Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Finley's Headband

finleygirl

I made this!

I love, love, love headbands! Headbands and dresses - two things I never got to put on the boys, so I'm dressing Finley in both as much as possible.

My mom thought I was crazy for wanting to put one of those enormous flowers on my baby's head, so I decided to start with a medium-big one. Do you like it?

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Spring Dresses

One of my favorite things about Spring (besides perfect weather, walks in the park, and lots of playing outside) are cute Spring dresses. I love dresses!

Any dress I wear must be breastfeeding accessible, which makes the hunt a little more complicated. And, not as fun to shop for. Long gone are the days I could walk into a store, buy a small, and know it would fit. Oh well.

Here are some dresses I've had my eye on:


From Modcloth



From Anthropologie



From Anthropologie



From JCrew



From JCrew



From Forever 21



And prettiest of all? This dress I just ordered from Made By Lex's Etsy Shop. I can't wait to wear it!

Monday, March 29, 2010

Menu Planning Monday: Chicken Tortilla Soup

soup

I made Marta's Chicken Tortilla Soup the other day and it was delicious!

When making a recipe I have three qualifications. It must be easy, healthy, and, of course, delicious. So, pretty much every recipe that you'll see me make (except for a rare special occasion) fits that description.

This one definitely does!

First, cook and shred 2-3 chicken breasts. Personally, I prefer 2 chicken breasts. This time I boiled 3 and it seemed like a little much.

In a large pot add the chicken and the chicken broth (I used one box of organic broth), green chiles, garlic, salsa, corn, black beans, cilantro, tomato, and lime. (Or, put it all in the crock pot.)

Bring to a boil and simmer for a half hour.

Serve in a bowl with toppings of your choice.

I added a handful of spinach and stirred it in to slightly wilt,

soup

(I use this spinach in everything. Love it!)



my favorite psuedo- sour cream (plain yogurt!),



and chips. Serve.

This was from my lunch the next day and it was still as delicious. Maybe more so.

soup

To see Marta make the soup visit her blog.
marta's enthusiastic chicken tortilla soup

2-3 cans chicken broth
3-4 chicken breasts, cooked & shredded
1 can (7 oz.) diced green chiles
1 clove garlic, diced
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup corn, rinsed & drained
1 cup black beans, rinsed & drained
1/2 a bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 tomato or 1 tomatillo, diced
1 lime, juiced

toppings:
fresh slices of avocado
a dollop of sour cream
grated cheddar cheese
crushed tortilla chips

combine all the soup ingredients together in a large pot or crockpot. stir occasionally. simmer for a half hour or more. ladle soup into bowls and garnish with favorite toppings. enjoy.

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Our Saturday

nakie

Today is a good day.

Eric and Judah are at another trade show all weekend and we miss them.

But, the sun is shining and it's a beautiful day.

I had grand plans to take the three little ones to the Farmer's Market or Costco or on a long walk. But, instead we're hanging out at home, getting lots done around the house (sweeping, four loads of laundry, dishes) and playing outside.

Right now Silas and Finley are napping and Samuel is watching a movie.

Later we're going to hang out with my friend, Cari, who just moved back in to town. A few days ago I got to hang out with my friend, Tara. These two girls were two of my bestfriends in high school and college and bridesmaids in my wedding. I hadn't hung out with either of them in a long time and it's so, so great to be able to reconnect.

And, honestly, it doesn't feel like all those years have gone by. I love friendships where you can pick back up where you've left off. Even if it's after marriages, moves, and babies (for me!). I love you girls!!

Yesterday, Eric and I were models in a photo shoot for our friends of Tres Belle Photography. We had a GREAT time with them! We loved taking the photos and we loved hanging out with them!

Friday, March 26, 2010

Ask Papa

So, I got this idea from Mann Land 5 a few weeks ago. The idea is this: you can ask Papa (Eric) anything you want! That's it! There were so many fun questions that people asked her husband, "the Mann."

After a few conversations I finally convinced Eric to take one for the team (blog) and answer all of your burning questions. So, go ahead, before he changes his mind! Leave your questions in the comments or send an email and Papa will be back with his answers.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Thankful Thursday: Feeling Nostalgic

sleepingbaby

I started doing this whole "Thankful Thursday" thing (and, I know I didn't make it up, I just can't find the blog that started it) because during those times I'm struggling I want to remind myself that there's always something to be thankful for. Even in the most difficult times there's always something.

Matt Logelin twittered about this blog today and I've been reading it crying, but thankful for what I have. Life isn't easy or perfect, but I know I'm incredibly blessed.

I'm so thankful to God for this life that He's given me. When everything else is shaken and changing, He is always constant and always the same.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Ragamuffins

ragamuffins

I was a girly girl. Still am, actually.

