Tantrums

Apparently I'm doing the right thing!!
I've taken my daughter to Chick-fil-a several times recently so that we could eat and she could play on the play equipment. She now calls it the "Eat & Play." It's a great place to let your preschooler release some energy when the weather is cruddy, right? Everything goes smoothly for the most part. We share a kids meal, then she pops off her shoes and runs over to play. She interacts wonderfully with the other kids. She plays, she laughs. It's just great seeing her happy.
THEN...it's time to leave. I give her a little notice, let her get her few last runs around the place and then start calling her to get her shoes. The fun begins. First I have to catch her, then I have to hold down my screaming child while I try to get her shoes back on and possibly even try to get on her coat. The battle gets too intense, so I just forget the clothes and get her out of the building as quickly as possible. The whole while, my face is turning red with embarrassment. I'm sure that every person in the place is staring at us. I try not to make contact with any of them. It's a stressful scene to say the least!

But something different happened on our last visit. She threw her typical tantrum, yes, and I had to carry her screaming out of the building. I got in the car, turned on the radio to drown her out and there was a child expert on K-love. A parent was telling a story about how she had just taken her son to Chick-fil-a and was having the same experience as me. I had to laugh out loud. It was almost as if that expert had come on the radio and said "Leah, you're ok! You're handling your child just right. You're a good Mommy!"

TOOT YOUR HORN TUESDAY PARTICIPANTS:
Please just use your name or blog title in the Name space on Mister Linky. And don't forget to link back to this post using a blog button or just a hyperlink. Thanks!



Toot Your Horn Tuesday Participants

1. Calamity Anne's Adventures 2. Yoga Gal 3. raggy flops part 1 4. Good Luck Picture (Red Heads Craft More Fun) 5. lacing cards 6. CUTE AS A BUTTON coconut cupcakes & party FAVORS! 7. Erin K-Vintage Welcome Blockss 8. Epic Fail Turned Miracle:Lamp Remake - Grace @ RMD 9. President Hinckley Busy Book 10. Minnesota Boys Bedroom Makeover 11. Glass Stone Frame @ BlackKatsDesign.blogspot.com 12. Cookie Sheet Calendar 13. Trash to Treasure Bulletin Board 14. $1 t-shirt refashion @ Second Street 15. Kimberly @ Attempting Creative {St. Patrick's Day Pillows} 16. Bon @ Drab to FAB..photog chair 17. Laundry Room Remodel @ Remodelaholic 18. Lucky by make It Sparkly Mama 19. kathryn gilbert 20. NOT SO LAZY, Lazy-Susan PB Inspired by Bird Crafts!!! 21. cub/boy scout mothers pin necklace 22. NEW WAY to tie fleece blanket 23. NO-SEW Fabric Flower TUTORIAL 24. Asian style Shelf @ junkblossoms 25. Recipe Box Makover @HowDoesShe 26. Childs Art 18 into 2 @HowDoesShe 27. My Cabinet Door Makeover - Jen @ Noting Grace 28. Condo Blues Framed Tin Ceiling Tile 29. Cupcake Birthday Outfit 30. Pomeranian Pet Portrait @Murals&More 31. From The Trenches Of Motherhood 32. LadyBug Clippie: Tutorial and GIVEAWAY! 33. skirt refashioned to adorable dress 34. Antique Chairs n' Modern Fabric (Jane @ Finding Fabulous) 35. 35$ PB TABLE HAPPY MISTAKES!

