**UPDATE
We have changed the Friday, March 30 playdate to the Zoo. We will meet by the penguins at 11:00 am. Bring lunch with you!
It's almost March! Yay! Time for Daylight Savings to begin, the first day of spring, and more playdates to get us out of the house. ;)
Our first playdate will be Monday, March 12 at 9:30 am at Lisa Berg's house. Let me know if you are able to come. I will send out an email with her address and directions to her house. Thanks for hosting, Lisa!
Our second playdate will be Friday, March 30 at 10:00 am at Kids in Motion again. We had such fun last time that we thought we'd do it again. Feel free to bring your lunch along if you want. There are tables to eat at and they allow food to be brought in. Bonus! Kids and parents need to wear socks in the play area. You won't want to miss this one!
I'm looking ahead and thinking about our April playdates. Please let me know if you are willing to host one at your home in April.
Looking forward to our March playdates! Invite a friend!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Busy Day Stew
Pretend it's Thursday. I know I'm trying to. I need one more day in this week.
I came across this recipe in Women's World magazine. It looked good and thought I would try it. It wasn't too bad in the points department either and it was easy to put together, too.
Busy Day Stew
1 1/2 lbs boneless cubed stewing beef, trimmed
2 Tbs. flour
2 Tbs. oil
1 env. (1 oz) onion soup mix, from 2 oz pkg
2 1/4 cups canned tomatoes with juice
4 carrots, cut into chunks
4 potatoes, cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
In plastic food storage bag, shake beef cubes with flour until meat is well coated. In large pot, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add beef, in batches, and saute until browned, removing as it browns. Return all beef cubes with accumulated juices to pot.
Combine soup mix and 1 cup water. Pour over beef. Bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook slowly until beef is almost tender, 40 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes. I needed to add more water.
Add tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. (I also added more water because the original recipe didn't call for potatoes. This potato-loving girl couldn't imagine beef stew without them. ;); bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until vegetables and meat are tender, 25-35 minutes. Add peas during last 5 minutes of cooking. If mixture becomes too thick, add extra water.
1/6th of recipe is 9 points plus. (without potatoes 7 points plus)
I came across this recipe in Women's World magazine. It looked good and thought I would try it. It wasn't too bad in the points department either and it was easy to put together, too.
Busy Day Stew1 1/2 lbs boneless cubed stewing beef, trimmed
2 Tbs. flour
2 Tbs. oil
1 env. (1 oz) onion soup mix, from 2 oz pkg
2 1/4 cups canned tomatoes with juice
4 carrots, cut into chunks
4 potatoes, cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
In plastic food storage bag, shake beef cubes with flour until meat is well coated. In large pot, heat oil on medium-high heat. Add beef, in batches, and saute until browned, removing as it browns. Return all beef cubes with accumulated juices to pot.
Combine soup mix and 1 cup water. Pour over beef. Bring to boil. Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook slowly until beef is almost tender, 40 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes. I needed to add more water.
Add tomatoes, carrots, and potatoes. (I also added more water because the original recipe didn't call for potatoes. This potato-loving girl couldn't imagine beef stew without them. ;); bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until vegetables and meat are tender, 25-35 minutes. Add peas during last 5 minutes of cooking. If mixture becomes too thick, add extra water.
1/6th of recipe is 9 points plus. (without potatoes 7 points plus)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
My Life As a Mom of 4 by Emily Lex
I know that it's not the first Friday of the month but I came across this post written by the beloved Emily Lex of Jones Design Company and I had to share it with you.
I know we all drool over Emily's blog and envy her amazing God-given talent and eye for design. I know many of us think "Man, I wish I had HER life. She has it all together."
This post is raw and real and is a great example of how EVERY mom struggles. I don't care how put together someone's life looks; as a mom, we all have struggles.
Read her post, on being a mother of four, here.
I have to say, I like her even more after reading it.
And boy, can I relate to it. When my youngest was born, I felt like a 3 ring circus every time we were in public. I felt like people stared at us with 4 kids in tow. I wonder what it will be like when #5 arrives ...
Life with big families - I wouldn't trade it.
I know we all drool over Emily's blog and envy her amazing God-given talent and eye for design. I know many of us think "Man, I wish I had HER life. She has it all together."
This post is raw and real and is a great example of how EVERY mom struggles. I don't care how put together someone's life looks; as a mom, we all have struggles.
Read her post, on being a mother of four, here.
I have to say, I like her even more after reading it.
And boy, can I relate to it. When my youngest was born, I felt like a 3 ring circus every time we were in public. I felt like people stared at us with 4 kids in tow. I wonder what it will be like when #5 arrives ...
Life with big families - I wouldn't trade it.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Valentines Day!
