Winner Annouced

My dear friend, Audrey, won the giveaway! I am excited to hand deliver the prayer devotional & 2 Pampered Chef gadgets to her!
Thank you to all that submitted your name! Stay tuned for the next chance to win :)

2 on 2- November

Happy November! Wow, the first year w Evelyn is flying by! She is now 9.5 months old! She weighs 15 lb. 4 oz. (A few ounces smaller than Cora was at this age) She waves, claps & gives kisses. She is eating more table food and now enjoying what she is eating.  2 more teeth have come through on the top but she is still working on another 2. No she is not sleeping through the night, not even close...But who is keeping track of how many times she is up?!?!?
She was my little lamb on Halloween and just as adorable as could be!

Cora Mae decided last minute to change her costume & become Cinderella rather than Rapunzel. It was precious, actually! She had been telling me for months she wanted to be Rapunzel so we got a costume from my niece. Perfect. She wore it everyday since the day she got it; even wore it to bible study Thursday morning. When it was time to dress for Trick or Treating she told me "Mommy, I just really want to be Cinderella. She is my favorite & I love her the most. Please can I wear my Cinderella dress?" Cute, right? I didn't care, so she got herself all ready in the Cinderella outfit my mom got her months ago for her birthday. Cora was such a trooper Trick or Treating. It was raining, cold & yucky here. That didn't stop her. She was so excited & ready to keep going house to house for "MORE CANDY"! It was a cold, wet but FUN night for me too :)
Cora also decided she didn't want to do dance anymore. She told me that she likes dance but she likes being w/ me more (Ohhhh, how I just love her sweetness) Maybe we'll try again in a year or so....
That's an update on my beautiful girls. They are treasures, for sure!

 

October= Breast Cancer Awareness GIVEAWAY!

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month I am hosting a give away!
The prize is 2 Pampered Chef products that are only available during the "Help Whip Cancer" campaign & a prayer book that I have used for years but has recently taught me how to pray for my bestie, Jenna, as she fights her fight against breast cancer. (LOVE YOU, JEN)

To get your name into the random drawing you need to leave me any kind of comment on THIS post before November 7th.

These are the 3 items being given away:::

Mini Scoop N Measure. (The one I will be giving away is pink)

Cake Tester (You would use this anytime you reach for a tooth pick to see if your cake, brownies, bread is finished) I love this tool & use is alllll the time!

 

30 by 30~ October

Blog Related:::
1. Host a blog give away. DONE. I held 1 in early June to celebrate my 250th post. Yay!
2. Host a guest post. DONE. For World Breast Feeding week I "interviewed" a friend, Ruth Nelson. Read about it here.
3. Keep up on blog series I have started (Happy Homemaker Monday, 2 on 2 & Pinterest Projects) So Far, So Good!

Home Related:::
4. Organize & de-clutter every room in the house month by month (Ex: May= our master bedroom, June= Cora's room, July= Living room etc.) The rooms are coming along and it feels great to be decluttering & organizing.
5. Make several different household products. I tested several ways to clean w vinegar here is Part 1 and Part 2 & made Foaming Hand Soap. This month I made dryer sheets read what I did here
6. Cook something for my freezer at least once a week. This month: took it easy this month. My freezer is plenty full...
7. Have a garage sale. DONE. Happened in April. I made about $70 I have sold things using Facebook & have made $99 in 1 week. :)
8. Add 'curb appeal' to our home (shrubs,grass, flowers, stone work etc.)
9. Plant something I've never planted in my garden. DONE.We planted strawberries!
10. Hang an outside clothes line


Family Related:::

`

11. Go on a few dates w/ Kenny. Anniversary dinner at 157, Dish in July Mid-October we went on a lunch date to Pikks in Valpo :)
12. Plan a Shipshewana, IN trip. DONE.We went mid-August.
13. Plan something special for Ken's 30th birthday (September) DONE!  
14. Document the year through pictures/Be more intentional w/ new camera
15. Take girls to the zoo. DONE.We went for Father's day.
16. Teach Cora the the letters of the alphabet
17. Open saving accounts for girls
18. Get back on track using coupons, price matching, staying w/i our weekly grocery budget So Far, So Good
19. Go on a family vacation DONE. WE WENT TO FLORIDA FOR 11 DAYS IN MARCH!

