American Pickers

While working today a patient comes into the office to inform us that Mike from American Pickers was next door at the coffee house. So, Lynn and I go over to grab a quick photo with him.

She was so excited she jumped in front of the judge and says to me "Take our picture." She is such a hoot!

I love to create..it calms me. Lately, I have been making flower headbands for my daughter. I began after purchasing Ayla's Easter dress. The dress didn't have a matching hair bow so I decided to make one. Here are a few pictures.

My grandmothers name is Nancy Rose. I felt this collection fit that name perfectly :)

This one was made to match my daughters Easter dress.

My friend Dusty asked that I made a few to put in gift baskets to be auctioned off at Regional Christian School's dinner auction :) I was soo excited that she asked.

Because, I love brown and fell in love with this fabric.

I wanted to try something other than headbands.

The Charlotte collection named after my friend Lauren's baby.

Lizards 3-23-12

Kelan and Cross found 5 lizards while playing outside this evening. They ended up in our living room...eek! I am trying to be supportive. Much better than the hamsters they have been asking for. They are so excited they are naming each of them :) Daddy cleaned out the fish tank that was in Ayla's room. Her goldfish died 2 days after bringing them home. How did I get stuck with all these animal lovers? I have never been a huge fan of animals especially reptiles! But if my loves are happy then Momma's happy.

Kelan keeps saying "Thanks for letting me keep the lizards momma...I love you."

Homemade Waffles

Saturday mornings request was homemade waffles "You make the best waffles mom." Kelan's favorite!

1 3/4 cup self rising flour
1 3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup oil ( I use canola)
2 eggs (separated)

Mix flour, milk, oil and egg yolks. Beat egg whites. Fold the egg whites into the batter. Spray waffle iron generously. Garnish with butter and syrup or my husbands favorite blueberries and cool whip :)

Pete and Shawnna are the leaders of the Wednesday night youth out reach program at out church. AMAZING couple! He posted this on facebook this morning and I just had to share it...

Have you been drinking from the toilet? My wife and I had a wonderful Old English Sheepdog that passed away a couple of years ago. The other night something happened that made me think about Captain Omega. When I walked into the bathroom I noticed that the commode lid was up and this was a definite no, no when Omega was around the house. If Omega’s water bowl was empty he would find water somewhere and if the commode was up this was his number one option. Omega didn’t care where he was getting the water from he just wanted his thirst satisfied even if the water he was drinking was full of bacteria, chemicals, and other harmful substances. Quenching his thirst was all that was important. Today I believe that many in our society are making the same mistake as Captain Omega. They have a great thirst for the spiritual and a relationship with God that they fill themselves with the first thing that comes along and seems to appease their thirst. They are not concerned with whether what they are drinking in is doing them harm they are only concerned with the fact it gives them instant satisfaction. There are so many false prophets and organization today that seems to have the answer for your thirst but they are really just cause harm. Some seem to have the direct pathway to God or the key to a prosperous and full life on earth. The problem is that there is truly only one way to quench spiritual thirst; Jesus Christ. John 4:13-14 (KJV) 13Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: 14But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. If you are seeking to satisfy your spiritual thirst through anything outside of Jesus you are just drinking toilet water. There is one clear path to a relationship with God and this is through Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God.

Inspired

While cleaning out my daughters closet yesterday I filled a bag with clothes she can't wear anymore. I wanted to make some hairbows to match some of her spring outfits.

Using some old t-shirts and jogging pants this is what I made...

Easter Dress Altered

I found Ayla the sweetest dress the other day. They didn't sell a matching hair bow so I decided to make one. Here are the before and after of her shoes. I had some extra material so I made bows for her shoes. They were hand me downs so I didn't mind to alter them. I added a little bow to the dress one on top of the one that was already there to tie everything together.

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Easter Wreath

Ok so everyone is making these cool wreaths from Mesh. I found this super cute bunny and decided to try one. Simple but pretty cute!

Brownies

This week Ayla and I are baking brownies (her request). Instead of purchasing the pre-packaged full of additives "junk" food. I choose to bake and freeze. I use organic or natural items in my Home Made foods. Not only is it healthier for your family but its cheaper.I made Betty Crocker's Fudge Family Size brownies. Follow directions on the box. (applesause and egg whites can be substituted for oil and eggs).

The edges that we cut off. A little snack before the brownies cool =]

If they are not eaten within hours of being prepared you can freeze them for a snack later. Just take out of the freezer the night before and they will be ready in the morning for school or work. After you cut them wrap in wax paper or plastic wrap. Then place them into a ziplock bag to help prevent freezer burn.

Thought for the day...

