Cream Cheese Sausage Pinwheels- The Pinspiration Project #1

My friend Beth at Masterpiece kicked off the Premier Edition of her "The Pinspiration Project" Blog Hop this week! I am really excited about this, because not only do I get to support Beth, but it makes me link up and share here on my blog all of the wonderful recipes/crafts that I too find on Pinterest.

There is a page (linked at the top of Beth's website) where you can find the button code for this link up as well as the images for the 0 – 5 Pins rating system. Feel free to find a Pinterest Project (recipe, craft, or etc.), create it, write about it on your blog, and link it up. Looking forward to reading about the Pinspiration that you choose to share, be sure to leave me a comment if you do link up, so I can make sure I am following you on Pinterest.

In all this week, my family has been a victim of 3 Pinterest recipes.  Hawaiian Meatballs on Monday, CrockPot Lasagna on Wednesday and for today's Pinspiration Project- Cream Cheese Sausage Pinwheels!!! Yay, breakfast food for dinner on Friday night!

I originally found this recipe from my friend Leslie when she made it for us for Teacher Appreciation week at my former job. I begged for the recipe and of course she said, go to my Yum! board on Pinterest. She pinned it from a blog called Take a Bite of my Life. The following of course is her recipe, with a few of my own tweaks.

Here are a few on a dish, after the rest were mostly devoured.

Sorry for no prep pics, Friday's are a little hectic around here with all the hype from the week, and it takes all I can do to get their bellies full and get them in slowdown mode.

Cream Cheese Sausage Pinwheels

1 Roll Breakfast Sausage
1 Tube Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (I use two tubes of reduced fat)
1 Pkg Softened Cream Cheese (I use 1/3 Fat Free)

*Shredded cheddar cheese if desired, this time I sprinkled some over my cheese mixture after I had spread it over the dough.

Brown sausage and drain. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage with softened cream cheese. Remove crescent roll dough from packaging do not separate sections, and roll out into a rectangle, sealing the perforated areas with your fingers- so the cream cheese doesn't ooze out of the cracks! Spread the cream cheese mixture over the dough in a thin even layer.* Roll the dough lengthwise (if you roll from the short side- the pinwheels will be fatter- but you wont get as many!)

THIS NEXT PART IS IMPORTANT FOR PRETTY PINWHEELS if you are serving them to someone besides your family... (obviously I didn't heed these instructions this time)

Once rolled up- refrigerate for at least 20 mins. Cut in about 1/4" sections and lay on baking sheet. Bake for about 15 mins at 350 or until crescent roll is cooked. I use two baking sheets.

The rest is easy, just cool and eat!! Warning: They disappear fast! I cracked some eggs, scrambled 'em up and served them along with these last night and of course my family always tells me MAKE AGAIN!!! I think I am going to try diced ham instead of sausage next time....

Obviously this Pinspiration Project on a scale of 0 – 5 Pins is getting:

Today's Post...

...is at The RHOK.
On Friday the kids were out of school, and I put Braden to work with a glue gun....

I guess you will have to head on over to The RHOK to see the results of our Friday Fall Fun Day!!!

Bible Teaching: My Top Tips with #ChildrensBibleApp Review & Giveaway

Let me preface this post by telling you I am not a perfect Christian mother. The ultimate goal of a Christian is to be Christlike, not to be Christ. I admit, I struggle at times. I firmly believe that if I wasn't trying to do the things a Christian mother is supposed to do then temptations, obstacles and trials would never be thrown my way.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

New International Version (NIV)

⁶ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷ Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

What are my best tips for teaching the Bible to my children in our home and everyday life?
(Note: These are not in any specific order)

1. Songs: From the time they were born I started singing to my children all the songs I was taught in Sunday School, VBS and church camp. All the "kid" songs, but songs that even as adults, if we can remember that childlike faith of singing such songs as "I'm in the Lord's Army" and "Deep and Wide" we remember that our "God is so big, so strong and so might that there is nothing our God can not do!" When we are in the car on trips, or just around town we surround ourselves with the word through His music.

2: Bible Verses: I post verses around my home for them to learn and gain strength by daily. When they learn a verse or verses, I make a HUGE deal out if it. I may even video and post on FB or my blog. I do brag on my kids, but I do so for encouragement for their daily walk with Christ and so that others may see Jesus in their child actions.

