Nothing brings you closer than a laugh....

I truly believe that some of my best memories with my husband Ryan are when the two of us are laughing uncontrollably! Laughing so hard that you almost pee your pants! I think for us it's so important that we remember to laugh. Life's so serious, we need to make sure we are actually remembering to enjoy it!

Job 8:21 "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."

Psalm 126:2 "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among nations , "The Lord has done great things for them."

 So I came across this great blog! Love, Actually you will have to go check it out. She had a great idea for a "Comedy Date Night". I know sometimes it's hard to find a sitter and then when you do you've spent all your "date" money on the sitter! So here is a great idea Love, Actually had for staying in! This could be done as soon as you've put the kiddos to bed.

Comedy Club Date Night

It's time to get you and your date laughing together! (something you may not have done since your engagement photos when the photographer suggested you laugh for the photo.....)

 

For this date, you'll be turning your home into a Comedy Club. So, let loose, laugh and be silly on this funny little date!

First, you'll need a catchy name:

Leah's Laugh Factory
Cher's Comedy Club
Jeanna's Joke House
Hailey's Ha Ha Cafe

...or whatever (just have a little sign with the Club Name on it as your date starts)

Then, you'll want to "pre-order' tickets and give your spouse their ticket early, since they'll be "meeting you there".

Keep your "club" dimly lit (white Christmas lights help to create the effect) and always have upbeat music playing until Act 2. Be sure to serve up some good drinks and have a few appetizers on a tray.

It'll go down in Three Acts:

Act One: MadLibs.

You can find these comedic fill-in-the-blank books (with all sorts of themes) for cheap at any bookstore...

 

...or you can use a free online version HERE. (I tried them...and they're just as good...you've just got to sit around your computer). 

Act Two: Stand-Up Comedian

Bring the comedian to you...courtesy of YouTube. Here are some great video favorites of ours...click each to take you to the video.

Hilarious Ventriloquist:

Jeff Dunham & Achmend the Dead Terrorist
Jeff Dunham & Walter

Hilarious Stand-Up Comedian:
Brian Regan - there are all sorts of clips from him.
*three of my fav sound clips about HERE and HERE and HERE

Of course, you can type in your favorite comedian's name in YouTube and you're sure to find a clip or two.

(Another comedian that I LOVE listening to is Ken Davis- you are probably familiar with him, Lynn)

Act Three: Laffy Taffy

Enjoy some Laffy-Taffy candy together while taking turns reading your wrapper jokes.

 

So have fun and enjoy this time with your hubby! Make a point to show him how thankful you are for everything he does and take some time to laugh! Let me know how it goes!

 

Good Morning!

Tonight is an Open House Boutique- Markdown Event at Lacey Naven's House

4:00-7:00

 

I Love being able to support our Moms and their businesses! Stop on by and bring friend! I will be there so come say Hi!!

 

Vendors include:

Scentsy (everything %10 off and NO SHIPPING).

"Mac Daddy" Make-up: Mac, Nars, Benefit    (%50 off).

Rock Me Baby Clothing: Rockin kids clothes 4 rocker boys & girls.

Blessings Unlimited: Home decor, jewelry, unique gifts. FREE SHIPPING on ALL orders!

 "Bragging Boards" by Jillian- Eliminate art project clutter and... give your little artists the proper credit for their hard work.

Patti's Purses & Pretties- ALL purses marked down to clearance!

And more!

 

Reminder that tomorrow is our MOPS pool party! 

Laura's House

Hope to see you all there!

Also Cindy C. forwarded this great info. on to me to share with all of you!

 

Shop at Sam's Club, 

Membership Free in August!

August 6th, 7th & 8th

Click HERE for all the info.

Just give me Jesus!

Last year on the way to a Women of Faith Conference a great friend of mine played this for me. I wanted to share it with all of you. The video is about 10 minutes. Take the time to listen to this powerful truth- all the way through!

What else are you looking for? Why do you feel as though He's not enough? What are you searching for?

....Just give me Jesus!

If you are feeling...lost, confused, at the end of your rope, wondering what your purpose is; and would like to speak with someone. Please send me an email  Bradshaw4@sbcglobal.net   and I will get you directed to the right person that can sit down and talk with you. It's all confidential.

(Ephesians 3:14-21)
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.


Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

This Weekend!

This Weekend: 

Canning Hunger Weekend at Olive Knolls Church- Look in your pantry! The HOPE Center's food shelves are running dangerously LOW. Join us for Saturday Night church- a casual & come as you are service 6:00-7:15 (childcare is available for children 4 & under). Bring any canned and/or pre-packaged food to help... the HOPE Center!

Come join my family! We will save you a seat!!

