Please comment here. $1 will be donated to St Jude's Research Hospital for each comment (up to 500) Kelly receives in the next two days!
Thanks for the heads up, Shannon!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
Forgot to give this a title!
This should be a quiet week of staying close to home for us. It was a wonderfully busy weekend. We had a baby shower for Danny's sister, reunion with Ian who is home from NAU for the Christmas break, church festivities on Sunday, lunch with Danny's Mom and sisters after church, and a celebration for our good friend Kevin's birthday on Sunday evening! Needless to say, my kiddos need some time to get back on their normal schedules, especially Miss Abby who protests any disruption of her naps by waking up 3 or 4 times at night. She also has a very difficult time settling into sleep in the evening.
So, we are going stick close to the house for the rest of the week. I need to do a grocery run, but when depends on how long Abby sleeps this morning. Hopefully I can make it a short trip just to Safeway. I don't dare try to go to Walmart this week!
Anyway, I need to get this mealplan done and then shower!
Monday: Chili with corn
Tuesday: Spaghetti with homemade meatballs and salad
Wednesday: Crockpot Italian Chicken with rice and broccoli
Thursday: Homemade McMuffins
Friday: Dinner with friends
Saturday: Lasagna with Salad (make extra for Rach)
Sunday: Christmas Eve (who knows)
Monday: Christmas! Chocolate torte!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Making baby food
Today was my first attempt to make baby food using the Kitchen Aid food grinder I received for my birthday. Thanks Mom and Dad!
I had some carrots ready to cook, so I popped them in the microwave for about 11 minutes. I did stir them halfway through.
Here they are ready to be ground. I checked to see if they were ready by sticking a fork in them Nice and soft!
Into the grinder!
Don't forget to have a bowl ready!
The carrots are pretty pumpy, so I put them through a few times. They still ended up pulpy, but because Abby hasn't been exposed to how smooth store bought baby food is, I think this will be fine. If she doesn't like the texture, I can put them in the blender.
I ended up adding a lot of the liquid I cooked them in to make them pretty runny. As Abby gets older, I assume I will add less liquid.
Finally, I put them in a nice Tupperware ice cube tray I had found at Goodwill. I will freeze the carrots into cubes and then pop them into a baggie and store them in the freezer.
My tray even has a nice lid! :)
Voila! Easy baby food! I loved the grinder. I had tried a hand grinder for Joey and it was a ton of work. This was very simple and fast. Cleanup was a breeze, too. Many of the parts are dishwasher safe, but it was very easy to just was out by hand!
I had some carrots ready to cook, so I popped them in the microwave for about 11 minutes. I did stir them halfway through.
Here they are ready to be ground. I checked to see if they were ready by sticking a fork in them Nice and soft!
Into the grinder!
Don't forget to have a bowl ready!
The carrots are pretty pumpy, so I put them through a few times. They still ended up pulpy, but because Abby hasn't been exposed to how smooth store bought baby food is, I think this will be fine. If she doesn't like the texture, I can put them in the blender.
I ended up adding a lot of the liquid I cooked them in to make them pretty runny. As Abby gets older, I assume I will add less liquid.
Finally, I put them in a nice Tupperware ice cube tray I had found at Goodwill. I will freeze the carrots into cubes and then pop them into a baggie and store them in the freezer.
My tray even has a nice lid! :)
Voila! Easy baby food! I loved the grinder. I had tried a hand grinder for Joey and it was a ton of work. This was very simple and fast. Cleanup was a breeze, too. Many of the parts are dishwasher safe, but it was very easy to just was out by hand!
Decorating Cookies
We spent some time last night decorating cookies! A good time was had by all. I was impressed that Joey even decorated more cookies than he ate . He did try spreading frosting on cookies and licking it off repeatedly. Smart kid. If I could get away with it, I'd do the same!
Then you spread it just like this...
Look what I made!
I worked too! (I'm on the phone conspiring with Dad about Christmas.)
A sampling of our finished product!
First you get some frosting...
Then you spread it just like this...
Look what I made!
Daddy and Abs joining in the fun.
I worked too! (I'm on the phone conspiring with Dad about Christmas.)
A sampling of our finished product!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Photo Session!
On Saturday, Danny and Joey were working on the cars, so Abby and I played glamor shots! Here's Miss Abby at 6 months old! I can't get over how beautiful she is. 
You can't resist smiling back at her, can you?
Here's her more "scholarly" face.
