You and Me Plus 3

This to That

2012-02-11T05:30:00.000-08:00

Can you BELIEVE this

is that tiny preemie?

Sometimes I look at him and am so amazed at the little boy he is. He is so sweet. He is growing. He is smart. He is onery. He is perfect. God is good! Prayers work. Miracles happen. This is my proof.
P.S.
Don't forget to check out our Featured Blog of the Week Sisterly Charms and Enter their Giveaway! It doesn't end until Tuesday so hurry over and ENTER

Featured Friday "Sisterly Charms Boutique" GIVEAWAY

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Hi Gals! Are you ready for a super awesome Feature? I know I am ready to introduce them to you! Meet Ashley and Amy, the lovely ladies of Sisterly Charms. These ladies are amazing and have quite frankly blown me away with their talent! And to top it all off they are putting on a GIVEAWAY just for you! (squeals anyone?)One lovely reader will win this amazingly cute art hanging embellished with sparkle gems(you had me at sparkle!) To enter all you have to do is Follow Sisterly Charms Blog HERE(which is so fun you would want to even if there wasn't a giveaway), like Sisterly Charms on Facebook HERE and leave them a comment under the giveaway link on their facebook page saying you entered!

Ok on to Ashley and Amy!

Hey Everyone!We are thrilled at the opportunity to be featured on You and Me plus 3 and want to first and for most thank Brandi! Our names are Amy and Ashley, two sisters who have a passion for DIYing and creativity! Amy is a very supportive Lineman wife that stays at home with their two adorable kids, Kohan and Paige and Ashley is a nanny for two great kiddos while she is going to school for Healthcare. We are both avid lovers of crafting and enjoy spending time finding diamonds in the rough or using scraps to recreate a little treasure for someone to love and enjoy. After many requests from family and friends to make them little treasures, we decided that we loved it so much we should start a business together, hence Sisterly Charms was born! It was always a dream and crazy notion of both of ours to do someday and we figured why not now?! We do everything from Home and Seasonal decor, hair accessories, baby items, to even a new venture into western decor! On our blog you’ll see everything from tutorials, to recipes, to sewing projects and anything else we decide to give a whirl (and we will admit sometimes things turn out not as expected!) We have only been up and running a few shorts months, but have loved all the support and great times so far and we can't wait to see where this adventure takes us from here!
We always love feedback or customer ideas on things you’d like to see from us so be sure to check out our Etsy store as well as our Facebook page! And don’t forget we take custom orders so if you have an idea of something you are looking for but not quite sure how to execute it, contact us and we will see what we can come up with!

Here are some more of Sisterly Charms Creations! They also have an Etsy account HERE

giveaway.GiveAway.GIVEAWAY!

2012-02-09T17:16:00.000-08:00

Just a heads up....We are having a super fun feature friday and a GIVEAWAY! Come see. So step one follow You and me plus 3 TODAY so you don't miss out tomorrow!
PS tell your pals you won't want to miss this!

Our Feature Friday Blog is an amazing talent with an awesome giveaway!

bountiful

2012-02-09T08:53:00.000-08:00

I thought I would do a quick what you need to be a successful bountiful basketer post today seeing as we pick up our baskets on Saturday. The first time I ordered thought this wonderful website I was so so unprepared! I showed up with nothing to put my delish produce in and totally unaware as to what to do. I was also a bit overwhelmed with the amount of food we got! So here is my Bountiful Basket Must list!

1)Bring a big container to put your food in. We use a big laundry basket. I actually requested for a new one for my birthday last year...Husband came through. Love. The sites sometimes have boxes you can use but why not bring something sturdy and reusable. Not to mention you stick out like the rookie when you come with out your own "basket".
2)Park as close as you can. That basket is heavy!
3)Clean out your produce compartment of you fridge before you go pick up you basket, this way you are ready to put the produce away and you are more aware of what you have!
4)After you pick up you basket do an evaluation on what you got and make a meal plan. Try and find new and fun recipes to incorporate all of the food you have so none of it goes to waist! This will also help you not feel so overwhelmed by the amount of food you get and helps you to eat healthier thought out the week when you plan your meals around the produce!
5)Write down the dates for ordering and picking up in your day planner or on your calender so you don't forget them.

HAVE FUN!
And don't forget we are having an awesome "Feature Friday" tomorrow with our first ever GIVEAWAY! I am so giddy with excitement I can hardly wait!
Blessings
Brandi

What I Wore Wednesday!

2012-02-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

We are having a GIVEAWAY ON FRIDAY! BE SURE TO FOLLOW US!
Hey there Ladies and Gents(well maybe some gents but probably just Ladies:)! Welcome to another....What I Wore Wednesday! Here at you&me+3 we love to start out with our Wednesday verse
Let God's curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. Galatians 1:8
Isn't God Great?
Lovely in Cobalt. Cobalt Maxi. Double buckle belt. Striped top tucked in and mustard Cardi. Ruffle side boot. Love. love. Ps. Can you tell it was a bit windy:)

Oh Comfy day! Tribal top W/ adorable beading! Love. Slimgym pants comfy. Toms

And of course our you&me+3 original...a WANT

Shorts...with Jackets...and tights...Lovely

Love love this look!

Ok so if you would prefer to follow us on Facebook don't forget we now have a page! check it out HERE. Pretty amazing huh? And be sure to check in on Friday for a VERY FUN "Feature Friday" with a pair of crafty ladies...oops I've said to much already! Just check back in on Friday!
Hearts and Blessings
Brandi

Thankful Tuesday. Life. Fun.

2012-02-07T06:33:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for the fun in life.
For this little boy who finally said a word!(Don't mind my excitement in the video....tears were literally rolling!)

I am thankful for yummy food! Here is a fun recipe for Spinach dip mini bread bowls from over there at Lexi's Remnants. Just click HERE

I am thankful for Grace. Gods Grace. And the fact that we are saved only by his grace. No works or deeds needed, just the giving of our lives.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
Blessings
Brandi

be.intentional

2012-02-06T08:14:00.000-08:00

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God
1 Corinthians 10:31
I have been thinking a lot about the things I do everyday that just seem mundane or unimportant. As a Christian God wants all of my actions even the littlest of things to be done intentionally. I want to be intentional in everything I do. I want to make sure that I make a difference from the products I buy to how I talk to the person sitting next to me. My hope is that God continues to open my eyes to the little things that make a huge difference. I love my job as mom and I pray that in everything that I do it gives glory to HIM! May God bless you today!
Brandi

mustache?

2012-02-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

Um are you hungry after this pic? He seriously makes me crave baby!

Such fun, we love parties. This mustache party was such fun! Miss Whitney is so creative and those two little K's couldn't be any cuter!

Feature Friday: Pleated Poppy

2012-02-03T02:30:00.000-08:00

This Featured Friday I wanted to "feature" someone to pray for.
If you are like me you "heart" the Pleated Poppy.
Lindsey is so sweet. Makes adorable things. Blogs amazingly. Loves and serves God. Is an great example of a Christian woman.
Lindsey is going to delhi, india. Lovely. She is spreading the word of God. Planting churches. Teaching the people new skills. (read about what she is doing HERE)

She actually just left on Wednesday.

