Saturday, May 26, 2012

Love Bean - 8 Months

Love Bean turned 8 months old six days ago! She's on the move all of time, trying to stand by herself, has 3 teeth and loves bananas. Friday was her last day with her nanny. We all had a tearful goodbye, it was as if Stella knew she wasn't going to be coming over on Monday morning.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Rae is Two

Raelin is two now! I can't believe how fast she has grown up:( To celebrate being two we had family over for cupcakes and ice cream. Cupcakes seem perfect, being that I call her that from time to time.

Rae came into the world on May 21, 2010. Wow, I can't even remember exact time. . .bad mommy award goes to me!
Just a little background, when I got to the hospital to have Jo I was dilated to an eight. I had her one and half hours after being there, pushing only 10 minutes. It was actually a great labor experience. Personally the labor wasn't bad it was being pregnant was the hard part. Due to my fast labor the doctor was considered with how fast Raelin would come. So she told me they would most likely induce me on my due date. I personally did not want that and was hoping it didn't get to that point.

Anywho we started off the day going to hang out with my mama and her kiddos (she had foster kids at the time) at my dad's shop (they were getting their house remodeled). I sat there and kept saying I felt like I was contracting, I was 5 days early. With Jo I was 5 days late so I really figured I would go a week over. But, anyway mother made me keep track of the time in between. They were like 20 minutes apart. I ended up meeting my friend, Lacey, for Chinese around 1pm. During and after I noticed them a little stronger and closer together. I called the doctor's office and they said if they get 10 minutes I should go in, they were by then 13 minutes apart. Then I called Jess to let him know the status, I told him just to continue working and we would go in when he got home. Of course our home was a mess. So I decided to go home with Andi and clean like crazy. (I didn't get much accomplished due to the fact my contractions kept getting closer and closer) I made a list that I wanted to get done before we went in. Turns out Jess didn't think he should work rest of the day and booked it home. He came home and he kept telling me we needed to get going. We were now at 10 minutes apart. Finally we got everything around, because I didn't have anything packed either, and took Andi to his parents house. By the time we got her dropped off contractions were getting closer. We were at 5 minutes apart. Finally we were off to the hospital. We got to the hospital and got admitted and 1 hour and 40 minutes of labor with 20 minutes of pushing out came Rae. She didn't cry at first due to Meconium. We knew right away she was a Raelin Deann. (We had three different names picked and figured we would know when we seen her). Jo was excited to meet her along with the rest of the family. We were in the hospital one night and then got to go home.

Since the day brought her home Jo has been a great big sister. Loves to help/over help.

Rae is our wild child. We love her crazy infectious laugh. We embrace that stubbornness that she might get that from me:/ She is putting sentances together and can count to 10 with a little help. She loves to dance, jump and tries to sing (sorry Rae mom and dad have no talent there either;). She is learning how to peddle her bike, dang them short legs. Loves to eat fwuit snaaaaackkks, juuuiiiiccceee, weading, and to colow. She has trouble with "r's" and I am not mad, it is seriously the cutest thing. I am sure she will grow out of that. Lately she tried to call me Malloweeee and Jess, Jissse. She loves hugs and her Auntie Ally, Wuth and Booga(nephew Easton). Rae loves talking on the phone. When she walks into her grandparents she asks for her Poppies first. She doesn't share that well and loves to hug on Gat (a little too much)! She has the biggest heart already. I cannot wait to see what she does and how she grows up.  Although I am positive she is going to be a toughy. Oh yah, and she has her daddy wrapped around her cute, short, chubby fingers.
Love at first sight
HelpeR 
Hot summer! So hard to have a baby in the summer!haha never know what to put on them.
First Halloween
New house with Uncle Ceesey.
Finally Hair!!! Hard to believe how much she grew from when I went in the hospital and then came home! 
Playing in her new sand box daddy made her.
Loves her some cupcakes! 
Homemade music wall:)
Dripping water from playing in her new water table!
Playing around with Uncle Ceesey and Aunt Carrie

"Abby" new gift from Jo.
Cupcake!
Sorry so many pictures, but, it is hard to choose!

IN CHRIST ALONE, MY HOPE is FOUND, HE IS MY LIGHT. MY STRENGTH. MY SONG.

Monday, May 14, 2012

What it Means to Us

In honor of Mothers Day we share what being a mamma means to us . . .