3: Church: Weekly church attendance where they have the opportunity to worship with others their own age and mature in their walk with Christ. Christian interaction is essential to spiritual growth and going to church just emphasizes what I teach at home.

4: Books: We love Christian books. Of course the number one book in our home is the Bible. But, I am honest, breaking out the King James Version and reading it straight to my kids isn't going to cut it. I look for a variety of Bible teaching books that bring the word into my home and make the teachings and principles of the Bible relatable to my kids.

5. Prayer: In the book of Matthew, Jesus told us how to pray. I began praying with my kids from the moment I knew I was pregnant with them. I began with basic nighttime prayers, dinner prayers, etc and they have advanced to deeper more personal prayers as they have gotten older. This past Sunday my daughter even got up in front of her group of kindergarten and first grade classes and said the Lord's Prayer on stage- #MyMommyMoment (bragging)

There are so many resources available to help parents teach the Bible to their kids. I recently was made aware of an iPad app called The Children's Bible. This app contains 84 books and is beautifully illustrated. The one feature that I am intriqued with is that the books can be made into movies where the child can hear his own mother, father or loved one reading the story to him. There are three complete books in this app and three sample books, with the option to purchase more. I encourage you to download this free app and use it as another resource to sharing God's word to your children. Be sure to leave a review on iTunes!

Here is the actual app description from itunes with a few screen shots. 

The Children's Bibles contains 84 books, different well-known children’s Bible stories. They are all beautifully illustrated, in a classic naturalistic and colorful style, with sound effects and music. They are also made into movies, and you can record your own audio for reading so the child will hear the father, mother or grandparent reading the story.  These stories have already been sold, in printed form, in over 8 million copies in more than 110 languages and countries. (See the list in the App.) It is still reprinting 300,000 to 600,000 each year.
Check out the 3 free complete books and 3 free sample books. These are all stories from the Bible for different age groups from +0 to teenagers and even adults. They are faithful to the BIBLE, but shortened in some books.
Please have a look, and download this free App and look at the free books and samples.

Features:
•Read (you can read the stories yourself)
•Read to Me (listen to the story, while watching the pages turn)
•My Audio (record your own voice and play along with the story)
•Play movie (watch an animated video)

As a bonus with this post, one of my readers is going to receive a set of three best selling books from Scandinavia Publishing House. How cool is that? All you have to do is enter on the easy Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post.

1. Handy Bible

2. Comic Book Bible
3. Small Famous People of the Bible 

Disclosure of Material Connection: "I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. I was also compensated for this post. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." 

* Please note a reader can only win once even if they enter on multiple blogs.

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'This Is Your Kingdom Come Now' Live Worship Album Review & #Giveaway

This is the third album that I have had the opportunity to review by Vineyard Worship, and once again it did not fail to put me into a spirit of worship. If you love live worship music and can get you hands on one of this church's albums, I highly recommend it. 

Actually, I can even help with that. 

One of my blessed readers will receive a copy of this album that releases on October 2, 2012.

The entry to enter is simple on the Rafflecopter form and bonus entries are available.

The album features the following songs:

1. Love Has Rescued Me
2. Heaven Come Down (This Is Your Kingdom Come Now)
3. Where The Mercy Falls
4. Peace
5. How I Love Your Ways
6. Kindness
7. Who Is Like Our God
8. What Joy Is Found
9. Form Us
10. My Great Redeemer
11. Psalm 92 (It is Good To Give Thanks)
12. We Are Clean

I encourage you to visit the following sites to learn more about this group if you haven't already read about them in my previous posts.

Website: http://www.vineyardworship.com
Website: http://caseycorum.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverVineyard
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vineyardmusic
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/vineyardmusic/featured

This dynamic new album features veteran worship leader and songwriter Casey Corum and a cast of friends recorded before a full house over two nights at Corum's home church. Listeners will also be introduced to the powerful voices of Torri Baker (Vineyard Church - Columbus, Ohio) and Crispin Schroeder (Northshore Vineyard - Covington, Louisiana), as well as a 17-voice gospel choir. Threads of R&B, gospel, and modern rock are woven together to create a fresh sound while, at the same time, being deeply rooted in the hallmark Vineyard worship value of intimacy with God.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

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Have You Consigned/Shopped Rhea Lana's Yet?