Pray for their trip.

God is good!

Blessings

(image from pleated poppy)

Hospital Survival Kit DIY

2012-02-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

Basically everyone in the entire world or at least everyone in my entire world is PREGNANT! I am always trying to find really cute and fun ideas for presents for these lovely ladies and here is a fun one that I found via My Own Road. It's called "The Hospital Survival Kit"! Adorbs! Its basically a bag full of things you would love to have while in the hospital!
Mine included:

Hair ties & stretchy head bands(for that lovely I just pushed a human out hair)
gum(for your beautiful breath)
hand sanitizer, because after living in the NICU for over a month I am addicted and feel you all should be too!
yummy granola bars for a pick me up energy snack.
m & m's because you just pushed out that sweet human and should get to eat chocolate
chapstick for your he-he-whooooo breathing lips
facial wipes
outfit for baby

This is such a good idea because if you have ever had a baby you know that there are always little things you wish you had brought!

So here is Miss Brittany's bag for little Mr Carter who should be making an appearance any day. So excited!(and yes this is taken on the back of my swagger wagon...I am a last minute kinda gal!)
Get hospital print out HERE
After I printed out the print out I glued it to a piece of cute scrap book paper and cut it out to make it sturdier and cuter. Then just tie or glue on a brown bag!

Sweet & Sour Somethings

2012-02-02T15:13:00.000-08:00

The Sweet: Sydnee saying,"I wish Uncle Coco was here."

The Sour: Immediately following the sweet. Syd,"Then we could play on his phone."

The Sweet: Syd in her cutest little dance outfit.

The Sour: Baby having to be in the picture

What I Wore(and Want) Wednesday

2012-02-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

For our Fans...you can now follow us on FACE BOOK! HERE

Wednesday Verse. Love this.

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Eph 4:32

What a fun Wednesday! Hope everyone out there is having a great week! And I can't wait to hear from you all!

top: f21 feather top, turquoise necklace stole from the "queen box"(Breezy's rodeo queen box, thanks sis)mak cardi, cuffed jeans, oldnavy wedges.

We are mixing it up a bit this week.

comfied up to dressed up. a day look to night look with the same outfit.

day:

toms, f21 striped shirt. cuffed skinnies

night:

top: f21, jeans ae, shoes toms cord wedge(love), ruffle cardi ae.

And our lovely What I Want Section(last week was skirts if you missed it look HERE)

This week is Lace

Are you in love yet?

Thankful Tuesday

2012-01-31T11:18:00.000-08:00

OH I am so so excited that it is (almost) FEBRUARY! We have so many fun things this month and goodness you are not going to want to miss it! We have a huge photo shoot with Whippy Cake (yes Whippy Cake!!), Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo with the Sr Teen Queen Miss Breezy Bell! Tytan is turning 4(wait 4 thats crazy!) and we have a ton of birthday crafts to do and I am so excited to share! We may also be having a CRAFT NIGHT! Fun much? I think so! So stay tuned!
So today I am thankful for....a new month. Lots of new followers. Lovely comments from fans. So Thank you!

Brandi

Manic Monday: A day in our Shoes

2012-01-30T18:00:00.000-08:00

Oh Mondays. They are so lovely...or crazy. You choose.
We started out with the usual...rushing to get in the car and to school on time. I am that mom.
The late mom.
Oh well.

Then to pottying on the potty....ALL DAY!
I am jumping.
and squealing.
This is a huge huge accomplishment! This kid doesn't talk. at all. and is potty trained. Miracle? I think yes!

We used this.
our brand new WeePOD!
Don't have one? You need one.

We hit the store.
Got some yum yum yummy groceries.

Made some more than yum chicken fajitas. mmmm.(so easy! Just sliced 2 green pepers, 1 red pepper, 1 big yellow onion, 3 chicken breasts, olive oil and McCormick Fajita seasoning...mmmm...in my wok!)

Did some homework and ventured to bed...after evicting those nasty cavity bugs.

Good night!

shark jacket tutorial

2012-01-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

We just got back from a fun little shower for miss Roberta and baby Levi! We are so excited for this little buckaroo to make his way here(just not too soon please mr L) Anyways here is a little something I made for baby. A shark jacket! I love little boy things that are cute, and its hard to come up with fun cute BOY thing. So here is what I came up with.

I took a super soft micro fleece jacket. I did dark blue for a shark but I was thinking that a green dinosaur would be really fun too!

I cut some large rick rack the length of the hoods edge plus an inch

I started at the base of the hood where the hood meets the zipper and I tucked the rick rack towards the inside of the hood like so. I then pinned it around the outside of the hood and tucked the other end towards the inside of the hood at the opposite base. Sew on sewing machine making sure to catch those ends so it looks finished and as to not show your thread so the "teeth" stand out!

Now your shark has teeth! Next pick out some buttons and sew onto the sides of the sharks head!

You are done! How cute is that? Raycer modeled the coat for me even though it was only a 0-3 month(hey, it actually fit quite nicely). Enjoy!

blue

2012-01-27T19:00:00.000-08:00

this boy...is blue... literally.

Tytan and "fweety pie" (or sweety pie if you say your s's with an s sound) turned blue in the back seat of our copper colored swagger wagon. A blue marker and some chunky little hands are to blame. Coloring is now banned in the car.

Here's a little extra sweetness for you viewing pleasure.
Hot chocolate connoisseurs

Sleeping through lunch...I am full from eating these cheeks. Yum.

G.R.O.W.L.

2012-01-27T11:37:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a super cutest little video of Mr. Jaxx. We love to send little clips of love to our daddy when he is away on business or hunting so here is Baby's GROWL video!

Pretty sweet, huh? He might not talk but this kid can steal hearts quicker than anyone I know! Its hard to believe he is almost TWO!

My Newest LOVE

2012-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

First off today I want to thank all of our newest followers! {thank you!} yeah! (I am just about jumping or dancing or both while typing this...you can giggle now). I heart you and all of your cutest blogs and its been fun getting to "know" you!

Now on to my newest love. My day planner. I am in LOVE! I have a hard HARD time being organized and this little baby has kept me organized, for a whole month! Applause anyone? That is an accomplishment! I was using it a lot for awhile and then ciaos happened and my little pink friend was neglected. We are now best friends again and I have missed our sweet time together! I really think that ALL moms need one of these little guys.

{here is a little blip from my planner...kinda crazy but it works}

How I use mine. I love to sit down on Sunday afternoon and plan out our whole week. I write down how much time I want to devote towards my devotional, how much time I want to spend on everything basically, what my goals are for the week, something to do for someone else, every kids schedule and activity, and my goodness it helps! The satisfaction when you get to cross something off your day list is AMAZING(for me anyways:)
That's it for today. I love my planner. It has a slot for my teacher to sign bathroom passes(and Sydnee has so lovely signed her name for me) Its pretty amazing

What I Wore (and want) Wednesday

2012-01-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday Verse

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God

Matthew 5:8

What I Wore

Here is a fun little outfit, ruffle top with leopard print belt...Love.

