sheheandthree

We've Moved...

2009-07-31T15:36:00.002-04:00

Come visit our family's adventures at:

http://firefliesandwiggleworms.wordpress.com

Motherhood...

2009-07-29T12:49:00.002-04:00

I realized I'm knee-deep in motherhood when today, eating lunch here at my desk at lunch, I'm analyzing the pasta shapes from the can of Spaghettio's & Meatballs that I'm eating. I got the "Cars" movie themed shaped ones and I'm trying to see if I can figure out the various shapes. The next realization that hit me is that I eat these all the time but yet I'm the ONLY one in my family, including the kids, that eats these.

It's a BABY!

2009-07-27T19:25:00.007-04:00

Our bunnies, who live next door under the deck, gave birth to their babies here in the past week or two and this weekend, they ventured out into our yard to say hello! This little guy came right up on to our patio and was just as sweet as could be and allowed the kids to get a good look at him. Kevin eventually had to get a shovel and take him back home as Pepper would like to get a good look at him too...the entire time we were out on the patio, he was looking at us through the back door, crying and scratching to get out.

Take me out to the ballgame...

2009-07-25T14:01:00.005-04:00

This past Friday night, courtesy of Kevin's brother, Dan, the whole family got to go to go to the Indianapolis Indians minor league baseball game FREE! This was the kids first professional sporting event that they had been too and so they were extremely excited and driving on the way there, the question of "how much longer to get there Mom" was heard repeatedly!

We started out the evening with free hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and cookies and then Grandma and Papa bought the kids shirts and souvenir mini-baseball bats. We got to our seats and I think Caden kept his baseball glove up most of the evening, hoping to catch a fly ball!

The evening ended with a nice surprise for the kids...fireworks after the show! As we were walking through the stadium to get out to the parking lots, we ran in to the Pirates mascot and so we stopped and the "boys" had their picture taken!

Adventure Week!

2009-07-22T12:26:00.005-04:00

Our church, Northview Christian Life, has their version of vacation bible school each year but instead, we call it "Adventure Week". It is a huge production and you can't think of this as the same VBS that we went to as kids, where we sat at a table in the basement of the church, hearing stories and doing a craft...it's on a much different level. The theme this year was "Knight In The Museum" and for those of you who have seen the movie, we had Dum-Dum with an actual moving mouth, Rexi the Dinosaur and then each night, we focused on someone out of the bible such as Joseph, who dressed up in full attire and "came to life" and taught a lesson in a large group setting. We then did crafts, outside activities complete with bounce houses and water play, and then small groups where we taught the children and did activities. It's 2-1/2 hours of non-stop fun. Caden and Samuel actually love going to this and here's a pic I found of Caden and his group.

This year, I volunteered to be a "small group leader" and what that basically meant is that I was in charge of 13 four-year olds and taking them from activity-to-activity and then each night, teaching them the bible lesson for the night and answering any questions they may have. At age 4, I was able to capture their attention during our bible lessons for about a whole 5 minutes before they tuned me out and turned their attention to the girl/boy sitting next to them. But, it was such a blessing to be part of their lives each evening for 4 nights and I plan to volunteer for years to come, Lord willing.

The last night of the week, it was a very fulfilling moment for me because all the volunteers and children gathered in our auditorium for worship songs blasting out of the speakers and all of us doing the hand movements that motivate the children to get up and sing. To give you perspective though, we had 600 children and 300 volunteers in this auditorium. To see all the kids singing and excited for the Lord was quite a "lightbulb" moment when I realized how many lives, at such young ages, are being impacted.

Photos taken by Shanna Banks, Northview.

Boy of Summer...

2009-07-10T08:13:00.009-04:00

Fun Pic Friday!

I love this pic of Samuel I took last night. He's so tan and his hair is so blond that you can tell he's had a fun summer out in the sun everyday, playing with his friends! He's looking so much older now, although he's only 6, but every so often, I get a glimpse of him still being "my baby".

2 year old ATTITUDE!

2009-07-09T11:15:00.009-04:00

So Isabella has started this thing here lately, which I'm blaming on all the firework noise from the weeks leading up to July 4th, in which she is continuing to wake up during the middle of the night screaming and crying and will come to our bed wanting to sleep with us. While I would give NOTHING more than to go back to sleep with her in our bed, I am also VERY determined not to start the habit of her sleeping in our bed every night. Another new thing is that she must have her bedroom door completely open in order to get back to sleep and usually we just keep it this way all through the night.

So THREE times last night alone, she comes in crying and babbling and I patiently get up, eyes barely open, and hearing Kevin snoring peacefully peacefully beside me completely oblivious to any of the noise erupting from the 2 year old at the side of the bed. I walk with her in to her bedroom, put her in bed, come back out and sit in the love seat that's out in our open area outside her room. Within seconds, I'm asleep on the love seat and sometimes stay that way for 15 minutes, other times for more than an hour before I wake realizing that I am horribly uncomfortable. But it does the trick for Isabella...she goes back to sleep until the next time she is awoken by some thought, dream or noise...pick one.

This morning, my alarm goes off at 6:55 am (why not 7:00, I don't know but I must feel as though that extra 5 minutes helps me) and I get in the shower and start about the business of making myself presentable to go to work. Before I blow-dry my hair, I tip-toe to her room and shut the door so that I don't wake her up with the squealing that comes from the dryer. A few minutes later, I'm sitting on the edge of the bed watching something that has captivated my interest on the Today show and I hear her get up, start screaming and babbling the whole time and she SLAMS the door open so hard that it hits the wall and then stomps her way back to the bed and falls back asleep. This made me laugh so hard because I realized that my 2 year old, if given the correct words, was cussing me out for closing her door. I'm also realizing that she's doing this at 2 YEARS old...what in all that is good and holy is the future going to bring?

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2009-07-07T18:21:00.006-04:00

So my kitchen science experiment for today was making homemade laundry detergent. I've done a bit of research on this by reading several internet sites and have realized that quite a bit of savings can be made by making your own and most have stated that it works just as well, if not better than commercial detergent.

When I posted "my status" on facebook today that I wanted to do this and receiving several responses, I decided to give it a try. One of my friends, Cheryl, gave me this recipe below for powdered detergent and so it's what I decided to go with since it's coming from a personal source. I also have a recipe for "liquid" detergent and might try that one down the road. It requires a 5 lb. bucket, of which we did not have laying around, and so for storage reasons, decided to go with the powder.

In preparation for making this, in recent weeks, I had purchased both types of soap called for in the recipe, Fels Naptha and Kirk's Castile, and so I made a batch of each. For the shaving/grating, I cut it up the bar of soap in to chunks and then used my chef's chopper to "grate" it. I barely use my chopper, believe it or not, for food chopping and so I figured I might as well get some sort of use out of it!

We will run out of commercial laundry soap this week and so I will then try this homemade mix and report my feedback!!

Ingredients
1 cup Fels Naptha or Kirk's Castile, shaved and grated
1/2 cup Borax
1/2 cup washing soda

Directions
Use ONE tablespoon per load.
Use a little more if you have an especially dirty load.

Pregnancy Brain

2009-07-07T09:14:00.002-04:00

So I learned today that supposedly your brain shrinks by 8% during pregnancy. Because of this, that's the reason I'm giving as to why I haven't written anything anything on my blog in the past week! Even as I sit here trying to come up with something to write about, I've got nothin'. Sad, I know. Maybe something will come to me this afternoon as I go about my day...stay tuned...I'll get it together soon.

Salad Cravings...

2009-06-30T09:01:00.008-04:00

So I'm having my first "pregnancy cravings" and it's something that's somewhat healthy! Tomato, cucumber and onion salad with dill! So yummy and last night after work, I went straight to the grocery and bought all the things to make it, came home and chopped and mixed and sat and ate a bowl of it warm! As though who have had this, we all know that it's best to be served cold and after letting everything marinate for a couple of hours!

For the salad I made, I only used 3 tomatoes and 1 cucumber and I also added dill to mine to give just a little more flavor. This is a recipe that you can easily alter to suit your taste and there's a ton of them out there if you don't like this one.

MARINATED TOMATO AND CUCUMBER SALAD
4 lg. tomatoes, cut into wedges

2 cucumbers, peeled & cubed

1 lg. Red onion, peeled & sliced

1/2 c. olive or salad oil

1/4 c. cider vinegar

1 tbsp. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

Dill to taste

Put prepared vegetables in large salad bowl. In smaller bowl combine remaining ingredients with wire whip until salt and sugar dissolve. Pour dressing over vegetables and let stand in refrigerator about 2 hours before serving for best flavor.

Bright & Early...

2009-06-23T08:59:00.003-04:00

This morning, at 8:49 am, my boys, ages 5 and 6, were into a full blown out argument about a Wii game. As I sat and watched them fighting over whose turn it was and why Caden always gets to go first, I was amazed at their ability to get out of bed, come downstairs and automatically start fighting as though they had been up for hours as well as maneuver their way through a videogame. Why can't I have that kind of brain energy to wake up and have that ability...it takes me an hour of getting ready, 20 minutes of eating breakfast and then a 30 minute car ride to work, all while drinking a cup of coffee, before I even sit down at my desk to get my day started.

Free Friday Night!

2009-06-19T15:59:00.005-04:00

Kevin and I are like babes in a toy store. Our neighbor 3 doors down from us has invited both Samuel and Caden to have a sleep-over with her two boys to celebrate a birthday. This is a big night for us because it will be Samuel and Caden's FIRST sleep-over and Kevin and I pretty much have the evening to ourselves once we put Isabella down! We are almost giddy with the possibilities of what we can do (get your mind out of the gutter). We decided to splurge on ordering a pizza, eat popcorn, and we'll watch movies!! I rented Gran Torino for Kevin's liking and then He's Just Not That Into You for mine. Oh, the excitement of having an evening to ourselves! But for us, this is huge! It's the little things in life!

