Favorite Snack

Pita chips and Hummus. This is one of my favorite snacks. I get a whole wheat pita - pull it apart into the two halves, then separate the two halves. Next I break it up into bite size pieces, putting them on a cookie sheet. I spray it with Pam or whatever cooking spray and sprinkle with garlic salt. I broil it in my oven for a few minutes, until they are done looking. Then I just eat them with Hummus or whatever yummy dip I want. Healthy and Yummy! Perfect!

House Sounds

Ive thought about this quite a bit. Once Justus was old enough to get around without all my attention, I started learning what different sounds things make when he was playing with them. I think any mom who stays home has done this. You know the familiar sounds, the ones when the kids are playing vs getting into mischief. In my house, my kids are not allowed to play with cabinets except the one that is really hard to open and neither has yet to open it. But that handle and that cabinet, I know what sound it makes. If Im putting my makeup on and one of the kids is playing with it, I know its ok. Other sounds like the cars on the tile, or the rolling of the push toy or the books being taken out of the bin - I know them all and when I hear them I know the kids are playing well. Other sounds are "no" sounds. If a forbidden cabinet is opened or a Hot Wheels is being drug across the wall. When I hear these it calls for my attention. And every so often I hear a new noise that makes me have to go investigate. It just strikes me funny what our ears get accustomed to.

Something I havent done in a really long time

I spent all day in my jammies! I cant remember the last time Ive done it. Even after the kids were born I always got dressed, even if it was late afternoon by the time it actually happened. Today we just hung out all day at the house. Neil has been feeling a bit under the weather so he didnt want to do anything and he was not really in the best place to leave him with the kids for any length of time. So I just hung out in my jammies, enjoying the relaxed day. I think Haven was the only one who ever got properly dressed. I even did her hair. Happy Jammy day!

The most frustrating

The other day, Neil and I had just had some people over for dinner. They offered to help clean up, but of course, I was like "No, its ok. I still have to unload the dishwasher." So no worries, we chatted for a while then they left. Neil and I got busy cleaning up. We unloaded the dishwasher and restacked it with the dinner dishes. Needless to say, it was full and ready to be started. I did however think I could get "one more dish in" so I waited til the morning after breakfast to run it. I loaded it all up, put the soap in, and pushed it closed. The familiar beeps were heard and then I pushed start. Nothing happened. I leaned closely to make sure cause our dishwasher is pretty quite. Nope, nothing. I pushed start again at least 15 times, but no use. Ugh!!!!!! So a day or so went past before I had the time to find a repair guy and get a quote. It was ridiculously expensive to have the guy just come out, let alone the parts and labor. So I talked it over with Neil and we decided to purchase a new one. We had just been given a gift card and I had a coupon. Also they currently have a mail in rebate so the delivery and instillation is free. So we are confident we made the right choice. However, because we needed black, it had to be special ordered so Im about 2 weeks without a dishwasher. So frustrating. I hate doing dishes by hand. Neil did remind me tho that its a good thing we are out of the bottle stage. For that I say Thank God!

Yet again

Youd think Id learn my lesson - well now I have. Yesterday as I was late to bible study and particularly upset about it cause I was in charge of snacks, I was going to fast. The nice motorcycle cop pulled me over with those now to familiar flashing lights. However this time, he wasnt a jerk, in fact, he was very professional and seemingly truly concerned that I would be speeding, endangering my fellow drivers. He asked why I was speeding and I told him I was late to bible study. He asked to see all my info. He looked at my drivers license and asked if the address was current. I said no. You see, my drivers license has my sis's address on it cause when I moved here I knew I wouldnt have a stable address for awhile but I knew she wasnt going anywhere. So it made sense. I just havent changed it in the past 8 years Ive lived here. Then upon looking at my registration he noted it was a different address and asked if that one was my current address. Again, I replied no. That one had the address of the house we just moved out of. So he took it all back with him to call it in or whatever they do. The whole time I was just praying for a miracle of God. And praise Jesus, he came back and said he was giving me a verbal warning for my speeding, but he was giving me a fix it ticket for my address being incorrect on my drivers license. He informed me that the law was you had 7 days to change it when you move. Well, who knew? Not me, but now I do and Im just so thankful it wasnt a speeding ticket!!

