This Week's Menu: Jan. 30th-Feb. 5th

Sunday:

B: Donuts & Coffee at Church

L: Brunch at Cheesecake Factory 

D: Homemade Pizza & Caesar Salad

Monday:

B: Bran Muffins & Bananas

L: Leftover Bow Ties with Ham & Broccoli

D: Tuna Steaks, Rice, Asian Green Beans & Ginger Salad

Tuesday:

B: Pancakes & Bacon

L: Taco Soup

D: Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, Sweet Potato Fries & Corn

Wednesday:

B: Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

L: Chips & Queso and/or Taco Soup

D: Monterey Chicken, Baked Potatoes & Broccoli
     Thunder Game!

Thursday:

B: Pancakes

L: (G) Lunchables
D: Iguana Grill

Friday:

B: Cinnamon Toast or Banana Choc Chip Muffins

L: (G) Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches & Sunchip
     (S&J) Club Sandwiches from Cheever's 

D: Monterey Chicken, Baked Potatoes & Green Beans

Saturday:

B: Waffles
L/D: Pizza at Sam, Amanda & Jack's - Movie Day

My Baby is Growing Up-Potty Training

I am completely amazed and beyond excited! Ashby decided Sunday afternoon that she would like to start wearing her big girl panties. I decided on Monday we would she if she was ready to start potty training. We got the stickers ready (she LOVES stickers) and I told her if she kept her panties dry and if she would pee pee and poop in the potty, she would get a sticker. Magic! I would ask her when I thought she might need to go and she would answer me honestly with a yes or no. She finally said yes, so we raced to the bathroom and she did it! Big celebrations: high-fives, you did it's, dancing, etc. I let her flush (her favorite part) and then she got a sticker for her shirt. She began spinning around with excitement.

She got a little busy playing and didn't tell me quick enough, so she had accident number 1. Her panties and her pants were SOAKED. She hated it! She tried to walk in a straddle, then decided to get down on all four's and crawled to the bathroom to get cleaned up. She was ready for another pair of panties. She hated being wet so much she began to tell me when she needed to go. So after her nap, she would tell me, even if I didn't ask and off we would go. Great success! At dinner, she waited a little too long to tell me. When I picked her up to go, she peed all over both of us. She got right back on track after that.

Here is why I am utterly amazed and completely shocked:

Today is my nephew's 4th birthday, so we got up and ready to go meet him for breakfast. Before getting dressed, I asked Ashby if she wanted to wear a Pull Up, diaper or panties (I honestly didn't want to put her in panties and go out of the house!) She told me she wanted a diaper, so that's what I put on her. I told her she didn't have to pee pee in that, she could tell me if she needed to go and we would go to the potty. I honestly didn't even think to ask her through breakfast. I just assumed she would go in her diaper. After we ate, Abigail said she needed to go, so I asked Ashby if she needed to go to. She said yes. I took her diaper off and it was completely dry! What?!?!?! BIG celebrations! I know the people in IHOP thought we were completely insane. I didn't have panties, so I put her diaper back on her and we headed to Target. Ashby had some milk while we shopped. We checked out and went to the library to return books and get some new ones for this week's lessons. Again, I didn't even ask her if she needed to go. She had a diaper on, so again I just assumed that she had gone, especially since she had milk. Well, we got home and she asked for her Cinderella panties. SHE WAS STILL DRY. She was in a diaper and she was DRY! Abigail and I began jumping up and down, and cheering in excitement for her. Then Abigail got our stickers. Can you believe it? I am still shocked!

It gets better:

Nap time. I tell Ashby that we need to put on her princess Pull Up on. She refuses. I give her a choice, diaper or Pull Up. Nope. "I want my Cinda-lella panties." Oh my. So we went to the potty and I told her to yell for me if she needed to go. She goes to sleep and sleeps for 2 hours. "MOMMY!" I go in prepared to find her soaked, her sheets and her Lovey soaked. NOPE! Completely dry. Are you kidding me? Unbelievable. Ashby starts yelling for Abigail! Yes, you guessed it, the party began. Stickers and this time TREATS! Abigail decided her baby sister needed some Sour Patch Kids (and of course some for herself) because she is doing so great!

