Transformation

"The new birth is very much more than simply shedding a few tears due to a temporary remorse over sin. It is far more than changing our course of life, the leaving off of bad habits and substituting of good ones. It is something different from the mere cherishing and practicing of noble ideals. It goes infinitely deeper than coming forward to take some popular evangelist by the hand, signing a pledge card, or "joining the church". The new birth is no mere turning over a new leaf, but is the inception and reception of a new life. It is no mere reformation but a complete transformation. In short, the new birth is a miracle, the result of the supernatural operation of God. It is radical, revolutionary, lasting." --A.W. Pink

Have I mentioned that I love coupons?!

This cost me .89! (and yes, I know I don't need the Butterfinger, but it was free, I'm not turning down free chocolate!)

Albertsons Twice the Value coupons are supposed to be in this Sunday's paper! (no coupon insert this week due to the Holiday)

Detangler

With both of my girls having long hair, we go through hair detangler rather quickly. It is something we use every day, sometimes twice a day. I only occasionally find a coupon for it, so I was looking for a way to make my own. It is incredibly easy and inexpensive! Especially if your like me and get your conditioner for free or really cheap because of coupons!
I made some this morning and tried it on Rylie's hair. (see before and after picture) I loved it! I think it worked better than the detangler I normally buy. From now on, I'll be making my own!
All it takes is 3 Tablespoons of conditioner and 1 1/4 cups of water. Put them both in a spray bottle (I used our empty detangler bottle) and shake well. (The girls helped me with this part!) Very easy! I decided to make my own label for fun!

How to make sidewalk chalk! (I want to try this!)

Here's How:

1. Find a mold for your sidewalk chalk. Anything from a toilet tissue roll or small paper cup to fancy candy molds will work.
2. Mix together 1 cup of Plaster of Paris with 3/4 cup of water.
3. Add color to your mixture using powdered tempera paint.
4. Blend well and let stand for a few minutes.
5. Pour your mixture into the molds you chose.
6. Set aside and let dry completely.
7. Once dry you can remove your chalk from the mold.
8. Set it aside to dry for approximately 24 hours more.
9. Take your chalk outside and create fun masterpieces!

Tips:

1. Powdered tempera paint is available at most large craft stores.
2. Experiment with making swirled colors by adding the paint and stirring very little.
3. Drying time can take from several hours to a few days depending on the size of the mold you chose.

What You Need:

• A Mold
• 1 cup Plaster of Paris
• 3/4 cup Water
• Medium Sized Bowl
• Powedered Tempera Paint

Sherri Osborn
Family Crafts Guide

On My Wish List!

I just stumbled across this book and I think I need to add it to my wish list! "How to make your own bacon, cheese, marshmallows, and more"! How intriguing is that?!
I have been wanting to find out how to make more things rather than buying them for the frugality side of it, but also for the food purity of it. I'm just scratching the surface, but this book looks like it would be profitable!
Here's the Amazon link if you think you need it as well!

Shared photo book from amy

Click here to view this photo book larger

12 Years!

Twelve years ago, I married my best friend. I'm so thankful that God has blessed me with my wonderful, godly husband who is so patient with me and who makes me laugh like no one else can. He calms me and encourages me. I love watching him interact with other people and hearing his wisdom. It makes my heart melt a little each time I watch playing with our girls.
I am very blessed to have been married to Ryan for the past twelve years, and here's to many, many more!

Beach Fieldtrip

Third Soccer Game

Spring Supper

Last Saturday we had our Spring Supper at church. It's always a fun time for the women and the little girls to come together and have chocolate. . . I mean fellowship!

My Grandma just went to Heaven. Please pray for my family, especially my Grandpa tonight. Thank you!

Afternoon at the Zoo

Last week my sister and nephew came to visit us. We let Rylie play hooky from school one of the days and took them to the zoo. The weather was great, albeit a bit windy. The power did go out, we were glad we had gotten our lunch when we did because the grill had to close right after that. There was hardly anyone else at there so we felt like we had the run of the place.
It was fun watching Anna's eyes get big as she saw the huge walrus and she was enthralled with the monkeys. We were also able to watch the Tiger eat his lunch for quite a while, so that was interesting.
It was a fun memory!

Shared photo book from amy

Click here to view this photo book larger

Preschool Mother's Day Tea

I love being a Mommy!

Rub a Dub Dub. . .

. . .4 Cousins in a Tub!

Rylie's Cubbie Graduation

So proud of my Cubbie for completing her book (her second) and for completing her year of Cubbies! I still can't believe that she's not going to be a Cubbie next year! She's getting too old too fast!

Spent $3 saved $23!

I needed to go buy some more coffee creamer, that normally costs me about $3 so I decided to take along my coupons and my Albertsons twice the value coupons and see what else I could get. I got all of this, and the creamer for $3. This is why I love coupons! I could have just gotten the creamer for $3, but I'd rather get all of this.

Gardening with Grandma

The other day we went over to Grandma's and helped her plant some veggies. Anna was excited to plant her green bean seeds and then immediately wanted to know if they were ready to eat! Rylie enjoyed planting and making the Gardening stakes. We are looking forward to the harvest!

Rylie's First Soccer Game