Halloween Treat 2012

The Crow Halloween tradition continues tonight! Yay!!!

What exactly is that tradition? For years, more than I have been in the Crow family and that makes seven, my mother in law has invited her neighbors and the kids that grew up in the neighborhood to her house Halloween night. Chili, hot dogs, and pumpkin pie! Then the kids of the grown kids get on their masks and visit the neighbors, who will eat a little earlier than everyone for some friendly trick or treating.  Not too many houses, not to much candy and absolutely ZERO strangers!!! Last year, unfortunately the party was canceled when my mother in law broke her foot. We told her we would still do it, but she is one of those that if she can't do it, no one can. LOL! I love her spunk. We did have a fun time trick or treating up and down our neighborhood streets, but honestly it just wasn't the same, and really four streets didn't quite equal the candy that those loving neighbors of my husband's childhood give. 

 I'm always told to never bring anything to these parties, but this year since I am not working and feeling a wee bit crafty. I am bringing a treat.

I actually found this idea on where else, but Pinterest from the blog Blue Skies Ahead. She named them Frapplesteins, and was still debating on her name. I thought it was a perfect name, but since we are taking these to my mother in laws aka Grandma and they are Granny Smith apples, I thought it would be okay if I changed the name. I also did not put sticks in them- long story, but how can Wal-Mart, Dollar General and Target all be out of craft/popsicle sticks?
What homemade treat did you make for Halloween? Have a wonderful and safe Halloween everyone.

Father of Lights Review & Giveaway

I am not one to usually sit down and watch documentaries. 

I did sit down and watch Father of Lights, the third and final film in the Finger of God/Furious Love Trilogy, My conclusion is this, if you ever watch one documentary in your life, and not just because it is a Christian one, this is the one to watch. If you have ever wanted to get a glimpse of what actually happens when the darkness fades and the lights are turned on for people around the world when God's love is revealed this is it.

 Here are a  few things that really stand out to me in this film:

1. God is the Father, not the Godfather.

2. Our God is a god of love, not punishment.

3. God's love is about relationships, not religion.

The encounters throughout this film really made me think. It includes witch doctors, violent gang members, Hindu holy men, and everyday people who give up everything for the calling of Christ's work. It made me think more about my love for everyone doing God's work in different ways, whether it be radically holding a sign and using a bullhorn to people on a street corner to the gang leader who gave his life to Christ who has his car speakers blowing a Christian beat, but still wears his Corona hat in his hood. We have to find our niche to witness and to love on people the way Christ loves on us.

Our God truly is far better than anyone can imagine.

I am very happy to announce that one of my readers is going to be blessed with their very own copy of this documentary to add to their video collection or pass on after they have viewed.

All you have to do is answer one mandatory question on the easy Rafflecopter entry form. Additional entries can be earned.

About Father of Lights
FATHER OF LIGHTS chronicles the journey of filmmaker Darren Wilson and his team as they fearlessly travel the globe, far from the daily existence of the typical evangelical believer in the West. By thoughtfully documenting the stories of extraordinary believers and candidly filming miracles, visions and other supernatural occurrences, Wilson engages viewers in modern day examples of the true nature and character of God.

Wilson gives honest access to his own spiritual questions as he tackles the religious misconceptions he has struggled with throughout his life. “I went into making this film by asking the simple question: who is God? I wanted to know His character, His personality, and who He truly is. To answer this question, we had to peel back the many layers of religious garbage that has been passed onto him through generations. That He is angry. Vengeful. Wrathful. And in general, that He doesn’t like you very much. The truth, as you will see vibrantly in this film, is that He is the most loving, compassionate, and wonderful Father you can imagine.”

About Wanderlust Productions
Wanderlust Productions is a video production company focusing on creating content for various media that highlights, informs, and is designed to spiritually stretch our audience. Created by Darren Wilson, Professor at Judson University, Wanderlust’s focus is on telling stories that inspire and agitate, that are unwavering in their honesty yet are emotionally compelling. While our content will always be Christian in nature, we are not afraid to explore themes, concepts, or areas that may be considered “risky” by the Christian establishment. Wanderlust prides itself on its willingness to put the story above the message. That being said, the message will never waver.

