all you need is love

amid the ever worsening world

with it's pornography

less than chase standard

and simply amoral beliefs

I have been struck by the need I feel to keep my marriage 

healthy

physically speaking

regular dates with my husband are a must

but since we have moved away from family

& 

friends

who we allowed to watch our precious little ones

the need has arisen to be creative in our dating

here are some suggestions 

for

DATING IN

idea #1:

 Dine...in

 

get the kids REALLY tired during the day, parks, races, and with hold a nap if the need arises

make the kids a simple dinner

while cooking a Divine, delectable dinner for you and your spouse

put the kids to bed an hour early

and 

DINE IN

behave as you are on a date..no cells...no text...no email..no phone calls...no bills

idea #2

Dinner & a Movie

if you don't already have a TV in your room ( which is actually better for your marriage)

move on in for the evening

Do idea #1

except put a table cloth on you bed & eat while watching you favorite movie 

idea #3

Find the Element of Fun

you remember the song...in every job that must be done find the element of fun

and snap the job becomes a game

If you must iron for the next day

after the babes are sleeping

Iron in your skivies

this can maybe help set a mood......if not it can at least help you not to take your self so serious

idea #4

Couples Yoga

rent a couples yoga video or read a book

idea # 5

Spouse Book Club

have a book club for just the two of you

pick a book that both will enjoy

discuss it with each other weekly

idea #6

the note

write love notes and place in pockets of you husbands jacket/shirt/pants

Please add any suggestions you may have

Fool Me Once...

I enjoy a good read. A lot. I decided a couple of years ago that I would begin to read what most of the world deems "Classic" books. It went very well until I decided to read Jane Eyre, most of the world has already read it. Most of the world has it on their best loved books list on their blog, Facebook profile, or Match.com. Wonderful. I'll read it.

HOWEVER, first I read the introduction. By some fancy shmancy professor, I'm sure. I don't even recall. What I do remember is reading the first half of the book with such disdane for our heroine that I never finished it. It was ruined. Completely ruined. I won't spoil it for you by revealing what this imbosil felt for Ms. Eyre. Just know it wasn't good. I'll have to wait a few years and try again.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde is next on my list. Opened the book, started reading. OOOOH buddy, you almost got me again Mr. Pompous, Know-It-All professor man. Who says you get to introduce (review), this book before I even know what it's about? I always thought an introduction would be an historical reference to the author and the subject. Maybe there are some out there, but you almost got me again, you sly little devil. As my daughter would say, "Mama, you're so silly." Since when did they start subjectively analyzing characters? Ickhh.

I'm no fancy professor lady, but I figure that if Ms. Bronte were alive she'd want us to read the words she placed on the pages of that book. She'd probably be really ticked off that some academic read into her characters like Dr. Laura.

RECIPE***TACOS****RECIPE

CELEBRATE COSTA RICA TACO's

mince 4 chicken thighs ( sub tofu, I would)

4 cloves of garlic

place in a frying pan with a little olive oil

when browned

add

minced black beans

minced garbanzo beans

minced spinach

and 

rice

very low heat

stir until its all cooked

add paprika just a bit

little salt

little pepper

place corn tortillas in a bit of olive oil

heat both sides

fill

and 

ENJOY !

Attenton Target Shoppers

I love finding a good deal at Target.

Shoes for $5, a necklace for $3, and jeans for $6! Well, I had been wondering what day was the best for finding those clearance items and my internet research informed me that most stores follow this simple mark-down schedule for clearance items:

Monday - Electronics, Kids Clothing and Stationary (Cards, GiftWrap, etc.)
Tuesday - Domestics, Women's Clothing, Pets and Market (food items)
Wednesday - Men's Clothing, Toys, Lawn & Garden, Health and Beauty
Thursday - House Ware, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Shoes, Music / Movies, Books, Decor and Luggage
Friday - Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry

Happy Shopping! Don't forget to share this secret with your friends.

attitude

"If you chance to meet a frown... do not let it stay..."

Our church's old nursery song teaches us that we can control our attitude.

I have a hard time going from grumpy Momzilla back to my regular self, but believing that I have control over my attitude is the first step. As Momzilla, my relationship with my family members suffers. I find myself yelling out commands left and right.

"Get that towel." "Come downstairs." "Leave me alone."

This negative attitude is usually contagious. Which is why we say:

If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.

Consequently, the reverse is true as well. Taking steps to see the good in myself, my family and my situation leads me back to my regular self. Want a list of simple ways to get rid of Momzilla?

• go for a walk. It increases oxygen to the brain and settles the mind.

• write down things you are grateful for. From the simple to the grand, you probably have a lot of things going right in your life.

• sing your favorite song. Church hymns can bring a great spirit into your day. If you don't sing well, hearing yourself will give you something to laugh at.

• focus on someone else. There are so many people in our lives that need our help. By simply putting our worries aside and doing good, we will feel better.

I know that this is not a cure-all for everyone, but it sure is a place to start when you are just having one of those days.

fashion......what's that

a friend asked me to post some fashion advice

I generaly don't buy anything "new" 

{I do most of my shopping at Goodwill or DI 

if you shop at second hand stores the thing to remember is don't buy it if it doesn't fit

pass it up if it too big or just doesn't lay right

you may have to look for a long time to get something great

I find the best stuff when I have gone searching for something else

just be flexible}

I have thought of some things that make me feel like am at least a little 

"with it"

For me the outfit that suits my day best is

Jeans & T-shirts

here are some hints that will make you look like you are not just a 

boring MOM

don't wear your hubbies shirts 

get shirts that fit you

those shirts you get for free you know the ones those make GREAT shopping bags

so don't wear them.....shop with them

I like to have a great pair of trouser jeans

these are not just comfortable they look like you thought about your outfit

get some great ballet flats 

get a couple of colors that maybe you wouldn't normally wear 

leave the sneakers/running shoes for the gym

you can wear any color flat with jeans and a white t

wear ballet flats every day if you must.....I do

I also buy a few accessories that go with the colors of my flats

go with = color that look great together not necessarily the same color

that way I can have an outfit put together in minutes

you can be wearing just jeans and  a t-shirt but it looks like a thought out outfit

It will help your mood as well as your day if you take the time to get ready in the morning.  Jump in the shower, use a little mascara & lip gloss, get ready for your day.

Even if you aren't going anywhere it will make you feel like you are worth while.

We want our kids to take care of themselves, so lets show the way

Wish I'd Known

5 cleaning tips I wish I'd known forever ago

1. to clean a microwave:

boil water in the microwave, then simply wipe it out

2. to keep mirrors from fogging

rub with shaving cream

3. keep laundry from piling up

do one small load each day, put yesterdays into dryer, and fold dried clothes

this way you don't feel overwhelmed

4. bed making

make your bed & have your children make their beds each morning as soon as they awake

this starts your day RIGHT

you & your children feel as though you have already accomplished something each time you see your beautifully made bed ( I promise just try it)

5. carpet

sprinkle baking soda on your carpet throughout your home before you vacuum

it really freshens up your carpet & vacuum