Spring Cleaning...

I know it's not spring, but I'm hoping by doing some early spring cleaning, it will arrive earlier :)

I came across a blog Clean Mama & it got me motivated to do some organizing & purging of unneeded stuff.

She basically picks a spot & sets a timer for 15 minutes - takes everything out of the spot, cleans it, sorts things into 3 piles (trash, keep, give away) and puts things back. I have a LOT of areas that will take longer than 15 minutes, but it's a start :) I've just been doing one area per day & I'm loving the results! I cleaned out our bathroom cabinets while the boys were taking a bath, reorganized the craft closet while they were working on an art project & last night cleaned out the freezer while they were playing a game in the kitchen. The amazing thing with the freezer is that I didn't throw anything out...cooked a couple things for supper & just stacked it better. Looking at the first picture, that's hard to believe :)

Freezer Before:

Freezer After:

Plllthhth...

Zoe thinks when we wipe her nose, she has to make 'the noise' with her mouth.

Inspired to Action

I came across this new blog & am really excited about reading it. I thought I would share it with you! Here is an excerpt from her post earlier this week.

Perfection vs. Balance

The world calls us to be “perfect” mothers, but I believe God calls us to be “balanced” mothers.

A “perfect” mother puts appearance above relationship. A “balanced” mother sacrifices appearance for relationship.

A “perfect” mother seeks approval from others. A “balanced” mother seeks approval from God.

A “perfect” mother finds reward in perceived success. A “balanced” mother’s reward is a peaceful heart, family and home.

A “perfect” mother perpetuates the lie and spreads disillusionment. A “balanced” mother breaks the lie and spreads hope, truth and inspiration.
The Challenge

The challenge for us today is to focus on being balanced rather than perfect. That every moment we’d love our children more than our clean house or the approving look of a stranger. That our confidence, strength, hope and identity would be found in God and the trust He’s put in us by giving us His perfect little gifts that look to us and call us “Mommy.”

Click below to go to Kat's blog & to download her free e-book!

Inspired to Action

I am a Princess :)

Thank you Erica for this prestigious award. I have so many people to thank...but I'll spare you my acceptance speech :) This award is for readers & anyone that knows me has seen me with my nose glued in a book. I can't tell you the number of books I go through in a year, but I will say that I just finished 2 over the weekend (thanks to a visit from my sis-in-law & nieces who helped to entertain my hoodlums) :) I do most of my reading after my kids are in bed at night. Aaron has to remind me at night to PUT THE BOOK DOWN & GO TO SLEEP, TIFFANY!

This is my nightstand & stack of books waiting to be (or currently being) read.



1. Name an author you love.
Karen Kingsbury is my current favorite, but I also love Jodi Picoult, Andy Andrews, Dan Brown, James Patterson & many others!

2. Name an author who highlights your personality.
I see myself in a lot of the books I read - but can't pinpoint a subject who is really 'me'. Guess that makes me unique, haha.

3. Name some books you love.
Just finished the Redemption series by Karen Kingsbury - loved it. I really like most of the books I read. I have come to the point that if I am not enjoying a book, I'll quit reading it - why waste my time reading a book I don't like!?

4. Something that always excites you.
Always? Hmmmm...at the moment, a full night sleep or 20 minutes to myself :) A new book, sunny weather, a new baby, a date with my husband.

5. Something you hate
Negativity! Hamburger, or any ground meat, for that matter.

NOW I am passing this award along. All they have to do is grab the princess award above and post the questions and answers. Call me if you need a good book to read :)



And the nominess are:

Courtney @ Carpenters Colorful Collections

Kara @ My Sweet Little Life

Jericho @ Faith Family Fun

Jamie @ In Full Bloom Photography

Opinion on Bibs = Dislike

This is that opinion I was talking about in the last post...she pulls her bib off every time I feed her & was struggling a bit with this one.

7 months

7 months old

*Rolling all over the room...and finding things you shouldn't have.
*Developing a little temper when mommy takes those things away from you.
*Sleeping in the dining room because you were waking your brothers too often.
*Loving all the foods mommy feeds you - even peas!
*Still getting up during the night at least once, usually twice, many nights 3 or 4 times. We're still trying to 'train' you on this sleep thing.
*Still not really into the bottle. You won't actually drink it - you just chew & swallow whatever comes out.
*You are an absolute joy & really developing your personality! You are pretty easy going, but definitely have an opinion on things already!

Commercial...

This is one of the commercials that Aaron has created for TVT's local content channel, advertising a local kitchen store, Clay Gourmet (one of my faves) :)

Bedtime Stories

Bedtime stories always lead to a lot of questions from my boys (in an attempt to prolong bedtime, I'm sure). It has made for some great teaching moments & memories I cherish :)

Last night, we were reading from the book The Story of Jesus. Brecken is quick to remind me of which stories we have already read, so we were down to one story in the book, The Easter Story.