Website: http://fatheroflights.wpfilm.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fatheroflights
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wanderdarren/
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/wanderlustproduction

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."

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today's Post...

...is at The RHOK!
It's Halloween Eve and today's post is a little DIY for those who have forgotten to make, buy, just can't find the right costume, or maybe that child has changed their mind a few times. It is also a link up post to show off all of those fabulous costumes. 
Here's a sneak peek of the Crow children!

Greg Hefley the Wimpy Kid and Miss Prissy Ghost!
Pinterest inspired of course.

Hope you will join me today at The RHOK, the link up will be open until next Monday!

Meatball Bubble Biscuits- Pinspiration Project Week 5

Welcome to the Fifth Edition of the Pinspiration Project Link Up from Beth at Masterpiece.

But before we get to  my project for the week, allow me to introduce the Pinspiration Project.

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 below. Looking forward to reading about the Pinspiration that you choose to share.

I'm thinking every one of you will be extremely proud of me this week. I did not choose a Crockpot recipe.

Finally cooler temps = OVEN!!!

Source: richestoragsbydori.blogspot.com via ShaRhonda on Pinterest

This recipe came from a pin on *Riches to Rags" by Dori. As always I include her recipe, but I will tell you my changes/shortcuts in parentheses.

Meatball Bubble Biscuits

1 can Pillsbury golden layers biscuits - each pulled into 2 layers (I used Great Value Homestyle and didn't separate)
10 frozen fully cooked Italian style meatballs - thawed and cut in half  (I used the Great Value Homestyle meatballs. We don't care for the aftertaste of the Italian style)

2 sticks string cheese - cut each into 10 pieces (I used shredded mozzarella cheese, the kids ate all the string cheese-imagine that!)
1 T Parmesan cheese (I used the powdered stuff)
1/2 t Italian seasoning
1/4 t garlic powder

1 C marinara sauce

Heat oven to 375. Separate biscuits into 2 layers (I didn't do this). Place 1 meatball half and one piece of cheese into each biscuit, wrap dough around it and seal edges (I sandwiched a pinch of mozzarella cheese between two halves, so that I had one meatball per biscuit, then made sure my biscuit wrapped around the meatball, pinching the seam). Place seam side down into 9 inch round cake pan. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder. and Italian seasoning. Bake 18-20 min or until golden brown. Serve warm with warm sauce. (I didn't use, this time)

Here's a picture of my end result.
 I am truly not a food photog or I would have snapped before I served.

I served these with Kraft Madagascar shaped Macaroni & Cheese. They were a quick hit. But, ten wasn't near enough...

My family gives this pin a rating of:

What was your Pinterest Project for the week? Make sure you visit Beth at Masterpiece and link up!

School Paper Overload? There's an App for That!

It's been six years since I've had a kindergartner. Frankly, I had forgotten the paper load of 123's, ABC's, and all the colors and art that go along with them. If I remember correctly about the time they start getting the A's and B's in 3rd grade, is when the load drops off. 

This is how my daughter decorates my refrigerator when she comes home from school.

Does yours bare a striking resemblance? 

This is two days worth of papers that I have confiscated from her backpack before she got into the decorating mode, thankfully ballet interrupted.

Now don't get me wrong. I am extremely sentimental with my children's work. I even have a few pieces of my son's framed. I just don't have space to keep everything. But, I also don't want to lose those memories either. My own Moma kept my work, but unfortunately it was lost in a home fire when I was in fifth grade. Some memories are to be cherished. Easily cherished. With the click of my camera on my phone, I can now save, share and eventually even publish these memories in a photobook, gift or other keepsake.

The app is called ArtKive, and is available on iTunes.

I set both of my kids up in the app, tackling the present first and will move on to the other box soon. As you can see by the picture you can change grades. Score- all ready for the next few years!

Here is Kaybie's artkive so far...

I love this picture. It was color by sight words- I, the, my, a, and go.

What is awesome about this app is you can set up a share circle. That way grandparents or whoever you include can be emailed directly all the beautiful artwork.

This is a win, win app! What are you waiting for? Download it while it's still FREE!!!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post and am not affiliated with ArtKive in any way- at this time! I just wanted to pass on to my readers a Mommy find, that I find extremely useful!

Happy Happy Birthday to ME!!