Justus' Favorite

On Valentines night, after we had put Haven to bed, Neil and I busted out our bottle of Martinelli's Sparkling Cider. Justus was still awake and was playing near by with his toys. Once he saw that we were drinking something special, he immediately wanted to know what it was and if he could have some. Because it was a special night, I poured him a small glass. Mind you, he has never had soda or anything super sugary. The first words out of his mouth were "Its my favorite!" So cute!

Happy Birthday Party

Last night was Justus' happy birthday party. I think my favorite part was when we were all singing happy birthday to him. You could just see the joy and pride on his face as we were all focused on him. It was really precious. I can just see as he is growing how much more he is understanding. He loved all his gifts. GiGi and Papa got him a red wagon, a Batman cave, some swim shorts, and a bug catcher. His fav was definitely the Batman cave out of all the gifts he got this year. Aunty Katie and Uncle Jeff got him a wagon for him to play with and his birthday balloons. Aunt Erin and Uncle Jim got him a game and a puzzle. Id have to say that Justus birthday was a hit. I know he certainly enjoyed it. Who doesnt love birthday attention? He certainly ate it up this year! Oh and the cake was yummy too! Eddies, my favorite!

Valentine Fun

Despite the icky rainy weather, Friend Whitney, Hannah and Claire came over today to decorate some cookies. This was Justus' first time to do something like this. He really did very well. The first cookie he spread the frosting on and decorated all by himself. For the second one I frosted and he decorated. Then each kid got to eat one cookie they made. Justus just ate the frosting off! He must be his moms son!! Haven just ate plain cookie while we decorated. Hannah did a great job and Claire did really well also. So very cute and fun!

More Presents!

After Haven went to bed Neil and I gave Justus our last present that was from us. We got him some Lincoln Logs. He absolutely loved them. We had a great time playing with them all together - hence why we waited til Haven was in bed. She is not nearly as destructive as Justus was at that age but she still likes to "help" which usually results in towers falling. So she was in sweet dream land and we were busy creating a village. It really was lots of fun. Tonight is our party for Justus so he will get his gifts from the rest of the family. Also yesterday in the mail was a birthday card from Auntie Carolyn. She always sends birthday money. I can remember when I was a little girl and she would take us to the toy store and say "Pick out whatever you want" and she meant it. Whatever we chose she would get for us. I know that material things are not whats important, but as a kid, that does make such great memories!

Hes the Big 3

We had a great morning. Justus woke up and Haven and I sang happy birthday to him. Then he came out to the kitchen and opened his first gift of the day. He was so excited. Then after breakfast we took Haven and dropped her off with friend Whitney to play then Justus and I headed to the park. We played lots. Next was Red Robin for lunch and Neil got to meet us. Justus opened a couple more gifts, one from Mrs. Whitney and one from Daddy. Once we picked Haven up and got home, I let him stay up a little later than normal to play with his new toys. Then off to dream land where he is currently. Tonight we dont have much planned but tomorrow night we will have cake with the fam. Oh, I cant believe Justus is 3. What a wonderful day!

I wish I could do it

Im not gonna lie - I wish I could do it. I want to start a family night tradition. I love reading on other peoples blogs about their wonderful family nights and I think its priceless. I even got to hear Jacinda (Id link to her blog right here but I dont know how - check her out on my side bar) talk about how easy and fun it is. She gave us great ideas and how-tos and I get so pumped. But I just get overwhelmed. I feel like Haven is old enough now, but Im just overwhelmed. Can I say that again, Im overwhelmed. I have lots of great thoughts on it, but making them reality seems difficult. I guess my answer is to have Neil help me, at least with the first few. We will have to do them on a Sat night to start out with. Oh....maybe next month!

Thursday

Justus will be 3. I cant believe it - I will be the mom of a one year old and three year old. This is such fun! Toddler phase is my fav, I must say. Even with all the drama that can ensue, I love the learning. Watching their faces as they learn new things and the amazement of new discovery is such a blessing. Kids are so precious! Amazing gifts. I would love to post some pics of my soon-to-be-3, but he is in the "no pictures" phase. This morning we discussed his night-night. The conversation went something like this: "How was your night-night Justus?" "Nothing" "It cant be nothing, it is either good, ok or bad" "It was bad" "Why was it bad?" "Anything" All this with a smile on his face. His fav words right now are anything, nothing and no way. Thats the answers I get to many of my questions.