Before I do anything "new" I am one to research, even if it involves something as simple as consigning clothes to make a little money, so I pulled up Rhea Lana's website, then sent the following text to my dear friend Shanna:

To serve with love and integrity, families everywhere with inviting, excellent and valuable children’s consignment events is the mission statement of Rhea Lana's.

I have to admit when I pulled that up on my computer screen I wanted to know more. Then when I saw the priorities. Wow! 

Faith – God First. We are a company based firmly on Christian Principles.
Family - Family Second. Family is vital and it is the reason we work.
Work – Work is Third. A career with RL, Inc. is an amazing job, but only as other priorities are in order.

Oh, and the fact that they are headquartered near my MIL's hometown in Conway, Arkansas- yes, Razorback Country!!! WooPig!

Needless to say, my kids outgrown clothes are washed, pressed, hung, tagged, entered into the computer and dropped off to find new kids to cover for a season.

With franchises in 20 states, Oklahoma contains six, with two being here in the Tulsa Metro area. This weekend, September 16-20 is the Broken Arrow sale. IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO CONSIGN!!! But time is running out, you have until midnight tonight to enter your items. Visit the Rhea Lana's Broken Arrow website to become a consignor. 

If you don't want to consign and just want to find great prices on quality childrens clothes, toys, etc...

SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!!!!

WHERE TO FIND RHEA LANA's: The store is on the NE Corner of 81st & Aspen (145th) behind BOK in the former Wagz Doggie Daycare.

SHOPPERS YOU WILL FIND: The website is filling up with childrens clothing in quality brands like Gymboree, Gap, Polo, Under Armour, Justice, and boutique brands like Mud Pie, Misha Lulu, Baby Nay, Zutano, Ben Sherman, and My Vintage Baby.There is also children's bedroom furniture, indoor playsets, play kitchens, tool benches, and hundreds of baby equipment items! It is going to be a FABULOUS SHOPPING EVENT!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL EVENT SCHEDULE!

For a Friendship Pass like Rhea Lana's of Broken Arrow on Facebook and print the picture or show it on your smartphone and you can shop the private pre-sale event Saturday, 5-8 pm!

Happy Consigning & Shopping! Let me know what deals you find!

Who Am I? Blogoversary Celebration Day 4 with a "SUPER" Giveaway

Exactly who is the author of the The 4-Crow's?

ShaRhonda Williams Crow

I am just a small southern Oklahoma girl, still trying to find my way into the “BIG” city life! I am a God-Fearing stay at home mom. I have two beautiful kids, Braden 11 and Kaybrie 5. I have been married to my prince charming now for seven years. I of course write this blog and am co-founder of the blog The Real Housewives of Oklahoma aka The RHOK where I write as ♥Mrs. Hart♥. I am a PTA volunteer, football mom, ballet mom, coach- in and off the bleachers I might add, run a professional kid taxi service to and from practices and events and am a self-retired banker- oh and am a social media addict! In December of last year a local company here in Tulsa- Happy First decided to let the public name its next "Chick" T-Shirt. A portion of the proceeds would go to the winners choice of charity. I threw a name, vision and charity out there and it was picked as a top contender. The voting was conducted through Facebook and once all was said and done, my entry was selected as the next "Chick" shirt. 

One of my favorite quotes is “When real people fall down in life, they get right back up and keep walking.” Carrie Bradshaw. This quote is one that has helped remind me many times of who I am and to get up and get going again. I think it accurately describes the “Super Chick” shirt as well- because a “Chick” who can honestly follow that advice after experiencing some of life’s roller coasters and curve balls, truly is “Super”! Creativity is just part of my being. Whether I am working on a gift for someone, a school project with my kids, posters for the football team, or in my writings, I have to give it my all. When I was a bank manager my employees always told me that I should be a teacher because of the ideas I would throw out there and make them do to achieve their sales goals. I guess my degree in Business Management/Communications applies to all ages and activities at times.
I am very humbled that “Super Chick” was chosen amongst such great entries in the “New Chick” contest. I am absolutely thrilled that a portion of the profits will be going to the local charity Turn Tulsa Pink, $46,000 was raised by this organization in 2011 and I am so excited that we will be a part of exceeding that goal in 2012.

