House Party Party Kristin's Discover You Can House Party™

House Party Party Kristin's Discover You Can House Party™

Discover You Can!

I found my strawberries on sale at Aldi for $1-great deal and YUMMY!

My Mom and Patty waiting on the strawberries to boil.

Over the weekend, I had my 30th birthday. Honestly, it doesn't mean a lot to me...just a number. It is more significant when I think that within 10 years I will be 40, within 10 years McKenna will be 17, Asher 16 and Ian 10 :/ Slow down. Please. I know I tend to jump ahead of myself (I am well known for that) but there are times when my mind can't help but wander a few years down the road. SO I must reign it back in and enjoy my babies and enjoy exactly where I am right now.

My birthday weekend was lots of fun! It started off with my canning party on Saturday! I had a few friends over to participate in the Discover You Can party. I've included just a few pictures (sorry-my camera's battery ran down!). We used some of the new Ball Canning Products as a part of the House Party website that accepted my application to have this party and test some of the new products by Ball. What fun we had :) On the night before the party, I tested some products and made my first batch of strawberry jam! Before this experience, I have never canned a thing in my life! However, it was not as difficult as I at first thought it would be and it was made that much more fun when a few friends joined me on Saturday.

Each guest got a gift bag with coupons and samples, then we got to work. We made a bigger batch of strawberry jam and everyone took home 2 half pint jars (which turned out very yummy!).

As a part of my birthday, I have jumped back on the weight loss wagon. Before I became pregnant with Ian, I lost a good deal of weight using a specific weight loss program and it is this program I will get back on. Yesterday was my first full day and drinking soft drinks killed me! Yikes! I will be counting points as I have done in the past and today, I have to be more careful about what I drink-but there are times that I feel as though there is not enough caffine in the world to keep me going. I guess I will go back to diet~sigh~ I know I will feel so much better though, just as I have before. It truely a matter of getting into the mindset, which can be so hard! Wish me luck!

Before I go, I will give you my cloth diapering update. So far, pretty good! I LOVE the fact that I haven't had to use and throw away any diapers (but one, I used disposable at bedtime). I have been using an all in one diaper, which I really like (along with a diaper cover). However, I have been using a medium (these come in specific sizes) and I feel like they may be snug on my little guy. Also, I feel like he is wet when I change him and moisture isn't being pulled away from his skin. I am wondering if I should try a pocket diaper with an insert. I have a friend who did suggest an insert to help pull moisture away from baby's skin. Although I continue to feel my way around cloth diapering, I can say that so far, it has been pretty successful in our house.

I CAN CAN!

I originally thought that since summer had arrived, I would be able to blog a little more often-but alas, we've been very busy around here! This week I have a quite a bit to catch you up on!

Well, our new neighbors have moved in (if you remember, it was our experience last summer that inspired the name of my little blog). Cindy has since accepted a position with her new husband in Eastern KY for a dual pastors' position and they have moved. So now we have new neighbors (also the pastor of the same church in which Cindy worked). They are very sweet and we are excited to welcome them to the neighborhood! Thank goodness we now have a privacy fence-ha!

In other news, I am so excited about today! It is my CANNING PARTY! I am a member of a website called House Party. When companies have new products they would like to introduce, members can complete an application (much like a survey) and will receive samples and materials to host friends in order test out the new products! My application was recently selected to test out Ball Canning Products. I received my party kit (pictured above) with a ton of canning materials and coupons (as well as party gifts for those that attend) and last night, I was able to give canning my first try! I made strawberry jam (and it was quite tasty!). I am so proud and it was much easier than I thought. I can't wait to share some more pictures of my party (we will be making strawberry jam today also). We have cupcakes, tea and lemonade, door prizes and the backyard is being prepped for the arrival of all of the kids' friends who will be coming along with their mommies in order to can!

