My Treasured Gem's

TGIF

2012-01-27T04:57:00.000-08:00

So thankful Friday is finally here, it's been a LONG week!

School is almost done for the week and we are officially done with half of our school year.

The girls have painting projects they want to do after school, and when the boys are napping.

"I" have a baking day planned.

I can't have the goodies I had planned to make, so I picked one out for me...this is mine!

Gluten free and still divine!

Chocolate dipped rice crispie treats!

Plan on making these beautiful little babies for a special someone.

A someone who just had a little princess. New mommies definitely need pampering.

Aren't they beautiful?

I have had all the ingredients to make this and still haven't, I AM going to make this today, just wish I could try it.

It's Lemon~Blueberry Yogurt Loaf.

It looks SO good!

I'll let you know what the family's verdict is.

This morning I purchased a new sewing machine online...VERY excited about that!

My old one has been through the mill and was starting to have a mind of it's own.

The tension would go willy nilly whenever and wherever it wanted to.

Sometimes it would sew a nice neat line, sometimes the back looked crocheted and nobby...NOT really a good thing.

So, today I purchased a Singer Heavy Duty model.

This baby is going to be put to the test right away.

I have a wonderful project in line.

And about 15 more ready after that.

Can't wait to share them as I complete them.

I'll try to be good and get some good pictures of the kids this weekend.

It's going to be a busy one.

See you all later.

Have a great Friday!

Sunshine

2012-01-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

The sun is shining today

We woke up to a coating of fresh snow.

What a great way to start the day.

Our chores are done

Shower in

School almost done

Then we can have some fun

I love finding beautiful things on Pinterest

Valentine's is approaching

Shades of red, pink and turquoise are such a beautiful combo

In fact, those are the colors in my girls room

I love to find inspiration to add color to our home

Happy and bright things make me smile.

I also found some great Valentine ideas on there....

LOVE this one,

The kids can make and send a hug to loved one's far away.

I cannot believe January is almost over.

Winter has been so mild, I am so grateful.

The children are beginning to show signs of cabin fever though.

Unable to go outside to play every day is taking it's toll.

They are rambunctious, knit picky, argumentative, and a little on the wild side.

Any good ideas to let kids get that bottled up energy out in a very small space?

Thank you

2012-01-25T04:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you everyone for your overwhelming support, love and prayers.

They are So greatly appreciated.

It is hard for me to share when I am having a hard time, or to show weakness. I did not share for pity, but for strength, which was exactly what I received.

This obviously is one of the crosses I have been given to carry, as Our Lord. I had fallen, and the cross was too heavy for me, your prayers were exactly as Simon of Cyrene, they lifted me up, lifted up that cross and helped me to continue. I could feel your prayers, I am feeling stronger. I am still missing her terribly and hurting some, but nothing like earlier this week. Earlier my pain was consuming me.

Thank you, Thank you SO much for your prayers

Your Love

Your support

One of the first things I asked Our Lord the week she died was for her death to be for a purpose.

I asked that my little princess could help people.

I offer up many prayers and sacrafices each day and tell her to use them for those asking for her intercession.

Having been baptized before her death, I can confidently KNOW she is our Little Saint.

I have been told by many that she has been a great intercessor.

My prayer to her is to help and pray for all of those who pray for me.

ST. Miriam Rose, Pray for us.

Lost

2012-01-24T12:40:00.000-08:00

Since the beginning of the year I have been busy trying to make my life better.

I am trying to be a better wife.

A better mother.

A better friend.

A better soul.

I knew I was a busy body, too worried about what other's thought, or who I am pleasing or what I am doing to focus. As a mother, who has time to focus?

You are either being woken from a dead sleep to take someone potty.

Comfort a child who has had a bad dream.

Waking to make breakfast

Clean up from breakfast

Get children bathed

Get them changed

Do Laundry

Make beds

Prayer time

School time

Lunch time

Cleaning time

Nap time

Dinner time

Rosary time

Reading time

Bed time

Time to talk to my sweet husband

Really...who has time to focus?

My goal is to wake every day to make every moment MATTER. To go to bed at night, knowing I have done all that I possibly could, to answer to my calling, to the best of my ability, and to make God pleased with how I have done it. Of course every day there are short comings, we are human, it's impossible to not have them. But I am striving to BE the best I can BE.

Some things had to go.

I have greatly simplified our belongings.

As American's it's SO easy to have so many wonderful THINGS.

But what are THINGS?

Are they necessary?

In so many parts of the world what we own could be considered possessions of royalty.

My house, in my mind it's too small, but to millions of people, it would be a palace!

I have learned to see things in a different light, to be So thankful for the very things I need. I have MORE than I need. I have tried to get back to only keeping what we NEED. It certainly makes things So much easier.

I gave up my etsy shops.

It is one more thing that keeps my mind busy, and my hands busy, but it's been taking so much time away from my family that I don't need to do.

I will continue to make things for friends, family and take certain requests, but it will be more for fun, than for work. It will allow me more time to continue to make things for the hospital in memory of my princess. This means so much to me, but with so many orders, I have been unable to make very many.

On another note, my princess's birthday is approaching.

I thought I was doing good.

I thought I was being the strong mother I want to be.

I thought my wall was built well and the bricks thick.

I was wrong.

The last couple of days I feel LOST.

Actually, I feel like I am drowning.

I have never felt the overwhelming loss as I have been this week.

A door was opened...a door that I had shut the day my daughter passed.

Grief...

Grief STINKS!

Grief is like a tide

It totally can come up and knock you out from behind the knees.

Out of nowhere it surrounds you, and you see no lifeboat.

For me to be strong, to survive each day with joy, to continue being a good mother for my 4 sweet children here, I block it all out. I pretend it's a story, one I can tell other's of, but one that didn't happen to ME!

But,

In another way, she is still there, there at the hospital, and I am just waiting for the call to come and pick her up.

I know this is irrational.

How else do you wrap your head around the fact your daughter died?

I went through 8 long months.

4 months of daily sickness, vomiting, nausea, exhaustion

4 months of contractions

hospitalizations

Medications

Bedrest

Days of labor, the worst of all my children

All to have a perfect daughter
Or so I thought and had hoped and prayed for
She was:

One I did not get to snuggle

Not get to feed

Not get to change

Not get to caress

One I watched struggling to breath

One I watched draped in a cloth being poked and prodded
One intubated and helped to breathe

One that was paralyzed on purpose to stop seizures

One that I saw born one minute and for unknown reasons, gone the next.

I don't know how to make this hurt, this longing to just hold her go away.

I don't know how one moves on and faces something like this.

For my part, I have to try to close those doors again, because to open them is just too much.

I am LOST

Today

2012-01-20T15:46:00.000-08:00

We had one busy day around here.

We woke up early

Ate a yummy breakfast

All showered and bathed to get ready to go out.

In fact, I even snuck in a hair cut for the baby before bath time.

We went to our monthly Hands On Learning activity with our homeschooling group.

The kids LOVE it!

This month they worked on making props, theater and putting on small plays.

The girls did amazing!

The participated in the Little Engine That Could.

I SO wished I had had my camera, but I didn't.

What a great way to wrap up their school week though.

