Oops...10 Smile Tuesday a day late

Ah, a day late and a dollar short, as my grandpa used to say! :) We were super busy yesterday from start to finish though so I thought I might get a little sleep before posting. I'm looking forward to stopping by your blogs and seeing what's going on in your lives lately too!

Here has been what's keeping me on my toes...

1. Making the yummiest chicken pot pies. Ah, I love fall, it makes me want to cook! So, I've made two chicken pot pies in the last week, one for my family and one for another. Yummo! So, so good!

2. Overalls. We have lots of overalls for the peanut for this season and boy does she look way too cute in them. Here are a few of my favorites...


3. Cousins. The peanut has gotten to spend quite a bit of time with her cousins lately and she has been having one good time!

4. Zoo. My sister called me Monday morning for an impromptu trip to the zoo. Of course we said yes as the peanut has a love for animals and for family. It was a perfect fall day and there was basically no one there as it looked like rain all day. Good times!!

5. Daddy knows best. On Sunday I was visiting a friend at the hospital, waiting in the waiting room and trying to keep the peanut busy by playing with her when I suddenly heard a pop in her arm. She kept complaining of wrist pain so I started the check in process at the ER when my husband joined me. He kept saying he thought her elbow had popped out of the socket, as it had twice before. I finally caved and let him try to pop it back in. Sure enough, that's exactly what it was and, after two hours of unnecessary pain, her arm was back to normal in a flash and we saved $50. Yep, he can be right sometimes too! :)

6. Arky, Arky. We had such a busy day on Saturday that Sunday I just got lazy and didn't go to church. I decided to do a Sunday school lesson with the peanut at home though about Noah. We talked all about the ark, the flood and the rainbow. We then sang some songs and colored some pictures of Noah. Two days later I was telling a friend about it and started asking the peanut questions to see if she remembered any of the story. Here is how our conversation went...
Me: Lilla, what did Noah do?
Lilla: Built an ark
Me: Who was on the ark?
Lilla: The animals
Me: What happened after the animals got on board?
Lilla: It rained.
Me: What happened after it rained?
Lilla: A rainbow!!
Who says you can't teach a two year old? Amazing!!

7. Baby bump. I am now at 25 weeks along and my belly is starting to really show that baby underneath it all. It's just so precious to watch it grow and dream about the day she will be in my arms!
8. Getting out. So my husband, who is a stockbroker, was able to make a couple of really good moves in the last week due to the unstableness of the market and we were able to reduce our debt by 40% in one week!! OK, that doesn't include student loans and mortgage, but I am thankful to God to see this huge chunk of weight just gone!!

9. Seasons change. I have so enjoyed the change of weather in the last few days. It's been cooling down and since my favorite thing to wear is a comfortable pair of jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt, I am in heaven right now. Good stuff!

10. Friends. This past week has brought about a lot of opportunities to spend time with friends who have kids the same age as the peanut. What fun it has been for both her and I to have girl time. What's not to love?

What are you smiling about today?

My aching back

So recently I have been telling the peanut I can't pick her up as often because my back has been hurting. Totally true as I have normal backpain and with the added pull from my big ole belly, it's not good to be lifting this extra 25 lb. kiddo. Still, I do, as she is short and needs to be lifted for some things.

Anyway, she has been wanting more and more to do things on her own lately. "I do it by self Mommy", is what I hear all the live long day. Particularly to get out of my car, which sits pretty high, so I still stand nearby.

Well today, I was in a bit of a hurry to get her out and in the house when I began picking her up. She replied, "I do it by self Mommy...your back hurt." Oh, she kills me!! :)

5 Minute Chocolate Mug Cake

My sister in law just sent me this recipe. I am so trying it, so you know I had to share it with you!

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons cake flour ( that's plain flour, not self-raising)
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional) a small splash of vanilla
essence
1 coffee mug

Put dry ingredients in mug mix well
Add the egg and mix thoroughly.
Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.
Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla essence, and mix again.

(you can also do all the above in a bowl and then pour it in your mug)

Microwave for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top
of the mug, but don't be alarmed!
Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired.
EAT!

10 Smile Tuesday

So, no pictures again. I broke my small camera so I've just not been taking pics lately. I need to get back on the train. We've had a good, and busy week! So here are my favorite of the smiles:

1. MOPS. It started again this week and it was so nice to get to meet the new moms I've been in contact with as the hospitality coordinator and see the returning moms again.

2. Making our first craft. The night before MOPS 4 of us got together to get the first project ready. We made journals for notes on the adventure. They turned out really cute and it was just fun to hang out with the girls and laugh and get to know each other in the process.

3. Family. On Saturday we were garage saleing when I ran into my sister-in-law and brother-in-law so I wound up spending the rest of the day with my sister-in-law. It was nice to have girl time as we left the kids with our husbands, went to a baby expo and then had a late lunch with another friend of hers.