Happy Birthday Audrey!

2009-06-17T10:53:00.005-04:00

Today, our first-born daughter, Audrey Marie, would have turned 8. She was born in 2001 and went to be in Heaven and wait for us there on June 27th...she only lived 10 days. She was born with Trisomy 18 and had a series of birth defects and ultimately died of congestive heart failure. Although she is not here with us physically, she is always in our hearts everyday.

40 and Pregnant!

2009-06-16T11:35:00.007-04:00

We found out the Friday before Mother's Day that we are expecting another baby! This was wonderful, shocking news but it came at a time in our lives where the timing just wasn't right as well as we thought we were done having children! I turn 40 in August and to be quite honest, I never thought at age 40, I would be having another child. So we thought we were done and to the point that I've been giving things away over the past couple of years as Isabella had been growing out of things!

But it all started in early May when I had been feeling nauseaus each morning and Kevin even asked at one point, "are you pregnant" and I blew it off saying "there's no way" and we both agreed and went on about our morning. Two days later, on my way to work, I thought I was going to have to pull over the car to puke my guts out and that's when I pretty much knew, without having to take a test, that I was in fact, pregnant. I took the test and it didn't even take seconds before I saw that second line pop up to confirm what I pretty much already knew! I sat there in complete shock, excited, nervous and scared all at the same time.

Luckily, although Kevin is without work, I was able to get the family on my insurance through my work and so the timing worked out perfectly in that regard. My doctor's office has so graciously given me about 10 weeks worth of free prenatal vitamins and then as soon as I got insurance, they scheduled me in within the week to get both an ultrasound and an appointment. Because of "my advanced maternal age" mixed in with our first-born's genetic history, they are treating this pregnancy cautiously.

So I'm currently 11 weeks along and our official due date is January 5th! We're hoping maybe that we can have this baby December 31rst and have a nice tax deduction! ha!

God certainly has a lot of surprises in life and if we just say YES! to the adventure and let Him lead, we may receive things we never expected but can't live without. This was one of them!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-06-04T06:43:00.008-04:00

Outside my window...it's a beautiful COOL morning...only 48 degrees. But the birds are chirping and we're off to a good start.
I am thinking...that I have great neighbors. I just love the comradery that we have here on the street with the other parents and we get along so well. Also, yesterday, one of the mothers took the boys to see a movie with her 2 sons and I just thought that was such a nice gesture on her part...taking 4 boys to see a movie is an adventure of itself!
I am thankful for...that I was able to get us on my insurance at work while Kevin is off. I was nervous that things wouldn't go as planned but I was able to sign the family up and we're already enrolled! A quick and easy process, although not cheap! Ha!
From the kitchen...I'm not sure yet. I haven't set anything out but the day is early and so I have time! Because Kevin has been home, he's been doing a lot of the cooking here lately and getting quite good at it!
I am wearing...I'm still in my pajama's! I woke up at 5:15 this morning and just couldn't get back to sleep and so came on downstairs and got on the computer!
I am reading...nothing at the moment...it's summer and the kids are home and I've just been too busy. I signed the kids up thought for the summer reading program at the library and they have the program for adults as well.
I am hoping...that Kevin's second phone interview goes well today! Say some prayers!
I am creating...nothing at the moment but have plans for another 3 baby rag quilts! I want to make one for another girlfriend as a gift and then one of my girlfriends in Michigan wants me to make her one for each of her children.
I am hearing...the news. Because it's so early, I have the TV to myself!
One of my favorite things...when I have moments like this to myself! Usually it's in the evening after everyone has gone to sleep and the whole house is quiet.
A few plans for the rest of the week...Tonight, the "parent" football game with Caden. Kevin will be playing as a teammate with Caden. Saturday, we have the last of the football games for the boys and they will also get their trophies that day as well. Sunday, church and Life Group.

Baby Raq Quilt

2009-05-28T10:02:00.004-04:00

I can now finally show this on my blog as I gave this to my girlfriend as a gift last Saturday! Her nursery colors are brown and pink and so that's the reasoning for the pattern and color choices. I was very pleased with the results and it was super, super easy to make. It didn't even take me a week to make it since it was horizontal stripes instead of square blocks. For the width, I just used the width of the yard and so there was no measuring whatsoever. Basic steps of cutting, sewing and the snipping to get the "rag" edges.

The Goods...

2009-05-28T09:47:00.005-04:00

Here are the pictures of the bread loaves and the cinnamon rolls. My bread loaves "fell" after rising all day and so although the sourdough bread taste is there, the nice "form" of the loaf is not. My neighbor Julie, who was also doing this with me, said her loaves did not fall and so I'm not sure what I did wrong since we both were baking from the same "starter". The cinnamon rolls came out wonderfully although if I were to make again, I would put more brown sugar and cinnamon "inside" of the rolls. After cooling down, I heated some cake icing and poured it all over the top of the rolls because they needed some additional "sweetness" to them and this really made the rolls tasty.

Final Verdict of overall bread experiment: B-. A lot of work for bread and to have to continually do this process every 3-5 days. However, if you knew you were having a dinner where you wanted some fresh baked bread and you could plan ahead, I could see why you might want to do this. It was fun to do this from beginning to end and see how this all comes together though.

Bread Dough, Step 3

2009-05-26T20:38:00.005-04:00

The science experiment continues! I'm now on step 3 of the whole homemade sourdough bread from a "starter". Step 2 was just the "feeding" of the starter, which I did this morning, and then I let it set out all day at room temperature. Tonight, I seperated my starter and put one cup of the starter in a bowl and the other back in the fridge, which I'll use to make additional bread loaves and rolls. So to the cup I put in a bowl, I added oil, salt, water and flour. I am to leave it out all night to "rise" and then in the morning, divide it in to 2 or 3 parts to rise again tomorrow during the day and then tomorrow night, hopefully be able to bake a loaf of bread and cinammon rolls!

This has been an interesting process because I was "supposed" to do all this on Saturday night but the day just got away from me. I had "fed" the original starter Saturday morning and let it sit out all day as instructed but then by the time Saturday night came, I was just too tired! I put it all back in the fridge, which gave me a HUGE starter jar! So this morning, I split the original starter, fed it and gave half of it to my neighbor.

Stay tuned tomorrow night...hopefully I'll be posting pictures of yummy bread and rolls!

Sourdough Bread Starter

2009-05-19T11:15:00.005-04:00

So I feel like I'm conducting a science experiment in my own kitchen. After the recommendation of my good friend, Kim, I have decided to start a Sourdough Bread "starter" and try my hand at making homemade bread. Kim says that after she received her starter, they haven't bought store bread in months. From this starter, she makes bread loaves, rolls, cinammon rolls, etc. and just continues to makes her own "starters" each week that produces these wonderful bakery items. I know that bread doesn't cost much in the whole scheme of things, but it's one baby step toward saving money and also the satisfaction of knowing that it's homemade.

Today is "step 1" for me. Meaning I simply mixed together 1 package of yeast, 1 cup of warm water, 3/4 cup of sugar and 3 tbsp of potato flakes. Do this and you get a mixture that looks like the above. I leave this out all day on the counter and then put the in fridge and leave for 3 days.

Stay with me and I'll let you know the steps and the final product. If it turns out well, I'll post the entire starter recipe and instructions!

Learning how to put on lipstick...

2009-05-16T20:25:00.007-04:00

Every girl must learn how to put on lipstick...

Isabella decided to sneak in to my purse and give it a try!!

Filthy Football!

2009-05-16T15:04:00.005-04:00

Today was the boy's second round of football games and what a muddy mess it was! The ground just hasn't had a chance to dry but the boys didn't mind...they got out there and had a great time slipping and sliding around. Caden actually had mud matted in his hair! Both boys "won" their games although they don't keep score for their age groups. (Don't forget you can double-click on the picture to make it bigger...you can really see how much mud Caden has on him this way!)

Silly Swingin'!

2009-05-12T18:46:00.003-04:00

Isabella LOVES to swing and she especially loves it when we push her. Tonight, she was so giggly and then when Samuel walked in to the backyard and pretended as though she was hitting him down with her feet each time she swang forward, she just thought this was hilarious! I love her laughter in this video and I love to see my children playing together and Samuel trying to entertain her! Enjoy!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-05-07T09:28:00.005-04:00

Outside my window...it's raining yet again! All this rain though has really brought out all the leaves and flowers and the grass is looking so green.

I am thinking...that I need to get up and get motivated. Our community is having a garage sale next weekend and I really want to participate to get rid of some things and clean out rooms and also to make a few extra $$$!
I am thankful for...healthy children! We've been hearing so much about the swine flu here the past few weeks on the news. Luckily, we haven't been hit by anything of this sort. I feel so bad for those families in Mexico who have lost loved ones and especially the children.

From the kitchen...I think we're going to have chicken and noodles tonight with some baked bread.

I am wearing...grey carpi's and a blue tshirt and of course, my good ol' trusty flip flops...I could live in flip flops I think!

I am reading...Christianity 101, Chapter 5 for my Life Group. The pastor was supposed to come to our group last Sunday but had to cancel and so we're kinda stagnant right now. I've also started reading Psalms in the bible and just started this.

I am hoping...that the Lord blesses Kevin with a new job. He's had one phone interview and has a second interview this next Tuesday. He was also called by a bank for a management position and they requested his resume and so these two options are creating hope for us! I know he's going a little bit stir crazy now after being home two weeks and so please continue to pray for us!

I am creating...I finished my first baby quilt last night! It was the quickest, easiest quilt I've ever made and I'm very happy with it...it came out really cute. I'll post pictures of it soon. So, now I'm on to making one more for another friend.

I am hearing...the Today show on TV as well as Isabella sitting across the room and playing with her dollhouse. She's really started playing with her dollhouse and Fisher-Price lil' people toys here in the past couple of weeks and it's cute to see her playing by herself this week.

