Simply Sara

Happy First

2012-02-11T23:16:00.001-07:00

My sweet Elliot Joy.

A year ago today we welcomed you to our little family.
We grew from five to six.

You were an answer to our prayers.

You completed us.

In the last year you have brought so much to our family.

Joy.

Laughter.

And so, so much love.

I can't say enough about how much I adore you.

You have been our easiest baby by far.

You are content.

Gentle.

Quiet.

Happy.

You smile and the room changes.

You laugh and everyone around you joins in.

Happy Birthday my sweet, sweet baby.

This past year has been such a blessing.

I wish I could keep you little forever

and yet at the same time I am so excited to watch your little personality emerge.

My heart rests in the fact that

you, my little love, will always be my baby girl.

Daddy and I love you sweet thing.

Happy first birthday!

xoxo

Grandma's Glazed Lemon Cake

2012-01-30T19:35:00.001-07:00

Do you have a certain recipe that reminds you of a special time in your life? Where each and every time you have it you are transported back to that magical day when you first enjoyed it?

I do.

When we had each of our kids my Grandma made us a wonderful homemade dinner the night we came home from the hospital.
She spoiled us with a delicious swiss steak meal complete with rice, salad, vegs and usually some kind of fruit. She also sent along this cake. Each and every time I have it, it reminds me of the days we brought home our brand new fresh from heaven babes.

This cake reminds me of that special first day home. It reminds me of my grandma who showered her love on us by cooking us a special meal. It reminds me of family. Love. Joy.

Not only does it bring back wonderful memories it is honestly the most delicious lemon cake I have ever, EVER tasted. Chris has claimed it as his very-favorite-of-all-time cake. It is super light so you can practically eat the whole thing in one sitting. Which I may or may not have done when we brought Elliot home last feb.

Just sayin'.

Go ahead. Give it a try. I promise... you'll lovey, love, LOVE it.

Grandma's Glazed Lemon Cake

1 box Duncan Hines Lemon Cake mix
1 cup water
4 eggs
1/3 cup oil
1 package of 4 serving Instant Lemon Pudding (you can skip this if you don't have it on hand, but it makes it sooooo much better :0)

Beat all together.
And that's it baby.
Crazy easy.

Next, you'll butter and flour your bundt pan.

Pour your batter into the pan.
Spread evenly with your spatula.
Hit the pan a few times on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 mins.

After you cake is out of the oven let it cool 10mins in the pan before removing. This will help keep the cake from sticking to the sides.

Glaze

Beat together 1 cup icing sugar and 2 tbsp milk or lemon juice. (I like to use just milk, I find the lemon juice makes it a bit too bitter)

Pour over top of cooled cake. If you put it on too soon it with melt and won't look as purdy... which you can see that I did and then let it cool and glazed it again ;-)

Enjoy friends!

Ten on Tuesday

2012-01-24T00:31:00.002-07:00

Um.
Hello again strangers :)
Yikes.
Somehow almost an entire month has come and gone again without so much as a peep from me.
We'd better fix that with a little Ten on Tuesday randomness.

1. Last weekend I escaped away to the mountains to attend a photography retreat. It was awesome. I made new friends, learned a lot and came away really inspired. I am so excited to see how my photography will develop in this next year.
I think what I took away the most from the weekend was a realistic look at the business side of things. To figure out exactly what I want from my business- especially in this crazy season of raising four sweet little souls :)

2. Speaking of photography- This year I am really trying to focus on a few personal projects. To develop myself as an artist. One of them is called "Linked 52."
It's a year long project with some lovely photographer friends. Every week we have a new theme that we post on Fridays and then link to one another to see how everyone interpreted the theme. I love how it will push me in my art and force me to think of new and more creative ways to take a picture. I'm posting them on my photography blog if you're interested :) Here is last week's:

3. Have you read "The Hunger Games"? If you haven't, you need to. I read all 3 books in under a week. They are that good. Really. You need to read them.

4. Next up- Divergent. What's on your reading list?

5. Hold the phone people. My baby will be a year in less than 3 weeks. How on earth did that happen!? Man, I feel like she was just born yesterday. Sniff, sniff.

6. This past summer for my birthday my sister and brother gave us a weekend away. And in 3 more sleeps we're cashing it in baby! The countdown is on and we are all set to escape away to the mountains- just the two of us. We are even staying in a castle. For reals.

7. Highlight of my weekend- new bookshelves for our basement. This makes my nerdy love-to-read-love-to-organize heart so very happy.

8. I've written before about my struggle with being "that mom". I don't want to be her.
I want to be gentle. I want to be patient. I want my kids to feel loved, and secure. I want them to know without a doubt that they are loved- unconditionally. That they can make mistakes and that there is grace. I don't want to lose my mind the second they give a little attitude. I don't want to have temper tantrums with the best of 'em. This "Gentleness Challenge" has been awesome.

9. Everyone's on Pinterest now right? If you're not- you're crazy.
It's FULL of inspiration- for parenting, crafts, recipes, ideas for your home....and silly things that just make me laugh. A lot.

Bahahahahaha!

10. Number ten.... I always get stuck on number ten. What to write...what to write....nope, can't think of anything else. Until next time, friends ;)

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-28T21:37:00.001-07:00

This year we spent Christmas in our jammies (with throw up bowls nearby) snuggled together watching Christmas movies.

Awesome timing for the flu to hit.

Ugh.

And so, even though it's now the 28th and our Christmas decorations are already down and put away (yup- I'm one of those crazies that needs her house back right after Christmas) I still wanted to come on here and wish you all a Merry Christmas.

From our little family to yours, we hope you had the most wonderful Christmas, celebrating with those you love.

May the joy of this beautiful season continue to be yours ;)

Handmade for the boy

2011-12-13T13:54:00.001-07:00

I love handmade gifts.
The time and heart put into them just make them so very special.
One day I dream of being able to knit beautiful gifts like her.
But, for now I am happy to complete simple sewing projects like this:

I wanted to make something special for Evan this year.
I always find it SO hard to find projects for boys that are easy and that I think he will like....
So, when I saw this idea on Pinterest I was super excited!

What is it you ask?......Tadaaaaaaaa!

A quilt for his bed made from a bunch of his old t-shirts.
Yay.
I can't help but smile when I look at it.
:)

Now I must admit... it took a little longer than I expected. Many hours were spent cutting squares. Sewing X's. Trimming thread. Sewing squares. And finally cutting along all the edges. But I couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out.

I love it.
I really, really do!
It is all wrapped up and ready to go under the tree.
I can't wait for Christmas morning.
I hope he loves it too!

Playing catch up

2011-12-12T13:34:00.001-07:00

Two months of pictures.

Two months of memories.

Ones I just don't want to forget!

;)

October

1- these 3 make my heart so very happy. 2- the best picture i could get of all 4 of 'em just before we went out trick-or-treating. 3- he got a camera for his birthday and insisted on taking pictures of every single animal at the zoo. love! :) 4- new artwork we made for chris' office, yup, those are marvel comic cards. 5- evan's surprise advent calendar. 6- our little bug. 7- reason #1 of why i love fall- red leaves. i love 'em. 8- cool shoes for a cool boy. 9- such a wonderful night out with a beautiful friend! 10- love how different my girls are. selah is very organized and must complete things in order, she always does her beads in lines. Abby is wild and crazy and will put them on wherever she feels like. oh how i love them both!!! 11- making pumpkin cookies. 12- waiting for evan to get out of school. 13- our pumpkin. 14- playing in the leaves. i raked up 14 garbage bags full of leaves this year. i am convinced that all our neighbors leaves blow into our yard ;) 15- helping my sister and her hubby move into their new house. 16- rolling out the dough was always my favorite part growing up!

November

1- salsa chicken burritos make me think of you! 2- a canvas, some paint and little hands = new artwork for ellie's room. 3- ice cream treat after our little photoshoot. 4- a little nap while we wait for the girls dance class to end. 5- pressing the button is oh so fun. she got to press the inside AND the outside button at her hospital visit to see the eye doc. it's the little things. 6- date night drink. lovely. 7- cutting old t-shirts for his quilt. 8- yummy chocolate cookies for our friends. 9- baking beauties. 10- a gift for my sister. her wedding invitation cut into strips and put in a Christmas ornament for her tree. 11- our new (to us!) air hockey table. 12- 24 Christmas books wrapped and ready to go under the tree. 13- lovely vintage wrapping. 14- a special treat while we wait to see the eye doctor. 15- new flannel sheets. i adore them...chris, not so much :) 16- waiting to see evan's teacher. 17- back at it. 18- sewing up those squares for his quilt. 19- decorating the tree. listening to Bing Crosby. 20- her first look at the lights. 21- she's wearing her Christmas dress because it snowed...snow = Christmas, right?! 22- pulling out the winter gear. 23- baking all on their own! 24- apple cinnamon tea while editing. 25- stringing up the lights.

Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin'....

2011-12-06T21:11:00.001-07:00

We have been in full Christmas swing around here. All my shopping is done. Yay! The presents are all wrapped. Yay!....I even have all the stocking stuffers ready to go. Yay, Yay, Yay!!! Please don't hate me :)

I love that with all that done we can just slow down and really enjoy this season. The kids have been LOVING our advent activities. But I seriously think the highlight of their day is the Christmas story they get to unwrap each night and read together by the tree. I love that it's the little things that always seem to make the biggest impact :)

We have also been enjoying the Christmas tunes. Today while driving my all time favorite Christmas song came on "Do you hear what I hear".

Man, oh man do I love that song. I remember recording myself on one of those fisher price recorder thingys when I was in jr.high singing that song... and that is when I discovered (after playing it back) that I was completely tone deaf. Not a pretty sound. How is it that when I'm signing along to music I think I sound pretty good and as soon as I take out the music I sound like a dying animal?!

Anyways, I thought it would be fun to ask the kids and Chris what their favorite songs were too and here's what they said:

Chris "O Holy Night"
Evan- "Angles we have heard on high"
Abby "Go tell it on the mountain"
Selah "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer"

I was a little surprised by the boys answers, but knew exactly what the girls were going to say. Especially Abby. She is ALWAYS singing that song ;)

But, I didn't want the fun to stop there, so I posted this question on my facebook page too and I have really enjoyed reading the responses.

And now, I'd love to hear which one makes the top if your list!

Hop on over and share your favorite Christmas song too.

Traditions

2011-11-30T18:30:00.005-07:00

Some of the things I love most about the Christmas season are the traditions we have started as a family.
While some of them are simple and fun- like the new pajamas we open on Christmas eve to wear on Christmas morning, others are so much more than that.... like the Cookie Countdown we started a couple of years ago.
Last week Evan asked me if we could please deliver our cookies to the homeless again. Oh how my heart swelled at not only the fact that he remembered but also that he was hoping that we could do it again. When I told him of course we would his face lit up. "Awesome! That was so much fun!"

Could his response have touched his mama's heart any deeper?

This year we are going to add in a couple of new traditions...
The first one is super simple and easy. I saw this idea on Pinterest.

I wrapped 24 Christmas books and tomorrow we'll put them under the tree. Each evening after dinner the kids will unwrap on book to read together before bed. Fun, right?
And since I only had a handful of Christmas books laying around, I borrowed the rest of them from the library :)

The next new tradition is one I am super excited about. This year we are going to do a family advent activity calendar. (I got this cute little house last year on clearance boxing week!)

Each day the kids will open one of the doors and inside will be a little piece of paper with a fun activity to do together.

Some of them are things we have done together in the past and others are brand new. I think that in a season that is busy and crazy and seems to fly right by, this will give us a way to be intentional about spending time together. And also a way in we can teach our kids what Christmas is about... family, giving to others...JESUS!

I plan to just stuff in the activity we will do together the night before. That way I can kind of control what we do on what days... I don't really want the kids to pick out a slip like "Go skating at the lake" on a day when it is -30C outside! Brrr! :)

Here's our list in case you may want to do some of these activities with your families too :)

* Make paper (or coffee filter) snowflake decorations
* Make snowman donuts
* Go for a drive to look at Christmas lights (and bring along hot chocolate in sippy cups!)
* Make and paint salt dough ornaments
* Build a fort and lay in it while we watch "The Grinch"
* Go skating at the lake
* Make Christmas tree crafts using popsicle sticks
* Host a gingerbread house making party
* Make peppermint chocolate popcorn and watch "The polar express"
* Make ice castles using sugar cubes
* Build a snowman
* Have a sleepover under our tree
* Make reindeer food to put out on Christmas eve for Santa's reindeer
* Make popcorn garland and paper chains to decorate our home
* Write letters to Santa
* Visit Santa at the mall
* Make and than give a secret gift to someone
* Play a board game in front of the tree
* Go to the dollar store and buy presents for your siblings
* Deliver gifts/baking to our neighbors
* Make teacher gifts
* Pick out food to donate
* Pick a family member's name and serve them secretly this week

What are your Christmas traditions?

Are you starting any new ones this year?

Dear Me,

2011-11-21T21:36:00.000-07:00

i saw this on pinterest.

i adore it.

the end.

One of those days

2011-11-20T21:00:00.004-07:00

I lost her today.
It was probably for less than 10 mins... but it felt like hours.

We were at Evan's hockey practice. The whistle had just blown and we were getting ready to go down to the dressing room. The girls had been chasing each other up and down the arena bleachers and as I looked up I saw Selah running towards me... but Abby wasn't behind her.
When I asked where her sister was she just shrugged her shoulders.

I didn't panic, as many times she will wander off and I'll find her happily playing nearby.
I circled and checked down the long hallway. I called into every dressing room and checked all the possible hiding spots... but the longer I looked, the faster my heart beat.

Once I had done a quick search through the arena without finding her my mind went into full blown panic mode. See, the arena is in a large rec center which is attached to the YMCA (complete with a swimming pool, various gyms and classrooms) as well as library and a high school. She could have gone anywhere.... or she could have been taken with so many quick exits nearby....

My heart beat wild and I could barely breath. I told another sweet mom who quickly joined in on the search. As I went down the hallway towards the library with Ellie on my hip and Selah jogging to keep up my mind raced to all the horrible possibilities of what could have happened (the recent episode of a child abduction on the TV show Criminal Minds flashing though my mind wasn't helping- side note: why do I torture myself by watching episodes like that?!?!)

How far could she have gotten?

What if I couldn't find her?

Just when I was about to report her missing....there she was...
Happily exploring by the swimming pool.
When she saw me her face lit up and she skipped her way to me telling me that she had found the best hiding spot and that Selah didn't find her.
Apparently they were playing hide and seek.
She had no idea what I had just gone through.

I hugged her tight and then I yelled. A little.
I can still see her happy smiling face full of pride quickly change to eyes wide open in surprise as I explained what could have happened.
It was like she was hearing it for the first time.
Even though we talk about it almost every time we go out...
Sigh.

She had no idea what she had done.
She had found a good hiding spot.
And given her mama a small heart attack.

But all is well. She is tucked safe in her bed right now.

She is so full of life this child of mine.
So confident.
Self assured.
Wild and a little crazy.
I pray that she will use this confidence. This joy for life to bring glory to His name.
And I pray that I allow her to.
That I don't stifle her sweet spirit...

Because some days my friends, I fear that I do.
Some days I could just pull my hair out.
I pray that she doesn't lose this way about her, but rather that as her mama I can help guide her to the One who will show her how to fly with it.

And also, I think it may be time to pull out this again.... :O)

Missing You

2011-09-12T22:55:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to quickly come on here and tell YOU that I miss you.
ALL of you.... my besties that live in my computer.

I have thought of you often.
I have missed you.
Our conversations.
Your stories.

I have also really missed writing.... but don't know if I can even form coherent sentences anymore...
I am so far behind that I feel too overwhelmed to even start.
Have you ever been here too?
I feel the desire to pull away and yet so desperately want to stay connected....

This season is tough.
I am really trying to find balance.
Obviously I haven't found it yet... ;)

But I had to come on here and tell you... everything is good. I'm just taking a little bit of time in an effort to find a way to "do it all" :)
Is it even possible????

30 and a day

2011-08-31T15:34:00.001-06:00

after

movie theater popcorn

a large coke

a package of m&ms

a bite of their kitkat
(and by bite i mean half of it!)

mcdonalds for lunch

a yummy steak dinner

a stuffed potato

roasted vegetables

a big ol' piece of chocolate mousse cake

and a pot of peppermint tea

i think

i'm finally

with turning

thirty.

