Family Travel with Colleen Kelly - Filming

Many of you saw that last week the kids and I did some filming for a television show. I was so excited when I heard about this wonderful opportunity from my friend Lynsey at Moscato Mom and even more excited when I received the email saying we were going to join them for a special day in Pensacola, FL. Now many of you know I live on the gulf coast of Alabama, but what you may not know is that is that my town is right on the AL/FL state line, and I born & raised in Pensacola. If you have never been to Pensacola, FL it is definitely a place to add to your travel list, and may I recommend coming during Spring/Summer time.

The show that the kids and I got to film with was Family Travel with Colleen Kelly! Family Travel is a show hosted by Colleen, where her and her family travel to different places all over the U.S. and Abroad to find activities that are fun, family oriented, memory making, and easy to plan, because she shows and tells you all about it in each episode. Visit Family Travel with Colleen Kelly to watch some of last seasons episodes. http://www.familytravelck.com/ Season 2 will be here soon!

Make Supper Easy - 3 step Homemade Pizza Roll

PIZZA, PIZZA, PIZZA - We love pizza, but sometimes it gets old having the same ole' pepperoni pizza. Yes, there are other kinds of way to have pizza but when you are the only one in your family of four that eats a different kind of pizza it's best to just order the "regular". Well, I've started getting creative. We have already made Pizza Spaghetti as a new twist on Pizza night and now this lovely yummy Pizza Roll.

The best thing about this is I can make my own and not have to get a whole pizza. This is just the traditional Pepperoni Pizza one but feel free to add what your Favorite Pizza Toppings are!

April Showers, Bring May Flowers - My Craftily Ever After April Post

April Showers, Bring May Flowers, and these flower pots will have your flowers looking gorgeous. Our Flower pots are featured over at MyCraftilyEverAfter.com for the April Craft. My children loved spending the day outside, enjoying the wonderful warm, beautiful sunny weather. It also made their day that we were going to be painting and doing such a fun craft! 

This craft is also great for you to make for Mothers Day which is coming up May 11th, 2014! 

30 Things Your Kids Should Know About You - Day 14 - Describe 5 weaknesses and strengths you have.

List 5 Weaknesses and 5 Strengths

1. My childrens smiles... usually they can get me to give them anything they want or out of trouble with their smiles. My daughter has learned this trick and thinks if she funny she can get away with whatever it may be. It's hard to punish your children when they do things that you would do or act a certain way you would. 

2. I like to do everything on my own - I don't want people to help me or do things because they aren't going to do it "my way". Now, I am in no way saying my way is the I really need to learn to delegate more things, I am sure I would get more done. 

3. I am very opinionated, that has its good and bad qualities but it is sometimes a weakness I have because I just speak the truth, whatever the truth may be, even if it isn't like. I don't feel the need to lie or "sugar coat" anything. 

30 Things Your Kids Should Know About You - Day 13 - What's the Hardest Part of Growing Up

The hardest part of growing up is growing up. With "growing up" comes responsibilities, money, bills, homes, cars, children, insurances, 401K's, etc. All of that stuff makes growing up hard by itself, and those things aren't just what makes growing up hard. What makes it hard is the reality check you get once you become a adult. 

     As children everything is so simple and life is made to be easy. When we become teenagers are life is all about our friends, extra curricular activities, and who is hanging out with who. Some are prepared for life by having to have jobs and pay for their car insurance or cell phone bill, but for those of use who aren't, life really smacks us in the face. 

     I want to teach my children all about what life really is about when they become teenagers not just the fun part of life and all the joys, even those are just as important! I did take LMS {Life Management Skills} It was a requirement in high school but it didn't make it seem real. Even though we were taught important things like writing a check, it was drilled into us that in order to cover that check you have to work hard to make money, even though that is a given, high schools don't understand the value of a dollar. 

I had to grow up very fast by getting pregnant at 17 and having my son 5 days after I graduated high school. I though I was "grown" and ready for life. However we never are at that age. 

What would you say the hardest thing about growing up is?

