Home Sweet Bentley

Real Life Faceplant and Facebook

2011-10-18T16:02:00.001-05:00

This is my Facebook status update today:

"Ugh. That was the trip to the grocery store after preschool pickup. Shopping cart did not have straps, Kait tried to sit on 3 cartons of eggs, and when I tried to put both back in the cart - they screamed and I screamed. Then a lot of people turned around and looked at me with mouths wide open. I walked by and smiled brightly at all of them with my children clinging to the outside of the cart. Don't you dare judge - I KNOW you are not as perfect either. Again, ugh!"

I came home and tried to cry. Jacob saw me and cried.

They warned me, "We do not want to go." I just needed eggs: 79 cents a dozen at Aldi, and none of the carts have straps (an issue I was told would be solved last Tuesday). Just miserable. My bad. It was minutes from naptime and any mother in her right mind knows you DO NOT attempt anything that will conflict with napping. As Justin would say...Derp! *He would also pull up the famous picture of Texas University quarterback McCoy chewing on his chin strap and "derp" me again. It's an Aggie joke.*

There it is, folks. There it is.

Back to the subject....I am not perfect, and God has given me clear glasses to see this. I can name it, but someday when I run for President, I need everyone to think I am perfect. So, we will just leave that to your imagination. However, God is so good. Let's talk about how good...

Forgiveness:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! - 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Promise of new:
He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." - Revelation 21:5

Looking forward:
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43: 18-19

Today's nap time has shown I am not perfect, but He is! He can give me new wind, new attitude. He makes all things new. Boy, do I need all things new today in my life. My attitude - bring new life. My mothering - bring the rains of refreshment. My relationships - bring new blooms. My trust in God - you alone deserve my attention.

~ Kaitlyn is up. She walked into the room with three cartons of strawberries stacked on each other saying, "I'm so hungry." Yes, yes, you are. Yes, yes, we eat lots of strawberries in our home.

Have a great day, especially if you are not so perfect!

Suz

Overstuffed

2011-09-29T10:53:00.000-05:00

This is it...my book of recipes from online, magazine pulls and my own creations. It is getting a makeover, and after punching holes in a zillion papers, it may get a new home.

How do you store your recipes? Do you write them a card? Use a book like this? Do you sort into categories? Do tell!

Peanut Butter Smores No Bake Cookies

2011-09-26T22:42:00.001-05:00

Snob. I am. I am a snob to "no-bake" cookies. Cookies require baking. Until now! I found a recipe in a Parents magazine, copied it, and set out to make the treat. The only problem is that it is severely lacking in instruction...detailed instruction. Since I never read past the ingredients, I had no idea until I dove right in. I took the recipe, and used it as the structure to my cookie. This cookie tastes more like a Reese's peanut butter cup and smores combined. It got rave reviews from the neighbors, so try it for yourself!

Peanut Butter Smores No Bake Cookies
by Susan Costiloe-Bentley

1 1/2 cups graham-cracker crumbs
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter (or Nutella)
1/3 cup maple syrup (more as needed for moisture)
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
7 oz marshmallow cream (1 small jar)
1 cup chocolate chips (I used milk and dark chocolate)
Nonstick cooking spray
Baking Sheet lined with parchment or wax paper

1. Crush graham crackers in a large zip lock bag or with a masher in a large bowl.

2. Melt chocolate chips in glass bowl in microwave - 15 seconds at a time until just melted (may take 1-3 sets of 15 secs to melt); stir chocolate until uniformly melted until and drips off spoon. Set bowl aside.

3. Combine peanut butter, maple syrup, sugar, and vanilla with spoon or mixer. Add 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate*; stir.

4. Add crumbs to peanut butter mixture. Stir with spoon until incorporated. Shape into 24 1 1/4 inch balls. (Add 1 tbs. maple syrup and 1tbs. peanut butter if crumb batter will not hold ball shape). I used a medium scoop to make the balls. Place balls on parchment lined baking sheet. Use a fork to flatten each ball and make a crisscross design on top or use hand to gently flatten.

5. Spray spoon with nonstick cooking spray and stir marshmallow cream. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of cream on each cookie. Cream should cover top of cookie - add more cream or spread the cream to distribute more evenly (I used a spreader coated in cooking spray to more evenly distribute mine; I also added extra cream to make my extra gooey). Next drizzle melted chocolate over each cookie; more or less to your taste.

6. Place cookie sheet in refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to set the cookie. This step is optional; I did not do this for the cookie pictures.

You could also omit the1/4 cup sugar since it is pretty sweet on its own. Other nut butters or substitutes could be used - I just have not used those as of yet.

*If you use Nutella, you may omit chocolate added to base mixture...but that would mean less chocolate for chocolate lovers.

Look at those gooey, yummy melt-in-your-mouth No Bake Cookies!

I am no longer a must-bake cookie snob. Try it out and let me know what you think!

Busy Girl

2011-09-26T17:14:00.001-05:00

I have been waiting for the new issues of Southern Living, Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes & Garden to arrive. MSL arrived, but it was last month's issue and I already have that one. Strange. By the way, my magazines are free subscriptions after taking surveys, making it waaaay easier to tell Sweet Hubs I cannot cancel because it is free. (He often wonders why he doesn't have an array of manly magazines. Surveys, babe, surveys. Besides, he does have 1 manly magazine about Bass Fishing, courtesy of surveys.) I like BHG because Mom always had a BHG subscription (and still does).

I may run down to my neighbors to borrow her BHG, if she has it.

Do you ever feel, ugh, like you do not measure up? I so feel this way lately with Kaitlyn. She is such a joyful and enthusiastic beauty. At the same time, in all of her two-ness, she is emotional, screamy, kicky, bossy, and hard to read at times. I kind of remember this with Jacob at this age, but I was overwhelmed with Kaitlyn and her physical therapy to concentrate much on the fussiness of his two-ness. Since there is no child down line of Kaitlyn, I have time to concentrate on this. She is my daughter, my first daughter, my only daughter at this time.
I told a friend recently that being a stay at home mom, I realized this past year, is very foreign to me. My Mom went back to work when I was a year old. She stayed home with my sisters, and for whatever reason, she said my third sister drover her nutty and she had to go back to work. That sister is 3 years older than myself. I didn't get to see Mom as a SAHM but on rare occasions when she took a week or two off or when my sisters went to camp and she stayed home with me. I loved those times. For some it may not matter, and this is not a guilt trip to anyone, but for me, I am a visual and hands-on learner. I adored time with Mom learning to bake, sew, embroider and garden. Just loved it! Anyway, sometimes as a SAHM, I have had to educate myself in so many areas in order to feel like a success. I still feel lacking in the area of my two year old daughter.

So what do you when you feel like you do not have enough "education" to get you to where you need to be? You learn! You learn from Mom, neighbors, friends, books, magazines. So, I am learning to measure up. Kaitlyn's preschool teacher said she loves to be The Big Girl and help. This girl is always on my heels. I knew she likes to help, but that she responds overwhelmingly to helping is amazing! I always was the helper for Mom. I am "getting" you, baby girl! Check her out below... painting butter to puff pastry for cinnamon rolls.

So thankful for teaching moments. So thankful for Mom and her teaching me to do so many things. So thankful for passing the love to my little one! * My Southern Living FINALLY came in the mail and we loved flipping through the pages together.* And now to catch up with her as she de-rolls the paper towels. My oh my, you are a busy girl!!!!

Real Football. Will Have To Wait.

2011-09-26T16:54:00.002-05:00

Jacob is a guy's guy. He has been ready to play since birth. Justin sid he wasn't ready for football, but Jacob said he wanted to play. Soccer isn't his thing. To him, kicking the ball seems mundane. He wants more action. Flag football or T-ball? We picked football. Here is first practice. Jacob is in a red shirt in the middle of the line.

After a little bit of practice, and after seeing bigger boys in real helmets, he turns and looks at us.

After he does an awesome drill. (Go Jacob!)

He says he doesn't want to play. He says it wasn't REAL football. He says it is baby football. I see. Normally, we would make him play, but we really want him to love football, and we think he will.

This is what I learned: You see, he wants a real helmet and real pads like the bigger boys down the field. When I step into my child's eyes, I see what he needs. This wrestling helmet is not a football helmet. He was disappointed. We were disappointed. This little guy knows what he wants, and he usually excels at what he wants. It's okay. It's okay, Justin - he just wants to play with you and practice until he can wear a real helmet and pads. There is nothing but a boy who has a vision. And, nothing more than a boy who needs his Dad to lead him to that vision. It's okay Mom, he is four and you will have many years cheering for him.

What else did I learn? The boy really wants to kick the football, throw the football and run the ball "fast". Smart guy! And, he wants to play babseball in the Spring. Sure thing! I adore you, Jacob!!!! You are such a success!

In the meantime, Kaitlyn enjoyed the great outdoors. Love her hair in setting sunlight!

Thoughtful and beautiful.

Firsts

2011-09-12T16:19:00.000-05:00

Jacob and Kaitlyn are headed to preschool. Last week was their first week, and Jacob has only one returning friend from the past two years. He really misses his friend Dakota - he has spiky hair. Kaitlyn had a great first day, but refused to stay her second day. I was called within 15 minutes to take her home. Laundry and ironing more fun??? Praying tomorrow goes much better. The staff is super sweet and such encouragers.

Guess what? I am Jacob's classroom Mom again this year! I LOVE planning their parties, and I tend to go OVERBOARD, but that is okay!!!! I cannot tell you how awesome it feels when Jacob comes home happy from preschool. This week he "made a new song" and sang it for us. The B-I-B-L-E! What a blessing to hear a sweet boy belt it out!

Justin had these things sitting in the garage and he didn't tell me! Not just 1 but THREE!!!! He caught them the night before and they are big suckers! They are cute, just do not want them to jump on me or crawl in bed. Ewwww! Our dog Mollie will eat them, which is such a blessing when Justin isn't home, and I am in a panic. The kids love them. What do you think? House guests that eat bugs????

This is Fred...

This girl loves geckos...and dirt...and dresses...and bows...oh my!

I am SO afraid of geckos. When we moved here, I began having nightmares about them. I would wake Justin up screaming and grasping for him like crazy. Serious issues here!!! Maybe he has been praying for me since I haven't had one in awhile. He's such a good man.

From a distance, the darn things are super cute.

On another note, we took it easy yesterday. We are so grateful to worship in our church on the anniversary of 9-11. I walked Jacob to class, praising God because 10 years ago my life was not fully committed to Him. And, now, God has entrusted two beautiful people for us to raise. Wasn't it perfect that the 10th anniversary fell on a Sunday, a peaceful restful Sunday? Justin and I took turns greeting at church since both children were crying when left in class. Justin said a lady who works for American Airlines was new, visiting today. She said she didn't attend church, but it was just fitting for her to come here since it was the 10th anniversary. She wanted to be filled with Hope. Chuck sure gave us a message of HOPE - we are NOT alone in our time of need.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whot have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28 NIV

Have a great day, and please be prayin' for us tomorrow with easy drop off at preschool!

One Year

2011-08-29T16:45:00.002-05:00

It has been a year. So much to catch up on, but a new start and fresh ideas coming your way on Home Sweet Bentley. Look for it in the coming weeks!
Kids are fighting, go to go, but will see you back here soon...
Suz

Perfect Play Date Party

2010-08-26T15:19:00.003-05:00

We were picked! Fisher-Price has been with me all my childhood, and I can remember the pull along turtle, the wind up radio box, the nursery song record player, the Lolly Doll and so many of my favorite toys. When we were expecting Jacob, I could not wait to give Jacob a wonderful loving memory that included a favorite Fisher-Price toy. From my children's playmat to swing to stacking toys to push toys, both have enjoyed their Fisher-Price memory makers.

My party is September 18 for those in the wonderful Fort Worth area with infants and beginning walkers. If you want to come, just comment with your email.

Catching Up Tuesdays

2010-08-24T14:10:00.011-05:00

Long story short is internet has been funny and hunky hubby’s work schedule changed. Where were we? Yes, catching up. It’s a good thing too since my dearly loved Nikon D80 has been sent in for repair. I nearly cried when they said four to six weeks. No loaners? What!? Crushing feeling inside. We have our 5th Anniversary, my birthday and Justin’s 30th birthday in the next six weeks. Let’s pray for a miracle that Miss Bess will get back to me sooner than later. Since we moved to good’ol Cowtown fours years ago, we have missed my parent’s anniversary and birthdays marking each summer month. My Dad is a Fourth of July baby, and we just kind of flounder around Fort Worth on the big day. Just seems so impersonal here and the holidays are even worse. We packed up and headed to see my parents for Dad’s 67th birthday. It was a wonderful, easy, quick trip. Have you seen the camels along 287 between Vernon and Wichita Falls. Love-love-love to see them. The owners were feeding them and the tall grass alongside the road has just been cut making easy access to stop and get out. The owners are wonderful. There is one bull, and apparently, you never want to underestimate the bull, alongside many females. Break out the camera and they come running, posing for pictures. They are so soft and their noses are soft like a horses’. They didn’t spit and have not been known too. Oh my goodness, I am in love with this herd of camels. Kaitlyn was too! The sky was cloudy and air cool which made for neat pictures. We didn’t see them on the return trip, but I cannot wait to go back home to catch a glimpse of this neat group.

2010-08-03T15:05:00.007-05:00

Jacob wrapped up his first Preschool year in May. What a big "little boy" he is! Jacob says he is not big, he is little. Yes. When Jacob first joined ranks with the other tots, he was two and had a paci. He called it Pabi. At the end of the school year, Jacob had given up his Pabi for trains and tracks (except when he barters with Kaitlyn to take a swig of her paci) and began signing with me. Probably, let me think, yes, a few weeks before preschool Jacob began signing Twinkle Star to me on his own, in a very deep, rustic rocker voice. Could Mommy join in? No. It was not allowed. At the end of the school year, thankfully, Mommy and Jacob were singing together. Yes! Jacob, you have learned to be a good friend, play with others, perfect coloring, love painting, takes naps independently of Mommy (yes, yes), give up your pabi, sleep on the floor, eat lunch with your comrades, say no to biting, jump, play musical instruments, walk in a line with your classmates, shapes and colors (you already knew those), count beyond 20, open up and talk more (you already had a lot to day, but you just put more confidence in it), and just be a wonderful and enthusiastic two year old. Did I mention you can really tear up that playground running and climbing? What a big strong boy you are! I will miss cute one-piece outfits, taking naps with you, sweetness of your baby cheeks, how you fit into my arms, and that sweet paci lulling you to sleep. I love that you are now three, can sing, recognize words, share with your sister, help bake cookies, love sports, love to read, treat animals kindly, love all things boy. You are super smart, but most of all, you love traveling and seeing those you love. What a wonderful boy!

I'm Gonna Catch-you Up Tuesdays

2010-08-03T13:34:00.013-05:00

I don’t have much time. Shhh! I’m suppose to be cleaning those floors over there – instead I am Catch’n You Up on Tuesday. A little bit of organization, designated my blog days, never hurts anyone. In fact, I have a love affair with organizing. My earliest (and fondest) memories were rearranging, cleaning and organizing the kitchen cabinets, linen closets or bathrooms. Enough said. Kaitlyn celebrated her first birthday May 22 and the day after we had a wonderful lazy family day at the Botanical Gardens. Kaitlyn's day-after-first-birthday began with a photo shoot on the porch. I love her zeal for life! Kaitlyn is such a go-getter and she is overly curious. I love taking photos of her - her skin is so pretty and her eyes are simply dreamy! Plus, Princess K is always willing to smile for the camera. Jacob and Justin were inside watching air-o-planes. Yes, it was a Sunday, and we didn't go to church. However, we had a yummy breakfast, leftover birthday cake and a good nap. It was so perfect. This dishes waiting to be put up from the party - not so perfect. After naptime, Team Bentley headed to the thriving Metropolis of Fort Worth. That's right! It was Justin's first visit to the Botanical Gardens, so we swung by Taco B for our sophisticated picnic. Princess K was asleep, so Jacob showed Justin around. When Kaitlyn awoke from her slumber, we headed over to a shaded area to picnic. Even though it was late afternoon, boy, it was hot and steamy! Nothing like Southern heat and humidity to make hair poof and clothes stick to the body. Ooooooh yea. First stop is with the friendly turtle trying escaping sticks and taunts of little boys, one of which is mine. He was actually very loving toward the turtle getting down to eye level and inspecting such creature. I am closing this post with tons of photos at the Home Sweet Bentley Shutterfly Share site.

Show Us Your Life - Share Your Testimony

2010-07-30T14:14:00.002-05:00

“Today will be the last Show Us Your life for a few weeks. I really enjoy these Fridays and I hope ya'll do too! But I need to get a fresh set of topics and just take a little break. We will start back in September. If you have a suggestion for a Friday theme - please leave it in the comments! You can find most of the past ones (and I'll try to get it updated with the rest soon) at
www.kellyskornershowusyourlife.blogspot.com” – Kelly’s Korner

I was raised in a Christian home, and as the youngest daughter, I saw at one time or another all of my sisters baptized. According to my Mom, our family began attending church shortly after my birth, and my Dad was saved when I was a small child. All of my early memories are of church, Ms. Ivy teaching Bible verses, Mom writing each of us a tithing check every Sunday morning, the bus ride to church, and hearing about sweet Jesus.

