2012, here we come!

It is truly hard for me to believe that 2011 is over. This year has seen so much change in our home, yet to me if feels as though the year began yesterday. This might have something to do with the fact that I’ve been pregnant for half of this past year… and yes, time takes on an entirely new feel when you’re carrying a little one.

As New Years Day approaches, I have done more than my usual “planning” and “brainstorming” and “resolving.” This is probably because my nesting instinct is in full swing. It also has to do with my own feeling of inadequacy to raise two children at the same time. J I want very much to remain close to the Lord, keep a clean and organized home, keep up with my reading, and try some of these lovely pinterest projects during the chaos that is about to descend on my life!

Another big goal of mine is to branch out of my cooking rut this year. I want to begin shopping at Trader Joes, and try at least 4 new recipes a month. For me, that’s a daunting task! I love to cook… but I hate trying new things. Weird isn’t it? I hope to be able to share some of these adventures with you all over the next number of weeks and months.

For now, wish me luck as I dive into these (and other!) lists. We’ll hope to see you a bit more frequently over the upcoming year. 

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Introducing Kimber Janelle

This is me at 21 weeks prego with baby #2.

And today we found out that we're having a....

healthy, beautiful, 

GIRL!!!!

Daddy and Mommy could not be more excited. Kyle? Well, he has no idea what he's in for... and thankfully still seems to love talking about "baby." I'm looking forward to teaching him to say "Kimber" now that we know she's a girl! 

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The Best Apple Pie

This is my Mom's recipe. The. Best. Ever. 

Jan's Apple Pie 

1 Pillsbury Pie Crust (yes, brand is important!)

5 or 6 Macintosh Apples 

1 Stick Butter

1 Cup Flour

1 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)

1 Teaspoon Cinnamon 

1 Teaspoon Allspice (this is the "fall" taste, and so amazing!)

3 Tablespoons Sugar

Peel the apples, and cut into the thinnest slices you can manage (if you can see through the slice, you're really good at this!). Fill the bottom pie crust with apples. Combine white sugar, allspice, and cinnamon. Shake spice mixture over the apples evenly. Cut together (using a knife or pastry cutter) the stick of butter (straight out of the fridge, don't use soft butter) flour and brown sugar. This is the hardest part and takes a while. When your chunks of butter are around the size of your pinky fingernail or smaller, you're done. Pile the butter mixture onto the apples. Cover with top pie crust and cut slits into the top. Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.

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Flat on my face

In the past month, my son has completely changed. I always knew that he had a sin nature, I even saw it at times, but in the past month rebellion, stubbornness, and direct disobedience have all become clearly evident. First they were evident in his actions, then in his words. I’m not shocked at this fact, but I am shocked by the responsibility! This soul that I treasure, while not mine to save, is mine to guide.

Parenting--- I’m afraid I’m going to fall flat on my face!

Suddenly, it occurs to me. Being flat on my face is exactly where I need to be

Bowed in anguish before my God

Pleading my inability and HIS ABILITY

God, keep me flat on my face as I raise my children!

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16 Weeks

What's going on this week:

I'm feeling the baby move a lot. This child is far more active than his brother was, and I have to wonder if we're in for a big personality surprise!

My sickness is gradually decreasing. We turned a real corner around 11 1/2 weeks, and I am so thankful! I still throw up during morning diaper changes, but that's all.

I. feel. huge. And I know I'm only beginning. So far I have lost 5 lbs, and gained them back. I'm still at my start weight for this pregnancy.

Kyle is a champ. We're teaching him to say "baby" and touch my belly gently. I wonder how much he will understand before this little one arrives? I'm praying that my labor will be shorter this time, so that time spent away from Kyle will be minimal. I'm thankful that we're using a birth center, and will be able to return home the same day that this baby is born. I know it will make the transition much easier for him!

I feel much more exhausted this time around. I'm thankful for a 1 year old who naps well, and I'm taking advantage of those afternoon naps to sneak one in for myself. What a blessing! One I probably won't have next time around... :-)

While I'm not one to "love" pregnancy, and talk about it as the best 9 months of my life, I am trying to enjoy it for what it is. I love this baby so much already!