And some Wants

skirts

Love this

and this

And that

this too!

Love the aqua blue

L.O.V.E.

Follow you&me+3 on PINTEREST

HERE

Thankful Tuesday: Lovely Friends

2012-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for wonderful friends. I have some lovely ladies in my life and I am so thankful for them.

I have one lovely lady whom I attend church with and have weekly (and sometimes more than weekly) coffee dates with, Miss Whit. She is just awesome! I love her and her lovely heart. I had expressed some hurt about our hardship during Raycer's first year and the lack of support I felt like we had and she so thoughtfully brought us a dinner the next day. I was brought to tears by her sweetness and apologies for something she was not even responsible for. What an amazing lady to have in my life!

Another wonderful gal whom I love is my NICU friend. My miss Katie. This gal is so sweet and such a fun girl to be friends with. She is my kindred spirit. We could talk for hours, cry about the same little accomplishments. She knows what its like to hold a miracle and we get the privilege of doing so everyday!(and if you haven't read our story click HERE and HERE)

My Miss Dana friend. I love this lady. I can call her and we basically talk until one of our phones die..and then we call on the house phone for at least another hour. She is great! I love to consider her an older sister! She is awesome!

My Chels and Savanya! I love these girllies and they have been my longest friends. These ladies sure stepped in to support me when I was going through a horrid time with Raycer. I am so thankful for them!

My Sister, Breeze. At only 15 this girl is smart and so fun to talk to! I love having our lunch dates and getting to talk to her for hours! I wish I could sneak her into a room in my house so she could never leave and had to stay with us forever! We love her! She is my best friend and I am so blessed to have her in my life!

There are a ton more and I will get to them on a different day:)

What are you thankful for today?

Hopes and Dreams.

2012-01-19T08:31:00.000-08:00

1. Open Shop....I would love love to open my own clothing store and maybe have my own line of clothing.

2. Finish my Education. Eventually. When children are bigger. Its important even if I never use it:)

3. Have or adopt one more baby. I love those tiny things.

4. Serve on a mission trip. And cuddle on all those sweet babies that need Jesus and His Love.

5. Publish a book.

6. Raise kids that love God with all their hearts, minds and souls, and that are kind and loving towards all. As a mom that is all I can ask.

7. Being married to the Husband for forever. Love him.

Things to Try: Crayon Hearts

2012-01-18T17:03:00.000-08:00

These were so fun and turn out really really cute! The "Bigs" are planning on taking these to each of their classes for valentines. We started out with gathering all of our old broken crayons and unwrapping them. I used a razor blade to take the paper off. This is the most time consuming part of the project. Then brake all the crayons into little bits. We also separated ours into colors.

Then we placed them in our heart shaped baking treys that we found at walmart and added lots of glitter. Bake at 300 degrees for 10 min or until melted. Let cool in trey for 20 min.

Pop out and enjoy!

What I Wore Wednesday

2012-01-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Since I love doing these fun WIWW I thought it would be fun to do a wiww Verse with each post:) So today's verse is....Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Here is to a week of teaching kindness and speaking kindness. Blessings!

And goodness can Limericki please come out with their new line already! I am dying for a new swim suite! (and the bod for a new suite but Hey)

Thankful Tuesday

2012-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Often I find myself forgetting that I have so much to be thankful for! God is so good and has really blessed our family. I am so thankful today for my children's health. We have been so blessed by healthy and active kids and I can not thank God enough for their well being. After having Raycer and hearing the odds against him and knowing that we had over an 80% chance of a still born baby or knowing that he had an even greater chance of being hypoxic or about a million other life long health issues I can not help but feel blessed. After that it makes it very easy to deal with the little problems he has to deal with. I wouldn't have had his start in life any other way. I am much more appreciative of life and health and all we have been given. Sometimes in the midst of a challenge we can't see what God's purpose is but his plans are always good and full of hope. We have three healthy little munchkins and that is all I could ask for. God is good. Life is good. Remembering the things we have been blessed with makes for a much happier life.

What are you thankful for on this lovely Tuesday? Leave a note and grab a button to link back!

Manic Monday: A day in our shoes

2012-01-16T17:07:00.000-08:00

We painted our toesies and sat in front of the fire since there was no school today, we took full advantage.

It was yuck and cold and rainy outside. Boots were a must.

We got some awesome hair cuts from our favorite Doc.

We extracted a tooth:)

And made chicken gumbo. Yum. Not such a manic Monday with no school but welcome week:)

would you like my autograph

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

I just had to share a little email I received from Syd's teacher(I hope she doesn't mind:)

Today Sydnee was so cute. After school she starting singing to me, I told her how beautiful, she asked me “do you want my autograph?” I had to laugh out loud it was so cute. Then she tells me “old man____ ( I forgot the name she used) was the first one to get my autograph.” Then she was off to singing again for me. It was adorable.

Basically this girl is going to do something big...and it will most likely involve the Stage.

and a little clarification (because it sounds like she is giving weird old men her autograph) having a dad that works at a motocross and quad shop means you meet lots of old men that come to the shop every day and our favorite Paul affectionately calls, "old man Paul".
After her stardom in the newspaper he brought in her picture and got her autograph, thus a star is born.

ONE

2012-01-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

This year we as a family are going to have a word for the year and I wanted to have a verse for our year too. I have been thinking a lot about what word would fit our family and goals for a whole year and one word stuck...literally ONE.

ONEness with our Heavenly Father.
ONEness as a couple.
ONEness as a family.
ONE.

And as for our verse, this one found us.

Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

God given Sisters

2012-01-11T16:47:00.000-08:00

But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:48-50

This verse has been on my mind a lot lately. God has given me two adorable biological sisters whom I love dearly. Breeze is getting to be a lot of fun to talk to now that she is a little older but I am still 8 years older than her and 10 years older than Soph so right now the age difference is a little hard. I am so thankful for my God given sisters, my fellow sisters in Christ. It's absolutely amazing to me that just sitting by one of these ladies during our girls dance class how much of a bond we had without having ever met. There is an instant connection in Christ. When God is your common ground the similarities just grow from there. I have been blessed by many Godly friends that I am glad to call my fellow sisters and thankful for our long conversations and coffee dates that not only help me with my mental and relational well being but definitely make me examine my spiritual well being also! So today after a 45 min talk with a lovely lady whom I have only ever seen a couple of times yet we shared some of our heaviest loads(which happened to be the exact same, God works in mysterious ways!) I am so thankful for all of my lovely sisters in Christ.

What I Wore Wednesday

2012-01-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ok so this what I wore I was feeling not so hot. I planned on wearing a super cute pair of grey booties but ended up feeling a bit yuck. I'm pretty sure its just exhaustion settling in with all we have been doing lately but goodness I can not wake up lately! And honestly I could be in bed at 8 if it was possible...and I mean 8 AM! Well here's to waking up better and more energy for next week! Oh and the puppies had to be in the pics this week. Love these furry friends of ours. So meet Pyston and Barbie.

