I'm a BABY, Mommy!

Today Claire came to me and said, "I need to go potty. I alweady put it in my pull-up." Yep, poopy in the pull-up. This is no big deal, we're just starting this potty training adventure and we are doing it very casually.

So as I'm putting her poopy in the potty, I tell her, "Next time you need to go poop, just tell Mommy and we'll come put it in the potty."

"Why, Mommy?" she asks. She asks "Why?" to everything these days. It can drive ya nuts.

"Because that's what big girls do. Do you want to be a big girl?"

She smiles like I have said something so absurd! "Noooooo...I'm a BABY, Mommy!"

Melts my heart. She is my baby, and I'd actually like to keep her that way!!!

Fear and Worry

The last week I have been filled with so many emotions. It started when I heard the tragic news last week of Steven Curtis Chapman's 5-year-old daughter being killed in their driveway. A couple of days later a friend told me her cousin's family was dealing with the exact same situation where his 5-year-old son had been killed in the driveway. That night Chris and I watched a mediocre movie called Bella, about a soccer star who hits and kills a young girl in a tragic accident. (I had no idea the movie was about that or I never would have watched it!) When we were watching the movie I was so affected that I physically thought I was going to be sick. I had to excuse myself and just have a good cry in the bathroom. After the movie, I cried my eyes out again and told Chris I am just sick thinking "what if that was me?" I love my children more than I can even begin to express, and losing one of them would make me feel like life itself had ended. I think I would end up in a looney bin--it seems like that pain would be so great I could never recover.

The next morning I came to the Lord begging Him to give me some comfort and wisdom. I searched His Word for verses to speak to my fear and worrying, and I found Matthew 6:27, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" I realized that all this worry over what MIGHT happen is futile. My devotional magazine, Journey, put it well when the author wrote, "It's normal and good to fear a poisonous snake or lightning when we're caught in a storm, but we shouldn't fear the unknown or be afraid to trust God with things over which we have no control." I am NOT in control of those things so there is no sense in worrying about them! I should keep my family reasonably safe and leave the rest in God's hands.



A blog I read daily, written by a mother of triplets somewhere in Georgia (I don't know this lady but her blog is awesome!), has had several posts lately that really speak to how I've been feeling. In one post she says,

"As Moms charged with the safety and well-being of little lives, I think of the cost of an ill-placed mistake, distraction or lack of judgment on our part. Then I think about my belief in the Sovereignty of God and the advisement in Scripture that we will have trouble and heartache in this world. It is all too much for me to ponder for too long. So, I take a deep breath. I place my trust in my God, not myself. I pray for wisdom, discernment, patience and care."


God is reminding me that he is working everything out for my good (Romans 8:28), so I have to trust Him. The triplet mom quoted Andy Stanley on her blog a couple of days ago, and I like what he says about faith: "Faith is not about moving God to embrace our agendas. It is about being moved to embrace his agenda. As Jesus demonstrates for us, great faith is reflected in great surrender."

My prayer is that God will increase my faith in Him, so I will stop holding so tightly to the things of this world. I want to stop worrying about what I cannot control, and just serve God knowing He has a wonderful plan in motion!

Amunchkin Idol

A couple of the ladies in our playgroup put together a super-fun activity this morning--Amunchkin Idol! We had a karaoke machine and the kids got to sing their favorite songs on stage. Aaron decided to do the Garbage Truck song (from a Little People CD we have), and he practiced in the car the whole way to the event. He was not shy about getting on stage at all! Claire didn't want any part of it--she just enjoyed watching everyone else.







And here is a video of his performance--I tried so hard not to die laughing while he was singing. He is such a southern' boy--the song says "Wham Bang Crash!" and he sang, "Bayam Bayam Craysh"...each word was at least 3 syllables. He was so serious about it--it was so hard to contain my laughter! He really did a great job!



If the embedded video doesn't work, click this link.

