10 Smile Tuesday

Let me just start off by saying what a hard time I've been having lately. The peanut is just really testing me to see how far she can get and their have been many late nights lifting my hands to God asking for strength and wisdom. I've been reading Sheperding a Child's Heart again, trying to glean everything I can from the experience of other's who have gone before.

So, I thought I might have a hard time coming up with all the smiles, but then, yesterday happened and I think I might have one or two from that...

1. A surprise! So yesterday morning, 9am to be exact, my doorbell is ringing. I'm in a little nightgown, big belly, no bra...not pretty...so I throw some clothes on and go to the insistent door ringer. There at my door is my MOPS steering team, with a video camera, tiara and a bunch of smiles to sweep me away for a day of pampering and a makeover. They had my husband and my close friend, Carrie, in on it too. Carrie took the peanut for the day so I would just be able to relax and enjoy.

2. Just as an added laugh, you all know the peanut is potty training so she has been running the house diaperless lately, let me tell you how I told her not to come to the door with me but her pitter patter of little feet followed me and that little stinker is all over those pictures white butt and all. Cracks me up!

3. The first stop on the tour? This adorable salon here in town, to get highlights and lowlights and a cut. Oh, so cute, and so needed. My hair has been looking straggly for so long and this is just what I needed for a pick me up!

4. Next stop? Lunch at O'Charley's with the girls. So nice to hang out and chat about "stuff" without having to chase the peanut throughout the restaraunt. I just got to enjoy my yummy yeast rolls and potato cheese soup in peace, so great!

5. Then? Off to shopping where we picked out some new bras, two outfits and a pair of jeans. Holy cow, that was so great. And the best part was getting something I normally wouldn't because the girls were there to encourage. They are great outfits for church which is so nice since everything I own seems to be perfect for the park at this point!

6. More to come. So, we ran out of time yesterday so I get to look forward on Thursday to makeup, jewlerly and new shoes. Is this totally crazy? If you are wondering why, our speaker this week is going to be talking about beauty and taking care of yourself and so they wanted to do a makeover on someone. Apparently I needed one bad, so, ladies, if you want one too, just look like me! LOL

7. Last days of summer. Sunday was still warm enough out that the peanut and I got to spend some time outside just enjoying the warmth, and, a sundress!

8. Less than 13 weeks left!! Man, time does fly!

9. A box. It's amazing how much fun one little box can make...seriously...it has been entertainment for the last week now. Crazy! We bought a glider for when the baby comes (found a super good deal at Babies R' Us this week!) and that box has been in the living room just creating laughs and giggles all week. Sadly, it is a big box so it has to go this week. :(

10. Decorating. So I am finally getting around to doing the nursery. We had had a pretty cheap crib for the peanut and we just didn't feel so great about using it again, so we've been lookin for a deal on a nice, sturdy, convertible crib we knew we would keep for years to come. We actually found one at a second hand kids store in town on Saturday, only it wasn't second hand, it was brand new! But definitely over $100 savings then if we'd bought it in store. Good stuff! We also bought a pink and green bedding set that is too cute and girly for the nursery. Used, but you'd never guess. $50 for a blanket, 2 sheets, comfortor, lamp, diaper stacker, bookends, mobile, wall hangings and a bumper (which I won't use). Isn't that crazy? So now we just need the dresser and we are set!

11. And one for good measure! On Friday at the MOPS steering committee meeting I must not have been looking so good because I walked in, the coordinator looked at me and said, "Go home, I'll take Lilla for the day...get some sleep!" And she did!! I had an entire day to just sleep and it was fantastic!! What a special and much needed blessing. I am so really appreciative for that!

12. Okay, one more. Friday night I drove out to my sister's for a girl's night in with her MOPS group where we all made bracelets. Mine is brown and gold and seriously pretty. I'm loving it!

What are you smiling about today?

Ten (+3) Smile Tuesday

We have been having some good, and busy days lately. Lots to smile about so here we go....

1. The peanut has been walking around the house bursting out into this song lately so you know I had to capture it on camera for you...adorable!



2. Another trip to the zoo. Yep, this is what happens when you have an annual pass and your child loves the place. We definitely got our money's worth of the zoopass!

3. The peanut's haircut. Not a tear was shed, only giggling was heard by all in the store. It probably didn't hurt that she got to see in her choice, Lightning McQueen and that Spongebob was on the tv, but she did great. And, came out looking pretty cute to boot!


4. Happy birthday to you. Sunday was a birthday party for the peanut's cousin and our goddaughter, Happy Birthday Jasmine, and all day long the peanut just kept singing, "Happy Birthday to yooooouu!!" So cute!

5. Pony rides. Jasmine's birthday party had a real pony at it, no joke! So, the peanut got to ride on a pony, she could not wait and loved it! She couldn't wait to do it again!

6. Bunnies. There was also a petting zoo which contained a real bunny, which the peanut absolutely loved! Such fun to see her cuddle and love him like she was his own!

7. Friday night and friend and her daughter came over for some fun playtime for the girl's. They got in the peanut's "ride" and drove all over the field next to our house. I didn't have my camera but it was so cute to watch them drive around in the peanut's Gator with such joy and amusement!

8. I bought this little cart full of peek a blocks at a garage sale for the new baby but the peanut loves it so much I just let her pull it around the yard and build "towers" with it. Such fun!

9. On Saturday we drove an hour and a half to the nearest IKEA store and got some great stuff for the kids. It took us four hours to get through that store but boy do I love it there!!

10. We also made a trip while we were in the city to this huge Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy store and got some serious deals. For instance, their Gap Maternity pants were $4.99!! I couldn't believe my eyes. Totally worth the drive if you like those brands, which I personally do. I am a Gap girl so it made me happy!

11. While we were at the Gap store I had to go to the bathroom (I mean a pregnant girl has to pee!!) so I took the peanut in with me. She insisted on holding the toilet paper so I asked her what she needed it for, she looked at me and serious as a snake said, "I wip-a your butt." I almost fell over laughing so hard. She is too funny!

12. MOPS. Friday we had our second MOPS group and it is just going so well. We have really tried a different format this year and it seems to be working out so well. I am enjoying getting to know the new moms and being part of such a great team!

13. Apples. We went to the Apple Orchard on Sunday and got some yummy frozen cider shakes, elephant ears and, of course, apples. We didn't pick any since there were so many people there, but we are going back today to actually let the peanut have the experience. I've been making some yummy recipes with them including apple pie and pork and apple skillet. Yummy!

What are you smiling about today?

Check it out!

My real life friend, Amanda, over at Blessings All Mine, is having a giveaway to celebrate her new Etsy shop. Here is some linky love for her, please stop by and enter!

Wordless Wednesday - Cousins

To join in or see more pictures, go to http://www.5minutesformom.com or http://www.wordlesswednesday.com

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