Me, Judi aka Talula w/ Turn Tulsa Pink & Debbie Vinyard

I am also loving the fact that the owner of Happy First, Debbie Vinyard and I have become such great friends. Deb's company story and personal story are absolutely amazing. Debbie is celebrating this Blogoversary with me by offering to one of my readers:
 ONE Super Chick Shirt and ONE Super Chick Baseball Cap (new product line) So, I am curious. I just told you who I am, who are you?  Identify with one of Debbie's "Chick" items!
To place a Happy First order, visit the website or Facebook page! Free shipping on many items, plus a first time buyers discount. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogoversary Celebration: Day 3 with Giveaway

Note: This is a revised post that originally appeared on The RHOK by me, aka Mrs. Hart on 6/10/10. It is one of my favorites that I have written and I thought I would share it because of recent changes in my life and because of the value that I hold on certain forever friends. I don't think you can properly have a Blogoversary without pulling something from the archives and revisiting.
My cousin once posted this as her status on Facebook. 

"Miss my friends... my GROUP!.... you know who you are.. feel abandoned cuz of one situation... but.. I guess life is life... One of these days all will see the light.. friends are friends for a reason... we stand beside each other thru thick and thin.... I'll be there.. will you???? BTW... luv ya all... no matter what...."

I can just heard her heart breaking as she begged to have those friends back into her life. My heart just ached for her. We have all been there, haven't we? And if not, good for you. 

Friends. I used to think that I could only have a few. Maybe only enough that I could actually name on one hand. You know the ones... they know your deepest and darkest secrets and you hold those really close so they never went outside your circle of trust and told anyone anything about my business. 

In high school, I had my set of friends. In college, I had a new group of friends and I still had a few of my high school friends that I stayed in contact with. After college graduation, I was career bound, and that meant a whole new set of friends and once again removal of my college circle of friendships, not to mention complete removal of the high school friends. Oh dear, and then throw marriage, children, and church into the mix and before I realized it, I had formed/broken a circle of friendships all over the place.  Social networking is helping reacquaint with these friends, but unfortunately that is all they will ever be is acquaintances. The times of sleeping in the same room with them as roommates in college or partying until the wee hours of the morning is over. I even have a few friends where I can pick right up where we left off; the ones with which you exchange Christmas cards and pictures of kiddos and birthday cards and phone calls! 

When I became a SAHM/Housewife, that was SCARY! Hello, new friend groups. I had to get out of the house to find those friends.As a new mom working out was even an adventure. Stroller Workouts, anyone? I quickly found a group of six of us. C.C.A.T.S.S.- Funny how our initials form a name for us. We had been together since my daughter was 8 months old. One of the C's introduced the other C and I into this blogging world. We don't get together anymore, school, new babies, moves- life just happened. Other groups of friendships have formed as well,  church community groups, my Bunko Babe Group, football families, and last, but not least, my friendships with The RHOK Stars.

The one thing I have learned about friendships is that you learn more about yourself through your friends. The other thing I have learned is that it is okay to have different circles of friends at the same time. Friends don't make you who you are, but they certainly encourage you and bring out your best qualities if you are with the right kind of friends. And that is the true key, finding the right kind of friends.

After seeing my cousin's post and telling you about the friendships I have had over the years, I would like to share this poem. Warning: have a Kleenex handy.

Different Types of Friends

We all have many types of friends,

And in our life they come and go.

But if we can understand their roles,

Then it can be easier to let some go.

Some friends are there for you,

At a time when you are in dire need.

They have come into life for a reason,

Giving you what you require indeed.

But when this reason is resolved,

It often becomes time to part,

Because when the reason is gone,

Both may want a fresh new start.

Other friends are there for a season,

To laugh with and have lots of fun.

But just as seasons come to an end,

Sometimes these friendships are done.

Some people are very fortunate,

To have very special lifetime friends.

Who will remain in their life forever,

And that is a friendship that never ends.

I am lucky and have many lifetime friends,

Who came into my life for a reason.

