Size 6 Bra

Hi all!
This afternoon while the boys were folding clothes,
I overheard this conversation...
James: Joseph, is this your bra??
Joseph: James, I don't wear a bra, do you think I wear a BRA?!
James: Yes, you wear a bra and this is yours, it's a size 6! 
Gotta love those boys!!! :)

Nothing Wrong, Just Interesting

As I was innocently cooking dinner,

this was going on in my backyard.

Nothing wrong, just interesting.

Looks like we might have girls around here

before Emily Margaret comes home. ; >

Dr. Mom

Hi all!
Today's post is brought to you by Dr. Mom.
Not that I'm formally trained as a doctor,
I'm just informally trained as a Mom who know's her kid's symptoms. :)

Here's how it started...
Last Tuesday James came home from school sick.
He said his stomach hurt and he threw up.
By dinner time he seemed fine.
Although still a little whiny he went back to school the next day.
Over the weekend he had a sore throat, body aches, and a fever.
At times I thought he was deathly ill
and then he'd be running around playing.
Then this morning I begin to put it all together.
We went to see Dr. Dan, just to confirm my suspicions.
Oh yeah, and get an antibiotic.
Because although Dr. Mom may diagnose,
she can't write prescriptions.
A nasty throat swab later we have a diagnosis,
Strep Throat.
Not that I wanted him to be sick,
but don't cha just love it when Dr. Mom is right?!

So I'm babying my patient today,
while attempting to get some Mama Work done. :)

Getting My Blog On

Hi all & happy Sunday!
Today's gloomy weather,
combined with James being sick
can only mean one thing,
it's gonna be a lazy afternoon.
After a busy week I'm in just the right
frame of mind to thoroughly enjoy this time!

So, what will I be entertaining myself with
while the guys play the Wii and watch sports??
A little blog work. :)

You see this quest to conquer my blog
started quite innocently...
by visiting other people's super cute blogs.
Of course I wanted my blog to be
polished and perfect before publishing my first post.
But when that didn't happen I moved on
to slowly learning and decorating as I went.

Then Christmas came and my sweet hubby
wanted to give me a gift he knew I'd love.
He purchased Blogging For Bliss by Tara Frey
and I devoured every single chapter,
more than once. :)

Next came Photoshop Elements
which I loaded onto my MacBook Pro.
Ah it was love at first design.

Now I've added a new trick to my bag,
I call it Techno Talk for Dummies.
It's actually 8 books in 1,
including html, xhtml and css.
Which means I'm officially getting my blog on.

Did you know that blogging
is actually short for web logging?!
The name means it's literally an online public diary.
Who knew??
Apparently not me. :)

Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy your afternoon!

I Heart Ironing

Hi all, happy Wednesday!
Today's gloomy weather has me proud to be home.
It's the perfect day to be doing my Mama Work.

For those of you new here Mama Work ='s
cleaning bathrooms, dusting, mopping, laundry,
sometimes it includes redecoranging & crafty creations,
but it always includes running errands and shuffling kids.
Now you understand, Mama Work.
Feel free to use the term. :)

Today's to do list consisted of a little bit of everything.
One such thing was laundry.
Ugh, why oh why do I not stay on top of this chore??
I'm trying to do 2 loads per day.
At that rate I might get caught up...
in this lifetime.

Instead of focusing on the piles of socks that need mates
I turned instead to ironing.
Why do I heart ironing?!
Is it because it makes getting dressed easier
OR because I feel like all those little hangers are smiling at me with their freshly pressed clothes?!
I'm a loser I know,
but really,
I enjoy the simple things in life. :)

Which, brings me to my point...
my trusty sidekick Shark iron is on its last leg.
For real.
It requires frequent resuscitation.
Think: Annie, Annie are you ok?
Except it's: Oh I'm so sorry I dropped you all those times, PLEASE don't die today! (as a shake it back to life)
So I'm wondering, what iron do you have/love/wish was yours?
I will use this baby until there's no life left.
But in the meantime I should prepare a replacement.

Lastly a side note,
on Monday my friend Jennifer brought her kids over to play.
While we chatted I ironed a few things.
I was ironing one of James dress shirts when I realized it didn't look right.
I grabbed my glasses only to find the shirt I was diligently working on was inside out.
I looked at Jennifer and said,
Oh my, I can't believe I did that!
Her response??
Well, I wondered what you were doing?!