Heaven is for Real- I believe it

2011-08-29T00:03:00.001-06:00

My mother-in-love gave me this book to read this past week while we were away... I read through it slowly. Mostly while Ellie nursed throughout the week. I found I needed time to really soak it in.

I finished it on friday and my heart is... well... I'm not even sure I can explain it....

All I can say is- Jesus used it.

To open my eyes.
To help me see past the (at times overwhelming) reality of raising our littles and simply to see Him in the midst of it all.
To speak healing over losing my babies.
To bring hope over losing my mom.
To speak life into my parenting and encourage this mama's heart.
To remind me of who He is. Of the bigger picture.

Where He is everything.
Everything.
Everything.

Have you read it yet? I'd love to hear your heart.

InstaFriday- Vacation Edition

2011-08-26T17:55:00.002-06:00

this past week we enjoyed a super last minute family vacation.

it.was.awesome.

we had such a wonderful week together.

i also enjoyed a week off from taking pictures with my big girl camera and instead embraced the beauty of my iphone. it was truly awesome to just "be" in the moment with my family, rather than trying to get that perfect shot! yay instagram. you are my bff :)

1. super excited as we stop to fill up on gas... her baby sister screamed for the first hour. awesome. 2. i adore these two. 3. all packed and ready to go! 4. checking out the mountain air. 5. on the road....pretty sure ellie was screaming again at this point. 6. just in case you were a little confused... 7. we spent many hours swinging this week! 8. sitting at the beach. 9. hanging with "rusty" the moose- would have been better had i not chopped his head off :)

1. i heart her little bum. 2. she held on for dear life while walking down the rocky mountain. 3. dipping our toes in the hotsprings. 4. they loved the waterfall. 5. old barn = LOVE. 6. resting after a long day of travel. 7. my four favorite little people. 8. nursing my little joy. 9. feeding our little army.

1. colombia lake was beautiful. 2. morning kisses. 3. she hearts the water. 4. aaaaaand she is FINALLY sitting on her own! 5. perfect place to escape for the week. 6. we learned all about how mountains are formed. thanks daddy. 7. trying to capture tadpoles in the lake... but they are crazy fast! 8. how our deck looked every day. 9. wildflowers. our little selah stopped to smell each and every one. she picked a few and gave them to me "for your wedding" :)

1. our fish swimming in the lake. she looks so little. 2. mini golf. it's more fun to hit it once and then pick it up and drop it in the hole. 3. abandon. 4. playing memory with daddy. 5. my view from the front seat (as little ellie nurses) of lunch on the drive up. 6. she was born yesterday- wasn't she?! 7. making me some cookie dough ice cream. 8. uncle adam helping with the last hole- she got a hole in one :D 9. family game of aggravation. best. game. ever. (my grandpa hand made the board for me)

hope your week was wonderful too!!!

We're on vacation!

2011-08-21T14:43:00.000-06:00

See you in a week!

xoxo

sara

Checkin' In

2011-08-15T09:14:00.000-06:00

Wow. I have missed you guys. I have wanted to come on here many times and share updates throughout our busy summer but I just haven't. How's that for an excuse. Ha. To be completely honest friends I have just been a little overwhelmed with being a mama. I've tried to step away from the computer and it has been nice. Very nice. But I've missed ya'll. Somehow I need to find a balance of some kind....sigh.
Having four little ones at home this summer has proven to be a little busier than last year. I love it, but there are days when I just think..."oh my word could it get any crazier around here?!" ha!

I do plan to upload my pictures (at some point) and share what we've been up to but for now here is a crazy random post of just a few things swirling around in my brain...

:: Are you guys on Pinterest? It is beyond awesome. Basically it's a way to bookmark your favorite ideas. You can organize them all onto boards and see a little thumbnail image of whatever it is for a quick reference.

Then you can follow others to see what they are putting on their boards. I was super intimidated by it at first and had a hard time wrapping my mind around the whole idea, but now i am super addicted. When I first started I went through all my old bookmarks to add them to my boards. It was like Christmas finding all those old ideas and having the ability to organize them all visually. I love it so much and have already found so many new awesome ideas on it. If you're on it come find me. My user name is Sara Haynes.

:: This made me laugh so hard. Yaaaaaaa! I'm not the only one who thinks that! HA!

:: When I hear this song it makes me want to sign up for piano lessons...

:: Speaking of songs, I am so loving this one. I just makes me happy.

:: Last week I forced Elliot to be my real live doll. She wasn't really havin' it and refused to give me a big smile. But I still love this picture. Poor thing. It's a tough life having a photographer as a mama :)

Ok, that's all for now. Hope you are all having (or have had) a wonderful summer! We still have 3 weeks before school starts (yay!!!) so we're trying to savor every last minute!
:)

11 years later...

2011-08-12T14:48:00.001-06:00

...and you still say it best when you say nothing at all.

Happy Anniversary babe!

When you say Nothing at All- Ronan Keating
(this was the song we danced to for our first dance at our wedding :)

It's amazing how you can speak right to my heart
Without saying a word you can light up the dark
Try as I may I can never explain
What I hear when you don't say a thing

The smile on your face let's me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best, when you say nothing at all

All day long I can hear people talking out loud
But when you hold me near
You drown out the crowd
Try as they may, they can never defy
What's been said between your heart and mine

The smile on your face let me know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best, when you say nothing at all…oh

Oh, the smile on your face let's I know that you need me
There's a truth in your eyes saying you'll never leave me
The touch of your hand says you'll catch me wherever I fall
You say it best, when you say nothing at all

Smarty Pants

2011-07-21T16:16:00.001-06:00

It all started a couple months ago at dinner.
We were sitting around enjoying our meal when all of a sudden our little Selah looked up at us and her left eye was completely crossed in.
Out of the blue.
Completely crossed.

It continued to cross throughout the evening and into the following day, so I made an appointment to see our family doctor, who then referred us to a specialist at the children's hospital. And after a couple of months of waiting our little one was given her very first pair of glasses.

It was quite the chore finding a pair small enough to fit her little face, but we ended up finding some that she liked. Purple, no less (her absolute FAV color!)

They have certainly taken some getting use to (we've lost and found them twice already) and we've been back to the store to get them re-adjusted a few times (now, I'm a pro and readjust them myself!) but all in all she's doing great. I think she looks pretty darn cute.

My little smarty pants.
(she looks smarter with glasses, no?)
;)

#323

2011-07-16T23:17:00.002-06:00

She skips ahead of me.
In a Cinderella dress down to her toes.
A size too big.
I remember her face, earlier, when I said that yes, she could keep her dress-up dress on for our walk.
(I'm known to say no.)
I won't ever forget the way she looked up at me with her big brown eyes full of excitement "Thank you mama!" she gasped.
And now I watch as she happily dances down the sidewalk.
"Watch me skip mama!"
My Selah. So full of joy.

Her older sister is a few feet ahead.
Showing us how fast she can run.
"See this!" she squeals. "Watch how fast I can go!"
With each quick stride there's a bounce in her skirt.
Her little arms swing fast by her sides as she zooms down the path.
Determined she races ahead.
Ponytail bouncing wild.
My Abby. So full of joy.

He's ahead of them on his bike.
Today he just seems extra big.
He proudly shows us how he can ride with just one hand.
A trick he learnt this week while camping with friends.
"Look at what I can do!" he calls with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Holding one arm down he balances for just a few moments and then quickly holds on with both.
With pride he looks back to make sure I was watching.
I give him a thumbs up and he smiles wide.
My Evan. So full of joy.

I see them as they are.
Happy.
Innocent.
Full of JOY.

Behind them I push our littlest.
Sitting big in her stroller.
I hear her coos and check to see her smiling.
She is growing too fast...and I know it won't be long before she'll be running ahead too.
For now she sits content.
I take her in.
My little Elliot. So full of joy.

My place is here.
My heart is full.
I am present to the presents right in front of me.
Present to His JOY.

I catch myself taking a breath of the now...
Seeing her skip.
Watching her run like the wind.
As he balances while pedaling.
And as she coos I catch her sucking her two fingers.

I stop with thankfulness.
For this moment.
The simple.
The everyday.
The JOY.

I see it in their faces.
They teach me with their smiles.

She hands my a wild clover.
Tells me it's for my wedding.
I feel it in my heart.

JOY.
Overwhelming. Can't contain it.
Tears in my eyes.
JOY.

All too often I let it slip by.
But tonight I take notice.
Tonight I slow down.
Tonight I am thankful.

Eucharisteo
#323 simple evening walk with my four joys

7/11

2011-07-11T21:27:00.000-06:00

Today is July 11th, 2011.

7/11

DAY!!!

And we celebrated.

Slurpee style.

Yes. That's right.

They each got there own.

A cup full of sugar.

Thank you very much.

I paid for it later with some K-RAZY kids bouncing off the walls.

But it was worth it.

Oh, so worth it.
I heart these kids so, so much.
And I love doing little things with them that bring them so much joy.

Happy Happy Summer!!!

P.S

We stole this idea from Denise.

She has all the good ideas.

I want to be her when I grow up.

Or at least get to meet her in real life.

Right now she just lives in my computer

Goodbye inches!

2011-07-05T17:17:00.003-06:00

Friends, I just had to come on here and brag a little.

Chris' company just developed an iPhone App that I kinda love.

It's called Body Tracker.

Basically it allows you to track your measurements (inches) and weight loss as you work towards your fitness goals.

And since (for once in my life) I am actually exercising on an ongoing basis I am super excited about using it!
It was just released last week- I measured when I got it and measured again yesterday and I lost inches in my hips & abdomen this week.) Yahoo.
It is so encouraging to see lost inches, even if the *stupid* scale isn't always going down!

Are you following any kind of exercise program?
Wanna track you weight loss & all those inches as they disappear!?

Then check out this app.
All the cool kids are doing it ;)
(It's already in the top 50 apps for the health and fitness category!)
Oh, and they just got a facebook page too.
'Cuz really, nothing is anything without a FB page :)
Check it out!

Do I sound like an infomercial yet?
:)

You know you wanna be Canadian!

2011-07-01T10:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Canada Day Friends!

Is it inappropriate...

2011-06-29T15:17:00.002-06:00

...if i think this "welcome mat" is hilarious?

Source: google.com via Elena on Pinterest

Happy Wednesday Friends!

InstaFriday

2011-06-24T20:50:00.006-06:00

(i know, i KNOW! two posts in one day. what in the world has gotten into me?!)

here is our week (well actually it's only 3 days worth) of beautifully ordinary moments:

mommy & me house cleaning fun

wish it wasn't so blurry :(

she doesn't suck her thumb but she sure does love her toes ;)

ikea date with my lovely ladies.

we ended up staying for lunch.

hot dogs and drinks all around.

total cost $2.63.

love.

(and don't worry- the girls had water, not pop. my littles don't need any more sugar. they are already crazy)

oops. i guess they did need sugar.

ice cream for everyone.

so fun.

my grandpa came over to watch abby and selah while i went to evan's year end prayer time.

he is so, so wonderful

and plays barbies with the best of 'em.

my poor ellie and her mosquito bites.

she has 7 all over her head.

she woke up like this.

those mean mosquitoes must have been eatin' her alive all night.

grrrrrrrrr!

i cut this tonight for dessert.
'tis the season.

my prediction is that it'll be gone by sunday.

we love us some watermelon around here

how was your week?

Ten on Tuesday- the friday edition :-)

2011-06-24T10:59:00.002-06:00

1. My sweet friend Christina has started a new blog. Please oh please go on over, say hello and tell her I sent you. She is one of my dearest friends and I seriously can not say enough about how sweet and kind and funny she is. I seriously {heart} her and know you will too!

2. Speaking of Christina. This is a picture of a picture that she has in her home. I adore it.

3. Ok, one more Christina related post :)
Yesterday she sent me this link. She knew how much I'd love it. We both oohed and ahhed over it. Isn't it just lovely? I want to move into that house. Everything about that room makes my heart happy. EVERYTHING!

4. Have you guys been watching "The Voice"? We have been loving it over here. But, I must live under a rock because I had NO CLUE who one of the judges was. So, I youtubed him and listened to this song and now I seriously can NOT get out of my head....

5. Back in the fall I had a root canal done. Boo. I also paid for said root canal since our insurance didn't cover it. Double boo. My dentist wanted to finish the post/build up/crown- all of which you need after a root canal, but because he needed to take a bunch of x-rays I opted to wait until after I had Elliot. I just didn't want all that done while I was pregnant. Well before I could go in to finish it up, my tooth broke off. Really? Really? Triple Boo. Ok let's recap. I spent hours getting my root canal done. Spent over $800. And then the tooth broke off anyway. Sigh.

6.Chris is all over country music lately. He played this song and I think I might love it.

7.On father's day we took my dad out for brunch.While we were there someone commented on how much my sweet Ellie sucks on her fingers. It's true. She loves them. Our boy proudly announced that he could stick his whole fist in his mouth. And here is the picture my sister took to prove it. He's awesome.

8. I need help learning how to french braid my daughters hair. My braids are weak. Anyone want to teach me?

9. I have found a new love in Matilda Jane.

10. My brain is tired and I can't think of anything else to say except- Happy Friday Friends! ;0

Summer Fun List 2011

2011-06-23T21:11:00.000-06:00

We are down to just 3 more days of school.

Yippee!

Summer is almost here!

I seriously CAN NOT WAIT.

Last year I decided to be more intentional about our summer. I made up a simple little curriculum and the kids and I had fun in our own little summer homeschool. In doing this I discovered that we accomplished so much more than we would have if we hadn't done it. By planning ahead we certainly cut down on the "mom I'm bored" complains :)

This year I decided to change things up a bit and make a big ol' list of all the exciting things we want to do this summer.

So today, Evan and I sat down and listed off a few fun ideas.

Then we hung it up in the kitchen where it will be a constant reminder of the awesome summer we will have :)

Here's a bit of a close up:

I seriously can't wait for summer to start, so that we can jump into all this fun.

And in case you were looking for a few ideas, here's our list:

play a board game

water balloon fight

nature hike

go to the farmers market

visit the pet store

make a book nook

bring popsicles to a neighbor

have a sidewalk chalk art show

make fresh lemonade

go on a bike ride

build a fort out of sheets

have a picnic

go on a bike ride

play outside in the rain

camp out

write and draw a comic book

make smores

make banana splits

root beer floats

zoo

play musical chairs

pool party in the backyard

car wash in bathing suits (the kids NOT me! ha!)

stampede

get an ice cream from the ice cream truck

build a marshmallow and toothpick house

bake cupcakes

stay up late

pjs and movie

scavenger hunt

paint rocks

invite friends to the lake

obstacle course

have a sleepover

take cookies to a fire station

bubbles in the bathtub

paper fence art show

day trip to banff

paint with pudding

kids make dinner

go bowling

read a family book

calaway park

play a card game (uno, go fish)

build a sandcastle

visit the library

build a lego castle together

go fishing

run through sprinklers

make homemade playdoh

make homemade fruit roll ups

write and mail letters to grandparents

donate food, clothes and toys

south glenmore park

make bird feeders

phew.

i've also left room at the bottom in case we think of more fun to add to our summer ;)

What about you?

What are some of the things you have planned for your kiddos this summer?

Freezie Cozies

2011-06-21T13:28:00.002-06:00

Today is the first day of summer!

Yahoo!

We thought we'd celebrate with some icy cold freezies.

I found this awesome idea this morning and couldn't resist making them.

I used the leftover fleece I had from the kid's blankets.

And they took less that 5 mins to make.

Easy Peasy.

Perfect for keeping those little hands warm!

;)

Happy Summer Everyone!

Happy Daddy's Day!

2011-06-19T09:31:00.000-06:00

photo credit

InstaFriday

2011-06-17T16:32:00.002-06:00

Beautifully ordinary moments taken with my new phone (eek! still so excited) and the wicked instagram app.

My very first iPhone picture.

Oh how I love my little gal.

Abby wearing her favorite fancy party shoes to pick up Evan from school.
(along with her princess dress-up dress)

Just give him his bike and he will love you forever and ever amen.

She's not big enough for a bike yet....

but this caterpillar suits her just fine.

Do you remember these iron on beads?

My sister and I would spend hours on them. And now happily my girls do too.

I could eat her for breakfast.

Just sayin'.

Blowing dandelion love.

iFINALLYGOTONE

2011-06-15T21:24:00.001-06:00

my girls are sleeping.

my boys are watching (it's the stanley cup playoffs- game 7)

it's raining.

and......

what am i doing??