Day 2 = No accidents. I am in shock! I honestly put off potty training Ashby because Abigail was SO easy! It seems my girls are a lot like me. Once we make our minds up to do something, we do it. I'm praying this is the case! I would love it if we didn't have to buy diapers anymore and we didn't have to worry about accidents when we leave the house!

I'll keep ya posted...

One Word 2011

2010 was such an amazing year for me and for our family. I read a blog from my friend, Mandy where she talked about her One Word that she had chosen for the year. And then, our senior pastor did a message called One Thing that rocked my world. I knew after reading the blog and hearing that message that God clearly wanted me to FOCUS. That became my One Word for 2010. Wow! What an impact it made.

I focused on God, getting to know Him more intimately. I focused on His Word, reading and gathering revelation for myself like never before. I focused on His voice, what He was telling me to do, where He was leading us. I focused on my marriage, honoring and submitting to my husband. (Ephesians 5:22) I also focused on our girls, loving them, guiding their hearts and homeschooling them. I also focused on getting myself back into better shape and being a healthy example for my family. I began running in June and have learned so much on that journey and have found a new love/hobby. Sure, there were times when I lost my focus. But the Holy Spirit would gently nudge me and help me refocus.

We learned to hear God's voice and act in obedience. He opened and closed doors, and put some amazing people into our lives. We have been so blessed by so many new friends that speak into our lives and also ones that we are able to mentor. It was a beautiful year of growth and of God really working in and through us. I don't want it to end! It's just a beginning.

That brings me to my One Word for this year. As I reflected and prayed, I clearly heard God again giving me my word, my one thing to really focus on this year. RELATIONSHIPS.

I am a very task-oriented person. I show my "love" by doing things for others. I am also very orderly. I like things neat and tidy. This isn't a bad thing, but I can get caught up doing tasks and become distracted from just being and enjoying the company of or quality time with family and friends. I am also a very routine-oriented person. Again, not necessarily a bad thing, but again I can get caught up with schedules and to-do's. I feel God is telling me it's time to become a people person...love God, love people!

RELATIONSHIPS:

• I will continue to grow a true love relationship with God. I want to know Him better and I want His love to shine through me so that others may know His Love.
• I will put God first in all things: time-day, week, month, year, finances...
• I will spend QUALITY time with Scott, Abigail & Ashby. I will not only show my love by doing things for them, but I will truly enjoy each moment with them. I do not want to take my amazing marriage for granted. I want my husband to know he is my #2 and how much I honor, respect and love him. I want my girls to know that they are more important than tasks that I may need or want to do. I want to be a godly example for them, to show them how to love as God loves us. 
• I will be intentional in all relationships
• I will avoid "task" distractions. (I'll have to learn that it's ok to leave a bed unmade sometimes)
• I will spend more time with my family and friends. I will grow the relationships that God has blessed our lives with.
• Continue to be open to God speaking through mentors (life changing!) I will also be open to if/when God wants to use me as a mentor in others lives. (not my comfort zone!)
• I will listen and let God prompt my steps and interrupt my plans. Immediate obedience.
• I love my running buddies! I can't wait to run more races with them this year! RAWR!!!

I will also continue to focus on the spiritual and physical health for myself and my family. We are God's temple and we will work towards healthier eating habits and increasing our physical activity. Being healthy will give us energy to build the relationships God wants us to build.

I am so excited about my One Word. Can't wait to see where God takes us this year.

Do you have a One Word/One Thing? I would love for you to share.

Granola

This recipe if from my sweet friend, Dawn Davis. It is the best granola I have ever had and it's really not that hard to make. You need BIG BOWLS. It makes A LOT! Enjoy!

22 cups oats (I use organic rolled oats)
3 cups butter
2 cups honey
½ cup molasses (I use blackstrap because it is supposed to be really healthy)
2 ½ Tablespoons vanilla extract
1 cup Shredded coconut (I get unsweetened at the health food store)
1 cup chopped pecans
Anything else you want to add….cinnamon, raisins, almonds, other dried fruit……..

Directions:
In a large saucepan, mix butter, honey, and molasses. Stir over low heat until butter is melted. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Mix up all the dry ingredients in a LARGE bowl, or divide between smaller bowls. Pour liquid into bowl(s) and stir to thoroughly coat. Spread onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake 350 degrees for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through. The granola will get crunchier as it cools, so be careful not to overbake.

