Letter to Jesus

First:  HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!  Whoo-Hoo!! 

Second: I am at work and the power is out.  Yes, we have generators, but only limited amount of power.  My computers were not working, so we had to find an outlet in the kitchen somewhere that did work, so patients could get their breakfast trays.  So...... my office as cords stretched everywhere, extension cords are strewn out all over the place.  The computer and both of my printers are stretched and in awkward positions to get them to reach the extension cords.  I cannot close my door because of all the cords..... it's one HOT mess in here!  But, I have my computer working and am able to get everything done AND still listen to the radio!  Whew!  haha. 

Third: We finally made it to the pumpkin patch.  I was pretty disappointed in it though.  They are nothing like they were when I was little!  I have pictures, but will wait until after today and post halloween ones at the same time.

Fourth:  I came across this letter on a blog I read and I had to share it.  Karen Kingsbury is a Christian book author and she has made this letter.  It is comprised completely of scriptures.  I hope it brings you some encouragement and comfort.  Enjoy!  And have a great Halloween everyone! 


Dear Friend,

Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It's already happening. Don't you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you. … Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them … and the LORD will be with you.
For nothing is impossible with God.
Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline
Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. . . . And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Finally . . . whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Forget what happened before, and do not think about the past. Look at the new thing I am going to do. It's already happening. Don't you see it? I will make a road in the desert and rivers in the dry land.

I have loved you with an everlasting love . . .

Love always,
Jesus

 

A little clarification

I feel like I should explain a bit after my last entry.  Over the last month (longer for some of them), I have been coming across different people and being completely inspired by their stories and have been a reminder to me of God's grace, of His perfect plan, and a reminder to me that nothing is ours.  Not even our children.  We are blessed to be raising them up to love and serve our amazing God, but in the end, they are ultimately His.  Here are just a few of the people and a glimpse of their stories that have inspired me. 

Sarah and Chet Erwin

I have written of this couple on a previous blog entry.  Sarah was pregnant, having contractions and they were headed to the hospital to have their baby.  Though, they found that their sweet baby Holden had already gone to be with Jesus just hours before she delivered.  A cord "accident".  Though we all know that, in God's plan, there are no "accidents", no matter how devastating it is for us, here on earth.  Reading Sarah's blog has been super inspiring to me.  She is a strong Christian with an amazing strength and perspective on God's will.

Chelsea Jacobs

I found Chelsea's blog through Sarah's.  She lost her son at 34 (maybe it was 35?) weeks last September.  The amazing impact that little Chase has left in this worldin just a year is life changing.  Literally.  Chelsea has started 'His Chase', a foundation for orphans.  Quite inspiring.  They are in the midst of adopting a sweet young child from Ghana (I believe).  Another strong Christian, and God has certainly used this little bundle of love for so much more than ever imagined!  See, God does have bigger, better, plans for His children.  

Erin and Blair



 Erin's story just ran across my plate yesterday.  She lost her 36 hour old baby girl Gwen just last week.  Her story is heartbreaking (as they all are!).  She is another strong Christian, who is clinging to God for understanding, peace, and hope right now.  I can not imagine the agony she, and these other women must have felt and are still feeling. 

Baby Enzo

I have also written about Baby Enzo's story.  He was in an accident with his parents in Bremerton, WA.  He was in critical condition, and in the end, was taken by the Lord to be in Heaven.  Baby Zo's aunt has been keeping a blog, and it is amazing to read her and her families thoughts and also stories from others in the comments

            ***Sidenote:  I LOVE comments!  Don't feel shy about leaving a comment (or pressured....) if you so wish!  I love to read them.  Sometimes I feel like I am just writing to myself and that no one ever reads what I write (which is totally fine).  So feel free to leave a comment anytime..... I would love to hear your stories, ideas, thoughts, or feelings!***

Nikki
My sister.  Well, techinically step sister, but who likes that term?  She is currently pregnant, do anytime now!  YAY!!  She was suppse to have a baby shower the weekend before last, but the friend that was throwing her baby shower passed away unexpectedly the day before.  They are still not sure what happened and are still waiting for lab reports to come back.  Poor Nikki.  She has lost so many friends in her lifetime.  People that are WAY too young to die. 

