Things to Ponder

I've run across a couple of great quotes/thoughts lately that have really made me ponder, so I thought I would share :)

1. Kids don't do what you say, they do what you do.
• I love this for how true it is, but also hate it for how true it is.      
2. If you (or your kids) aren't exposed to it, you won't know what you're missing.
• This is SO TRUE!  Just an example, I grew up never having cable tv.  I have never seen an episode of the Brady Bunch or I Love Lucy or Bewitched, or all those other shows people use to watch.  I definitely didn't feel like I was missing out though.  Even now, since we cancelled our cable, people will say "Did you see that commercial for _____" and I just say, "No, we really don't watch much tv."  I use to see commercials for restaurants and think, oh that sounds good, and I really don't want to cook dinner anyways, so lets eat out!  I'm extra cautious about what my kids are exposed to, and I don't think that's a bad thing.
3. Children can't appreciate abundance unless they know what enough is.
• I think as parents we want to give our kids an abundance of everything, but it seems like it will only set them up for a life of discontentment.  If they are always given abundance, you are setting them up for an unappreciative heart.  If you define what is enough for your family, and stick to that, and every so often give abundantly, your kids will really appreciate abundance!
4. Teach children to find their identity in Christ, not things.
• All the Tim Tebow haters out there aren't going to like this reference, but, I think his parents did an exceptional job at this.  He is a Christ follower, then an NFL quarterback. 

Pink Shades

I have a habit of trying things on Allie, and while we were at Walmart this weekend, I couldn't resist these cute pink shades!  After I "awww"ed over her for a minute, I went to take the sunglasses off and the girl threw a down right bloody fit!  I had no intentions of buying them, but to hush her up, I put them back on her.  I know giving in to your kids evil screaming demands is on the Top 5 List of Things Not To Do as a parent, but the evil that just came out of her a minute ago was replaced with a big happy toothy smile.  She kept looking at Hayden, then me, then Hayden, then me all while smiling and being as content as an almost 18 month old girl could be.  I justified the purchase by telling myself she will need sunglasses for Florida (in MAY, and I know they will be lost or broke by then), but they make her happy, and I much prefer the happy smiling Allie to the screaming/shrieking Allie. 
P.S. The girl won't leave a bow in her hair!

Nip It!

We had a 1st with Allie this week.... she BIT for the 1st time!  Within about 3 minutes she bit Hayden two times!  (Can we say defiant!?)  Needless to say, I also started spanking her this week!  I hope we nipped that in the bud. 

The one on his leg was through his pants and actually ended up bruising!

Showing me her viscous teeth...

Singer Curvy

It's no secret I want to learn how to sew.  I have about a dozen projects I want to make, but with no sewing machine, and no idea how to sew, I needed to get the ball rolling.  I've looked at a few sewing machines recently.  The one that stood out to me was the Singer Curvy.  I was told it's very easy to use, and great for beginners.  Since I fit in that beginner category, I researched the machine a bit and was happy to find it had rave reviews.  Kevin insisted I go buy it this week, and I wasn't about to say no!

I was able to get the machine threaded all by myself.  It really is VERY to use!  I practiced some stitches, and sewing straight lines, but that's about the extent I've used it.  I'm taking a beginner class at Joanns and hope to be posting some fun things I make for my house and Allie :)

Happy Birthday Amy!

I was pregnant with Hayden and I always made fun of those scarves she wore in her hair!

Today is my BFF's birthday!  I have many funny funny stories I could share about her, buuuut I won't, not now anyways.  Here are some fun facts about her though:

1. We met at Bank of Evansville, where we both worked.
2. She has 3 adorable little boys.
3. She lives in Ft Branch and I feel like that's too far away!  I keep trying to convince her to move to Newburgh.
4. In the summer, she is the most tan person I know.  
5. She calls me Lily and in the summer constantly refers to my "lily a$$ white legs"
6. We use to not like eachother.  
1. I thought she was Pentecostal when I met her.  (She had permed hair and always wore long skirts). 
2. Our 1st day working together I don't think she spoke a word to me!
3. She referred to me as stuck up!
7. She likes Vera Bradly 
8. I want her to have a little girl!  I think she needs 4 kids, or 5 or 6, however many it takes for her to get that GIRL!
9. She makes fun of me for liking pandas, but if she ever has a little girl, I'm going to buy her panda EVERYTHING!
10. I was in the delivery room when she had her 3rd baby.  One of the neatest things ever!
11. She likes my sugar cookies
12. and my Tuxedo Brownies
13. She's catholic. Peace be with you.
14. We text each other multiples times a day at all hours of the day. 
15. She reminds me to blog if I haven't for a day or 2.
16. I really want to go on a vacation one day with her!
17. She always tells me TMI, and I do the same with her.
18. I looked to her for a lot of mothering advice when I first had Hayden.  
19. Our kids go to the same pediatrician.
20. She makes pretty flower arrangments
21. She has no problem telling me how things are (ex: My pink "diaper bag" she said looks like trash.)
22. I want her to quit her job and be a stay at home mom so we can have play dates.