Cafe Du Monde - New Orleans

Whenever I hear those words Cafe' Du Monde, I immediately get hungry and want Beignets, good thing I know how to make them.  I was immediately excited to take my son here when I found out this was a stop on his field trip day in New Orleans. I wasn't sure if he would try Beignets because he is such a picky eater but he did and he loved it. If you have never had a beignet, it is really hard to describe the yummy goodness of these but just look at them and I am sure you can imagine.

Audubon Zoo - New Orleans, La

 I always love a trip to the zoo and the last time I went to this zoo I was in elementary school too. I don't remember much from it, I'm sure there are pictures somewhere but I was very excited to experience with my son and his peers. His gifted program called Project Jubilee does a special field trip every year and this year it was to New Orleans for the day to The Audubon Zoo, To the Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium , and to Cafe' Du Monde for the day! What a treat that was!

30 Things Your Kids Should Know About You - Day 12- Describe a Typical Day in the Your Current Life

A typical day in my life, well no day is the same as another. My days are very busy filled with tons of things to do so it is going to be hard to describe a typical day but I will do my best. My day starts at 4:45 when the alarm clock starts going off, and after I hit the snooze button 4 times I then start my day.

30 Things your Kids Should Know About You - Day 11- Describe 10 Pet Peeves you Have

10 Pet Peeves, well... I'm glad there's a limit on them cause this list could get long. :)

1. Liars - There is no need to lie. Just be honest, it will go a lot further and you don't have to risk loosing the trust of the person you are lying to. It's easier for someone to get over the hurt of the truth then gain the trust back from a lie. 

2. Stealing- I am a firm believe that if there is something you NEED {Food, Clothes,Money,etc., then ask for it and you shall receive. Nothing comes from taking something that isn't yours except trouble. 

3. Laziness- Hard Work pays off if the truest statements to have a successful life. If you always remember that, you are sure to go far. However, not everybody in your life or that you meet will think the same way and will think that it is okay to not work hard for their lives and what they want.

30 Things your Kids should know about You - Day 10- Describe your mostEmbarrassing Moment

I guess I can say I am lucky that at this current time in my life I really don't have a "most embarrassing moment" and I hope I will never have one {knock on wood} I do have a moment in High School though that I was embarrassed about it, and it's not your normal embarrassing high school story and some will say, "awe that was sweet" and it was, but still was embarrassing.

It was my chorus performance in high school, one of our two shows we do throughout the year and we of course sing a lot of songs. I'm not sure if this was our Disney Performance or our Music throughout History Performance. At the end of our performance after the crowd had silenced from their roaring claps and standing ovations I suddenly hear, plan as day, "I LOVE YOU KARI" Yes that was that man up there ^^ in the picture, my now husband. He shouted to the "world" which at that time was our high school, that he loved me! I was embarrassed because it was a huge crowd and everyone knew who it was and that it was me he was talking about! It makes my heart happy to think about our memories like that. 

30 things your kids should know about you - Day 9 - List 10 People who have Influenced you and Describe How.

1.Mom - My mother has always done everything she could and thought was right for me. She was a single mother who worked and provided and gave me everything I needed. Even when times were tough she still tried her best to do what she thought was right! I wouldn't be who I am without strong women being my mother! 

     She taught me how to be a great mother by being one her self. She taught me to always do the right thing and how to take care of myself how to be a good person and everything I needed to be successful in my life

2.Grand Mother- My Grandmother has always gave me great advice to stand up for myself and always do what was right even if others think its wrong. Shes also always spoiled me rotten because thats what grandmothers are for right? That was all fine and dandy until I had little ones and well now I know how my mother felt.

3.Aunt Erin- My Aunt, shes always been my favorite! :) She was there for me at a time in my life when I thought nothing could get worse and didn't know I had would make it through. I watched her and learned more as I grew up that she was such a strong women and no matter what the circumstances it was going to be okay. She loves unconditional and without any judgement, whether she thinks its right or wrong. She taught me how to love unconditional, but not to be walked on.

4. Dana -My step mom, she gave me normalcy for the first time with my dad. She was a "mom" to me when she didn't have to be. She spent time with me and gave me awesome memories. She also is the mother to my wonderful sister. During a tough time in her life and decisions that had to be made, she still allowed and did what could be done for us to have a relationship, I am so thankful for that and for her to be a wonderful MiMi to my children and so accepting still, when she doesn't have to be. She taught me to be strong and make a decision no matter what the cost, if it was right and needed to be done. She taught me that just because we aren't blood doesn't mean that we aren't family and can always be family.

