This is a small tip that I believe I gleaned from Kim at Large Family Logistics some time back. (If not her, the I apologize to whomever I am stealing from). :-) Because I am the Mom of a toddler who LOVES to feed herself, instead of using napkins and paper towels at the dinner table, I have a basket filled with cloth napkins. If you are like me, you were given several sets of cloth napkins as wedding gifts, and last summer I was given several sets that used to be my Grandma's. We just use those at the table for wipes, drips, and spills. They are much better and faster for cleaning up a liquid mess as opposed to running for the paper towels as someone's cup drips over the edge of the table. And, my fun napkins are getting used and not sitting in a drawer getting musty. It really doesn't create extra laundry ... after dinner, the used ones get thrown straight into the washing machine as part of dinner clean up and get cycled with whatever load is washed next. (A really nasty one, I would throw in the sink and rinse, but it's never messed up any clothes the way that I do it). It works for me! :-)
Visit Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer for many other great tips. :-)
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Tuesday News
Happy Tuesday! We had a quiet Memorial Day weekend around here ... lots of rearranging of furniture and cleaning out, lawn mowing, and playing. It was a weekend with absolutely NO commitments which I loved. Rented a couple movies one night, grilled out another night and just hung out. Fun family time. Right now it is getting ready to storm outside and N1 is sitting behind me watching a Sesame Street episode and telling the rain to "be quiet." I keep telling her that it is thunder making the noise, but she isn't convinced yet. :-) She has refused all my efforts to talk her into a nap today ... is this the beginning of the end of afternoon naps? She did get up this morning about 8:30 a.m. ... sleeping in VERY late for her, so I'm not too worried about it today.
N2 is 4 months today ... we took our traditional monthly-birthday picture in anticipation of a first year scrapbook page that I will do down the road.
The dress that she has on is one that was N1's so I pulled out a picture of N1 in the dress for comparison. They sure are starting to look alike! (N1 is actually closer to 6 months old in the dress, where N2 is filling it out well at 4 months.)
It always strikes me as funny because folks say that they girls look so similar (which they do!), but that N1 is the image of Travis, and N2 is my little twin, which we also can see. :-) God's creativity always amazes me when I look at my girlies. They are so amazing and different and fabulous.
Other things coming up ... church picnic this coming Saturday (praying for no rain!), meal planning to get done this week (must do!), some work (making lists) for the youth trip this summer for hurrican relief, and working on Living Beyond Yourself with the W@H ladies.
N2 is 4 months today ... we took our traditional monthly-birthday picture in anticipation of a first year scrapbook page that I will do down the road.
The dress that she has on is one that was N1's so I pulled out a picture of N1 in the dress for comparison. They sure are starting to look alike! (N1 is actually closer to 6 months old in the dress, where N2 is filling it out well at 4 months.)
It always strikes me as funny because folks say that they girls look so similar (which they do!), but that N1 is the image of Travis, and N2 is my little twin, which we also can see. :-) God's creativity always amazes me when I look at my girlies. They are so amazing and different and fabulous.
Other things coming up ... church picnic this coming Saturday (praying for no rain!), meal planning to get done this week (must do!), some work (making lists) for the youth trip this summer for hurrican relief, and working on Living Beyond Yourself with the W@H ladies.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Friday Felicities
Things that make you happy. From the mind of Nattie Rose, a.k.a. N3. :-)
A long weekend ahead.
Pitchers of iced tea.
Popsicles in the freezer
Anticipation of playing in the sprinkler later.
Two well behaved girls running errands this morning. :-)
Leftovers for dinner tonight so I don't have to cook!
A weekend where we don't have to be ANYWHERE!
Rearranging furniture.
Going to the park after dinner.
Pushing N1 in the swing.
Chocolate covered peanuts.
Caffiene-free Diet Coke.