When I was five or six, I remember asking Jesus to save me. My parents stood in our small kitchen and dining area, the small yellow café curtains let in a beautiful light, and I told my parents the decision I had made. I loved reading my Bible and learning verses. I was active in church until my junior or early senior year of high school. There was a lot going on at home, and I really began to struggle in my Christian walk. I still believed in God, but felt I didn’t fit in.

I went to college and became involved in the Baptist Student Ministry, where I came to love international students. Even though I read my Bible, attended church often, but not regularly, and said I was a Christian, I had no idea what it meant to grow in Christ. I still struggled. At the same time, even though I was in college, my family life still overshadowed more than most days. During college I was baptized since I had known for years God was convicting me of this and drawing me to public confession.

Two years later, after graduating college, God and I had a heart to heart, if you know what I mean. It was pretty rough, but in all the pain of letting go, really letting go, God softly and gently lifted me up. He told me about His love and dying to myself, He built me up in His love, and He became my Kinsmen Redeemer. I didn’t want anything else. Since I always seemed to put dating before God, I decided to stop dating and really just live like I was meant to be single, open to whatever God had for me each day.

The next 9 months lead me to fasting and praying for a job, direction and trusting God. That was the best time of my life. I met my husband in January 2004, and our first date consisted of me talking for hours outside my parent’s house about how much I love God. We married in September 2005, and as with marriage, we quickly learned how selfish we were. Fast forwarding to today: Justin realized he wasn’t really saved, and in October he became a Christian, and last Sunday he was baptized! We are approaching five years of marriage and I am so grateful to God! The past four years have not been easy for me, as I often describe being in the desert. However, Justin’s baptism puts the icing on the cake and makes the past four years sweet, instead of tolerable. It really puts into perspective how God has a plan for you, me, my family, your family. God knew what He wanted to accomplish the day Justin said we were moving. He knew what a wonderful joyful baby girl would bring to our lives two years ago when we read “positive”. He knew the nasty fights we would have, the bitterness in my heart, the lack of leadership, the lost feeling, the surplus, the loneliness, the neighbors, the friendships, the giving, the taking, simply everything would lead us, a married couple with two children, to this place this day. He wanted me. God wants to purify me to be more like Him. He wants that from Justin. He wants that from all of His children. The past year has been the most radical refinement, and when it started I knew it was going to be hard but God has shown us what is really important.

I am a sinner. My ways are not perfect, and at time I have had to take radical steps so that my sin or this “world” will not hold me down. God is everything to me and without him I would be lost. God is so good, and He does, He does bring healing and change. I could write for days about the change I have seen first hand in my dad, friends, and neighbors. He also brings hope to the empty arms, the hungry, the discouraged. I have seen it! He is good! Sometimes we walk in the valley, full and well cared. Other times we are laid raw in the desert waiting for a downpour. You are not alone. I want everyone to know you are not alone in your situation and it is not too messy or complicated to overcome with a relationship in Christ. He’s that good!

Monday Monday (picture slide show heavy)

2010-07-19T15:31:00.003-05:00

Wow! It is so wonderful hearing from all of you wonderful ladies, friends and parents commenting on my Show Us Your Life Post. I am praying for you and hope Preston wants to talk to someone, someone who commented, and maybe that is what God has planned. I hope to contact each of you this week. God is good, ladies, He is super good!

In the meantime, there is a lot of catching up to do! Have I told you Justin and I are coming up on our 5th wedding anniversary in September?! ?! When we said ‘I do” never would I have thought five years would be so quick, fast and furious. I am so in love with Justin and so thankful for what God is doing in his heart. He has a big decision to make this week, before Sunday morning, and let us all support him in prayer. I don’t want to say what it is, just something major, and want to surprise you all when he takes those steps. Never be afraid of the change God brings, never. Just go, trusting His goodness and love.

Speaking of GO, five years ago, I went. A month and a half before our wedding, two weeks out of our already short five month engagement, a month and a half into my new job I had fought to have, I went to Taiwan. Two days of travel, 25 hours straight on the largest airplane I had ever seen, crossing over Alaska, soaring above hours and hours of water, and landing in a place I love. It has taken the better part of five years to understand and have rest at all that happened in two weeks. My mind and heart have taken drop by drop to absorb the people, the conversations, the sights, the sounds, the sense of leaving yet part of my heart is still in Taiwan. There are the two sisters Brenda and I met who had never heard Jesus’ name, the woman in the temple who we laid hands on and prayed for her, the girls and guys from the PE College, Shirley, Mindy, the group of wonderful girls from our church who are now all grown up, Mark, and especially Glennda (whoop!). I went to a Texas A&M sister school, and Glennda, and official Aggie, told me that when I married Justin I would then be a Maggie. And, a Maggie I am! In going, I cannot tell you how God worked to open the doors for me to go. Let’s just say I have not flown outside of Texas since, and the thought of being on an airplane for more than an hour just makes me cry in fear. In the back of my heart, I know I would get on one of those silly airplanes for Him, anyway. This is what I do know about that trip – the lady in the temple, I just know you and I will meet and fully understand each other right inside heaven’s gates; Agnus – I am praying for you; Shirley – I love you and pray you believe in Christ; the hair salon down the street from the condo – I pray for you everyday I brush my hair with the brush I bought from you and ask for God to win you over to Himself; Glennda – I hope to see you again someday.

Pray for the work in Taichung right now, every moment.

Jacob and Kaitlyn are just so big now! Since you have not been here to share our every day with us, take a stroll through my photos and have a wonderful day!!!

Show Us Your Life - Show Us Your Single Boys

2010-07-17T08:11:00.013-05:00

I haven’t been around much and that’s a good thing. I have been super busy just enjoying the kids and getting our home more organized – getting back to life. There is so much catching up and that will begin next week. For now, Friday’s will be a Link up day with Show Us Your Life at Kelly’s Korner.

One of my best friends from college is Preston - we have known each other for 11 years. He is single, 32, and lives in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. He needs a sweet, smart, woman to walk this life journey. Preston is faithful, kind, smart, hard working, athletic, agreeable, and one of the best friends you will ever have. He likes chocolate, cooking, baking, manly outdoors stuff like shooting and hunting and fishing, and shopping (yes, shopping).

He even knows how to push back his cuticles – we have had that discussion. He plays all kinds of sports. He is the middle child of three boys – so he is very agreeable and well balanced. Very important to know birth order, ladies, and how you relate to your potential spouse! The Bentley team will see him in just a few hours to tour his first house....I’ll fill you in later! The best thing about Preston is his relationship with Christ – it is evident in all or almost all he does. He is active in his small church, and the entire time I have known Preston, he has always taken my worries and hurts to Christ. When he says he is praying for you, he really is! I was 25 and living with my parents, and was like “nobody is ever going to want me – I live with my parents – and why doesn’t someone want me?” Things with my Dad were not peachy-keen, I felt like a L-oser, couldn’t find a job in fundraising/PR/marketing/writing, worked a job that I later came to love, was tired of attracting weird men, and just prepared myself to be single forever. (Ha! Now, I have two little ones crawling over me as I attempt this post. Sometimes I wish I could have one of those single days of solitude to refresh.)

Anyway, Preston began to pray for my husband, and sure enough, he showed up within six months. And, when I decided to get serious with Justin, the opinion of Preston mattered right next to my Dad’s and my best girl friends’. I was so happy that Preston liked Justin because I didn’t want to give up one of my best friends and wanted Justin and Preston to be friends. Hopefully, that speaks to who Preston is. He is also goofy and funny. His entire family is simply wonderful! His mom and dad are super sweet, his brothers are great guys, and his sister in law is fabulous! He is a Longhorns fans, so that is a major negative Girls! You have been warned!

(If anyone dates and marries this man…I MUST be invited to the wedding and maybe even be part of your wedding! ;) Just so you know! )

Let me know what you think!

Suz

2010-06-18T23:36:00.003-05:00

Just dropping in. It is past my bedtime. Something great happened today. Ants invaded via the patio door. This is has our second invasuion in one week and our second since we moved in. Our little friend the Gecko has not been around this summer, so the bugs are going CrAzY! Anywho, I sprang into action, ended the phone convo with Mom, and immediately went for my safe and natural arsenal. I sprinkled cinnamon, yes cinnamon from the pantry wherever I saw ants. There were bug and small, red and black, all ready to take over. The cinnamon hit and the ants were trapped. Some began climbing the wall to escape, but there was no escape. Those suckers were on fire! After smooshing a dozen with my handy 2x2 post-it note pad, I vacuumed those babies up; I kinda drenched the carpet in cinnamon, too. Whew1 It was a tough, quick battle, but we won for today.

I am so excited to see cinnamon, black pepper, chalk, and vinegar deter and ward off ants. Corn meal and Malt-O-Meal/Cream of Wheat are indigestible and kill ants in droves.

Such a random post, especially after such a vacation. Maybe it is the lack of sleep, which is why my bed and hubby are calling me.

When Jacob is Away....

2010-03-29T16:07:00.000-05:00

Kaitlyn will play with anything that is Jacob's.

Font Change

2010-03-18T16:11:00.000-05:00

Just sitting in the good ole Tahoe waiting for Preschool's doors to open. Jacob wants out and he is super fussy. I just realized I can change the font for this post. Hip hip hooray to seeing something new!

Ditto to Rachel's Post

2010-03-14T21:59:00.005-05:00

Check out her blog and post here.

Fabulous Finds

2010-03-03T14:26:00.009-06:00

I got the new Pottery Barn Kids catalog Monday night. PBK NEVER has cute baby bedding when I am pregnant. I bought Kaitlyn's PBK bedding used from Ebay for $40. If this had been in last year's catalog, Momma would have entered her credit card number faster than lightening!

I love the seersucker bumper with a coordinating yellow ruffle. Love the use of pink, yellow, blue and green. Did I mention seersucker? Not only is that *fun* to say but it is also such a great fabric. For those of you who do not know, I have a dream to own a pretty Jersey cow and name her Tulip. Therefore, this is perfect!

Vera Bradley introduced the frilly new Cha Cha Handbag this month. It comes in the four new Spring colors and is super cute! This is "Sittin' in a Tree." My friend Sajata and I went to the VB Spring Premier in January and just loved the new product line. (Sajata had better love it since she won a travel bag and accessory worth over $100!) My favorite part is the row upon row of RUFFLES. Sensing a theme?

The Uptown Baby

Fellow Blogger at Life is...Glamorous and Fabulous! posted about the most beautiful pillow case dresses I have ever seen. Kaitlyn takes after her Momma when she sees what she likes. Cooing, shaking, wide eyes, and big smiles are the most notable reactions. I cannot get them out of my head.

The Uptown Baby (Notice the Ruffle???)

I need a white one with lace, a maroon patterned dress with a grey hem, black and white patterned, and a blue patterned dress. Wait! Did I included a soft white dress with a pink satin bow to the side?

The Uptown Baby

I especially love this dress. I love the contrasting fabric at the arm. Maybe she can make one for me too?!!! I LOVE summer dresses!

Creative Bee

***Another side of fabulous is that I took gorgeous pictures of Kaitlyn right before nap time and fun pictures of Jacob in the tub. Also, yesterday, after taking Jacob to preschool, I pulled into the drive and stopped. The most beautiful birds filled our tree. They then flew between the tree and the holly bushes in front of the house. They came back today in a smaller number. I had the shot lined up and my battery was dead. The most beautiful small birds. I think they came last summer and roosted on our entry way during the high heat of the day. Neat little birds and so HAPPY to have them in our yard. Will post pictures soon!***

Yes, I know there is only one child in the blog header. Trying to read through all the html code to change it to a rotating banner is time consuming. It will be fab-u-lous when it is finished! Have a blessed day!

Wordless

2010-02-17T20:59:00.016-06:00

Designed Myself

2010-02-12T22:28:00.006-06:00

Trying new things in 2010, and one is blog design. TheCutestBlogOnTheBlock.com has many topics and tools for retooling your blog yourself.

We went to Amarillo after Christmas Day. We spent Christmas at our home. My first to not "be" with my parents and sisters. Few days after Christmas, once Kaitlyn and myself felt better, we went "home." My actual home, where I grew up, is located on this street. I walked to and from school most until high school. I loved turning onto my street and walking under this beautiful sight. I would look up at the branches nearly touching overhead. A canopy. In the winter, frost covered every branch, and every branch sparkled. In the Summer, sunlight broke through in sparse patches, leaves waved in the wind, and the sound of rushing water filled the air. It is no big deal to Justin. To Mom and I it is everyday familiar. Everyday missed. It is familiar to me and I love it.
I do not know if my friend or his family still live here. It is very out of place and out of ordinary. Yes, it is a small rural town, but people usually do not have tractors in their drive.
My neighbor I have known all my life has moved on. She is living with family as her memories begin to fade. I love Ms. Collier and loved everything about being her neighbor. I learned about baking, gardening, and neighboring from Margie. She was like a Granma to me since mine did not live nearby. I loved her snowball bushes that grew and grew and grew. I loved playing in her yard. I love that her birthday is the same as my Dad's. I loved that she always cared for us. I loved that her grandchildren would come over to play. Truly loved how clean and perfect her house was, and it smelled wonderful. The last time I saw her was August 2008 and I do not think she could remember my name. I did not care, just happy that Jacob met her and ran in her yard experiencing everything wonderful and simple about growing up on this small street.

New in 2010!

2010-01-07T16:43:00.002-06:00

Been away, making some changes, enjoying the kids, and getting back to the woman I want to be.

More coming soon...new hair do, business venture, family pictures, and more!

Birdie Love

2009-10-05T20:18:00.001-05:00

"Awesome" photo a hit for Westminster birder - The Denver Post

Shared via AddThis

Communication

2009-10-04T17:23:00.002-05:00

Some days we work in sync. Other days we are far from good communication.

We are coming closer in our words and working together. I am talking about in marriage, so often Justin and I forget to communicate with intent, and instead settle for less than greatness.

We had a chance to buy a perfectly used twin bed set yesterday from a friend for a really good price. When we arrived at the garage sale, there are so many other treasures we liked.

Here is the communication break down and background on why we did not effectively get to the same point.

What do you think? Will this work for Jacob. I like it, and if he, for some reason, does not sleep well on the mattress, then we can buy a new mattress later on and place this one as the trundle.

It's purple and has flowers on it. Won't that be hard to cover with white sheets?

Maybe we can buy something to cover it.

That will cost more.

How certain are you about purchasing it today?

I am 95% certain.

In my mind I hear two red flags. Justin has this extreme fear of Jacob possessing "girly" colors or flowers in his room. In an indirect way he is telling me that it is PURPLE and he will not have purple in his son's room. In the past two months, I have dragged Justin to mattress stores and looked online at Craigslist for twin mattress sets. He has fore knowledge of quality and cost, and that it is not feasible to buy brand new at this time. We also have a need for Jacob's room to function more properly for two reasons: a full bed does not leave Jacob much room for play in his room and we need adequate sleeping arrangements for guests and a twin and trundle could fill that need. The second red flag is that he says "95% certain". I want a complete buy-in. I have hunted for the item and need Justin's approval, and I saw it as a shoot down.

Justin's sees that we have been at the garage sale way too long. He is thinking Jacob is acting poorly since he wants to touch everything. He also just wants to get his hair cut and watch the Aggies play. He does not understand why I am asking for his opinion when I have already take all of this time to research and talk to friends about the mattress. He is just reminding me that a dark mattress will show through white sheets and does not mean he does not want it.

In the process, I hear one objection and shut down. Why could I not think - a mattress protector will keep the purple from coming through the white sheet. And, we can cover the box spring with a fitted white sheet or protector. And, why did Justin think such thing would make this set more expensive, when we would have purchased those items anyway. Why did we not think? And, why do we both shut down communication.?

Needless to say, we left, and I prayed that God would give us grace. If it did not sell, then we would come back to buy it. Needless to say, it sold. And, that is wonderful news for our friends.

At the heart of the matter is communication. How we interact, how we speak to each other, the words used, the tone given and the time to focus.

I shut down because I saw Justin's question as an objection. He shut down because he did not want to make a decision and was focused on himself at the moment. I wanted approval, and I wanted the mattress set. Justin did not care, and also spoke to me harshly before leaving the garage sale because of Jacob's behavior and he thought I was taking too much time.

Poor communication. Poor listening.
What would have been best? To remember we are not our own. We have been bought with a price - through Jesus Christ. It is a heart matter, and no amount of nagging or should-have-had will change that. It is a condition that can only be changed by listening to Christ and reading His Word. Pray with me that we all improve our communciation so we work together and love each other in the way Christ has called us to live.

Twenty Nine

2009-10-02T09:59:00.002-05:00

Today you were born. Well, today, twenty nine years ago. When God created the world, He knew you and the day He would put you into action. He knows the plans for you. He is your God, and He loves His creation - You! He made you perfectly and it was no mistake. He knows your days and we pray for many ahead. Praise God for Justin, my love, their Dad, their son, their friend, and a brother.

Happy birth day to Justin. I love you and am so happy our birthday's are seven days apart and that we look the same age.