PLAYING WITH MY NEW iPHONE!!!
double squeal!!!

can you tell i'm excited?
i have been wanting a fancy iPhone for awhile now.
and i finally had an excuse to get one!

i am part of $20 club.
it's a wonderful group of wonderful ladies.
we get together every month for a night out and we each put $20 into the pot. every month one of us "wins" that money and gets to spend it on something we wouldn't normally buy for ourselves. it's so awesome because once a month i get to get out of the house with these amazing women and have a great night out. and once a year i win the pot! well, last month- you guessed it- i WON! and i knew right away what i wanted to spend it on!

hello lovely-

so, as i'm playing around with this little beauty i had to come on here and ask you all:
do you have an iPhone?
what are your absolute can't live without apps?

pretty please- share your secrets!

oh, and as a side note, having an iPhone has most definitely improved my texting ability.

my sister is so very proud of me :)

keeping 'em busy...

2011-06-09T17:58:00.013-06:00

Water
+ Dollar Store Paint Brushes

+ Bubbles

= TWO entire hours of peace and quiet for mama!
Yay!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-05-31T16:01:00.001-06:00

1. Remember Fidget?
Well, we've been looking after him this past week while Grandma & Papa have been in Mexico. I am now more convinced than ever that we are NOT getting a dog. Fidget is wonderful. Best.Dog.Ever. But Abby, oh my Abby. She will not leave the poor guy alone. No kidding, every time I turn around she's doing something to him. I just came from upstairs where she had him in her doll crib covered with a baby blanket. She just loves him a little TOO much. All poor fidget wants to do is sleep all day (he is 14 (!!) after all) but boy does Abby have other plans for him.

2. Last week I received a super exciting email. I've been accepted as one of the photographers for the amazing organization Helping Hearts.
Helping Hearts offer free photography sessions to families with a child who is suffering from an illness or disability. I am so humbled and honored to be a part of something so beautiful. If you know a family that would be blessed by this organization (and live in Canada- they have photographers all across the country) please pass along their website.

3. I want to get married again {to Chris, of course!} just so that we can make a video like this...

Isn't that just amazing? Apparently 90% of the video was shot on their wedding day and 10% the day before at their rehearsal dinner. So, SO fun! I might try and convince Chris to make a video like this just for fun....maybe for our anniversary? ;)

4. Yesterday I spent the entire day in the basement re-organizing the playroom. Seriously. I spent 6 (SIX!!) hours down there. Now it is my happy place. I've gone down there several times today just to look around :)

5. Check out this fun song. I've had it on repeat in my brain lately.

6. This week I bit the bullet and moved all my photos from iPhoto into Lightroom. Eeek. I am such a wimp. I hate learning new "computer techie" things, but it was time. I need to embrace technology :) I love it, by the way. So thankful I have a hubby who makes me do things that scare me :)

7. I heart green grass. How's that for random?! I just looked outside though and smiled at the green grass. It was white back there for SOOOOOOO long that I just appreciate it all the more. My girls are running around the backyard barefoot right now. Adore.

8. I also heart the movie Tangled. Do you ever watch a Disney movie and wish that you could be the voice for one of the characters? No? Just me? I SO want to be Mandy Moore.

9. My Ellie is almost 4 months. She had her check up today and is weighing in at a whooping 12.25 lbs. Yes, I know she's little. I'm good with that. I want to keep her little forever. Sigh.

10. This picture makes my heart smile. LOVE.

She's "FREE"

2011-05-26T22:39:00.008-06:00

I can hardly believe that just 3 years ago God blessed our family with the most beautiful little girl.

Our precious Selah Grace.
We can't imagine our family without you.
Daddy and I love you SOOOOOO much big girl!
Happy Birthday my little love!

FOUR + a month :)

2011-05-24T13:24:00.003-06:00

Last month my sweet girl turned four.
FOUR.
It just sounds so grown up. Every day she is doing more and more on her own. Before I know it she'll be off to school and I won't have her around here asking me a million questions a day :)
I am thankful that she still loves to cuddle with me.
Still wants me to tuck her in.
Still spontaneously tells me how much she loves me.

Oh, how I adore this girl.

To celebrate her special day I took her out on a lovely date. We went out for lunch and enjoyed a "fancy" drink and a "fancy" volcano dessert. SO fun. We had uninterrupted girl time where I was able to focus completely on her.
Love!
After our lunch we headed to the mall for her birthday surprise. Earlier that morning when she woke up and ran into our room excited for her birthday to begin we revealed that part of her gift was to go to the mall and get her ears PIERCED! Eeek! She was beyond excited (almost as much as her mama. I have looked forward to this day for so long. I remember going to get my ears pierced with my mom when I was little and I couldn't wait to share that moment with my daughter too!)

My little miss was SO brave. After picking out her favorite pair (pink- of course!) she sat proudly waiting to get them done. I was expecting a few tears, but she didn't shed any! She did so well and couldn't wait to show off her new earrings to all our friends and family.

For the next couple of weeks whenever someone would say hi to her instead of saying hi back she would say "I'm four and look!" smiling proudly as she'd pull her hair away to reveal her pretty studs ;)

This year for the girls birthday we decided not have a "friends" party. With a new baby in the house we went for super easy and low key. Abby invited her very best buddy (my cousin's little girl) over and we had a fun afternoon just hanging out. We painted jewelry boxes. Ate pizza. Made orange and grape floats. Enjoyed ice cream sundaes and snuggled up in our homemade theater with popcorn and the movie Tangled.

The cake by request was a barbie cake. Sadly, I can't claim that no barbies were harmed in the making of this cake. When I went to put one of her barbies in i discovered that the cake skirt wasn't tall enough (boo!) Poor Barbie's legs needed to be amputated. Ahh well, she took one for the team and is now officially the "cake barbie". I'm sure we'll use her again in future cakes :)
Here's the super easy tutorial I followed.

I love how the entire day was focused on her.
I love how special she felt.
I love my sweet little Abbybear.
Happy birthday big girl!
:)

if this dosen't make you go "awwww!" i don't know what will...

2011-05-21T21:13:00.000-06:00

500th post...FINALLY!

2011-05-16T21:24:00.004-06:00

Ok friends, the post you have all been waiting for is finally here ;)

Today the girls and I had SO much fun taping our video blog, taking you all on a tour of our little home and answering all of your awesome questions in celebration of my 500th post.

Ok so a few things before you listen in...

#1. Please ignore the number of times I say "um" because, um, I tend to, um, say it, um, A LOT!

#2. Please excuse the random naked barbie on the stairs.

#3. I do not like my voice on camera. It sounds weird. And I talk really fast. And I do this weird thing with my eyes where I blink a thousand times a minute. I don't think I do any of these things in real life.

#4. Please note- my house is NEVER this clean. Do not be deceived. I should have just shown you guys the real deal, but for some crazy reason I panicked a little at the thought of you guys seeing my dirty house. I'm sorry. I wish I could be completely real with you... I think I'll do another video showing you how my house actually looks on a day to day bases..... maybe.

#5. Let's just pretend that I don't have a HUGE zit on my chin. Sound good? Awesome.

#6. I watched back, and in the first video I say "eh" once. And it wasn't even intentional. Yay. I truly AM Canadian!

#7. It's official. That second video has the WORST freeze frame ever. Ever. Look at my pleading eyes.... "Love me! Please, would somebody just love me!?" Bahahaha.

#8. I would love, love, LOOOOOOVE for you all to chime in with your answers to some of these questions. Pretty please!!!

#9. Pop some popcorn and enjoy :)

#10. Love you friends!
xoxo

Happy Mama's Day

2011-05-08T14:04:00.001-06:00

Today

2011-05-06T21:57:00.009-06:00

Laying in bed and remembering that Daddy can't drive to school today.
Waking up babe to nurse her quickly.
Cheerios for breakfast.
Driving, four in the backseat.
Shopping for groceries.
Watching my girl as she {accidentally} drops a package of blueberries all over the grocery floor.
{ugh. to our credit, we did find someone to come help clean it up.}
Quick shower and another quick nursing.
{yes, that's right I went grocery shopping BEFORE showering. it's how I roll.}
Playing with friends.
Early school pick up.
Late lunch.
Another nursing session.
Dinner in the crockpot.
{yippee}
Boys playing star wars.
Girls playing in the dirt.
{nice}
Missed naps.
Tired, cranky girls.
Spring walk with friends.
Nursing.
Yummy soup.
Time for baths.
Giggles and Splashing.
Smiles and soap.

{She hearty heart hearts her bath}

Last nursing before bed.
Cleaning the kitchen.
Browsing the web.
Watching a movie with my honey.

All written down to remember this season...

Ten on Tuesday

2011-05-03T12:39:00.002-06:00

1. My baby slept in her own room for the first time last night. Truth be told we could have moved her a lot sooner since she's been sleeping through the night for quite some time now...but she's my last baby...{waaaaaaa :( she's growing too fast!} and I wanted to keep her in our room for as long as I could. She did sleep 12 hours last night. So I'm a happy mama.

2. I think part of the reason she is sleeping so well is that she takes a soother AND sucks her fingers. Best of both worlds baby!

3. And while we're speaking of little miss she is starting to giggle. Melt my heart.
Chris caught her first laugh last night. She shared some with me a little while later too :)

4. I've always hated exercise. Whenever I've tried to get into a routine of some kind I last maybe a couple weeks and then I slowly decline from there. Life gets in the way and if I miss a day then it turns into 2 and then 3 and then before I know it I'm sitting on the couch with a big bowl of ice cream watching t.v all night.
Shortly after having our little one I determined that I wasn't going to hang onto these baby pounds forever. So Chris and I decided to tackle the 30 day Shred.

OH.MY.WORD. I thought I was going to die those first few days. But, but BUT I didn't. Yay for me. I pushed through and just finished day 28 today {almost there!!!} I can hardly believe it! I'm down 8lbs and have lost quite a few inches (yippee!) still don't have a six pack, but it's a marathon friends, not a sprint.
So, what's my secret for sticking with it? These guys: Kristen, Denise, Janelle & Alana. Bloggy friends. All these ladies started shredding at the same time as us. Isn't God cool? I am so in awe of how He brought us together from all over to be encouragements to one another. Yay! Kristen started up a facebook accountability group for us and we all log on each day to report our progress and cheer each other on. Seriously love these girls. They have become one of the best parts of my day! I would have totally quit on day 2 if it wasn't for them!!! And you know what I'm discovering?! I'm actually learning to like (almost love) exercise. Oh how I love to hate Jillian :) Next up her new video Ripped....

5. Extreme Couponing may be my new favorite show. Have you seen it? It's insane. Man, these people have talent!

6. This song has been on repeat in my brain BUT this version is EVEN BETTER! aww!

7. I'm helping to host a bridal shower in a couple weeks for the sweetest girl EVER and have been looking at ideas on the web... does anyone have any cool suggestions on what to make/do?

8. My almost THREE year old's birthday is coming up. She has decided that she wants a purple party. Purple balloons, purple party dress, purple cake. Purple. Purple. Purple. Anyone have any fun purple ideas?? :)

9. It looks like it's going to rain. I love when the sky turns dark and the clouds roll in. I am ready for a good rainstorm. If it's snow I just might cry.

10. Remember this post? No, friends I haven't forgotten about you all. My goal is to do it sometime this week... but that means I'll have to clean the house...hmm...don't hold your breath ;)

The end of an era...

2011-04-29T10:30:00.006-06:00

A few weeks ago we made a decision.
A decision that is right for our family.
We prayed about it.
We talked about it.
And after much of both these things,
we finally decided....

There will be no more babies for us.

And while I know that it is the right decision for our family,
I am still sad.
So very, very sad.
{Tear}

While we drove to Chris' (ahem) appointment I had the sudden panic of "what are we doing?!" and told him I thought we should turn around and go home. His look was priceless {ha! it took much mental preparation on his part to even book this appointment!} He would have indeed turned the car around but I got ahold of myself and agreed that we were making the right choice.

But while he was in there I cried.
And my heart broke on the way home.

It's just that it's the end of an era.
It's the end to such a special time in our lives.
Having wee babes.

While a part of me is happy that we will be moving on to a new and exciting chapter in our lives as a family, another part grieves the fact that I will never be pregnant again. That I will never give birth again and hold a new fresh from heaven babe...{well, at least until my sister has one}

Maybe a bigger part of it is that I am unsure of how my life is going to change.
I have been home raising babies for the last 7 1/2 years.
In 5 years all my babies will be in school.
What will I do then?

Now, I know some of you are thinking..."Umm hello?!?! You just had a baby! You still have a baby! And you are still IN baby mode!" and you're right.

I do feel kinda silly writing this.
But my heart is torn. I feel like my heart is going to burst from all the joy I have being a mama. But I also feel like time is slipping away much too quickly. I feel like time is in hyper speed mode. It seems to be slipping through my fingers a lot quicker this time around. I can hardly believe that our littlest is 2 1/2 months old already!

And so, I am trying to savor every snuggle.
Every smile.
Every little yawn.
And yup, even every dirty diaper.

Last night as I was nursing her I started crying.
I was just so overwhelmed.
She is just so perfect.
I am so very humbled.

That God would choose me to be her mama.
That He would choose me to be mama to all four of these joys.

I can hardly grasp the magnitude of what he has intrusted me with.
I am so very thankful for these four.
I am overwhelmed by them.
My heart just can't contain the love I have for them.
Oh how my cup overflows...

Thank you Jesus for my little family.
You have given me more than I could have ever dreamed or imagined.

Thank you and We love you...

2011-04-25T12:38:00.000-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter celebrating HIM!

A new tradition

2011-04-22T14:28:00.002-06:00

Do you have a certain recipe that you just can't seem to master?
Mine is Hot Cross Buns.
(and banana bread. but that's a whole other tangent)
Anyways,
My mom made Hot Cross Buns every Good Friday.
It was tradition.
In fact I was talking with my grandma this morning and she said that her mom would make them for her when she was little. Then she started making them for my mom and aunt when they were little. And then my mom and aunt started making them for us when we were little.

I've tried making them for my little people.
Several times.
But
they just
never
EVER
turn out.
Boo!

Sadly this is not the year I get to celebrate victory over my hot cross buns battle.
I tried again today
and
failed.
Miserably.
I have no idea what my problem is.

It makes me sad.
IF my mom was still here I would call her and have her come over and make them with me.
Sigh.
Maybe she can show me in heaven's oven when we meet again...

So, after yet another failed attempt
I decided to try a new tradition.
(still won't give up on those hot cross buns, but figured i needed a little pick me up. I mean come on, the effort it takes to make homemade buns and then not have them turn out is just sad.)

So today, I also tried Challah Bread.

{….”In Jewish tradition, the three Sabbath meals and two holiday meals each begin with two complete loaves of bread. This “double loaf” commemorates the manna that fell from the heavens when the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years after the Exodus from Egypt. The manna did not fall on the Sabbath or holidays; instead, a double portion would fall the day before the holiday or sabbath. It is these hunks of bread, recognizable by their traditional braided style (although some more modern recipes are not braided) that are commonly referred to as challah.”"}

And it is gorgeous.
I was seriously giddy when I took them out of the oven.
I mean, look.

I know, right?!
I may or may not have taken the tray upstairs and woken Chris up from his little afternoon nap to show him what I accomplished.
Yippeeeeeeee!

And friends, it not only looks yummy, it tastes amazing.
So, so, soft.
It's just perfect.
And my house smells like a bakery.
Heaven.

So, today I suppose I CAN celebrate a victory in the kitchen.
A double portion of delicious bread.
Mmmmmm!

Challah Bread

{recipe from Your HomeBased Mom}

2 packages dry active yeast (about 4 1/2 tsp)

2 1/2 C warm water

6 Tbsp sugar

2 tsp salt

1/3 C vegetable or canola oil

3 eggs plus white of one additional egg for glaze

6 1/2 to 8 1/2 C flour (add until dough is slightly sticky)

Glaze: 1 egg white {oops! i made mine with the yoke by accident!} mixed with 1 tsp cold water.

Dissolve yeast in warm water and allow yeast to proof (bubble) Add sugar, salt, oil eggs and flour in with yeast mixture and mix until slightly sticky. I do this in my Kitchen Aid. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. Divide dough in half. Take each half and divide into 3 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope and brain 3 ropes together on a greased cookie sheet. Place both braids on cookie sheet and allow to rise a second time for 30-60 minutes. Brush loaves with glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if desired. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until bread is golden brown.