For Me:::
20. Lose baby weight (I'll do this slowly b/c I'm nursing. I will not start a crazy diet plan. My plan is simple: eat healthy, walk & give it time!) DONE!!!
21. Treat myself to a manicure OR pedicure. DONE. Went w/ some friends in May
22. Do something totally different with my hair, DONE. read this post.
23. Do something special for my 30th birthday (in February)
24. Create & implement a daily cleaning schedule (I have seen tons of these online but none work for me. I need a personalized one)
25. Start journaling my bible reading time. I am in 1 Peter. I am following Priscilla Shirer's 5 Ps of bible study.

For Others:::
26. Do something neighborly for at least 2 of my neighbors. We took Key Lime Cookies to our neighbors Jim & Rose & we also delivered a dozen sweet corn to another neighbor.
27. Get more involved in our Preschool program at church. DONE.
28. Teach at least 1 friend how to pressure and/or water bath can DONE. I pressured canned w my mom
29. Be a bell ringer for Salvation Army during the Christmas season (I wanted to do this this past Christmas but thought of it too late & couldn't get it scheduled)
30. Act out at least 3 random acts of kindness (No plan for this- I will wait for the Holy Spirit to guide me)

Banana-Caramel Cupcakes

I am not sure if these are cupcakes or muffins? Maybe I should call them "Cupffins"? :) The cupcake is "Julified" with whole wheat flour & coconut oil. Even still, the girls loved these.

Cupcakes:

1/4 c. butter, softened

1 c. sugar

1 egg

3 ripe bananas

1/3 c. coconut oil, in liquid form (Vegetable oil works too)

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. flour

1/2 c. whole wheat flour

1 tsp.  baking soda

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

-Cream butter & sugar
-Add egg, bananas,coconut oil & vanilla. Mix well.
-In a separate bowl, combine both flours, baking soda, cinnamon & salt.
-Gradually, add to the banana mixture & stir just until combined.
-Add batter to a cupcake pan.
-Bake at 350 for approx. 20 minutes.

Icing:

2 tbsp. butter

1/3 c. Brown sugar

1 tbsp. milk

3 tbsp. powdered sugar
Dash of salt & vanilla

-Add butter to a sauce pan & melt over medium heat.
-Add brown sugar & milk. Bring to a simmer to ensure all the sugar granules dissolve.
-Add powdered sugar
-Add just a dash of salt & vanilla
(This icing thickens as it cools. Wait to add additional powdered sugar if it seems too thin)

Cora, Rapunzel enjoying her cupcake

Happy Homemaker Monday (10-28-13)

Bible verse, Devotional::: Read this this morning in the "Power Prayers" book that I mention below::: "Search me, O God, and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting." -Psalms139:23-24

The weather::: Looking forward to some 60+ degree days! But Rain Rain GO AWAY!


















On my reading pile::: Beth Moore's "Wising Up"

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Grilled lamb chops & corn
Tuesday - Bowtie pasta w/ ham & broccoli
Wednesday - Tamale pie
Thursday - Vegetable soup & homemade biscuits (perfect for a chilly night of trick or treating)
Friday - Dinner out
Saturday - Lamb burgers
Sunday - Swedish meatballs (from freezer) over noodles

Today's To Do list::: Oyyyy, overwhelmed! Too much to list.

Looking around the house::: Cora is cuddled up w me in recliner. Ev is still sleeping. It is dark & chilly this morning. House looks great-love when I actually get it cleaned up from weekend. Ha!

Highlight of the past weekend::: I did not leave the house all day Friday or Saturday. And Sunday I just left for a quick "Family Blessing" class. We are "dedicating" Evie to the Lord on November 10th!