Love you sweetly,
Suz

Run Away Jacob

2009-10-01T21:32:00.004-05:00

The first two weeks of preschool consisted of Jacob rushing into class, waving "bye-bye", wanting Mommy to leave, and crying when Mommy came to retrieve her toddler.

Now, as if the sky were falling, Jacob looks into the classroom, sees the small brown headed boy crying as usual, turns 180 and bolts down the hall towards the exit. His teacher chased after him today as I stood beside Kaitlyn in the stroller. She eventually returned with my needs-a-haircut-yesterday little boy kicking away.
Weird.

When I pick him up, he is happy to go.

Can't complain much since two weeks ago he screamed in terror that Mommy would "take" him from school and the "cars" he was playing with.

I think he may be bored. He knows his numbers and letter and sounds for his letters. He does like to paint and tells me about it after school. Now he points to his train or plane or whatever book confidently describing the item. Green. Train. Blue. Blue. Blue. Yellow. White. Green. One. Two. Zero. One-two-three trains. Nine. Two three Four five.

Not sure what is happening at preschool - would sure like to be a bug on the wall or maybe one of those swanky nursery video monitors. That's better.

All I know is he is the most beautiful, splendid, handsome, smart, witty, funny, goofy, nerdy, likeable little guy ever. Love, love, love this little man.

One last thing. Last week, after Justin put Jacob down, his little voice called for Mommy. I went in a gave him a kiss goodnight. Jacob says, "Hmmm." Kiss him again. "Hmmm." Apparently when I kiss him, I say "hmmm". I lay beside him, kissing his face as he says "hmmm". This flirtatious banter carried on for nearly ten minutes. It was funny and oh so sweet.

Way to Go Aggies!

2009-09-26T21:58:00.002-05:00

Kaitlyn is ALWAYS ready to support her team! here she is today wearing her new bow before heading out for her day trip. Can you believe she is 4 months old? Kait is such a dreamy baby, and she is so wonderful!

Hope to update you more often - just recovering from a broken nose. Who knew it would hurt forever???!!! I hope to have a new look to this blog soon, and please continue to pray for Kaitlyn in physical therapy. Her head movement has greatly improved and instead of two sessions a week, we are down to once a week, and are moving towards fewer sessions.

Praying you have a wonderful day!!!
Suz

15 Ways to Please Your Husband

2009-09-04T21:24:00.000-05:00

by Barbara Rainey

Romans 15:2-3 tells us, "Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. For even Christ did not please Himself . . ." Who is your closest neighbor?

Your husband. How can you edify (build, improve) your mate and thereby enhance his self-worth? By discovering—and doing—what pleases him.

If you are creative, pleasing your mate may be a natural part of your personality. But a less creative person may need some coaching in becoming a partner pleaser. And all of us need an occasional cue card to remind us to reach out. Here are a few ideas:

1. Write him a letter and send it to his office, or put a love note in his lunchbox or briefcase.

2. Prepare his favorite meal.

3. Arrange an evening out for just the two of you.

4. Wear his favorite dress with your hair done the way he likes it.

5. Purchase something small and frivolous for him that he won't buy himself.

6. Give him a nicely framed picture of yourself, or of you and the children, for his office.

7. Surprise him with an all-expense-paid trip to do something he likes, such as golf, fishing, or hunting trip.

8. Put the children to bed early and prepare a candlelight dinner.

9. Do something that especially pleased him when you were dating.

10. Read Scriptures and pray with him regularly.

11. Take walks together.

12. Keep your junk out of the garage.

13. Greet your husband warmly after work.

14. Wear his favorite negligee or buy a new nightgown to add sizzle to your evening attire.

15. Clean out the car for him.

Sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference in your marriage.

Pick out something you haven't tried before; don't give complacency a foothold in your marriage relationship.

© Real FamilyLife. Used by permission. www.ReviveOurHearts.com Info@ReviveOurHearts.com

PRAY FOR SYNDNEY HOWARD

2009-08-23T22:11:00.002-05:00

Our friends Brandon and Erin Howard delivered Sydney Grace today, at just shy of 24 weeks. Baby is fighting; Mom is recovering from c-section. Please pray for Sydney's lungs - pray for wisdom for family, doctors and care givers. God can do so many things! God is so wonderful! Let's praise God for this little girl!!!!

Things to pray for:
Sydney's lungs and her small body
Their two children at home - Faith begins kindergarten tomorrow
Healing for Erin's body
Rest for all of them
Wisdom for doctors, family and caregivers
Provision for all their needs

Their blog has not been updated with today's events. Please pray for them and give a word of encouragement.

Beautiful

2009-08-19T21:38:00.000-05:00

Sweetness

2009-08-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

Checking In

2009-08-17T22:37:00.004-05:00

Really, I will post again. I am just having a good time with the kids. Nicole, I have pictures to upload of Kaitlyn's gown. Grandparents, I have a lot of sweet baby faces to post. Friends, I have lots to share. I have been thinking of vlogging since it takes me FOREVER to type. We are getting into a groove again. I have been enjoying the "trial" God has allowed in our journey, and have been confessing loads of sin to be washed away by the great washing machine, Christ. Boy, your doing good until you hear a verse from the Bible and realize, "WOW! That's me and that is what is wrong with me. God you are so good and smart!" Justin and I are enjoying each other once again (minds out of gutter) as best friends instead of best warriors. Jacob is just the sweetest boy, and we are waiting to hear on acceptance into preschool and a grant for such. I had written grants for my job, so why not write them to benefit my family? Just a thought. Pray for baby Sidney to live and thrive. Pray for us as we go through the next few months with Kait's physical therapy. Good night. Must sleep. Will be grumpy if no sleep. Grrr.

All I Can Say

2009-08-09T22:39:00.002-05:00

All I can say is that God is very good. So good that He causes one man to weep and pray, one man to stop and change, and one man to turn to Him. All at the same time and all within six feet of each other. How amazing are You, my God!

What is Your Pick?

2009-08-03T17:13:00.009-05:00

Which one do you like? I am ordering tomorrow since Shutterfly has a promotion for 12 free stationary cards, and birth announcements are included. I am using the pictures from my previous post since she is bright eyed and smiling, and she is wearing pink. What do you think? My faves are the first, second and fourth.

Bentley Update:
The past three weeks have been filled with each Bentley member catching an upper respiratory infection. It drags on and on...wow! Kaitlyn and I went back to physical therapy today after a two and a half week break, and she is making big strides. Smiles and bubbles for physical therapy today! Do you do this? Before loading the kids, I make a couple of trips loading the car before buckling in the little ones. I went out the garage door, Jacob wanted to come, so I closed the door behind me knowing my next trip in would be to carry Jacob and Kaitlyn out together. Kaitlyn was already in her carseat patiently waiting. What? The door is locked. I left my keys on the washer for easy grabbing as I take the kids out. Jacob, in his attempt to turn the door knob, must have locked the door. I was out, they were in. Jacob tries to open the door, but to no avail. He soon left the door, and I hear Kaitlyn crying. Grrr! So, after calling Justin, I ask my neighbor to help me. In the end, Jacob helped Mommy get inside before Daddy made it home. You can call me for details on that one. Whew!

We definitely need to catch up! And, those Grandparents our there would love to see pictures from Jacob's birthday, Jacob with blueberry face, Jacob before Kaitlyn, Jacob and Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn's first pictures and more. Soon, very soon.

Other than, Kaitlyn outgrowing the bassinet, Jacob peeing out of his diapers overnight, Mommy trying to find fabric for her curtains, and Daddy needing to play more basketball, we are all just wonderful. Thank you for praying for us. You are always in ours!

I Am Two Months Old

2009-07-29T12:31:00.007-05:00

I am two months old!
Baby, what have you been doing?
Lift my head during tummy time
Smile and coo at Mommy and anyone who wants to play
Sleep through the night (at 4 weeks)
Repeat the tones of “I love you” and “Hi”
Reach for objects near or far
Hit the toys on my bouncy seat with my feet or hands
Roll over from my back if I am really mad
Love to play at Physical Therapy twice a week
LOVE girl’s night out and my new friend Breanne
Admire good fabrics and colors by cooing and shaking my head
Grab Mommy’s hair
Smile at big brother Jacob
Sit through most of the church service
Enjoy the great outdoors
Grab for my toes, but not quite reach
Snuggle with Mommy and Daddy for an afternoon nap
Laugh in my sleep
Push up to standing with help
Love watching Paula Deen during physical therapy on the floor

Blow Bubbles

Drool and chew on my hand - may be teething

We love you Kait! Today you have your first illness that has been passed from Jacob to Mommy to Daddy to Baby. We hope you feel better tomorrow sweet girl! Also, always know Jacob loves you dearly! He runs past you saying, “Hi Baby” or “There’s my Baby Girl” or “Hi.” He tries to take you from me and insists he can carry you. He bends down to you and asks if you need your “pabis” (his word for paci). He loves to touch your hair and kiss you on the head. He tries really hard to be gentle with you. He always holds your hand in the car, and your foot when in the jogging stroller (he cannot reach your hand in the stroller). What a great boy you are, Jacob!

I love you Jacob! I love you Kaitlyn! I cannot wait to see all you can do this month! Love you both from your head to your to your toes, to the moon and back!

2009-07-29T10:15:00.008-05:00

Show Us Your Life – Wedding Dress

I am a little late on this! This was suppose to post on Friday…better late than never! This tour is hosted by Kelly's Korner.

Our wedding was wonderful. We had a short engagement and I had started a stressful job and traveled to Taiwan for a mission trip with my church during that time. My dress arrived while I was in Taiwan, six weeks prior to the big day! My Marisa dress was found online. I wanted a silk dress instead of satin. I love the way silk drapes and pools. I went to Dallas and tried it on. I actually did a foolish thing and bought it there. It was expensive! The next day, after flying back to Amarillo, I looked online and found it for ½ the price at a bridal shop in Midland, Texas. I ordered it there and had to get alterations when it came in.
My dress is falling off of me in all of my pictures. After the alterations, which made the dress perfect, I sent it to be steamed. Very important with silk! Instead they pressed my dress and it expanded! I didn’t know when I arrived to have my bridal portraits. So, my bra is peaking out in almost all of my pictures. And, the issue didn’t get resolved before the wedding - two weeks later – as alterations said they could not do another set of alterations. Grrr!

(This is where Justin proposed to me - beside a little pond along the highway - when I was a little girl, I loved looking out the window as we passed - I loved this place - and Justin had no idea!)

I love my dress. I love the drop waist, the beading at the neckline (it is straight, not sweetheart. The beads dip in the middle since the dress expanded and lost tightness across the bust area.), and the lower back. I am so excited to share it with my little girl someday! My veil was made by my dear friend Dee. It has two tiers, the one in the pictures and a longer tier added for the wedding ceremony.

My hair, dress, and cake were not exactly as I had planned at all. However, it was a wonderful, fast day filled with a lot of emotion (mainly because I didn’t eat all day! Oops!). Justin thought I was beautiful, and that is what matters! And, nearly four years and two children later, Justin says he still feels that way today! What a sweetie!

I love you Justin!!!!

2009-07-09T11:55:00.001-05:00

Kaitlyn, 2 weeks

Blog Hop and Update on Kaitlyn (part 1)

2009-07-07T21:06:00.007-05:00

What a month! Where do I begin? Kait went to church the first time when she was 1 week old. Shortly after Kait turned one week, we found ourselves in the children’s ER. She had been screaming in pain all day, and after the nurse heard her, we were in to see our pediatrician. We have great confidence in our doctor. He thought she may have an infection in her abdomen from her umbilical stump; he sent us to the ER downtown. Momma was a mess! I called Jenn, a church friend, and she met us at the hospital. She had fever, pain, bleeding from the stump, and a weird rash. After taking her stats, Justin carried Kait to our room in the ER. She handed her to me – her stump caught on Justin’s shirt and pulled off. To make things short, her symptoms began to dissipate after that event. Poor baby had blood work and urine during our stay. They found nothing. After talking to our pediatrician the next day (he called us at home to see what happened), we concluded two things: it was her stump and the nerve endings inside that caused her pain, fever and rash and/or it was the amazing prayer warriors from the Real Deal that went before God and asked for healing. Either way, we are thankful to God. A few days later, at her 2 week appointment, Kait was diagnosed with acid reflux. She has that good’ole Bentley tummy! After trying different medications, we have found one that works.

Kaitlyn 6 weeks

At week four, we found out she has torticollis. I had noticed she favored her right side, and as she got older, she stopped looking to the left. Today was her first physical therapy session. She shows good promise. Her head has begun to flatten on the right side – they feel it can be completely reversed with intense therapy. We are scheduled for PT twice a week.

There is so much more to tell you, and will post soon. Right now Justin is waiting me to “get off my blog” and our neighbor’s dog is howling, again.

Since I could not choose just one picture, I will post three recent “favorite” pictures of the kids. (Having upload probs - will get back to it tomorrow).

2009-06-06T16:44:00.007-05:00

Kaitlyn Reese Bentley

Kaitlyn was born into the world on Friday, May 22, 2009, at 8:32 p.m. She weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces and was 19.5 inches.

I was amazed when I saw her - I was without words. The last nine months have passed quickly, and so many things have changed. God is still working on me, but at her birth, I knew that He loved us and has a beautiful plan for our family. She is wonderful beyond words. I love that she resembles her brother Jacob at his birth. In fact, they were the exact same birth weight. She is precisely what her name means. "Pure enthusiasm" describes her completely. Jacob loves his baby sister, and his new favorite color is pink. We all love our baby girl! We are still adjusting to our new life, hence my delay in posting. It is a challenge with Jacob since he desires all of Mommy's attention.

Please pray for us as we establish new routines for both children, and as we come together as a family. I just put Jacob down to rest. I held him and cried. He is so big, and I want to be able to spend all of my time with him. Please pray for knowledge and wisdom in raising Jacob in a loving and Godly way. Please pray for Kaitlyn's continued success and health. may she grow to love and have a kind heart. Pray Justin and I grow stronger together, love our children passionately, and grow a happy home.

Natural Cleaning

2009-05-14T21:30:00.004-05:00

If you have been around long enough, you will know that I love to save money with natural cleaners. MckMomma has a great post on natural cleaners. I learned so much! So, check it out here. And, while you are there, you may just fall in love with her family's story and their youngest, Stellan.

Buy a Bentley Bow!

2009-05-13T09:22:00.006-05:00

A little girl names Bentley is having heart surgery soon, and a DFW hairbow and fashion maker glam R baby is having a fundraiser. She has three bows, the Bentley bows, for sale. Half of all proceeds go to Miss Bentley and her family. You can read more from glam R baby. All three BOWS are available on a headband, a french clip or an alligator clip. They are also available for purchase as piggie bows. If you purchase them as piggie bows there is a price break.

You know I have to support this since she is named Bentley! You can also read about her story at You and Me Plus Three.

Here's a glimpse of what you will find!

Small Bow - Prices listed on website here

I love this bow! It is huge, multilayered, pink and so much fun!!!

Large Bow - Prices also on website

2009-05-12T14:25:00.002-05:00

I never posted details about our 36/37 weeks sono. I went alone with Jacob. We went in, watched the baby, and then went to the patient room. My doctor came in and said my amniotic levels were low. Lots of rest and down fluids were ordered. Over the weekend, we finished little projects around the house and prepared for a possible induction. Justin went back with me the following Tuesday. My doctor walked in and said, "They are yucky. Just plain yucky!" Her levels were lower. More rest and more fluids were ordered. We were to come back Thursday morning for another test. If we did not raise her amniotic levels to at least a 7 then we faced inducing. We went back Thursday morning and her levels were at an eight. That was great news! We still needed to come back on Monday for another check. If it ever drops below an eight, then we face induction. On Friday, as some of you may have read, I was not sure if my water broke or if Mommy just had an accident. It turned out to be an accident. We went to triage that night just in case since I had light contractions every 3-5 minutes. Contractions were stronger and tighter than previous weeks with Braxton Hicks. Anywho, they became spread apart and harder on Saturday and by Sunday Noon they were gone. Monday, Jacob and I went to the doctor. Her levels were at a ten! That was perfect. My doctor said to come back Friday, but thought we could sail all the way to our due date without induction. Yeah! Thank you to all who have prayed for us. God is so good, even if the levels had never come up.

2009-05-12T08:56:00.003-05:00

There is a lot to post. For now, I want to share neat organizational tools for free. It's from momAgenda. I received a momAgenda Day Planner almost two years ago, and loved it. I am debating which one to order for the new year, and saw they have free downloads. Today, I received an email for new downloads. One is for Spring Cleaning. You can look at it here. You can distribute chores to your children in an age appropriate manner. It takes a family to make and keep a home. More free organizational tools are listed here and here. The second of the links has lists for babysitters and neighbors and more.