As I was reading the part about Jesus dying, Brecken said, Poor Jesus, he died. I took this opportunity to remind them of how Jesus died for our sins so that we can live forever with Jesus in heaven. I talked about how our hearts are dirty from doing naughty things and how our hearts can be made clean by asking for forgiveness and asking Jesus into our heart. Leighton replied, Or we could take a bath.... They then hammered me with questions about how Jesus can get into their hearts. My answer of 'by asking Him in', was not the answer they were looking for. I pray for & look forward to the day that they understand this! :)

William Michel

7 years ago, Aaron & I began sponsoring this little guy through Compassion. He was 6 years old.

We have corresponded with him through the years. His letters have include drawings, current math problems, brief descriptions of his family & living conditions & thankfulness for our prayers.

This is William today. William & his family are in need of our prayers this week. They live in Haiti. I have been checking the Compassion website daily to see if they have posted information about the sponsor children. The devastation is great in Haiti, a country that was already poverty stricken & in need of aid. We're praying that William, his parents & his 4 siblings are safe.

As they grow

Aaron's brother, Paul, & his wife, Christina gave these to our children as Christmas gifts through the years. We've had Brecken's on his wall for a few years & just received Leighton's & Zoe's this year. They are so fun & the kids love to see how big they are! Isn't Christina talented???

First Christmas Outfit

Over Christmas break, my mom went through a box of baby girl clothes that she had saved from when I was a baby.

This outfit was the outfit I wore for my first Christmas 31 years ago. My Grandma Mary Lynn (whom Zoe Lynnae is named after) bought it as soon as she heard I was born. She died from a virus that attacked her heart, a week later :( I never got to meet her, but have heard many stories about what an amazing lady she was!

And here I am in it 31 years ago...

And Zoe received this chair for Christmas...which was mine...which was originally Grandma Mary Lynn's.

Christmas 2009

Christmas #1 - Our house

Christmas #2 - Poppa John & Nonny's House

Christmas #3 - Grandpa Jack & Grandma Lulu's House
The two additions to the family this year (Jack & Zoe).


Christmas #4 - Papa Phil & Mama Linda's house

Zoe slept through the picture & openings...so here she is a little later sleeping again with Uncle Doug.

6 months!?!?

At 6 months, you:

LOVE cereal, applesauce & squash. Can't wait to try more things!
Will now take a bottle if you have to, but still not from mommy.
Roll all over the place.
Laugh out loud.
Sleep in your crib - sometimes (but rarely) through the night.
Love to read (and chew on) books.
Put everything in your mouth.
Are a happy, easy going baby!

6 month stats:
Weight: 12lbs 15oz (less than 3rd %tile)
Height: 25 1/2 inches (30th %tile)

Winter Day Activities

This weekend was full of fun holiday activities.

The boys made cinnamon applesauce ornaments.
1 c cinnamon
1 T ground cloves
1 T nutmeg
1 T allspice
1 T ginger
3/4 c applesauce

Combine first 5 ingredients in medium bowl. Add applesauce & stir to combine. Work mixture with hands 2-3 minutes until dough is smooth. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Using straw or pencil, make small hole in top of ornament. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 150 degrees for 1 hour. Remove from cookie sheet & bake on oven racks for another hour & a half. (I didn't do this...I just flipped them).


The 2nd project was making Aaron's Grandma Flossie's caramels. They turned out tasty!


The 3rd activity was snow painting. Squirt bottle + water + food coloring. Paint the snow! Of course, like most children, my boys couldn't just paint the snow. They also squirted the dog & each other, despite being told not to. Oh well :)

Invisible Woman

A friend sent this to me in an email. It's good...take the time to watch it. Although moms don't receive a lot of accolades for all the work they do...their work doesn't go unnoticed.

Random Stuff

Zoe is quickly approaching eating baby food...sniff, sniff. I bought FFA fruit this year & made applesauce today!


Our chickens are turning out to be big time producers! I do a lot of baking...and Aaron eats eggs almost every morning for breakfast & we still have this many! Check out the ginormous one & itty bitty one in the front.


Zoe woke up with her first case of bed head. I'm so excited...it's growing & I can't wait until it's long enough to do stuff with & hope she'll let me like all my good nieces do.


SNOW drift. Our dog got stuck in one of them today & I had to rescue him.


SNOW ice cream...for breakfast. Yum.
1 gallon snow + 1 c white sugar + 1 T vanilla. Then gradually add 2 cups of milk until desired consistency is reached. (I had to use more milk).

Traveling Book Salesman

I have been a fan of Usborne books for a long time & after a lot of thought, I decided it made sense for me to become a consultant! Their books are heavy duty & have a lot of neat & fun features. I have purchased many of their books over the years & they remain favorites of my boys!

I LOVE books. I LOVE to read. And I think it will be a fun way to earn a little money! So this is my plug - I'd love to help you earn some free books by hosting an in-house or online party! They have a great hostess reward program! And since I'm new, if you book a party by March 1st & have a $250 show w/1 booking, you get DOUBLE the hostess rewards - so double the free books!