Ummm yeah, its my birthday week.  How could you possibly forget?  And if you did here is your friendly reminder- My birthday is SATURDAY, October 27th.  It's still early in the week and I am certainly one to celebrate ALL week long.  Why not?
My darling, wonderful, sexy, extremely giving husband kicked my week off yesterday with this gift: A 2013 Dodge Journey!

Thank you honey. I love you!!!

Disclosure: Sorry if I seem to be bragging a bit, but sometime the male ego must be stroked a bit and I am so extremely ecstatic to finally be out of my Sebring, with my constantly growing family and their constantly growing equipment!

Fall Break 2012

Jason was on vacation the entire week- 7 full days off. The kids were finally out of school on Wednesday. Braden finally got off of crutches from a football injury from the previous week on Tuesday, so at least he was able to walk again. But still no football practice or game. A week FULL of activities.
A shower repair. This is the state it is still in. I wasn't allowed to show before or during the process pictures. I may even get into trouble for this one.

The guys first Thunder game. Snatched the tickets up during the pre-sale in May, scored these seats for $30. Moma Crow rocked big time when we surprised him with the tickets!

 I trained them well, they took 100 pictures and videos of the game! This was one my favorites.

And finally our annual pumpkin patch visit.

They are growing up so fast. Sigh.

CrockPot Italian Chicken 3 in 1- Pinspiration Project

Welcome to the Third Edition of the Pinspiration Project Link Up. 

I am actually hosting this week’s link-up because Beth at Masterpiece has had one of those weeks. 

Be sure to lift her and her family in your prayers and stop by her blog and leave some comment love. 

But before we get to that … allow me to introduce the Pinspiration Project.

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 below. Looking forward to reading about the Pinspiration that you choose to share.

My Pinspiration Project for this week is actually one of my own pins. But since I had never really linked it to my blog and put it on here, I figured it was okay to use for this project.

Shhh...I didn't see any rules against that. Just because I put it on Pinterest, doesn't mean I came up with the recipe.  I actually got the recipe from my friend and co-football mom Sheila and then I gave it a name.

Crockpot Italian Chicken 3 in 1 

4 frozen chicken breast

6 small potatoes

2 cans green beans, drained 

1/2 bottle Italian dressing or more to liking. You are welcome to make your own dressing if you would like.

Spray your crock with cooking spray, add the chicken, cube your potatoes- I leave the skin on mine, then top with green beans.

Cook on high 4-6 hrs until chicken and potatoes are done! You may want to wait and add green beans until about half way through cooking time, depending on how well cooked you like your beans. My family doesn't seem to mind overcooked green beans in this recipe.

My family gives this pin a rating of:

What was you Pinterest Project for the week? Link up below and show us!

Today's Post, Lipstick and All...

...is at The RHOK.   Today's post by ♥Mrs. Hart♥ was inspired by a local news segment aired 15 years ago and revisited this past Monday.
What does the shape of my lipstick say about me?  Finally, my friends and family can quit making fun of me.

Now I'm curious.  What does yours say about you?  Leave me a comment at The RHOK today, or even here at The 4-Crow's!

Crock Pot Apple Crisp- The Pinspiration Project

This week's Pinspiration Project is inspired by the following pin from Eat at Home...

Source: eatathomecooks.com via ShaRhonda @ The 4-Crow's on Pinterest

Here's the recipe, with my changes in red...

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup butter
3-4 cups peeled and sliced apples- I used 6, 2 granny smith and 4 gala
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
3/4 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
5 pats butter on top

INSTRUCTIONS
Stir brown sugar, oats and flour together. Cut the butter in with a pastry blender or fork to make soft crumbs. (I didn't cut my butter in, I melted it in the microwave.)
Combine the apples, cranberries and pecans in a large bowl. Stir in half the crumbs, mixing to coat all the apples. Pour into greased crock of the slow cooker.
Stir water, sugar and cinnamon together. Pour over apples.
Top with remaining crumbs.
Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5-6 hours. My crock only need 4 on low, then I sprinkled some caramel bits on top. Open and let rest a few minutes before serving. This will allow the extra liquid to thicken.

