A Pack For My Back =)

I've been wanting a small backpack of my own for about 2 years, but I spend so much time making things for other people and my kids that getting around to making something for myself is sometimes a rare thing indeed. =)  

We recently took a trip to Valdosta's Wild Adventures, and this trip was the perfect excuse to finally make that backpack I'd been wanting for day trips and such.  I looked through my rather extensive fabric stash, but since my daughter chose the fabrics I was considering for her newest backpack, I was having trouble deciding on a combination for me {which is rather ridiculous considering some of the cute fabrics I have....what can I say??  I'm a girl  ; ) }  After a trip to ♥Hobby Lobby♥, I came home with a super cute combo.....

It measures approx. 10"x12"x4"....perfect size for for a teen/adult for everyday use ~ Great for field trips/day trips/shopping trips to keep your hands free! =)

Also features one outer pocket, one large inner pocket w/ velcro closure and one small inner side pocket (perfect size for a cell phone or camera)!

It was so perfect for stuffing lots of granola bars into, not to  mention a water bottle, camera, sunglasses, sunscreen, bathing suit cover-up, and everything my boys kept giving me to hold for them (my girl took her own backpack so she carried her own stuff)!!

27" straps are perfect for my height. =)  I really, really ♥♥♥ it.....it was worth waiting for!! ; )

While I was at it, I decided to whip up a little matching drawstring pouch to use as a case for my sunglasses.....I just bought a new pair and tend to abuse every pair that I own. =/  I drop them out of my hands, forget they're in my lap and then stand up, throw them in my purse unprotected (it can get scary in there with hairbrushes, Star Wars figures, etc...) .....it's really shameful what my poor sunglasses go through.

Maybe, just maybe.....these sunglasses will go more than a month without acquiring a kazillion scratches.....and I won't have to see my husband rolling his eyes at the abuse I put them through.  ; )

 Cute, yes?!  I think you should agree.....it's the ♥sweet♥ thing to do!! =)

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And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3:17

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Linking up with:

Party On! ~~ Staying Cool in the Summer Heat - Fun in the Sun Link-Up

Welcome to the 8th week of our Fun in the Summer Fun event!  Each Monday until September 7th,  Mama to 4 Blessings along with:

Adventures of Mommydom,
Sweet Diva,
 Harvest Moon By Hand,
and
Sweet Phenomena

 will be hosting Fun in the Summer Fun link up events.

Here's the line up:

The 1st Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer activities"

The 2nd Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer crafts"

The 3rd Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer recipes"

The 4th Monday of each month: link up your "How to stay cool in the summer heat"


Here’s how we “Stayed Cool in the Summer Heat!”

A couple of weeks ago, we had a belated birthday party for my boys, combined for the sake of Mom's sanity who has too much to do this summer & too little time to do it in! ; )

I let them each choose 1 friend to sleep over the night before the party, and with it being dreadfully hot, humid & mosquito-y outside had to come up with plenty of indoor activities to keep them occupied & happy.

Yay for Wii....which they took turns sharing.....

And when these two weren't playing Wii, they were chasing each other around the house....

It's truly amazing how much noise just 4 boys can make!!

We made homemade pizza for dinner:

And homemade ice cream for dessert. =)

They also spent much time running around with all the Nerf guns we own.....I never remember how heavily armed we are until they have friends over.  Note to self:  Hide The Guns next time! ; )

After a night full of activity and much rowdy laughter =), they woke up to blueberry muffins before I took them to Lowe's to build some very manly tow trucks.....

We then rushed home to pack up for the REAL party at a very ♥sweet♥ friend's pool..... because you can't have a party in Fl. in the middle of the summer that doesn't involve water!!  For some reason, I never did get the whole group together for a picture.....I think my brain was half melted/half exhausted! ; )

They also enjoyed the pool table......and so did the men {I think because it was air-conditioned inside ; )}!

