I have always been the "baby" of the group.  You know, the youngest one around.  My brother is 6 years older than me, my childhood best friend is a year older than me, my cousins were all older than me... We even got married young so we were the "young ones" at church when we started having kids. 

A realization hit me recently....I have left the "young" group.  I'm not feeling old -- but I do feel older {in a good way!}.  Is it the little non-brown hairs popping up on my head?  The fact that my babies are 6, 9 & 12?  Whatever it is, it's okay....I love being 30+5. 

With age comes a different kind of confidence.  A more relaxed (yet still consistent) way of parenting.  A renewed love of your spouse (15 years & counting!). And much more.  With age comes Responsibilty and {hopefully} increased Wisdom and Knowledge.

Several months ago, I was asked by a sweet "younger woman" if I would meet with her once a week and go through a book together.  This girl (mid 20's) is a treasure.  She loves the Lord and has wisdom beyond her years.  I, of course, said yes to her.  Before our first meeting, I broke out into a cold sweat {exaggeration} because I realized that in this relationship I AM THE OLDER WOMAN!  What?  I have no idea how that happened... Have you read Titus 2 lately? 

Titus 2:3-5  "Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored."

What a  privilege to live my life in a way that honors my Savior - and by doing this, I am being a Titus 2 woman.  The younger women in our lives are watching.  My 9 year old daughter is watching.  My sons are watching and learning what type of woman they should marry.  I am reminded to Love the Lord, Serve Him, Grow in Knowledge & Wisdom...and so much more.

While it is true that I'm getting these non-brown hairs colored tomorrow at 2:30 :)...That is the only part of my age that I am "hiding".  I am grateful that God saved me 29 years ago...and that I had so many older women in my life through the years who were godly examples to me.  I am also thankful that I attend a church where older women love the Lord - because I can still learn and grow and be discipled.

Easter 2011

Easter...seems like just yesterday -- but so much has happened since then.  After spending the morning worshipping our Risen Savior, we came home and hosted an Easter Lunch with sweet neighbors and friends from church.  Friends, Children, Easter Eggs, Good Food and, most importantly:  A DAY TO CELEBRATE OUR SAVIOR - He is Risen, Indeed!  We had a wonderful day. 

My Neighbor, Suzanne brought a Carrot Souffle that was beyond yummy!  {If you don't think you would like Carrot Souffle - you're wrong - just try it and you'll change your mind}!  Here's the recipe:

1 - 2 lb bag of carrots (cleaned/peeled)
1 cup of butter
1 cup of sugar
2  cups of milk
4  eggs
8 Tablespoons flour

4 teaspoons baking powder

pinch of cinnamon

Boil Carrots for 25 minutes until soft; drain.  Process/Mix carrots with butter until smooth.  Add all other ingredients and puree.  (Use a large processer or blender).  Spoon into baking dish or dishes - shallow dishes are better for cooking time.  Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes. 

Delicious!

The kids loved the M&M's 

LOVE these Napkins ~ Vera Bradley
{I happen to have a matching bag!}



My Cupcake Maker
She also drew the Bunny Picture in the frame behind her.




Easter Egg Hunt Bags ~ Labeled, Of Course!



Veggie Tray ~ Love the Labels Karli made

Centerpiece

Some of the food

Happy Kids:

 

 

 

 







What happens when the kids take a break from Jumping?

Jon gets a turn...he can actually do a great flip -

this picture doesn't represent that!



For the love of Shoes

I'm an accessories kinda girl.  You know the type.  Simple clothes {blacks, browns, etc}...but fun accessories.  I made an observation last week - I love my shoes! Here are a few:



Got these last week and wondered if they were too crazy.  They are supposed to be a throw-back to the 80's - a bit retro. 



Every girl needs a pair of these!  Put on some country music & my boots and I'm good to go!

A Nordstrom treasure!  Not worn often...but fun to wear.

A gift from my MIL....must be worn with solid colors - an outfit can't compete with these beauties!  :)

New faves!  Not everyone is a fan of these (okay...I'm thinking of 1 person in particular), but they are fun shoes!