36. Huge Tree Mural @ Made By Stephie 37. The Color Yellow! 38. Burlap Bunnines from the little green bean 39. A Slob Comes Clean (Painted a Dollhouse/Bookcase) 40. Amy @ All Things Home (Basket of Bottles) 41. No Slip Dish Towel-Nikki @ KreativeKnack 42. Single Nester Picture Frame Necklace Organizer 43. My Frugal Lifestyle {Cereal Box to Magazine Organizer} 44. Kitchen Organization @ Everything Design 45. Tara @ Feels Like Home (homemade geoboard) 46. Organize & Decorate (fast & cheap centerpiece) 47. Organize & Decorate (mantel makeover) 48. Card Club cards (thinking of you) 49. Greenearth : Created Moments 50. Saving Money & Living Life (DIY Stationary) 51. Crocheting For The Pets! 52. Reid Girls Handmade 53. **A SpRiNg in your step*** 54. picture block (pt.2)~jennifer 55. Dollar Store Glass Projects @ Design-Aholic 56. Drab to Fab Wall Decor @One Crafty Mommy 57. Stuffed Animals are THE DEVIL. Storage that WORKS! 58. JunkFest-Easy Peasy Makeovers 59. Jenny (Easter Wreath) 60. Jenn @ Delicious Ambiguity 61. Spring Terrarium 62. Lynettes Front Door Makeover 63. Homemade flower garland (Feels Like Home) 64. FRAMIN' UP TEE TOWELS...Jane @ Finding Fabulous 65. Can you put an entertainment center in the dining room? 66. Lia - Petite Little Bee's Chocolate Souffle Cake 67. Fabulous $5 lamp! 68. The Saved Quarter (Amazing Dining Room Transformation) 69. Little Lizard King - Skull & Crossbows

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Dinner Fairy

It's already 3:30 and I have yet to decide what we're having for dinner. AND, just a few minutes ago, I invited my Mom over to eat too. Please Dinner Fairy, Make A Stop At My House!!

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - For Your Convenience

Always have time to add a picture, but I haven't had time to write today. My son Cole, tried out and was selected for District Chorus. We just learned that he also made the All State Chorus as 1st delegate! I'm a proud Mommy!
I wouldn't want you to miss your opportunity to TOOT. So here's your link-up. Have fun and I'll be by to read your blogs soon.





Toot Your Horn Tuesday Participants

1. Kristina @ 3 under 4 2. Tier Plate Stand 3. Valentines Kids Craft @ Yoga Gal 4. The Gaines Gang {GIANT Goodwill frame redo} 5. The Gaines Gang{ PEACE sign goodie bag gift} 6. Making personal stamps 7. Jackie @Life in the Fishbowl 8. Glamming up your Overhead lighting! 9. Organize & Decorate (Coat Closet to DVD Closet) 10. Organize & Decorate (book pages ball) 11. Kelly From MakeItSparklyMama 12. All Things Heart and Home 13. Little Lizard King - Dino Duo DIY Applique 14. Shabby Chic Birdies...Jane @ Finding Fabulous 15. Classy Silhouettes @ Craft-Werk 16. Tara @ Feels Like Home (Repurposing Valentine cards) 17. Hearts and Cookies 18. Red Heads Craft More Fun (Pedestal Birdhouses) 19. Trish @TheOldPostRoad (my art) 20. A Mod Podge Weekend of Crafts 21. Talented Tuesday @ My Frugal Family 22. Building a Crafting Table; FREE @ Remodelaholic 23. PB Teen Redo @ Cheap Chic Home 24. BEST{{ever}}Banana Muffins@HowDOesShe 25. Erin K-Darling Refurbished Owl Stool 26. Beautiful washer necklace 27. Sneak Peek at the Cottage Shabby Makeover 28. bleached stencil t shirt tutorial from the homemaker 29. Pink Box Makover @ junkblossoms 30. CD Case Cube Frame @ BlackKatsDesign.blogspot.com 31. 3 Toddler Fleece Projects! 32. Deatils make a difference 33. The Welcome Home (Decoarate away the winter blahs) 34. SUPER easy purse hair tie AND earrings! 35. On the Go Activity Book @ 2nd St 36. 3D butterflies 37. Drab to Fab makeover & announcement 38. EASY Sugared EASTER eggs 39. Abbey @ Practically Perfect - Gift wrapped Bookcases 40. Recycled Box becomes Heart Shaped Basket 41. The Pampered Mom's Valentine's Day Treat 42. Like Candy in a Jar {Ribbon Storage} - Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs

43. PB Knock-Off--Recycle Center 44. Laura @ Frugal Follies (Sweet Bagel Chips) 45. Garlic Cheese Beer Biscuits @ Made By Stephie 46. Condo Blues - Free Framed Art 47. Real Housewife in MN: Easy Rice heating pads 48. Baby Angel Paintings @Murals&More 49. Two Sisters An A Cake! 50. Fabric Flower with beaded flower avisiontoremember 51. Nikki @ KreativeKnack 52. Car Seat Cover / Canopy 53. The Weather Outside is Frightful 54. Saving Money & Living Life (Tooting my horn about my hubby) 55. Kimberly @ Attempting Creative {Mardi Gras Cupcakes} 56. Ashley's Craft Corner (t-shirt skirt) 57. Healthy Dip! 58. Joan@anythinggoeshere~ Easy DIY pedestal for a cloche 59. Cheri Quite Contrary - From Placemats to Pillows! 60. MISTREATMENT @ SIT RELAX AND READ 61. KITCHEN REMODEL @ SIT RELAX AND READ 62. resizing pajama bottoms - easy! @ Our Daily Obsessions 63. Becca's Kitchen Updates 64. A tweet, a tute, & a giveaway 65. cindy 66. Jennifer ~ magnet board 67. Sunny Yellow Spring Wreath @ Design-Aholic 68. Delcious Rice Krispies Treats @ Casa Haus 69. DeBbiedoos 70. ♥♥♥You did what with a book?♥♥♥ 71. YOU DID WHAY WITH A BOOK? 72. Circle Dance Quilt @ Color Chic 73. Tawney 74. Jenn 75. 10 Minute Toddler Leg Warmers 76. bon @ Drab to FAB..wretched bear 77. $2.50 Lamp REVamp - Jen @ Noting Grace 78. Give Us This Day 79. Elegant Knock Off Orchid Tutorial 80. To-Go Book 81. A Crafty Escape: Fruit Knit Baby Hats 82. St. Patty's Day Wreath@ My Frugal Family 83. Twilight Inspired Crafty Box@ Talented Tuesday

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Emergency Chili

I can't believe it snowed again today! Here, where we usually only see snow every 10 years. This calls for some

CHILI

(Sorry Ladies, I don't follow a recipe for chili. This time I browned ground beef, added diced yellow pepper, an onion, a jar of salsa, can of diced tomatoes, can of kidney beans, can of shoepeg corn and a half cup of water or so, then added some spices - garlic salt, chili pepper, black and red pepper, and a few hearty squirts of Texas Pete, it's almost like a goulash, you could throw in some cooked pasta or rice and top it with some cheese. Anything goes, so easy and so yummy!)

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - LOVE

The purpose of Toot Your Horn Tuesday, is to give us all an opportunity to share some of our accomplishments. No matter how big or how small.


Today, I'm sharing a big one! My Family!
Can "family" be an accomplishment? I think so! Through many crazy times, we've managed to hold it together. Sure there's the *DAILY* bickering and irritation. Sure, 6 people living under one roof can be rough. Sure, the guys around here forget to put the toilet seat down. Sure, I've probably embarrassed my teenagers more then once. BUT, we know how to pull together when needed.

Since Valentine's Day is this weekend, I'm sharing my 2nd Annual Love Day Video! Family and Friends and Wonderful Memories (set to music) Last year's video is right here.
Can you feel the love?!



To participate in Toot Your Horn Tuesday, all you have to do is leave a comment below about something wonderful you've done. Or better yet,if you have a blog, write your own Toot Your Horn Tuesday post and come back to link up using the Mister Linky.
I hope you all have a
LOVEly Valentine's Day.


P.S. When Using Mister Linky, Please Use Your Name Or Blog Title and place a Toot Your Horn Tuesday link or button on your blog. Thanks!

Toot Your Horn Tuesday Participants

1. Valentine Soap Dispenser 2. New and Improved Wrapping Paper Closet & An Anthro Giveaway @ Yoga Gal 3. $10 Vanity Makeover @ junkblossoms 4. Red Heads Craft More Fun (Jute Monogram) 5. Jane @ Finding Fabulous...Preppy no-sew Aprons! 6. Lori's 2 topiaries that didn't cost a lot of $$$ 7. Kristina @ 3 under 4 8. valentine refashion 9. Monogram Door Hangers @ Made By Stephie 10. Fabric Covered Monogram Canvas @ Made By Stephie 11. Karla @ It's The Little Things - Owen's "New" Room - The Big Reveal 12. Valentine Door Hanging How To @ Remodelaholic 13. Lollipop Topiary Tutorial @ Remodelaholic 14. Book wreath and coffee filter wreaths@ Abode 15. So SIMPLE Girl's V-day Outfit 16. Flower Blossom Valentine's 17. Brown Paper Packages 18. Refashion: Toddler Ruffle Skirt Tutorial 19. Our Life as a Military Family - Elm Creek Quilt 20. Not-so-spicy Spicy Dice - Husband Gift) 21. Most Adorable Plush Flowers in a Pot EVER! 22. Cute topiaries @ Casa Haus 23. Easy Bake Recipe @ Casa Haus

