What we've been doing....

The Zoo: Memorial day weekend, we went to the Tulsa Zoo. It was ok- most of the animal's were inside. I think the local safari would have been more enjoyable for her. However, she did like petting & brushing the goats.

This photo sounded like a good idea- possible christmas card worthy... but it doesn't look as nice as I anticipated. ha! Maybe riding the turtle wasn't a good idea after all!!! :-)

The Corn Maze: A couple weeks ago we drove & drove & drove into the middle of nowhere Missouri with our church youth group to visit this huge maze. There was tons to do! Addi's favorite was playing in the corn. We rode the cow train and hay ride. I can't wait until next year. It was a fun tradition to begin.

In the corn maze.

There was a bridge in the middle of the maze, so you could see all around. This was our photo from the top.

Her first swing set: I went to a local factory/warehouse and attended a sale over the weekend. The had tons, as they were making room to do something else with the building. There were several "prototypes" already assembled -- which is what I wanted! Obviously- my patience paid off and now there is this giant thing in our yard- which she LOVES!!! AND the hubs was over the moon that he only had to re-attach 2 sections & the slide (instead of weeks of labor & anger putting a kit together)!! ha.

Carving Pumpkins: We finished our last pumpkin last night. Another fun family tradition!

In other news: Addi began speech therapy and I'm excited to see improvements in her speech! Even after 2 sessions. She is going to be bat girl for halloween and will try to post pictures next week!!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffin Recipe

Here is the recipe, since it was requested on Facebook! :-)

4 eggs
1 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. applesauce
16oz pumpkin
1 c. whole wheat flour
2 c. unbleached all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 c milk
8 oz chocolate chips (more if desired)

Combine eggs through pumpkin in a bowl and mix well. In a seperate bowl, combine flour through cinnamon. Add dry mix to pumpkin mix, alternating with milk. Stir in chocolate chips. Bake 15-17 minutes at 350 degrees.

Public Restroom Help!

We are getting serious about using the potty! This weekend was the first time that I've had to take Addi into a public restroom to use the bathroom. Let me just say I was not prepared!!! I feel like I need to carry a totally different bag for this!!! I want lysol wipes, germ-x (lots of it), more cleaning supplies!!!

Do you have any advice as to how I should change what I carry in a bag or other tips for taking my munchkin into germ land?

Thanks!!

What we have been up to

1) Potty training- is going good. Yesterday I didn't really change very many wet diapers! We are going in the potty when we are bottomless and have started telling us when she needs to go! She even didn't pee while napping and pee-peed in the potty after nap! I have been using pull-ups to keep the messes down in the house, but mom is using panties. I'm pleased with how things are going. I didn't think we would be potty training this early! She cracks us up- she gets excited about peeing in the potty and jumps up ready to flush it- then 2 seconds later- pees again... and the process repeats. Yesterday I had to make the hubby help, after 5 trips to flush in about 5 minutes!

2) Earthquakes- during supper the other night we had an earthquake in NWA! The 2nd one in a month! It was a 2.6 magnitude, 3.1 miles deep, 2 miles Northwest of Cave Springs. So- it was about 15 miles away. I didn't realize that there is a noise associated with earthquakes, but the ones here sound like thunder. We heard thunder, but there was no storm nearby and then I saw on twitter that we had another earthquake! Crazy! Good thing we have earthquake insurance!! ha-ha

3) Hay- We started hay season on Friday. The hubby & my dad cut about 80 acres of hay. We have a 5 day window without rain, hope we make it. There is a slight chance of storms tomorrow and for the next few days. The hay looks good this year, the wind over the weekend helped dry it out. Maybe next weekend, we can cut the rest! I don't want to drag it out for months. The cows will be happy though!

4) Had to sell a bull- I don't understand why we have such issues with our bulls! Our oldest one didn't pass his breeding exam and we had to take him to the sale. Bummer! The hubs took the mean one to the vet and they trimmed his bad foot- now he's limping so bad we're hoping he will breed cows! I wondered if they didn't do it on purpose, since we got the vet we do not like. He doesn't want to mess with the bad boy and tells us we need to get rid of him EVERY time we are there. He is also the vet that told us we needed to sell him b/c of his foot last year and we were able to make him better!

5) Lanscaping- Addi & I planted flowers this weekend. I changed up what I normally do and have tried the red, white & blue theme. We are going to hang a flag on the front porch and now my flowers match. I also sprayed around the trees and fertilized them. My wonderful dad mowed for us on Sat. while hubby was cutting hay. So- I moved stuff around so dad could mow places we normally don't. Now the house looks awesome! I'll try to get some pics up this week.