When I asked Jon if he thought my new shoes were too bright, he said, "Remember that I like loud tennis shoes."  Then he went to the closet and showed me his Adidas - the perfect match for mine.  After 15 years of marriage, we don't just look alike, we buy matching tennies, too.  xoxoxoxo

Thank Goodness It's Friday

No Really, I am thankful to God that it is Friday...because, "This is the day the LORD has made, I will rejoice & be glad in it."  Each day this week I've had to remind myself of that verse and say, "Okay Lord, Thank you for today...even though it's been a rough one!"  It wasn't a bad week...just a week filled with busyness, a lot of multi-tasking and a bit of emotion (or more than a "bit" if you ask my family) . 

Before the week began, Jon approached me with an idea.  To give up Television during weekdays.  Not because we are super awesome people who love to give up things and stare at a big black t.v. screen each night...but because we could possibly use our time more wisely.  Now, we do have a DVR and our most favorite shows were recorded and will be watched this weekend.  But you know what?  I realized that some shows that I've watched for years really didn't seem that important to me -- so I stopped DVR'ing them... So it's Friday now, and I have NOT missed television at all.  I've read books, started a new photobook on Shutterfly, talked to my hubby a bit more, etc.  I'm not trying to start an anti-TV revolution...just saying that it has been good for our family and for that we're thankful!  I hope no one ever asks me to give up Diet Coke!  :-{

This was a week of holidays!  Ben's 6th Birthday was Monday, Anni's 30th Birthday was Tuesday and our 15th Anniversary was Wednesday.  Mix in soccer, gymnastics, fencing, church and a Fun Run at school and that's a pretty fun week!  :)  Can I just stop here and share with you a thought I had just before falling asleep on Wednesday night?  I thought, "15 years is a LONG time to be married!"  It's like it just hit me at that moment and I was filled with gratefulness -- Thankful to God for blessing me with Jon. 

The Chubby, Snorey One...

In other news, my dog has issues.  Not bad ones...but ones that have kept me on my toes this week.  Daisy (the Boxer) has a scratched cornea.  {I feel the need to protect the guilty party...but she is short, chubby, snores & sleeps with her tongue out}.  Anyway, Daisy had to have her eye stitched shut and wear a big cone on her head.  After ripping the stitches out, I took her back to have the eye restitched and we have had her boarded at the vet since then while she is healing.  A call from the vet today informed me that Daisy has Hypothyroid and will be on medication everyday for it.  All that to say, you know we must love our pups because they are taking up lots of time this week.



Daisy...So Sad



In {MORE} other news, I had lunch with a sweet friend from church, had a great discussion with the ladies at Bible Study and have had fun planning the conference our church will be having on Saturday, April 30th.  Community Bible Church - Women's Conference 

SO, for those of y'all who had the best week...and y'all that had a crazy week...Listen up because each day we need to remind ourselves that "...the Joy of the LORD is our Strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

Ree, Shellac & Me

The week started off with Valentine's Day.  With a long commute for Jon, 3 kiddos with homework and Basketball practice for Karli dinner was served at home instead of at a fancy schmancy (is that a word?) restaurant.  I knew that this holiday called for a Pioneer Woman recipe.  So I once again opened my favorite cookbook and found just what I was looking for.  A COMFORT FOOD.  That's right, homemade meatballs - but not the Italian, serve with Spaghetti type.  These are more like meatloafs in the shape of a ball.  Just take my word for it and MAKE THEM!  The sauce was yummy, they were simple to make and of course the recipe made enough to feed the neighbors.  Here's the recipe:  Comfort Meatballs

SO, in other news,  Ree (aka: PW) and I got our nails Shellac'd.  My nails always break and normal manicures rarely last more than 3 days.  The process takes longer and it is a bit more expensive...but I thought I'd give it a shot.  10 days later and I'm loving it.  If you have brittle nails, give it a try sometime.  Oh, I should mention that Ree & I didn't get our nails done together...but that would've been fun!  :)

In more random news, I'm in a competition.  That's right, it's a competition that I want to WIN.  My little sis-in-law, her MIL and my MIL are in a Weightloss competition.  It's such a funny thing to me that, being the peacemaker type all my life, I love to win things like this.  The winner of this has to buy dinner for the others (I won't say "losers".)  In reality, we'll all be winners since we are all losing weight, exercising and getting healthier.  That's what I'm going to say in my victory speech to make the others (uh, Anni) feel better!  :)  I really am just kidding about most of that -- the competition was really what we all needed to jumpstart us and even if I don't lose the most, I am thankful to be healthier.  In case you are interested, we are all doing Weight Watchers and loving it.  It' more of a lifestyle than a diet -- which is perfect!  Did I mention that most of PW's recipes are not figure friendly?  Sad News... 