I need to play trains and planes with Jacob. I will try to update you on what has happened in our family in the past weeks.
Suz

2009-04-27T17:04:00.002-05:00

Okay, so my last past was kind crazy. Just so you know we found a color. In the past week we had Jacob's birthday and party, our computer caught something and had to go to the doctor, and I got a huge attitude adjustment. Justin and I fought really hard this weekend - all weekend. It was good since we were able to really say somethings. In the end, I spent Sunday morning on the floor of my closet asking God for forgiveness for some ways that I have affected my family. I didn't feel like the barrier had passed away between God and my sin, so, in next to nothing, I stood in the dark closest, lifted my hand to God and just praised Him for all He has and will do. It made me focus back on God and realize He is in control. He made me. He knows my story, and knew it before I was created. He created us for this time and place. I do not need to be anxious - God says that. I can see why. Anxiety breeds so many other things - discontentment, fear, hate. I also am not tied to who I was because of God's forgiveness.

In the end, we love our parents but discovered that we do not have to recycle our parent's mistakes in our marriage and rearing of our children. One thing we have acted out in our marriage is talking harshly to each other. We both identified where we learned it or what makes us respond to it. In the end, it was dramatic. And, we settled our differences, trusting God for why we are here and about our new baby.

Thank you for your comments and support. Justin's Aunt was so wonderful to write me a letter of encouragement. She called last night too to see if I was feeling better. I like what she said she does at times. She thinks, "What is the bare minimum I can do right now." What is the bare minimum I can do right now to give my home a warmer feel? I am going to focus on photo frames for our family pictures. We have no pictures up, and I have a huge blank wall that needs some loving.

So, that is it. MY attitude has been adjusted so now I can see colors more clearly. What a wonderful day!

Please pray for us as we have our 36-37 week sono tomorrow!!! I will post details tomorrow too.

Have a great day!!!!
Susan

2009-04-15T10:22:00.003-05:00

First of all, we have spent who knows how much on paint samples and paint color. I even paid someone to give a color consultation. Every neutral "tan/beige" color we try looks good or okay in the kitchen but when we place it on one specific wall all the colors look overly gold or orange. I tried the colors by the interior designer. They look nothing like the color card. The main color on our funky wall looks orange no matter the light (except at night with lamps on - then it looks khaki). So, we went back to the store and bought samples of a different tan color. I tried them and they looked good. We bought paint last night and Justin put it up last night. I walked in and thought it looked awful. It's not orange, but doesn't look like I pictured according to the sample colors.

I am mad that when I like a color it looks so different painted in the entire space. We are this close to having it painted. I want to cancel Jacob's birthday party because it's not painted. I sat in the room this morning and feel so mad at myself so not picking a good color and for waisting so much money on paint and consultations and whatever. I am not just mad, but stressed, but also just disgusted with myself. I feel like I cannot get it right because I am pregnant. I feel like I cannot move on until this color thing is fixed. I can't move to think about the baby or her room until this paint issue is fixed.

Maybe you do not understand. I have been waiting for two years to paint this room. I have not put pictures on the wall or hung curtains because the walls were so dark and my dark decor made it even more dark. I want my baby's pictures on the wall. I want to feel at home. But all I feel is frustration over color. I am tired of two months of semi-primed white walls. I need help!

I am not functioning very well today. I started by running to Wal-Mart for fruits and veggies this morning before Justin went to work. My mistake was to think over and over how the new tan color didn't look like I pictured it. It is still not want I wanted. We bought the actual paint last night - that's wasted money. That means we have to buy more paint and that means less money for pictures frames and other things I wanted to add to our house.

I was also in a funky mood because I went to the store without eating. I was also worried about the baby. She is kicking and pushing, but not as much as usual. My doctor said to do the kick test when I saw her yesterday. She is moving 10 times or more in 4 hours. I cannot say this to Justin. There is no time to do so. And, he will just think I am crazy.

Which brings me to the next issue. I was. I was REALLY mad this morning before Justin left. The color thing is really driving me bonkers. So, he calls my doctor and makes and appointment for us to see her tomorrow. He calls me and tells me this. He says that I am stressing out too much. He said, "Didn't you say you feel like you are going crazy?" WHAT? I did say that about the color situation. IT is driving me crazy. The COLOR is driving me crazy. The money to find a color is driving me crazy. The ability to not pick the right color is driving me crazy! That is what CRAZY I am talking about.

I cannot believe my husband! When I say he is driving me CRAZY we do not go to the doctor.

Maybe I am. I just have this incredible need to have the color right and to have it feel beautiful. I do not know how to do this. I feel incredibly inadequate. And, I wanted it finished months ago. We are a month away from having a baby. And, she needs to be healthy. She needs a healthy mom too. A color sane mom.

Everyone asks what color her room is. I have no color. I am not like other mom's who have a closet full of fun, frilly clothes. I have bedding that "will do" as always. I have no name. I just feel her pushing inside and I love her. At the same time I wonder how messed up she is going to be because I keep crying and become incredibly stressed out. I know you are thinking that I am so whatever. I know that there are so many arms that want a baby and I am concentrating on such little things. I know this and I feel this. I just want everything to be perfect. I love order and my home does not feel like order. I need completion. That is driving me CRAZY!

I need a friend who has good color sense. Can you come over and help me pick a color today? And, will you do it for free? I will make you my famous breakfast or cookies sometime. Please, I need a friend with decorating sense to help me. I need my husband to not think I am CRAZY- Crazy, too. Oh well, that's life.

2009-04-13T20:58:00.010-05:00

Thomas the Train Day!

Happy Easter!

Some bunny loves you!

Happy Easter!

As Jacob says, " A Cross, a Jesus, made me."

How glorious the cross, that our Creator and God would send His Love, His Son to die purposefully on the Cross to save us from this World, from the death of sin. How perfect is God. Thank you God, for sending Jesus to die for our sins. Thank you for forgiving me of sin daily.

33 and Counting Down

2009-04-03T22:27:00.014-05:00

Our due date was moved up by a few days. We are 33.5 weeks and counting. Whew! It is getting difficult to squat down. Baby girl has really had me in pain this week. I am now into 2 week appointments; my doctor ordered a sono since I had been "crampy". Yes, crampy, not crabby. My cervix and fluid looked fine. Yeah! For those of you doubting it is a girl, they double checked. My goodness you can tell it is a girl - just as obvious as Jacob's sonograms indicating he was indeed a boy.

31.5 weeks, pre-haircut

Tired. I am really tired. I kicked tooshie today. I was going down. I put Jacob down for a nap, and I was about to hit the pillow too. The large stack of un-ironed clothing stared at me on my way to the bedroom. "If I do it now, it won't be there later." That's kind-of a lie; laundry never ends! Anyway, I kicked it into high gear and have all but a few tops and bottoms remaining. Part of my absenteeism is due to refocusing life. I decided not to put off dishes, to always have a clean sink, to iron most clothes (after they come out of dryer) since they wear better ironed (and it is a promise I made to Justin), and to complete little projects around the house. I usually hang most things after they come out of the dryer. I also hang dry a lot of items too. I just decided to add the finishing touch before sending them to closets - and so we do not have to iron right before wearing (in most cases). Unfinished projects: hot gluing things that have broken or fallen off and require such glue; Wedding scrapbook; Jacob's baby book; Picture Gallery for living room - edit, print photos, place in frames, hang (after walls are painted); Find a church; Kitchen Valances; Deweed garden beds; Add wheels to doghouse; Rearrange kitchen cabinets; Garage Sale (next weekend!)....and the list goes on.

Justin priming walls - we still do not have a color picked - how hard can it be????

Justin's Valentine's message...

Justin and I have found a church we love and are interested in joining. We have driven by this church at least once a week for the past two years. Justin and I have been in MUCH need of friends and girl/guy time, so we decided to look at the Southern Baptist church listings. We picked three churches and prayed. I prayed that God would give us a church where Justin had friends. The first week of our new adventure: we didn't go to church - I was so excited to go and the world came crashing down, I was in tears and very grumpy. Oh, how I need to be in fellowship and walk daily with Christ! It was not a great day at all. The next Sunday we went - we made it - and I could not stop crying during worship or the sermon. Anyway, it has been over a month since we first visited and God's Word has changed Justin and I. It's like new breath has been breathed into us - and we desperately needed that. I just hope that all the ladies in class will be my friends. I keep forgetting I have pretty much locked myself away for two years, blogging and couponing - taking care of Jacob, and have forgotten how to talk. Oh my! Last week at a baby shower, I think I mentioned sex six times. What I said dealt with pregnancy - no further details - but maybe not good conversation material. Part pregnancy brain and part seclusion has lead me to insert foot in mouth. Please, God, watch over my mouth! And, God, please bless the women in my Sunday School class - they are so wonderful, each and every one; being around other girls my age has helped me become a better wife and mother - and I am not scared to have baby number two anymore. I do not have to feel alone raising my children. That is such a blessing. And, Justin? He has found some aviation dudes, hunting fanatics, and fishing buds through church. How refreshing!!! Please pray that we continue to Grow in Christ. And, Justin started pumping iron again - I am so jealous!

Baby names? Not yet. I am open to suggestions!!!!!! Send them my way!!!!! I do have baby bedding. It is insane to buy girl bedding. And, it can get pretty expensive. My baby's bedding was won on eBay for $45 and is an older Pottery Barn Kids set. The bumper is new, and the sheet and skirt were gently used. The set does not include the hard to find baby quilt. The skirt is not ironed - in a rush to try it out. I plan to have a soft buttery-yellow wall, white changing dresser (from Jacob's room), white floor lamp with pink shade, green accents in pictures/blankets/sheet, and honey colored baskets to match the crib for the floor/closet/bookcase (white). I put my room together but cutting and pasting elements from PBK catalogs - now I need to copy the look for less!

Bumper detail...

Sheet and items that go with bedding - wreath from our wedding - cute romper found at consignment sale.

Jacob is cruising right along as usual. He has graduated to a toddler bed. Justin's wonderful coworker passed his toddler bed down to us. Jacob is fantastic staying in his bed until I come to get him. What a big boy. We have not figured out what to do with our full size bed. I figured that Jacob can stay in the toddler bed until I complete the baby's room. At that point, we can decide on the next step. Jacob LOVES going to the baby doctor. He is always very good for me. I say, "We are going to see about your baby today. Are you ready to go? Good. Are you ready to hear your baby? Good." He knows. Jacob also loves going to church. His likes right now are trains, airplanes, trucks, pansies, birds, ladybugs, worms, and doing big boy stuff. Paci? It's not gone, but limited. Since his ear infection it has made a resurgence in popularity. Yes. My last post? Jacob did have an ear infection - I had NO IDEA that was why he screamed like a wild child for days. Poor, poor baby! Jacob is also teething - grip tight to that paci.

Have a wonderful night/day!!!

Please pray for babies McKinzie, Stellan, and Johna. And, please pray for Christians in Taiwan - it is nearing the end of Ancestral Tomb Sweeping Worship - pray that new Christians hold tight to their faith and do not give into family pressure to participate in ancestral worship.

Love,

Susan

2009-03-06T14:07:00.002-06:00

The screaming ended last night. This morning my joyful little boy was back! I also over spent at the Just Between Friends Consignment Sale. I found so many cute, cute, cute rompers and dresses for $3-4 for 3-6 months. I also purchased two outfits as our Sweet Pea gets older. No bedding. I still have no idea for bedding. I am kind of a bedding snob. But, honestly, I am trying NOT to go overboard and buy something expensive. There was a cute bedding set at the sale for $45 but when I opened the package it had stains all over - red stains. Maybe the overspending is justified since I found Jacob a birthday present - new in box. It's a Thomas the Train set for his age. That is amazing since anything under 3 years is hard to find in the Thomas collection.

Anyway, I felt like a HORRIBLE mom last night. Jacob must have been sick yesterday and what kind of mother would drag their child out and try to ignore his screaming? A mom like me who had no idea and is still learning about motherhood. Just so you know, even though his fits of red faced screaming persisted yesterday, I never stopped loving my child or thanking God for His blessing. The cheese grated on my brain effect did occur, but I pushed through it and just held him until he fell asleep. It's better to have a screaming child than not one at all.

Have you read this blog? Please pray for this family as they live life without little Tuesday.
Here is another blog to visit. This family lost their sweet baby girl this week. I cannot imagine the loss either family has right now. Services are Saturday, so please pray for this family tomorrow as you come and go.

Yes, that was MY child

2009-03-05T15:42:00.004-06:00

If you heard a child screaming without end at the huge consignment sale in town this morning...that was my child. Two very sweet older ladies bent over to calm him and noticed how red he was. He's a breath holder. He was breathing. He was screaming without end. Normally I would pack up and leave. I told him, "This is a one time opportunity and we are going to stay here. You can sleep in your stroller, and Mommie loves you." That didn't help. Let's just say I have never been so embarrassed or frustrated with Jacob. Now, it is true that Jacob has been ill the past 4 days. I thought he would be just fine for a few hours especially since I treated him to Chickfila and playtime earlier. Thankfully the nice volunteers felt sympathy for me and will hold my items until I return this evening. There was no way I could stand in line with all the goodies I found while Jacob persisted on screaming. Can you guess what he is doing right now? Screaming. I have fed him, changed him, held him, read to him, rocked him, watered him, watched tv with him...everything...and he will not stop screaming. He is in his crib. He has been crying for over and hour. I have gone in to check on him. This is what happens: Scream, scream. Chunk paci, chunk anything else. Mommie pick me up. Kick Mommie. Mommie tries not to let him go. Ouch, that's my tummy. He's down.

Mommie understands Jacob wants to play, but after 5 minutes he begins to scream again. He looks overly tired, and he probably is. But, enough with the screaming. It's like he woke up and turned in to a different child. Where is my cooperative, loving little boy? In just a few we will be off again to see Justin (and return to the consignment sale so I can finish my hunt). He needs to sleep...so do I, after all I am in my 3rd trimester. Justin plans to take Jacob to the park; I have a feeling that will be full of screaming. You know, I am not a Mom who believes in ignoring her child when they scream. Today's screaming was so unlike any other time. I did ignore him today, or at least try, while looking for baby girl rompers and onesies. I even found him a Thomas Train. The only time he has not screamed today has been during the 1.5 hours since leaving the sale and made it home. Justin and I had lunch together in the car while he slept. That was nice. As soon as garage door opened, Mr. Fussy Pants came back. He has not had fever today. His eyes are a little dark, and he is eating a little better than the past few days. I do not know what to do. I kept praying for God's peace in my heart while seeking to understand Jacob. Maybe I am a bad Mom and he is still sick. Maybe he is just playing games with me. I don't know. He is just super clinging to Justin and I - he is also very hard to please right now.

He is sleeping now.

2009-02-17T11:09:00.002-06:00

First off, I do not understand all the little games on Facebook. You know, the 'blast from the past', patches of this or that, and on and on. Don't get me wrong, I like to receive the requests, but I just have not sat down long enough to figure it all out.

Other things are more pressing right now. We have half our family room primed. Whoo-hoo! I bought a book on how to make curtains. Yeah, let's pray this turns out well! Before our little blessing arrives, my plan is to have curtains in the family room, paint family room, paint kitchen and dining area, paint baby's room, move Jacob to a big boy bed, and rearrange our bedroom. In addition to this, I need to de-weed my gardens in the backyard, mulch and relax.

On the business of moving Jacob to a big boy bed... I need your input. This is the scenario in my mind. We have a full size bed without headboard in what will be the baby's room. The crib and changing table will go into the baby's room. That leaves me with a few options. We have three bedrooms and one living area. Do we move the full size bed into Jacob's room and buy a new, sturdy bed for him with guard rails? Do we put the full size on the floor? Do we set up the full size bed and have a toddler mattress on the floor for Jacob? Do we buy a toddler bed (used) and use that instead of the full size? Do we put both the full size and toddler bed in the same room or just the toddler bed? Or, should we sell/giveaway the full size and put in a twin with a trundle bed?

The tricky part is that when my parents or Justin's come to visit, the full size bed is used (we usually have guests sleep in our bedroom and we take the other bed). Justin thought we could cover it and store in the attic - bringing it down when we have guests. I guess he would just leave the bed on the floor in Jacob's room while we have guests. If we made the full size Jacob's bed, when we have visitors, we would have Jacob sleep with us or on the extra crib mattress we already own.

What would you do? What have you done to move your little one from the crib? How old was he/she? And, is there anything you would do the same or differently????

Please, I need your help!!!!! I am so blessed to have you as my friend and so blessed to have your input!

Happy (belated) Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T09:28:00.010-06:00

Prayer for Taiwan

2009-02-16T11:07:00.003-06:00

Here is a prayer request from Glenda in Taiwan. She was our missionary when I went with my church in 2005, and she's an Aggie. Maybe soon I can give you all a better picture of ancestral worship. Maybe I can tell you more about so many things there. For now, let's pray because it is very hard time in this believer's life. If he chooses not to worship the "gods" then he could, mostly likely will, face rejection and pain from his family.

"Please pray for Simon in Taiwan. His grandfather died last week. He shared
with his grandfather often about Jesus' love for him.They are going through
the 7 day traditional/Buddhist worship ceremonies, including ancestor worship.
He is the only Christian in his family and under much pressure to participate in
the ceremonies. Pray that he will be strong and faithful to God during these
days. Pray that he will experience God's presence and peace in this time of loss."

Baby Bump Update

2009-02-12T15:31:00.002-06:00

I never took pictures with Jacob, mainly because we did not have a camera. I want to like other expecting Moms in taking pictures for remembering. We are 25 weeks now, and after I 'fix' my hair and make-up a new picture will be delivered to you.

