Melody's Muse

I love my teenager!

2012-02-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

I love my teenager.

I do.

Lately, all I hear about on Facebook...from friends, acquaintances, and things in the news is how awful teenagers are.

One friend says her teenager hates her.
One friend's teen is failing out of school.
One friend's teen is sneaking out.
One friend's teen is bad-mouthing her and her father.
Another friend comments on how weird and awful teens are out shopping.
People are saying how disrescpectul teens are.
All I hear is negativity about today's teens.

I wanted to start this post with something positive...like a quote or verse about the positive aspects of teens.
Searched all over the internet.
Couldn't find ONE positive thing I liked!

What is wrong with this picture?!?

First of all...let me say...if you think that ALL teenagers today are warped, weird, disrectful, mouthy, filthy-mouthed kids...
YOU ARE WRONG.

There are A LOT of wonderful teenagers out there!

I happen to know a lot of them!
I happen to LIVE WITH one of them!

I may be a little biased...as any mother is...but I am not blind.
I know my kid.
He is respectful...to adults and peers.
He is empathetic.
He is kind and generous.
He has strong faith.
He hates foul language.
He hates seeing people mistreated.
He is quiet and reserved.
He's fun to hang out with.
I love being his mom.

His friends are like this too.
He has a great circle of friends.
Guys and girls alike.
They are respectful.
They call myself and my husband Mr. and Mrs. James.
They are well-behaved.
I enjoy their company.

So the next time you find yourself "generalizing" a teenager and saying they're all rebelious, disrespectful, freaks of nature...just remember, there are just as many WONDERFUL teenagers out there (if not more).

I just had to share this because of all the negativity I've been seeing on Facebook about teens.
I think it's a real shame that they get such a bad rap.
I will agree that there are A LOT of foul-mouthed, disrespectful, gossipy, mean, half-clothed, weird ones...
But I will also stick up for the other half who are WONDERFUL young people to hang around!!!

I love the teens in my life!

Fab At 40!

2012-02-07T20:37:00.000-08:00

I had a birthday.

Another one.

And not just ANY birthday.

A big one.

A milestone one.

One that many people hide from.

One that many get depressed about.

When I first thought about the actual number, I didn't really like it.

But then, it hit me.

Just like everyone says...

"Age is just a number".

Really...

That's all it is.

So I've been around forty years.

So I've celebrated forty times on February 6.

I quickly decided it was nothing to be upset over.

First they said, "Thirty is the new twenty".

Now they say, "Forty is the new thirty".

Honestly, I don't care what is new.

What I do know...

Is...

That I'm LOVING this stage of my life.

So why fret?

I decided I'd make a list of some of the things that are absolutely awesome about being forty and being in this stage of life.

Here goes:

1. MY KIDS

-No more night time feedings! (They can actually make a meal on their own now!)

-No more potty training! (Hallelujah, doing the ~~happy~~ ECSTATIC dance! Thank you God we're past that!)

-No more monsters in the closet or under the bed. (They are so busy with homework and activities, they're out the minute their heads hit the pillows!)

-No more waking me up early on the weekends. (They sleep in too! And when they do wake up, they make a bowl of cereal and watch tv and I get to keep sleeping!)

-Watching them excel and grow in many ways. (Baseball, basketball, marching band, Royal Rangers, campouts, friends' houses, girlfriends)

2. MY HUSBAND

-After 18+ years of marriage, we're comfortable with each other. (Yes we burp, pass gas, yell, cry, argue, and see each other at our complete worst.)

-We are completely commited to each other. (We've had "experiences" that have tested each other...but we both realize that we have made a vow before God and to each other that we are "LIFERS" and it just gets better with time.)

3. MY FRIENDS

-After so many failed friendships, friends who have passed away, friends who have moved away, friends who enjoy a "one-way friendship", and friends of convenience...I have learned that there are VERY FEW TRUE FRIENDS in life. (I thank God for my husband, my best friend who has always had my back no matter what. And for a few tried and true relationships that He has brought into my life who are always there for me, at my best and worst!)

4. MYSELF

-After struggling for so many years growing up with self-esteem and never feeling good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough...God has finally taught me that I am made in HIS image...and who am I to question that? By questioning how HE made me, it's almost a slap in the face! HE created me just the way HE wanted me!

HE gave me the looks I have. (I am not ugly!)

HE gave me the intelligence I have. (I am not dumb!)
HE gave me the talent I have. (I am talented!)

I AM GOOD ENOUGH!

He helps me daily with my imperfections and struggles, but He also shows me that I do have purpose!

See!

That's a pretty good list of things I have goin' for me at forty!

At least I think so!

Naturally, I'm not giving in to Mother Nature and will "help" her as much as I can, LOL!

I tend to take after my Grandma M. in denying that I'm "old" and fighting it gracefully every step of the way. Teehee!

Grandma colored her hair until she was too sick to do it anymore...as will I!

Grandma always had make-up on until she was too sick to do it anymore...as will I!

Grandma always swore by certain soaps and creams...as will I!

Nothing wrong with LOOKING GOOD as we age!

You hear people say, "Oh to be back in high school again!"

NO THANK-YOU!

"Oh to have babies again!"

NO THANK-YOU!

I am very happy where I'm at right now!
It's a good place.

Each milestone of our life is good.

God has good things in each phase of life for us.

We will go through trials and tests as well.

But in the end, if we're serving Him...we always come out stronger!

And so to this birthday, I say...

You don't scare me!

I'm not depressed!

Because...

FAB

AT 40

!!!

Necessities vs. Luxuries...

2012-01-28T19:00:00.000-08:00

I have a dilemma.

What do you do when you are faced with a situation with a friend and you don't know what to do?

I have a "friend"...we're not "close"...but close enough I consider her a friend.

Her family doesn't have a lot.

One income family.

And things are tight.

I have helped her out with things before...when they don't have the money for things.

I love being generous.

I love helping people.

I believe Jesus wants to help others in need.

I have always loved being a generous person.

HOWEVER...

What I don't like...

Is seeing this person's Facebook status about all the "frivolous" luxuries they are buying.

Maybe it is not my place to make those kinds of judgements.

But...

At the same time, it makes me a little more hesitant to "give" or "help" when I see them purchasing non-necessities and luxury items.

As much as I love helping them out...

This frustrates me.

What would you do?

It doesn't take a genious...but it does take willingness to think on your own.

2012-01-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

Parenting.

It doesn't take a genious.

It does take some common sense though.

The other day, a younger mom than myself, with three small children said, "The other day G____ was having a major meltdown! A huge tantrum! Her brother has never done that! I didn't know what to do! I wondered what Dr. Dobson would say. I wondered what the pediatrician would say."

Ok mom...you are twenty-eight years old, you have three children, you are college educated, you are a God-fearing christian woman, and very intelligent.

What do YOU think you should do?

Personally, I have NEVER been one to "ask the experts".

I really don't CARE what doctors, psychologists, authors, etc. have to say.

THEY don't know MY child.

They can give opinions, quote the results to studies, and go by national averages.

But they don't know MY child.

They don't know what is best for my child.

This same mom was then talking to me about her baby the next day.

"I don't know why she won't sleep during the day. And she stays up so late at night. I better ask the pediatrician why."

Ok mom. Maybe she's not tired.

Maybe she doesn't require as much sleep as your other two children did.

I am NOT saying that we need to go about parenting COMPLETELY on our own.

When there is a medical issue, OF COURSE we take our children to the doctor. We ask questions. We make sure their health is taken care of.

But when it comes to the day to day things like...

Eating and sleeping, chores, playing, social skills, discipline...

God gave us all intelligence.

He gave us all common sense.

All we have to do is...
USE IT.

I have never been one to ask the "parenting forums and groups".

I don't feel the need to "find out from friends" what they do.

Personally, I don't care WHAT other people do.

I don't care what the so called "experts" think.

I have been given intelligence and common sense by God and I use it!

I live by God's Word.

That is my guide book in life.

I don't need parenting books and magazines (not that I haven't read them).

I don't need to call the doctor (unless it's a medical issue).

If my child won't eat his carrots...I really don't make an issue of it!

I say, "Try two bites."

They do it.

Game over.

We try a new veggie next time!

They don't want to pick up their toys?

Fine, no other toys come out until those are picked up.

Don't want to do your homework?

Loss of technology (video games, computer, iPods, phones).

I can tell you this too...I've never even made it to the consequence stage with my boys!

They know what's expected of them...they know what happens if they don't do it.

It's that simple!

I lay it out...they know what they need to do...they don't want a consequence...so they do it!

Gee, that's tough.

To me, it's common sense.

I didn't need to ask my mom.

I didn't need to ask my friend.

I didn't need to look it up in a book.

I didn't need to ask my doctor.

We have house rules...we have consequences laid out if they're not followed.

Do my kids think I'm mean?

Nope.

They don't.

They know they have responsibilities.

I will say it's easier now that they're older (15 and 11) because I can reason with them.

I won't say things were this easy when they were toddlers.

Did we have meltdowns?

Yes. Did I give in and let them do what they wanted?

NO.

Them + Meltdown = Leaving

Whether we were in a restaurant, store, outing, etc.

Even then.

It's common sense.

You don't give in to a meltdown with a toddler/preschool child.

They learn what's expected.

They melt down.

You leave.

I always spoke in a firm, but calm voice...wrapped my arms around them in an embrace/hug...gradually speaking softer and softer...calming and soothing them until they stopped.

We then talked about their behavior and why it wasn't acceptable and why we had to leave the locataion.

There are not many things that I feel I'm good at in life.

In fact, I have a really low self-esteem and don't accept compliements well.

But...

There is one thing, that's I've always felt good at.

One thing I've always felt equipped for.

One thing that I feel I've never had to question my knowlege or ability in.

What is it you ask?

PARENTING.

I don't feel good at anything in life really.

Every hobby, job, activity, sport I've ever tried...I'm no good at.

I'm a complete flop.

Being a mom?

I love it.

I feel like God blessed me with the ability to be a great mom to my children.

I don't know why.

Because I certainly stink at so many other things in life.

But being a mom...is the ONE thing I feel good at.

My kids talk to me.

They come to me.