Mommy in training

Claire is my little "mommy-in-training." She just loves her baby dolls and carries them around everywhere with her. She strolls them around the house either in the stroller or in her grocery cart, and she takes them with her in the car, complete with her diaper bag so she is always ready for their next feeding.









I cannot imagine where she gets this. *eyeroll* I am going to be bold and share what I think will answer that question--a very old picture of me, circa 1989, as an early "mommy-in-training." The digital version of the picture I have here is very poor quality, but you can make out a sling around my neck with two babies in it, and a stroller with three more. I used to play "babysitter" and take my babies for walks around the house.



And now I will go hide in embarassment while you laugh at my horrible late 80's haircut!

This is all a good reminder for me of how my children are emulating me in so many ways, so I need to be ever-conscious to be an example of the kind of person I want them to be. The kind of person GOD wants them to be. And that means being the kind of person God wants ME to be. What a high and noble calling I have as a mother. What a huge responsibility--I can only be properly equipped by Him!

Claire holds her own!

I did not actually witness this funny statement this morning, as Chris was up with the kids, while letting me sleep in! Thanks honey!

Apparently Chris and Aaron were sitting together in the chair watching cartoons. Aaron wanted his juice, and since Claire was up, and Aaron is obviously training to be a typical man, he tried to get Claire to get his juice for him. The juice cup was on the kitchen table, and Claire told Aaron "I can't reach it!"

"Climb in your high chair to get it," Aaron suggested.

"How 'bout you get your OWN juice," Claire retorted.

She can hold her own, don't you think?

Sausage Casserole--it was good!

We hae tons of venison sausage in the freezer that I have been trying to find creative ways to use. I Googled "sausage recipes" a few nights ago and found this one that I tried last night. It was really good! I used some of our "mild sage" flavored sausage, which is typically a breakfast sausage, but I think this casserole would have been just as good if not better with some sweet Italian sausage. It also could be made with ground beef but probably wouldn't be as flavorful. Maybe if you added something to the beef--like taco seasoning...hmmmm...might try that!

The kids loved this dish--the macaroni and cheese was right up Claire's alley, and Aaron is a sausage fiend. Oh, and I served it with corn on the cob. The kids love that too!

http://southernfood.about.com/od/sausagerecipes1/r/bl30207l.htm

Sausage casserole with macaroni and cheese

INGREDIENTS:
8 ounces macaroni, uncooked
1 pound bulk sausage
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

PREPARATION:
Cook macaroni in boiling salted water following package directions; drain and set aside. In a skillet, sauté sausage, onion, and green bell pepper. Pour off excess fat; add flour and salt, blending well.

Gradually add milk. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in macaroni and 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese.

Transfer macaroni and sausage casserole mixture to a lightly greased 1 1/2-quart casserole. Sprinkle remaining cheese over sausage casserole; bake at 400° for 25 to 30 minutes.Sausage and macaroni casserole serves 4 to 6.

Mud Pit fun!

It was warm this week so one afternoon we broke out one of the kids' water toys. It's this big circle that hooks to the hose and as it fills up with water, the tiny holes let water out, kinda like a sprinkler. Except it doesn't sprinkle the whole yard--just one little circle--and it makes a huge lake in the yard. After just a few minutes of running it I decided it wasn't such a great idea, especially in that low-lying area of yard where no grass is growing anyway. So I put the sprinkler away and we were left with a muddy water pit. Which is totally irresistible for two mischevious kids, so before I knew it they were both splashing in the mud. And I let them, because, well, kids like to play in mud and I didn't see why not! Just this once, I promised Chris, so we won't continue to tear up the yard!













I wish I had pictures of right before I cleaned them up--they had rubbed mud all over their tummies, faces, and arms. What a muddy mess!

In love with my little man

My sweet, handsome little boy is going to be four soon! He is such a handsome and loveable little guy. So many of his features just captivate me--his teardrop eyes, the freckles across his nose and cheeks, his LONG dark eyelashes, and most of all, the perfect auburn hair. *Sigh* I'm in love!