Looking forward to this week::: Halloween

Posts I am Working on::: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Giveaway!, More uses for Vinegar, 2 on 2, & Banana-Carmel cupcakes. Wow, not sure I will get all those done this week, but I'll try!

What Cora has to say::: "Mommy, Evie is getting too big & getting into my things. I want God to put a baby boy in your tummy & he will just lay there & not get into my things."
Hmmm, where does she get this stuff? She cracks me up!

From the camera::: Sorry, not a cute picture of my girls this week. But I have to share this book with y'all! I have had it for several years & used it a many of times. The glossary gives topics so you can flip to a section of the book that you are needing to pray about! It is perfect for when you don't know how to pray or what to pray. Or when the situation is just to difficult to come up w the words on your own!

I won't always

These past several weeks have been hard on the "Mommy Front": Evie is getting 4 teeth on top, oh they are just below the surface. She is super whinny & insists that I hold her; almost constantly. She is up 4-5 times at night!
 Also, bc Cora has given up naps she too is more whinny & sassy than normal.
Especially, during "The witch's hour" I have been trying to be patient & offer grace to my girls. Some days it is harder than others but I have been reminded by the Holy Spirit during several situations that
I won't always.......

...Have a precious {fussy} baby at my feet while cooking dinner

...Be able to soothe her {teething} pain by rocking her (for hours). Someday, her pain will be caused by things much more out of my control...

 

...Have such an {extensive, long & tiring} bedtime routine w these beauties!

 

MIY: Dryer Sheets

Last week, I made dryer sheets. I have used them in several loads now & really like them! My laundry smells great, they are cheap & I know exactly what is in them. I looked up several different "recipes" online and this is what I came up with. Once I got the essential oil, which I got from Amazon for about $8, I had everything I needed. I used lavender but wouldn't lemon smell wonderful?!?!

Here is what you'll need:
Old shirt or rag
2 c. vinegar
20-30 drops of essential oil
Old jar or vessel to store

 

Cut the shirt or rag into approx. 6in squares. Add vinegar & oil to jar & swirl to mix. Add rags. When ready to use squeeze out some of the liquid {But do not wring it all out} After load is dry just throw the dried rag back into the jar! Easy as that!

Happy Homemaker Monday (10-14-13)

I started this early in the morning. But then my day took a turn when I had to take Mae to the doctor: strep & ear infection. So, as you can imagine this post was put on the back burner.  But it is still Monday, so here ya go! I am glad Monday is over & praying for a better Tuesday!

Bible verse, Devotional:::

The weather::: Perfectly Fall: Highs 57-68  Lows 37-45 (I would LOVE a frost to hold off longer tough!)

On the menu this week::: Eating from freezer/pantry this week
Monday - Tamale Pie
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Ham & Scalloped potatoes
Thursday - Broccoli cheese soup
Friday - Coconut curry lamb
Saturday - Leftovers
Sunday - Tuna casserole

Today's To Do list:::

• Eeeek, I'd rather not see it all in a list!

My "project" of the week Month::: De clutter the basement

What I plan to cook for my freezer::: Nothing this week.

Looking around the house::: Sweet baby (who is 9mo old today) playing on the floor, her big sis is still sleeping. I've got bags to unpack & laundry to put away. Pretty much my house is in complete disarray since I left Ken to fend for himself for 5 days.....

Highlight of the past weekend::: The girls were not feeling well all weekend! Phew, it was rough! So my highlight comes before they got sick, on Friday Ken & I went on a lunch date.

Looking forward to this week::: Being home & getting things done here

What Cora has to say::: "Mommy, I am not feeling so well. But I know YOU are gonna make me feel better real soon."

From the camera:::

2 on 2~ October

Not much to report this month. Evie is cutting more teeth. 4 on top. She has been miserable & I feel so bad for her. I can see the outline in her gums of the forming teeth. Poor baby!

 

Cora started dance class. She seems to be enjoying it but bc I am not allowed in the room w her I don't really know for sure! I have started giving her "chores" like helping me set & clear the dinner table. The little things she can do for me are really starting to add up!