Ok, that's all I can think of off the top of my head.  My life sure is more fun because she is in it!  Happy Birthday Amy!!!

Philippians

I've had a couple things on my mind lately. Usually that's not a problem, but these two things have caused me to lose my temper, bite my nails, and they both fill my mind with anger, fear, or worry. I was able to share some of these things with a dear friend today. She encouraged me and reminded me that the devil is behind these feelings. She suggested I read Philiappians. This "quiet time" today spoke right to my soul and helped erase all those negative feelings I have been having the last several days.

The first verse, Philippians 2: 3-5, spoke right to situation #1.  "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourself. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

The second verse, Philippians 4: 6-7, spoke right to situation #2.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Next time you are struggling with something, I would suggest reading Philippians! Bad attitude, and worry, and anger, and fear have been replaced by a peace that passes understanding.  My footnotes in my bible for the verse from Philippians 4 says, "God's peace is different from the world's peace.  True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings.  It comes from knowing that God is in control."  

Mud Room

If money were no object, I'd have this mud room/laundry room built on to my house!  I'm so envious of everyone that has a laundry room.  (Our washer and dryer are located in our garage.)

And a fun hidden kitty box!

Hayden's Picks

Hayden's favorite book he checked out from the library this week was Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake.  It's a cute book!  I don't think it's a series of books, but I wish it were! 

We've also been checking out movies frequently from Family Video.  I was really wanting to see Tangled, and I'm glad we checked it out b/c all 4 of us love it!  I went to return it today and ended up going to Target to buy it!  Hayden has been walking around with a red toy frying pan these days (we literally can't leave home with out it because we may "see some bad guys.").... and if you've seen the movie you'll get it :)

Vegetable Soup

I'm weird when it comes to soups (and most other foods, if I'm being honest).  I don't like a lot of liquid, which is very unsoup like.  I've made vegetable soup a handful of times since being married, but it's sounded good lately so I attempted to make it again tonight.  With no recipe (I've never had one), I just started tossing things in.  I was plesantly surprised it met my weird, plain taste requirements :)

Vegetable Soup:
46 oz tomato juice
4C chicken broth
4C beef broth
1 box noodles (I used Barilla Ditalini and I put the whole box in b/c I like it noodly and so do the kids)
3 stalks of celery - chopped
1 can of green beans
4 big carrots- chopped
1 bag of frozen corn
2 cans of whole potatoes - sliced (with an egg slicer)
salt & pepper
* I had a couple servings of beef left over from my pot roast, and I threw that in too.  I think it gave it a little more flavor!  MmMmMmMmMm

I dumped all the ingredients into my biggest pan and let it cook an hour, stirring every 10-15 mins.  Hayden wanted his more juicy, so next time I may cook the noodles separately so they don't drink up so much juice.  Or I may only add half the box.  Both kids wolfed it down and Kevin and I both liked it as well. 
Also, just wanted to note I don't like celery or green beans so that's why I didn't put a lot of that in. :)

Allie's Ortho Visit

As many of you know, Allie had to spend a couple months in casts this past year.  She has a foot condition called metatarsus adductus.  It had to be corrected with casts because the bones in her feet were growing the wrong way.  Here's a picture.

With casts, corrective shoes, and stretching her feet nightly, we got a very positive report from her orthopedic surgeon today!  That was the good news!  Before the doctor came in, I told the nurse that Allie was walking pigeon toed, but her feet seem to be straight.  When the doctor came in, the first thing he had Allie do was walk down the hallway in his office.  He took her back into the examining room and looked at her shins and knees.  He told me she has tibial torsion.  He said 90% of kids don't need any treatment for it because they outgrow it.  If around age 3 1/2 she is still walking with her toes turned in, he wants me to come back and see him for braces for her legs. 

When her knees are pointed straight, her feet turn in.