Joey and Danny joined us after a bit. This was our attempt to get a photo of the kids together. It didn't turn out great, but the grandparents will love it anyway! :)
You can't resist smiling back at her, can you?
Here's her more "scholarly" face.
Joey and Danny joined us after a bit. This was our attempt to get a photo of the kids together. It didn't turn out great, but the grandparents will love it anyway! :)
Doctor's Appt Update
So, because my posts right now are so boring, I decided I better load up on the pictures! These are of the kiddos in the bathtub last night. It was Abby's first bath sitting up. She loved it! Most of the photos turned out blurry, but I had to share her expression in the second one!
I finished picking up the east side of the house. I think Danny is going over to Nanay's (my grandmother) house tonight to help her with her computer this evening once the kiddos are asleep. I'll use that time to do a quick pick up of our room. The house should then be in good shape for cleaning.
We made it to playgroup just a little bit late this morning. We stopped at the bank on the way to deposit some checks. I love making deposits! :) Joey was having a great time playing, so when I told him "It's time to go to the doctor, say goodbye to Quinton (the friend who was hosting playgroup)." Joey looked up from his toy, waved at me and said "Bye Quinton!" He didn't understand that he needed to leave. Thankfully some of my sweet friends volunteered to watch him while I ran Abby to her appointment. It was really nice to have some alone time with Abby and not have to worry about keeping Joey entertained while I helped as Abby was given her shots.
Abby weighs... drumroll please... 17lbs 15oz! She's a big girl, in the 85 percentile, but not nearly as big as her brother was at 6 months. I am pleased because we can get a couple more months use out of the infant carseat.
I asked the doctor about cereal and he said I was asking "good questions." He told me that infants usually deplete their iron stores between 6 and 9 months. (There is an iron level test that will be done at her 9 month appt.) I can give her spinach to boost her iron. Or, he said cereal once a day certainly won't hurt her. He also said she doesn't need solids yet, but by 9 months should be eating table food regularly. Then he told me I have 3 months to get her there. He was very comfortable with me holding off on solids longer. I actually got out a pack of banana baby food that we were given to let Abby try at dinner tonight. Danny got the camera and the batteries were dead. Then the next set he tried were dead. We decided to hold off because we want pictures of her first experience of food! Poor Abby, she may never try solids! :)
I finished picking up the east side of the house. I think Danny is going over to Nanay's (my grandmother) house tonight to help her with her computer this evening once the kiddos are asleep. I'll use that time to do a quick pick up of our room. The house should then be in good shape for cleaning.
We made it to playgroup just a little bit late this morning. We stopped at the bank on the way to deposit some checks. I love making deposits! :) Joey was having a great time playing, so when I told him "It's time to go to the doctor, say goodbye to Quinton (the friend who was hosting playgroup)." Joey looked up from his toy, waved at me and said "Bye Quinton!" He didn't understand that he needed to leave. Thankfully some of my sweet friends volunteered to watch him while I ran Abby to her appointment. It was really nice to have some alone time with Abby and not have to worry about keeping Joey entertained while I helped as Abby was given her shots.
Abby weighs... drumroll please... 17lbs 15oz! She's a big girl, in the 85 percentile, but not nearly as big as her brother was at 6 months. I am pleased because we can get a couple more months use out of the infant carseat.
I asked the doctor about cereal and he said I was asking "good questions." He told me that infants usually deplete their iron stores between 6 and 9 months. (There is an iron level test that will be done at her 9 month appt.) I can give her spinach to boost her iron. Or, he said cereal once a day certainly won't hurt her. He also said she doesn't need solids yet, but by 9 months should be eating table food regularly. Then he told me I have 3 months to get her there. He was very comfortable with me holding off on solids longer. I actually got out a pack of banana baby food that we were given to let Abby try at dinner tonight. Danny got the camera and the batteries were dead. Then the next set he tried were dead. We decided to hold off because we want pictures of her first experience of food! Poor Abby, she may never try solids! :)
Happy Monday!