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Wordless Wednesday

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News :-)

Well, I’m squeaking in a blog entry for the month! My goal was to post once a week, and the past while that has NOT been happening. However, this month I have a very good (and exciting!) reason. Tim and I found out that we’re expecting another baby. :-D

The baby is due in early March, and I am currently in the throes of “all day sickness.” That’s actually what I want to write about today, because the Lord has been using my sickness to teach me about Himself.

I was sick during my pregnancy with Kyle. Really sick. But I know that every pregnancy is different, and so I went into this one with optimism and my chin held high. However, to date this pregnancy has been an exact mirror of my pregnancy with Kyle. I’ll admit that I’ve had some discouraging days along the way. I hate being sick, I hate throwing up, and I hate the look on my little boys face when I lay on the couch instead of playing on the floor. I did the math, and if this pregnancy continues to be just like Kyle’s was (hoping that won’t happen!), I will feel better around November 3’rd. Two weeks of sickness down, let’s see… thirteen weeks to go.

I love this baby. I am thankful for this baby. Tim and I have prayed for this baby. He is an answer to prayer. He is a gift from God. Truly children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is His reward. I have employed a technique that I used during my sickness with Kyle, each time I’m “hugging the toilet” I thank God out loud for my baby. I praise Him for the little life growing inside of me, for the soul that He is entrusting to our care. I remember those of my dear friends who have prayed for a baby, and the Lord has yet to answer. How selfish it is for me to complain! I praise God for this opportunity to live out the gospel by laying down my current life for this new little one. I even (sometimes) thank God for the fact that I’m sick.  As I voice these things to the Lord, each and every time I feel my heart come back into line with my current calling. Truly, I am blessed!

I remember being impressed by a thought when I first looked into the face of my little Kyle. I suddenly realized that he was the only thing I could take with me to heaven. His soul, entrusted to Tim and I for care and upbringing, would Lord willing live with us in joy for eternity. His soul was the only thing from earth that we could take with us. As I remember that lesson now, it is as sobering today as it was then. God has called me to be a Mom. For the rest of my life that calling will impact my happiness more than any other calling I receive. It is a good calling, and one that I will praise the Lord for.

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Vintage Rocking Horse

I found this vintage rocking horse today, and got it for... well... almost a steal. The guy didn't bargain down as far as I would have liked, but it still cost less than a new one, and has so much more character! Kyle spent the whole evening on it. Isn't it adorable?

I'm assuming that the paint is lead based, so am planning to re-do this treasure. I'm a little nervous about free-handing the face... but it looks simple enough to copy. What do y'all think? Should I paint him a bright glossy red?

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Kyle's Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Kyle's first birthday! It's hard to believe that it's been a year since this wonderful blessing first arrived in our arms. He has been a joy each day of his life, and we truly praise the Lord for him!

The theme of his "1'st Birthday" was ducks. They are by far his favorite animal, always causing a smile to light his face.

Here is the duck cake that I made for him...

I know that my kid is generally not a messy eater... so I wasn't surprised when we didn't get a lot of "cake smashing" action. He did however, enjoy his cake. We gave him the duck's beak, and there wasn't much left of it by the end. He slowly chipped away on it!

My cousin-in-law Mary from Three Loves made Kyle this adorable first birthday onesie with our colors, his age, name... and of course, a duck on it.

Kyle wasn't very excited about the long line of presents, but he was given some amazing toys that I know he'll enjoy in the months to come!

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Kyle's First Haircut

At almost 11 months, Kyle's hair was in need of a good haircut. While I cut "Daddy's" hair myself, I wanted to take Kyle to Jelly Beans for his first haircut. I'll probably do it myself from now on, but it was a fun experience for us!

Here he is getting his "shampoo"

He was a brave boy!

After the shampoo was over, he started to actually enjoy himself

It was a fun memory. My little baby is getting so BIG! I have all his "shorn" little curls to keep, and thankfully his hair seems to have remained curly. I love his curls!

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Full Circle

Yesterday I followed Kyle around the house for a bit, just taking pictures.

We started out helping Daddy work with tools

Enough of that...

Oh, what's this? I think I will keep it. (Note: this wrapper stays with him the rest of our chronicle)

We crawled straight through the kitchen without stopping, headed for the dog leash on the hook in the Dining Room. Got it! And look, shoes!

Keeping with the "dog" theme, let's go ring Quest's bell! (I wonder if he thinks I will let him go outside when he rings it) Why does this always work for Quest and never for me??