Overall, I'm really pleased with how her visit went today!  I was praying we didn't have to buy any more corrective shoes :)

Door Decor

I mentioned last week I was wanting to go to Hobby Lobby.  I was feeling craft the day I went (those days come and go).  I was looking for something I could make to decorate my front door for Valentines.  I didn't love any of the wreaths they had.  I started thinking about this idea on Pinterest.

This looks a little more Christmasey to me than Valentinesey (yes, I made up those words).  I found some red and pink styfofoam balls that were coated in pink glitter.  I knew those were a must buy.  Then I found the pink flower for $1 and the red sign (which was $10 but I got for $6 with my 40% off coupon).  I went to the back and picked up a wooden D for $2 and was ready to go home and hot glue!  

I painted the "evine" and realized my next trip to Hobby Lobby I really need to get a real paintbrush... (I used an old eye shadow brush - ha!)

The red sign came with zebra ribbon for hanging, but I replaced it with some red I had.

Fired Up!

Have you ever been to Fired Up?  It's a paint your own pottery store here in Evansville.  I have gone a handful of times and really enjoy every trip there.  You pick out a piece of pottery that's already made and fired, then you paint it however you want.  If you've never been you should plan on your first trip taking about 3 hours.  It usually takes me awhile to pick out a piece of pottery, then decide how I want to paint it.  There are so many pieces already done in the store and books full of inspiration.  Take your mom or sister or a friend and make a girls afternoon out of it!  This is their website if you want more information about them. 

This is one of my favorite plates I've painted there!  I typically fill the plate with cookies and take it to get togethers!

{My Favorite} Roast Recipe

This is my FAVORITE roast recipe!  I found it on Allrecipes.com when Kevin and I were first married.  I know this is hard to imagine, but I rarely cooked dinners for us at home (mostly b/c I didn't think I could).  Whenever I did make a meal, this was normally what I made!  It's SO easy and SO tasty!  I can't imagine anyone not liking it.

Crock Pot Roast:

*Chuck roast (2-3lbs)

*2 packs brown gravy

*1 pack (Hidden Valley) dried ranch dressing

*1 pack (Good Seasons) dried italian dressing

*veggies (I use 3 cans of whole potatoes and buy 1 pack of carrots {that I peel then cut in half})

*2 C water

-Place beef in crock pot.  Mix brown gravy and dried dressings together then sprinkle over roast (top and bottom).  Add vegetables.  Pour water around the roast.  Cook on low for 7-9 hours. 

Before

After 8 hours of cooking on low.

I typically make green beans and rolls (Sister Shubert are my favorite frozen roll) to go along with the roast and veggies.  Our family easily gets 2 meals out of this.  Make this meal while it's still cold outside and tell me how much you love it! :)

January's Mid Month Update

Outside my window . . . it's dark and f-f-f-freezing

I am thinking . . . I need to browse pinterest when I'm done blogging.

I am thankful for . . . health insurance.  My last trip to the ER cost almost $3000 and I only have to pay $75.  How do people make it w/o insurance?!

In the kitchen . . . I have a pile of dirt on my counter.  Seriously.  You'll see why later this week, or maybe next.

I am wearing . . . jeans and a long sleeved Gap tshirt I got new with tags while thrifting :)

I am creating . . . a must do list for tomorrow (laundry is #1 on the list!)

I am going . . . to Hobby Lobby tomorrow to buy some ribbon so I can make Allie a few new hairbows.  And browse their Valentines stuff.

I am wondering . . . where in the world you find Mason jars this time of year!  Everyone looks at me crazy when I ask for them!

I am reading . . . Bringing Up Boys.  I'm scared for the teenage years.  But, on the other hand, I've never had a problem talking about anything so Hayden is in store for lots of awkward conversations with his mom and dad 10 years from now!

I am hoping . . . to get our beach vacation booked this week! 

I am looking forward to . . . DOK starting this week!

I am hearing . . . the dishwasher.

Around the house . . . there are so many little things that need done that I can't do (or don't know how to do).  I might just make a little to-do list for the hubby ;)

One of my favorite things . . . are Valentines decorations.  Hoping to get a few new things made this year!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . enjoy some time off with Kevin, take Allie to her Orthopedic Surgeon (pray for a good check-up), read any spare chance I get, try to convince Kevin I need a new sewing machine (hint hint hubby), and make strawberry pretzel salad!

Rockin' Red Dress!

My new obsession is thrifting.  When the weather warms up I think the thrifting might cool down, or completely stop, because I will be yard saling my Friday (and maybe Saturday) mornings away!  Man I love a good bargin!