They tell me things most tweens and teens would NEVER go to their parents with.

I think that says something.

And I am NOT one to brag.

God knows, I am NOT good at anything...
But being a mommy...I think I've found my calling.

I am SO proud of my boys and the way they're turning out.

They are Godly, caring, empathetic, kind, generous, fun, friendly, cooperative, and more.

Kids love them, adults love them.

And I thank God for blessing me with them!

296 "FRIENDS"???

2012-01-20T20:10:00.000-08:00

Friendship + Me = Complicated

I have learned much about friendship through out my lifetime.

I learned in elementary school how much fun a best friend is.

And how confusing it is when she is taken from you to heaven because her precious life was cut short.

I learned in junior high and high school how difficult it is to form friendships when you're not popular.

I learned in college that most of the friendships were fast and fleeting as we all moved on with our life to marriages, families, and careers.

I learned as an adult, you're lucky if you find one or two "real" friends.

And then again, how it hurts when the one you thought was your new-found answer to prayer, is once again called to heaven and her life is cut short as well.

All my life, my friends have either passed away, moved away, or dumped me.

I am now approaching a new phase in my life.

I am getting older.

Wiser.

I have developed a couple "relationships" of types again.

Do I dare refer to them as friends?

Sometimes I'm afraid to.

After my last friend passed away, I told my mom that I was afraid to open myself up to any more friendships.

Essentially afraid they too would die.

I mean seriously...how many close friends of yours have died during their childhood or in as a young mother?

Mom told me I have to open myself up to take chances.

I am glad I did.

I have developed a very special bond with a new friend.

Well, we've become friends over the past three years.

We went to the same school and were many years apart.

We rarely talked in school, just due to the age difference.

But now...

She has become someone I cherish and hold dear.

Real friends aren't the ones who comment on your Facebook status each day.
They don't need "prompting" to interact with you.

REAL FRIENDS are the ones who come to you when you AREN'T there.
They NOTICE when you're quiet.
They NOTICE when you're absent.
They NOTICE small diferences in you.
They can tell if something isn't quite right.

I have 296 Facebook friends.
Out of all those hundreds of "friends", I talk to only maybe 8-10 on a regular basis.

But...
It is my one TRUE friend who notices when I've been gone for a while.
She notices my "tone" in my status updates.

She doesn't need to be "prompted" by my posts to ask me, "How's it going?" or say, "I miss you!"
We can share anything with each other.
I know it's not going anywhere when I tell her.

To this day...
I will never understand how this friendship came to be.
If someone would have told me that she and I would be close friends, we'd have both probably said, "You're kidding, right?"
Because when you're younger, all you see is age difference.

Now...we are both wives, mothers, work full time...so we have a lot in common.
We "get" each other.

I just wanted to say how eternally grateful I am for God bringing us together.
It was totally a God-thing.

I truly didn't think I'd ever have another friend I could trust my heart to.
Thank-you God for my TRUE FRIEND.

15 is fun...

2012-01-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Sunday was Evan's Winter Band Concert.

It was really nice.

I enjoy the classical music.

He looked so handsome in his tux.

It's hard to believe year 15 is halfway over.

I always hate hearing parents who talk about how awful the teen years are.

For us, they have been (mostly) full of joy and new adventures.

There's been marching band, Homecomings, Winter Fests, friends, birthday parties (with girls!), game nights with the guys, paper routes, campouts with Royal Rangers at church, (one) girlfriend, and so much more.

Lots of fun.

We have had our share of struggles too.

Though I have to say...nothing we've been through has been because of broken rules, rebellion, or such. I am so thankful that God blessed us with Evan and his sensitive heart, sweet spirit, generosity toward others.

Evan makes me want to be a better person.

I have NEVER in FIFTEEN years, heard Evan say one bad thing about ANYONE.

That's something "I" could really work on.

He doesn't "trash-talk".

I wish I thought about the things I say more before I said them...just like he does.

He's such a good kid.

And I admire him.

It's been a tough year for him.

He's gone through his ADD testing and diagnosis.

He's gone through his scoliosis diagnosis.

Yet he's such a trooper.

He doesn't complain.

He doesn't worry.

He continues to have faith in God that everything will be ok.

That's how I want to be.

Just like Evan.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!

2012-01-18T16:54:00.000-08:00

Matt went to my school. His family went to my church.
If you haven't heard on the news or read in the newspaper...he is missing.
He was in Japan on a business trip.
He went camping at Mt. Fugi the weekend before...and then didn't report to work on Monday.
Search and rescue crews along with helicopters have been searching for him.
We need prayer urgently that Matt would be found alive and unharmed.
You can visit his Facebook prayer page at "Please Pray for Matt Johnson".
This is day three of searching. Weather conditions are looking good today.
Join us in prayer. His family is hurting really bad right now...oh so worried.
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/01/michigan-man-missing-on-japans-frigid-mount-fuji/?fb_ref=.Txb9t764tWo.like&fb_source=timeline

Zip it up!

2012-01-12T19:48:00.000-08:00

I was always very quiet and shy growing up.

So much so...

That I believe it affected my social life.

That all changed when I met my husband.

He is the polar opposite of me.

He is assertive, speaks his mind, and has an opinion on everything...

And he's not afraid to share it!

LOL!

But upon getting married...

He brought out the confidence in me.

Not that I'm a confident person now.

But I have opened up and speak freely.

I talk a lot more now.

I am more social.

And I don't have a problem sharing my opinions, convictions and beliefs.

I don't do as much of this "face to face".

I tend to do it more online.

With friends, acquaintences, and also just commenting on forums, groups, and such online.

It's not that I'm hiding behind the computer.

But I just find it easy to speak in discussions online.

Though if the opportunity presented itself, I may just surprise myself (and everyone else) and speak up then too, LOL!

But...

I am starting to learn...

Many people don't like my opinions, beliefs, and convictions.

I am conservative.

I am faith-based.

I have high standards.

I am a very moral/ethical person.

BUT...

I am not "politically correct".

Sorry.

I'm just not.

I am a very compassionate person.

I do not ever go around hurting people's feelings.

I am kind and considerate of everyone.

I am very accomodating.

I am inclusive.

HOWEVER...

I do not believe in "accepting" everything.

If it is liberal...

If it goes against my faith...

If it goes against my high standards...

If it goes against my morals/ethics...

I will speak my mind.

I still love YOU as a person.

I still respect YOU as a person.

But I may not agree with your actions or choices.

And that is Biblical.

Jesus Himself hung around the sinners and loved them.

He did not, however, accept their lifestyle.

I have been attacked more lately by friends and strangers alike for the way I think.

What bothered me the most was...

From a stranger...I can take it.

They don't know the real me.

They don't know I'm a kind, compassionate person who would never hurt anyone.

But when a friend attacks me...
THAT bothers me.

They KNOW what kind of person I am.

And that bothers me.

So...

I have begun to think...

Maybe it's time to just go back to being my quiet self.

Just like high school.

I will talk to friends.

"Small talk."

I will not engage in ANYTHING controversial, political, religous, or the likes.

People know where I stand.

I am beginning to think people don't really want your opinion.

They just like to stir the kettle.

So...

As I titled this post...

I think in those situations...

It's time to...

ZIP IT UP!

Compliments...it's ok to accept them.

2012-01-11T18:29:00.000-08:00

I have always had a TERRIBLE time accepting a compliment.

I think it stems from the fact that I've always struggled with self-esteem.

Never feeling pretty enough.

Never feeling talented enough.

Never feeling good enough.

With

ANYTHING

EVERYTHING.

Tonight...

It hit me like a ton of bricks.

It's ok to accept a compliment.

Every time someone says...

"I love your hair! That is a great cut on you!"

I thank them.

But I shrug it off and think...

"Oh they're just trying to make me feel good."

Or when someone says...
"Oh your cookies and cakes look so nice! You're really doing great!"

I thank them.

But I shrug it off and think...

"They just don't want to hurt my feelings. I'm not any good at this."

I ALWAYS shrug off compliments.

I ALWAYS think people are just feeling sorry for me.

I ALWAYS think people just want to make me feel better about myself.

I don't know...

Maybe they do.

BUT...

Maybe they don't!

Maybe...just maybe...

They really do mean it.

Tonight I had a realization.

That I need to STOP being so unaccepting of compliments.

People don't just say things to say them.

I think most of my friends are genuine enough to be truthful with me.

I would hope they are.

So from now on...

When someone pays me a compliment...

I'M TAKING IT!

I'm taking it and running with it!

Because EVERYONE deserves compliments!

We don't get complimented enough in life.

It's important to tell people when they do a good job on something.

It's important to tell someone when they look nice.

It's important to tell someone they are talented.

IT'S IMPORTANT!!!

AND...

IT'S OK TO TAKE THAT COMPLIMENT!

When we work hard on something...

Be it a diet/exercise program and lose some weight.

Be it working at a new skill.

Be it taking up a new hobby.

Be it trying out a new hair style or color.

When we do something good...

TAKE THE COMPLIMENT!

You are important!

You are talented!

You are attractive!

God made me in His image...
He is the one who gives me talents...

He gives me everything!

So when I blow off a compliment...
I am shrugging off the blessings He's given me!

We must be careful not to get cocky.

Because it is God who gives us all gifts and talents.

So next time someone pays you a compliment...

TAKE IT!

And give God the glory!

I'm going to from now on!

I am not letting the enemy steal my joy anymore!

I will not blow off that compliment on my hair.

I will not shrug off the compliment on my cake or cookies I made.

I will thank God for the talents He is developing in me and for creating me in His image!

Thank-you God for my strengths and for continuing to help me improve my weaknesses!

Amen!

So...what have I been up to?

2012-01-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

Well...I am going to try to get back to more "personal" writing on the blog.
Anymore...it seems I'm only posting events, holidays, activities, or gripes, LOL!
But I really used to enjoy just "writing"...from my heart.
Things I enjoy, things that inspire me, what I am doing with my life, etc.

I've been a "BIT" busy.
I know...you say.
We're all busy.
But REALLY.
I've been REALLY busy.
Still am as a matter of fact.

Things have actually been "out of hand " busy.
Not only am I working 55+ hours a week running my childcare/preschool business.
That wasn't enough for this super-mom!
NO!
Not me!
I had to add more!

