1st Week Of No Spend Month

Well, our 1st week of no spend month was pretty eventful! We spent more than I truly would like to mention, but to keep within the challenge and consistency, I will go ahead and share.

In the 1st week of No Spend Month we spent: $223 of our $350! YIKES!! I'm trying to stay positive after a week like this but I'm finding it to be pretty difficult!

About $100 of the $223 was spent on baby, including formula, fresh fruits & veggies for homemade food. The rest was spent on basic food supplies such as milk, lunchmeat, bread, etc. and because of our schedule, we have had to eat out, without choice (either eat out, or don't eat at all), so that ate up a chunk of the money as well.

We also have made an additional purchase...a car! Obviously we are not counting that in our "normal" budget, and we paid cash for it from our savings (thank the Lord we had savings!)

So, for the next three weeks, we have a total of $127 left to spend without going over our goal of $350. That comes out to about $42 per week. I'm confident that we can do this, but it will continue to take major meal planning on my part!

Any encouragement is welcome!!

November is No Spend Month!

30 Days

3 People

$350

I first learned about the "No Spend Month" from a blog I follow, SmallNotebook, and it has completely challenged me to take this on and see what we can do! This family who does this once a year is a lot like us in the sense that they:

1.) Live in the DFW area

2.) Rent instead of Own, and

3.) Are a family of three!

The question at hand is..."Can our family of three spend less than $350 for 30 days? Can we be more mindful and disciplined about the money we spend?"

We will pretty much be following SmallNotebook's guidelines with only a few exceptions. One being, Aaron works 30 minutes (one way) away from our apartment, therefore our gas budget will be a little higher since we truly cannot change his commute. What we can change is how often I am using our minivan. This will be a true test to see how often I actually NEED to leave the house compared to how often I WANT to leave the house!

**I will take all of the "indoor activites for infants" ideas I can get here people!!**

Here is what the $350 Includes:

* Groceries & Dining Out

* Baby Food and Necessities

* Clothing

* Household/Personal Items

* Entertainment

Here is what the $350 DOES NOT include:

* Rent, Insurance and Bills

* Health Expenses

* Work Expenses

* Savings & Investments

* Tithes & Gifts

Basically, everything that is a variable expense is included. Things that are not a necessity.

Here's what we're starting the month off with:

I have about 1/2 a tank of gas in the minivan. Since we are currently a "one-car" family (the Camry died last Monday, it was a very very sad day and probably need to do an entire separate post on that!), the only other expense would be gas for the van that Aaron's work has lent him until we find a replacement car, or decide to try the one-car family for a bit longer. We are also traveling to Houston for Thanksgiving and are not including the $80 round trip gas cost in our $350 becuase it's a travel expense and an unusual circumstance since we do not travel except for holidays.

Our pantry is full to the brim (thanks to The Grocery Game ways of shopping) and therefore I have almost everything I need to probably last most of the month. This has not recently happened, but has happened over about a three month period, so instead of going to the grocery store, all I need to do is open my fully stocked pantry! Please note that what I keep in stock are the main items I need for the 10-12 recipes I cook each month, plus snack items and cereal. I don't just go and buy anything and everything on sale, I'm a very intentional grocery shopper!

We've already got enough toilet paper, laundry detergent, shampoo and other basic necessities to last us through the month as well.

Taken directly from SmallNotebook's Website:

What's the Point?

What's the point of depriving ourselves? Shouldn't we be able to enjoy life?

Yes, and that's exactly why we do it. When we take a break from spending, we learn to appreciate what we have. The convenient restaurant dinners become a special treat, our favorite foods are savored , and everytime I put gas in the car I am thankfl to have the money to do so. We stop taking things for granted. And let's not forget all the money saved from not eating out or making impulse buys!)

Here's how we are going to get started:

1. We will continue on our "cash only" budget, except this time, instead of breaking out the cash into different categories, we're going to keep it all together. All $350 will be withdrawn at the same time.

2. Spend as little as possible during the first two weeks when we are motivated, that way we will have a little more to spend in the last two weeks if we want to.

3. We are not going to be eating out! This will take H U G E planning on my part, lots of menu planning, grocery shopping planning and T I M E M A N A G E M E N T (which most of you know I'm great at making lists, but not completely following through!)

This challenge will be difficult for us, especially since Caleb takes up at least $100 a month of our budget. That includes formula, fresh fruits and veggies (I make homemade baby food for him, compare $.75-$1.00 per serving of jarred storebought food to about $.05 per serving of homemade food), and also includes any clothing, wipes, over the counter meds or any new toys. This month all I will be purchasing is formula and if he needs any food. We also use cloth diapers and cloth wipes which definitely helps the budget!

We also tend to eat out a lot, especially if I've had a long day with Caleb and have not done my part in planning dinner. Ideally, I would use Caleb's 2nd nap to prep dinner, but obviously, that doesn't always happen! It's those days that I get caught off guard when we tend to get lazy and just order takeout...

So, the goal is to spend no more than $350, outside of monthly recurring bills, for the entire month of November! I will be doing a weekly blog post as we go throughout the month, in hopes to capture how we're doing, as well as have some accountability on our spending! Knowing that someone (hopefully!) will be following our blog during the month will help keep me motivated to not spend!!

Our Fully Stocked Pantry!

Our Fully Stocked Fridge!

Let the adventure begin!!

Our Little Pumpkin

Today was my sweet baby's 1st Halloween!! His birthday falls at a great time becuase he basically has all of his 1st holidays in order that they appear, except for New Year's Day. Anyway, our day started out pretty uneventful. Caleb slept in until 9:00am, which he has NEVER done before! And, for his first nap, he slept for 2 1/2 hours! I couldn't believe it! Once he woke up from his nap I decided to get him dressed and start the picture taking for the day! I knew if I didn't start now, it would go on forgotten (like my 1st Mother's Day, yes, still bitter...)! So, without further waiting...enjoy!

My baby's newest favorite face

And another one! So cute!

Smiling for daddy

Oh, he was so happy today!

My Little Pumpkin!

"Ok Mom, I'm not so sure about this hat! Seriously, how many pictures are you going to take of me today?!?"

Oh so cute!

"I got it half way off..."

Smiling for me!!

Smiling for Daddy!

I love this picture! It's a hard shot to get becuase although he smiles like this often, it's only for a split second!

" Dadadadadadada"

Standing up! He stood there like that in the exact same place for at least 10 minutes!

Our next adventure of the day was to go to my mommy group Halloween Party at one of the mom's homes! We had a great time, but we definitely missed all the other mommies and kiddos that didn't make it! Here are Chrristian, Caleb, Dex and Kendall all playing!