Peeps S'mores

2011-04-21T22:20:00.004-06:00

Graham wafers.
Peeps.
Chocolate.
Be still my heart....

Just stack 'em up & pop in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
Done and done.
Warning:
They are addicting.
Please don't hate me
:)
{recipe originally found here}

{Homemade} Crayons

2011-04-20T23:28:00.001-06:00

Raise your hand if you have a big pile of crayons that look like these in your house:

Perfect.
Don't throw them out!
Instead, let's bring them to life again.

All you need are some cute little molds.
{I found the sesame street one at the dollar store and the flower ones at superstore but you can also use muffin tins if you don't have molds}

Step One: Peel off the paper wrapping.
Now. This was quite the task. It took FOREVER. The girls did great though. Especially our almost 3 year old.
She was very patient and determined.
One tip that I read online {after we had already peeled ours. grrr!} was to use an exacto knife to cut a slit down the wrapper making it a much easier task. Wish I had seen that before we spent the time peeling off all those stubborn papers!
:)
Step two: Break your crayons into small pieces.
{Fun. Fun. Fun.}
And then place the broken pieces inside your molds.

We decided to make some solid color crayons...

and some rainbow ones too!

Step three: Bake 'em in the oven at 275 degrees for about 10 minutes. I put our molds on a cookie sheet in case the wax spilled over. But they were perfect and didn't make a mess at all.
Once the wax has melted remove from oven and allow to completely cool.
Then just pop 'em out and enjoy your fun new crayons!

Aren't they pretty?

Happy colorful crayons.

Perfect for little hands :)

Happy crayon making friends!

Counting the ways

2011-04-18T08:13:00.002-06:00

He loves me...

#151. Duck sounds and 2 year old smiles
#156. Sleeping babe on my chest. Her smell. Her sound. Heaven.
#158. Four year old beauty salon. Her brushing my hair the same way I use to brush my mommy's hair. The remembering.
#160. Ritz "Smores" crackers. Mmmm...
#162. Headband bow ties :)
#166. Holding my cool with my 7 year old as he rolls his eyes & gives attitude {eucharisteo precedes the miracle...}
#167. Dancing on the bed to this video with my girls

#172. Newborn photo shoot with this little sweetheart

#176. Going back to church as a family after a year long break.
#179. Grace.
#181. Daddy cleaning off sticky donut fingers and faces.

Me and You and You and Me

2011-04-15T11:15:00.011-06:00

I started this blog for me.

It was a creative outlet. A place where I could write and then look back and remember these crazy days of raising a small family.

It has grown into so much more than that.

It's been a place that has grown my faith and where I can just pour out my heart. I love looking back at old posts and seeing how much I've changed, how my little family has grown.

But another part of why I write now is you guys. You, my dear friends, have been such an unexpected gift. The encouragement, inspiration, challenge, RELATIONSHIP I've found in you has completely changed my life. I had no idea when I started this blog that I could find the friendships I have. God has surprised and blessed me with all of you.

It truly encourages me to know that anyone actually reads what I write. I am so humbled by all of you. I love that even though we may live worlds apart {geographically}, we can find ourselves relating to one another. Encouraging one another. I love that!

I am close to hitting my 500th post. Wow. How on earth did that happen? Who knew I had so much to say?

So, I've been thinking of a way to make that post special and have decided to do a vlog (video blog) Ahh! This scares me a little. I am not one who likes being in front of the camera. I much prefer to hide behind it!

But, I've decided that I'm going to take y'all on a tour of my little world...where you'll get to see me and my little people {almost} in real life :)
I'll show you mi casa and try to keep it as real as possible {you know dishes on the counter and laundry on the floor and toys strewn about all over.} Sound fun?

Ok, so here's where you come in. Since you are such a big part of why I write I want to include you!
If you had just one {ok, you can ask more than one if you want!} question you'd like me to answer what would it be? It can be anything from parenting these four littles, to faith, to cooking/baking, to photography, to blogging...and anything in between) I'll try my best answering them on the video and maybe I'll even try to give shout outs to all you question askers ;)

It'll almost be like we're sitting face to face talking! Oh how I wish that were possible!

Alright.
Here we go.
Fire away.
What do you want to know about little ol' me?
;)

Gone away is the bluebird,

2011-04-14T12:29:00.006-06:00

Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,

As we go along,

Walking in a Winter Wonderland!

#154 Waking to the beauty of fresh snow
Joy!

19 Years

2011-04-13T00:27:00.003-06:00

{Re-post from April 13th 2010}

Last night as Chris and I were falling asleep I mentioned that today would be 1819 years since I lost my mom.
1819 years. I had to let it sink in.
1819 years since I last saw her smile.
Felt her hug.
Heard her laugh.

And although I have a beautiful Hope I am still sad.

1819 years seems like a lifetime.
Sometimes the ache in my heart is so unbearable.
Sometimes I can't stop the unexpected tears from coming.

1819 years is too long.
I miss her.
What would it be like to have her here with me?
There are so many things I would ask her.
So many things I would do with her.
If I could have just one day....

A day to snuggle up next to her and tell her I love her.
Tell her I miss her more than words can say.
To hear her tell me the same.
To feel her hand stroking my hair like she use to.
To have her tell me that I'm doing ok as a mom.
That she is proud of me.
To go shopping together and stop to grab a bite to eat.
To have her play lego with my son and tea party with the girls.
To listen to her jokes.
To watch her hold my dad's hand and see them together again.
To just see her. Hear her. Smell her. Touch her.
One day....
As for today....
I am going to hug my kids a little tighter.
Snuggle up next to them and tell them I love them.
That I am proud of them.
I will play lego with my son and tea party with my girls.
I am going to hold Chris' hand and just be.
I am going to be thankful.
Be thankful that I have them.
Be thankful that I have a peace and a hope in Jesus.
He gets me through, especially on days like today.
I will be thankful that one day I will get to see my mom again.
One day.
When I finally make it home.

2 Months

2011-04-11T17:05:00.001-06:00

How on earth are you TWO months already?
Weren't you just born yesterday?!
Oh, my sweet girl.
Please stop growing so fast!

At two months you:

* are the most easy going baby-EVER. You love when your brother and sisters hold you and don't fuss at all when they smother you with kisses (which just happens to be every 5 mins)

* are sleeping 8 hours at night (and have been for the last 2 weeks.) Mommy promises to buy you a pony.

* have started to smile. Oh how I melt.

* breast feed like a champ and are now 10lbs 4oz- you chubby little thing :)

* still love to be swaddled.

* melt me every time I look into those huge deep blue eyes.

* smell sooooooo good (I wish I could somehow bottle that up!)

* have fit so perfectly into our family.

I thank God everyday for allowing me to be your mommy.
You are such a joy.
I love you more than words can say.

It's like I'm falling...

2011-04-11T08:32:00.013-06:00

in Love.
Deeper and deeper.
As I uncover these 1000 Gifts...

#51. Sticky jam fingers
#56. Six bookmarks in his bible, marking what he's currently reading
#59. Rides in the laundry basket
#70. Snuggles at the top of the stairs
#88. Sticky snowflakes
#90. Holes in jeans
#93. Baby smiles
#94. Cakes baking in bowls in the oven
#106. Water in the dishwasher splashing around
#109. Waking to the sound of birds chirping- hello spring!
#111. Kisses from mommy- instantly making owies better
#115. "You are my Sunshine" chorus in the van
#124. A clean kitchen
#126. Beautiful four year old twirling in her new dress
#131. Ice cream sundaes
#137. Four year old earings
#145. BBQ hot dogs.

More Like Falling in Love
by Jason Gray

Give me rules, I will break them
Show me lines, I will cross them
I need more than a truth to believe
I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes
To sweep me off my feet, it’s gotta be

More like falling in love than something to believe in
More like losing my heart than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out, come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love

Give me words, I’ll misuse them
Obligations, I’ll misplace them
‘Cause all religion ever made of me
Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet
It never set me free, it’s gotta be

Deeper and deeper
It was love that made me a believer
In more than a name, a faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me, it’s gotta be

Precious Girl

2011-04-09T20:37:00.001-06:00

Little girls are precious gifts, wrapped in love serene.

Their dresses tied with sashes and futures tied with dreams.

-- Author Unknown

My sweet girl,
What do I love most about you?

I love your spirit.
Your laugh.

I love your gentleness.
Your passion.
Your confidence.

I love how you can find joy in every situation.
I love that you love Jesus
and how you can't get enough of your baby sister.

I love how your hair curls
and your big brown eyes.

I love how you bounce into our room every morning {with a smile on your face} ready for the day.
and how you put your hand on your hip whenever you explain something to me.

I love your smile, your giggles, your song.
Oh, how I LOVE your made up silly songs.
{and the way your face looks when you sing them.}

I love your snuggles.
And the way you give hugs.

I could spend eternity counting all the ways
I LOVE YOU.

Thank you Jesus for making my world better with my little princess.

Happy 4th birthday baby girl.
You make my life so sunny.
xoxo

Embracing the times...

2011-04-05T21:40:00.012-06:00

As parents Chris and I feel it is so important to teach our children responsibility.
They were taught to do things for themselves at a very early age (they all started dressing themselves before age 2.)
We also expect them to help out around the house. They clean up their toys, make their own beds, clean up their dishes and put away their own laundry.

As they get older we are starting to expect even more out of them. One way that we decided to motivate our 7 yr old was by setting up a job chart for him on the fridge. Every night we would go through his day and place a magnet on the fridge corresponding with a job completed. We decided that each chore would earn him a dime {are we cheap?!}

Anyways, he really responded to this and has been very diligent about completing his chores in order to get his magnets {and money!}

But then I heard of this amazing new FREE resource for families. And so we switched to this. Our boy ADORES our new system.....

It is SO awesome. Basically you take some time and set up your child's chore list on the site. Then your child earns points {determined by you} for every chore completed. They get their very own log in {our son's favorite part!} and get to check off the chores they complete for the day.

Now friends, if you're cool....
and only if you're VERY COOL you will add funky pictures like these as your profile log-in pictures:

AAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Pure Awesome.

I laugh every time I log in .
I laugh every night I get the email update of our son's completed chores.
I laugh and laugh and laugh.

Anyways, the site is linked up to amazon so you can set up a little "store" for your child and when he/she has earned enough points they choose items from that store. It is super motivating for them to see how many points it'll take to buy something they want. In addition to items from amazon you can customize the site to offer other rewards such as time with dad, or an ice cream cone, going to a movie or video game time. The site also allows your child to allocate their points to "spend", "save" or "give".

L.O.V.E that part.

So far, we've just set up our son, but I think we may add our girls to it soon. Miss A is turning 4 this week and we've already started talking about how 4 year olds "get" to do more chores :)

Anyways, if you have little ones old enough to go on the computer check out "My Job Chart".
My house has never looked better.
Hey, I knew there was a reason we had 4 kids....
;)

How do you motivate your kids to help out?
Do you have other fun ideas for teaching little ones about the value of a dollar?

A Shameless Plug...

2011-04-03T12:33:00.003-06:00

Yesterday I made an official business page on Facebook.
And I'm kinda feeling like I'm back in elementary waiting in line to get picked for the dodgeball team....
:)

Wanna come "like" me?

Ten on Tuesday

2011-03-31T09:56:00.016-06:00

1. Yes, I do know it's Thursday, but doesn't Ten on Tuesday just sound better?

2. We have been sick, sick, sick. Sore throats, fevers, stuffy/runny noses and lots o' hacking. In the attempt to make the best of our spring break we have been having a week long pajama party.

3. Things have been pretty quiet here on this blog but I have been a busy little bee working away on the computer and I am finally ready to show you what I've been working on...

YIPPEE!!!
Check out my new photography site.
{click on image}

4. This guy is the reason it looks so fancy.

Chris, YOU are the best husband EVER.
Thanks for loving me the way you do:)
Mwah!
xoxo

5. This weekend our big boy spent his first night away from home with friends (he's slept over with family lots, but this was his first time staying with one of his friends.)
His school hockey team had a tournament out of town and he was invited to go up with one of his friend's family. He did awesome. I, on the other hand was a complete wreck. Poor Chris had to reassure me every 5 minutes that he was fine. When did he get so big?! Wasn't it just yesterday that I was up rocking him through the night?

6. This was my facebook status on tuesday. Joy.

7. I'm probably the last person on earth to know about "Annie Eats" but in case I'm not I thought I'd share her with you. Oh my yumminess.

8. Ellie has slept 8 hours straight the last two nights. I think we should buy her a pony.

9. It's official. Our little family has decided that Romona & Beezus is the best movie ever:)

10. Ok friends, I need your help..... what should I throw in the oven for dinner tonight?

Winner!

2011-03-29T08:42:00.008-06:00

Oh how I wish I could give every single one of you this book.
It's that awesome.

If you didn't win you need to get your hands on a copy somehow.
It will truly change the way you live.

Ok, now who's the lucky lady who will soon be getting a lovely package from me in the mail?....

Well, if you saw this pretty face in the mirror this morning you are the winner!!!
:)

Congrats Lynn!
Send me an email {simplysarablog@gmail.com} with your address and I'll get your new book to you.

Thanks everyone for playing along!

One Thousand Gifts- GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-03-22T22:05:00.010-06:00

Today, because I love you guys, I'm giving away a copy of this beautiful book.
I promise you'll be completely changed after reading it.
I promise it'll wake you up.
To live life.
Fully.

Eeeeeeeee!
I am SO excited!

To enter simply leave a comment telling me you'd like to win :)

For additional entries you can do one or more of the following:

1. Leave me a comment telling me one of your "ordinary moments" that could be counted as a gift today.
2. Become a follower on my blog {if you already follow leave a comment telling me you do}
3. Blog about this giveaway.
4. Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway.

Please leave a separate comment {for a total of 5} for every entry so that they will all count when the random generator does it's thing.
Giveaway will be open until Monday March 28th at Midnight MST.
I'll announce the winner Tuesday morning.

Good Luck!

One Thousand Gifts

2011-03-22T14:35:00.003-06:00

Eucharisteo.

A word that now lives on my lips and pounds hard on my heart.
It's a word that I didn't even know existed until a couple of weeks ago,
when I got my hands on a copy of Ann Voskamp's beautiful book "One Thousand Gifts"

Friends, this book is changing me.

It's teaching me how to live.
Fully.
In Eucharisteo.

So, what is eucharisteo?
It means thanksgiving.
It's a greek word that is used to describe what Jesus did on the night he shared his last meal.

And he took bread, gave thanks {eucharisteo} and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19 NIV

In her book, Ann digs a little deeper and teaches that the root word for eucharisteo is charis- grace and also comes from the greek word chara- joy.

Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.
Eucharisteo.

Is the secret to finding joy truly found in thanksgiving?

Is it that simple?
or perhaps,
Is it that hard?

To receive every moment as grace. As a gift from him. To give thanks and then find joy. True joy. Lasting joy.

Can I learn to be thankful?
Can I learn to see Him in the everyday?
See His beauty.
Receive it as grace.
And find fullness of life?

If ever there was a book that had the potential to change my life this would be it.
And it is.

Back in January I wrote about living a better story.
About being a better character.
And at the time I had no idea how I was practically going to make that happen.
I had the desire.
But I wasn't sure how to move from having the desire to change my story to truly changing it.

This book is the practical road map I needed.
It's written like poetry.
It's packed with God's truth.
It's teaching me how to give thanks.
In all things.
To physically write out gifts.
To tangibly see what He has given me.
To take notice.

And I am learning.

Through practice.
Practice.
And more practice....

I am learning to see Joy.

#4. Newborn hunger cries.
#7. Little toes in the shower.
#8. Big fluffy snowflakes.
#11. Girls in party dresses.
#15. Encouragement from a friend, telling me I'm doing a good job as a mama.
#18. Midnight feedings.

1000 gifts.
That's the challenge.
To record 1000 gifts from the Father. The big and little.
To learn how to live in His presence.
How to enter His courts.
Daily.
With thanksgiving.
1000 everyday moments that I can receive as grace. Give thanks. And breath in Joy.

Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.
Eucharisteo.

Can I really train myself to be thankful for everything, in every circumstance?
Will finding joy in the everyday teach me to find Him in those hard moments?
Will it bring me into deeper intimacy with the One who truly is Joy?
Will I be able to see through this lense of thanksgiving and see Him?

I am uncovering that Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
And YES!

Eucharisteo.
Grace. Thanksgiving. Joy.

I want to live fully.

To find the beauty that is all around me.

And to see Him in all my moments.