So my new motto is:
Friends don't let friends starch and iron wrong side out! :)

Thanks for stopping by to visit.
My lunch break is over
so I'm off to finish today's Mama Work.

Daddy's Hot Chocolate

Hi all!
After trying Andy's most delicious hot chocolate
I couldn't wait to share it with you.
I think he liked the idea of being the only
most wonderful dad in the world
that could make this hot chocolate.
But, I did get him to indulge a little of his secret recipe. :)

Ingredients:
2 parts Milk
1 part Heavy Whipping Cream
Nestle Milk Chocolate Coco
A splash of Vanilla Extract

Mix ingredients together in a pan
and warm on the stove.
Pour into your favorite mug
and then top with whip cream.

Serve to your eagerly awaiting family,
YUM!
If your kiddos enjoy hot chocolate as much as ours do
you've got to try this! :)

Brother Where Art Thou

Hi all, I hope you've had a fabulous weekend.
We've stayed rather busy.
Saturday was my Breastfeeding Prenatal Class at the hospital.
I had a great group of Moms/Support People.
They were really interested in learning all I had to say.
Which was great,
because we all know I'm a breastfeeding dork.
I could talk about it all-day-long...
lucky for me somedays I do! :)

While I was having a little girl time at work,
the boys had a Wink Club Meeting.
Franny met them at the movie house.
From all they've said I can tell they thoroughly enjoyed Avatar.

Next off we made our way over to Nanny's
for her birthday celebration.
Nothing like the lure of an ice cream cake to get everybody together. :)

Nana was there with her walker.
She has totally rocked her knee replacement,
I'm soooo proud of her!
Her surgery was Wednesday and Saturday night she took a few steps totally unassisted.
Yep, she's a showoff!

Today we had Sunday School and then church.
Afterwards we came home for a quick lunch,
before Andy headed back to church for a vestry meeting.

This afternoon we did a little housework,
bathed the dogs and then tried very hard to chill.

Since the kids are out of school tomorrow
Joseph's spending the night with Joshua,
his brother from another mother.
Poor James is as lost as a sheep.
He's just wandering around looking for something to do.

We couldn't let him stay sad so Andy made a trip out.
He picked up frozen pizzas and a movie.
We watched Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs,
it was adorable!

James, Maggie, Pepper and I played Legos by the fire.
We sipped the most delicious hot chocolate
(more on that tomorrow).

Check out this picture of the girls on the couch.
The cushion on the left is where Joseph usually sits.
It looks like they're just waiting on him to get home. :)

As I type this James is hanging out with the girls.

I think they're ready for me to join them again.

Enjoy the rest of your night,
we're off to play!

Scattergories

Note to self:
When playing Scattergories "Oaky Oad" does not count for Ice Cream flavors that start with O.
And you certainly don't get double points.
But, nice try! ;>

You should also remember this when playing Scattergories with your seven year old son.
If the category is Things That Grow that start with a D, prepare yourself.
Because said child will answer Ding-a-ling and then give his explanation.

Some lessons are best learned the hard way.
And certainly funnier! :)

Noah, Come Clean Up After These Animals

Dear Noah,
I hope all is well with you. I am writing about your animals. Although they are very sweet they are very messy. I have already mopped the floors three days this week, and it's just Thursday. We won't even discuss the things I've had to clean up that the dog tried to eat. I can only imagine how messy it was on the ark. How in the world did you stay cooped up with them for 40 days and nights?  Oh yeah, I bet you relied on God. Maybe He'll help me out too?! Yeah, I guess if you're not going to come clean up after them I'm going to have to rely on Him too. I'll pray for the strength to keep cleaning, a heart full of joy to love them and the wisdom to know when to leave it for the kids to find.
Thanks for the guidance,
Sarah from At Home With The Hinsons
(the now reluctant owner of 2 cats and 2 dogs)

;)
Whew, I feel better already!

Why I Blog

Hi all!
I wanted to let you know that although I haven't posted as much lately, I'm still here.
My craft and blog time has been consumed with blog design.
Let me tell you that my sweet hubby's investment in Photoshop Elements has payed off.
I am quietly entertained for hours.
Yes, for those of you wondering,
I do have to limit my playtime. :)
I am in ADD heaven!

This past weekend my step-mom mentioned that I was coming up on my blogiversary.
She wondered if I still loved blogging.
Umh, yes!
I even argued with my sister about which one of us blogged more. :)
(She's actually the one who introduced me to said phenomenon.)