Christian loved Caleb's pumpkin beanie

They really are having fun, I think I caught them off guard...

Finishing off the party with a picture of all the babies on the couch!

We also stopped to visit Dustin, Karla, Noah & Haley before they left to go trick or treating and yes, we are still waiting for baby #3 to arrive! Hurry up little one, Aunt Jill can't wait to meet you!!

By the time we got back home Caleb was plum tuckered out! Nice thing is that tonight is Day Light Savings and we gain an hour of sleep...I'll be interested to see what tiem Caleb wakes up in the morning! Until next time...

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Sneak Peak Revealed!

So, last week I did a sneak peak post and here, FINALLY, is the full version! This past weekend we took a short trip to Phoenix to visit Aaron's grandparents. We had a great time seeing Tio Omar, Tia Vicki and cousin Corbin, Grandma and Grandpa, Great Grandma and Great Grandpa and Tia Rachel, Tio Juan and cousin Olivia!! We had a great time and Caleb adjusted GREAT to the two hour time difference! Here are a ton of pics from the weekend!!

Such a big boy, I can't believe it! Although he didn't stay there long, it was a super cue photo op!

Grandma and Grandpa Garcia

Cousin Olivia

Reading with Cousin Corbin

LOVING great grandpa Lopez!

Having a conversation with "the baby in the mirror" (we're still not sure if he knows it's actually him!)

Such a honey!!

SO PRECIOUS!!!!

Great shot of my little "Alphalpha"(sp?)! You can barely see it here but his hair never stays donw!

Love this shot of all 5 of his teeth!!

Sitting with great Grandma Lopez!

LOVE this picture!!

LOVE this picture too, with me in the background!!

Getting love from great Grandma!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Caleb - 9 Month Pictures

My baby is almost 10 months old and I wanted to post some pictures from the past month of his life!! I can't believe all of the things that you have done, so many "firsts" have happened! Here are A BUNCH of pictures to remember the 9th month of your life!!!

You have 5 teeth and more are coming in!!

This is my favorite toy!

Look, I'm half standing up!!

I love looking at myself in the mirror!


And smiling for the camera!

This is where I go when I want to hear mommy say, "Caleb, no sir!"

My first real TUB BATH!!!

Daddy is always the one who gives me a bath and he does such a great job!!!

I love my big tub baths, there's so much room to roam!

So many toys!!

Daddy making me laugh!

I love this picture! Your cute little scrunchy nose!

See that bruise on my forehead? I got that from trying to stand up on my own and I fell into the corner of the side table. It was a scary moment for mommy and me, but I'm all better now!

Love me some footie pajamas!!

Trying to eat some "puffs" for the first time!

Loves to get dried off, seriously, LOVES bath time!

This is what happens when you feed your child, in a moving car, and as soon as you put a spoonful of applesause in his mouth, he sneezes! It was EVERYWHERE!!

Look mom, I'm sitting like a big boy in my own seat!! Don't worry, we didn't leave him here during the flight, just wanted to get a cute picture!!

He looks so skinny from the back!!

I'm standing on my own!!

Singing along to the piano music!

Helping mommy sew!

Oh honey, you are so much fun!!! This past month has been so awesome! Here are 10 things I DEFINITELY don't want forget...

1. You have 5, yes 5 teeth and more are coming in!

2. You are crawling, pulling up on your own, and in to everything!!

3. You love to follow me into the kitchen, sit at my feet, and pull on my pant legs, and as soon as I look down you lift both arms up in anticipation of me picking you up!

4. You LOVE giving kisses and will give them on cue, but watch out, sometimes you try to bite!

5. You love the little doorstoppers, you love to bite them, and hit them so they "boing"!

6. You give yourself kisses when you see yourself in the mirror, like 10 times in a row!! It's so cute!

7. You think it's absolutely hilarious when mommy tries to "come and get you"

8. You also laugh when either mommy or daddy are talking on the phone, you just stare, smile and sometimes even laugh

9. You are eating like a champ (of course) and have yet to turn down any foods, and you're eating those little puffs, they are your first finger food! You've also had turkey, mashed potatoes and grapes!

10. You don't stop growing up! You are saying dadadadadada, you LOVE playing with other kids, even if they are older and to my amazement, you sleep in the church nursery!

Sweet baby boy, I wish I could freeze time! I cherish the very few nights that you actually wake up and I get to cuddle you and rock you. You are so precious to me and daddy and there is nothing in the world that I would rather be than your mommy!! I love you to pieces my little munchkin!!

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Sneak Peak...

A little teaser...

What it takes to travel with an infant!

Sleeping on daddy, so precious!

And again...

And again!

More pictures to follow...

Let Me Introduce You To...

my new line of baby products!! I'm so very excited about these! My sweet hubby got me a sewing machine for Mother's Day this year and I've finally started putting it to good use! I still sell my day planners, journals, binders (general, recipe, household, etc...), and picture frames, but have just added bibs & burpies, wet bags, appiqued onesies and now aprons!! Here are a few pictures of the newest additions...I've got about 20 other fabrics available for each product and plan on adding more as I can create them! Enjoy!!

Girl Wet Bag with Pocket ($18)




Girl Appliqed Onesie ($6)

Baby Gift Bundle ($35) -

Includes 1 of each:

Appliqued Onesie

Bib

Burp Cloth

Wet Bag

Bib & Burpie Set ($12)

Apron ($25)

8 Months Old In Pictures

You are 8 months old and I can't hardly believe it! Here are some pictures from the past month!

You love boxes!!

And you love food! You eat anything and everything we feed you!!

Meal time is one of my biggest joys, not only because you are the happiest, but becuase it is almost the only time of day that I get to cuddle you in my arms, you are such a busy bee!!

So happy (and overwhelmed) with Noah & Haley!

Again, your second most favorite tim of the day, bath time with Daddy!

Mezmorized by the fountains at Firewheel...

1st family photo in a LONG time! Yes, I now realize that shirts with sleeves like that are not so flattering for my new post-delivery body!! Sosad that it takes a picture for me to realize that!

Patiently waiting for mommy to finish making your food!

Again, it's all about the boxes!

Seeing yourself in the mirror, you love that! Right after Itook these pictures you started giving yourself kisses!!

I'm just hangin' out peeps!

My favorite pj's!!

More 7 Month Pictures...

Sweet Caleb...you are SO loved! Here are some extra 7 month pictures of your precious life!!!

You with some of your best friends, Noah & Haley!

Haley loves you so much and asks for you ALL the time!