This Week's Menu: Jan. 16th-22nd

Sunday:
B: Church
L: Jersey Mike's
D: Homemade Pizza Night

Monday:
B: Whole Wheat Pancakes, Bacon
L:(G) Spagetti-O's, Corn & Applesauce/(J) Veggies & Hummus
D: Mushroom Chicken & Wild Rice, Sauteed Baby Spinach

Tuesday:
B: IHOP-Birthday Breakfast with my nephew, Jack
L: Loaded Baked Potato
D: Birthday Dinner w/Jack

Wednesday:
B: Yogurt & Granola or Cereal
L: Sandwiches
D: Ashby Celebration Dinner @ Zio's

Thursday:
B: Eggs, Bacon & Pancakes
L: Leftovers
D: Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup

Friday:
B: Oatmeal
L: Ham & Cheese Sandwichs, Cheetos, Veggie & Ranch/Chix & Spin Salad
D: Out with Family - Iguana Grill

Saturday:
B: Dunkin Donuts
L: OUT (Birthday Party)
D: (S&J) Date Night-Mickey Mantle's/(G) McDonald's

Surgery

I've had several of you ask, so I thought I would post what lead to me having the procedure and the details/findings from my lapraoscopy from this past Friday. I had several ultrasounds and a CT scan that revealed there was some sort of cyst on my right ovary. The tests did not show exactly what the cyst was...a dermoid, endometriosis or something else. Since I have been in pain over the past several months and we haven't been able to conceive, the doctor recommended we go in to remove it and take a look around to see if there was anything else going on. Scott and I agreed it was time.

Dr. Martin was able to completely remove the "cyst" from my right ovary. She confirmed it was endometriosis. This was the best news! Dr. Martin told Scott & I before surgery that if it had been something else, there was a possibility that she would have to remove my right ovary or a portion of it. This news was a bit of a shock, but we put all of our hope in trust in the Lord. (Psalm 25:1) We knew that no matter what, God has a plan for us and we are completely surrendered to Him. The outcome is that the cyst is gone and I still have both ovaries. :)

Dr. Martin also found that both of my fallopian tubes were completely blocked and filled with thick, blood. She was able to clean them both out so now they will be able to function properly. My ovaries were also somehow attached to my uterus. She was able to "clean" all of that up as well and get everything back into it's correct position to where it can all work as God intended. Since this was my second lapraoscopy, Scott was sure to ask her if I would have to continue having these procedures after having babies. This should be my last one. She also said that we should have no problems conceiving. Yay!

It's day 4 post-op and I'm feeling really good. I'm no longer taking any pain meds, just ibuprofen for swelling.  I was able to get both girls dressed and ready for the day and able to get myself ready and even put makeup on this morning and I'm released to drive. Life as normal resumes...well for the most part. No lifting or running, and I will continue to rest and take it easy until I have fully recovered.

Thanks for your prayers, for checking on me and for offering to help out. I feel so blessed to call all of you friends. Please continue to pray for our family as you feel led. I look forward to sharing more good news with you very soon!

This Week's Menu: Jan. 2nd-8th

Sunday:
B: Donuts & Coffee at Church
L: Jimmy John's
D: Homemade Pizza Night

Monday:
B: Oatmeal
L: (J) Summer Sausage, Veggies & Ranch/(G) Leftover Pizza, Veggies & Ranch
D: Grilled Chicken Nachos

Tuesday:
B: Whole Wheat Banana Muffins
L: Soup
D: Charleston's

Wednesday:
B: (G) Cereal
L: (G) Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, Natural Cheetos & Applesauce
D: Ted's

Thursday:
B: Eggs & Toast
L: (J) Tuna Salad/(G) Turkey Dogs, RawVeggies & Ranch
D: ?

Friday & Saturday:
Unplanned-Jemma's lapraoscopy so Scott & Nana will be in charge

Have a wonderful first week of 2011!

Best Birthday Ever!

I turned 34 on December 11th. I've got to say it had to be the best birthday ever! God has blessed me with an amazing family and some wonderful friends. I was surprised with the most thoughtful gifts this year. Please don't misunderstand. It's not about the gifts, it's about the thought that each person put behind them and that so many wanted to spend my special day with me.

My day started out with a 3.5 mile run with my running buddies in Edmond. I LOVED running with them. So fun. My sweet friend, Sheri also baked this for me. How sweet is that?!?!?!

