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Sunday, December 18, 2011

The one where I am thankful

I know Christmas is almost here (next Sunday!!) and this type of post is supposed to be done in November, but I have so much to be thankful for that I wanted to write is down so I don't forget it.

I'm thankful for my loving family (my husband and my daughter). Without them I would not be a wife or a mommy. I love them to the moon and back.

I'm thankful for our warm house. Without the sacrifices that my husband makes, we would not be living here today.

I'm thankful that I am able to be a SAHM. Even though we struggle some months and my husband has to work during the summer, it is worth it to be able to stay home with my little girl.

I'm thankful for the friends that I have, this includes the ones I have IRL, on facebook, and on the OUM boards. They have given me a wealth of information on mommyhood and wifeyhood.

All in all, I'm just thankful. Without the aforementioned people I would not be who I am today.

Angie

Thursday, December 8, 2011

A simple act of kindness that changed my life

It's amazing how just one simple act of kindness changed my life. My In-laws are amazing, wonderful people and I can never repay them for what they did for me. They gave me a place to stay, to rest my weary head when I left my parent's house. Paul had explained to them how they were treating me (I was verbally and emotionally abused by my dad and step mother) and they agreed to let me move in.

I told his parents that mine would be mad and upset, and that they (especially my dad) would starting calling at all hours of the day and might even come over and continue the yelling. Despite this, his parents still agreed to let me live with them. And everything that I said would happen, did happen. The calls, the coming over, and the eventual stalking, which led to a protective order being filed by me and Paul, lasted for 6 years.

I know I put his parents through alot, and I know I will never be able to repay them. But, without that simple act of kindness, I would the wife to a wonderful and amazing husband, and I would be the Mommy to a amazing, wonderful, beautiful little girl.

In other words, I would not be living the life that I am living right now!!!!!!!!

~Angie

Monday, November 21, 2011

Happy Homemaker Monday

I thought I would give this link up thing a try this week. This is my first ever link up, I'm so excited to see how this works.  I'm rather new to the blogging world, so please bear with me while I figure the blogging thing out.
 
{Happy Homemaker Monday}


The weather in my neck of the woods.
 
Cold and rainy.

Things that make me happy.

Thanksgiving and sleep

Book I'm reading.

Mary Higgins Clark- On the street where we meet.

What's on my TV today.

Movies from Netflix

On the menu for dinner.

Cheeseburger pizza

On my to do list.

Housework
Laundry

New recipe I want to try soon.

One for broccoli rice casserole that I found on pinterest.

Looking forward to this week.

Thanksgiving
My favorite blog post this week.

I haven't done much blog hopping this week.
 
No words needed (favorite photo or picture, yours or others you want to share).
 
 
On my mind. 
 
Thanksgiving and family

My Bucket List

I've seen these bucket lists floating around on some of the blogs that I read daily. So, I thought I would add my own bucket list . These are the some of the things that I would like to eventually do in my lifetime. I have decided that these are the things that I want to be proud of doing. We will see how far I get on this list, remember, it's an ongoing list (I'll be adding to this list at various times)

Get married.
Become a mom. 
Join a church.
Run a mile.
Start a garden.
Own a home.
Host Thanksgiving dinner.
Make one DIY craft from pinterest.
Make one new recipe from pinterest.
Start my own business.
Meet all the moms on the OUM board.
Pay it forward.
Take a family vacation anywhere.
Be debt free.
Grow a garden (any kind of garden).

There's what my bucket list looks like! What does yours look like?
~Angie~

Friday, November 11, 2011

Behind the Blogger -Day 11

Behind the Blogger Challenge-Day 11

Today's prompt- Someone I would like to meet.

This is a tough one for me, since there are so many people that I would like to meet. As I sit here thinking about who I would like to meet, one person comes to mind:

Stephen King

My favorite author, Stephen King!!! I have been reading his books since I was 13 years old and I love all of them. I think my all time favorite book is Carrie. I have read it several times and never get tired of it. I have many of his books several times, expect for IT, I can only read that one once. That damn clown gave me nightmares for like, a month!!!!

Another one that I cannot read is The Stand, I can't get past the first chapter. I guess after watching the TV movie I know what is coming and it's easier to deal with than to read it, plus its over 1500 pages long! It would take me like a year to read it!

~Mama Bear 

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thankful Thursday

I haven't done one of these in a long time!!!!

I'm thankful for.....

1.  My Husband. He is my rock and without him I would not be where I am today. He made me a mommy and he is the best hubby and daddy in the whole world. As I am always telling him, he is the cheese to my macaroni.