I have since added a part-time on the side baking business.
It's tiny.
But enough to stress me out when I have a project due.
Even though I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
I'm a perfectionist and I stress until it's done.
Sweet Ivy Confections is the name.
We have a website, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter.
I've been doing birthday and holiday cakes, decorated cookies, cake pops, and other petite treats.
I love it.
It brings me complete bliss.
And I pray I can get into it full time some day!

Secondly...
I haven't told many people or really made it public.
Mostly because I have this fear.
I am taking classes again.
Correspondance/online classes.
I am going to be a certified medical transcriptionist.
My goal is to work from home full time doing this.
(And continue to build the baking job.)
I am halfway through the course.
And I am killing myself trying to get done.
It is a "work-at-your-own-pace" program.
But...
Because the instructor told me that it "COULD" be done in five months...
(if one were to go at it full time)
I thought I had to get done in five months.
I expected no less of myself.
Of course, I didn't factor in raising a family, running a childcare business full time, and baking part-time.
So...
I've blown my five month goal.
My new goal is to finish by the end of the school year.
I am putting WAY too much pressure on myself and it's killing me.
I mentioned that I had fear of making it public knowlege.
WHY?...you may ask.
Because a couple years ago, I went back to school for dental assisting and graduated from dental assisting school.
Well, I never found work in the field and I felt like all my time and money on the certification was a complete waste and I looked at myself as a failure.
Not that it really WAS me failing.
I graduated with high honors!
But the fact that there were no jobs when I graduated.
That made me feel like a failure.
And now...
I am having doubts with this program.
I worry.
Will there be jobs in this field when I graduate?
We were pretty much assured there would be.
The last phase of the program is pretty much geared toward helping you find a job.
Of course, there are no guarantees in life.
But they were pretty adament that their program was successful and their students did find work.
So...
I guess I really just need to quit worrying.
What will be will be.
God has the master plan.
I fail to remember that at times.

So those are some of the things I've been working on.
Just a little busy, eh?

I am also trying to lose a few pounds.
A few pounds found me over the holidays...
So they really need to SCRAM, GET LOST, and BEAT IT!
Jamie and I are doing The Food Lover's Diet.
I am trying to lose 10-15 pounds.
My fitness ball is back in my life.
I'm doing my crunches daily.
We are thinking of rejoining Snap Fitness.
So we have some goals we're working on there in our life too.

Hmmm...
Anything else?
Well...I think that's about it for tonight.
It's getting late.
I promise I'm going to try to write more personal posts.
I started this blog to not only share my family...
But to share my feelings.
And just to have some kind of record of our life to look back on over the years.

So with that...
I'll close for tonight.
Sweet dreams my friends!
xoxox

Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I kinda miss it!

2012-01-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

Winter in Michigan has been almost non-existant this year.
We've had a few light snows.
And then it melts.
Don't get me wrong...
The dry roads have been AWESOME to drive on.
But somehow...
It just doesn't feel right.
It is Michigan, afterall.
We're SUPPOSED to have snow in the winter.
And...don't tell anyone I said so...
(Because I'll deny it if you do.)
But...
I kind of miss it!

P.S.
Update...
We have a Winter Storm Watch for Thursday.
Possibly 6 inches of snow coming!
Oooooh!

Who knew?

2012-01-09T16:13:00.000-08:00

So I've always gone my whole life thinking I had straight as a board hair.

I've always hated it.

Then one day I casually mentioned this to my hair stylist, who said...

"You don't have straight hair at all! You have LOTS of natural wave!"

So I decided one day to just put some gel (Short Sexy Hair) in it and blow dry and scrunch it.

VOILA!

She was right!

Curly hair!

I guess I had been straightening it all my life and not realizing it!

Who knew?

Did you know it's illegal in Michigan...

2012-01-06T18:27:00.000-08:00

There is something that has been really bothering me lately.
It's in regards to the law here in Michigan.

I don't think people MEAN to break this law on purpose.
Many people don't even know.
But as they always say, "Ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law".

So...here goes.

I am a licensed childcare provider.
I work really hard to maintain a clean, safe, educational, and fun environment for the children I have in my care.
All of the parents of the children in my care constantly tell me that having their children in my care, makes them feel better about having to go to work and leave them...knowing they are safe, well-cared for, loved, having fun, and learning with me.
I appreciate that!

I go through all the steps to maintain my license.
I do all of the paperwork.
I pay all of the fees.
I keep up on all the safety and home maintenance required.
I take classes on early childhood development and business administration, First Aid, CPR.
I participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program.
It's a lot of work.

HERE'S WHAT BOTHERS ME...

IN MICHIGAN, IT IS ILLEGAL TO WATCH UNRELATED CHILDREN IN YOUR HOME AND BE PAID FOR IT WITHOUT A LICENSE.
In other words...if you are babysitting in your home, for someone else's children and you take money from them...and you are doing so without a license...YOU ARE BREAKING THE LAW. (You may watch relatives in your home. Or you may watch non-related children in their own home.)
But you CAN NOT...watch NON-RELATED CHILDREN in YOUR HOME and be PAID for it.
It is ILLEGAL.

A Department of Human Services Licensing Consultant COULD COME TO YOUR HOUSE.
Action could be taken against you.

I see this all the time.
And I don't think a lot of people even know any better.
They don't know it's the law.
I see neighbors doing it.
I know friends who do it.
I have even had FAMILY members do it.

But it is VERY FRUSTRATING to me...as a licensed provider to see this.
I go through all the steps to maintain a license.
And let me tell you...it is NO JOY...to keep up with all of these rules.
Not to mention, having the licensing consultants come into your home each year for inspections.
It is VERY INTIMIDATING.

But I do it because it's the LAW.
And that's the right thing to do.

I am not saying these people who are "babysitting" in unlicensed homes are bad people.
I'm not saying they aren't doing a good job.
I'm not saying their homes aren't safe.

I AM SAYING...IT'S ILLEGAL.

And it just really irks me, that I go to all the trouble, hassle, fees, classes, inspections, etc...and others simply don't.

Technically...I COULD (and SHOULD) report it to licensing...because licensing says that we as licensed providers SHOULD turn in those who are not licensed.

But...
I simply look the other way.
I am not one to make trouble.

I guess in the end...
I can just go to bed knowing...
That I am following the laws of Michigan.

I have a safe, clean, loving, educational, fun environment with a preschool curriculum for my kiddos. Their parents know that they have found a dependable provider who loves their children.

Sometimes...
I guess we just grin (or not) and bear it.
(sigh)

"The Death Of Pretty..."

2011-12-28T11:56:00.000-08:00

A Facebook friend of mine recently posted this article:
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-death-of-pretty
It is so well written and something we should all take to heart.
It is something each of us as women should remember.
It is something we should teach our young girls.
It is something men should read as well.
Take time to read and reflect on it.
It's good stuff.

This and that in December...

2011-12-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

We had a busy December. I already posted about some of it...but there was much more to come. On the first Saturday of December, we went down to mom and dad's for our annual cookie baking day (for the grandkids). This top photo of me and my sister, we were modeling the flowers in our hair that mom made us.

Geeg and all the grandkids ready to bake and decorate! Geeg always has a station set up for each of the kids for rolling, cutting, and icing.

Me and my momma.

Pretty pretty cookies!

Me and my Pops!

Later that night, we went to mom and dad's church for an evening of ourdoor activities.

It was FREEZING...but FUN!

Here's Evan at the petting zoo.

Nate and I loved this little baby!

They had horse drawn carriage rides, petting zoo, caroling, and a warming station inside with popcorn, cotton candy, and hot cocoa.

Later in December, Nate's school had spirit week. This particular day was "Wrapping Paper And Bow Day". I thought we did pretty good.

This was the Christmas gift Nate made us at school. He gave us a reindeer card, a Christmas tree photo ornament, and a reigndeer photo ornament of himself! Cute!

Next came Christmas celebration at Geeg and Papa's house! We had this on the 23rd.

Here's Geeg, Evan, and Logan prepping our munchies!

The guys chilling in the living room.

Me and my sissy...

Me and my honey...

My aunt who lives in Illinois, sent all of us some of these silly glasses for Christmas.

We had to take photos.

Geeg and Papa got "Coke bottle" glasses, LOL!

Jess, mom, and me...thumbs up!

We had so much food...artichoke dip, spinach dip, cheese ball, bbq kielbasa, meatballs, bacon wrapped water chestnuts, veggie platter, ham/pickle/cream cheese wraps, and desserts galore! I'm sure I'm leaving out some things...but those were some highlights.

Then we all exchanged gifts.

Jammies are always appreciated.

Playing around with my honey.

Mom and dad had gotten a new Keurig for Christmas...so we got them a stackable storage drawer to store all their coffee...

...and a fall sampler pack of coffee, cider, and cocoa.

Geeg, Papa, and all the grandkids.

Jam was totally happy...mom and dad got him a Detroit Lions Pillow Pet, LOL!

Me and Jess...

My silly Evan.

On Christmas Eve...the boys and I made gingerbread sleighs.

We had never done anything like this...it was fun (and a little frustrating, LOL!)...

Some of the decor...

The finished product!

Up close!

Then...

Santa came to our house!

Looks like the James boys were good this year!

Proof he was here!

Time for stockings!

What did we get?

Evan got the surprise of his life for Christmas...

He loves old vintage collectible guns...

This was a 1938 World War 2 Russian gun of some sort...he'd have to tell you more about it. He knows EVERYTHING about them.

He loves history. He's all up on that.

Nate with some of his Legos.

Nate's big ticket item this year was a keyboard!

I think everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

We would like to wish you and yours a very blessed holiday season and a fabulous 2012!

If you bake...

2011-12-17T18:22:00.000-08:00

If you bake...
Don't forget to check out my baking blog!
Sweet Ivy Confections
There is a link on the side of this blog.
We also have a Facebook page and a Twitter account!
FOLLOW US!
Yesterday I delivered a cake I made for a sweet friend's birthday and I just have to share it with you...
Check it out:
http://sweetivyconfections.blogspot.com/2011/12/polka-dotspiralbow-birthday-cake.html

Nate's 5th grade holiday concert!

