Apple blackberry pie with fall leaves

This pie was so much fun to make and super delicious! It's a Martha Stewart recipe and you can find it here. It would be perfect for Thanksgiving dinner or anytime really. =)

video

Chase made this video of our family pictures that we had taken a couple months ago. Enjoy!

COFFEE!!

I just so happened upon this deal when I was looking at some money saving blogs this afternoon. World Market had their coffee buy one get one free and it's double punch on your coffee rewards card on Wednesdays too. ....PLUS I had a 20 dollar off 50 dollar purchase. I bought 16 bags of coffee which came to about 96.00 dollars but with all the deals I only paid 31 bucks for it all! And I got 6 punched out cards for free bags later on. So basically I got $130.00 dollars worth of coffee for $31.00!!!!! What a deal. Now if you're not a coffee drinker you'll probably think we're crazy but if you happen to love the stuff...you KNOW that's an amazing deal. ;O)

Rainy day...

It won't stop raining here. I think it's the perfect day to stay home and catch up on laundry and maybe ...just maybe bake an apple blackberry leaf pie. We'll see. ; )

Juicy Juice Brain and Immunity coupon

Bi-Lo has their Juicy Juice Brain and Immunity Fruit juice on close out for $1.39 for the 33.8 fl oz. size. I had a random Bi-Lo coupon for $2.00 off that printed off a while back in the store but you can also go here and get a coupon for a $1.00 off making it 39 cents per bottle! The coupon limit on the site is 2 times unless you have more than one computer.

Another fabulous deal :O)

Kodak Gallery is giving away $15.00 codes to use on their website. You do have to pay shipping ...but it's under 4 dollars for most things. You can create mugs, mouse pads, picture frames and more. Check them out. The offer expires soon. Go here.

Target Leap Frog deals!!

Target has some stackable coupons you can take advantage of for some awesome deals on Leap Frog toys. I just got back from Target and got Emma a Tag Reading System originally 39.99 for 19.99 and I got Luke a Leap Frog my Puppy Pal originally 18.99 on sale at our Target for 14.99...plus a 5.00 off coupon making it 9.99! Go here for the reading system coupons and here for the Target coupons that you can stack with them. Target's coupon policy is that they will accept a Manufacturer's coupon and a Target coupon for the same item.

Halloween

Emma and Luke got some Halloween cards from their Great Grandma Snow today! Luke had to give his a taste. =) We made Jack-o-Lanterns and ate some candy corn. We had already taken Emma to Boo in the Zoo last week and our neighborhood doesn't have any trick or treaters. =( It was a rainy day so it was nice to stay inside.

A Fall Drive

We always love driving up the Blue Ridge Parkway when the leaves start changing colors. Today we were a bit disappointed that they had some of it blocked off because of some rock slides. We got about half way up the mountain though and were able to pick some leaves for a scrapbook and take a 'little' hike and by little I mean a short 10 minute walk. =) Emma was slipping and sliding everywhere but we enjoyed it anyway! I thought it was neat in the last picture on here you can see the Biltmore house in the distance. It's so beautiful standing out in the middle of the mountains.

Falls Park

Chloe had a birthday party downtown at Falls Park on Saturday and Emma and Luke had tons of fun. Chase was able to get off work so he could join us. All the trees are starting to turn beautiful shades and it's starting to get cooler and more fallish. It was a great day to be outside.

Kohl's 4 day sale coupon

Click on the title to go to the link for this coupon. Kohl's is having an awesome 4 day sale from October 21-24. You can use this coupon and get an extra 15% off of your total price including already marked down items! I was able to get a lot of baby items, clothes and toys at super reduced prices. If you need anything for your kids or if you are going to a baby shower any time soon I highly recommend checking out this sale.

Princess party

We had Emma's official birthday party on Saturday. All the little girls came as princesses and Luke was Gus Gus...from Cinderella. We tried as best we could to get a group picture of all the kiddos and here is the best one we could get! ; ) I made Emma a castle cake since that's the only thing she kept telling me she wanted for her bday. It was fun to make though!

Some videos shared

Emma turned three today!

Well...it was a rainy, cold and nasty day so we decided to take Emma to the Children's Museum for her birthday. We spent about 4 and 1/2 hours there and tuckered both of the kids out... but boy did they have fun! Emma even got a free museum t-shirt for her bday and a free m&m cookie from the sweet Starbucks lady! I was telling Chase we should have announced it was her birthday everywhere we went to see how much free stuff we could have gotten for her. LOL :O) Here are some pictures of her special day and her giant cupcake.

Check out our latest family pictures!