I am not going to lie sometimes I think of the role of a mother as a terrifying and intimidating job. It is hard to ignore that enormous amount of responsibility that comes with the title of mommy. For goodness sakes we are training little humans for life! What if I fail?! So the time I don't spend being scared I like to take advantage of the impact and influence I have in Roo's life because that's what being a mamma means to me. It's also obvious being a mamma means I get to give out as many kisses and I love yous as I can, tell her she is gorgeous everyday, and hand out a little more love on top of that :) As for my plan for raising ruth this is it ....



Being a mama to Jo, Rae and Gat is such a honor. I am proud to be a mom and honestly I think it is what I am best at. Giving endless love with some discipline in there. Being a mom means that I get to raise three crazy kids to love life and themselves. I hope I can instill in them, the courage to be themselves. And love who they are as a person, not care what is happening around them. Along that to have strong faith. I take that role seriously, I need to be the one to teach them who God is. What heaven is and to pray always. Being a mom is so much more than taking care of their physical needs. It is making sure emotionally and spiritually they are ready to take on the world. All in all being a mama to me means to care.
Yesterday was our last Sunday at South Loop Church. We had a guest speaker, he spoke on the well known passage in 1st Corinthians chapter 13, versus 4-7. 
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 
 I've heard this passage many many times, but yesterday hearing for the first time as a mother, it really sank in how deep, unconditional, unfailing and tireless our love should be. What being a mom means to me is practicing and modeling this kind of love for Stella. In my relationship with her, her daddy, her extended family, friends and even strangers. I want to be patient with her as she grows up, never ceasing to support her and hoping for the best things in her life. Someday, I want her to read that passage or hear it and think of me and my actions. Much like I thought my mom and dad when it finally hit me in the heart yesterday.

Friday, May 11, 2012

Things About Ruth That You May Not Know

There are some things about my little Ruthie girl that you may not know by just looking at pictures and hearing stories on the blog, so I thought I'd let you know some special little things about my little girl that I get to see on a daily basis :)

- She has a birth mark on her left hip
- Her favorite fruit is watermelon
- She is 100% an animal lover/dog whisperer
- She picks out her peas and eats those first
- She prefers syrup in her cream of wheat
- Her "dancing" consists of a non-rhythmic head bob
- She can get the batteries out of any remote given to her
- She enjoys washing the windows with her spit
- She loves bugs, I have to remind her she cannot eat them :/
- She is vocal and by vocal I mean she is LOUD
- She's a dare devil, she'll try anything until she gets hurt.
- She LOVES showers
- Chairs seem to be her main interest right now, rocking chairs preferably
- She finds it necessary to try anything that I am eat
- She has a MAJOR sweet tooth
- She loves bike rides
- She has a staring problem
- Her blankie and elephant are necessary to sleep
- She spends the majority of her day looking out a window
- She loves her MAAA, duhhhhhh...

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Pantry Challenge

We've moved every year for the past 3 years. One thing I've learned is to clear my cupboards. Move the least amount of food items possible - canned goods are heavy! We did one last grocery trip to stock-up on some essentials, but then after that I'm challenging myself to use up as much of our pantry items as possible. What's left at the end of the month, we'll probably donate to a food bank, so we don't have to move it.

Below is a complete list of what we have now (minus my the spices in my spice drawer). I thought it would be fun to share this list and compare what we have left when it's moving day.

I made this list Saturday morning, so some items have already been crossed off!

