Show & Tell Tuesdays: Pinterest

Hey Friends! I'm so glad you're here today! I'm linking up with Andrea for Show & Tell Tuesdays! Today we're talking about Pinterest!

You can follow me on Pinterest: 

Visit Elaine's profile on Pinterest.

When I first saw today's topic I thought of all the million different ways I could go- my favorite boards, my favorite pins, some of my Pinterest projects, my most re-pinned pins, I mean, the topic was a wide range and I wasn't sure what I'd choose from! But then I decided I would just share my most favorite Pinterest boards that I have. 

You see, I'm somewhat of a Pinterest addict. I've been on Pinterest since the beginning, and I've arranged and rearranged my boards. Back when I had just one or even two kiddos, I use to actually get inspired and do Pinterest projects, but then you know, life happened and I'm lucky to find time to complete any of the Pinteresty projects I have pinned. But, in my downtime, I totally like to pin, re-pin, and pin some more.

I have boards dedicated to decorating the girls' bedrooms, boards for the play room we use to have, a board dedicated to hair styles, Disney, books,  and party planning. 

I laugh every time I see this meme!

And, this is totally me in the summer time!

But, I really do use my dinner ideas board a lot of the time! I'm a total slacker when it comes to thinking up new dinner ideas, so my dinner board is likely my favorite!

Follow Elaine's board Dinner Ideas/Main Dishes on Pinterest.

My next favorite board is my speech therapy board. If it weren't for this board, we'd be playing the exact same board games every single day. I totally love to do new projects with my speech kiddos, and I love when I have time to sit down and print off my pinterest finds and get busy with new activities during my groups. 

           

Follow Elaine's board Speech Therapy Ideas on Pinterest.

In the summer time, I use a lot of my pins from my arts & crafts board or my "Teaching the Girls". 

My, Makes you Smile board is likely one of my favorites! Any time I'm feeling down, I can head over to this board and cheer right up! I'm a sucker for sarcasm, memes, funny pictures, and even quotes. This board definitely can turn any bad day around! 

Follow Elaine's board Makes You Smile on Pinterest.

I'd love to follow you on Pinterest! Leave me your link in the comments below!

Christmas Decorating Ideas

I love, love, love Christmas, and I really love decorating for Christmas! I am so pumped that the weekend is here, because I'm going to drag out all of my Christmas decoration boxes, crank up the Christmas music and decorate to my hearts content. That is, if the girls will let me!

 

I spent a little bit of time this morning browsing through Pinterest to get ideas! I tend to decorate the same way every year, and then throw in a few new changes.

 

To see our past Christmas decorations:

2012

2011

2010

2009 and Here

 

I have already have a few ideas of new decorations I want to add to my collection, and after browsing through my O Christmas Tree pinboard, I have a few more!

I never know how to decorate my kitchen table. I use to put out swags of garland with ornaments, candles, and go all out, but I have two little girls who love to cause mischief and I know that a huge tablescape full of decorations will not suffice this year.

 

I love the idea of gathering glass containers and using ornaments in them.

 

Remember when you are decorating to use an odd number. In the picture above, there are three apocratherapy jars, bowls, or urns filled with decorations. You do not want to use just two, as an even number looks unbalanced. You could just use one for a simple scaled down affect, but three is the perfect number!

I have a chandeleir very similar to this one above my kitchen table. Last year, I wasn't brave enough to hang garland from it, but I'm dying to try it this year! I just love the way this looks.

Our banister is not this big, but I love the twigs and garland tied on the stair banisters. My little monkey girls are climbing (and jumping off) the banister right now, and I'm wondering if they'll try to tear something like this off, but I think i'm going to attempt it this year!

I love Christmas trees! It is my mission in life to have a Christmas tree in every room of our house during the holidays. It hasn't happened yet, I'm still afraid DJ might divorce me over it, but it will happen. One year, when he's busy with football and too busy to notice. It will happen.