24. Button Heart Frame @ childmade 25. Burger Chore Chart @ childmade 26. All Things Heart and Home~Having some fun with my kitchen wall! 27. All Things Heart and Home~Hearts & Buttons & Paint...oh my! 28. Little Lizard King - DIY Pillowcase Dresses 29. Becca's Jungle Mudroom Madness 30. Thifty Before and Afters and GIVEAWAY!! 31. Toile Spheres @ Cheap Chic Home 32. DIY Curtains @RealhousewifeinMN 33. Peppermint Hearts 34. Erin K-Gorgeous Long Necklace Holder 35. Fringed Burp Cloths 36. Yvonne@StoneGable 37. Magnetic Frame Tutorial 38. Old Garden tool decorating 39. Valentine's Tin Can 40. Liz @ IGTBH (DIY puzzle art) 41. 2 Dollar Tree Tutorials for Valenintines Day 42. EAT Custom Letters @ Everything Design 43. How to hot glue gun a pillow & not swear! 44. Baby Girl Castle @Murals&More 45. NO SEW PILLOWS @{All Things Thrifty} 46. Condo Blues - Make Granola Cereal

47. Creamy White & Roses @ No Minimalist Here 48. Dollar Tree Cloche & Talented Tuesday@My Frugal Family 49. Upcycled Wool Flower Pin @ BlackKatsDesign 50. The Little Brown House - Death by Chocolate 51. Saving Money & Living Life (Throwing a shower on a budget) 52. No-Sew Fringed Fleece Blanket @ Design-Aholic 53. Red Milk Jug Lamp @ Design-Aholic 54. PEAPOD GREEN CHALKBOARD NIGHTSTAND 55. Bricks & Maps from the little green bean 56. Letting Go with some Retail Therapy from Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs 57. Laurmela 58. Cute and Easy Valentines 59. A Man's Valentine Gift 60. applique jeans tutorial 61. New Kitchen Sink & Faucet @ DIY Newlyweds 62. Tara @ Feels Like Home (heart-shaped omelets or pancakes) 63. Cindy Conner 64. Flower Arrangement 65. I Heart this Dessert 66. Help and a GIVEAWAY! 67. Free Stuff 68. oven fried chicken yum

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Thinking Spring

Craving some Sunshine and Warm Temps!
At least tomorrow is Toot Your Horn Tuesday.
It'll be my Valentine's Edition, so start your posting!

Wow, It's Snowing!

Wow, just as the snow had melted away, we got more! Just a little this time, but it's another weekend stuck inside!

We'll probably skip church in the morning (again.) But not just because the roads will be frozen. We're also expecting someone to look at the house and we've got some cleaning to do! Yeah! This will be the second showing in the last 5 days. That's good since we'd been about 2 weeks without anything! One of the headlines in today's local newspaper was that home sales were quite slow around here. We're looking forward to a contract by the Spring though.

It's not like me to write on my blog on a Saturday night, but I'm trying to keep myself awake. I have to pick up my son from his job in a bit. He works at a grocery store. I'll be interested to hear how his night went, since so many people flock to the store when there's any kind of "weather." We're such wimps here on the East Coast!

Since I'm here, I may as well add a cute little video clip of Glynis' first reaction to the snow. It's only 12 seconds. And she's soooo darn cute!

Snow Days

The snow is melting away, but my memories are frozen in time....

Toot Your Horn Tuesday - Paint & Snow

It's time to TOOT!! How has your week been? Do you need a little pat on the back? Because this is the place to get one!!
Another crazy week in my little nest! As you know, we're trying to sell our house. Unfortunately, we're not getting much traffic. My real estate agent recommended that I tone down my kitchen to make it a little more neutral. I suppose that the black chalk board paint and my geometric hand painted back-splash might not appeal to everyone. This is the before picture.


The family really hated to see our kitchen changed, but it's what you've got to do! So....I ran to Lowe's and picked up some paint. What's more neutral than white? Right? Well, the paint went up pretty quickly. I have a small kitchen. But it looked horrible! Back to Lowe's I went and up went another color. Toasted Almond. Sounds nice, but once it was up, I HATED it! In the meantime, we had a snow storm!!