6) Addi's 1st trip to the dentist- went much better than I anticipated. We went to a pediatric dentist. I wasn't sure about that whole thing- but I LOVE them. All of the employees really went out of their way to make the kids feel comfortable. She let them look in her mouth and ended up giving the dentist a high five!! They took our picture and will mail it to us! I'll post the picture when I get it.

The Great Swimsuit Hunt & Bargains

Well, the time had come for me to buy a swimsuit! YUCK!!! I searched high and low for just the perfect one... to hide all of my flaws. :-) This is what I found. I ordered it from Land's End. It looks nice on- I can't believe that I can say that! The only negative is I have to shorten the straps for some extra bust support and it is an investment/ aka- expensive!

Sorry about the mini picture. :-)

Next- I tried to tackle little girl suits! I swear.... who designs these things. I wouldn't have worn them when I was a teenager! This is the first suit I found for Addi. It's at the Children's Place and was on sale for $10!!!

This is Addi's 2nd suit. It is at JcPenny's and is currently out of stock! I happened to find a 3T at a local store that fit. She needs the straps shortened to, but fits otherwise. Lucky me again- the store was having a doorbuster sale and got it for $8.90! It was originally $19.99!

In other bargain news- I found my 12 yr old nephew jeans at the Children's Place for $4.99!!! Can you believe it!!! They had found them in the back and put a rack of jeans out in various sizes... they were $25 originally! Yeah me!!!

Here is a link to one of my new favorite blogs- A Passion for Savings! Check it out!

http://www.passionforsavings.com/

Now I've Heard Everything....

My entire life during storm season- Meteorologists make excuses for not sending out warnings on storms that cause damage! I have heard reasons from micro bursts, straight line winds, down drafts, ect. But now I've heard them all!

This photo was sent to several news stations yesterday. An entire community saw it (even police officers) and took cover thinking that a tornado was headed towards them. The community was upset that there were no warnings issued for this particular storm. There was damage reported- trees knocked down. I watched one tv station last night and heard this story.

This folks- is most definately not a funnel cloud.... it is a LAND SPOUT!!! A what- a dust devil???? No- similar to a water spout, but on land....

The rotation originated from the ground and extended up to the clouds... YES- that is exactly how it appears in the photo!!! (NOT)... I couldn't help but laugh watching the explanation and graphics on the screen.
If you're interested here is the link to the entire story:
http://4029weather.wordpress.com/2010/05/16/possible-landspout-in-mansfield/

Big Girl- Potty time!!

Someone has been interested in the potty for a couple months. She has been wearing panties and sitting on the potty papa made her at my mom's. She went #2 in the potty at grandma's!! We have a wide variety of pottys for everyone! I bought the pooh potty for our house and a beagle potty for Grandma Linda's. I get her to sit on the potty when I go and sporadically through the night. She was sitting on her potty while daddy was taking a shower and she pee-peed in the potty!!!

I can't believe how big she is getting! Time is flying by!!

Here is a picture of the potty we bought.

A big girl sitting on the big potty... :-)

Easter 2010

The Family- after church

Her Easter basket- lots of chocolate, sidewalk chalk, a puzzle & adorable peeps

She LOVED finding easter eggs. She did have tights on, but pulled them off during lunch!

"Oh, Look!! Another Egg!!"

Birthday Parties

March 16, 2010- The Birthday Girl

We had a little party- just the 3 of us. We had hotdogs & birthday cake. I had taken the day off of work and we went to Ricks where she picked out 2 little birthday cakes for that night. :-)

On one of my shopping outings I found this Barbie Jeep at a re-sale shop. We gave it to her on her birthday. She loves it- you can see she was putting her toys in it.

The "Big" Party was on Saturday the 20th. I made her cake. Everything was teddy bear: ice cubes, sandwiches, candy. I have more pictures on my sister's camera. I'll post more when I get her photos.

My favorite was the balloons that I ordered from a local store- The Balloon Closet. They are awesome!! The little bear is still inflated. The other one is still inflated, but doesn't float. :-) She drags him around the house.



Addi's Grandma & Grandpa got her this tricycle.

During her party it started snowing- we got the biggest snow of the year- 14 inches or so!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Addi!

I can't believe you are two years old!!! It just seems like yesterday that we found out we were going to have a baby!

