Check out my dad, Keith's 50th Birthday Tribute Blog!
I love you, Dad!
Also, Happy Birthday, Aunt Debi!
It is the funniest thing... My Dad & Aunt Debi share the same birthday and my Mom (Lisa) and my Uncle Bruce (Debi's husband) share the same birthday. Too cool!
Hope you all have a happy October 14th!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Information Overload
I feel like I'm on information overload lately. I love the internet, but goodness all the stuff... all the craftiness out there, the tutorials, the recipes, the preschool activities, the parenting wisdom, sermons, the political info... TOO MUCH INFORMATION!!!
Sometimes I feel like my head is just spinning around. I am still trying to get my life back in balance since I have started back to work. Yesterday, Dan & I finally got some stuff accomplished at home. We cleaned house, made A TON of baby food for Grace... seriously a lot of yummy food for her... veggies, fruit and chicken. Then Dan detailed the van (have I said that he's my HERO, lately??) and I got to work hanging up clothes in the girls room. I went through all of Sophie's 12 mo. clothes and pulled out tons for Grace two weeks ago, but they weren't sorted, organized and hung up. I finally got that done and the girls room cleaned. I was amazed at the stuff I found under the bed and changing table. Grace tosses stuff off when I am getting her ready and I reclaimed all sorts of treasures. We finished off the night with enchiladas and then I cleaned my bedroom and bathroom. SOOOOO glad it is clean. My toilet was ICKY! :)
Dan and I finally crawled into bed at about 12:30. It's been a good Sunday. Not much going on here.... which is good, even though there are still lots of stuff I'd like to be doing. I have a full couple of days ahead, but I am looking forward to this week. My Dad will turn FIFTY this week, my sis Britt is in and we are going to get to spend some time together and with my aunts as we start planning Jac & Ike's shower.
Soon I'm going to try and post on...
*Bearcat (Or Catbear to Sophie) Football - HOMECOMING
*Painting Pumpkins
*Decorating for Fall
*Pumpkin Muffins & Autumn Smoothies... YUMMY!
*Some more Birthday stuff
*A few political thoughts
*Recent Bargains i have found
*Hair Bow goodness... SO FUN! :)
*Grace's new milestones... saying DA DA & Crawling!!
Right now, I am going to go and try to rouse Sophie from her nap. Then, I am going to work in the girl's room a little more. I really wanted to get some pics up for Kelly's Nursery Tour before the weekend is over. We'll see. Dan's out bow hunting. I pray that he has some success soon!
I've still got a full head... info (although it feels good to at least jot some of it down) and s-n-o-t. (sorry if that was TMI!) I pray that my sinus' get under control this SOON!
Lots of love and blessings to you! Anything fun floating around in your noggin today??
PS- My bloglines has not been working well lately... as in not posting new feeds from certain people. I don't know if there is anything new unless I suspect it and manually go look. Maybe I need to switch to Google Reader??
Sometimes I feel like my head is just spinning around. I am still trying to get my life back in balance since I have started back to work. Yesterday, Dan & I finally got some stuff accomplished at home. We cleaned house, made A TON of baby food for Grace... seriously a lot of yummy food for her... veggies, fruit and chicken. Then Dan detailed the van (have I said that he's my HERO, lately??) and I got to work hanging up clothes in the girls room. I went through all of Sophie's 12 mo. clothes and pulled out tons for Grace two weeks ago, but they weren't sorted, organized and hung up. I finally got that done and the girls room cleaned. I was amazed at the stuff I found under the bed and changing table. Grace tosses stuff off when I am getting her ready and I reclaimed all sorts of treasures. We finished off the night with enchiladas and then I cleaned my bedroom and bathroom. SOOOOO glad it is clean. My toilet was ICKY! :)
Dan and I finally crawled into bed at about 12:30. It's been a good Sunday. Not much going on here.... which is good, even though there are still lots of stuff I'd like to be doing. I have a full couple of days ahead, but I am looking forward to this week. My Dad will turn FIFTY this week, my sis Britt is in and we are going to get to spend some time together and with my aunts as we start planning Jac & Ike's shower.
Soon I'm going to try and post on...
*Bearcat (Or Catbear to Sophie) Football - HOMECOMING
*Painting Pumpkins
*Decorating for Fall
*Pumpkin Muffins & Autumn Smoothies... YUMMY!
*Some more Birthday stuff
*A few political thoughts
*Recent Bargains i have found
*Hair Bow goodness... SO FUN! :)
*Grace's new milestones... saying DA DA & Crawling!!
Right now, I am going to go and try to rouse Sophie from her nap. Then, I am going to work in the girl's room a little more. I really wanted to get some pics up for Kelly's Nursery Tour before the weekend is over. We'll see. Dan's out bow hunting. I pray that he has some success soon!
I've still got a full head... info (although it feels good to at least jot some of it down) and s-n-o-t. (sorry if that was TMI!) I pray that my sinus' get under control this SOON!
