30 by 30- April

Today is April 30th so here is an update on my "30 by 30" list!

 

Blog Related:::
1. Host a blog give away
2. Host a guest post
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: February= Evie's room, March= none, April= quickly go through each room, May= our master bedroom etc.) EVIE'S ROOM IS DONE.
5. Make several different household products (hand soap, dryer sheets, different cleaners)
6. Cook something for my freezer at least once a week I'VE ADDED: COOKIE DOUGH, BEEF VEGETABLE SOUP, SLOPPY JOES, BAKED OATMEAL, TACO MEAT, MEAT SAUCE, MINI CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA MUFFINS (The crossed out items I made, put in freezer but have already pulled them out and used)
7. Have a garage sale HAPPENED THIS PAST WEEKEND. 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
10. Hang an outside clothes line


Family Related:::
11. Go on a few dates w/ Kenny
12. Plan a Shipshewana, IN trip.
13. Plan something special for Ken's 30th birthday (September)
14. Document the year through pictures/Be more intentional w/ new camera
15. Take girls to the zoo
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 etc. 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!) WORK IN PROGRESS
21. Treat myself to a manicure OR pedicure
22. Do something totally different with my hair
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

For Others:::
26. Do something neighborly for at least 2 of my neighbors
27. Get more involved in our Preschool program at church
28. Teach at least 1 friend how to pressure and/or water bath can (Who wants this to be them?!?!)
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

Last week I was super busy w my moms group's annual garage sale. It was a lot of work tagging, setting up & working it. We raised over $1,000 for our ministry! YAY! B/c I was at the church just about every day my home got neglected. I am looking forward to getting back on schedule here at home this week.

The weather::: It is going to be beautiful. 70s mostly w some rain later in the week. Eeek we don't need more rain!

On my reading pile::: "For Women Only"

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Lamb meatloaf (It got skipped last week) & broccoli
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Asian Chicken over rice (It also got skipped last week!!!)
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Hamburgers
Saturday - Veggie burgers
Sunday - Nachos

Today's To Do list:::

• Make a few phone calls
• Pay bills
• Order the girls' pictures
• Laundry, I got wayyyy behind last week

My "project" of the week Month::: April's project was to declutter for garage sale- DONE! In May I plan to work on our master bedroom:

• Moving Ev into her room :( & her changing table
• Getting a new bed spread, washing pillows etc.
• Organizing my closet

What I plan to cook for my freezer::: Mini muffins for Cora

Looking around the house::: Cora is cuddled up w me drinking her milk, Evie is sleeping. I have a few windows open from overnight & it feels so nice in here. I LOVE Spring!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Our Mom's Life garage sale. It was a ton of work but so fun visiting w people & seeing people come out to support us!

Looking forward to this week::: A low key week at home & beautiful weather.

Bible verse, Devotional::: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” -Hebrews 13:5

From the camera::: These pictures were taken last Monday, Earth day. It was a nice day so I sent Cora on a nature scavenger hunt. She really enjoyed it :) Then later when Ken got home we went on a walk to see the very, very full river.

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Homemaker Monday

Happy Earth Day! I am hoping to do a few things w Cora to celebrate Mother Earth, but honestly I have a very busy week so we might celebrate next week.  Especially, since it is still pretty chilly & some of the things I want to do are outside events like a nature scavenger hunt, picking up trashing & walking to the park! Sounds fun-can't wait :)

The weather::: Mid 50s all week---looking a little more like Spring!

On my reading pile::: "For Women Only" w our small group from church

On my TV::: Cartoons for Cora, do I really need to answer this question anymore ?!?!?

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Dinner at church w our small group
Tuesday - Coconut curry beef (it got skipped last week) & rice
Wednesday - Veggie marinara pasta & garlic bread
Thursday - Sesame Honey Chicken
Friday - Pizza or take out or freezer meal---I'm not sure bc Ill be working late at garage sale
Saturday - Lamb meatloaf
Sunday - leftovers

On my to do list:::

• Grocery store
• Unpack from weekend away & do laundry
• Pay weekly bills
• Start on baked goods for bake sale this weekend (I'm going to make ahead and freeze so it is not so much in 1 day)
• Finish tagging items for garage sale

My "project" of the week Month::: Decluttering for the Moms Life garage sale this weekend. Ahh, it came fast. I have gone through the house and found a lot to sell but I probably could have found more!

What I am cooking::: Along w the garage sale this weekend is a BAKE SALE to earn even more funds for our mom's group. I am making: chocolate oat squares, Oreo balls & Key lime cookies

Looking around the house::: Do I have to??? ;)

Highlight of the past weekend::: Watching Cora & Jonah (her cousin) play together. Man, does she know how to boss him! But strangely she didn't boss my friend's little guy when he came over. I'm not sure why?