2011-12-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

Nate had an awesome Christmas program.

It was held at the high school auditorium because it was all three fifth grade classes...plus one third grade class...and one fourth grade class.

Each grade sang three songs.

And then they did four songs combined.

Nate is in the top row...left hand side...third one in.

They had a snow man and a Christmas tree projected on the wall.

And then also had a slide show playing with all kinds of various Christmas images and scenes from Christmas movies/books too.

It was a neat effect as they sang.

All the kids did a really nice job.

Afterward...

They had a small reception in the cafeteria.

They had cookies and punch.

Overall...a real enjoyable evening!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2011-12-11T17:24:00.000-08:00

We're all decorated at our house.

Well actually...

We have been since just after Thanksgiving dinner.

But I just haven't had the time (or energy) to blog.

I usually post our decorations every year.

So you'll recognize a lot of the same sights.

But I always enjoy looking at people's decorations year after year, regardless.

So you're stuck looking at mine, LOL!

December seems to just be flying by.

With school concerts, church activities, baking, homework (the boys AND me)...

Sometimes...

I have to remind myself to just stop...sit down...

AND LOOK AT THE TREE ALL LIT UP.

And enjoy it.

It takes so much time to put all the decorations out.

It just feels like this year I haven't been sitting down to look at them and enjoy them.

But, I do have some time off work coming up.

Several long weekends.

I think I will FORCE myself NOT to do any homework.

(Since it's an "at your own pace" course anyway.)

And I will just relax, bake, cook, sleep in, and enjoy my decorations and my family.

What are your favorite traditions?

What is your favorite holiday meal, snack, or dessert?

How about your favorite Christmas song?

Do you enjoy the same children's Christmas specials on tv each year?

I try to stop and think about all the wonderful sights, smells, sounds, and tastes of the holiday each year.

But most of all...

We remember the real reason for the season...

JESUS.

Merry CHRISTmas!

He's mellowing in his old age...

2011-11-25T16:06:00.000-08:00

The poor thing is mellowing in his old age.

He puts up with so much from Nate, LOL!

Nate just loves that cat to pieces.

He seemed to think Oreo needed to be "in the Christmas spirit".

So hence the Santa hat.

Poor cat, LOL!

Oreo seems to think he is the third brother to my boys.

He's so funny.

He goes to Evan for "quiet"/down time.

He'll go lay on the couch with Evan and sleep for hours.

He goes to Nate for playing and rough-housing.

But he does like to snuggle with Nate too.

We sure love our Oreo Flower.

I'm so proud of him so far this holiday season!

We put the Christmas tree up yesterday and he hasn't even ONCE tried to climb into it!

He hasn't knocked any ornaments or garland off.

He hasn't taken off with any candy canes.

Such a good boy.

He's definitely mellowing in his old age!

Don't forget!

2011-11-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

I haven't stopped baking!
For those who used to enjoy my baking posts and photos...
I have started a new page/blog!
You can follow me at:
http://sweetivyconfections.blogspot.com/
Check us out on Facebook and Twitter too!

I'm just going to go ahead and admit it...

2011-11-22T19:48:00.000-08:00

I'm just going to go ahead and admit it.
I'm jealous.
And I feel awful.
I feel awful that each day...
I sit and "wish my day away"...
Because all I long for is to be with my family.
I constantly wish for my evenings and weekends with my family.
So I sit and wish my days away and life flies by around me.
I am stuck and stagnant.
And although I am enrolled in a program, taking classes, and pursuing another career goal...
It's not that I "REALLY" want to be doing that particular career either.
It just seems like a logical way out of my current one.
Because the fact of the matter is...
I have to work.
That will always be the case.
I will always be jealous because I never got the opportunity to be a stay at home mom to my children.
I have come to accept that though.
They are both in school now, so it's not like it makes any difference anymore.
But I do think I deserve the right to be happy.
I am so burnt out on my current position/job that I wake up each day just counting the hours until 5:30 pm.
Not that I don't care for every one of my clients...because I truly do.
But I am just so burnt out I can hardly wake up with enthusiasm to another new day doing this particular job.
And so...I study...and work my way through this program I am enrolled in.
I will graduate.
I will hope I excel in this field.
I hope I will find a job in this field.
But even still...
I am only doing this program/career path...
Because I know it will bring in decent money once I find a job in that field.
It is not what I truely want to do.
My passion is baking.
But I will never be able to make the kind of money baking, that I do from a "REAL" career choice.
It is rather sad to me.
Yet I get up and continue to smile each day.
Letting everyone know how "happy" I am...
While I struggle each day just to get to 5:30 pm.
If I could bake all day...and make a good income at it...
I would be happy.
I know I would.
I believe that finally...at 39 years of age...I have FINALLY found my passion.
I have found what I love to do.
And so...I will just continue to smile...and "be happy" for everyone else.

"Open-minded"..."Accepting"...???

2011-11-15T10:36:00.000-08:00

This post will probably open a can of worms...it will offend many people...but then pretty much all posts involving God or His Word do.

That's ok.

Lately...there has been much talk by others I know about needing to be more "open-minded" and accepting "diversity".

Many things come to mind when I hear these words.

Many times, we as Christians are accused of being "narrow-minded", "unaccepting", or even "close-minded".

We are not "inclusive" or we do not appreciate and celebrate "diversity".

I have some thoughts on this.

Jesus did not call us to be "open-minded".

He called us to follow Him.

He called us to obey His Word.

He called us to LOVE our neighbor.

He called us to reach out to our neighbor.

We as Christians are to LOVE EVERYONE.

However, I do NOT have to be "open-minded" and "accepting" of their lifestyle choices when they go against the Word of God.

I have people in my life who serve false gods.
I have people in my life who serve no god.

These are VERY good people whom I love very much and care for deeply.

I respect them.

However, Christ does not expect me to be "open-minded" to their religion or lack of.

I am serving the one true God.

There is much confusion in this area!

We as Christ-followers are NOT CALLED to be open-minded!

We are not called to open our minds to other people's false religions, sinful lifestyles, etc.

We are called to follow Christ, His Word and LOVE our neighbor!

The Bible teaches against homosexuality, pre-marital sex, drunkenness, and much more!

Am I to be "open-minded" to that?

No.

Do I love my friends, family, and neighbors who do these things?

YES.

I love them, care for them, and set a good example for them to the best of my ability.

Moving on to diversity.

This falls in with the "open-minded" thing too.

Being diverse doesn't mean I need to accept sin.

I don't need to surround myself with sin to be diverse.

I believe when speaking of diversity and inclusion...

We need to clarify it to mean we are not shutting ourselves off from others who are different!

Cultures, skin color, disabilities, interests, etc.

I know I will probably get a FLOOD of negative comments on this post.

But it's something that has weighed heavily on my heart for a while now.

It's ok if you disagree.

We are all different.

Feel free to comment...in a positive light...even if you disagree.

Hateful comments however, will not be posted.

Trick-Or-Treat!

2011-11-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

Nate was a Star Wars Jawa for Halloween.

Evan wore one of those awful "Scream" masks...they creep me out, LOL!

My two boys...ready for some trick-or-treat!

Our jack-o-lanterns all lit up!

Scumpy the ghost ready to greet trick-or-treaters!

We had over 200+ kids!

Nate with his stash!

Evan with his loot!

They got not only loads of candy...but also tatoos, popcorn, pretzels, rings, glow bracelets, and much more!

It was a good time had by all!

Happy Halloween!

Nate's School Halloween Party

2011-11-05T21:44:00.000-07:00

I went to Nate's school as usual for his anual Halloween parade and party.

Here is our principal...a.k.a. Red Box Rental.

LOL!

Here comes Nate's class...

That's his teacher dressed as an "Angry Bird", LOL!

There's my little Star Wars Jawa!

Hi Nate!

Back in the classroom enjoying some treats.

I baked four dozen ghost cookies and decorated each one differently.

It was so much fun.

You can check them out on my "Sweet Ivy Confections" blog or Facebook page.

(See sidebar)

This was Nate's last Halloween party at Lincoln.

He's a fifth grader this year.

Kinda makes me sad.

This is also MY last year to have a kiddo at Lincoln.

So we're savoring all our Lincoln memories this year.

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Carving

2011-11-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

We did our anual pumpkin carving the night before Halloween

This year, both boys did EVERYTHING themself...

With NO HELP from me!

I was in the middle of decorating cookies for Nate's Halloween party anyway, so it was nice they took it upon themself to do EVERYTHING this year.

Thankfully, this year they both decided they wanted "traditional" jack-o-lantern faces.

We have a packet with loads of intricate designs and patterns that we've been using for the past several years. But they both decided on simple faces this year.

It was a nice change to see two big smiling faces!

OF COURSE, kitty is ALWAYS in the middle of EVERYTHING those boys are doing.

They did a really nice job.

I was really proud of how they both turned out for doing everything all by themself!

Happy Halloween!

Crane's Corn Maze

2011-11-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

We've been trying to make it a habit each year now to go to a corn maze during the month of October. Ok, well...at least the last two years we have, LOL!

Last year we went to the New Salem Corn Maze. This year we thought we'd try out Crane's Corn Maze.

It was larger and more challenging than New Salem's which I enjoyed.

Everyone humored me for pictures.

Nate had a grand old time.

Evan had a little teenage "moodiness" going on that day.

But other than that we had a good 'ol time.

Nate always just enjoys exploring anything outdoors.

And as long as the weather is nice, I'm happy to be along for new adventures too.

I had been really sick with some kind of upper respiratory/sinus infection for three weeks before this and I was starting to feel "slightly" like myself again, so this was a nice treat for me to get to be outdoors and enjoy some fresh air.

Nate found a little "wooly worm".

Cute little fella, isn't he!

I love that Nate takes such joy in everything simple still.

At night, they also do a "haunted corn maze".

This guy was part of that.

He reminded me of one of those creatures from the movie "The Village".

Creepy!

All in all, a fun day was had by all!

I just love autumn and all it brings!

Something I've never understood...

2011-10-27T19:46:00.000-07:00

Something I've never understood...

We are full gospel, Bible believing, church going christians.

