Thomas & Cars Party!

We didn't go anything over the top for Caleb this year. We decided just to have a few of his friends over and make it simple.

Look at my birthday boy:

It took him a while to warm up to the fact that it is his birthday and really get excited. Once he came downstairs and saw the decorations he was thrilled.

I used the banner I made for Jamison's party...it will really come in handy for parties!

Rondell got Caleb this Thomas balloon...Caleb showed it to everyone who came over.

Here are Jamison and Caleb watching a Thomas movie while waiting for his friends to arrive.

Jocelyn was there.

And so was Mila. My in laws also brought their niece Mya (I'm sorry I forgot her picture). Unfortunately for Caleb I don't have many friends with boys his age.

The kids had Happy Meals...Caleb is not a fan of pizza but LOVES chicken nuggets and french fries.

Here's the cake. Caleb kept going back and forth about whether he wanted a Thomas party or a Cars party. I thought he finally decided on Thomas, but when I told him I ordered his Thomas cake he said "and Cars." So I found some Cars cake toppers and viola...a Thomas/Cars cake. He loved it!

I got a Thomas table covering and Cars plates and napkins.

All set to blow out the candles.

Caleb got a lot of fun stuff for his birthday, including a Thomas scooter, some blocks, a fun game, books and clothes, but this shirt was MY favorite. Maw Maw (Rondell's mom) bought it and it is so fitting for Mr. Caleb.

Happy Birthday Caleb!

How do our children go from this:

To this:

in record speed?

Today my Caleb is 3...THREE! I don't know why but that sounds so much older. I believe this is hitting me harder because he's our last...my last baby, sniff.

He's changed so much over this last year...he's talking SO much more (almost to the point of playing the "let's see who can be quiet the longest game"), he's really thinned out, he's become a little master on the computer, he is starting to potty train (the idea of no more diapers brings joy to my heart), he loves Thomas and Cars right now (I'll show you my plan for his cake later), and more.

I just love this little boy with all my heart and I pray he has a wonderful birthday and everyday.

Thanking God on Friday!

I'm a pretty honest person, so I have to say to you that today I'm not feeling very thankful. I know that I should always be thankful to God because He is amazing, but today my heart is hurting. Not really even for me (other than making the hard decision of where to send Caleb to preschool...of course the center we love most, costs the most), but for people around me. There are so many people either just having a rough week or going through some serious issues (newborns in ICU, job loss, grandparents very ill, etc). My heart aches for them today and I'm trying to remember to be thankful through the aches.

Like I said, God is amazing. I know that He's taking these trials and will be putting them to good use. Through all of this going on around me I do see people praying together, bonding and lifting up one another, people growing closer to Christ...all of this good.

So, in the midst of all of this I will want to be thankful:

~ I am thankful that my children really do listen to me when I try and teach them manners and how to be polite to and grateful of others. Last night as we were leaving a friend's house Caleb turned to one of the little girls who lives there and said "Thanks for having me over." It was so genuine, unsolicited, and sweet.

~ I am thankful that my big Stampin Up! order arrived. I was finally able to purchase an entire ink pad set and now I can really get stamping. This way I'll be able to make cards to send to people as a pick-me-up...that makes me happy.

~ I am thankful for God's Word. There are so many verses that can be used to reinforce His protection and love for us...in order to get us through these tough times, to lift us up, to encourage us that there is a greater purpose even if we can't see it. He IS Amazing!

Goodness in a Pot!

I did it! I made potato soup (using this recipe...Hi Summer, if you're reading)...AND it was good! It was thick, like I love it, cheesy and all around good.

I pretty much followed Summer's recipe, except I cut up and boiled my potatoes first and I used white onion instead of green onion.

I will say...when you make this (because you really should) note that when you add the milk and then have to stir constantly till it thickens and bubbles, it takes a little while. Don't be discouraged...keep stirring (I used a whisk), it's SO worth it.

Let me know if you try it. My friend Kristina (hey Kris!) is making it tonight too. ENJOY!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 25, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...gloomy, but the sun is trying to peek through the clouds. It rained all day yesterday and it's supposed to rain more this week.

