Never Get Tired Of Doing Little Things…
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Recently I finished reading The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls. The Long Winter is book sixth book in the Little House series. The girls LOVE reading these books. I try to read at least a chapter to them every night and they always want me to keep on reading! Glad the girls are enjoying this series as much as I did as a little girl. This was probably one of the hardest ones to read because the Ingalls family went through a lot of tough things during this winter season (from near starvation, freezing, and more). The book teaches a lot about being creative with the resources around you, helping others, and working together to get through the rough season.
Laura Ingalls and her family continue their adventures in the town of De Smet, South Dakota. They got their homestead, but didn’t have time to winterize the little shanty before winter so they moved into the town of De Smet to live in the building that Pa had built last year. Thankfully they had a place to stay in town because blizzard after blizzard hit the little town and cut off all the supplies for several months, including anything that was suppose to be arriving on the train. Pa, Ma, Laura, Mary, Carrie, and baby Grace did their best to enjoy each day.
It was a hard winter for the family with low food supplies and the cold from the blizzards. The book introduces many new characters into the series from their interactions with people in town during the winter months. Almanzo Wilder and Cap Garland made a dangerous journey to find wheat so the families in town would not starve. Even though it was a tough season many good friendships were established during these months. The Ingalls family was creative with their cooking, heating the home, and finding ways to stay entertained while they were stuck inside during the blizzards.
Fresh Vegetable & Pasta Soup
Recently I put together a soup with some items I had already in the refrigerator. We were going out of town and I needed to use up some of the fresh vegetables already in the fridge. This was super easy and everyone enjoyed it.
Fresh Vegetable & Pasta Soup
- 1 carton Tomato Juice
- 1 small Zucchini
- 1 small Summer Squash
- 2 medium Carrots
- 1 cup sliced Mushrooms
- 2 cups Elbow Noodles
Add all the items to the crockpot. Stir until it is mixed together and put the crockpot on low for 6 hours.
Travel & Vacation: Dolphin Show at SeaWorld (Orlando, FL)
So beautiful and graceful
One of the other highlights at SeaWorld was the Dolphin Show. It was really neat watching the dolphins gliding through the water, jumping, and interacting with the people. Amazing creatures and fascinating to watch!
Another show at SeaWorld
This show is with Dolphins!
Part of the Dolphin Show, pretty neat!
The Dolphin came up for his treat
Standing up on two dolphins, that’s neat!
These dolphins are well trained
This Dolphin looks like it is having fun
Awesome!
Beautiful animals
Travel & Vacation: SeaWorld (Orlando, FL – Part 2)
Yes, those are sharks swimming above our heads!
We had a blast at SeaWorld! 🙂 There were so many amazing things to see and explore. The kids had a grand time and are still talking about all the neat stuff they got to do at SeaWorld. Thankful for friends and an opportunity to hang out with them for a few days.
WWatching Stingrays swimming above our heads
Giant starfish
There are four strange fish in that fish tank!
Ice cream break!
Sweet girl
A cold and delicious treat!
Going for another ride
Everyone had fun on that one!
Travel & Vacation: Seals at SeaWorld (Orlando, FL)
A seal sitting up on the tank. The seals were very entertaining!
The seals were loud and amusing to watch. We watched people feeding the seals. The birds kept trying to steal the fish treats before the seals to could it or would quickly grab a treat if it was dropped. They were very entertaining to watch!
This bird was hanging out near the seals area and would try to grab a snack whenever people tried to feed the seals
Looking for a treat
Catching some sun
Hanging out on the edge to catch a few sun rays (and maybe a snack or two)
A couple seals barking and begging for some treats!
Both the bird and seal are waiting for a snack
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Travel & Vacation: Shamu Killer Whale Show at SeaWorld (Orlando, FL)
Kids on the move at Sea World
The kids were super excited to go to the Shamu Killer Whale Show at SeaWorld. Of course, they all wanted to sit in the “splash zone” so that they could get sprayed by the whales. I think the adults got the most spray, but we all have a blast. It was amazing watching them glide through the water. They are so big and beautiful!
Beautiful creatures!
Amazing killer whale show at Sea World!
The girls were absolutely fascinated by the Shamu show
Shamu orca killer whale show at Sea World
Shamu the killer whale show
These killer whales were mesmerizing to watch
Travel & Vacation: SeaWorld (Orlando, FL)
We made it to SeaWorld! 🙂
A few months ago our family was able to go to Florida and visit some great friends that lived there. One of the days we were in Florida we spent at SeaWorld. The girls LOVED it! It was so much fun exploring SeaWorld with friends.
