My Mother's Day

I had a wonderful Mother's Day.

I have been blessed with two beautiful little girls, an awesome mom, and a

wonderful mother-in-law.

I even have a great husband who (as he pointed out) made me a mother!!

I love you all.

I spent the day enjoying the girls, but also enjoying that I was not

the only authority figure around. Jesse has been

really busy lately and it was nice to have a break from handling

all the fits and attitudes alone!!!

We had a family dinner on Saturday and Sunday.

I think I'm still FULL. It was great to see everyone and again to have Jesse around.

We ended the day Sunday with family 4 wheeler ride.

It was the girls first time on one and they had a blast.

I informed Jesse that I need my own so who knows maybe that will be my gift next year!?! HINT HINT!

Kat with Great Grandma Ellen

Lorelai with cousin Meredith

Kat with cousin Trinity

Read more...

Easter

Easter.
New life. New dresses. A fresh start.
I've always loved Easter.
This year was no different.

Having my own children has given me a glimpse into how Jesus must feel about us.
I still stand in awe at being loved so much.
So much that someone would die for me.
Someone I have never met.

Because of Jesus I have hope.
Because of the cross I have life.
HE IS RISEN!!!
There are no sweeter words or a better promise fulfilled!!!

Here's how we spent our Easter.
Blending both the message of the cross and the Easter bunny.
Spending time with two families.
And watching our girls having SOOOO MUCH fun.

Read more...

Happy Birthday to...

ME!!!
That's right, today I turn 28.

Read more...

Braggin' On My Baby

Sorry that I've been neglecting my blog.
I've been busy.
I was in Kansas all of last week, but more on that later.

I've been meaning to post these pictures for months now, but am just getting around to it.
My sister-in-law is starting her own photography business.
My girls get to be the guinea pigs which means great pictures at a reasonable price!!!
Madison has done such a wonderful job and each time the pictures get better and more creative.

Here's a look at some of Lorelai's last sitting.
She is such a doll.
Madison really captured her cute and ornery sides!!!!

I hope they brought you a smile like they do for me.
Thanks Madison!!!

Read more...

Tired...Just Tired

I'm tired.

Tired of telling the girls NO and having them do it anyway.

Tired of picking up mess after mess yet getting nothing done.

Tired of my husband being gone all the time.

Tired of having no friends.

Tired of no one understanding me.

Tired of trying to be a good mom and failing.

Tired of a house that's too small and too many toys.

Tired of stressing about the bills because I alone run the household budget.

Tired of always being tired because of my heart medication.

Tired of trying to live like Christ and failing.

Tired of feeling like my values and beliefs are from eras long ago and that no else seems think that they apply today.

Today I'm tired. Tomorrow I'll get something done. Pay the bills on time. Play with the girls. Things will be better tomorrow, but today I'm weary.

I can't wait for tomorrow.

Read more...

Missing Daddy

The girls have been missing their Daddy lately.

Jesse has been working a lot of over time.

Kathryn told me yesterday "I miss Daddy" and the night before that she loudly stated "I want family time."

Me too.

Read more...

Macaroni Cheesy Corn

I have to share this recipe.
It's our favorite thanks to my sister-in-law, Beth.
She brought it to our annual Thanksgiving dinner more than once (by request of everyone!).

The things is it is sooooo easy.
5 ingredients.
Yes, I said 5.

So make it for dinner tonight, tomorrow, or whenever.
Chances are you've probable had a version of it.
It's popular here in Iowa.
I even made it for Kathryn's preschools Thanksgiving/Family dinner.
They ate it all.
All 8 batches (if that's the right word).

Let me know what you think.
I love comments!!
And I just might post more of our favorite recipes.

Macaroni Cheesy Corn
1 stick butter, cut up
1 c. Velveeta, cubed
1 can corn, undrained
1 can creamed corn
1 c. macaroni, uncooked

Mix all the ingredients in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 covered for 1 hour stirring once then uncover and bake 5 to 15 minutes more. You can even make it ahead of time and put in a crock pot to keep warm.

Enjoy!!!

Read more...

I LOOOOOVED WICKED!!!!

I got to see Wicked!!!!!
It's been awhile. September/October?
I absolutely LOVED it.

I was scared of The Wizard of Oz when I was little!!
(Had nightmares about the wicked witch.)
Wasn't so sure about this one either when it opened with some freaky flying monkey!
But with an opening line of "It's good to see me isn't it?" I'm OBSESSED.
(Heart Ga-linda!)

Anyway, here's a sneak peek if you haven't seen it or are a 'passionate' fan like me!
I really want to take my mom and sister.
And Kat and Lili when they are old enough.
Maybe someday?!!

(make sure you watch mom!!! heart you)

Read more...