Grandma Bechard
My grandma (my step mom's mother) has ovarian cancer and has been fighting it for over 5 years.  Only 20% of ovarian cancer patients survive 5 years or longer when the cancer has spread to other organs (which grandma's has).  She is a fighter and God has been oh so gracious and healing.  There have been many times when we thought she wasn't going to make it much longer.  Last Christmas, we were preparing for it to be her last.  God is amazing and she is still here with us, thriving and holding on to His grace. 

Again, these are just a few of the people the Lord has placed in my life.  Whether they are family, or I just stalk their blog..... He has a purpose for me following their stories.   There have been so many amazing people lately that I have met or read about. 

Shawn asks me why I am so interested in these stories of babies dying, people with cancer, and all these tragedies.  I don't really have an answer for him.  I have been drawn to these stories since I was a young girl, reading Lurlene McDaniel books.  She was my favorite author ever.  He asked me if I wished I had a story like these people to share with people.  I said no way!  I couldn't imagine having to live through one of these stories.  I have had my share of deaths in my life and went 7 years in a row with a loved one or close friend dying, but death doesn't seem to phase me.  It's not the dying that draws me in, it's the impact that life had on the world.  It's what God has done with the situation and how He is making a difference. 

I have wondered "what's my story?  How are you going to use me, God? What purpose does my life hold?  Sure, I have had things go wrong in my life.  Who hasn't?  But I look at my life and what can I complain about?  The fact that my window in my van doesn't roll down?  My closet and wardrobe selection isn't as expansive as I would like it?  That we will lose 15-20,000 dollars when we sell our house?  Or maybe that Hannah has been clingy, up in the middle of the night and pukes up A LOT?  I look at these families who have lost their children, and know that they long to have a child puking on them and clinging to them!

So I ask the question, WHY ME?  Why have you chosen me to bless so extravagently?  And why am I not doing anything about it?  What can I do to show my thankfulness?  These are the questions I am struggling with right now.  Not the typical 'why me' questions, but I am just at a loss of what to do with my life and how I am to serve the Lord and what plans He has for me and my family.  So yes.  I am HUNGRY. 

As I write this, I believe it is no accident that Oprah is on (a DVR special) about a family who lost all three of their children in a horrific car accident.  Two girls and a boy.  One year later, almost to the day, they gave birth to triplets.  A boy and two girls.  God is amazing. 

Have a blessed Friday.  My morning is already starting out as a blessing.  It is nearly 9:30 in the morning and both girls are still sleeping.  Why on earth am I so blessed?  Perhaps the Lord knew I needed to finish this blog.  Maybe He has bigger plans for it than me just 'getting it off my chest'. 

"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 29:10-12

Hungry. Humbled. Blessed.

In the past month or so, the Lord has allowed me to cross paths with many a people and I am humbled and blessed. I sit back and marvel at God's glory and how BLESSED I truely am. I am only human and cannot guarantee that I will never complain about my oh so blessed life again, but God has been certainly working in my heart to stretch myself and live in accordance to the plans He has for me without doubting Him.

I'm hungry.  I'm hungry for the Lord.  Hungry for His Word.  And His work in me.  I'm hungry for church.  For a sermon from Pastor Bob (at Cornwall Church in Bellingham).  Hungry for a Creation Festival (which I haven't been able to go to for the last 4 years!). Hungry for a women's retreat (oh, wait! You have to go to church in order to hear about those going on, right?).  I'm hungry for a full-on, all out, heart stopping, mountain moving worship service.  I'm just hungry. 