Beef Stroganoff with Noodles...a pictoral

This is a real man-pleasing dish that I make regularly. It's got a great beefy flavor with a hint of mushrooms (don't worry...Chris just picks them out!). Even Aaron enjoys his stroganoff! I usually serve it with a pan of Jiffy cornbread and steamed green beans with lemon pepper. Looks scrumptious, doesn't it?

When I was growing up I remember my mom making stroganoff, so when I got married and started cooking for my own family, I turned to my trusty Pillsbury Complete Cookbook for a recipe to get me started. If you don't have one of these kinds of cookbooks (Pillsbury, Better Homes & Gardens, whoever!), GET ONE! They're the best!


Here is the recipe--notice it's a bit spotted from being open on this page a good bit.


First, start with some beef cut into strips. I usually buy some sort of thin cut beef at the store, but on this night I was trying something different--tenderized venison. This would be the same as cubed beef steaks in the store, usually used for country fried steak, and the tenderized effect made this meat LOOK a bit like ground beef. But the flavor was wonderful--I honestly couldn't tell I was eating venison. I even asked Chris if he was sure the processer had put venison in that package because it surely tasted like beef!

But I digress...here is my appetizing raw meat, cut into 1 inch strips. This is more than I usually have--you only need about a pound. I just adjusted the recipe as I went to allow for the extra meat.


I also diced half an onion...


Before I started cooking, I got out some of my ingredients. I'm just not organized enough to get it ALL out at the beginning. So this is not everything.


Start by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic...YES, I use jarred garlic. Don't judge me. I don't like to chop garlic. Dump in your onions and canned mushrooms. This recipe would be WAY better with fresh mushrooms, but since I'm the only one who doesn't pick out the mushrooms, and fresh mushrooms are expensive, and I'm on a budget...I get the canned ones. I drain them before adding them to the pan.


Cook the onion mixture until the onions are transluscent,


...then transfer the mixture to a bowl.


Add another tablespoon or two of butter to the pan...no need to wipe it clean first.


Add your raw meat. Don't worry, it won't be raw for long!


Meanwhile, your water should be boiling by now. Oh wait, did I forget to mention you should have a pot of water heating to a boil? Okay yeah, I forget sometimes too and don't get it started until the stroganoff is almost done. But if you're super-organized, then you get the water boiling before you start cooking the meat. Then while the meat is cooking, you can add your egg noodles.



This recipe is all about multi-tasking. While your meat is browning and filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma, get out more ingredients for a thickening sauce. Take about 1/3 cup of the beef broth and put it in a small cup that has a tight-fitting lid. Get out your flour. Don't forget to stir your meat around in the pan. And hop on one foot. And recite the Pledge of Allegiance. And break up a fight between your children.


Put about 3 tablespoons of flour into the broth...


...put on the lid and SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE...SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE...SHAKE YOUR BOOTY...yes it's okay to dance while you're cooking!


When you're done making a fool of yourself and making your kids laugh, chase them back out of the kitchen and turn around to your meat--it should be about done!


If you're using beef, you may have some fat to drain. But venison has virtually no fat, so I have nothing to drain! Now you can add your mushroom mix back to the beef (or venison!), then pour in some of the beef broth. I never use the whole can--I'd say I started with about a cup then see how much more liquid it needs. Also squirt a couple of tablespoons of ketchup into it.


Stir it all up and let it simmer for a few minutes. If it's looking like it needs a little more liquid (this one did, I had more meat than I usually use), add more of the beef broth.


Once it's good and heated, you can slowly add your flour mixture. I never use all of it either, I just pour in a little at a time and stir it up until the sauce has the right thickness. I don't like it too thick, and if it's too thin it just gets all messy on your plate. And no one likes stroganoff sauce rolling over into their green beans, right?



This looks just about right...


Next comes the best ingredient of all...sour cream!