 

Oooooh, I just LOVE my lil pumpkins!

30 by 30- September

Blog Related:::
1. Host a blog give away. DONE. I held 1 in early June to celebrate my 250th post. Yay!
2. Host a guest post. DONE. For World Breast Feeding week I "interviewed" a friend, Ruth Nelson. Read about it here.
3. Keep up on blog series I have started (Happy Homemaker Monday, 2 on 2 & Pinterest Projects) So Far, So Good!

Home Related:::
4. Organize & de-clutter every room in the house month by month (Ex: May= our master bedroom, June= Cora's room, July= Living room etc.) The rooms are coming along and it feels great to be decluttering & organizing.
5. Make several different household products. I tested several ways to clean w vinegar here is Part 1 and Part 2 & made Foaming Hand Soap.
6. Cook something for my freezer at least once a week. This month: Lemon blueberry bread, stuffed shells, applesauce
7. Have a garage sale. DONE. Happened in April. I made about $70
8. Add 'curb appeal' to our home (shrubs,grass, flowers, stone work etc.)
9. Plant something I've never planted in my garden. DONE.We planted strawberries!
10. Hang an outside clothes line


Family Related:::
11. Go on a few dates w/ Kenny. Anniversary dinner, Dish in July
12. Plan a Shipshewana, IN trip. DONE.We went mid-August.
13. Plan something special for Ken's 30th birthday (September) DONE! I planned & pulled off a surprise party for Kenny Labor Day weekend. He was so surprised & it was a great night!
14. Document the year through pictures/Be more intentional w/ new camera
15. Take girls to the zoo. DONE.We went for Father's day.
16. Teach Cora the the letters of the alphabet
17. Open saving accounts for girls
18. Get back on track using coupons, price matching, staying w/i our weekly grocery budget So Far, So Good
19. Go on a family vacation DONE. WE WENT TO FLORIDA FOR 11 DAYS IN MARCH!

For Me:::
20. Lose baby weight (I'll do this slowly b/c I'm nursing. I will not start a crazy diet plan. My plan is simple: eat healthy, walk & give it time!) DONE!!!
21. Treat myself to a manicure OR pedicure. DONE. Went w/ some friends in May
22. Do something totally different with my hair, DONE. When I wrote this list back in March I was thinking something like red highlights, I've never done red before. Or maybe the trendy, ombre. Wow, what I didn't know then was that my dear friend, Jenna, would be diagnosed w/ breast cancer. If you haven't heard about my new hair cut read this post.
23. Do something special for my 30th birthday
24. Create & implement a daily cleaning schedule (I have seen tons of these online but none work for me. I need a personalized one)
25. Start journaling my bible reading time. I am in 1 Peter. I am following Priscilla Shirer's 5 Ps of bible study.

For Others:::
26. Do something neighborly for at least 2 of my neighbors. We took Key Lime Cookies to our neighbors Jim & Rose & we also delivered a dozen sweet corn to another neighbor.
27. Get more involved in our Preschool program at church. DONE. We picked a new curriculum & my schedule is allowing me to volunteer room. Love those preschool aged kiddos :)
28. Teach at least 1 friend how to pressure and/or water bath can (Who wants this to be them?!?!) During my Indiana Trip I pressure canned beans w/ my mom. But I think she may need another lesson!
29. Be a bell ringer for Salvation Army during the Christmas season (I wanted to do this this past Christmas but thought of it too late & couldn't get it scheduled)
30. Act out at least 3 random acts of kindness (No plan for this- I will wait for the Holy Spirit to guide me)

Happy Homemaker Monday (9-30-13)

I absolutely LOVE fall.
The tempertures have fallen & leaves are starting to change.
I can feel God's presence all around me.

Bible verse, Devotional::: "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." -Hebrews 10:23

The weather::: Low 80s w some rain.

Right now at the Stoner house::: Evie is insisting on chewing on computer cords, Cora is drinking her milk while watching cartoons, I am looking at my calendar thankful that this week seems "slower" than the past couple weeks. Phew!

