Binkie to the Baby Deers

Braden is on the way to becoming a big boy.  He has been sleeping in a big boy bed for awhile and now he doesn't sleep with a binkie anymore. (Potty training is the last big hurdle!)  He had been talking about throwing his binkie to the fish in the lake, but since we don't have any fishes close by we decided instead to throw it outside to the baby deer. (we have way too many of those)  Braden just woke up one morning and decided to do it.  He opened the front door, threw it in the grass, and that was it.  Later that evening to his surprise the binkies were gone.  I guess the baby deer (or mommy) came to get them.   We have been binkie free ever since.  He asked about them a couple of times, but we just said the baby deer had them and he moved on.  That was much easier than I thought it would be!

Braden's last pictures with his binkie!

Ella being the supporting sister.

Ready, set....

Throw! 

"

"There they are, in the grass."

 "I did it momma."

Ella acting out the deer coming to get the binkies.

"Mom, I'm a big boy."

Braden waving goodbye one last time.  

Kasi and Brennan's Wedding

At the beginning of March we headed to Georgia for the wedding of two K-Kountry staff.  Kasi and Brennan are the cutest couple and had the most beautiful wedding.  It really was one of the most creative, elegant, and unique receptions that I have ever been to.  Ella and Braden stayed at home so Collin, Beckett, and I got some great family time, and some wonderful time with friends.  We flew in to Atlanta, so we also got to stay the night with Cameron and Melissa in their cute newlywed apartment.  It was so good to be with them, and spend some time in their world. 

Beckett's first plane ride!  I don't think the man next to Collin was too happy about sitting next to a baby, but Beckett did great.  Not even one little cry.  

The reception was at the brides home, and I am pretty sure they thought of every detail.  It was out of the pages of southern living.  True southern charm mixed with elegance and yet comfortable at the same time. 

Isn't this a cute idea.  The Bride and Groom chairs were beautiful, but I am pretty sure they never got to sit down!

This an "S" made out of greenery on the coffee/hot chocolate table.  They also had the most incredible blueberry lemon scones to go with the warm drinks. 

Loved this trough filled with glass coke bottles.  

They had this beautiful monogram that personalized everything.  I can't even imagine how much time this took. 

The S'mores table.  What a fun idea. They had sticks already cut and individual bags with all the fixins for a s'more ready to go. 

This was my favorite idea of the whole party.  When it was time to cut the cake, instead of having some announcer try to coral everyone, they had the cutest little girls run through the crowd waving these sings.  It was precious.  

The Newlyweds!

The whole K-Kountry Krew!  It was so good to see everyone.  

He Makes All Things New

This short video is a powerful reminder of God's grace in our lives.  If you have a minute to watch, it is a great encouragement! 

 

The Chronicles of Narnia

Ella and I have been reading through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  She is still a little young to understand the entire story and all of the words, but I have also been surprised by how much she has retained.  She has been the one to get excited each night, and ask to read another chapter.  It has developed into a special activity for the both of us to do.  
We are nearing the end of the book which in my opinion is the best part of the book.  Chapter 14 is the part that Aslan is killed by the White Witch.  It was heartbreaking at first to see Ella confused by why Aslan was killed.  It made for the great conversation to get to draw the parallels between Aslan and our great King that died for us.  At the end of talking she said, "Mom, so Aslan died just like Jesus died on the cross for me so I didn't have to."  Wow, she got it!  Her precious child like faith! 


