Monday, December 17, 2012

Being eaten by a camel...


Sorry - had to share this - LOL!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

RIP - Sweet Angels




One thing that's easily overlooked in this whole tragedy is the first-responders. Can you imagine the policemen that had to walk into that school and witness the slain children? I cry every time I start to imagine it, and then try to stop imagining it. I can't even fathom what those brave men and women have witnessed. 

Let's be sure to Appreciate the brave men and women of our police force and remember that they are human beings like the rest of us.
Yes Lord - as well as the EMTs & firefighters - <3
THANK YOU!




Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"This is heaven." declared a small boy. 
"We're spending Christmas at God's house."

When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
those children all flew into the arms of their King.

And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

And as if He could read all the questions she had
He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

Then He looked down on earth, the world far below
He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe.

Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
"May this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
"I'm taking back my nation.  I'm taking back my schools!"

Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
"Come now my children, let me show you around."

Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

And i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
"In the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA (my hometown)



Saturday, December 15, 2012

10 ways to empty your flex-spending account


Taken from Charlotte Observer - January 3, 2012 - by Anya Martin


  1. Review your receipts - more health purchases and medicines than you know may be covered
  2. Call for documentation if it's needed - FSA information may be online to help figure out what is covered
  3. Restock the first-aid kit - a doctor can write you a letter of necessity so that this can be covered
  4. Invest in a blood-pressure monitor
  5. Buy glasses, contacts or hearing aid batteries or a phone for the hearing impaired - along with an appointment
  6. Breathe easier - allergy medicine or air filters
  7. See the dentist - but be aware that teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental procedures are not eligible FSA expenses
  8. Get a flu shot
  9. Prioritize wellness - health clubs and gym memberships are not included but a weight loss but a weight-loss program, a pedometer or home exercise equipment are with a doctor's letter of medical necessity.  Smoking-cessation programs or a massage if it's prescribed to alleviate muscle strain may also be approved
  10. Don't forget mileage

Sandy Hook Elementary



What a horrific tragedy.
I cannot begin to imagine what the families of those lost are going though.
I cannot begin to comprehend what would every drive someone to do something so terrible.
We will probably never be able to understand...but we can pray.
We can pray that the families find peace and comfort that God is holding them in His hands - He will get them through.

You can reach out to Sandy Hook School community by sending a Christmas card or just a card of encouragement. 

Send to:

Sandy Hook Elementary School 
12 Dickenson Drive
Sandy Hook, CT 06482

Silly Elf - 015 - Elf Hospital


Our house was hit with a couple different bugs going around...
guess it got to Jaxin too...


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Friday, December 14, 2012

Silly Elf - 014 - Sneaking cookies





Holiday deals to stock your pantry


  • baking mixes = brownie & cake mixes
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • bread crumbs
  • chocolate bars
  • chocolate chips
  • cornstarch
  • corn syrup
  • flour
  • shortening
  • spices
  • sugar - brown
  • sugar - confectioners
  • sugar - granulated
  • vanilla
  • yeast

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Time to get your Christmas shopping done!


Get your Christmas holiday shopping done today!

Head over to J & J Creations to check out what we have in stock or you can place an order for something to be custom made.


J&J Creations can custom make a gift for ANYONE on your list for ANY occasion at ANY price range. 

Just let us know what they like and we will take care of the rest!



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Silly Elf - 013 - Climbing





Tuesday, December 11, 2012

'Christmas Cookie Exchange' & 'Sip & Shop'





Most of us have quite a few friends that do home sales - Mary Kay, Scentsy, etc.  We all have busy schedules so it can be challenging hosting multiple home parties.

I have may come up with a solution...
Host a "Sip & Shop"!

Let different home companies know that you are going to be having a get together and anyone that would like to set up a table to sell their products is more than welcome.

I have had a crazy month & this was a trial party so we didn't have a ton of vendors this time around.
Here were the Shops this time around:

J & J Creations - Custom Gifts


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Mary Kay

Scentsy

Thirty One & Thirty One

Tupperware


We also did a cookie exchange with this party.  
The girls that wanted to participate brought 4 dozen of the same kind of cookie.
The girls were then given boxes to go around the table and get a few of each kind of cookie.
It's nice to get a mix of cookies without have to bake a TON of different kinds.

Here are some of the cookie recipes

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Just a mom???...

Healthy Child - Healthy World




I love to use as many 'natural' products as possible so I was super excited when I received a cool Healthy Home Party kit in the mail.

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I was able to give a bunch of my girlfriends great samples and coupons as well as tips and informations about ways to keep their families save.

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2012 Healthy Child Party Week
TALKING POINTS

For the full article click here

For nearly 20 years, the non-profit Healthy Child Healthy World has led the 
movement that empowers parents to protect children from toxic chemicals.  

The foundation is the 5 Easy Steps, which are simple and easy to integrate into your lifestyle:

1) Avoid Pesticides - ...Remove shoes before entering your home to prevent 
tracking in pesticides.

2) Use Non-Toxic Products - Read labels and ask questions about what 
chemicals are in the personal care and cleaning products, as well as 
furnishings, that you buy...

3) Clean Up Indoor Air - ...utilize plants to filter indoor air, and open windows for a few minutes a day to ventilate rooms.

4) Eat Healthy - ...whole foods rather than packaged foods whenever possible...

5) Be Wise With Plastics - Reduce the use of plastics...

You don’t have to take all five steps at once! 

Healthy Child’s motto is “No one can do everything. Everyone can do something.” 

The necklace that bears the motto retails for $40 here with all profits benefitting Healthy Child Healthy World.

More information can be found online here or in the Healthy 
Child Healthy World: Creating A Cleaner, Greener Safer Home book.

Elf Learning Activities





North Pole Playground




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See, Say, Write, and Read! a K-1st Grade Lesson Plan from North Pole Playground

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Spelling Activity Sheet! a 2nd-3rd Grade Lesson Plan from North Pole Playground

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Math Matching! a 2nd-3rd Grade Lesson Plan from North Pole Playground

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Crossword Puzzle + Scramble! a 4th-5th Grade Lesson Plan from North Pole Playground

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Santa and the 50 States! a 4th-5th Grade Lesson Plan from North Pole Playground