Chillin' in Noah's chair

One of my MANY favorites from this month! Those teeth are so stinkin' cute!!

So is that smile!

Chunky boy, I love all your rolls!

Big smile for momma

Precious hands and feet, so little!

This one is ready for a frame! I love how you look like you're praying!

More hands and feet, you LOVE to grab at your feet!

So curious

All smiles!

Hangin' with daddy

You absolutely love this!!

One of your many faces...

Like father, like son!

Although you are starting to look more and more like me, I think at least!

Playtime!

Lunchtime!

Oh so sweet!

Daddy's making funny faces with you

Don't knwo why daddy did this, but it is cute!

You L-O-V-E your lovie!!

Sitting in the grown-up chair!

Such a big boy!

Bath time! Oh how you love bath time with daddy!

Shake shake time!

Swinging with Haley at your first visit to the park, and your first swing ride ever!

Chillaxin' in the swing, you had a great time!

Caleb, you are such a honey! Your personality is showing up more and more each day! You are such a precious gift to daddy and me! I hope you always know how much we love you!!

A Mom After God's Own Heart - Chapter One

So, I actually finished reading Chapter One a couple weeks ago, but it's been so crazy around here that I haven't had the time that I really wanted to spend, writing this chapter's review. So, here it goes! Hope it blesses you and encourages you to be a Mom After God's Own Heart!

Chapter One: Take Time to Nurture Your Heart

"And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart." Deut. 6:6

The first way to love your children is to take time to nurture your own heart. God calls you to love Him with an unreserved, whole-hearted commitment of love, a love that includes "all your heart...all your soul and...all your strength." When His Word and teachings reside in a person's heart, that person can then think upon them, meditate on them, understand them...and obey them. God's Word in your heart will keep you from forgetting God -- from forgetting your dependence upon Him, from forgetting your need for Him, and from forgetting your obligations to Him and to your children.

Complete devotion to the Lord must first be in the heart of the mother...then our godly training of our children and our diligent teaching of God's Word will follow.

What happens to us moms when we don't take time to nurture our own hearts? Here is Elizabeth's list...

-We run on empty. And when we're spiritually running on empty, our hearts are hollow and numb. Without spiritual refueling, our parenting is empty and the evidences of our apathy creep into our children's lives.

- We are heartless. If we are heartless, our parenting becomes heartless. We fail to make sure our children's hearts are being continually molded heavenward.

- We become worldly. If we are preoccpied with the things of this world and enamored by earthly pursuits and rewards, our parenting will be worldly. The things of this world will creep into our homes and into our children's hearts.

- We become carnal or unspiritual. If we are fulfilling the lust of the flesh instead of walking in the Spirit, our parenting will show it. As Paul points out, "the works of the flesh are evident" (Gal. 5:19). There will be screaming, yelling, belittling, name-calling, maybe even the slapping or shaking or pushing of children around.

This is all very serious stuff. What is God's solution? PICK UP THE BIBLE AND READ IT! When we do, God touches and transforms our hearts into those of moms after His heart.

How does a mom handle each stretching day? How does she manage, in a God-pleasing way, her marriage, her housework, the first baby, the second baby, the third baby, and the fourth baby...all of whom quickly become active toddlers and preschoolers? She looks to God's empowering -- and peace-producing! -- Word. God's Word makes all the difference in the world in your heart, in your day, and in your parenting. This handful of minutes is such a tiny investment to make something that produces such massive daily -- and eternal -- dividends!

YOU CANNOT EFFECTIVELY IMPART TO YOUR CHILDREN WHAT YOU DO NOT POSSESS YOURSELF!! And what better possession is there to pass on to your children than your own heart and passion for God?

As I read this chapter, I was so encouraged in my own personal walk with the Lord. The above statement brought me to tears the first time I read it, and almost every time after that. It's truth at it's finest. How can I expect my child to grow into a Godly man if I myself do not instill in him passion for the Lord and knowledge of God's Word? Since we found out we were pregnant, I have prayed for Caleb. I have prayed that he would grow into a Godly man who loves the Lord with all his heart, and loves others before himself. While I still pray for that now, I also pray for the strength and discipline for myself, for conviction and desire to get into the Word, and learn for myself, what I so long Caleb to know and learn as he grows.

I sent an e-mail to a couple girlfriends yesterday, just sharing a conviction on my heart to look at my priorities, and after doing so, just realizing that although my relationship and time with the Lord is important, it was not my #1 priority. Sleep, exercise, Caleb, they were my top three. Usually during times like these, I am easily ridden with guilt over my choices to put other things first in my life, claiming that I have let God down by not daily resting in the truth of my need for a Savior. But this time, becuase I have spent time in God's Word, I did not feel guilty, just convicted to change my ways, move forward, and continually re-evaluate my prioroties so that the Lord and His truth and promises come before anything else in my life.

Another conviction was that although I feel like our household is led by the Spirit, I do not find myself openly speaking God's Word throughout the day. I have recently taken a new approach to Scripture Memory, which has definitely made a difference, but to read the Bible, outloud to Caleb, it just has not come naturally to me. Yet, God's Word specifically gives us the instruction as moms, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. YOU SHALL TEACH THEM DILIGENTLY TO YOUR CHIDREN, AND SHALL TALK OF THEM WHEN YOU SIT IN YOUR HOUSE, AND WHEN YOU WALK BY THE WAY, AND WHEN YOU LE DOWN, AND WHEN YOU RISE." Deut. 6:6-7 As I continue to memorize scripture, I pray that I am lead by the Spirit to learn it outloud, so that Caleb hears the words of the Lord, evenn w at such a young age.

At the end of each chapter Elizabeth George challenges the reader in a little section called, "Little Choices That Reap Big Blessings". She offers little choices, simple alterations in our daily schedules of busyness, that if consistently put in to practice, will effect your personal walk with the Lord, your family's future, and your children's hearts. They are 5 practical steps, that sound much easier than they actually are. Discipline, faithfulness and eternal perspective are a must have when putting these 5 little steps in to practice. The 5 choices for this week are:

1. Read your Bible every day.
When you do, you'll hear God's voice and His personal and direct instructions to you.

2. Learn from the parents in the Bible.
Through them you can learn what to do...and what not to do...as a mom and a parent. Try to jot down what you are learning in the form of a principle. (For example: regarding Isaac and Rebekah, the principle could be simply stated, "Never show favoritism.") These biblical principles will guide you through the years.