Add food, cake and presents, and both of my ♥sweet♥ boys deemed a very great day.....and me a very awesome Mom.  They are so easy to please.... =)

How are you keeping it cool this summer?  Link up below.....I'd love to know!! ; )

Strawberry Ice Cream ~ Kid Friendly Recipes ~ Fun in the Summer Sun Link-Up!!

Welcome to the 7th week of our Fun in the Summer Fun event!  Each Monday until September 7th,  Mama to 4 Blessings along with:

Adventures of Mommydom,
Sweet Diva,
 Harvest Moon By Hand,
and
Sweet Phenomena

 will be hosting Fun in the Summer Fun link up events.

Here's the line up:

The 1st Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer activities"

The 2nd Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer crafts"

The 3rd Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer recipes"

The 4th Monday of each month: link up your "How to stay cool in the summer heat"


Here’s our “Kid Friendly Summer Recipe!”


We were cream maker as a wedding gift (many years ago) and I think we used it maybe three times before packing it away. It was just easier to buy it at the store. When my children got old enough to help, I dug it out so that they could experience the novelty of making ice cream. This was the first recipe I tried - from my Best of Country Cooking Cookbook collection - and it is the BEST strawberry ice cream I've have ever had!  We make ice cream and sherbert several times every summer and love experimenting with different recipes & flavors! 

Please forgive the lack of pics....I am out of town and am having trouble accessing the online album I uploaded them to....I'll update this post when I get home with the photos. =(


Strawberry Ice Cream 

2 eggs
2 cups milk
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 cup miniature marshmallow
 2 cups pureed unsweetened strawberries
 1 cup half-and-half cream 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


In a large heavy saucepan, combine eggs and milk; stir in sugar.  Cook and stir over medium-low heat until mixture is thick enough to coat a metal spoon and a thermometer reads at least 160, about 14 minutes.  Remove from the heat; stir in the marshmallows until melted. Set saucepan in ice and stir the mixture for 5-10 minutes or until cool.  Stir in the remaining ingredients.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.  When ready to freeze, pour into the cylinder of an ice cream freezer and freeze according to manufacturer's directions.

8 Yield: about 2 quarts.

Homeschool Mother's Journal

In my life this week…

• a boys' sleepover
• a belated & combined birthday party for my boys
• VBS for my boys
• running errands while they've been at VBS  
• planning for Middle School camp/searching for creative inspiration for the girls in my cabin

In our homeschool this week…

• Ashlyn & I have done lots of Math while her brothers were at VBS  {I think my boys got the better deal this week ; ) }
• lots of time at the library at our church!

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…

Just Keep Going

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

We're leaving tomorrow for GA....Wild Adventures, here we come!!  Plus, a visit to my Granny & to a peach packing shed =)

My favorite thing this week was…

Hearing a VBS leader compliment my 5th grader on being extra kind and extra helpful ♥

Things I’m working on…

A few things for me!!  Pictures coming..... =)

I’m reading…

The Bible in 90 Days

The Sweetest Thing by Elizabeth Musser

Jonah:  Navigating a Life Interrupted by Priscilla Shirer  (doing this Bible study on Wed. nights at my church.....highly recommend it!!)

I’m cooking…

On the grill!!  We just replaced ours, and I'm loving having one again!!

I’m grateful for…

Another month where all the bills have been paid.....after years of on again/off again employment, each month that goes by and they are paid is a reason to rejoice ; )

I’m praying for…

God's continued provision

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…

Last day of VBS......Big Apple Adventure

Is it okay that the fact that this is his last day of VBS ever makes me sad?!  I mean, as a participant, and not a volunteer?  His last event in the Elementary Dept. at church....I'm sad.  Yes, I am.  But looking forward to the years ahead.....I just wish I could slow down the growing up process.  Just for a little while.  

Wasn't it just yesterday that he looked like this???

