Happy Birthday to ME!

I recently celebrated my 32nd birthday. (Yes, I am that old but thank you for thinking I'm younger.) For my birthday I only wanted 1 thing - a baby to celebrate with and pass my special day to . . . and I got what I wished for! My sweet friend, Jen, waited 6 days passed her due date just to have Abigail Rece on Dec 7th. Ok, I'm sure it wasn't her choice but now I know that Abi loves me. She wanted to be born on my bday. Of course Jen doesn't love me so much anymore but I think I can be forgiven.

Sweet blessings to my friends the Joneses. I used to share my day with Patsy but she is celebrating with her Creator this year.

Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Christmas

My house is beginning to smell like Christmas and I love it! This is my favorite thing about this season. My mom found this recipe somewhere and I make it every year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. (It makes a great hostess gift too!)

Christmas Scent

3 - 4 inch cinnamon sticks

3 bay leaves

1/4 cup whole cloves

1/2 orange

1/2 lemon

1 qt water

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer as long as you want. Add water as needed. Cool and store in the refrigerator when you're done simmering.

Happy Chicken Day??

For the second year in a row we went to Chick Fil-A for Thanksgiving. Our friends that own it have opened up their restaurant to us and those that don't have family in for the holiday. We all bring something and eat to our hearts' content!

Our kids are beginning to think this is what Thanksgiving is all about . . . and I guess it is. We have come to find our Ridgeline friends to be our adoptive family in Cali. It is fitting that we spend Thanksgiving with those we love!

Feeling Halloweenie

Today was a spontaneous halloween fun day. We went to the Pumpkin Patch after nap, watched the Backyardagains "It's Great to be a Ghost", and made pumkins/ghosts/cats out of orange playdough.

I was thinking, while Iwas building awesome right arm strenth stirring homemade playdough, "This is the life. This is what having kids and being a mom has always been about to me . . . and it won't last long." Snif. It made me a little sad.

Nonetheless, it was an awesome day. I don't know why I don't do more things like this. Maybe I just

needed a day to realize how fun it is and that the days of being a dorky mom in my kids eyes are just around the corner.

We called it a Halloweenie day! I have a feeling there will be more. . . .

**Playdough recipe (makes enough for 2 kids, in my opinion)

1 c flour

1/2 c salt

2 tsp cream of tartar

1 tsp oil

1 c water

Stir dry ingredients in a pot on the stove top. Add oil and water and mix well. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pot.

Pour dough into a bowl and cover with a wet towel for 1 min. Make a well and add 10-15 drops of food coloring (ratio for orange is 2 red : 1 yellow). Knead together until color is uniform. ENJOY!

Rosey the Pumpkin

Today we got together with some friends for pumpkin carving at the park. It was a lot of fun! We got home with Rosey the Pumpkin. She was yucky on the inside but not anymore.

It was a really fun day. Especially when Cade and I got to swing. Few things are better than seeing your kids crack up laughing from pure joy. . . . what a memory!

Pampered Chef Party

So last night I had a Pampered Chef party. It was so much fun!!! I love getting together with my friends (old & new) to eat and talk about food. I totally meant to take pictures but I completely forgot. So I thought I would give the recipe to you all:

Mexican Layered "Lasagna"
1/4 c lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese
2 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 med onion, about 2/3 c chopped
28 oz enchilada sauce
12 corn tortillas
3 c diced chicken

Microwave cream cheese on HIGH for 30-45 seconds or until very soft. Add cilantro & 1 1/2 cups of the Monterey Jack cheese; mix well. Spread 2/3 cup of the enchilada sauce over bottom of deep dish covered baker. Pour remaining enchilada sauce into a mixing bowl; set aside.

To assemble lasagna, dip four tortillas into enchilada sauce in mixing bowl and arrange over sauce in baker, overlapping as necessary. Scoop half of the cream cheese mixture over tortillas; spread. Top with 1 cup of the chicken and 1/3 of the onion. Repeat layers one time. Dip remaining four tortillas into sauce and arrange over second layer. Top with remaining chicken and onion. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over lasagna and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese.

Microwave, covered, on HIGH 12-15 minutes or until center is hot. Let stand 10 minutes.

*You might want to saute' the onions if you don't like any crunch.

For dessert I made Sopapilla Cheesecake:
2 cans Crescent rolls
2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 stick melted butter
1/2 c cinnamon sugar

Grease 9x13 pan. Spread one can Crescent rolls in bottom. Whip together cream cheese, sugar and vanilla and spread over Crescent rolls. Top with second can of Crescent rolls. Pour melted butter over top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until brown on top. Cool slightly until set and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

ENJOY!!!