PANTRY
  • 5 yellow onions (I've used 1)
  • 1 can tuna fish
  • 2 cans great northern beans
  • 1 small jar pimientos
  • 1 can Rotel
  • 1 can refried beans
  • 1 can french onion soup
  • 4 cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can artichoke hearts
  • 1 jar sweet gherkins
  • 2 cans black beans
  • 4 small cans green chiles
  • 2 cans tomato sauce
  • 1 individual serving of Velveeta shells & cheese
  • 1 small jar of mayo
  • partial box of Minute tapioca pudding
  • partial jar of peanut butter
  • about 2 servings of instant white rice
  • 2 boxes spaghetti noodles
  • 1 box of Rice-A-Roni fried rice
  • partial box of Cream of Wheat
  • 1 box of cheesy scalloped potatoes
  • 1 bag of croutons
  • 1 jar instant wild rice
  • half box of lasagna noodles
  • partial box Panko Bread Crumbs
  • 1 1/2 cups instant oatmeal (yes I measured it :)
  • 1/2 container of French Fried Onions
  • almost an entire can of bread crumbs
  • 1/2 container of baking cocoa
  • 1 bottle of ketchup
  • 1 jar of funfetti vanilla frosting
  • 1/2 bag slivered almonds
  • about 4lbs of sugar
  • about 5lbs of flour
  • about 2 lbs of light brown sugar
  • 3 bulbs of garlic
  • large bottle of apple cider vinegar
  • partial bottle of white vinegar
  • partial bottle of rice wine vinegar
  • partial bottle of soy sauce
  • partial bottle of worcetershire sauce
  • large bottle of EVOO
  • partial can of baking powder
  • partial box of baking soda 
  • partial bag of Cheeze-It Snack Mix
  • 1/2 loaf bread
  • 1 hot dog bun
  • 2 partial bags of coffee 
  • some popcorn kernels 
REFRIGERATOR
  • 1/2 tub blue cheese
  • 2 cheese sticks
  • 3 slices baby swiss cheese
  • 10 slices colby jack cheese
  • 1/2 bag of mozzarella
  • 13 slices american cheese
  • 1 tortilla shell
  • tiny bit of yellow mustard
  • about 1/4 bottle of buffalo ranch dressing
  • partial container of grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 bottle tobasco sauce
  • tiny bit of mayo
  • partial bottle of Frank's RedHot Chili Sauce
  • partial bottle of chocolate syrup
  • partial bottle of caramel syrup
  • partial bottle of white chocolate mocha coffee creamer
  • partial jar of minced garlic
  • partial bottle of ceaser dressing
  • partial bottle of spicy brown mustard
  • partial bottle of ketchup
  • almost a full bottle of A1
  • partial bottle of lemon juice
  • 1/2 tube tomato paste
  • partial bottle of squeezable pizza sauce
  • partial bottle of BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 bottle of honey mustard dressing
  • tub of margarine
  • 1 bag celery hearts
  • 1 can Pillsbury crescents
  • 8 sticks of butter
  • handful of baby carrots
  • 2 Arnold Palmers (Tim drank 1)
  • 5 bottles of Leinenkugel Berry Weiss (we've drank 2)
  • partial bottle of maple syrup
  • 2 partial jars of salsa
  • 1 individual yogurt
  • 1/2 jar of spaghetti sauce
  • partial jar of applesauce 
FREEZER
  •  2 whole chickens (I have one cooked, and have used half of it)
  • 1lb pork sausage
  • 1 pack of cheddarwurst
  • 6 chicken breasts (I've used 2)
  • 1lb cheddar cheese
  • 2 sirloin steaks (We've ate 1)
  • 1 pork shoulder
  • 1 ham steak
  • 1/2 bag cocoanut
  • 1 bag chocolate chips
  • plum pierogi
  • 1/2 bag corn
  • 8 1/2 cups chicken stock (I've used 5)
  • 4 squares semi-sweet baking chocolate
SHOPPING TRIP 
  • 8 ct. pack of tortillas
  • tortilla chips
  • cilantro (I've used half the bundle)
  • 2 jalapenos
  • loaf of bread
  • 2 limes
  • dozen eggs
  • 1lb baby carrots 
  • 1/2lb lunch meat
  • 7 bananas (we've ate 3)
  • 1 quart milk
  • 2 jars spaghetti sauce
Some of the meals we've had so far; hot ham & cheese sandwiches, grilled steak, chicken tortilla soup, chicken and white rice in spaghetti sauce

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

What they Wore

Here are some of our favorite outfits from the last month.
What Jo Wore: Jo is wearing the same bright shirt from her Easter outfit (here). The sweater is a purchase from BuyBuy Baby, I found they have a lot of staple items. The jeggings are from Walmart.

What Gat Wore: Gatlyn is wearing his $3.00 jeans from Target, Old Navy kicks, Carter's shirt and his Redwings jacket. We are big hockey fans, so this jacket has been wore by all three kiddos!


What Rae Wore: Rae wasn't too excited about getting her picture taken. She is wearing a jean jacket that is Faded Glory, I am not entirely sure where it came from. I am pretty sure it is a purchase from her Grandma Cathy though. The dress is American Living, clearance purchase from Nanner. And the cute printed shoes are a $2.00 clearance purchase from Target!





 

What Love Bean Wore: Brown sweater w/elbow pads (H&M from the boy's section), green cargo leggings (gift from Nanner), motorcycle boots (Old Navy, gift from Auntie Mandy) Hair bow (CRAM For Kids). She wore this outfit to church a couple of weeks ago.