Good morning! I know I've said this before, but I LOVE the fresh start of a Monday morning. We have a busy morning today, so this will be brief. We'll head to playgroup just as soon as I finish drying my hair and brush my teeth. (Aren't you glad your computer doesn't have smell-o-vision?) We'll only be able to stay at playgroup for about an hour and then we'll head to the pediatrician's office for Abby's 6 month checkup. I'm eager to see what she weighs and learn her percentiles! I also am going to talk to the doctor about beginning solid foods and if baby cereal has any redeeming qualities or is just iron fortified empty calories as I suspect. If so, we'll begin with veggies. I have some different goals for feeding Abby than I did with Joey. I'd like to share more foods just off our plates rather than giving her lots of jarred baby food. My understanding is that she gets all her nutrition until she's one through breastmilk, so she doesn't need "meals" of the baby food. She just needs to practice eating skills. It makes sense to me to practice with "real food." This could turn into an entire new post.
Other things to fill my day... laundry! I know you were wondering if I got caught up! Yeah right! :) I also need to do an sweep through the house to pick up because our sweet cleaning lady comes tomorrow!
Opps! I didn't get this posted this morning before I left. Well, here it is. I'm going to pick up the east side of my house and then I'll post a Dr's visit update!
Other things to fill my day... laundry! I know you were wondering if I got caught up! Yeah right! :) I also need to do an sweep through the house to pick up because our sweet cleaning lady comes tomorrow!
Opps! I didn't get this posted this morning before I left. Well, here it is. I'm going to pick up the east side of my house and then I'll post a Dr's visit update!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Chocolate Cappuccino Torte
This is the most rich torte I've ever tasted! It's delicious! It's a recipe from my dear friend Alli which was given to her by her sister. It has been a feature at my and my close friend's wedding and baby showers and important events. It's becoming a tradition!
Danny bought me my own spring form pan for my birthday so chocolate cappuccino torte can now be a family tradition as well.
Without further ado...
Chocolate Cappuccino Torte
8oz semi sweet baking chocolate (I used semi sweet chocolate chips)
12oz milk chocolate chips
1C whipping cream
2T instant coffee (decaf if you want to temper the caffeine from the chocolate)
1t vanilla
1/2C flour
1/4C sugar
5 eggs
1/4C coffee liquor
In heavy saucepan (or double boiler), heat chocolate, whipping cream, and coffee over low heat until melted, stirring constantly. Cool to room temperature.
In large bowl, beat eggs, coffee liquor, and vanilla with electric mixer until combined. Add flour and sugar. Beat on high speed for 8 minutes. Batter should be light and slightly thickened.
Fold 1/4 of egg mixture into chocolate mixture. Fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg mixture.
Pour into greased and floured 9" spring form pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until slightly puffed around outer edge and soft in the middle. Cool in pan on wire rack for 20 minutes. Remove sides and cool completely.
Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
A few notes... bake on a cookie sheet. Chances are, the spring form pan will leak a bit. One torte can serve quite a few people because it is so rich!
Danny bought me my own spring form pan for my birthday so chocolate cappuccino torte can now be a family tradition as well.
Without further ado...
Chocolate Cappuccino Torte
8oz semi sweet baking chocolate (I used semi sweet chocolate chips)
12oz milk chocolate chips
1C whipping cream
2T instant coffee (decaf if you want to temper the caffeine from the chocolate)
1t vanilla
1/2C flour
1/4C sugar
5 eggs
1/4C coffee liquor
In heavy saucepan (or double boiler), heat chocolate, whipping cream, and coffee over low heat until melted, stirring constantly. Cool to room temperature.
In large bowl, beat eggs, coffee liquor, and vanilla with electric mixer until combined. Add flour and sugar. Beat on high speed for 8 minutes. Batter should be light and slightly thickened.
Fold 1/4 of egg mixture into chocolate mixture. Fold chocolate mixture into remaining egg mixture.
Pour into greased and floured 9" spring form pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes until slightly puffed around outer edge and soft in the middle. Cool in pan on wire rack for 20 minutes. Remove sides and cool completely.
Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
A few notes... bake on a cookie sheet. Chances are, the spring form pan will leak a bit. One torte can serve quite a few people because it is so rich!
Ahh... Friday!
Hello to my many readers! All two of you! (Hi Mom! Hi Danny!) :) I am so thankful today is Friday. It's been a good week, but I'm ready to have Danny home for the weekend!
I do have plenty to fill my day. I am still working on catching up laundry! It's too depressing to think how long it's been since I've been caught up. I made great strides this week, but with four people soiling laundry everyday, it just piles back up! I really really really want to see the empty bottom of my laundry baskets! I also need to figure out a new plan for Abby's laundry. We've had a basket by her changing table. It's super convenient when changing her, but her laundry tends to pile up while the rest of ours (which gets put in the baskets outside the laundry room) is much easier for me to get done. So, perhaps I'll just remove the basket and turn it into a hand wash basket in the laundry room.