Top is a boat neck white tee from oldnavy, Floral scarf, Super skinny AE's jeans(I keep wearing AE jean for my wiww but I have a bunch and I love them), AE gold glasses

Gold flats...love!

P.S. How is it that all you girls that live in the COLD states get to wear warm weather clothes this winter while we WARM states have snow? Can we please trade back?

bubble bath full of pins

2012-01-10T16:14:00.000-08:00

I am exhausted.

Can you guess why? Yes.

I have three tiny monsters that have drained me.

I am feeling a little under the weather and a bath and "pinning" were just what the doc ordered.

So here is a bit of what I found while relaxing.

OH and you can follow me HERE

Something from nothing: baby coat

2012-01-09T17:18:00.000-08:00

This turned out so cute! I took a 3 dollar (yes 3 dollar!!!) turtleneck and turned it in to an amazing overcoat! This is a super cute gift for a super sweet special girl:) Enjoy! I love making something from nothing!

1. Start with a turtle neck that is a couple sizes bigger than the baby you are making it for. Cut straight down the middle of the turtle neck.

2. Hem raw edge.

3. Make a button hole under the neck part of turtle neck and sew a button whole on the opposite side.

4. Shorten arms so that they fit the baby you are making it for.

Wala! you are done!

cuddles

2012-01-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

snowy cuddles are wonderful. they make all of my hate for the snow some how disappear. I love this tiny guy and (I know I have said it before but..) I love his sweetness. I want to sniff him all day. I love him. Its a stetchy pant and stripped socks day with a chunk of love on my lap. Love this day.

Featured Friday: Remnants

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to share a little blog called Remnants with all of you! Lexi is a super creative and fun crafter who has a heart for God. Remnants just opened an etsy shop so that all of us craft droolers can buy her awesome stuff! Here is a little about Lexi and Remnants:

Hi guys! I am thrilled to be featured on You and Me plus 3-thanks Brandi! My name is Lexi Kastner and I like to say I am a Supernanny by day (I nanny for 4 fun kiddos) crafter by night. I am an avid DIYer and wanted to share what I was working on with friends and family which is how my blog Remnants was born. On the blog you will see sewing projects, home decor projects and anything else I am whipping up at the moment. In my spare time I also make fun hairbows, clips, onesies and burp cloths. I just opened an etsy shop so be sure and check that out as well! www.etsy.com/shop/remnantsdiy . Thanks-Lexi

If you have a crafty or helpful fun blog and would like to be considered for our "featured friday" leave me a message and we will talk!

Sweetness

2012-01-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

While Tytan was taking off his rather muddy pants from slipping on the ice I overheard the sweetest conversation of my life....and this is how it went
Syd being very sympathetic to her sweet brother,"Don't worry Tytan Jesus washed your sins away"

Oh out of the mouths of babes.

Things to Try: Energy Bites (a great "littles" snack)

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

I found these little yumminesses on Pinterest (you can follow us HERE) and the Bigs and I were so excited to try them. These were so easy and so so yum! I personally LOVE them because our little Rose has horrid milk allergies and a severe walnut allergy so finding a granola bar that I can say is 100% safe is near impossible! With these I know exactly what I am putting in and what she is putting in her cute mouth. Just like with making anything for our family (and like the baby food demo HERE) I suggest using all natural and organic ingredients before we start.

OK here we goooo!

I like a big batch so we used

2 cups of Oatmeal
2 cups of coconut flakes
1 cup of creamy peanut butter(We love Open Natures creamy)
2/3 cup of honey
1 cup of flax seeds (ground)
3 tsp vanilla
1 cup of mini chocolate chips

Add all ingredients in a big bowl and mix until everything is evenly combined. Chill in fridge for 30 min. Roll chilled mixture into balls and refrigerate for up to a week(you could freeze these too and take them out when you want them)

what I wore wednesday

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

My new fav cardi by Mak and a simple black cami underneath a fluttery rosette black top. AE jeans. Old navy lace up grey desert wedges. Love love these. Fun coffee date outfit:)

And don't forget to follow us and check back in on Friday for a NEW feature!

new year new do new goals

2012-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

a new fun hair do for the new year! perfect way to start out the year!

reading through the entire bible in one year and being a more forgiving and loving person as well as a better listener.

doing more to help others or to benefit others in a positive way and having my kids involved in the helping and giving.

eat healthier and take better care of me...I have a sweet tooth and a little extra effort in the healthy eating department would benefit me I'm sure. And I am so excited to really start up the aerobic classes again(yeah!)

organization. I am so not an organized person, blame it on the creativity but I suck at this and organization is a need with three kids.

taking more time for the husband.

taking more time to just cuddle and love on my kids, individually.

having a tiny monster potty trained! He may be the death of me but I will have it done before he turns two! Its killing me.

Continuing in my education...even if its just a couple more classes

Yeah for a NEW year!

PS check back in on Friday for a super fun new "feature"

Cloth Diaper Favs

2012-01-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

I have had about a million and ten friends ask about cloth diapering so I thought I would do a little of my favorite things. Here you go......

1. Detergent, If you are going to start cloth diapering you HAVE to find a good detergent. I have messed around with a lot of them but by far my favorite has been Rockin Green. We have super hard water and Rockin Green has special formulas just for your specific water situation. Lovely! And the yummy scents are just a bonus!

2. One of my favorite sites for diapering is Nickies Diapers. They carry tons of diaper brands and now they have any awesome blog. http://nickisdiapers.blogspot.com/. Check it out.

3. Snaps. I love them ten times better than the aplix. They last longer and stay on better.

4. My wet bag. Love it. I have two. One for in my baby bag and one for home. My at home one is a planet wise wet and dry bag. Its nice because you can use it when you travel for clean and dirty diaps.

My second is a smaller one that I bought on etsy. Its 18" by 18" and I love love it. These are also so great for swimming season and wet clothes so you don't get your car soaked.

4. I love gdiapers cloth and bio refills for going places for a long time. They are great. They work great. They are so trim and fit under clothes nicely!

5. Favorite brands. I really like rumparooz. They are stinkin adorable and very well made. Bumgenius pockets are also nice (in snaps the Velcro doesn't last long). And Happy Heinies. Rumparooz also just came out with organic bamboo diapers that have rave reviews! I love these because they are onesized also and last all the way to the potty training!

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-30T11:01:00.000-08:00

We kicked off 2011 at the lake house with the Slone Family. A great start to our new year.

In February our middlest turned 3! We had a rockin' monster truck party.

In March Baby raced into his first birthday! And we gave the husband a surprise birthday party!

April brought Easter and lake trips!

Sydnee Rose graduated from preschool and cubbies in May and we celebrated Raycer's Due date day!

June brought swimming lessons and my birthday. And We got to celebrate fathers day at the fire station.

We celebrated 4 of July and Raycer got his first hair cut and The Husband and I celebrated our Anniversary!

August brought perfect lake days and yummy veggies from our garden!

We had a girl start kindergarten and a boy start preschool

Daddy had to go on a business trip in Sept and we visited grandparents. Syd cheered at a football game

In October we made our superhero debut and went to the pumpkin patch

November was a Syd month with her amazing mermaid bash and turkey spotlight and she lost her first tooth!