Bunny Bait (Easter Snack Mix)

I can't believe that it is already mid-April and almost Easter! Of course at this time of year the kids are getting excited about the Easter bunny and their class celebrations. My children are out for Spring Break this week so they don't have any class parties but we are still making this yummy snack mix for our Easter Celebration.

30 things your kids should know about you - Day 8 - List 5 Passions YouHave

I have a lot of Passions. I am Passionate about everything I do. I'm just a typical Southern Women, I guess you could say. We would be here all day if I had a chance to talk about all that I am Passionate about it. Passionate means to have strong feelings or strong beliefs. We all of course are Passionate about about families, husbands, kids, our lives all of that. I want to share stuff that I, personally am passionate about. 

1} Music - Music is so important to me. I don't know where I would be without it. Music is there when I'm happy, sad, mad, excited, celebrating, etc. My daddy was also a musician and  I great up on good ole Country music like Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Charlie Daniels... all the greats. I still absolutely love Country Music, it has my heart, but I love all genres of music as well. Music helps me through everything and to celebrate everything. I really wish I would have taken more time to learn to play guitar or focus more on a instrument. 

Thirty-One April News and Specials -- * NEW PRODUCT* Don't Miss this!

Thirty-One April News & Specials!

Hey Y'all I wanted to share the amazing products that we have on special for this month!! 

30 things your kids should know about you- Day 7 - What is your Dream Job and Why?

My dream job has changed from what it once was to what it is now that I have a family and we have built a life. 

My dream job once was to be a Criminal Psychologist and work with troubled juveniles. I wanted to help them through the time they are going through and help them to try and see the good in themselves and all that they can be. I feel that juveniles once they get in trouble as a teenager are just "marked" and forgot about and everyone looks at the ones that are doing well. I think that the child acting out, even if just for attention, is the child that needs the most. 

30 Things that your Kids should know about you - Day 6 - 3 wishes, Whatwould you wish for?

3 Wishes, we all wish that we could have 3 wishes, any 3 wishes in the world, but now that I am sitting here thinking about these 3 wishes... I want to make sure they are just right! 

1. I wish for all my family to have good health.

2. I wish for success in all my children's hopes and dreams. 

3. I wish for unlimited travel. {By this I mean the ability to just decided one Friday evening, for the weekend were going to Oklahoma to be there for my sisters Prom or Flying to NY on Sunday for Lunch with my Aunt and flying home that evening. Just the ability to travel when and wherever we would like}

30 things your kids should know about you - Day 5 - 5 things that make you most happy.

Today's topic is 5 things that make me most happy. 

1. Spending time with my family and friends - It does not matter what we are doing we will still have fun. Even if it is just sitting at the house staring at each, we are going to have a good time. 

2. A beautiful sunny day at the beach! 

30 Things Your Kids Should Know - Day 4 - List 10 things you would tellyour 16 year-old self, if you could

     10 things I would tell my 16 year old self... Wow to think back to when I was 16 - When you become wiser { I'm not going to say older because I honestly don't feel any old, just wiser} some of the things you thought were important at 16 years old suddenly are not. Whew if we could only going back to high school and do it over at our 10 year reunion then I'm sure everyone would love their high school years.

{*disclaimer - I was a typical 16 year old high school girl, don't hold any thing against me}

Spring Break Fun Bucket List - Fun for the Kids

 
 It's almost Spring Break time and we sure are excited! I absolutely love that it is warming up and getting to be time to go to the beach. My kids are also extra excited to have a little break from school. I want to make sure we have a extra fun week and do some fun things together so I made this Spring Break Fun Bucket List that I am going to put on our Family Fun Board the week of Spring Break.

30 Things your Kids should Know about You - Day 3 - Describe your Relationship with your Spouse

Describe your Relationship with your Spouse. This is simple. Amazing I have an amazing husband! He works hard for us, he takes care of us, I am able to be a stay at home mom and here for everything with my family and children. I couldn't ask for a better man. He's understanding, caring, loving, funny, silly, I could go on and on.

