Y'all it's a rainy Monday here. Last day of August. And I just found the coolest Application. Okay we say "App!"
Anyway, check it out. If you're not on Twitter, get with the movement! Here's one more cool reason for all of you "hold outs!" It's the new application called "Chir.ps!"
Have you ever?! It is literally as they describe, "Your voice and sounds on Twitter!"
Just when we thought Blogging, Twitter, Vlogging were more addicting - Enter Chir.ps! It's a whole lot of fun and hey we can now hear each others voices on our Tweets! Sounds too fun to me.
Leave me a comment with your Chirps link if you join us! :)
Guess what we get to do? Hear them live! We're huge fans. Check out these to amazing songs of theirs below. And at their website: Getty Music. Better yet, check them out live! You'll be blessed!
Hear the call of the kingdom Lift your eyes to the King Let His song rise within you As a fragrant offering Of how God rich in mercy Came in Christ to redeem All who trust in His unfailing grace
Hear the call of the Kingdom To be children of light With the mercy of heaven The humility of Christ Walking justly before Him Loving all that is right That the life of Christ may shine through us
(Chorus) King of Heaven we will answer the call We will follow bringing hope to the world Filled with passion, filled with power to proclaim Salvation in Jesus' name
Hear the call of the Kingdom To reach out to the lost With the Father's compassion In the wonder of the cross Bringing peace and forgiveness And a hope yet to come Let the nations put their trust in Him
Hear the call of the kingdom Lift your eyes to the King Let His song rise within you As a fragrant offering Of how God rich in mercy Came in Christ to redeem All who trust in His unfailing grace
Hear the call of the Kingdom To be children of light With the mercy of heaven The humility of Christ Walking justly before Him Loving all that is right That the life of Christ may shine through us
(Chorus) King of Heaven we will answer the call We will follow bringing hope to the world Filled with passion, filled with power to proclaim Salvation in Jesus' name
Hear the call of the Kingdom To reach out to the lost With the Father's compassion In the wonder of the cross Bringing peace and forgiveness And a hope yet to come Let the nations put their trust in Him
Hear the call of the kingdom Lift your eyes to the King Let His song rise within you As a fragrant offering Of how God rich in mercy Came in Christ to redeem All who trust in His unfailing grace
Hear the call of the Kingdom To be children of light With the mercy of heaven The humility of Christ Walking justly before Him Loving all that is right That the life of Christ may shine through us
(Chorus) King of Heaven we will answer the call We will follow bringing hope to the world Filled with passion, filled with power to proclaim Salvation in Jesus' name
Hear the call of the Kingdom To reach out to the lost With the Father's compassion In the wonder of the cross Bringing peace and forgiveness And a hope yet to come Let the nations put their trust in Him
Buses are squeaking, children are squealing and it's quiet around here. Another school year has begun. A week ago, we started another year of homeschooling. We're off to a great start.
The Back to School Cakes cool.... We love vanilla and chocolate...
Chocolate Icing rules. Shhhh a sneak preview pre-Sprinkles which are almost as important as the cake and icing itself.
I'm thankful I get to do this. Our road was a winding one that lead to homeschooling our twin sons. God's plans revealed. It is exhilarating to watch our boys grow and learn and L.O.V.E to learn. To see them comfortable and questioning and embracing this year. To not miss it. It's going to be a great year!
That's Friday Fun! And it's happening right here. Have a try at winning a Kroger Grocery $30 Gift Card!
Thanks to MyBlogSpark for the following info about the Kroger Mega Savings Event: "Here is how it works: when you buy 10 participating brands (see list below) and use your Shopper Card at check out you instantly save $5. And there is no limit on the number of rewards per transaction! Look for the double yellow tags in-store.
Here are some of the great deals that are part of the Kroger Mega Savings Event. Participating brands include: AMP Energy, Aquafina, Betty Crocker Baking Mixes, Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks, Cascadian Farms Cereals and Bars, Cap'n Crunch, Cheerios, Cheetos, Chex Mix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs, Dole Juices and Juice Drinks, Fiber One, Fritos, Gatorade, Golden Grahams, Green Giant, Hamburger Helper, Life, Lipton Tea, Nature Valley, Old El Paso, Pepsi family of 2 Liters, Pillsbury, Progresso, Propel, Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Quaker Chewy Bars, Starbucks, Sobe Life Water, Totino's, Trix, Tropicana, Yoplait and MORE!