December was super fun with our trip to disney land!

2011 was great and we are so excited for 2012
And here is a bit of fun! You can check out what we wrote for good bye 2009 HERE!

What I Wore Wednesday

2011-12-28T00:30:00.000-08:00

comfy after Christmas clothes

AE off the shoulder oatmeal sweater. Love this color. Miss Me Jeans with sparkly pockets in the back.

Red Envelope necklace (made for me by my sisterinlaw, If you look closely it says you me plus 3)

Minnetonka hi top back zip boots(these things are comfy!)

Christmas 20eleven

2011-12-27T07:06:00.000-08:00

1. Christmas Eve service and celebrating baby Jesus' birthday. Christmas would still be the best day even without the presents.

2. Having my Grandparents make it up for Christmas!

3. Going to Disney Land with my whole family. Funnest vacation by far.

4. Santa visiting us at GG and Papa's house

5. Tytan wanting to give baby Jesus a baby toy for his birthday...to sweet. (cant you just picture him bring a bouncy seat to the manger I love kids pureness of heart)

6. Watching the kids open all their presents and their cute little lists of what they wanted. Tytan: Football shoes, a flash light and a super reader(I don't know what this is but its the only thing santa didn't deliver) Sydnee: an ariel barbie and snow globes. Lets just say Santa came through!

(the kids waiting for Santa with aunts and uncle)

7. The kids giving each other gifts

8. New shoes and jeans and my NEW PHONE. I don't deserve it considering my last new phone drowned in the toilet only months into its life and the one before that died of a fork stabbing but I sure do love it and my sweet husband for giving it to me.

9. Having my husband home. Love that boy.

10. Raycer loving the presents and present opening! He was pretty darn good at it too!

11. Time spent with family and cherishing every moment of it

A dose of giving...

2011-12-26T12:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas was lovely. Wonderful family, company and food. The kids got and got and got....a full day of getting. Christmas makes you realize just how spoiled you are. I think we could clothe a country with the amount of clothing the kids got and we could probably feed an army with the amount of food made/eaten in the last couple days. After all of that getting my kids are a little...well bratty. I love them but when Syd says "I'm ready to open something else" after three different Christmas' and a car full of things just for her bratty is the only way to explain them. So today, the day after Christmas, I am medicating the brattiness with a good dose of giving. Going through old toys and clothes and giving them to others who really need them. I love my kids and all they are given but I want them to understand that giving is so much better than receiving. I love to watch their faces light up in excitement when someone opens a present that one of my little loves personally gave them. They are sweet and I love their giving spirits.

Christmas Blessings...

2011-12-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

(cody has a silly face but hey we love our Christmas Jammies)

...Love Us

because we are awesome

2011-12-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

1. I just finished Christmas shopping
2. My baby puked in the car finishing shopping
3. We had to run into Kmart and get him an outfit because I am an unorganized momma
4. Breezy says "maybe they will give Raycer a toy because he looks like a sad baby in his Kmart outfit" That I found on the newborn rack (I'm a little worried about all my 6-12 months I bought for Christmas)
5. It had to snow so no coffee with the wife(my katie friend)

But all in all it was an awesome day. Family made it up the mountain safely, posole is cooking beautifully, and presents are under the tree. Lovely

Let the Magic Begin

2011-12-22T06:52:00.000-08:00

So excited to get there!

OH how we missed our Toms!

We are on our way! yeah!

The lights and tree were amazing! It was definitely MAGIC

Since Co was 'handicap' this week from his acl surgery we got front row seats to the parade. It was amazing! Buzz and woody both personally said hi to Tytan and Sydnee got a personal greeting from all the princess'.

Cinderella's evil step mom and sisters pulled Syd into the parade and talked to her. Highlight of the trip!

After the firework display it 'snowed'. It was lovely! Warm snow is the best!

We got to dance with Fineus and Ferb's dance party. And we got to see the REAL Santa.

Buzz was awesome, Tytan was starstruck

I love this guy...he is great

We had such a great time and the beach was amazing...a little chilly but great! The kids loved it!

What I Wore Wednesday

2011-12-21T14:56:00.000-08:00

What I Wore Wednesday Disney edition

Mustard MAC sweater, grey blue wide band T from pennies, blue and white polkadot scarf from a local boutique (Blossoms), skinny AE jeans and sparkly black Toms, oh and glasses are American Eagle

And a little bonus Syd and her wiww
She has an authentic Disney Cinderella tiara and baby blue gown crested with silver sparkles.

disney

2011-12-20T09:21:00.000-08:00

The wonderful world of NICU moms

2011-12-15T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to write on how amazing the network of NICU moms is for awhile. Its crazy because until you have had a baby with complications you really don't understand what its like. You have an immediate connection with other women that have had similar experiences and there is an unbreakable instant bond. I am lucky enough to have had a friend go through the same thing at the same time and she is pretty awesome.(Thanks miss Katie) Its lovely to have someone to talk to and cry to about things we are going through and see how our little babies are growing. If anything I am so thankful for the understanding of struggles and friendships that have come out of our experience. Just a little sentiment to how we are feeling today, grateful!

for some of our newest readers you may read our story {here}

what I wore wednesday and something cute

2011-12-14T14:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my first What I Wore Wednesday! What I Wore Wednesday(or wiww) is a super fun little thing that The Pleated Poppy does. You show what you have worn or are wearing. So I thought that it would be fun to try it out. We are on our way to a school play so here is what I have on.
Top is an degree loose neck tee Skirt is a forever21 bandage skirt(5 dollars! such a deal) Shoes and socks are American Eagle black knee highs and wedge boot. And the watch you cant see is a cutest betsy johnson white floral:)

and one of the hair kinda fun:)

And here is the cutest little video of Raycer's new skill...peekaboo! and itsy bitsy spider. He is getting so smart and big...as you can see still no words but this cuteness makes up for it.

Cutest Reindeer Cookies

2011-12-14T05:40:00.001-08:00

Ty and I made some cutest Reindeer cookies for his class...and now they have 2 hour delay so no school for a sad little 3 year old. Dang but our cookies turned out pretty darn cute! They are super easy so here is what you do:
I used premade sugar cookies (I am a notorious cookie burner so premade is less work down the drain, what can I say I have at least three wild things on my mind at all times) and baked them for half of the time it says (I think it was about 5 min) and then I stuck two mini pretzels into the top of the gooey cookie and baked them for the rest of the time. As soon as you take out the cookies place two m&ms for eyes and a red m&m for the nose and your done! They are so cute!

Button

2011-12-13T11:45:00.001-08:00

because I am pretty darn excited and I made my first button...GRAB IT! Its right up there to your right:) Thanks friends

Husband is a lucky lucky man...

2011-12-13T05:51:00.000-08:00

This has been me for the last 24 hours...I smell of vomit. Yup I caught the lovely stomach bug! OH joy. Wool socks and strechy pants...pretty hot. Then all the kids caught the bug...its horrid. And then all of my brothers and sisters got it. Yeah! We are camping on couches and sipping squirt today while watching the snow fall. Lovely.