One of my favorite things...hearing Samuel play with Isabella. Because of his ADHD, we never know what we're going to get sometimes with how he plays but last night, he was so sweet with her and sat down and played with her and her dollhouse and it's these moments of sweetness that I see my adorable first-born son!

A few plans for the rest of the week...Tonight, football practice for Caden...maybe, it's raining again. Friday, we're going to dinner with my sister, her boyfriend and my mother to celebrate mother's day. Saturday, the boys have their football games and then Sunday, we're going to church and then having a cookout here for mother's day for Kevin's mother and ME of course!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-04-30T08:37:00.005-04:00

Outside my window...it's raining and storming. We've had rain ALL week but today, the forecast is for "severe" storms.
I am thinking...that Caden will not have his football practice tonight but you never know, it is football after all ,and there hasn't been any lightening as of yet.

I am thankful for...that I have a God who promises to take care of our needs. I know that He is with us, every step we take, and that brighter days are ahead!
From the kitchen...I need to go "into" the kitchen and figure that out. I'm behind on this!
I am wearing...black capri's, Green Bay Packer's tshirt and flip flops. Thursday is my day off and so I never dress up!
I am reading...Christianity 101, Chapter 5 for my Life Group. We have stopped at Chapter 5 because one of the pastors from our church is coming to our Life Group this Sunday to let us ask him questions and have a discussion. Our assignment is to lookover the first 5 chapters and then come to our Life Group with at least one question.
I am hoping...that the Lord blesses Kevin with a new job. He was let go this past Friday and so he is frantically trying to find something, anything at this point. Please pray for him and us.

I am creating...a baby quilt! I got the strips cut out this past Tuesday night and today, I hope to start sewing! I found some really cut "girly" prints as well the other day at JoAnn's and so I bought 5 of them so that I can collect them to eventually make a crazy quilt for Isabella. If I start collecting them now, I'll have them for the cold winter days stuck inside come Dec/Jan.
I am hearing...the rain softly coming down and Sid the Science Guy on PBS.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Tonight, football practice for Caden. Friday, we're having our first "official" game night with our family, of which I found 3 children's games 60% off a Kohl's yesterday. Saturday, both boys have football practices & scrimmages and my old roommate from college, Chrissy, is getting married! I'm soooo happy and excited for her. Sunday, early church service and then our Life Group.

Dandelion Bouquet

2009-04-23T14:56:00.003-04:00

What do you do when your 5 year old son comes running in with a handful of dandelions? You put them in a "vase" of course and set them in the middle of the table! These were from Caden this afternoon and he even suggested keeping them there for dinner and get candles out for when we eat dinner! Oh how will melt some girl's heart someday!

Jeremiah 29:11

2009-04-23T12:19:00.002-04:00

For I know the plans I have

for you, declares the Lord.

Plans to prosper you and not harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-04-23T09:02:00.006-04:00

Outside my window...It is a beautiful day! We've had so much rain this past week and from here until Sunday, it's supposed to be warm and sunny! I love that we still have the cool mornings but by evening, warm!

I am thinking...that my laundry will never, ever end! Ha!

I am thankful for...the mulch that Kevin brought home last night. I know it's the little things in life but our current mulch is just about done...it looks literally like bark just laying on the ground. So he got 10 bags of black mulch to put throughout the garden and yard! Can't wait!

From the kitchen...I have chicken thawing for dinner tonight and going to marinate it in teriyaki sauce and bake then I'll saute some mushrooms and put that on top of the chicken along with a piece of swiss cheese! Sooo yummy!

I am wearing...white capri's and a tshirt and of course, my black crocs!

I am reading...Christianity 101, Chapter 5 for my Life Group. We decided to talk about another topic last week and so this week, we hope to get to Chapter 5 and so I'm rereading/skimming the chapter.

I am hoping...that Kevin's work goes well for him today. I have prayed long and hard for him.
I am creating...a baby's rag quilt! I have washed all the fabric and today, hope to start cutting out the strips!

I am hearing...the Sesame Street song on PBS
A few plans for the rest of the week...Saturday, we have the boys first get-together for their flag football teams, Samuel has a birthday party to go to and I have a girl's night get-together to go to that evening...busy day! Sunday, we just have church and our Life Group and it's supposed to be a beautiful day and so we're also looking forward to that!

Fun Pic Friday!

2009-04-17T09:02:00.008-04:00

I took this picture this morning of Caden and Pepper and when I looked at it, I just had to chuckle because it looks as though Pepper is saying "chhheeessseee"!

Baby Raq Quilt

2009-04-16T22:39:00.004-04:00

Here are the fabric colors for the baby rag quilt that I'm going to make. I went and bought the remaining pieces today in order to start it. I "hope" to get two baby quilts out of the fabric but we'll see how it goes once I get going. I know it's not the "traditional" baby designs but I didn't want it to be...I want it to be more feminine than I do "babyish". I'm excited to get started and hope to get the fabrics washed either tomorrow or this weekend so I can start cutting. I saw a pattern for a raq quilt using pieces cut in strips going horizontally instead of the traditional squares and so I think I'm going to try this for my first quilt and see how I like it. Come back and I'll show you the "in progress" and "finished" pictures!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-04-16T08:51:00.007-04:00

Outside my window...it's the only "sunny" day we've had so far this week and so it's wonderful to see the sun! Supposed to get in to the 60's today and so we'll definitely be out later this afternoon.
I am thinking...that I now need to concentrate on cleaning the upstairs. I also need to deep clean the living room carpets as well.
I am thankful for...I went to the YMCA last night to sign up the boys for "flag football" and they had 2 spots left for Samuel's age group. I'm so thankful that we were able to get him in because he desperately wanted to play and I know he will love it!
From the kitchen...I have chicken thawing for dinner tonight. Depending on the time Kevin gets home, I'm betting he will want to grill out because of the nice weather!
I am wearing...gray knit capri's and a white long-sleeve tshirt and my black crocs. Yes, crocs are ugly, I agree, but they are soooo comfortable!
I am reading...Christianity 101, Chapter 5 for my Life Group.
I am hoping...that I can finish my project below in time for the birth of my girlfriend's babies! I have two friends who are pregnant, due in June/July.

I am creating...a baby's rag quilt! I went and bought some fabric yesterday because JoAnn's had it on sale 40% off but I need to go back and get some pink flannel for the backing. Yesterday online, I found a really cute pattern for a baby's raq quilt that uses stripes instead of squares and so I need to cut the flannel at the same time.
I am hearing..."Super Why " morning cartoon on PBS.

A few plans for the rest of the week...for Thursday and Friday, just doing some cleaning and running some errands. Saturday, we might go to the YMCA for the kid's day and then on Sunday, I have nursery duty as well as Life Group that afternoon and Samuel has a birthday party to go to for one of his friends.

Homemade Multi Purpose Cleaner

2009-04-15T09:24:00.004-04:00

I belong to a web group that promotes making your own household cleaners and detergents and I typically won't post here on my blog until I've tried it or have first-hand knowledge that the cleaner works. But, after seeing this recipe for a Multi-Purpose Cleaner, I thought it was a simple enough recipe and with the ingredients, has to work well:

1/4 cup baking soda
3/4 cup household ammonia
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon (16 cups) warm water

Mix all ingredients and store.
Pour into spray bottle when needed.

National TV Turnoff Week

2009-04-13T10:23:00.010-04:00

April 20-26th is National TV-Turnoff Week. The general purpose of the week is to revisit how time is spent in your family household and to turn "on" your life instead of spending so much time in front of the television every night & weekend. All you have to do is "turn off and unplug" your television...it's that simple.

In doing some research to see what this week was about, I was initially thinking that "does my family really need to do this" and after reading the statistics, I'm now more interested in participating. Here's what I learned:

Number of 30-second commercials seen in a year by an average child: 20,000
Number of minutes per week that parents spend in meaningful conversation with their children: 38.5
Number of minutes per week that the average child watches television: 1,680 (28 hours)
Percentage of children ages 6-17 who have TV's in their bedrooms: 50%
Percentage of day care centers that use TV during a typical day: 70%
Hours per year the average American youth spends in school: 900 hours
Hours per year the average American youth watches television: 1500 hours
Percentage of Americans that regularly watch television while eating dinner: 66%
Source: http://www.turnoffyourtv.com/turnoffweek/TV.turnoff.week.html

I was astounded as to these statistics! 28 hours of television per week! I was thinking no way do my children watch 28 hours each week! But, if you think about it, and I know I'm guilty, how many of us have the television on as "background" noise as we cook, clean, do homework, etc.? Without even thinking it, our children are unconsciously exposed to this each day and night. A good idea is to track the amount of time the television is on for a week, to see how much time the TV is actually on, whether it's being watched or not.

Before participating in the week, get the kids involved too instead of just announcing that this is what the family will be doing. Involve them in conversation and ask them what their favorite shows are and if they could live without them for a week. Ask them about activities they would like to do instead of watching TV and write these down so that they you can do them and they feel as though they are part of this process!

Simple ideas to fill in the time:

Have story-time each night
Take a walk
Go to the park
Have a carpet picnic
Make a craft with the kids
Cook or bake, having the kids help
Visit a relative you haven't seen in awhile
Go to the Zoo or a Museum

If you and your family would like to participate and need some activity ideas, you can go to: http://www.turnoffyourtv.com or simply google "TV turnoff week" and you will find a slew of websites giving information and activity ideas. Barnes and Noble will be having activities in selected states and with the existing spring temperatures, simply getting outside and taking a walk as a family provides both bonding time as well as exercise.

If you decide that you think you just can't live without a TV for a week, a suggestion would be to maybe make a list of those shows that your family just can't live without and watch only those shows, turning the TV off after it's over with no switching back and forth to other channels.