2. My daughter. She is the light of my life. She brings me so much joy and my heart feels with so much love each and every I see her smile or hear her little giggle.

3. Friends. I don't have many friends, but the ones I do have mean the world to me and I know I can count on them for anything.

4. Small town living. I love the small town that we live in. It's so quite and peaceful here. Dare I say it, it's almost like living in the country.

5. Being a SAHM. This is something that I am very thankful for. Even though we cannot afford it, we make it work on one income. I am greatful to my husband for working as hard as he so that I can do this for our daughter.

What are you thankful for?

~Mama Bear

Behind the Blogger -Day 10

Behind the Blog Challenge- Day 10

Today's prompt- Songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad.

Happy/hyped

When I'm happy or hyped I listen to Bon Jovi, Nickelback, Katy Perry

Bon Jovi- You give love a bad name, livin on a prayer, You can't go home, etc.
Nickelback- Animals, Next contestant, leader of men, Rockstar, just about any song by Nickelback
Katy Perry- Hot and Cold, California girls, Last Friday Night, I kissed a girl, Teenage Dream, etc.

Sad

When I'm sad I actually listen to classic Air Supply songs.

Mad/Bored

When I can mad or bored, I tend to listen to some of the same songs that I listen to when I'm happy or hyped.

Refer to happy/hyped

~Mama Bear

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Behind the Blogger -Day 9

Behind the Blogger Challenge-Day 9

Today's Prompt- Something your proud of.

The something that I am proud of is my beautiful baby girl. She is my greatest accomplishment. She is my heart and I love her with every ounce of my being. She is the light of my life and I cannot imagine my life without her. She is the most important person (Papa Bear is included) in my life.

~Mama Bear

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Behind the Blogger -Day 8

Behind the Blogger Challenge- Day 8

Today's prompt- Short term goals for this month and why.

After some thinking, I have finally come up with my short term goals for this month.

1. To finish the Fall quarter with A's in both of my classes (I'm taking classes on online to finish my master's degree).

2.  To make sure that Baby Bear is happy and healthy

3.  To make make sure that Papa Bear is happy and healthy and to support him in any way that I can.

4.  To continue to use my home management notebook everyday (this little beauty has really saved my sanity).

5.  To keep my sanity through it all.

Those are my goals for the month, what are yours?

~Mama Bear

Behind the Blogger -Day 7

Day 7- Behind the Blogger Challenge

Today's prompt- A picture of someone or something that has the biggest impact on you.

My daughter has made the biggest impact on my life, but I am not able to share a picture of her because Papa Bear doesn't want me to post her picture on my blog due to privacy issues. I will say that being a stay at home mom has also made a big impact on my life.

Being a stay at home mom is the hardest job that I have ever had, but it is also the most rewarding as well. I get the privledge of seeing all of Baby Bear's firsts (the first time she rolled over, her first smile, her first giggle, her first word, crawling, walking,etc.). Each one was rewarding and exciting and I'm blessed that I was able to see them.

Most of the people that I encounter assume that we make enough money for me to stay at home, but that is far from the truth. We cannot afford for me to stay at home, but we make it work. We make alot of sacrifices, for example, we don't go to the movies and we don't eat out. I haven't bought any new clothes in almost a year. We make sure the Baby Bear is provided for, the things we need can wait. Papa Bear works more hours so I can stay at home as well. For me, being a stay at home mom is not a luxury, it is a necessity that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

~Mama Bear

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Behind the Blogger- Day 6

Day 6- Favorite superhero and why

If  had to choose one superhero, naturally it would be Wonderwoman.


Wonder Woman is a Princess of the Amazons (based on the Amazons of Greek mythology) and was created by Marston, an American, as a "distinctly feminist role model whose mission was to bring the Amazon ideals of love, peace, and sexual equality to a world torn by the hatred of men."[2] Known in her homeland as Diana of Themyscira, her powers include superhuman strength, flight, super-speed, super-stamina, and super-agility. She is highly proficient in hand-to-hand combat and in the art of tactical warfare. She also possesses an animal-like cunning and a natural rapport with animals, which has in the past been presented as an actual ability to communicate with the animal kingdom. She uses her Lasso of Truth, which forces those bound by it to tell the truth, a pair of indestructible bracelets, a tiara which serves as a projectile, and, in some stories, an invisible airplane.

So, there yo have it. Who is your favorite superhero?

~Mama Bear




Saturday, November 5, 2011

Behind the blogger - Day 5

Day 5- A picture of somewhere you have been 

Disney World




Behind the blogger - Day 4

Day 4- A habit you wish you did not have

I really can't think of one except, when I stand still I rock from side to side. I have done for as long as I can remember, and I don't why I started doing this. It's a habit that I wish I could break.

