Pumpkins - Pumpkins - Pumpkins

Today I am at home with the kids, it is Friday and our daycare is closed, our daycare mom's kids are sick (feel better Allison).

So, since tomorrow is Halloween I decided it was about time to carve pumpkins! The kids and I had a blast. I am a HORRIBLE Jack-O-Lantern carver but we had a lot of fun in the garage sitting on our cardboard and cleaning out our pumpkins and then carving them!

After we carved our pumpkins the kids and I came in and cleaned the seeds. I am in the midst right now of toasting the pumpkin seeds....YUMMY! Here is the recipe I am using:
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/toasted_pumpkin_seeds/


What a fun day at home with the kids!


Cheers,
Beth

Fun Crayon Craft Realized

Today was my day at home with the kids and we decided to try the crayon craft off of the Martha Stewart web site that I had posted a couple posts ago...

To the left there is a picture of Chloe with the crayons after we put them all into the holders. Chloe is currently experimenting with how to smile for the camera...

So, what I learned about this craft. First, try to use the same brand of crayons because different brands seem to melt at different temps. Second, make sure that the crayons are cut the same size so they melt at the same rate.

It was a fun craft, Chloe and I had a lot of fun. Evan wanted to join in the fun but he kept putting the crayons in his mouth so that was the end of that!

I am looking forward to using the crayons with the kids soon and OF COURSE giving away some crayons to our next door neighbors!
Cheers,
Beth

Evan's Dedication Invites

I am FINALLY done with Evan's Baby (ahhhemm - Toddler) Invites!

Take a look! I really had a creative mental block with these cards for some reason so that being said I was pretty happy with how they turned out...

I have always made Chloe's invites and felt a tinge of guilt that I had been such a slacker with making any of Evan's invites.

I am really happy that we are getting Evan dedicated, and in a church that we are plugged into and happy at!

Cheers,

Beth

Fun with old crayons - indoor craft ideas

Check this out!

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/crazy-crayons?autonomy_kw=crayon

What a FUN winter craft idea for the kids! I will be doing this for sure!

Once again thanks to Martha Stewart...gotta give credit where it is due!

Cheers,

Beth

Meant to be

Have you ever had something in your life that was just simply meant to be? I have had several, but one that I want to write about today is Brea. One of my two dogs...

When I was 22 I wanted a puppy SO bad. I actually knew enough at that time to research breeds of dogs (some people should take notes here), and then interview breeders, choose a responsible breeder, and meet the mother and father of the liter that I was going to pick a puppy from. I am not sure why I knew to do that as growing up I can't say that I had the best 'dog ownership' examples.

I told the breeder that I wanted a fawn and white female. I knew in my head just what I was looking for. I even got a second job to pay for this little pooch!

When Brea was born, she was the ONLY fawn and white female in a liter of 10! She looked like a little pig when she was born! Adam used to tease me about her but I have always been in love with her...

As time went by I got to bring my puppy home, it had been a long wait for her. I want to say the whole process was like 4 months, but she was worth the wait! I got her enrolled in puppy kindergarten and went on to do a LOT more training with her. Brea is the one who inspired me to get involved in A Rotta Love (www.arottalove.org)which I directed along with Rachel Anderson from 2004-2009.

It's been 6 years since Brea came into my life, the best way to describe her is my heart-dog. She can bring tears to my eyes just thinking about her (or writing about her as I am all teary now). Brea is kind, patient with me and the kids, she is my biggest fan. She LOVES to be on top of me in any capacity...we can be sleeping or sitting. Brea is often a contender for 'lap space' with Chloe and Evan.

People used to tell me, "when you have kids those dogs are going to fall by the wayside" and let me tell you...SO NOT TRUE! Brea was like my child before we had children and my love for her and the fact that she is part of the family has not and will not change!

I just wanted to post this and say...I love you Brea! You are my heart-dog and I am so happy that you were My meant to be puppy! This may sound so weird to some of you, but those of you who have a heart-dog...you know what I mean!

Cheers,
Beth

Zoo Boo

Saturday evening our family, and Adam's parents went to Zoo Boo at Como Zoo! How super fun! It is a non-scarey event for children and they do quite a nice job. Both of the kids had fun and we came back with lots of goodies, and thank God it wasn't all candy!

Zoo Boo encourages kids to wear their costumes, so Chloe was a Princess and Evan was a Tiger. I taught him how to "roar" like a tiger, he's doing a pretty good job but he is just too cute to be scarey!