My tummy has been acting up again something fierce, so I've gone back to a gluten and dairy free diet.

REALLY hard, but my body agrees with it, so I guess I must listen.

Finding yummy things that are gluten free is NOT easy!

Any suggestions really welcome!

Tonight's dinner turned out amazing though, and I was very pleasantly surprised.

Wegman's new Menu magazine came in this week and it had pages full of veggie ideas.

When shopping this week I picked up a BUNCH of yummy fresh veggies and their new Indian Spicy Summer Sauce. Decided to give it a try tonight.

In my skillet I put 2 TBSP Olive Oil and added

Mushrooms

Carrots

Green Beans

Broccoli

and Baby Corn

ALL FRESH!

Then I added a bit of salt and pepper and stirred for 3 mins

I then added 1 cp water and continued cooking for 10 mins while stirring

I then added 1 cp of the Spicy Indian Summer Sauce...

It smelled divine!

My husband threw in some water chestnuts too, he LOVES them!

I paired with some tilapia and long grain rice.

It was one DELICIOUS dinner! REALLY good and the kids liked it too!

My beautiful girls today, all dressed up for their outing.

I can't believe they are getting SO big!

So glad my little girl still loves me to do her hair and add bows. I'll cry a little inside when she'll want to do it herself.

She is my little accessory queen. She LOVES purses, and jewelry and head pieces, shoes, earrings, etc.

How about this face?!?!?!

This reminds me of John Malcovich!

I had to show you his new haircut.

I could not believe I buzzed it.

I only got out the clippers to buzz because usually it's such a nightmare, he usually screams and squiggles, so it's easier to just buzz and get it over with so it lasts longer.

And here the little honey stood on the stool in the bathroom and didn't move a muscle.

Oh well, live and learn.

At least it will be done for awhile.

So we had a great day, we just finished evening prayers with daddy. They are watching a movie with some popcorn and they'll be headed to bed here before you know it.

We had a new niece ( cousin ) born today!

SO exciting!

January 20th, you are a good day!

We're still here

2012-01-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been a little MIA lately.

Nothing in particular keeping me away

Just busy with the crazy every day

Working hard to get a full school week in, which we've been doing really well at this week

Week 17 almost complete!

Organizing and cleaning as always

Some extra sewing and knitting

The boys have been SUPER active this week which is keeping me REALLY busy!

Cooking up some good meals in my new crock pot

And just plugging away at the same ole stuff

Hope you are all doing well and staying healthy.

It's been REALLY cold around here,

I just wish it was followed by a little white stuff

We really haven't had any this year

REALLY not usual for upstate NY

Whatcha doin?

2012-01-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

What are you up to?

I am sitting here quietly enjoying the peace and quiet of my sleeping house.

The Golden Globes are on in the back ground...not really paying attention, just on for ambient noise.

The dog is sleeping in his chair.

My honey crashed beside me on the couch.

All the children are nestled, warmly and cozily in their beds, HOPEFULLY with visions of sugar plums, dancing in their heads.

This is truly the time of night I should be catching up on MY sleep.

But...

I SO enjoy the quiet this time of night brings.

I enjoy the nothingness

I can sit and do nothing if I chose

I can read book

I can sit and pray

I can sit and watch a movie

I can knit

I can dream

I can think

THINK

Gee, what a novel idea!

It's at this time of night I dream...

Not only the uncontrollable recaps of the day that replay themselves in STRANGE ways while I sleep.

But the fun dreaming

The wishing and hoping kind.

Do you dream?

When do you dream?

When do you wish?

Do you wish for the things that will probably never be?

I want to help dreams come true.

My dreams,

The dreams of my husband and children.

So, I better go catch a little sleep, and get ready to make those dreams come true!

It's Saturday

2012-01-14T15:42:00.000-08:00

Sharing an oldie, but a goodie!

A picture of my two little princesses when they were younger, in outfits I helped make while in a custom boutique group....

Aren't they adorable?

Anyways,

How's your weekend going?

Are you watching the play off's?

We are rooting for Tim Tebow and the Bronco's tonight!

We are a football loving family over here.

I have a Packer lover waiting for tomorrow's game as well.

This week we have been very busy.

Busying with schooling, cleaning, the normal busy family things.

As I said at the end of 2011, I want to improve my motherhood skills, and to help with that I truly want to make my life simpler.

I am definitely a perfectionist and over-achiever...and work on WAY too many things at once, spreading myself VERY thin!

I decided a few things HAD to go!

I decided one of the things would be my etsy shop.

I will no longer be running my shop.

This is a HUGE load off of my shoulders.

I usually have a LARGE stack of orders waiting for me at all times, which takes every moment of my free time, which usually is my sleeping time.

I can't stop with my artistic outlets completely, SO, if there is anything you would like me to knit or sew for you, I am taking my friends requests on my facebook fan page.

Baby My Love on facebook, check it out.

Today we enjoyed a quiet day at home.

Watching snow this morning.

Making bbq chicken sandwiches for dinner.

Baking homemade banana bread

Reading stories,

Painting pictures

Writing letters

and just Hanging out!

Hope you all have a great weekend and STAY WARM!

It sure is cold here in the North East!

And I call this....

2012-01-11T04:08:00.000-08:00

My Stuffed Chicken Casserole

I came up with this concoction by myself and it is VERY family friendly.

One of the very few meals I make and KNOW I will not hear any whining.

With 4 kids, there is bound to be whining at every meal and it drives me to craziness.....so when I find a winner, I feel the need to share.

So...to begin this wonderful, family winning concoction

I preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

I make a box of chicken stuffing and let it sit for it's 5 mins.

While the stuffing is sitting, I cut up 2lbs of chicken breast with my handy dandy kitchen aid, kitchen shears.

I cut them into about 1/2 " size cubes ( bite-size)

Then I sprinkle with a little salt and some ground black pepper.

This is all put into a 9" X 9" casserole dish.

I take a can of Cream of Chicken soup and mix with almost a can of milk and stir it up.

Then I pour over the chicken pieces and stir it together.

Then I take the stuffing and spread on top

I place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 mins until bubbly and the stuffing is crispy.

Yummo!

I serve with mashed potatoes and veggies, and you have a wonderful comfort food and healthy meal.

This is the way we role.

This little girl has been dressing like a little Polish momma lately. It TOTALLY cracks me up,

So I had to share how she came to the dinner table last night.

Even this little picky chowed this meal down...believe me, that is saying something!

And of course, if you have more little mouths to feed, simply double the ingredients and bake in a 9" X 13" pan.

Enjoy!

Today

2012-01-06T11:15:00.000-08:00

Feeling a little better over in this neck of the woods.

Sun is shining

House is clean

Week 15 of school almost complete

Laundry done

Cupcakes made

All garbage taken care of

Groceries purchased for the week

Fresh Pineapple cut up

Feast of the Epiphany being celebrated

Dog doo doo picked up from yard

Trip down basement stairs ( me! I am So sore!)

Order out in mail

Dish drain and dog dishes bleached and sparkling along with sink

Bathroom clean

Sheets clean

Off to ~

Vacuum

Icing cupcakes

Cut up pepperoni and block cheese

Get in Workout

Shower

Read to boys

Listen to girls read

Eat Dinner

Pray Rosary

Finish order to mail out tomorrow

Before and After

2012-01-05T05:49:00.000-08:00

What happens when you let little Mr. Independent feed himself his sister's jello?

