Good Morning

Good morning everyone! I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful day today!

It's 8:39am in my neck of the woods, and I'm sitting on my patio enjoying the beautiful day. The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and it smells like fresh rain.
We got some pretty heavy thunderstorms last night, and it was much needed as it cooled things off a bit. Yesterday was just so hot and muggy.
It's been an interesting week so far, but I must admit, I am ready for the weekend to arrive. This weekend my plans are just to relax as much as possible with the kiddos. We finally got to break out our sandals even, which I just love!

I'm hoping to catch up on some blog reading tomorrow. Today is errand and grocery shopping day, and it's sure to be a busy one. To be honest I was a bad mommy and didn't even make out the meal plan for the week. I'm getting ready to do that as soon as I end this post. I have most of the meals planned in my head so that should count for something right?

And I'm hoping to get to my emails finally today. Every time I get online I get called away so I haven't had much of a chance to check on anything. If any of you sent me an email and I haven't replied yet, please don't think me rude. I promise you I will send you one back. I've re-worked my schedule a bit to allow myself at least one hour in the mornings (before the kids wake up) to be online. This should catch me up on everything surely, and I'm looking forward to connecting with all of you again.

I just seen the cutest little bunny. He approached me, but then fled. I'm going to get some veggies to put out for him, and hopefully I can snap a picture to share with you all next time. The cutest little thing. It's amazing the wonders we see early in the morning or when not many people are out.

I'm thinking of starting a Saturday Seven for all of you who may want to join in. On Saturdays we can play catch up with each other and read about one another's weeks. We can either tell seven important things that happened to us this week (or even unimportant things), or tell one thing about each day, etc. I think it will give us all a chance to see what one another has been up to that week, and it could be fun. What do you think? You can let me know via comments or send me an email:
mommywonderland (at) gmail (dot) com.

Look forward to seeing you Saturday! There will be a Mister Linky in the post if you want to link up. :) Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Sincerely,
Tori

Funfetti Jello Poke Cupcakes

So I have been searching Pinterest for a simple, easy to make, few ingredients dessert. Upon my search I rediscovered Jell-O Poke Cake! This was a favorite of mine growing up and I am shamed to say I had forgotten all about it!
Problem #1 is that cakes don't do as well around our house. We are more of a cupcake type of family, they are easier to make, store, etc. So I found more pins where people were making Jell-O Poke Cupcakes. Which brings me to problem #2, I had none of the ingredients on hand for the recipes they were posting...
But the beauty of it? Jell-O Poke Cupcakes are very simple to make, so simple that you can tweak them however you want to. This ends in a perfect for you dessert, or perfect for whatever ingredients you happen to have on hand at the moment. Which is how I came up with...

Funfetti Jell-O Poke Cupcakes
::Ingredients::
1 Box Funfetti Cake Mix
(ingredients required to make the cake - usually eggs, vegetable oil, and water)
1 3oz. box of Jello gelatin (I used berry blue but you can choose your flavor or use multiple ones)
1 cup boiled water
1 container of Funfetti icing (you can also use whipped frosting or cool whip)

 

::Directions::
1) Mix cupcakes according the instructions on the back of the box.

 

2) Spoon cake mix into cupcake pan, and bake as directed...

 

 

3) Allow cupcakes to cool completely...

 

4) Poke holes into the cupcakes using a toothpick or fork. (I just used a fork). Poke plenty of holes in the cupcakes. Make sure you go a little deep so the jello mix can really seep down in there.

 

5) Boil 1 cup water, add entire 3oz box of jello mix, stir until completely dissolved.

 

6) Using a spoon, pour the gelatin over the cupcakes slowly, making sure it seeps into the holes.

7) Once the jello mix is poured over all the cupcakes, it's time to slide them into the fridge. They will need to be refrigerated like this for about 3 hours so the jello can set.

8) After sitting in the fridge for about 3 hours you are safe to pull out your cupcakes and begin icing them, and adding your toppings.

9) If you like your frosting cold you can refrigerate them again if need be, but however you want to do it these cupcakes are now ready to eat and enjoy. :)

These are fun, festive, and really easy to make. They are a fast treat for any sweet tooth. They require few ingredients, and there are so many ways you can tweak Jello Poke Cupcakes (or jello poke cake) to your own liking. Either way just have fun with it, and ENJOY!  :)

Children's Mucinex® Multi-Symptom Cold

Children's Mucinex® Multi-Symptom Cold

This cold medicine has been one of the only things that truly helps my son when he gets a cold. It starts breaking up his cough fast and effectively, and makes him feel a hundred times better.
Mucinex has been a trusted brand of ours so we were very excited to find they had a Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold formula.
Not only is it fast and effective it comes in a berrylicious taste that my son did not find disgusting. He was actually bracing himself for a gross taste, and was surprised when it tasted good. This is one cold medicine I won't have to fight with him to take.