Girl's bedding is very hard to find. There are LOTS of choices, but not my taste. Custom bedding can get pricey for such a short use. It can wait a little while. Right now, Jacob and I are heading outdoors to plant pansies. My Momma loves pansies. Jacob calls them Pan Pan. In the mean time, Sweet Pea grows and continues to get bigger. It's difficult to sleep and my feet hurt. Nicole, thank you for sending the Snooglie back this way. I can't wait until it gets here...and have better sleep.

By the way, can you tell I have a new camera? What a blessing from my sweet Justin!

23 weeks

24 weeks

Give us this day our daily bread

2009-02-12T12:04:00.003-06:00

My absecne is from a heavy heart. The past weeks, I have cried and prayed with so many of you in this blogging world for those sick and those who have passed. I have also cried for my own heart. God has been impressing on me what sin has been allowed in to roost. I have also cried for my children and their salvation.

About six years ago, I had no real source of income. I worked at Starbucks part time and substituted. My parents paid my rent in a small, old apartment - one that my oldest sister lived in while attending college, nearly 10 years prior. I had moved to Amarillo from Houston. I did not live in Houston very long, but moved there after graduating college in 2001. I have always felt God calling to me, and when I was laid off in 2002, God whispered that it happened for a reason. I was walking up the three flights of stairs to my over-priced apartment and I began to cry because God loved me, even though I did not feel desirable. Over the next year, I did whatever kind of work was available. It was very hard to find full time work as a college graduate. I had many, many fabulous interviews and even made it to the final two for many positions located across Texas, but nothing came through. It was January 2003, and my hours at Starbucks were not increasing. I felt God say, "Trust me and depend only on me for everything." I talked to my Dad, who at the time was not close to God, and he agreed that I should leave Starbucks and take substituting when available. That meant I had no job. Over the next few months, I learned to trust Him. I fasted in asking God to prove himself and provide for me. I gave up eating meat since that is what I felt God asking me to do. Sounds easy? It was so hard. There were days I felt so hungry. And, I made this commitment to God without knowing a date when it would end. One little thing to make me weak enough to fall to my knees and trust Him in a way I had never known. I wept over my past, ways I sinned towards others, and ways that I had sinned against God. I was alone, learning to be wise and depend on the word. God dealt with my past relationships and how the world's view of dating was not His view. I also stopped trying to fill my heart with the hope of marriage right around the corner. God also reminded me that He has called all of us to GO...to minister to others all around the world.

I was given a full time job in June 2003 as a doctor's assistant for an Optician. I also had meat again after several months of fasting. Boy do I love chicken! So yummy!

I cannot say everything went well during the waiting or after the waiting. My relationship with my Dad was horrible, and had been for many years. I was humbled so often with this new job, where I was paid just under $10 and hour with a bachelor's degree. But during this time from receiving my job until I married my husband in 2005, God did many things!

I met Justin while working for Broome Optical. I worked with Justin's Mom and Sister In Law. I would love to say that was great, but when we began dating it was not fun for several months. Mostly because they did not understand why I was not kissing Justin, or flinging myself on him. At least that is what I perceived. But, God resolved those issues and made them blessings. During this time, I volunteered with Ronald McDonald House and learned to pray for the parents I served in the hospital RMD room. Even though I had a job, I continued searching for a job in my degree field. That was tough since public relations and marketing jobs are hard to find after a recession. During this time, my parents left the only home I knew and moved to Amarillo so I could live with them. That was a blessing and sometimes not a blessing. It was in the country. I saw first hand God protect me from my Dad's anger, a grass fire that swelled around our house but did not take it, and the discouragement that lay before me. It was also a time where Justin came to our home for our first date, and my Mom met him, and she liked him so much. During this time, Justin and I became engaged. I also followed God and went to Taiwan 6 weeks before we married, on a short engagement. You know, I told my Dad about Taiwan, and when I was younger and in college, he mocked me for wanting to go on missions. This was different and I knew God was in it. I went, trusting God, not knowing if I would come back. You never know when a plane will crash, especially when you are in one for 24 hours straight. When I came home, I was changed even more.

I would love to say that since marrying Justin, life has been wonderful. But, I realized that the past three years have been my heart falling away from God - in not fully trusting Him like I did when I was hungry and tired and without hope. I have been trustung Justin for what is God's to trust in. A test, a long test to see if I would turn away from God and take my family with me. I am not turning away.

God thank you for weeping. Thank you for changing my heart toward my husband, son, and new little one. Thank you for bringing the lesson of Taiwan back to me today. And, thank you for Kelsey's Facebook post saying that living silently for Christ and not being a Christ follower are the same. Thank you for showing me how to let go of hurt from friends. And, thank you for reminding me that each day is new and I am not bound to who I was yesterday because You daily change me.

I love Etsy!

2009-01-22T13:35:00.001-06:00

Coming Home!

2009-01-21T21:01:00.002-06:00

Kristin, I am so excited for you! Jon is coming home tomorrow. I am so excited because you guys have been through so much, especially in the past year and a half when the twins were born, and are finally going to be together. Thursday at 2 something p.m. you and the kids will have Jon in your arms! What an answered prayer. Is Kyler walking? If he isn't yet, I bet he will after hours of being held in his Daddy's arms. I hope Jon holds you a lot too! We miss you in Fort Worth! Please tell Jon we appreciate the good job he does in serving our country!!! I am so happy for you Kristin!!!!

2009-01-07T10:15:00.002-06:00

We are all feeling so much better. Last Wednesday, Jacob woke up sick at his tummy. By Thursday evening, Justin came down with it. By Friday afternoon, I got hit. I had the worst of it since I am pregnant. I like to brag about my stats: 18 throw-ups in less than 6 hours. My body found things to eject. After dropping Jacob off at Patty's house Friday evening, we sped down the freeway, with flashers, to make it to the ER before my next episode, which were like contractions every 10 minutes. Poor Justin had body aches and had to drive me to get help! I stayed in Labor and Delivery overnight due to severe dehydration. They couldn't even get blood out of my arms until my first fluid bag was 1/2 used. Yikes! I had the WORST body aches once the anti-nausea meds kicked in and my 3rd bag of fluids were on its way down. I have never been so sore in my life. When I laid down to sleep, my ribs, neck just hurt. Baby Girl was just fine through out the ordeal. Justin made it through too. Jacob's appetite has returned this morning. And, I am desiring to mop today...that's not too strenuous is it? Just wanted you to know. Please pray for us. This is my 4th ER visit (I added another during Christmas in Amarillo-freak bacterial infection in my lip-who knew!). I am praying that God provides us with 1) A buyer for our boat so we can pay off a loan or two, 2) Good bonuses so we can pay for our medical bills and buy Jacob new or used furniture, and 3) Health for all of us. Thank you for caring about us! In my next post, I need suggestions for baby names, moving Jacob to a big bed, baby bedding and so much more! For now, I am going to down some cold water and take a nap.

May you have a wonderful, healthy day!!!

What do you think....

2009-01-01T20:43:00.004-06:00

I think PINK will go great with her graceful little kicks and swings!

2009-01-01T17:10:00.006-06:00

2009-01-01T12:41:00.001-06:00

2008-12-22T11:15:00.016-06:00

Welcome to the Bentley Christmas Tour!

Our front door. I redress my wreath every year with something I find on sale.

Since our tree is only 6 foot tall, we placed her in the entry way so she doesn't look as small. I bought her 7 years ago when I lived alone for $20 and just cannot bear to not decorate her. Since we may buy a larger tree for next year, I used a $15 credit to Hobby Lobby to spruce up the tree. Christmas decor was half off; I purchased fabric, red glitter twirlies, and a white star to go with the red and white ornaments we already have.
Here is the complete look. I used a green fabric scrap I had around the house to make a tree skirt - I draped it around the bottom and partly covered the trunk. I then tucked ends under itself to make it more circular. I love draped fabric.

Here is the star and red twirlies. I found this idea at my favorite boutique in Amarillo. I cannot wait to try this next year on a larger scale.

My favorite ornament - Our first Christmas married.

Fireplace and Living Room have red and maroon beaded garland. I used my old tree garland strands to wrap around the green garland. It goes well with the A&M pillows and our lone stocking.

Nativity Scene

Snowmen decorating the tree.

Christmas cards from friends and family.

Red berries and greenery on chandelier.

Guest bath - Adorable picture of my Mom as a child on Santa's lap.

Jacob's special treat - Mommy and Baby penguins for his room.

Jacob in a giant stocking wishing you and you and your family a Blessed Christmas! May you be safe, warm and filled with Joy!

Thank you, God, for the gift our Your Son.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-17T21:37:00.002-06:00

It is late, cold and foggy outside. I just wanted you to know I am going to snuggle up to Justin on the couch right now. Hot cocoa is in the works. Simply delightful...

What have you been up to?

2008-12-10T09:09:00.006-06:00

We voted as a family on Election Night. Gig Em! No lines, no worries.

It was also Justin's first time to vote for President.

Jacob rearranges the pantry. He enjoys lining up cans.

Sometimes I find unopened canned food in the recycle bin.

At least he knows where it goes after it's opened.

Jacob's potty came in the mail just before Thanksgiving. In this picture, the potty had just been unpacked. He sits on his beautiful potty whenever Mommy or Daddy sit on the big potty. Nothing comes out yet, but at least he gets that is where we "go".

Jacob plays in the dirt as only a boy can.

His Pa and Dad watch and talk while he plays over

Thanksgiving Holiday in Amarillo.

Sorry for the blurry picture...still using my cell camera.

Jacob has learned to open the drawers and climb on in! He helps Mommy mix things. Using the drawer helps Jacob reach things on the counter like freshly washed blueberries. Yummy!

My skinny little guy has grown tall and put on weight this past month. His 18 month check up placed him at 10% for his weight. I think his percent went up over a matter of days. His vocabulary is increasing. His news words are Cool, Bye Bye, What's That, Touch Down, Bang (pretending to shoot birds), and Go Go Go. He is great with his sign language, and yesterday, he threw away broccoli that fell on the floor. What a great helper! Way to go Jacob!

Please pray for Justin as he may possibly transition into a new job at work. It would be a lateral move, but would give him more company exposure and ability to travel more. Justin is also preparing for his GMAT and then will look at MBA programs.

Me? What about me? Well, I am 17 weeks pregnant. I went jogging two days ago, and hope to go out again today. The cold front hit yesterday. I run a block then walk a block since I haven't ran since September. Morning sickness is remarkably improved with some ill feeling occasionally. Other than that, I still have anxiety over adding this new little one to the family. But, I read that is normal. We go for the sonogram on December 23. And, I hope Justin comes too. He was out of town on business when I found out Jacob was a boy. Last night, Justin said I looked big. I think this baby is just sprawled out differently than Jacob. Sweet Pea seems to point out, away from my body. Until then, I am excited to meet up with old friends who live in DFW. And, I enjoy getting to know my neighbors more. Jacob and I are also going to a Christmas party for Mom and Little Ones on Sunday. How fun! And, no, we have not painted the living room and kitchen/dining area. However, Justin so lovingly put up a cord cover for the chandelier. It looks beautiful now. Did you know those things have a gazillion button to snap? I'll have to snap a shot to show you soon. I can just see how beautiful it will look once we paint.

Please pray for my friend Kristin. Her husband is in Iraq and she just packed up their home in Fort Worth. She and the kids are moving to the base for his return in a month or so. They will then move 6 months after his return to a base in New York, where he will be deployed again. Her family lives in FW. When I saw her on Friday, she had no idea where they would live. Let's pray she finds a rental home or a home opens on base this week. And, let's pray she has help to move her belongings from the moving truck into their temporary home. We will miss her and the kids. I never tell this to her, but I always think she is amazing - her story is really incredible. Maybe she will share it with us someday.

2008-12-04T10:54:00.003-06:00

Rules:
Post rules on your blog.
Answer the six "4" items.
Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving them a comment.

4 Things I Did Yesterday:
Laundry
Go for a short walk with Jacob (it was windy and cold)
Play in the sand box with Jacob
Cried after talking to the nerdy flight insurance company

4 Things I Look Forward to:
Jacob's laugh when he wakes up
Justin coming home from work (or when he calls at lunch)
Putting the Christmas decor up
Snowy days

4 Restaurants I like:
Saltgrass
Rocco's Pizza (Vince's Pizza in Amarillo)
Mi Cosina -Downtown (Leal's in Amarillo)
Freebirds

4 Things On My Wish List:
Camera and Video Camera
Brighton trinkets for my necklace (I want the ones with color...trying to not be so black, white and silver)
Gift cards to Gap, Hobby Lobby, Lowes, Brighton (or The Secret Place)
To know if Baby is a boy or girl

4 Favorite TV Shows:
Desperate Housewives
Ugly Betty
The Dog Whisperer
John & Kate Plus Eight (no reruns, please)

4 People I Tag:
(Your It!)
Brandy
Nicole
Kalley
Venus

Ketchup

2008-11-07T12:00:00.002-06:00

Let's ketchup. Jacob and I both like ketchup, but the kind without high fructose corn syrup (I think it the Dole or Del Monte brand).

In the past month I visited the after hours clinic (aka emergency room) for extreme nausea. The first time was while taking an antibiotic. It torn up my stomach and was painful to take. I ended up with dehydration and was taken off the medication. I felt so much better after that. Some days are easy for me, but most are still riddled with all day nausea. I have tried everything. I went through two containers of Preggie Pops in a week. I eat whatever sounds and smells good. But that ends up wrong. I went back to the ER last Thursday. Apparently I have a sinus infection and that has been part of my problem. I also received a shot in my rear end for nausea. Today, I feel better, not perfect, but much better. We are now at 12 weeks with "sweet pea". We heard its heartbeat on Monday. My neighbor pointed out that she could tell I was getting bigger. Great! It doesn't help that I eat some not so healthy and not so low calorie things lately. But that is changing. Today, Jacob and I went for an early morning bike ride and took care of some errands. We also have a healthy breakfast. I can't say my snack was healthy, because I ate 4 pieces of dark chocolate. The chocolate was actually for my cousin Nicole, so I need to buy some more and send it to her!!! Other than that, Justin is relieved to see that I am cleaning and doing laundry again. He still does the dishes. And, I am preparing for my neighborhood garage sale next Saturday. Also, my favorite things to eat are lemons. After eating one the other night, I realized my tongue was a little raw and bleeding. All I know is that lemons make my tummy feel so good, especially at night when I feel horrible!

Jacob is now nursing at bedtime, only. Two weeks ago the doctor (our new doctor whom I really like) said Jacob needs to give up the pacifier. Jacob has become even more dependant on it! I don't know what to do. He is so fussy, too. Jacob is never fussy, and that began at his 18 month checkup when he received his flu and MMR shots. Wonder if that is why? But should this fussiness last two weeks? I do not know. Maybe it is his acid reflux rearing its head? I do not know.

Since I have been sick, we did not pick out a costume for Jacob. We actually were just going to hand out at home and give goodies to our little neighbors. We ended up going out to eat, and on the way home I convinced Justin. Cousin Nicole gave me the idea of putting Jacob in overalls. We have a fishing pole with a lure that Jacob practices with. We got home, dressed Jacob and added two glow sticks to our little guy. I just happen to keep a stock pile of glow sticks for emergency purposes.Jacob was the cutest fisherman ever! The first house we went to scared him. He was inspecting a Jack-o-lantern on a table when the fog machine went off behind it. He screamed like a girl, climbed up my leg, and was shaking. It was really sad. At the next two houses, Jacob wanted to share his candy from the first house. He didn't want the new candy, just wanted to give them candy. Jacob picked out a sucker for Leigha's Dad, but when he saw the sucker back in his candy stash, he picked it up, pointed at Leigha's Dad, shook the sucker at him, and pointed again. He was serious. My Little Bug is so great at sharing and caring for others!

Jacob and I visited our local library, too. It was very nice. Although, there was a man at the computer who was looking at nude women. I saw it out of the corner of my eye. I quickly picked Jacob up and we went home, after alerting the librarian.

Jacob and I also visit the playground from time to time. Last weekend, Jacob hugged every little friend that showed up to play and clapped for them as they slid down the big slide. What a great guy! He even hugged Alison's Mom! What a sweetie!

Jacob loves to say the consonant sounds for C and T. When we talk about cats, he says "C", "Meow." His favorite things, right now, are trucks, airplanes, cats, cows, chickens, ducks, and dogs. He loves his "I Love You Through and Through" book. He can now sign "please", "hat", "sleep", "hot" and "food/eat". Jacob says words, and then stops saying them. Before nap time, today, I thought he said a curse word. He learned it from me since, when I feel yucky or get frustrated (really frustrated) I sometimes say two different curse words. Maybe it was something else. But it sounded like the "sh" word. Maybe it was "shirt"? I looked at him and furrowed my eyebrows. He looked back the same way. My new daily prayer is to guard my thoughts, heart and mouth. I know where I learned my bad words, and I do not want my child learning that from me.

To finish up this ketchup, I have been preparing myself to do some painting. I cannot wait any longer for my living area, entry and halls to look as they do. They are dark, grayish-green colored. So, if anyone wants to help us prime on November 22, we could deeply use your help!!! We will provide food and fun!