I also need to peel potatoes and get them into the crockpot for some potato soup for tonight. We are going to a friend's house to prepare cookies and frosting for an ABF party tomorrow evening. So, dinner and laundry, that's all I'm going to try to get done today. If I get more done, hooray!!!
In kiddo news... Abby has learned to sit up on her own! If I can get blogger to cooperate, I'll attach some photos of the kids playing with their new Veggie Tales Nativity Set.
Abby is so happy to be a part of the action while Joey is playing. It is amazing to watch her look at Joey in such awe. It's completely different than how she looks at us. She ADORES him! May I look to Christ like she looks to her big brother! We also have been letting her cry at night. It's so sad and she has quite the stamina for crying! But, this is what she's been looking like when we wake up in the morning (she's been sleeping late) and she doesn't look too traumatized!
I'm off.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
STRIKEOUT!!! (My goal today)
Good Morning! I am sitting here this morning sipping my coffee and thinking through my day. It's going to be a busy one! We are having some new friends over who I met at the park. J is coming with her two daughters who are both less than a month from my kiddos in age. It shoudl be fun, although I confess I'm a bit nervous. So, I need to get my todo list written and get to work! I'll update later with how day 2 of my carb restricted diet is going. I usually weigh myself in the morning before breakfast, but yesterday I weighed myself at the end of the day and was 135. I'm happy with this as a starting point. I was expecting to see about 140!
Things to bless my family today...
strikeout html skills as I get things done!
Happy Tuesday!
Things to bless my family today...
- Unload and reload dishwasher
- Clean kitchen counters
- More laundry
- Clean guest bathroom
- Christmas decor cleaned off the living room floor
- Vacuum
- Make lunch
Happy Tuesday!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Whew! BORING!
I just looked at my blog and I was bored! I need some color in a bad way! I am hoping to post soon about Moms for Modesty, advent, pictures of our Christmas decor... but first I need to get though my house chores! Perhaps I can ask my sweet husband for some redesign help this week.
What am I keeping busy with today?
picking up the master bedroom
cleaningthe living room and kitchen
conquering the laundry pile (23 loads folded, ironed and put away)
meal planning
playgroup (although I'm on a roll cleaning, so I may ditch today)(ditched)
jesse tree preparations
keeping up with a busy boy and girl!
Whew! That should be enough! I'm also working on keeping the television OFF all day long! Even after the kids go to bed! Time to pop in some Christmas hymns, email the playgroup host, and work some more!
What am I keeping busy with today?
cleaning
conquering the laundry pile (
meal planning
jesse tree preparations
keeping up with a busy boy and girl!
Whew! That should be enough! I'm also working on keeping the television OFF all day long! Even after the kids go to bed! Time to pop in some Christmas hymns, email the playgroup host, and work some more!
Monday, November 20, 2006
Monday, Monday, so good to me
Happy Monday! I sure love the beginning of the week. It feels like a fresh start and I love new beginnings! Is it any wonder I love my Lord whose mercies are new every morning? Today is playgroup, shopping for Jesse Tree making materials, Monday pickup, and some catch up on my Bible study.
We had a rough night with Abby. She doesn't like to sleep alone. Danny and I ended up taking turns on the couch with her last night. I woke up with a headache. I think the couch puts my spine out of alignment and gives me a headache. It's time for Danny and I to bite the tough love bullet and let her do some crying at night. She's ready to sleep, she just has learned that if she cries, we'll come rescue her!
Saturday was my 27th birthday! My family and friends gave me a lovely weekend-long celebration. On Saturday morning, my love went and bought me doughnuts (because calories don't count on your birthday!) and I took Joey to the library. It's rare for Joey and I to go somewhere alone, so it was a special treat. We bought Safeway deli sandwiches for lunch and went and ate on the side of the road and cheered on bikers in El Tour de Tucson, a huge local event. It was SO fun to cheer on the riders. We got a nod or "thank you" from almost everyone we clapped and cheered for.
In the afternoon, we had a party for Danny, my dear friend Andrea, and me (all November birthdays) with a group of our friends we call "the crew." We played croquet at a park near our house and then came hone and had lasagna, bread, salad, pie and root beer floats! It was wonderful!