A Sonic is Born!

YAY!! It's finally here!! We now have our Sonic! It opened today and it was so much fun . . .

Matt went in at 11 this morning and just happened to be there when they gave out 1 year's supply of Route 44's. That's right - 365 free Route 44 drinks from Sonic!!! We went back at 4 this afternoon and we got it again!!!! I am so exctied I did the happy dance all the way home!

Go ahead . . . laugh at me. But remember you probably have a Sonic in your backyard and I've been driving 25 miles to the nearest one. AND I'll be getting my Route 44's for free this year!!! YAHOO!!!

Vanity Plates Run-a-muck

So "personalized plates," or the less PC term, "vanity plates," are rampant in California. It's fun trying to figure out what each one means and sometimes passes the time at the stop lights. I've thought long and hard about what my personalized plates would be and I think I've found it. Ready . . . .

TOT TOTR

What's your personalized plate?

Can You Find Me Now?

We are homeowners again! AND we actually live here too. This house needed about 3 weeks worth of renovations before we could move in so "owning" and "living in" are 2 totally different things. Last night we mowed the grass (ok, weeds) and I don't think we've ever enjoyed it more. Weird!

These pics are of Cade playing his version of peek-a-boo, called "Can you see me now?". He was in the midst of all our packing papers and having a blast!!!

We'll send more pics of the house later.

Yoga & Jesus

Some people will automatically be suspicious with the title of this blog but I have found a unique connection in Yoga to my walk with Jesus.

As I was in Yoga last week trying not to fall on my rear, I listened to the instructor, "focus on your practice", "listen to your body", "don't worry if someone else can do this pose deeper/better", "no judgement" . . . .

I really began hearing God remind me of my personal walk with Him . . . . "focus on your relationship with me not to others' relationship", "let other people walk their path as you walk yours", etc.

I realized how much I've been focused on everyone else's relationship with Christ and neglected my own. I remembered that when I focus on Jesus, I don't seem to think about what others are/are not doing. I can stretch deeper in my walk by keeping my focus on me.

Gimmie MORE!!!

Ok, so planning a church from the ground up is totally overwhelming!!! I think there is a new stack of "To-Do's" everyday. For several days now I've been totally freaking out and feeling tremendous pressure to make things just right but last night I realized what I really need is MORE FAITH . . . I have to just simply believe that God is powerful enough to make the children's area at Ridgeline exactly what He wants in the time we have left. The cool thing is that once I realized this, I felt the pressure lift. I have changed my prayers from "Lord, help me get all this done," to "Lord, give me more faith and more Jesus."

I think that is the real ticket.

Miracles and Homework

My mom has a necklace she got when I got pregnant with Jayci. It says, "Believe in Miracles." This week Jayci looked at it and said, "Granna, what does this say?" My mom told her and Jayci said, "Yes, He does. Does God do homework too?"

Pray for JK8

I've been watching Jon & Kate Plus 8 and frankly, it just makes me sad. I watched the first episode of the season and began that night praying for their family. They are human and need God's help just like the rest of us. I believe the Gosselins want the best for their family and honestly, we all know that is an intact family with married parents.

I can't watch the show any longer without feeling depressed and I HATE those magazine covers with all kinds of half-truths and lies on the cover. So I no longer tune in.

Join me in praying for their reconsiliation. It will be a God-size work but I believe He's up for the task! They cannot do this but they know the One that can.

Book for Mommies!

I have recently finished a great book for moms titled, Taking Care of the Me in Mommy by Lisa Whelchel (remember Blair on "The Facts of Life"?). I have read a couple of her books before and really enjoy her writing.

This book is easy to pick up and put down for those short reading times. She covers some great topics of Mommy-hood in the 5 parts of the book: Taking Care of Your Spirit, Taking Care of Your Body, Taking Care of Your Soul, Finding Time for Yourself, and Finding Time for Each Other. In each part Lisa shares a part of her story and what she has learned but the best part of each section is the "Rest Stops". These are ideas for implementing something into your life that addresses the situation. Everything from working hobbies into your life to daily Bible reading tips.

The book is a little older (2006) so some of the web addresses have expired and some ideas are very "Southern Baptist" but all in all, I loved it! I bought my copy on the bargain book rack at Lifeway for $5. Definitely worth it!!!

Happy Birthday, Jayci!!!

Jayci wanted a Strawberry Shortcake birthday party this year so Mommy attempted a strawberry cake. It looked good except I ran out of red icing. It tasted good and that is what's important! Cade blew out one of the candles before Jayci could, but we re-lit and let her go . . .