Multitude Monday......on Wednesday: Gifts 335 - 349

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. " 

~W.T. Purkiser

335.  VBS

336.  Really good, perfectly sweet, perfectly crisp apples {my breakfast today ;) }

337.  Really cute fabric on sale

338.  Text messages that inform me of things/events that my children forget to tell me about ; )

339.  Email reminders from those who know me so well....and that I'm likely to forget certain obligations w/out them!!

340.  Those that aren't easily offended by my busy-ness and don't judge me as unfriendly or uncaring by my lack of time to do some things I'd like to do

341.  Friends who make me laugh.....because they are awesome ♥

342.  My children who think that I am so much more & so much better than I am

343.  Random "I Love You's" when I least expect them ♥

344.  Things to look forward to... (a trip this weekend!)

345.  Chance meetings that are anything but chance

346.  My Sweet Savior, who makes those things happen =)

347.  A song to sing..... every day ~ to praise, to worship, to cling to, to rejoice in.

348.  He always gives me one that expresses my heart's cry...no matter the circumstance

349.  How deep His love is for us...every day, every moment, every season.

♫How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One,
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice,
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom ♫

Gettin' Crafty in a Manly Way ~ Kid-Friendly Craft ~ Fun in the Summer Sun Link-Up!!

Welcome to the 6th week of our Fun in the Summer Fun event!  Each Monday until September 7th,  Mama to 4 Blessings along with:

Adventures of Mommydom,
Sweet Diva,
 Harvest Moon By Hand,
and
Sweet Phenomena

 will be hosting Fun in the Summer Fun link up events.

Here's the line up:

The 1st Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer activities"

The 2nd Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer crafts"

The 3rd Monday of each month: link up your "Kid friendly summer recipes"

The 4th Monday of each month: link up your "How to stay cool in the summer heat"


Here’s our “Kid Friendly Summer Craft!”

Being of the rather crafty sort, my children are my biggest and most enthusiastic fans for every project I attempt/create.  They are mistakenly convinced that Mom can do pretty much anything, and being around such madness and insanity creativity tends to inspire them to want to try things, too.

My boys, however, have been a little frustrated lately.  Apparently, everything is for girls and, well.......what about them????  I'm raising myself up some manly little men here, so I certainly can't blame them for desiring some "projects" (don't use the word craft....it's girly) that appeal to their rough and oh-so-tough nature, one that will support their masculinity and help put hair on their chests! ; )

Years ago, I checked into the *free* Build-and-Grow clinics offered by Lowe's, but due to involvement in sports and commitments to my daughter's intense dance schedule, could never get my boys there.  That was then, and this is now.  Things have changed, and a few weeks ago, I loaded up my two rowdy fellas and we made the long drive {not really ~  less than 2 miles ; ) } to our store.

It was the last weekend of June, and the kit provided was for a very cute rugged and patriotic flag waving ship.....

The Kit =)

Master Builder #1.....

....and Master Builder #2

Hammers, nails, pounding.....Oh, yeah....

My boys have mad carpentry skills....

The faces he makes while concentrating make my day!  Too bad I didn't get a shot of the tongue that often sticks out ever so slightly as he works....it helps, you know. ; )

This is serious business.  He's the Man.

Jacob has now entered the I-am-very-cool-and-don't-get-too-enthusiastic-while-taking-pictures phase.  Especially when he know they will show up on Mom's blog, or perhaps Facebook.

They both had a blast and proclaim me the best Mom ever.  Shhhh....don't tell them I'm not.  I'm basking in the glory while it lasts.  ; )

We also went this past weekend for an even more fun and manly project.....but we partied hard all weekend and I'm saving those photos for a Party Post!  Check back later.....I know you'll be waiting anxiously for their debut & counting the minutes!! ; )

Thanks to Lowes, my boys are getting their masculine creative fix, and yours can, too....but you need to register and print a waiver to guarantee a spot for them.  Give it a try....it's freeeeeeee!!!!

How do you get crafty & spark imagination and creativity with your kids??  Link up with us.....we'd love to see!!!