Santa Baby...

2011-12-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

just slip a present under my tree....
This amazing bag...yes please!

Or this one

These most cutest shoes from anthropologie. I would die for most of their shoes!

These adorable coats

This most amazing swimming suit by Ella Moss.

This and something to put into it...eventually...in a long while. But I can just stick a little boy in there for now.

Some cake...Pss if you want one use this coupon code..tomkat20 lovely! Thanks Whippy Cake

A yellow and grey room...I love love this.

I've been an awful good girl!

OH the places you'll go

2011-12-11T19:57:00.001-08:00

Having boys is super fun. They are so much easier than girls when it comes to the whole I have to go potty while you are out side of the house. Tytan was just telling me how he pees on rocks, trees, grass....(pauses and thinks)....and ICE! He then told me the whole story of how when you pee on ice it makes holes and that is so fun! OH I love this little boy. He even had to pee at our family photo shoot and Stephanie got a lovely little pic. OH I love that kid and those cutest cheeks!

Boys vs Girls

2011-12-09T06:09:00.000-08:00

I am amazed at what a huge difference there is between boys and girls. Its really crazy. We never had constant wrestling matches until we had these two boys. Can you say future state champions? They can not be within 5 ft of each other without showing off their skills. And my Syd is so a girl. We couldn't ask for more pink or sparkles(we love sparkles!) It is so fun to see the difference and I love experiencing the brothernesss and the big sisterness of my three. I love being able to experience the fun of both and I just think this picture says it all!

babyness

2011-12-08T06:33:00.000-08:00

I have been soaking every tiny second of babyness that I can get from Raycer lately. He is so sweet right now and I can not seem to get enough of the babyness. Its crazy to think back to finding out we were having our little number three...I was shocked to say the least. He has been my surprise and my challenge ever since. I cried with him for the first trimester. I puked my guts out every single day of my pregnancy. I was upset that my "perfect" plan of when we were going to have our babies was ruined and then he made his entrance a little more crazy by coming over two months early, but now I can not imagine life without him. He is such a blessing to our family. He has taught me so many things and after all of his health problems and the possibility of other issues we may never have another baby. He may be our last and I just want to consume every ounce of baby. I love the smell, I love his softness and his roundness. I love holding him. I love how he waddles around and is so unstable still. I love how he still likes to crawl and cuddle in my arms to drink his yummy almond milk. I just love love love this baby. I am going to miss it when he finally gets big. I am thankful that God has allowed me to have a baby for so long with him. For now I just want to soak it all in!

waiting game

2011-12-07T06:31:00.001-08:00

I do not play the waiting game well. And right now I feel like all we are doing is waiting. Waiting to see where God is leading us. Waiting to see what the future holds for us. Waiting for this snow to melt. Just waiting....I guess God is teaching me patience (a much needed virtue that I am lacking). I just hate waiting.

A persons a person no matter how small

2011-12-05T16:20:00.001-08:00

Raycer

I love this little stinker so much.

He is silly and full of surprises.

We are told by every doctor and specialist we see what a miracle he is.

He is a constant blessing.

We could not love him more.

I cant believe how big he is getting and that this is my tiny preemie.

And how stinkin cute can one baby be?

With that said we had a doc appt with a hearing specialist today. For those of you who have followed Raycer's progress he is not talking. He says ma and da and that is it. No new sounds and he didn't start babbling even until over a year old. We have just chalked it up to him being a preemie. Well Doc finally decide that there is something else going on. We went to the hearing specialist today and had a great appt. Great because she was very informative and I learned a lot about our little boy. He is pretty awesome (and complicated) but we have to go back for more tests in a couple of weeks since the ears were full of fluid after this latest round of rsv. Poor guy. Thanks once again for all the prayers and support!

Weekenders

2011-12-04T14:39:00.001-08:00

We had a very fun and busy weekend on top of Syd's lovely party. Uncle Cody had surgery to repair his ACL and meniscus in his knee so he was home (and a little silly on his meds:) and the kids loved having him. He was in quite a bit of pain poor guy.

We played and played in the snow...my kids are fond of telling everyone now how their mom HATES the snow...hate is a bad word mom

Rayce "helped" with our sparkly school projects for Syd's Christmas play...glitter does not clean up well

We play and had a lot of fun cousin Zaene's party and ate lots of yummy breakfast

Under the Sea

2011-12-03T19:07:00.001-08:00

Welcome to our mermaid party...it was so fun despite the 2 feet of snow out side(yuck). We had a smaller guest list due to some slippery road conditions but it was very nice none the less.

We had jelly fish and sea creatures floating around our house

A beautiful mermaid

Yummy pumpkin spice mermaid cakes topped with adorable hats

Mermaids in fish bowls, swimming with gumballs

Thank You's that smelled of Ocean

Ocean Juice that was a HUGE hit! (Its just squirt with blue food coloring)

The gumballs were a favorite

The girls made mermaid necklaces, got their faces painted and played and played

This Brother loves this Sister(even when she smiles silly)

This Sister Loves this Baby

This girl got way to many presents

This Mommy is tired but totally in love with this little, silly, toothless, six year old mermaid

Walking in a Winter Wonderland...AND a Cold Weather Drink

2011-12-02T07:45:00.001-08:00

Homemade Crockpot Latte

From My Kitchen:)

4 cups of strong hot coffee

8 cups of whole milk

1 cup of sugar

1 tbsp of vanilla

1tbsp cinnamon

a dash of nutmeg

a dash of cloves

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on high for 1 hour or until hot. Serve and enjoy

I hate EGGS!

2011-12-01T09:05:00.000-08:00

I have never been a fan of these yucky wiggly things. They usually make me gag. I can remember being at friends houses when I was little and their mom would make eggs for breakfast and I would very politely and painfully gag the grossness down. Yuck, I hate eggs.
On to my point. After having 3 little onerinesses you can't help but want a little more muscle and a little less wiggle. My mum is all about the eating "clean" and the number one thing "clean" people eat are eggs. So I am trying really hard to eat lots of protein and trying really hard to force down the eggs. I have found very hot salsa makes them not so bad. Cookies have eggs in them right? Maybe I will just stick to my cookie diet instead.

Tooth

2011-12-01T06:42:00.001-08:00

Well the day after Syd turned 6 she lost her very first tooth! She has the cutest little gap now and I am having a hard time believing that I not only have a six year old but a kid(sad word not a baby anymore) that is old enough to lose a tooth. She was a little horrified with the entire experience. When the tooth fell out she turned a shade of white and when she saw the tiny bit of blood oh goodness there were no toothless smiles in our house. Finally after an ice cube and lots of praise for being brave she started to get excited. She did not however want to put her tooth under her pillow. She was much to sad to see that "beautiful tooth" go away. She wanted to make sure that Pampa and Daddy got to see, so needless to say we still have a tiny tooth floating around our house and I am sure the tooth fairy is none to happy with us for shorting her out of a tooth but we do have a very happy little toothless girl!

Guess What!