I am SO ready to be done working that it is not even funny.  I honestly love my job, but I hate that I work every. single. Sunday.  Every. One!  It has really hurt my relationship with God.  No, church is not the only link between the Lord and I, but I feel that it is an extremely important one.  Not just the church service, but the fellowship with other believers.  My days are filled with either two (beautiful) babies, whom I am not able to carry inspiring, encouraging conversations with, or at work, with very few believers and many, many complainers!  We work in a hospital, for crying out loud..... and I work with people who are complaining that they have to put Chicken Noodle Soup in a blender for a patient because they are on a full liquid diet and that is the consistancy the soup must be.  No, you can't just send them Cream of Chicken soup.  That's not what they would like to eat.   It drives me bonkers that some people are so insensitive to our patients and so completely lazy. 

Anyway, my heart is longing for a church home.  I have 19 days of work left, spread out over the next seven weeks.  So for the next 7 weeks, I am not able to go to church.  But you can bet that I will be there on week 8!  I am not looking forward to beginning a church hunt when we move to Wenatchee.  It's so hard.  It is especially hard to church hunt anywhere after having gone to such a fabulous church in Bellingham for the 3 years I lived there.  I feel like nothing can compare to Pastor Bob Marvel, or the church family that was there.   I realize that "church" is for God, not for us, and He is present in them all.  It doesn't matter where you worship Him, because "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18:20, but at the same time, there are other things I want to look for in a church.  A great children's church is a must.  I want my kids to be brought up knowing and loving Jesus the way that I long for them to do, and a great children's church family for them is something I long for.  Also, we would love to be a part of a bible study with other young couples.  The size of the church.  We don't want to feel like we are in someone's living room, but we also don't want to feel lost in a crowd.  (again, this may be a little selfish of me, but it would be ideal....)  The music is important to me.  I know that good singing voices, a mix of classic hymns and current songs sung on the radio are not important to all, or perhaps should even be considered in our church hunt, but again, this is on my selfish "want" list. 

I know God will lead us to the "perfect" church for us, but it's something that I get so anxious about.  I felt like I found the closest thing to "perfect" in Bellingham, and then again here in East Valley, when we found a church close to home where 7 other women were pregnant with girls when we first found out we were pregnant with KaeLee.  But then, as soon as KaeLee was born, I lost that connection, as I started working every weekend in order to stay away from daycare centers. 

I know this is a random post and not too sure how many of you actually care, but this was on my heart tonight and Shawn has already gone to bed.  I felt the need to share.  I am rarely up later than he is! 

In other updates, I am not sure that I have mentioned this or not, but Hannah has been pulling herself up and has even (the last few days) began to walk behind things (her dolly stroller.....or KaeLee's dolly stroller..... and her little mermaid ride on toy).  She is so strong and is getting bigger and smarter every day! 

Another big thing that has happened......  Hannah fell down the stairs.  I have agonized over whether or not I should share this, since it comes with such shame and guilt.  But I am human.  I am not a perfect mom.  Of course I have always said "Surely she would never go over there" or "that would never happen to me".  but it did.  Praise the Lord she is okay and didn't have a stratch, bump, bruise or broken bone on her, but the scare was just that.  SCARY.  It was from the top of the stairs.  We were all in the office, I was on the floor with the girls, going through a pile of papers, KaeLee was getting into everything she shouldn't, and Hannah was quietly trying to eat her jumbo lego blocks.  While being distracted by KaeLee getting into things she knew she shouldn't play with, Hannah had snuck out the door.  The stairs are just around the corner.  I always barracade the stairway off, but I wasn't going to be but a second in the office, and I thought "she's not too fast of a crawler yet, I'll notice if she starts heading towards the door..." 