Goodluck! Come back and comment with your thoughts and if you did participate, how the week went for you and your family!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T16:52:00.002-04:00

Here's a picture of the kids this morning before church! Such a good photo of the three of them...a rare moment! We've had a wonderful day with Kevin's parents and brother as well as my father, sister and her boyfriend all going to church together and then lunch afterwards. We then came back to the house for an Easter egg hunt with the kids and cake made by Jean, Kevin's mother. It's been a beautiful day outside and just an overall wonderful Easter!

Lions, Tigers, and Bears! Oh My!

2009-04-11T15:05:00.005-04:00

The kids have been on spring break this past week and we've had such a fun week with playdates, going to a bounce house center with our good neighbors and then going to the zoo with Jean, my mother-in-law. It was a perfect, beautiful day to go, just cool enough to walk around and enjoy the animals and enjoy the day. Jean, however, got SOAKED when we all went to the dolphin show and decided to sit in the "splash zone" but she was the only one to get "splashed"! The walrus was in rare form, giving quite a show for everyone to stop by and Caden was just enthralled by his antics. The giraffes even came in for the action and came right up to the group of us watching and stood there as though to say "what are you looking at"! We spent about six hours enjoying all the zoo had to offer, the lions, tigers, bears, sharks you can touch, and the petting zoo. We also had lunch and just took our time enjoying the day and being together.

The Meaning of Good Friday

2009-04-10T09:58:00.008-04:00

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday, is the date that Christians remember Jesus' death on the cross. All Christians live in the hope of new life after death, just as Jesus was raised from the dead on the first Easter. Holy Week, the week before Easter, is sacred for Christians as a time to seek connection with Jesus' death and resurrection (life after death).

As Jesus faced death literally, he needed God's help to save him from the world. Jesus' words from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" echo the human experience of seeking a reality beyond death (Matthew 27:46).

For Christians, Good Friday is a time to be with Jesus in his time of suffering and wait with him in hope of God's promise, eternal life to all who believe. The "good" in Good Friday reflects the Christian hope of resurrection and new life in Jesus, foreshadowing Easter Sunday, when Christians believe that God resurrected Jesus from the dead.

Good Friday is the day that Christians focus especially on the cross and Jesus' sacrifice for the sins of the world. The cross is a central symbol of the Christian faith. Christians believe that Jesus, son of God, died to save all believers from sin, all that separates human beings from God. The cross reminds Christians of Jesus' death and their salvation, how Jesus saved them from death by dying in their place.

Jesus' crucifixion, death on the cross, is the source of eternal life for all who believe according to Christian teaching. Jesus put himself in the place of every believer's sins as he suffered for the whole world by sacrificing his own life. Atonement, Jesus giving himself for the sins of Christians, saves all Christians from hell and suffering. Good Friday is a time for Chrisitans to remember Jesus' sacrifice and reflect on how the cross has saved them from their sins.

Information above taken from suite101.com.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-04-09T22:45:00.011-04:00

Outside my window...we had a beautiful spring day in the 60's! I spent the entire day at the zoo with the kids and my mother-in-law and had a wonderful time! The kids had a lot of fun seeing all the animals, being outside and sharing the zoo with their grandmother and they were so well behaved. It is to rain all day tomorrow though!

I am thinking...that I need to use Friday to get things in order around the house: cleaning, laundry, etc.

I am thankful for...my friends and neighbors. I'm so thankful for the dynamics within my neighborhood and the friends I have made...to know I can walk out my door and have women to speak to, laugh with, share stories with makes me feel very thankful and grateful!

From the kitchen...Kevin was home tonight and grilled out steaks, corn and baked potatoes! It was a wonderful dinner.

I am wearing...my pajama's as it is 11:14 pm! As always, comfort!

I am reading...Christianity 101, Chapter 5 for my Life Group.

I am hoping...that my boys will sleep through the thunder I hear rumbling in the distance! My 6 yr. old is still scared of storms, although to ask him, he will deny it!

I am creating...still nothing. Keep talking about making a baby rag quilt with a girlfriend and so I just need to take the time to make a plan and start buying some materials! And, find some time!

I am hearing...the movie "Slumdog Millionaire". The whole house is asleep and I was able to grab this at RedBox this evening on a quick run to the grocery. So far, very interesting movie.
A few plans for the rest of the week...Tomorrow will be a day spent at home, our last day of spring break for the kids. Other than this, we will celebrate our risen Savior on this Easter weekend by going to church on Sunday and then a family lunch after.

Living Frugal ~ CVS Savings

2009-04-05T23:20:00.007-04:00

For those of you who know me, I love the savings that you can get at CVS/pharmacy if you take advantage of their Extra Care Bucks (ECB's) program. ECB's are given when you sign up for one of their "store" savings cards and you use your card every time you shop and you buy items that give you back ECB's. I've been using this program for about a year now and primarily use this program to buy the toiletry needs for the family as well as baby items such as diapers, etc.

The first time you use your card to purchase items, it will involve a small investment but my suggestion would be to look through their store circular that comes in each Sunday's newspaper and find a few things that you will USE and that will give you ECB's back after your purchase. This first purchase will cost you the regular/sale price but after this, you're off and running. The ECB's will print right then and there at the bottom of your receipt and you can use them that same day if you so choose.

The idea then is to "roll" your ECB's with purchase of items that give you back ECB's...your whole purchase does NOT need to contain items that give you back ECB's but you want to get a couple in there so that you constantly have some on hand. Another way to save at CVS/pharmacy is to go to their website and sign-up for their emails and you will get coupons for $5 off $25, for example, or even free items. You can also combine manufacturer's coupons with your ECB's to save even more.

So to explain the savings I received on my most recent purchase: On April 1, we received a printout for $17.50 in ECB's (based on prior purchases for the quarter). I also received an email this past week for $5 off a $25 purchase. I looked through their circular that came in today's Sunday's paper and saw that if you purchased $25 in baby products, you get $10 back in ECB's. I had manufacturer's coupons for some of the items in the ad and I knew I could score big. I purchased the items show in the picture above (2 packs of diapers, 2 tubes of Desitan, a package of tampons and shaving cream) and my total was $43.34. After my ECB's, my email coupon and my manufacturer's coupons, my out-of-pocket price was $8.39! I saved $34.95!! And, I received $13.49 back in ECB's to use on a future purchase ($10 for the baby product purchase and with the shaving cream, purchase for $3.49 and get $3.49 back in ECB's).

Some people don't want to bother with looking through coupons, clipping, carrying store savings cards, etc. but the above is a perfect example of how doing these small steps can help save big...$34.95! Who can resist this!

Favorite Things...Easter

2009-04-04T09:19:00.002-04:00

We all have our "favorite" things about each holiday and this is one of my favorite Easter decorations...most of everything I have is "kid" related but I found this litte gem on Easter clearance a few years ago and couldn't resist buying it. The photo doesn't show it well but the eggs are painted in spring colors and it makes a nice addition to my shelf!

Jesus, Bring The Rain

2009-04-03T18:07:00.022-04:00

I haven't blogged at all this week I realize and it's because we're having to adjust to a new schedule in our home as Kevin started his part-time evening job and the kids and I are having to get used to him not being here. It's not as though we do much during the weekday evenings but the kids have been asking "when will daddy be home" and I miss having him here to be part of the family routine. We have tried to explain a little bit about our situation to the kids and about why daddy has to work so much and we've tried our very best to assure them that all is well with their mommy and daddy but how do explain the economy and job loss to three children under the age of 6?

But, as something to give you all for stopping by and reading, I decided to give you the lyrics to one of my all-time favorite songs. This is one that I come back to time and time again when I'm hurting in life and the words comfort me. Just knowing that usually when you're walking through that storm in life, you can be assured that God is using it to strengthen you and prepare you for something better!

Bring the Rain
by Mercy Me

I can count a million times

People asking me how I

Can praise You with all that I've gone through

The question just amazes me

Can circumstances possibly

Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed

Long before these rainy days

It's never really ever crossed my mind

To turn my back on you, oh Lord

My only shelter from the storm

But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray

Bring me joy, bring me peace

Bring the chance to be free

Bring me anything that brings You glory

And I know there'll be days

When this life brings me pain

But if that's what it takes to praise You

Jesus, bring the rain

I am Yours regardless of

The dark clouds that may loom above

Because You are much greater than my pain

You who made a way for me

By suffering Your destiny

So tell me what's a little rain

So I pray Holy, holy, holy

Is the Lord God Almighty

Here's the link to hear the song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

Living Frugal ~ Homemade Hair Conditioner

2009-03-29T19:31:00.004-04:00

In trying to get tips on how to live frugal, I looked up tonight on how to make hair detangler/frizz control for girl's hair and all you have do is once you have an empty spray bottle (I'm using an empty hair detangler bottle that I just ran out of):

Fill 2/3 with water
Fill 1/3 with hair conditioner of your choice
Before each use, shake well and then spray!

A lot cheaper than paying $3 a bottle at the store!

Fighting...and making up!