 

Also, one of my requirements for when we buy our next house is that it has a Christmas tree spot. Preferably a huge window in the front of our house. Our living room is in the back of the house, and I hate that people can't see it when they drive by.

 

Anyway, as much as I love Christmas trees, I love when they are full and overflowing with goodiness. Yes, I made that a word.

 

Every year, we decorate the tree together as a family. Every year, I keep decorating and keep adding stuff, and DJ tells me it's enough. That it's too much. Nope babe, not this year. I want our tree full of stuff and fluff, so beware! I'll decorate it myself if I need to.

I'm also on the lookout for a new Christmas tree topper. We have an angel that was given to us when we were married. (We had a Christmas wedding, and a Christmas theme wedding shower.) But the angel has on a maroon dress, and while she's stunning, she doesn't go with the red and green theme that I usually have, and she is so hard to get to stay on the tree! This year, we're adding a monogram, because, why not!

 

I cannot wait to share with you the final results! I'm so pinspired that I just want to get home and get to it! Yay for the weekend!

 

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Two Weeks Till Turkey Day!

I love, love, love Thanksgiving! Aside from Christmas, it's my most favorite holiday! I have fond memories of growing up and having Thanksgiving at my grandparents house with all of my cousins, aunts and uncles, and a house full of other people. When I was little, I swear it seemed like we had 50 people at my grandma's house for Thanksgiving. I remember sneaking her homemade yeast rolls and only eating those and pumpkin pie. We could eat all day and I always chose the rolls.

Now that I'm a grown up, Thanksgiving brings up new memories and new traditions. Instead of my grandma hosting Thanksgiving, it's hosted by either my mom or my aunt. When we lived in Indiana, I couldn't be home for Thanksgiving and DJ and I found different ways to celebrate. One year, we were with his family, and another year, we had Thanksgiving lunch with the Ball State football team. 

I've only hosted Thanksgiving once, and that was when I was pregnant with Megan. DJ's dad and stepmom came up for Thanksgiving, and i'm so thankful that his stepmom was there to help me bake the turkey! I even made my grandma's homemade rolls because it was such a fond memory- and they're pretty yummy!

Since we've moved to Tulsa, the girls and I are able to go home to my parent's house for Thanksgiving, but sadly, DJ typically stays behind to work. I'm sad that he can't be with us for Thanksgiving, and I realize that we could stay here with him, but then I'd have to cook a turkey.

Anyway, I wanted to browse interest and share with y'all some of favorite Thanksgiving day finds, just in case you are the host and you have to cook that turkey!

I love this idea for a menu. It wouldn't work in my family because we cook tons and tons of food y'all! We have a potluck style, but I just love the idea of chalk board paint, pumpkins, natural elements, and Thanksgiving…… that's fall.

The year I did host Thanksgiving, I let Gretchen make us Thanksgiving placemats. I used the die cut machine at school and cut out leaves and turkeys, and then I printed off little Thanksgiving clip art. we traced her hand, and she decorated to her hearts desire. Then, I took them back to school to laminate them. She loved making these.

I also love the idea of writing what you're thankful for, and this is a cute way to display it. I'm participating in the 30 days of Thanks on Facebook, and at the end of every day, I write my status update about what I was thankful for in that day. So many people write a generic thankful for post, but I really want to reflect on the day. At the end of the month, I plan on compiling and sharing them all here.

This would be the cutest little hostess gift if you're a guest! Or, as a place setting around the table, and every one can take home their little jar of Turkey Toes! Just replace the front tag with a name tag.

I found this printable shopping list and menu planner. I'm sure if you have to cook everything for the big day you'll need it!

Follow me on Pinterest!

Getting Pinspired this October

I have a gazillion pins on Pinterest, and most of the time, they just sit on their pinboards and I rarely take a second look at them. Are you anything like me? I thought it would be so much fun to get pinspired this month and to choose a few of my favorite pins, and even some random fall ones to try out with the girls this month!

So, sit back, and let's get pinspired! Here's what I hope to have going down at my house this month!