I cannot believe we are having another baby! It blows my mind! And, all I can think is how perfect God is. Back in September, the day after we found out, I was still a little upset. We went to Mema and Pepa's to see Stephanie and David who were in DFW during Hurricane Ike. Going into the restaurant, Stephanie asked when were having another one since we make good babies. I said it was sometime soon. I really had to tisk-tisk myself. You see, it brings joy, I think, to Stephanie and David to have family and to see and hold their great nieces and nephews. They cannot have children of their own, and you never hear them complain about anything, especially the inconvenience of a hurricane. So, if I can have another little one, and that baby brings hugs and kisses and joy to Stephanie and David, then it is all my pleasure to bear morning sickness, weight gain, and and stretch marks.

Well, that's a whole lotta ketchup!

2008-11-07T11:54:00.002-06:00

I have not tagged anyone for the "Seven Things About Me" blog idea. However, if you are reading this and you have a blog, then you are tagged!

Seven Things About Me

2008-10-30T09:46:00.003-05:00

Brandy tagged me awhile back, and I have been thinking about the seven things you may not know about me.

1. The summer after my Freshman year in college I worked on a movie. I worked for two different modeling agencies in Amarillo. At the time, I was competing in pageants and wanted to be on stage. I got a call from an agency that I had just joined. They needed a stand-in for Kim Hunter. I did not have portfolio pictures with this agency yet, but my agent told the movie director about me. I was sent out to Pampa, Texas, to see if I was "acceptable" for the job. I was. They picked me because I was petite, like Hunter, and was "too cute." I worked on the set for two weeks. My job was to study Hunter. After the first run through, I jumped in and copied all of the movements of the actress. Lighting and camera position were all adjusted to me so that when Hunter came back for the final take, it would be perfect. I was treated as "talent" and sat in the director chairs next to the actors. Since filming was out in the middle of nowhere, vans took the "talent" to eat, to the other house for different scenes, and to the cemetery scene. I loved most of my experiences. It was very interesting and definitely changed how I look at "famous" or not so famous people. Here is a link to the actors and such in the film: LINK .

2. I touched Matthew McConaughey's tooshie. Seriously! McConaughey was college friends with an Amarillo local band trying to make it big. Cou de Gra (spelling?)was having a big concert, and McConaughey was suppose to be there. A close friend in college, Kathi, knew she was going to marry him. So, I bought tickets. I figured, if she was going to meet him, this was her only opportunity. Plus, after working on the movie set the previous summer, I knew that he was not going to be what she expected. And he was not. At the concert, McConaughey was kept away. I ran into a media source I met while working on the movie. He introduced me to the band's cousin. He then began calling our names out on stage in between songs. He called for everyone to look at us and let us move to the stage. We felt so cool. So, at the front of the stage was McConaughey. She was scared. She did not want to meet him. I'm thinking she is crazy, and I did not bring myself to this place just for the fun of it. Anyway. I grabbed her and pushed her to the front of the stage. Some other girls pulled our hair. I was next to him. He smelt like beer. He definitely did not have as much hair as he does today, and his eyes looked very sunken in. He was also kind of short - not as tall as I would have imagined. Kathi was nervous. I told her to act like we didn't care he was there. His body guard asked us if we wanted to dance with McConaughey. So we did. And, we danced with the body guard, too. Kathi was so smitten. I was still standing shoulder to shoulder with the McConaughey and decided she needed to trade me places. After all, I was not the one who wanted to marry him. I grabbed Kathi's hand to pull her into my spot, but she jerks away. My hand ends up on McConaughey's rump! He looked at me, I looked at him, and I just smiled.

3. I like to be right. I think a lot about things, logically, emotionally, and realistically. I analyze and feel that after all that work, I must be right about something, anything.

4. I never thought I would get married or have children. I wanted this life, but told myself these things were not for me. One day, God spoke to my heart as I read the Bible, and He spoke worth into my life. I then thought I would be a single missionary. Then I met Justin, and I knew that was what God had planned for me. My plan was to be self sufficient, alone. But His plan was different.

5. I am an ex-Feminist. I grew up in the Feminist creed. My parents did not espouse this to me. I first read about the Feminist Manifesto at the library when I was a child. My sisters spent most of our summers at the library. Anyway, I became a man hater in high school. In college, I took women's studies courses, and learned more. My first job post college was at the University of Houston. My boss was a feminist. A REAL feminist. I learned very quickly that was not what I wanted to be. She was well known in the Feminist Movement. Don't get me wrong. I believe in equal pay, job opportunities and education for women. What I do not agree with is the distaste for family and marriage, for men and boys being mediocre. I believe that men and women have their abilities and strengths - one should not be degraded in order for the other sex to be lifted up. Mutual respect for differences is needed. I am proud to be something my husband is not. God uniquely designed women to be more intuitive. I can take my attributes as a woman and do a great job, without acting like a man. Does that make sense? I am in no way saying a woman cannot do the same job, but that a woman is a woman in all her glory!

6. I have been beat up by boys, and have the scars to prove it. I was threatened to be "beat up" by many girls but that ever happened, thankfully. I have no idea why a child thinks he or she has the right to threaten another child in that manner. And, I have no problem tying boys up that hit me. And, I have no problem telling on those boys!

7. I love being in public relations, but I hate writing at work. My best writing times are at midnight and at 5 a.m. It's my creative time and space. So, if I cannot do that, then I mull it over, dream about it, and then write in the morning. Very strange, I know.

That's it. I will pick seven of you to tag later today or tomorrow. It just depends on how I feel.

More Ducks in Keller

2008-10-07T11:47:00.001-05:00

Fishing, Ducks and So Much More

2008-10-07T11:32:00.002-05:00

Justin and I stopped by a park to fish and see ducks in early September. Some pictures are blurry.

Dad and Jacob

2008-10-07T11:04:00.002-05:00

Jacob loves hanging out with Grandpa and the dogs. Pictures are from our trip to Amarillo in August 2008.

Yuckiness

2008-10-07T10:11:00.004-05:00

Yuckiness. Do you know what that feels like? For me, it is food aversions and nausea. It is not fun. I am on an antibiotic, again, for Mastitis. Yes, Jacob is still nursing. After having a Mom-Son talk about cutting out his nap time nursing, Jacob did just that. That takes us from 4 to 2 nursings. Justin and I decided it was ideal to allow Jacob to nurse until is is 18 months. Jacob cut out two nursings at the drop of a hat, in one day, after our "talk". That lead to engorgement, which then lead to an infection. My doctor warned this may happen with each significant weaning.

The worst part of it all is convincing the nurse of my issue. After a week and a half, I finally received treatment. I asked for a different nurse.

So, during all this mess, the second phone call lead to an emergency sonogram. I went into the office so they could make sure I do not have an ectopic pregnancy. I do not. So, then the nurse asked me why I was there. I did not see the doctor. And, I was being asked private information in the busy hallway, not in a room. I told her I had the pain for almost two weeks accompanied by fever and I was weaning. She said I must have heartburn. She gave me a list of medications I can safely take for heartburn. What? I thought the nurse was crazy. She was.

As I suspected, I had Mastitis. My very first bout with the infection was when Jacob was 6 weeks. My family doctor diagnosed me. I had horrible pains in my abdomen and it had spread to my lungs. I do not feel the pain in my breast tissue, it radiates out. I also had a horrible fever. My current infection began to mirror my first infection.

Friday I spoke with a different nurse. She sided with me.

It does not help that I am also 7 weeks pregnant. In the emergency doctor 's visit last week, I did see my new 'little one' and it's heart beat. The technician said it was unusual to see and hear the heart beat at 6 weeks. It was like small strikes of lightening pulsating on the screen. The heartbeat was much slower than Jacob's. We saw his heartbeat at 6 weeks, and heard it at 8. It was always fast, strong and very forceful. This baby's heart is slow and quiet. Just from that, I believe it is a girl. After I finish my medication on Friday, I will be better able to tell if I also have morning sickness. I am praying daily for no morning sickness.

And, as a reminder of a blessing, I would like to praise some wonderful ladies. Two years ago, just as I began my morning sickness I also began a new job. It was so horrible. Justin was out of town with his new job, we were selling our house, and I was sick as can be. Kalley, Amanda, Stacie and Shari helped me considerably at my new job. They gave me great advice on being pregnant, and were very understanding. Thank you for blessing me at such a new and difficult time in my life!

Yes. I am pregnant. Please pray for me. I gained so much with Jacob. I gained 1/2 of my body weight with him. Weeks before becoming pregnant this time, I began running and weight lifting. I have always (from birth) been a runner, with the exception of the past two years. My goal is to continue running, biking, and weight training as long as possible to help keep my weight healthy.

I will have pictures soon. We have been Downtown a couple of times with stories to tell, visited with Stephanie & David, fed ducks, picked pumpkins at a farm, had two birthdays, and have an upcoming airshow. Lots of pictures to share with you very soon!!!

***Update***
Did I mention, that even though it is not my timing, it is a blessing to be pregnant!!!

Do you know a superhero that could use a cape?

2008-09-28T16:46:00.003-05:00

Please visit Plum Pear Apple Designs for beautiful, fun capes for your little superhero here.

Monday Update

2008-09-22T10:33:00.004-05:00

My need for better organization began after Jacob's second emergency call. Remember the post about Jacob getting on the table and then calling 911 on the telephone? A week later, to the day, Jacob set off our panic button to our home security system. Glad someone knew how to work it since Justin and I had NO clue. A very nice police officer came to the door to see if we needed anything. What a shock! I decided that if an incident like that happened again we would either be fined or taken away. So, I decided to clear out the house so that keys and phones had a specified place (which they already had a place to go except when used to pacify Jacob). I am nearly finished with my organization. I need to hit Jacob's closet and the garage next. Before my sale, I'll post some notable items in case you are looking for a bargain.

*****Major News*****

A MAJOR event is coming to our little home. I am turning 30 on Thursday! That is right. September 25 is my birthday, and is the birthday to 10 other people I have met in my life. And, one of those people, Sandy Martinez, will also be 30. I know this because we went to school together, but she is older than me by half a day. (I hope she has a wonderful day!) That is the MAJOR news. I will be thirty, 30, three-zero. My neighbor said I look 25. Another neighbor said Justin looks way older than I do; I am older than Justin. I contribute my young looks to eating tons of olives, lemons, chocolate, cheese and salsa. I also act super silly, even at this age, at home and entertain anyone watching with my cheer leading jumps and cartwheels; I was never picked as cheerleader, but I definitely have the 'spirit" for it.

I am excited about my birthday. I hope Justin makes me a cake since I have not had a birthday cake in two years; my Mom bought a cake and we had a party together since Justin was out of town for his new job and I had morning sickness. Yummy cake!

It is always a blessing to have another breath in this world. So many of my childhood friends have already passed away and will never know what it means to turn 25 or 30 or 50. So let's celebrate! My wonderful friend Melissa M. has sent out an evite for my party on Saturday. It's a girly party, and we will have Tex Mex at Joe T's. So if you are interested in attending, just email me or leave a comment if you did not get an evite! Yeah!

*****More NEws to Follow*****

For those of you who already know, please do not tell. Shhhh!

These are the hands that will...

2008-09-17T10:55:00.004-05:00

Justin, thank you for being my friend and husband. We met briefly five years ago, have 'known' each other for four, and have been married today for three. Thank you for making today special. It is so nice to just relax today. Our wedding was filled with moving into our first house two days before, my hectic and stressful job demands, stress, and the letting go. We enjoyed running around historic San Antonio on our honeymoon, staying at the bed and breakfast, meeting Patricia, watching an Aggie football game and running from Hurricane Rita. Our honeymoon was filled with unexpected turns, but we made it. And, we didn't leave any scratches on the rental car, even though we had two gas cans strapped down on the trunk. We didn't have a stove our first month of marriage in our new home - and meals in the crock pot were not the best, but we ate it anyway. By our first Anniversary, this time two years ago, we were in Fort Worth, looking for an apartment. We were putting our home up for sale, starting new jobs, packing up our short memories, and moving. We were also two months pregnant with Jacob, so traveling to San Antonio, eating fast food, looking for an apartment were not fun with morning and night sickness. Our first anniversary was celebrated in sadness with hope for this new adventure we were taking on. Last year, our second anniversary and our first with Jacob, was one of the first times we left Jacob with a sitter and went on a date. We ate a Mi Cocina downtown. You made me feel beautiful even though I was not back to myself. And, this year, you have made our special day wonderful. Last night you took me to buy a pretty dress for our date tonight. I didn't find anything. But, maybe I have other plans for you! Just wait and see! I cannot express how relieved it feels to be at rest. No hurry and bustle. No stress from major decisions today. Just you and me, finding ourselves in who we are today. I love remembering who we were and how we should stay that way. Three years ago I walked down the aisle, with tears in my eyes - of sadness for leaving my family and joy for cleaving to you, and, today, thank God for his provisions. Thank you for being my friend and love. Thank you for our first date where you tried all kinds of things to get me to hug and kiss you. I didn't give in. Instead, I talked your ear off, for nearly two hours, about how much I loved the Bible and what it says, how amazed and dumbfounded I am by God's grace. You did not run away, you stayed and pursued me, and months later we finally kissed. Today, you still pursue me when we play 'chase' with Jacob. Thank you for being the first and only honest, decent, honorable man I had ever dated. Thank you for being a wonderful to me! Thank you for your hands that provide and love. Love and Kisses on our third anniversary.

First Rangers Game

2008-08-27T15:41:00.001-05:00

Southern Living Catalog Show

2008-08-26T11:10:00.002-05:00

Please come and view the Southern Living products and specials for my catalog show!
My consultant is Donna and I have wanted to have a show through her for the longest time.

Please take a look HERE (click on 'here')!

Need some ideas...
If you are into couponing, Southern Living has a GREAT deal on the ALL YOU magazine - 24 issues for $19.95. At Wal-Mart the magazine sells for $1.77, but with a Southern Living offer, it is $0.83 cents an issue. What is so great about ALL YOU? For example, the August 2008 issue has tons of coupons. I was able to pick up 5 FREE Kraft grocery items worth $18 with the coupons inside. There are more coupons that I will use later in the week to score free and near free products. The magazine pays for itself! Click here for the magazine page.

Also, Southern Living has beautiful entertaining products. If you order $29.95 from the catalog, you can buy two of three August guest specials listed here.

Southern Living also had WONDERFUL recipes. The Southern Living magazine is the ONLY magazine I subscribe to for the decorating ideas and tasty recipes.

You can also buy gift magazines where your recipient gets to choose what magazine they want. That is a really neat idea for Christmas or Birthdays.

Your order will ship directly to you.

You can order ONLINE here by clicking on the "How To Purchase' button above the catalog page.

When you place an order, you are helping me reach my goal for hostess rewards. So, what will I buy? Cookbooks! I am always looking for good food to make, and I love the Southern Living recipes.

Thank you for looking and helping me with my show!!!!

Busy Day!

2008-08-26T10:06:00.016-05:00

Yesterday was interesting. Shortly after Daddy went to work, Jacob decided to climb onto the dining room table for a snack. He is very quick! Take a look! Yummy crackers! I love health food!

Mommy said to 'sit down'.

Suppose he is still hungry? I changed him and sat him in the highchair for more food. He decided to eat and then stand up in his highchair. This happens often; our highchair has only the lap restraint and that is why we are contemplating buying a new highchair with a five point harness. What do you think?

After playing in the mud with his dogs, eating more food, and napping twice, Daddy returned home from work. Jacob decided to call some one very special. It is not the first time he has snatched the phone and called a friend, but this time they called back. Justin answered the phone and it was the 911 dispatcher calling to see if we needed help. An officer was required to stop by to verify. So, when the officer came over, we pointed out the culprit. She just laughed and said that is one of the youngest accident callers she had seen. The funny thing is that morning I thought about explaining 911 to Jacob - just to have something new to talk about. He must have read my mind.

Jacob is definitely busy, busy, busy!

Musings for Monday

2008-08-25T10:48:00.004-05:00

I am adding a 'play list' to my blog today. (you can turn it off.) Music has been such an inspiration for me - when I had no one to talk to, no one to play with, no one who understood - I had music, making up songs, creating my own nothingness to praise God. Nothing else would come out but praise to Him.

Our camera no longer works. In a fit, it gave up, even with brand new batteries. It was quite the show - it seemed possessed with something other than a battery and an SD card. So I am lacking in pictures, in sharing Jacob with you. I do have some pictures on my cell phone that I am trying to download.

I am so blessed to have Jacob. He loves music too! He especially loves The David Crowder Band. So, in honor of my little guy, I have added David Crowder to my play list. Number 2 is the CD in our stereo and Jacob knows how to get it going. He also loves to dance. He probably copies me. I like to jump, dance, skip and bop to music at home. He also sings when Mommie sings. And, how much better to sing praises to the King!? Maybe that is why Jacob is so happy and joyful 90% of the time. I also added Steven Curtis Chapman to the list, too. He is one of my favorites.