2011-11-29T10:55:00.001-08:00

EEEE check out Syd on WhippyCake! Thank you so much Becki we couldn't be more excited or honored!

six six ready for her party fix

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-08:00

Syd is six! Can you believe it? I can't! We just love this Sydnee Rose so much! She is full of sass and we love every piece of her! Happy happy birthday little girl!

5 mommy things I love...

2011-11-29T08:20:00.001-08:00

1. Baby food on the go! I love love these. I know I am totally a promoter of making your own baby food and yes home made baby food is really easy to bring to different places in tiny tubowears, but I love these for Raycer's age. They are a quick snack that can just stay in your bag and you don't have to worry about it going bad. (my 3 year old is totally in love with these too ha)

2. H2O face moisturizer! I am totally in love with this stuff(along with all the h2o products). It makes you feel totally refreshed and ready for your day even after being up all night! Becki at Whippy Cake suggested these products a while ago and I am so glad I tried them! They have totally changed the make up of my skin. I love the glow they give you and the clean, soft, fresh feel and smell they give you. Try them!

3. Comfy tennishoes or slip ons. I am in love with my comfy shoes. I love love love running to Syd's school in my stretchy pants and Toms. These are by far my favs because they incorporate my two loves...glitter and comfort.

4. Everyone with a child should have one of these! Crazy lady or germy guy please don't touch my tiny preemie, always sick, child. Keep your germs to yourself please! (ps if a mom has her baby covered in the baby carrier do not lift blanket to see child....its rude and defeats the purpose of covering the baby)

5. All moms that have more than one child should know about mixbook. After three children I have NO time to do anything....especially scrapbooking. Mixbook makes it so easy. Our photographer (Stephanie Winn of Remember Winn Photography) turned me on to this site and its wonderful!

6. I think all moms could use a pair of very cute BIG sunglasses....they hide your "no time to put on make up because my kids decided to do something really messy right before we had to leave" look and the "I've been up with my baby for the past year and a half straight" look. Love me some big glasses.(ps if you are in the market for some cutest Oakley glasses or Fox Racing glasses come see us at White Mountain Performance...shameless plug!)

Party party!

2011-11-28T13:13:00.001-08:00

(mermaid puke)

Oh my I am a busy crazy running around lady! Syd's 6th(yes 6th! ahhhh) birthday is coming up(tomorrow) and we are having such a fun party for her this year! She wanted an all girls party so we made up some mermaid invites and here we go! Right now my house kind of looks like a mermaid threw up on it...Its crazy but fun.

Thanksgiving 24

2011-11-27T07:19:00.001-08:00

I am so thankful for thanksgiving. I am thankful that we live in a country that still celebrates thanking God for all that we have(even if our current president does not in his thanksgiving day address). I am thankful for time spent with family. Time spent in the kitchen. Time spent on the couch. Time spent eating two thanksgiving meals. Time spent with silly stories that are told every year. Time spent holding three sweet blessings. Time spent thanking God for all we have and all we look forward to.

embarrassed

2011-11-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

Paully says if I was his mommy and I picked him up in my crazy pony and Fox racing socks he'd be embarrassed....Syd however says she is not:)

Thankful 23

2011-11-23T15:53:00.001-08:00

I am so super thankful for my sisters and mom and daughter. Girls are fun and I have more than a ton of fun with these girls!

Thankful 22 a thanksgiving turkey

2011-11-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

I am thankful that my kids go to awesome schools and that they have amazing teachers. Syd was such a cute turkey! Her costume was the funnest thing to make! And I must say it turned out quite awesome. We love feathers and sparkles and pink! I don't think I could love a turkey more!

Thankful 21

2011-11-21T19:30:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for my middlest. He is so awesome! Tytan is about the roughest toughest boy and yet he is so sweet! I love to watch him be a big brother to Raycer and I love to watch him be the baby brother with Syd. He has the best of both worlds. He loves to wrestle and get dirty and cuddle and snuggle. He is always in character (buzz, lightning mcqueen, and our newest fav captain america!) He is just my favorite three year old. He loves preschool and friends. He loves monsters and holding hands with girls...yes holding hands with a certain girl from preschool. He is sweet!

Thankful 20

2011-11-20T19:32:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for my mom and how awesome she is:) Love her

Thankful 19

2011-11-19T16:58:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for starbucks, running into people you want to see in the grocery store and shopping with my mum

Thankful 18

2011-11-18T11:58:00.001-08:00

Today is kind of a selfish thankful, oops. I am thankful for really lovely little gadgets that help me get around with three kids easier. I am thankful for my ergo baby carrier that is amazing and I have no idea how i ever used anything else before this.

I am thankful for my stroller that allows me to go anywhere and everywhere I want. And thankful that my husband allowed me to pay an unreasonable amount on my only want with Raycer.

I am very thankful for my newest love the combi coccoro! There are a ton of flavorful colors but I have the black licorice. Love love love love this carseat and I wish I had it with all three from the newborn stage on! This thing is the softest most well made, comfy, sturdy, beautiful carseat I have ever laid eyes on. I am in love...and so is that little boy.

Thankful 17 World Prematurity Day

2011-11-17T05:52:00.001-08:00

I am so thankful for Raycer Jaxx and that he is here and breathing:) I get to hold a miracle in my arms everyday and I love it! He struggles with a lot still but all in all we are so thankful for the health he has been blessed with. I am more than thankful for every single NICU nurse there has ever been and will ever be. They are amazing and angels in disguise. I am thankful for our awesome neonatal doctors that saved Raycer's life more than once(or twice). I am thankful for all the support and prayers that were received for this tiny kid. I am thankful for this life experience and all that comes with having our little Rayce.

Thankful 16 1/2

2011-11-16T11:01:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for the UPS guy ha. If I wasnt already married I would consider marrying him because he makes my day!

Thankful 16

2011-11-16T08:47:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for my hard core cardio class that Katie and I are starting to go to again TONIGHT! Sweat and puking here we come!

Thankful 15

2011-11-15T06:24:00.001-08:00

I am thankful that these two have each other. They are best...buddies. They wrestle, they play, they wrestle. Pretty much everywhere we go there is one on top of the other and I am scolding. Boys are pretty much naughty but they love each other oh so much. I don't know what these two would do without each other. And I don't know what I would do without them...

Thankful 14

2011-11-14T11:12:00.001-08:00

I am so thankful for a beautiful day full sunshine, hot drinks and good company:) I am thankful for warmish weather that we are planning on thoroughly enjoying:)

Thankful 13

2011-11-13T10:59:00.000-08:00

So thankful for fellowship with other believers and Gods word. I love worship and church and most of all Gods teaching and am so thankful.

Thankful 12

2011-11-12T12:21:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for fun songs and dancing kids:) The people in the car next to us probably think we are crazy!

Thankful 11

2011-11-11T13:52:00.001-08:00

Today I am so thankful for this little girl and most thankful for her super big heart! Sydnee decided that she wanted to give her (in her own words) "beautiful hair" to girls that have no hair. So we researched Locks of Love and called our favorite Hair Doctor Aunt Jenny and made the appt. She was so excited! She kept telling me that God made her so her hair would grow really fast so she could give it away. Sydnee Rose is making this donation in honor of Maddie Rose, whom she is named after and we love very much and miss. I can't help but remember Maddie raising money for St. Judes before being diagnosed herself. What a great example and name sake:) I love these girls hearts! So here are the pictures.