So I started wondering,
why do I blog?
To answer my question,
and because I'm a lover of lists,
I give you the top 5 reasons why I love blogging...

5. Inspiration. I find so much inspiration from fellow bloggers. Whether it's a how to project or a kind comment, I always feel inspired to grow.
4. Crafty Creations. I enjoy my craft projects. Sweet hubby will never understand why I get so excited over a hand sanitizer bottle that I spent 2 hours making. Blogging lets me look back on those accomplishments with a smile. And truth be told I really love it when the bloggy world brags on my creations. ;)
3. Thinking It Through. Blogging is a great way for me to think through things. Sometimes it's a scripture, quote, or even a problem. I always feel so refreshed after blogging through my thoughts.

2. Write It Down. I like to record the great and ordinary stuff my kids do. I keep things like their reports cards to remind me of their school years. But without my blog I might forget the memories I cherish most, the everyday moments.

1. Bla-Bla-Blog. I like to talk. Really, blogging keeps my head from exploding. You know somedays I have a lot to say and poor Andy can't always process all my thoughts.

Whew, I feel better all ready.

With all those reasons I really must keep blogging.

Not that I had plans to stop. :)

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

I'm looking forward to even more reasons to love blogging. :)

Snow Day Memories

Hi friends!

We really enjoyed our snow days together,

here At Home With The Hinsons.

I'll actually be sad to see the snow melt,

and the boys return to school tomorrow.

Here's a snippet of our fun.

God's blessings on your night! :D

Snow Days & Html

Hi all!
We're enjoying our snow days at home.

Last night's beef stew was delicious,
if I do say so myself. ;>
As I snuggled up in my jammy tales,
I played with my Photoshop Elements.
Now, let me say I am no computer genius.
But, I have managed to make custom headers,
post dividers and signatures,
for both a friend and myself.
SCORE!

So, why the sudden push to learn blog design?
Well, I love blogging
and I enjoy beautifying things.
I was ready to step up my own blog
when a friend approached me for help with hers.
The greatest part?
In lieu of payment,
she wants to make a donation towards our adoption.
Talk about motivation!

Yes, moms will do anything for their children...
including learning html. :D
If you're looking for a little bloggy update let me know.
I'd love to help.
Stay warm friends!

Let It Snow

Oh the weather outside is frightful,

But the fire is so delightful,

And since we've no place to go,

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!


Here in the south we're expecting quiet a bit of snow.
School has been canceled until Monday.
In anticipation of a snow in,
I ran all my errands early this morning.
Andy's made a ton of snacks.
I've got Beef Stew in the crock pot.

AND,
UPS just delivered my Photoshop Elements.

Oh yes, I do believe we're ready.
Now let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! :)

Be Today

Good morning all!
I just finished my morning devotional.
In it was the greatest quote.
Of course I had to share. :)

"Be today who you want to be tomorrow."
-Ruth Clark

Kind,
Joyful,
Patient,
Compassionate,
Christ centered.
Those are just of few of the things I'd like to exude.
What are you longing to be?

God's blessings on your day, Sarah :D

Need To Know

Good morning all!
Today's the boys' first day back at school, yuck!
Before I begin our dreaded morning routine,
I'm coming to you with a question.
Do any of my tech savy friends out there use Photoshop Elements?
I'm wanting to get a little deeper into blog designs.
My baby sister uses Photoshop for her photography.
I don't want/can't afford the big mama Photoshop,
that's what led me to PSE.
I know this knew software will come with a steep learning curve.
But, can I/should I make the leap?
So please, flood my comment section with your wisdom.
Do you think Photoshop Elements is a good purchase?
Is there a better/cheaper way to work on blog designs??
Thanks friends, you always come through! :)

God's blessings on your day, Sarah :D

New Beginnings

The birth of a child,
start of a New Year,
Monday morning,
a fresh new calendar,
the beautiful communion taken on Sunday.
What do all these things have in common?
The promise of a new beginning.

Wanna start a new prayer routine,
stick to a budget,
exercise more,
eat healthier,
or spend more meaningful time with your kids?
A new beginning is what you need.
Ah, like a breath of fresh air.

Here At Home With The Hinsons we're looking forward to new beginnings.
God is calling us to grow into the ones He's designed us to be.
Won't you challenge yourself and breathe in His breath of fresh air?