On Sunday morning, we had a nice time at church. I gave an introduction to an activity we are doing next week. (See previous post on Jesse Trees.) Our worship time was fun with a focus on Thankfulness. In the afternoon, we went to my parent's house and celebrated my birthday with my Mom and Dad, Aunt and cousin and Grandma. It was fun even with a testy two year old!
Speaking of two year olds, mine has disappeared, which probably means he just pooped. Lovely.
Update: Joey pooped and then came and asked to use the potty (successfully!) That's a good sign, right?
Have a great Monday!
We had a rough night with Abby. She doesn't like to sleep alone. Danny and I ended up taking turns on the couch with her last night. I woke up with a headache. I think the couch puts my spine out of alignment and gives me a headache. It's time for Danny and I to bite the tough love bullet and let her do some crying at night. She's ready to sleep, she just has learned that if she cries, we'll come rescue her!
Saturday was my 27th birthday! My family and friends gave me a lovely weekend-long celebration. On Saturday morning, my love went and bought me doughnuts (because calories don't count on your birthday!) and I took Joey to the library. It's rare for Joey and I to go somewhere alone, so it was a special treat. We bought Safeway deli sandwiches for lunch and went and ate on the side of the road and cheered on bikers in El Tour de Tucson, a huge local event. It was SO fun to cheer on the riders. We got a nod or "thank you" from almost everyone we clapped and cheered for.
In the afternoon, we had a party for Danny, my dear friend Andrea, and me (all November birthdays) with a group of our friends we call "the crew." We played croquet at a park near our house and then came hone and had lasagna, bread, salad, pie and root beer floats! It was wonderful!
On Sunday morning, we had a nice time at church. I gave an introduction to an activity we are doing next week. (See previous post on Jesse Trees.) Our worship time was fun with a focus on Thankfulness. In the afternoon, we went to my parent's house and celebrated my birthday with my Mom and Dad, Aunt and cousin and Grandma. It was fun even with a testy two year old!
Speaking of two year olds, mine has disappeared, which probably means he just pooped. Lovely.
Update: Joey pooped and then came and asked to use the potty (successfully!) That's a good sign, right?
Have a great Monday!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Jesse Tree Information (For the ABF)
My dear ABF friends, here is your "homework" for next week.
- Talk to your spouse and decide what you want your Jesse tree to look like. Remember it can be a small tree, a branch, posterboard, your regular Christmas tree, a wreath, whatever suits you! There are a few examples of Jesse trees in the link list below.
- Please bring what you are going to use with you to ABF next week. For example, if you want to make your ornaments out of felt, please bring the felt and glue with you for our project day. I will make sure we have cardstock copies of what I used in ABF this week as well as crayons and markers, so if that is what you'd like to use to begin your tree, just bring yourself!
- Remember, this year could just be a start for your tree. This is a tradition you can add on to easily year by year.
Links to more Jesse Tree information and ideas
- Jesse Tree devotions and patterns(these are the symbols and readings I'm providing in ABF) http://www.rca.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=1628&srcid=1602
- Great Biblical Overview of the history of Jesse Trees http://www.cresourcei.org/jesse.html
- Another example as well as additional patterns http://www.domestic-church.com/CONTENT.DCC/19971201/FRIDGE/FRIDGE1.HTM
- More pictures of beautiful Jesse Trees http://www.jesse-tree.com/
Some books about Jesse Trees
- Patterns for Jesse tree symbols http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=7214394&event=61984SBF|141216|55020
- Stories to share about the Jesse Tree http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=52884&event=55020CRS|1219782|55020#curr
- Jesse Tree Readings (includes devotionals for both adults and children) http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=7009081&event=61984SBF|122589|55020#curr
:) Martha
Thursday, November 09, 2006
29 things I love about my hubby on his 29th birthday!
1. You love God first.
2. You love me and you've seen my worst.
3. You love our babies.
4. You cry at commercials.
5. You are a cuddler.
6. You do more than your share of housework.
7. You are a natural with kids.
8. You listen to me.
9. You're a peacemaker.
10. That little scar on your chin.
11. You fit in, are comfortable with, and love my family.
12. You pray with Joey.
13. You've stuck with the church you were raised in.
14. You have the patience of a saint.
15. You hold my hand during meetings.
16. You take care of those you love.
17. You ohh and aww over Joey's art.
18. You change poopy diapers.
19. You know how to grill.
20. You choose good friends with good wives.
21. You're willing to drive a paid for older car.
22. I relax in your arms.
23. You make coffee for me even though I'm the morning person.
24. You enjoy spending time at home.
25. Best. Dad. Ever.
26. You don't get irritated when I call you over just to look at our sleeping babies.
27. You asked.
28. You open the covers for me when I get into bed after nursing Abby.
29. You're my best friend.
I love you, honey! Happy birthday!
