Whirlwind Weekend

We just got back from a food friends wedding.  It was absolutely beautiful.  They got married in Chicago which is an 11hr drive from here.  It's a good thing our children are well behaved(to brag on them a bit), they did so good for being in the car so long.  On the way there we decided to drive all night so they could sleep and it wouldn't interrupt their routine too much.  They both did pretty good with that.  Thank goodness I have such a wonderful husband who drove most of the time!

For the rehearsal dinner, my mom and siblings watched the kiddos.  This was absolutely amazing.  It was the first time we have been by ourselves since our littlest one was born and only like Elijah's third or forth time away from us.  Report was that they both did so good. The rehearsal was a lot of fun and it was good to get to see old friends again and some family.

Wedding day! A beautiful hot day at first, then with a quick turn of events it started raining.  They had to move the location of the wedding but you wouldn't have known it.  It was so pretty and looked like they had planned it to go that way all along.  Props to them for handling everything so well.  During the wedding I had some major help which was so nice.  Grandma and Grandpa and Aunt Lindsey were there so they helped me a ton with the kiddos which was very much appreciated.  It is just so good to be around family when you have small children!  Elijah was so funny, he sat in his own seat and was so excited to hold his own program.  Then daddy came down the aisle and everything changed.  He started yelling hey dada, hey dada, louder and louder and louder.  Grandpa took him to the back to calm him down.  Everything about the wedding was fun and beautiful I was so glad we were able to go. Congrats to Alex and Nerissa!

Road trip again.  This time we drove all day Sunday, Father's day.  What a way to spend a day. HA! Well it went pretty good Elijah fought sleep so he didn't fall asleep until 1030 at night and we arrived home at 11. So he didn't get too much sleep which lead to him yelling, not in a sad or mad way just talking really, really loud(I'm pretty sure this was his attempt to keep awake).  Greg drove the whole time, I attempted to help but as soon as I started driving both kiddos started screaming.  So we switched and I hopped in the back seat with them to calm them down.  We stopped at Cracker Barrel for dinner, as that was daddy's choice.  Elijah loved the food and he had his first candy stick and he also really seemed to enjoy that, but who doesn't love a good candy stick??

We are home now and it is so nice.  Although we did discover we must have been really pooped after the long car ride because when we woke up we noticed a few things were off.  The car was left unlocked all night long, with all the stuff still in it.  Luckily it was all still there this morning.  And Greg left the keys in the front door and no one got in the house! Tired is a bit of an understatement don't you think?  Now it is back to our routines and getting stuff done around the house.  They both finally fell asleep for their afternoon nap so now I need to get ready to go to work and finish up some laundry from the trip. How was your weekend?

Angel Food Cake

7 egg whites
1/2 c flour
 3/4 c sugar
1 1/2tsp baking powder
2tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325 Beat the egg whites with the baking powder and vanilla until it is foamy.  Then add half of the sugar to the mixture.  Beat until soft peaks form.  Mix the remaining sugar and flour together.  Slowly add to the egg white mixture folding it in gently.  Pour into a loaf pan or a bundt pan if you have one.  Bake at 325 for about 30 minutes.

Chocolate Ganache:
1 c heavy whipping cream
1 c chocolate chips

Mix together in a sauce pan until well melted and it begins to get thick.  While still hot pour over top of the cake!

Angel Food cake is good by itself, but I like a bit of spoiling so I always add the chocolate ganache on top and I also then add some fresh strawberries you know just to make it seem a bit heathier.  Elijah loved it! What do you think?

Nursing

I am a huge breastfeeding supporter.  I believe it is what God has called me to do in my children's life.  I am blessed that I am able to breastfeed and do not have any medical reason as to why I cannot or why I am not able.  God has also blessed me with two children who are amazing at nursing.  Before you go thinking I am crazy my oldest is weaned-he actually weaned himself at 10 months.  We are pretty sure it was because I was pregnant with my other child and we have been told sometimes a mother's milk changes in her second trimester and the older child will either not notice a difference and keep on nursing.  Or notice a difference and stop completely.  He apparently did the later!

I think every mother should at least attempt to breastfeed.  There are so many benefits they are almost too many to count in my book.  It helps you loose that weight a lot faster than not.  My baby is 8 wks old and I am almost back to my pre pregnancy weight.  Do I still have some flab- sure but that will go away in time. 

I love knowing that I am giving my children what is best for them.  I love being able to supply their every need while they need it.  Soon enough they will not need me for everything and to tell you the truth that makes me a bit sad.  I look forward to seeing them grow, but at the same time I pray they will slow down.  They just grow waaayyy too fast.  I miss my snugly newborn already.  But I love that she is all smiles and has started vocalizing.  I miss my baby boy and all his chubbies.  Now he is still a big boy but not nearly how he was.  He is now trying to walk and is quite independent.  I am blessed however that he still loves his mommy snuggles.  Every morning he has his milk, we get him dressed, and then we go snuggle on the couch and read our Bible for the day. I cherish this time like none other.  I know that time is fleeting and before I know if he will be a grown man leaving for college or getting married. So for now I love my little man and cherish EVERY moment I have with him.