Disclaimer: If your unsure about giving this to your child you can talk to your pediatrician. I spoke with mine and got not only the go ahead, but a thumbs up. Every child is different. Make sure this is the right product for your child before trying it.
All opinions expressed are solely my own. I received a complimentary product sample in exchange for my unbiased review/thoughts as a smiley360 member.

Playtex Secrets Balconette Underwire Bra

All you women out there know what a pain bra shopping can be. For me it's such a hassle that I actually do dread it. Mainly because I have to have underwire for support, and most of the underwire bras out there are really uncomfortable. Usually by the end of the day I can't wait to change into something more comfortable and get that wire off.
But I was actually really surprised at Playtex Secrets^® Balconette Underwire bra.

It was more than comfortable and if I didn't have the support it provided, I wouldn't believe it even had underwire.
This bra provides great lift, and the padding adds for extra comfort while remaining discreet.
The wide straps over the shoulders do not dig into your skin at all and have padding as well that makes you feel like you aren't even wearing a bra. It has easily adjustable straps so you can make it fit to your needs.
It's not just any old boring bra either. The bra has a nice curve around the breast cups that are designed along with the shoulder straps. It provides comfort while making you feel more confident and stylish.
It fits well under clothing and doesn't stand out like other bras may. Perfect for elegant or casual wear you can wear this bra with almost anything.
I received the nude color in my Bzzkit while goes well with my skin color, but I am planning on adding the other colors to my drawer as well.
I am so comfortable in this bra and so thankful I had the awesome opportunity to try it as a BzzAgent.
This bra is available in cup sizes B through DDD, and offers nice neutral colors such as black, white, and nude.
This truly is my new favorite bra. :)



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product mentioned above as a BzzAgent in exchange for my honest thoughts. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 05/06/2013

Oh how the weekends fly. I must admit I am eager for summer break. Only 4 more weeks until my boy is out for the summer. I think I'm more eager than he is. LOL
I'm joining in with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. If you want to join in head on over and read her wonderful post then just add your name to the Mister Linky at the bottom. It's really a lot of fun and a great way to connect with others.  :)


::The weather::
It's supposed to be in the 70s but I'm not seeing that happening anytime soon to be honest. It's rather chilly outside and feels more like the low 60s to me, but I'm definitely not complaining. I will take this over snow any day and the scalding hot summer days are right ahead of us. It is a bit cloudy with bits of sunshine here and there, but I have all the blinds open letting in the beautiful natural light.


::Right now I am::
Sitting at the kitchen table writing this post while the my oldest is at school, and my youngest is napping in his room. The house is quiet for the time being.


::Thinking::
About all of our summer plans. Usually we just get stuck at home or do simple things like swimming and stuff. But this year me and hubby decided even though it isn't in the budget to go on a vacation we are not going to waste this summer. We have camping, picnics, hiking, canoeing, biking, swimming, fishing, family activities, etc. Usually we just wing it but that only ends us at the end of summer wondering where the time went. This time we are planning ahead and we're going to enjoy it.


::On my reading pile::
Persecuted The Global Assault on Christians by: Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert, Nina Shea
Wishing on Willows by Katie Ganshert


::On my TV::
Going to be catching up on some of Hubby's favorite shows. We didn't get in hardly any TV time last week aside from the news so mainly Duck Dynasty.
I will be catching up on Bones and Cupcake Wars though.


::What I found while surfing the net::

http://pinterest.com/pin/132152570288412650/

Jell-O Poke Cake! I had forgotten all about these. Or rather the few times I've remembered them I promptly forget about them due to all the other things swirling about in my head. This time when I stumbled over them though I haven't forgotten. Thanks to Pinterest they are pinned to my board and I will be making a batch of Jell-O Poke Cupcakes today. My mom used to make Jell-O Poke cakes when I was a kid and I remember them being so yummy I am ashamed I've never made them for my kids yet!