4. Halloween costume. Saturday we also went to the mall to get the peanut's Halloween costume before this particular one was gone. The peanut chose it online and then again in the store, wait until you see the pics of her in it on the day. Tooooo cute!!

5. Tomatoes. I've had a plethora of tomatoes all of a sudden and it has been so fun. I just eat the cherry ones out of the garden and I made tomato sauce for the first time ever. Now it's sitting in my refrigerator just waiting to be used. Yummo!!

6. Old Friends. On Sunday I got together with an old college friend I haven't seen in over a year. Although we are not in the same place in life, it's still in many ways like yesterday. He's very dear to me and I was glad to see him.

7. Double date. I've been getting together with another 3 girls from our MOPS groups recently for playdates with our kids. There are two boys and two girls and they are just all cute together. They were all sitting at this little picnic table together with a boy and a girl on either side and we were all joking about their double dates. Funny!!

8. Carrie. After our playdate today, the other girls left and Carrie and I decided to take our girls down to the horse farm down the street. We started talking and three and a half hours later I finally went home. I just love my friend and I am so thankful for her.

9. Getting Jiggy with it. This baby is a mover and a shaker. I am really starting to see the baby move inside my belly now. It's so precious to just sit and watch my belly move up and down, love, love, love it!!

10. Twinkle, Twinkle. The other day I was singing to the peanut at bedtime when she broke out into Twinkle, Twinkle little star. I had no idea she knew how to sing it and she went through the whole song without missing a beat. It was totally adorable. Gotta love it!

What are you smiling about today?

I let her

While at a labor day party this weekend the kids were running around the yard, being kids and having fun. One of my nieces, pretty close in age to the peanut, was kicking the soccer ball around with another older niece. I could see the peanut chasing them around the yard, wanting to get in on the game too. They seemed oblivious to her as she went from one spot to another trying to be a "part" of it all. Suddenly I noticed her stop and kind of look down as if she just felt excluded and didn't know what to do.

My natural instinct was to get up and say, "Include her too please!!", but I didn't. I sat and sadly watched her try to figure it out on her own. My heart broke as I sympathized with those feelings of hurt and exclusion. I didn't want her to experience any of that, not yet. I let her though.

I let her because I know I cannot protect her forever. I let her because I cannot always jump in and be her Saviour. I let her because I know she is going to have to grow up at sometime and there is going to be a lot of rejection in her life. I let her because there is injustice in our world that she is going to have to face on a daily basis in her life and I want her to know how to. I let her because I love her and want her to become a strong woman who can take care of herself when the time comes. I let her go in one small way.

And then that night, I gave her an extra hug or two and I let her know that she is loved.

10 Smile Tuesday

Yep, I totally know I'm just not doing much of the blogging thing lately. It seems like things are just busy, but not really great blog material kind of days. Just living life, if you know what I mean! However, we have had some great smiles lately, so I will continue my smiley tradition, and share them with you. Sorry for the lack of pictures but I really am trying to be more involved in the moment and less behind the lens lately!

1. My husband has off on Wednesdays, so when we woke up last Wednesday he said, "Hey, do you guys want to go to the Children's Musuem today?" Of course we could not pass that up, so, we went and had a great time! The peanut got to play in the water, the sand, be in a marching band, go down the slides, be a Dino and ride on a carousel. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera (which was not on purpose!) so I didn't get any of those fun pictures. Trust me though, she had a blast!

2. Unexpected surprises. While at the museum, I hear my name called out, turn around only to see one of my very dearest friends, Claudia, whom I never see anymore since becoming a stay at home mom, standing there. She has a 1 year old and brought him there for his first visit, and it just happened to be the day I was there. Thank you Lord for unexpected surprises!!

3. A date. My husband and I had tickets to go to this outdoor symphony for the past couple of weeks and this was the last week to use them, so we decided to go on Thursday night before the weekend rush. My very good friend Carrie was kind enough to offer to take the peanut so Michael and I grabbed a chicken dinner from Kroger and had a lovely picnic while enjoying some fun music and outdoors!

4. Lost and found. While at the symphony, my husband had my cellphone in his pocket and somehow it fell out. We searched forever, in the dark grass after everyone had left, but couldn't find it. Of course it was hard figuring out where we sat after everyone was gone. We prayed God would help us to find it as we didn't want to replace it but it was nowhere and the battery had died. My hubby went back during his lunch hour the next day, praying the whole time, and low and behold, there it was!! Thank you Lord for answering prayers!

5. Sales. On Saturday my father in law gave me a bit of a break while I went to the outlet mall, by myself, which was fabulous. I was able to find some new work shirts and polos for my hubby but my favorite purchases were for next summer. I bought each of my girls matching dresses, and of course cried in the middle of Osh Gosh b'gosh when I realized they were for my "daughters." Unbelievable that this three will be becoming four in just a matter of months!