 

I think it's the cutest idea to "boo" your neighbors. We really are blessed with some fabulous neighbors and this would be such a fun treat for our neighbors! I don't think I'd just give them candy, but a cute little bucket from Target's $1.00 section filled with all kinds of little goodies would be so fun!

I'd also love to do a little treat bag for all of the girls' teachers.

 DJ has tons of away game weekends in October, so I think I need to have a mini-Halloween party with just the girls! 

The monster cups above are just dyed vanilla pudding with oreo sprinkles on top. I may not go as far as decorating the cups, but just having a fun monster treat sounds like more than enough!

 I think i'll serve the monster pudding with these mummy hot dogs!

Now, a few ideas just for me!

 I'm finally working and getting out of the house again and finding a reason to get dressed other than my nike shorts and a dry fit long sleeve shirt.

I think i'll re-create the outfit above.

 Of course, a pumpkin patch trip is in order, and somehow we always find time with DJ to carve a pumpkin, but I think I should add some painted pumpkins to the mix this year!

And, i'm dying to make these pumpkin brownies! DJ loves brownies, but hates pumpkin and that's the only reason I haven't made them so far! All it is is a can of pumpkin and a box of brownie mix! It just sounds so heavenly. Fall is officially here and these need to be in my mouth. Yes, I shall make these. Sorry, DJ. The girls and I will enjoy them on our own!

Please tell me that one of you reading this has made these and they're as delectable as they sound?

I am also dying to have a girls night out! Last month my neighbor and I went to a Thirty One wine party night, and then I saw an idea over at Sheaffer, Shay's, and Erika's blogs, and I thought it would be so fun to combine a scarf party with a wine party!

So, get Pinspired! Go choose a few of your pins that are sitting around all lonely on your pinboards, and choose something to do!

Follow my Pins here!

Don't forget to check out Erika's blog for a giveaway!

Getting Pinspired this October

I have a gazillion pins on Pinterest, and most of the time, they just sit on their pinboards and I rarely take a second look at them. Are you anything like me? I thought it would be so much fun to get pinspired this month and to choose a few of my favorite pins, and even some random fall ones to try out with the girls this month!

So, sit back, and let's get pinspired! Here's what I hope to have going down at my house this month!

 

I think it's the cutest idea to "boo" your neighbors. We really are blessed with some fabulous neighbors and this would be such a fun treat for our neighbors! I don't think I'd just give them candy, but a cute little bucket from Target's $1.00 section filled with all kinds of little goodies would be so fun!

I'd also love to do a little treat bag for all of the girls' teachers.

 DJ has tons of away game weekends in October, so I think I need to have a mini-Halloween party with just the girls! 

The monster cups above are just dyed vanilla pudding with oreo sprinkles on top. I may not go as far as decorating the cups, but just having a fun monster treat sounds like more than enough!

 I think i'll serve the monster pudding with these mummy hot dogs!

Now, a few ideas just for me!

 I'm finally working and getting out of the house again and finding a reason to get dressed other than my nike shorts and a dry fit long sleeve shirt.

I think i'll re-create the outfit above.

 Of course, a pumpkin patch trip is in order, and somehow we always find time with DJ to carve a pumpkin, but I think I should add some painted pumpkins to the mix this year!

And, i'm dying to make these pumpkin brownies! DJ loves brownies, but hates pumpkin and that's the only reason I haven't made them so far! All it is is a can of pumpkin and a box of brownie mix! It just sounds so heavenly. Fall is officially here and these need to be in my mouth. Yes, I shall make these. Sorry, DJ. The girls and I will enjoy them on our own!

Please tell me that one of you reading this has made these and they're as delectable as they sound?

I am also dying to have a girls night out! Last month my neighbor and I went to a Thirty One wine party night, and then I saw an idea over at Sheaffer, Shay's, and Erika's blogs, and I thought it would be so fun to combine a scarf party with a wine party!

So, get Pinspired! Go choose a few of your pins that are sitting around all lonely on your pinboards, and choose something to do!