Then I heard the BOOM BOOM BOOM WHHAAAAAAAA!!!!!!  My heart lept out of my chest.  I couldn't get there fast enough.  She was on the landing of the stairs on her back and trying to roll over to her tummy.  If she had succeeded, she would have finished rolling down the other half.  I scooped her up, held her tight and said a prayer.  I checked her out, made sure she could move all her body parts, looked for bleeding, dialated eyes, and any other signs of 'not okay'.  She seemed to be fine and was laughing and crawling around in moments like nothing ever happened.  I called Shawn.  A phone call I didn't want to make.  I didn't want him to think I was incapable of taking care of our children or to think I was a horrible person.  He was very kind and gracious though, and assured me that he knew I would never allow that to happen purposefully.  I know it was only by the grace of God that she did not snap her neck or something.  She had to of gone head first down those stairs.  I watched her closely for the next couple of days and she has been completely fine.  Amazingly! 

The only thing I have noticed lately (this happened last Tuesday.... the 19th) is that she has been super sensitive and gets scared easily.  Every time she falls down (even from an inch off the ground), she cries.  And if you even look at her without smiling, she starts to cry.  You cannot say her name with any kind of negativity or discipline attached to it or she will start to cry.  If you tell her no (even if you say it while smiling), she starts to cry.  She is just super sensitive.  Poor thing.  Otherwise, she is the happiest baby ever!  haha.  Tonight, during bath, we decided that Hannah is going to be a tomboy, but super sensitive, and KaeLee will be the "tough" girlie girl.  haha.  It's amazing how you can give birth to two such different personalities! 

Well, I can't believe it is nearly midnight!  I am going to regret staying up this late when Hannah wakes up in an hour and a half!  And again 4 hours after that..... but I really felt the need to share my heart.  Right now my heart is about to BURST from all feelings I have in there..... I can't until Monday. Vacation is something my body, mind and heart could use.  I have been touched by so many inspiring stories lately and by people who press on and rely on the Lord for every ounce of their strength and my heart just aches for those people and their families.  I feel so many things for them and don't know what to do with all those feelings.  Oh, if only this would make sense to anyone.   Anyway, have a blessed Friday tomorrow!  I am extremely blessed because my plate is full... SO full that I didn't know how to sort everything out..... but then I was reminded that I don't work tomorrow!  I remember that I gave my hours to Shayna a few weeks ago.  She was scheduled very few hours and needs them more than me.  But I forgot to change my calendar!  So I am super thankful that I have an extra 9 hours I didn't think I had!  Praise the Lord!  He must have known I would need those hours for something different when I felt the need to give her my shift!  Goodnight y'all!

More Pictures? SURE!

KaeLee reading to her dolly

The following pictures are taken while Hannah has her first "veggie puff".  She really does like them but is not quite sure about the texture of them. It was quite hilarious to watch!

In fact, it was so hilarious, that I had to take a video of it......

Hannah in the jumperoo....

Kinda reminds me of this picture.... (KaeLee at 8 months)

 Hannah and Daddy

Hannah in the candy bin.... we're ready for those trick-or-treaters!

and yes, it probably reminds you of this picture.... (KaeLee last year)

KaeLee wanted to join in too.... I love how Hannah looks like she's licking the candy in this one!  haha

Hope you all are having a great week!  We were supposed to go to the pumpkin patch on Sunday, but that didn't happen.  Then we were going to go today, but that didn't happen.  So the new plan is Saturday.  Yes, the day before Halloween.  So there is no turning back.  This will be the day, whether we are there in the rain, mud, hail or snow.... we WILL be going to the pumpkin patch Saturday!  No excuses! And I will remember the stroller! 

Our realtor is coming tomorrow to take pictures and set the asking price of the house... not looking forward to seeing how much we are going to lose on the house.  And did you know that when you sell your house, it costs about 10% of your sell price?!?!?!  So if we were to sell our house for $200,000 (only by the grace of God would that happen!), it would cost us $20,000!!  Holy Gabooza!!  Very overwhelming.  But it's not like we have much of a choice.  The market is not going to turn around in the next 2 months....bummer. 