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Adventures at Bible Study
Last night we had quite an eventful Bible study meeting. We celebrated completely finishing our first book in 3 or so years of meeting! I had carpooled with my dear friend Tina. The poor girl ended up leaving soon after we arrived due to debilitating pain in her ankle. Poor thing. Call your doctor, missy! In the meantime we'll keep praying.
We plowed through the study and enjoyed some good discussion although it was taking a LONG time to get through the questions. Our friend Sara needed to leave at 8:45 to get home and into bed because she needed to get up early. As she left, unbeknownst to her, a bird flew into the house! We were glad to realize it was a bird and not a bat, but we were all puzzled about how to remove the bird.
The next 15-20 minutes were spend shrieking, ducking, and flashing the lights on and off to encourage the bird to move toward the door. We waved a broom and pillows at it, clapped and yelled at it. We even giggled a LOT! It must have been quite a sight watching 4 grown women chase this bird. We thought about trying to capture the bird in a towel. We weren't brave enough to really follow through on that plan, though!
The poor bird spent his time inside trying to fly up and banging into the ceiling. My friend's ceiling was thoroughly dotted with feathers and had some blood smears at the end. The bird in his desperation to get to a safe place, must have cut his head.
The girls finally chased the bird outside and slammed the door shut when it looked like the bird might come back into the house. Whew! We all had more than a little adrenaline flowing at that point. We laughed and laughed in relief. My sweet friend and her husband and another friend were up until 2am cleaning the house!
It was an event we will never never forget and one I'm content to not relive. :)
We plowed through the study and enjoyed some good discussion although it was taking a LONG time to get through the questions. Our friend Sara needed to leave at 8:45 to get home and into bed because she needed to get up early. As she left, unbeknownst to her, a bird flew into the house! We were glad to realize it was a bird and not a bat, but we were all puzzled about how to remove the bird.
The next 15-20 minutes were spend shrieking, ducking, and flashing the lights on and off to encourage the bird to move toward the door. We waved a broom and pillows at it, clapped and yelled at it. We even giggled a LOT! It must have been quite a sight watching 4 grown women chase this bird. We thought about trying to capture the bird in a towel. We weren't brave enough to really follow through on that plan, though!
The poor bird spent his time inside trying to fly up and banging into the ceiling. My friend's ceiling was thoroughly dotted with feathers and had some blood smears at the end. The bird in his desperation to get to a safe place, must have cut his head.
The girls finally chased the bird outside and slammed the door shut when it looked like the bird might come back into the house. Whew! We all had more than a little adrenaline flowing at that point. We laughed and laughed in relief. My sweet friend and her husband and another friend were up until 2am cleaning the house!
It was an event we will never never forget and one I'm content to not relive. :)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
A REAL duct tape Bible
A post at Everyday Mommy about the marketing of a "duct tape Bible" reminded me of Danny's childhood Bible which is REAL duct tape Bible. We have pictures of Danny holding this Bible as a seven year old, and the edges are already ragged in the photo. Judging by the notes inside, I'd guess Danny carried this Bible through high school. I can think of a few times in our marriage when Danny grabbed this Bible to take to church. I wonder when he needed the duct tape to hold it together.
I can't say I'm against the marketing of a Bible with a duct tape cover. But, my prayer for my children is that they love the word of God enough to eventually need some duct tape to hold their Bible together.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Recipe Swap!
I'm joining Tammy at Tammy's Times for a soup recipe swap. It's finally been cool enough here to turn off the air conditioning so bring on the soups! Yesterday we had some dear friends over for dinner and I made yummy crockpot potato soup, a recipe I was given by Danny's Mom. The original source is First EV Free Women's Ministry here in Tucson.Crockpot Potato Soup
6 Potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 chopped onion (I use the frozen kind- no tears!)
1-2 carrots (I leave out)
1-2 celery sticks (I sometimes leave out)
4 chicken bullion cubes
1 Tbs parsley
5 C water
1.5 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1/3 cup margerine or butter, cut into pats
13oz can evaporated milk
Place all ingredients except evaporated milk into crockpot with butter on top. Cook on low for 10-12 hours. During the last hour, stir in 1 13oz can evaporated milk.