God's blessings on your new beginnings, Sarah :D

Mama's Got A Brand New Bag

Hi all,
today we're celebrating a special day here,
At Home With The Hinsons...
11 years of marriage!
Here's a peak of us at Andy's 40th Birthday party,
several years ago.


We started our day by taking the boys to Nana's & Nanny's.
Once we were alone,
Andy treated me to a delicious lunch at Fulin's.
I love good chinese food and let me tell you,
it was good.
Score!
And we had enough leftover for dinner.
Double Score!

We did some running around while we were out.
Read s-h-o-p-p-i-n-g.
My main mission?
To use my Christmas and Anniversary money for a new handbag.
Handbag?
Purse??
Whatever, you know what I mean. :)

I spent hours making my way through too many stores,
and literally hundreds of bags.

Whew, who knew spending money would be such hard work?!
I knew what I needed,
and this was my criteria...
Color - Black... goes with everything.
Material - Leather... durable and easy to clean.
Size - Big... as in big enough to hold my loyal Franklin Covey Planner.
Brand - Preferably a reputable brand, although open to my options... you know I'm old enough to need a real purse yet too old to carry a blingy billboard.
Oh, and last but not least, Price - around $200, although certainly willing to spend less. :)

With some research under my belt,
I set out thinking I wanted the Coach Op Art tote.
It was $198, good sized and came in black.
But once I hand it in my hands,
as much as I wanted to love it,
it was NOT a $200 bag.

So I accepted defeat.
We finished up our other shopping and headed to pick up the kids.
I explained to Andy that it was very important for me to absolutely l-o-v-e my purchase.
Although I'm sure he didn't understand, he did pretend to.

On our way home Andy called in Guthrie's for the boys' dinner.
Our wait time?
Ten minutes,
just long enough for me to run into Belk.

I needed a second opinion so I begged Joseph to accompany me.
And because he's absolutely precious,
he agreed.
Poor kid!

I scanned over all their sale and big name purses.
Nothing called my name,
until I came across the Dooney & Bourke bags.
For the first time today they weren't locked behind glass,
AND they were 25% off.
Now we're talking!

With Joseph figuring out exact prices,
I had a mini fashion show.
Then, with his reluctant opinion,
I made my choice.

So, without further ado I give you,
Mama's new bag. :)

I think I found the bag that met all my criteria,
HOORAY!

Thanks for following along.
As you can tell it's been a long day,
and I needed a little blogging therapy. :)

Happy Anniversary Andy.
You will always be the hero of my heart,
a blessing from God,
my very own Prince Charming.
I'm looking forward to another fabulous year sweetie!

God's blessings, Sarah :D

I've Gone Cricut Crazy

Happy New Year Ya'll!
I was either really good this year
OR
Santa Daddy felt sorry for me.
Because I got my Cricut,
HOORAY!!!
I've been dreaming up projects to do
since I added it to my wish list.
And I must admit,
I've gone Cricut crazy!

It all started on Christmas morning.
I practiced on paper.



Before moving on to my favorite, vinyl. :)
I embellished one of my glitter ornaments
from this project
with a simple H monogram.
And then added a little bling.


When James saw how much fun I was having
he couldn't wait to join in.
So I added a little decor to his bedroom door.


I've enjoyed the cartridge it came with
but I was ready to take it farther.
After price shopping I found the
Home Decor cartridge on Amazon.
With my Amazon Prime membership
I had it sitting on my doorstep
in two days for $34.60.
STEAL!

Now it was time to girlyfy some of my blank walls.
A fleur-de-lis in the hallway.

A chandelier in the dining room.


When one of my all time BFF's delivered her baby boy,
it was time to kick up the craft factor.
Since breastfeeding is near and dear to my heart
I made her a breastfeeding starter kit. :)
Along with some Medela products I added
a Mom's Memo book.
I bought this super cute altered journal from a friend before CHRISTmas.
They made fabulous gifts and I had only one left.
I used my Cricut to personalize the front cover.
Added some ribbons for froof.

Then I typed up a few breastfeeding reminders.
Like growth spurts, feeding frequency, and the such.

I couldn't have my gift arrive in boring gift wrap.
Nope, not me!
So I made a ribbon banner with his name on it.

I attached it to the gift bag with my Croc-a-dile.

Oh my, I'm in craft girl heaven!!!
Thanks for sharing in a few of my projects.
God's blessings on your New Year, Sarah :D