But...

We also celebrate Halloween.

Or I should say, we HAVE FUN WITH THE HOLIDAY.

I have always decorated our house and yard with decorations.

I have always made Halloween goodies.

Our boys have always dressed up and gone trick-or-treating.

We have fun on Halloween!

There are other christians who do not believe in celebrating Halloween.

Fine.

I respect that.

We all have our own beliefs.

Here is what I do not understand.

These days...

Practically every church out there...

Has...

"Trunk-or-treat", "Harvest Party", or some other form of what they call...

"ALTERNATIVE TO HALLOWEEN".

ALTERNATIVE???

Ok...
Let's see...

My kids dress up in fun costumes and go around my family friendly neighborhood subdivision getting candy.

The kids at church dress up in fun costumes and go around car to car or playing games at church getting candy.

Hmmmm....

I'm afraid I just don't see the difference???

Getting candy in my neighborhood?

Or...

Getting candy at my church?

I am not knocking EITHER practice!

I say...

DO WHICH EVER YOU WANT TO DO.

But don't do the church option as an "alternative" to Halloween.

IT'S THE SAME THING!

Fun costumes and candy!

That's it!

I know there are people who don't do either...and that is fine too.

Do or don't do what you want.

But don't knock those of us who trick-or-treat...when you're going to your church to do the EXACT SAME THING!

THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE!

Either getting candy from neighbors or the church.

Same thing.

We have always just gone around our neighborhood because our church is half an hour away and I enjoy seeing all my neighbors and their kids dressed up on Halloween.

And as I said before,

I am NOT knocking the churches who do this.

I am just disturbed that people actually think there is something wrong with trick-or-treating in your neighborhood...
And somehow going to church for candy makes it "different" or better.

See my point?

Anywho...
That's my thought for the day...
Just something that's always plagued my thoughts.
I wish everyone a happy autumn...
Dress up, get lots of candy, and go wherever you feel comfortable because in the end...
It's just costumes and candy...
No matter where you do it.
God bless!

Why yes! As a matter of fact...I AM A GOOD MOM!...A DARN GOOD ONE!

2011-10-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

Most people who know me well, know that there is one thing I struggle with.

Self-esteem.

I'm not good enough.

The need to be the best.

At everything.

Not worthy.

Wanting to find my niche.

Something...

Anything...
That I'm good at.

I put myself down.

Trying various activities and hobbies...

And never being able to "master" any one thing.

I can do many things "ok"...

But I'm not "great" at anything.

Well...

There is ONE THING...

ONE THING...

That I have come to realize that I am good at.

I have NEVER doubted myself at this.

I have always thought I was GREAT at this.

NEVER questioned my gut or instincts.

Not perfect by any means.

But I KNOW, that I KNOW, that I KNOW...

I AM GOOD AT THIS ONE THING!

BEING A MOM!

For some reason...

As lacking as I am in the self-esteem area...

Thinking I am no good at anything...
Always questioning myself and all I do...

I have NEVER doubted ONCE that I am a good mom.

I KNOW that I make good solid choices.

I KNOW that my decisions are solid.

I am CONFIDENT in how I raise my kids.

I KNOW I'M GOOD AT IT!

There...I said it.

Am I being cocky?

I don't know.

Maybe.

Who cares!

No one else seems to have a problem tooting their own horn at things that they're good at.

Everyone seems to have "something" they do well.

Maybe you're good at scrapbooking.

Maybe it's stamping.

Maybe it's cake decorating.

Maybe you're an awesome cook.

Maybe you are a star athlete.

Maybe you have a great body.

Maybe your hair is beautiful.

Guess what?

I am NONE of that.

But one thing I am good at...
DARN GOOD AT...

Is being a mom.

And I know it!

My kids are respectful.

My kids are empathetic.

My kids play by the rules.

My kids are kind.

My kids are caring.

Are they perfect?

NO.

My kids make mistakes.

My kids argue.

My kids disobey.

My kids screw up.

But...

Ask anyone who knows my kids...

Are they trust-worthy?

Yep.

Are they dependable?

You bet.

Are they a good friend?

Uh-huh.

Are they God-loving, elder-respecting, rule obeying, animal loving, team players who'll do anything for anybody?

Yes, that's my boys!

I believe I have taught them well.

I believe being a mom is THE ONE THING I excel at.

Am I tooting my own horn?

Yeah, maybe I am.

Because I'm darn proud of my boys and who they are becoming!

When I work with other people's children all day...

Day in and day out...

And see the parenting that goes on...

And the way kids are acting...

Yeah...you BET I'm proud of my kids and I'm proud of myself!

I believe we're doin' something right in the James household!

And with God's help, I will continue to raise my boys to be men of God, whom people will be proud to say they know!

Homelife, Kitties, PumpkinFest, A New Hair Cut, & Other Random Things...

2011-10-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

It's been busy since school started.

There aren't too many quiet nights at home anymore.

Oh how I miss (and savor) the quiet nights at home.

Now our evenings are filled with homework, band practice, football games, band competitions, church activities, school activities, and so much more.

I miss just sitting at home with my babies, my hubby, and my kitty.

One (rare) evening that we were home...

Oleson the barn cat came by for a visit.

He lives in the old barn behind us.

I think he can tell we're "cat people".

He's never in a hurry to leave.

Plus, he and Oreo seem to enjoy visiting each other.

There's no hissing.

Just meowing and rolling around as if they're both comforable "chatting" and catching up with each other, LOL!

Plus, I think Oleson remembers that we keep treats!

So we always share. Teehee!

As you can see, he was in no hurry to leave!

Last Friday, Evan had a football game to play at...so Nate and I skipped out for this time...and took in PumpkinFest.

He loved these two horses made of straw!

And he made sure I had my picture taken by the scarecrow's outhouse, LOL!

Milking the tin cow!

One of our favorite things each year...is the petting zoo.

Critter Barn always sets up a mobile petting zoo area.

We love the bunnies!

But Nate's VERY favorite is the baby chicks!

They had turkeys, chickens, pigs, goats, lambs, bunnies, donkeys, and much more!

We love all the Pumpkin People they set up downtown!

Zeeland Lumber always sets up a crafting area for the kids with scraps of lumber and wood.

They let them make "creations" with wood glue.

And of course we enjoyed some cotton candy.

I love this little Pumpkin Train they put out each year!

Saturday we went to the parade, as Evan had to play/march with the band.

It was soooooooooooo hot!

We want our fall weather back!

Here comes our favorite band!

ZHS marching band!

They played Lady Gaga...and though I'm not a fan...I had the tune stuck in my head all day after that, LOL!

There's Evan in the center...see him?!?

And there they go!

The Zeeland Chix and Dux float!

We picked a bad area to stand...as we were at the end of the parade route, so many of the folks were out of candy by the time they got to us. Nate was a little disappointed.

The giant mobile pumpkin from the New Salem Corn Maze.
Love that place!

Can't wait to go back!

I also got my hair cut on Saturday.

It's not a totally different style.

But it's quite a bit shorter.

She put a lot of layers on the sides, stacked the back, and I kept a longer bang.

So now I have three styles to choose from...straight like I used to wear it...or MESSY and TOSSLED like this!

I kinda like the messy look.

It's still not as radical as I was hoping for...maybe next time I'll go crazy!

I can also wear it tucked back, nice and sleek, with volume like this too!

I kinda like it this way.

Totally different.

And that's what's been happening!

Hopefully after football/marching band season...things will slow down a bit.

Maybe.

Nah...

My son...and all the lovely ladies! (Homecoming Dance 2011)

2011-09-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

Last year Evan took a date to Homecoming.

This year he wasn't even sure if he was going until the last minute.

I don't know...maybe it's a guy thing.

All I know, is being a girl...I counted the days until Homecoming!

It was a big deal to shop for a dress, get your accessories, hair and make-up just right, LOL!

It was a BIG deal!

But I don't get these boys, LOL!

He did finally decide to go.

He went with a big group of friends.

But it just so happened NONE of his GUY friends ended up going!

Well, that didn't stop my guy.

He went anyway.

Went for pictures, dinner, and the dance with these nine lovely ladies.

I am glad that my kids have such a wide range of friends.

I look at kids today and I see so much of the same thing.

All the popular kids hang with the popular kids.

All the athletic kids hang with the athletic kids.

All the rich kids hang with the rich kids.

Not my boys.

They've got friends from every background.

Friends from upper-middle class backgrounds, friends who struggle to make ends meet...friends who are girls, friends who are boys...friends who are athletes, friends who are not...friends who are popular, friends who are not.

It really makes me proud that my boys care more about what's on the INSIDE of a person rather than the outside. They don't care about looks, money, athleticism, etc.

I am proud of the choices they've made thus far.

They have such good groups of friends.

Respectful, kind, good kids.

Have I mentioned how proud I am of my boys?

Homecoming Game 2011

2011-09-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

To say we won our Homecoming game would be an understatement!

We won't brag...except to say...
WE KILLED 'EM!

LOL!

Of course andone who knows me, knows that I don't really care anything about the actual "sport" of football.

I go to the high school games because:

1. It's fun.

2. And MOST important...THE MARCHING BAND!!!

Yes, my son is in the marching band and I ADORE marching bands!

That is my PRIMARY reason for going to football games, LOL!

The kids did an amazing job on their halftime show this year.

They did a number called "GaGa For MJ".

It was a medley of Lady GaGa and Michael Jackson songs.

And although I'm not a big fan of either...I really did enjoy the show.

The kids did great!

Of course it included "Thriller" and a little moonwalking...and much much more.

I will try to post a link to the production soon.

And of course, no game or picture taking is complete without a visit from our mascot...

The Zeeland Chix.

Personally, I think our Chix has a little secret he's not sharing with anyone.

If you ask me, he's looking a little more "buff" this year.

His chest if a little fuller and his booty is a little rounder, LOL!

But hey, with a mascot like a chicken, you gotta make him look as tough as possible.

What can we say? LOL!

We had a great time.

Dance pictures to follow!

We are mourning...