Yummy and easy!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Abigail Emma
I couldn't resist having a mini photo shoot this morning after dressing Abby. I didn't quite figure out how to use the light in my first photo, but her smile is so sweet!
I love the light and how you can see the depth in her eyes.
I love the way the little hairs peek out from beneath her cap!
I love the light and how you can see the depth in her eyes.
I love the way the little hairs peek out from beneath her cap!
Entertaining the toddler I
I'm hoping to do a series of posts about things I do daily to keep Joey entertained and challenged a bit. I bought a set of fun foam beads at Walmart. I also picked up some pipe cleaners because I didn't think Joey had the dexterity to string the beads on the sting provided with the beads. Yesterday we made some bracelets together. We had a great time! (I even snuck in some labelling of the colors and shapes as we strung the beads!)
Danny and I learned the hard way that it is wise to give Joey a limited number of beads at a time. Yesterday I filled the lid with beads for us to use.
Here's Joey working on his bracelet.
Joey showing off his finished product.
My finished product!
Danny and I learned the hard way that it is wise to give Joey a limited number of beads at a time. Yesterday I filled the lid with beads for us to use.
Here's Joey working on his bracelet.
Joey showing off his finished product.
My finished product!
Homemade bread
On Saturday, my ABF (Adult Bible Fellowship, or Sunday School class) had a ladies get together and were given a bread baking lesson by my dear friend, Andrea. We had a wonderful time and the results were wonderful! I made one regular loaf of whole wheat bread and two small "tea sandwich" loaves with the excess dough. I used my Pampered Chef style bread tubes to make the tea sandwich style bread. Joey has LOVED this shaped bread and finished the second loaf today! I made a scalloped loaf, which Joey called "flower bread" and a heart shaped loaf. My pride is really in the regular sandwich loaf which I cut into today. It turned out beautifully! Baking bread is a great women's gathering activity because it allows for lots of chatting breaks while the bread rests.
This is Joey enjoying a "flower bread peanut butter sandwich" for breakfast (at his request.) He would eat peanut butter morning, noon, and night if given the option! The bread tubes make the bread an excellent size for toddler sandwiches. No crusts, either!
This is my loaf of regular sandwich bread. Beautiful, no? The decoration on the top is supposed to be a M heart D, but it didn't turn out very clearly. It's very delicious, though! Especially topped with some honey butter!
This is Joey enjoying a "flower bread peanut butter sandwich" for breakfast (at his request.) He would eat peanut butter morning, noon, and night if given the option! The bread tubes make the bread an excellent size for toddler sandwiches. No crusts, either!
This is my loaf of regular sandwich bread. Beautiful, no? The decoration on the top is supposed to be a M heart D, but it didn't turn out very clearly. It's very delicious, though! Especially topped with some honey butter!
Monday, October 09, 2006
Have you ever? (My answers are in red
HAVE YOU EVER...
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said “I love you” and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby’s diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your CDs
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake River
82. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone’s heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad - and the Odyssey
135. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone’s life
Friday, October 06, 2006
Four Months
Today my Abby is four months old. It's hard to imagine. It's gone so fast. I know it will continue to go faster than I will be able to take in. Sigh. She's so beautiful.
Joey's expressing his love and jealously more and more clearly and frequently with her. He calls her "Abby" "sis-r" and "baby." He loves to give her kisses and hugs. He often asks to hold her.
Both Abby and Joey cry when the other cries. They show lots of empathy for the other's state of being. Most of the time. :)
At the beginning of the month, we were a bit worried about Abby not lifting her head enough when put on her tummy.
After some practice and investing in a Bumbo (which she and we love), she's doing great! Today she spent her first significant time in the Exersaucer. Abby is so interested in the world around her, especially what Joey's doing. I have a feeling this won't ever change. Abby has a smile that lights up her whole face and all of those around her as well. She's beginning to giggle, too! She continues to be an awesome sleeper. Often sleeping ALL afternoon and then ALL night! Abby has discovered her hands in the past few weeks and they are an endless source of entertainment. Today at nap time, she sucked a pacifier and held another while she fell asleep. She's becoming more and more adept at grasping at things around her.It hasn't been the easiest adjustment, going from being a mom to one to a mom of two. But, it's been worth every moment of frustration. Your smile makes the world around us disappear. I love you, my Abby girl.
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