#2o. Pigtails bouncing down the hall
#22. Mommy & Daddy sneaking kisses
#30. Bath time in the kitchen sink
#33. New socks.
#36. Hide and seek at school pick-up.
#40. Hot showers...

And my list will go on....

1000 gifts.
1000 thank yous.
1000 joys.

{BEST EVER} Broccoli Cheese Soup

2011-03-20T15:59:00.002-06:00

Well friends, apparently it's still winter 'round these here parts. Tonight they are calling for MORE snow. Boo!
So, with the cold weather still dragggggggggging on I thought I'd share our family's favorite soup recipe.

When I make this for dinner there are never any leftovers. The kids devour it and Chris always has a smile on his face when he comes home smelling it simmering on the stove.

Not only does it taste amazing, but it is super easy. It's one of those meals that can be whipped up when you realize it's a 1/2 hour before dinnertime and you haven't even started yet...

Please tell me I'm not the only dinner procrastinator....
;)

Enjoy friends!

{BEST EVER} Broccoli Cheese Soup

4 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1/2 cup flour
3-5 cups broccoli {cut up}
2-3 cups grated cheese
bacon to garnish {optional}

Mix broth and milk on medium heat. Slowly add flour with a whisk to thicken. Continue to stir until boiling.

Add broccoli. Place lid on and cook for 10 minutes.

Add cheese and heat to combine.

Garnish with cheese or bacon.

Sunshine

2011-03-18T17:22:00.014-06:00

You are my sunshine.
My only sunshine.

You make me happy
{oh, so happy!}

When skies are grey.

You'll never know, dear,

How much I love you....

Please don't take my sunshine away.

Ten on Tuesday

2011-03-15T14:26:00.000-06:00

1. I finally blew the dust off my sewing machine last week and made this blanket for our littlest.
Super easy and the fabric is oh so wonderfully soft.

2. Speaking of handmade, check out these ADORABLE booties my dear friend knit for our girl. Oh.my.cuteness. I can hardly wait until she grows into them!
Eeeee!

3. This weekend I broke down and bought a couple new tops at the mall. I'm in that fun in-between stage where my maternity clothes feel too big but I can't quite fit back into my regular clothes. This is my least favorite stage of pregnancy/postpartum. I get that I just had a baby a month ago, but why can't I be one of those women who's weight just falls off them due to nursing. I'm one of the lucky ones who holds onto the pounds :(

4. So, Chris and I have debated starting up an exercise program together. He is pushing for "Power 90" but it kinda makes me want to run in the opposite direction. Has anyone ever done that program? Or is there another one you would recommend doing?

5. Dare I say it........that spring is FINALLY at our fingertips?! The snow is melting and the temperatures are getting warmer. Today I wore just a sweater when we went out grocery shopping. Yippee!

6. I adore cooking shows and more specifically baking shows. I have a HUGE weakness for the Food Network & TLC. Food Network Challenge, Fabulous Cakes, Cake Boss, DC Cupcakes, Ace of Cakes. I love 'em all. It is so amazing to me to see what these bakers/artists can do with cake. Most recently I discovered the show "Cupcake Wars." Love it. Have you seen it? I secretly want to go on... ;0

7. Tomorrow is our 7 year old's sharing day at school. Every month he faces the same dilemma..... will it be something Star Wars or Lego that he brings in to show his class. This month he didn't have a hard time deciding at all. He wants to bring in his new baby sister. Awww :)

8. This post is a must read for any and all mamas. Amen.

9. Back in December I shared how we started reading "The Jesus Storybook Bible" with the kids. They all absolutely adore it. I love how excited they get when we read it and how involved they become as they listen to it on CD. It is a phenomenal children's bible. My friend Sarah from Short Stop is giving away 10 copies of the new "Large Trim Jesus Storybook Bible" today. Sweet! Now go enter to win :)

10. Ta-da! Her first {half} smile caught on camera :)

Blessed beyond measure...

2011-03-14T21:00:00.019-06:00

This weekend we celebrated our little Ellie with the most wonderful baby shower.
My sister Tammy and good friend Wendy completely spoiled us with a relaxed and super fun baby shower.

The house was decorated so beautifully and the food was SO amazing. And since Miss E is our fourth baby and third girl they decided on a diaper/meal shower and asked guests to bring either a package of diapers or a freezer meal for us.

OH HAPPY DAY!!!

AMEN and AMEN!!!

How awesome it that?!
Seriously?!
Diapers and meals... what more could new parents want?
Oh how we are blessed beyond measure!

We visited, played a few fun games and of course gushed over newborn sweetness.

One of the best parts of the shower were these birthday cards that Wendy had made.
They were numbered 1 to 18 and during the shower our guests took the time to fill in their hopes/dreams/prayers for our little Ellie. She will then get to open one up every year on her birthday until her 18th birthday. Isn't that the sweetest thing EVER?!

Our little one was so good. She slept almost the entire time and did wonderfully being passed around like a hot potato :)

And our older girls were so excited to be able to stay and celebrate their sister. Although our almost four year old had a hard time understanding why we kept calling it a "shower." She even corrected her grandma by saying "No Elliot has baths, she's too little to have a shower!"
;)

Daddy and our boy escaped to a movie before all the ladies arrived. When they came home they surprised us with a little gift for Ellie too. Big brother made us all close our eyes and then presented them proudly telling us that he had picked them out himself....

Isn't that sweet?

Yes indeed. We are crazy blessed.
Thank you to all our wonderful friends and family. We are so overwhelmed by your love for our little family.

And in the interest of keepin' it real around here...
Shortly after everyone had gone home my sweet Ellie decided to give me a gift of her own.
Any guesses as to what {oh so ironically} she gave?

Mmmhmmm.
That's right.

Sweet baby girl had the BIGGEST diaper blowout ever.
EVER.
Friends, I have changed my fair share of blowouts but this one definitely took it to the next level.

She had poo in her armpits.
'Nuff said.

And for the shower I had dressed her in the cutest little onesie that had to {sadly} slip over her head to come off.
Awesome.

So I gave her a nice bath (which she screamed through the entire time.}
Sigh.

Ah well.
No time like the present to put those diapers to good use. Right?!

It's a good thing she's so darn cute...

Tap.Tap.Tap...Is this thing still on??

2011-03-08T17:47:00.007-07:00

Yup.

We're still here....

Still soaking up her sweetness...

Still subjecting her to mini photo shoots....

Still lovin' on her.

I'll try to muster up some blogging energy soon and post something more than once a week...
but for now I am just happy to spend my day soaking her up.
Can you blame me?
:)
Love to you all!
xoxo

i heart faces- Anything but the face

2011-02-28T08:56:00.003-07:00

This week's theme is "Head Shoulders Knees and Toes...Anything but the face"

Here we are.

My three little monkeys (well four if you count our sweet Elliot cooking away) and my huge belly.
What I love most about this shot is that while I was going for the "perfect picture" with each of my kids holding up just one hand on my belly, my youngest ended up peeking into the corner of the shot and insisted on having both her hands touch the baby ;) and my oldest is proudly sporting his fading star wars tattoo.

I love that this picture captures us being us.
And that makes it perfect.

Diaper Bag Dreams

2011-02-26T08:27:00.003-07:00

I have spent the last 2 days hanging out in our basement. Cleaning, re-organizing & purging. I've been holding onto ALL the kids clothes and decided it's time we passed on of all our boy clothes. We have 8, count 'em EIGHT big garbage bags full of boys clothes to give away.
See, I've kept everything just in case we needed to use it again... but since our little lady won't be needing her big brother's sleepers I can finally release them from our basement:)

Though I've kept practically everything baby related to re-use: clothes, furniture, toys, the one thing I've replaced each time we welcomed a new babe has been the diaper bag.

Chris shakes his head at the diaper bag mystery. Why oh why, he asks, do I need a new one each time? But the fact of the matter remains that I have purchased a new one for each of the kids. What can I say? Our diaper bags have certainly been well loved :)

So, when CSN stores contacted me offering the chance to pick something from their over 200 online stores I got excited. They sell everything from modern furniture, to baby gear, to cookware and everything in between.

And I found this amazing diaper bag on their allmodern site.
Eeeee! This makes my mama heart so excited ;)

CSN has generously offered to not only spoil me but also has promised to spoil one of YOU my dear readers! In a few weeks I'll be hosting a giveaway for one of you to win a gift certificate to pick out something that you'll love too.

Yippee! I can't wait!
Thanks CSN!

Ten on Tuesday

2011-02-22T21:16:00.003-07:00

1. I have decided that having a 4th baby is crazy WONDERful! I have been in fresh from heaven baby bliss for 12 days now.
Enjoying every snuggle. Every feeding. Every chance I have to breath in her sweetness.

2. Man oh man, new babies sure smell good.

3. The recovery this time around has been awesome. Aside from being crazy exhausted from the nighttime feedings I really do feel great. In fact, our little lady was born on a Friday. We got home from the hospital on Saturday and by Sunday afternoon Chris and I were at Walmart grocery shopping. I don't think I left the house for a month after having our first :)

4. However hormones continue to be in full swing around here. I saw this video last week {teared up} and had to share it with you guys. Check out their surprised expressions at the end...melt my heart....

5. I have been having a lot of fun playing around with my camera. This shot might be my favorite....

6. To see a few more pictures click here ;)

7. As I'm typing this Chris and I are watching "The Biggest Loser." He's tearing up over the people who are being sent home this week. I guess I'm not the only one who's hormonal. Wink.

8. I reeeeeeeeeeeally want this sign to hang in the nursery:

9. There is something so special about seeing the man that I love snuggling our new daughter! Be still my heart...

10. Ok friends. It's 9:16 and little miss just fell asleep... I'd better get to bed too. Night!

Home with our sweet little lady...

2011-02-13T12:19:00.008-07:00

Elliot Joy
Friday February 11, 2011
9:50am
7lbs 10oz.
19 1/4 in.

We are all SO in love with her ;)

A bit of an update...

2011-02-09T12:32:00.007-07:00

Warning:
If you'd rather not enjoy some fun labor details feel free to skip over this post :)
I just wanted to document this *lovely* time and also update friends/family who have been wondering what's going on, since I don't really have the energy to be on the phone....

---------

I am grumpy.
Super grumpy.

I have been having cramping, contractions and back pain on and off since Saturday morning.
Then yesterday they got worse.
My contractions were 2 mins apart.

So off we went to the hospital.

Now, my last two labors have been the same. Days and days of early labor where I have crazy consistent contractions but just can't seem to make it past 3 cms. However {after being induced} and I get into the "active labor" I go really fast. With our last little one I went from 4 cms to her being born in less than an hour. So this all makes me nervous for waiting it out too long at home for fear that we may not make it to the hospital in time....

Anyhoo.

We get to the hospital {remember after days of contractions} and I am....drumroll please......
1cm.
Fail.

They decide we should walk around for an hour.
So we do.
Up and down hospital stairs. Down the long hallways. Stopping to breath through the pain, and then starting up again.
Good times.

Here I am in between contractions. Chris and I had a good laugh at how stylish I looked. Don't my boots just complete the outfit? Ha!

After an hour of walking I had progressed to 2-3 cm.
Not a huge change, but a change non the less. I'll take it.

They decide to send us out walking again for another hour.
So we do.
Up and down hospital stairs. Down long hallways.
By this time we have a pretty nice root mapped out.
I stop every two minutes with stubborn contractions.
I try not to attract attention, but I'm sure I was great entertainment for visitors, staff and patients :)

After an hour they check me and.... wait for it.....no change.
Ugh.
Really? Really? REALLY???

The doc on call says that if I was 38 weeks (which I am tomorrow) she would break my water, but didn't want to risk doing anything too early in case my dates were off and she wanted to be sure baby would be healthy. She decided to send us home with strict instructions that if the contractions changed in intensity to come right back.

So.
Here we are.
Still contracting every two minutes or so.
Thankfully the intensity goes down a bit when I am resting, and I was able to get back to sleep last night after being woken up by a few through the night. They seem to be really bad when I am up and walking around and less painful when I am sitting/laying down.

See why I'm grumpy?
And exhausted.
And not sure where to go from here....
My contractions haven't gotten any more intense from yesterday so I'd rather not go back to the hospital and be told "Ahh wonderful, you're still 2-3 cms" :(
But I'm not sure how much more I can take....

I do have a doctor's apt. scheduled for tomorrow, so I'm hoping to either go into full blown labor today or have her be able to tell me where to go from here tomorrow.

And there you have it.

I will say that despite all this I am beside myself excited to meet this little one.
We really can't wait for our newest little joy to arrive!
And I'd be totally on board if that would happen today.
Please and thank you.

And the award for BEST Superbowl Commercial goes to...

2011-02-06T21:36:00.001-07:00

Valentines Day Chocolate Pretzels

2011-01-28T15:13:00.016-07:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner the girls and I got busy making some yummy treats.
These chocolate pretzels are SO easy to make.
All you need are:

*mini pretzels
*a bag of Hershey's Kisses (we also made some with Hershey's Hugs!)
*smarties (pink and red work nicely for loves day!)

Then, let your little helpers do all the work.
My girls loved being able to make these pretty much by themselves. First, they unwrapped ALL the kisses and hugs.

Ah, the feeling of accomplishment!

Next they placed their pretzels on their cookie sheet (lined with wax paper) and put a kiss or a hug on top of each one.
(I may have helped a teeny tiny bit to help keep the chocolates in the middle :)

Then, all you do is pop them in the oven at 200 degrees for 3-4 mins to make the chocolate nice and soft.
As soon as you pull 'em out of the oven press 2 smarties at the center of each one.
(this was mama's job since the chocolate was pretty hot.)

Then, just pop them in the freezer to set and ENJOY!

P.S if you're looking for another valentines day treat. Try these Triple Chocolate Brownie Bites we made last year. Mmmmmm....

Ten on Tuesday

2011-01-25T13:16:00.008-07:00

1. Last week I ordered Ann Voskamp's new book One thousand Gifts. I'm planning on joining the Bloom (in)courage Book Club online study starting up in February. So excited! I can't wait for it to arrive.

If you've never been to Ann's blog {A Holy Experience} you need to. Immediately. Her writing, her heart, her faith.... just simply beautiful.

2. This morning my cousin took the girls for a play date- just to give me a break. She is amazing. I spent the morning shopping. I walked slowly through the aisles and took my time making decisions on what to buy. It was glorious.

3. This song had me boppin' along while driving this morning. I'm sure the other drivers thought I was crazy, but come on. How can you resist "boppin" to this song? ;)

4. Need an awesome {and SUPER easy} new recipe that everyone in your family with devour? Here you go. Your welcome. Chris has dubbed it a new favorite.

5. For Christmas Chris' brother and girlfriend spoiled us with a date night. They bought us tickets to a Flames game and gifted us with babysitting to go along with it. So, friday night Chris and I spent a wonderful evening out. We cheered on our city's hockey team and enjoyed a late dinner afterwards. I am so thankful that we were able to get out by ourselves and spend some time together {just the two of us} before baby comes :)

6. And because I just can't write a Ten on Tuesday post without a picture, here ya go. Isn't this sweet bride gorgeous?

7. He is....

8. Confession time. I am almost 30 years old and last week I experienced something that I have never experienced before......
I got kicked out of the library!
Yes, yes, it's sad but true. Explanation? A three year old temper tantrum that drew the attention of one of the workers who "kindly" reminded me that we were in fact in a library and that we needed to be quiet. Yes, thank you so much for reminding me :(
So, so sad.

9. Are you a "yes" mom or a "no" mom?
Me? I'm a slowly recovering no-mom. Trying day by day to consciously say "Yes!" more often than not.

10. I never took belly shots with any of my other pregnancies. In fact the only picture I have pregnant of my son was at his baby shower and my eyes were closed. But since this is {likely} our last pregnancy I decided I wanted a few shots of my huge tummy :)
So, last week I set up the tripod, figured out the self timer on my camera and took a few fun shots. I'm happy with how they turned out :)

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Innocent Wonder

2011-01-23T22:17:00.005-07:00

The theme over at iheartfaces this week is innocent wonder.

Couldn't help but join in with this picture of my oldest daughter kissing her soon to be born baby sister.
I love how quite often throughout the day she'll stop what she's doing and come over to give the baby a kiss.
Or sing the baby a song.
Sure makes my heart smile.

Nest Much?!