I just love sour cream. It's just so...creamy... Add it to the pan, and stir it up. The recipe says "DO NOT BOIL" in big capital letters at this step. I don't know what the big deal is...sometimes I'm not paying enough attention and it does boil and it's never really made a difference. I think the point is not to overcook it once you've added the sour cream.


When it's done it looks like a wonderfully beefy, creamy mixture just begging to lie atop some noodles.


You did finish the noodles right? Oh, well, don't let them overcook and get all mushy. Drain them and add a tablespoon of butter to keep them moist, and maybe some parsley if you're feeling fancy.

Mmmmmm...stroganoff united with noodles and side dishes...so happy together!


Beef Stroganoff with Parsley Noodles

8 oz medium egg noodles
1 tsp dried parsley flakes
3 Tbsp margarine or butter
1 (8-oz) pkg fresh whole mushrooms, sliced
½ c chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lb boneless beef sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch strips
1 can beef broth
2 Tbsp ketchup
½ tsp salt, if desired
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup sour cream

Cook noodles to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain. Add parsley and 1 Tbsp margarine, toss to combine. Cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp of the remaining margarine. Add mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until tender. Remove mushroom mixture; set aside.

In same skillet, melt remaining 1 Tbsp margarine. Add beef; cook and stir until browned. Reserve 1/3 cup of the beef broth. Add remaining broth, ketchup, salt, and mushroom mixture to skillet; mix well.

In small jar with tight-fitting lid, combine reserved beef broth and flour; shake well to blend. Gradually add to beef mixture, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until thickened. Stir in sour cream; cook until thoroughly heated. Do not boil. Serve over parsley noodles.

**Nicole’s Notes: I usually shortcut with canned sliced mushrooms and minced garlic in a jar. I don’t always use all of the beef broth—I add maybe half, then see how thick the sauce is, then add more as needed, so the sauce doesn’t get too runny. I almost always serve this with cornbread and green beans.

Petting zoo birthday party

Saturday was such a fun day for the kids. We were invited to a birthday party for a friend, and there was a petting zoo and pony rides at the party! There was also a train, a moon bounce slide, and the birthday boy's fun backyard playset. The kids had so much to do and had so much fun! There was a 3-month-old baby goat who was so friendly and just the right size for the kids. There were a bunch more goats in the trailer that the kids got to feed--I think that was Aaron's favorite part! They got to hold a turtle and pet a really soft rabbit. The train ride was a big hit--it went all the way down the street and turned the corner, up a hill, then back down again.

When we were leaving, I asked Aaron what his favorite part was, and he said, "Everything!" Now, I've got to get to planning his party--to be held in 2 1/2 weeks!--which will not be as elaborate but hopefully just as memorable for him!

Here are some pictures--enjoy!

Babysitting and Graduation

Today was graduation recognition day at church, and I was amazed at all the little kids I once knew who are high school seniors! Several that I used to babysit when I was in high school are actually about to go off to college and be real live adults. Last Tuesday one of them babysat for me...and it was weird when I realized that I babysat HER when she was about six. I thought--what if Claire ended up babysitting her kids in about 13 years? All of this makes me feel really old, and I'm not even 30 yet! And I am definitely not ready to have a teenager who can go babysit other kids!

Some embarassing shots...

Claire is such a riot! She keeps us in stitches!

I found her using the potty and writing on her magna-doodle to entertain herself. She sat there for the longest time--she loves to doodle!



Hey, enough pictures already! When I'm sixteen I'm going to hate you for this!


Then she put on her hat and underwear, both BACKWARDS, and was playing around in Aaron's room. She takes her babies shopping all over the house.


She discovered the "train" Aaron built and wanted to play, too!


She got all the passengers lined up on the passenger cars. Aaron said the brown logs were the freight cars where the asphalt was being carried.


Cheese!

Lessons in Discipline

The last several days have been very trying with Aaron. After talking to friends we think it's an age thing--he has been into EVERYTHING. It seems like every time I turn around he is destroying something or getting into something that he knows is off-limits. Monday it was bubble stuff all over the backyard, playing with new light bulbs, raiding the M&M's. Tuesday when his babysitter was cleaning up lunch he got 1/2 a bottle of hand soap all over himself, Claire, and the bathroom. I could go on and on.