When my sis was home over Christmas, we did some thrifting together.  If you keep up with her blog, you already saw the post she did... Thrifting in Indiana.  We had lots of fun and I wish she was here to go weekly with me!  We both found some great finds but all the credit for my red dress goes to my sis!  We were browsing the dress racks when she held up this red silky dress.  We kept holding up hiddeous things and laughing about them and I thought that's what she was doing... but she said, "You should really try this on".  I started to laugh and she said she was serious.  I told her to put it back, it was ugly!  I had a handful of things to try on and she insisted I try on the red dress.  Just to make her happy, I did, but I knew I'd hate it...... or not.  It actually fit me so well, and I thought it was really flattering!  She was giving me tips on how to accessorize it to bring it up to date.  She wanted to see the after pic, so here it is - just for you sis! :)

To the 80 year old lady that gave away her vintage silk dress, thank you :)  I love it!
(p.s. Thanks Dad for taking my picture!)

I also dressed little Allie to match her momma today!  *LOVE* having a little girl!

Soul Surfer

Kevin and I had a date night on Friday.  We hadn't been to Nagasaki in well over a year and he convinced me to splurge and go.  I'm so glad I agreed b/c the food was amazing!  Some of the best I've had there!  I could eat that salad about 5 times a day and not get sick of it..... yummy!  So back to my topic, we wanted to rent a movie to watch after we put the kids to bed.  We had several recommended to us, but we couldn't agree on a movie.  I came across Soul Surfer and I had heard buzzing about it when it was in theaters.  I thought since it wasn't a chick flick (like I wanted) or a comedy (like Kevin wanted), this was a good neutral pick. 

The movie is based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton.  I got this from her website. "At the age of thirteen, on October 31, 2003, Bethany was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark while surfing off Kauai’s North Shore. The attack left Bethany with a severed left arm. After losing over 60% of her blood, and making it through several surgeries without infection, Bethany was on her way to recovery with an unbelievably positive attitude." One month after the attack, she was back in the water, learning how to surf again.  Amazing.  The movie also documents her trip to Thialand in 2005 after that horrible tsunami.  I really enjoyed the ending when it showed pictures and videos of the real Bethany throughout the years.  

Anna Sophia Rob plays Bethany in Soul Surfer

The surf board she was using when the shark attack happened.

Next time you're looking for a movie to rent, check out Soul Surfer.  You won't regret it!

Where I Belong

I heard this song on KLOVE this week and it's been stuck in my head!  I love it though!  I need to see if it's available as a ringtone.  Here's the song if you want to jam with me. :)

Caramel Corn Recipe

Everyone in my family (with a couple exceptions) loves caramel corn!  The problem is no one likes to make it - except me!  There are several little steps, lots of microwaving and stirring, but I don't mind making it because I LOVE eating it!

Yesterday Kevin and I had a date night.  Before we left and while the kids were napping, I thought I'd make some caramel corn for them as a special treat after their dinner.  I've seen so many recipes for caramel corn, and I bet they are all probably delicious, but I've only tried this 1 recipe (my moms) and don't have the desire to try any others.  I tried to include lots of pictures to help with any confusion :)

Here it is:
Popcorn:  1 C popping corn (the kernels)
4 Tbsp oil (I like using Orville Redenbacher's Buttery Flavor Popcorn Oil)
I pop my popcorn in a WhirleyPop.  They are super fun!  The kids actually love watching me make it!  I make 2 batches of popcorn (so do 1/2 C of seeds with 2Tbsp oil per batch).  Once popped, lay it all on wax paper, lightly salt it, then pick out the un-popped kernels. 

This is a WhirleyPop. 

After popping, I laid it out, salted it, then picked kernals out before transferring it into the brown bag.

Put the popped corn in a brown bag sprayed with Pam.  I get my brown bags from Aldi (I think they are 6 or 7 cents each, and you can still get them at Schnucks instead of plastic!).  You'll need to cut off the top of the bag so it fits in your microwave.

Caramel:  1 C brown sugar, 1/2 C butter, 1/4 C light corn syrup, 1/2 tsp salt - combine all ingredients in a large glass bowl.  Microwave 2 minutes.  Remove and stir well.  Microwave 1 minute.  Remove and stir well.  Microwave 1 more minute.  Remove and add 1 tsp baking soda, then stir until the entire mixture is foamy.