Girls that love each other.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. :-)
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. :-)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Works for me Wednesday
Compliments of Shannon at Rocks in My Dryer:
I am one who likes to have something cold to drink sitting conveniently by at all times, especially when running errands in the car. However, it is a big bummer when you pour yourself a drink of something yummy (i.e., Diet Coke or fresh decaf iced tea) and it is lukewarm by the time you finally get the car out of the driveway and the ice is melted ... or I'm using a drink/sports bottle that I can't get ice into. So, this tip is one that I stole and adapted from The Tightwad Gazette. The night before, I take my sports bottle/water jug/plastic drink bottle and fill it with a little water at the bottom. Then I set it in my freezer overnight and by the time I'm ready to head out the door in the morning the ice is ready to go in my bottle - just add drink and go! Then to take it to the next level (woo-hoo!) if you tilt your bottle at a slight angle in the freezer overnight so that the water is laying down the length of the bottle, but not up to the lid (trust me, you don't want a frozen lid on your drink jug in the morning), then you will have a piece of ice that runs all through your drink. That's handy if you are putting in something that is not coming straight from the the fridge and isn't very cold. Otherwise, you have to wait for the ice at the bottom to melt and float up to chill the whole drink.
Hopefully this makes sense! :-) It's cut down on the number of drinks that I feel I need to grab while out running around because I know I have a cold one right there ready for me.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Mother's Day Photo Shoot
I realized last week that I didn't have any pictures of me with the girls since Natalie has been born. My Dad attempted to help with a Mother's Day photo shoot, but it was an action shot all the way.
We also took several good ones of Natalie (there on more on my Flickr, link on the right).
We also took several good ones of Natalie (there on more on my Flickr, link on the right).
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Two for Togetherness
Saw this @ Shannon's:
2 things you compliment your husband on while in his presence.
1. His musical skills.
2. That I just like him. :-)
2 compliments you make about your spouse to your friends.
1. He's a fantastic teacher.
2. He is a wonderful provider for our family!
2 traits you married him/her for.
1. His commitment to Christ.
2. His financial abilities - I knew he would take great care of me and our family, no matter how lean our budget would be.
2 days you cherished the most with your husband being together.
1. Our wedding day. It was just really cool.
2. The day we moved into our new house. I just remember him really taking care of me to make sure I didn't over do it (I was about 8 1/2 months pregnant!)
2 material things you could give your husband if you just inherited a fortune.
1. The full-blown Libronix software (Bible software).
2. Money to travel wherever!
2 things you would miss the most if she/he left for two weeks.
1. The adult company!
2. Taking him a drink during the day when he's at work.
2 thoughts that crossed your mind when you first met/saw your spouse.
1. His nails are too long. (When he plays classical guitar, he grows his nails out a bit for plucking the strings and that icked me out...)
2. He's young.
2 favorite dates
1. One when we went to the Franklin Jazz Festival and wandered.
2. Whenever we go for a drive ... I just like riding and visiting.
2 funny odd things you love.
1. I don't know that I've ever seen anyone laugh so hard at America's Funniest Home Videos than him.
2. Major computer geek.
2 two places you have lived with your spouse.
1. Our first apartment.
2. Our present house.
2 favorite vacations
1. Honeymoon to Yellowstone National Park.
2. Our trip to Washington D.C. last August.
2 things you compliment your husband on while in his presence.
1. His musical skills.
2. That I just like him. :-)
2 compliments you make about your spouse to your friends.
1. He's a fantastic teacher.
2. He is a wonderful provider for our family!
2 traits you married him/her for.
1. His commitment to Christ.
2. His financial abilities - I knew he would take great care of me and our family, no matter how lean our budget would be.
2 days you cherished the most with your husband being together.
1. Our wedding day. It was just really cool.
2. The day we moved into our new house. I just remember him really taking care of me to make sure I didn't over do it (I was about 8 1/2 months pregnant!)
2 material things you could give your husband if you just inherited a fortune.
1. The full-blown Libronix software (Bible software).
2. Money to travel wherever!
2 things you would miss the most if she/he left for two weeks.