She is watching me everyday. Let me be a light to shine her little path. Cooking with her is teaching her how to grow into a woman. She asked me the other day "Momma, what do you do when I'm not here?' I want to be just like you when I'm big." Oh Lord don't let me conform to the ways of this world. Mold me into the women she is wanting to one day be ~

Cornbread

I for so reason have let cornbread intimidate me. I made it once and it was a total disaster. Not this time....yum oh!

1cup corn meal
1/2 cup self rising flour
1 egg
1 cup of milk
1/4 cup oil (I use canola because it's better for ya).

Mix it all together. Grease iron skillet with oil (canola again) and bake on 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes!

Hope my hubby enjoys it as much as I did : )

Super Simple Chili Beans

I work from home 2-3 days a week and on those days I need a quick fix. This is a simple nutrious meal anyone can make.

1 lb ground beef (I use extra lean)
1 can light red kidney beans
1 can Rotel chili fixin's
1 can Rotel hot or you can use regular depending on your preference.

Brown your ground beef and drain the excess grease. (If you use the lean ground beef there should be little or no grease)

Pour in the 2 cans of Rotel and your beans. Add 2 cans of water. Let simmer! :

Don't get any easier than that! I freeze the extra so it should be enough for 2 meals. Serve with cornbread : )

Slippers

"Momma I can't find my slippers." I hear this daily :) Gran Gran has purchased you 3 pair and each of them look this way. You come to me in the middle of the night to have me put them back on your feet. You enjoy simple things in life. I pray you always do. You almost never ask for "stuff"...you are content with Nummie, monkey slippers and your thumb. At times, I question myself if I have failed you in some way, because you just don't require that much from me. Well, except before bed you need me to snuggle :) Your personality is certainly original! A little bossy even demanding at times. I pray you have a servants heart. He will reward you. Love people and relationships because that is what really matters. Things, will all pass away but the impact you leave on the lives you come in contact with...matters! I love you my sweet Ayla....

Change?

I had an interview for a new job last Wednesday. The interview went well. I should hear something by next week. I am a creature of habit at times. I love my current job and my co-workers. They are awesome :) I only work 2-3 days a week and this new offer is full time. It does however offer benefits with an increase in pay. Just not sure what is best. I like having a flexible schedule. With kids things come up so it is nice to be able to shuffle my days around. I want to make the best decision for my family. Change happens. "Am I ready for change Lord? Are you opening a new door for me to walk through?" I want to hear your voice...Lead me. Guide me. Direct my footsteps.

Library & Park

What a fun day. No agenda. Just being together. With my 3 favorite people in the world. It is so nice to just be US for one day.

"School"

Ayla's lunch and her dinosaur she brought for show and tell. Oh, to be young again! No worries, freedom to play and imagine. Days together at home watching her play and imagine are priceless. She will start real school soon and these days will soon be gone. "Lord help me to slow down and cherish these little moments that will not be here long."

Waiting

I am not what you define a patient person however, I am getting better in my old age. Today, that patience is being tested, as I sit in the waiting room, while my dad has a tumor removed from his kidney. I look around at others also waiting, wondering what family member they have on the table. What affliction has come on their family. Some just minor repairs and others more life threatening.

People are so different in how they handle situations. Some fear, worry, doubt. I am so glad I can trust in my heavenly father to take care of every situation in my life. Peace, comfort and trust in Him. So, I am confident that it he is gonna be alright.

Bub Playing his iPod in the waiting room.

Sibling play 3-3-12

It is so important to me that they love each other...blesses my heart when they interact together :)

My sweet loves

I took these in the morning before waking them. We had all the blinds down for the new windows to be installed. They both looked so precious with the morning sunlight shining in. I wish I could keep them little forever...

Weekend getaway 2-24-12

Every year around Valentines day Dan and I get away with some of our friends. We travel to Pigeon Forge TN and it is always a great weekend of fellowship with lots of laughs. This year we had to get 2 seperate cabins because all the 12 bedroom cabins were booked. We traveled in the white church van with Carrie, Joey, Dusty and Shane. Our Sunday school class is a small group of young married couples with a focus on marriage and family. However, it is probably time to change the name of our group considering that most of us are not considered "young" anymore.

Dan and I at Kinkaku Japanese restaurant. This year the chef asked Daniel and Dusty to come and help him cook...funny he called him Daniel San and didn't even know his name was Daniel.

The second night we decided to stay at the cabin for dinner. Launa and George were kind enough to stay at the cabin, while we shopped, to prepare my aunt MaryAnn's spaghetti sause (YUM!). Joe and Kristie Kennedy stayed to prepared her delicious cream filled cupcakes. After dinner, we were goofing around and made a pyramid.

It has become a little tradition that we have lunch at Fudruckers on Saturday. Some topic words to remember this year would have to be Raccoons, Eric laughing and Ah Nah Hee :)Love these amazing people and cannot wait til next year...