I will post pictures of our Christmas soon. I am actually giving myself time today to work on scrapbooks! Hallelujah! So, until then, here is a terrific recipe for my baker friends.
I made these Christmas morning and got wonderful reviews. I thought I would go ahead and post in case you wanted to tackle this over the holidays. Be prepared...it takes time but so much fun (at least for me it was). I wish I had taken a picture because they were so big and pretty! :)
5-6 cups all-purpose flour (sifted once)
1 yellow cake mix
2 (1/4 oz each) pkg quick rise yeast
2 1/2 cups warm water
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Frosting:
6 tbsp butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2-3 tbsp milk
In a mixing bowl, combine 4 cups flour, dry cake mix, yeast and warm water until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide in half. Roll each portion into a 14in x 10 in rectangle. Brush with butter; sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon (the more the better). Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with long side. Cut each roll into 12 slices; place cut side down in two greased 13 x 9 in baking pans. Cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 20 minutes.
Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for 20 minutes.
For frosting, in a mixing bowl, cream butter, confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Add enough milk to achieve desired consistency. Frost warm rolls. I used all of it and everyone loved it but it was way too sweet for me. On mine, I would not have put as much frosting. Just depends on how sweet you want them.
Makes 2 dozen. I packaged them and froze them as well.
December 26, 2009
December 23, 2009
"A Tasty Surprise!"
Just bear with me for a second....
I get annoyed when people use facebook, blogs, etc...just to brag or push an agenda but I'm about to make a big exception and do some bragging myself. I'm just so darn proud of my idea. My good ideas don't come too often these days so I'm super excited about this one.
Last year, Ava got a book called "You Can Do It Sam" and we have read it numerous times throughout the year. Here it is...
In it, Sam and his Mommy bake Christmas cakes and deliver them to their friends on Christmas Eve. They are bagged in red bags and his Mommy drives him to the houses and makes him go by himself to put them on their front door steps. At first he is scared but then is confident that he can do it by himself.
You know where I'm going with this now.
I purchased a book for everyone and Ava and I baked cakes and cookies together, packed them in red bags (complete with the "A Tasty Surprise" white tag) and set out today to deliver them to friends and neighbors. When she would do it, she would come back clapping and say, "I did it Mommy!" It was so precious and such a special memory. I've been really trying to focus on teachable moments with Ava and doing activities with her that centers around that. I didn't intend for this to be such an incredible teachable moment but it quickly became one. I didn't know how much she understood the point until she started making up a song (she does this constantly) and sang, "Christmas is about you and me, Daddy, Sister and doing things for others. Christmas is about Jesus's birthday...." I'm really hoping she remembers that even if we can't do much, it is important to show love to friends and family and to celebrate Jesus's birthday. I was able to explain the gifts of the Three Wise Men in a way that she could understand as we prepared our "Tasty Surprise."
If you received our Tasty Surprise, I hope you enjoyed it and can use the book for some sweet cuddle time with your children. Is there anything better than that??? If you didn't, check your front porch. :)
I get annoyed when people use facebook, blogs, etc...just to brag or push an agenda but I'm about to make a big exception and do some bragging myself. I'm just so darn proud of my idea. My good ideas don't come too often these days so I'm super excited about this one.
Last year, Ava got a book called "You Can Do It Sam" and we have read it numerous times throughout the year. Here it is...
In it, Sam and his Mommy bake Christmas cakes and deliver them to their friends on Christmas Eve. They are bagged in red bags and his Mommy drives him to the houses and makes him go by himself to put them on their front door steps. At first he is scared but then is confident that he can do it by himself.
You know where I'm going with this now.
I purchased a book for everyone and Ava and I baked cakes and cookies together, packed them in red bags (complete with the "A Tasty Surprise" white tag) and set out today to deliver them to friends and neighbors. When she would do it, she would come back clapping and say, "I did it Mommy!" It was so precious and such a special memory. I've been really trying to focus on teachable moments with Ava and doing activities with her that centers around that. I didn't intend for this to be such an incredible teachable moment but it quickly became one. I didn't know how much she understood the point until she started making up a song (she does this constantly) and sang, "Christmas is about you and me, Daddy, Sister and doing things for others. Christmas is about Jesus's birthday...." I'm really hoping she remembers that even if we can't do much, it is important to show love to friends and family and to celebrate Jesus's birthday. I was able to explain the gifts of the Three Wise Men in a way that she could understand as we prepared our "Tasty Surprise."
If you received our Tasty Surprise, I hope you enjoyed it and can use the book for some sweet cuddle time with your children. Is there anything better than that??? If you didn't, check your front porch. :)
December 22, 2009
Christmas fun!