Well, I am off to bed.  I am exhausted.  It has been a LONG week already, and only going to get longer.  Vacation starts Monday.  Whoo Hoo.  I am in need of a week away from the house with NO plans whatsoever!  It will be good to relax and hang out by the indoor pool with the girls and go shopping, hang out on the beach (even though it will be freezing!) and find other fun things to do!  Though, sitting around relaxing, sounds best of all!

November 1st is a big day! We officially take over the lease, our house will be officially on the market, Halloween will have just ended, along with all the chaos the holiday brings, and vacation STARTS!  Good night y'all!

The Kitchen Floor is The Place To Be!

New Pictures.... consider yourselves blessed to be looking at such beautiful girls in these pictures! ;)

Hannah has discovered the kitchen floor and loves it.  The toys are courtesy of KaeLee, of course.  haha

KaeLee found my sweatshirt and decided to give it a try.... either she's tiny or I'm huge!  Yikes!

Hannah has also discovered the tent.... and loves it!

Nap time for KaeLee's dollies.... and no, I did not help her make a line.  She did have more dollies lines up, but I wasn't fast enough to take the picture before some of them "woke up"

Again on the Kitchen floor!  She cracks me up!

And again.... haha.  She's so funny!

So KaeLee has apparently taught Hannah how to clean the floor.... I sweat this is NOT what I spend my time teaching my kids..... haha

Christina and Luis came to visit and the girls had a great time with them!

I got Hannah to look....

and then KaeLee.... then after about 6 shots of really bad ones, I gave up.... haha

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!  I am!  Probably because I am using my sick time this weekend and not working.... and I LOVE it!  We had a great yard sale today and got rid of just about everything! Whoo-Hoo!  Christina and Luis came to visit and it was so nice to meet him.  From what I can see, she's got a good catch.  ;)  Tomorrow we GO TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH!  Whoop Whoop!  I'm SUPER excited!  More pictures coming soon..... have a great Saturday night!

Well this week has been a doozy.  Yup, I said doozy.  We have been hard at work getting the house ready to sell (I am SURE you guys can't wait for me to be done talking about this! Sorry!)  We are almost there.  I have the kitchen and master bedroom to go through and then just deep cleaning throughout the whole house to do.  (geez, the way I said that it makes it sounds as though the deep cleaning will take 5 minutes and be a breeze..... I WISH!)  But the progress we made this week has been amazing!  We are having a yard sale tomorrow to try and rid ourselves of a TON of stuff!  A lot more than what we both thought we had! 

Our anniversary was great.  Being home with two sick kids all week and working my butt off around the house, I never got to the store to get anything for Shawn.... oops.  But his gift from me was getting stuff done around the house.  On our anniversary, I spackled all the crown moulding and got all taped off, ready to paint (among other things...).  This was quite the job and one I know he wasn't looking forward to.  So I think I can consider that my gift to him.....?  Shawn got me some warm gloves for my 4:30 mornings going to work.  Since the garage is overtaken by yard sale stuff and piles to go to storage, I have to park in the freezing cold outdoors..... I know, I know, POOR me!  haha.  And he got me a picture collage frame and he said that it would match the design of the headboard I want him to make me.  (the one he was ssupposed to make me 3 years ago for my birthday..... yeah, I'm still waiting!) ;)  The card he got me was pretty funny.  He told me, "I lol'd at that card in the store." Uh...... did my husband really just say LOL'd???!!!  haha.  That made me "lol".  A lot. 

Anyway, we went out to dinner.  Black Angus.  Yummy.  Then we had thought about going to the haunted house afterward, but we drove by it and it looked scary.  Not the haunted house, just the fact that there were some pretty shady people in the parking lot along with a couple of cop cars.... not sure what was going on, but we decided to pass.  On the way home, we noticed that Big Lots had opened!  I love that store and convinced Shawn to stop there.  He actually ended up liking the store and was amazed by their low prices.  So we ended up going shopping for our 'date'.  haha. 

