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The girls and I arrived back home late Tuesday night. To say that it was a whirlwind of a trip is a slight understatement. Little sleep was had {mostly on my part}, add in some bed wetting and mama-sickness and it was a busy time. Even with some draw backs, it was such a great trip celebrating my littlest brother’s graduation and my best friend’s wedding. And let’s be honest, most importantly all the flights went smoothly {even had a few “your girls are so well behaved” comments} and the girls seem to be back on track for our normal lives.
After six days in Tennessee, I headed to Chicago Friday night for my best friend, Carrie’s wedding. We spent all day Saturday doing wedding preparations and pampering Carrie for her big day {which was Sunday afternoon}. It was fabulously fun and Carrie looked amazing.
My Favorite Shot of the Couple, even if fuzzy {Taken by Meredith L.}
It was such a sweet, sweet time to see Carrie and Jamil commit their lives to one another. From the time I met Jamil, 3 years ago, I knew that he was such a perfect match for Carrie. Endearing, loving and kind-hearted, just like her. It was an honor to be a part of their ceremony and stand up there while they shared their vows.
There was one minor draw back at the wedding….
I fainted.
Yes, you read that right. I fainted. I knew it was coming. I started getting overheated and lightheaded and just knew that I was going to faint. Apparently, I did it gracefully {at least that’s what I was told} and out of the way. I stepped out of line and walked into a hallway just a few steps away. Thankfully, I fell with most of my weight on my arm/side and protected my stomach from hitting the ground. I have a midwife appointment later today {previously set}, though I’ve felt baby move since then and am not worried. At the time, I wasn’t too worried, just extremely upset about having “ruined” the ceremony. Especially because it happened right before their first kiss. I have good timing. {Currently taking applications as “that” bridesmaid.}
The rest of the night went perfectly. And Carrie looked radiant the whole time.
Notice the fireplace? That's were the procession stood, thus contributing to my overheating.
We were able to drive around Chicago after the ceremony to take pictures with the photographer. I haven’t seen the pictures yet, but I know they will turn out great. It was a lot of fun being out and about in the city, all dressed up and taking pictures.
In order to save money, I spent the night at Jamil and Carrie’s new place since they were in a hotel. That’s where the real fun began. And by fun, I mean not fun. I woke up around 2 am sick as could be. At first I thought perhaps I had gotten food poisoning, but then my mom suggested it was my body’s reaction to major fatigue. How I made it from the apartment, to the L, to the airport and home is beyond me {lots of prayer}. Once at my parent’s I slept all day and felt much better come Tuesday.
The week/weekend was a grand adventure that I will cherish forever {well, except for the whole fainting and getting sick part}. I had a chance to see Carrie enter into her newest {and best} stage of her life and to celebrate with my brother, John, as he goes on to college this fall.
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Friday, Oh Friday, Joy, Oh Joy
Posted on: May 27, 2011
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
This week has been a fun, crazy, wonderful week. Aside from missing Jonathan something crazy, the girls and I have had a blast being in Tennessee with my family. Here are some highlights:
– Amazing food {that I didn’t cook}
– Spending loads of time with my sweet family
– Eating a Hot Fudge Chocolate Cake from Shoney’s {don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!}
But the best is yet to come….
– My best friend {all the way back from high school!} is getting married this weekend!
So, I’m heading to Chicago {all by myself} to spend the weekend with Carrie and to celebrate her newest, and best, chapter of her life.
What are your Friday Joys?
French Bread Rolls Recipe
Posted on: May 26, 2011
- In: Life
- 9 Comments
In my effort to mark off more from my 30 Before 30, I have been perfecting my yeast handling abilities. Last week I decided to make French bread rolls from my Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook, because, well, I have a love of French bread that might board on obsession. Not to mention, it looked like a crazy-easy recipe.
French Bread Rolls
1 to 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water {when it is neither hot nor cold on your wrist}
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/4 tsp dry active yeast
1 tbsp butter
3 1/2 to 3 3/4 cup sifted flour
Mix water, salt and yeast in a mixing bowl until yeast is well dissolved. Add in butter. Slowly add flour, until well blended. Knead bread, folding dough over toward you. Then press down away from you with the heel of your hand. Give dough quarter turns, repeating kneading, until it is smooth, elastic and non-sticky.
Place dough in greased bowl, turning once to bring greased side up. Cover. Let rise until double {about 1.5-2 hours}. Once risen, punch down, pulling edges into center and turn completely over in bowl. Let rise again until almost double {about 30-45 minutes}.