1. The adult company!
2. Taking him a drink during the day when he's at work.
2 thoughts that crossed your mind when you first met/saw your spouse.
1. His nails are too long. (When he plays classical guitar, he grows his nails out a bit for plucking the strings and that icked me out...)
2. He's young.
2 favorite dates
1. One when we went to the Franklin Jazz Festival and wandered.
2. Whenever we go for a drive ... I just like riding and visiting.
2 funny odd things you love.
1. I don't know that I've ever seen anyone laugh so hard at America's Funniest Home Videos than him.
2. Major computer geek.
2 two places you have lived with your spouse.
1. Our first apartment.
2. Our present house.
2 favorite vacations
1. Honeymoon to Yellowstone National Park.
2. Our trip to Washington D.C. last August.
Friday, May 19, 2006
What's Going on Here...
After shooting we went over to my folks’ house (they had the girls) and we helped my Mom clean out her attic some for our church yard sale which is tomorrow. That was a dusty project.
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Yum
Roberta @ Debtor2Mercy is having a recipe carnival and is looking for recipes that double easily, freezes well, tastes great and blesses your family. This is one of our favorite and we eat it year round. I especially love it because it is a crockpot recipe and I don’t have to think about it after I throw it in in the morning. :-)
Mexican Soup
1 lb. ground beef (I generally use ground turkey, and have used veggie meat before to make it vegetarian for a friend)
1 lg. Onion chopped
1 can refried beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can chili beef soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
2 cans Rotel tomatoes (If I don’t have rotel, I sometimes will just pour some salsa in and it does the trick)
Brown ground meat and onion. Add soups, refried beans and tomatoes. Simmer for 1 hour. This is best cooked in a slow cooker as it is easy to scorch. You may adjust the soup to your liking, adding only 1 can of tomatoes if you like it spicy or just 1 can or Rotel tomatoes if you like it mild. You may need to add a little water if it becomes to thick.
This doubles great and I’ve frozen before. To reheat, just put it in your crockpot a 3-4 hours on low before you want to eat it.
Mexican Soup
1 lb. ground beef (I generally use ground turkey, and have used veggie meat before to make it vegetarian for a friend)
1 lg. Onion chopped
1 can refried beans
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can chili beef soup
1 can cheddar cheese soup
2 cans Rotel tomatoes (If I don’t have rotel, I sometimes will just pour some salsa in and it does the trick)
Brown ground meat and onion. Add soups, refried beans and tomatoes. Simmer for 1 hour. This is best cooked in a slow cooker as it is easy to scorch. You may adjust the soup to your liking, adding only 1 can of tomatoes if you like it spicy or just 1 can or Rotel tomatoes if you like it mild. You may need to add a little water if it becomes to thick.
This doubles great and I’ve frozen before. To reheat, just put it in your crockpot a 3-4 hours on low before you want to eat it.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
I've Been Tagged
Thanks, Dawn. :-)
Accent: A hodgepodge of North and South. “Would y’all like some pop?”
Bible Book that I like: Philippians is my favorite; also Psalms.
Chore that I don’t care for: Mopping the kitchen. It doesn’t stay clean and that gets on my nerves. :-)
Dog or Cat: Dog. Two of them actually.
Essential Electronics: Laptop.
Favorite Cologne: Happy by Clinique, when it’s given to me. But I’m into Johnson’s Baby Cologne that Cheri sent me for N2. I loooooove it.
Gold or Silver: Silver.
Handbag I Carry most often: Right now, this:
It’s a diaperbag/purse made by Carolina Rags … run, don’t walk, to her site and drool look. They are way cool.
Insomnia: Generally only when pregnant. The rest of the time I seem to be exhausted by the time I hit the bed.
Job Title: Wife & mama. (And part time church administrator and music coordinator.)
Kids: Two girlies as of now, N1 (2 1/2 years) and N2 (3 months).