 ---------------------------------------------------

Below is a description from the Hope Center's website about what they do:

"The Hope Center is a faith-based Ministry. We desire to assist low-income individuals and families who live in this community to help them move toward wholeness – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We distribute food, clothing and household goods daily. We pray for God’s blessings on everyone who is seeking assistance and encouragement, as well as a church home where they can learn to walk with God." 

Visit them by clicking here.

 

 

Calendar Time!

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT!

Join us at Olive Knolls-in the Children's Chapel, for a family movie (Toy Story), on July 25th. Doors open at 6:30 pm, movie starts at 7:00 pm. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets and/or pillows to sit on during the movie. Cost is $4 for adults, $2 for kids with a maximum of $10 per family. Pay at the door! 

Cost includes: root beer floats and popcorn. 

  All money raised will go to help the community center in South Africa.

2 Things I LOVE!

2 Things I Love:

Books and The Goodwill

The Goodwill off of Rosedale Hwy. (Between Calloway and Verdugo) only sells BOOKS! 

A large selection of Children's books too! Jackpot!

So I stopped by for a quick visit the other day and spent less that $5.00

Take a look at some of my treasures.

I love looking through Cookbooks

Then I came across this! 

I know, alot of people are going to think that I stole it from the church.  ha ha

But rest assure I paid .90 cents for it! And I can't wait to add it to a special spot in my home.

Beautiful!

Next trip I will bring the kids and let them each choose a book! What a cheap outing!

What are some of  your favorite books?

Popsicle Brownies

Before I dive into this really cute idea...if you haven't made it to one of our MOPS pool parties yet, you need to give it a try!

We have such a great time hanging out and visiting! So fun for us and the kids! Even if your child isn't swimming on their own don't let that stop you from joining us! 

So next Weds. give it a try! Wear your swim suit, hop in really fast (because that's what us moms do), have your towel really close for a fast get-a-way, cool down and enjoy the pool with your kiddos. Or if you would rather not get in. Relax in the shade with the other moms while your kids play with the toys on the grass! Your kids will take a great nap for you when they get home! It's a Win Win situation.

Ok on to other things. I came across this really cute Popsicle Brownie idea over at Crazy Domestic.

WHAT YOU NEED:
•1 box brownie mix (and ingredients to make them)
•almond bark or white chocolate
•food coloring
•popsicle sticks
•sprinkles

HOW TO DO IT:
1. Make the brownies according to the box directions and let them cool completely.
2. Cut brownies down the middle horizontally. Then cut them into 12 equal bars.
3. Gently push popsicle sticks into one end of the brownie, being careful not to push through the top surface. Lay brownies onto wax paper.
4. Melt almond bark in microwave safe bowl stirring every 30 seconds until smooth. Add food coloring to almond bark and mix until well blended.
5. Spoon colored almond bark on top of brownie and spread over the top and sides. (You could also dip the brownies, I just didn't want my entire brownie covered in white chocolate). Shake on some sprinkles and let the almond bark harden and your done!

 

I loved this! So go make some for your kids and let me know how it goes! Send me a picture too!

Pool Party Tomorrow!

Pool Party tomorrow at Liz's House.

I hope you can join us! Check out some of the pictures below from some of our past pool parties. (Thanks Kristina for taking these!)

I'm always looking for better ideas for staying organized...

I came across this blog today and loved this simple "why didn't I think to do that" organizing technique for packing for kids!

Check it out! It's from Small Notebook. 

Here's her advice:

Here’s a tip I picked up from my sister-in-law who’s a mom to 5. When you pack your kid’s suitcase for a vacation or summer camp, place each day’s complete outfit into a large  Ziploc bag. Have one more bag for an extra day. It makes it so much easier for kids to get dressed when they don’t have to dig through all the jumbled clothes in their suitcase.
No matter how dirty your kids get while on the trip, each morning they’re guaranteed fresh, clean clothes and pajamas. I also keep a saved packing list so I can make sure we’re bringing the essentials.

Do you have any tips on packing your family for vacation? 

A few things....

2 FREE Offers for you!

Tomorrow- FREE Slurpee at 7-11 stores! 

I was over at the Grocery shop for free blog and found this information:

"On Sunday, you can get a FREE Slurpee from any 7-11 across the country!  It’s FREE Slurpee Day!!

From 8 a.m. – 11 p.m."

Then over at Save at Home Mommy's blog (http://www.saveathomemommy.com/)

I found out that

"Jamba Juice is offering a Buy One, Get One Free Coupon that is good just through Tuesday, July 13th, in its California stores only. Buy any menu drink and receive a 2nd drink of equal or lesser value absolutely FREE. Time to get your juice on! Click HERE to print." 