2009-03-28T10:38:00.003-04:00

This picture shows two cute little boys smiling for the camera doesn't it!? But what it doesn't show is that they are actually holding hands because they've been bickering and fighting ALL morning so I finally gave them a timeout sitting next to each other so that their bodies had to be touching and they had to hold hands. I made them pose for this picture so that I can print it out and hang it in their room to show them how they need to act. Do I think it will work, NO...but it sounded good at the time and the boys bought it!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-03-26T15:32:00.003-04:00

Outside my window...another beautiful afternoon but now the buds on the trees and the flowers are starting to bloom which is a wonderful sight!
I am thinking...that I need to get me and the kids on some sort of routine on Thursday and Friday while I'm off. I haven't gotten much done these past couple of weeks!
I am thankful for...Kevin. Our love for each other, after almost 10 years of marriage, is still intact and as he said Tuesday night, we equal each other out.
From the kitchen...baked chicken, broccoli and rice. I'm also going to make muffins tonight for the kids for breakfast tomorrow morning.
I am wearing...black knit capri's; brown shirt with a white shirt underneath and my flip flops! As always, I'm about comfort!
I am reading...Confessions of an Irritable Mother; Christianity 101, Chapter 4 for my bible study.
I am hoping...that Kevin's and I work situations take a turn for the better very SOON! Please pray for us as things are going to get really tough here soon but God promises to watch over us and take care of our needs (not our wants) and so my faith is unwaivering.
I am creating...still nothing although the ambition is there...going to look up ideas for a baby rag quilt this afternoon.
I am hearing...Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie playing. It's 3:30 pm and Caden finally persuaded me to let him watch a few cartoons. We make it through most of the day without television as I prefer that the kids use their imagination to play or do a craft or be outside!
A few plans for the rest of the week...Kevin is OFF this weekend! Wahoo! The weatherman is predicting rain and snow flurries and so I'm sure most of the time will be spent inside but that's okay...Kevin hasn't been home on a weekend in about 4 weeks and so we're thrilled. We have church on Sunday as well as our Life Group that afternoon unless I can persuade Kevin to try the Saturday night service!

Another Visit From the Tooth Fairy!

2009-03-25T21:18:00.005-04:00

Tooth #4 came out today...his upper left tooth finally! This one has been hanging in there forever it seems, but I knew this week it would come out because of how "wiggly" it's been. I picked Samuel up from school tonight and he came running out showing me that he lost it...he was so excited! When I asked him where the tooth was, his response was "oh mom, I lost it in the lunch room"...he didn't even realize it had come out until he felt the empty hole with his tongue!

Let's Sew...

2009-03-20T21:36:00.002-04:00

So if you've been reading some of my THURSDAY THOUGHTS you may have noticed that I mentioned I would like to try my hand at making a small purse for Isabella. I had already found a pattern but tonight, while the boys were playing the Wii, I've been browsing various blogs and found a link to a supercute purse made with just fat quarters! How divine! Here's the link below to see how cute this purse is:

http://madebyrae.blogspot.com/2009/02/free-buttercup-bag-sewing-pattern.html

I think I will try my hand at making this purse in a "regular" size using these directions and then maybe make a smaller version for Isabella.

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-03-19T15:05:00.004-04:00

Outside my window...it's a beautiful afternoon with the warm sun shining through the house!
I am thinking...that I need to go wake up Isabella from her nap soon...got her down late but I also don't want her to sleep too late either!
I am thankful for...that God provides when you trust! Kevin got a part-time job last night and although I hate it that he has to work another job, I am also thankful that it seems to work well with his schedule and the location and so God is looking out for him and us.
From the kitchen...I'm ashamed to admit it but we're having frozen pizza tonight! We did a bit of grocery shopping today and they were on sale...I couldn't resist the convenience of it all, especially when Kevin is working late tonight.
I am wearing...grey knit capri's and a white tshirt and black flip-flops...very comfy!
I am reading...Confessions of an Irritable Mother; Christianity 101, Chapter 4 for my bible study.
I am hoping...that I can get really good at "couponing". I've always cut them out but now with our finances being as they are, I need to get as good as those women that you see on the news who bought $150 worth of groceries for 39 cents! ha!
I am creating...still nothing although the ambition is there...going to look up ideas for a baby rag quilt this afternoon.
I am hearing...Caden sharpening a pencil. He's practicing the writing of A-B-C.
One of my favorite things...the thought that spring is just around the corner!
A few plans for the rest of the week...none really for Friday but Saturday we have a son of a friend who is turning the big "1" and so we are going to his party; Sunday, I have to volunteer in the nursery during service and then go to our Life Group. That's about it.

RedBox Free Code for Wednesday!

2009-03-18T11:14:00.001-04:00

For all of you "redboxers" out there, here's the FREE movie code for Wednesday only:

GTL456

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T09:36:00.006-04:00

St. Patrick, the holy and tutular man
His beard down his bosom like Aaron's ran:
Some from Scotland, some from Wales, will declare that he came,
But I care not from whence now he's risen to fame;
The pride of the world and his enemies scorning
I will drink to St. Patrick, today in the Morning!

He's a desperate big, little Erin go brah;
He will pardon our follies and promise us joy,
By the mass, by the Pope, by St. Patrick so long
As I live, I will give him a beautiful song!
No saint is so good, Ireland's country adorning:
Then hail to St. Patrick, today, in the morning!

(Traditional Song)

Bring in the Clowns!

2009-03-13T19:00:00.013-04:00

Last weekend, Kevin's parents were so generous and took the WHOLE family to the circus! It was the Murat Shrine circus held at the State Fairgrounds and what a FUN time we had. It had been YEARS since us adults in the family had gone to the circus and for me personally, I know it was been close to at least 30! For the kids, this was their very first time and boy were they excited. We didn't tell them we were going until the night before so we wouldn't hear about it all week prior to going!

The kids had cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones and I believe this was Isabella's first time eating cotton candy!

We saw the elephants, lions and tigers perform which the kids loved! It was fun to see all the activity and the kids had such a wonderful time watching everything!

Thanks Jean and Tom for a wonderful evening full of fun and laughter
and new memories! The kids will always remember this night!

THURSDAY THOUGHTS!

2009-03-12T09:02:00.004-04:00

Outside my window...the sun slowly warming up a 25 degree morning!
I am thinking... that I need to fix myself a cup of coffee and start cleaning the house!
I am thankful for... my sister. We had a speaker last night at church about the importance of relationships without anything being in the way and I have that with her...I'm myself!
From the kitchen...baked chicken, some sort of noodle or rice side dish and a veggie.
I am wearing... black pants; Green Bay Packers shirt (no comments) and a white long sleeve shirt underneath.
I am reading...Confessions of an Irritable Mother; Christianity 101, Chapter 4 for my bible study
I am hoping...that God gives me patience and understanding with my current work situation.
I am creating...still nothing although I want to do the purse for Isabella and then "thinking" about starting on a baby quilt for a friend of mine whose baby is due in June...will need to start on that one soon!
I am hearing...Caden playing the Wii and Isabella playing with her baby dolls!
One of my favorite things...the thought that spring is just around the corner!
A few plans for the rest of the week... Lunch with my dad and sister on Friday; Birthday party for the kids on Saturday; Family coming over Saturday night to celebrate Isabella's 2nd birthday; Church and Life Group on Sunday...I love being busy on the weekend during these colder months!

Easter Candy!

2009-03-10T14:14:00.001-04:00

Every Easter, the Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs comeout and these are my absolute favorite! They taste different somehow than a "regular" Reese's cup that you can buy year-round (not my favorite) because the peanut butter is a bit thicker somehow. Last week, Kevin came with not only one but TWO KING sized peanut butter eggs...oh how they were divine! It took about 3 sessions for me to eat one after dinner because they are so rich but oh soooo good. So for all you Easter candy lovers out there, be on the lookout for these!

Happy Birthday Isabella!

2009-03-09T09:27:00.005-04:00

What a joy Isabella is to our family and I just can't believe that my baby is 2 today! Isabella just makes us laugh each day, has such a sweet personality, and just completes our family!

Character, Not Comfort!

2009-02-27T15:32:00.012-05:00

Romans 5:3-5

"We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hears with his love."

My paster said not too many weeks ago, that God is more interested in our character, not our comfort. Kevin and I now certainly have a character test before us...yesterday, I was informed that effective next week, I would be working a 3-day work week with a 40% pay cut...yes, ladies and gentlemen, 40%. To put it in to perspective for all you work folk, just imagine pretty much one of your paychecks being taken away each month. While the prospect of having two days off each week sounds absolutely divine, Kevin and I do have responsibilities that we are committed to, namely the three main subjects of this blog, our little mini-me's.

Because of our faith in God and knowing that he has plans for us, I am not "freaking out" and I know that Kevin and I will get through this and come out better on the other side. He and I have to quickly make some changes in our lifestyle along with making some hard decisions about our work situations. Because of this, please add us to your prayer list...that we will remain patient and we will listen to God and follow the plans that He already has for us.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

"I wear my sunglasses at night..."

2009-02-26T13:37:00.009-05:00

So I walk into the boys bedroom this past Monday night to check on them before I headed to bed myself and I see Samuel with his sunglasses on, sleeping soundly!! I got the biggest kick out of this and had to go grab my camera! I asked him the next morning why he fell asleep with his glasses on and his response was simply "it's too bright"! It's at Samuel's request that we keep the closet light on as well as a fake fish aquarium light on as well! Too funny!

And never to let his bigger brother get the best of him, the next night I walk in to check on them and there is Caden with the same pair on but what I thought was super cute is how he has his "Curious George" monkey laying on his shoulder!

MY NEW FAVORITE THING

2009-02-20T20:50:00.007-05:00

For those of you who like "scents" in your home, you will love my new favorite thing...a "reed air freshner"! I like plug-in air freshners that you plug in to an outlet or squirts out at timed intervals but I just hate paying the price for the "replacements" that go in them and feel as though for what you pay, they don't last long enough! I've seen these freshners in the store, in a wide variety of scents, but just wasn't sure about them. So, I decided to give it a go and I bought a set of two for $10 with one scent being "cinammon-raisin" for the kitchen/living room area and then the second sent is a "honey" scent, which I put upstairs. The glass bottle is filled with "oil" and then bamboo "reeds" are placed down in the oil so that the scent filters up through the reeds into the air. They are supposed to last 90 days and so that is about $1.70 per month...not bad! Also, for those of you with children, this is a good alternative to burning candles in the home.