Here are some great examples of different product combinations for breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime that are at a great price point:
Breakfast: Cheerios, Quaker Instant Oatmeal, Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, Tropicana Orange Juice and Yoplait
Lunch: Nature Valley Granola Bars, Cheetos, Fritos, Progresso Soup, and Gatorade
Dinner: Hamburger Helper, Green Giant, Pillsbury, and Lipton Ready-To-Drink Tea"
The good news too is that Kroger is joining us on Twitter.com/KrogerKeals another great reason to join Twitter and follow the deals y'all!
Our experience was Awesome! The Tigers and I clipped Coupons. Nice work on dexterity. And then we hit our Kroger with the $30 Gift Card Kroger provided us. It was a whole lot of fun. The Tigers matched the coupon picture to the product.
We had a blast! and are you ready? We saved 55% of our Grocery Bill!
You TOO Can WIN A FREE Kroger $30 Gift Card right here:
1) Enter a Comment and let me know how much $$ you think you'll save @ Kroger? 2) Tell how much money you save each week using Coupons; 3) Extra Entry: Twitter this Contest! :)
The contest will end on Monday, August 31st, at 9 pm EST. We will email the winner and the winner must reply to the email with 24 hours, or we will select a new winner. You must be 18 years or older and have a valid United States address to enter.
Good Luck Y'all! Couponing @ Kroger is awesome! We're Hooked on Free Groceries for Julia's "Hooked on Fridays!" Are you?! Warmly,
It's a big day. I get to chat it up with the FoodNetworks' very own, Aida Mollenkamp. She is the Spokesperson for the awesome new Yoplait Delights 100 Calorie Parfaits. They are all that!
Here's Aida telling you in her own words about the new Yoplait Delights! Remember, email me at carolinamama1 @ gmail.com or Twitter.com/carolinamama with any questions you may have for Aida Mollenkamp today! :)
Brother, brother, brother - here's what' going on! Have you checked out the new Brother P-Touch Labeler? I was so happy to receive this on our first day of school!
The Brother P-Touch PT-1290 Labeler is the more advanced handheld labeler in the new Simply Stylish product series. It includes an easy-to-use Deco Mode application that prints extra-stylish labels, but also has 2 professional fonts appropriate for the office.
Why You Need It: The PT-1290 has a sleek look and includes 15 “Deco Mode” patterns that can print up to two lines for more efficient labeling.
To Enter just take these three easy steps:
1) Post a Comment here stating Why You need the P-Touch Labeler. 2) Tell us what you would label! 3) Twitter or Blog this Giveaway (a mention with a link to the Giveaway is fine).
This meets Brothers' requests so that they can understand us the Mom Blogging community better! How about that! Let's applaud a company who wants our feedback. And you get a chance to Win this awesome label maker.
Check out what we did with ours:
We have enjoyed making various labels for our Homeschool and organizing up a little more. It is amazing the use you have for this machine once you have it. Next, I am thinking of the endless possibilities of labeling my kitchen just right! :)
Please spread the word on this awesome new product because it is one of the best tips out there for your family. Visit "Works For Me Wednesday" for more Tips.
After the amazing long weekend we had at River House Inn and their French cuisine, its been something else for Carolina Mama to be back in the Kitchen! I mean I love to cook y'all. Did I say School started again?
And that's the one challenge to Homeschooling to me, not the "chil'ren" - no not at all - it's dualing as Administrator, Favorite Teacher and Chef all at once. You know, nothing Moms aren't usually doing daily - organizing our hat collection/roles! :)
So with that said, I am truly looking forward to "Crock Pot Season!" :) To me, the Crock Pot Meal is like going out to dinner, all of the sudden, "Dinner is served!"
Nonetheless, back in the kitchen, the Tigers loved when I spoiled them with my version of the River House Inn breakfast favorites, eggs, bacon and the prize-winning French Toast! They even thought it four course, when I walked back to the kitchen to get the fruit, and and milk and juice. See they've been eating fine French Cuisine all along.