6. Come out! Last Wednesday I woke up to the peanut standing by the side of my bed pointing at my belly saying, "Baby, come out!!" I couldn't help but crack up!7. My best friend. The peanut has been calling her favorite people her best friend lately. She has also used this as a reason to chase the dog under the bed, as in, "But she's my best friend!!" Well today she hugged my belly and said, "Baby in belly, dat Anna." She then proceeded to put her face up to my belly and say, "You my best friend." I almost cried!!

8. The peanut's favorite question lately is, "What doing?" She also says, "What happened?" (By the way, as I was just writing that she said, "What happened?"!!) Anyway, we were having dinner out the other day and she clear as a bell said, "Daddy, what are you doing?" We were both shocked at the clarity of it when Michael replied, "I'm waiting for dinner." The peanut then replied in an eye rolling kind of way, "I knoooooow." Oh, we laughed so hard.

9. On Sunday my husband's family had a cook out and the guys had a golf tournament. So the girls decided to do a craft and made these adorable shirts for the kids that said, "It's how family is done." and then had all the family members sign it. I hope the peanut treasures it as she gets older!

10. On Sunday we went to my parent's for a labor day picnic. It was so nice to be out by the pool, enjoying the fresh air and family and just having a relaxing time. As a bonus my mom and I went shopping afterward for sales and I got a bunch of stuff for the peanut for next summer (or if she continues on this slow growth trend, the following summer) for way cheap! And it is good quality stuff, you gotta love it!!

What are you smiling about today?

10 Smile Tuesday

We have been so busy in the last week, it just all seems like a whirlwind. I didn't take too many pictures so this won't be loaded with them like I usually have, but we have enjoyed just being in the moment instead of momma just having to get the right shot. So, here you are...

1. Our town is super small so not too much unique or fun things to do in it. That's why recently when a little cupcake shop opened, boy, were my friend Carrie and I all over that action! We took our girls, she has a daughter 2 months younger than the peanut, and enjoyed cupcakes and Capri suns on the patio. So sweet!

2. We actually got to the cupcake store an hour before it opened so we decided to take a stroll down the street where another friend from MOPS lives to see if she were home. She was and was overjoyed to see us at her door. She moved here 6 months ago and she said that was the first time she felt like this was her home and not just visiting. Who knew such a blessing could come from a stroll? :)

3. We decided to continue our excursion and walk by the court house fountains, which the girls promptly took their shoes off in front of and splashed around in. Oh, what joy! 4. A friend of mine from when I lived in Seattle just moved about 15 minutes away. She and her daughter, who is 2 months younger than the peanut, came over for some playtime the other day and it was so nice to catch up and just have a good time!

5. The letter P. The peanut and I started doing preschool at home last week and she is LOVING it! She already recognizes a P and told Michael the other day that Pig and Penguin start with P. I almost fell over!!

6. Baby. The other day while in the library bathroom, the peanut pointed at the little footstool and said, "Baby." I looked down only to see that the word baby was on it in huge letters. I was floored!! A few days later I asked her what the same word said and she again said, "Baby!" I have no idea where she learned that, incredible!!

7. Jostles. So my little pea in the pod has, in the last week, decided to start dancing and moving and grooving in my belly. I am amazed when I look down and see a bump here, a thump there. I missed it so much in the last 2 1/2 years, I am loving feeling it again!!

8. Deals. Saturday we dropped by Old Navy to see if they had Halloween costumes yet and whew, were they having the sale. They had adult jeans for $12!! Michael is hard on jeans so he really needed new ones and got 3 new pair for the price we would have paid for 1!! I love it when that happens!

9. Polka dot love. Also on Saturday we went to the outlet mall and found the kids a couple of things. My favorite though is a fall vest for the peanut that is brown with pink and orange polka dots all over it. It is kind of heavy but she so loved it, she walked around in the 90 degree heat sporting it, so cute!!

10. Giggles with Daddy. That night after we got home, the peanut wanted in the pool so bad that Michael got in with her. I was inside and could hear the laughing and fun having when I decided I couldn't miss the moment. I threw on my bathing suit and we played dolphin, made waves and just had a terrific time being a family. Gotta love it!

What are you smiling about today?

Here we go again

So a lot of you said for some reason you couldn't see the clip of Lilla saying the names, so I'm trying again. Hopefully this will work! Her reaction, to the second name, which is actually an option right now is just funny. I think she has an opinion, how about you?

10 Smile Tuesday

Hi all! I can't believe it's been over a week since I've blogged. Not purposely, I actually meant to after our ultrasound on Thursday but we've just been busy since. And, well ok, I'm admittedly addicted to the Olympics. I'm so not kidding. I'm not even really into sports, but the way the divers and gymnasts have been performing and the absolute drama of Michael Phelps, whew, I can't even help but watch!! Have you been watching too?

Well, in between my Olympic intoxication, we have had some great smiles too. Here we go...