The biggest snow event we've had in 20 years! We rarely even get a dusting, but we ended up with over 8 inches. It was Saturday and the painting had to wait! There was fun to be had!! We built a snowman, made snow angels and ate snow cream. Although it hasn't snowed since Saturday, the temperature has been cold enough that the snow and ice are still here. School was canceled for Monday and Tuesday, because this part of the country is not equipped for this type of weather.

I did get back to the painting though. Today, I painted a 3rd time!! Back to white, but it's an off white and much less stark. I like my geometric design better, but this will have to do. Now it's NEUTRAL! And my entire body is sore!! Who paints a room 3 times, 3 different colors within 5 days?! ...me

This explains why I have not been on my blog since last Tuesday! What have you been up to? Please leave a comment if you're playing along! Don't forget to link back to this blog with either a button or a hyperlink in your post.



Toot Your Horn Tuesday Participants

1. Lollipop Boutonnieres for the Kids! 2. Ballard Inspired Bee Bulletin Board @ Design-Aholic 3. Milk Glass, Grey Bird, & Moss @ Design-Aholic 4. Romantic Red@COASTAL CHARM 5. Adventure Mom Janna- Trash to Toys EASY, FUN, CHEAP 6. Simple (but the best ever) Burp Cloth Tutorial 7. Prudent & Practical {DIY Geico Money Figure} 8. Monogram Magnets @ Made By Stephie 9. Newspaper Flowers @ Made By Stephie 10. Valentine Easter Bunny @ childmade 11. Flower Decorations from Bottle Bottoms @ Craft-Werk 12. All Things Heart and Home~Button & Burlap Heart 13. Memory Board Tutorial and GIVEAWAY!! 14. Little Lizard King - Before & After Dining to Living Room 15. Book Adventures @ Lakewood 16. Tara @ Feels Like Home (Valentine Love Notes for Your Kids) 17. Becca's Breakfast Room Addition 18. "A" Is for Alex- Wall Hanging 19. LOVE is in the Air Wreath 20. Coaster Memos (Red Heads Craft More Fun) 21. Super Easy Primitive Heart Wall Hanging

22. Pottery Barn Inspired Roman Numeral Decor 23. Spray paint Dead Plants To Give Them New Life 24. Magnetic Frame 25. Valentine's Day Art Purse 26. From The Trenches Of Motherhood 27. Gorgeous Packages from Cereal Boxes 28. Old, beat up filing cabinet turned wonderful storage bench... 29. Condo Blues (Insulated Roman Shade) 30. Check Yes or No Valentine's Booklet 31. Painted Lilac Suitcases @ Murals&More 32. Utensil Holder @ Keeping It Simple 33. Valentine Angel made to look old 34. Make a $500 screen for $30 EASY! @ Remodelaholic 35. Family Time Capsule @ somewhat simple 36. Crystal Heart Valentine’s Tutorial @ Remodelaholic 37. Liz @ IGTBH (funky recovered dining chairs) 38. Cozy Bedroom from Grace @ Ruby Moon Designs 39. Erin K-Subtle Valentine Decor 40. Favorites and Things- Valentines Tree 41. Handmade valentines @ Second Street 42. HowDoesShe - "Bee" my Valentine

43. Jane@FindingFabulous...A Fun Lamp Revamp! 44. Molly @ The Snyder 5 45. $3 Memo Board (Gail @ Black Copper DIY) 46. Valentine Mantle & Giveaway @ Yoga Gal 47. COOKIE CUTTER DISPLAY 48. Our Ugly Duckling Kitchen@ la maison LaFortune 49. 24$ redo 50. Melissa (tablecloth and chair covers) 51. Amber: Coffee Table Redo 52. Candle sticks and vases turned Monogram Candles Life As Lori 53. Painted Kitchen Cabinets@Cheaplikeabirdie 54. love-ly valentines day decor @ homesweet homebodies 55. My free table renovation 56. Valentine Tree 57. Valentine Placemats 58. Amanda @ Mom of Two Boys 59. Stinkin Cute Lovebirds! 60. Karli 61. Auction Find 62. Saving Money & Living Life (Weddings tips on a budget)

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