This Christmas season has been absolutely wonderful. Ava is soaking every bit of it in and is all about Santa this year. We have been to visit him several times, taken him pictures she makes for him and last time, she told him that she wished she was his elf. Of course the girls have been dressed from head to toe in Christmas gear, including a jingle bell necklace that Ava loves. Her wish list is a mile long! I can't wait to see her expression Christmas morning. Nora is really into her toys now too so I hope she will enjoy her gifts as well. She won't tear the paper though. She just wants to eat it! :)
Last night, we put together a gingerbread house. this was a first for us. I did the icing and Ava put the candies on where she wanted them. She had to have hot cocoa too. Almost all of her Christmas books have lines about hot cocoa so needless to say, we have had a lot of it over the last few weeks. So...the hot cocoa combined with the candy she kept sneaking and the icing she would lick off of the knife made for a very hyper 3 year old! She wouldn't stop talking so I finally called Nana/Papa, handed Ava the phone, and left the room! Two more calls to Nana/Papa and two calls to Melanie/Bubba later, it was 9:45pm, and I finally got her to stop talking!
We all went a few weeks ago to Paint that Pottery and made a cookie plate for Santa. We are very happy with how it turned out.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Last night, we put together a gingerbread house. this was a first for us. I did the icing and Ava put the candies on where she wanted them. She had to have hot cocoa too. Almost all of her Christmas books have lines about hot cocoa so needless to say, we have had a lot of it over the last few weeks. So...the hot cocoa combined with the candy she kept sneaking and the icing she would lick off of the knife made for a very hyper 3 year old! She wouldn't stop talking so I finally called Nana/Papa, handed Ava the phone, and left the room! Two more calls to Nana/Papa and two calls to Melanie/Bubba later, it was 9:45pm, and I finally got her to stop talking!
We all went a few weeks ago to Paint that Pottery and made a cookie plate for Santa. We are very happy with how it turned out.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
December 19, 2009
December 18, 2009
Orange Blossoms
I'm so sorry I haven't posted any pictures or updates. I will post a slideshow at some point. We have been so busy with Kevin traveling a lot back and forth to Houston, Christmas activities & crafts, Sunday School party, dance, Kindermusik...you name it. Nora has a mouth full of teeth and gets into EVERYTHING! Ava never moved around too much and didn't get into cords or cabinets. Nora...not so much. She chews on cords, pulls everything down and has gotten fast when it comes to crawling. Since she moves around so much, she has more bumps and bruises. Last week (when Kevin was out of town of course), Ava was very sick. It was the worst sickness she has had to date. Nora is sick as well but not as bad.
We are leaving today to go to Baton Rouge for Christmas with Kevin's parents and brother. Hopefully, I can post some pictures while I am there but until then...I'll leave you with a YUMMY recipe (courtesy of my Aunt Janna) that is perfect for taking a treat somewhere. Ya'll know how much I love to bake so I made them to take to LA. It is so easy!
ORANGE BLOSSOMS
1 yellow box cake mix
1 box instant lemon pudding/pie filling
4 eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup oil
Mix it all together and fill mini muffin pan 1/2 full. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. In my oven, it was perfect at 12 minutes. It will make 96 mini cakes! But don't worry, they will go fast. After each batch, spoon some glaze on the top of them.
GLAZE
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp oil (I put less and it was fine)
1/3 cup orange juice (I used sunny D b/c it was what I had)
We are leaving today to go to Baton Rouge for Christmas with Kevin's parents and brother. Hopefully, I can post some pictures while I am there but until then...I'll leave you with a YUMMY recipe (courtesy of my Aunt Janna) that is perfect for taking a treat somewhere. Ya'll know how much I love to bake so I made them to take to LA. It is so easy!
ORANGE BLOSSOMS
1 yellow box cake mix
1 box instant lemon pudding/pie filling
4 eggs
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup oil
Mix it all together and fill mini muffin pan 1/2 full. Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. In my oven, it was perfect at 12 minutes. It will make 96 mini cakes! But don't worry, they will go fast. After each batch, spoon some glaze on the top of them.
GLAZE
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp oil (I put less and it was fine)
1/3 cup orange juice (I used sunny D b/c it was what I had)
November 17, 2009
Apple Pumpkin Muffins
This time of year, I love everything pumpkin. I constantly want to bake with it because then the whole house smells like pumpkin. ah....sigh.... Gotta love fall.
Here is a reciepe you may enjoy. They are so moist and yummy! It made a gazillion (24) so I was able to freeze some. Even better!