She got a bicycle for her big day and rode all over anything concrete with it. Even now, every time we get out of the car, she races to the bike and rides as long as I am unloading siblings and groceries out of the car. Before long, we'll be calling her the blur.

She also got a princess umbrella and is dying to use it out here. We took strawberry rice crispy treats to school the day after her birthday. When it is your bday at school you get a crown and you get to be the prayer girl twice. Jayci was thrilled! She still wears her crown around and prays sometimes.

Awesome Book

If you're looking for a great book to read, check out Looking for God by Nancy Ortberg. It is great for those of us who have been believers a long time but have somehow forgotten some of the easiest ways to connect with God. The chapter titled, "Quiet Time" is worth the price of the book alone. My favorite part is where she claims that the mother toddlers cannot possibly have a "quiet time" in any way shape or form. I AGREE!!

I think it's also great for new (or fresh) believers to find significant ways to know God intimately.

I have really enjoyed it and now I'm working on 2, Taking Care of the "Me" in Mommy and I Once Was Lost. I'll let you know all about them when I'm finished . . . .

WWKW . . .

WWKW? Well, that means "What Would Kim Wear". Kim is my good friend and mentor from TX and I curse her every Friday and Saturday (and Sunday afternoon for that matter). When we lived in TX, Kim's clothing habits wore off on me. She helped me see that work out attire is for the gym, NEVER show a panty line, and it's better to be over dressed than under dressed. I curse her because every time I want to just be sloppy and grunge out, I see her looking in the mirror back at me. It sounds like she's standing there shaking her finger but Kim's not like that. The problem is that her voice has turned into my voice. Kim never told me anything . . . I just picked it up from her. (I have to admit, she's done more for my wardrobe habits than Staci and Clinton but I still watch them habitually.)

This Friday I went to lunch with a friend in the area. She is not a stay at home mom. She works from her house and has an amazing sense of style. I do not . . . and it showed. It was a rainy day around here and I didn't feel like dressing up. Plus, I'm still in the battle of "to maternity or not to maternity - that is the question." I wore regular jeans that are totally unflattering but not maternity and a long sleeve t-shirt with tennis shoes. I looked like a stay-at-home mom. I gave us a bad name on Friday. My friend looked stunning, yet casual. I was depressed. I imagine everyone that passed us thought, "What in the world is that beautiful woman eating lunch with that sad soul." The funny thing is I actually had the WWKW moment that morning and ignored the little voice in my head saying, "NO! Don't leave the house looking like that!!!" Oh, well. I leaned from that. That specific t-shirt is going in the trash and the jean are too when I fit in my other regular jeans.

Thanks, Kim. I promise to heed the warning next time!

Free Time?

My wonderful husband took our two older kiddos to a hotel and spent last night. Isn't he amazing?! I love anything that contains the gift of time! He just wanted to say thank you for all the work I do around here. WOW!

So, the only problem is I have an addiction . . . an addition to crafts. Yes, I'm saying it. "My name is Sharon and I'm a craft-a-holic." Facing the precious gift of time my honey had given me, I decided to crack out a pattern and some material I'd bought pre-baby and sew. Only there was not enough time!!! Instead of having a relaxing evening, I was rushing to get in bed at a decent hour so I didn't waste this morning away sleeping. Of course, I didn't finish what I wanted to do and now I have another unfinished project to complete at a later date.

What I should have done was to finish some of the minor project I had started earlier and then rest in front of the TV or in the bathtub. Oh, well. It was fun anyway. I just think I'd feel better today, knowing I had accomplished something instead of knowing that now I need to find time to finish one more thing.

Back to the addiction thing - I spent my morning leisurely walking through JoAnn's. What a horrible idea!!! As much fun as it was to walk up and down almost every aisle, it was just enabling my problem further. Now I have material for 4 more projects!! (Luckily, it's actually 2 projects twice, but still. . . .) I'm thinking that one day I'll have an hour or two to start them and then an hour or two to finish at a later date.

The root of all this is that I have time to find ideas and not carry them out. It's a lot easier to sit on my butt for 30 minutes and search my favorite blogs for ideas than to sit for hours at a sewing machine & ironing board and complete the project. So it goes!!!!

Secret Stitch Etsy Shop

Ok so the Secret Stitch club I'm always talking about has an Etsy shop now!! They sell some aprons and hooter hiders - it's great! They are having a contest to win something too so check out the store and the blog and maybe you'll win! Well, I hope it's me so maybe you won't win - hee, hee.

Here's the link if you are having trouble:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6186016

Three Little Bears Bread

Jen gave Jayci a Highlights magazine a few months ago and we saw a recipe for these cute little bears made out of bread. I was feeling adventurous yesterday so we made them and they turned out great!