Behind the Blogger- Day 3

Day 3- A picture of you and your friends

I'm going to have skip this one, since I don't have any pictures of me and my friends. I guess it's time to take some pictures!!!

My blog's name- What does it mean to me?

Livin on a prayer is mine and my husband's favorite song by Bon Jovi. I chose to name my blog this because we have always considered this song as being about us. We have always identified with it mainly because of how we think it defines our relationship and us as a couple.

Here are the lyrics:

Livin' on a Prayer

Tommy used to work on the docks
Union's been on strike, he's down on his luck
It's tough, so tough

Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love, mmm, for love

She says we've got to hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We got each other and that's a lot
For love we'll give it a shot!

Oh, we're half way there
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer

Tommy's got his six string in hock
Now he's holding in what he used to make it talk
So tough, mmm, it's tough

Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night, Tommy whispers
"Baby it's okay, someday"

We gotta hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference if we make it or not
We got each other and that's a lot
For love we'll give it a shot!

Oh, we're half way there
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand, we'll make it I swear
Oh oh, livin' on a prayer
Livin' on a prayer!

We gotta hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got

Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it I swear
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer

Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it I swear
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer

Whoa, we're half way there
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it I swear
Whoa oh, livin' on a prayer

And that's why I named my blog "Livin' on a Prayer"

~Mama Bear

15 interesting facts about me


15 interesting facts about me.

1. I am the oldest of 4 children.
2. I have known my husband since grade school. We didn't start talking and dating until we were in college.
3. My husband and I were together for 17 years before we ever got married. So, we have been together 18   years, but married for one.
4. I love the movies Grease and Dirty Dancing. I know all of the songs and will sing them during the movies.
5. I love to cook, especially to bake, desserts are my speciality.
6. I want to open my own bakery someday.
7. I love to read. I especially love to read murder mysteries (Mary Higgins Clark) and horror novels (Stephen King).
8. I loath romance novels and have never read one.
9. Stephen King is my favorite author. Mary Higgins Clark is my second favorite. V.C. Andrews is my third favorite.
10. I'm righthanded.
11.I'm directionally challenged, so is my husband. It's always an adventure when we go somewhere new.
12. I'm addicted to pinterest.
13. I'm 4'10". (my husband calls me a midget, in a loving way of course!!)
14. I love being a mom and wife!! I love by daughter and husband with my whole heart. I love them to the moon and back. Being a mom is the best job in the world and I would not give it for anything!!!!
15. I can't resist anything sweet.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day

As I understand it, Memorial Day was set aside to remember the soldiers who fought and died in war. Although, I feel it is also a day to remember those family members and friends that have been taken from us to soon.

Today, I will not only remember the soldiers who are fighting for our freedom, but I will also remember;

My mom
My grandparents (both sides)
My cousin Jenny
Paul's grandparents (both sides)

~Mama Bear

Hurtful Words

Words hurt, they really do. When someone says something hurtful it feels like the sting of rocks when they are thrown at you. Last night, Papa Bear said some hurtful words to me. He told me that I did not care about Baby
Bear. I just cannot believe that those words came out of his mouth.

Baby Bears means the world to me. She is my life. I live my life for her.

I still cannot believe he actually said those words to me. Words can be hurtful. I just hope that next time he thinks before he speaks.

~Mama Bear

Monday, May 23, 2011

Busy, Busy, Busy!!!

We have been busy around here!! I'll update later today!

~Mama Bear

Monday, May 9, 2011

1001 uses for vinegar (part 2)

Here's part 2 of the 1001 uses for vinegar.

Laundry:

Prevent lint from clinging to clothes by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the wash cycle.

To remove soap residue that makes black clothes look dull use white distilled vinegar in your final rinse.

Get stained white socks and dingy dishcloths white again. Add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring it to a rolling boil and drop in the articles. Let soak overnight.

Some stains on clothing and linens can be soaked out using equal parts milk and white distilled vinegar.

Before washing a mustard stain, dab with white distilled vinegar.

Attack spaghetti, barbecue, or ketchup stains
with a white distilled vinegar and water solution.

Remove perspiration odor and stains on clothing, as well as those left by deodorants, by spraying full-strength white distilled vinegar on underarm and collar areas before tossing them into the washing machine.

Forgot that you left wet laundry in the machine and it now smells moldy? Pour a few cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water. Then run a normal cycle with detergent.

Remove smoky odors from clothes by filling the bathtub with very hot water and 1 cup white distilled vinegar. Hang the garments above the steaming water and shut the door so the steam can penetrate the fibers.