Oh! Why is there a broom over there? That isn't normal.

Getting up the nerve to touch it...

Back to Daddy!

Yay!

Oooo... I see something I like...

Full Cicle

Just a few minutes in the life of Kyle.

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First Thing in the Morning

Lately, my Kyle has begun waking up a bit earlier in the morning. While this might seem like a bad thing, it's not! He has begun sitting happily in his crib talking to himself and playing instead of crying out for me. There is no better way for me to wake up in the morning, than to the sound of his little words and laughter. The past few days I've just stayed in bed for a few minutes listening, and thanking the Lord for this perfect gift He has given to our family. While yes, I haven't been able to get my shower behind me, my hair dry and my heart prepared for the day ahead yet... it all seems perfectly fine as I walk up the stairs and get the biggest grin and biggest wave ever from my little man.

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Latest Project

My latest house project has been a fun one! I always struggle to remember what meals I have "stocked up" for in a given week. As a result, I feel the daily panic of my hubby's innocent 4:00 question, "So what's for dinner?" I always run to the cabinets, saying to myself (and to him!), "I know I bought enough to get us through the week... I just have to remember what it is!"

One day I saw a menu planner available from Pottery Barn, and I loved it! It outlined the days of the week, and all three meals for each day. Brilliant! However, it was around $70, and was on a whiteboard (tacky!).

So I brainstormed, and decided to make my own menu planner. I have a small kitchen currently, but wanted to make something large enough to fit the purpose, and to last for many years (and kitchens) to come! I measured the only space in my kitchen that would be suitable, and sent the dimensions to a friend of mine who installs kitchen cabinets, asking him if he happened to have an extra cabinet door in the general size that I was looking for. He did! And despite the fact that I offered to pay him for it, he insisted that it was being thrown out and I could have it for FREE! Yay for being cheaper than Pottery Barn!!!

I quickly bought the rest of my supplies. A can of chalkboard paint, a few cheap stencils, white acrylic paint and a set of small brushes, all of which will be added to my stash of supplies for future projects! Last night once the kidlet was in bed, I started painting!

I forgot to take a "before" picture until after the first coat of chalkboard paint was on... oops.

I couldn't resist putting my adorable puppy in the top part of this picture... :-)

Once my two coats of chalkboard paint were dry, I used a pencil to stencil in the words. Here is a pic of my hubby informing me that my words are not level.

That's better!

Next came the really hard part for me, painting the letters. But I ended up finding it fun!

It's amazing to me how dirty a chalkboard can get after a few hours of sitting on the floor with me working over it!

I was very careful with the layout, and discovered that I had room for a "grocery list" spot at the bottom of my chalkboard! This is almost my favorite part!!! No more paper floating around the counter for me!

The finished product. I LOVE IT! And what did it cost? A few hours of my time, and the cost of paint. YAY!!!

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New Life for an Old Toy

Last week I found this adorable toy at a thrift store. It was radiating potential, and I got it for $1.75. Not bad huh?

Well today I decided to give it a much needed makeover. My goal? To make this traditional looking toy super cute by painting the body a fun color. All while keeping the toy safe for my little boy to play with/chew on. I chose a green (surprise surprise I know) natural graffiti paint that is super durable. I love it!

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My Kitchen Window

I love the idea of a kitchen window, right above the sink. A place to watch God's creation (or the kids playing outside) while doing the dishes. To me, a kitchen window serves to cheer up a mundane task, and to point my thoughts heavenward. Many of my spiritual mentors have used their kitchen windowsills as reminders to prayer, or aids to memorize scripture. When Tim and I got married, I went to set up my own version of this encouraging practice.

However, in our little A-frame there are no windows in the kitchen. I was determined not to lose my "kitchen window philosophy," or my reminders to prayer. So my husband patiently hung me my own windowsill.



While I don't have the view of creation, I do have my two little index card books with verses copied out by two of my spiritual mentors. These verses have become dear to my heart, and I try to flip the cards each day to memorize and remind myself anew of God's promises.



Someday maybe I'll have a real kitchen window. But for now, my little windowsill is doing just fine.

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Reading... finally!