Last night we read Chapter 15 which is called Deeper Magic From Before the Dawn of Time.  This is the chapter that Aslan returns back from the dead and is my favorite chapter of the whole book.  Here is an excerpt.  
"Oh, you're real, you're real! Oh, Aslan!" cried Lucy, and both girls flung themselves upon him and covered him with kisses.  
"But what does it all mean?' asked Susan.  "It means," said Aslan, "that though the Witch knew the Deep Magic, there is a magic deeper still which she did not know. When a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor's stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backward."
"Oh, children,"said the Lion, "I feel my strength coming back to me.  Oh, children, catch me if you can!"  He stood for a second, his eyes very bright, his limbs quivering, lashing himself with is tail.  Then he made a leap high over their heads and landed on the other side of the Table.  Laughing, though she didn't know why, Lucy scrambled over it to reach him. Aslan leaped again.  A mad chase began.  Round and round the hilltop he led them, now hopelessly out of their reach, now letting them almost catch his tail, now diving between them, now tossing them in the air with his huge and beautifully velveted paws and catching them again, and now stopping unexpectedly so that all three of them rolled over together in a happy laughing heap of fur and arms and legs.  It was such a romp as no one has ever had except in Narnia; and whether it was more like playing with a thunderstorm or playing with a kitten Lucy could never make up her mind.  And the funny thing was that when all three finally lay together panting in the sun the girls no longer felt in the least tired or hungry or thirsty.  


What an amazing literary picture of what it is to live with our Savior!  I think Jesus says, "Catch me if you can!" and then leads us on the chase of our lives over hilltops and valleys.  The key words being that HE LEADS.   He is always hopelessly out of our reach as He is God and we are not, but allows us to "almost catch his tail" as we are able to draw close to and develop a relationship with him.   The journey with Christ is unexpected, unpredictable, and indescribable.  We never know where following him will take us, but we have the amazing security to know that when He tosses us in the air, He will always catch us with "His huge and beautifully velveted paws".  Such strength and tenderness wrapped all together in the most wonderful harmony.  Lucy said it perfectly that she didn't know if she was playing with a kitten or a thunderstorm.  Our God is not safe.   He is the God of the universe deserving reverence, fear and awe.  Yet he also is there for us to curl up in His lap, to comfort us and walk with us.  Then somehow in the process of chasing Him even if we are exhausted and panting from running, He refreshes us and we can no longer feel in the least tired or hungry.  What an amazing God we serve!  I hope that I can know God more like this each day and that you can too!

Poop!

This post is not for the faint hearted.  Yes, the subject matter is poop, so if that can not be tolerated by you than I will not be offended if you move on.   Don't worry today post will not include any pictures {Thank Goodness!}.

With three little ones running around the house, and one that is potty training, it seems my day has a great deal to do with this subject matter.  Braden is learning to go on his own, but seems to have some anxiety about going on the potty.  So right now we have about 20 false alarms throughout the day which consist of him running up to me frantically telling me that He needs to go poop on the potty.  We run as fast as we can into the bathroom, he sits there for a second, and then says that he doesn't have to go any more.   I never ever imagined myself sitting on a child's size stool in the bathroom holding my 2 year olds hand, making grunting faces, encouraging him to push, and waiting with great anticipation for.....well... you know what, I don't need to describe it any further.  If you could sneak a listen in our bathroom, hearing the way I have to encourage him would make you think I was cheering him on through the final drive of a tied football game as he is making the victory run all the way down the field.  "Go, Go, Go....You can do it...You can do it....Keep going.....Whooo Hooo! Way to go Braden!!!!

Luckily, Ella is very potty trained but somehow can not retain the knowledge that she needs to flush the toilet after she goes to the bathroom.   So this morning, she calls to me from the bathroom and says, "Mom, come look at my poop!"  I respond, "No Thank you Ella".  She says, "Mom, Come wipe me!" I say, "No Ella you are a big girl and can do that on your own."  Then we start all over with another round of the same comments.  So I go to the bathroom to help her, only to then leave to change a Beckett poopy diaper and return thirty minutes later to a full toilet and disgusting sight.  Oh Great!

Ok...I literally had to just leave from typing this post because Braden ran through the house screaming, I've gotta go poo poo.  (I am always a little tempted to just say, go in your diaper.  It seems so much easier at this point.)  This time it sounded like he won the superbowl.  All with no success, so we will do that again in 10 mins.  Ha!
So this is my morning, Hilarious!  Braden is yelling again.  Here we go....