Check out my sister Stacey's blog, My Adventure Book, for my love story post and read the other love stories there as well!
Have a love-filled day!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Just Because He's Good
Psalm 100
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Joel and Lauren decided to move from Washington State back home to Michigan. Wanting to make one last special memory, they bought coffee from their favorite cafe and then stopped at their favorite bookstore. There they picked up two bumper stickers with a favorite motto of the town they were saying goodbye to: “It’s an Edmonds kind of day.”
After 2 weeks and a 3,000-mile drive, they entered Michigan. Hungry and wanting to celebrate their arrival, they stopped and asked about where to find a restaurant. Although they had to backtrack a few miles, they found a quaint little cafe. Emma, their waitress, excited to learn they were from her home state of Washington, asked, “What city?” “Edmonds,” they replied. “That’s where I’m from!” she said. Wanting to share the joy, Joel got their extra bumper sticker from the car and handed it to her. Amazingly, the sticker was from her mother’s store! It had gone from her mom’s hands to theirs, across 3,000 miles, to her hands.
Mere coincidence? Or were these experiences good gifts orchestrated by a good God who loves to encourage His children? Proverbs tells us, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord” (20:24 NIV). In response, let’s “bless His name. For the Lord is good” (Ps. 100:4-5).
Bestowed with benefits daily,
Sent from the Father above;
Mercies and blessings abounding,
Gifts of His marvelous love. —Anon.
Every good gift comes from the Father.
-Our Daily Bread odb.org
A psalm. For giving grateful praise.
1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Joel and Lauren decided to move from Washington State back home to Michigan. Wanting to make one last special memory, they bought coffee from their favorite cafe and then stopped at their favorite bookstore. There they picked up two bumper stickers with a favorite motto of the town they were saying goodbye to: “It’s an Edmonds kind of day.”
After 2 weeks and a 3,000-mile drive, they entered Michigan. Hungry and wanting to celebrate their arrival, they stopped and asked about where to find a restaurant. Although they had to backtrack a few miles, they found a quaint little cafe. Emma, their waitress, excited to learn they were from her home state of Washington, asked, “What city?” “Edmonds,” they replied. “That’s where I’m from!” she said. Wanting to share the joy, Joel got their extra bumper sticker from the car and handed it to her. Amazingly, the sticker was from her mother’s store! It had gone from her mom’s hands to theirs, across 3,000 miles, to her hands.
Mere coincidence? Or were these experiences good gifts orchestrated by a good God who loves to encourage His children? Proverbs tells us, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord” (20:24 NIV). In response, let’s “bless His name. For the Lord is good” (Ps. 100:4-5).
Bestowed with benefits daily,
Sent from the Father above;
Mercies and blessings abounding,
Gifts of His marvelous love. —Anon.
Every good gift comes from the Father.
-Our Daily Bread odb.org
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
February Playdate
Next Monday, February 13 will be our only February playdate. It will be at Juliann's house at 10:30 am. I will email directions to her home. It's going to be a little Valentine celebration! We will be making homemade valentines and having tasty treats.
Please let me know as soon as possible if you are planning on attending. Hope you can make it!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
My Life As a Mom of 3 Boys
Today, I am pleased to introduce my friend, Juliann, as our guest blogger. She is a wonderful mother and friend. Her boys (all 4 of them) are SO blessed to have her!
******************************************
Not alone! That is my new motto in life, let me explain. I am a mother to three wonderful boys. I love them so much and life without them would seem so strange.
A little about me: I am a planner, an organizer, basically a choleric of great magnitude. Bottom line, I like being in control of the situation and I don't like change.
My children: I did not plan my children. God definitely knows what was best. His timing is perfect and I am reminded of that often. My children all have such different personalities and I know that is for a much bigger purpose.
Let me rewind a little. When Chris and I were dating and the topic of kids came up, he said he wanted 4 girls and I laughed that I WOULD NOT have more than 2 and if they were girls we would separate when they turned into teenagers. (Partly serious, but mainly joking).
So then, surprise! just before we celebrated our first year of marriage I found out I was pregnant. (Not part of my plan.) Jaydn was born and despite my horrific pregnancy, not planned c-section and 12+ pound baby, he was perfect. I used to say that if all my kids were like him (temperament), I would have a dozen kids. I did actually change my mind at this point about the number of kids that I wanted. It's funny how I went from wanting only 2 to 'Why not 3 or 4?'.
Keagn (number two) came later than I would have liked. Growing up in a family that is so spaced apart, I really over concerned myself with my kids being close together in age. I have to laugh at the fact that he is so like me, in so many ways.