Well.....disaster!

Jello Bath!

Then onto a REAL Bath!

Directly!!!!!

Don't pass go, don't collect $200.

Then, we have this.

An adorable, smoochable, soft little snuggle bug.

I prefer the latter.

Still Under

2012-01-05T04:39:00.000-08:00

This was yesterday

I woke up to a little girl doubled over in abdominal pain.

I took everyone in to see the Dr.

Little man has an ear infection ( the reason he was up ALL monday night crying)

And this one either has a severe virus or pancreatitis.

She was to do NOTHING yesterday and stick to a liquid diet.

I fed her beef and chicken broth, jello, gatorade and popsicles.

She snuggled on the couch, picked out all of her favorite movies,

Hung out with Kit and played with her new, own, personal laptop.

This morning she says she feels better.

Going to keep her on simple diet and low key activity.

Sure hoping this is just a bad virus.

THat means we can all look forward to this too.

Never a dull moment over here!

AJ

2012-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

I am sharing this for a dear sweet friend of mine.

This is her son,

A son she gave up for adoption in 1993.

His birthday is February 24, 1993.

His name is Andrew but he is called AJ

His parents names are Ramona and Freddy

They lived in Michigan in Pontiac or Plymouth

My friend is hoping and praying to reconnect with her son.

This picture is old, but the only she has

If you may know someone or something that you could share,

This would help this loving momma complete her family

Thank you!

Woe is ME

2012-01-04T04:33:00.000-08:00

This face is one we see frequently.

The Many Face of Miss Liss.

These are shared with full permission.

She knew I was going to share them...

SEE

It still didn't diminish her anguish.

This particular instance was when she woke up daddy!

( During our game Monday night).

This face can be seen when she is tired, during school work, fighting with siblings.

It's seen frequently, but just another one of the reasons we LOVE Miss Liss!

Don't Wake Daddy

2012-01-03T03:48:00.000-08:00

On January 1st, we were able to get together with my side of the family to celebrate Christmas.

We all had a wonderful time, but of course it went TOO fast!

WE all were exceptionally spoiled and received very generous gifts.

The children were very anxious to play with them all and share with mom and dad.

Last night we played Gem's new game...

Don't Wake Up Daddy!

Even Mr N. was TOTALLY into it!

He loved the chance to push the button and see IF....

He had woken up daddy!

Little Man received this awesome Little People Zoo Talkers...a HUGE hit in this house!

We put together big puzzles, played hot potato, card games, and countless other fun things...

Now...it's back to reality.

Back to school, and chores and making order.

But, it's been fun!

Now just wishing we could shake these ridiculously long lasting colds.

Sleep has been too little on the menu lately, and I am feeling whooped!

9 Years

2012-01-02T16:57:00.000-08:00

9 Years ago today I made the best decision EVER!

I said....YES!

Yes to the man of my dreams!

Yes to my first love!

Yes to the best husband ever!

Yes to the best daddy ever!

We have been through unbelievable blessings and trials over the past 9 years, and there is NO way I could have done any of it without him.

Love you forever and always darling!

Thanks for these 9 years, and looking forward to 69 more!

You May Be....

2011-12-31T04:27:00.000-08:00

Sick:

If the nebulizer is running 12 out of the 24 hrs a day

If their is a constant choir of coughing

If the neighbors begin to think there are seals in your house

If there are no less than 3 lethargic bodies strewn over your couch

If no meals have needed to be made in 2 days

If you reach in your pocket and it's damp from the soaked tissues little hands stuff in there

If movies are running 24/7

If pj's are the trendy thing to wear

If tea with honey is the main staple

If buckets are plentiful

If your chest is heavy and on fire

If you feel like you've been hit by a Mac truck

NOW...besides a week of little sickies, mommy got sick yesterday....SHOULD TOTALLY BE ILLEGAL!

OR IMPOSSIBLE!

To top EVERYTHING off...my perfect little puppy has SOMETHING which is causing him to MESS, involuntarily, luckily he did it in an opportune spot, but after twice, he is in his crate, where he continues to go...jeepers!

Seriously?

SERIOUSLY?

It's all due to pork chop bones I gave him for a treat.

NO MORE PORK CHOP BONES!
It's been An interesting couple days....

I need a break!

New Year's Resolutions

2011-12-30T05:57:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again.

Time to say good-bye to another year.

Time to look at what we have been given.

Thank God for the many blessings.

Learn from any mistakes we have made.

Take those experiences and see if we can't improve ourselves, thus helping those around us in the coming year.

This past week I have been reflecting on what I would like to work on most.

Obviously, there is much!

There are the simple things:

Eat Healthy

Continue to cook fresh, whole meals for my family

Exercise and hit the gym 3-4 times a week

Pray more

Then there are the things I REALLY want to work on.

I want to read more, Good reading, spiritual reading, deep reading, educational reading.

I had bought alot of books to work on this, actually even finished a few. But I have several more sitting on my stand, calling my name. Most are even women's study guides. It would be great! Maybe I can even remember to share and summarize when I finish them.

Then there are the personal thoughts of how to become a better person, wife, mother.

Most importantly, for me, is the mother part.

My husband and I CONSTANTLY talk about how we want to raise our children.

What we want to instill in them.

And the relationship we want with them as parents.

From the beginning, we knew we wanted our children to know, they were "NOT" ours!

They were not our possessions, but rather a gift from God for us to share, they are really HIS!

We always wanted them to know, no matter what they did, we don't want them seeking our approval, but rather looking to please God.

We as parents can be wrong, we can do wrong, we are IMPERFECT!

God and His Blessed mother are the One's they should seek!

THEY are their perfect role models.

We also wanted to be able for our children to tell us anything, without fear.

Obviously they are a little young to see if we are doing well in that area, but I think we are on the right track.

Compassion is a HUGE thing I want to instill in my children, along with charity.

I want them to know, you can NEVER out give God.

It is not necessary for other's to see what you give. He sees all. He knows your heart.

In the end, this is ALL that matters.

One thing I have noticed for myself and several families around us, is that children will emulate exactly what they see.

If they see their momma cry over anything, or a dad, yell and loose his temper, throwing things...they are going to react the same way....even at a very young age.

I know for myself, I want to work on complete patience.

I want to be able to enter into any situation with complete calm.

Of course right now, I have alot to work on.

It depends on the day.

Some days the WORST catastrophe can happen, and I laugh it off and tackle with ease.

The next day, I could be popping my top at the simplest thing.

Patience is something I REALLY want my children to see in me.

I can tell if it's been one of those experiences where I loose it, the next time the kids have something happen, they react the same way.

I had to confess to my SIL's, if they hear my kids say, " Please God, help us all", that's from me. I say it when something happens and I don't want to loose it.

I say it ALOT!

So 2011, good-bye!

It's been fun!

Hoping 2012 can bring about a better me!

The Christmas Season

2011-12-29T06:17:00.000-08:00

Here we are.

This mottly crew is my life!
They are my joy!

The reason I awaken every day.

This week we had lots of plans to celebrate the many days of Christmas.