I knew these were things I could not just shrug off, saying "He's just being a mischevious kid." He knew good and well those things were wrong, but for some reason he just kept testing those limits. He got spankings when appropriate, but obviously something wasn't getting through. I was getting angrier and angrier with him, raising my voice more than I care to admit.

Finally Tuesday afternoon after some crying on my part (and his), and a long talk with a friend, I decided it was time to introduce Aaron to GROUNDING. For the rest of that day and the whole next day, he could watch NO videos or TV. If Claire was watching something, he would have to stay in his room. He wailed and sobbed Tuesday afternoon while she watched Caillou and he had to stay in his room. I told him he could watch videos again on Thursday, so Wednesday morning he woke up and asked me "What day is it, Mommy?" When I told him "Wednesday," he said to himself, "Today is the day I can't watch TV or videos." So he definitely got it! And the day went so much smoother. We did stay busy to avoid a lot of whining about watching TV (mostly from Claire!), but I think he understood the punishment.

I re-read parts of James Dobson's book Dare to Discipline and it was a great refresher. The big lesson for me was that you can't control a child with anger! You've got to hit them where it hurts--sometimes with an actual spanking, and sometimes with a privelege. I'm glad to know I've got another arrow in my motherhood quiver--grounding! Hopefully we won't have to use it much.

Airport Outing

Last week I mentioned our fun outing on Wednesday morning, and I'm finally getting the pictures out here! We are part of the MOMS Club, and one of the members arranged a tour of Signature Flight Support, the "mini" airport where some private planes fly in. The kids got to see the command room, the tankers, and go into the hanger and climb in a real plane. They had a great time! Afterwards, we go to go to the Air Force Base nearby to see one of the giant C5 planes! Our tour guide there was my friend's husband, and he let the kids climb all in the plane. By the time we got done, it was lunch time, and since my mom works close to there, we got some lunch and went to her office to eat with her. She works for a uniform company, and we got a tour of the giant laundry where the uniforms are cleaned.

It was definitely a memorable morning. I asked Aaron was his favorite part was, and he said, "All the parts!" So sweet!

My favorite picture of the morning is this one:



Here is a slide show of a few of the other pictures! Enjoy!

Thankful for Mothers

I had a wonderful mother's day weekend--I hope you did as well! I got to see my mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law for lunch on Friday, have a nice lunch with Chris and the kids at church on Sunday, and a relaxed dinner with my mother and grandmother Sunday night. I am so very blessed to have so many wonderful women in my life, besides my actual mother, who have influenced me and deserve to be honored as well.

My own mother, of course, taught me many things. She taught me to value true beauty and to do things for myself. I can't tell you how many things I asked her growing up, to which she would respond, "Look it up!" Thankfully I have Google now so that is alot easier than looking through a dusty encyclopedia! I value my mother's opinion and friendship to this day.

My grandmother was like a mother to me during my college years. I lived with her during my senior year of high school and came "home" to her house during college, and she was such an influence over me. She has taught me the value of financial responsibility and hard work. She is 76 years old and still works 4 days a week! She is not one to have idle hands. She is also the strongest lady I have ever known--the last couple of years have been very hard for her, and I think I would have been committed by now. But she holds on strong and refuses to let fear get her down!

My mother-in-law has been a great example to me of a praying wife and mother. Emmie is a prayer warrior like no other I know--and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was praying for me, her son's future wife, from my infancy, even though she didn't know my name. I firmly believe that many circumstances in my life were direct answers to the prayers of that Godly woman.

My aunt was such a doting "mother" figure when I had my children. Ginger just loves babies, and she was a great resource when I was pregnant, during delivery, and after the babies were born. When both of my children were newborns, she is the only one I felt completely confident leaving my children with, because she is so very good with babies. It was wonderful to have her in my life during that time. She is also fun to talk with about girl stuff--decorating and crafting--which my own mother is admittedly not into!