On another note - something my sis does that I think is special and hopefully I can remember to do it this year. On her kids bdays, she picks up a bday card and writes her thoughts in it, seals it and is saving them for when her kids are older. Then they will have all these great memories to walk through when they are much older and will appreciate it. She also gets them a card to open.

Freezer Cooking

I did it! Last night friend Michele and I cooked up a storm - well, Michele really did most of the cooking but I did help. We made 5 meals: Lasagna, Shanghi stir fry, Chicken Ala King, Chicken fingers and Sweet and sour meatballs. All the meals looked really yummy and I cant wait to try them.

25 Random things about me

Ive seen several people do this on Facebook and Ive enjoyed learning more about my friends, so I thought Id do one on me....here you go:


1. I love entertaining. Having people over and (hopefully) making them feel at home is a true joy to me.
2. My husband is a gift from God. Literally. For 2.5 years I did not date AT ALL and just waited for God to gift me with the man of my dreams, ever praying Matt 7:11 - God desires to give us good gifts. Along came Neil and the rest is history.
3. Justus was not planned at all.
4. Haven was completely planned.
5. I lived in Alabama for 8 years. Moved back to California the day after I finished my last college class.
6. I have driven from Alabama to California 3 times.
7. I have been to at least 8 different countries and multiple islands in the Caribbean.
8. I rarely watch tv. If I am watching tv it is either, The Duggars on TLC, something on Animal Planet or a movie.
9. I do not keep up with pop culture or current events. Neil keeps me informed of the major happenings around our world and I read People magazine when I go get my hair done which is about every 8-10 weeks. Other than that, I have no idea.
10. When Neil and I got married, neither of us had grandparents that were living.
11. I consider myself to be very simple. As much as I admire pretty things and appreciate them, my home is simple, my clothes are simple, my thoughts are simple ;)
12. Ive known Jesus as my Savior since I was 4 years old.
13. I didnt start living for Jesus completely til I was 23.
14. My favorite colors are blue and yellow. They remind me of the blue sky and yellow sun which I absolutely love.
15. My pinkie finger on my right hand is permanently crooked. I was born this way and I like it. I refer to it as my uniqueness.
16. I love chocolate. You cant know me without knowing that I LOVE chocolate. I eat it everyday.
17. My favorite thing is to be outside on a warm sunny day.
18. I love to run/jog.
19. I love to go out to lunch. Lunch is my favorite meal. Eddies is my favorite lunch spot and bakery.
20. I have a bachelors degree in accounting.
21. I have one sister and she has two girls that are like my children.
22. My friend Renee and I have been friends since kindergarten. I love her like a sister.
23. I love to cook and bake. I do however hate raw meat. One time I bought a whole chicken and wanted to cook it. I couldnt eat chicken for several months after that experience.
24. I enjoy listening to others and hearing all about them but after having children my ability to focus is diminishing.
25. God has blessed me more abundantly than I could ever have imagined. Im so thankful.

Bye-Bye Facebook

Its official - today Im shutting down my Facebook page. Its just not for me. Thanks to all of you who let me be your friend!

You can tell shes a girl...

because she loves to accessorize. Without any prompting from me whatsoever, she goes and gets Daddy's belts (I dont wear them - Im very lacking in the accessorizing dept myself) and asks to put them on. Then she will parade around the house in them in her very prissy way. Such a cutie - such a girl! Also, here are some other cutie pics I took the other day.

Because My Mom loves me

She sent me this recipe the other day. I have yet to try it, but anything Chocolate and quick is what Im talking about! Moms do know what is best!!

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

a small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using)and vanilla extract, and mix again. Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed! Allow to cool a little, and tip out onto a plate if desired. EAT! (this can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous).

And why is this the most dangerous cake recipe in the world? Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Superbowl

Yesterday was a fun day for us. We got to host our Sunday School Superbowl party. It was lots of fun. Neils parents offered to watch the kids for us which was really nice cause it allowed me to be able to hostess and enjoy our company and the game without kiddo distraction. We had so much food - homemade guacamole, Carmel corn, brownies, queso, not to mention plenty of chips, cookies, dips, salsas, chex mix and a cake to celebrate one of our class members who was baptized earlier that day. It was such an exciting time. We had mostly Cardinal fans, but we did have a few Steeler fans. So we all know that outcome. It was a great time tho, many times very loud with cheers. Im posting a few pics that didnt really turn out that well, but I should be getting some more soon so Ill post those when they come.