Then came Ryley, this is where my life just didn't seem right. After he was born, I went into a period of life I refer to as my 'mommy crazies'. I had great regrets after he was born, like 'this child ruined my life.' I wondered why. God, why! Hindsight is so clear, I was a new mom of three kids, with a lot of changes that happened over that year. The biggest was that my work moved me back to a full time position, gave me brand new work to learn, all while I had a baby at home that would not sleep. Oh, and two other boys that craved attention. I was a walking zombie.
Unfortunately, it took me a while to get back to the realization that it was all in my head. I referred to that year as my year of just being crazy. I now am so thankful that I made it through that rough period of life. I also realize Ryley is such a blessing. He adds such a sense of gratitude that is great for our family.
The biggest struggle I have felt is that having kids has made me insecure. I never remember feeling that way, even as a teenager. Now it is as though I don't have control, because I am being scrutinized by people not just for me, but for the three little men that don't always do what I want them to do. That is hard for me.
With this new found insecurity is the struggle to let others in. That is where my new motto comes in to place. After an amazing time at the REFRESH 2012 event, I had a few great reminders.
First, I am not alone in my struggles. Even though my circumstances in life are not necessarily the same as yours, as moms we share a load in life that is much easier if shared with others.
Second, it is not my job to make sure my kids are perfect, but rather to be the best example to them of how to live, and PRAY for them. God has entrusted them to me, but they are not mine, they are His.
Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to other moms. I was so afraid to admit I needed others and shut people out, when I needed them most. We need friendships with each other! What better gift to pass along to our children than the example of great friendships.
********************************************
Thank you, Juliann! These are great reminders for us all. We are not alone. Isn't it great that we have each other in this crazy adventure? :)
******************************************
Not alone! That is my new motto in life, let me explain. I am a mother to three wonderful boys. I love them so much and life without them would seem so strange.A little about me: I am a planner, an organizer, basically a choleric of great magnitude. Bottom line, I like being in control of the situation and I don't like change.
My children: I did not plan my children. God definitely knows what was best. His timing is perfect and I am reminded of that often. My children all have such different personalities and I know that is for a much bigger purpose.
Let me rewind a little. When Chris and I were dating and the topic of kids came up, he said he wanted 4 girls and I laughed that I WOULD NOT have more than 2 and if they were girls we would separate when they turned into teenagers. (Partly serious, but mainly joking).
So then, surprise! just before we celebrated our first year of marriage I found out I was pregnant. (Not part of my plan.) Jaydn was born and despite my horrific pregnancy, not planned c-section and 12+ pound baby, he was perfect. I used to say that if all my kids were like him (temperament), I would have a dozen kids. I did actually change my mind at this point about the number of kids that I wanted. It's funny how I went from wanting only 2 to 'Why not 3 or 4?'.
Keagn (number two) came later than I would have liked. Growing up in a family that is so spaced apart, I really over concerned myself with my kids being close together in age. I have to laugh at the fact that he is so like me, in so many ways.
Then came Ryley, this is where my life just didn't seem right. After he was born, I went into a period of life I refer to as my 'mommy crazies'. I had great regrets after he was born, like 'this child ruined my life.' I wondered why. God, why! Hindsight is so clear, I was a new mom of three kids, with a lot of changes that happened over that year. The biggest was that my work moved me back to a full time position, gave me brand new work to learn, all while I had a baby at home that would not sleep. Oh, and two other boys that craved attention. I was a walking zombie.
Unfortunately, it took me a while to get back to the realization that it was all in my head. I referred to that year as my year of just being crazy. I now am so thankful that I made it through that rough period of life. I also realize Ryley is such a blessing. He adds such a sense of gratitude that is great for our family.
The biggest struggle I have felt is that having kids has made me insecure. I never remember feeling that way, even as a teenager. Now it is as though I don't have control, because I am being scrutinized by people not just for me, but for the three little men that don't always do what I want them to do. That is hard for me.
With this new found insecurity is the struggle to let others in. That is where my new motto comes in to place. After an amazing time at the REFRESH 2012 event, I had a few great reminders.
First, I am not alone in my struggles. Even though my circumstances in life are not necessarily the same as yours, as moms we share a load in life that is much easier if shared with others.
Second, it is not my job to make sure my kids are perfect, but rather to be the best example to them of how to live, and PRAY for them. God has entrusted them to me, but they are not mine, they are His.
Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to other moms. I was so afraid to admit I needed others and shut people out, when I needed them most. We need friendships with each other! What better gift to pass along to our children than the example of great friendships.
********************************************
Thank you, Juliann! These are great reminders for us all. We are not alone. Isn't it great that we have each other in this crazy adventure? :)
Yesterday's Post Re-visited
Thank you for all of the kind, caring comments and emails! I probably sounded way more dramatic than I felt yesterday (hello - hormones!).