Living Arrangements: Two bedroom, two bath house with a detached garage. Luuuurve my house. :-)
Most Admirable Trait: I think others would say my organization level, but it comes so easy to me that I don’t look at it the same way.
Naughtiest childhood behavior: When my sister and I would be asked to get drinks for my parents’ guests, if we were pouring soda pop and it looked like it was about to overflow, we would just drink it down so it didn’t spill. And then we would serve it. We didn’t know we were doing anything wrong … at the time. :-)
Overnight hospital stay: My 2 c-sections.
Phobias: Claustrophobic at times…
Quote: I’m not a huge quote person because I can never remember them, but I came across this one recently and loved it enough to save it. From Elizabeth Prentiss on mothering:
Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which it dwells is worthy all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in God’s name, I will make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother’s heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, her life-long prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!
Religion: Born again Christian!
Siblings: One younger sister who now has a blog … you should visit!
Time I wake up: When N2 wants to nurse; when she doesn’t wake me, I’m usually up between 6-6:30 a.m.
Unusual Talent or skill: Does being left-handed count?
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Mushrooms. Blech.
Worst habit: Several people would say I drive to slow … I dawdle when in the car. :-)
X-rays: Dental, one broken finger from softball, one hairline fracture from rolling my ankle off a curb, and recently ankle x-rays for tendon problems I’m having…
Yummy stuff I cook: Crockpot cuisine! :-) I think I make pretty good soup, too.
Zoo animal I like most: Giraffes and elephants. They are just so HUGE and cool. I can sit and watch them for a loooong time.
I tag:
Kathy, Leann & Beth. :-)
Accent: A hodgepodge of North and South. “Would y’all like some pop?”
Bible Book that I like: Philippians is my favorite; also Psalms.
Chore that I don’t care for: Mopping the kitchen. It doesn’t stay clean and that gets on my nerves. :-)
Dog or Cat: Dog. Two of them actually.
Essential Electronics: Laptop.
Favorite Cologne: Happy by Clinique, when it’s given to me. But I’m into Johnson’s Baby Cologne that Cheri sent me for N2. I loooooove it.
Gold or Silver: Silver.
Handbag I Carry most often: Right now, this:
It’s a diaperbag/purse made by Carolina Rags … run, don’t walk, to her site and drool look. They are way cool.
Insomnia: Generally only when pregnant. The rest of the time I seem to be exhausted by the time I hit the bed.
Job Title: Wife & mama. (And part time church administrator and music coordinator.)
Kids: Two girlies as of now, N1 (2 1/2 years) and N2 (3 months).
Living Arrangements: Two bedroom, two bath house with a detached garage. Luuuurve my house. :-)
Most Admirable Trait: I think others would say my organization level, but it comes so easy to me that I don’t look at it the same way.
Naughtiest childhood behavior: When my sister and I would be asked to get drinks for my parents’ guests, if we were pouring soda pop and it looked like it was about to overflow, we would just drink it down so it didn’t spill. And then we would serve it. We didn’t know we were doing anything wrong … at the time. :-)
Overnight hospital stay: My 2 c-sections.
Phobias: Claustrophobic at times…
Quote: I’m not a huge quote person because I can never remember them, but I came across this one recently and loved it enough to save it. From Elizabeth Prentiss on mothering:
Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which it dwells is worthy all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in God’s name, I will make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother’s heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, her life-long prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!
Religion: Born again Christian!
Siblings: One younger sister who now has a blog … you should visit!
Time I wake up: When N2 wants to nurse; when she doesn’t wake me, I’m usually up between 6-6:30 a.m.
Unusual Talent or skill: Does being left-handed count?
Vegetable I refuse to eat: Mushrooms. Blech.
Worst habit: Several people would say I drive to slow … I dawdle when in the car. :-)
X-rays: Dental, one broken finger from softball, one hairline fracture from rolling my ankle off a curb, and recently ankle x-rays for tendon problems I’m having…
Yummy stuff I cook: Crockpot cuisine! :-) I think I make pretty good soup, too.