Looking forward to this week::: The BIG Moms Life garage sale & bake sale. It's A LOT of work but fun visiting w people that come & it is great to see so many people come out to support our ministry.

Bible verse, Devotional::: From my Proverbs 31 Ministry daily devotional::: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6
Good, right???


From the camera:::

Cora after doing make up :)

Key Lime cookies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our recent trip to the Florida Keys reignited my love for anything key lime :) I made key lime bars last week and now these yummy cookies. These freeze great- either the dough or as baked, cooled cookies :) They were a hit w Mae too!

1 stick of butter (1/2 c.), at room temperature

1 c. sugar

1 egg + 1 yolk

1/4 c. fresh key lime juice

1 tsp. zest

2 c. flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

-In a large bowl cream butter and sugar
-Add eggs & mix well
-Add lime juice & zest
-Add flour 1 cup at a time then add baking powder and salt
-Bc the dough is very sticky it needs to sit in refrigerator for 1 hour or freezer for 30 minutes.
-Preheat oven to 350
-Roll into 1 inch balls
-Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown
-Enjoy w hot tea :)

Proof that I am Favored by my Lord

These were taken mid- March by my friend Liz Bradley! Aren't my girls soooo beautiful?

 

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Snow flurries on Friday?!?!? WHAT??? The rest of the week looks great!




















On my reading pile::: "For Women Only"

On my TV::: Cartoons

On the menu for this week:::
Monday -  Meatless Mostacholi & garlic bread
Tuesday - Leftovers
Wednesday - Beef Enchiladas
Thursday - Chicken crescents & rice

On my to do list:::

• Pay weekly bills
• Put Ev's crib together
• Tag items for upcoming garage sale

My "project" of the week Month::: April= Decluttering & adding items to garage sale. Yesterday I went through my kitchen! Woohoo!

What I am cooking::: Mini Muffins for Cora & putting them in my freezer & an egg casserole for my Mom's group meeting tomorrow.

Looking around the house::: Cora & I are cuddling in the recliner watching cartoons, Ev is sleeping in her cradle, house could use some picking up :)

Highlight of the past weekend::: Sunday it was 75 & beautiful. We played outside a lot. But it was later in the evening when Ev was sleeping & I played w Cora in her room. She was so excited to have my uninterrupted attention. She was just so sweet & fun. Love her!

Looking forward to this week::: I've got a busy fun week! :)

Bible verse, Devotional::: Our church is doing a series called the "Generous Church" yesterday the pastor said "Borrowing & being in debit kills generosity." I couldn't agree more!

From the camera:::

Evie is 3 months old today! How can this be?

Happy Homemaker Monday

This week is going to better than last! While I was trying to get back into the swing of things after vacation Cora Mae was super whiney. I was praying for patience throughout the day so I could get through it! She had come down w a nasty cough that was keeping her & I up at night & she was NOT her normal happy self. Thursday in the middle of the night she started crying that her ear hurt. Friday morning I called her doctor and yup, she had a double ear infection that had ruptured. Just the first 2 doses of amoxicilin and she is back to her fun self. YAY!

The weather:::




















On my reading pile::: "For Women Only" by Shaunti Feldhan

On my TV::: PBS cartoons bc we are up early! I love Aurthur & Martha speaks :)

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Leftover pot roast
Tuesday - Pork burgers & roasted brussel sprouts
Wednesday - Stuffed shells w our small group
Thursday - Tacos
Friday - Chicken crescents & rice
Saturday - Swedish meatballs over egg noodles
Sunday - Leftovers

On my to do list:::

• Pay bills
• Laundry
• Mom's Life leadership meeting this morning

My "project" of the week Month::: Preparing for garage sale

What I am cooking::: For my freezer: baked oatmeal, taco meat & some sort of quick bread

Looking around the house::: It is dark & rainy here. Evie is sleeping in her swing while Cora & I are cuddled in the recliner!

Highlight of the past weekend::: Playing outside w Cora. She had so much fun!

Looking forward to this week::: Getting back to WBS. I missed 2 weeks while in Florida & then a third bc the group took a spring break!

Bible verse, Devotional::: A prayer from my Proverbs 31 Ministries daily devotional- Dear Lord, refine my words until they become lovely, pleasing to You, and uplifting to the people around me. Please help me stop words in mid-breath that dishonor You and tear down others. This transformation isn't easy, so I plead for Your power at work in me to change me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

From the camera:::


Our very nice neighbor brought this bike over to Cora yesterday bc his greanddaughters out grew it. She was so excited. The super annoying horn might be her favorite part ;)

Florida Vacation 2013

On March 20th we loaded up our new van (that we bought w this trip in mind) and headed south! We had a quick stop at Ken's sister's in Indy & picked up my sister, Rachel. That night we made it just past Nashville, TN. While driving we realized we were just behind my brother and his family. We all stayed at the same hotel that evening and ate breakfast the next morning. The second night we made it just past Orlando. Then on Friday the 22nd, right at lunch time, we made it to the Florida Keys. My parents welcomed us to the Keys w the perfect lunch at a place they picked. I started my trip off right w an awesome Mahi Mahi fish sandwich.