I also had some wonderful women mentor me during my teenage and college years. During high school, my Sunday school teacher Julie was such an example to me. She was so fun and easy to talk to. My youth minister's wife, Bonita, was so bold to tell us what was right and wrong when the world makes things so fuzzy. She told me flat out what she thought about things, and how God feels about things, which is what every teenager needs to hear (even if they don't admit it then)!

Also during high school, I moved in with a friend's family for a year when my mom moved away, so I could finish at the school where I grew up. The Marshalls were the most profound influence in my life. I got to see how a NORMAL family was supposed to function. My mom was in a toxic marriage at the time and life was in turmoil. I got to step out of that situation and into a family where there was no yelling, everyone loved one another, and everyone was following the Lord. I got to see how a husband should relate to his wife, and vice versa, and how children should act toward their parents and other adults. I think that year of my life shaped me more than any other! Thank you Bro. Wayne, Mrs. Susan, Jessica, and Joy!

During college I had a wonderful discipler, a lady named Allison who was on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ. Allison led Bible studies and showed me practical ways to share my faith, reach out to other women, and walk with Christ. She and I became such good friends, were in each others' weddings, and she is still an example to me today.

There are many other women (and men!) who have shaped my life--too many to list! This is such a great reminder of the influence we can have in another person's life by just getting involved with someone and loving them. A great reminder for me that I'm not just in this life to live each day, but to make a difference. And that can be done--look how these women made a difference in my life!

Aaron is such a sponge!

Wednesday night Aaron and Daddy were having a conversation about Daddy's work. Aaron said that he works at his house, and he works on elevators like Daddy does. This lead to a conversation about elevators, and Chris asked Aaron, “Do you remember when we went to the beach and got to ride in the elevator to our condo?” (This was last September.)

Aaron said, “Yeah!”

“Do you remember which number you hit to get to our condo?” Daddy asked.

“18!” Aaron exclaimed.

I can hardly believe he remembered the floor number, from over 8 months ago! It makes me wonder what things he is experiencing now that will stay in his long-term memory. They says kids start remembering things from 3 or 4 years of age, right?

This is exciting and scary! What things am I doing wrong that he is going to remember on a shrink’s couch in 20 years? What am I doing right?

Yesterday I showed him an index card on which I had written his new memory verse, Hebrews 13:16. I pointed to each word as I read it and was getting him to say it with me. Within 3 times of doing that, he had it memorized! It was the neatest thing to see him looking at that card and “reading” the verse from memory!

We also go to apply the verse yesterday. He had a sudden meltdown when he was looking for one of his old ride-on toys, and we reminded him that he had chosen one ride-on toy to keep and we sold the other two in the consignment sale last month. (Our house was so crowded with all those ride-on toys!!) He had been okay with it then, even excited, but suddenly last night he wanted that one particular riding toy for a game he was playing, and he started crying. Chris reminded him, “What does your Bible verse say? ‘Don’t forget to share with others.’ You had to share your toy with another kid who needed it.” He stopped sobbing, but was still upset about it, and I reminded him of some of the fun toys he got in exchange at the consignment sale, like his gas pump and the Elmer book, and he was happy about that. It was just neat to be able to apply the verse he started learning that same day!

Here is Aaron reciting his verse, with Claire talking in the background. Her little voice makes me smile in this one!

More beautiful Botanic Garden pictures

A couple of weeks ago we went to the Botanic Gardens for the preschool class they have, and I got more great pictures of the kids with some of the beautiful flowers! They had a great time playing on the dino playground, too!








Claire was quite concerned in this picture about the sand in her shoe. I ended up taking off her shoe, washing her feet and shoe clean with a wipe, and giving her a little foot massage to make her happy. Such a prissy girl!


Talk about a mommy heart attack when all these kids are sitting on this narrow bridge! Those fish look big enough to eat our children!!