Zoo animal I like most: Giraffes and elephants. They are just so HUGE and cool. I can sit and watch them for a loooong time.
I tag:
Kathy, Leann & Beth. :-)
Friday, May 12, 2006
On Being a Mom
I’m sitting here with a little bundle of chub known as N2 balanced between my arms as I’m taking a quick sit-down before starting to make dinner. Behind is the sound of Sesame Street (thanks to the magic of Grandpa and Tivo we can watch it later in the day). I am so blessed to get to spend my day with these two girls. The funny thing is, I never really thought I would get to be a Mom. While I love children, I never thought of myself as the type that someone would want to marry. But then God’s sovereignty brought T into my life and the rest, they say, is history. So, in honor of Mother’s Day this weekend, I want to tell my girls why I love being their Mom.
… I get to spend my days with the two coolest girls on the planet.
… No one makes me belly-laugh like my two-year old.
… They teach ME how to be a better Mom.
… They make me rely on Jesus on a daily basis.
… They are teaching me to think even more before I speak. Gentleness in speech goes a lot further than Mama’s yelling.
… N2’s roly-poly little legs and how she burrows in when I snuggle with her.
… I get to be the help-mate of a way-cool guy, and help him teach these girlies about Jesus.
… I get to take N1 to the library for the first time and read her stories at night.
… I get to pray with N1 right before she goes to sleep at night and hear her say “amen.”
… I am privileged to get up at night to meet N2’s little needs. And snuggling a sleepy baby ain’t all bad. :)
… They are teaching me about true priorities.
… I get to dress them in matching outfits and put little pigtails in N1’s hair.
… I get to comfort them after shots at the Dr.’s and cuddle with them under afghans on the couch when they are sick.
… Nose kisses.
… And big wet slobbery ones.
… I get to make up silly songs about diaper changing, using the p0tty, and everything else under the sun.
… I get to teach these two wonders about being a Mom themselves someday and hopefully they will learn from my mistakes.
… And most important. I am just a steward of these little lives. They were created by God for His pleasure and glory and I’ve been entrusted with them for whatever length their journey is here. It is our responsibility to teach them that we are just sojourners here, and have a far greater heavenly home awaiting us. To God be the glory!
… I get to spend my days with the two coolest girls on the planet.
… No one makes me belly-laugh like my two-year old.
… They teach ME how to be a better Mom.
… They make me rely on Jesus on a daily basis.
… They are teaching me to think even more before I speak. Gentleness in speech goes a lot further than Mama’s yelling.
… N2’s roly-poly little legs and how she burrows in when I snuggle with her.
… I get to be the help-mate of a way-cool guy, and help him teach these girlies about Jesus.
… I get to take N1 to the library for the first time and read her stories at night.
… I get to pray with N1 right before she goes to sleep at night and hear her say “amen.”
… I am privileged to get up at night to meet N2’s little needs. And snuggling a sleepy baby ain’t all bad. :)
… They are teaching me about true priorities.
… I get to dress them in matching outfits and put little pigtails in N1’s hair.
… I get to comfort them after shots at the Dr.’s and cuddle with them under afghans on the couch when they are sick.
… Nose kisses.
… And big wet slobbery ones.
… I get to make up silly songs about diaper changing, using the p0tty, and everything else under the sun.
… I get to teach these two wonders about being a Mom themselves someday and hopefully they will learn from my mistakes.
… And most important. I am just a steward of these little lives. They were created by God for His pleasure and glory and I’ve been entrusted with them for whatever length their journey is here. It is our responsibility to teach them that we are just sojourners here, and have a far greater heavenly home awaiting us. To God be the glory!
Monday, May 08, 2006
Currently
Found at Heather’s…
current book: The Complete Tightwad Gazette. It’s fabulous.
current playlist: Hmmm, currently I’m loving the song Bad Day by Daniel Powter … you know, the song that they play at the end of American Idol. It’s just so catchy.