Pour the caramel mixture over the popcorn (don't just dump it all in the middle; works better if you do globs throughout).  With a wooden spoon, stir well.  Microwave 1 min 20 seconds then stir.  Microwave another 1 min 20 seconds then stir again.  Microwave 30 seconds and stir.  If the popcorn isn't sticky, it's done.  I have to microwave mine another 30 seconds.  Dump the caramel corn on the wax paper to cool.

*Note* Your microwave times may need slightly adjusted.  I have a 1000W microwave, so if you do too then your microwave times should be very comparable!
Also, make sure every time it says to stir the popcorn/caramel mixture, you stir VERY well!  How well your caramel corn turns out largely depends on how well you stir (not enough stirring = lots of burned pieces)!  The corners and the bottom are the "burn" areas!

When it's cooling, look for any burned pieces. 

Hope you all enjoy this treat as much as we do!!!

Chemical Pregnancy

Earlier this week I had an appointment with Dr. Cave.  It was my first appointment with the doctor since miscarrying December 15th.  I waited about an hour and a half to be seen and I kept questioning if I should even stay.  I felt like she wasn't going to tell me anything I didn't already know.  But, I stuck it out.  I'm really glad I did.

When she walked in the room, she went over all the medical info (when I went to the hospital, what my ultrasound showed, what my lab results were, etc).  She said she knew by the information that I had a chemical pregnancy.  I had never heard that term before, but she explained it to me.  She said that the sperm did fertalize the egg, but one of them didn't have the correct DNA information, if any.  So since the egg was fertalized, I started producing the pregnancy hormone hCG, my body felt pregnant, I got the positive test, but nothing ever developed because the lack of DNA.

She also told me that I am not at a higher risk for another miscarriage.  That eased my mind.  In the future, when I take a positive home pregnancy test, she wants me to call her office and go in for blood work immediately.  That way they can check my levels of hCG and make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.  That made me feel better too!

We're hopeful that this year (or next) God will bless us with another little baby!

*(in) spired deals

I have never done a product review..... until now!  My friend, Marina, told me I should check out this product review offer from DaySpring.  I am a fan of their cards and the positive message they have.  I can also spot a DaySpring Christmas card from a mile away.  They are all beautiful with a Christ focused cover and message.  (I have been appauled at some of Hallmarks tacky cards lately!)  With that said, I need to disclose that DaySpring gave me the free product to review and that all opinions stated are my own! :)

The theme of cards I recieved was "So True".  There were 10 assorted cards and a pack of 12 adorable thank yous.  The reason I selected this theme was because the thank you cards had hearts all over them and I love hearts!  The pack of assorted cards are very feminine and have a scrapbook/handmade feel to them. I love pastel colors mixed with a bright color!

A card that inspired me lately was from my friend Sarah.  It was a thank you card (with such a warm, heartfelt thank you) and a beautiful bible verse.  I don't know why it never crossed my mind to include a bible verse in the snail mail I send out, but I've been inspired to start!  The heart thank you notes have a bible verse inside them already. "You have filled my heart with greater joy." Psalm 4:7  Love that verse!

My sister is the Snail Mail Champion.  She is on top of thank you cards and frequently sends my kids mail, which they LOVE.  With this big stash of cards, and inspiration from Sarah and my sister, I've mailed out 4 cards and have 6 more to go! 

Swiffer Knock Offs

I use my Swiffter dry mop almost daily.  The replaceable cloths cost a small fortune since I use one a day.  Then, I found Family Dollar's cleaning section.  I fell in love with their knock off cleaning wipes.  They get the job done at my house.... and they are $1 for 20!  I think the Swiffer brand is approximately $3-4 for 12 cloths! 

A Girls Best Friend

I've taken lots of pictures of Hayden loving on Harry, but Harry usually doesn't stick around when Allie tries to love on him.  I had to take advantage of this photo op :)  If I haven't mentioned (this week), Harry is the most patient cat EVER!  Allie had just woken up from her nap and Harry was sleeping on the couch.  I set her next to him and she put her "ni-night" on him and loved on him!

Baking Away

I have had the baking bug lately.  The last 4 days, I've made: homemade bread, homemade cinnamon rolls, chocolate chip pecan cookies, rice krispie treats, gooey cake, a pecan pie, & cinnamon muffins!  The gooey cake and pecan pie were for a family get together so I didn't eat them all by myself.... the rice krispie treats were a different story...

cinnamon rolls, rice krispie treats, homemade sour dough bread

cinnamon muffins, pecan pie, and gooey cake in the covered pan

The cinnamon rolls deserved a close up picture.  They were some of the best I've made!