3. Start saying no. God's Word empowers you when you read it and gives you the strength you need to be a loving-but-firm parent. It's tough to stand up to pressure and say no to the world, to others, and to your child. It's also hard to say no to yourself and your flesh and get up early, stay up late, and go into action in the middle of the night when there's a need. That's when strength is absolutely necessary -- spiritual, mental, emotional and physical strength. God's strength comes to your rescue at just such times to energize you to follow-through on whatever you must do to follow His will.

4. Cherish the good times.
Faithful parenting is challenging work. But it is truly a "labor of love" and certainly a choice that reaps the greatest blessings of all to a mom's heart. Thank God profusely for the good times. Cherish them in your heart-of-hearts. And remember them forever by recording them in a special notebook, album, or memory book. Doing so will give you something to return to over and over again when you need to see some light and remember some good times. Remembering the good times will keep you going for days on end and when you are tempted to wonder if being a mom is worth the struggle.

5. Refuse to give up.
Burn this "little choice" into your heart, mind, and muscles! Even when there's no one else -- no husband, mother or mother-in-law, sisters, support group, friends, or mentors -- to help you or tell you that you are doing the right thing, that you are doing a good job, God shouts forth His "Well done, good and faithful mom" through His Word (Matt. 25:21). When you take time to nurture your heart in God's Word, you receive -- directly from God! -- the encouragement you need to keep on keeping on in your parenting!

I am blessed beyond measure to have a child such as Caleb. I don't know why the Lord chose to give us such an easy baby, from day one, but I cherish each and every day I have with him almost more than anything else. I think part of my struggle with that is wondering if/when a day will come when things start to go in a downward spiral and he becomes almost unmanageable. I find myself struggling with fear that he's such a great baby because sooner or later, there is going to be something big that happens to him, whether he gets sick, or the Lord takes him before I think it's his time to go, and I truly have to battle with the devil over these lies, and trust and believe the truth that the Lord knows the days that were written in his book, for sweet Caleb's life, even before one of them came to be.

Lord, as I am so deeply encouraged and convicted through the promises and teachings in your Word, about how to be a Godly mommy for Caleb, that I find myself overwhelmed, and often crying tears of such joy and passion for you. There is nothing more precious to me on this earth than my family. You state VERY clearly what my job as a mother and wife are. Help me to search your Word, meditate on your promises, and raise Caleb in such a way that he would know you from the first word that rolls off of his little tongue. Give me conviction, passion, desire and discipline to live out Deuteronomy 6:6-7, and to truly be a mom who lives and serves my family as you have taught me to in your Word.

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

5 Years Ago Today...

I married my best friend! Aaron, I am the luckiest and most blessed woman becuase you chose me! We've been through so much, and have grown more than I ever thought possible. You have been my rock, you have been my everything. Your patience with me is unbelievable! You constantly challenge me, you love me unconditionally, you show me how much you care about me in ways I never thought possible. You love Jesus with all your heart and I know you strive to honor him as you lead our family. Never in a million years would I have thought I would be this blissfully happy and have so much joy in my heart. Your laughter is contagious. Your eyes are dreamy, your heart overflows with the love of Christ. You are the best Daddy to Caleb, you are the best husband to me, and you are the love of my life. I cannot wait to see what adventures are ahead of us as we continue to strive to be obedient to the Lord and love each other unconditionally. Thank you for forgiving me more times than I deserve. Thank you for the bear hugs, and sweet soft kisses. Thank you for providing for our family so that I am able to stay home with Caleb. Thank you for your honesty, boldness, strength and courage.

In you I see...

Availibility - you are always putting Caleb and I before your own needs. You are readily available to jump into the craziness as soon as you walk in the door from work. Whether it's bathing Caleb, feeding Caleb, helping me out in the kitchen. You are always available.

Commitment - you are committed to the Lord, to our family and to our friends. You are not afraid to dive in head first whether it's friendships, striving to better our relationship, leadng our family spiritually, or your daily time with the Lord.

Discipline - you are disciplined to complete the task at hand, no matter what it is. You set goals and you accomplish them. I lack this in my own life, but seeing you be disciplined in waking up on time, quiet times with the Lord, working out, whatever it is, it spurs me on towards that same discipline.

Honesty - no matter what the situation, you are honest. Even if it's a difficult question that you don't want to answer, you do, and with honesty and integrity. I know I can trust you as my husband and friend to always tell the truth.

Sincerity - your actions and responses to situations are handled with sincerity. You long to do things, serve others, without any ulterior motives. Your heart is big, and it shows through the sincerity of your words and actions.

Teachibility - you have such a strong, teachable heart. We've had quite a bit of counsel since we've been engaged and married, and you've taken it all gracefully and have taken the time to match it up with what the Word of God says. Your teachable heart shows your respect for others, your love for the Lord, and your desire to continue to grow in you faith and grow as a husband, father and friend.

Vulnerability - this kind of goes along with teachability, but in my eyes is completely different. You are not afraid to share what is on your heart, or what you are struggling with. You share because you know that it will help you grow in your relationship with the Lord, with me as your wife, and with your friends. This has been a huge area of growth for you over the past 5 years. Thank you for not being afraid to talk to me, or to one of the guys in the Community Group. The Lord will continue to use your vulnerability to grow you in to the Godly man he desires for you to be.

Love - you love unconditionally. You love me unconditionally. You love me when I feel unloveable. You love me when I feel fat. You love me when I'm struggling to love myself the way Christ loves me. You love me when I hurt you. You love me as Christ loves me. I only hope and pray you feel I've loved you even a frction of the amount that you have shown to me over the years.

Aaron, you are such a blessing to my heart. There is no one else I would rather wake up next to every morning. Or eat dinner with every night. Or watch a scary movie with. Or share a Bahama Bucks with. Or travel with. Or work out with. Or share life with. You are my best friend and the love of my life.

Thank you for the best 5 years of my life!! I love you so very very much!

tears of joy

first communion and prayer as a married couple, what a blessing

"first kiss"

such joy and happiness!

what a handsome hunk!!

Caleb - 7 Month Pictures

It has been a big month for growing! Caleb is becoming more and more of his own little person every single day, and this momma sure does love to watch!! He's sitting up on his own, completely now, and he's only a few days away from crawling! Guess this means it's time to babyproof the house?!?

Here's a few, ok, a TON of pictures from throughout this month. Notice at the bottom, all of the different facial expressions. It's always fun to refer back to the early on "The Many Faces of Caleb" post that I did back in January, and to see how many of them are the same, yet so many of them are different! I love my little man so much!!

Caleb, Haley (little momma) and Noah!

She is just in love with baby Caleb!

She was so excited to be "holding" him

She always gives him kisses, just precious!!

Dinner with the Selfs at our house last Friday. The kids had a picnic on our livingroom floor!