{This post is lovingly dedicated to my Brother Joel}

Girls Night

Over the weekend I had an incredible girl's night.  I got a great deal on a manicure, had pizza, and got to watch a movie.  It doesn't get much better!   Here is a picture of my nails after the very professional manicure.  

What do you think?  Ha!  This picture doesn't even do justice to the beautiful mess that my hands were.  I guess I should have mentioned that my manicurist was a darling 4 year old, the pizza was delivered, and the movie was The Lion King.  The boys went to a basketball game so us girls were at home alone.  It really was fun to have some time just the two of us.   I really don't usually wear color on my nails, and I really don't like paint on my skin {I guess no one really does}, so this was a good practice in patience for me.   I made myself leave it on for the weekend, and then to my great dismay {not really} it started chipping and I had to take it off.  Thank goodness this excuse seemed understandable to a 4 year old.   If you would like to make an appointment, I am sure we could work you in for a manicure too!  

The Doctor is in the House

6 Months Later.......

My mom was sweet to get these outfits for the kids when Beckett was born.  I was so sad when Beckett outgrew his onesie he wore in the hospital, but luckily she also bought the same one in a 6 month size.  Beckett has changed so much in such a short time.  It is amazing to me as a mom, that you see your child every day but don't notice how they change until you look back at pictures.  I love all of my kids so much and feel so blessed by them.  I thank God for them and am amazed that He entrusted these three precious souls to me to raise.  These days can be so long and weary, yet at the same time I told Collin the other day that I know we are in our "Glory Days".  We are still young (kind of), and healthy (what a huge praise!).  These days are very precious with our little ones.  I am trying so hard to really soak all of this in and love this time because it is already flying by.  I feel like I would freeze time if I could.  I never want to forget what it is like to feel Beckett snuggle his head on my shoulder when he is sleepy after nursing, or Braden and Ella run to the door when I come home, or seeing them sneak into our room early in the morning, or hear their little voices say "momma".  This list could go on and on but I am tearing up...so enough for now.

 I have a very wise friend (and faithful reader to my blog, thanks Jamie Jo!) who gave me great advice on kids growing up.   One day we were in her car and she had pictures of her kids as babies with her.  While looking at them I ask her if she missed having her kids that little.  She quickly responded, "No.....I love every stage with them".  That has struck me ever since then.  Lord help me to love and soak in every moment, smile, laugh, hug, tantrum, and even the fights.  I thank you and praise you for allowing me to do this wonderful and exhausting job of being a mom!

Play Date and Cupcakes

Yesterday Ella had some preschool friends over for a play date.  There were 5 girls and not one fight the entire time!  I love that Ella has great friends, and I pray they can continue these friendship for many years.  

Dress up time in Mom's shoes.  

Working Hard!  

I made cupcakes for the girls to decorate and I'm not sure if I made them more for the girls or me.  This is the second batch of these cupcakes that I have made this week.  I am obsessed!  They are so good.  They are strawberry cupcakes with strawberry frosting.  I have always loved strawberry cake or just anything strawberry, so these are right up my alley.   This recipe has fresh strawberry in the batter so the cupcakes bake up really moist and kind of dense.  I will post the recipe below.  

Don't overmix these and make sure to not over bake them.  The recipe only makes 12 so it seems like the perfect amount to just have a small amount around for a snack.  Or if you're like me, to limit the temptation to eat to many.  I think I need to go eat one right now....but I better not, it would be my 3rd today.  I know, I know.... don't judge me

Strawberry Cupcakes

2/3 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, thawed

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup sugar

1 large egg, room temperature

2 large egg whites, room temperature

Directions

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners; set aside.

2.  Place strawberries in a small food processor; process until pureed. You should have about 1/3 cup of puree, add a few more strawberries if necessary.  If you have any leftover save it for the frosting.

3.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside. In a small bowl, mix together milk, vanilla, and strawberry puree; set aside.

4.  In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter on medium-high speed, until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and slowly add egg and egg whites until just blended.

5.  With the mixer on low, slowly add half the flour mixture; mix until just blended. Add the milk mixture; mix until just blended. Slowly add remaining flour mixture, scraping down sides of the bowl with a spatula, as necessary, until just blended.