::On the menu for this week::

Monday
Breakfast: cheesy egg omelets, toast - orange juice (coffee for the adults)
Lunch: turkey wraps, watermelon
Dinner: chicken spaghetti bake, garlic cheese bread

Tuesday
Breakfast: Bacon, eggs, biscuits - juice or milk
Lunch: BLT's (I always make extra bacon so we can have this for lunch)
Dinner: sweet and sour chicken, rice, broccoli

Wednesday
Breakfast: sausage, biscuits and gravy - juice or milk
Lunch: tuna melts, sweet potato fries
Dinner: Pulled pork sandwiches, cooked baby carrots, macaroni and cheese

Thursday
Breakfast: homemade sticky buns - juice or milk (coffee for the adults)
Lunch: chicken salad, breadsticks
Dinner: baked tilapia, lima beans, rice

Friday
shopping day



::On my to-do list::
I was up really early this morning, and have mostly gotten my chores done for the day. All I have to do are the lunch dishes in the sink, and wait on my laundry to finish drying so I can get those put away.


::In the craft basket::
I'm taking a break from crafts this week. I have some materials to make some birdhouses with the boys and I did manage to get some yarn, but this is already promising to be a busy week. I'm going to start on some dishcloths and throw blankets for gifts as there's birthdays coming up next month, but I won't start on them until the end of the week or next week.
I am going back to the craft store this weekend to pick up some materials to make some curtains for our patio doors, and I promised the boys Batman curtains for their bedroom (their latest interest).


::Looking forward to this week::
Hubby's long weekend off. He will be off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. His weekends off are always really exciting and we have tickets to this pizza game place we're taking the kids to this weekend as a family outing. They are super excited. It's kind of like Chuckee Cheese but without all the tunnel equipment and mainly just arcade games. We won $40 worth of tokens plus 4 free pizza buffet tickets for just $10 in a silent auction at the school.


::Looking around the house::
It's quiet since my youngest is napping and my oldest is off at school. I have lunch dishes in the sink awaiting my attention and the dryer is tumbling around. The birds are chirping outside happily despite it being a bit cloudy and they mowed our complex yesterday so the smell of fresh cut grass is still lingering. :)


::From the camera::

::On my prayer list::
Family and friends that are having a hard time at the moment. All of my bloggy friends who need a prayer, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Hubby as he has been dealing with a lot of stress at his work here lately.


::Bible verse/Devotional::

Reasons For Belief ~ Book Review

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 15, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0764210572

ISBN-13: 978-0764210570

::From the back of the book::
How can you know God exists? Why should you trust the Bible? How can you be sure Jesus is the Son of God?


Do you know what you believe...and why? Regardless of your age or experience, if you're looking for clear, easy-to-understand answers to these important questions, you've come to the right place.

Trusted theologian and bestselling author Norman Geisler teams up with teacher/speaker Patty Tunnicliffe to provide concrete, step-by-step reasons for why Christians believe what they do. Organized around the most basic questions of faith, Reasons for Belief offers clear evidence for the existence of God, the reliability of the Bible, Jesus' resurrection, and more.

Whether you're a curious skeptic or a believer wanting to learn how to defend your faith, Reasons for Belief will give you the answers you're looking for.


::My Thoughts::
Reasons for Belief answers some very good questions that we may or may not ask ourselves daily. And if we haven't asked ourselves some of these questions you will be asked these questions:

 

How can you know God exists?

How can you be sure Jesus is the Son of God?

Why should you trust the Bible?

Who made God?

Why are you a Christian?

As Christians we are sound in our religion, we are sound in God. And yet when these questions are posed to us sometimes we can find ourselves stumbling for answers. As the years go on the Bible and God are questioned more and more. There are many other religions in the world and people want to know why our religion?

This is just the book for you whether you are looking for the right ways to answer those questions, or if you just want to delve deeper into these questions yourself to get a better grip on Christianity. The book is set up in very clear sections guiding the reader through 10 challenges, such as:

1. "Real truth does not exist. 'Truth' is just truth to you."
2. "God does not exist."
3. "If God exists, he isn't necessarily the God of the Bible."
4. "Miracles don't happen."
5. "The New Testament's many errors make it unreliable. It's more like a collection of myths and legends."
6. "Jesus never claimed to be God."
7. "Jesus didn't prove he is God."
8. "Jesus did not rise from the dead."
9. "The Bible isn't the only true religious book."
10. "Christianity is too narrow. There are many ways to God besides Jesus."
Following the challenges are evidential explanations that will help you get a better understanding, or way to defend these questions if they are posed to you. This is by far one of the easiest to understand apologetic books I have read thus far. It would be great for a new believer, or anyone looking to defend your faith. In this constantly changing world of ours we find ourselves defending our faith more and more. This is just the book to help you do that while giving you a deeper understanding yourself, and becoming closer to God as you find these answers.
At the end of each chapter are sections going over what the reader learned which is a nice touch to the book. All in all I would definitely recommend this to any believer or non-believer who wants to know more about Christianity. It's sharp, to the point, easy to understand, and shows clear evidence that one can't even begin to argue with. A must read.