1. Thursday was our big reveal, and guess what we're having? Lilla would like to tell you...

I actually had another video that told you the names too but I couldn't download it, probably too big, so if you are curious, go here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0hVgNfwlCA

2. Wednesday we packed up the troops and headed the the state fair. We absolutely love the state fair, particularly on free day (you can get free tickets to get in out of the paper the day before) and had so much fun. We sampled some of the treats but mostly had fun at the exhibits. Including a ridiculously huge display of cheese and an experience in farming exhibit just for the kids. The peanut had a blast with her little apron on, planting crops, picking, milking the "cow" and taking it all to market!

3. Planning. We've finally started planning for the MOPS year and I am looking so forward to it. We had two meetings last week and are having another this Friday. I think it's going to be an exciting year and I'm really looking forward to my involvement. I'm the hospitality coordinator and helping out the MOPS coordinator as much as possible.

4. Date night. Michael's parents watched the peanut while we had a yummy dinner made of half price appetizers and ceasar salads. We then went to Borders and just hung out, which I used to do all the time pre-peanut so I love that. Then we headed over the Cheesecake Factory to indulge in a piece of Snickers Cheesecake. Fabulous!

5. Speech. The peanut's speech is getting better and better everyday and she's turning into quite the comedian. I guess she was done watching cartoons the other day because she walks over, pushes the off button and says, "Be quiet TV." Too funny!

6. Ribbit. The other day we were in the backyard and Buddy (the dog) found a baby frog. Michael picked it up and the peanut was fascinated. It was so cute to watch her just enamored by this frog. She had to introduce herself and explain who we were too. Adorable!
7. A trot. We have a really nice trail that is about 2 miles long here in town. It's a great way to get out and just walk, which I barely use. Yesterday I decided it would be great for the peanut and I to get out and we had such a terrific time just enjoying nature and getting some fresh air!

8. I miss you. The peanut's favorite thing to say these days is, "I miss you." I think she's mixing it up with "I love you" because she says it when she's cuddling and loving on you. It's just so precious, you can't help but feel endeared to it.

9. Little Michael. The peanut just wants to do everything Michael is doing lately and it is adorable to see her doing his little habits like tapping on things when he does or taking off her shirt when daddy does. It's really precious to see how much my girl loves her daddy!

10. In the kitchen. Yesterday the peanut and I decided to bake up some yummies so we made white bread, bruschetta and homemade mac and cheese. Everything certainly takes longer but it's so fun to watch her learning about cooking and how it all works together to bring out something yummy. And, we have yummies to enjoy afterward!!

What made you smile this week?

In my boots...

So yesterday I happened upon a stray bag of clothes in my garage. Where it came from I am not sure, although I have a sneaky suspicion it may have been my sister-in-law Stephanie. Hi Stephanie! :) Anyway, upon examination, I found kid clothes, still too big for the peanut, and some shoes. What caught my eye though were these super cute dark red boots that I had to oooo and aaaaa over to the peanut. She instantly was in love and HAD to wear them! Way too big, but when you are 2, does that even matter? Here is the result...

Not that I'm biased or anything (yeah right!) but that is ONE cute kid!!

2 1/2

Today Lilla is 2 1/2...where did my little baby go? A year ago last week we were in Hungary where we pushed her stroller as she was just beginning to walk. Her, mostly, inaudible sounds, have become complete sentences. She loves to count everything, fingers, stairs, fruits. You name it, she is on to this whole math gig! I think the thing she finds the most joy in is playing a game of mommy or daddy catching her. She loves it and will shout out behind her, "Catch me! Catch me!", it is just totally adorable with her little laughter floating behind. Lilla is Ms. Independent. Many times when you start to do something for her, she will snatch it from your hands, proclaiming, "I do it!" Her most recent is to say, "I do it first!!" While she still holds tight to me in unknown situations, when things are familiar, there is often little use for the mama's leg anymore. Last week at VBS, I tried to get her attention while walking around taking pictures, but she was sure not to look at me as she was afraid I would take her away from her friends and all the fun they were having. I could hardly believe what a difference the past months have made!

Anything having to do with art is probably her most favorite thing to do. Since she was a baby she has loved to color, which has now expanded to drawing in the lines, making smiley faces on he doodlepro, fingerpainting and brush painting, markers, sidewalk art, you name it, she absolutely loves it! I am often amazed at how long some playdough and a few cutters can last her! The other day we made daddy a get well card and she had the most fun using my Cricut and gluing little pieces together. It was certainly her own work of art!! Her other favorite way to spend time is anything to do with water. She is a water bug, of the grandest measure. She could spend days in the pool, even when it is cold. Her lips are turning blue and she just wants more, more, more!

As these past two and a half years have flown by, I sit and think about what life would be like without her. Did I ever laugh before I saw the funny faces she makes, full of expression and humor? Did I ever consider danger or darkness before she came along and my thoughts turned to her little eyes and ears? Did I ever cry before she made me melt when she talks about Jesus? Life is certainly more complicated now than it has ever been in my history. But, oh, I am ever so thankful for my little piece of heaven right here on Earth!