6.  Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups. Transfer muffin tin to oven and bake until tops are just dry to the touch, 22 to 25 minutes. Transfer muffin tin to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in tin before icing.

Strawberry Frosting

Makes enough for 1 dozen cupcakes (I had some leftover and used it for a second batch)

1/2 cup whole frozen strawberries, thawed

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, firm and slightly cold

Pinch of coarse salt

3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1.  Place strawberries in the bowl of a small food processor; process until pureed. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and salt on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce mixer speed and slowly add confectioners' sugar; beat until well combined. Add vanilla and 3 tablespoons strawberry puree (save any remaining strawberry puree for another use); mix until just blended. Do not overmix or frosting will incorporate too much air. Frosting consistency should be dense and creamy, like ice cream.

Head Wraps

I have realized lately that I really like to crochet. There are so many fun things that you can do with it, and I love having a project that you can pick up and put down, take in a car, or work on when you are watching tv.   Here are the my two latest creations.  They are head wraps to keep your ears warm.  Next I want to make some in brighter colors, but I was making these for my mom and she requested black.  Hope you like them mom!  They are fun to make, let me know if you need one. 

Play Room

For those of you that have ever been to my house, you know that we have a "dining room" that has never been used for eating (unless gold fish and juice cups count).  Actually our dining room has never even had a table in it, or chairs, or anything that even resembles a dining room (except for a gold chandler that I really do not care for).

About 4 years ago, a strange thing happened.  It started very small and innocent, like a small wave that gently breaks on your toes at the beach.  We barely noticed at first.  In the beginning we even welcomed it until.....it began to take over.  It went from a small wave to a Tsunami consuming anything in its path.  It took over our dining room and began to spread to the rest of the house.  Until we decided that enough is enough, we had to take back the reins, show it who is boss, get back control and regain our home.  Of course what I have to be talking about is......the onslaught of TOYS!

Years ago we gave up our dining room to be a play room.  This past weekend we finally added a little bit of much needed organization to it.  It has made such a difference.  Now the kids get so excited to put things away.  So here is the before picture......

Ok, the sad thing is we had already picked up a little when I took this picture.  Isn't this horrible! 

And this is the After picture!  So much better!  The bins are all labeled with pictures so the kids can tell exactly what goes in each bin.

Growing up Fast!

My little man is growing up so fast.  He is just a week away from being 6 months old.  How did 6 months go by so fast!  He has two teeth now, and just started eating solids this week.  We started with rice cereal and bananas.  He loves eating.  I took him hardly anytime to get the hang of it.  The first time was a little awkward but then after that he was already an experienced eater. I can't get the bites in fast enough.  I have started him eating a little bit earlier than my other two, but he was very ready!   I love this little guy so much and feel so thankful for him.  He was a surprise coming to us, but now I could never imagine life without him.  He makes me smile constantly, thank you Lord for this precious boy! 

First Bites

Gumball Necklaces

Ella and I decided that for Valentines day we wanted to give the girls in her class necklaces made from gumballs.  I love this idea, and first saw on One Charming Party.  They were pretty easy to make and I think turned out oh so cute.  I hope the girls in her class liked them.  I think these would also be fun in other colors for birthday parties.  

The original tutorial suggested using a metal skewer to punch the holes in the gumballs.  Well....that was taking a little too long so we broke out the power tools.  Using a power drill made it super easy and really fast.  I highly recommend doing this if you make these.  

Next I threaded ribbon on a large needle.

 Then because the holes were already drilled it was really easy to thread the ribbon through. I used a couple of different kinds of ribbon.  Depending on the width and kind of ribbon it made big difference of how easily it threaded. 

I used about 7 gumballs for each necklace, but they could look cute with alot more too.   I tied knots in between stringing on each gumball and then tied a bow in the ribbon at the end.  Here is the finished product on some of Ella's friends at school.  The girls looked so cute in them, and I hope their moms didn't kill me for giving them gum!