Keep the steam iron clean and in good working order by getting rid of mineral deposits in steam vents and spray nozzles. Fill the water chamber with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and distilled water. Set it in an upright position and let it steam for about 5 minutes. When the iron is cool, rinse the tank with water, refill and shake water through the vents onto an old cloth. Test before using.

Remove scorch marks from an iron by rubbing it with a warmed-up solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and salt. If that doesn’t work, use a cloth dampened with full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Remove musky smells from cotton clothes by sprinkling them lightly with white distilled vinegar and then pressing them.

Get water and salt stains off shoes and boots by wiping them down with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.

Give patent leather shoes and bags a better shine by wiping them down with white distilled vinegar.

Get cleaner laundry! Add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar to the last rinse. The acid in white distilled vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, yet strong enough to dissolve the alkalies in soaps and detergents. Besides removing soap, white distilled vinegar prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and attacks mold and mildew.

Eliminate manufacturing chemicals from new clothes by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water.

Remove soap scum and clean the hoses of your washing machine with white distilled vinegar. Periodically run the machine with only a cup of white distilled vinegar in it—nothing else added to the wash cycle.

Bring out bright colors by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Fluff up wool or acrylic sweaters (hand- or machine-washed) and rid them of soap smell with 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in the last rinse water.

Get rid of the tiny holes left along the hemline when you take out the hem of any garment by moistening a cloth with white distilled vinegar, placing it under the fabric and ironing.

~Mama Bear

Sunday, May 8, 2011

What it means to be a mom

I found this on Facebook and liked it so much that I thought I would post it here.

Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. When... you took your first breath, you took my breath away. Before you were an hour old, I knew, I'd die for you.

The day I became a mother my life changed forever. Baby Bear has taught me so much. I'm happier, more content, and more focused (although Papa Bear wouldn't agree), but she has taught me so much about myself. I lover her unconditionally, and I want her to know that I will always be here for her and that I love her very much and that no matter how she is, she will always, always be my baby girl.


~Mama Bear

Happy Mother's Day!


~Mama Bear

It hurts

It hurts when.....

my husband tells me that I am a horrible wife and implies that I am a bad mom.

my husband thinks more of me as a housekeeper, babysitter, and cook than of me as a wife and mom.

my husband tells me that he hates my hair (I spent $42 on a cut and a perm).

my husband probably won't get my anything for Mother's day because he is mad at me (again).

~Mama Bear

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

1001 uses for vinagee (part 1)

Since the day I found out was pregnant with Baby Bear I have been using vinegar to clean everything in my house. So, I thought I would start a series of post titled "1001 uses for vinegar.

Cleaning:

To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.

Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.

Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so, then run hot water down the drain.

Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.

Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them by freezing full-strength white distilled vinegar in an ice cube tray. Run several cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.

Cut the grime on the top of the refrigerator with a paper towel or cloth and full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse.

To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.

Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher
by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals
, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.

For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.

Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)

Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.

For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.

Remove odors from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave overnight.

Remove ugly film in narrow-necked glass jars, flower vases, and bottles by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar sit in them for a few hours. Add a little rice or sand and shake vigorously to loosen stubborn stains. Repeat if necessary.

Easily clean your mini blinds by wearing pair of white cotton gloves.  Dip gloved fingers into a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm tap water, and run your fingers across both sides of each blind.

To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter,
use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

Make a metal cleanser by adding enough white distilled vinegar to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub it on and let it dry on the surface. Wash it off and dry with a soft cloth.

Polish brass and copper with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar. Rub it on with a clean cloth until dry and shiny.

Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.

Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.

Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.

Wipe grease off exhaust fan grids, the inside of your oven, or anywhere grease gathers with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar.

To make cleaning the grill easier, spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the cooking surface.

To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.

Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.

Get rid of calcium deposits on faucets by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight.

Remove soap buildup from faucets by scrubbing them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts white distilled vinegar.

Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing 1/2 to 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. If mineral deposits don’t wipe off, scrubbing with an old toothbrush should complete the job.

Shine colored porcelain sinks by scouring them with undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Rinse away soapy film on countertops with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.

Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.

Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.

Spray shower doors with full-strength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.

Get rid of stubborn bathtub film by wiping it with white distilled vinegar and then scouring with baking soda.

Soak a sponge or loofah overnight in a strong white distilled vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible).

Clean shower door tracks by filling them with white distilled vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.

To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.

To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

Freshen air in the bathroom by spraying into the air a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup water.

Get a shining finish on a no-wax vinyl or linoleum floor by cleaning it with a solution of one cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water.