I have heard that you can replace some of the oil with applesauce but I've never tried that before.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Combine eggs, pumpkin and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in apples. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. For topping, combine sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle 1 teaspoon over each muffin. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Here is a reciepe you may enjoy. They are so moist and yummy! It made a gazillion (24) so I was able to freeze some. Even better!
I have heard that you can replace some of the oil with applesauce but I've never tried that before.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 cups finely chopped peeled apples
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda and salt. Combine eggs, pumpkin and oil; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fold in apples. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. For topping, combine sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; sprinkle 1 teaspoon over each muffin. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
November 5, 2009
Hello Fall!!
The fall weather is amazing! There is something about temps in the 70's, windows open and hearing the wind chimes that makes me want to clean out something and work on scrapbooks. Too bad it doesn't make me want to exercise. That would be great. Halloween was so much fun! We had dinner with our sweet neighbors and then enjoyed walking around the neighborhood with the girls. Ava never tired out. She went to every house she could. I was proud of how polite she was to everyone. Nora just hung out in the wagon. She was the most adorable pink bunny. We didn't realize until we put it on that she looked like the Energizer bunny...not our intention.
Kevin and I are tackling our habits with Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. I'm not someone who likes to read but I zipped through his book. It was easy to read and just made sense. I felt like he was writing some of the information just for me. What I love is that it makes sense for people with tons of debt and for those with just a little who need to change habits. So, here is a picture of our commitment to God and our marriage to be better stewards with what He has blessed us with. Bye bye credit cards...hello cash!
Kevin and I are tackling our habits with Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. I'm not someone who likes to read but I zipped through his book. It was easy to read and just made sense. I felt like he was writing some of the information just for me. What I love is that it makes sense for people with tons of debt and for those with just a little who need to change habits. So, here is a picture of our commitment to God and our marriage to be better stewards with what He has blessed us with. Bye bye credit cards...hello cash!
November 2, 2009
October 2009
This thing is frustrating b/c I can't figure out why I can't get the slideshow to post with the text. So...you will have to view both posts. Sorry about that.
I'm so sorry that I have been MIA. October was a busy and crazy month. Kevin was in TX for almost the entire month. So, here are some highlights and a slideshow of October pictures (minus Halloween...those will come). I plan to blog more. I will start posting favorite recipes and crafts that I find to do with Ava. We hope everyone had an amazing October.
OH....and if you can, please vote for Ava by going to this link, registering and then you can vote every 24 hours. :)
http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/lenaandkevin/
* Kevin was in Houston for 3 weeks out of the month.
* Hosted a coupon class and had a wonderful time with friends and neighbors.
* I turned 32. Crazy.
* Nora started sitting up and turned 8 months old. She had her first cold. :(
* We spent days at the pumpkin patch, the park and of course, Target.
I'm so sorry that I have been MIA. October was a busy and crazy month. Kevin was in TX for almost the entire month. So, here are some highlights and a slideshow of October pictures (minus Halloween...those will come). I plan to blog more. I will start posting favorite recipes and crafts that I find to do with Ava. We hope everyone had an amazing October.
OH....and if you can, please vote for Ava by going to this link, registering and then you can vote every 24 hours. :)
http://family.go.com/gapcastingcall/entries/lenaandkevin/
* Kevin was in Houston for 3 weeks out of the month.
* Hosted a coupon class and had a wonderful time with friends and neighbors.
* I turned 32. Crazy.
* Nora started sitting up and turned 8 months old. She had her first cold. :(
* We spent days at the pumpkin patch, the park and of course, Target.
September 28, 2009
Ben Finch Photography
A wonderful and very talented friend, Ben Finch, was kind enough to take some pictures of our blessings when he and his beautiful family were in town. Ben was one of Kevin's roommates at University of Mobile, a close friend of mine, an incredible man of faith and love for Jesus and had a part in bringing Kevin and I together. He will always have a special place in our hearts.
Check out a few of his favorites!
http://bit.ly/ZRMGn
Check out a few of his favorites!
http://bit.ly/ZRMGn
September 23, 2009
Catching up
There is so much to catch up on but too little time. I need to get a lot accomplished while the babies are napping. Last week was a big week for us. We came back from our rainy beach trip on Monday (hopefully a slide show of pics will be posted soon) and then Ava had her first dance class on Tuesday. She was so excited! The first thing she said to me when she woke up was, "Is today dance day?" Her class is filled with adorable little blonde girls and then here comes Ava...bouncy brown curls and hands on her hips. Sassy thing. I was proud of how she behaved and listened considering it was her first time. She won't tell us much about it though. I guess it is her little secret. Friday was kindermusik, which I highly recommend to anyone, and then Sunday, she had her first time in Stomp, the children's choir. I'm proud of her for not being afraid to try new things. She seems to love being involved. We are not adding more things to do because I don't want her overwhelmed.