Click anywhere in this paragraph to go to the link and view more pictures. We went to Chase's Grandma's land this morning to take some family pictures. I just love Amanda's work!

Free Chicken Sandwich

Click on the title above for the link and get a free chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A for the first 250,ooo! Get your coupon. =)

.79 cent purchase at Target!

Go to http://www.commonsensewithmoney.com/page/2/ to get the coupons I used at Target today. I purchased the deodorants in separate transactions. That way you can use all the coupons. I purchased a Gerber baby bottle, Johnson's soap buddies bar, Aveeno Baby cream (on sale at the Target in Taylors), two Dove deodorants and Skittles crazy core candy (found in the check out lanes) all for .79 cents before tax!! Snag these deals before they expire.

A Free CD Download

Click on the title above to go to the link for a free cd download.

Blackberry and Peach Pie

INGREDIENTS 

• 3 cups fresh blackberries
• 3 fresh peaches - peeled, pitted and sliced
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 double crust ready-to-use pie crust
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg           

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Mix the blackberries, peaches, cornstarch, and sugar in a large bowl. Press one of the pie crusts into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the blackberry mixture into the pie crust. Cover with the remaining pie crust. Crimp the edges of the two crusts together to seal. Cut slits in the top of the pie to vent. Brush the top with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg over the top. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and continue to cook until top crust is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.

Let sit until cool. That way it won't be so runny when you try to serve it. Goes great will some Cool Whip.

Jumperoo

Some updated pictures

Yesterday we went scouting around South Carolina and found some pretty neat places. First off we went to Campbell's covered bridge. The best preserved covered bridge in S.C. Then we went to Strawberry Hill Farm and got some peaches and blackberries since strawberries aren't in season now. Chase wanted a pie so I put together a blackberry and peach one. I'll post the recipe later. It's really runny...(more like cobbler consistency) but really yummy! We also drove down main street in Chesnee and found a chopper that was placed beside an American legion building so we just had to stop and take a couple pictures of it. : ) It was such a fun afternoon and the kids were really well behaved. Emma doesn't really like naps anymore (although we still make her take them)...so she didn't mind 'exploring' and Luke slept most the time. So, hooray for a fun family outing. 

Reasons to be against the Obama Healthcare Bill

Here's some important details that many of your legislators

have not and will not bother to read, cleaned up and in numerical
order:

. Page 16: States that if you have insurance at the time of
the bill becoming law and change, you will be required to take a similar
plan. If that is not available, you will be required to take the gov
option!
. Page 22: Mandates audits of all employers that self-insure!
. Page 29: Admission: your health care will be rationed!
. Page 30: A government committee will decide what treatments
and benefits you get (and, unlike an insurer, there will be no appeals
process)
. Page 42: The "Health Choices Commissioner" will decide
health benefits for you. You will have no choice. None.
. Page 50: All non-US citizens, illegal or not, will be
provided with free healthcare services.
. Page 58: Every person will be issued a National ID
Healthcard.
. Page 59: The federal government will have direct, real-time
access to all individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfer.
. Page 65: Taxpayers will subsidize all union retiree and
community organizer health plans (example: SEIU, UAW and ACORN)
. Page 72: All private healthcare plans must conform to
government rules to participate in a Healthcare Exchange.
. Page 84: All private healthcare plans must participate in
the Healthcare Exchange (i.e., total government control of private
plans)
. Page 91: Government mandates linguistic infrastructure for
services; translation: illegal aliens
. Page 95: The Government will pay ACORN and Americorps to
sign up individuals for Government-run Health Care plan.
. Page 102: Those eligible for Medicaid will be automatically
enrolled: you have no choice in the matter.
. Page 124: No company can sue the government for
price-fixing.
No "judicial review" is permitted against the government monopoly. Put
simply, private insurers will be crushed.
. Page 127: The AMA sold doctors out: the government will set
wages.
. Page 145: An employer MUST auto-enroll employees into the
government-run public plan. No alternatives.
. Page 126: Employers MUST pay healthcare bills for part-time
employees AND their families.
. Page 149: Any employer with a payroll of $400K or more, who
does not offer the public option, pays an 8% tax on payroll <>BR . Page
150: Any employer with a payroll of $250K-400K or more, who does not
offer the public option, pays a 2 to 6% tax on payroll
. Page 167: Any individual who doesnt' have acceptable
healthcare (according to the government) will be taxed 2.5% of income.
. Page 170: Any NON-RESIDENT alien is exempt from individual
taxes (Americans will pay for them).
. Page 195: Officers and employees of Government Healthcare
Bureaucracy will have access to ALL American financial and personal
records.
. Page 203: "The tax imposed under this section shall not be
treated as tax." Yes, it really says that.
. Page 239: Bill will reduce physician services for Medicaid.
Seniors and the poor most affected."
. Page 241: Doctors: no matter what speciality you have,
you'll all be paid the same (thanks, AMA!)
. Page 253: Government sets value of doctors' time, their
professional judgment, etc.
. Page 265: Government mandates and controls productivity for
private healthcare industries.
. Page 268: Government regulates rental and purchase of
power-driven wheelchairs.
. Page 272: Cancer patients: welcome to the wonderful world of
rationing!
. Page 280: Hospitals will be penalized for what the
government deems preventable re-admissions.
. Page 298: Doctors: if you treat a patient during an initial
admission that results in a readmission, you will be penalized by the
government.
. Page 317: Doctors: you are now prohibited for owning and
investing in healthcare companies!
. Page 318: Prohibition on hospital expansion. Hospitals
cannot expand without government approval.
. Page 321: Hospital expansion hinges on "community" input: in
other words, yet another payoff for ACORN.
. Page 335: Government mandates establishment of outcome-based
measures: i.e., rationing.
. Page 341: Government has authority to disqualify Medicare
Advantage Plans, HMOs, etc.
. Page 354: Government will restrict enrollment of SPECIAL
NEEDS individuals.
. Page 379: More bureaucracy: Telehealth Advisory Committee
(healthcare by phone).
. Page 425: More bureaucracy: Advance Care Planning Consult:
Senior Citizens, assisted suicide, euthanasia?
. Page 425: Government will instruct and consult regarding
living wills, durable powers of attorney, etc. Mandatory.
Appears to lock in estate taxes ahead of time.
. Page 425: Goverment provides approved list of end-of-life
resources, guiding you in death.
. Page 427: Government mandates program that orders
end-of-life treatment; government dictates how your life ends.
. Page 429: Advance Care Planning Consult will be used to
dictate treatment as patient's health deteriorates. This can include an
ORDER for end-of-life plans. An ORDER from the GOVERNMENT.
. Page 430: Government will decide what level of treatments
you may have at end-of-life.
. Page 469: Community-based Home Medical Services: more
payoffs for ACORN.
. Page 472: Payments to Community-based organizations: more
payoffs for ACORN.
. Page 489: Government will cover marriage and family therapy.
Government intervenes in your marriage.
. Page 494: Government will cover mental health services:
defining, creating and rationing those services.

IF YOU WANT TO CHECK THE VALIDITY SOME OF THESE (like I did)....YOU CAN READ A COPY OF  THE BILL FOR YOURSELF...  http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_111/20090714/aahca.pdf

Lukee... : )

 

 

 

 

Family Time

My parents came down for my Dad's block class at Bob Jones Seminary. We enjoyed having them around for a couple weeks and so did Emma and Luke! Here are some pictures.... : )

"Lies Young Women Believe"....and the "Truths that Set Me Free" DeMoss and Gresh

When I'm having a really bad day and am tempted to feel that God is not good - God is good. "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good." Psalm 136:1

When I feel far from God and am tempted to feel that He doesn't love me - God loves me and wants me to have His best. Romans 8:38-39

When I feel ugly or fat - God created me a masterpiece. "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

When I feel rejected - God accepts me through Christ. Ephesians 1:4-6

When I feel I need more "things" and am consumed by my desires - God is enough. "Be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' " Hebrews 13:5

When I feel anxious about my circumstances - God can be trusted. "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act." Psalm 37:5

When I feel like something has happened to me that will ruin my life forever - God doesn't make mistakes. "As for God his way is perfect." Psalm 18:30, 138:8

When I feel like I can't handle a problem I'm facing - God's grace is enough for me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

When I feel like my sin is too great to be forgiven - The blood of Christ is sufficient to cover all my sin. 1 John 1:7

When I feel like I'll never be able to overcome a sinful habit - The cross of Christ is sufficient to conquer my sinful flesh.  Romans 6:6-7

When I feel like my potential is limited by my past - My past does not have to control my future.  2 Corinthians 5:17

When I feel like I don't know where to turn for help and advice - God's word is sufficient to lead me, teach me, and heal me.   Psalm 19:7, 107:20 "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

When I feel like God is asking me to do something that's impossible - Through the power of His Holy Spirit, God will enable me to do anything He commands me to do.  1 Thessalonians 5:24 Philippians 4: 13

When I want to blame others for my responses - I am responsible before God for my behavior, responses, and choices.  Ezekiel 18:20

When I feel that my choices today don't really matter - My choices today will affect my future. Galatians 6:7-8