What Roo Wore: Roo is wearing all hand-me downs from her darling cousin Jo and Rae. Her dress is actually an 18 mos shirt that she wears as a dress with leggings right now. Her bow is from Meijer and are the only ones that will stay in her hair right now so if your looking for a good bow! :)

Monday, May 7, 2012

Being a Mama of Three

Being a mama of three is a fun, tough and rewarding. Since having all three of my kiddies at home life has been... perfect yet challenging. When I was told that two is no big deal it is when you add the third. They weren't lying!!!

  • Make up seems to be forgotten, which bums me out because I have mascara and cover up that I LOVE.
  • I seem to be more organized, which I think is more because I have to be. There is no way I would be able to keep med times straight, along with feedings, and eating times! 
  • ME times seems harder to come by.
  • I have found I need to focus more to give each child one on one time.
  • I have been even MORE grateful for the help Jess gives me.
  • Then there is obviously MORE laundry!
  • Getting kids in bed by 8:30 has been more of a priority. Then Jess and I can have a hour of time to just hang. 
  • I somedays am just mentally drained. . . well probably physically too.
  • I get to have 3 smiling faces in the morning:)
  • Going out of the house better have a purpose. No more just going somewhere to get out of the house.
The best thing about having three kids is all the extra love I get. I get more kisses, hugs, and smiles. I love seeing my kids do things together. Whether Jo and Rae are playing with the dollhouse or if they are reading to Gatlyn. I encourage kisses for their brother!

Most popular question, "How is having 3 kids at home?"

It is hard to manage everything at times. I have a couple breakdowns, but seriously, I had them with one kid and two. So it only makes sense to have them with three right? I have learned that everything is not going to go my way. But, in the same sense. . . all the same rules still apply. So if that means I have to put down a crying baby for a second to make sure Rae or Jo are getting the attention they need, then so be it. Or if I just sat down and then someone won't go to the "Naughty Chair" when they need to, I have to get up.

Some days I have to take a deep breath and just thank God for my kids are here. I pray for patience to show them love and guide them. I also thank God for my super hubster:)



Saturday, May 5, 2012

Homemade Baby Food Cheats

Alexis has posted a couple of times (here and here) about how easy it is to make your own baby food. Now that Love Bean has been on solids for a couple of months, I can attest to how easy it really is. But sometimes it's hard to find time to make it. Especially if I don't make enough on the weekend to last the entire week. I've found some time saving baby food *cheats* that have helped me stay on track. 
  • Frozen vegtables - to save myself the time of peeling, de-stemming, and chopping veggies like green beans, carrots and peas, I purchase bags of frozen vegetables. It's so easy to dump them into the steamer for a few minutes and then puree them
  • Foods that don't need to be cooked, like avocado, banana and kiwi are great to keep on hand. They're easy mash-up with a fork and serve to your little one. They also all mix together well, so if your little one gets bored with one flavor, you can add some variety with different combos
  • Buy canned pumpkin (make sure it's not the pumpkin pie filling) I haven't actually introduced this yet, but I plan on it soon!
  • All natural applesauce (make sure to read the ingredients. You want the only ingredient to be apples, no additives) I love having a jar of this on hand. I add it to her cereal in the mornings, or mix it in with veggies that Love Bean doesn't really like.
  • I don't make my own cereal, but I like to spice up her breakfast a little bit. So I add fruit, cinnamon or both to her breakfast. Love Bean loves when I add the cinnamon, so we've been doing that a lot lately. 
  • You could also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla to your store bought foods. Check out this list on Momtastic's Wholesome Babyfood for other spice ideas
If you make your own baby food, do you have any other time saving tricks you use? Share in the comments or on our Facebook page!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Confession

Sometimes I'm that girl. But, aren't we all? Every now and then when I hear a song that's cute, sweet and/or kind of cheesey I pretend that the lyrics are what Tim wishes he could say to me. You see, for as much as he likes to talk and tell stories, he's not very good at sharing his feelings. I know it's pretty lame, but the latest song I do this with is Lee Brice's "Woman Like You"

Enjoy the music video below.


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

May Love List

It's May already, and time for our May Love Lists!

Memorial Day camping weekend
The Krenz's will be moved back to Michigan!! ..... !!!!!!
Roo will be 11 Months, time to start planning a birthday party :)


Jesse starts hockey again, we like to watch him play:)
Rae turns two!
Memorial Weekend- Camping and fun!
Training for a 5k that we will be doing in June.
Jamie, Tim and Stelly are moving to Michigan! 
WARMER WEATHER!

We're moving back to Michigan!! 
We have plans to see Tim's family
Hubs will be having the grand opening at his new store
We're moving back to Michigan!!
Stella is crawling and on the move