You have made our dreams a reality from the moment of your creation. We are so thankful to have you in our lives.

You are sooo honery now. You still won't talk, which is because you don't have to... but we are working on it. :-) You definitely have attitude with getting your needs/wants across to everyone. You are still spending your days with Grandma Miller & Grandma Robins. You are very picky about what you eat- we never know what you are going to like. You have decided you don't like The Wonder Pets anymore- you want to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. You love animals and we have to read the same book at bedtime- Biscuits day on the farm. You have discovered mama's piano and want to play it everyday. You are very gentle (most of the time) and actually play it- not bang on the keys.

Aug. 2007- Our first good look at you

Jan. 2008- What will you look like?

Your arrival: March 14 2008

This is howI remember you looking- the very first time I saw you out of the delivery room.

My little bird- ready to eat!

March 16th, 2009- Your First Birthday

Your first birthday party.


March 2010- What a big girl you are.

You are very honery....

These two verses that mean a great deal to me-

"I have prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him"- 1 Samuel

"Train a child in the way she should go and when she is old she will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

First Major Laundry Incident & Cure for Crayon Stains

Well- it finally happened...

I washed an entire load of ALL of Addi's clothes WITH a RED Crayon!!!! I didn't notice until I was taking them out of the dryer!!! I almost cried- red, matted, chunky crayon on EVERYTHING! Socks, pj's, white shirts... you name it.

So- I googled... and found a crazy combination of laundry cleaning supplies had worked for some people with melted red crayon issues too.

2 c. Tide (I used Gain)
1 c. Oxiclean
1/2 c. 20 Mule Team Borax
1 c. Shout
1 c. white vinegar

I was not expecting miracles- just for her clothes to look decent enough to get us by until spring.

I bought all of the supplies, started the load of laundry and let the drum fill w/ water, dumped everything in (I cut the ingredients in half, since it was a small load) and let it soak overnight.

The combination got the stains out that weren't caked on melted crayon. I then sat at the table with a knife, scrapping crayon off of her clothes and spraying the spots with Shout. Before bed I restarted the load w/ the same concoction and let it soak overnight. The next morning the clothes were CLEAN!!! Now- there were still some yellow-y spots on the white shirts that were covered BADLY with crayon and I had to rinse the clothes several times to get the soap out. But for the most part the crayon came out of everything!

I'm passing this along- the magic cure for caked on melted crayon!

I learned my lesson that I not only have to check my hubby's pockets for gun & ink pens, but now I must check my daughters clothing for hidden crayons!!! :-)

Family Fun Friday- College Basketball Game

We recently were able to attend a Men's Razorback Basketball game! I have never been to a men's basketball game!! It was lots of fun. The crowd didn't get as excited as at football games, but I love hearing the fight song and calling out hogs!!!

We lucked out and were given these tickets. They were great seats- Row 15 on the aisle- right behind the Razorback bench. I hope to make a tradition and atleast get Addi to 1 razorback game a year, especially as she gets older.

This is my favorite mascot.

I took pictures before the game.

I think this is a great family activity. We didn't take Addi, but I think she would have had fun. We have already taught her to call the hogs.
This game turned out well- we beat Auburn in overtime!!!

Now I can't wait until football season!

WHOOOOOOOO ----- PIG SOOIE

WHOOOOOOOO ---- PIG SOOIE

RAZORBACKS!!!!!!

Menu Plan for February

Here is my plan for the month:

1- Shake N' Bake Chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans
2- 4 cheese lasagna (Hamb. Helper)
3- Pancakes (make enough to freeze), Turkey Sausage & eggs
4- Mexican Chicken Casserole
5- Ham and scalloped potatoes
6- Chicken Parmesan
7- Super Bowl Party: make Taco Salad
8- Chicken in Cream Sauce and pasta
9- Slow Cooker Italian Stew
10- Ravioli and veggies
11- Mexican Cornbread (use frozen filling)
12- Pizza
13- Go Out
14- Steak, Potatoes & Grilled veggies
15- Chicken Spaghetti (frozen sauce)
16- Hot Dogs, French Fries
17- BBQ Sandwiches (frozen)
18- Chicken Tacos and Spanish rice
19- Take Out
20- Homemade Chicken and Noodles (Pioneer Woman recipe)*
21- Hamburgers & Fries
22- Italian chicken & rice
23- Beef Stroganoff (Ham.Help.)
24- Chicken Cordon Bleu (Slow Cooker)*
25- Burritos with chili
26- Pork Chops and Scalloped Potatoes
27- Themed Family Night (Mexican): make Enchiladas*
28- Chicken Fried Steak and potatoes

The nights with (*) denotes a new recipe that we have never tried before.
This month I am trying to use items or leftovers that I have in the freezer and pantry. I continue to plan "easy" meals for the weeknights, since those nights it's very difficult to get dinner completed by 7pm.