Plans to visit and play with friends, some shopping, working, and having neighbors for dinner.

Instead we are under the weather.

SO...we've been enjoying staying snuggled under our blankets, watching our favorite Disney and Christmas movies, and playing with our new gifts.

Being stuck together is usually the best gift for momma EVER!

I love being able to stay in my pj's, drink my coffee, and play with the children all day long!

I've been making our favorite dinners which includes:

chicken corn chowder

Rachel Rae's Meatloaf Yule Log

Pasta with meatballs

Shrimp Alfredo

These, along with all of our Christmas baked goodies mean I am going to have some MAJOR gym time coming. =)

This week has been a great one with the children, absolutely NO fighting!

They have all been super content to just go off and play together, or alone, and do not need any prompting on what they should be doing.

It's been awesome!

How is your Christmas week going?

My honey

2011-12-28T04:34:00.000-08:00

This is my sweet little man.

He melts my heart.

This smile lights up a room and can get him "just" about anything he wants,

AND

He knows it too.

This fall/winter has been bad for his asthma.

It breaks my heart.

My little man keeps getting little cold, after little cold, but then his asthma kicks in and he sounds like he's loosing a lung!

He has pretty much been on his nebulizer for 2 months now.

Poor little man sat up with me last night, coughing and treatments non-stop.

Why do kids have to get sick?

One of THE worst things of being a momma.

Seeing your precious one's not feeling well!

My Hero

2011-12-27T06:18:00.000-08:00

10 years ago today, we lost our hero.

My Nana was my hero.

She was my role model.

She is someone I want to be just like when I grow up.

Every day, at every turn, something reminds me of her, it makes me smile, makes me cry, makes me wish she was here to share everything with.

I can remember her making me her fluffy scrambled eggs and playing airplane with them just to get me to eat. I cannot make my scrambled eggs without milk, because they wouldn't be like her's.

I love it when I can stop biting my nails and have long painted nails, because then they look like Nana's.

I love wearing jewelry because I feel like Nana.

When I clean my house, I am happy, because it reminds me of my childhood and helping Nana dust and clean her house.

Pink and blue remind me of Nana.

I love to play Rummy with my husband because Nana and I played ALL the time. I don't even mind loosing all the time, because I lost with her too.

Christmas time is happy, because it was always happy with Nana. Especially the decorating!

Every aspect of my life holds a memory of her. I am so grateful God allowed me to spend so much time with her. I only wish He had let her stay.

I love you Nana, yesterday, today and forever!

Love with all my heart!

Your Queen

Christmas Day

2011-12-27T04:49:00.000-08:00

What a GLORIOUS day!

Christmas Day!

A day to celebrate the coming of Christ Our King!

The kids were excited to wake and sing again to Baby Jesus!

After nebulizer treatments and a bite to eat, they sat and opened a few of their presents.

Mr. N went first and opened his Zurg Blaster...he was just a "little" excited!

Let me tell you this gift has already gotten ALOT of love!

Next was onto the gifts I was really excited about.

The girls knew what it was as soon as they started to rip the paper.

Do you think the excitement shows?

Miss Liss with Miss Ruthie

Gem's with Kit

They quickly changed them into their Christmas dresses for the day!

Miss Liss with her Hippo puppet Nina made her. She LOVES it Nina....THANK YOU!

Little Buzz with the Zurg Blaster.....I Love this little man!

Gem's making her Ed Bassmaster face. Silly girl!

Only my wonderful husband could egg me on to make a lovely reindeer face and a MERRY Christmas!

After our Christmas festivities our little people were MORE than exhausted. Some little guy cried for over an hr straight at grandma and grandpa's house, until he got home and found his new Leap Frog magnets. He played for over an hr with these.

They are his favorite toy!

And I CANNOT believe how quickly he is picking up on things. He is already reciting MANY letters!

We had a beautiful Christmas.

Of course, this is only the beginning to the Christmas season, we have MUCH to celebrate!

Hope you all are having a great Christmas as well!

Love to you all!

Christmas Eve

2011-12-26T04:17:00.000-08:00

We are going to share our Christmas Eve first.

We all had a WONDERFUL time celebrating with family on Christmas Eve, having a feast, singing Christmas carols and putting on a Nativity Pageant.

After that we came home, cleaned ourselves up, put the children to bed in their Christmas best, and sent them for a small nap before Midnight Mass.

Our Nativity was set, waiting for The BABY to arrive!

While they slept, St Nicholas filled their stockings and left some prizes.

There were so many more prizes underneath our tree...here you only see about half, most are hidden to the right behind the couch.

Here is my little man at our Christmas Eve party.

Miss Liss with her cousin. They are only 7 weeks apart.

Best buddies!

Gemma with another cousin...a twin, she loves her to death.

After Midnight Mass, ( I have to tell you, they all were WONDERFUL!) which was SUCH a beautiful service! We came home to toast to Baby Jesus. We let them open something from their stockings.

A toast, to the most wonderful King!

This was one of their most favorite things this weekend!

They could NOT wait to toast and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Afterwards they took Him and placed Him in the manger they had been preparing all Advent long.

All ready in his new Woody jammies he got from ST Nich!

And little man, had new Buzz one's to match!

We hope you all had a wonderfully, glorious, blessed Christmas!

We'll be sharing pictures from Christmas Day soon!

New glasses

2011-12-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

Someone has been BEAMING since last night!

We got the call. Miss Liss's glasses were ready.

We set off. AS SOON as she put them on she had THE biggest smile.

All she said all night was....

This is SO cool!

She's already an ole pro!

I am So happy for her!

Doesn't she look precious?

Bright Eyes

2011-12-21T04:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy week so far.

On Monday, Daddy and Miss Liss went to have their eyes checked.

We were wondering about this little girls eyes when she could only read the top three lines at her physical last month. So off we went.

AND...these beautiful, little, bright eyes need Full time glasses!

She has very poor eyesight we are told.

I feel a little guilty, I had no idea she was having difficulty. Her reading and school work are wonderful!

She is an excellent student and has never complained.

After the Dr explaining to her she will be wearing her glasses at ALL times, except for bed and baths,

She walked out to the showroom to choose her glasses.

She was debating between a blue pair, pink pair, black pair and copper pair...

She chose the copper pair.

Miss Liss told me, " Mommy I want one that matches everything, not a pink pair that won't match some of my clothes."

HAHA! She cracks me up!

There were several cute plastic framed one's, but with her little nose, they wouldn't stay on, so she has metal frames.

She will be getting them this week, so this little princess will be getting new eyes for Christmas!

I can't wait to see what she "sees" with them!

I will post pictures as soon as they are here!

Of course this last week of Advent we are busy preparing for Our Lord's Birthday!

The children are finishing up with their Holy Heroes!

Their Jesse Tree is almost complete.

Their manger is pretty full of straw!

And they are anxiously counting down the days until Christmas!

We have been busy baking.

Our fudge is done.

Yesterday we made this Honey-Ginger Chex Mix

And this Reindeer Food! ( Chocolate Muddy Chex mix)

Then the kids helped me dipped pretzel rods, and they did all of the decorating!

Oh how they love sprinkles!

The littlest munchkin found a pile of sprinkles after bagging these and sat and ate them by the handful.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!