I liked to play with my American girl doll, my barbie dolls, and my baby dolls.

I liked to play school and house.

When I played outside it was to swim. And, of course, I was a mermaid.

I always wore dresses. And pink.

I didn't like to get dirty.

jumping

Then, I gave birth to three little boys.

When they play outside they get really dirty.

They like to pick up worms and show them to me.

They like to tweak games to make them faster and scarier.

They always have cuts, scratches, and bruises.

They are ALL BOY.

And, I love it.

cowboy

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Cheese and Cuteness

cute

Honestly? I could write every single post, every single day, on how much I love my sweet family and how thankful for them I am. (But, I'll spare you. Just know I'm thinking it.) Maybe I'm in a sentimental mood right now, maybe it's from looking at this adorable picture, but I'll say it again: I love them.

It's so precious how much Samuel loves his sister. He was just like this with Silas, too. He always loved on Silas and talked about how much he loved him.

And now, he's always asking to hold Finley. He'll sit down next to her while she's in her bouncy seat and she just smiles and smiles. Samuel is my sweet little cuddle bug. He's so almost four, but all the spontaneous kisses on the lips make up for the frustration I feel when he tells me "no" with a pout. I laid down next to him as he fell asleep the other night (and Eric did the next night) and I loved that special time with my sweet little guy.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Monday Ramblings

pool

Whoops! I posted my menu idea a day early.

I wasn't exactly looking forward to the weekend knowing Eric would be busy, but it turned out to be good. Judah was with Eric all weekend. I was so surprised he wanted to stay for the whole show (Sat and Sun 9-5), but he did and he liked it. He'll be quite the little businessman!

Saturday Samuel spent the day with my mother in law, so I just had the two babies. We went for a long walk, visited Eric and Judah at the Home and Garden Show, and ran errands. I came home exhausted and realized this morning I think I'm coming down with another cold! I haven't been sick all year and now this is my second cold in the past few weeks. It probably has something to do with my lack of sleep. (Although, my sweet baby girl slept 8 hours last night!)

Yesterday we just took it easy and stayed home and I'm today I'm feeling fine. Hopefully the cold is gone. Or,maybe it was allergies?

Taking a quick homeschool break while I feed Finley. And then, back to work!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Menu Planning Monday: Pioneer Woman's Pot Roast



We like pot roast. Eric loves to eat it and I love the ease of just throwing it in the crock pot with some veggies.

This pot roast is a little different than our usual. The first difference it that it's cooked in the oven instead of the crock pot. Another big difference is the rosemary. Adding rosemary makes a huge difference in the smell and taste and takes whatever you're cooking up a few notches.

The recipe calls for a chuck roast. I don't remember what I used, but it wasn't a chuck roast. It was still delicious, whatever it was, it just didn't shred much.



The carrots browning



Served with wheat bread, salad, and baked asparagus.



Full recipe found here.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

New Hair

Yesterday I got my hair cut and colored. Isn't it crazy how good getting your hair done makes you feel? I went to a new place that Jenna recommended to me and really liked it. My mom even came along and watched Finley.

Before: (Scary. See Finley crying?)
old hair

After: (Much happier!)
new hair

She likes Mama's new hair!
happy girl

Eric is working at a trade show all today and tomorrow and another one next weekend. (For those of you in town go visit him at the Home and Garden Show). Hopefully he'll get lots of new business and I won't go crazy.

I think we're going to venture out and visit him today. Wish me luck! :)

Friday, March 19, 2010

In case you're interested

I got a coupon in my inbox yesterday for the friends and family sale for Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic. You can print out the coupon for 30% your purchase and use it as many times as you want. If you're interested leave your email address in the comments and I will send it your way. It's for in-store only.


Judah needs some new shorts.


Everyone needs flip flops, right?


I'm sure Finley needs something.


And, me too?

{image credit: oldnavy.gap.com}

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Thankful Thursday: Sunshine



It has been perfect weather, in the 70s, the past few days. We have been spending lots of time walking and playing in the park.

And, it makes me very excited to plant our garden!

What are you thankful for today?

{image credit: weheartit}

Tea Rose Home: Black Apple Doll


Do you have a fun project you want to show off? Tea Rose Home is the place to do it today!