All of the music leads me to think about (and cry for) a few blogs about children who have passed away. Their parents are believers and their testimony is beautiful. Lately, I have forgotten that Jacob is not mine to keep. I pray that I can have him as long as possible because i do not want to know the pain of losing him. I have other worldly tendencies right now that God is working on, too. But, to live with complete abandon in or out of the pain or desert is difficult. To sing, to open up without words, your spirit cries to God in sweet melodies. He hears them and makes all things new. So, daily, I cry out to God that He would have grace and mercy on Jacob, that He will choose to call out to Jacob, to turn Jacob's heart to God in the most beautiful way. I am in no way perfect. I am lacking in perfection in Christ, but I never give up knowing that God has saved me, that He called to me and changed me. I cannot fathom what it feels like to carry a baby to term, and loose that child. I have seen that grieve first hand. All I can do is weep with that mom. All I can do is know that God is God, and even though I do not understand, He does.

So, here is to a bright Monday filled with beautiful music and praises to my King. I will try to get pictures soon. And, I am working on a post with giveaways...stay tuned! I have only a short window before the little one awakens and I have a long list of 'to-do' today.
Suz

Going Home 1

2008-08-21T10:51:00.004-05:00

It's been well over a week hasn't it? Well, I cannot fully express what it was like to go "home" and relax. I did not have to clean the house, wash tons of laundry or anything. I took daily showers and blow dried my hair everyday! (Normally I let my hair air dry and curl...but in the Panhandle, I miss You, my hair looks great when I am with You!)

My Mom and Dad really pampered me, and they did not have to. I came with the intention to pamper them. They were a great blessing to me. They took care of Jacob so I could rest or go shopping for 5 hours with my sister! That is the most time I have been away from Jacob...ever! It was great! My parents took us to see my grandmother. It was Jacob's first time to meet his Great Grandmother Carey, the oldest of his 4 great-grandparents at age 83. We went to Dumas to see the old house, the old tree, Margie (our adopted Granny), and my favorite place to eat (not necessarily for the food, but the memories). We saw my Dad's friend Tom the farmer. I wasn't kidding that Tom could take Jacob to the farm to see the harvesting. He would love that. I think Tom looked at me and could not believe I was old enough to have my own baby. It was just yesterday that I sat with him and Dad for breakfast and listened to them talk about life. We saw the new windmill farms near Dumas...they are so big, breathtakingly scary, and just plain big! We had fun visiting Grammy, Pa and Aunt Stephanie. Jacob loved on Aunt Stephanie and Grammy's Cat. He also loved Grammy & Pa too! Jacob had fun petting Bubby Dog, hugging Pumpkin Dog, and laughing at Chloe Dog. My parents did not mind Jacob running all over the house. He didn't cry much, except when he fell. He attended Dad outside to see the land. Jacob gave much needed bear hugs to Mom and Dad. We also visited with my friend Tracy and her boys, saw Justin and my first house, and visited our old neighbors. I celebrated in the 25th Anniversary of the Amarillo Ronald McDonald House. I also had a heavy heart that Big Brothers Big Sisters has not grown as much after I left two years ago. My Mom and Aunt Nellie took Jacob on a shopping spree and bought him whatever he pointed to. Mom, Nellie, Jacob and I went to the park to feed the ducks. Jacob decided the crackers looked good; he ate one. So beautiful to see the sparrows, black birds and ducks come up for bread. The sparrows, so small, were inches from Jacob. All I could think was how small and beautiful they were; how wonderful to know God takes care of them...and us. I cannot get over how amazing Jacob is in experiencing his world. He loves to love and is ever so forgiving. God, thank you so much! This trip has helped my heart, my memory problems, and my walk with You.

Bush, China, and the Whole Deal

2008-08-21T09:55:00.005-05:00

So, where did we leave off?

Yes, a post about President Bush attending the 2008 Olympic Games.

To be honest, I do not care if you like or do not like the man. I do not care about his good or bad policies in this matter. And, yes, I am still a supporter of "W" even though the 'polls' and 'popular opinion' say to dislike him. I have never been one to follow the "popular" way just because it makes life easier or it's simply popular.

And, to be honest, I do care that you take great notice of him in this manner. President Bush was wonderful to attend the Olympics in 2008. He is the first and only U.S. President to do so. He also made a statement to China-an open arms approach-an open communication (Isn't that what the Obama camp says he does not do??? Silly Obama camp!).

Let's rewind a little bit. I first became a fan of Governor Bush when I was in high school. My sister had attended the Cal Farley's Boys Ranch Rodeo, held every Labor day weekend in Amarillo. She had a picture. Guess who was there? Yes, my sister! You right! But George W. and his wife were there, in the stands like everyone else. They were in the picture with my sister. This is a big deal because the Panhandle region of Texas has often put to last in regards to all the other regions of State politics. We get overlooked. However, when Bush was governor, he made extra effort to visit the Panhandle and visit those who needed encouragement the most. The kids at Cal Farley's definitely needed that encouragement. They needed that 'father figure' to say he cared. Bush and his wife did not 'have to' come to Cal Farley's, but they did, and they did it year after year, not just once.

So, for Bush to attend the Olympics was something of normal for him to do. Additionally, for him to reach out to China in that manner was an incredible move. In case you have not figured it out, people of and descended from China, Taiwan and Korea (at least those three people groups, in my experience) want to see action and not just talk. Here are some examples. In college, I made extra efforts to know as many foreign students as possible; my campus was small and averaged about 130 foreign students a year. I loved those from Taiwan and China. I decided to become part of a study group where I was the only "white" chick, the rest were Taiwanese and Chinese. They kicked my butt! The goal was not to procrastinate, but to get it over with and do it well. That meant that I had to be the person they expected me to be and I had to deliver on time. In college that was a struggle for me; we can talk about that later. Not only was it a HUGE deal that I asked to be part of the study group, it was a HUGE deal to our friendship. If I did not follow through, that would be the VERY END of our relationship, and I did not want that to happen. You know, in our US culture, we often cancel plans because we do not feel like it or we want to do something else or we have a real emergency or task that has to take precedence. We give someone a second chance usually. We usually, in our friendships, have tolerance for this since we all have to change or cancel plans at some time. But to a Chinese friend, it means more to have cancelled plans. Here is another example. My cousin-in-law is Korean descent. She has made it very clear that she does not like it when you cancel on her. So, I have learned not to make plans with her until Jacob was older (at the time he was 6 months and was very difficult to get down for naps and had lots of reflux issues-and I cancelled plans a lot). She is a VERY busy woman, wife and mom and schedules time to have you over at her house or for play dates. It is very offensive to her to change plans, unless someone is ill. I respect that. I understand that. And, to that, I must change my personal policies, my love for the changeable plans, in order to get to know her better, and make our family work even better.

China has a lot of issues. Speak to any missionary who has been to China and you will know that there are two drastic sides to the socialist, communist China. I remember debating "China and if the US should allow fair trade status" 15 years ago. Bush has a history of knowing China. His father was an ambassador of sorts to China in the 1970's. Before then, the US was not in any open communication with China at all. In a recent interview at the Olympics, Bush shared how he and Laura went to China in the 70's. That really impressed me. He has a view of China 40 years ago and a view of it today. China is a world leader and Bush acknowledges.

So, what do I mean by everything? Bush was criticized for attending as to say he supports the human abuses of China. That is not what his visit showed. It showed his knowledge of culture, past and present, for China. He acknowledges its differences and encourages it to come past those abuses of its people. He made a huge gesture to China that will pay off in the next ten years. Bush said he would be at the Olympics and he kept his word. He said he would be there despite public opinion of him. He went to support our athletes, too. He met with them and praised them. What encouragement! What encouragement to China's leader! Do you think China will be more open to Bush? Yes. Do you think it helps establish greater lines of communication? Undoubtedly!

I am proud of my President for visiting China, for supporting our athletes and reaching out the the world!

In another note, please pray for China! Please pray for the Christians and missionaries in China. If they are found, they could be killed even if their belief was not hindering the China government in any way. And, please pray that China allows Taiwan to be an independent nation, and not threaten to take over Taiwan, as they do every year.

And the Winner is...

2008-08-11T11:36:00.004-05:00

Thank you all for participating in the formula give away! The winner of the Enfamil formula pack goes to the wonderful, beautiful Elita of Blacktating! (I got your name from my cousin's blog.)YEAH!

Thank you for your entry!!!

I had no takers on the Similac, so I am taking it with me to Amarillo to find a home.

By the way, I am leaving today for Amarillo so I hope to blog more, later, this week. I know the media says people do not like President Bush and some commentators have negative things to say about him attending our Olympics. But, I have a few good things to say about his attending the Olympics in China. Please stay tuned, even if you are not a supporter. I hope to have that posted by Friday!

Have a great week!!!
Suz

When to move?

2008-08-04T22:06:00.001-05:00

When is the right time to move from highchair to booster chair?

Way to Go with Kroger

2008-08-04T10:48:00.003-05:00

Kroger is having Buy 10 deals this week. This is what I bought for $9.13. I purchased a total of 30 products to get 3 Buy 10 get $5 off Deals. I used coupons that doubled for all my free products, with the exception of a $2 Advil coupon and $1 Speed Stick coupons. I know my total is a little off. From my calculations my total should be around $8.30. From the looks of it, a few of my coupons were not doubled as they should have been.

4 - Irish Spring Bar soaps for $0.10 each

2 - Softsoap Pumps free

3 - Cattleman's BBQ free

3 - Frank's Red Hot Sauce free

4 - Betty Crocker Cookie mixes 2 for $1.00, 2 for free

2 - Clorox Wipes for $3.00

1 - Lysol Kitchen Spray for $0.50

2 - Oroweat Muffins for $1.70 each

1 - Advil 24 cnt free

2 - Ladies Speed Stick Gel Free

4 - Betty Crocker Chocolate Frostings 1 for $0.50, 3 for free

2 - Skintimate Shave Gel for $0.75 each

Starfall

2008-08-04T10:08:00.003-05:00

I have been running out of ideas for inspiring Jacob lately. Someone suggested using Starfall. Satrfall is an online tool for learning to read. I have been spelling to Jacob since birth, so this instructional tool fits right into what Jacob has already learned.

Jacob and I only look at the letters of the alphabet. I have been going through the phonetic sounds of the alphabet, also, since he was born. He really enjoys seeing the letters and hearing their sound. He also loves the Letter B and the "Big Brown Bear." Yesterday, he growled back at the bear. So cute!!! Jacob also had a huge expansion of his vocabulary in the past two weeks. Not sure if this program has helped, but maybe it connects the dots of everything he has learned.

Here is Jacob and I below learning the Letter B.

Update

2008-08-01T09:30:00.003-05:00

Last night was not as bad as I thought it would be. Jacob obviously was not happy Daddie was not home. After putting Jacob to bed, I stayed up reading the "Super Nanny" book along with viewing a recorded episode. I realized that I was more afraid to be left alone with Jacob all day. What if I could not handle it? What if I go nuts? So, I just took one thing at a time. I was not at all a great Mommie last night. It was very hard to deal with a more than average fussy, determined tot. I screamed once or twice and then stopped realizing it was going to be okay. It was a wrestling match to get Jacob inside from playing, bathed/brushed, dressed, and put into bed. He made it, and you know what, I made it too!

Justin had a great, refreshing time at the ball game. That is great! I am especially thankful to Trey for bringing him home so I would not be alone all night! (Justin and I have not spent a night apart for almost 2 years). And, he called me yesterday at work to say he wanted to make a plan for me to have time away from the house - alone. Here is my plan. I am going grocery shopping with Brandy and then I am having lunch with Patty. I am so excited! I am also excited that Justin did not put me off this time. I was praying about my post and about my responsibility to our marriage. It's okay to be upset. It's okay to vocalize it so you understand it. Then, you step away and let it work. In my prayer life lately, I have been asking God to change me. I do not want to be a wife that makes her husband feel more welcome on the roof of the house than inside it's doors. I want to be a blessing, but not a doormat. I want to be a team and not just mindless followers. At the same time, I want Justin to be the best husband he can be. I pray that he becomes stronger and confident in Christ, that he considers me in decisions, and that he becomes an even greater leader of our family.I have to say the prospect of going out on Saturday makes me a better wife and friend to Justin. It's hope! I can get out!!!

When you are upset with your husband, what do you do? How do you work it out? Let me know!

Baby Formula Giveaway!

2008-07-31T11:12:00.011-05:00

Could you use Baby Formula?

I am giving away Two Sets of Baby Formula!

Enter to Win!!!!

Drawing will be held

Sunday, August 10, 2008, at 9 pm.

Winners will be posted on my blog Sunday!

Similac Advance Infant Formula - (2) 8 oz. containers

Enfamil Lipil with Iron, Milk-Based Infant Formula - (2) 12.9 oz

The formulas were given to me via my doctor's office and mail through the company directly when I had my son. The expiration dates are good. If no one enters, I will send to a local church , but just looking to find a home for the formula as not waste it.

Leave a comment on this post with your choice Similac or Enfamil!

Don't forget to list why you love being a Mom!

Good luck!

(Open to continental US residents only!)

Rant

2008-07-31T10:21:00.004-05:00

I am kinda perturbed or something. My husband is heading out for "guy's night" with the co-ops at work. No problem. Until I think about all the times I have been left to care for Jacob alone. I'm not just talking about my usual stay-at-home Mommie time, although that adds up. I am talking about after hours time when I might get a few minutes to be alone. Many people have been very kind in offering the suggestion and advice that Justin and I need time toegtehr without the little one. Well, maybe I want "Me" time. I do want time alone with Justin, but that is another story.

Okay, so let's bring this into focus. I am, somewhere inside, a little aggravated that this will be Justin's who knows what number of times he has, out side of work, left me for a guy or fishing thing. Do I get to have a girl or whatever thing? If you count my hair cut 2 months ago, an occasional grocery shopping trip alone, and having coffee with Brandy months & months ago, then maybe that is okay. But on the frequency of Justin's alone time compared to mine, there is a stark contrast. Now, I am going to Amarillo to see friends and family in two weeks. Hopefully, I will be able to leave Jacob with a Grandparent so I can meet with friends. But, most likely, Jacob will come along 9 of 10 times since there are many friends (and a Great Grandma) who have not seen Jacob yet. So my Amarillo trip, although expected to be a HUGE refreshment for myself, does not, in my opinion, constitute much alone time.

This is my conversation with Justin last night.

"I want you to go, seriously. I think you need to hang out with the guys before they go back to school."

"Okay, I already got tickets to the game and that includes all the food I can eat."

"Okay, so do you want to take the car (we share 1 vehicle) or is your friend bringing you home?"

"He'll bring me home. But, maybe, if the game goes to like, Midnight, I should sleep on his couch. Then I could just go to work from there."

"Okay? Have you thought through that last comment?"

A few hours later...

"Remember you said you would treat me equally. If you go out without child, then I get the same in return. But if you go to work at 8 am, and come home the next day 5 pm, when will you return that favor?"

"Huh?"

"When will I be given the same time off?"

"I'll make it up to you, I promise."

So the conversation ends with a promise and no plan to return the favor.

Yeah. I have heard this before. I think my husband needs to realize that putting me off, containing me, and exposing me to hours of whining or crying from a small child will eventually make me go nuts; I am already grouchy. And, I'm too young to be grouchy!!! On top of that, why do I want to spend alone time with my dear hubby when I cannot even get alone time for myself? This is part of the reason I begged and hinted to my parents that I needed to visit soon-for my sanity. Thankfully we arranged a time for Jacob and I to be picked up and relocated to Amarillo for 4-5 days before shipment back to Home Sweet Bentley.

Does your husband leave you with the kids? Does he return the favor?

And, if he doesn't then what do you do and think?

And, do you agree that you need time to yourself or with the girls so you can be a better wife?

Or am I just overreacting as usual???

Blshghshh wats tht mhmsm a aaa uuuhhjkn

2008-07-28T15:59:00.004-05:00

That's right! Just what he said. Can't argue with it since I can't understand it. See for yourself.

I love the wonderful world of Jacob. He is super sweet, kind, and he is always willing to share. When he thinks Mommie looks hungry, he raises a strawberry filled fists to share his grub with her. He understands so many things. He hates when Mommie is upset. Especially before he could walk, Jacob would snuggle and hug-a-bug Mommie when she would have a "just because" cry. Before I knew Jacob was Jacob, before it was confirmed he was a boy, I knew him. Sitting on our bed in our apartment, Justin was out of town on business and I was 18 weeks, I read the story of Jacob. I read all about how he became Jacob. I loved the promises God had for him. How His hand was on him. I knew right then I had a Jacob. Even then, he would kick and swim with joy when I read to him from the Bible. Even when I was pregnant and had sad, lonely days, Jacob could hear and feel. He would just wiggle and cozy up on my rib cage a little more. Guess he was letting me know it was hurting his ears or something! I knew he would love his Mommie! I also knew he would be a silly, silly guy. To know me is to know that I am a goof ball. I am simply nerdy, out of nowhere sayings, and silly make up my own jingles girl. That is exacting Jacob, too! He is super nerdy....super smart. He is also, as stated above, funny! He even laughs at his own jokes, even though I have no idea what he just said. That's okay. So, let's go over what Jacob is: sweet, smart, sympathetic, nerdy, silly, funny, and determined. Yes, determined. He knows how to do everything, and wants to do it. One example is yard work. I have been endlessly working on my backyard. When we moved in Justin subscribed to "You can't have a nice backyard with dogs" theory. So, he saw no need in watering the back yard, which lead to bare spots, which lead to large areas of no grass and the growth of weeds. So, I have spent much of last Fall and all of the Spring and Summer picking weeds, watering, and seeding my back yard. You would know by looking, but it has overcome lots of hurdles. Grass is growing, weeds are being defeated. Jacob is my overseer. He makes sure the water sprinklers are ready to go. He waters the bushes and trees. He even makes great muddy puppies. He will adventure to use a rake, and even points out the dogs.