I am thinking...about childcare for Caleb. I think Rondell and I have settled on a decision but we still need to meet with a daycare facility. Here's the idea (with some back story)...Jamison went to a special needs preschool (for her speech delay and occupational delay) through our school system. Her class consisted of students who also had delays as well as "typically developing children." We loved her experience there and I think it developed a good foundation for the rest of her schooling since it was based on our school system's curriculum. So, I was thinking about Caleb this morning and it hit me that he should attend the preschool as a typically developing student. I called the school and it does not cost much at all. He would then go to a daycare (just like Jamison did) after school is over. I'm very excited about the new plan.

I am thankful...for a great weekend! I saw two cute movies (It's Complicated is HILARIOUS!!!!), my husband took me out to dinner to my favorite restaurant (Abuelo's), and I was productive around the house yesterday.

I am praying...for a lot of people. A lot of people I love are having a hard time right now and I am trying my best to lift them up in prayer. Two couples that I know have newborns in the hospital...I can't even imagine.

I am reading...nothing. I need to think about and pick out my next book. I was going to read New Moon but it's not moving me at the moment (sorry Twilight friends).

From the kitchen...well guys...the enchiladas did not turn out as I hoped. Rondell liked them but I didn't. I'm not sure what went wrong, but the sauce was gritty and the flavor was just not great. I did realize that I didn't use enough green chiles. I don't know...maybe you guys will have better luck.

I am also going to try this great looking potato soup (seen here on Summer's blog).

Around the house...the carpet needs cleaning, the cabinets need to be washed down, the sheets need to be changed (since Caleb decided to use our bed as a bathroom...yes, on purpose. Earliest spanking given ever) and toys need to be organized.

One of my favorite things...unexpected date night with my husband...priceless.

A few plans for the rest of the week...BSF tonight, sewing class tomorrow (can't wait!), family night at Jamison's school on Wednesday, Crown financial bible study meeting Thursday, Caleb's 3rd birthday (sniff) Saturday and our friend's little girl's birthday party on Sunday...WOW!

Go here for other daybooks.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Here's the card I made for him (hopefully he's gotten it already):

Oh Yeah Baby - Chicken Enchiladas...PW Style!

I did it! I did it! I tried to chicken (ha, ha) out at least twice, but I did it...I made The Pioneer Woman's White Chicken Enchiladas. I'm so excited that I ran upstairs right after they were done to write this post.

You can find her recipe here. I thought I'd show you a little bit of my process:

Here are some of the ingredients...I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken, I didn't cut up the green chiles and I used Chili Powder instead of paprika...basically I tried to use what I had if it was an appropriate substitute.

Here's my printed off recipe, with notes. If they are super yummy (which I'm sure they will be) I will be sure to transfer it to a proper home.

Here's what the chicken mixture looked like while cooking. It ended up being runnier than I thought it would so I may have needed to let it simmer longer.

I was nervous about the cheesy mixture (so nervous I apparently forgot to take a picture). You are supposed to melt butter and then add flour as the base for the sauce. I have heard about burning the flour and having it not turn out so I was careful to keep a close eye on it. It turned out just fine...and she's right when she says it will be cheesy. Always listen to PW.

Here are my enchiladas all rolled up before I put the cheesy sauce on top.

And here they are fresh out of the oven.

I'll let you know tomorrow how they turned out!

Thanking God on Friday!

~ I am thankful that God placed Aunt Roni in our lives. She has cared for my children since they were infants and I am grateful for that, more than words can say. She has decided to stop watching Jamison and Caleb at the end of the school year. While this news is somewhat devastating, I am so blessed to have had her care for my children for as long as she has been with us (and put up with my Type A mothering!).

~ I am thankful that I found and fell in love with Stampin Up! I never thought I'd want to make cards but it has been so rewarding. It is so nice to be able to make something personal for people.

Last week I placed two orders and the products will arrive next week...I can't be more excited. I ordered an entire set of ink pads (I got them for over 1/2 off because I'm in a Hostess Club, where you order every other month and in one of those months you are the assigned hostess, so you get free stamps and $ off your order), got three free stamp sets, and some cute things to use for the Valentines that I'm going to make.

~ I am thankful for my church arranging a collection for the people of Haiti.

A Match Made in Heaven

How fitting that PW would post this recipe, one of my favorite things, on my birthday. I'm going to try and make them on Sunday...wish me luck! I'll report back on Monday.