WE will be going to visit some wonderful friends today and tomorrow!

WE'll keep you all posted on our Christmas happenings!

Late Night Happenings

2011-12-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

It's Saturday Night

I am sitting here enjoying the low lights of our beautiful Christmas tree and sipping hot chocolate....Gee, could it get any better?

I think not.

This week has been INSANELY Insane!

NOT joking!

I have had to knit 38 hats this week.

This week (meaning Tuesday until this morning) I had to complete these.

NUTS

Do you know how much knitting that is?

ALOT!

I have pretty much been pulling all nighters and living on coffee.

And now, I am done!

Ready to take this last week and enjoy EVERY moment with my kids, family and friends

AND

I am SO excited!

The kids are getting excited

"I" am getting excited

WE get to bake

Decorate cookies

Decorate a little more of the house

Wrap a few more gifts

Take our gifts to close family and friends

Visit

Sing

Listen to Christmas music

Watch some of our favorite Classics

White Christmas

It's a Wonderful Life

Rudolph

Drummer Boy

Just to name a few

I So enjoy this time of year.

I enjoy sitting here in only the light of the tree

Sipping warm drinks

Thinking of those who are so close to me

Knowing I can share gifts of love with those God has blessed me with

I am one LUCKY woman!

What are you doing this Saturday night?

Teaching Moment

2011-12-15T16:08:00.000-08:00

Here we have my sweet, sensitive, quiet, shy, helpful, loving daughter.

She melts hearts everywhere!

She is the second born and SO different from her older sister.

She is smart as a whip, but at the same time rather clueless.

We love her that way!

This Monday we went shopping.

Before we left I made sure each of the children had their money~ from their piggy banks, purses, wallets, and secret hiding places. They were VERY excited!

They had their money ready to buy presents for each other.

Our first stop was the candy store. Of course each child had a treat for themselves in mind.

Little man made the best decision in my mind and purchased a nice baggy of Jelly Bellies for a $1.

Gem's purchased bubble gum.

Then we had this little princess.

She wanted the most expensive candy in the store...

Runts in a tube with a toy on top that was ALSO a stamp set.

She could NOT help herself, she wanted it SO bad!

Her father and I were gently showing her other options, informing her that this prize would use all of her money.

She was holding her ground, so she went up to the counter, once the lady told her the price, she started to cry. The lady took off $2 and she purchased this great prize!

On continuing to shop she saw many other great prizes, we informed her she only had $2 left, she did NOT like this concept. She asked us why we let her buy it.

Silly girl!

Why do you think Daddy and Mommy were trying to steer you in another direction?

We had a talk.

I asked her who she had been thinking of when she purchased her prize, she of course, answered, "Myself".

I then took this moment to have a great

TEACHING MOMENT!

I told her, this situation was exactly how God raises us.

He guides us, and gives us the proper tools to help us make a good decision, but in the end,

WE make our choices.

God gives us this great gift of Free Will.

I told her Mommy and Daddy try to do the same.

We give her the information she needs, but we let her make decisions on her own.

( Of course as long as it is safe and moral)

In this instance it made alot of sense to her.

She did not cry.

( This is big for her)

It's like a light bulb went off.

She realized, she had thought of herself first and that this would affect her buying something for others.

Now comes the hard part, as a momma, do I stick to my guns and let this lesson run it's course, not giving her a larger amount to get the presents since she realizes what she did. Personally, this is where momma has a hard time. =)

I like to think she learned her lesson and help her out.

Isn't that what our wonderful, loving Father does?

He lets us learn our lesson and then gently helps us back onto our feet to continue on.

I am sure He is hoping we have learned our lesson and will not stumble on that certain rock again, most likely

We Will.

For the gift of Free Will I thank our Wonderful God.

May He continue to help me avoid the rocks I continue to trip on.

It's That Time

2011-12-14T18:01:00.000-08:00

It's time to start our Christmas Baking.

We have made a few batches of fudge, along with a couple batches of cookies.

Our plan:

Tomorrow we want to make these adorable, melted snowmen cookies!

Aren't they adorable?

You can find the tutorial at

Truly Custom Cakery

We have more fudge to make

Peanut Butter Blossoms

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

PITA cookies ( TDF pastry cookies made into sandwiches with icing)

Iced Cookies

Gingerbread Cookies

and then.....we'll see how much energy I have left.....

****wink, wink****

What are YOU baking?

Miriam

2011-12-13T19:41:00.000-08:00

This time of year, I miss my princess just a little bit more.

There isn't a day that goes by that I do not long to hold her, wish her back to smooch, tickle and tuck into bed.

At this time of year, I think of what I would get her for Christmas.

What stage she would be at.

How excited she would be to see the lights and decorations.

What dress I would pick out for Christmas.

Would she have a favorite Disney princess I would be searching for?

You know, all the fun things momma's think about for each of their children.

SO....to help me, I find another little girl to get each of these things for.

It truly helps fill that momma need to get Miriam a gift.

I know she doesn't need a gift...she has a front seat ticket into

THE PARTY!

THE CHRISTMAS of CHRISTMAS'!

It truly is the time of year to pay it forward though.

There are SO many people in need.

If you feel it in your heart....you may wish to help donate to a food kitchen, food donation center.

There are SO many charitable organization setting up toy drives.

It truly is such a wonderful gift to share from the heart.

May you all be having a wonderful Advent and be enjoying preparing for Our Lord's Birthday!

Words

2011-12-11T20:55:00.001-08:00

Words to live by.......

Because they grow TOO fast!

Today

2011-12-09T05:46:00.001-08:00

It's a :

Snuggly

Homemade Pancake Breakfast

Chores

Laundry

Dishes

School

Making felt masks

Painting Wooden Plaques

Bib Sewing

Cupcake Baking

Cookie Making

Package Sending

7 Hat Knitting

Bath Giving

Dinner Making

Gym Going

Holy Heroes

Rosary Saying

Wii Playing

Wegman's Shopping

Post Office going

KINDA DAY!

See ya'll later!

What did you wake up to?

2011-12-08T07:18:00.001-08:00

See what we woke up to!

Our first snow of December

It's beginning to feel alot like Christmas!

Sure hoping we have some of this beautiful white stuff for Christmas Day!

This morning we went to church for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Then we did a little Secret Santa shopping. WE had ALOT of fun!

While searching, this little guy spotted these hand cuffs. He gave me his sweet little puppy eyes, and at first I said..."No".

While continuing through the store, he kept begging.

I caved, and you know, for $3, I think these things will be my life saver. He has played quietly and contentedly with them for the past 2 hrs.

Such a thing as to give quiet and contentment for days, is certainly worth $3 to me.

St Nicholas' Feast Day

2011-12-07T04:58:00.001-08:00

A little late, but Happy Feast Day of

St Nicholas!

We had a homeschool group St Nicholas Party this weekend.

The kids had a blast!

For the Feast of ST Nicholas, we put up our tree!

The little boys were SO excited!

They just kept jumping around, and saying pretty!

Monday night they left their shoes under the tree.

Yesterday morning they awoke to candy filled shoes and an addition to their Fisher Price Nativity Set.

My children play with their's for HOURS!

It is worth it's weight in gold.