After second rising, divide dough into 16 equal parts. Form into little buns {or balls}. Place on grease baking sheet. With scissors, snip rolls in half, then in half again, cutting almost through to the bottom. Brush with water. Let rise one hour.
Brush with water again. Then brush with egg white and sprinkle with poppyseeds.
Bake at 425 for 10 minutes.
It might sound like a lot {especially if you don’t bake with yeast often}, but it’s really quite easy – I promise!
Once the rolls are done, they are hard on the outside {like french bread} but super soft and yummy on the inside. They make a plainer meal – like Monday night meatloaf – something a little more spectacular.
And for that, I’m marking mastering yeast off my 30 Before 30 list!
Bon Appetit!
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Visit Jill at Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday.
- In: Life
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I am super, super excited to have Katie of Hageration guest posting for me this week. We are both UT Alum, who didn’t meet until we had graduated and were living 2,000 miles away from each other {gotta love the internet!}. I’m looking forward to finally {in real life} meeting her, her husband and her adorable little boy this summer.
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My obsession with baby wearing began innocently enough when I asked a friend what carrier she preferred. She responded by digging out all the carriers they had tried. I left her house with 3 in a bag. Shortly afterwards I was given a Moby, and bought an Ergo off craigslist and just like that we had 5 baby carrying devices.
To say I love baby wearing is an understatement. I adore everything about it from convenience to having my sweet baby nearby! Add to this a kid who has not been a great naper but liked being swaddled a LOT and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a lotta baby wearing.
Here is a run down of the soft baby carriers we’ve used plus a few others I’ve come across in the past 9 months:
Moby wrap
What it is: one long piece of fabric that you tie around your body in different formations and put the baby into pockets created by the folding.
Pros:
-One size fits all
-Very washable
-Easy to pack (we’ve taken in on many trips tucked away in a suitcase)
-Can be configured to many different holds (tummy to tummy, hip, front, etc.)
-Gives newborn benefits of swaddling
-Soft fabric provides a cozy way to carry your newborn nearby
Cons:
-Takes some practice to tie (I almost gave mine away before I had a friend demonstrate and watched a few videos on youtube)
-The stretchy fabric becomes less supportive when baby gets to be 14-16 lbs. (or it did for me)
-It is challenging to put the Moby on in public as the fabric is so long and it drags the ground which might seem fine until your standing outside your car in a dirty parking lot with no way to put it on while your baby screams in his car seat. Or maybe that’s just me
Baby Bjorn
What it is: I’m sure you’ve seen them all over. The people marketing Bjorn are brilliant. It’s the carrier you see where the baby dangles on the front of an adults’ body facing out.
Pros:
-Fairly easy to put on and take off. I’ve heard it’s easy to remove a sleeping baby from the Bjorn and lay them down (unfortunately my baby woke up the minute you stopped moving or unbuckled the straps)
-Due to the above dad’s find them really wearable
-Some babies much prefer front facing position (see photo)
Cons:
-For the price this carrier is very limited as it only holds baby one way (on front of your body)
-I felt it become uncomfortable around 12 lbs. though it is technically able to carry baby up to 20 lbs.
-After trying other carriers I found it to be uncomfortable, period.
Ergo
What it is: Backpack style carrier with padded straps and hip support (waist strap) that can be worn in front back or hip positions.
Pros:
-Multiple carry positions
-Padded straps
-Pocket built into front of carrier (at first I didn’t pay any attention to this but realized it was super helpful to carry my keys and phone while I took a walk or ran to the store for a quick trip).
Cons:
-I found it tricky to convert and put on in the hip position and never used it that way
-The built in pockets and padded straps make it kind of bulky
-Due to bulkiness the Ergo also made me very warm and I live in a moderate climate
-I found it uncomfortable after wearing for more than an hour
-Can be tricky to snap the buckle across your back (and many friends have said their husbands couldn’t get it snapped)
After flirting with all of the above I have found a new love and am ready to give up everything but the Moby and the…
Catbird Baby Pikkolo carrier!!
Why I love it:
– The fabric is lightweight and slim fitting making it the easiest to pack away while traveling and cool while wearing.
-It has the versatility of other carriers and is very easy to change positions. I have often started in a front carry and over time changed to side carry while out and about.
-It is by far the most comfortable of all the carriers I’ve tried
-The 3 straps have two-way adjustment allowing you to get it just how you want it.
