And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Sunday, January 22, 2012

5 years old

Seems like just yesterday Olivia Grace was born. What a proud moment. She is going to start Kindergarten in the fall. Sniff sniff!! She has been one of God's greatest blessings. Such a joy!
 We had Olivia's birthday party at a local preschool. The kids jumped in the bounce house and had the best time! She loved opening her presents. The kid got 6 or 7 different Barbies. I think she is good until Christmas for sure.

This is the cake I made for Liv this year. So cute! She kinda had a melt down when I told her the cake had to go in the fridge. She broke down crying and said, "She will get cold!!" Too funny! But after she saw the finished product she was okay. 
 Cupcakes too!


Happy birthday sweet girl!!

Monday, January 9, 2012

Mommy moment

Have you ever had those "woe is me mommy days" when you think "What have I gotten myself into? I didn't sign up for this!" I had one of those yesterday. My youngest daughter decided to use you own "concoction" to put in one of her tea set bowls and decides to have a snack. Yuck! She did use a spoon however. Since it was supper time I guess she was hungry... I was horrified! Trust me a bath with multiple scrubbings was on the menu! I also used a healthy dose of bleach for the toys. Oy! Or those evenings when your house is messy and you have to make supper, fold laundry, and the phone rings (sometimes I don't answer it). There are some days when I want to "tap out" and say I'm done! I don't know of a Mom (stay at home or working) who hasn't had "one of those days". All at the same time I have a love for my children that is indescribable. I love those munchkins like crazy!!

Then I had another realization (even though I knew it was coming) that my oldest will turn 5 in two weeks and start Kindergarten in 8 months. I can't believe it!! I need to cherish these days because they will be gone before you know it and all the fun "school years" will begin. Snuggling on the couch in the morning while drinking coffee and chocolate milk and watching PBS, gone. The flexibility to go see Papa and Nanna, gone. Family outings on Fridays, gone. I'm so very glad God has a plan for our family and for me as a Momma. As he unfolds his plan and reveals it to us, we will except whatever comes along as a blessing and a chance to grow closer to Him.

I'm not perfect. I don't have all the answers but God does. Motherhood is tough! It's a wonderful yet challenging season.

I read this devotional today from Proverbs 31 ministries. I hope it brings encouragement to your day.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

What goes great with dinner?



These little knots of awesomeness are "parmesan knots" and they are amazing! They go great with any meal! I made them with a pot some Italian soup a week or so ago. Been thinking about them a lot when I make dinner, but really I don't need the extra calories. Honestly, they are very addictive. They are super easy to make. Enjoy!