Sometimes...

Over a month ago we lost two of our chickens to some wild animal. We are not sure what, our dogs just pulled their bones out of the wooded area and they were picked clean so it could have been any number of animals. Anyway, our local feed store finally got some full grown chickens in this week so we stopped by to get them and let the chicken laying begin again. We had left our coop open for the past week or so to let the chickens free graze so Michael had to go through the wooded area to find them and get them back in the coop to introduce them to each other. We won't let these chickens free graze until they get the picture that the coop is their new home. So, before we could close the door we had to get the first chickens.

Well, Michael was searching through the trees, that all sit on a pretty sharp hill on our lot when I saw the creek was full again and yelled to him, "Hey, the creek is full, is the ground wet?" He then proceeded to call back, "Yes, and slippery...." Just then I heard a boom and an, "Oooooooochhh". My poor hubby skidded down the hill a bit and ran smack into a tree. Ooooo, that had to hurt. Of course I couldn't help but laugh at the irony of the situation. Sometimes you gotta just burst into fits of inappropriate laughter, you know?

Thursday 13

In light of the fact that next week is our big ultrasound, or as I like to call it, The Big Reveal, I thought I would tell you 13 baby names I like really well.

1. Nathaniel
2. Joshua
3. Jacob
4. Michael
5. Zachary
6. Benjamin
7. Nicklaus
8. Bree
9. Anya
10. Anna
11. Ella
12. Katelynn
13. Elizabeth

Can you guess which names we've chosen? What names do you like?

Go to www.thursdaythirteen.com and make your own list!!

Yummo!

I just had to share this recipe with you all! This is for the carrot cake I made for Michael for his birthday pictured below. It was seriously fantastic and was worth the time I spent grating those carrots! I got the recipe from allrecipes.com, my favorite site to find new and fun things to cook up. If you've not been before, you should do yourself a favor and check it out, I'm always finding new stuff I can't wait to try there. Anyway, on with the recipe...

INGREDIENTS
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans. Pour into prepared pan.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Birthday Hubby Edition

Mama, He Rose

The other day I was at Hobby Lobby and found this great deal on really cheap celtic crosses. I've always thought they were really cool looking so I decided to buy five of them to put on my wall. When I got home I realized one just didn't fit with the others and four didn't look right together so I wound up with three on the wall. I didn't realize until they were all up that it was reminiscent of Calvary. They really look quite beautiful on the wall and it is a great reminder everyday of my Saviour.

The next day, when the peanut came down for breakfast, she immediatly noticed the new wall fixtures. She asked what they were and I explained to her about the cross where Jesus died, I told her that he died for our sins and why we were so thankful to Him for that. I had actually explained this to her in the past as her Grandmother is Catholic and wears a crucifix on her neck with Jesus on it. When she asked about it her grandma told her that Jesus died and for the rest of the day that is what she announced to everyone. When I heard about that the next day I pushed hard for her to understand that Jesus did die, but He rose again. Jesus Lives!, I told her.

Well, then last night at dinner, Michael mentioned something about the crosses on the wall. I asked the peanut what they were and she explained to Michael, the cross...Jesus died. That was then followed up with, "But, Jesus rose, Jesus LIVES!!

Oh, but how I will hold these moments in my heart. Thank you Lord for a daughter who "gets it!" Even a two year old can get it.

On Falling Leaves

Is it just me or is anyone else longing for Autumn? I love the crisper cooler weather that brings with it trips to the apple orchard, picking out pumpkins, sweatshirts and apple cider. I even loved it as a kid as it meant new school clothes and sharpened pencils. Really, even as an adult, that is still what I think of as the days get a bit shorter everyday and the school bells get closer to ringing. In fact, I had to go to the mall yesterday for a birthday gift, and couldn't resist purchasing a cute little fall outfit for the peanut. The shirt is a terrific bright orange and the pants a crazy mix of all fall hues. It just screams, "Jump in the leaves please!!" to me.

Now, don't get me wrong, I really like a lot of things about summer. I love to swim, although I don't get as many chances as I did when I was younger and pools and lakes abounded. I love the summer festivals where we visit the farm animals and shamelessly walk away with $3 plastic hammers from the falsy duck ponds. I love to drive around the country and see the tall corn, a beautiful shade of green, tenderly moving with the wind.

But, I am an autumn girl through and through, and am desperately looking forward to my favorite harvest season. Now, if only we could stop it from turning into winter....

I like free stuff!

They are doing it again. Over at 5 Minutes for Mom, they are hosting another giveaway. I really like to get things for just leaving a comment, how about you? There is a button in my sidebar, follow it and you might win some stuff too! Yeah!!

Child of Mine

Have you ever heard this song, Child of Mine, by Carole King? It's just a lovely interpretation of a mother's love for her child. MY love for MY child. I'm just so glad Lilla is a child of mine! Here are the lyrics.