It is free! That is a huge reason I resolved to do it with Elijah.  We simply did not have the money for formula.  I honestly didn't think I would like it or that I would be able to.  Well guess what I could, I loved it and still do, and I don't have to spend any money for food for the first 6 months.  Elijah wouldn't eat anything else until he was 6 month old.  He only wanted me to feed him.  He even fought the bottle and Greg had to bring him up to work a couple of times so I could nurse him!

It's more than just food.  Both of my children loved to be nursed to sleep.  If they were sleepy they would nurse for a couple of minutes and out they would be.  All snuggled up with mommy and in my arms.  I love a sleeping baby, especially one I can hold and snuggle.  They always slept better when they were nursed to sleep and I loved the feeling of them falling asleep in my arms.

It's convenient.  I always giggle to myself when people say a bottle is more convenient than breastfeeding. I ask how??? It is always ready, always just the right temperature, and there is no mixing or messy formula needed.  It is just ready to go.  You also don't have to wash all the bottles unless you are pumping!  In the middle of the night I don't have to stumble around to find the bottle and make sure I mixed everything just right.  I can just nurse and be done!  Often times we fall asleep together and I love that snuggle time. 

I love my middle of the night feedings.  Yes you heard me right.  I LOVE them.  It is just me and the baby.  We snuggle and doze off together at times.  Sometimes I pray over them, or hum songs to them.  But it is alone time for us.  There is nothing more precious.  I also know the time will come when they no longer want to nurse all night and I will be able to sleep so for this short amount of time, it is fine with me. I will cherish and love the moments I am given with my children.

So there you have it.  I love to nurse.  I am proud to nurse.  I also LOVE to be awake and loose sleep because I am nursing them. It means the world to me that I am able to do this amazing thing.

The start of a harvest

I harvested my first two pea pods yesterday and can I just say I am so excited!  I honestly can't put into words how happy I am that I didn't kill them and that I am starting to get some food.  They grow overnight.  Yesterday I had the beginning of some pods and then today I had two big fat pods.  I am going to have to remember to examine my pea plants real close to make sure I don't miss any.

 My green bean plants are growing like crazy they keep getting taller and taller. Amazing, hopefully soon I will see something come on them as they are supposed to be ready shortly after the peas.

My peppers have finally started coming in. At least one type of my peppers.  The ones that are good for frying, so stir fry and fajitas will be made shortly!

 I have a second tomato plant that has 3 small tomatoes on it.  One of my pear tomato plants is also starting to flower and has some itty bitty ones on the branches.  So that makes like 10 tomatoes in the process.  YEAH! I need to get busy researching some recipes so I can make something up that is super yummy.

My carrots are getting taller so I can only assume that means good things.

 

My onions are starting to get a little droopy and some of them are even starting to flower at the top!  I still have a little while before I can use one of these but they seem to be growing faster than the package says they should so who knows.

My herbs are also starting to make a small appearance.  I can't wait to use these in my cooking because they taste like 100x better than just the stuff in the container.

Well that is how my garden is growing this week and I am just so very excited to see all the progress and to know that my hard work really is paying off.  Thank you again to my dad and Sheryl for teaching me how to garden. It helps a lot when you have good mentors teaching you what to do!

Resolutions

 I have resolved in the past week that I will not spend any time on the computer, and to only do light house work while they are awake.  You may think this seems crazy, but I want them to know that I love them and that they are more important to me than any technology or than having a clean house.  He still takes two naps a day and that should leave me plenty of time to get done what I need.  My bathroom may not be scrubbed so that it is sparkling but you will find happy well loved children.  I am some what of a neat freak so this is something I am slowly learning to let go off.  As far as the house does not have to be perfectly clean at all times, it can be tidy and that will suit us jus fine.  Afterall you can't keep it too clean with kids running around.  We only have one opportunity to raise our children up in the Lord before they are grown and gone, so I am going to make the most of every moment I have with them.

I will do my best to be patient, show self control, be compassionate to others. I need to make sure I am growing the fruits of the Spirit daily in my own life, so that they may see this fruit in my life and want to imitate it. This is rough at times, but each experience is a chance to grow in our walk with the Lord and I will take it as such.

I have also resolved not to yell- I feel that yelling just is a downer in the house. I will still correct my children but it will be with a soft and stern whisper. I have know people who come from this type of environment and they still knew their parents meant business even without the yelling.  This has honestly been the hardest thing I have resolved to do thus far.  Yelling is what I knew, and I can have a quick temper at times.  I will say since I have come to Kansas(that has been almost 4 years now) I have not had one anger outburst.  I would say the calm atmosphere out here helps and the laid back attitude of everyone is also a blessing in disguise. Please pray that I will continue in this way.  This is something I am constantly fearful of coming out now that I have children and one in particular who is starting to learn how to get into trouble without much work!

