More changes and help!

So we are working on getting our house in tip top shape.  It takes one step at a time as money allows.  We wanted to move the ugly file cabinet and computer "desk" out of our room.  I'll show pictures of that later.  We found this cute little desk that fits perfectly in our living room.  It has a place where the kids can roll out a part so that they can use the computer or work on school work.  It also has a place for pens, paper etc.  I also love the little chair.  We moved the shelf to the kitchen.  First question.....should I put up anything over the desk and if so, any suggestions?  The desk is right beside the love seat and over the love seat we have a plate and two art works.  Second question....do you think the shelf looks ok in the kitchen?  I'm still looking for something for my bare wall.  I was thinking of maybe putting plates on display on it.  I might get my mom's blue willow china, and I could put some of that on display.  I really want to find a place for this shelf because my dad made it for me.  I miss having all the pictures on display, but I hope to make a wall collage in my room of all the photos. 

room makeover

For the past several weeks we have been working on the boys room.  We started off by giving their bunk beds away to someone in need.  While the beds were out, we painted the room orange.  Don't ask me why we went with this color.....I just wanted something different.  It was a pain in the neck.  I about cried the first night.  I went through a gallon of paint and could still see blue (the color before).  It took another gallon and a half to paint that small room.  Next, we got new beds for them.  We went with captains beds.  They now have their own drawers with their own clothes instead of sharing a dresser.  Our house is small, and the rooms are small, so with two beds in there, we really couldn't fit much in there.  Last, we added new comforters and a curtain and two shelves so they could each put their "treasures".  We are still looking for a small trunk or something small to put at the end of their beds because they seem to have a lot of "treasures".  We were also going to do carpet while the beds were out, but Lowes acted like they didn't care (and now they do) and the price was too high.  I think we will wait or maybe try to do it ourselves with carpet squares.

Baptism

About a month ago, Pastor started talking about having a baptism.  I didn't say anything to the kids about it.  A couple of Sundays later I was cooking lunch and Jacob and Jenna came in and said "we need to talk to you"....of course I was in the middle of something so my response was not good.....and then they told me they wanted to get baptized.  (ok, now I'm really feeling bad!!).  I told them they would have to talk to pastor and they wanted me to do it right away.  They asked me to text him and set up a meeting for that night and I did.  It was a great joy to see my children follow God and get baptized.  It was a great joy to see all 16 get baptized!!

First Day of School

Summer is officially over for the McLean's and we are back to school.  Joshua is starting 6th grade (ugh), Jacob will be in fourth, and Jenna in third.  We went to orientation Thursday night to meet the teachers.  Joshua is in middle school again with a locker and 4 different teachers (not including his music, spanish, latin and pe teachers).  Jacob has Mrs. Edwards.....love this lady.  One of the best teachers at SCS.  She is a pastor's wife in Four Oaks.  Jenna has a new teacher, Mrs. Smith....but she has taught third grade for 7 years at another Christian school (thankfully).  Praying this will be a good year for my kids.

Cupcakes

Last Saturday, Jack took the boys to a movie, so Jenna and I had some girl time again!!  We went to my dad's and did his laundry, did some shopping, and FINALLY went to try Gi-Gi's cupcakes!  That was a nice treat for us.  My calories for the day were not good, but it was worth it. She got the chocolate chip and I got the wedding cake!!  Thanks, Sara, for telling us about this place!!

running fever

This past weekend we took our last little short trip family adventure.  We went to Charlotte to shop.  We went to Concord Mills and to Ikea.....I loved Ikea.  I can't wait to go back.  We also went to the Panthers Training Camp.  On Saturday I ran my second 5k.  Joshua wanted to run, so I decided to go with him.  This was a very fun race.  I enjoyed this one more than the other.  It was more organized, gave away more freebies, the shirts were nicer, after snacks and drinks were better.  Jack ran ahead of us this time and I lost Joshua within the first two minutes.  He definitely has his daddy's genes.  He beat me by 7 or 8 minutes.  This was a tough course and I so badly wanted to stop and walk.  I didn't want to tell people that I had to walk when they asked, so I kept going.  I managed to take 3 minutes off my time.  I loved the cold chocolate milk after the race (who knew that would be good after running?) and all the Gatorade. Who knows....maybe I will keep running.  Jacob and Jenna didn't run the 5k, but they had a little football challenge for them to do.  More family memories:)

Key Lime Pie

Here is my newest dessert.....key lime pie....a nice Weight Watchers dessert!!reduced fat graham cracker crust


1 (1/16 ounce) package sugar-free lime gelatin

1/4 cup boiling water

1 (8 ounce) container fat-free whipped topping

2 (6 ounce) key lime pie yogurt

Directions:

1In a large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water.

2Stir in yogurt with wire whisk.

3Fold in whipped topping with wooden spoon.

4Spread in crust.

5Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.