Well, as I vaguely mentioned.... our whole household is sick right now.  The girls have had it for a while, and Shawn and I both finally caught it from them.  Poor girls.  If their throats and noses and whole bodies hurt like ours do, I can understand why they have been waking up a lot at night, why they haven't been able to eat much (due to lack of ability to breathe....) and why they have been so tired and whinny.  And poor KaeLee has been trying to cut a tooth on the bottom (yes, she still only has her two top front teeth!).  I've been able to feel it for a few weeks now, but it's not poking through!  She is always gnawing on her fingers and comes up to me and says "teef, teef, teef."  Poor thing.  I know they hurt her.  I need to try some teething tablets.  I have heard other people swear by them.  We just give her orajel, sometimes tylenol, and let her gnaw on cold teething rings a lot.  I just feel so bad for her.  They say that most all toddlers have all their teeth by the age of 2 (including their molars!).  Well, she a little over 3 months to catch up!  haha.  Oh, and you should feel bad for us, since most parents only have to deal with teething for 18 months or so.......! ;) haha. 

I have some pictures, but am at work once again, so I will have to post them later.  Sunday we are going to the pumpkin patch, so I feel another blog coming soon..... and tomorrow, Christina (Shawn's, well technically cousin, but we call her sister...) and her boyfriend, Luis, are coming over.  I am pretty excited to meet him! 

For now, have a blessed Friday.  And a great weekend! :)



P.S.  My apologies go out..... I always have intentions of posting short blogs, as not to bore you, but they always end up being books!  Sorry!

To my Husband...

Here's another oldie.... 10-20-07

Dear sweet husband,

   You are amazing.  You are the first greatest gift God has given me.  You are the glue of our family.  No one could be more perfect for me than you are.  God placed you in my life for so many reasons...... some reasons I haven't gotten to discover yet.  Every day is a blessing to be married to you. 

I love how you come home and take over with the girls because you know how exhausted I am.  Even though I know you are exhausted from your own day at work.  I love how you help with EVERYTHING with the girls.... diapers, middle of the night feedings, crying, discipline, feeding, packing the diaper bag, carrying the pink bag around without hesitation..... you do so much for those girls.  You do so much for me.  I love how you help around the house and aren't afraid of the dishes, the laundry room, or the vacuum.  You stepped up and did everything when I was recovering from giving birth and you are so quick to help whenever I need it.  I love it how you always ask if I need anything and how you know all my little quirks and OCD tendencies.  And you only make fun of me occasionally. 

There are so many things you do for me, I would never be able to list them all.  But most importantly, you encourage me.  You make me feel so loved, so comfortable, and so confident.  Thank you for everything you've done, everything you do, and everything you will do in our lifetime together.  I would have it no other way.  I love you.  Happy Anniversary!

Love,
your crazy woman for a wife :)

On the Menu...

I find that my week has quite a bit less stress in it if I have my menu already planned out!  I actually have it planned out a month at a time for grocery shopping purposes, but I think I may share with you each Monday.... feel free to steal the recipes and make them your own.  I noticed that most the recipes I have feed about 6.  haha.  Even though there is only 2 of us.  KaeLee doesn't really count because she doesn't ever eat anything.  But that's what weekends are for: LEFTOVERS!  :) Have a great, less stressed week this week!  Enjoy!

This week's menu:
Monday: Pulled Pork Sandwiches (via crockpot)
Tuesday: Tator Tot Casserole
Wednesday: Meatloaf with scalloped potatoes
Thursday: Ham and Potato Soup
Friday: Chicken Stir Fry

Pulled Pork.... YUMMY!
Serves about 6
Ready in about 8 hours (but takes less than a minute to set up in the morning!)
A pork roast (2 lbs) in the crockpot with a 12 ounce can of root beer poured over it.  Let it cook for about 7 hours.  Take roast out and shred it, add it back to crockpot.  Pour an 18 ounce bottle of your favorite bbq sauce over it, stir and let it cook for about a half hour or until ready to eat.  Serve on Toasted Buns. 