Hello Old Friend...

On todays Menu:  My Old Friend The Pot Roast.  Nothing fancy, but a recipe I've made for years when I'm looking for a make-ahead meal...especially on a chilly weather day.  Well, Hello New Pot Roast recipe -- thanks to my friend Ree Drummond (aka:  The Pioneer Woman).   First I must tell you that it is still early afternoon - hours from dinner time -- and my kitchen smells amazing!  I feel like it is unfair for me to merely tell you about this yummy dinner...I really should invite y'all to our Kitchen table to eat it yourself!

The recipe is simple.  Almost just like momma taught you (& me)!  I think it's the addition of fresh Rosemary &  Thyme sprigs that make the difference!
                                                          Snow Day

PW "Perfect Pot Roast"



Tomorrow's agenda...  Sign-up for Weight Watchers (yes, the South has gotten to my figure...) AND make

"Penne-Wise Pumpkin Pasta" for my family (I'll be eating something else more figure friendly).  If my taste testers love the pasta, I'll give y'all the recipe!



Made from Scratch...With Love

We've had an eventful Christmas in Tennessee!  We knew that having 18 people in town would be fun and many memories would be made.  Unfortunately, our main memory will be that 17/18 of us got the flu.  Some would say that our holiday was ruined...but it wasn't.  Once again {as so often in life} we had choose whether to laugh or cry.  There was some crying involved...but we chose to laugh more than cry and just continue counting the # of people who shared in this bonding time.  As a result of the illness, food was not a highlight of the last 2 weeks -- Saltine Crackers & Club Soda were the only items on the menu.  BUT, with tummies feeling good again, it was time to open up my favorite cookbook.

With 6 kids sleeping here again I needed something new for breakfast.  They've had it all - Pancakes, Cereal, Smoothies, Eggs, etc.   So I opened up my PW cookbook and knew exactly where to turn.  **Homemade Cinnamon Rolls**  I have never made them from scratch.  In fact, I've never done more than open up my wallet, pay for them, bring them home & heat them up.  Gone are those days of eating store bought Cinnamon Rolls.  The PW ones are easy to make and yield 40-50 rolls in one batch.  Perfect for freezing or giving away to friends.

I began my rolls last night.  I made the dough and stored it in the refrigerator while I got my beauty sleep --  OK, not beauty sleep, more like Survival Sleep to keep up with the kids and dogs!  :)  I woke up at 7:00 and began the filling, rolling, slicing and baking.  Easy Easy Easy!  While the rolls baked, I prepared the Icing and poured it on when they were just out of the oven.  As with any recipe, I follow it precisely the first time then plan to make adjustments the next time.  That is the case with this one.  The rolls were A-M-A-Z-I-N-G...and the Icing was yummy!  In the future, however, I would add a tad less coffee and a bit more Maple to the Icing.  Just a small change.

So there you have it --  6 Kids + 2 Adults + a Gazillion Cinnamon Rolls = A great start to the last day of Christmas Break.

 

Friendship and Vests

With every move, we get new neighbors.  Over the years, we've had some great ones!  No one has ever compared to our first neighbors, The Huntley Family...but those memories are for a different time!  We love our new neighborhood.  When we moved in, we were sure that the Southern Hospitality would be over-flowing...but people are busy {us included}.  Of course everyone waves as they pull into their driveway, but we wanted Friendships - not just waves...  SO, we had an idea...

It is a family tradition to have a Christmas Party each year.  This tradition started when we were first married.  The Elliott's, Kostjuk's, Waldeck's and Us!  We had fun year after year and made sweet memories.  Although we moved away, Jon & I have continued to host Christmas parties.  Sometimes it's with our Small Group, some years it's been a Christmas Brunch.  One year everything was ready except for the arrival of our guests....then the stomach flu hit me...and Cancelling the event was the only thing left to do. 