Caleb just chillin' with daddy

Oh how Caleb L-O-V-E-S his peaches!!

Chillaxin' in Noah's chair, we're going to have to get him one of these!

Sitting up for daddy (the 1st time daddy got to see it!)

Bath time! Probably his most favorite time of the day!

My little sugar!! Ohh I just want to squeeze you!

He loves looking deeply at the carpet

"Watcha doin' mom?"

Watch out girls!!

Looks like he's praying here, doesn't it?!?

This is by far my favorite one out of the bunch!!

Seriously Mom, can't you stop with the pictures already?!?

Recipes of the Week: Raspberry Pecan Brie, Chicken Cordon Bleu & Chocolate PB Crispies

YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY! This meal was AMAZING, if I do say so myself! Three courses, none of which I had ever made before, but all turned out delicious. Here are the details...

Appetizer: Raspberry Pecan Brie

Ingredients:
1 sheet frozen puff pastry (Pepperidge Farm package comes with two sheets)
1 Tbsp butter
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 small (8-ounce) wheel Brie
1/2 cup raspberry jam
2 eggs, beaten

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Defrost 1 sheet of puff pastry for approximately 15-20 minutes and unfold (place remaining sheet in freezer fo later use). Be sure that the puff pastry is thawed enough to not break apart when unfolded. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Saute pecans in butter until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Gently roll pastry with a rolling pin to increase the size of the sheet 1 to 2 inches in each direction. Brush both sized of the sheet with the beaten egg. Center the wheel of Brie on top of the pastry sheet. Place sauteed pecans on top of Brie and spread jam on top of pecans. Bring all four corners of the puff pastry together above Brie and twist slightly to form a "bundle". Place "bundle" on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until pastry is golden brown. Serve with crackers of choice.

Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Ingredients:
4 thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
6 oz thinly sliced ham
8 oz shredded swiss cheese, or thinly sliced swiss cheese
4 Tbsp seasoned bread crumbs
2 Tpsp parmesan cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Brown chicken on all sides. Place chicken in greased glass cooking dish. Arrange ham slices and swiss cheese over chicken. **I would use no more than three slices of ham and one slice of cheese**

Sprinkle top with bread crumbs and shredded parmesan cheese.

Bake 25-35 minutes, serve immediately.

Serves 4

Chocolate Peant Butter Crispies:

Ingredients:
1 (18 ounce) jar of peanut butter
2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

In a microwaveable bowl, melt chocolate starting with 1 minute, stirring and in 15 second increments, continue melting until smooth. Set melted chocolate chips aside. In a medium sized bowl, combine all other ingredients. Blend well until mixture forms a dough. Roll into 1-inch balls. Using your hands (toothpicks just slip out of them), dip the balls into the chocolate until well coated. Place on to cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Place in freezer fo 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Homemade Baby Food Week 2: Apples and Avacado

Sorry I haven't posted in a while with new baby food recipes. With all the traveling we did in July is was inevitable that store bought baby food was consumed, not homemade. Although it's not my first choice, boy oh boy am I thankful for Gerber Organic Stage 1 foods!!!

So, after returning from Colorado and Houston we had tons of leftover Gerbr foods so we needed to finish those up first before I got bak in to the swing of homemade foods.

Saturday, I went to our local Farmer's Market (15th and 75 for all you Dallas locals!) and stocked up on fruits and veggies! I'm excited to post weekly this month becuase there will be a TON of new recipes, including mixing fruits and veggies as well as adding spices to meals!

**Note that most of my recipes come from varying baby food websites but the one I visit the most is www.wholesomebabyfood.com, check it out!

With that said, let's move on to today! Apples and Avacados, YUMMY! Apples are super easy and pretty quick to make.

Choosing the right apple:
In order to choose the best apples, make sure that there are no bruises or dark brown spots on the outer skin of the apple. Also, if you can find some without what I call "squishy spots" that's the best.

Apples are a great starter food for babies at least 6 months old. When cooking apples for homemade baby food, there are three ways possible. Baking, steaming and boiling. When boiling, the apples juices will seemingly run into the pan, which is great becuase all you need to do is save the juices and you can use that in place of water when pureeing down to applesauce.

You can choose to use as many or as few apples as you would like, and whichever brand you choose. For this recipe, I have 5 medium sized Granny Smith apples.

Boiling Directions:
1. Peel, core and cut/slice apples. I have an apple "corer" (sp?) that I use - see picture below
2. Place slices/chunks in pan with just enough water to cover them
3. Boil/stir until tender, but keep an eye out on the water level, make sure it doesn't get so low that it dissolves and just the apple slices are cooking, it will dr them out.
4. When they are soft, you have two choices, you can use your potato masher for a smooth consistency, or you can use the food processor of your choice. If you use your potato masher you really don't need to do anything else. If you are going to use a food processor, keep reading!

To puree apples completely, do the following:
1. Reserve any left over water from cooking to use as your thinning agent
2. Begin pureeing and add the reserved water as you feel necessary, to reach the desired consistency
3. Fill your ice cube trays, or baby food storage containers (One Step Ahead Stay Fresh Baby Food Containers is the one I use and LOVE!) and freeze up t 3 months!

Now, on to Avacados, another very simple recipe, and great for any baby over 6 months of age as well!

Choosing a great Avacado:
When choosing a great avacado, you want to make sure that it is firm, but also "bounces back" when gently pushed. The outer shell should be a dark green, and the inner shell should be green turning slightly yellow towards the pit.

Directions:
There really aren't any! But if I must post something, here you go!

Gently roll the avacado around on your countertop to separate the "meat" from the skin.
Slice the avacado open and scoop or slice out the meat and mash with a fork, and it's ready to serve!

Freezing in slices instead of pureeing helps to keep it from browning, but you can still puree and freeze in cubes if you choose. If you choose the latter, you might trying "bathing" the avacado slices before freezing, in a mixture of 1/2 cup water and 2 squeezes/drips of lemon or lime juice. If your thawed slices/cubes seem a little runny, you can just add a little cereal, banana or yogurt to thicken it up a bit and then you're ready to go!

Hopefully this post has been a great help in creating foods for your baby that will not only keep them growing healthy and strong, but learn to use their tastebuds in a mighty way!

Now, off to cook some more food!

Like Mommy or Like Daddy?!?

So, I've had to gt used to the fact that Caleb is just a "little Aaron" but after I found my baby photos and got Aaron's baby photos while we were in Houston this past weekend, I decided to see who he really looks like the most, and where he gets each of his features from. Here's my thoughts...