Thursday Thoughts

2009-02-17T11:09:00.005-05:00

Outside my window... bright sunny skies but cold, cold air!
I am thinking... that I need to start updating my blog more often!
I am thankful for... my healthy children. A young son of a work acquaintance died last night and it makes my heart very heavy for him and his wife.
From the kitchen... not sure tonight...we have a doctor's appointment this evening and so it may just be a "to-each-it's-own" sort-of-deal!
I am wearing... black pants; green cable-knit sweater and pink shirt underneath.
I am reading... Cold Tangerines (still); Christianity 101, Chapter 2 for my bible study
I am hoping... to finish Cold Tangerines this weekend...not a great book but I do want to "finish" it.
I am creating... nothing at the moment although I've been poking around various sites to see what strikes my fancy to make and saw instructions today for a cute little purse to make Isabella!
I am hearing... "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban on the radio.
Around the house... spring cleaning has begun! I know it's not spring but it will be by the time I get done, what with working full-time and having 3 kids!
One of my favorite things... Caden's sweetness...I'm so glad that he's still my little "boy". He's only 5 but he is still so sweet and cute and not in a rush to "grow up".
A few plans for the rest of the week... Doctor's appointment tonight with Samuel's psychiatrist for "us as parents" so that we can be better equipped to deal with his ADHD & ODD; Nursery duty Sunday at church — otherwise, NO plans this weekend...feels odd! Probably continue to work more on "cleaning" up/out the upstairs!

Better Than Anything Cake!

2009-02-13T16:19:00.004-05:00

I was looking online for a recipe to take to my ladies get-together at church earlier this week and came across this yummy cake recipe! It is so good and after tasting, I decided to share it all with you!

Better Than Anything Cake
• 1 German Chocolate Cake Mix
• 14 ounce can Sweetened Condensed Milk
• Small jar of Caramel or Butterscotch Ice Cream Topping
• Large tub of Frozen Whipped Topping, thawed
• Bag of Heath Toffee Chips/Bits

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake cake as directed on package in 13" x 9" pan. Cool 15 minutes. Poke top of cake with handle of wooden spoon or something small & round. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over top of cake and let stand until it has been absorbed into cake. Drizzle 3/4 caramel topping over this. Cover and refrigerate to cool. Sprinkle 1/2-3/4 bag of the Toffee Chips over the cake. Spread whipped topping over this. Sprinkle with the rest of the toffee chips and drizzle with caramel for decoration.

This is best made the night before so that everything can soak in!

Valentine's with Chunky Crayons!

2009-02-13T16:03:00.006-05:00

This year, we decided to make our own Valentine's for the kids to give to their classmates! I read on the internet, an idea to make chunky semi-homemade heart crayons and I thought how fun this would be for us to do as a craft and for the kids to take pride in what they were giving away! These were so easy to make and even Isabella was able to join in the fun!

To make them in any shape, you need broken up crayons (Crayola works the best from what I'm told) and you take off the paper wrapping, break up into chunks (if not already broken) and then you place them in your mold. I found these cute little heart-shaped ones at Target for $2.50 for 2! You then want to stick them in a warmed oven at 200 degrees and let sit on the top rack for about 10 minutes, checking ever so often. (I did mine over the course of two nights after I had cooked dinner in the oven, I just turned off the oven and stuck these in!) Take out and let cool. Because these were silicone molds, I was able to pop them right out! To make the card, I just printed out the "Valentine, you COLOR my world" and then glued it on to pink cardstock. We then used "burger glue" or rubber dots to secure the hearts to the card! Voila!

We thought they came out so cute and the boys were so excited to give them out. The signed the back side as to who they went to and who they were from! Here's the finished product:

Thursday Thoughts!

2009-02-05T19:45:00.002-05:00

Outside my window... cold, cold temperatures & evening has arrived
I am thinking... that I need to read the chapters for my Sunday bible study
I am thankful for... a God who is ever-forgiving
From the kitchen... shrimp alfredo with fettucine
I am wearing... grey sweatpants and a long-sleeve white tshirt; very comfy!
I am reading... Cold Tangerines; Christianity 101 for my bible study
I am hoping... that God will provide me with greater patience
I am creating... a Valentines "tree" tonight from a pink Christmas tree I found on clearance.
I am hearing... the water running as my wonderful husband does dishes.
Around the house... Samuel is upstairs playing games; Caden is watching TV; Isabella is playing with her doll stroller
One of my favorite things... kisses and hugs from Isabella I got tons of earlier tonight!
A few plans for the rest of the week... sign the boys up for YMCA summer daycamp; make broken crayon "hearts" for the boys to give as Valentine's; church on Sunday

Snow Day!

2009-01-28T06:59:00.007-05:00

It's another "snow" day for the kids...we received 10" of snow between yesterday afternoon and this morning and so these are some pictures showing the snow! Today is another free-for-all for the kids...let the toys fall where they may and we'll clean up later! Caden and Samuel ventured outside to make snow angels and play in snow drifts...they lasted about an hour because it's still cold outside, about 20 degrees right now.

Meeting Jesus is going to be so much fun!

2009-01-26T19:32:00.013-05:00

Caden and I were singing "One Way" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuN2xmdoL84) on the way home from daycare tonight and we just happen to pass a cemetary at a stop sign. Here's our conversation:

Caden: Mommy, that's where dead people are, right?
Beth: That's where they bury your body when you die.
Caden: Soooo...is that heaven?
Beth: No, Heaven is where Jesus is and a cemetary is somewhere were they just put your body. You will go meet God when you die.
Caden: That is going to be SO MUCH FUN...I can't wait until we fly up to meet Jesus. Will He come to get me?
Beth: If he doesn't, I'm sure an angel will take you to meet Him.
Caden: Will the angel carry me?
Beth: I think he'll probably just take your hand but I'm not for sure.
Caden: It's still going to be REALLY FUN!

It makes me proud to know that my kids are "getting it". The boys have not asked Jesus to be their "forever friend" yet at ages 6 and 5 but I know we're getting close. I love talking to them in the car about Jesus and the bible because I know I have their attention for the most part...it's a great time for us to have these conversations that may only last 2-3 minutes at best but are such IMPORTANT conversations that you have to make the most of those precious opportunities.

We're BORED Mom!

2009-01-24T15:39:00.004-05:00

So earlier this week, I had been looking around the internet, finding fun crafts for the boys to do with things we had on hand at home. I printed out the directions, filed them away for a time which would present itself. So this morning, Samuel told me that he wanted to do crafts today! I was READY! So after I put Isabella down, we get to work, I grab the ideas I had gotten from earlier this week, grabbed the materials and we were going to make "stained glass window" designs! Well, we got 5 minutes in to it and the boys were pouting and I'm like "what's wrong"? Visions of adorable designs quickly vanishing out of my mind and they look at me and say "we just want to paint"! It's the simple things in life...it's funny that we think that we have to have all these "great ideas" to keep children occupied and pretty much, just give them the "basics" and they're happy! So here are the boys, doing their "crafts" today!

It's 30 degrees outside Kevin!

2009-01-24T09:28:00.005-05:00

If you know Kevin, you know that one of his life's passions is cooking on the outdoor grill! We've had a slight winter heatwave here in Indiana the past few days, where it's been in the 40's during the day! Because of this, last night, Kevin got the urge to grill...problem was, by the time we got home, got settled and then got everything ready to grill, the temps outside had fallen to 30 degrees! Kevin didn't let that stop him...he added some layers and headed out! I thought he was crazy but I have to admit, eating brats, cheeseburgers and corn-on-the-cob from the grill in January was a nice treat!!

Caden Turns 5!

2009-01-23T20:05:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby boy! Caden turned 5 this past Saturday, January 17th, and for his birthday, instead of having a party, he wanted to go to PinHeads, our local bowling alley and entertainment center! Grandma and Papa Brown, along with Uncle Dan, met us beforehand for lunch at Fazoli's (Caden's favorite food is pasgetti, as he pronounces it) and then we all headed over to do some bowling. The following is a video, demonstrated by Caden, on how to obtain a "spare"!

Snow Day & Dinosaurs!

2009-01-16T13:32:00.004-05:00

Today was a "stay-at-home" day for the kids. Because the temperatures are so low...something like -20 with the windchill, school was called off and the daycare lost their electricity. So, we're all warm and cozy inside the house and the boys have decided to pull out every toy they own. Here are the dinosaurs that they haven't played with, seriously, in probably six months at least! I was thinking about giving them away before today but now, they keep making their way around our living room in "groups". The boys move them inches at a time, with a few getting "eaten" by the bigger dinosaurs! Oh to be a boy!

Cupcake Crazy!

2009-01-15T22:16:00.004-05:00

It's Caden's 5th birthday on Saturday the 17th, and so for him and all his daycare friends, I made soccer cupcakes for him to take for "snack time". Caden is so excited to turn "5"...such a big age for a little guy! Anyway, I thought the cupcakes turned out cute and so took a quick snapshot. Look for birthday pictures soon!

Farewell to Football!

2009-01-10T15:37:00.003-05:00

A tribute to the NFL football season! Both the teams that we yelled and screamed for, with true devotion, are now out of the playoffs (well, one team never made it) but I still thought I would post this cute pic of Kevin and Jean as a farewell to the football season! Kevin and I will now cheer for the Giants to win the game...since Peyton couldn't come through, we'll cheer on Eli!

Sorry for the delay...

2008-12-29T14:38:00.003-05:00

I tried to post the day after Christmas but I think the internet was just getting too much activity and I couldn't upload any pictures or make a post. I gave up and decided to wait it out a few days before I put up all the pictures from Christmas! I posted 4 or 5 new entries today and so happy reading!! Happy New Year to you all!

Christmas Day!!

2008-12-29T14:24:00.006-05:00

What a fun Christmas this was! Samuel was the first one up at 5:05 am and came in and said "Mommy, I'm ready" and I promptly told him that "I'm not, it's too early, go back to bed" and believe it or not, he listened! So the second time he woke up was around 7:45 am and that, we could deal with! The kids rushed down stairs with screams and excitement and while they all opened their stockings, we got some coffee brewing!