Wednesday Ramblings - Grocery Store Edition

Rondell and I are trying to get really serious about saving money. The area where we tend to overspend the most is grocery shopping. So last night we went to the store and left with these observations:

~ Kroger brand "Raisin Bran Crunch" does taste like the original (I had a bowl last night)...but,

~ I just can't bring myself to buy Kroger brand blueberry waffles. They just aren't the same as Eggo's, I've tried...not the same.

~ Lump crab meat IS expensive, so I will take my friend Angela's advice and buy it from Aldi's (if you don't have an Aldi's, it's basically a discount store but they have pretty good products).

~ You know what's expensive...crackers...CRACKERS. I mean really, $4 for a box...of crackers. Baffles my mind.

~ I really hope Kroger Ranch dressing tastes like my beloved Hidden Valley Ranch dressing...love that stuff.

~ I remembered that cheaper is not always better (as seen here) so I went with the Ragu.

~ I remembered when you used to be able to buy shredded cheese for $1...oh the days.

~ Bananas are always 49 cents per pound...the price never changes.

We didn't end up really saving all that much in the end. I know that people do it all the time but I have yet to master the skill of saving a bundle at the grocery store...but I did have some good thoughts though.

Clean House

...or your blog. My friend Joanna is having a blog design sale AND giveaway. So, if you like the way my blog looks head on over to Joanna's because SHE is the one who designed it. You could be a lucky winner of an entire blog design...how sweet is that?!?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 18, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...gloomy, but at least I get to look outside the window of my house today!

I am thinking...I really need to get off of the computer and go downstairs with the family. I hear Caleb yelling at Rondell...never good.

I am thankful...that we are all home together today. It is very rare that we are all home together for an entire day with nothing to do. I see playing with trains, Wii, and crafting in our future today.

I am praying...for Haiti...words can't even express.

I am reading...Twilight. I think I'm breaking some record of "person who took the longest to read Twilight."

I am creating...this weekend I made more magnets (like I did here). I made some for our fridge because I didn't do all of the months the first time I made them (and I still have a few more to do). I also made a bunch for Aunt Roni because she really liked them...I just made hers without the months on them.

Here are the ones I made for Aunt Roni. She loves blue. I put them in this tin and covered the front of the tin with scrapbook paper (you'll have to use your imagination on that).

Here's my January magnet. I love the color.

I also made March and April. I love the April ones because I used a scrapbook paper that had water drops...perfect for April showers.

From the kitchen...No clue. Rondell and I need to come up with a plan today!

Around the house...there was an issue with me getting my letters done this weekend so I'm going to do them today. Then I hope Rondell will hang them today as well. I'm ready for the bathroom to be done so that I can move onto another project.

One of my favorite things...Bread. And last night we went to Carrabba's with our Small Group and they have this amazing bread that you dip in season and olive oil. Oh my!

A few plans for the rest of the week...finish bathroom, take a couple who just had a baby a meal, have my BSF discussion group over for a fellowship (and maybe try and make this crab dip that my friend Angela makes), watch Julie and Julia with Angela.

Tell us what's in your daybook here.

Take Me Out To The (Basket)Ball Game

Rondell arranged for us to have a family fun night the other night. He got us tickets to go see a Women's OSU basketball game. The tickets were only $4 because it was some kind of staff appreciation night...I love a good deal.

Once we got there Rondell and I realized that we need to get out kids out more often because initially this is what they looked like:


They were really overwhelmed with all of the people and the fact that it was loud. Eventually they loosened up and were able to enjoy the game (well, the first half). Here are some highlights:

These girls are serious!

I was also amazed by the cheerleaders. The third guy is struggling but that is amazing that they can lift those girls like that AND that the girls show no fear about being held up by their feet.

Our mascot (a little blurry) Brutus the Buckeye!

Caleb and I had nachos.

Jamison had Dippin Dots. The snacks cost more than the tickets!

At half time they had a scrimmage between students and faculty/staff. At first I was cheering for the students because that's how I relate to OSU, but then I realized that I'm 33 and I am no longer a student...it was kind of a sad moment. Faculty/staff won!

I was amazed that Rondell got this picture...this banner was pretty far from where we were sitting. I LOVE my camera!