As a newborn, he truly was a little Aaron, I mean there's proof in pictures!

Totally still see Aaron here

And here as well...

But wait, here's my newborn picture and one of Caleb's early on pictures, and I think we might look more alike than I originally thought.

He definitely has my little button nose, and mouth...

And I do think that while he has his daddy's eye color, I think he has my eye shape.

What do y'all think?!? I'd love to read your thoughts!!!

7 Months Old

My sweet baby Caleb, today you are 7 months old! I say this every month, but I can't believe how big you are getting! You are growing WAY too fast! You have changed and grown so much this past month. You are doing so many new things...

You smile more times a day than I can keep track of!
You explore so many things, anything you can find on the rug, how many times you can roll across the floor before you get to the entertainment center, or what new object you can get into your mouth!

You are a true daddy's boy! You get giggly and excited when he walks in the door from work.

You continue to make new and different faces, noises and moves!You L-O-V-E food! You will eat anything that mommy feeds you!

You have started sitting up on your own, even if only for 5-10 seconds!

This is what I get to wake up to every morning and see when I come to get you up from your naps. You giggle and move around so excitedly, and that makes this momma super happy!

You like your exer-saucer more than any other toy (who wouldn't!?!)

You have your two bottom front teeth and we think your top ones aren't far from breaking the surface either!

You are enjoying your new carseat because you can FINALLY see out the window! Mommy likes this one becuase I can have your mirror up and see all the fun faces you make as we're on the road.

You like your paci's but are still at the stage where you could go without and do just fine. We'll see how this goes in the future.

You are the cutest naked baby EVER! I just can't get enough of those precious rolls!

This might be one of my favorite pictures of you yet, you handsome little man!

Our first family vacation to Vail in July! You did outstandingly well and had no trouble adjusting to the altitude changes, time change or schedule change

More smiles!

Your first big boy outfit! Oh I could just not get enough of you in your polo, jeans and sneakers! Who says you can't have as much fun dressing a boy!

Chillin' in the shades

You and me! What a fun pic!

My favorite family photo to date!

Rolling around, still the only way you get from one place to another

"I really do like the food, mom!"

Standing for the 1st time (with daddy's help of course!)

We're definitely going to have to get you one of these, you loved it!

Cuddling with daddy (jealous mommy is taking the picture!)

Such a honey!

One of our 1st trips to the grocery store, sitting in the actual grocery shopping cart. He thoroughly enjoys shopping with mommy, there's so much to look at!

Holding his own bottle!

Such sweet chunky feet, I couldn't help myself!

There are so many things I want to remember from this month of your life.

1. You are my little roly poly. You get across the living room in 5 seconds or less.

2. You aren't crawling yet, but you get up in crawling position and just turn around in circles and then you lay on your side and push with your foot. That's another way you get across the room!

3. You are consistently eating all the solid foods I have given you. You like peas, carrots, bananas, pears, prunes, green beans, squash and sweet potatoes. Mommy is LOVING making your food for you and feeding you is one of the highlights of my day!

4. When you finish lunch, I walk back in to the kitchen to get a wet washcloth to wipe your face and we play a little game of hide and seek. You just think it's so funny when I pop my head back up to see you, and then when I walk back you already know why I'm coming and what I'm going to do because you scrunch up your sweet big brown eyes and hold out your hands as I wipe your face and fingers off! You love it!

5. Your nap schedule is still changing but 85% of the time you're down to two naps a day.

6. You still love music and dancing along has become a normal occurance.

7. Bathtime with daddy is one of your favorite times! Splashing in the water and having daddy there with you I know is so much fun, for both you and especially for him!

8. You are a drooling machine! It's not unusual to go through two or three burp cloths a day, and at least two to three onesies as well!

9. You are learning what your lungs are and mommy and daddy are losing our hearing becuase of it! You scream quite a bit and at VERY high volumes for such a tiny being. It never seems to be when you're angry or anything, just because you can.

10. You do a great job of letting us know when you are tired. Rubbing your eyes, burrying yourself in one of us, or in the carpet for that matter, and sometimes just being fussy. As soon as we put yo down after you've given us these signals, you are usually asleep within 5 minutes.

11. You have adjusted so very well to the cloth diapers and I can definitely tell a difference in you when you are wearing them vs. disposables. I think you get aggitated or annoyed when we put you in sposies, but the only time we do is for church or if you have a rash.

12. Your personality is coming to life more and more every day. There are some days where you remind me so much of your father, and then there are others when it feels like I'm looking in the mirror. I love watching you as you develop into your own little person and I just can't wait to see who you become as you grow up. Hopefully you'll have the humor from daddy and the sensitivity from me!

13. Your hair is growing!! And it's so cute because there is a tiny bunch on top of your head that sticks straight up! It's precious!

14. You adjust to pretty much anything, and believe me when I say that this is an answer to prayer for this momma! I prayed so long for a healthy, chill baby and the Lord has COMPLETELY answered my prayers!

15. From day one of finding out I was pregnant with you, you have been such a joy to my heart. I knew you would be a blessing, but never imagined life could be so sweet. Every morning I am awakened by your sweet talking I just lay in bed for a moment and think how precious you are to me and how grateful I am to the Lord for the gift he gave me through you! I pray for many many many more years with you here on earth!

I love you more than my words could ever express, my sweet Caleb. You are a blessing, a joy, a learning experience, and my son and there is nothing in this whole world that could ever change the way I feel about you!

Happy 7 month birthday Caleb!

Love,
Mommy

Recipe of the Week: Salmon and Asparagus Bake

Recipe of the Week: Salmon and Asparagus Bake

This recipe is a great beginner's recipe, super easy and delightfully tasteful!

Picture Source: McCormick and Schmidt's

What you will need:
2 pieces of fresh or frozen Salmon (I use the frozen Atlantic Salmon Fillets from Sam's Club and they are great!)
2 bunches of fresh asparagus, trimmed (break off at the stem end, it will naturally break about an inch up)
1/3 cup chopped onion (optional)
2 Tbsp. butter, divided
1 Tbsp. Flour
1/8 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
3/4 cup milk
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup crushed saltines or club crackers
1/8 tsp. parsley flakesDirections:

Bring about 1 - 1 1/2 inches of water to a boil in large pot. Place steaming utensil in pot and add asparagus (so that the water is not touching them). Cover and steam for 4 minutes.

Place steamed asparagus in a 1-qt. baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray. Top with fish; set aside.

In a small saucepan, saute onion in 1 Tbsp. butter until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; boil and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in cheese until melted. Pour over fish.