Apply full-strength white distilled vinegar directly to tough linoleum stains. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it up. If that doesn’t work, apply white distilled vinegar again and then sprinkle some baking soda over the white distilled vinegar. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Rinse clean with water.

For an economical and environmentally friendly floor cleaner, mix a solution of 3 drops dishwashing liquid to 1/3 part white distilled vinegar, 1/3 part alcohol, and 1/3 part water. Spray sparingly and mop for a fast clean-up.

Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the carpet stain and let dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet first).

Bring out the color in carpet by brushing it with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet beforehand).

To reduce soap bubbles in a steam cleaner add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Use the same amount in the rinse water to remove detergent residue and make carpets stay fresh longer.

Wash indoor/outdoor carpet with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar in 1 bucket of warm water. Scrub using a brush or a broom and then hose off.

Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.

Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.

Remove the wax residue left by commercial window cleaners with a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.

To remove paint from windows try using undiluted, hot white distilled vinegar. Give the solution time to soften the paint before removing with a razor edge tool.

To remove paint splatters from windows apply full-strength white distilled vinegar with a clean paintbrush.

Get rid of mildew, dust, and stale odors by wiping down walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar on a cloth or a sponge mop.

Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp—not wet—towel.

Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.

Remove wallpaper easily by using a paint roller to wet the surface very thoroughly with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and hot water. Or spray on until saturated.

Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.

Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.

Remove fireplace soot and grime with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Use a brush to scrub and a towel to blot up the wetness and dirt.

Clean fireplace glass doors with a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray or wipe on, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.

To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.

Remove the smell of a dead mouse or other rodent (after removing all animal remnants) by wiping down the area with either white distilled vinegar or bleach. Then place a fabric softener sheet in the area to remove any lingering odors.

Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.

Before painting old concrete, clean with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Let it air dry.

Clean hardened paint brushes by simmering them in a pot with white distilled vinegar. Soak them first for an hour before bringing the white distilled vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

Remove mud and stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment by applying a paste of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Wipe off with soapy water and rinse with clear water.

Clean your grill by spritzing white distilled vinegar over wadded up aluminum foil and scrubbing the grill vigorously with it.

To remove film in glass baby bottles, fill with equal parts hot water and white distilled vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour. Scrub with a bottle brush.

To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.

Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize urine on a mattress with a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch.

Shine pennies by soaking them for a couple of hours or overnight in a glass or bowl of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

~Mama Bear

Monday, May 2, 2011

A Fairy Tale

I remember as a little girl watching another royal wedding, Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding. I remember thinking that it was the beautiful wedding I had ever seen and oh, how I loved Diana's dress. It was so beautiful.



The other royal wedding that I watched was on April 29, 2011. Prince William finally married his princess, Catherine (Kate) Middleton, making her the only commoner in 350 years to marry a prince.  Kate looked so beautiful! Her dress was breathtaking and she looked to poised and confident throughout the entire ceremony.


The wedding was absolutely beautiful as well. It was simple and elegant, but with a hint of Diana's memory as well. Here is one of my favorite images from the wedding: a prince marrying his princess.


But one of my most favorite moments is the kiss on the balcony at Buckingham Palace. I just loved it. You could see the love that these two have for each other. They love and respect each other, and they are just genuinely in love with each other.

All in all, it was the most beautiful wedding I had ever witnessed. William and Kate, I wish you a lifetime of happiness.

~Mama Bear

Thursday, April 28, 2011

American Idol Performance Recap (4/27) and elimination

This week was the songs of Carol King. 

This recap was taken from www.tvguide.com.  My comments are included.

Jacob Lusk, "Oh No, Not My Baby"Sorry Randy and Jimmy, but I don't want Jacob to go back to his "I Believe I Can Fly" caterwauling. Look no further. And his failed attempts to "riff" in the studio kind of proved that point. That said, what Jacob came up with when he hit the stage was actually not so bad. He went after a few big notes in ways that worked and he did a lot of interesting riffing that wasn't necessarily at the top of his register. And though dancing isn't his strong suit (although much improved from the "Man in the Mirror" bump-and-grind), he clearly had a good time performing, which was nice after a couple weeks of super serious tunes. I'd go as far to say that this was my favorite performance from Jacob all season, and it couldn't come at a better time.
The Judges Say: Steven liked that he shook his tail feathers, and that his strut was magic. Jennifer said he killed it and Randy said Jacob, despite being sharp in spots, brought himself back.
What I say: I still don't like him. His voice really does get on my nerves. I think his singing is boring and I also think he needs to raise the bar next week. This was one of the worst performances of the night.