I just wanted you to know that I KNOW that I'm not a failure. I'm a child of God, how could I be? I am just feeling like I can't keep up with my regular schedule and it is frustrating for me. I just need to give myself a little bit of a break this year and realize I need to slow things way down. And that's OK.
Until I figure out how to do that, I'll try not to whine and complain. :)
Look back later for our newest My Life As a Mom guest post!
Happy Friday!
I just wanted you to know that I KNOW that I'm not a failure. I'm a child of God, how could I be? I am just feeling like I can't keep up with my regular schedule and it is frustrating for me. I just need to give myself a little bit of a break this year and realize I need to slow things way down. And that's OK.
Until I figure out how to do that, I'll try not to whine and complain. :)
Look back later for our newest My Life As a Mom guest post!
Happy Friday!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Feeling Like a Failure
I know you were expecting a recipe today because it's Thursday. I don't have one for you.
I'm having a hard time this week with feeling like a failure. I've been feeling stretched too thin and, with my fragile emotions, ready to break.
It's been birthday week around here. My hubby's birthday was the other day and my daughter's is today. I'm trying to be excited and fun but I. Just. Can't. I'm exhausted ... like really exhausted. I hate it.
Pregnancy really knocks me on my butt. I thought this time would be different and I'm trying REALLY hard to make it different but I'm finding myself slip back into old patterns.
I feel bad because I just can't keep up. My housework, laundry, this blog, everything seems to be falling way behind (more behind than usual). I keep telling myself that soon this hard part will be over and things will get better - I hope.
Wow, what a downer of a post. Sorry. I think I just needed to get that out. I apologize if my blog posts are sporadic and somewhat lacking. But right now, it's just the way it is.
To end this on a lighter, very meaningless way, I went shopping for maternity jeans today. Wow, have they changed over the years. I haven't really shopped for actual maternity clothes for several pregnancies. Because I was so heavy to start, I could pretty much just wear my regular, baggy clothes.
This time around, I am down to ONE pair of pants that fit comfortably. I'm getting kind of sick of them. But I haven't really wanted to drag myself out shopping either (that should show you just how exhausted I am. I LOVE to shop!).
So today I was out buying my daughter's birthday present and decided to look at Target while I was there. They had one type of maternity jeans. Why is it that when I'm not pregnant, the maternity selection in stores is huge and adorable. As soon as I am, they offer NOTHING!!
Anyway, I discovered that my legs and bottom are obviously a size or two smaller than my midsection (yay for being a mom!). So, I am able to wear a size or two smaller in maternity jeans. Totally awesome! I think I just might keep shopping in the maternity section from now on. The selection will be terrible but who cares when you can buy a smaller size?!? Just kidding ... I think.
Have a great Groundhogs Day!! Celebrate the fact that we only have 6 more weeks of winter!! Yeehaw!
I'm having a hard time this week with feeling like a failure. I've been feeling stretched too thin and, with my fragile emotions, ready to break.
It's been birthday week around here. My hubby's birthday was the other day and my daughter's is today. I'm trying to be excited and fun but I. Just. Can't. I'm exhausted ... like really exhausted. I hate it.
Pregnancy really knocks me on my butt. I thought this time would be different and I'm trying REALLY hard to make it different but I'm finding myself slip back into old patterns.
I feel bad because I just can't keep up. My housework, laundry, this blog, everything seems to be falling way behind (more behind than usual). I keep telling myself that soon this hard part will be over and things will get better - I hope.
Wow, what a downer of a post. Sorry. I think I just needed to get that out. I apologize if my blog posts are sporadic and somewhat lacking. But right now, it's just the way it is.
To end this on a lighter, very meaningless way, I went shopping for maternity jeans today. Wow, have they changed over the years. I haven't really shopped for actual maternity clothes for several pregnancies. Because I was so heavy to start, I could pretty much just wear my regular, baggy clothes.
This time around, I am down to ONE pair of pants that fit comfortably. I'm getting kind of sick of them. But I haven't really wanted to drag myself out shopping either (that should show you just how exhausted I am. I LOVE to shop!).
So today I was out buying my daughter's birthday present and decided to look at Target while I was there. They had one type of maternity jeans. Why is it that when I'm not pregnant, the maternity selection in stores is huge and adorable. As soon as I am, they offer NOTHING!!
Anyway, I discovered that my legs and bottom are obviously a size or two smaller than my midsection (yay for being a mom!). So, I am able to wear a size or two smaller in maternity jeans. Totally awesome! I think I just might keep shopping in the maternity section from now on. The selection will be terrible but who cares when you can buy a smaller size?!? Just kidding ... I think.
Have a great Groundhogs Day!! Celebrate the fact that we only have 6 more weeks of winter!! Yeehaw!
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