In addition to canning, I am also learning about cloth diapering. I've asked friends and fellow bloggers (and mommies) their thoughts, thinking that I too may like to give cloth diapering a try. The jury is still out on this one so we shall see- but I would say that it will save some money in the long run and be good for the environment. From what I can see- it's come a long way since my mom used them on me :)

Well, I am off to finish the final preparations for canning later this afternoon!

Some Pictures from this past weekend...

Here are some pictures from this past weekend as promised...Asher had such a great time at t-ball this year and both he and McKenna loved flying. You'll also see a couple of McKenna at Kindergarten Graduation and the school talent show-where she told knock-knock jokes :)

Watch out, Coach Ryan!

Waiting in line and getting on the plane at Young Eagles...

Kindergarten Graduate

T-Ball Awards

"We'll be back, as the 1st grade class!"

Pizza!

"Knock-Knock"

"Who's There"

"Tank"

"Tank Who?"
"You're Welcome!"

GO ROCKIES!!

Take Flight...

What a great weekend we had at my house! You already know that we love Saturdays and this Saturday was an especially fun time :) We started off at t-ball for Asher's last game. He plays on the Rockies in the YMCA league here in Georgetown. After a great game (he hit the pitch both times instead of having to use the t) the kids all enjoyed pizza and then getting their medals and a t-ball related book. We were so blessed to have such a great coach (Coach Ryan) and wonderful parents to share our 1st t-ball experience with! I can't wait to post some of my pictures!

After that, we headed over to Cynthiana Airport. Did I have to catch a flight? Sort of...McKenna and Asher got to ride in an airplane as a part of the Young Eagles program (thus the title of today's entry-it was our favorite part of the weekend). They had a ton of fun! I was a little worried that they would decide at the last minute that they did not want to go, but they had a blast! It just so happened that a little girl from McKenna's kindergarten class was also there to ride and didn't have anyone to ride with. So she hoped in line with my crew and off they went! About 15 minutes later, they climbed out of the plane and yelled, "Oh my gosh! I'm doing that again NEXT year!" What a hoot! Again...pictures to come.

It is so nice to be home for the summer. Ian is so close to walking and he talks all the time, "No," "Stop" (those are directed towards his big brother), "Mama" "Dada," "Oww!" and my favorite, "Uh Oh!" McKenna and Asher have started their summer reading (yes, I am one of those Moms, but it is fun as we get involved at the Library).

I did want to share a couple of other family activities, I found this week before I close out for the day.

GattiTown is having its first family fun night at the Lexington location. It will be Wednesday from 5:30-9pm and in addition to the usual arcade and buffet, they are having a movie and popcorn. I found this on facebook.

Also for those that live in Lexington, you may want to go for a ride on the Colt Trolley. This is a trolley that rides through Downtown Lexington for free. What a fun idea-especially if you are already Downtown to visit the Library, Explorium or the Farmers Market.

School's Out!

We've finally reached the end of the school year and it was a great year! I owe a big "THANKS!" to the those that have helped me to move my room! Yay! I get my own room next year AND it is already decorated! For those of you who know me, you know that I am very good at organizing but decorating is not my forte!

Anyhow, we are ready to enjoy some fun in the sun!

I recently received my "Family Circle" magazine that was full of good ideas and deals for the summer. I can't help but share a few that may be located in and around Central KY...

Bass Pro Shops Family Summer Camp- June 4-July 10 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays enjoy all sorts of crafts, archery, casting pond, etc.

Jo-Ann Fabric's Kids Camp-Children can learn how to sew, decorate a cake or even make a quilt!

Michaels Crafts Stores Passport To Fun-on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays kids can participate in various craft projects specific to different countries around the world! I believe this starts on June 21st, but check the website just to be sure. Also check out their Father's Day crafts.

Also, at the Newport Aquarium Sunday-Friday up to 2 kids can get in free (from 4-7pm) with an adult paying full price. A great deal!

Finally, you can check out KLOVE for any local Vacation Bible School programs-always a fun time for your kiddos!