Yummy Birthday Cookie

My mom came up to spend the day with me, Scott and the girls. My mom, knowing how much I like coffee (I get it from she & my dad) shows up with this. (She also knew I really wanted one of these!)

I LOVE my Keurig!

Then she complete surprised me with these.

Picture of my Grannie & sweet poem about her aprons

My Grannie's aprons

The photo brought back so many sweet memories of my Grannie. She loved cooking for her family and she was such a good cook! I remember her always wearing aprons. She would come in from church, put on her slippers put an apron over her beautiful clothes and prepare a delicious lunch. I am thrilled to have her aprons. I was very close to my Grannie, and she had such a big influence on my life. Such a thoughtful and wonderful gift!

My SIL, Amanda, knows how much I love Williams Sonoma and Christmas. I really needed some new towels and pot holders, so she got me these. Love them! My mom's great friends, who think of me every year on my birthday, got me this book. I really like Joseph Prince and am so excited to get into this book.  So kind! 

My favorite part of my birthday was being baptized with Scott. Scott was sprinkled as a baby and I was baptized when I was 12. We had both been saved as kids and knew that we had accepted Jesus as personal Lord and Savior, but our lives haven't always reflected that. About 5 years ago, Scott and I began to really pursue a true relationship with Christ and we are no longer living our lives as Christian atheists. We thought it was time to publicly proclaim that Jesus is Lord of our lives and that we decided to follow the Lord in baptism symbolizing dying to ourselves-leaving our old sinful ways behind and doing God's will instead our ours. The old, sinful ways are buried (immersion) and we are raised up new in Christ. It was amazing! We we both in the pool together. Scott got baptized first by our church's youth pastor, then he got to turn around and baptize me along with the pastor. 

So powerful and what a gift I have in Scott. He is such an amazing, godly husband. I love him so much and appreciate how he leads our family. This was such a special time with him. 

The moment was made even more special by several people (and some extra special little people) that came to be there for us and pray over us. God has blessed our lives with some amazing, godly friends and I am so, so thankful for them. 

There is one final gift that my very thoughtful husband gave me this year. I finally got one of these.

Do you know what it is?

Both of the girls got little blue boxes while I was pregnant with them. Scott picked out beautiful coin banks for them, a rabbit for Abigail and an elephant for Ashby. I've never been given a little blue box...until now! 

He's so thoughtful! He picked the perfect thing to go inside that little blue box, too.

If you know me, you know I love very simple things and that my love language is words of affirmation. This ring is so perfect! So, so sweet. 

Such a great start to my 34th year...surrounded by some of my favorite people on this earth. Thanks to all of you that shared my birthday with me and thank you for your thoughtfulness. I love and appreciate each and every one of you so much. 

God revealed so much to me this day. I look forward to sharing more in an upcoming post...my one word for 2011. 

Abigail Winifred's 5th Birthday

Our big girl celebrated her 5th birthday in October. We asked her if she would like to have a family getaway and stay in a hotel (Great Wolf Lodge) or if she wanted to have a birthday party with her friends. She informed us that she wanted to have a costume party and to invite all her family and friends. My friend, Jessica made the cutest invitations. Abigail got a hold of them and began to pass them out to all of her friends she wanted to spend her special day with and we also sat down and she gave me a list of people that we needed to mail one to. Here is the outcome: 

Aren't they cute? All of the kids and parents had so much fun watching the kids in their cute costumes. 

            

Abigail & Ashby as Jo Jo & Goliath

Abigail-Jo Jo & Lane-Amelia Earhart

Livia-Princess, Gracie-Ladybug & Lola-Bumblebee

Abigail-Jo Jo & Hannah-Tinker Bell

Abigail helped me make lots of yummy Fall Festival type treats and Aunt Renate surprised Abigail with a Gumby cake. It was so cute!

Owls

Caramel Apple

 Gumby Cake

We also had some fun things for the kiddos to do.

      

Abigail & Bella painting pumpkins

Eli-Cowboy got it to break!

Miles-Evil Kenevil going after the pinate'

And of course singing Happy Birthday & eating cake!

Can't believe Abigail is 5 years old! She is such a blessing. Abigail loves Jesus and loves people...she has the sweetest heart. She is also very giving and so smart. Can't wait to see what God will do in her life this next year!

October 9, 2005

October 9, 2010