-It comes in a few pretty patterns
I hope this helps distinguish between a few of the common carriers and gives you something think about if your in the market for a carrier.
Do you babywear? If so, what’s your favorite carrier?
Visit Kristen at We are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday.
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Katie is a former special education teacher and current stay at home mom. She loves Jesus, her husband, son, and lazy dog Ellie. She also enjoys adventures, exploring places on foot, coffee, and fancy grocery stores.
- In: Life
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I am super excited to introduce today’s guest poster, Kelsey. Kelsey is a friend from Iowa, who I personally think makes some crazy awesome recipes {several of them being “healthy sweets”}. Plus, she’s a dog lover and understands my blight of battling with doggy bed hogs.
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My husband’s mouth has a radar that instantly detects a healthified snack. If I replace oil with applesauce, he knows. If I trade all purpose flour for whole wheat, he knows. If I reduce the sugar, the man definitely knows.
Until last week, when I made magically healthy oatmeal raisin cookies. Why are they magical? Because he didn’t know.
My husband had to make a late run into work, and my assignment was to concoct a filling, yummy, but fairly healthy bedtime snack. I started with a trusted recipe from Smitten Kitchen. She confesses that she actually reduced the sugar when she made the recipe. I reduced it a little more. (And to tell you the truth, when I make them again, I’ll probably reduce it just a little bit more.) Add in whole wheat flour and flaxseed meal, and I had a fairly healthy but sweet-tooth satisfying bedtime snack.
After we had eaten a few I asked, “Are they sweet enough?” My husband gave me a “What did you do to these?” look, but responded, “Yeah, they taste great!”
The next day, after work, I even got a completely unsolicited, “Man, those cookies are good!” It was music to my ears.
I recommend eating these with a glass of milk while snuggling and watching Cheers on Netflix. They just might taste better that way.
Magically Healthy(er) Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
adapted from Smitten Kitchen
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick or 4 ounces) butter, softened
1/3-1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1 egg or 1/4 cup egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup flax seed meal
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt (reduce to 1/4 if you like less salt)
1 1/4 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350*F.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, egg and vanilla until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt together. Stir this into the butter/sugar mixture. Stir in the oats, raisins and walnuts, if using them.
Scoop the cookies onto the cookie sheet or plate and put in the freezer for 15 minutes. You can skip this step, but it might affect the texture or spreading of your cookies.
Bake the cookies about 2 inches on a parchment or silpat-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes. (Mine took 12. They are done when you see golden brown along the bottom, even if they don’t look all the way done on the top.) Let them sit on the hot baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool. Makes about 30 cookies with a 2 teaspoon scoop.
Visit Lisa at Blessed with Grace for more Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.
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Kelsey is a wife, teacher, Christ follower, and lover of all things baked. When she’s not at school or in the kitchen, she loves reading, snuggling with her puppies, and photography, which she posts at rocketsteady photoblog. She blogs at Mrs. Dexter about her pursuit of debt freedom and ethical eating.
- In: Life
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Today is the first day of my week of guest posters. I am super happy that my dear friend {and fellow blogger} Leah agreed to write for me. This, of course, is after having just moved across the country with her husband and three kids {one who is still an infant}. A pretty amazing gal, right?!
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I don’t know about you, but I’m no scrapbooker. At times, I really wish that I was, but starting now with 3 kids already? Yep, that sounds just a tad overwhelming. Just for the fun of it, I just did a search for “why should I scrapbook?” One of the results that I found was a ten step guide. Ha!
Whew! I don’t know about you, but just reading a ten step guide list makes me want to sit down, kick up my feet and pour myself a glass of lemonade. 🙂 My hat’s off to all you fabulous scrapbookers out there- but I’m 100% certain now, that I am not one of you!
However! I really do want to have a few things that my kids can look back and remember things about their lives. I’ve come up with a system that is working out great so far! Perhaps I will call it “Scrapbooking for Dummies”. 🙂
My first item on my list? A baby book. My mother-in-law give me a baby book when I was pregnant with our first child. I remember looking at her and saying “Ok, well, I will need one of these for all my babies then– not just the firstborn!” Sure enough, shortly after we announce that we are pregnant the last two times, she has provided yet another baby book. And while there are definitely blanks not filled in and pages here and there that are completely bare, I’m proud to say that I have kept up with them…. somewhat.