You Might Be a Redneck.....

The guys had a first at the tire shop, yesterday...

A MAN brought a flat tire in.....

AND.....

He had put a BAND-AID over the hole!!!! ---gasp, a what....

One of the mechanics said, he should have used neosporin too, because it makes the cuts heal faster!!!

Now... stop laughing so hard...... :-)

I told Stephen he needs to keep a journal of all the stupid things people do & say and we can write a book one day!!!

Ice Storm- 1 year later

In 2009 we were hit with a huge ice storm see post here. It looks like a pretty major storm for 2010 will be hitting us almost exactly 1 year later! The latest predictions are: .25 - 1 inch of ice accumulation with 4-8, possibly 10 inches of snow/sleet on top of the ice!! This should begin raining Thursday and continue into Friday.

Yeah!!- NOT! Looks like we'll be gassing up the generators, stocking up on candles and preparing the cows for yucky weather!!

Rant of the day

Lately, my heart has been burdened by the horrible things that are happening to our nation's children. I don't understand how systems (like adoption) can be so complicated & expensive and ultimately fail to help those they are trying to help. I am grateful for all of the agencies that help international children, but what about the children in your neighborhood? Who helps them? I saw on tv last night that my county has 600 children that are being abused! WHAT? And one of the stories- a girl was being molested by her father- who ultimately got custody of her when her mom tried to get her away from the abuser!! Again--WHAT? How does the system fail? I just don't understand....

I was also disappointed in one of my favorite tv shows last night. Why would one of your main story lines be a 15 year old considering an abortion, let alone her parents trying to force it upon the child!? What are you trying to teach the teenagers that are watching this show? Yes- I realize that she didn't go through with it, but what bothers me is how accessible the procedure was... Like going to the dentist to pull a tooth.... I was also unappreciative of the way they portrayed the mom- such anger that she turns her back on her daughter, when she refused the abortion! Unconditional love should be the lesson.

How can we change these systems? How can we support those around us that need help? How do make changes when everything is so corrupt, ran by a corrupt government? It just makes me so sad.

I pray everynight that God watches over Addi, helps us to be the best parents possible- to teach her what she needs to be able to make the right choices and to watch over her future husband. I pray that somehow we can make a difference for the future generations!

2010- A More Organized & Crafty Me

One of my goals for 2010 was to make our home more organized. My main goal was to plan our meals to 1) be more healthy and 2) save money. On New Years Day, I planned out the whole month of January and made a family notebook. I'm proud to say I have done great! I have tried new recipes, cooked enough to freeze and we have only eaten out twice. I feel more balanced when I get home and dinner is either done or will take a few minutes to prepare. Gone are the days of standing in the pantry looking at the shelves trying to decide what to cook and giving up for La Huerta!! :-) I will try to post my menu later this week and a few recipes.

My next goal is to schedule my chores to allow myself free time. This weekend I spent Sat. with my grandmother learning how to knit. I am attempting a pancho for Addi. We'll see how it turns out. Also, it is time to begin the birthday party preparations! I want to decorate her cake this year, so I have decided to do teddy bears. I have the cutest 3-d bear pan. I may regret it, but I have also decided to make her invitations, thank-you cards & gift bags!!! I need to go to hobby lobby, asap!! I am going to use some stamps, if I can find teddy bears. I have also found some cute ideas on Martha Stewart's website for: Teddy bear ballons, monkey cups (but I will convert to bear), Bear noisemakers, birthday banners & favors!!! Hopefully, I can get all of my crafts done before the big day.

As for Addi- she has started taking her pants off, putting her shoes on (or our shoes), telling us when she wants a clean diaper, attempting to say please, lots of animal noises, and most recently refuses to change her shirt if she likes the one she's wearing! Sat. she wore her Dora pj top to wal-mart because she didn't want to change, but I didn't care b/c she was going to wear a top over the t-shirt. :-) She has also started to throw herself on the ground when she's angry- I'm thinking the terrible 2's have arrived.