Jacob is just wonderful, and I cannot wait to see what God has planned for him!

****** Enter Bum Genius Diaper Giveaway below!*****

Crazy Couponing Suz!

2008-07-28T12:21:00.006-05:00

Okay, well, a few months ago I went couponing crazy. Don't you remember those weird, strange emails you received form me about free cereal deals and coupon this and that? I wanted to save money so we could really put our Dave Ramsey techniques into greater practice. I also wanted to have a little extra money at the end of the month for a pedicure or something just for me. Kinda selfish, but a girls gotta do something to feel "civilized" again.

So, along my couponing and deal seeking journey of three months, I have learned many lessons.
1. Don't use every coupon you have.
2. If it is on sale, that makes the deal sweet!
3. Use Wal-Mart and other stores to your advantage. Comp ads from other stores to get better deals. I bought so much at Wal-Mart last night and saved a ton comping ads from Kroger, Albertsons, and Target.
4. Use coupons to your advantage-buy what you like to get great deals when items are on sale. 5. Use coupons at double or triple value when stuff is on sale.
6. Plan ahead with a menu and stick to it!

So what are some good finds I have picked up?
I bought 5 rolls of Bounty Basic for $0.25 and two small containers of Daisy Sour Cream for free at Kroger. I used my coupons to double and triple value alongside their sale. Great!

Last night at CVS, I picked up 2 bags of Life Savers Gummies (Buy 1 Get 1 Free), two candy bars (2 for $1), one pack of Trident ($2), two bags M&M's (2 for $5) for $2.08. I used a B1G1 free coupon on Life Savers...both bags were free. I used a coupon on M&M'S ($0.75), Trident ($1), and used $4 of ECB's from CVS. I paid $2 out of pocket and got $5 ECB's back. I used that $5 to buy three Zone bars for $1 each (used a $1 coupon), Bain Aid Ultra Strips for $1.99 after $1 coupon, one package of Kotex pads for $0.50 after $2 coupon and one rice crispy treat. I paid $0.18 for that transaction after my $5 ECB's. I also got back $2ECb's for purchasing the Band Aids. That was one of my best deals to date!

Of course I have gone overboard! It wouldn't be me if I didn't! I have not wrangled in my couponing. I am finally organized and not going "crazy" over the coupons anymore. I have been to the deep end, and now am back to the middle road. I have learned that I spend WAY more with coupons when I do not prepare and look at all the deals. I am sure I could bring my weekly grocery game down, but right now $60 a week is far better than our usual $120 a week shopping trip. So, when I have a good deal or see a great coupon, I will let you know!

And, just so you know, I have been able to stock my pantry with loads of free cereals, baby bath soaps, toothpaste and more just through the sensible advice of other women on blogs in this great blogosphere. You should check them out at Moneysavingmom.com and freebies4mom.blogspot.com.

Happy Shopping!!!
Susan

**************************************************************************************
Don't forget to enter the Bum Genius Diaper Giveaway....see post below.....

Bum Genius Cloth Diaper GIVEAWAY!

2008-07-28T10:27:00.006-05:00

Enter to win 12 FREE Bum Genius One-Size Diapers from Baby Cheapskate. That's a $200 value!!! They are the exact diapers we use and love!!! Click HERE for rules and entry.

Jacob, 2 weeks old, in Bum Genius All-In-One Cloth Diapers.

Jacob, 15 months, in Bum Genius One-Size Pocket Diaper (the one in the give-away).

Enter by August 6, 2008! If you do not use cloth diapers, you could always gift them!

Hope you win!!!!

Contest reached limit and is over!

Grilled Chiken Avocado Wraps

2008-07-16T10:34:00.013-05:00

2 chicken breast, skinless, boneless, trimmed (2 breast per 4 wraps)

2 c. chopped romaine lettuce

1 sliced of bacon, crisp, chopped into bits

1 Avocado, medium, cubed

1/4-1/2 c. Grape or Cherry Tomatoes, diced

Salt, to taste

Pepper, to taste

3 tbs. Ranch dressing

4 Spinach wraps (I use Mission brand wraps)

Marinade for Chicken:

1/2 cup Orange Juice

Drizzle in Olive Oil, Extra Virgin, to coat

4 tbs. Worcestershire Sauce

2 tsp. White Wine Vinegar

1 tsp. Pepper

Splash of Soy Sauce, not necessary though

1 tsp. Cumin

Mix all ingredients for marinade in a plastic Ziploc bag. Add Chicken, close bag and coat chicken. If more coverage is needed, add more orange juice. Allow to marinate for 1 hour-1 day. Before grilling or baking chicken, set on counter for 10 minutes, covered. Grill or Bake (375 degrees) chicken until internal temperature of 175 is reached (or as advised). Set aside to allow chicken to rest and complete cooking while you prepare the following. Cook bacon in microwave until crispy, drain from fat, break into small pieces.

Add Romaine Lettuce, Avocado, Bacon, Tomato, Salt, Pepper to large bowl.

Cut Cooked Chicken into strips or cubes. Add to Bowl. Add Ranch dressing to bowl. Stir, incorporate all ingredients gently. Add more salad dressing as desired, 1 tsp. at a time (just know this adds more calories).

Warm wraps according to instructions on package. While wraps are warm, add 1/4 of mixture from bowl to 1 wrap. Add to the center, fold up the top and bottom edges, tuck in one remaining edge of wrap and roll wrap to other end. Use knife to cut in the middle, at an angle, and place on serving dish or plate. Repeat with remaining wraps.

Serve with handful of chips, potato fries, melon slices, glass of lemonade, strawberries or apple slices.

Enjoy!!! Let me know how it turns out!!!

Suz

Cow Appreciation Day!

2008-07-15T10:10:00.028-05:00

Did you go to Chi-fil-a's Cow Appreciation Day? We did for lunch and it was so much fun! I was surprised at how "into it" Justin was. He eagerly put on his ears, horns, tail, spots and sign. He was super cute! I craftily made "cow costumes" for each of us out of everyday items around our home. I also printed ears and noses from the Chi-fil-a website to complete our look. Our tails were made of white yarn, braided and knotted, and added to our belt loops.

We had a surprisingly wonderful time as a family. The food was great and free! The Chic-fil-a staff was fabulous. It was just a pleasant outing for us! Below are pictures of other"cows" at Chic-fil-a. Justin also received some laughs, but he was okay with it. One of which was in the drive thru so I took her picture. And, she took our picture with her cell phone. So funny! Justin was such a hit that a small boy came over to pet him! Watch out, next year will be even bigger!

Thank you, Justin, for making everything so much fun! Love you!

Dress Like a Cow, Get a Free Chic-fil-a Meal on Cow Appreciation Day, Friday, July 11th, 2008

2008-07-10T12:43:00.008-05:00

Friday, July 11, 2008, is Cow Appreciation Day at your local Chic-fil-a Restaurant. Chic-fil-a will offer a free meal to those of you who are not too chicken to visit one of their stores fully dress as a cow! The rules are listed here and here.

The July 11 event is the chain's 4th annual Cow Appreciation Day celebration.

"While the event is a natural tie with our cow-theme marketing campaign, Cow Appreciation Day is intended to be a fun day to reward some of our most loyal customers with free food. We are anxious to see the event grow year after year," said Steve Robinson, Chic-fil-a senior vice president of marketing.

_________________________________________________

Jacob, Justin and I will dress up tomorrow for sure!

Those of you in Amarillo, please go by the Chic-fil-a on 45th and Coulter. Hal Leedy is the manager, and he loves when customers participate in Cow Appreciation Day. When you are there tell him I said "hello"...I use to work with him through Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Send me your pictures of Cow Appreciation Day, or Link to this post, and I will post them on my blog! Can't wait to see them!

Support Hal's store, support Chic-fil-a and have a great day!

Suz

(Information and graphics derived from Chic-fil-a Press Release )

Just Because

2008-07-10T11:56:00.008-05:00

We went out to eat last night. Since the Stockyards and Downtown are very close to home, we decided to hit the Stockyards. We decided on Joe T Garcia's instead of Giovanni's Pizza, and we are so glad we did! It was my second visit and Justin's first. The patio dinning is beautiful!!!

Fajitas are good, but the salsa is great! We had a delightful time together on our date! And, as always, Jacob was there to make sure we never had a dull moment.

We also had a little visitor. A small green lizard decided to join us. I was about to scream until Justin pointed out it was a lizard instead of a gecko. (I have night terrors about geckos!)

It was beautiful, lizard and all!

Fort Worth Zoo with Family

2008-07-08T16:50:00.002-05:00

Random tidbits for Sunday

2008-07-06T17:21:00.001-05:00

Jacob has had a fever since Thursday. As I type, Justin is picking him up from his nap. He is crying a little, when Justin appeared through Jacob's big tears, the whimpers stopped. Not sure why Jacob has had a fever. At first I thought it may be from teething, but his fever spiked this morning. Yesterday his fever broke, so we took him to our local pool for ten minutes in the evening. He began feeling warm again. This is the same pool we had swim lessons at the past two weeks. After seeing the pool crowded, I am hoping his illness is not from the pool. I will post more on that AFTER I speak with whoever manages the pool tomorrow.

It sounds as if his fever may be back up. The boys are quiet. Jacob is usually very cuddly and talkative immediately upon waking. Very quiet. Maybe Justin put him back to sleep. Not sure. As long as I am quiet, too, then I can have more Mommy blogging time.

I do need to speed away from the computer, though. I have tempted Justin with tonight's dinner menu of Chicken-Avocado Wraps, Melon Slices, and Chocolate Meringue pie. My chicken wrap idea is copied from Red Robin's Turkey Wrap, which I always order with grilled chicken instead of the menu listed turkey. Yummy! If you ask nicely, I will post my recipe for the wraps later in the week.

By the way, don't you love Red Robin? Don't know if you know this or not, but they have a Sign-up on their website. You can register each member of your family for the eClub here . On your birthday, you receive and email coupon for a free burger. You can also sign up children!

Hope you have a great Sunday! I will update you on Jacob, 4th of July and more as soon as possible...Jacob is definitely awake now!

Jacob and the Giant Baby Pool

2008-07-05T12:52:00.002-05:00

Yummy Angel Food

2008-07-03T16:20:00.001-05:00

1 Angel Food Cake Mix (preferably Duncan Hines, if not available look for or Betty Crocker)

1 Large Lemon, fully zested, fully squeezed-seeds removed

1/2 tsp good quality Pure Vanilla Extract

2 c Sliced Strawberries

1/4 c Granulated Sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place funnel pan or two 9 inch loaf pans to the side, DO NOT grease or flour. If using a funnel pan, remove upper rack before heating oven.

In a glass or metal bowl, add ingredients for cake mix as directed on bowl. Before mixing, add Lemon Zest to bowl, and add 2 tsp of Lemon Juice. Add Vanilla.

Mix according to box, making sure all dry ingredients are well incorporated. Beat on High for an additional 20 seconds more than recommended on box.

Spoon mixture into pan(s). Tap light to settle mix into pan. Place into oven and bake according to time on box.

While cake bakes, slice strawberries, place in bowl, add 1/4 c. sugar and remainder of Lemon Juice; stir and place in refrigerator to allow for maceration - approximately 30 minutes.

Cake is ready when it is dry and light brown on top and is springy to touch. Place upside down, on rack or on a heat proof glass bottle for funnel pan, for 30 minutes. Turn right side up and gently remove from pan.

Serve with strawberries and whipped cream (home made whipped cream recipe in the works).

Helpful hint: If you do not have a specific Angel Food Cutter, use a serrated knife and clean it off with a damp rag after each slice.

Hope you enjoy my twist on an old classic!!!

Let me know how yours turns out!

Susan

2008-07-03T15:23:00.001-05:00

The Desert

2008-07-03T10:58:00.002-05:00

It seems like yesterday, a beautiful Panhandle day, when I sat under the shade of our tree in front of our modest home. I remember spending most of my days under this tree reading and playing. I remember this tree from my earliest of memories. As it grew, I grew. I watered it every day after school. I miss my sweet tree.

Lately so many things have passed through my mind. Nearly three years ago began my journey as a married woman. It also marked leaving my family to begin my own. Two years ago we became pregnant with our sweet “peanut”. And, nearly two years ago Justin and I left our “home” and came to the desert.

I have heard many times in church that God will always give you what you can handle. Along side this advice, sometimes you are in lush, green pastures and sometimes you are in the dry desert. That is where I have been for nearly two years. Funny isn’t it? For those of you who know the Texas Panhandle know that is as close to the desert as you want to be. Currently I live in North Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth, the home of shopping, shopping and more shopping. There are cities of concrete and row upon row of houses. There is more entertainment than you could imagine. So why is this land of plenty a desert?

We both miss the “family” feeling at Bell Helicopter. We miss the weekend pot luck gatherings at Carl’s house where everyone just hung out while all the kids ran around and through the house. It was so funny when one dad ran out of the house once he spotted his toddler going potty in the yard. Apparently the little tike preferred grass to the indoor flush-a-mathingy. Even though I did not understand at the time why people would spend so much money on them just to have them crash, I still miss watching Justin and the other engineers fly the airplanes they had built. I miss hearing all the drama from work too. Justin’s current job is wonderful, but there is not the closeness and common interests of the engineer group like at Bell. I miss Justin having guy friends to hang out with – being here has changed Justin’s personality a bit. But, that is why I signed Justin up for his local Texas A&M Alum Club. I am hoping he takes time to connect with others that have a similar interest.

We also miss alone time. I have, at most, spent three hours without Jacob. Justin and I have had time alone, just the two of us, maybe, six times in the past 14 months. And, we have not left Jacob overnight. This is because we have few friends here, do not have a church family, have no family close by, I did not work before Jacob was born (upon moving to DFW) and Jacob has been a nursed baby and does not want to wean. And, we are kinda scared to leave him overnight. Oh my!

The desert for me is not having close girl friends nearby. I am beginning to branch out. I have met a new friend during Jacob’s swim class. She is also from Amarillo! I also met two Moms at a neighborhood garage sale. They were super nice and offered to take Jacob anytime. I have gotten to know more than just my immediate neighbors. I also want to start an Adventure Dinner club, as suggested by a wonderful friend of mine. And, when we went to Cabela’s for Father’s Day, I got an additional contact. I now have three networking contacts. Have I called them? No. Am I going to? Yes!

It was exciting for me to ask the display worker about the marketing department. From there I gained the marketing managers information. I also have a marketing contact at a local Cancer Center. When I spoke briefly with the Rangers worker, I felt like my self. I was bold, I asked good questions to get a good response, I gathered information, and took the opportunity to ask for what I needed. I need to network. I need to have some contact with the working world. I am not ready to go back to work, but I need to learn more about how DFW works in terms of public relations/marketing/etc. I need to find out about local meetings and simply put my name out there. When I am ready to return to work, I will already have the foundation laid.

The other part of the desert is the emotional side. I am not sure if it is hormonal or just the isolation, but I have been very unhappy. I have been unhappy with Justin, my feet, my clothes, my grass, my everything. I strive to remember what it “use to be like” before moving and having a baby, before “getting married”. The pregnancy brain stayed with me and sometimes comes back momentarily. My mother in law gave me a beautiful journal for Mother’s Day. However, jumbled up feelings and emotions would come out. Mainly a sense of loss has come over me; that is a better word than “unhappy”. So, I put the journal away. That’s also part of why I haven’t blogged. I perceived my loss being moving from Amarillo. It is to an extent. An even bigger loss is memories. I do not take the time each day to remember. To remember Justin’s smile the first time I saw him at a wrestling meet, the way the world looked outside my bedroom window growing up, or the beautiful way Jacob holds his hands and has held them since the first time I touched him. Justin is such the person to not really care about the little things. This is wrong to do, and I have lazily allowed my self to become the same way. So, I told Justin that we have to remember all the little things, and we do have to think about them or we loose part of ourselves. He often gets perturbed when someone repeats the same story over and over. But, maybe that is their way of remembering a joy in their life, and that keeps them going. History is good. And, Justin is becoming more of a rememberer because he sees the joy it brings me. So it is good. It is good to remember. It is good to celebrate the little things, and it is good to remember all the little things others do for you each day!

You know this. I know this. Sometimes, we just have to work through it to really understand it.

As I mentioned earlier, I spent so much of my time under our front yard tree growing up. It has so many wonderful memories for me. And, I want to share them with you over time. I love posting about Jacob, and will continue to do so, but I need more substance. I want to use my gifts, my writing, to be a blessing. So, as I get back to the order of life, you will see a different Blog, and hopefully some topics can bless you as a friend or Mom.

Thank you always for praying for me and my family!
Susan