2011-09-22T10:40:00.001-07:00

I got this from my friend Diane...and it's so good...and it's SO true.
Enjoy and pass it on.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:-Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm;- Life isn't always fair; - And maybe it was my fault. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies, don't spend more than you can earn and adults, not children, are in charge. His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife Discretion, his daughter Responsibility, and his son, Reason. He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights,I Want It Now,Someone Else Is To Blame,I'm A Victim.Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on.

Fresh Apple Harvest Cake

2011-09-21T11:20:00.001-07:00

I have been planning to make this cake ever since the weather turned cooler.

Then one of my baking buddies mentioned she was looking for an apple cake recipe today and that prompted me to dig this one out.

This is my ALL TIME FAVORITE apple cake recipe and I'd like to share it with you.

Fresh Apple Harvest Cake

6 c. peeled, cored, chooped apples
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
3 eggs
2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. veg. oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped pecans

Topping:
1 c. light brown sugar
1/3 c. butter
1/4 c. evaporated milk

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9X13 pan. In med. bowl mix flour, baking soda, salt & cinnamon.. In lg. bowl beat eggs, add sugar & mix well. Stir in oil & vanilla. Add dry ingredients gradually, stirring well after each addition. Fold in apples & nuts. Spoon batter into pan. Bake 45 min. In small saucepan, combine light brown sugar, butter & evaporated milk. Cook over med. heat 5 min. Stir constantly. Pour glaze over hot cake.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do

Home based businesses and self-employed folks...

2011-09-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

This is one I've been chewing on for a long time.

And after chatting online with a friend today who also has an at-home business, I felt I could let no more time slip by.

Today I'm speaking about folks who are self-employed.

These are folks who provide services, goods, etc. to the public.

Many times you will see bakers, childcare providers, photographers, web designers, hair stylists and so many other professions, I can't even begin to name them all!

These folks have chosen to be self-employed, yes.

But these folks often work harder and longer than those who "go to" a place of employment.

These folks many times give up space in their home.

They use their own vehicle.

They almost ALWAYS give up A LOT of time from their family working way more than the forty hours that traditional jobs require.

This is ~~their~~ our choice.

Yes.

But...

Just because we have chosen to be self-employed, this IS our profession...our career...our job.

We will provide quality goods and services to you.

We will maintain licenses, certifications, training, education to ensure quality goods and services to you.

Many times we are approached by those we know for our goods or services.

We do enjoy working for friends, acquaintences, neighbors, and family.

However...

We MUST put in place boundaries.

These boundaries are not to be mean to you.

Sometimes...

Those we know, think or assume that because we know each other or are friends that we can provide goods and services for free.

That...we can not do.

Sometimes...some self-employed folks DO arrange bartering, and that is FINE...as long as everything is laid out in the beginning and BOTH parties pull through for each other.

But other than that...when someone has a home-based business, it is their job...their career.

Although we love our friends, neighbors, and family...we can not pay our mortgage with kindness and love.

Most self-employed folks have policies, contracts, and fees in place and are very up front in the beginning before they are ever hired.

Do not become offended by this.

Contracts and policies protect the self-employed.

If I were a betting woman, I would bet 100% off ALL self-employed folks have been burned AT LEAST once by someone.

We MUST have contracts and policies for this reason.

It is only for our protection.

Sometimes when you hire a self-employed person, you may think their price seems high.

Most of the time, the outsider is unaware of all that the person must put into their good or service.

Sometimes all one sees is the "finished product" but not all that went into it.

Many self-employed people must pay for licenses, certifications, training, education, inspections, safety measures, ingredients, supplies, packaging, maintenance/upkeep on equipment, cleaning, postage, paperwork, labor.

Let's not forget LABOR!

And the vast majority of self-employed folks are working beyond regular business hours after you receive your goods or service.

This is not a "complaint" or "let's feel sorry" for home-based businesses post.

Hopefully rather an eye-opening gaze into the life of a home-based business or self-employed person.

Being self-employed is a blessing and a curse!

LOL!

But I can tell you that when you hire a self-employed person with a home based business, the vast majority of people who are in these lines of work...have a passion for what they do.

These people have a drive and a passion to be the BEST in that line of work.

That is the whole reason most people become self-employed...because they're not happy with "what's out there."

What we can do...

Respect the policies set forth by a self-employed person that you hire.

Honor your contract.

Pay them on time.

And thank them for a job well done (assuming it was, LOL!).

I know that most of the time we've hired a self-employed person, we end up much more pleased with the results of the service and quality.

So the next time we start to gripe or complain about a price or policy of someone who is self-employed, hopefully we can take moment to realize in the end we will be supporting someone local in the community who will (hopefully) be sharing their passion in a job well done!

That demon SpongeBob!

2011-09-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Squidward called someone a moron!

Oh my gosh!

What is this world coming to?

Seriously parents...if moron is the worst your kids hear, they'll be doing well.

What is all the hype about SpongeBob being so wicked and evil?

I mean seriously!

There is NOTHING wrong with children watching a little tv for PURE ENTERTAINMENT!

Everything doesn't have to be educational.

We teach them all day.

They are taught at school all day.

My kids are taught on Sundays and Wednesdays at church.

Our kids are ALWAYS learning!

Who really cares if they let their brain VEG for 30 minutes and watch a little SpongeBob!?!

Let's talk about all the "pure entertainment" parents watch on tv.
TV is FILLED with violence, vulgarity, adultry, drugs, alcoholism, sleeping around, profanity, etc.
Are YOU always watching EDUCATIONAL shows?
Of course not!
Now who's calling the kettle black!
I know I like to soak up a little reality tv every once in a while!
Does that bring anything to my brain?
Absolutely not.
It's plain old entertainment.
Why not let your kids have some?

Honestly SpongeBob has had a lot of good life lessons in my experience with the show.
Friendship, inclusion, telling the truth, etc.

I don't know about you...
I guess I feel I've just educated my children enough and have seen them make good choices based on all I've taught them, than to have to worry about them saying "moron" because Squidward told them to.
Have you never called that driver who cut you off a moron (or worse)?
I rest my case.

Give your kids a little credit.
Teach them right from wrong.
Let them MAKE the RIGHT choice.
It's not like Mr. Krabs is cursing.
IN FACT, they had an episode about NOT CURSING!
I'm telling you people...RELAX.
It's a cartoon.
It won't turn their brain to mush.
We all need to let our hair down once in a while.

As for me and my house...
We will watch SpongeBob!

Bikini Bottom Rules!

Heaven...9/11 Trubute...

2011-09-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Today I was at the gym, sweating up a storm...when this came on the radio.
I started bawling like a baby.
Thank goodness it was only me and the girl on staff (who was noticably upset too) who were there.
Hit the pause button on my regular playlist on the sidebar first so you can listen to this uninterrupted.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNWqc3xN-W0&feature=player_embedded

9/11...Reflections from my past two years of blogging...

2011-09-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know what more NEW can be said about 9/11...

Except that it saddens me all over again every year seeing the images of it on tv.

I tear up every time I see it.

So instead of thinking up new things to say this year...

I just want to share my previous two years of blogging about it...

And say that my prayers are with all those affected by this horrible tragedy.

God bless.

http://melodysmuse-melody.blogspot.com/2010/09/911-slideshow.html

T'was The Night Before School Started...

2011-09-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

Twas the night before school started, when all through the town, the parents were cheering - a riotous sound!!

By nine, kids were all washed & tucked into bed where memories of homework filled them with dread!

New pencils, new folders, new notebooks too! New teachers, new friends - their anxiety… grew!

The PARENTS just giggled when they learned of this fright and shouted to all "GO TO BED!!!! IT'S A SCHOOL NIGHT!!!

Pass this on to all parents because "IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!!

Author Unknown

A week of pure Mackinac!

2011-09-04T20:22:00.000-07:00

Mackinac is our magical place.

We love everything about it.

The history, the beauty, the laid-back lifestyle.

We've done all the "touristy stuff"...and although it's fun...

Nothing suits us better than just hiking, relaxing, biking, and just enjoying "down-time" on the island.

We go at least three to four times each year...but generally only for a long weekend or so.

This was the first time we'd stayed an entire week!

It was pure heaven, and we couldn't have asked for better weather!

We started our trip in Mackinaw City. We enjoyed some time shopping, playing on the beach, and just walking around.

I saw this giant dragonfly in a store/window front and just had to snap a picture.

It was bigger than both of my hands put together!

We stayed at the Quality Inn.

They had several buildings. And we were located in the building adjacent to the main hotel. It was almost like a duplex or cabin. It had two little porches. It was almost like a two bedroom suite! There were a total of three beds. We had a frig and coffee pot too. We didn't request all of this but it was a nice surprise! It is an older hotel and needs some work. But it was very clean and we had all we needed and were very happy.

The boys spent some time playing on the beach in Lake Huron.

They LOVE the beach.

Me...not so much.

This is mine and Jamie's favorite place to relax on the island.

We call it "the marble slab". It's just a marble bench near the school right before you go up the hill to the Grand. We love to get a pop and just sit and people watch and relax here.

We did some major hiking this trip!

The boys love to explore...as do we!

My babes!

We hiked this path and discovered if we went a little further...we could get a great view of them firing the cannon just across the way!

Picturesque!

One of our favorite trails...

The Winnebago Trail.

We hike it every time we're there.

I love how they just let the trees "fall as they may".

It just amazes me to think how old some of these trees are...

And to think back in history, who may have been standing in these woods.

We "play" (i.e. hike, walk, trek) so hard all day at Mackinac...

We nearly collapse into bed each night.

What?

Did you hear that?

I heard a rustling.

Then I saw a flower stalk fall over...

What a stinker!

This little bunny was eating the flowers at Mission Point!

There are bunnies EVERYWHERE on Mackinac Island!

Nate and Jamie having some breakfast!

Evan finishing up his breakfast!

Ev and me just clowing around...it's what we do best.

Being silly with Natee!

Chillin' by the lake!

Love this tree by the Hotel Iroquois!

The boys always take their kites that we bought at Mackinac many years ago.

Mission Point has a great lawn for flying kites.

They always get theirs up so high!

This is Ev's.

And here's Nates!

We went over to Great Turtle Park one day.

Here's Nate being silly!

Even though he's eleven, Nate still enjoys playing on the playground.