Follow my Pins here!

Don't forget to check out Erika's blog for a giveaway!

Back to School Ideas!

Gretchen starts kindergarten this month, and I'm just in shock at how fast these last 5 1/2 years have gone by! I have mixed emotions about this day, as I'm sure many parents do, and I want to make the day as special as possible for her! I've been pinning ideas for back to school ever since I started pinning, so it's time to make use of them!

I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite back to school pins today!

I absolutely love the idea of giving Gretchen a special little something to wear on her first day of school. I ordered a chunky school bus necklace, but it'll be too busy to wear with her first day of school outfit, so i'm saving it for the second day. But, I really want to find us matching bracelets somewhere so I can give her this poem.

I love the idea of taking their picture on the first (then last) day of school to see how much they've grown! I'm praying that I'll be up early enough to get everyone taken care of and to take her picture. 

Megan won't be starting preschool until the day after Labor Day, and I'll have Adalyn as well on Gretchen's first day. DJ is asking if he can come in late that morning, and hopefully we can get her dropped off at school that first day and have time to take plenty of pictures. I'm totally going to be "that mom" that hangs out entirely too long and takes entirely too many pictures on their child's first day. I'll probably shed a tear or two, or many more than that!

What scares me most about Gretchen going to kindergarten is that she'll get lost in the shuffle. Get put on a wrong school bus (especially because the plan is for me to pick her up every day) or that she'll be too terrified to tell me her name. 

Working in the public schools in Indiana, I know all too well that scared feeling that a child has, and how much help a kindergarten teacher needs on the first day. I love the idea of these little "medals" and i'm totally tempted to make Gretchen wear one that gives her name, her teachers name, and the fact that she won't be on a bus, but if she is on a bus, i'd totally write in the bus number so she doesn't end up on the wrong bus. 

I may be paranoid. 

I love the little bag of goldfish idea! I think this would be too cute to put in her lunchbox on the first day or to have it waiting for her when she comes home. Especially because she can't read yet!

And, let's not forget to make the teacher's first day at school a good one too! I think we'll put together a gift for all of the girls' teachers!

What are you planning on doing to make the first day back at school a great one?

All of these ideas were found via Pinterest.

Pinterest Recipes!

Every other week, the teachers at one of my schools have a carry-in. Everyone is assigned a group, and everyone in that group brings in a few dishes to share. It's been so much fun and I've been able to not only taste a few new dishes, but try out cooking a few! Plus, you get to eat, which is a total bonus!

I made this Apple Cobbler.

 I found the original recipe from Mix and Match Mama. 

This was so, so good, and way too easy!

It's going to become a staple in our house!

I also made these chocolate chip cookies! They were super easy to make and moist.

Find the original recipe here.

I love that I can try new recipes thanks to Pinterest! 

What are a few of your favorite dessert recipes that you've pinned (and tried!)

Follow my "Diet Ruiners and a Few Healthy Things Too" Board Here.  And, just a warning- don't browse if you're hungry!

The Captain's Chicken Alfredo

My brother cooked dinner for us on Good Friday when we were at my mom's. That's him:

Sorry ladies, he's taken. Overalls and all.

He is an amazing cook, but I think it's a requirement when you're a fireman. All of the men in my family were firemen, and it's in his blood. He fought and fought to get on the LR fire department and his dreams came true and I know that he loves his job! Last year he was even given an award and I had never been more proud.

I'm calling this The Captain's Chicken Alfredo

My brother is not a captain, but his captain taught him how to make this, and I know that one day, my brother will be a fireman's captain, just as my grandpa and uncle were.

He started by grilling chicken breasts that were seasoned with this Garlic and Herb seasoning. It is the bomb and I could've just eaten this chicken alone.