I think they have Zoo Boo next Saturday too, it is a fun evening with the kids.
http://www.comozooconservatory.org/supp/ZooBoo.shtml

Cheers,

Beth

Tea Time

My Wednesday home with the kids was a great one! We had our neighbor friends Claire and Chloe over for a Tea Party together.

Of course I got caught up in the moment serving the little Princesses their tea and goodies and didn't take a picture while the tea party was in full force but I did take some pictures before the party began.

I had name tags for all three girls, a pretty table cloth, cloth napkins, and of course tea sets! The girls dressed up in their princess dresses and used their very nice manners!
It gave Jodi, my next door neighbor, and I a chance to get to know each other a little better and for the girls to have some structured interaction.

It was a very fun time! Chloe was really thrilled about her time with her new friends Claire and Chloe (yes there are actually 3 Chloe's in our small neighborhood) and kept talking about her party. The little things mean so much!

Cheers,
Beth

Halloween Craft: Make creepy halloween birds!

Halloween Craft: Make creepy halloween birds!

While browsing for Craft Ideas today I came across this Halloween Craft idea! Check it out!

Also, while you are checking this out, look at the rest of this blog (link above), they have some really neat ideas for a shoe-string budget.

Cheers,
Beth

"Mom, that Doll scared me"

On Friday we spent somewhat of a family 1/2 day by going to the Orchard and then to a Pumpkin place. We had a lot of fun. I was so excited that I got to see those Ghost Pumpkins that I had posted on the blog about a week ago.

Anyway, the kids got to pet some animals and we bought some apple donuts and apple butter...yummy! We headed over to the pumpkin 'patch' and let the kids pick out their pumpkins. While we were there we saw this hay bail decorated in a way that it looked like a perfect little place to put the kids and take a photo. We proceeded to position the kids for a photo and while I am trying to get their attention so Adam could take a picture there was this zombie looking woman on the side of the hay bail that was apparently motion censored and she started making spooky noises and moving and her eyes were glowing.

Evan just sat there like nothing was happening, but Chloe on the other hand screamed bloody murder! She screamed for MOM!!!!!!!!!! I picked her up right away, we talked about how it was just a doll but she still had a really hard time recovering from that incident...even looking over her shoulder to make sure that doll was not following her while we were picking out our pumpkins. She still keeps telling everyone "That Doll Scared Me" and then I have to proceed and tell the story. Of course with Chloe there I keep a straight face so she does not think I am laughing at her but this was one of the funniest reactions I had ever seen, simply because it was SO exaggerated!

Good lesson though, for these little ones, Halloween can be scary and we need to do what we can to make it fun and not intimidating or scary. Needless to say, after that we picked out our pumpkins pretty fast and left.

Cheers,
Beth

First Snowfall - Fall/Winter 2009

Well, winter has officially arrived! Snow is here. This morning Evan and I went outside for a brief moment to check out the snow. We didn't last long but I managed to get a quick snapshot while we were outside!

Stay warm!

Cheers,

Beth

More Fall / Halloween Craft Ideas

This is the second of two posts with some fun Fall / Halloween craft ideas. I'll share the rest in this post.

I can't wait to bring my kids to the pumpkin patch and The Boo Zoo at Como Zoo in St. Paul!
http://www.comozooconservatory.org/supp/ZooBoo.shtml


Window People (left)

These two "shadows" are paper cut outs, out of black paper or fabric and taped or sew en onto a curtain... Pretty scary looking. Not something I would be doing with kids 1 and 2 years old.







Spider Web votive (right)
There are a million ways you can do this craft project...even by using good old puffy paint! Neat idea!




Shadow Caster (left)
Ok, I am making these names up by myself so excuse me if they are lame! This is a neat idea, cut out shapes and attach them to a votive with to cast a shadow!




These ideas are once again all on the Martha Stewart Web site...
http://www.marthastewart.com/

Cheers,
Beth

Personal Vision of Ourselves in Christ

This is a very personal subject for us all but I thought I would share something that I did this week. I think that for all of us it is important to have a "Life Vision" for our lives overall but also in terms of who we are in Christ. What we want to strive for.

I read a article in the Christian Homekeeper Network, it was called You Can't Make Progress without a Vision (http://christianhomekeeper.org/blog/you-cant-make-progress-without-a-vision/). This article hit me because I have always had life goals, but they were more selfish...like what I want to do, obtain, etc. This was more like goal setting in your walk with Christ.

After I read the article I put together something on the computer and started filing in the blanks. What are my goals in Christ? Write them down, like the encourage you to do with any goal. Read them and pray about them. Of course they will evolve over time, which is a good thing.

