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! 

30 by 30- August

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: Peaches, cookie dough, 6 dinners, 11 individual burritos, &  PB&J
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. We went mid-August when I was home for a week! So much fun!
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. 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!) Work in Progress- 4 lbs. to my pre-pregnancy weight!
21. Treat myself to a manicure OR pedicure. DONE. Went w/ some friends in May
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. Started in May w/ 1 John, worked by way through 1,2,3 John & now 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 Work in Progress
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)

Why I am Anti-Aldi...

...at least during this phase of life!

I don't like to blog my complaints. But I thought this post might be helpful and/or maybe you might have comments/tips that could change my mind? So leave me a comment if you disagree w my opinions of Aldi!
On Monday, I decided to give Aldi another try. Oy, just as I thought, I have determined the store designed to simplify grocery shopping only gives me headaches.

-Shopping carts: Since Evie was sleeping in her seat, I had to carry her seat & hold Cora's hand, across the parking lot to even get to the carts. Then put the everything on the ground to do the quarter deposit. (I had thought ahead & had Cora hold the quarter before we unloaded from the van. Thankfully, she didn't drop it in the parking lot)  I loaded both girls in the cart & in we went.
-Limited variety: So, I still had to go another store. (In the winter months or rainy days loading & unloading the girls is a chore in itself let alone more than one time)
-Prices weren't much cheaper: With the exception of milk being .61 cheaper than what I normally pay. I did buy a few other items: lettuce @ .99, bananas @ .44lb, cinnamon bread @ 1.99, English muffins @ .99, & toilet paper @ 4.99. (But w coupons and/or sales I can get these prices at any store)
-Public bathrooms?: I don't think they do but I'm not sure. Cora had to potty but we were almost finished & instead of asking/going on a search I made her wait until we got to Walmart.
-Cash or debit only!: Not a deal breaker but we pay w everything on our credit card bc we have an excellent rewards program.
-Bring your own bags: I actually like to use my own bags. Saves on waste & they hold more. But when you have to walk a good distance to get to your grocery cart, bags are just 1 more thing to carry. And if you forget bags you have to purchase them.
-Pack my own groceries. Again, not a deal breaker just more of a pain. Bc I had 2 kids in the cart the cashier had to stuff my groceries anywhere they would fit. So, when I went to pack them I had to reach under Evie's seat & lift her seat to reach the items.
-Returning the cart: First, I always return my cart. No matter the store, quarter deposit or not- But to do that I normally park a close distance to the cart corral. But at Aldi I had to load girls in van, then load groceries & bc I am a super paranoid mom, LOCK the van, walk across the lot, return my cart & get back my *prized* quarter!

This list might seem silly. Each bullet point is minor & none would cause me to stop shopping at a store. But all of these together is what make my experience at Aldi not worth it! Sure there are things at Walmart, Target & Kroger that annoy me. But maybe just 1 thing at each store.
 Keep in mind, I do my grocery shopping during the week, taking the girls w me & I acknowledge that this is a big part factor in my opinions.

After all that; let me say:
The store was clean
The aisles were big to fit their fantastically large carts
The cashier was friendly & fast

Pinterest Projects- Cinnamon Swirl pancakes & Bath paints

 

I tried 2 "pins" from Pinterest this week. 1 a flop 1 a success!

 

 

Have you seen that perfect picture floating around Facebook of cinnamon swirl pancakes? Looks so so yummy! Well I made them Saturday morning. They were a FLOP! (Pun intended ;)

1. The recipe would feed an army, which is NOT what my family is
2. Wayyyy too sweet & I even left off the "cream cheese icing"
3. The recipe says to add the cinnamon filling then to flip the pancake. When I did that the cinnamon filling seeped out & burned all over the pan.

Although Cora love them, I will not be making these again!

 

 

 

The second idea I got from Pinterest was bath paints! Cora absolutely loved these. As she was helping me mix up the paints she said "Mommy, I just LOVE you!" about 5 times :) It took no time to make 3 colors & well worth her excitement. She had a great time using them during bath time & to my surprise they weren't as messy as I expected. This batch will last us awhile but when they are out I will defiantly make these again for lil Miss MaeMae!

 

1/4 c. corn starch

1-2 tbsp water

food coloring, a few drops

1/4 c. shampoo or body wash

 

-Mix in order given. Store in a baby food jar or a container similar in size. (The recipe makes about 3/4c. total)

Happy Homemaker Monday

The weather::: Ewww, its too hot!