Melt remaining butter; stir in crackers and parsley. Sprinkle over cheese sauce.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until crumbs are golden brown and fish flakes easily with a fork.

Serve immediately.

ENJOY!

Book Review: A Mom After God's Own Heart, Intro

**Disclaimer: When I do reviews on this book, the posts will probably be pretty lengthy. Don't get me wrong, I think it will be worth your time since I will be quoting a ton from the book and Elizabeth George has a TON of great things to say, but just know going in to it that the posts will be long. With that said, I will not take offense if you do not read/comment on these posts!**

When I was pregnant with Caleb I had started reading this book, "A Mom After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. I barely made it through the intro before tears were streaming heavily down my face. I figured it was my pregnancy hormones that had kicked in to high gear so I tabled the book and decided that once Caleb was here, surely I wouldn't be as emotional and so I could pick up the book and start back at the beginning. Boy oh boy was I wrong! I probably cry just as much now, if not more than when I was pregnant, reading this book! The cool thing is that I found a growth and study guide to go along with it, so not only am I emotional over the actual book, but the in depth study guide as well! I must be crazy!

Anyway, this will be my feeble attempt at doing a "book review". I'm hoping to do an overview post of each chapter as I read and do the study guide. My goal is to encourage and spur on other mom's who might be struggling with desiring God in a way that will reflect His true nature to their children. Believe me when I say, this will be a FEEBLE attempt, I know I'm brand new at the whole mommy thing, but even if just one person is encrouaged, I know my time writing these "journal entries" will be completely and utterly worth it!

So here it goes...

The Intro: Focusing On The Heart

I'm a highlighter girl, I could use up 2-3 highlighters per book, and probably will use more for this book because already I've highlighted more than half of the intro! Note: All verse references will be in the ESV translation. Also, most quotes will come directly from the book, however not everything you read will. I will be imparting my own opinions, obviously, it's a book review, anything from the book will be in quotations. Now, on to the "meat"...

"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23

"We all know that doing things God's way is a matter of the heart. No matter what it is, how to spend our money or time, how we treat others, dress or work, our choices reveal the true nature of our heart. This is also true in how we raise our children - no matter what ages."

"The heart is first. It speaks of the inner life, the mind, the thoughts, the motives, the desires. The mind is the fountain from which the actions flow. If the fountain is pure, the stream that flows from it will be pure. As a man thinks, so he is. God begins molding a mother after His own heart on the inside -- in the inner woman and her heart -- and then works outward."

I don't know about all you mommies out there, but when I was pregnant with Caleb, I struggled hugely with anxiety. Would my baby live through birth? Would I live through birth? Would he have Trisomy 18? (that question reared it's head from learning of multiple cases of it that had happened in the lives of a not only a friend of mine, but also two other blog friends I was following) Would Caleb be healthy? And my biggest fear was Caleb's salvation, would he EVER come to know the Lord? What fear I had let creep in to my heart during pregnancy, and what joy I was robbed for part of that pregnancy because of the lies of Satan.

"As moms, our job assignment from God is to raise children after God's own heart -- children who seek to follow God and hopefully experience salvation through Jesus Christ." This is something I have prayed for since the first moment I found out I was pregnant. Something else I should have been praying for though was "strength to give my heart, soul, mind, strength and time to influencing and shaping the heart of my child toward God and His purposes." I've since added that to my daily prayers. I pray for stamina to "till the soil of each tender heart and sow the seed of the Word of God while praying fervently for 'Divine influence.'" What work I have cut out for me, but what joy and excitement I have found in the simple ways I try to be a light for Caleb, through reading him books, bible stories, playing with him, taking care of him, loving him as Christ loves me, and just holding him close (whenever he will let me!). Although I know I will never perfect the art of loving as Christ loves, I know that as long as I place my trust in the Almighty, he will give me the strength to love my child(ren) well.

Moving on...in the rest of the Intro, Elizabeth talks about children of the Bible who had a heart for God and followed Him.

Samuel. What a man, in a little boy's body! In 1 Samuel 3 we can read that he --
heard God's call...and
answered Him. He
listened to what God had to say, and he
responded to the voice of the Lord, saying, "Here I am!...Speak, for Your servant hears" (verses 4 and 10) . "Children (even at a very young age) are able to make significant spiritual commitments and substantial contributions to the work of God."

To look further into Samuel's story, we must look at Hannah, his mother. What an amazing woman she was, to have the guts to pray to the Lord and vow, "O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed...remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life..."1 Samuel 1:11. How a woman can pray and vow those words, and hold true to her promise, I am just amazed at. Yes, I know that Caleb is a gift, a child of God, and he does not belong to me, but to know that Hannah so desperately wanted son and vowed to give him over to the Lord the way she did, well, I could only hope that I would do that and be continually faithful.

David. A Man After God's Own Heart. Truly. "He was also a boy after God's own hart, at the age of somwhere between 10 ang 16 when Samuel anointed David to be king over Judah. Already a lover of the Lord, he tended his father's sheep, wrote prayers to God, and sang them to the Lord." Even though the Bible doesn't tell us much about David's parents it does talk about his lineage and his love for God at a very young age.

"As mom's after God's own heart, we must teach, train, and counsel our children every chance we get. We need to pray for God to write our faithful teaching of His Word on our children's hearts."

Even when there is division in the home, it is possible to instill a character of faithfulness that will carry into adultness. This shows to be true for Timothy. His mother and grandmother were his main spiritual influences as his father was not a believer. I can attest to this as well. Even though I was "fatherless" (until 15), my mom was such an example to me of a Godly woman, as well as the influence that Kanakuk had on my life. And once Mom was married to Dad, he did a great job of being that fatherly/spiritual influence in my life that I had been missing for so long.

At the end of the introduction Elizabeth reiterates, "Doing things God's way is always a matter of the heart. That includes choosing to focus your heart on raising your children God's way and praying with each breath that they will develop hearts after God." Just be a mom after God's own heart. He'll help you take care of everything else that goes with parenting.

Also at the end of the intro and throughout the book is a section called, "From a Dad's Heart" written by Jim George, Elizabeth's husband. He shares encouraging words for mom's from a dad's perspective. This s a great encouragement to me and I'm hoping to Aaron as well, even though he's not reading the book.

And finally, the very last section of the intro and each chapter is a section titled, "Little Choices That Reap Big Blessings." This section will give you simple applications to your daily life that will help you along in becoming a mom after God's own heart. This is just my style, for those of you who know me well. I am a list maker! I over analyze everything, and I am OCD about organizing! Here's Elizabeth's challenges for the Intro:

1. Develop a template for your week. Fine-tune what's already going on in your home so you are truly putting first things first. Master-mind a schedule that allows time for both you and your children to have a daily Bible Study or Bible Story time (depending on their ages).