We own the stable with the Holy Family, and three kings and their caravan, several animals, a

and now, the Inn at Bethlehem!

Celebrating a Feast Day is hard work!

This is how I found my little guy when I was making dinner last night.

He took the blanket off the top of our coffee table and took a little snooze.

Sweet boy!

L.O.P.G.

2011-12-04T10:39:00.001-08:00

In our household we have an acronym

L.O.P.G.

(pronounced- Lop and G)

Lack Of Parental Guidance

This was the youngest at someone ELSE'S house!

Within a matter of mins, he unrolled a roll of TP and stuffed in the toilet, along with a hairbrush,

Among other things.

Have no fear, he was completely unharmed from this ordeal,

But WOW!

Wow!

WOW, is all I can say!

Do you?

2011-12-03T10:19:00.001-08:00

Do you ever feel like you're being watched?

I've been getting that feeling lately.

Then I realized why!

Someone IS watching me!

***wink, wink***

Do YOU have an elf watching you?

Our's is VERY talented!

He can hang from a chandelier!

My Sunshine

2011-12-03T03:25:00.001-08:00

We live in a world that is full of darkness, realistically and figuratively.

Everywhere we turn there is someone going through an unimaginable cross:

an illness,

family struggles,

poverty,

hunger,

unemployment,

depression,

the list could go on forever.

In today's world it is hard for many to feel happiness.

In my own personal life, the darkest time for me was obviously the unexpected, and sudden death of my newborn daughter. I am so grateful Our Lord helped me through this in a quick way.

I will be honest, in many ways, I think I haven't really wrapped my head around it....I mean, if you think about it, it's not something you really "want" to wrap your head around.

When she died, I asked the Lord to please allow me to feel like it was for a reason.

And immediately, people began to tell me of way's my little princess had changed their lives.

Some had gone back to church for the first time in years,

and this in turn caused their family coming into the church.

Many have prayed to her with difficult pregnancies and she has interceded.

AS a mother, this is truly comforting,

If my princess has changed their life, then she will never be forgotten.

Early on, I realized, if I dwelt on her death, and loosing her, I would not be able to cherish and enjoy the blessings I had, and that God had in store for me.

Finding happiness can be a hard thing.

It is so easy to dwell on bad,

it is HARDER to find the good.

It is Harder to count our blessings,

At this special time of year, preparing for Our Lord's Birthday,

It is what we are called to do.

Count Our Blessings

Look for the good,

The good in our life

The good in others.

I am Thankful for my sunshine!

My little M, who God blessed me with following the loss of Miriam.

He is my "rainbow" baby.

My promise that God is watching over us and will never abandon us.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Enjoy your families and take some time to feel the happiness of the Advent season.

Send Some Loving Their Way

2011-12-02T04:39:00.001-08:00

Shopping homemade this Christmas?

Or just looking for great gifts?

I am sending out some love to my family members that sell beautiful items on Etsy.

So head on over and give them some love!

You can click on the pictures to head to their shops.

These first items are from my Mom's shop.

Good Shepherd Fiber Farm, she sells yarn and wool roving from the sheep she raises on her farm.

This next hat is made from my SIL's mother, she makes gorgeous knit hats, you'll love them all!

So head on over to Deusprovidebit and check them out!

My SIL Megan, she makes GORGEOUS rosaries! Seriously the most beautiful I have seen.

So if you are looking for the perfect gift, here it is!

Head on over to Delicate Decades and send her some love!

And here we have my other SIL's handmade Cloth diapers!

Isn't this Christmas one awesome?!??!?!?!

Seriously...we LOVE our Bebemellon diapers!

Here is my little man wearing one of her wool diaper covers....they are the BOMB!

So head on over and check 'em out!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

2011-12-02T04:15:00.001-08:00

As a SAHM ( Stay at Home Mom) in this economy, I am always looking for ways to cut our expenses.

I look for input, ideas, suggestions, and LOVE Pinterest!!!!
I truly "heart" Pinterest!

You can check out my Pinterest Board and ideas by clicking on Pinterest link above.

( Jeepers, wonder how many times I can say "Pinterest" in one paragraph.)

ANYWAYS, I found a recipe for homemade laundry soap.

Several fellow momma's have told me how cheap it was to make your own soap, and since laundry is in no shortage around here and I spend ALOT on our laundry supplies, I thought I would give it a whirl.

so I bought the supplies and they were CHEAP!

Homemade Laundry Soap Recipe

1/4 cp Baking soda

1cp Super Washing Soda

1cp Borax

1 grated bar of Fels-Naptha Soap

The only work was grating up the bar of soap, it only took me a couple of minutes.

I then mixed all of the ingredients in my emptry laundry detergent box.

USE 2 TBSP in each load...so a batch will go a good distance.

I only used on a couple of loads yesterday, but they came out smelling clean and fresh, and even got out some blood from clothes I didn't pre-treat!

So, this has got my SAHM's approval.

So, what have you got to loose?

Give it a try, it will save you a BUNDLE!

LOVE

2011-12-01T04:14:00.001-08:00

" And now there remain faith, hope and love, these three : but the greatest of these is LOVE "

1 Corinthians 13:13

As a mother, this is truly THE most important thing I strive to nurture in my children.

Our world today has a strong influence on everyone who lives here, no matter how strong you are, no matter how hard you are striving to do God's Will, we are human, and the temptation to be selfish is one of the hardest vices to battle.

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Blessed Mother Teresa

This is by far one of my most favorite quotes!

How easy it is to escape to your own little world when people jeer at you and persecute you for your happiness, your family, your clothes, your car, your situation, your looks.

What we must always remember is that.....

Remember my word that I said to you: The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. John 15:20

The motto I live by is.

" In the evening of life, we will be judged by love alone. "

St John of the Cross

I truly have a great love for people. It is the reason I became a nurse. It is the reason I became a mother. It is why I can be strong when life has given crosses. I LOVE! I find it easy to love...and for this reason, I can also feel great pain. It's hard for me to understand how other's can't LOVE more easily.

There are those that think good deeds are done to receive compliments, ( this is normal for all people, I realize...most people see others as having an ulterior motive). Some people may see this as being a people pleaser....which is somewhat true...but honestly, in my heart, I do what I do out of love. I HATE to see people hurting, people suffering...I feel other's pain deeply. If you don't believe me, ask my husband, poor thing hears me speak of other's grief and pain every day, I lay awake at night wondering what I can do, besides pray. I like to "do" something.

In all honesty, I don't "do" in order to receive praise, I am only looking for that person to "know" how much I love them.

Love is THE greatest gift we have been given. If more people "TRULY" loved, and always thought of the best interest of others, can you even imagine what a beautiful place our world would be?

THIS is the virtue I want to instill in my children. The ability to love unconditionally. To always keep the best interest of others in mind. Will this set them up for disappointment and pain? SURE! It does, because we are dealing with human nature.

It doesn't matter to me, because as Blessed Mother Theresa, and all the great saints say,

It is all about God, HE sees our Love, our motives, our hearts...and that is ALL that matters.

So this Advent, my heart wishes to love more than I thought possible, to give without wanting something in return, to let those around me "know" how much I LOVE them!

I challenge you to do the same.