With a little culinary success, I wanted to share our favorite meal that even Weight Watchers would swoon over it's so tasty and healthy and can you hear me, "Easy!"
Baked Cajun Tilapia Grilled Corn on the Cob Pampered Chef (aka steamed) Broccoli
Shout out to my sister here from New Orleans this summer, for cooking up some Tony Chachere's greatness for us while she was here. Back to my roots :) And a word to Pampered Chef since they created the nifty little "Broccoli Steamer!" It amazes and steams the broccoli just perfectly.
It's so easy and so low fat. Mountain Man loved it so much, he recommended I share it here.
Lightly spray or coat the fillet with olive oil. Sprinkle corn meal over the top. Dash generously (or less according to your taste buds) with the Tony Chachere's and Emeril's. Bake 20 minutes. And enjoy!
This was so simple and so delicious. The Tigers loved the fish. And they are huge Corn and Broccoli fans. So I was the Queen Chef at dinner last night and it took no time. This ranked as 5 Star Better Than Cracker Barrel! ;)
Yes, I was scooting about the kitchen and did not take pictures - Queen Chef, yes. The Pioneer Woman, I am not. :) Go try it and enjoy. Join Jen @ Tasty Tuesday for more recipe goodness.
Ironically, we had first taken this traditional picture in the pool.
Summer had almost gotten by without our yearly "Pool Pic." We've got great ones from the beach, the mountains, tubing down the New River this Summer but Mama wanted our "Pool Pic," So everyone paused just a moment for this picture.
And then we were off. And then I cried in the "Baby Pool."
You see, the twins are eight. In fact, eight and a half years old. Our "Baby Pool" is 1 1/2 feet deep. Tiger A wanted to play in the baby/kiddy pool today.
He's 4'5" at 8 1/2 years old.
Of course, I went along. These days we usually play games with them and enjoy swimming together. This summer we've enjoyed a lot of basketball in the deep end. The Tigers versus The Parents. :)
In the back of my mind, I know one day they won't ask again. (Yes, it was a good hair day - great hair day - and I let it go "for the boys!") We hopped into the baby pool, me fully expecting to return to the 'deep end' of our pool in a few minutes.
We did not return in a few minutes.
We stayed. He asked me to play "Sharks and Minnows!" And the world stood still. I don't know if I teared up right away or after we were playing a while - I was taken aback and caught with time standing still and then I heard "Mommy, Say Cross The Ocean!"
I did. And we did.
We played - for an hour maybe. Actually until his brother came over and joined us. We were rocking the "baby pool" by then a new mom with a one year old was trying to introduce her tike to the pool. At first, we tried not to rock the waves and scare the baby. Then I looked at new Mom and said, "I'm really trying to enjoy..." And she cut in. I thought she understood and asked, "you have another older child?" And she replied "no. I know you're enjoying the last days of Summer.... "
To which I began to reply, "You know, this may be ..." (and then tears - have you ever been chocked back tears while swimming?) (sniff) (Sniff) waves splashing (hiding my tears from the boys) "It's just that this may be our last year in this pool. They're 8 1/2 - both of them - and I am enjoying every second. (tears) Next year we most likely won't be back here."
So I explained that we should try a different game - we did and then it kicked in and they said, "Game on! We're gonna win in Basketball!"
We were off to the 9 foot pool where they won a big basketball game.
It happened that quickly. And I know I'll always remember that last day, or potential last day, in the kiddie pool.
That's the thing about this journey of parenting, we never see those "lasts" coming. We never really know when it's the last time we do so many things. I don't remember the last time they sat in a booster seat, or when they last drank out of a sippy cup (because they had to :) or when they last asked for help with many things. So that's why I run around with my camera and write right here and document there and do the little things we Moms do while we're doing all the necessary things each day.
It does go quickly. Believe as a Twins Mama, I only get this chance once. So you see, I want to catch every moment, every right now, every first and last.
And that's what I believe those seasoned Moms mean when they say, "Enjoy it, it goes so quickly."
Does anyone know if 9 year old boys play Sharks and Minnows with their Mom in the Baby Pool? (Maybe I'll get this again.)