We left after halftime (and after the 5th time the kids asked if it was time to go). We will definitely have to do that again.

Thanking God on Friday (night)

~ I am thankful that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born today, had a dream and carried out that dream. Happy Birthday Dr. King!

~ I am thankful that God is opening my eyes, heart and mind to be amazed and excited about reading the Old Testament. I can't even explain to you how engrossed I am.

~ I am thankful that Rondell arranged for us to have a great Family Fun Night last night (post to come tomorrow).

~ I am thankful that tomorrow night I will be able to get together with my friend Tonya and just craft and stamp...just us...no kids...no husbands...just ink and laughter!

Picture This...

Picture it, Sicily 1952...I couldn't resist (I love the Golden Girls).

No seriously, I have no pictures to capture the neat thing that happened this weekend, but I still wanted to document it. This weekend my kids got to see three of their grandmothers in one day, all at different times.

First, they saw my mom when she came over to "bigkidsit" them (we can't say babysit...you know because Jamison is not a baby). She took them to Wendy's and got them cookies from McDonald's (I LOVE McDonald's cookies).

Then, Renee and Toshianna were traveling through Columbus to go to Cincinnati for Toshianna's gymnatics meet (she finished 3rd...GO Sweet Pea) and they stopped in Columbus for lunch. We went to Jamison's favorite place, Red Lobster and Caleb flirted with Toshianna's friend Charm (I'm going to have to watch out for that one).

Finally, I dropped the kids off at Rondell's mom's house to spend the night.

My kids are really blessed to have these 3 women in their lives who love them.

Wednesday Ramblings

~Jamison called me yesterday morning to ask how God talks to her. It was a great way to start my day. I tried my best to explain to her how she may not always hear him, but that He's always talking to her. It made me stop to think if I'm always listening.

~I am VERY disappointed in Private Practice. Rondell and I have been catching up on this season (we still have about 5 more shows to go) and I'm really upset at the way they are handing Violet's postpartum depression (side note: she probably also has post traumatic stress disorder, since she was attacked and had her baby cut out of her). No one is stepping up to tell her that she needs help. No one noticed that she was completely detached from her baby. No one is trying to ease the pain that she's experiencing. I'm not saying that they should be expected to notice the signs right away, but they should see that something is going on.

When I was going through PPD the biggest help was my support system and all of the outlets and resources that are available...I couldn't have gotten through it without those things. PPD is serious and I just think that if a show is going to address it, it should also include people helping and showing resources that are available. GRRR (just my thoughts and opinion ONLY).

~Caleb has gone three days now on the the potty!

~I have realized that I really love bacon.

~I have the letters for the kids' bathroom and I'm going to work on them tonight and Friday (tomorrow we are going to a basketball game). I initially was going to exchange the letters that I bought, but then decided to keep the one I have. I'm hoping Rondell will help me hang them on Saturday (hint, hint Ron!).

~I want to make a cute little heart pillow to hang on my door. Does anyone know how to make those...or should I say, an easy way to make those? Or do you have a link of a place I can go to get some info on how to make one? I thought it would be cute for Valentine's Day.

~I am really enjoying reading the Old Testament...who knew!?

~Anything random going on with you?

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 11, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...COLD. I'm glad I'm inside today. It's pretty cloudy too...Winter is officially here.

I am thinking...about the fact that Caleb is doing well with potty training. He had been going off and on, but nothing consistent by any means. Ever since this weekend (with the help of my MIL) he's been going most of the time. I am so excited and we seem to be on the road to NO DIAPERS!!!

I am thankful...for all of you. Look at my left sidebar...100 Followers (the 100th person is my friend Melissa who is just starting to blog...how fitting). How cool that people are actually interested in reading what I have to say. I do plan on expanding things around here, like more crafting, stamping and recipes and taking you with my on my adventure in learning how to sew! So, thanks for reading!

I am praying...for focus (see my word).

I am reading...Twilight still. I guess I'm not as fast of a reader as I used to be. It's good so far and I love all of the details (that a movie just can't give you).

I know I told you I'd tell you about Captivating. I think I haven't because well...I didn't care for it that much. There, I said it and I hope I don't offend those of you who loved it. While it had some good points (and those good points were REALLY good!) I did not care for all of the movie and book references. I would have preferred more Scripture reference. Overall it was just OK to me.