Both kids made their own bear, including raisins for eyes. Some of the raisins became freckles on the bear and some were eaten in the process but it turned out cute anyway.

Both kids are enjoying their bears one piece at a time with butter and honey of course!

Hopefully we can start doing a few little cooking projects this summer. I think they'll both really like it.

A Year Already?

Guess what today is . . . . our 1 year anniversary in California! Can you believe it? We moved into our house one year ago today. It seems like an eternity ago and yet I feel like the wheels have just begun rolling for church stuff.

I am a little nostalgic today. It feels good to be here. I am reminded of the dream that brought us this way and it fills me up. I'm also filled to think about what God might do out here for His kingdom. I am thrilled to be a part.

I want to share with you the lyrics to a song that encouraged me each time my faith felt weak. It's from Nicole Nordeman's Brave . . . . "But if you believe in me, that changes everything." I would hear this and be reminded that nothing else mattered as long as God was the author of the dream, as long as He was the motivation, as long as I used Him to measure success. It still moves me.

Sign of the Times

Last night the kids and I drove about 25 minutes to Sonic. Mommy had a craving and we had time to burn. Since it is so far, our food is usually cold by the time we get home so I had a fun idea - VAN PICNIC!!! We ordered our food, plugged in the DVD player and ate dinner in the van. It was so much fun! . . . for the kids. Karis cried so I held her and tried to distribute food to everyone. It was a challenge and I think there is more lettuce in the back seat of my van then I would prefer but it was an adventure.

Anyway, while I was sitting there with a crier in my lap, 2 kids eating tots and watching Pixar's Bug's Life, I saw 3 high school/college age girls drive up singing at the top of their lungs to something blaring from the speakers. It reminded me of several years ago. It was me!

It was me in the car next to me and yet me in the mini-van with 3 kids. I wish I had a camera. It was quite a reflective moment to me . . . . seeing what I was, carefree and apparently loud, and what I am, a crazy mom surrounded by loving little babies. I could see myself looking from the car to the van, wanting the mommy-life for my future and I could see myself looking from the van to the car, wanting to shuck all responsibility and play my music loud while drinking Sonic everyday. Deep.

Taste of Community

Last night was our first Taste of Community group meeting where we had any discussion about God things. (Last week we just hung out and ate.) Taste of Community is a 6 week session on exploring God and relationships. Last night we discussed "Loving God" - what that means, what it looks like, how it's possible or impossible, etc.

The discussion was good but I couldn't help but feel like something was missing. I was really hoping for more people in our group and I think that would really challenge my thinking. I would love for someone to ask some tough questions and make me really think about what I believe concerning love and God. Maybe we'll have some more join our group in the weeks to come.

Happy Birthday, You're 2!

Today is Cade's 2nd Birthday!! We had Chick Fil-A nuggets and fruit and an Elmo Cake. Cade had a blast opening presents and playing with all his new toys.

"Mommy made me an Elmo cake. It was delicious!" Cade asked for his cake. Then asked for Lala's cake (Gavin's). After eating a bite of Gavin's cake he said, "Lala's cake 'gin." It was too funny.

"My Meme gave me a ball with Tigger and Pooh on it and my Granna did a great job of wrapping it."

"I'm almost big enough to ride Daddy's motorcycle."

Happy Birthday to You!

Karis is 1 month old today! Thought I'd post some current pics.

"It's tiring to be this precious."

It's a Girl!

Mommy made us shirts that tell the world we are the big brother and big sister of Baby Karis!

Hello, World! I'm here and ready to check things out . . .

This is Karis on day 6. She spends time with eyes wide open but still sleep a lot. This is her baby doll that we are using to measure her growth this month.

Karis is going home from the hospital. She was not crazy about the bow but she tolerated it for Mommy and Granna to get a few shots. My grandmother made the blanket. Each kiddo has come home wrapped in Meme's blanket. I think it's a great expression of love from the oldest one of us to the youngest. I only wish she could be here to wrap Karis up herself. Maybe soon.

Life around here has become quite eventful. The older 2 are doing fine. Right now they want to hold the baby and kiss her all the time. I'm reminded that one day they won't feel so excited to have a baby sister so I'm letting them do whatever they want to with her.

Cade isn't sleeping well, which is hard on Matt because he gets up with him each time. Hopefully we will outgrow that when I am back to 100%. I think he just misses his Mommy and whatever normalcy we had a few weeks ago.

Jayci is doing great. However, she is disappointed that we did not name the baby Ariel. She brought Karis's picture to school and told her friends, "Her name is Karis. I wanted to name her Ariel but Mama said Karis." I love her resignation to the fact that I RULE!