Although you see the world
Different than me
Sometimes I can touch upon
The wonders that you see
And all the new colours
And pictures you've designed
Oh yes sweet darlin'
So glad you are a chi-ild of mine

Child of mine, chi-ild of mine
Oh yes sweet darlin'
So glad you are a chi-ild o-of mine

You don't need directions
You know which way to go
And I don't wanna hold you back
I just wanna watch you grow
You're the one who taught me
You don't have to look behind
Oh yes sweet darlin'
So glad you are a child of mine

Child of mine, child of mine
Oh yes sweet darlin'
So glad you are a child of mine

Nobody's gonna kill your dreams
Or tell you how to live your life
There'll always be people
To make it hard for a while
But you'll change their head
When they see you smile

The times you were born in
May not have been the best
But you can make the times to come
Better than the rest
I know you will be honest
If you can't a-always be kind
Oh yes sweet darlin'
So glad you are a child of mine

Child of mine, chi-ild of mine
Oh yes sweet darlin'
So glad you are a child of mine

10 Smile Tuesday

Whew, we had quite the week last week. We just went and went and went... by Sunday night, all three of us were just collapsing from the busyness. I usually lay in bed for at least 1/2 hour just thinking before I fall asleep, but not Sunday. I layed my head down and I was so out, whew! Just one busy week! There were a lot of smiles in it though, so here you go...

1. VBS. Oh, it was just so fun to watch the kids have such a great time and really learn the truth about creationism and be able to refute evolution. Most of it I already knew, but I have to say, it sure was a good refresher for me. Loved it!

2. At the end of the program on Friday the 2 and 3's sang Jesus Love me and repeated the verse, "Your word is truth." John 17:17. It was so fun watching Lilla learn it and say it. She particularly loved to say 17:17! So cute. The peanut is the shortest of the kids. You gotta watch a few seconds in to see just how adorable it gets.


3. On Saturday we had a birthday lunch for my brother at Longhorn. Right after lunch he proposed to his girlfriend! Yes, right there, in Longhorn. We all almost flipped out. Looks like there will be a November wedding. Crazy times!

4. After that birthday party, we went to my good friend, Claudia's, son's 1st birthday party. It's always nice to see my friend and her parents. We couldn't stay long but you gotta love sweet fellowship like that!

5. Following the birthday party, we headed an hour and a half away to my parent's house. We dropped off the peanut and went to my 15 year high school reunion. Something which I thought I'd never do, since I was so shy in high school and never spoke to anyone, but I actually had a really great time just catching up with people and finding out, whatever happened to???

6. The peanut has been doing this new thing lately, when she sees my husband after work she runs up to him, hugs his legs and yells, "I MISS YOU DADDY!!" So precious!

7. Two zucchini and four green beans. Yes, weird I know, but my garden has finally produced something other than lettuce and strawberries. The flood basically rotted the roots of everything so we thought it would be totally dead, there are some things growing finally though, very exciting! The cantalope plants are getting really big too so hopefully something will happen. Along with the pumpkin plants...let's just hope. LOL

8. The other day when my husband came in from mowing he was going to jump in the shower when he passed the peanut while taking off his shirt. She immediatly had to do the exact same thing and follow him around the house doing whatever he did. She's been doing a lot of that lately, she just wants to be like him. It reminds me of how we should be with Jesus, disciples.

9. What happened? This is the question always on the peanut's lips. While it can drive me nuts, I love that she is interested in discovering the world around her and wants to know what's going on.

10. Clothes. My sister in law was so kind to bestow me with another bag of clothes for the peanut on Sunday. As free is my favorite price always, I much appreciate the passing on of clothes!

What are you smiling about today?

Friends

This week at VBS I was the official photographer. I got some great shots of the kiddos, unfortunately, I'm going to choose not to post them since I don't have their parent's permission. Anyway, I was making the slideshow yesterday and the peanut was watching over my shoulder as I went through a bazillion photos. Suddenly she saw a girl in her class and asked me her name. I said, "Raelynn"... she said, "Friend."

Can life get anymore precious?

Reverisble Bird Seed Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

Totally want to win this for the peanut!!

Reverisble Bird Seed Skirt GIVEAWAY!!!!

10 Smile Tuesday

Another Tuesday, another round of smiles for you that have kept us quite busy this last week!

1. Our biggest smile would have to be Michael's winnings at the county fair, thanks to our local GOP. It actually wound up being a win for the peanut, but it was Michael's name that was drawn out of over 600 others! We couldn't believe it when we heard the message on the answering machine, too fun! Here's the super duper first prize...

The sweetest part is when she got in it she said, "Thank you Daddy." After he said, "You're welcome," he then followed it up with, "You know Lilla, the Bible says that every good and perfect gift is from above, so let's thank Jesus for it." That was met with a, "Thank you Jesus," from the peanut. Just precious.

2. VBS at our church started yesterday, where I am the photographer, so I get to enjoy all the kids doing stuff they love while learning about God. Our theme is from answers in Genesis. It's so neat to hear proof of why we believe in Creationism and see the kids really getting it.

