152 (week twenty seven)
  • 11/09/12 - 152 (week twenty eight)
  • 11/16/12 - 151 (week twenty nine)
  • 11/23/12 - 150 (week thirty)
  • 11/30/12 - 150 (week thirty one)
  • 12/07/12 - 150 (week thirty two)
  •  
    *Disclosure ~ I am receiving access to the website and food in exchange for reviewing the diet plan. All opinions herein are my own and were not influenced by Nutrisystem.
     
     
     
     

    Wednesday, December 05, 2012

    Shabby Apple Giveaway -- CLOSED

    This giveaway is now closed

    The winner was - #42 Leslie...I follow you on Twitter (as pixiepineblog).
    Thanks!

    (chosen by random number generator).

    *****
    Looking for a great dress to wear to all those holiday parties?
     
    Well, look no further...
     
    because
     
    Shabby Apple is offering a $75 GC to one Very lucky winner!
     
    Their Joyful holiday collection has the perfect holiday attire to chose from, including  beautiful dresses, blouses and skirts.  They also have jewelry, shoes and accessories to complete your perfect party look.
     
    Oh and FYI....Shabby Apple is also generously offering all the readers here at Adventures In Mommy Land  10% off their next purchase (for one month only).
     
    The coupon code is:
     
    adventures10off
     
    for more incentive...just take a look at these fabulous dresses, skirts and blouses.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    To Enter:
     
    mandatory requirements:  head over to Shabby Apple's site, take a look at their fabulous clothes, then come back here and leave a comment saying what your favorite item is.
     
    This is a favorite of mine....super cute, eh?
     
     
     
    extra entries:  leave a comment for each entry
    *Tweet about the giveaway (leave the link in the comments, please)
    *Blog about the giveaway (leave the link in the comments, please)
    *Follow Adventures In Mommy Land via GFC
     
     
    Please note:
    Contest will run until December 12....Winner will be chosen via random number generator at midnight EST.  Winner must have a U.S. shipping address.
     
     
    Good Luck and Happy Shopping!!!
     
     
     
     
    

    Tuesday, December 04, 2012

    Did Somebody Say Gingerbread???

     
     
    Nathan made the most awesome gingerbread house....Evah!!
     
     
     
    We used regular and mini graham crackers to make the house
     
     
     
    and mini marshmallows, gum drops, peppermints, gummi lifesavers, twizzler bits, fruit loops and other fun stuff to decorate the house and the people
     
     
     
    Nathan glued the graham crackers to a big sheet of paper and then decorated it with candy.
     
    
     
     
     
     
     
    I told ya it was super awesome and it was made by a super awesome kid!
     
     
     
    Day 4...
     
     
    Donald's Christmas Gift
     
     
     
    It didn't really go with our craft of the day, but it's a super sweet book with a really great holiday giving lesson for kids.
     
     
     
    Do you have a special "giving" tradition? Like Toys for Tots, The Angel Tree Project or The Santa Shoebox Project...how do you teach your children the meaning of giving at Christmas?