2011-01-20T11:20:00.000-07:00

You know you are close to giving birth if you have:

* a completely de-cluttered and re-organized front hall closet
* a microwave that received {and desperately needed} a serious scrub down
* the top of the fridge- dusted!
* bathroom drawers cleaned and re-organized
* back hallway/laundry room cleaned and re-organized
* baby clothes washed and put away
* car seat washed and ready to be installed
* fridge and freezer cleaned out and scrubbed down
* purse re-organized and cleaned out
* food pantry de-cluttered and re-organized
* bags of toys and bags of clothes ready to be given away
* junk drawer overhauled
* hospital bag {almost} all packed

Whew. I think we're just about ready now....
;)

God knew who I'd need

2011-01-15T21:42:00.011-07:00

My mother-in-love is such a gift to me.
Truly.
God knew who I'd need.
He knew I needed a mama.
He spoiled me with her.
Completely spoiled me....

Thursday night I caught the flu.
That yucky, horrible, nasty flu that's been going around.
The one that I thought I escaped last month when the rest of my family got it.
Groan.
Not so much.

After being up sick all night hearing the alarm Friday morning made me cringe. All I wanted to do was crawl under my covers and never come out again.
I could barely lift me head from my pillow, forget about even walking down the stairs to watch the kiddos.
I seriously had barely enough energy to blink ;(

Since Chris had meetings all day.... my sweet mama-in-love was able to get the day off work just to take care of me and my littles.

She sent me to bed and kept the girls quiet while I slept all morning.
She picked our son up from school and gave the kids lunch.

As the day went on I started getting more and more contractions and ended up going into the hospital that afternoon.
Don't worry, everything's fine now, I was just really dehydrated {since I couldn't keep any fluids down. yup. sorry for the visual;)} so they needed to give me a bag of IV fluids and then they monitored babe's heart rate, which became normal again after having the IV.
While Chris and I were at the hospital I knew I didn't need to worry at all about the kids.
I knew they were being well taken care of.

When we got home the kids were in bed,
and the house was spotless....
And friends, when I say spotless I mean the couches were moved and vacuumed underneath.
The laundry was done.
The walls were scrubbed down.
The floors were sparkling.
Even our cupboards were cleaned out....
And this morning my in-loves even showed up with groceries.

See what I mean about being spoiled?
My house is spotless.
My fridge and cupboards are stocked.
My heart is full.
Thank you Jesus for my mama.
I am so humbled by how she loves me.

A better story...

2011-01-12T14:25:00.003-07:00

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message)

God can do anything.
Anything.
More than we could ever imagine
or guess
or request
in our WILDEST dreams.
Not by pushing us around.
But by working within us.
His Spirit deeply.
Gently.
Within us.

In the last little while I've noticed that there has indeed been a deep, ever so gentle work happening in my heart over the past year or so.
God has been whispering a better story for me.
Let me try and explain....

I just finished reading the book "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller which, by the way, has completely pulled the rug out from under my feet. Miller suggests that just like an author can write a boring or exciting story, we can also choose to write for ourselves boring or exciting lives (essentially stories). We can actually choose to be boring or exciting characters.

When I stop and really look at my life I have to admit that I am probably not the most exciting character around. Truly. If someone were to watch my life on the big screen I'm pretty sure they'd get up and walk out of the theater. Hey, I'd probably get up and walk out too :)
My life is just not all that exciting to watch. I suppose I have allowed myself to get lost in the shuffle. The shuffle of life. The mundane. The average. The day to day. The not so very exciting.

Have you ever read a book that you've had to push your way through in the beginning and then once you get past those first few "boring chapters" you are so engrossed that you can't put it down? Then after finishing it you are so glad that you were able to push through to get to the end?

I feel like that's the story I've been living. And this year is all about shifting from those crazy boring first couple of chapters and into the amazing-I-just-can't-put-this book-down chapters.

Miller writes:
{Writing a story isn't about making your peaceful fantasies come true. The whole point of a story is the character arc. You didn't think that joy could change a person did you? Joy is what you feel when the conflict is over. But it's the conflict that changes a person. People love to have lived a great story, but few people like the work it takes to make it happen. But joy costs pain.}

Friends, my perspective is changing.
Joy costs pain.
When I look back over my life I can see this truth in many parts of my story. Losing my mom. My struggle with drugs. Losing our babies. I have learnt to cling to my God through these painful times and come out with joy on the other side.
But for some reason when it came to losing our church I've rebelled against the notion that joy costs pain.
And I'm realizing that sadly, the conflict of losing our little white church has indeed changed me. It's made my heart bitter. Rather than drawing near to the Father through all this and finding joy, I've pulled away. I've judged the different church's we've tried. I've complained about losing my family and longed to go back in time to when it was all easier. I've given up on God when it comes to finding a church family.
I've forgotten that joy costs pain.
Well friends, it seems I've been reminded.
:)

Let me just admit that at this point I have absolutely no idea what this is all going to look like. How this change in character is going to unfold.
All I know is that it is time.
The best way I know how to start (because remember, simply desiring change isn't enough to actually see change happen, there has to be some kind of action) is to go to the Author and ask Him what I'm to do each and every day. To pray specifically for my story... ultimately, for my part in His story. Because at the end of the day that's really what it's all about.
Him.
His story.
And I'm just a character that he has invited in to be a part of it.

Rather than resolutions this year, I am choosing a word for 2011. A word that I can focus on and will hopefully keep me on the right track this year.
My word for 2011 is character. I am going to allow God to write my story. I am going to choose to live a better story and be a better character.

But, can I make a confession?
To be completely honest I am scared. I am scared that I will use excuses to stay the same. What I mean by that is that I'm scared I will use the excuse of having a baby this year to keep me from going after a better story. I'm scared that it will keep me from chasing after the character I want to be.
I'm worried I will get swallowed up in the everyday-ness of raising a family.
Please, oh please, hear my heart. I am overjoyed at the reality of adding another little joy to our family. I absolutely love being a mama. I love staying home and taking care of my family. Love it.
And I know that this is a challenging season. Lack of sleep, physical changes, lack of patience due to lack of sleep :)

But there is also this yearning in my heart to be more. For God. For my family. For me and for others. And so, I am choosing to lay this fear at the cross. Because I know that God knows that this is the season I'm entering into and that He will be my strength. He knows I'm just weeks away from having a sweet babe and yet He is stirring my heart. He is working deeply, gently within my heart. Promising more than I could ever dare to ask, dream or imagine....

What about you? What kind of character are you living?

Can you hear his whispers, calling you to a better story?

{It's as if God is saying: "Write a good story, take somebody with you and let me help"}
Donald Miller

Mountain Getaway

2011-01-10T09:03:00.015-07:00

For Christmas this year Chris' parents spoiled us with a weekend away.
Two glorious nights away while they watched our three {k-razy} children.
Aren't my in-loves saints?
We decided to take advantage of their generous gift this past weekend before we had to worry about bringing a newborn along with us :)

And it was nothing short of perfection.
Romantic strolls down main street at night.
Taking in the gorgeous lights and winter scene {even though it was FREEZING! brrrrrr!}
Quiet meals, where we could actually finish our conversations.
Window shopping hand in hand.
A movie for two snuggled in our hotel room.
Sleeping in. Ahhhhhhhhh.... the sleeping in.
And the best part:
Not having to share- having Chris all to myself. The un-distracted, fully-there versions of ourselves. The having one anothers undivided attention. Simply having the time to reconnect.

I've missed that.
Missed him.
It reminded me of the time before we had kids.
A time when I had Chris all to myself.
I took it for granted. Him. The quiet. The two of us lounging around all day on the weekends.
Now, I savor these moments. I lock them tightly into my heart, treasures that they are.
We don't get away often, just the two of us, but when we do it is such a gift.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to my sweet mama and papa-in-love. I am so humbled to be a part of such an amazing family.

And now, just weeks away from adding our fourth sweet joy to our family I feel like our marriage has been refreshed, renewed. And we are so ready to open our arms to our newest little blessing and all that comes with this new season in our family.

(well, except for maybe the lack of sleep that we know is looming around the corner....)

Ten on Tuesday

2011-01-04T16:49:00.004-07:00

1. HaPpY nEw YeAr!!! There's just something about the start of a new year that causes me to slow down and reflect. I've been trying to write a new years post for a few days now... but my brain is easily tired these days, so any deep thought on my part requires a little more time than usual :)

2. Last week we took the kids to see the movie Tangled. We ended up having to go back to the theater twice since the first time we tried the movie had sold out 45 mins before. Our kids were pretty disappointed. Especially our three year old. She couldn't understand why we couldn't just sit on the floor to watch the movie :)
But, we went back the next day {a little wiser- note to self: do not attempt to go to a matinee on a holiday tuesday 1/2 hour before the show starts} and were easily able to get seats. This was the first theater movie our littlest has been to. She did amazing! I think it helped that the movie was incredible. Seriously, if you have small kids take them to see it. All three of ours LOVED it, and actually both Chris and I thought it was pretty fantastic too!
Here's my sweetie at her very first movie in her very stylish 3D glasses (which, by the way, she refused to wear for the movie.)

3. I am participating in LPM's Siesta Scripture Memory Challenge again this year. I am so looking forward to the discipline of memorizing 2 scriptures a month (very doable!)

4. I had a doctor's apt today. The baby's heartbeat was lower than normal so, I was sent straight from my apt. to the hospital to do a Fetal Non-Stress Test. Basically they monitor the baby's heartbeat and movement to ensure that there aren't any problems. Admittedly I was a little stressed, but all is well. The sent me home after about 45 minutes, satisfied that baby was fine.

5. I am SO relieved that everything is ok with baby but that little scare just made me realize how far I am from being ready. Yes, I am only 33 weeks, but all three of our kids were born at 37 weeks. That gives me (possibly) a month. A MONTH! Ack! So much to do. Plus, while laying there with a heart monitor strapped to my belly my mind kept wandering to the "what if's". And as it wandered to the possible "what if my baby needs to come out today" it also wandered to the current state of our home. To the mountains of laundry, the sticky floors, the counter tops littered with dishes. While laying there, I could picture my mother-in-love coming over to help with the kids and having to clean {blush!} my entire house. I need to get organized and realize that as we near the end here, I need to be ready to go in at any time.

6. Which reminds me. Maybe I should think about getting my hospital bag packed.

7. In December I made up my mind to take one picture everyday, starting January 1st. I tried doing this a couple years ago and did well for awhile and then just sorta fell off the bandwagon. But I was determined that with the new year quickly approaching I had the perfect opportunity to start it up again. Well, it's January 4th and I've taken one picture. So, needless to say- I give up. I am realizing that I do indeed have limits and this just may not be the season for a project like that :)

8. The kids and I went on an {unplanned} trip the zoo yesterday. It was really fun. I decided to leave the stroller at home. I was so excited! I figured the kids were all big enough to walk and since it would probably be one of the last few times I'd have that option, we could just enjoy the zoo without having to worry about pushing a stroller through the snow!

9. It was all joy and merriment until it was time to go. We were pushing nap time, the wind was picking up making it pretty chilly and so I went to take both girls by the hand to walk a little quicker together. Our spirited three year old decided that she didn't want to hold my hand and it quickly escalated from a whine of "I don't want to hold your hand" to a full-blown-crazy-three-year-old-MELTDOWN.

{Ugh. Remind me again WHO came up with that brilliant plan to leave the stroller at home?!}

Anyways, I did what any of you would do. I put big brother in change of our littlest- who decided that giving her a piggy back ride was the best way to keep her under control. Smart boy! I thanked him and said a silent thank you Jesus for my son, while I proceeded to drag said three year old towards the exit.
People. I have never, NEVER survived a temper tantrum like that in my 7 years of parenting. She SCREAMMMMMMMED for the entire walk {about 15 minutes}. She tried hitting my hand away from hers, biting me {don't worry, I was wearing mittens}, digging her heels in and throwing herself on the ground.
BUT.I.WAS.DETERMINED. I had my eye on the prize. We marched our way through the last part of the zoo. Over the bridge. Through the tunnel. Out the main doors. Down to the parking lot, and into the van with that wailing child.
Oh boy. That one was for the records.
I get that she was cold. I get that it was nap time. And I also get that, basically, she just wanted her way.
But that was NOT ok.
Not ok at all.
It's all good now, though.
We survived, her and I.

10. I will bring the stroller next time.

What I'll remember from...

2011-01-02T11:11:00.001-07:00

Christmas 2010

Ornament making.

Tree trimming.
House decorating.
Excitement building.
HaPpY "Happy Birthdays" to Jesus.
Baking a plenty.
A trip downtown to meet new friends.
Homemade Sugar castles.
Bible Story Bedtimes.
The wonder of Santa.
THREE lost teeth.
Excited toes, ready to run down the stairs Christmas morning.
Pancakes & Eggs.
Turkey and Stuffing.
A whole bunch of the white stuff.
Sisters playing kitchen.
Big brother "DS"ing.
Driving around looking at lights with Hot Chocolate in sippy cups.
Hearing Christmas worship from the backseat.
Family, family, family.

Hope you all had the Merriest Christmas Ever!

The Look

2010-12-27T13:31:00.016-07:00

Our second annual Cookie Countdown has come and gone
and I still can't believe we made it!
Wow.

To be completely honest I found it a little more difficult to get motivated this year.
Maybe because of my pregnancy {and the fun exhaustion that comes with it}
or the fact that our baking kept disappearing {which in part could fall under the pregnancy excuse, but also our three year old was really good at sneaking treats from the freezer} but I just found it hard to get into the kitchen most days.

But, there was one thing that no matter how tired, lazy, or grumpy I felt that kept me going and that was:
The look.
It was the look on that one man's face last year.
It was a look I still can't describe but a year later is carved so deeply into my mind and heart, that it's what got my butt in motion when all I wanted to do most days was take a nap.
I wanted to see that look again.
I wanted to see Jesus.

And I wanted my kids to see it too.

We spent a lot of time talking about giving our baking to the homeless men and women downtown. Each time we pulled out a recipe we talked about what we did last year and how we were planning on doing it again. About how for some of these new friends, it may be their only Christmas present.

I found that the kids were way more into it this year. Maybe because they are a bit older and could understand better or because they remember doing it last year, but whatever the case they talked about it a lot this month.
Especially our oldest daughter. She was very concerned about the people who don't have gardens {in her little 3 year old mind if you don't have a home, you don't have a garden. Logical, no?} She asked a lot of questions and I tried my best to answer them in a way that she could understand.

"Mommy, the people who don't have gardens are going to like our cookies!"
she told me one day while we were baking.
My heart nearly stopped right then and there at her preciousness.
{This must be how God feels when we come and share our excitement with Him.}

We planned to deliver our baking on the 23rd this year. So the kids and I packed up all our plates of baking the day before. This was a really fun part for them, seeing a whole months worth of cookies laid out on the counter...... and also really fun to get to sample a few of the extras afterwards!
;)
The next day, while we drove downtown I could feel myself getting nervous.
Really nervous.
I remember feeling the same way last year.
But as we got closer our son started explaining to his sisters that they needed to look out their windows and help find people to give our baking to, well, my nerves went right out the window.
My mama heart just grew excited by hearing his excitement.

We began handing out our baking and received lots of shocked smiles.
Lots of happy Merry Christmas'
Lots of humble thank yous
And just like last year,
there was
a
moment.

A moment that stopped my heart
and will forever be written in memory.

This time it was a lady.
A dear sweet lady.
Who's face gave away all her sweetness
and held the smile of the century.
Who received her plate of goodies with a surprised laugh,
and questioned if they were really for her.
Who called her friend over to show him and promised she'd share.
{when our 7 year old heard this he ran back to the van to fetch another plate for her friend}
And then her friend's face changed too.
His face was pure JOY.
He patted our son's head and said a loud Merry Christmas
while waving to the girls in the van {who happily shouted it back!}

When we were all back in the van our son's face was shinning.
He was grinning from ear to ear.
Oh how humbled I felt.
Could my heart take anymore?

We drove around and passed out a few more treats when we found ourselves doing a loop down the same street we had just been on. I didn't really notice.... but then I heard a squeal from the backseat....

"Hey! They're eating our baking already mommy! Look! Look, that lady and her friend are eating out baking!!! Mommy, did you see that?!"

Oh, how that did me in.
Has your heart ever hurt from too much J.O.Y?
Mine did.
In that moment.
It did.

Once we handed out the last of our baking we prayed for all the sweet people we met.
My two year old said it best "Thank you for the people. Thank you for the baking."