Finished product with a silly smile

2011-11-11T08:32:00.001-08:00

We have a super big thankful later today:) stay tuned!

thankful 10

2011-11-10T13:06:00.001-08:00

I am thankful for really fun nights with friends. And super fun plannings of birthday parties(Sydnee Roses to be exact)

Thankful 9

2011-11-09T12:46:00.001-08:00

Today I am thankful for support...family and friends:) And bubble baths and medium chicken wings

thankful 8

2011-11-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for forgiveness. I am so thankful for Gods forgiveness for all of my sins. I mess up...a lot. and I am so glad that no matter what I do I am forgiven. He loves me unconditionally and I am so thankful for his gift of eternity with him and that he asks nothing in return. God is so merciful and I could never get to heaven on my own. I am thankful for his sacrifice and how much he loves me.
I am thankful for others forgiveness also. I am thankful for growth in mistakes and maturing:) Like I said God is good!

Thankful 7

2011-11-07T08:27:00.000-08:00

I am so so so super thankful for the opportunity to be momx3. I love it. Its my calling, my perfect fit, my favorite thing in life. Its thankless sometimes but wonderful non the less. I love being mom and love my times 3.

Raycer Jaxx

Tytan William

Sydnee Rose

Hard at work:)

Thankful 6

2011-11-06T14:29:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for all of my brothers and sisters! I love having a big family and want my kids to grow up with tons of brothers and sisters too! I am thankful we get to have Sunday dinner with them every week and I love it!

Thankful 5

2011-11-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

I am thankful for Mr K. I love this husband quite a lot:) He is pretty darn awesome, my best friend, my love, my favorite person to fight with, my favorite person to be around. He is the provider of our family, the protector of our children and I, the provider of our shopping haha just kidding. I just love him so much and after almost 9 years(what?!?) I couldn't be more happy to call him husband!

Thankful 4

2011-11-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for doors that God closes. The one that I am particularly thankful for today is that of taking a full time teaching position. This summer I was offered a teaching position for high school facs ed and interviewed and everything went great but it last minute turned into a lot more hours than had previously been promised. After TONS AND TONS of praying we felt that it was not what God wanted for us and I am so glad that we sought HIS wisdom and didn't take that job:) I am so thankful that I get to help so much with Sydnee and Tytans school and that I get to be with my littlest munchkin all day. I love those kids and am so thankful for a supportive husband that loves that I stay home with our tiny stinks! Anyways I am very thankful for the path God is leading us on:) and thankful for open and shut doors.

Thankful 3

2011-11-03T07:55:00.001-07:00

I am thankful for a house and a warm heater! Its freezing today!

Thankful 2

2011-11-02T11:57:00.001-07:00

I am super thankful that I can sew and super thankful I get to help with sewing all the costumes for Syd's class play:)

I love...

2011-11-01T15:31:00.001-07:00

Whippy Cake! and she is having a lovely little give away go and check her out:)

Thankful 1

2011-11-01T10:08:00.001-07:00

Today I am thankful for getting to stay home and be the crazy, busy, running around stay at home mommy of three cute kids!

Just Incredible!

2011-11-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from Us, The Incredibles!

We have had such a fun and amazing time with this years Halloween costumes.

Here are Mr and Mrs Incredible.

Syndrome!

Thankfulness and the Beibs

2011-10-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

I have been very convicted lately of how small my worries are in comparison to the rest of the world. I have been praying a lot for things that seem so big to me but when compared to others needs and worries they are so tiny. I am so thankful that God is cares about all of my worries and burdens no matter how small they seem they are still so important to him! I am so thankful:)

Aside from that the wind is horrid here and we have been wearing the Beiber do! Maybe its really windy wear Mr Justin B is from and thats why he always looks like that, I dont know but I would prefer he keep his wind inspired look:)

Thought of the Day

2011-10-24T12:24:00.000-07:00

Thought number 1. Someone should really come up with a store that sells only one half of the pair of shoes...Rayce seems to have lost one of his brand new cutest little moccasins in walmart of coarse! I have called numerous amounts of times trying to track down the little lost foot friend and have had no luck...I'd like to buy one moccasin please. Thanks.

Thought number 2...I shouldnt have put thought number 1 when there was only one thought to count...oops now there are two.

Thought number 3. Yes now there are three thoughts. Who picks up one little shoe in the middle of the store? Weird.

Bountiful...

2011-10-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

Look at all our yummy stuff from our bountiful basket! We have so many yummy things planned for this bunch of goodness! We made tons of salsa with last orders mexican pack our tomato's from our garden and now we have guacamole, taco salads, vinegar cucumbers, apple pies, margarita pizzas, burgers and mushrooms, minestrone and lots more planned. Quite a lot for just 15 dollars:)

And I am pretty sure we got the best one of all with a little surprise inside:) We are bountifully blessed!

Baby Food Question

2011-10-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ok So I have had a ton of questions from friends on how to start with making your own baby food. I have made all of my kids baby food and it is definitely the way to go. I calculated one time that I made 20 dollars of homemade baby food in comparison with over 200 dollars of store bought. Even if the money saving doesn't catch your eye the health benefits should. Knowing exactly what you are putting in your babies tiny body is very important in my opinion. I love not having to worry about baby food recalls(and in support of nursing formula recalls!) That is why before I start with the process I will suggest that you start with all organic or locally grown pesticide free fruits and veggies(like that of the Bountiful Basket Co op:)

Now on to the process. I know a lot of people have bought the baby food making blenders but my favorite thing to use is a LARGE food processor. I have a beautiful Cuisinart one that works great but any large food processor or blender should work as well. A blender my not work quite so good for bulk food making but you could definitely try it.

Peas, carrots, yellow and butternut squash, apples, pears, peaches...the list goes on. For these I like to boil the food before I blend. I peel my carrots, apples, pears and peaches and squash before hand and then cut into smaller pieces and boil until soft. DO NOT throw out the water you boiled in. It contains tons of the nutrients from the food that was boiled. Put the soft, hot veggie/fruit in the processor and add some of your boiled water. I blend and then continue to add my boiling water until I get the consistency that I want. (I know some of you may want to use your breast milk in the food. I usually added it to the food when I fed baby not when making the food. You could try it in the food while making it but I don't know if it would stay good for long.) After its all blended poor baby food into a clean, empty ice cube tray. You could spray with cooking spray if you like. Freeze for 24 hours, then pop out and store in freezer bags in the freezer for up to 6 months:)

I also have done sweet potato, acorn or party squash and other veggies that you bake. The process it basically the same you just add water to them to make them the right consistency. Freeze in the ice cube trays as well.

Bananas don't freeze well so I suggest using fresh bananas and mushing them up to baby(Raycer's FAVORITE!)

If you have any other questions or something wasn't clear let me know or if you have a suggestion that I didn't talk about let me know!