That Made Up Holiday

So I obviously didn't get anything posted for Valentine's Day.
We've been busy.
Taxes. Bills. Learning to budget.
Nothing fun or interesting but busy just the same.

Jesse actually surprised me!!
He asked his mom to take the girls Sunday afternoon so we could see a movie.
This showed some planning on his part which is a HUGE deal.
This is a guy who is late for everything and plans nothing.

Well, we ended up just having lunch at Applebee's and a movie at home (with no children to interrupt!).
What movie theatre doesn't have a matinee on Sunday? Ours apparently!!
I wanted to see Valentine's Day.
We watched Four Christmases.
The Redbox was, of course, out of new couples movies and we'd seen almost everything else.

In the end I got some time with Jesse, a nap, and a kid free afternoon so it turned out okay.
Not to bad for a day that my husband refers to as "that made up holiday."

Read more...

Ice Barn

We had an ice storm last week.
We've had at least one ice storm a year since Lorelai was born.
Three years of ice, falling branches, and flickering lights.
Thankfully the power didn't go out this time.

Our house looks like a barn.
No castle here, but I love it.
It still looks great. So pretty with all the ice and snow while we were tucked safe and warm inside.

Me + two toddlers + 2 bedroom house + 5 days = STRESS!!!!!
That's right.
We didn't leave the house for 5 days!!!
I was afraid one of us (me) wouldn't make it.
We all survived with only a few tears, lots of baking, and way to much TV.

The girls spent their week watching movies and helping Mommy bake.
It was a good excuse to haul out the sleeping bags and a good movie.

Our east window.
It was covered for days.

Our back door also faces the east.
It was a good thing we never use it.

Our big tree to the east of the house.
It didn't lose any limbs this year. YEAH!!

I thought the little tree to the left was going to come crashing down. It didn't.

Read more...

New Look

I've been playing around with a new look. I hope you all like it. I'm still learning how things work. Anyone with any advise please feel free to share!!! I would like more pages (I think that is the term), but have no clue how to make the home, about, and all the other neat little things you could put up. I'm really enjoying this and hopefully everyone else enjoys the peak into my life. I love comments and am looking forward to making some new friends. Sometimes my life is boring and sometimes I'm overwhelmed. We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Read more...

Fingerprint Friday (OK, Saturday)

TheRustedChain - The Blog: "There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of god
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of god
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of god
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them?"

Here is where I see them. Everyday.

They are a masterpiece. Mine and Jesse's.

We couldn't be more blessed.

*Head back to pamperingbeki.blogspot.com to see all other participants.

Read more...

Budget, Budget, Budget...HELP!!!

So, lately I've been working on keeping costs low and have been cracking down on extra spending, but with the holidays that is so hard. I'm trying to get back on track; however, it is taking a lot of effort.

HELP!! If anyone can sent me some tips I would be so grateful. I need to lower the grocery bill, start saving more, and make sure that money makes it into the offering at church more often than not. Anything that would help me cut costs on anything or help me plan better would be great.

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR: recipes (easy and/or cheap), craft ideas for gifts (help save through the year on b-days and such), organizational tips, websites, products, and basically anything that has helped you keep costs low and kept you organized would be great.

I'm so overwhelmed getting back on track I would love ideas on how to even set a realistic budget!!!!

Thanks so much. I'll let you know how things are going and hopefully I will have some helpful hints to pass on once I get a chance to try them out.

Read more...

No More Baby

Lorelai turned 2 on December 15 and as normal I'm late posting about it. I guess that's what I get for having a baby during the holiday season and I'm sure she won't let us forget about anytime soon!!!

Lili.
She's our baby. She is the bright spot in my day and also the reason for my headaches. We love her so much. Jesse thinks she will have more natural ability when it comes to sports and I think she will be the one that pushes the limits all while giving us a smile that could melt anyone's heart. The next 16 or so years are going to be loooong=)

We no longer have a baby. We have two toddlers and are again entering into the terrible twos. Both girls keep us busy and we wouldn't have it any other way.


The second attempt at a cake. It's actually brownies because we aren't big cake fans...and well I couldn't get the frosting to spread on the first attempt which was actually a cake.
I'm glad it looks like she's blowing out the candle, but I stepped in because I thought she was going to spit on it!!Cousins Erin and Ben came early for Christmas and just in time for the party. They had a lot of play time together for the next few weeks.

Opening presents. Lili got 2 dolls. Just what she wanted only Kat took the doll and Lili spent all night playing with the diaper bag that came with the doll. Lili has since become a purse/bag girl and I can already see dollar signs adding up!! This is our Lili. Full of fun, silliness, and extremely ornery!!!

We love you Lorelai!!!

Read more...