Ingredients for the sauce:

1 stick of butter

1 clove of garlic or 3 tbsp. minced garlic

Neufchatel Cheese Block

1 tall carton of Heavy Whipping Cream

2 c. Dried Parmasean Cheese

Directions:

In a large sauce pot brown your garlic with the stick of butter. Add the block of Neufchatel cheese and turn your heat down. Whisk the cheese into the butter until it has melted. Never let it boil, and continue to whisk. (Your arm will get tired, but it's worth it.) As the cheese is melting, add the carton of heavy whipping cream; slowly pour it in and whisk. Slowly pour in the dried parmasean cheese and whisk. Seriously, whisk. You want the cheeses to melt and for there to be no clumps. I asked him if you could use shredded parmasean cheese, but he said that he prefers the dried cheese.

In a seperate pan, add butter, along with a container of mushrooms (optional) and broccoli heads cut and saute.

In a large pasta pan, boil your noodles then drain.

Cut up the chicken.

After you've drained the pasta, you'll add the sauce, veggies, and chicken. Stir everything together.

Voila!

Ok, I promise it's not that easy. I told him that this would not be an afternoon meal that i'll be cooking when I get home from a day at work, but it is a fabulous meal that needs to be served when your husband can watch the kids one afternoon and if you're having company. I would have your husband grill the chicken while you make the sauce, and noodles. You can always have the veggies prepped and cooked before hand to save time, and this recipe makes so much that it's enough to cut in half or to make it all and then freeze the rest.

It's just so good that I had to have the recipe written down and then I had to share it with y'all!

For dessert, I decided on this Pinterest recipe.

You'll need 1 can of apple pie filling, crescent rolls to use later. In a medium saucepan, melt together 1/2 c. butter, 1/2 c. sugar, 1/2 c. brown sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, reduce heat and let simmer for 3 minutes.

Fill your crescent rolls with the apple pie filling, and a dash of cinnamon. Roll and place in your baking dish. Pour the melted mixture on top, and bake crescent rolls as directed.

At the end of this dinner, I swear we were all 10 lbs. heavier!!!



Christmas 2 at Gee's

After spending the Sunday before Christmas at my grandma's, we headed home to get in our pajama's and to open presents with my parents, and brother's family. We weren't starving, so my mom fixed sandwiches, had shrimp, and made a cheeseball.

The girls always get to eat before the parents!

 G was very excited to finally open presents!

 My niece, A, totally cracks me up. She can make the funniest, most sarcastic faces I have ever seen! I would sit across the dinner table from her and start making faces and she would try her best to imitate them! It totally cracked me up!

 Here's a family picture of my brother, sis-in-law, and A. 

 My mom made all of the girls these nap mats that she found from Pinterest. They absolutely loved them!

 They all immediately layed down and tested them out. The little girls just layed on their pillows like they were ready for bed!

 DJ got body wash!

 My SIL and I both got these pretty serving pieces. Because we both received them, my mom made us open them at the exact same time. 

 MC received a cabbage patch doll. 

 We purchased my mom a new make up bag, but my brother and SIL got her a Nook. She was so excited!

 DJ also received a leaf blower and hedge trimmer. 

 G received a doctor's kit and immediately wanted to play with it! She is in love with Doc McStuffins and has had so much fun playing doctor!

 My parents also got her a bean bag, but because they couldn't wrap it, they made her close her eyes. 

 She was so happy and immediately jumped on top of it!

 Here's MC playing with a baby she received. MC loves babies! She's going to be the best big sister!

 MC and A both received baby beds. My great-grandfather actually had made two baby beds for me when I was little. My parents refurbished the first one and gave it to G on her first birthday. The ones that MC and A received, were originally bunk beds that my great-grandfather made. My stepdad cut them apart, added spindles and a headboard and my mom made the bedding. The girls loved these! They both climbed on them like they were little beds for them! 

 MC and A had a hard time sharing. Poor A was not getting any sympathy from her parents so leave it to her aunt to give her lots of hugs and kisses!

 And, this is the after math of Christmas at my mom's! 

I'm so glad I didn't have to totally clean that mess up!

And, that my friends, should be the last of my Christmas posts for this year- yay!!!