And I love that he's not growing up too fast!

More hiking!

Humor mom for yet another picture!

A bike in a tree?

We came across this on one of our hikes.

I have no clue...

The boys had fun building rock sculptures on the lake.

Ev and his rocks!

Hiking and climbing...

Climing and hiking!

I thought this rock formation was cool.

There's so many neat rock formations and fallen trees, I could take pictures all day.

People are always spelling things in the water with rocks.

And you get a perfect view from Arch Rock.

There were several messages this time.

One said, "Jesus loves you".

And another said, "Amanda, will you marry me? NO!"

LOL!

We couldn't totally make out what this said, "Happy" something.

But I thought the spiral was cool.

Ah yes...

A better view of "Amanda, will you marry me? NO!"

The boys enjoying some ice cream at Lakeside Market Place.

I love this ground cover in the woods.

As I've always said...No matter how many times we go up to the island (twenty seven years for me)...you always discover something new.

I had never seen the placque on this chair in the Mission Point Theater before.

If you can't read it...it says..."From this seat Richard Collier received Elise McKenna's declaration of love"...Somewhere In Time.

I am a hopeless romantic...and totally addicted to that movie...which was filmed on the island.

We've had fog before when we've come up to the island...

But NEVER like this!

Two of the days we were there, it got sooooo foggy!

If you look closely, you can see a "ghost" freighter in this picture!

(j/k)

I love how spooky the fog looks in the woods.

On one of our hikes...

We headed off for Sugar Loaf.

We walked...

...and walked...

Until we finally came to it!

Sugar Loaf!

Me and my babes!

We climbed up and all the way around Sugar Loaf.

It's tricky!

Challenging!

And fun!

The fam...at Sugar Loaf!

Something we did for the first time...

Was got a self-driven horse carriage tour!

If you've never done it...

It is WELL worth the money!

I was kind of scared...we have NO experience with horses.

But they have you fill out a questionairre and I think that helps them select the best horse for you.

We got Jerry. He was a wonderful, laid-back, old fella! Once when we got turned around, we stopped to read our map, he tried to guide us in the right direction...I think he knew the route better than us! He was kind of a road hog. He wanted to drive right down the center of the lane. Jamie had to really keep him over to the right, LOL!

It was a lot of fun!

If WE can do it, ANYONE can do it!

More spooky fog!

I love it!

As long as I don't have to drive in it, LOL!

Jam did so well driving our carriage!

We always play a round of golf at Mission Point.

And I have to add...I WON!

Which I never do.

Where did the Tower go?

Creepy fog!

The boys always like to play at the arcade.

Had to take a picture of Ev's score.

He got first place on Deer Hunter!

That's him!

EBJ

We stayed at the Harbour View Inn.

We had a wonderful vacation and I'm going to have a hard time getting back into the swing of things.

I can't wait until our next visit to Mackinac!

Back To School Tip...

2011-08-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

Back to school tip for all parents...

On the first day of school...

When your child is assigned all of his or her books...

TAKE PICTURES!!!

Take pictures of each individual book!

Front.

Back.

Binding.

And open it up and do a random "flip through" checking for any damage.

My son respects books.

He is not careless.

He places his books in his backpack.

He comes home and does his homework (therefore I see all of his books daily).

He puts them back in his backpack.

He places them in his locker.

He takes them to class.

Repeat.

Daily.

Ok.

He turns all of his books in the last week of school.

The woman checks them in.

She does a "look over"...front, back, does a flip through and then says, "Ok Evan, everything looks good."

She then moves on to the next student.

Now Evan even HEARD her saying to other students, "Oh, looks like we have some water damage!" or "Oh, looks like we have some rips and tears!"

She TOLD him his books were GOOD TO GO!

Mid-way through the summer I get a bill in the mail from the school for a $5.00 fee for a book that says, "Damaged...binding/corners".

I about hit the roof.

I can vouch for my son because I saw this books the day he checked them out of the book store.

I saw them daily when he brought them home for homework from day one to the end of school!

The woman told him, "Everything looks good!"

Do NOT EVEN send me a bill!

I saw those books!

Well, I sent a little e-mail.

Respectful...but letting them full well know that his books were returned in the EXACT same condition he got them and I was NOT paying that fee and this had better NOT hold up his registration in the fall!

Well...

Today was registration.

Nothing was said.

I never heard back from the woman I e-mailed.

Evan got his schedule, books, locker assignment...all went well.

We had better NOT even hear any more about that fine.

So my advice to ALL parents of school kids...elementary to high school...

TAKE PICTURES of those books!

Day one!

You may have to prove the condition at the end of the school year.

The books he was assigned today looked like they were about thirty years old!

You can BET I will be taking pictures of those!

Imgaine if they sent out those fines to everyone in the district.

And no one questioned it like I did.

And everyone just "was a good little citizen" and paid it.

Imagine all the money the school could make!

Let's see...four or give hundred kids at the high school...times five dollars a piece...yeah...that's a nice chunk of change!

Take pictures!

Nate's "Cars 2" 11th birthday!

2011-08-24T06:10:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Nate's 11th birthday with Geeg and Papa the Sunday before his birthday.

We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse, then came back to the house for pressies and dessert.

Nate with his card and $$$ from Geeg and Papa!

Oooh, a Star Wars glow in the dark puzzle too!

And mom was happy for the back to school shirts, teehee!

Kids never appreciate clothing the way parents do, LOL!

And of course Geeg and Papa always get the "non-birthday" child something too!

Say cheese Geeg and Papa!

Nate's Cars 2 cake!

Nate was very proud of his cake.

Mommy however was very stressed out "MAKING" the cake as it kept melting while I decorated it!

Candle time!

Make a wish!

(Sorry for the poor photo quality in the last three photos...my batteries died in my camera, so those last few were taken on my iPod.)

A few other desserts I made...

White chocolate dipped strawberry marshmallows.

(with sprinkles)

Disney Cars 2 marshmallows...per Nate's request, LOL!

Cake pops...with sprinkles!

White chocolate dipped pretzels...with sprinkles!

We hope you had a fun celebration Natee!

Love you birthday boy!

Check out this give-away...

2011-08-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

Check out the newest give-away from "The Rusted Chain"!

http://www.blog.therustedchain.com/2011/08/new-pretties-giveaway.html

Are YOU following us?

2011-08-17T11:31:00.000-07:00

Hey you!

Yeah YOU!

Are you following my baking/decorating journey?

Come join me!

Follow along as I learn to perfect my skills in cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pops, and all other sugarcrafts!

I'd love to have you join me and also give me feedback!

You can follow my blog at:

http://sweetivyconfections.blogspot.com/

We are also on Facebook!

Sweet Ivy Confections

You can also look us up on Twitter!

Sweet_Ivy_Conf

Join me!

More random summer musings...

2011-08-12T21:09:00.000-07:00

Things go from crazy busy...to laid back and quiet around here during the summer.

I live for the laid back and quiet times.

I rather enjoy the ~~boring~~ simple life.

My kids on the flip side, would rather stay jam packed busy!

I saw this little bird one morning sitting on the deck.

Thought he was an unusual looking little fellow.

He was a simple two tone gray bird, with a red head and breast bone area.

He was so tiny.

I couldn't believe he stayed still enough for me to get a picture.

My hydrangeas are doing amazing this year.

We bought this ~~bush~~ plant with about one bloom on it.

The pot it was in was about the size of a one cup measuring cup.

It has grown...

And grown...

And grown!

It is now huge!

And gets more blooms every year!

I think hydrangeas are beautiful!

Oreo has had a rather lazy summer.

He had a birthday in July and turned six.

Some days I think he's slowing down, as he sleeps SO much.

But then, you should see him run up and down the stairs!

Frisk about playing with Jamie.

He's still one spry kitty!

He loves snuggling and cuddling with the boys.

I think I posted about my Mother's Day gift.

Jamie got me my Kitchen Aid mixer...

Well...as a bonus, he got a FREE glass mixing bowl!

It came with a stainless steel one.

But later in the mail, (this month) I got my surprise glass one!

Yay!

Oh yeah...

Did I tell you we have an alien cat?

See those glowing eyes?

Haha...

Oreo loves hiding in grocery bags after I put the groceries away.

Jamie and I celebrated our eighteenth wedding anniversary on August 7.

We went out to Texas Roadhouse to celebrate.

Nate wanted to know if he and Ev were coming.

I said, "Um, Natee...we'd love to have you come...but this is mommy and daddy's special date."

LOL!

And...

In other news...

I got my hair lopped off again.

I get it cut.

I grow it out.

I get it cut.

I grow it out.

For now...

It's staying short!

Well, that's our randomness for now!

Catch ya up with more later!

Busy baking...

2011-08-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to check us out on our other blog!

Click:

Sweet Ivy Confections

I have been a busy little bee lately!

I've done two cookie pop bouquets this week.

One as Sweet Ivy's second give-away.

The other as a Sweet Sixteen birthday present for a friend of my son's.

Come follow me on my baking journey at my new blog!

We are also on Facebook:
Sweet Ivy Confections

And Twitter as well:

Sweet_Ivy_Conf

Join and follow my journey!

I'd love to see you!

Our random summer so far...

2011-07-26T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I seem to be doing ok updating the blog with all the important things like vacations, birthdays, and holidays.

But I haven't really included any random day to day information or pictures.

We have had a fairly laid back summer.

Very quiet.

Work has been slow.

As you can see, even the cat has been takin' it easy this summer, LOL!

(No, he shouldn't be on the coffee table, but he thinks he rules this house.)

The boys are enjoying being off school.

They love being able to stay up later than usual.

Nate and kitty usually snuggle each night while watching a little tv before bed.

Looks like they're both getting sleepy.

My peace lily bloomed this summer for the second time in TEN YEARS!

I have had this plant about ten years and it had blooms on it when I bought it...
And then...

Nothing.

For ten years.

It was healthy.

But no blooms.

Then out of the blue...last week, it bloomed!

We are attempting container gardening for the first time this summer.

We are doing tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and strawberries.

So far, so good.

We have a HUGE cucumber almost ready to harvest.

The broccoli and cauliflower are getting really big.

I have a little yellow pepper (that the bugs are fighting me over).