Lots of love and blessings to you! Anything fun floating around in your noggin today??
PS- My bloglines has not been working well lately... as in not posting new feeds from certain people. I don't know if there is anything new unless I suspect it and manually go look. Maybe I need to switch to Google Reader??
Thursday, October 9, 2008
My First Quiche
I love quiche. I guess it just makes me feel grown-up and refined to eat a beautiful quiche. Quiche is why I love MiMi's Cafe so very, very, very much! The men in my family aren't so fond of MiMi's, but I could eat there any day. Give me some sweet tea, delicious bread & butter, salad with creamy ranch dressing, a warm quiche, a huge fresh baked muffin, and a few pieces of fruit and I'll be a friend for life.
This past January we spent two weeks in Little Rock while Gracie was in NICU at AR Children's Hospital. I had just had a c-section (on Thursday) and we drove to LR on Friday. It was bitterly cold in LR and I had left Mena without my coat. (The last thing on my mind.) Saturday was probably the hardest day Daniel and I had. Grace had been intubated and given a chest tube during the night and we were really scared and hurting. We had lots of family surrounding us and my Aunt Reba and cousin, Curt had driven in from Oklahoma to be with us for the day. We left the hospital that evening during the time when we couldn't see Grace anyway and headed to dinner at my favorite, MiMi's Cafe. It was so, so cold outside and like I said, I had no coat. I was still struggling to walk and I used a wheel-chair much of the time for the long hospital and hotel walks. When I got out to the vehicle that night at MiMi's the cold air hit me and I could barely stand it. I started shivering so hard that I could not walk with my fresh incision. My mom threw her leather coat on me and they helped me inside. That was such a surreal night. We were all seated and were enjoying the delicious bread and conversation. There was laughter and stories and catching up and then the reality would hit me and the tears would come... I had a daughter on a ventilator in NICU. She was not at home with me in our warm house. We were so unsure of the future and I guess I just felt guilty for being at a nice restaurant when she was in a huge hospital without me.
That night my family and my faith in a Loving and Gracious God got me through. The quiche was an added blessing and a well-heated get away car kept me warm.
Last Friday night I stumbled upon this Spinach Quiche recipe and amazingly enough I had all the ingredients so I made it the next morning.
This past January we spent two weeks in Little Rock while Gracie was in NICU at AR Children's Hospital. I had just had a c-section (on Thursday) and we drove to LR on Friday. It was bitterly cold in LR and I had left Mena without my coat. (The last thing on my mind.) Saturday was probably the hardest day Daniel and I had. Grace had been intubated and given a chest tube during the night and we were really scared and hurting. We had lots of family surrounding us and my Aunt Reba and cousin, Curt had driven in from Oklahoma to be with us for the day. We left the hospital that evening during the time when we couldn't see Grace anyway and headed to dinner at my favorite, MiMi's Cafe. It was so, so cold outside and like I said, I had no coat. I was still struggling to walk and I used a wheel-chair much of the time for the long hospital and hotel walks. When I got out to the vehicle that night at MiMi's the cold air hit me and I could barely stand it. I started shivering so hard that I could not walk with my fresh incision. My mom threw her leather coat on me and they helped me inside. That was such a surreal night. We were all seated and were enjoying the delicious bread and conversation. There was laughter and stories and catching up and then the reality would hit me and the tears would come... I had a daughter on a ventilator in NICU. She was not at home with me in our warm house. We were so unsure of the future and I guess I just felt guilty for being at a nice restaurant when she was in a huge hospital without me.
That night my family and my faith in a Loving and Gracious God got me through. The quiche was an added blessing and a well-heated get away car kept me warm.
Last Friday night I stumbled upon this Spinach Quiche recipe and amazingly enough I had all the ingredients so I made it the next morning.
{my first quiche! little hands got to the crust before i got a picture. :)}
It was a little too spinach-y. Next time I'll make sure I drain the spinach very well and maybe add some extra cheese. I will definitely make it again and I can't wait to try some of Martha's variations. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Dan's 31st!
{Dan & Mom}
Daniel's sweet Mom & Step-Dad blessed him with a great birthday party to celebrate his 31st year! They served smoked pulled pork sandwiches and served all the fixins. YUMMY!
{click on the collage to enlarge}
our little family... sun glistened faces and all. :)
Thanks Mom & Don for a sweet party!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I like Ike
A few weeks ago I met two "Ike's."
Jac, Jen & Ike
Ike's first outfit from Aunt Jen & Uncle Dan. Oh how I love minky material! SO soft and warm. Perfect for a January baby.
One was big, huge, powerful and ferocious and had the potential to destroy all who were in his way.
One was tiny, soft, innocent and defenseless and has the potential to bring blessings and joy to all who he will know.
One was expected. He was forcasted and watched with a keen eye as he grew and developed far out at sea.
One was unexpected. He was not planned by our human, limited minds, but He was carefully formed and wonderfully made by the Hand of God before the beginning of time.