When I feel that submitting to an authority will steal my freedom - The greatest freedom I can experience is found by submitting to God-ordained authority. Titus 3:1

When I feel like giving up on church - I need church. I Corinthians 12:20-21, 25, Hebrews 10:25

When I feel that a career is more rewarding and valuable than marriage and motherhood. - In the will of God, there is no higher, holier calling than to be a wife and mother. Titus 2:4-5

When I am tempted to sacrifice holiness for immediate fulfillment - Personal holiness is more important than immediate happiness. Titus 2:14

When I become consumed with wanting God to fix my life - God is more concerned about changing me and glorifying Himself than about solving my problems. Ephesians 1:4-6, 1 Thessalonians 5:23

When I don't understand a difficult situation I'm facing - It is impossible to be godly without suffering. 1 Peter 5:10

When I want things to go my way - It's not about me; it's about Him. Romans 11:36

Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

1 pound purchased pizza dough, or your favorite homemade recipe

1 tablespoon melted butter

2 tablespoons sugar

Frosting:

1 (8 ounce) package low-fat cream cheese at room temp

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping:

Assorted fruit (I used blueberries, banana slices, mandarin orange sections, seedless grapes, kiwi fruit slices, and strawberry halves)

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees

2. Spread the dough in an ungreased 12 inch pizza pan. Brush on the butter and sprinkle on the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bake the crust until it's golden brown 12-15 minutes. Cool the crust on a wire rack.

3. In a medium-size bowl, combine the frosting ingredients with a rubber spatula. Stir until smooth.

4. Spread the frosting over the cooled crust. Gently press in the fruit.

Serves 12

A cute find on Etsy

I found this little etsy shop yesterday that sells custom dresses for American Girl dolls. I thought all the clothes were absolutely adorable! Emma was sitting with me at the computer and she chose a little pink paisley dress for her doll. It was funny because she was really particular. I'd show her other dresses or outfits and she'd say "No, I want the other dress." : )

Litchfield beach 2009

This last weekend we went down to the beach. It was fun but a bit more challenging with two kids. We're still learning. =) I'm sure when Luke is older it will be more enjoyable. But we had a great time none the less. Chase's Granny was there and his Aunt lives in Litchfield so they babysat for us one night so we could go out for dinner. It was very much appreciated! : )

Pictures of the 4th of July weekend

Mark and Sarah's wedding

Last month, Chase was in the wedding of his childhood friend, Mark Batory. They have known each other since 1st grade so it was pretty special to be a part of his wedding to Sarah Quatt. Here are some pictures from that day I thought I'd share. They were taken by Better Tie Productions and they did an awesome job! 

Tummy time and Tea Parties

 The other day I put Luke on his stomach for some tummy time and Emma was watching us. After Luke had his time on the Boppy she said, "Mommy, I want to get on my belly too!" So, here are some pictures from that afternoon. 

Emma also hosted a tea party and wanted Luke to come enjoy some imaginary cookies and tea. So, I put him in the Bumbo for a few minutes so Emma could play with him. I haven't put him in there much because he isn't quite big enough yet. 

Zoo

Today Chase drove us to Columbia, S.C to go to their zoo. We had such a good time but it was beastly hot, LoL!! Emma really enjoyed herself and Luke, well...he doesn't really get much out of our family outings yet but I'm sure that will change before we know it. They had a barn at this zoo and Emma really enjoyed getting to 'milk' their fake cow! I think it was one of her favorite things...that and the animal carousel, dippin dots and the BIG lions. ;)

The Jordan River

• The Jordan River- The Jordan River begins near Mt. Hermon and continues to the Dead Sea. Although the distance from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea is only 60 miles, the Jordan winds back and forth for a total length of more then 130 miles. Joshua led the people of Israel as they crossed over into the Promised Land (Josh.3:13-17), Elijah and Elisha parted the waters in order to cross over (2 Kings 2:6-14), Naaman dipped himself seven times and was healed of leprosy (2 Kings 5:10-14), Elisha retrieved the ax head by causing it to swim (2 Kings 6:4-7), John the Baptist preached here and baptized Jesus (John 1:19-34). 

Chorazin

• Chorazin- This village is located about 2 miles north of the Sea of Galilee not far from Capernaum. The tel, which covers about 80 acres, has been the focus of numerous excavation projects over the past 100 years. The main attraction is a synagogue built from the black basalt stone native to the area, which dates to the 3rd century AD. The place for the Torah scrolls and the Chair of Moses are still visible beside the main entrance. Chorazin is one of the three cities Christ condemned for refusing to respond to His teaching and miracles (Mat 11:20-21)