Because you had a bad day
You’re taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don’t know
You tell me don’t lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don’t lie
You’re coming back down and you really don’t mind
You had a bad day
current shame-inducing guilty pleasure: See above. I’m hooked on AI this spring. Go Elliott Go!
current color: Chocolate Brown and Pink, but not necessarily together. Just two current favorites.
current fetish: Ice cream. Craving it like crazy. Currently in the freezer … Aldi’s generic Fudge Ripple. Yummers.
current drink: Diet Coke (with and/or without caffiene).
current food: Stir fry sounds good to me all the time.
current favorite favorite: Girly girls.
current wish-list: iPod. The money to take Stacy Julian’s new class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. These scrapbook albums from American Crafts.
current needs: To finish getting my teeth back in shape. Ugh.
current triumph: Ummmmm … getting back into my scrapbooking groove! :-)
current bane(s) of my existence: Potty-training. My dogs. It’s a tie.
current celebrity crush: I can’t think of one.
current indulgence: The scrapbooking class that I’m taking right now with her.
current #1 blessings: Husband, girlies, our home. Grace greater than ALL my sins.
current slang or saying: “Good gravy!”
current outfit: Jeans and a brown t-shirt. It’s laundry day.
current excitement: Going to be early so I can read in bed. Seriously, it’s one of the highlights of my day when it happens. :-)
current mood: Sleepy, yet satisfied.
current link: W@H
current pictures: Pig-tails. :-)
current book: The Complete Tightwad Gazette. It’s fabulous.
current playlist: Hmmm, currently I’m loving the song Bad Day by Daniel Powter … you know, the song that they play at the end of American Idol. It’s just so catchy.
Because you had a bad day
You’re taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don’t know
You tell me don’t lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don’t lie
You’re coming back down and you really don’t mind
You had a bad day
current shame-inducing guilty pleasure: See above. I’m hooked on AI this spring. Go Elliott Go!
current color: Chocolate Brown and Pink, but not necessarily together. Just two current favorites.
current fetish: Ice cream. Craving it like crazy. Currently in the freezer … Aldi’s generic Fudge Ripple. Yummers.
current drink: Diet Coke (with and/or without caffiene).
current food: Stir fry sounds good to me all the time.
current favorite favorite: Girly girls.
current wish-list: iPod. The money to take Stacy Julian’s new class at Big Picture Scrapbooking. These scrapbook albums from American Crafts.
current needs: To finish getting my teeth back in shape. Ugh.
current triumph: Ummmmm … getting back into my scrapbooking groove! :-)
current bane(s) of my existence: Potty-training. My dogs. It’s a tie.
current celebrity crush: I can’t think of one.
current indulgence: The scrapbooking class that I’m taking right now with her.
current #1 blessings: Husband, girlies, our home. Grace greater than ALL my sins.
current slang or saying: “Good gravy!”
current outfit: Jeans and a brown t-shirt. It’s laundry day.
current excitement: Going to be early so I can read in bed. Seriously, it’s one of the highlights of my day when it happens. :-)
current mood: Sleepy, yet satisfied.
current link: W@H
current pictures: Pig-tails. :-)
Friday, May 05, 2006
Studio Friday
What are the sounds in your studio? Sit quietly and listen. I am sure you'll be surprised at what you hear!
That is all the noise right now, the whirring and rocking of the ceiling fan. Both girls are napping and I am tempted to follow. There have been some short nights lately with N2 and I'm tuckered out. We'll see. I have a to-do list that needs doing, but it may get set to the side here for a moment. :)
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
The Smiley Girl
I had someone ask me the other day if it was normal for a baby her age to smile so much. I'm not sure as to the answer to that, but I love it. That gummy, drooling, precious smile.
Tech note: I've taken off where you have to register to comment, but put comment moderation back on for spamming purposes. :-) To clarify, not me spamming, but other people spamming me.
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