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - BLTs & homemade french fries
Tuesday - Butternut squash lasagna
Wednesday - Tacos
Thursday - Small group- dinner w friends

Today's To Do list:::

• Swap out girls' summer clothes for warm, cozy fall clothes
• Pay bills
• Prepare for weekend trip to IN
• Laundry

What I plan to cook for my freezer::: Broccoli tuna casserole from Taste of Home

Highlight of the past weekend::: Saturday we went to get pumpkins w the girls. :)

Looking forward to this week::: Cora's first dance class tonight & a benefit for Jenna on Saturday!

What Cora has to say::: "Mommy, you should ask God to put a baby boy in your tummy bc Evie is getting big. And we could name him Kinggy. And he could sleep in my baby's crib & I could change his diaper!"

From the camera::: A few fun pictures of Cora!

Helping me make applesauce

At my parents'

Sporting her "Jenna" shirt while helping me cook!

Worst Mommy Scare to Date!

A sticker just like this one produce my worst mommy scare to date!!!! 

Thursday morning I was getting ready for bible study, Cora was watching cartoons & Evie was w/i eye shot, playing on the floor. Suddenly, the noises Evie was making got my attention! I quickly realized she had a sticker in her mouth! It was actually hanging out of her mouth some, I promptly removed it only to realize there was another one in the back of her throat! I knew I would not be able to reach it w my finger so I didn't even try. She started gaging, producing excessive saliva, snot & tears & she was flailing her arms (all which happen during a chocking). I started to get worried & knew this was serious. I tried the Heimlich maneuver but that did not dislodge the soft sticker! She started to make almost no noise at all but just gaging motions. I was just shy of panicking & calling 911. But I could see she was breathing. I called out "Lord, give me the intuition to know what to do!!!!"

 

This went on for several minutes, although it seemed like a hour. Eventually, Ev started making more coughing noises & that got the sticker down. She started crying hard, I think because she was scared. I nursed her, she became calm and our scare was past us.

 

Cora witnessed this and was shaken too. I talked w her about picking up small pieces & keeping her bedroom door shut. We are both going to try harder :)

Taken a few hours after our scare. Thank You, LORD for being present w us & taking care of my most precious treasure.

After Thoughts

Two & a half weeks have pasted since my new hair cut! Would you believe I can tell it has grown, others have noticed too! I now wake up with "bed head"! :)

 

I get ready a heck of a lot faster! Ken especially likes this!

I spend more time accessorizing: make-up, earrings, scarves etc.

The night my hair was cut; Cora was questioning why I cut off my "long, beautiful" hair, saying "all beautiful princesses have lonnng hair". I took that opportunity to try to teach her that beauty comes from within. Most of it was over her head but I got proof she grasped our conversation somewhat, when she told me she is beautiful when she shares.  

I have been able to tell Jenna's story to my friends & acquaintances when I am questioned about my "new haircut". 

I have received wayyyy too much praise, none of which I am worthy of! 

 

Can you tell it has grown?

Happy Homemaker Monday (9-16-13)

Bible verse, Devotional::: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not onto your own understandings; in all ways submit to Him, and He will make your path straight." -Proverbs 3:5-6

The weather::: Cool until Thursday when the high is 86.

On my reading pile::: The bible study I am in at church is in Proverbs but I am also in 1 Peter

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Tortellini in the crock pot
Tuesday - Swedish meatballs over egg noodles
Wednesday - Ken's birthday & he hasn't given me his request yet
Thursday - Dinner w our small group
 
Today's To Do list:::

• grocery store, bank, Walgreen's
• Start processing tomatoes & apples
• Prepare for Pampered chef show this evening

My "project" of the week Month::: Garage sale this weekend. But other than that I am not really organizing a room this month.

What I plan to cook for my freezer::: tomato sauce & applesauce

Looking around the house::: Girls are on the floor playing, I've spent the early morning cleaning, It is cool here this morning & I love it!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Pumpkin festival w the girls

Looking forward to this week::: An IN trip!