I am hoping...to get some Valentine's Day activities organized. Valentine's Day is my FAVORITE holiday (yes, even more than Christmas...not more than the meaning of Christmas, just more than the holiday). I want to try do some fun crafts and decorations and share them with you (and maybe even a little giveaway).

From the kitchen...Leftover turkey (my MIL made turkey yesterday), breakfast (with bacon), and chicken tetrazzini (yes, I'm hooked!)

Around the house...I'm almost done with the kids' bathroom, I just have to do the letters! Then I'm going to participate in this challenge so I'll be in my room a lot this week.

One of my favorite things...Friends...and I got to see a lot of them this past weekend. My friend Tonya had a Stampin Up! party so I got to see friends there and then our friends Tim and Melissa had us over on Saturday night to play Wii. It was a fun Saturday!

A few plans for the rest of the week...See "around the house", think of some Valentine's Day crafts, go to a Women's OSU basketball game and play Wii with the family.

How is your day...share here.

Thanking God on Friday

** I am thankful that I found this blog. As some of you know, I have no idea how to sew, but I want to learn and my mom recently bought me a sewing machine for Christmas (side note: I was so sad yesterday because my sewing class was cancelled due to weather). Well I stumbled up this blog and I LOVE it. She gives such great, detailed tutorials for people who are starting out (it's like it was written for me...and about 3600 other people!). I look forward to reading more on her blog and becoming one with my sewing machine.

** I am thankful for the teach skills that God has given our Small Group leaders. Through them God is really teaching me wonderful fundamentals that will greatly affect my walk with Christ. They are also very patient (I have a lot of questions!).

** I am thankful that it is Friday and that I'm going home to relax with my babies.

** I am thankful that my friend Tonya is having a Stampin Up! workshop tonight. It's been a while since I've been to one and I'm looking forward to doing some crafting...my wallet is not looking forward to my order, however.

A Burst of Sunshine (On A Snowy Day)

My blog friend Bobbi gave me this award. You know those blog friends who you wished lived right about the corner...Bobbi is one of those blog friends for me. If she lived around the corner we'd craft together (she does some of the cutest crafts with her kids) and we'd share recipes. So, Bobbi if you're ever in Ohio my door is open to you!

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspires others in the blogworld!

The rules for accepting this award are:

Post the logo on your blog.
Pass the award on to 10 bloggers.
Link the nominees within your post.
Let the nominees know they received this award by commenting on their blog.
Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.

I'm sharing this Sunshine Award with other wish-you-lived-around-the-corner blog friends...Angie, Carrie, Kelli W, Kelli B, Joanna, Tanya, Becca, Vivienne, Tiffany and Jen!

My 2010 WORD

I decided to participate in the word of the year again this year. You can see my word from last year here.

I put a lot of thought into my word and I also decided that I wanted it to relate in some way to last year's word, MOVE. So, here it is:

FOCUS

I chose FOCUS because that is exactly what I need to do in order to get things done...you know, MOVE. I need to FOCUS on what it is I need & want to do in order to make sure that it is carried out. For example, I've been wanting to spruce up the kids' bathroom but I have not been focused on it (you'll notice that I talk about the kids' bathroom in last year's word post!). Now, it is a FOCUS, so I will see that it gets done.

I need to FOCUS on GOD.

I need to FOCUS on my husband and my children, giving them the attention and love they deserve.

I need to FOCUS on my home and make it a place of comfort and joy.

I need to FOCUS on weight loss.

I need to FOCUS on improving my card making skills and on learning how to sew.

I need to FOCUS on my 101 in 1001.

...not FOCUS

FOCUS!

How Do I Hang Wooden Letters?

UPDATED: This is why I love you all. Thanks so much for the help and support. My plan is to have this project done this week so look soon for the big (OK, or not so big) reveal! Hugs!

So you know those cute wooden letters that people paint or Mod Podge with scrapbook paper? Well, I want to do that for the kids' bathroom. Here's my issue, I don't know how to hang them. I know I can use ribbon like I did in Jamison's room but I really just wanted to hang them without that. I am creating the word CLEAN and I can see the L, A and N giving me problems. Do they make bracket hanging thingys that small (yes, that's what I just called them)? What to do people? Help a sista out!