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

On the menu for this week:::
Monday - Hamburgers & grilled veggies
Tuesday - BBQ chicken pizza- Grilled
Wednesday - Mexican Lasagna
Thursday - Hot dogs at a baseball game :)

Today's To Do list:::

• Grocery store
• Phone calls
• Some Pampered Chef stuff

My "project" of the week Month::: Get ready for garage sale!!!

What I plan to cook for my freezer::: Maybe some baby food but not much this week bc I added several items last week!

Looking around the house::: Evie is still sleeping. Cora is watching cartoons (what else is new?). Folded laundry on the couch that needs to be put away.

Highlight of the past weekend::: Cookout w/ friends on Saturday evening

Looking forward to this week::: A trip to IN :)

Bible verse, Devotional::: This coming weekend is when I am shaving me head! This verse is perfect!!!
"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
 From the camera:::

Looking so big these days

MM doing craft time w her prized GLUE!

Friday's Freezer Friendly- PB &J?!?!

Yes, I am posting about freezing PB &J!
Have you seen these "Uncrustables" in the store? Seems so silly to me to BUY premade Pb&j!

 

 

But I did think that making ahead & freezing pb&j might work great for this household. See, it takes me awhile to use a whole loaf of bread before it goes bad. So, I got out Pampered Chef's Cut N Seal & decided to give "Uncrustables" a try!

 

Sidenote: Originally, I did not want to cave to Cora's level & remove the crust. But then I decided, "I don't care if she doesn't eat the crust. What's the big deal? It's what 3 year olds do. Plus, she eats A LOT of things other kids won't touch. If cutting the crust off makes her feel special, I'm happy to do it!"

 

Aren't these cute? I wrapped each one in a sandwhich bag & then put them all in a gallon freezer bag.

(If you need the recipe, you're in trouble! HAHA!)

A Garden of Joy

I recently found this in a book I am reading. I thought it was perfectly-cute. (I like to make up my own words)
I hope you planted several of these, if not all, in your garden this year & I hope you are tending to it. Happy "Gardening"!

For a Garden of Joy:
First, plant 5 rows of Peas;

Prayer

Perseverance

Politeness

Promptness and

Purity

Plant 3 rows of Squash:

Squash Gossip

Squash Criticism

Squash indifference

5 rows of Lettuce:

Let us be faithful to duty

Let us be unselfish

Let us be truthful

Let us follow Christ

Let us love one another

No garden is complete w/o Turnips:

Turn up for church

Turn up w a smile

Turn up w new ideas

Turn up w determination to make everything count as good and worthwhile.
-Author Unknown

 

Pizza on the GRILL

Quick & easy recipe to use tomatoes & basil from your garden. Also, great that it can be made quickly & all outside on the GRILL!

Chicken Pesto Pizza
1 chicken breast, cooked & chopped (I grill mine)
1 pizza crust (Ex: Pilsbury refrigerated, Boboli, or homemade)

1- 1 1/2 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 1/2 c. fresh basil
1/4 c. nuts, toasted (Ex: walnuts, pecans, pine nuts)
1/4- 1/3 c. olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
3 Roma tomatoes

-Add basil, nuts, olive oil, garlic & salt to a food processor a pulse until finely chopped.
-Brush 1 tbsp olive oil on bottom of crust. Then place crust on Pampered Chef's BBQ pizza pan. 

-Sprinkle a small amount of the cheese on the crust. 

-Add the Pesto & chicken to a bowl & toss until chicken is coated. Add to the pizza crust

-Top w tomatoes & remaining cheese
-Grill on low-medium heat about 10 minutes or until cheese is melty! Be sure to check the bottom of the crust to make sure it isn't scorching.
-Garnish w additional fresh basil.

Spooky Stories

In June, I helped my mom clean & organize her attic. I came across a tote of children's books that I read as a kid. Funny, how a book I had forgotten all about can bring back memories...

Mom said I should take them for Cora instead of packing them back in the attic. I made a disclaimer that the 25+ yr old books might not survive long in my house. I brought about 10 books home but knew the 2 "SPOOKY" Berenstain Bears books would be the biggest hit w Cora. For several months prior she had been wanting me to tell her "Spooky" stories. Since we didn't have any books, I just made stories up.

So for weeks now I have been reading the following 2 books to her every night! Over n over n over n over.....Yea, her & I both know them by heart.  Although, I am getting bored w these 2 books I Wouldn't trade these moments w her.