Homemade German Chocolate Cake

     Who doesn't like German Chocolate Cake? ME. Yes, this is a recipe for Homemade German Chocolate Cake but I do not like nor eat it. It's the weirdest thing, I do not like coconut at all but LOVE the smell of it. It is actually one of my favorite scents, but I do not like the way it taste. My sister in laws birthday was on March 25th and we go hang out with them almost every Friday night. I decided to do something special for her and Make her her favorite cake. She is after all my favorite sister in law!

   

30 things your Kids should Know about You - Day 2 - Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears.

1. Driving - I am terrified of Driving. I know right, some people think that is so weird  because I am 27 years old and still do not drive. I do not even have a license. I am not sure what exactly prompted this fear in me, but I did find out my Memaw did not drive until she was in her fifties, this will probably be me { just kidding}.

30 Things your kids should know about you - April Challenge

     As a parent there is stuff we want to tell our children, about our lives, about us as people, about our families, and growing up. My friend over at moscatomom.com found a blog during her blog hop on 30 Things Your Kids Should Know About You from momsmessymiracles.com and when I started reading it, I absolutely wanted to do it because I want my kids to have this as a way to get to know me a little better with these random questions. I figured it would be easier to do 15 this month, and 15 next month! :) Some will be daily but it just depends on how busy our month is.

     Feel free to join in!
 

Here are the 30 Day Topics:

Healthiness - FitBit

If you haven't heard about a Fitbit or seen one you should definitely check them out, especially if you are working out and getting healthy like I am! 

Fitbit comes in many different colors and styles and they help you track your steps, activity, miles walked/ran, and even your sleep pattern. I have absolutely fell in love with my Fitbit and the friendly competition that I have going on with my mom and friends. 

30 things your Kids should know about you - Day 1 - List 20 Random Facts about yourself.

20 Random Facts about Yourself

1. I love being at home. I could be at home all the time { we live in the country and on Perdido Bay, there is plenty to do}

2. Being barefoot is the best, even in the dirt and mud.

3. I hate to be cold and will wear a hoodie in the middle of 80 degree weather, if I am cold.

4. I do not like my food to touch, like my macaroni and cheese does not need to touch my chicken or corn.

5. I could live off of Macaroni and Cheese.

6. I love to cook and bake.

7. I hate most vegetables except corn, green beans, squash {only if cooked right}, and raw carrots.

8. I have always been and still am a very picky eater.

9. I love tattoos and if I could I would have quite a bit.

10. I love being a homemaker, and being the one that cooks, cleans, and takes care of everything.

{I like things a certain way} I handle the inside and my husband handles everything outside.

11. Music is a large part of my life and heart. I love going out and listening to a live band and going to concerts.

12. I am a straight shooter, I tell you like it is and don't sugar coat anything. Don't ask me a question or my opinion if you don't want the truth.

13. I try to always be positive and see the good in everything and all situations. If you think good thoughts, good things will come to you.

14.  I love reality television. I have no idea why.

15. I am a Disney Addict! I love everything and anything Disney. 

16. I love to Dance

17.  I love my iPhone, I may have an addiction to it

18. Retail Therapy is the best Therapy- just don't become a Hoarder 

19.  I am Crafty - I love DIY projects 

20. I love to write;  in a journal, my blog, essays, etc. I want to write a book too, one day. 

Clean Up, Clean Up, Everybody Clean Up - Chore Charts for the Kids

     My kids love chores and do them with no fussing, crying, or whining and do them perfectly each and every time, said no mom ever!! If your kids are like mine they absolutely hate chores, even if it's the same and only few chores that they have ever had to do their entire life {well since they were able to do chores lol} I finally had enough of dealing with the constant begging, pleading, and bargaining to do them.

     I of course went to my favorite website in the world PINTEREST and started looking up chore charts because I wanted to start the kids on something small. They are only 9 & 6. This is going to be their first Allowance and I wanted it to be something simple for them. I was so pleased when I found these Chore Charts at ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com, they are not only cute but they are also very simple for them plus they get to use STICKERS {something to put all those stickers on that they have everywhere else}.