I have resolved to spend more time in the Word than ever before.  I have finally(I say finally because it seems it has really been hit home in the past week how much more I really need this and how much more I need to pay attention and memorize it) realized how essential the Bible is to teaching and training up your children.  If I do not know exactly what the scriptures say about an issue, how can I train my children?  I must know this book inside and out so that it may affect my life and the lives of those around me.  I pray they will see a difference in me and my family and wonder what it is that makes us so different and unique. That way we can be a light unto the world just as we are called to be.

I have resolved to be constantly learning...learning everything in life.  About nature and the little things I don't know so that I can help my children in any way I am able.  I want to be able to ask them questions and for them to ask me questions and for me to know that answers.  Now I know I will not know the answer to every question, but I resolve to search out the correct answer so that I may be able to train them well.

I will resolve to be content in where I am in life.  I will not try to rush things, I will take my time and love where we are and learn from each stage I am in.  If I learn now hopefully I will not have to go through it again as I have learned my lesson the first time!

I have resolved to be a better steward with the money we are given.  At times honestly it is hard to make ends meet.  But the Lord has always provided.  I need to make sure the money that we have is being spent in an efficient way.  In a way that I can provide for the family but also in a way that I am making it go as far as possible.  I will try to save when possible and I resolve to get out of debt one way or another.  This is something we struggle with all the time, we hate being in debt and because of many of life's circumstances we are in debt.  We are trying to get out and it is an up hill battle it seems but there is a light at the end of this long tunnel.  I have to believe that to give me something to look forward to!  I know God commands us to live debt free and we repent for the money we spent even though it seemed good at the time, we should always be better stewards with our money.

I will resolve to leave the number of children that I have with God.  He knows what is best for my life and I will trust and lean on this fact.  I do not want to miss out on any blessings and I believe children are some of the best blessings you can receive in this life. (yes they can be a challenge at times, but they will teach you things as you go through them)

I'm sure I will have more to add to this list, but in the past weeks these things have really been hitting home with me and I want to make sure I am the best mommy for my children.  God has blessed me with them, He knew I could handle it and He knew that I would train them in the way they should go. Since He knows I can do it, I must rise up to the challenge and train my children up in His way and His way alone so they may grow up to know Him as well.

A Gift!

Children are a GIFT! I know this may go against the cultural norm, but that doesn't bother me one bit.  People may look at me strange when I tell them what we believe and that is fine with me.  I know that every child is a gift and I will take as many as the Lord deems we should have.  People ask if that means I am going to be like that huge family on tv...my reply: If God sees it fit to bless us with that many children.  The Bible tells us they are a gift.  It tells us they are the arrows in our quivers. I love the two children that I have and if God says that is it then so be it.  I will admit I would be a bit sad but maybe we would look into adoption at that point as the Bible also commands us to care for the orphans and the fatherless.

My current children are 16months and 8wks old.  I know they are close and no we did not plan it that way.  We said Lord give us another in your great and perfect timing and he did.  When Elijah was 6 months old we found out we were pregnant again.  Hence her name Athaiah-it means in the Lord's timing because that is exactly when she came!  I can tell you I got a lot of slack for getting pregnant so quickly and for "not knowing what causes that."  I can assure you I am no dummy I am well aware of what causes that.  I also know that the Lord knows all the plans for my life and I am going to trust HIM and HIM alone with what those plans may be.  When we try to plan our lives they fall apart, they bear no fruit, and it stresses us out(at least that has been my experience). So when people ask when I will have the next one or tease me if I'm pregnant again, I just smile and say who knows! Because I don't know, Greg doesn't know, the Dr. doesn't know, only the Creator of the Universe knows and I will trust Him.  We are learning to lean on Him in every aspect of our lives and it can definitely be a struggle at times but we are learning.

I am by no means an expert at parenting and I do not pretend to be.  I am young and am constantly learning.  Each child is unique and different.  On here I will post my experience as we go through the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I believe it is good for people to see us just as we are, not as fakes or as people who don't struggle because we all struggle and go through rough spots.  We all wrestle with ideas and problems.  I just look forward to enjoying the ride God has blessed us with-even the bad and the ugly!

How does your garden grow...

Mine is growing swell. I am getting so excited about it! I thought I would share how well things are going through pictures!

 My first tomato is making an appearance, and there are a lot of little flowers all over my tomato plants!

 My cucumber is getting vines and is starting to flower.

 My green beans are getting nice and tall(they started as seeds)

 My onions are starting to bend!

 Peppers are flowering.

Peas are starting to bud and form itty bitty pods!

We all know from yesterdays post how my broccoli is doing, hopefully I'm still able to save them.  I didn't get a picture of my carrots but they are tiny little buds starting to sprout!