Tator Tot Casserole
Serves about 6
Ready in about 1 hour 15 minutes
Preheat oven to 350.  Cook 1/2 pound hamburger with onion until browned.  Add 2 cans of cream of chicken and mushroom, 1/4 can of milk, 1 can of green beans (drained) and stir together.  Pour tator tots into a 9x11 pan, covering the bottom of the pan.  Pour the mixture over it.  Top with cheese and sliced olives.  Bake for 30-45 minutes.  YUM-O!

Meatloaf:  Nikki's version
Ready in about 1 1/2 hours (but a snap to prepare!)
Serves about 6
3/4 pound ground beef
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
3/4 johnny seasoning salt
1/8 teas. black pepper
1/2 small onion, chopped
1/8 teas. ginger
1 teas. garlic powder
1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
1/8 cup ketchup
2 Tbsp. brown sugar

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix all these ingredients in a bowl and form into the shape of a loaf.  Press about 1/4 cup of brown sugar into the bottom of a loaf pan, and squeeze some ketchup over it.  Place the loaf on top of the ketchup and then squeeze more ketchup on top of the loaf, covering most of the top of it.  Bake for 1 hour or until temperature reaches at least 165. 

Nikki's Delicious Ham and Potato Soup
Ready in about 45 minutes
Serves about 6 (we love the leftovers...!)
3 1/2 cups diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
2 teas. garlic powder
1 cup diced cooked ham
1/2 cup bacon crumbles (or real bacon bits)
2 cups frozen corn
2 cans chicken broth
2 can water
2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teas. ground white or black pepper
5 Tbsp. butter
5 Tbsp. flour
2 cups milk

Combine potatoes, celery, onion, ham, bacon crumbles, corn, garlic chicken broth and water in a stockpot.  Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.  Stir in Chicken bouillon, salt and pepper,

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat.  Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick (about 1 minute).  Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all the milk has been added.  Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick.  (about 4-5 minutes)

Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, cook soup until heated through.  Serve immediately. 

Chicken Stir Fry
Ummmm..... go to Costco and pick up their chicken stir fry in the frozen section.  It takes a while 6 minutes to make.  Through together a salad and TaDa!  A delicious meal!  Hey, what's a girl to do when I work until 6:30?!?!  :)

Enjoy!  Hope these recipes help if you are in a pinch of what to make for dinner!  Of course, you may have to think of the sides to go with them... veggies, salads, fresh fruit, dinner rolls..... the possibilities are endless!  Have a great week everyone! 

Here they are....!

So, apparently, they just changed the formatting style.  I figured out where the button moved to..... so here, ya go! Enjoy!

KaeLee being her normal silly self.  Notice how long her hair is getting?  It's so hard to keep it out of her eyes!

 KaeLee puckering up! haha

 I SWEAR KaeLee was smiling when I clicked the button to take a picture.  At least Hannah looks like she's having a grand ole time.  Haha. 

 Isn't she so pretty??  :)  LOVE her!

Oh, she's so pretty too!!!  Goota love this little chunky monkey! (and by the way, this is a 12 month onsie....and yes, she's only 7 months! haha) 

 KISSES!  Hannah loves getting kisses from her sissy!

 KaeLee crawling through her tunnel

Hannah is back there watching KaeLee go through it over and over...

A Lost Shoe, A Lost Purse, and 2 Cranky Kids!