Yes Jesus.
Thank you for the people.
And thank you for the baking.
It changed me in a way that I could never describe.
And taught my kids something that I could never teach them with words.
It taught us all to love a little better.

All I want for Christmas....

2010-12-23T16:59:00.003-07:00

The Tooth Fairy and Santa all in one week!!!
Eeeeeeeeeeeeee!
{You'd think he won the lottery!}
;)

Christmas Cookie #21- Crunchy Caramel Popcorn

2010-12-22T22:17:00.006-07:00

Wow.
I can hardly believe how quickly December has flown by.
What a crazy month of baking it's been!
I definitely sampled a few more tasty treats than I did last year,
but I'm sticking with the whole "I'm great with child" excuse.
;)
Today the kids and I packed up our baking tins
we talked {again} about who we were going to bless with our yummy treats
and tomorrow we will deliver our baking.

I am so excited to see Jesus in their eyes again.
I know He'll be there.....

Today was our last baking day.
Wow.
I can't believe we've made it.
Tomorrow we will hand deliver our baking and I can not be more excited!
Yippeeeeeeeee!

Our plans changed a little as far as who will be receiving our gifts but I think that God has perfectly directed our paths and knew from the beginning who would be eating our sweet treats.
(I promise to write more details on our baking delivery adventure soon.... sometime after the buzz of Christmas is over...)

So, for our last day we decided to make one of our family favorites.
Crunchy Caramel Popcorn. Yum.
We make it every year at Christmastime and munch on it after church while we sit around and visit or play fun games together.
This recipe truly makes the best Carmel popcorn and I am so excited to share it with you!

Our Lesson: Thank you God for the fun family time we have over the holidays. We can't wait to eat this yummy popcorn and visit with our loved ones. And thank you God for being with us through this month of baking. We are so excited to see you at work tomorrow! And we can't wait to celebrate your birthday.....only 2 more sleeps :D

Crunchy Caramel Popcorn

20-24 cups popped popcorn

Part 1:
1 cup margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1 tsp salt

Part 2:
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla

Boil syrup (part 1) on a slow rolling boil for 5 mins without stirring.
Remove from heat and add part 2 and stir.
Pour over popcorn. Stir. (don't worry if it doesn't cover all the popcorn perfectly once it's in the oven it will be easier to stir)

Bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour, stirring every 15 mins.
(I use a large roaster so that I can easily mix the popcorn)

Christmas Cookie #20- Skor Cookies

2010-12-21T22:05:00.002-07:00

This past weekend the girls spent the afternoon with their auntie (my lovely sister). While they were there they got to help her bake some super yummy cookies (a recipe that I was assured made the most delicious cookies EVER!)

My sister is a teacher and she got this recipe from one of the mom's from her class, who brought them in for her during interviews. (Isn't that sweet? I'll have to remember that for our son's next interviews!)

Anyways, while we were over there yesterday celebrating an early Christmas dinner with our grandparents she let me sample them and yes, indeed they are wonderful!

Apparently these cookies have quite the reputation.... for all you single gals out there- the story goes that if you make these cookies for a man he will propose!
:)
And I'm thinking that for all your married ladies- if you make these cookies for your man he will clean the house, watch the kids AND send you out to the spa!

Just sayin'.

Our Lesson: Thank you God for our family. We are so blessed to have our beautiful Auntie who loves us so much and truly spoils us! She is always sneaking us candy and sweets (even if it's right under mommy's nose!)
:D

Skor Cookies

1 cup butter (not margarine)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
3-4 cups flour

1 pkg milk chocolate chips
1 pkg skor bits

Mix first 7 ingredients. Add in chips and bits.
Bake at 350* for 12 minutes.

Christmas Cookie #19- Mint Chocolate Tea Cakes {new for 2010!}

2010-12-19T13:03:00.009-07:00

Another new recipe.
Light & fluffy tea cakes.
Full of minty goodness.
Squeal!

I have been wanting to try this one since last December but had a terrible time finding mint chocolate chips. And by terrible I mean I searched high and low, went to several stores and couldn't find them anywhere. Tear.
I thought that maybe they didn't exist up here in Canada. But then on friday the kids and I were picking up a few things at walmart and what did my eyes behold?

Eeeeeeeeeeeeee! I could hardly contain my excitement. I think the kids thought I was slightly crazy as I explained to them how excited mommy was that I would finally be able to make these cookies that I had been wanting to make since last year. I giggled and smiled as I stocked up on *several* bags (you know, just in case they disappear again from the store) so that I can bake to my minty hearts content all year round!

Ok. Back to the cookies. They are SO easy to make. And crazy yummy-possibly because of one ingredient- butter. The recipe calls for {ahem} 1 1/2 cups of it.
Umm. yikes, that's a whole lotta butta :-)
But butter makes me happy. And so do these cookies.

Try them. You will thank me.
And then we can plan out a buddy exercise program for the new year.
Sound good?

Happy Baking friends.

Mint Chocolate Tea Cakes
(from Jenni @ swimming in sugar and spice)

1 1/2 cups butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups flour
2 cups mint baking chips
powdered sugar for topping

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Sift powdered sugar into large bowl. Beat together with butter, vanilla and salt until creamy.
Gradually beat in flour. 1 cup at a time. Once dough is thoroughly mixed, fold in baking chips.
Shape level tablespoons of dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 mins, or until cookies are set and lightly browned.

Remove from oven and sift powdered sugar over hot cookies on baking sheet. Cool for 10 mins and then transfer to cooling racks. Once completely cooled, store in airtight container.

Christmas Cookie #18- Triple Sour Cream Brownie Bites

2010-12-18T19:46:00.003-07:00

This morning we made these mini-brownie bites.

You.
Must.
Make.
These!

By far better than any store bought brownies, that's for sure!
So moist, so rich, so yummmmmmy.

The girls had an especially good time eating the leftover frosting by the spoonful!
Yikes. I can't turn my back for a second with those two :)

Our Lesson: This recipe is call Triple chocolate, because there are three kinds of chocolate: chocolate brownies, chocolate chips and chocolate frosting. Mmmm...
When Jesus us born the wise men brought 3 gifts for him: Gold, Frankincense & Myrrh.

Triple Chocolate Sour Cream Brownie Bites
(recipe from Short Stop)

One (9x13") box brownie mix, prepared
1 cup sour cream (I used a little less maybe 3/4 cup)
1 cup chocolate chips (I used mini chocolate kisses)
2 tablespoons flour
1 can chocolate frosting

Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Stir in sour cream.

Pour chocolate chips and flour into a small bowl. Toss chocolate chips and flour. (This will keep the chocolate chips from falling to the bottom.) Add chocolate chips to brownie batter.

Grease mini muffin tins or line with mini-muffin liners.
Fill tins 2/3 full with batter. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Remove from pan. Cool completely.

Fill frosting bag or sandwich baggie with frosting. Pipe frosting in swirls onto brownies

Christmas Cookie #17- Rice Krispie Presents

2010-12-17T19:36:00.006-07:00

Rice Krispie Squares are made in our house all the time. They are quick, easy and because they don't have eggs or nuts in them they are a treat that all the kids can enjoy.

To add a little festive flare to our squares we simply covered them with Christmas sprinkles and tied them up with licorice to make them look like little presents.

Our Lesson: Christmas is about giving. We are so excited to celebrate the greatest gift of all - Jesus! Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Rice Krispie Squares

1/2 cup butter
10 cups mini marshmallows
11 cups rice krispie cereal
3 tsp vanilla

Melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and heat until completely melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Add cereal. Pour into a greased 9x13 pan.

Christmas Cookie #16- Hot Chocolate Cookies {New for 2010!}

2010-12-16T13:17:00.007-07:00

I thought it was time to shake things up around here and try out a new recipe.

So, this morning the girls and I used our brand new KitchenAid Mixer {squeal!} (an unexpected and extremely extravagant gift from friends that completely took me by surprise and actually made me cry) and we whipped up a batch of Hot Chocolate Cookies. Yes, that's right, there's actually hot chocolate powder in these babies.

Verdict: They are awesome. Especially with a tall glass of milk. Mmmmm! Ok, I'd better go banished them to the basement freezer now. Maybe that'll keep me from sneaking a few {more!}

p.s- how did I ever survive baking without a fancy mixer?! Oh my word. It is such a beautiful thing. Amen.

Hot Chocolate Cookies
(recipe from bakedbree)

2 sticks room temperature butter
1 cup sugar
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/4 cups flour
4 packages Hot Chocolate Mix (not sugar free)
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup each milk, and semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-2 cups mini marshmallows

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Cream butter and sugars until smooth.
Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, hot chocolate mix, salt and baking soda. Add to wet ingredients in 3 to 4 parts, making sure all is incorporated.

Fold in chips. Chill the dough for an hour or so. Scoop dough {I used an ice cream scooper} onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. {I didn't have parchment paper and instead just greased my cookie sheets}

Bake for 9-11 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
**During the last two minutes of cooking time, add the marshmallows to the tops of the cookies. You will need to press them in a bit and let them bake for another 2 minutes or until they start to puff.

Let cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.

Christmas Cookie #15- Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Frosting

2010-12-15T18:12:00.003-07:00

{I totally remember this day last year. Thanks again Liane for saving the day :)
And, yes, it's still one of my favorite cookies from the countdown. Mmmmm.}

Yesterday the girls and I made these amazing pumpkin cookies. They just might possibly be my new favorite cookie. Yup. Pumpkin. My favorite..... shocking since there isn't a trace of chocolate in them!

If you were going to do just one more recipe for the holidays I would highly recommend this one. They are melt in your mouth soft and the maple icing is perfectly sweet. Yum!

Now, here's where I keep it real....
The reason I am late posting this one is because I ran into a bit of a problem while making the icing. I had already finished the first part of boiling the butter and brown sugar and was ready to finish it up when I looked in my pantry and realized I had no icing sugar. Ugh. Has this ever happened to you?

I had absolutely no motivation to run out to the store, so instead I decided to complain on facebook and put this as my status:

"made super yummy pumpkin cookies..... but got halfway through making the icing when I realized I have no icing sugar.... Grrrrr"

And just a few minutes later I got a comment from one of my sweet friends offering to come drop some off. (Thanks again Liane for saving me a trip to the grocery store. You rock!)

By the time I got myself organized to make our second attempt at the icing it was time to make dinner and then rush off to enjoy our son's Christmas concert.

Needless to say I decide to save our icing making adventure for this morning.

But let me assure you, this icing was well worth the wait.
(In fact to be completely transparent here, the girls and I enjoyed sampling the first batch too.... you wouldn't think it, but melted butter and brown sugar taste a little like heaven. Yummy toffee-like-buttery-sugary-goodness!)
Anyways, this second batch is even better. I am definitely going to be using this recipe to ice more cookies in the future and oh, it would taste great on cupcakes too!

Our Lesson: Always be prepared. (ie. check your pantry BEFORE you start baking) Ha!
AND thank you God for the wonderful people you have surrounded us with. We are so spoiled by our friends!

Pumpkin Cookies with Maple Frosting
(from Your Homebased Mom)

1 cup butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

Cream sugars and butter. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla. Add remaining ingredients. Drop spoonfuls onto non-greased cookie sheet. Cook at 350* for 10 to 12 minutes.

Frosting:
Boil 1/4 cup butter and 1/2 cup brown sugar until mostly smooth. (Approx. 2 to 3 min.) Cool and add 1/4 cup milk and 2 cups powdered sugar or until desired consistency, and whip with hand mixer until smooth. Spread onto cookies.

Christmas Cookie #14 - Mars Bar Squares

2010-12-14T20:03:00.001-07:00

Mars bars were one of my favorite chocolate bars growing up. When I was little, I played Ringette and after every game my Dad would stop at 7-eleven and treat me to a drink and a chocolate bar. Most days I would choose an iced tea and the chocolate bar was always either Mars Bars or Areo.

Which is probably why I love this recipe so much. Melted mars bars and chocolate topping. Yup, that's my kind of combo.
The kids also love this recipe. As we were cutting them into squares this afternoon, I could barely keep their little fingers out of the pan and they had absolutely no problems eating all the leftover edge pieces.

Don't worry.... I am planing a non-chocolate recipe for tomorrow. I do realize that this countdown has been super chocolate heavy :)

Our Lesson: Thank you God for Papa. We are so blessed to have him in our lives. He spoiled me back when I was little and he most certainly spoils the kids now! (He even has a "candy counter" at has house that the kids love to visit. Yup, that's right, a counter in his kitchen dedicated to displaying all kinds of sweet treats. Think old fashioned candy shop and you'd be picturing my dad's candy counter :)

Mars Bar Squares

3-58g Mars Bars
6 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup Margarine
Topping:
1/2 cup Margarine
2 cups Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips

Slice Mars Bars into bite size pieces. Combine with margarine and microwave on high for approximately 1 1/2 minutes or until melted.
Stir in Rice Krispies and press into a 9X13 pan (greased).

Melt margarine and chocolate chips and pour over squares. Set in fridge and cut into squares.

Ten on Tuesday

2010-12-14T09:26:00.004-07:00

1. I have really been enjoying our cookie countdown again this year. I think the reason I love baking with my kids so much is because I can vividly remember baking with my mom. I truly pray that this time we spend together will be etched in their little memories the way my baking times are with my mom.

The only problem I'm finding this year is that my growing belly seems to be getting in the way- a lot. Just today I had to change yet another shirt because I always seem to misjudge just how close I am to the stove and that pot of bubbling sweetness.

2. Speaking of my belly. I realize I haven't given much of a pregnancy update in awhile. But I suppose that's a good thing. No news is good news, right?
I am just about 30 weeks along. The contractions I was feeling last month seem to have disappeared (hallelujah) and I feel great.
Although, I could do with a little more sleep at night. Babe seems to enjoy kicking me when it's bedtime, and I'm also finding it harder and harder to get comfortable at night. Poor Chris. We need a spare room so that he can get a decent night's sleep. Sigh. I suppose it's preparing us for what's to come in a couple of months :)
I am also gaining weight rapidly. I can already see it in my face. Not a good sign. Might be because I keep giving into those cravings...not to mention all the baking. Oh, the baking. I figure I might as well milk this pregnancy for all it's worth and deal with the weight later. Make sense, no?

3. Have you been watching the Sing-Off? Ack. These people are all so crazy talented. Seriously. Best show EVER! Amazing singers and so fun to watch. I think Chris and I love it so much because it's impossible to choose a favorite group because they are all so incredible.

4. As part of advent this year we have been listening to the Jesus Storybook Bible every night with the kids. They LOVE it. I must admit it took a few nights to figure out a way to get them all to settle down and pay attention (the first few nights were a little exhausting- picture our littlest dive bombing into Chris on the bed, our three year old signing random Christmas tunes and our 7 year old trying to pay attention, following along in the book but easily being distracted by his sisters.)
Happily they are now all so into it and look forward to it every night. It is a wonderful Bible for kids and since the deluxe edition comes with a CD narrative (which is a big part of what has them all so captivated now) we simply put on the CD and listen as a family to the words meant to be sewn so deeply into our hearts. I especially love how at the end of each day it always foreshadows the coming of Jesus and how after we listen we talk about the story a bit and then pray together as a family. I also think it's really cool that we will end up reading about Jesus' birth on Christmas eve :)

5. This weekend we went to our community Christmas party at the lake. Fun, fun, fun!
Our 2 year old was scared of Santa (even though it was secretly her papa :)

6. I have always said that it is my three year old that gives me the most....well, "challenge". She is spunky and strong willed and while I absolutely love her beautiful spirit....sometimes her craziness drives me CRAZY.

Well, her little sister has proven that she can give me a run for my money as well. The other day I sent her upstairs to get dressed. Something that she's been doing for months now on her own. She was up there for a little longer than normal so I decided to investigate. And what do I find? My sweet, innocent two year old skipping happily up and down the hallway squeezing the entire bottle of kid's shampoo onto the carpet. Picture it people. Blueberry {read- it's actually blue!} gobs of shampoo all down my cream colored carpet. It took almost two hours to clean. Think bubbles friends. Lots and lots of bubbles.
Oh Joy.

7. Speaking of joy the beautifully talented Sarah Markley has been doing a 100 Joys series through December. She is intentionally looking for the everyday joys all around her, allowing Joy to transform her heart. And challenging us to do the same.
I have wanted to join in since the beginning of the month. I started looking for joy and can truly see how being conscious of it around me can really change my perspective. I am going to try to get some of it written down... but I do know in reality that may not happen... I am trying to accept the fact that I just can't do it all ;)

8. Last week I had a lovely skype date with Kristen. She rocks. She is so sweet, crazy easy to love and such a fun mommy. She's doing an awesome advent activity calendar with her family this year. Check out her ideas. So fun!