One brought torrential rains, hail, destruction, a death to dreams to many people.
One will bring newness of life, growth, purpose, joy and so many blessings to his Mommy and to his hopeful family.
I met these two Ike's the same week. One has passed me by, the rains are gone. The other I anxiously await his arrival. My precious nephew.
We don't always understand God's ways. But, one thing I do know... He is the Author of Life and He does not mistakes. His ways are not our ways and His thought are not our thoughts. They are so much higher. What a joy to be in His Hands.
So, just a few more months and I will be able to hold a sweet baby boy. I'll hold him close and whisper in his ears how much I love him.... how i can't wait for him to meet his wild girl cousins (who i am sure will boss him around to no end) and I will tell him how very blessed he is to have Jaclyn as a Mommy.
I really do like Ike.
Jac, Jen & IkeIke's first outfit from Aunt Jen & Uncle Dan. Oh how I love minky material! SO soft and warm. Perfect for a January baby.
Monday, October 6, 2008
CRUNCH Cake!!!
Dan's Mom asked me to make a cake for Dan's birthday. I looked around on the internet (Bakerella... YUMMY!) and found some great looking deserts, but in the end I went with a family classic... Crunch Cake. YOU need to make this! Delicious & Rich. A little goes a long way!
Crunch Cake
You'll Need
*1 Box Devils's Food Cake
*1 can Eagle Brand (Need I say more?)
*1 tub of Cool-whip
*Chocolate Syrup
*Caramel Syrup
*Sliced Almonds
*Heath Bar Toffee Bits
***************************
Make the cake as directed on the box. Poke holes in the cake and pour the entire can of Eagle Brand in the the cake. Allow to cool. Smooth Cool-Whip over cake and then drizzle the syrups. Then sprinkle a generous amount of almonds and toffee bits on top.
Easy, Pretty & Yummy!
*****************
And I must give credit where credit is due. This recipe was originated (at least in our family) by my Uncle Jason & Aunt Jennifer. They served it daily in their local restaurant. Let me just say that it rocks to have so many good (male & female) cooks in the fam! :)
rainy monday reports...
*i have the last book in the "Baxter Family Drama- SUNSET" by K. Kingsbury in my possession. oh the joy that fills my heart! except that this is the end of an amazing 14 book series! :(
**i have some serious sinus junk in my head. we all have runny noses here. yuck.
***dan went bow hunting for the first time this season. he got up before five and sat/stood out in the rain for hours. sounds like fun to you? :)
****we had a great LIFEgroup last night. the message on parenting was so good. the main thing i took away was that our kids (no matter the age) need 1- acceptance (not a hint of rejection) and 2- time (quantitative quality time). and that our influence on them when it really matters will be based out of our relationship with them not our position (not because, i'm the mom or i'm the dad!) good stuff. :)
*****mom (lisa) and i took soph to the dentist last week. she did good and we got a great report. strong, healthy teeth! woo hoo!!
******gracie b. is on the verge of a major crawling break-through! our lives are about to change!
*******i get my first pay check this week. thank You, LORD!
********we got some MAJOR good news today!! my mom (cheryl) and step-dad, mike (he is in Iraq right now) bought a house in mena today! they have been trying to move here for a while now and they sold their home in tulsa and today the Lord provided the most precious little home today! it is small, but it is SO CUTE! an endearing rock cottage. it is 80-90 yrs old, but it has been completely gutted and remodeled. i am so excited to see how it is all going to turn out! they should be moved in by the end of november if all goes on schedule. please pray that the details will be smoothed out according to God's plan.
(back to the sinus stuff... any one have any tips on sinus drainage??)
**i have some serious sinus junk in my head. we all have runny noses here. yuck.
***dan went bow hunting for the first time this season. he got up before five and sat/stood out in the rain for hours. sounds like fun to you? :)
****we had a great LIFEgroup last night. the message on parenting was so good. the main thing i took away was that our kids (no matter the age) need 1- acceptance (not a hint of rejection) and 2- time (quantitative quality time). and that our influence on them when it really matters will be based out of our relationship with them not our position (not because, i'm the mom or i'm the dad!) good stuff. :)
*****mom (lisa) and i took soph to the dentist last week. she did good and we got a great report. strong, healthy teeth! woo hoo!!
******gracie b. is on the verge of a major crawling break-through! our lives are about to change!
*******i get my first pay check this week. thank You, LORD!
********we got some MAJOR good news today!! my mom (cheryl) and step-dad, mike (he is in Iraq right now) bought a house in mena today! they have been trying to move here for a while now and they sold their home in tulsa and today the Lord provided the most precious little home today! it is small, but it is SO CUTE! an endearing rock cottage. it is 80-90 yrs old, but it has been completely gutted and remodeled. i am so excited to see how it is all going to turn out! they should be moved in by the end of november if all goes on schedule. please pray that the details will be smoothed out according to God's plan.
(back to the sinus stuff... any one have any tips on sinus drainage??)
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