 



Bc we were there during Holy Week my mom did bible story time each morning w the kids. This particular morning was Palm Sunday!



Tommy played the donkey that Jesus (Cora) rode in on :)



My lil beach beauty at Bahia Honda state park



Mae had so much fun w Ken on this trip!

Our clan swimming in the OCEAN!



Cora & cousin Benny building a sand castle



Tommy



Cora Mae on her 3rd bday! We celebrated at John Pennekamp state park

Threeeeeee



Cora said the best part of her birthday was playing at the park w her cousins



Opening her Cinderella doll & play dress



Cora & Ally on a fishing bridge



This is one of the few pictures I have of Evie in the Keys. Ooops. She is never going to believe she was there!

The drive back to IL wasn't as fun, imagine that! The first night of driving we planned on staying in Chattanooga TN. But when we all started getting tired Ken went to two hotels and nothing was available! I started to feel very anxious and overwhelmed. Cora was coming down w a cough and crying bc her throat hurt & I was unable to get to her medicine. Evie was just crying bc she was awake & wanted me to hold her! Ken kept driving and I called hotels.com. I highly recommend them. I told them I needed a room that evening and I needed it right off of I24. They came through for us- got a room, cheaper than normal & at a really nice place. The second night we made it to Indy and stayed at Ken's sister and celebrated Easter the next morning.
We had such a good time. Made so many memories w our immediate family & my extended family. (Although, I realize now I didn't take enough pictures) I'm so so glad Kenny was able to get time off work (as it was in question for sometime) & I am so thankful to my parents for planning this trip.

2 on 2~ April

Evie is now 11 weeks old! When I took her to the doctor 2 weeks ago she weighed 11 lbs. She changes everyday & is a really good baby. She sleeps great & has shortened her fussy period at night. The past several nights we have been able to go to bed at 10! **Fingers crossed she keeps this up** She is not on any kind of schedule- she sleeps when she wants & will eat anywhere from every 1.5 hrs to 3.5 hrs. We are just going w the flow :)

Miss Cora Mae turned 3 last week! She had so much fun on our Florida vacation playing w/ her cousins and was always ready for the next adventure. We celebrated her birthday at a state park there & she got her treasured Cinderella play dress. (See pictures below) She has worn it over her clothes everyday since :) Thanks Grandma!!! I took her to her 3 year well visit and she weighs a whooping 27 lbs!
We are all ready for spring, warm temperatures and walks around our neighborhood!

This month our pictures are just quick snap shots of our morning. We are being lazy as I try to catch up from being gone for 11 days. Cora of course, picked out her Cinderella dress to wear. She is also battling a nasty, wheezy cough. These past few days I have been praying for patience w her whining but enjoying the moments during the night she wakes calling for me & asking to sleep in my bed because "it will make her feel better".  At home w these girls is Right where I want to be!

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Brrrrr



















On my reading pile::: "For Women only"- It is what our small group is starting

On my TV::: Team Umizoomi-Cora Mae has a nasty cough so she is cuddled on the couch watching her favorite cartoons!

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Sloppy Joes (From the freezer)
Tuesday - Beef barley soup (From the Freezer) {This is why I LOVE freezer cooking! After a 10 day vacation I do not need to make a huge grocery store trip bc I have dinners in my freezer!}
Wednesday - Mexican casserole
Thursday - Chicken enchiladas & tomalito
Friday - Leftovers
Saturday - Grilled lamb chops & veggies
Sunday - Pot roast

On my to do list:::

• Unpack/laundry
• Pay bills
• Run to get milk

My "project" of the week Month::: Preparing for our annual Mom's Life garage sale which is at the end of this month! I need to go through the house and find things to sell & get them tagged!

What I am cooking::: Nothing today! But later in the week I want to make some of my favorite Easter recipes since I was gone during Easter.

Looking around the house::: It is nice and bright this morning. We are all still in pjs working on breakfast! Luggage strewn around.

Highlight of the past weekend::: We were driving home from FL all weekend. But we did stop at Ken's sister in Indy Saturday night and celebrated Easter w/ them. It was the perfect break from driving! Thanks again, Michelle!

Looking forward to this week::: We had a blast in Florida w/ my family. But this week I am looking forward to just getting back to our normal routine of going to bed BEFORE midnight. :)

Bible verse, Devotional::: "The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations..." -Luke 24:46-47
Happy Happy Easter. He is Risen!

From the camera:::

More Florida pictures to come....