Here are a few of my tricks of how I make sure they get filled out:
- Write the “firsts” down on the calendar when they happen. Smiling, rolling over, sitting, ect. Just make a note on the calendar and don’t worry about dragging out the books to fill in one little date. Quick and easy, yet is so fun to know when things actually happen!
- I keep the kid’s books in their closet so they are easily available to me. Usually when I start thinking about their birthday party for that year ( most of our baby books have pages for up to 5 years old) I try to get out the book and get a refresher of what the blanks are for me to fill in and it also reminds me to take an extra picture that day specifically for the “Look who is 3 today!” page. And this is a really great time to flip through the calendar for the past few months and fill in some of those important dates.
- Watch for great photo deals! I follow several “deal sites/blogs” and quite regularly there are awesome photo print deals especially when you order 50 or 100 prints. While that might seem overwhelming (and yes, some days it is!) – when I find a good deal on photos I really try to use that as an excuse to pull out their books and get them somewhat updated. Plus, it goes along with my frugalista lifestyle to not have to dip into their college savings accounts just get all the pictures printed. I’m kidding. 🙂
I love digital photography! It is so awesome that I can store thousands of pictures of the kids and have them on hand. However, my children very much enjoy turning the pages of photo books and saying “remember ______” I’ve made it a goal to have a photo album on hand for each of them, in addition to their baby books. When I find one of the above mentioned photo deals, I love to print off my favorite pics and tuck them in their albums without having to ad a title or story behind each picture. Sure, we have 54 other pictures of my son rolling over for the first time stored on the computer, but I get to print my favorite one of him out for his photo album! Plus, the kids love it whenever I get the books out of the closet! A great rainy day activity!!
Another idea that I am trying my hand at is having a 3-ring binder with empty plastic sleeves to keep a few of their favorite drawings and/or art projects stored in. My daughter was (and still is) very much into coloring and creating things so I have several of her pieces in there since she was 2 or 3 years old. My son on the other hand? Not so much. He is more into building towers and then knocking them down or chasing his sister. I have a feeling his binder will not be quite as full. 😉
And last but not least…. kid’s say the darndest things! For real, I’m so thankful that God gave 2 year olds such great quotes! I decided long ago that I DID NOT want to forget those funny moments. So I started a file on my computer that I have their awesome one-lines saved. Absolutely hilarious! The added bonus? When I’m having a rough day with one of the kids? Reading through their quotes from over the years instantly makes me smile. 🙂 Here are a few of my favorites that I have kept!
“Where’s the flusher?” (aka- how do I flush the toilet)
“I tooted in my tummy!” (trying to describe a growling stomach)
“Mom, I’m winding (fanning) you!”
“Momineeakeenex!” (yelling from the crib- MOM, I need a kleenex!)
“Hold you me!” (Hold me please)
“I look like my daddy’s eyes.” (people always comment that she HAS her daddy’s eyes)
“It is VERY locked!”
Too cute, right?
Ready to start preserving your kid’s memories? Now go buy some scrapbooking paper and glue! It really can be easier and less expensive than the traditional route, and 10 or 15 years from now? You will be glad you did!!
Do you scrapbook? If so, have any tricks to share of your own? If not, how to preserve memories?
Visit Craft-O-Maniac for more Monday Crafts.
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Leah is a daughter of the King, wife and stay-at-home mom of three cuties who loves a great deal. She’s an entrepreneur at heart, enjoys an adventure and when she grows up she would love to be a comedian. In her spare time she enjoys blogging at A Momma on a Mission where she writes about faith, family life, frugal and healthy living, and making just about anything you can think of from scratch!
Bellies and Babies, Oh My!
Posted on: May 20, 2011
- In: Life
- 7 Comments
I’m 16 weeks, and things are trucking right along. I’ve started to feel Baby Three move. Not often, but if I’m really relaxed or just had some coffee {like this morning}, then there’s definitely some action going on.
The belly is growing, that much is true! It’s looking a little less odd to me, and I’m slowly getting over the fact that the scale keeps creeping up {partly because it’s doing it slowly, and partly because I feel like I really have some control this time around}. Though, I am going to Tennessee and Chicago all next week/weekend, so we’ll see how I do around lots of yummy foods. I’m just having to remind myself that weight gain in pregnancy is what I’m going for and stop worrying so much.
What are y’alls Friday joy? Hope you have a fabulous weekend!