Well, so much for a nice, relaxed weekend just hanging out with the girls and my mom. HA! We went down to Tri-Cities to go to JCPenny. We started in the shoe department, then moved all around the store, coming to the baby department. This is where KaeLee says "shoe? shoe?" Looking down, I see that she has lost a shoe. Not just a shoe. The only shoe that fits her. Her Brand new shoe. Half of her $20 pair of shoes! Ahhhhhhh!!!! Searching the store, I finally found the shoe up on a display shelf in the shoe department, with a fake tag stuck in it like it was for sale or something. HA! I quickly grabbed it then had to run around the entire store to try and figure out where mom went. Finally found her, finished shopping and went to check out. Time to pay. Oh CRAP! Where's my purse? Yeah, the purse with my keys, money, and well, EVERYTHING! So again, we do a run around in the store, asking a bunch of people if it's been turned in. After all these no's, I am starting to shake and will at any moment break down into a full blown pity party bawling session. Then my mom asked one more guy and he said he had found it!! WHEW!! So we go BACK to the check out and finish up and go grab some lunch.

Then we have to go back to Pennys for the girls' pictures. Yes. We were going to get their pictures taken. Oh, my kids are fabulous, right? They love being center of attention and are very well behaved (for other people). This should be a breeze. They will love my kids. It will probably be the easiest session they have all day.

And then we started the photo shoot.

KaeLee would not sit anywhere she was supposed to. Hannah just kept crawling away or would be swinging her arms wildly and every picture would be blurry. Urgh. It was the most frustrating thing ever. I have a new found respect for photographers because if I had to do that all day I would go insane and there would be NO WAY I would EVER have kids! That's a good birth control job for sure! Now, granted, the lady we had was not all that great and wasn't too helpful. I feel like I did everything but push the button on the camera! I suggested props, postitioned the girls, suggested backgrounds, tried to get the girls to smile... yeah. Pretty sure that lady should have been doing all that. I think I may just ask for a nicer camera for Christmas (or maybe my birthday....) and just stick to doing them myself. That way I can catch them in a good and 'willing' mood.

**SIGH** That was just as exhausting telling you about it as it was to be there! The girls were zonked out in the car before I could even get the car started! The slept good the whole way home. We then decided to go to dinner (I told my mom she was crazy!) and Hannah screamed the entire way. She was DONE being in the car seat. I knew I was pushing it. Dinner went great though and they both behaved very well. I think it was because there were enough people around and they were all cooing over the girls, which they love. Then Hannah screamed the whole way home. Bath time was cut short due to the fact that Hannah puked chunks ALL over the place in the tub and it was no longer anywhere close to being sanitary enough to stay in there. And it was impossible to try and get out! Quick bath and quick bed time and then I got to clean the bathtub and all their bath toys.

Whew. What a weekend! I am totally exhausted and we didn't get to make it to storytime today. Bummer. The girls are both sleeping now, so I should probably get going and eat some lunch and try to get something done around here since it didn't happen this weekend! Have a great week everyone! Here a few pictures from yesterday and this morning while just hanging out with the girls. I will post the pictures from Penny's once I get them back. (7-10 business days I believe)

hmmmmmm..... my button for adding pictures is missing for some reason??? I guess I will just try later. Sorry. As is my spellcheck. And I don't feel like re-reading this to edit it. Sorry again.

Miss Chunky Cheeks

So this is Hannah's new favorite place to hang out. Isn't she just adorable?



I could kiss those chunky cheeks all day long! I'm not sure if I have mentioned it or not, but Hannah is starting to pull herself up to her kneew. She has gotten to her feet once! It was today when she pulled herself up onto her Elmo toy. I noticed it when I looked over in time to see her fall backwards, Elmo toy and all. Whoops.

I also caught KaeLee in action today. You see, during their nap, I was sitting on the floor, sorting baby clothes. I found a goathead on the floor and leaned backwards to put it on the end table. Well, my intentions fell through (of throwing it away) and when KaeLee got up from her nap, I saw her standing by the table, went over there to see if there was anything on the table she knows she can't have. That's when I caught her. I screamed. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!" Yes those were my words. She had just popped the goathead in her mouth and said "mmmmm...." Luckily, as soon as I started screaming, she took it out. Praise the Lord! Pretty sure that wouldn't have felt too great going down!

They sure keep me on my toes!

Well, Happy Wednesday!