I'll be doing my first showing at a local Holiday Open House on the 11th. I can't wait!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Some GREAT and not so great things:

GREAT - Wonderful time with family. Boys enjoyed their cousins, aunts & uncles & grandparents. Even had some out of town relatives visiting that we weren't expecting!


NOT so great - My Grandma Lulu was in the hospital, so she & my Grandpa Jack weren't able to join us. They usually host Thanksgiving & prepare the turkey & dressing. My parents & aunt & uncle stepped up & filled in. It was disappointing that they were unable to be there though & sad that she is not feeling well :(

GREAT - Food was excellent at both places. We even pulled off my Grandma's stuffing in her absence.

NOT so great - I burnt my arm while baking the rolls...but they were still tasty.


GREAT - We enjoyed a lot of outside time at Aaron's parents & took a few walks, hopefully burning off some of that turkey and dressing :)

NOT so great - I lost one of my diamond earrings while there...and am hoping it turns up.

GREAT - We enjoyed a fun card game of "Oh Hell" with Aaron's brothers, wife & friend. The grandparents entertained the grandkids so we could accomplish this :) Thanks :)

GREAT - Zoe started sleeping in a crib while we were at Aaron's parents & we have been on a roll ever since! We've had a couple rough nights but she's doing well.

GREAT - I got to stock up on my favorite candles at the Holiday Show in Falls City, NE.

NOT so great - My friends, the Carpenters, moved while we were gone. I'm grieving...another one of my great friends is over an hour away, which isn't far, but it just isn't the same!!!!!!!!!

GREAT - Cloverton
was in concert at our church. The vocalists were part of the Praise Band I was in while in Manhattan. They provided an evening full of wonderful worship music & we really enjoyed visiting with the band & their wives during our meals!



NOT so great - My house is a mess after being gone Thursday - Saturday, dumping our bags Saturday evening when we returned & then being gone all day yesterday & this morning. I really should be cleaning/picking up right now instead of blogging.... :)

GREAT - My birthday present that Aaron ordered finally came in. I love it!


All over - a LOT more GREATS than not so greats :) A fun family weekend!

5 Months

5 months old today!

At 5 months you:

*Are starting to nap better in your crib, but still take cat naps.
*Have a cute little laugh & squeal.
*Learned to blow raspberries.
*Mastered rolling from back to tummy.
*Are happy the majority of the time!

You are our sweet, sweet little girl & we love you to pieces!

3.17.10

In 4 months, we & 3 other couples will be crashing at this place:

and enjoying these views:


and enjoying these activities:


Park City, Utah...we can't wait to see you!

Broken Promises

I love this commercial...and wish it would have come out BEFORE we bought a new computer with Windows Vista. A few months ago we upgraded our computer and in an attempt to save a little money, I bought a Dell instead of a Mac, which I really wanted... I'm really wishing I would have splurged - I would have saved ourselves (and my brother, Cole who has been trying to fix it) a lot of problems!

Hands & Feet

A good friend of mine gave me this frame kit as a baby gift when Brecken was born. I'm so glad she did - I love looking at how small his handprint & footprint were & am amazed at how much they have grown! I was very excited that the company has continued to carry the frame (although a little different) & purchased one for Leighton when he was a baby. When I found out I was expecting again, I quickly got online to purchase another one. At the time, the company didn't carry them & I was really sad I wouldn't have one for our 3rd child! I searched on ebay & still couldn't find one. Several months later, I received a catalog from the company & they had them again! Phew... We just got the prints from Zoe's 3 month photo shoot with In Full Bloom Photography, so the frame is complete now :) Maybe I should go ahead and order another one JUST IN CASE we decide to have a 4th...

4 Months

Zoe is 4 months old!

Stats
11lbs 14oz (15th %)
24 1/2 in (63rd %)

What a difference there is between boys & girls in size! Leighton was 14lbs 14oz & 27" long at 4 months & Brecken was 15lbs 8oz & 27 3/4in long!

At 4 months - you roll over occasionally, sleep through the night occasionally, STILL won't take a bottle, laugh at your brothers, smile at everyone who talks to you, suck on your fingers & bottom lip when you sleep, are happy the majority of the time & a joy to us all!

4 Years...

Happy Birthday Brecken! Where have the past 4 years gone? I'm so happy that I have 2 more years at home with you before you start kindergarten...but I'm also sad about how fast those 2 years will go.

Just a few of the things that I love about you...
*You are my little helper! You help me with Zoe & Leighton, the dog, cooking - whatever I ask - you are willing to go to work.
*You have a wonderful imagination. I love to listen to your stories & ideas.
*You get excited when I pick you up from Sunday School or preschool - running to me for a hug & saying, Mommy!!!
*You LOVE your baby sister & like to hold her & make her laugh.
*You love you baby brother too...even though you fight with him. You always miss him if he's not with us.
*You like to snuggle on the couch.
*You sing in the shower, mostly Jesus songs :)
*You are your daddy's little sidekick - love to see you together - working, wrestling & playing!

Happy 4th birthday (and thanks for sharing today with your little sister as she gets baptized)!