What Cora has to say::: "Mommy, I am having a party in my room. I would be delighted if you came"

How could I turn that down?!?!?

From the camera:::

A day at the park

So big!

Cora meeting Cinderella

At the pumpkin parade. Cora would not smile! ARG!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Ah, looking forward to the cool down coming Friday :)

On my reading pile::: Being a Great Mom, Raising Great Kids by Sharon Jaynes

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Pork burgers & grilled veggies
Tuesday - Stuffed peppers
Wednesday - Stuffed shells
Thursday - Grilled chicken & veggies
Friday - White chicken chili (a new recipe from TOH)
Saturday - Braised beef & mushroom stew (a new recipe from TOH)
Sunday - Hot ham & Swiss paninis & creamy tomato soup

Today's To Do list:::

• Errands- bank & grocery store
• Laundry
• Pampered Chef business
• Thank yous
• Gather more garage sale stuff. The 21st is sneaking up on me!!!!

What I plan to cook for my freezer::: Stuffed shells & mini muffins

Highlight of the past weekend::: Impromptu picnic at the park!

Looking forward to this week::: The Pumpkin festival parade Saturday morning. It has been a fun tradition w started w Cora. (But Shhh, don't tell any of my Morton friends I said this) :p

Bible verse, Devotional::: "But you, LORD, are a shield around me, the One who lifts my head high" -Psalms 3:3

From the camera::: 90 degrees, we improvised!

It's just Hair, afterall

" A friend loves at all times"- Proverbs 17:17

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight." -1 Peter 3:3-4

"She is clothed with strength & dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." -Proverbs 31:25

As many of you know in May my friend since kindergarten, Jenna, was diagnosed with breast cancer. (Yes, it can happen at 29!)  I felt almost immediately God tell me I was suppose to raise funds for her medical bills by shaving my head. I had a goal in mind of $1,000 (But honestly, I had every intention of shaving even if I only raised $5) God is good & from the generous hearts of his people just over $2000 was given to support Jenna.

Here is a shout out & Thank You to all the donors (In No particular order):::
Barb W, Karen L, Sandi H, Penny P, Amber H, Heather W, Libby L, Monica S, Rachel D, Jen D, Ruth N, Corey B, Thatcher family, Linday K, Debra D, Audrey K, Holly D, Christi Y, Jamie T, Leanne G, Ashley B, Jackie S, Summer H, Lisa S, Angie O, Tom D, Dillabaugh Inc, Trish M, Chris P.
A Special Thank You to those of you that do not know Jenna personally!

Labor Day was the scheduled hair cut day! Several family members & donors gathered at my mom & dad's place to watch the "show". It was a great day on their gazebo.

I have received so many encouraging words & praises that I am not worthy of. Afterall, it is just HAIR!
 



Obviously, before picture

 

Jenna cut off my ponytail!

 

I LOVE this picture! Mom's face & all the littles watching! So funny!

Kenny took his opportunity to get back at me for all the nagging I do at him ;)

My older brother, Tom, was dying to take a swipe!

 

With 2 of my 4 brothers. Mom said now that I have the same hair cut as them we really look alike!

The girls w our "Team Jenna" shirts

2 on 2~ September

Sorry this is late! I was delayed w the holiday which is when this should have been posted. Then I could not get good pictures of the girls. I tried & tried wo much luck; as you'll see below! (We've been playing outside a lot lately! Girls play in the water & I sit under the shade of a big maple.)

 

I can't believe how much Evelyn has changed this month! She now crawls all over, room to room. Sits wo support. She got her 2 bottom teeth and bc those teeth popped through she is sleeping better. (Up about 1-2 times every night) She wants to eat any & everything I am eating. She also gave up her paci. Not sure why?!?! Ah, she is just a lil doll!

I am happy to report Cora has decided to stop biting her nails! Yay! She just told me one day she didn't want to do that anymore! She has also given up naps! At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about that! But honestly, it seems to work out pretty good, she is now tired & ready for bed around 7:30. So much better than her past 8:30-9 bedtime!