I have shared below what I did, I wrote it like a prayer. I encourage you to try too, it was a neat way to clarify where I want to be and reflect on where I am now.

My Evolving Vision:

When you pray and ask God for a vision and begin to see that vision, write it down. You must involve God in your decision making process, for He is the one true visions come from. Having a vision for your life is essential for real growth. Visions change over the years, they mature and grow, you add to them and take away until you are sure that the vision you have is the one God intends for you. Then you stick with your vision over time and make the choices that will add to it. A vision gives you focus and purpose.

Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Work-
Lord I pray for something that allows me flexibility and glorifies you. Give me the wisdom to discern what you want me to do and when the opportunity comes that is from you. Work in Your way, because that is the best way. I pray for an environment that allows me to spend more time as a mom and that is uplifting.

Ministry-
Lord I want to help children without a family. I want to offer a safe haven. Guide me to what you want me to do for you…your plans are the best.

Children-
I pray that I am a mom who is present, offers guidance, offers correction, and offers acceptance. I want to create cherished memories with my children and help them to grown into healthy balanced adults who follow you. I want to be a positive, intricate part of their life.

Marriage-
I pray to be a wife that Adam can be proud of, a woman that has the heart of a servant. I pray that I can be a woman whom is strong and independent. I pray to have a healthy marriage, a marriage that will last until the end. Bless Adam and my relationship; surround us with your hedge of protection.

Finances-
I pray that you will meet our needs, as you have always done. Bless us so we can bless others. Guide us in our spending so it glorifies you. Help us to control our ‘wants’ and to be resourceful and content with what we have.

Friendships-
I pray for friends who are grounded in their faith, ones that can be a mutual support and encouragement system. I pray to find friends with mutual interests that will come at just the right time in my life. I pray for friends who I can connect with deeply and that are real!

Church membership-
I pray for a church that will nourish me and bring me the opportunities to give back as well, I pray that my family and I are able to connect well and grow roots in the church and deeper in our faith. I pray that when we miss church we will feel a void and discover how You fill all voids in life!

Personal-
Lord, please guide me as I seek you. Help me to develop the fruits of your spirit…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Be my reminder when I get impatient to stop and put things into perspective. Help me to put others first. Clean up my inside thoughts and feelings. Help me to become self controlled and self disciplined so I can lead a life that is a reflection of you! Teach me grace, for others and myself.

Cheers,
Beth

Small Groups

Adam and I joined a new small group at church which started this week. We are really excited to connect with people that go to the same church as we do! Our last small group was not bad but they went to another campus than we do, so we were connecting with people who we were not going to church with, it just felt weird. The group we joined is a great fit for us...it is smaller, about 10 people, and everyone has kids around the same age! Right away I felt comfortable and excited to delve into things!

If you are not part of a small group in your church, I encourage you to look into it. It is a great way to create relationships and grown in Christ too! You grow roots in your faith, your church, and in many other ways!

On an unrelated note...

I ran across this poem that I am using in a speech that I have written for Toastmasters...wanted to share it.

Now think about these wise words from Randy Alcorn concerning Possessions:

THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you want.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the less you’re satisfied.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more people will come after it.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you realize it does you no good.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you have to worry about.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you can hurt yourself by holding on to it.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you have to lose.
THE MORE YOU HAVE, the more you’ll leave behind.

Cheers,
Beth

Fabulous Fall Finds - Fun Home Craft ideas for fall

I have really been enjoying Martha Stewart's web site lately. She has a lot of neat ideas on everything from recipes to decorating, entertaining, and much more. So, of course this is right up my ally.

I found a ton of pictures of craft stuff that I'd like to try... Thought I'd share them, I know I always like to look at pictures of fun craft stuff I can try.


White Lace Pumpkins (left)
This is such a neat idea, and with the white pumpkin it looks so classy. Who knew...a sophisticated Halloween! Considering the fact that I can barely carve a regular jac-o-lantern I will not be trying this but I do love the looks of this!


Candle-lanterns (below)
These look neat and simple to do with various size glass votive/hurricane lamps. Take some tissue type paper and cut out the faces using a exacto knife (I am sure there are some fun templates out there) and then use some spray adhesive to attach these cute little faces to the glass! There are actual instructions on how to do this on Martha Stewart web site...!



Spray Paint Pumpkins...anyone?
(left)
Isn't this such a neat idea! Spray
paint your pumpkins...so simple and this looks so nice. I think I am going to try to do this, I have a perfect place to put them on my hutch!