Silhouettes

2011-11-30T18:42:00.001-08:00

In our picture taking adventured today I made sure to take profile pictures of each of my children.

I REALLY want to cut out some silhouettes to hang in my black and white living room!

I'll be sure to share the finished product with you all. In fact, if I am all put together, maybe I'll do a step by step for you. I know digital photos are so much nicer than silhouettes, but I love capturing each and every moment of my children's child hood, in every way I can. This will just be one more little treasure I can cherish when they have grown and are gone.

Guess What We're Up To?

2011-11-30T07:50:00.001-08:00

Advent

2011-11-30T03:57:00.001-08:00

Good morning!

Advent has begun!

Our family is busy preparing for Christmas!

This past Sunday was the first Sunday of Advent.

We started by making our Advent "wreath". This year, we were trying to save a little space at the table....we know it should be round, because a wreath symbolizes that God always has been, and always will be.

But this year we simply took a wooden bread bowl and added our nice, new thick purple and pink candles and added our walnuts and cranberries, and labeled our four candles.

It's been a very pretty centerpiece and the children all realize what we are preparing for.

We have several ways we are preparing for Our Lord's birthday.

We have a manger setting on our piano. It was empty, hard and cold. Every day the children strive to say extra prayers, do charitable deeds and helpful chores, each time they do, they get to add a piece of yarn ( a piece of straw) to the manger. The object is to fill Jesus' manger, to make it warm and cozy for him to arrive on Christmas Day. So far my kids are doing very well. Even Mr N is trying hard to get many pieces of straw every day. It is so rewarding to see them trying so hard to please God, and to prepare a cozy resting place for Him on His Birthday.

This year we are also following the....

Please click on the above picture to join this AWESOME website!

Every day you receive an e-mail for that day's activities!

IT IS WONDERFUL!

MY KIDS LOVE IT!

There is a video showing them something special they can do for God that day.

A video explaining the new translation of the Mass we are now using.

AND a video explaining the new ornament on their JESSE TREE for the day.

Our Jesse Tree is also another new tradition we have started this year. WE have a special tree, to which we add a new ornament each day. An ornament the girls make, after learning the meaning from their Holy Hero leaders.

Through Advent they will learn how God had prepared us for a Savior after Adam and Eve had sinned.

The first ornament for the world, the next Adam and Eve, and it will continue through until the birth of Christ on Christmas Day.

WE are SO enjoying our preparation for Christmas this year. If you are looking for great activities for your children this Advent, check it out!

Or stay tuned here, and I will try to keep you posted as well!

Cyber Monday

2011-11-27T19:12:00.001-08:00

Good Monday Morning!

It's Cyber Monday,

My lovely shop.

BABY MY LOVE

is having a sale!!!

Receive 15 % off by using the coupon code... CYBERMONDAY

and Free US Shipping with code......BABYLOVE

www.babymylove,etsy.com

Check it out for some great Christmas ideas!

Always happy to work with you on custom orders.

Gotta Love 'EM

2011-11-26T05:00:00.001-08:00

There are those that ask....

How do you do it?

Don't you know how this happens?

What will you do when they are teenagers?

How will you put them through college?

Don't you have your hands full?

Are they all your's?

To them I say...

I do it one day at a time

I actually have 3 more in heaven waiting for me

I haven't quite figured out how is happens, but if you'd like to share, I'll take good notes

College will take care of itself, I did it!

When they are teenagers, I'll do what I do now, LOVE them!

My hands are full, but my heart is fuller

And YES! They are ALL MINE!

And I wouldn't trade them for the world.

I mean, come on....look at those faces...how could you NOT love them?

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-25T04:06:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you and your family had a blessed day!

I know we certainly did.

We started out by going to Mass, a lovely one at that.

My girls had made peanut butter fudge to take to the priest, which they were very excited about.

Our day was beautiful!

Bright sun, clear skies and 50 some degrees!

We could not have asked for a better day.

This is our little gobble, gobble centerpiece, compliments of the girls.

Made with 2 balls of yarn and some felt. I cut out some feathers for them, and they filled them with their blessings, it really is adorable and something I think I'll keep around to pull out year after year.

The girls have been working hard this past month on their cooking and baking skills.

I am doing a program with them called, " Little Women Hospitality Program"

Every month they have a skill they will learn and practice, at the end of each month they can earn a charm to put onto a special silver bracelet. This month, being cooking and baking, we have been able to practice lots of good recipes.

They have made SEVERAL meals in the crock pot, baked lots and lots of cookies, and then for Thanksgiving, they made this lovely pumpkin pie, peanut butter fudge and sweet potatoe casserole.

Of course, being only 6 & 7, I am there to lead and take care of the oven, but they have learned to read recipes, measure, pour, roll out, etc. They did REALLY well and are VERY proud of their little cookie jar charms. =)

My mottly crew Thanksgiving morning! Love those little chubby cheeks and cheesy grins!

It wouldn't quite be Thanksgiving in our woods, if we didn't have a pinata....Little Man even took a swack at it!

Then Mr N, meant business!

The big girls were blind folded, but still did pretty well!

Itch swiped an ear of to use as a unicorn.

Our little guy didn't get a nap, so he was pretty much in a daze all day.

Gem's just couldn't seem to "find" the pinata. ;)

Eventually that donkey was leveled and there were LARGE amounts of candy for all those little anxious hands.

Hope you all had a great day too!

Thanksgiving Pinecones

2011-11-16T03:07:00.001-08:00

Our First Thanksgiving Project

The kids saw these decorated pinecones and wanted to give it a try.

All you need is a few pinecones, some glue and pom poms...

Can you tell they were excited about their pinecones?

I purchased the yummy smelling, cinnamon one's.

I gave them each a pinecone ( on a paper towel)

Then they started dabbing on their glue

Then they started placing their autumn colored pom poms

Cuteness

Easy, fun and quick

Nic was SO excited he could do it all by himself

Really cute little kids with their really cute little decorations, that smell good too!

This picture somehow became displaced...hahaha!

Autumn

2011-11-15T03:45:00.001-08:00

We have been very blessed with a beautiful autumn this year.

The weather has been great!

LOTS of sunshine and mild temperatures.

I have been very grateful and taking advantage of it as much as I can!

With 4 children, getting out to expel their energy is a MUST!

Looking at these pictures...what do you say?

Are they enjoying it?

Big sister helping her baby brother find woolly worms.....I think they found over 10!!!

This little guy....he had his very first Man Crush!

A TRACTOR!

I had to PRY him off of it!

Kicking and screaming!

You can see his face when I suggested we get down to go out and play.

HAHAHA!

My handsome big boy!

Loving the outside!

Again, this one LOVES to make faces.

This is his cheesy, camera grin.

LOVE it!

Especially his little bunny teeth.

See.....beautiful!

How fun is this?

A bird has become very friendly and likes to come get her afternoon snack.

The kids were LOVING it!

So....how has your autumn been?

This week we are going to enjoy working on several Thanksgiving projects.

I CAN'T wait!

We'll be sure to share them with you throughout the week.

Have a great Tuesday!

Carefree

2011-11-12T06:34:00.001-08:00

It's that kind of day!

A day to just lay low, enjoy the blessings of today and enjoy the company you have been blessed with.