Santa came through this year and the boys each got their Nintendo DS game systems that they had just been "dying" for and Isabella got her baby dolls, which she can't get enough of! Below are a few of the pictures taken Christmas morning!

This is what the kids saw when they came down the stairs...lots & lots of presents!!

Samuel opening his Dallas Cowboy's Tony Romo figurine! A boy after his father's heart!

Caden taking inventory of all the Nintendo DS games he had received thus far and checking out his new Wall-E oversize coloring book!

Isabella and her first American Girl baby doll! I foresee a lot of these in our future!

Isabella playing with the guitar that Uncle Roy and Aunt Jo-Jo sent!

Quilt for my Dad!!

2008-12-29T14:20:00.003-05:00

As promised, here's a picture of my father opening his quilt on Christmas Day! At first, he thought that it was store-bought and we had to explain to him that I had been working on it for a few months!! I think he liked it!

Santa AND The Tooth Fairy!

2008-12-29T14:17:00.004-05:00

This year, we had BIG activity going on in our house because we had BOTH Santa and the Tooth Fairy visit within a 24-hour time frame! Because Samuel lost his tooth on Christmas Day, The Tooth Fairy made it a special occasion by leaving $5!!

Christmas Eve at The Children's Museum

2008-12-29T14:10:00.003-05:00

Christmas Eve, I had the day off of work and the kids were out of school and daycare. The Children's Museum was offering free admission that day and so my mother and I dared to go among the crowd and keep the children busy! As soon as we arrived, the boys were excited because there was a cutout of a "Lego Construction Man" warning everyone of the construction that is currently underway! The boys LOVE lego's and I'm sure somewhere in the house, we have a Lego man that just looks like the one they are standing next to!

Once inside, we managed to spend 2-1/2 hours looking around at all the exhibits the museum offers but we especially spent quite a bit of time in the "dinosaur" portion of the museum. My mother was helping put together a magnetic puzzle of dinosaur fossils while Isabella tried on a costume that she wasn't too happy with!

After the museum, we met my sister for lunch and enjoyed time visiting and exchanging presents with my mother!

The Elf on the Shelf

2008-12-16T10:38:00.004-05:00

Meet "Eddie"...our very own elf! Santa delivered him to us last night... I opened the front door to plug in the outdoor Christmas lights and there sat the packaged "delivered from the North Pole". The boys were instantly curious as to what could be in the box and once I told them that it was from the "North Pole"...their little eyes lit up with excitement and curiosity! To explain what The Elf on the Shelf is, when you order this, you get a box set containing one "vintage" looking elf and a book explaining what the elf is for. He has a job. During the holiday season, this elf is assigned to watch over your family and report back to Santa each night about who has been naughty or nice that day. By morning, he's back, but he's usually in a different place in the house for a daily hide-and-seek ritual. As a family, we decided on his name of "Eddie" as that is one of the instructions in the book and at the back of the book, there is a space to write the family name, the elf name and the date the family tradition began! Sooo cute! After the boys went to bed last night, Kevin moved him to the top of the curtain rod in the living room and this morning when the boys woke up, they instantly jumped out of bed and went looking!!

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-16T10:32:00.004-05:00

This past Sunday, the boys wanted to make Christmas cookies and so out came the dough and flour! The boys had a lot of fun making trees, crosses, hearts, stars and a horrible, horrible mess but as well all know, nothing that a broom, soap and water can't clean up! Isabella just sat in the chair and watched all the excitement as the boys cut out their cookies but she took her turn at playing with the baking utensils after the boys were finished. We didn't end up icing the cookies...by the time they were done baking, the boys were on to bigger and better things, such as Playstation, but they still tasted good just as a plain ol' sugar cookie!

Con"grad"ulations Kevin!!

2008-12-16T10:04:00.003-05:00

I'm so proud and happy for Kevin!...he received his Bachelor's Degree last week in the mail! I'm so proud of him at age 35, to make his dream come true of getting his degree and being an inspiration for his children by showing them if you have a goal and work hard, you can obtain it! Kevin started school at the University of Phoenix about 3 years ago but took a year off...that pesky thing called "life" sometimes tends to get in the way! But, he didn't that stop him and he went back and finished the classes he needed and achieved his goal and dream! Congratulations Kevin!

Bows for Isabella!

2008-12-07T20:10:00.002-05:00

I've been wanting to try to make bows for Isabella's hair myself, instead of paying outrageous amounts for each of them, and so today, I put my crafting skills to the test! I had already bought some ribbons and flowers and so I downloaded some instructions on-line, grabbed my glue gun and supplies and made 5 of them (shown above). While they aren't the greatest, I am pleased with my first-time in making them. I have a lot more ribbon and so I'm sure with practice, I'll get better!

Christmas Quilt for Dad: Update #4

2008-12-05T19:01:00.003-05:00

I am happy to report that the quilt I am making for my father as a Christmas gift is FINALLY FINISHED! Below are a couple of pics of the finished product with one being a closeup to show you how the edges get the "rag" name. I am so happy with the way that the quilt and the edges turned out and can't wait to give it to him come Christmas! I'll make sure to post a couple of pictures opening/holding the quilt!

Christmas ~ 1970

2008-12-04T10:29:00.005-05:00

This is a picture of my sister and I many years ago! We are thinking that it was 1970, where I would have been 1-1/2 and Wendy would have been been 6. Look how sweet and innocent Wendy looks — it makes me chuckle every time I look at this picture! If you look at the post below of Isabella's reaction when she saw Santa, I think she gets that from her mama!

Visit with Santa!

2008-11-30T21:44:00.001-05:00

Pretty much, the picture speaks for itself! ha!

Christmas Quilt for Dad; Update #3

2008-11-28T23:21:00.008-05:00

While most people spent their day shopping for presents, I was busy working on a present...my father's Christmas gift. My "goal", if you've been following along, was to have my father's quilt finished by Thanksgiving. Sadly, I must report that I have not met my goal, but I am close! Below is a picture of the quilt all sewn together! I now must start the tedious task of "clipping" all the seams so that when I wash and dry it, they will frey and the reason why it's called a "rag quilt". Tonight, I started clipping the seams and it took me about one hour to do 2-1/2 rows and so it will easily be another week before I get this done. But stay tuned for the next update...it will be the finished product!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T23:36:00.007-05:00

We had a really nice and relaxing Thanksgiving this year. Wednesday night, my dad and my sister Wendy and her boyfriend, Darrell, came over for dinner. We enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, corn, green beans, etc. and Kevin got the honors of carving the turkey! Before and after dinner, we played the Wii and my dad had never played before. Because he is an avid golfer, we figured we would let him try a game that we know that he's good at! He really had a lot of fun playing and got in to the "swing" of things!

Thanksgiving day, we went to Kevin's parent's house and enjoyed a nice relaxing day with a wonderful tasting spread of food. We all watched the movie Wall-E after lunch and then the "boys" went outside to play a little touch, and sometimes tackle, football. Isabella decided she wanted to help Grandma clean up after dinner and took her job of putting the silver ware into the dishwasher very seriously! We, of course, watched the football games on TV as well and just had a nice day talking and relaxing. I was thankful that Kevin didn't have to work this year and could spend the day with family.

The 8 Things Tag

2008-11-23T21:03:00.004-05:00

Melissa, my girlfriend from work, tagged me in her blog, meaning I had to answer these list questions! Enjoy getting to know a little bit more about me!

8 TV shows I love to watch:
1. The Amazing Race
2. Lost
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. NFL Football
5. Jon & Kate Plus 8
6. Deadliest Catch
7. Channel 13 News
8. 20/20

8 Favorite Places to Eat:
1. Cancun
2. Bazbeaux Pizza
3. PF Changs
4. Jimmy John's
5. MacAlister's
6. Qdoba
7. Blimpie
8. Palamino

8 Things That Happened Today (in order):
1. Took a shower
2. Got dressed
3. Went to church & worked in the preschool class
4. Ate a ham sandwich and popcorn for lunch with the kids
5. Raked leaves with the boys while Isabella napped
6. Went to Target to get a few Christmas gifts
7. Went to Meijer for groceries
8. Watched the Colts play!

8 Things I Look Forward To:
1. Thanksgiving holiday
2. Christmas holiday
3. Snow (don't hate me but I love it!)
4. 3 days off of work this week!
5. Dedicating Isabella at church on Dec. 14th
6. Watching my children grow
7. Spending my life with Kevin
8. Getting to see Audrey, my first-born daughter, when I get to heaven

8 Things on My Wish List:
1. Nikon D-80 Camera
2. Laptop computer
3. To go shopping for just a few new outfits
4. Go to Paris with Kevin (no kids)
5. Lose 75 more pounds!
7. Bigger home
8. Live a long healthy life!

8 (well, 1) People I Want to Tag:
1. Molly & Kelly
2. I don't think I know anyone else who blogs...!

K+ Family Night gets an A+

2008-11-22T22:44:00.010-05:00

Friday night was "Family Night" at Samuel's school for those children who attend the K+ program. Because our county does not have full-day kindergarten, the YMCA sponsers a program called K+, which is basically an extension of his kindergarten class, and they follow the same curriculum and he continues to learn.

For the family night, we weren't sure what to expect as Samuel had been tight-lipped about the night's activities, and so we pretty much only knew we were supposed to show up! We started the evening by doing a scavenger hunt. We were given a sheet with questions in which we had to ask Samuel and it was his job to find things in the classroom which gave us the answer. It was very creative because the answers he had to give/show us allowed us to have insight as to the activities he does during his day while in K+. We then went into the school cafeteria, had a light dinner and watched the kids perform a poem and two songs. Below is a picture of him in his classroom and then a short video of the class performing a song about a turkey trying to run away so that he wouldn't get eaten on Thanksgiving day! Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Wendy!!