Lauren Alaina, "Where You Lead"
Here's where I vent about the Idol judges. Last week they went on and on about Lauren going after the big notes, as if she hadn't already done them on the show. So, her intro package was all about her insecurity of singing notes she is clearly capable of singing. Babyface makes this all clear to Lauren while Miley Cyrus... well, she didn't really do much of anything during her surprise visit. Lauren did a great job with the song, and seemed more comfortable and into her performance than she has in a while. I'm not so sure about the dragging of a random dude on stage for most of the song, but she sang well. Perhaps now she'll go with her gut.
The Judges Say: Or maybe not, since all the judges can talk about is how her voice cracked a little bit. (But they liked that! Really!) Jennifer said she was proud of Lauren for pushing herself. Randy said the song choice was safe and boring, but that she sang with a vengeance. (Aka, she's in it to win it.) Steven said she manifested the light. Yeah, I've got nothing.
What I say: I enjoyed her performance. She is really stepping her game week after week. She is in it to win. Based off of last night's performance she will be in the top three.

Haley and Casey, "I Feel the Earth Move"Both Ryan and the interview package preceding this song highlighted/made fun of the reported behind-the-scenes romance between Haley and Casey. Overall, I liked their performance, perhaps even more than their duet a couple weeks ago. (Maybe mix it up a bit more, Nigel?) I think Haley was the star of this performance, as Casey has sort of reverted into crazy yelling guy lately. Intensity is fine, but there should be a limit.
The Judges Say: Steven said Casey's love for Haley showed. There was nothing he didn't like about the performance.

Scotty McCreery, "You've Got a Friend"Babyface cautioned Scotty against falling into the country trick of bending notes with his twang. (Amen!) And although there was still plenty of twang to go around, this was the biggest departure from Scotty's comfort zone yet. And, surprise, surprise, it was actually pretty good. No, Scotty doesn't' have a crazy range, but he did prove that he had some range, and he tenderly sang most of this song in his upper register. I'll take this Scotty over cocky eyebrow-singing Scotty any day.
The Judges Say: Randy says Scotty turned the other cheek, but what he really meant to say is that Scotty showed a different side. Steven said he's never sang better and that the song showed off all of him. Jennifer liked seeing him reach for bigger notes.
What I say: I liked that he finally stepped out of his comfort zone. I enjoyed his performance and I still think he has a chance of being in the top three as well.

James Durbin, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow"I really dug the mostly a cappella opening to the song, and while I didn't mind when the band kicked in, I knew that was going to give rocker James the notion to wail with the high notes. And he did, not as excessively as last week, but he just can't help himself. There was nothing offensive about the song, but I almost would have preferred to hear the whole thing stripped down. That would have truly been out of James's comfort zone.
The Judges Say: Steven, who made out with a girl for the first time to this song, said it was beautiful. Jennifer said it was magical and loves how consistently good James is. For the second week, she brand him the "star of the night" before everyone has sung. (OK, we get it. You want him to win.) But just in case, Randy says James might be the one to win this year.
What I say: Love Love Love James!!! He has always been my favorite and I still say he is going to win!!!!

Scotty and Lauren, "Up on the Roof"Scotty and Lauren team up for a third (third!) time this season, because the country kids just have to sing together. The song was a little sleepy, but Lauren once again shows her chops while Scotty tries to keep up.
The Judges Say: Jennifer said Lauren "[sang] your brains off." Oh, and Scotty did a good job singing second voice. (That might be the most honest thing she's said all season.)

Casey Abrams, "Hi-De-Ho"This is definitely more Casey than Maroon 5, but I have to admit that I'm finally tiring of Casey. Like in his duet with Haley, he was really aggressive and shouty. Even his stalking around the stage and swatting the hands of fans seems angry and on-edge. It was after a couple weeks of that earlier this year that he was voted off the show before the judges' save. I think he might be in for a similar fate this week.
The Judges Say: Randy says he always bring something different and entertaining. Steven said he's found his niche and makes his scalp itch. Jennifer wants him to loosen up his legs. (Yep, nothing about singing, folks!)
What I say: I did not like this one at all. I thought he yelled way too much throughout the whole song. I think it was the one of the worst performances of the night.

Haley Reinhart, "Beautiful"I was slow to be won over by Haley, but I think she's just about done it. She's being more judicious with the growl and she is one of the few people left I can imagine still being an artist after the buzz of the show has died down. At this point, she remains interesting — someone I find myself looking forward to, just to see what she's going to do.
The Judges Say: Steven said she nailed it. Jennifer said it was beautiful and amazing, and that she has one of the best voices in the competition. Randy didn't like the beginning but the end was good.
What I say: She's not bad, not bad at all. She is kind of growing on me.