My munchkins and I began our morning at church.

We made a quick visit to daddy at work.

Then I treated them to Dunkin' Donuts, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Now they are all playing nicely

Building car tracks

Holding blankets across their backs, pretending to be Macaws

Using tools to "fix" frisbees

And dancing....

How beautiful and carefree life can be!

SO....I hope you are all enjoying your day too!

Relaxing and enjoying the company you have been blessed with.

Newbies in the Shop

2011-11-11T04:13:00.001-08:00

I have begun sewing again, trying to fill up the shop with some great Christmas gift ideas.

I have a couple of cool Batman bibs for a little guy.

This one truly is AWESOME! The colors are amazing!

These bibs are top of the line,

They are large, and snap to different sizes, as well as being lined with cotton velour

Really absorbent and perfect for being reversible.

PERFECT boy's bib!

Here is a lovely oversized blanket in the Very Hungry Caterpillar material!

Perfectly gender neutral and cozy!

One side cotton, the other red minky!

Super soft, warm and snuggly!

AND THEN WE HAVE EVERYONE"S FAVORITE MEAN GUY!

MR GRINCH!

This blanket it just too perfect!

One side is made using Grinch flannel, it's covered in several scenes from the movie!

Being flannel is is very soft and warm.

I have paired with incredibly soft, lime green, swirl minky!

The softest material you can find.

This blanket would be THE PERFECT Christmas gift!

To check out any of these items, just click on their picture and it will take you right to them.

Have a great Friday and I'll be back later!

My Boys

2011-11-10T08:24:00.001-08:00

Boys

They are different from girls....fo sho!

They are priceless

They are imaginative

They are snuggly

They are lovable

They are smoochable

They love cowboys

They love Indians

They love boots

They love trucks

They love MUD

They love climbing

They love smashing

They love pouncing

They love hunting

They love adventure

They love balls

They love hitting

They love sticks

They love guns

They love cars

They love hiding

They love fighting

They love wrestling

They love competition

They love lollipops

And "I" LOVE THEM!

Shout Out

2011-11-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

One of my least favorite chores was always meal planning, and finding the time to make

wonderfully, delicious home made meals.....I mean...

What was the point?

More than half the time, the kids would look at it cross-eyed

and cry through the entire meal.

Was it really worth spending 3 hrs+ on a meal they didn't like?

This held true until I found

CROCK POT GIRLS

They were my LIFE SAVER!

They have THE most amazing recipes all in one place!

All quick and easy-breezy! In fact, every day at 11am, the girls get excited to

gather all of our ingredients and help make supper!

For the past couple weeks we have tried many of the recipes and every one of them was a hit with everyone at the table!

YAHOO!

Yesterday's was Bacon Ranch Chicken, so we thought we would share it with you!

We gathered our ingredients.

4 TBSP Real Bacon Bits

1 tsp Mince Garlic

1 pkg Ranch Dressing Mix

I cp Sour Cream

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup

We mixed in a bowl until well blended

Then we smothered onto 4 frozen chicken breasts we placed in our delightful crock pot.

We cooked on hight for 4-5hrs.

It then looked like the above picture, and smelled

OH SO GOOD!

Then we started to boil our package of egg noodles.

While the noodles were cooking, we took out our chicken breasts and began shredding them.

We placed the shredded chicken back into the crock pot and stirred into the sauce.

After the egg noodles were cooked, we added our chicken mixture.

It was SO good!

The kids thought it looked a little scary at first, but once they tried it, they chowed down.

The chicken was really creamy and bacony....yummy!

And who doesn't love egg noodles?

There was plenty of chicken left over for today's lunch too!

SO.....if finding new meals that are quick, tasty and fun are what you are looking for...

Head on over to Crock Pot Girls

and Try some of their awesome recipes!

T.H.I.N.K.

2011-11-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

A friend posted this today, a good reminder for everyone.

Before you speak....THINK

T.......Is it Truthful?

H.............Is it Helpful?

I........Is it Important?

N...........Is it Necessary?

K...............Is it Kind?

A Day in The Life

2011-11-09T04:43:00.000-08:00

Our mornings begin early

We snuggle

We eat

We pray

Then chores begin

After the morning routine

We begin school

We begin with our morning prayers

And the Pledge of Allegiance

Standing toward that flag in the corner, with our right hands on our hearts

Even little man loves this time in the morning

for that small brief moment, everyone is quiet, at peace and in prayer

THEN the work begins!

This year we have a 2nd grader

a 1st grader

and a preschooler

and then there is a little toddler....he makes school "interesting"

Really though, this year has been going really well!

We have just completed our first quarter

10 weeks into the school year!

Wahoo!

We finally have gotten into our groove

I am starting to hear..."Today's school work is great Momma!"

" I LOVE Math!"

" I love this book"

" May I go read?"

" Contractions are fun and easy"

" May I write a story?"

On hearing this, I know we are getting the job done!

We have been blessed this week with some AWESOME weather!

I took the opportunity to cut back all my flowers and weed my beds, while doing this the girls made a hopscotch path up to 100! Lots of fun for them and really some great school work, writing all the way to 100.

I've been asked lately if we still have our dog....He's still here!

The reason you don't hear that much about him, is because he's that great a dog.

Jasper just blends in.

He's SUCH a great dog.

He's been enjoying the great weather too!

All Saint's Day

2011-11-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

A little late

I am sharing my little munchkin's celebration of All Saint's Day

We do not celebrate Halloween, but All Hallow's Eve

We dress up as saint's in celebrating the Eve of All Saint's Day

The girls are old enough now to choose the saint they would like to dress up as, after reading several lives of the Saints, the finally chose their favorites, and mind you, are quite capable of telling you their saint's biography as well.

Gem's chose her favorite, St Therese of the Child Jesus

You can find out more about this beautiful saint HERE

The day for their party was SO beautiful!

I had to take advantage of the gorgeous burning bush outside of the church

We made some delicious lemon cupcakes for share with all of our homeschooling friends.

Miss Itch decided to be St Elizabeth Ann Seton

You can read more about her HERE

I was unable to get more pictures of their party since my little men have had trouble with their asthma ( that time of year). They had a blast playing fun games, telling stories, and enjoying goodies with all of their friends. Hope you enjoyed my beautiful little "saints"

2011-11-08T03:54:00.000-08:00

4 years ago we were blessed with our first son

he was big

he was handsome

he was so snuggly

he was loved by momma

he was loved by daddy

he was loved by his big sisters

he had a broken collarbone

he had jaundice

he didn't sleep through the night until he was 16months old

he had blonde hair

he had daddy blue eyes

He is Funny

He is talkative

He has eyelashes women would kill for

He has an amazing uni-brow

He loves to play outside

He loves to play cowboy

He loves Lightening McQueen

He loves Woody

He loves Buzz

He loves to do "school work"

He knows his colors

He knows his shapes

He knows his prayers

He loves the colors green

He cannot sleep without being cozy with momma at some point in the night

He is afraid of the dark

He is Loved by Daddy

He is Loved by Mommy

He is loved by his big sisters

He is loved by his little Brother

and most of all

He is Loved by God, who in His wonderful mercy blessed us with My Nic....

4 years ago!