2008-11-13T22:56:00.006-05:00

Wednesday, November 12, was Wendy, my sister's birthday! Wendy is such a blessing in my life and I am so fortunate to not only call her my sister, but my best friend. She is my voice of reason, one who knows where in life I've been and where I need to go. Everyone should have one person in their life where they can go to get good, solid, grounded advice and she is that person for me! Happy Birthday Wendy...I love you!!

Kevin's 15 minutes of FAME!

2008-11-07T10:19:00.006-05:00

While working at the CVS in Muncie, Kevin befriend Patrick O'Brian, who works as a professional firefighter, but also enjoys writing both arson mysteries and horror novels in his spare time. He asked Kevin to "pose" as the detective character for his latest book, the Ghosts of West Baden and so Kevin made it on to the "back" cover of the book (front middle)! The book is due to be published, printed and released this month or next. Click on the image if you want to see it larger!

West Baden Springs, Indiana IS a real place and according to an internet search, things occur around there that cannot be scientifically explained. Not everybody trusts in the reports the folks who live here tell, but only some of the residents of West Baden Springs are alive.

These are some of the spooky things that have happened there recently:

A beheaded lady is frequently perceived being carried by a camel by a highway close to West Baden Springs.

The phantom of an adolescent girl can frequently be distinguished on the highest spot of Mount Airie in the early morning hours examining the view.

A person with a skeleton face sporting murky robes can be distinguished repeatedly marching through a residence near West Baden Springs.

A woman having an axe in her head has now and then been distinguished hauling a headbone in Barnheisel Hollow on a dark night. Nevertheless, it without a doubt is a creepy ghost that is rather not disrupted.

A wandering spirit is once in a while perceived pulling a body from the chilly water of Dry Branch at the stroke of midnight.

Wordless Wednesday!

2008-11-05T06:37:00.000-05:00

Christmas Quilt for Dad, UPDATE #2

2008-11-02T22:49:00.002-05:00

Slowly but surely, I'm getting there with the quilt I'm making for my father! I've been slacking in my sewing but was able to sit down Saturday night and get some time in, what with the time change. I'm currently sewing all the individual blocks together and starting to form rows...how motivating to start seeing it coming together and resembling a pattern. I still have quite a bit of way to go but my goal is to have it done by Thanksgiving. Check back to see if I do it!

What pretty teeth you have!

2008-11-02T20:28:00.001-05:00

Because of the time change on Sunday, we found ourselves having plenty of "extra" time before church started and so I walked in to the kitchen to see Isabella trying to figure out the boys "wax fangs" they had received Halloween night. I quickly grabbed my camera in time to catch her still with them in her mouth!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T20:19:00.001-05:00

What a perfect Halloween night! You have to love good ol' Indiana, where it was freezing temperatures at the beginning of the week, but come Friday night, it was clear and balmy! The kids didn't even have to wear jackets. The boys dressed at Ninja's and Isabella as a princess although she wouldn't wear her crown...we were lucky to get any pictures of her with it on her head! Grandma participated in the fun as well and dressed up, makeup, balloons and all, as a happy clown! I made treat bags for all the trick-or-treaters and because of this, was able to count that we had 96 kids come to our front door asking for candy! It was fun to see everyone dressed in their costumes. Ninja's and Spiderman was the popular choice for the boys and the favorite for the girl's, stilled seemed to be a princess!

Fall in Indiana

2008-10-26T22:16:00.001-04:00

Russell Farms ~ Noblesville, Indiana

Today we came as a family to their pumpkin patch and I decided to take a few scenery shots. It was a beautiful fall day, a little windy, but otherwise just perfect to take in the simple beauty that God gives us and we sometimes take for granted.

Caden's little face...

2008-10-24T10:55:00.001-04:00

I was looking through photos from earlier this year and found this one of Caden, taken in August. I just think he looks so cute and it's just a good picture showing his cute little face that I'm fortunate enough to get to see everyday!

An apple a day...

2008-10-13T20:20:00.001-04:00

Last weekend we went with our good friends Kim, Kirk and their daughter Kindahl (see video a few posts down), to Tuttle's Apple Orchard in Greenfield. We spent a few hours letting the kids play in the kid area, enjoying each other's company and picking apples off the trees! Our family alone came home with 13 pounds of apples!! Because of this, I've been playing around with different apple recipes for cakes, pies and apple crisp and the boys have had their fill of apples and caramel dip!

Caden reaching his "goal"

2008-10-13T19:55:00.000-04:00

The boys play soccer through a church ministry and although they are there to play soccer, they also have a short devotional inbetween practicing and playing a game. One of their "goals" of the soccer season is to learn a verse by the time the season is over. This is Caden reciting his verse....

John 14:6
Jesus answered, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one goes to the Father except through me."

Five Little Pumpkins...

2008-10-05T22:01:00.000-04:00

Saturday, we met our good friends Kim, Kirk, and their little girl Kindahl, at Tuttle's Apple Orchard in Greenfield (pics to come later). We were standing in line to buy the kids some "pumpkin suckers" and she started singing a really cute pumpkin song. I got her to sing it again and caught it with my camera video rolling! So sit back and enjoy!

All I want for Christmas...

2008-10-05T21:44:00.000-04:00

...is my two front "lower" teeth! I'm sure by the time Christmas rolls around, his new teeth will be starting to come in but I just can't help myself from singing it. This weekend was a big one for Samuel! His first tooth came out Saturday after getting hit in the mouth with a football...it was super loose to begin with and this was just the thing to get it to come out. I finally persuaded to let me have a good look at it and I reached in there and gave it a quick yank and out it came. The second tooth came out at some point late afternoon on Sunday after playing yet another game of football and wrestling and we're not sure where it is...somewhere in the backyard! Samuel was worried that the tooth fairy wouldn't come because he didn't have a tooth to put under the pillow but we wrote her a note explaining why!

Fire Safety!

2008-09-29T21:41:00.001-04:00

Every year, the township in which I works puts on a "Fire Safety Festival" for the kids. It's a wonderful event in which they have fire trucks for the kids to climb up in, safety courses when riding their bikes, a house that the kids go in to that simulates a fire and how to get out, a tent where they give free bike helmets and they also give free lunch as well! How good can it get! This was our third year in going because the boys just love it and this year, Grandma and Papa decided to come along as well! The boys participated in an obstacle course where they had to dress up like fireman and then do the course to save a "baby" and then run over to a wood house and put it out with a real firehouse (held by a fireman but they boys "helped"). I love these pictures of the boys in their "uniforms" and especially the one of Samuel where he looks like he's just spent a long day at work!

Samuel Turns SIX!

2008-09-29T21:19:00.000-04:00

This was the first year that we let Samuel have a group of friends over for his birthday and so the main friends from our street came over...11 kids total! He had a "Star Wars" theme and so some of the games included a "Jedi Training Course" and "Pin The Part on R2D2". We had pizza and cake and it was a successful, chaotic, but fun 2 hour party. Glad it's over but it was worth it to see Samuel's happy little face the whole time!

How to view pictures larger...

2008-09-13T22:09:00.000-04:00

If you want to see the pictures in a larger format, just click on them and they'll open full size and then you can hit your "back" button to get back!

FUN day in the MUD!

2008-09-13T21:56:00.000-04:00

What a fun day for Samuel it was playing soccer this morning! We got to the fields after a rainy Friday night and arrived to find dirt and water squishing underneath our feet. The games must go on and it made for a entertaining day watching the kids slip and slide around. If you look at the larger picture of Samuel standing, you can even see dirt on his face! By the time Caden played, his field was more dry and so the mud on him was minimal, hence no pictures! I felt a little bit of both sadness and joy at the same time...Caden so wanted to get dirty and have fun in the mud and so he was sad that he didn't get that much and it was joy for me for the fact that he didn't because I don't have to worry about trying to get the dirt out of his jersey and shorts as well! And to think we have pictures next week...this will be a true test to my laundry and stain fighting abilities! ha! Despite it all, both Samuel and Caden's teams won with Samuel scoring 6 goals and Caden, 5!

Chicken Pot Pie

2008-09-09T21:47:00.000-04:00

Last night I made my first "homemade" chicken pot pie and boy did it turn out good! Kevin ate half of it by himself! I was proud of it though and it was super easy to make and cheap as well and so a "keeper" for my recipe book. I got it from the Kraft Foods website but I altered it just a bit and so here's the recipe if anyone wants to try it:

~ Quick 'n Easy Chicken Pot Pie ~

2 refridgerated pie shells

2 cups cooked chopped chicken (I used a bit more & I boiled mine first)

1 can mixed vegetables

1 can green beans

1/2 cup milk (again, I used a bit more)

1 can (10 3/4) cream of chicken soup

~ Cooking Directions ~
Preheat oven to 375.
Take 1 pie shell and lay it flat in your pie dish.
Mix vegetables, milk and soup in mixing bowl.
Pour into pie shell.
Top with 2nd pie shell and pinch together.
Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until crust is done.

So how easy can it be with as few as ingredients as this has. We also had rolls to go along with this. I can't wait to make it this winter when a "comfort" food is what you need for a long, cold night! Enjoy!

Christmas Quilt for Dad UPDATE #1

2008-09-07T23:34:00.001-04:00

This weekend I finally finished cutting all the squares for the quilt I'm making my father for a Christmas present. I've spent total, about 7-8 hours just in cutting alone and so I felt a huge accomplishment in getting this first step out of the way. I believe I have about 180 squares of tan flannel, and approximately 90 squares each of the two plaids. I switched one of the original fabrics to the tan flannel to make it warm and cozy for our cold Indiana winters and I like the way it works better with the two blue plaids which have a hit on tan in it. So, the sewing part is next but I don't think I'll be able to get to it for another couple of weeks as we have soccer all day next Saturday and Samuel's big "6th" birthday party this upcoming weekend that I have to prepare for. Stay tuned for the next update...!