As you know, I'm new to crafting/sewing, but I'm pretty sure this Black Apple Doll is my favorite thing I've made so far. It's Finley's first doll and she's just starting to stare at it and become interested.

black apple doll

I loved playing with dolls growing up and I'm excited to watch her do the same.

black apple doll

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day

This is about the extent of our celebrating- wearing green! Is anyone making corn beef and cabbage? I kind of want to.

st patty's day 2010
Samuel didn't want to take a picture because he had just hurt his thumb. But, he did anyway! haha















{image credit: weheartit.com}

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Oh

And, guess who rolled over for the first time yesterday?

our little princess

I usually do tummy time on the boppy, but yesterday I put Finley on the floor on the blanket. I turned around to talk to Judah and when I turned back around she was on her back. Yay for our little princess!

(The super cute princess onesie was made by Kristin.)

Conversations

cute boys

My conversation with Judah in the car:

Judah: Did Jesus die on July 8th? Or the 20th?

Mama: We don't know what day, but it was over 2000 years ago. But, he didn't stay dead, remember? He came back to life and now He's in heaven with God.

J: When did God die?

M: He didn't die because He never came to earth. He's in heaven. But, He sent the Holy Spirit to be with us.

J: What's the Holy Spirit?

M: He's God.

J: No He's not, God is God. Do you mean the Holy Ghost?

M: Yeah, they're the same thing. The Holy Spirit or the Holy Ghost.

J: Well, then say the Holy Ghost because I don't know what you're talking about when you say the Holy Spirit.

M: Ok

He sure put me in my place, didn't he?

__________________

This morning for homeschool Judah was reading us a book. Samuel was having fun listening, when Silas came over and grabbed the book out of Judah's hands. Judah grabbed it back, but Samuel went over and pinched Silas.

Mama: Did it make you angry when Silas took the book?

Samuel: Yeah

M: Did you pinch Silas?

S: Yeah

M: Do you think that hurt him and made him sad?

S: Yeah

M: Do you want to hurt him?

S: No, because he's my little brother. (My favorite part of the conversation. He said it with such conviction.)

M: What could you do next time if he makes you angry?

S: Ask him to give Judah and me the book back.

M: That's right, now go tell Silas sorry and then you can play.

S: (to Silas) Sorry for pinching you Silas.

_________

Right now, as I'm typing this, I hear Judah saying to Samuel, "t-h-e spells THE!"


Sometimes my kids amaze me. They are so smart!! :)

Monday, March 15, 2010

Menu Planning Monday: Quiche

So, I think on Mondays, instead of posting my menu for the week (which is really boring!) I'll post a recipe or meal I really enjoy. I always love finding new meal ideas, so I hope you will use and enjoy these!

Quiche is one of my favorite things to make for dinner. It's easy, delicious, and healthy (especially when you make a few substitutions). My favorite base recipe is from Real Simple. I just tweak it to make it my own.


First, saute your vegetables in olive oil over medium heat.

You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand. I've used broccoli, peppers, olives, fresh tomatoes, sundried tomatoes, summer squash, etc. This time I had onions, marinated artichoke hearts, mushrooms, and spinach.
I marinated the artichokes and onions in the oil from the artichoke jar until the onions were soft and translucent.Then, I added in the mushrooms.


Turn off the heat and add in a large handful (or two) of spinach.

I LOVE the organic spinach from Costco and buy a big thing of it every time I go.


Stir in spinach until wilted.



Get your crust ready.

I've used store bought frozen crust a lot and it's definitely the easiest. This time I used the Pioneer Woman's pie crust recipe and replaced whole wheat flour for the white. After I made the crusts I froze them in individual plastic bags. It didn't look very pretty (which is probably because I rolled out the crust before taking it out of the bag, instead of after), but it tasted good!


Break four eggs into a bowl.

One of our pool customers gives us these delicious organic eggs. We get fresh eggs without the hassle of a chicken coop!


Mix together eggs, milk/half and half, salt, pepper, and spices.

I use whatever milk I have on hand (which happened to be Safeways organic 2%) and whatever spices (which was just some dried parsley). The recipe calls for gruyere cheese, which I've used before, but it's expensive and the quiche, for me, is all about using what I have. This time I used mozzarella and cheddar. My favorite is probably swiss.


Add your vegetables to the egg mixture, stir together, and pour in the crust. Cook at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes.


And, serve. This was after Eric already served our plates. We had it with a salad and delicious wheat bread from, again, Costco!


Basic Quiche Recipe from Real Simple Magazine

Serves 6
Hands-On Time: 20m
Total Time: 1hr 00m

Ingredients
1 9-inch refrigerated piecrust
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
4 large eggs
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 ounces Gruyere, grated
4 cups mixed greens

Directions
Heat oven to 375° F. Fit the crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Place on a baking sheet.
Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the parsley.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, half-and-half, nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir in the onion mixture and the Gruyère.
Pour the egg mixture into the crust. Bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes. Drizzle the greens with the remaining tablespoon of oil and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Serve with the quiche.
Related Posts with Thumbnails