The Simple Woman's Daybook - January 4, 2010

For today...

Outside my window...cold and cloudy. We are going to have temps in the teens this week...brrr.

I am thinking...about the year ahead and all of the things I want to do. I have been slacking in my list making (gasp, I know!) and I need to get back on the ball.

I am thankful...for our new Small Group. Rondell and I recently made the tough decision to switch Small Groups. We had the opportunity to visit a group that is completely going through and teaching on the Bible. Rondell and I realized how much we need to know the basics (since we are new to really studying the Bible) in order to increase our walk with Christ. While we will miss our old group (we will still keep in touch with them, of course...Hi Jodie and Laura!) we love all of the information that we are absorbing and all that God is having us learn through Josh and Katie!

I am praying...for obedience.

I am reading...Twilight...well kind of. I watched the movie this weekend and I thought it was really good, but now I want to read the book (because I love to read). My co-worker is going to bring me the book tomorrow and I will start reading right away.

I finished Captivating and I'll be sure to let you know my thoughts soon.

I am hoping...to figure out a good system and routine to get my projects done. I need to focus on one thing at a time (I feel like I've said this before!).

From the kitchen...Chili, cabbage & noodles, and maybe tacos. I need to get back to meal planning too.

Around the house...it feels like chaos. I have too many little projects going on at once and I need to focus on one at a time. This week I plan on finishing the kids' bathroom and organizing our hall closet.

One of my favorite things...listening to Jamison and her friends talk. Jamison's friend Hannah and her family came over for pizza last night and it was so cute to listen to their little conversations.

A few plans for the rest of the week...figure out a master plan in getting a good project routine, finance routine, menu routine, etc...finish the kids' bathroom, read Genesis 1-14, and go to my friend Tonya's Stampin Up! workshop.

Here is a picture I'm leaving you with:

Jamison got this cookbook for Christmas from Aunt Roni. It has a lot of nice recipes and one of them is called "Froggy-in-the-water cupcakes." Jamison, Aunt Roni and Caleb made them on Thursday. The recipe calls for blue frosting but we had a can of strawberry frosting and that worked just fine for Jamison. Aren't they cute!?

Go here for more daybooks!

Ringin in the New Year Right!

For the fourth year in a row we have gotten together with our friends Lyndsey, Amber & Amber for New Year's Eve (Amber J missed year 2 & 3, so it was good to have her back this year!).

Usually we go to someone's house and have yummy food and hang out. This year we went out to eat (good suggestion Lyn) at a local Italian place and then to Amber's house. It was another great New Year's Eve!

Check out all the kids and their DSs. It was so funny to see them all at the table playing their games. They were checking out each other's games too so it was interactive.

Jamison was a little under the weather but she stayed strong and had good time. We did have to leave Amber's early because she was fading.

The girls...Amber J, me, Amber & Lyndsey (with Jamison in the back...she was actually the only girl child).

Here's Caleb and Amber J's little boy. Jordan is a little older than Caleb and so adorable!

At Amber's...the boys.

Acting silly.

Nothing like good friends!

Me and my honey.

My photographer friend in action.

Kind of a funny story. When Jamison was 3 we bought her a train table for Christmas. She loved it for a while and then became uninterested. It's pretty big and since we don't have an actual kid space it took up a lot of room in our dining area. Amber wanted one for her son Eli and so last year I gave her the train table...not thinking that soon Caleb would LOVE Thomas.

When we went to Amber's for Halloween I heard very little from Caleb because this is what he was doing:

Playing with her train table.

I could have kicked myself right then and there. Well fast forward...Lyndsey was looking to part with hers because her boys don't play with it anymore and so she gave it to Caleb. We've come full circle:

The kids enjoying the table (we still need to set up the track).

I made dinner New Year's Day. I got my turkey from the store (and it was yummy) and then I made mac & cheese, dressing and green beans. We ate dinner and then watched The Ohio State University beat the Ducks. My mom was there and Marja & Mila came too!

Jamison and Marja.

Maybe one day the look from Mila will be the look of love instead of "are you crazy?"

What a great way to ring in the NEW YEAR! Hello 2010!