2. Analyze your TV time. Do you know exactly how much time you are watching TV? Chart or record it for a while if you like. Then think about how you could use that time to grow in your knowledge of God, to put better things into your heart and mind, to pray for your family to follow God.

Ok, this is a HUGE struggle for me! It is so normal for me to have the TV on during the day, if not just for background noise, yet the days that I have it off, and just have my iPod playing I do get so much more done, and I spend so much more time playing and being with Caleb. I still can't figure out why I don't just leave it off!

3. Choose a devotional book.

4. Memorize one verse.

5. Pray for your heart. Give your heart to him each fresh new morning as it arrives with fresh new challenges. Open your heart up fully to him. Dedicate it to God (Luke 10:27). Cleanse and purify it through prayer (James 4:8). Then pray from the heart for your precious children as only you, their mom, can.

"A Mom After God's Own Heart: Growth and Study Guide"

Here's my review on the study itself. The nice thing is that is starts out with a study section on the intro in the book, not many study guides do that, but the intro had so much meat that I'm glad the study guide had additional reflection and questions. Just a sample of some of the questions...

1. Read the intro.... What meant most to you has a mom?
2. What things challenged you as a mother?
3. What does Psalm 40:8 say about your heart, and how does it affect your life and your parenting?
4. From a Dad's Heart: Write down at least one way you will encourage your husband in his role as a dad this week.
5. Little Choices That Reap Big Benefits: Write out the little choices suggested in your book. Which ones challenged you most as a mom and why? Which one encouraged you in a big way? Which one do you want to give more time and attenton to this week?

I don't know about you, but all of this post, just from the Intro in the book, I'm guessing there will be many more posts, tears along the way, tons of prayer, change of heart towards trusting the Lord with Caleb, and plenty of encouraging insights from Elizabeth George. I'm so very excited to share this book through the service of the great internet, with each one of you mommies (and all of you who aren't, I hope you find encourangement through these posts as well!).

Be Blessed and Encouraged!

Our Week According to Facebook - Our Vail Family Vacation

So, this past week we've been in Vail, Colorado for our family vacation. We met up with my parents, Julie & Ben and Miriam and Anthony for the week and it was A-MAZ-ING!!!!! We flew out Saturday and flew back last night. Needless to say, it was not long enough! I'm already having withdrawls! Anyway, here's a TON of pics from our vacation and our week according to Facebook!

Our little guy on the plane on the way out to Colorado

A cool plane picture!

Hangin' with Daddy on the plane

Waiting in the airport

Caleb and Daddy in Vail Village along the Vail River!

Sweet Miriam!

Our family breakfast at "The Little Diner" (or what used to be DJ's Diner)

Another pic of Miriam!

Caleb eating bananas for the first time!

He did like them, despite the photos!

What a honey!

The playground/splash park in Edwards that we visited!

Laughing at Daddy!

Smiling for Mommy!

Vail Village

Me and my baby!

A Picture for my sweetie!

Just a gorgeous house in Vail. Wishing it was mine!

Caleb enjoying prunes for the 1st time!

Our "date night" in Vail which consisted of Filet at The Ore House, dessert at the Crepe/Gelato/Wine Bar and drinks at The Tap Room with Ben & Julie

The Fire Fountain!

My little man wearing big boy clothes for the first time! Even sneakers!

Our Family Photo!

My two favorite boys!!

M and my baby boy!!

Caleb holding his own bottle for the 2nd time!! Such freedom for this momma!

The Beaver Creek Rodeo, so much fun!!

The new Lionshead Square, missing what it used to look like, such a simpler life 10 years ago!

Beaver Creek

The Garcias!

The start of Miriam's many faces!

Anthony's famous Sunday at the Vail Chophouse!

The New York Philharmonic! What a great show Friday night!

Sisters!!

Hard to see, but it's the back bowls of Vail at night!

Gorgeous Vail Sunset! Oh how I miss seeing these more often!!

Just too cute not to photograph! My baby's feet crossed. He had them this way for quite some time, so stinkin' cute!!

Our week according to Facebook:

July 17:
"Packing up and going to bed...next time I log in I'll be in the beautiful mountains of Vail!"

July 19:
"Date: July 19th, Elevation: 8150, Teperature: 67 degrees, View: snowcapped mountains. And that's all I have to say about that!"

July 20:
"had a celebrity moment last night when I was walking back to the condo from Vail Village and saw Ryan Sutter drive by in the firetruck!!!"

"Making chicken enchiladas while watching a nice afternoon thunderstorm roll over the mountains in Vail...doesn't get much better than this!"

July 21:
"today's agenda: The Little Diner in Lionshead - 10 minutes, 90-minute massage - 10am, Beaver Creek Children's Museum - after lunch, BIG homemade dinner tonight with the fam at the condo. Seriously, why can't we all just live like we're on vacation?!?!?"

July 22:
"walked the Betty Ford Gardens today with Mom, Julie, Anthony, Miriam and Caleb. Great time while the boys are fly fishing today!"

July 23:
"had a GREAT day! Fun sister time, lunch and shopping and then Beaver Creek Rodeo! Gorgeous Day! Added more pics to the album..."

July 24:
"last full day in Vail, so very very sad..."

"is looking forward to the Chophouse in Lionshead and then the NY Philharmonic Symphony tonight!!"

July 26:
"is desperately missing the mountains but it's true, there's no place like home"

"is REALLY REALLY sad that I didn't say goodbye to my Dad before boarding the plane home yesterday. Dad, thank you for EVERYTHING, I love you so very much!!!"

"is L-O-V-I-N-G the thunderstorms, lightning and rain even though it would be that much sweeter if we were still in Vail!"

The End!

Caleb's Wordle

I found this really cool website through a friend's blog and created a "wordle" for Caleb using words that describe him, his personality, and his stage of life right now! How fun! You can change the colors, font, shape, and directions of the words to make it your own. It's really cool.

http://www.wordle.net/

Just a couple of hints though:

1. If you want a word larger than all the others, you have to enter it multiple times more than the others.

2. If you want to save it as a .jpg file, you have to do a print screen, paste it into power point, crop it down, and then save it as a .jpg file. Then you can upload it as a picture, as I did here.

3. You can alter the maximum amount of words (the default is 150).

4. You cannot change the words once you click "go". I created a list of the words I wanted to use in word and then pasted them in. You can also put in your blog site address and it will randomly choose words that you've used in your previous posts.

Have fun!