Hugs and Kisses to you all!

Bellies and Babies

Ok, here we are 3 days to go until baby girl gets here! I am getting a little nervous. Not really about the delivery but about the whole family thing. It seems crazy to throw another kid into the mix. I guess there never is a perfect time for that and everything will iron out eventually, but it just seems insane to think that things will ever be smooth again.



So last Saturday, I got brave and let my photographer friend take some belly shots of me. She just bought some new studio equipment and needed to practice so I became the guinea pig. I only like this one, mostly because you can't see anything but the baby - no face, arms, etc.



We'll keep you posted!

What's for Lunch?

This is Cade's favorite meal and it's just so darn cute when he asks for it that I have a hard time saying no.

Sorry I don't know how to rotate the picture. Turn your heads to the left and press play. Just consider it a neck workout.

Hospital "Tour"

Ok, so last night was our hospital tour of where the baby will be born. However, I would not consider 1/2 of what we talked about "tour" worthy. I felt like I was in a room full of new mommies that needed to know everything about what to pack and when to get to the hospital, etc. Now, I believe those things are important FOR 1ST TIMERS. They actually have a class for them specifically. They also have a refresher course for those that will have to deliver naturally. As for me and my scheduled C-section . . . I just wanted to see the entrance (as everything is under construction) and the rooms. Of course you have to ask special questions if you are C-section patient b/c they think everyone gives birth the other way.

I'm already frustrated that the new maternity wing of the oldest hospital on the planet won't be open as expected. Also, the Sonic we were supposed to get . . . . haven't seen any piece of it or hint of ground breaking. I know the last month of pregnancy is all about hormones and frustration but seriously. . . . I am just plain mad that all these things i thought would be will in fact NOT be and I'm stuck - fat and miserable - to deal with unmet expectations.

Just to add insult to injury . . . we were informed that the nurses don't like to keep the babies in the nursery at night so they stay in the rooms with mom. It was also suggested that if you want to take a shower or pee and no one is there with you, you should roll the baby into the bathroom with you. WHAT??! Isn't that what nurses are there for??? All i have to say is they better clear the private rooms for this big-mouth Texan. Can you imagine sharing a room (Dad's can't stay overnight in semi-private rooms) with someone else and her screaming baby too?????

This may truly be the experience of a lifetime. I'll keep you posted.

. . .And a Happy New Year!

I usually post pics of the kids and blog about our family but today I thought I'd copy a snippet from my journal this morning. Here you go . . . .

"I love New Year's. It always feels like a new beginning, a fresh start for everyone. On TV, all you see is weight loss commercials and a few other resolution-type ads. Everyone wants to change something.

"I have no real resolutions this year except to work to keep clutter under control. I do have a few hopes for myself but I'm not ready to call them resolutions: I want to have a more steady walk with Jesus. I feel like we have an on-again/off-again relationship and I know having a 3rd baby this year is really going to pressure all efforts to maintain time alone with Him. However, I'm mature enough to know that things will even out in the end and I'll eventually be normal. one thing I've learned from Kim is that worshipping God IS changing diapers too. Cleaning hinees and stained clothes is service to "the least of these" in His eyes."

On this issue of motherhood, I want to refer to a book I was given when we left Flower Mound. the introduction to The Busy Mom's Guide to Prayer by Lisa Whelchel is so affirming. She reminds me that being a mom is not just a desire of my heart but if I let it, it can be glorifying to the Lord as well.

Enjoy your New Year and good luck on your resolutions!!!

Merry Christmas!

Ok. So I know Christmas is over, but it's really too late to say Happy Thanksgiving and I never got those pics on either. Christmas Day here was very different for us this year since we did not celebrate with any extended family. The kids were thrilled to see all the things Santa left them and enjoyed opening presents. Here they are opening everything after breakfast. Jayci was very gracious, wanting to know who each gift was from before she opened it. If the gift was from Matt and me she would fun and give us each a hug an kiss and say thank you before she ever opened the present. It was a great parenting moment. Cade took forever to open his presents. He is still at the age of amazement where each gift is so meaningful. He would say "pull, pull," which means, "Get it out Mommy. so I can play with it." Jayci was getting frustrated with him to get the job done but he loved everything so much, I hated to rush him.

I'm just chillin' in my new chair, thank you.

Peek-a-boo from my new Rose Petal Cottage that Santa brought me.

Gavin and Nicole came over for lunch and it was really good. I've never cooked a turkey before and I was impressed, if I do say so myself. All in all it was a blessed day and I found myself very grateful! Merry Christmas too all!!!!