This book is available in   E-Book  & Print


Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ 04/29/2013

 

I'm so glad to be joining Sandra and the rest of you participating in Happy Homemaker Monday! And to be back on my blog in general. It feels so great to be back! I'm just giddy with excitement, seriously. We have been swamped with the end of the school year activities so it hasn't been all that easy to get on lately. Finally things are winding down. Phew. I'm so ready for summer despite the high temps that I'm sure are on their way.
If you want to join in the Happy Homemaker Monday fun just head on over to Sandra's blog: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and there's a Mister Linky you can add your name to! :)


::The weather::
Last year was actually cold! The kids had their winter coats on two of the three days and there were a few snowflakes that fell down in addition to ice cold rain. This week however it's rainy, but warm. Indiana weather, gotta love it. Today it's 70 degrees but a bit cloudy and still wet from yesterday's downpour. Still I have the windows open letting in the fresh breeze, it feels wonderful.


::Right now I am::
Sitting on the couch writing this post with my oldest in school, and my littlest one taking a nap. I'm just soaking in a bit of quiet time. TV off, radio off, just the sound of the birds chirping outside. I have a thousand and one chores to do today (or so it feels), so I'm taking this time to just relax for a bit.


::Thinking::
About all the chores I have to do today, and this week. It just seems like there are never enough hours in the day. Also that I need to make a trip to the craft store and pick up some yarn and materials for some upcoming crafts.


::On my reading pile::
Just finished Reasons for Belief by Norman L Geisler and Patty Tunnicliffe (review will be upcoming today or tomorrow)
Finishing up The Awakening (Harlequin Intrigue) by Jana DeLeon
Also reading Persecuted The Global Assault on Christians by Paul Marshall, Lela Gilbert, and Nina Shea


::On my TV::
Not much on the TV today what with all the chores on my to-do list. Probably my TV will be playing lots of Spongebob, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Jake and the Never Land Pirates.
Wednesday I will be catching the newest Nashville so there is that, but nothing else really planned for this week.


::Blog hopping (newly discovered blog)::

Stories of a Stay at Home Mom

http://thesquillantes.blogspot.com/

::On the menu for this week::
Monday
Breakfast: Homemade Cinnamin Rolls & Banana Smoothies
Lunch: Leftover chili
Dinner: taco salad

Tuesday
Breakfast: Cheesy omelets, toast, OJ
Lunch: Turkey wraps, carrot sticks with ranch dipping sauce
Dinner: beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, peas

Wednesday
Breakfast: oatmeal, toast
Lunch: Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, potato chips
Dinner: BBQ porkchops, scalloped potatoes, brocolli

Thursday
Breakfast: Homemade Doughnuts, fruit bowls
Lunch: Grilled hot dogs, mac and cheese
Dinner: Grilled chicken, rice, grilled corn on the cob


::On my to do list::
Half of it is done since I'm writing this in the afternoon.
Here's what I have accomplished so far:
My morning workout
Dishes
Laundry (wash, dry, iron, fold)
Cleaned kids rooms

And here is what I have left:
Laundry (put away)
Vacuum carpets
Clean bathroom
Dusting
Meal planning
Shopping list
Return library books


::In the craft basket::
Well I have been working my fingers to the bone crocheting dish cloths and I love making them, but I now have quite a few. So it's time to get ready to move onto something else. What that something is I don't know just yet, but I'm going to be scouring Pinterest to find some ideas.


::Looking forward to this week::
Nothing much is going on this week besides chores and errands. We are going to be meeting up with some friends towards the end of the week which will be really nice (weather permitting of course).


::Looking around the house::
All is quiet, and everything is picked up (for now). I just peeked in on my little one and he is still sleeping soundly. It's almost time for me to wake him up though. If he sleeps too long he has a really hard time going to bed. He will be in such a better mood after his nap though which will be amazing since he was so grumpy before.
Gizmo is chewing his rubber star toy, and birds are chirping outside. A soft breeze is blowing in the windows.


::From the camera::
Nothing this week. My camera needs batteries and all mine have disappeared into the boys toys. LOL. Need to add those to the grocery list.


::On my prayer list::
Family and friends to be in good health.
Hubby as work has been pretty stressful as of lately.


::Bible verse/devotional::