I'm a huge reader. Well, okay, I used to be a huge reader. In college I kinda lost the habit (and missed it!) because I was so busy with classes, work and dating my wonderful Tim. After we were married, I was very sick (story for another day) and began a rather time-consuming job as a nanny. While I loved my life, I did miss the feeling of curling up on the couch with a good book. Now that Tim and I have a baby boy, I'm home again. This is such a blessing to our lives! And I have discovered tiny bits of time to read again.

Recently I finished "A Mom after God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. I'll be honest, this is my absolute favorite of her books (not that I've read all of them...)! It was a huge encouragement to me, and has helped me to begin implementing things into my routine that I knew "in theory" but just hadn't started doing yet. The book really made me realize that habits such as praying with your children (and especially praying FOR them), can never be started too soon.

I thank the Lord for the ability (and those tiny bits of time!) to read again. I'm praying that as I choose my books, His Spirit will guide me to topics and authors that will help me in my walk with Him, and teach this young woman how to love my husband and my child better each day.

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The lady at Walmart

Today I went to Walmart. Kyle was supposed to be sleeping through this shopping trip, and sure enough he fell asleep in the car on the way to the store, just as planned. However, he woke up by the time I had gotten through the produce section and proceeded to scream off and on through the rest of my very long list. I held him on my hip, and that seemed to help for a time... but overall it was a miserable trip.

As would happen on any such trip, I discovered that I HAD to use the bathroom about halfway through our shopping. I hate it when this happens, because it means carting myself, diaperbag, Kyle and today that carseat (which he had been napping in), into the restroom with me. Well there was no helping it, so cart them all in with me I did.

There was one other person in the bathroom. She was washing her hands as I came in, and I smiled and said hello, knowing how ridiculous I must look with arms full, makeup gone, hair a mess and absolutely frazzled. She smiled back and continued to wash her hands. I checked for a diaper changing station (which I also needed to use), and saw it closed up, on the wall by the sink.

So I got Ky into the stall, hung the diaper bag on the door, put the carseat on the ground, and put Ky into the carseat so that I could use the restroom. He SCREAMED bloody murder when I put him down. And he continued to scream, even though I talked to him saying "Ky-guy it's okay. Mommy just has to use the bathroom, then she'll pick you right back up and we'll go change your diaper together okay?"

Well when I left the stall (baggage in tow!) I found the diaper changing station pulled out and ready for me. I can't tell you how much that simple action, done by a total stranger, meant to me at that moment! Truly, it was a blessing... and a rebuke to me. How often do I, who have the love of Christ, walk through my day with eyes and ears open to the simple blessing I can be to others. What opportunities to bless have I been walking by, unseeing? Lord give me the eyes to be like that Walmart lady! And spread your love and joy to a dying world.

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Cloth Diapers

I just want to say, using cloth diapers is one of the best decisions I remember from 2010. I really love it! Saving money, while keeping my baby comfy and cute? It's great.

I actually used to be one of those people who "would NEVER use cloth diapers." I mean seriously, that's gross! But that was before I saw them demonstrated in our Bradley Birth Class. When I saw the Flips from Cottonbabies, I looked over at my husband (who had asked me to look into this concept) and said "THAT I can do."

The Flips are amazing! I love the fact that you don't have to push the insert into a pocket, it just tucks into the corners of the waterproof liner, and you're done. Somehow that seemed less gross to me. For Ky, the coverage is amazing, and blowouts rarely happen.

They expand to fit 8-35 pounds, and are really affordable... especially considering how long they can be used. Kyle is almost 20 pounds, and the diapers have way more expanding to go! No buying S, M and L sizes with these cloth diapers! Lord willing, I can have two kids in them at once!

We started with three "day packs," and that was a pretty good number. If I were superwoman and always on top of the laundry... we probably would have been fine with three day packs. We did two months on that number, and once we knew for sure we loved the system, we bought a fourth day pack. Now I have to be REALLY behind on laundry to run out of covers, and I never run out of inserts. The covers don't have to be washed every time. When the insert is just wet (and not totally soaked), I just set the cover aside and use it later that day. I love that about the system!

The colors are fun too. I can't wait to have a girl so I can buy the beautiful raspberry pink diaper covers! I also really like the snap closure. I think it's more durable than any other type, and once you get the hang of it... it doesn't take any time at all. It actually takes me longer to get Ky in a disposable diaper than the cloth ones. :-)

I LOVE my Flip Diapers!

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