We’ve enjoyed many laughs and shed tears,

But they stayed long after a season.

Source: Different Types Of Friends, Adult Friend Poems

Today's Blogoversary Giveaway is actually being presented by a dear friend who has been in my life for over four years. We both love Broken Arrow football, dice, red solo cups, laughter, jokes, funny texts, Facebook late at night, BLING, our sons, daughters, husbands and several mutual friends. The only thing we really agree to disagree on is who to cheer for during Saturday college games. Teresa is one of my Bunko Babes, although we don't play like we used too, no one can split us up. I have several pieces of Teresa's Jewelry- one popular is my BIG black button diamond ring that I wear for every social event and interview I go on. 

One  blessed Blogoversary reader will receive a $15 Gift certificate to Teresa's Jewelry Box!

Open to U.S. Residents Only!

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Happy 4th Blogoversary!! #Giveaway

Happy Blogoversary to The 4-Crow's!Wow! Four years of Living, Laughing, Learning & Love stories from our Nest.Never a boring moment around here, that is for sure.When other bloggers and brands ask me to give them a description of my blog, this is what I give them.

The 4-Crow's is the blog that tells the day to day operations of the Crow's Nest and the 4 Crow's that live/fly in and out of it constantly.Very fitting for our flittering about in 100 jillion directions during the week. Sports, volunteering, dance, work, school, PTA, social functions, blogging activities, and church are just a few of the many things we participate in. We hope you enjoy the stories of how we live, laugh, learn and love from our Nest.

Speaking of other bloggers, without other bloggers, this blog would not be where or what it is today. Today's giveaway can ONLY be won by a fellow blogger. It doesn't matter if you are an avid blogger and post daily or have a blog that you haven't visited in years. As a blogger and a writer, I want to encourage you to dust off those blogs and get to writing again. Get the words out of your minds and back onto your screens.

Today's giveaway is presented by my bloggy friend Ashley at Everything Happens for a Reason. I can't even  tell you how Ashley and I met- okay we haven't ever met IRL. The blogosphere is funny like that. She probably stalked me first or not. LOL!  She could easily be my cousin in Arkansas. We both call the HOGS, are Twitter addicts, Facebook friends, are Army Wives stalkers, we die for Drop Dead Diva and love taking pictures. 

I'm almost 10 years older than her, I was reminded today, because today is...

HAPPY 28th Birthday Ashley!!!

Anywho, Ashley's mom makes these gorgeous necklaces!

 She can make for any team, so if a blogger who doesn't call the HOGS wins the necklace it will be customized with your school and colors, if you are not the blogger who wins and are interested in one they are $10 with shipping and you can contact Ashley at this post to order.

Now who will be the blessed blogger to receive this custom made necklace?

Did you enter yesterday's Blogoversary Celebration Giveaway?

Four Years = Four Days of Celebration!

U.S. Residents ONLY!

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Happy 4th Blogoversary to Us! Join us for 4 Days of Fun Reading & Giveaways!

September 5, 2008 is when The 4-Crow's Blog was born. 

I would say I have came a long way since this one sentence post.

Yes, 464 post later on this blog and countless others at The RHOK as Mrs. Hart, blogging has certainly continued my writing passion that I began as a kindergartner.

Of course a writer is never a writer without someone to write to, so I have to thank my readers for the continued support and encouragement that I get through comments on the blog, emails,  in person, tweets, phone calls and Facebook comments.

DRUM ROLL....

In honor of all my readers I have lined up for you FOUR days of Celebration Giveaways beginning today- the eve of the actual 4th Blogoversary.

Today's Giveaway is a pair of KaytiJ's FlipFlops! 

One of my readers will choose the size and color of flop with personalization & bead color of choice. 

A $12 value.

These FlipFlops are hand sewn personally by me and will soon be in my own personal Etsy's store. I have been crafting these flops now for three years. What began as a fundraiser for my son's football team has become a favorite of little girls and women all over the state of Oklahoma. I personalize with names, teams, colors, etc..

You can see more of my work on my Facebook album or my Pinterest album.

Now go enter on the easy Rafflecopter entry form!

Make sure you celebrate with me over the next three days....

*Open to U.S. residents only!

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