So go cool down with these 2 great items! The best part...they are FREE! Also both these blogs have some great info. on saving money! I visit the "Save at Home Mommy" frequently! This is where I go to get some great CVS deals which most often turn into FREE products! She tells you exactly what the sale price is, which coupons to cut and from where! She does all the hard work for you but you! 

Enjoy!

Get your craft on!

I found this really great tutorial at Get your craft on and thought it would be fun!

Side Note: If any of you do any of the crafts posted from our blog or just have a craft/idea/recipe or whatever, email me the info. and pictures! I would love to post it for you!!

Email: Bradshaw4@sbcglobal.net

Here's what I did to make these.  Easy peasy, I promise!

supplies: shirt, Velveteen fabric paint, pins/pens/anything round to dip in the paint, rhinestone setter and rhinestones, scrap fabric, sewing basics (iron, sewing machine, etc.)

1.) Iron shirt in half length-wise so you can see where the middle of the shirt is.

2.) Put a piece of cardstock or cardboard in between the front and back of shirt so the paint won't bleed through.

3.) Use the head of a pin to make the small "beads".  Dip the tip in the paint and then dot it on the shirt.  Do this over and over till your skinny necklace is done.  Make sure to use your ironed line as a reference to the middle of the shirt.

4.) Use the back of a pen/pencil/foam paintbrush to make the larger beads on the neclace.  Dipping the end in the paint, then press it to the shirt.  Continue this until the neclace is done.  Make as many faux necklaces as you want on your shirt.

5.) Let dry several hours.

6.) Follow the directions on the paint bottle to make the Velveteen paint puff up.

7.) If you have a Rhinestone Setter, you can add a little bling to a few of the larger "beads".

8.) Make some sort of fabric flower to sit at the shoulder of the shirt and where the necklaces all meet together.  Sew in place and you're done!

If you try out this tutorial, I would LOVE to see

your finished shirts!  

 

This would be fun to make for babies, little girls or a shirt for us moms! Great gift idea!!

Go check out her blog! She's got some great ideas!!

Pool Party Tomorrow!

Pool Party at Heidi's house. 

You do need the gate code so check your email that has all the info. or email me at: Bradshaw4@sbcglobal.net

Happy Birthday America!

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July with family and friends!

 

Here are some fun 4th of July crafts and more!

From Inspiring Creations

How Does She

I Love to Create Blog

Executive Homemaker

printables

The Mother Huddle

printables

Toad's Treasures

Happy Birthday America!

Home of the Free because of the Brave!

Calendar Time!

 

You will want to make sure you add these fun items to your Family's Calendar

1. 
   
   Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Brimhall Square, 9500 Brimhall Road.
   
   2.  Free How-to-Work Workshops, July 3rd- Saturday classes: 10 to 11 a.m. "Exterior Paint & Stains,"; 11 a.m. to noon "Installing Laminate Flooring,"; 1 to 2 p.m. "Energy Saving Products for the Summer,"; and Sunday class: 1 to 2 p.m. "First Aid for Your Yard", Home Depot. homedepot.com or call 800-430-3376.
   
   3. The 4^TH ANNUAL  OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW-SATURDAY
   sponsored by the Shafter Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture will be held on the evening before again this year on:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Saturday, July 3, 2010
   Shafter High School Football Field
   The Program is free to the public - Donations are welcome
    Festivities will begin with a barbeque at 6:00 p.m. located at the Shafter High football field concession stand and adjacent sports complex. Proceeds to benefit Shafter High School Sports Program.
   
   Live Entertainment will be provided by local groups from 6:00 p.m. until show time. The Fireworks Program will begin at 8:45 p.m. with a welcome, presentation of the Flag, National Anthem and Invocation. Zambelli Internationale will present a Fireworks Spectacular at 9:00 p.m. with a colorful aerial and mid-air displays, ending with a Grand Finale of color that will light up the Shafter sky.
   
   
    OUTSIDE ICE CHESTS ARE DISCOURAGED
   NO ALCOHOL OR BARBEQUE'S ALLOWED
   We invite young and old to come out and enjoy an American Tradition

   
   

   (This is something my family has done for the past 3 years! It's a lot of fun!! Come join us this year and make it a part of your family traditions. -Lynn)  

   4. Family Skate Night- If you would rather stay indoors here's something for you!

   Saturday, Jul 3, 2010 

   Family Skate Night, 7 to 10 p.m. every Saturday, Rollerama West, 7850 Brimhall Road. $30 includes admission for four (two adults/two children), skate rental, one pizza and pitcher of soda. 

   Call to confirm 589-7555. 

   
   

   5. Jamie Johnson's Cute Cotton Clothing Class-

   Saturday, July 31, 2010

   10:00am - 3:00pm

   

   Are you interested in learning to sew or just want to sew with some friends? Come learn to make either a Girls Pillowcase dress! See all the details at http://www.jaimejohnson.com/classes