So, coming into this Christmas season, we knew we wanted to have a party ~ we just didn't know who to invite.  Then we thought about our neighbors!  As we walked door-to-door handing out invitations, I wondered if anyone would attend.  Regardless of that concern, the planning began.  I LOVE PLANNING PARTIES!  Love it all!  One thing that I do delegate gladly is the Activities for the evening.  That's where my other (better!) half comes in!  He is great at keeping a group happy.  I must admit that I had a few doubts about his idea, but I went with it.  Every "Holiday" party should have guests wearing their best "holiday" sweater, right?  The plan was for everyone to make their very own Holiday Vests. 

Fast Forward to December 17th, 7pm.  Jon and I put on our decked-out vests and we opened the door to greet our first guests.  They (remember, we don't know our neighbors) looked at our vests, gave an akward smile and continued talking.  I was so relieved when Jon told them it was a joke and that they too could make one!  This crazy idea turned out to be a fun time of bonding.

The Supplies

The Hosts

The Food





Some of the guests

The evening was a success.  Plenty of food, drinks, laughter, happy kids and more!  The best part was that we made new friends.  We are all busy and rarely take the time to do more than wave... but now we have shared memories and can continue building friendships with these sweet neighbors.  I am continually grateful that God placed us in this neighborhood.  I was convinced that House # 1 then #2 then #3 were the perfect houses for us.  I was wrong {again}.  God knew what we needed and I will be faithful with what He has given us and whom He has placed us near.

If I had a Penny...

IF I HAD A PENNY every time I've thought about updating this blog...hhhmmm....I'd have at least 20 cents!  I haven't forgotten about the blog, life is just speeding by so quickly and I can't align my "creative thoughts" with actually sitting at the computer to type them >>>  UNTIL NOW!

Where to begin?  Where I left off is the best place.  Yes, in my last post I shared about being the recipient of a Speeding Ticket.  After 2 months, I am finally right with the LAW again.  You see, yesterday I had the privilege of going to City Hall and standing before the judge at 7:30 a.m.  In front of a room full of people, I had to say the word "Guilty" and I said "Yes, I do want to attend traffic school...Thank You".   So that is where I begin...

Now what has this Tennessee girl been up to for the past 2 months?  Well, all y'all can keep reading to find out!  :)

My dear Friend Kelli E.  and her sweet girls came to visit Franklin (uh, I mean ME) in October!  We had a great time seeing everything a tourist should see, eating lots of great food and spending time with a friend that lives too far away.  She was the photographer that week so pictures are on her blog.  http://www.moment4milk.blogspot.com/  

November came and went in a hurry.  My girl, K, turned 9 years old and we had such fun celebrating HER on several occasions.  On the night of her Birthday, we loaded up the car {even the dog} and headed to Texas.  In the past, we have always flown to TX...but we were up for the adventure of a 10.5 hour drive.  Arriving early to surprise my parents was such fun and we loved having extra time with them.  It was a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family!

Now...December is half over, and I am wondering where the days have gone.  The house is decorated, lights are up, family is coming soon and we are eager to celebrate the birth of Jesus ~ our Savior.

Until next time...

**P.S.  Sorry for the lack {non-existence} of  pictures...This was definitely a "catch-up" post...Pictures coming soon!

PERFECT day

On a PERFECT Fall day I decided to cook dinner before my kids got home from school.  That is always my intention but rarely does it happen...  The afternoon would be PERFECT!  With dinner in the fridge (only needing to be baked), 3 kids happy to be picked up from school, a special treat at Henpeck (a Franklin fave), then off to the Pumpkin Patch.  PERFECT (in theory!).  Pulling out of Henpeck - snacks being consumed - I looked in my rearview mirror and realized that something was happening that was not a part of my PERFECT plan for the afternoon.  I saw flashing lights!  I told the kids to be quiet and keep eating...because I needed to pull over even though I had no idea why.  Once pulled over, the Police Man informed me that I was speeding.  Now, I'm pretty sure that I've said in the past (most likely to my hubby) that I have never gotten a speeding ticket before...Well I can't say that anymore!  My mom always told me, "Never say Never"...and history has proven that correct over & over.  For instance, I will never move from California (ha!) and I would never have a C-Section (3/3).  Anways, back to my almost-PERFECT afternoon with the kids.  Once I had the ticket in hand the tears came.  My daughter unbuckled her seat belt, climbed to where she could reach me and just hugged me!  Thank you God for giving K the gift of mercy.  I needed that hug!  With tears on my face, we proceeded to the Pumpkin Patch.  Upon our arrival, I saw 6 letters that made me sad:  CLOSED.   Yep, it is only open on weekends.  Jacob wanted to find another pumpkin patch, but I decided that I'd spent enough money (expensive ticket) already that day...so we'll get our Pumpkins on Saturday instead! 