3. The joy on the peanut's face as she played a game at VBS last night. It was so precious to get to watch her from the outside and hear her precious little laughter.

4. An unexpected outing to my parent's house (they live an hour away) on Friday to go swimming. We had such fun just hanging out and enjoying the water!

5. A trip on Saturday to this humungous flea market that my parent's love to go to. We didn't find any ridiculously good deals, but it's the hunt that is really the fun part. It was super hot that day so I think that might have been part of having a hard time really concentrating to buy things.

6. Meeting up with my sister and her daughter's for an impromptu playdate today. We got some yummy Panera (they have a really incredible Strawberry/Mandarin/Blueberry/Walnut salad with poppyseed dressing that is sooooo fabulous there!) and then went to a local park and had a lovely little walk in the park.

7. A delicous new recipe I tried for a Maple Sausage Egg Casserole. Seriously fabulous!

8. My women's bible study on Thursday night. We are doing a survey of the new testament, and it is really interesting and has been great for getting to know some other MOPS women.

9. Holding hands. While we were at the flea market, my parent's took the peanut for awhile while Michael and I sifted the aisles. We are rarely alone so it was so sweet just walking hand in hand and talking about "things".

10. Our local 4-H fair. We learned about composting, goats and just enjoyed the animals. The peanut had a blast going from stall to stall with the animals. We went three times in the week they were here and just had fun. We totally decided to get a goat because they were so sweet. Then, we realized how they have a tendency to eat everything and it's brother and we decided not to be eaten out of retirement someday. :) Maybe we'll just stick with chickens!!

So what are you smiling about today? Do tell!

150

I got to hear the baby's heart beat again yesterday. Those 150 beats a minute may be one of the most precious sounds I've heard in my life.

That's all I wanted to say. :)

Wordless Wednesday - Being a Kid

Energize Me

Do you ever just have those days when you just feel worn down? You want nothing else on your plate, you want no more conversations, you think staring at a blank wall all day actually seems appealing.

Well today is one of those days for me. I just feel like I have nothing left to give. Pregnancy is probably part of it, and lack of really good sleep is a contributer, but I think the larger part is something much bigger: the peanut!

She's saying, "No pictures Mama!!"

She has just been such a firecracker lately. High energy, crabby, fit throwing, screaming MINE to anyone with eardrums, low patience levels, selfish...oh, how I could go on. She is just an absolute pill right now and I have to tell you, my own patience level has worn pretty thin in the last few weeks.

It's funny, when I was pregnant with the peanut my husband prayed for a strong willed child. His thought was once she becomes a Christian she will not be swayed by the ways of the world, but will be a leader. She will come out fighting for what she believes in and never back down. That is what we hope for.

Well, God does answer prayer, as we know. And he answered this one in a big way. She is certainly one of the strongest willed children I have ever known. She just has a philosophy on the way her world should be and darned if it doesn't go that way, she is going to let you know about it. Oh people, good times.

So, I am praying that God will give me strength and energy in the days to come. That I will not back down from parenting her in a Godly way and not just giving in to her because I'm tired. It is difficult, but I know that God has given me the tools to do just that, so I have to so her heart will be turned to Him.

Now, will someone please pass me a Redbull? :)

A few things

First of all, my friend Carrie, at Carrie's Crafty Cottage (I'm bad at linking, you'll have to just go to my links list) is having a giveaway for some very cute homemade cards. I'm always in for a giveaway, so, here's hoping!

Also, I just had to put down in writing what the peanut said yesterday.

Me: Would you like me to make you chicken nuggets for dinner?

Peanut: Happy Meal!

Me: A happy meal? What's in a happy meal?

Peanut: French Fries, my favorite!

Oh my, what are we teaching our child? It was so cute though. I had no idea she knew the words happy meal or favorite. Oh, what they pick up everyday! Fun times!

And then, last week on the 4th, it was rainy so we were all playing trivial pursuit. The guys were tossing back and forth answers and suddenly, at a quiet point, when Michael has just offered his best guess, she pipes in, "Hmmm...Could be."

She certainly keeps us laughing!

10 Smile Tuesday

I hope you all had a fun and relaxing holiday weekend. Ours was super wet and brrrr...was it cold?!?! That was so strange. Usually the 4th we are so hot it's like you just want to peel the clothes off. This one we were putting clothes on, yep, sweatshirts and jackets. Soooo odd. But still, we were with lots and lots and lots of family this weekend, so a good time was had! Here are some 10 smiles from it!

1. Meeting my brother's new girlfriend for the first time. My brother never has a girlfriend. He is way too shy and introverted but he finally braved the waters, went on Eharmony, and met someone. And, I really liked her! She was just like us. We just sat around and talked all night, laughed a bit, cried a bit (hey, we are girls after all!) and just had a super time. Don't you just love meeting someone and making an instant friend?