Glitter Skulls (left)

I actually just saw plastic skulls like this at the dollar store the other day. The same day I ran into this idea! Buy some dollar store skulls, some glitter and some glue and here ya go!




These are just a few of the Halloween / fall craft finds that I liked and wanted to share, I have a few more I will share later on. Thanks Martha Stewart for your inspirational web site!
http://www.marthastewart.com/

Lastly, I found this AWESOME DIY project for a cheap backsplash idea! Take a look...I think even I can do this!
http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/clever-kitchen-ideas-easy-backsplash/index.html

Cheers,
Beth

Frugal Finds

I am a fan of frugal finds and today was one of the finest frugal finds (try saying THAT 3 times fast) I have had since my Free Curtain for Chloe’s room (see previous post with pictures).

I ran across a comforter at Target a while ago that I thought was really cute, I didn’t think much of it. The other day while I was browsing through the aisles of Target I saw the comforter on sale for $9.98. This is a good deal but I decided not to buy it.

Today over lunch I decided I needed to clean out my BIG purse and lo and behold I ran across some old Target gift cards…they added up to just about what the comforter cost. So, I decided to take a jaunt over to Target and see if the comforter was still there… Lo and behold, it was!
I was so excited when I got to the register and the cost of the comforter was $1.14! Hard to beat that price!

This came just in time as it is starting to get cold and Chloe only has one big blanket and a lot of other little blankets.

Now I just have to think of a way to personalize the comforter…hummmm…my wheels are turning! First though I have to finish Evan’s baby dedication invites…I’ll post about those soon!

Cheers,
Beth

Way to go Adam!

This weekend my husband ran the TC 10 mile! The family woke up REALLY early and bundled up really warm to get to the race and stay warm.
http://www.mtcmarathon.org/TenMile/index.cfm

After the race our family, along with Adam's parents went out to breakfast. It was a fun morning!

A couple years ago, Adam ran the TC Marathon. Incredible! As someone who could barely run a mile, it amazes me to see people train for something like a marathon. For a minute I was inspired to start running, but memories of me trying to run in the past soon sequestered that urge.

My husband, Adam, is quite easily the most self disciplined person I know, especially when it comes to working out! Check out Adam's clinic's web site here:
http://communityofhealth.com/delaforest/delaforest.html

Good job honey!

Cheers,
Beth

The BEST gift you can give your Children...

I am a firm beleiver that the best gift you can give your children is a strong marriage!

As a working couple with full time hours, it can be hard and guilt ridden to leave your children when you are not at work. We all want to maxamize on the limited time we have together.

This being said, the importance of date nights is paramount! Don't forget to create memories together, some day our kids will grow up and move out and you will be left with eachother...and THEN what?! So, keep that marriage strong.

This last Monday, the 28th of September Adam and I went to The Kings of Leon concert. We went out to eat before the concert. It was a late night, a great concert, but most important Adam and I got out and spend time together...we created memories! I have posted a picture of Adam and I at the concert...

When we make the concerted effort to see eachother, I am reminded how much I love my husband! Can't wait until our next date night!

Cheers,

Beth

Evan - The Big Hearted Little Mister

Evan is our little surprise and the one that I have learned SO many life lessons from, it makes me tear up. Evan is SWEET, sensative, ALL-BOY, rough and tumble, and in LOVE with mom!

We were surprised when Chloe was 7 months that Evan was on his way... This through us in a temporary tailspin but the end result has been so much better than I could have ever imagined.

Evan loves to dance and clap, he loves to wear anyone's shoes, he loves to be outside and pet Brea and Woody our two dogs! Evan is the BEST hand holder ever!

Here are some pictures of my Little Mister...

Evan LOVES to wear shoes!









Evan really IS to cute for time out!









Evan loves babies, he is going to be a great daddy!










Cheers,
Beth

Chloe - The Crazy Haired Princess Tomboy

I decided that I wanted to highlight each one of my kids... As most mom's my children are the highlight of my life.

Chloe was born January of 2007...after 32 hours of labor and over 3 hours or pushing the little lady was just not going to enter the world 'naturally' so by c-section she arrived. She is my typical first born...STRONG willed, smart, loves to learn, kind at heart, loves to push limits, and is a super good snuggle bug! Chloe is a princess because she LOVES to dress up and do her hair and change her clothes, she is a tomboy because she LOVES bugs and even likes snakes!

This is the little dear that stuck the popcorn up her nose...see my previous post about our expensive ER visit!

Here are pictures of my little lady Chloe...I heart her!

This is Chloe in her "blanket dress"









Chloe LOVES apples!

She is creative!

Cheers,

Beth