Now, here is a HUGE confession. I was a bit distracted Thursday morning when I put this in the crockpot. I had already taken two kids to school, spent $200 on air conditioning repairs, just found out the water had been cutoff due to a leak in the area, ran to the store because I was out of oats, and had a noon luncheon. I forgot the flour. This is not the first time I have made such a mistake, just the first since I was about 13 years old. Flourless chocolate chip cookies are disgusting, just saying. Honestly the extra 200 calories and 44 carbs weren't missed by me. My family wasn't to carried over by this dessert. It wasn't chocolate, and I burned the kids out on applesauce when they were babies, so they prefer their apples raw and on the core.

 Will I make again for my family?

 Probably not.

On a scale of 0-5 pins, I'm giving this one...

(only because it wasn't a "make again" family approved recipe)

What is your Pinspiration Project of the week? Go link up with Beth at Masterpiece.

Surfing in Stilettos Launch Party

I am not here today. 

(This post is going up Monday, UK time, which is six hours ahead of me here in Oklahoma. I want to make sure everyone gets to join in for a full 24hrs of shoe party fun.)

I have put on my party shoes and can be found at the fabulous Surfing in Stiletto party at Facing 50 with Humor. Make sure you stop by and congratulate my friend Carol E Wyer on her latest book, Surfing in Stilettos. If you haven't read her blog or her first book Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines, I encourage you to do so.

(Yours truly, was even featured during the launch of that particular book, LOL)

 I can't wait to continue to read more about Amanda Wilson and her mid-life, if 50 really is considered mid-life, adventures.

Come and join me for some fantastic prizes, surprises, and desirable shoes.

On that note...

Love, when my little miss plays dress up! 

My partying shoes...

Like 'em?

See ya at Carol's!

Reading with a Five Year Old- The Pinspiration Project

Today's Pinspiration Project is a little different. 

It doesn't involve food or a craft. 

Shocker. 

Then how can it possibly be Pinteresting, you ask?

Pinterest isn't just about food or crafts, it is about the the things and interests that drive you. 

This Pinspiration Project involves my kids, my kindergarten daughter in particular, it involves books and reading. I love reading.

I repinned this pin about a month ago.

Source: wegivebooks.org via ShaRhonda @ The 4-Crow's on Pinterest

"Jumpstart’s premiere national campaign Read for the Record, presented in partnership with the Pearson Foundation, is one day of the year when millions of individuals come together to celebrate literacy and support Jumpstart in its efforts to promote early childhood education. On October 4th- yesterday, people across the country were encouraged to read the children’s book Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad, by David Soman and Jacky Davis." The book is still available to be read along with countless other well known titles. I cannot emphasize how much I love the site We Give Books, which was created by the Penguin Group and the Pearson Foundation and houses books for ages 4-10. My only complaint- its not Kindle Fire or iPhone friendly. It is perfect for the PC and I can only imagine how beautiful it is on those fancy classroom smartboards.

Kaybrie is slowly learning to read, she already knows some site words and she is participating in the Pizza Hut Book It! Program at her school. She must read/have read to her a minimum of 20 book each month and then will be rewarded with her very own pizza coupon. October is her first month participating in this program. This program has been active for 27 years and the site offers some amazing tips and resources.

I track the books I read and review them through an app called GoodReads. I have set Kaybrie up her very own shelf on my account. This acts as an accountability to myself and allows her a long term look to see what she has actually read. The app posts all books I read to Facebook, Twitter and here at The 4-Crow's. I hope that it also encourages other parents to read to their children and maybe gives them a recommendation of some fun and useful reads.

Next year, I hope that I am able to participate in the Read for the Record campaign in a larger capacity than just Kaybrie and myself. To be able to make a difference in early education and close the gaps of those children who are behind would be a huge service and blessing to my community.

On a scale of 0-5 pins, this pin find is a...

What is your Pinspiration Project of the week? Go link up with Beth at Masterpiece.

Today's Post...

...is at The RHOK.

Source: takecarexo.xanga.com via ShaRhonda @ The 4-Crow's on Pinterest

October is evidently full of national awareness events. (the few below are just the ones I found, if there are more let me know in the comments) National Book Month- got that one covered, we kicked off my daughters Pizza Hut Book It! Program, I will have a post on this soon and will encourage you to read w/ us.
National Work and Family Month- love this one, I think it needs more attention.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month- one of my all time favorites. So many friends and family members have been affected by Breast Cancer.
National CyberSecurity Awareness Month- Excellent. staysafeonline.org
Filipino American History Month- not celebrating, but its nice.
National Physical Therapy Month- I know a few of these. Awesome.