2. Fireworks. This is the first time the peanut really got to enjoy the fireworks as she was so young in the past. She was just watching in amazement as they went off. We got two nights in a row of them so it was good stuff. Here's my favorite picture of her watching them:

3. Water guns. The peanut has never seen one before, but boy did she love it! Her cousins were all running around with them so she jumped in on the fun and had a blast! She still has a bit of a hard time with pushing the button but she developed her own method, with two fingers, good times!4. Corn. What says the 4th better than good old fashioned buttery corn? The peanut could not get enough! She loved it on the cob. Yummo!5. Bingo. The peanut joined me for a game and won on her first try. She won a jump rope out of it. She loved it and was walking around saying, "I play Bingo!" all night!

6. Watermelon. Has anyone else noticed watermelon being better this year than they remember in the near past? I'm serious, this last week I could not get enough, fantastic!

7. Cousins. The peanut had three straight days of playing with her cousins. She really had a blast, but, boy, was she worn out! She loved every minute of it though and has been saying their names ever since in anticipation of more playing!

8. Elephant Ears. Now I know there are a lot of few smiles on this post, but really, that is one good fourth to a foody! So we went to the itty bitty festival in my parents town, where it had poured all day, so no one was there, and got an Elephant Ear that was THE single best elephant ear I've ever had. I think it had to do with them not feeling rushed, but it was fabulous!

9. Fireworks in my belly. I can't be for sure but I think I might be feeling the first movements, here and there. I lay in bed trying to concentrate, but I think it's just a random tickle here, a random tickle there. The best part of pregnancy, in my own humble opinion!

10. Celebrating our countrie's freedom. I know we have a lot of unresolved issues in this country and everyone believes it's going to dogs, but really, when I think of other countries and all of their religious and political persecutions, I'm sure glad to be in this one!

What are you smiling about today?

Entry

And for my last minute entry for the photo contest that Christine at http://www.arewethereyetmom.com/ is giving:

Really not one of my best pictures. Shot with my old, old camera several years ago. What can I say? I haven't been to a wedding in awhile (everyone I know is married these days!!) so I had to choose an old shot. This was the most fun I could find, and you know, I just roll that way. LOL

So go vote for me!

Ten Smiles...a day late

I meant to post yesterday but tootie never took a nap so I just never had a real moment to spend on this post. We've been having a busy, but good last week. I've not really been posting as it doesn't seem I have too much to say right now, but I do have some smiles to share!

1. For those of you who have been with me for awhile, you'll remember that back in March I lost my wedding bands. Never did find them and I still can't imagine how they got off my finger. But anyway, I never got a real replacement. I just wore an inexpensive little ring that we were calling the five year ring. We knew we would replace it someday, not just yet. Anyway, last week we went to a jewlery store that was in it's last two days of business. So, of course, they were seriously trying to unload merchandise. We weren't expecting to find anything, but walked out of the store, with...

So yes, I look like I'm married again. Woo hoo! It is actually way nicer than my old ring, and the only way we could afford it was 85% off the original price!! I am so not kidding. We almost fell over and said, "SOLD!!" I need to get it sodered still but don't want to let go of it quite yet. LOL

2. Fun in the sun. Last week we finally had some nice days when Michael was off work so we got to enjoy the pool. Great way to cool off and just enjoy summer!

3. Garage Sale Awesome Deal. So on Saturday we decided to go garage saleing again and what I was looking for is one of those Little Tike houses for the backyard. Totally found one at the first place we stopped at. I told Michael if it was anymore than $30 we wouldn't buy it. (They are like $140 new) I could hardly believe it when they said $5!! Then, they delivered to our house!! They totally had to have spent that much in gas just getting it here, probably more. And the peanut is crazy about that thing. She says, "My house." And tells me she needs food for the table. So cute!

4. Festivals. I love festival season, my favorite part about summer. We had a little art one in our town this weekend and I found someone willing to make me a sling for $18. Very cool since I am always seeing them online for like $60!

5. New bible study. Some girls from my MOPS group have decided to do a small bible study this summer. I'm excited to learn some new stuff and to make some new friends. It should be good!

6. Church picnic. On Sunday we had our bi-annual church picnic. It's walys fun to eat yummy foods and hang out with great people!

7. Hospital. My insurance fixed their differences with the hospital we wanted to deliver at so we get to go back there, yahoo! It's close to my in-laws and has a NICU so we just prefer that to our local itty bitty hospital.

8. Pesto Pasta. So my Basil has suddenly gone nuts so I've been making Pesto like crazy. I just put it on some bow tie pasta and it it sooooo yummy!

9. This picture, because dang, my little girl is C-U-T-E!!!

10. New clothes. I got some clearance maternity stuff from Babies-R-Us last week and then I went to this kids retail store where they were clearancing their maternity stuff. So, I got a like new Motherhood Linen summer outfit (black and tan) for $5!! I love a bargain!!

What are you smiling about this week?