Today I received our Focus on the Family Magazine and thought I would share how much we love Focus on the Family! It is one awesome and growing ministry. Above you'll see Dr. James Dobson, the founder of Focus on the Family as he was a torch bearer for the Olympics 2002.
Check out their website here. You'll see all of the different Ministry options they have. We just ordered the Tigers the children's magazine, Junior ClubHouse and ClubHouse. These are awesome and wholesome children's magainzes chock full of fun.
And here's a mini photo of the Dobsons and their grandson, Lincoln. Isn't it cute!
Our boys love Adventures in Odessey at Whit's End! And I just noticed their theme on the homepage this evening, Helping Families Thrive!
They have a ministry for all age children and just for posterity here's their phone number. Yes, I called this number once as a young mother of Twin Sons. They were so great and sent me a great book for parents. Now, that's a story for another day.
Hope your weekend is going swimmingly! Ours is grand even complete with a Pirate Show! Lots of thunder and lightning and a great rain that cooled things off quite a bit... and a Winner was chosen for the Crayola Creativity Cast Giveaway... drum roll....
Congratulations to Southern Grits and Tidbits! on this awesome prize! Any Mama's dream. You'll love all of the fun, new easy-to-use Crayola products included!
For her significant service to community: Gayle Winston joins ranks of Maya Angelou, Billy Graham, with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, North Carolina's highest honor a North Carolina citizen can receive and is given out at the governor’s discretion. It is typically given out to honor an individual who has made some type of special achievement or contribution to the community. To date, over 13,000 North Carolina citizens have received the award.
As you know we immensely enjoyed our stay at liveblogging the North Carolina mountains at the River House Inn. It was great surprise and delight to meet, and mix and interact with Mrs. Winston while we were at the River House.
Ms. Winston was so fun. We jumped into this pose like we were sorority sisters on bid day. (Now I wonder was she a Tri Delta!) She is so charming, elegant and personable. She enjoys her guests as they do her. The staff at River House Inn is amazing with their hospitality. It is exciting to see Ms. Winston receive this well-deserved award along with other notables like North Carolina's Billy Graham, Maya Angelou and Michael Jordan.
Do you know anyone who has won the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award? This is exciting. And I'm Hooked on Friday with this awesome award and friend! What are you hooked on?
P.S. Dear River House Inn, We miss you immensely! Mama's adjusting to cooking again and the children request the Four Course Meals that you serve. Thank you friends! Until Next Time, The Carolina Mama Family
... just won a highly prestigious award that I am waiting to hit the news wires before I fully share. Stay tuned, she is one awesome lady that I was honored to meet and get to know a little this past weekend at River House.
It was worth every minute, but the French Cuisine at the River House Inn was reason enough that the numbers will reflect the feasts we enjoyed this long weekend. You know, Roasted Duck, Seared Salmon, The Best Bread Pudding on the Planet, and more the instigators. Life and meals in the French Countryside B & B were so amazing.
Third Grade! Hold me up someone, they're in the 3rd Grade. And just so you know, the Third Grade Rocks! :) Here's their telling it like it is on the First Day of School 2009:
It's tradition! And here in The South, we take our traditions seriously. So on our first day of school, we headed back to our local IHOP to celebrate Back to School! Much to my delight, IHOP Is hosting "Free Kids Meals!" with and adult entree. Dinner just got cheaper! I love when things come together like that - something we would order any way and it was FREE.
Who knew, Horton Hears a Who? made its way to IHOP. Check out these "WhoCakes!"
I found the details for you on line already at the IHOP at the Los Angeles News.
We're off to another great school year. What do you do to celebrate the new school year? Has anyone eaten these "WhoCakes!" and lived to tell? :)
1 Box Truffle Brownie Mix (Trader Joe's or your favorite) 1 can Bush's Black Beans (Blended in food processor with 1 T. of water) 1 T. Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil
After blending the beans, stir into the brownie mix with the coconut oil. Spread in pan and bake as directed on box. Then enjoy the "Oh my word these are amazing!" Brownies! Because they are so healthy, I am naming them Miracle Brownies! They are a miracle and it sounded a lot more appetizing than Black Bean Brownies or Weight Watchers Brownies. Even though they are both of those things, they are tasty, delicious, miracle brownies.
Dr. James Dobson Olympic Torch Bearer
Gayle Winston
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