James and Jacob, "I'm Into Something Good"I wish I had turned it off after Haley, who deserved the "pimp spot." Instead, the show ended with the pairing of Jacob and James, who aside from their penchant for squealing high notes, have zero in common stylistically. But hey, they spun Jennifer around in her chair and showed viewers The Most Beautiful Woman in the World's legs.
The Judges Say: Steven said it wasn't the most award-winning performance. "Where were you going with all that?" he asks. If only we knew.
What I say: This is the only duet worth talking about. I maybe the only who actually like this duet. James and Jacob had fun singing together.

**UPDATE**

Casey was eliminated on tonight's episode.

~Mama Bear

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Wednesday Randoms

I cannot believe it's already Wednesday Two more days until Friday!! Anyway, here are my Wednesday Randoms.

1. I'm watching all of my Friends DVDs. I only have 5 of the seasons (seasons 1,3,7,9,10). All I need now are the remaining seasons 2,4,5,6,9.

2. I'm reading Sweet Valley High Confidential. So far, I'm love, love, loving it!!! It takes me back to when I would curl up in my bed at night and read until the wee hours of the morning. I loved getting lost in the world of Sweet Valley!!

3. I have washed 4 loads of clothes, and have only folded and put away one of those loads. Laundry is my nemesis!!!

4. I made stew for supper tonight. Yummo!

5. The weather here is so-so. One minute it's cloudy and cool and the next minute it is sunny and hot. I am so ready for summer.



6. It's the third week, and I am already behind in my classes.



7. I'm almost done with my incompletes, I should be finished by the end of next week.



8. We think Baby Bear will be a lefty.



9. Baby Bear's 2nd Easter was AWESOME!!! Post to come later.



10. Mama Bear is getting a mini makeover this Friday. I cannot wait!!

~Mama Bear




Saturday, April 23, 2011

Thursday, April 21, 2011

American Idol Performance Recap

The “American Idol” Top 7 took on songs from the 21st Century and the overall show was way better than I ever thought it would be. I was not impressed with the opening number from the eliminated contestants at all. Pia Toscano had great stage presence, but it did show why the other contestants were eliminated. I still think viewers got it wrong when Pia was voted off so early. She was clearly the better singer out of the ones who were eliminated.

Now on to the performance recap.

Scotty McCreery, Swingin' by Leann Rimes. He was actually able to sing a 1983 song only because Leann Rimes had covered it. In my opinion, it was not his best performance. If he wants to stay in the competition then he really needs to branch out and start taking some risks.

James Durbin, Uprising, my Muse. I must admit, I have never heard the song before, or the group for that matter, but I absolutley loved the the song and the performance!!! It was hands down, the best performance of the night!!!

Hailey Reinhart, Rolling in the Deep, by Adele.  This was probably the second best performance of the night. She performed the song perfectly. I think she made a smart move by choosing to sing Adele, with the record being #1 right now it might have saved her this week.

Jacob Lusk, Dance with my Father by Luther Vondross. This by far was the most boring performance of the evening.  He really needs to sing something other than ballads and to quit doing all of those runs. His entire performance was just so boring that it actually put me to sleep!!

Casey Abrams, Harder to Breathe by Maroon 5. I cannot believe that he sang this song. At first I didn't recognize it. It wasn't until the chorus that I finally realized what song it was. It was a weird performance. All of it. His movements, the arrangement, his singing. It just didn't work for me. The only thing that will safe him is his flirting with Jennifer Lopez.

Stefano Langone, Closer by Ne-O. I have never been a fan of Stefano at all. His performance was the worst of the night. That's all I have to say about him.

Lauren Alaina, Born to Fly by Sara Evans. This was not her best performance. She is still an effortless performer, but it just wasn't her best at all. She had an entire decade to choose I feel she could have picked a better song.

My Predictions--

Safe- James and Scotty

Most likely safe- Hailey and Lauren

Bottom 3- Stefano, Casey, and Jacob

Eliminated- Stefano

**UPDATE**

Stefano was eliminated!!! It's about time!!!!

~Mama Bear

Really?

Thursday, April 14, 2011

American Idol Performance Recap

 Last night the judges could not utter a negative thing about the contestants last night. At this stage of the game, each contestants’ flaws and strengths are now well known. The talent is just so good that it is hard to find something negative about each contestant. Even the worst contestants (Haley, Stefano, and Paul), they still find something positive to say about them.

1. Paul McDonald- he sang Old Time Rock and Roll by Bob Segar from Risky Business. So not the right song for his voice. The song did not match his voice at all.