The good news is that once I got home I only had to turn on the oven and set the timer for 30 minutes...then dinner was Finished!  I made the Pioneer Woman's recipe of Mac N' Cheese.  This was my 1st time ever making this comfort food - my kids think there is only 1 kind of yummy Mac N' Cheese - Kraft in the box.  My big kids sat and had happy hearts at the table...loading their plate with veggies and the dinner I prepared.  My little guy, B, was concerned that it "looked different".  After a few bites, B exclaimed, "I like it!"    I proceeded to once again remind him of the Green Eggs & Ham book - "I do like them, Sam I Am."    If you have the cookbook, try this recipe.  It was good - not my favorite - but yummy.  I added crumbled bacon on top because...well, everything is better with Bacon!  :)

SO, All in All, my PERFECT day was good.  It was the day God had planned for me.  In it I was shown compassion from my daughter in the form of a hug and I got to teach my kids that we respect authority and admit when we are wrong (even when it's hard). 

I'm a list maker (probably not a surprise)...I'm just going to start leaving some blank lines on my Daily To-Do list to help me remember that there is no such thing as a PERFECT day and that God will add what He knows I need to my schedule. 

 

LIFE IS FULL OF CHOICES

Several weeks ago we invited a family over for dinner.  It was a family that we have said hello to on Sunday's and waived to as we scurry by them in the preschool hallway at church.  We had been wanting to get to know them...and so when our schedule's finally aligned, we set a date!  Of course this also gave me the opportunity to flip through my *Favorite* cookbook and think about what recipes I could make.  I settled on 2 recipes.  Bought all of the ingredients.  Unloaded Groceries.  Then proceeded with the days plans:  church event, soccer game, another trip to the grocery store, middle child losing a tooth, last minute cleaning...you know the routine!  Finally, it was time to prepare dinner.

My Dinner Menu was:

*PW Homemade Artichoke Dip (for the Appetizer)
*PW Lasagna
*Salad
*Green Beans
*Loaf of crusy Italian Bread

A simple menu for sure ~ but a Yummy one!

Well, I proceeded to open my cookbook and prep the Lasagna.  I feel the need to confess that I have never even purchased Lasagna noodles before!  So, this once shy-cook is gaining in culinary confidence once again.  Steps 1-5 = No problem!    Then Step 6.  In this ever so important step, I am instructed to let the mixture SIMMER for 45 minutes!  Yikes!  At this point I am so thankful that I made the last-minute decision to not make the Artichoke dip so I was actually about 45 minutes ahead of schedule.  LESSON LEARNED:  Read the entire recipe before starting!   {Which I always tell my Sous-Chef Karli to do}.  After nearly an hour of simmering, my kitchen smelled like it belonged in Italy.  :)  It was then time to layer the Lasagna & Bake.   45 minutes later we had a Masterpiece!

To quote The Pioneer Woman,

"If it weren't for my beautiful bronze skin or calf roping skills,

 he would've married me for my lasagna. 

 In other words, he married me for my Lasagna!" 

Life is full of choices!  The Pre-"Pioneer Woman Cookbook" Kelli would've served Option A for Dinner . 

Nothing wrong with it {& I will use it for a crazy soccer night this fall, I'm sure}.

OPTION A

But can I just tell you how much fun it was to serve Option B to my family and guests!  I love creating food and watching people enjoy it as we sit around the family table.  As I've written before, it's not just about the ingredients...it's about the experience! 

OPTION B