Got their maps out and a mission to have fun!
Our troop at Sea World, we had a great time!
Girlies trying to see who can lean up against the ice cap the longest!
The polar bear was swimming
Fun at Sea World with friends
Heart Reflections: The Powerful Impact of Words
Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29
Ouch! This is a hard one at times… I read this verse a few days ago and I have continued to think about it as I plunge into another busy week. Sometimes we forget how powerful of an impact our words have on others. Are we encouraging our family and friends with kind words or we doing damage?
It is hard to be positive and encouraging all the time. Often I find myself regretting the words I spoke immediately after they were said. Speaking poorly about another person does no good and in reality it only makes me look bad. Complaining about the little inconveniences in my life only shows my discontent heart. How I am suppose to be a shining light in a dark world, if my words are just as hurtful or hateful as the next persons?
We are all human. We make mistakes. Things will happen that offend and upset us. It feels natural to get defensive or to lash out against those who hurt us. I find it very difficult to control my words especially when it comes to children (any kids, not just my own). I think part of that is the mothering instinct, however, it is wise to consider our words prior to opening our mouths. At times it may be best to wait to discuss something big after you’ve had time to pray about it and when it is more convenient for all parties involved.
Will you pray with me asking God to give us the words to speak that may be good for building up and give grace to those who hear? Let’s try with God’s help to be positive, encouraging, and speak kindly. We don’t know what is going on in the hearts and lives of those around us but if we can control our tongue we may have more opportunities to be a blessing and make a positive impact on the life of someone else.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of March 27 – April 2, 2013
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meat and Seafood
Sugardale Shank Portion Ham – $0.99 lb
Boneless Pork Loin Roast – $1.99 lb
Beef Bottom Round Roast – $2.99 lb
Hickory Springs Sliced Bacon (12 oz) – $2.49
Jimmy Dean Pork Sausage (16 oz) – $2.49
Sugardale Center Cut Bone-In Ham Steak – $2.49 lb
*Pick 5 for $19.99 promotion on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more.
Fridge and Freezer
Colburn Farms Cream Cheese (8 oz) – $0.99
Home Churned Butter Quarters (16 oz) – $1.99
Home Churned Spread (45 oz) – $2.49
Save A Lot Today Orange Juice (59 oz) – $1.99
Ore-Ida Hashbrowns (28 – 32 oz) – $2.79
Morning Delight Jumbo Biscuits (8 count) – $1.59
Coburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.49
Coburn Farms Yogurt (6 – 8 oz) – $0.39
Imperial Spread Quarters (16 oz) – $0.99
Produce
Sweet Potatoes – $0.39 lb
Green Cabbage – $0.39 lb
Red or Gold Potatoes (5 pounds) – $2.50
Grocery
Grissom’s Brown & Serve Dinner Rolls (12 count) – $0.99
Morning Delight Complete Buttermilk Pancake Mix (32 oz) – $1.99
Morning Delight Pancake Syrup (24 oz) – $1.99
Kiggins Corn Flakes (18 oz) – $1.69
McDaniel’s Coffee (33 oz) – $4.99
Albany Bakery Chocolate Chip Cookies (16 oz) – $1.59
Tipton Grove Apple Juice (64 oz) – $1.49
Westcott Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.69
So Cheesy Shells & Cheddar (12 oz) – $1.69
Kiggins Big Bag Cereal, Assorted Varieties (28 oz) – $2.99
Senora Verde Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips (11 oz) – $1.69
Cowboy Billy’s Baked Beans (16 oz) – $0.89
Sunny Delight (48 oz) – $1.00
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – $0.49
Duke’s Mayonnaise (32 oz) – $3.49
White Lilly Flour (5 pounds) – $2.69
Portmann’s Dressing (16 oz) – $1.69
Wylwood Canned Vegetables (14 – 15 oz) – $0.59
Save A Lot Today Soda (12 pack – 12 oz cans) – $2.89
Crystal 2.0 Purified Drinking Water (24 pack, 16.9 oz each) – $2.99
J Higgs Potato Chips (10 oz) – $1.69
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends. For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list. Please make sure to check with your local Save A Lot store, the ads do vary per region.