2. Lauren Alainia-  she sand The Climb by Miley Cyrus. I thought this was a very good fit for her voice and I thought that she sang the song better than Miley. Her voice is much stronger as well. If one girl is safe tonight it has to be Lauren.

3. Stefano Langone- he sang End of the Road by Boyz II Men. I thought this was one of the worst perfoemances of the evening. I so did not like his performance at all and I did not agree with the judges either. I think he will be the next to be eliminated. He should have been eliminated last week.

4. Scotty McCreery- he sang Cross My Heart by George Strait. I thought this was the best song for his voice. He did great with it.

5. Casey Abrams- he sang Nature Boy by Nat King Cole. I think he should stayed with his first pick In the Air Tonight. He would have done much better. I just did not like Nature Boy at all, in fact, it bored me to tears.

6. Haley Reinhart- she sang call me by Blondie. I thought this was her worst performance to date. It felt strained. She picked a very bad song. She is in danger of being in the bottom 3.

7. Jacob Lusk- he sang Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel. It is me or does his voice sound like nails going down a chalkboard? His voice really gets on my nerves. He reminds to much of Fantasia from season 3. This song just did not match his voice at all.

8. James Durbin- he sang Heavy Metal by Sammy Hagar. He brought down the house!!!He kicked it up a notch and turned non-metal fans into metal fans. He sang with his heart and soul. As one person on the blog tonight said, he is not Adam Lambert, who is theater at heart. James is metal at heart. He picked the best song to showcase his voice. He has been my pick since his audition to win American Idol.

My predictions for tonight are:

I think Paul, Stefano and Haley will be in the bottom three and Stefano will go home. I have been saying for three weeks that Stefano should go home, hopefully tonight is the night for that to happen.

So there you have it, my predictions for tonight.

~ Mama Bear

** UPDATE**

Paul was eliminated on Thursday's elimination episode.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Fun Mom Survey

I found this on a message board that I belong to and thought it would be fun to post. Plus, I'm avoiding studying and cleaning the house while Baby Bear is asleep!!!

Here it is-

1. How long have you been a Mom? one year 

2. How many children call you (or have called you) Mommy? 1
 

3. Girl? Boy? Both? How many? 1 beautiful baby girl
 

4. Did you know what you were having before you gave birth? yes, we couldn't wait to find out
 

5. How old were you when you became a Mom? 37
 

6. How long were you in labor? 14 hours, but I had to have a c section 

7. What’s your favorite thing about being a mom? Watching my baby girl grow up and experience the fun things in life like Christmas morning.
 

8. What’s your least favorite thing? don't have one!!!
 

9. Do you want more kids? Yes, in fact, we are currently TTC baby #2
 

10. Does/did daddy change diapers? Occasionally 
 

11. Is/are your child(ren) named after anyone? Yes
 

12. How did you come up with their name(s)? She was named after both me and DH (Here first name is a form of my first name and her middle name is the same as DH's
 

13. When your child gets in trouble, who is the bad guy? She hasn't gotten in trouble yet, but I will be the "bad cop"
 

14. What is the longest you have been away from your children? two hours at the most
 

15. Bedtime routine? Bath, book, bottle
 

16. Are your toes painted? nope
 

17. Last movie you saw in the theatre? Clash of the Titans
 

18. Last time you had a date? Last summer
 

19. One thing you will not give up just because you’re a mom? Time w/DH
 

20. One thing you did give up now that you’re a mom? Alone time.
 

21. Best mom perk? Someone to call me mama
 

22. Snack you sneak bites from your child? none
 

23. When the kid is napping, you are? depends on the day and time
 

24. Where is your child now? napping2

25. If I could do it over, I’d do this differently? I probably wouldn't do anything differently

~ Mama Bear 

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Welcome!!!

Hi everyone!! My name is Angie (aka Mama Bear) and welcome to my little corner of the internet (aka my blog)!! Our daughter (aka Baby Bear) was born a year ago on a cool spring night and she has been the light of lives. I am what you would call a domestic diva, I am also a full time graduate student studying psychology at Capella University. My husband (aka Papa Bear) teaches college English and is a Dallas Cowboys fan and he is an avid Xbox player (when he has the time). Together, we are raising Baby Bear and enjoying every grin and giggle she has for us.


This blog is meant to chronicle our lives as first time parents, but it will also a hodgepodge of different topics. For example, I will talk about my love of baking and cooking and will from time to time share some recipes, my love of reading, and anything that is on my mind at the moment.


Again, welcome to my blog and I hope you enjoy a little glimpse into my life


~ Mama Bear