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
I think it’s pretty awesome that I’ve been fortunate enough in my life, to live in two amazing music cities {Nashville and Austin}. For those of you who haven’t ever visited Austin, it’s considered the live music capital of the World. With SWSX and ACL Fest alone, I suppose it proves true. But those are just two events. The real music happens everyday. From street performers to cafes and bars. From the Austin Music Hall to local churches. Music is constantly going here in Austin. It’s perhaps one of the things I love most about the city.
Last night, Jonathan and I had the chance to go with some friends to a taping of Austin City Limits. If you’re unfamiliar with Austin City Limits {ACL}, it’s a PBS t.v. music program that is filmed live here in the city. There have been a range of artists like Norah Jones, Pearl Jam, Etta James and Wilco.
We got to see Hospital Ships, who, until last night, I had never heard of. They’re an indie rock bank, who I thought were pretty cool.
Sorry for the blurriness, we couldn't use flash
The greatest thing about live music, is that you don’t have to known the artist and their songs to fully appreciate the music. Sure, there is an excitement of singing along, but just being there, absorbing the music, the beats, the atmosphere, hearing the artists talking between songs. It’s powerful in a way.
Not to mention, I got to spend the night with Jonathan, the person who single-handedly opened my eyes to a range of music I never knew before. The date started off a little rocky, because Jonathan called home around 5:15 to let me know he had a phone meeting with his team in Australia, so wouldn’t be home anytime soon. And he wasn’t. He literally showed up as we were leaving {we wouldn’t have left without him – no worries}. Thankfully, it all worked out and we had a really great night.
Do you like watching live music? Can you remember your favorite concert?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Visit Jill at Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday.
{Side note to any UT Alum: The band last night was talking about all the crazy squirrels on campus. Said that one of them had been attacked by squirrels four different times. Looks like the squirrels haven’t gotten in less crazy in the last 6+ years!}
- In: Life
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First, let me clarify: I think doctors pretty much rock. If it weren’t for doctors and scientist {which at times are one in the same} we wouldn’t have all the amazing health treatments that we have. And for that I am totally grateful. But still, I really, really dislike going to the doctor. Why? Well, pull up a chair and I’ll tell ya.
1. I’m a know it all – Rarely do I go into the doctor because something is wrong and I don’t know what it is. So going seems like a waste of time.
2. I don’t actually know it all – Last time I checked {which was today, actually} the only initials that come after my name are m.o.m. and not M.D. Crazy, right?
3. House – I fully blame my anti-doctor policy on the t.v. show House. Cause we all know, when you go to the doctor with a “common cold” you walk away two weeks later healed from some crazy unpronounceable disease.
4. My mom’s a nurse – And as such, I feel exempt from ever having to see the doctor. It’s like my free-pass in life.
5. Old habits die hard – I had this really fabulous doctor in Iowa, who, 3 years ago, up and left her practice to move to another city {where her husband was moving}. Since then, it’s never been the same for me. Amy L – if you ever read this – please move to Austin.
6. Doctor + 2 kids = disaster – I don’t like taking my girls for their check ups when I’m fully with it. Taking them when the appointment is for me? No thank you.
7. I’m pregnant – Therefore, I assume they can’t actually do anything {or give me anything} and my time will be wasted {another reason to dread #6}.
8. I’m stubborn – See #1.
9. I have an overactive imagination – See #3.
10. I don’t like to admit defeat – But after 2+ weeks of coughing, sneezing, and nasty-nastiness coming from my nose, I’m waving my white flag and heading to the doctor today. Wish me luck.
How do you feel about doctor visits?
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Flower Child Hair Do
Posted on: May 16, 2011
- In: Life
- 8 Comments
My love of flowers in my hair runs deep. When I got married, I wore my hair up {with a veil} and during my reception, I added this beautiful, huge gerber daisy to it. *happy sigh* Then last summer, I decided to spruce up my ponytails by adding cute flowers to them. I will even add them to my favorite knotted up hair do. But, for some reason, I’ve never put flowers in my hair while it’s down. Until now:
I was pretty surprised that it stayed in my hair all day and never loosened up. It added great pizazz to my outfit and I just loved it. What fun things do you do to prettify your hair? Ever tried adding flowers?
**On a completely random note: Notice the crib? When we moved, our movers broke our crib. Sad, right? Jonathan and I really hated the idea of buying a new crib but it had to be done. Or not. My friend/neighbor Jodi randomly asked me if we needed a crib, as her sister was getting rid of hers. Of course I said yes, and the crib arrived a few days later. How awesomely awesome if that? A total thanks to Jodi and God!
A Wife Loved Like The Church 
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