LGBT History Month- I had to look this one up. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history.

American Pharmacists Month- Hug a pharmacists. I know a very cute one.
Polish American Heritage Month- Love polish sausages, wonder if I have any Polish in me.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month- another one, very near and dear to my heart.
National Spina Bifida Awareness Month- my heart and prayers definitely go out to this one.

and

National Bullying Prevention Month- yes, this is the one I am asking you to weigh in on today at The RHOK. 

Won't you join me today as Mrs. Hart and tell me your thoughts?

'Hear Me' by Kyle Sherman, releases 10/9- Review & #Giveaway

I am a testament to the crazy of God's work. I have told only a handful of how God closed a window in my family's life and opened a great door of service into HIS. The night before I ended my part time job this past August, I was getting my hair cut. I made a comment to my friend/hairdresser that I didn't feel led to serve/teach kids at my church because I was with children at my job. The next afternoon, God closed the window of my part time job. That evening, another friend from church called me asking if my husband and I would serve as small group leaders in the kindergarten area the following Sunday, which began the new church year.

Happy church year to us. 

I became a Kindergarten Small Group Leader and my husband became a Synergy Back Door Security Guard!

I don't know what God's plan is for my family, it's all in His time. All I know is that I must obey and continue to follow his path. The story behind the album that I am reviewing is much like my own, it's so easy to do my own thing, but obviously in the situation above, God has a bigger plan.

The title track Hear Me, has to be my favorite, you can listen to it here. This album releases next Tuesday, October 9th. One of my readers is going to be blessed with their very own copy!

Easy entry on the Rafflecopter form.

Album Bio
"Fort Worth-based singer-songwriter Kyle Sherman recently signed on as the flagship artist to brand new label RayLynn Records, an opportunity that presented itself during a time period when a record deal wasn't even on his radar.

"It's crazy how God works," Kyle says. 'Five years ago, I pushed pretty hard to do my own thing as a singer-songwriter, but every well I approached would dry up. It clearly wasn't the right time." So Kyle continued on a path of leading worship, taking a full-time role as worship leader at Lifechurch.TV's Fort Worth campus under the leadership of renowned pastor/author Craig Groeschel.

Just 3-years later Kyle made it back to Nashville, pouring his heart into a microphone at Sony studio with veteran producer and country singer-songwriter Mark Collie making his first album. God is faithful. 'Hear Me', the result of those sessions, is an eclectic and authentic mix of rootsy, southern soul."

Website: http://www.kyleshermanmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyleshermanmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KyleShermanTX
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/RayLynnRecords


"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."

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#DarkShadows starring Johnny Depp Widget & #Giveaway- Closed

Happy October 1st!

In case you didn't know. October is MY month!!! Cooler weather, pumpkin patches, the fair (hoping I get to take my kids this year), apple cider, celebrating birthdays and dressing up for Halloween! Even though this month  does bring me two years closer to the big 40...

I ♥ it!

October is also a month to bring out those scaaaaary movies.

I can't think of a better way to kick off this thrilling month than with a Giveaway. One of my readers will receive their very own Blu-Ray copy of the Tim Burton film Dark Shadows, starring Johnny Depp- this movie will be released tomorrow, October 2!

As always, my giveaways are easy. Just one mandatory question, with an opportunity for extra entries. Enter on the Rafflecopter form below!
PartnersHub in association with Warner Bros. has developed the following movie widget to find out,
How creepy are you?
 (you will have to take the widget quiz below to find that answer)
Just so you know, I am creepily conservative.

About the movie

From the incredible mind of Tim Burton comes the hit film Dark Shadows, based on the classic television series! Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) has been trapped for two centuries by an evil witch (Eva Green) who just happens to be an ex lover. Barnabas now has to struggle with the ever changing 1970s and save his families business! With an all star cast that includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jonny Lee Miller and more, Dark Shadows will be sure to whet your appetite for fun.

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this particular giveaway. This post is sponsored by PartnersHub and Warner Bros. 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." Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment.
a Rafflecopter giveaway