We have five tomatoes coming in.

And the strawberries are coming in one by one each day!

Ev has had a pretty quiet summer.

He decided to wait until next summer to take driver's training.

He is "technically" old enough.

But he is still one of the youngest in his grade.

He will still be only fifteen next summer, so he's decided to do it then.

He has applied for a job at about half a dozen places, but just like the "adult" economy, teens are having a hard time getting jobs too.

I think cat was going crazy over Ev's beef jerkey in this picture, LOL!

Evan was trying to eat a bedtime snack and Oreo was giving him a hard time.

The boys have been doing some target practice.

Evan got a bb gun for his birthday.

And he has been letting Nate use his old air soft gun.

Dad and Papa have enjoyed doing this with them.

Nate stays busy during the day dragging out old puzzles, games, riding his bike, and such.

Oreo celebrated his sixth birthday in July.

We've had him for four LONG years now, LOL!

We love that silly boy.

He's such a part of our family.

My third son, LOL!

This was the first harvest from my strawberry plant!

Yay!

Don't ask.

I have no idea what Nate and kitty are doing!

Those two are so silly!

My roses are doing amazing this year.

I know nothing about them.

I prune them quite frequently and they seem to come back bigger and bigger each time I do!

I won a drawing this summer too!

This cute little basket, cookies, and a cookie cutter compliments of Ellie's Bites Decorated Cookies!

You should check out her blog, she's really amazingly talented.

In fact, she's got another giveaway going on right now!

http://elliesbitesdecoratedcookies.wordpress.com/

I planted my petunias as usual this summer.

They don't seem to be thriving like they do most summers.

Who knows.

One of my clients gave me this hanging basket at the end of the school year.

I have never grown begonias.

I hope I'm treating them ok, LOL!

Well, that's a bit of our summer in a nut-shell.

You can see all the other trips, outing, and celebrations in other posts.

But these are our random lazy days!

Happy summer!

New post at "Sweet Ivy"...

2011-07-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

Check out my review on the BabyCakes cake pop maker!
You can find it here.
http://sweetivyconfections.blogspot.com/2011/07/thoughts-on-babycakes-cake-pop-maker.html

To clear up any confusion...

2011-07-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

When I posted the other day about my new "Sweet Ivy Confections" blog starting up...
I just wanted to let you know, that I'm NOT stopping this blog.
This blog is staying ACTIVE. :)
This will remain my personal blog, I will just be using "Sweet Ivy" for all of my baking.
I will put a link in here each time I update "Sweet Ivy" so you can continue to follow my baking journey.
I'd love it if you'd pop over there and follow my journey too!
Join me! :)

I am starting another blog! (and FB, and Twitter)

2011-07-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Many of you know, I have been on a baking/decorating journey for a little less than a year.
I have been encouraged, inspired, and supported by so many other wonderful bakers/decorators around the world on Facebook, Twitter, and by following their blogs!

This has become more than a hobby for me.
And it is my dream to one day, bake for a living.

In the meantime, I need all the practice I can get.
More practice baking sweets, than my family can eat!

So, with the encouragement of fellow bakers, I have named my baking endeavor and started a Facebook page, Twitter account, and blog JUST for my baking journey!

I will be doing MANY GIVEAWAYS!

So...check out our Facebook page, Twitter account, and blog!

My name is:
"Sweet Ivy Confections".

I am specializing in cupcakes, cookies, pops, and specialty sugarcrafts.

The blog is brand new and I am playing catch up by writing my history and adding pics of all of my cakes during my journey.
The link to the blog is:
http://sweetivyconfections.blogspot.com/

You can find me on Facebook at:
Sweet Ivy Confections

And on Twitter:
Sweet_Ivy_Conf

Helpful hint to the fellas...

2011-07-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Helpful hint to the fellas...
Unless you flat out say, "Your hair looks great!" or "That's a good cut!", there's a good chance your wife/girlfriend won't take it too well when you say, "Um, did you have a different stylist this time?" or "Is that how you WANTED it to turn out?" or "I thought you were planning on ____".
That's just my helpful two cents for the night.
Saving you a little bit of grief with the wifey/girlfriend.
Ha! ;)

One of the only things I've ever attempted by "Martha"...

2011-07-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Though Martha Stewart creates some of the most beautiful things...

I don't think most of us average people out there feel very confident attempting them.

These cookies however...

When I saw them on the cover of her Martha Stewart Living magazine...

I HAD to attempt them.

They were just too pretty not to.

I did them in red, white, and blue on my first attempt and they looked like fireworks!

They turned out pretty decent for a first try!

I made a gift basket for my dad for Father's Day.

You may remember seeing that post earlier.

They also kindof remind me of tie-dye.

I think this is one of my favorite techniques I've learned yet!

Do I have to work? I'd rather just practice decorating all day!

2011-07-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

Tried some more decorating yesterday.

Just playing around with different things.

I am never quite satisfied with my end results.

I don't know if I ever will be.

I don't know if it's because they really aren't that great...

Or if I'm just too hard on myself.

But imagine my pure delight...

When...

My ten year old son exclaimed,
"Mom! These are the most beautiful cookies ever!"

Awwww.

Thanks sweetie.

You made my day.

Whether anyone else thinks they're pretty or not...

My sweet-pea loves them.

When it's too hot to go outside...practice your BAKING/DECORATING! :)

2011-07-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

It has been so hot here lately.

There are Air Quality Alerts, High Heat Warnings...

They're telling us "stay inside", "check on your neighbors", "stay hydrated".

With the temps in the 90s, the heat index over 100, and the humity levels at 60-70%...

There is NO WAY I'm going outside.

It's miserable.

And unhealthy.

So...

What else is there to do?

Practice some more of my baking/decorating skills!

Although I must admit...hubby wasn't too thrilled at the thought of me turning on the oven...
Even with central air...our upper level gets WAY hot.

So he usually retreats to the family room downstairs or to our bedroom where it's always about 10 degrees cooler for some reason.

I just thought I'd try some different things.

I've never done anything like this.

After reading so many wonderful baking blogs...

(Check them out some time...they're all listed on my sidebar!)

I get the itch to try new things.

They turned out "OK".

Not perfect.
Not great.

But "OK".

I still don't have a very steady hand.

I baked a whole bunch of shapes, but only decorated these three tonight.

So...

As long as it's too hot to go outside...

You'll probably be seeing more of my work!

Practice "bakes" perfect...

2011-07-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Today I did some more practicing w/ my baking and decorating.

I did one of the classic Wilton cake designs.

Let's just say...

Heat and humidity are NOT kind to bakers and decorators!

Even with central air, my drop flowers and icing were melting.

Ugh.

It was fun, none the less.

And I'm sure it will taste great.

And we all know practice makes perfect...

But can't I have perfection now?

LOL!

Oh well...

Let them eat cake!

A good end to a not so good day...

2011-07-15T20:43:00.000-07:00

So after my previous post about how I've really been struggling with work and my passion/purpose...the day ended lovely.

Hubby made dinner tonight. He actually cooks dinner quite a bit for us.

He's quite a good cook.

We had tacos and nachos.

No, these aren't actual pictures of our dinner...

These are just clip art I've found to enhance the post, LOL!

But still...it was a VERY yummy dinner.

We bought some donuts from the bakery the other day and finished those off for dessert.

Yeah, I know...real healthy dinner/dessert, right? LOL!

But hey, it was just what I needed...comfort food...after a day like today.

Went out and watered my veggies.

Excited to announce that I have yet ANOTHER cucumber popping up!

That's two!

We have six tomatoes.

And the cauliflower, broccoli, and peppers are doing quite well too!

The strawberries...well, they're too many to number now!

Yay! I can't wait for our harvest!

I even got to sneak in a nap after work, which was pure heaven.

After the boys settled in with a new episode of SpongeBob and a bedtime snack...

Hubs and I watched "The Social Network"...again, LOL!

Quite a good movie, I must say.

We're not the most exciting family...

But that's just the way I like it. ;)

Purpose, fulfillment, passion...lost.

2011-07-15T11:24:00.000-07:00

I have been debating on writing this post all week.

I'd start.

I'd quit.

I'd quit mostly because I was so...

Upset...

Angry...

Bitter...

Sad...

Confused...

Lost...

At the time.

I'm still not better.

Just in a better place that I can actually write about it.

I've been going through the worst time.

Some days I manage to muddle through with a smile on my face all day and not really think about it.

Some days...

I am in the deepest, darkest places I've ever been.

It is a lot of things really.

It stems from not knowing my purpose.

Not feeling fulfilled.

With work.

My life in general I guess.

I don't know what I was created to do.

I know what makes me happy.

But what makes me so sad...

Is knowing I can't do it to it's fullest to make enough money to quit my current job.

And that leads to a whole other can of worms.

My current job.

I am so dissatisfied.

Unhappy.

Unfulfilled with it...

I can hardly stand getting up and doing it all over again most days.

I live for the weekend.

Just so I don't have to do it.

Some of my dreams include...

Baking (cake/cookie decorating/gourmet desserts/gift baskets).

Writing.

Maybe even writing about baking!

Now that would be a dream!

Combining the two!

I cannot bear the thought of living the rest of my life doing what I'm doing now.

I feel so trapped.

Like I have a rock on my shoulders.

There are other things I'm struggling with too.

I struggle to write about it because I know if certain people read this...

It would cause an uproar with that unit of people.

It's just that...

Have you ever felt "loved" and "cared for" by certain people...

But like you don't really belong?

It's like you know deep down they love you.

They truely do...in their own way.

But you have never felt a part of their group.

Even when they ask you over.

Invite you to things.

Include you.

You just don't "fit" or "mesh" with them.

You're an outsider.

The "black sheep"

It's just been a rough week.

A rough couple years.

I am eternally grateful for my husband who gets me through all this mess.

I feel awful for always dumping my problems and issues on him.

He doesn't deserve it.

But if you ever read this hubby, I do appreciate all you do.

Getting me through the rough times.

One of these days I'll get myself all sorted out...hopefully.

And maybe...by something short of a miracle...I'll find my purpose and get to fulfil my passion.

Until then...

I'll keep trying.

(And trying not to be so grumpy!)