9. Have you seen this video yet? Amazing...

10. Speaking of amazing videos I'm going to leave you with this one:

This guy is my hero. Oh, how I am crazy humbled....

Happy Tuesday Friends!

Christmas Cookie #13- Pea(nut) Butter Squares

2010-12-13T16:09:00.003-07:00

This recipe is a family favorites. Sadly, I stopped making these a few years ago because of my son's allergy to peanuts.
But this year Chris suggested making them using Peabutter (the alternative we use to peanut butter.) Yes! Why hadn't I thought of that sooner? They turned out great! I can't even taste the difference. I guess a bunch of sugar can mask anything :)

Here's my assistance showing you with a very serious face our "No Nut" peabutter:

And while Mommy stirred the ingredients on the stove, the little elves did some painting:

Our Lesson: Just like all the different colored marshmallows, we are all different and all special. God made each of us unique and we are thankful for our differences :)

Peanut Butter Squares

1/4 cup butter
1 pkg butterscotch chips
1/2 cup peanut butter (or in our case PEAbutter)
3 cups marshmallows

Melt butter, peanut butter and chips. Remove from heat. Add marshmallows. Pour into greased 9X9 pan.

Christmas Cookie #12- Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes & Oreos

2010-12-12T15:29:00.003-07:00

We have been busy today, making a few treats for our teacher's gifts (another post with more details on that to come) as well as baking for our project.

Yup, we have been all about the dipping. Yesterday pretzels, today Candy Canes and Oreos!
Don't they just look so yummy?
:)
My favorite part of making these simple recipes is how involved my kids have been. From unwrapping the Candy canes (with a few broken pieces) to dipping, to sprinkling. It is so fun to have them in the kitchen with me!

Our lesson:
Last week our son brought home this poem from school...
The True Meaning of the Candy Cane
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me

White is for my Savior
Who's sinless and pure!
"J" is for Jesus My Lord, that's for sure!

Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for Me

Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes & Oreos

Chocolate
Candy Canes
Oreos
Christmas sprinkles

Melt chocolate in a heat safe bowl over a pot of simmering water.
Dip half the candy canes/oreos in melted chocolate and sprinkle some festive sprinkles all over :)

Christmas Cookie #11- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

2010-12-11T19:33:00.002-07:00

Today we made a very simple recipe. I first made these the year after we were married. I remember making them in our little condo and how quickly they disappeared... hmmm... hopefully they'll last until Christmas this time!

Normally I tend to stick to my "bunny trick" when it comes to melting chocolate, but this time I decided to try something a little different. I bought two bags of Hershey Kisses. One original and the other candy cane flavor. I love the taste of them, but was a little surprised at how they candy cane one turned out pink! I guess it makes sense..... white chocolate with red stripes... yup I should have guessed as much :)

My son and I made this one together and I have to say having him in the kitchen was especially helpful today. He had a ton of fun unwrapping the chocolates. A task that I would have found a little annoying :)

He was also a big helper in the dipping process, spelling out the message... oh, and the sampling. He was VERY good at that part!

Our lesson:
As we were dipping each pretzel I pointed out that a pretzel is in the shape of a heart. My big boy was quite surprised by this. We talked about all the people we love and about how much God loves all of us, which is the reason why He send His son Jesus to save us.
These pretzels remind us how much God loves us!

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

1 bag white chocolate (Hershey Kisses- candy cane flavor)
1 bag milk chocolate (Hershey Kisses- original)
Pretzels

Chop kisses in quarters (to help melt faster.)
In a heat safe bowl, melt white chocolate over a pot of simmering water (to keep chocolate from burning.)
Dip one half of pretzel in chocolate and lay on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper to cool.
*I ended up putting them outside (after about an hour) for just a few minutes because they were taking forevvvvvvver to cool.

Melt milk chocolate using the same method. Dip the other side of pretzel and lay on wax paper to cool.
*Again I put them outside to quickly harden the chocolate. It took less than 5 minutes!

Christmas Cookie #10- S'mores

2010-12-10T21:50:00.003-07:00

Some of my favorite memories growing up are the ones of us camping together as a family. Both my parents were teachers, so we were able to escape to the mountains for at least a month every summer.
Many nights we would sit by the fire and makes the most delicious s'mores. They were my favorite part of the campfire.

And now, I'm happy to report, we don't have to wait for the summer to enjoy the yumminess of camping.

These s'mores are so delicious. The kids and I had a great time making them... especially eating the marshmallows that "dropped" out of the bag!

Our Lesson: As we were making these we started talking about camping and how you make traditional s'mores. (our kids have yet to try them- eek! I know!)
After remembering a few camping stories together our son piped up with "I want to go camping so we can see a bear again!" (yup, we had a bear in our campsite the last time. Very exciting for a 4 year old to be woken up by a bear outside his window while his Daddy and Papa try to scare it off.)
After hearing her brother tell the story, our two year old quickly yelled out "I wanna see a bear too!" and then our littlest started growling....
:)
Thank you God for all your creation. Thank you for the memories we make as a family.
How fun it will be eat some of our s'mores tonight and dream of camping.... even while we look outside at the wind blowing in -15 degree weather :)

S'mores
(from The Joy of Baking)

6 tbsp butter (melted)
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Topping:
1 cup chocolate chips
2 cups mini marshmallows

Stir together graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter until all the crumbs are moistened.
Press firmly into a foil lined 8X8 pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until the crust begins to turn golden brown.
Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle chocolate chips and marshmallows.

Bake for another 10 minutes or until marshmallows are soft, lightly golden and begin to meld together.

Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

Once cooled remove from foil and cut into pieces.

*Note: my crust turned out a little crumbly. Not sure if I didn't add enough butter or maybe didn't cook the crust long enough in the first step. They still taste wonderful though and I have absolutely no problem with "practicing" this recipe until I get it just right :)

Christmas Cookie #9- Peppermint Bark

2010-12-09T18:31:00.001-07:00

See, I promised you another minty one.
And I just refuse to disappoint you :)

I love this recipe. So easy and so delicious.

Annnnnnnnd I have a little trick for you too! Only, you'll have to implement it next year, I'm afraid, because you can't really find this type of chocolate in stores now....

Behold:
The Chocolate Bunnies!

That's right. I always stock up on the solid 1 lb bunnies just after Easter when the stores are clearing them out. They are perfect for these types of recipes!

So don't forget next year when you see a bunch of chocolate bunnies being sold super dirt cheap and you wonder why anyone would want more chocolate after Easter....now you know why.
Pick them up and save them for your Christmas baking!

Our lesson: It's fun to take something yummy and re-purpose it into something even better. Just like these bunnies, God wants to take us and mold us to be even better than we can imagine!

Peppermint Bark
(adapted from joyofbaking.com)

1 lb milk chocolate (chopped into bite sized pieces)
1 lb white chocolate (chopped into bite sized pieces)
12 candy canes (crushed)

Melt milk chocolate in a heat safe bowl over a saucepan of boiling water (this will prevent chocolate from burning). Pour melted chocolate onto a foil lined cookie sheet to make an even layer. Refrigerate until firm (about 30 mins.)
*I put mine outside for 10 min and it was hard as a rock. Thank you winter.

Melt white chocolate using the same method. Pour over top of the milk chocolate. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and refrigerate until firm (again another 30 mins).
*Or 10 min if you live in the freezing cold :)

Peal back foil and break into irregular shapes and enjoy!

crazy hormones...

2010-12-09T13:35:00.004-07:00

I was driving this morning and this song came on the radio.
I ~~cried~~ bawled through the whole thing....

Christmas Cookie #8- Toffee Bars

2010-12-08T12:47:00.005-07:00

The girls and I made (and sampled) these this morning and I've already had to put them in the freezer downstairs in the hopes that "outta sight, outta mind" will help with my willpower dilemma.
Ha! Who am I kidding?
I tried that tactic last year and discovered that they taste even better just out of the freezer!

This morning we enjoyed a visit over at our friends' house.

My friend Sheri is so sweet. When I talked to her last night about coming over she asked what I was going to do about my baking if we weren't home in the morning (knowing that the morning is typically when the girls and I have found ourselves in the kitchen) and offered to have us come bake at her house.
And I am so glad she did because she introduced me to the MOST AMAZING recipe ever!

Yup, Toffee Bars are definitely my new favorite dessert.
What do I love about them?

*They call for ingredients that I always have on hand.
*They are super duper easy to make.
*AND.....they just taste unbelievable- just like eating a homemade Skor bar. Mmmmmmmm!

Now go right now into your kitchen. Pull out these ingredients and make the most delicious Toffee Bars EVER!

Now!
I mean it!
GO!
(you'll thank me for being so bossy once you take your first bite!)

Our Lesson: We are so thankful for the friends that God has given us.
Friends who share their home, toys, snacks and yummy recipes with us :)

Toffee Bars

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
2 cups chocolate chips
24 crackers (we used Breton, but you can used saltine or whatever you have in your pantry!)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Line a cookie sheet with foil. Cover the bottom with crackers.

Melt brown sugar and butter in a saucepan, bring to a boil for 4-5 minutes until caramelized.
Pour sugar mixture over the crackers & put in the oven for about 5 mins (until bubbly).

Remove and cover with chocolate chips. Put back in the oven for a minute to melt the chocolate.
Remove and spread chocolate with the back of a spoon.

Place in fridge (or if it's -20C, outside!) to cool.
Break into pieces.

And..... I DOUBLE DOG DARE you to only eat one!

Christmas Cookie #7- Chocolate Mint Squares

2010-12-07T08:57:00.001-07:00

Today we made Chocolate Mint Squares. The girls loved this one because three layers meant three bowls and three sets of spoons to lick clean!

I don't know about you, but for me, the holidays aren't complete without the taste of mint. I LOVE mint as you will notice throughout this countdown. This is now minty recipe #2, and yes, I have a few more minty recipes to come before we're through :)

The girls and I were up baking this morning when Chris came downstairs to go to work. This is what he saw:

He took one look at our youngest and said:
" Sometimes you just need to get dirty to enjoy the full extent of it!"

So that's Our lesson for today.
Our kids don't really need to learn this one as much as I do. They come by it naturally :)
Thank you God for the opportunities we have to get dirty. And thank you that You came to make us clean again.

Chocolate Mint Squares
(slightly modified from joyofbaking.com)

Bottom Layer:
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup coconut

Filing:
1/4 cup butter
2-3 tbsp milk
2 tbsp vanilla custard powder or vanilla pudding powder (I used the pudding)
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
2 cups icing sugar
green food coloring

Topping:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Bottom Layer:
In a saucepan on low heat melt the butter. Stir in sugar, cocoa and gradually whisk in the beaten egg. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (about 1 minute). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, graham cracker crumbs, coconut. Press evenly into 9X9 greased pan. Cover and refrigerate until firm (about an hour).

Filling:
With a mixer cream the butter. Beat in the remaining ingredients. Add green food coloring to make the desired color. If mixture is too thick add more milk. Spread the filling over the bottom layer and refrigerate until firm (about 30 mins)

Topping:
Melt butter and chocolate chips over low heat. Pour over the filling and refrigerate.
When cool bring the squares to room temp before cutting to prevent the chocolate from cracking.
Cut into pieces. Makes about 25 squares.

Christmas Cookie #6- Molasses Cookies

2010-12-06T10:21:00.003-07:00

When I was in grade six I remember my best friend bringing the BEST cookies in her lunch nearly everyday around Christmas time. I also remember her sharing them with me and how I loved every bite.

When we were first married I tried to make the cookies like I remembered them as a little girl. Chewy, yummy, spicy Christmas-y cookies. Yet, every time I tried a recipe they came out hard as rocks.
I think my problem was that I couldn't remember what my friends' cookies were called. I was making gingerbread recipes rather than molasses ones.
It wasn't until last year that I finally found this amazing recipe. Now and forevermore my holidays will not be complete without them.
They are super crunchy on the outside and super chewy on the inside- just like the cookies in my friends' lunchbox.

Our lesson: God loves it when we share what we have. And just like my friend shared her cookies with me, we are excited to share our cookies with others too :)

Molasses Cookies
( joyofbaking.com)

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup butter
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
1/2 tsp vanilla
Garnish: white sugar

In a small bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt and spices.

In a large bowl cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 mins.) Add the oil, molasses, egg and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Beat in the flour mixture until well incorporated. Cover and chill the batter until firm (about 2 hours or overnight).

Place about a cup of sugar in a small bowl. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Then roll balls in the sugar, coating them thoroughly. Place on baking sheet and with the bottom of a glass flatten them slightly.

Bake at 375 degrees for 9-10 minutes, or until the tops have crinkled (they will look a little underdone.)
Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

"Quality Christmas" gifts

2010-12-05T15:21:00.012-07:00

Our kids are crazy spoiled.
CrAzY SpOiLeD!!!
They have papas and grandmas,
aunties and uncles,
great-grandmas and great-grandpas,
who all LOVE to spoil them.

So rather than buying more toys for our kids, the last few years we have thought a little outside the box when it comes to Christmas. We've done a family trip to Edmonton the last couple years, but this year Santa is on a little tighter budget :)

So rather than toys or a family trip.
This year Santa is bringing our family "Quality Christmas" gifts.
Gifts that will bring fun memories for our little family throughout the holidays.
He's giving us:

A family bowling night

A night out at the Movies

Dinner to a kid-friendly restaurant

A movie night at home complete with popcorn

And a trip to the Science Center.

To make them, we simply ordered gift cards using our airmiles points {translation= FREE!} Bought a few sheets of scrapbook paper, a couple packages of Christmas stickers and Voila!
Our Quality Christmas gifts were made in no-time. Easy-Peasy.

Can't wait to enjoy them over the holidays!

Christmas Cookie #5- Santa Crackers

2010-12-05T14:44:00.002-07:00

This afternoon was the first time I had all three of my little elves together in the kitchen with me. We had a great time making our Santa cookies and only managed to eat about half of our supplies :)

It was a little crazy.... no make that A LOT CRAZY!

But the kids had A TON of fun!
I'd say that this one was by far their favorite baking time.

Our Lesson: Everyday I have intentionally been taking the time to teach a lesson to our kids to go along with our baking project.
Today that didn't happen. In the craziness of trying to make our cookies while at the same time keeping my little elves from devouring all of them I missed the opportunity. But, that right there is my lesson. I sometimes need to simply enjoy the process. It's ok that we missed our lesson. It's the time spent together as a family that's important. Sometimes I need to let go of my OCD and just enjoy the moment :)

Santa Crackers

Graham crackers
Icing ( I made my own buttercream icing but store bought would work great too)
Red Food coloring
Mini red cupcake sprinkles (for the eyes)
Red skittles (for the nose)
Mini marshmallows

Frost the entire cookie with pink frosting. Place a small dab of red icing on one corner and smooth out to make the hat. While frosting is still moist add 1 mini marshmallow for the tassel.
Add mini marshmallows for the beard, red candies for the eyes and red skittle for the nose.

Easy and fun for the kids to do all on their own!

Christmas Cookie #4- Chocolate Clusters

2010-12-04T08:00:00.001-07:00

Last night, after the girls were in bed, my big boy and I had ourselves a little baking fun together- just the two of us.
Poor guy has had school all day and hasn't had the chance to join in our baking adventure yet.

We chose a recipe that he could have (one with no nuts and no eggs) so that he could lick the spoon :)
I mean, come on, licking the spoon is the best part of baking! Right?!

I loved spending this time with him. He is growing up so fast I really need to stop and soak him in as much as I can. He is so sweet and a great helper. He made most of this recipe all on his own.

Theses cookies are ones that I can remember making with my mom. They are a staple in our home around the holidays... possibly because they are Chris' favorite. He's already warned me that I will likely have to make another batch (or two) before Christmas. They seem to just mysteriously disappear....

Our lesson: Spending quality one on one time together is so important....and Oh, how fun it was to surprise Daddy by making his favorite cookie! Thank you God for our family!

Chocolate Clusters

Part 1
Mix in a large bowl:
3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup chopped nuts ( if you don't use nuts, increase coconut)
6 tbsp cocoa
1 tsp vanilla

Part 2
Boil together for 1 minute only:
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
1 3/4 cups white sugar

Pour part 2 over part 1 and blend well. Drop from tsp. onto wax paper. Cool.