Nora has slept all night all week! Wooo Hooo! We were spoiled since Ava slept all night early on. Now, I'm kinda missing those night time feedings because I enjoyed snuggling her and praying for her during that time. It was sweet Mommy/Nora time that I'm missing. But....I'll take the sleep.
This week so far is BUSY! Monday, Kevin left for TX, Tuesday - dance and dinner with Mom/Dad, Wed.- pictures with Ben Finch (www.benfinchphotography.com) and Friday, kindermusik & pchef party. Thankfully, Kevin comes home then.
Here are some fun pictures from last week!
Nora has slept all night all week! Wooo Hooo! We were spoiled since Ava slept all night early on. Now, I'm kinda missing those night time feedings because I enjoyed snuggling her and praying for her during that time. It was sweet Mommy/Nora time that I'm missing. But....I'll take the sleep.
This week so far is BUSY! Monday, Kevin left for TX, Tuesday - dance and dinner with Mom/Dad, Wed.- pictures with Ben Finch (www.benfinchphotography.com) and Friday, kindermusik & pchef party. Thankfully, Kevin comes home then.
Here are some fun pictures from last week!
September 11, 2009
Beach Vacay - day two
Thank goodness it doesn't matter to a 3 year old if it is sunny! Ava's attitude is rubbing off on me and teaching me a thing or two about priorities and perspective. Here is what it looked like all day today....gray.
It rained and is a bit windy but the girls are having a blast! Thankfully, they have a great indoor pool and hot tubs. We met a sweet family (4 little girls) and spent the day talking to them. By the end of the day, I think Ava had a conversation with everyone staying here. One person said, "I hope she grows up to have some sort of sales job because she has no problem speaking to anyone." Nora stayed in the indoor pool for a long time and then slept. She was exhausted! So, even though we won't come back with a tan (which I don't care about anymore anyway), we are still making memories and having a wonderful time spending time as a family. Just sitting on the balcony listening to the waves crash is worth every cent. I have not found anything that is more awe inspiring to me than the ocean. To my eye, it is just water crashing onto sand. But then, I think about what it holds: amazing creatures, ships, remnants of wars, etc.... There is just something powerful about the ocean. It makes me furious to think of all the trash that gets thrown into it.
It rained and is a bit windy but the girls are having a blast! Thankfully, they have a great indoor pool and hot tubs. We met a sweet family (4 little girls) and spent the day talking to them. By the end of the day, I think Ava had a conversation with everyone staying here. One person said, "I hope she grows up to have some sort of sales job because she has no problem speaking to anyone." Nora stayed in the indoor pool for a long time and then slept. She was exhausted! So, even though we won't come back with a tan (which I don't care about anymore anyway), we are still making memories and having a wonderful time spending time as a family. Just sitting on the balcony listening to the waves crash is worth every cent. I have not found anything that is more awe inspiring to me than the ocean. To my eye, it is just water crashing onto sand. But then, I think about what it holds: amazing creatures, ships, remnants of wars, etc.... There is just something powerful about the ocean. It makes me furious to think of all the trash that gets thrown into it.
September 10, 2009
Beach Vacay - day one
I think I will have to blog each day because I'm so behind on journaling and this way, I can post some details here until I can catch up.
We weren't going to be able to take a beach vacay this year but because places don't have the usual amt of renters this season, they were offering a great deal that we took them up on. So, I came with the girls this afternoon. Kevin came after work. It was definitely interesting trying to get some bags and things to the condo with just my two hands and two kiddos. Slap wore me out! I think Kevin got the point when I called every 15 min asking where he was. :) Ava didn't understand why I couldn't take her to the beach right away. She is so excited!!! When Kevin came, we went straight to Louisiana Laginappe (the best corn & crab bisque EVER)! We had a wonderful meal and were so proud of Ava. I am proud of how she eats. She was chowing down on bisque, salad and boiled shrimp. Wasn't so proud when she decided to color the tablecloth when I had turned towards Kevin. Hm... Afterwards, a band was playing outside so Ava of course wanted to dance. She turned a lot of heads when she was shaking her tailfeather in front of everyone. I wish I had had a camera or video camera with me. She's a nut! Kevin took her swimming around 8pm and she thought she was hot stuff swimming at night. I can't wait for tomorrow. Considering it is supposed to rain all weekend, we better take advantage of tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't rain!
We weren't going to be able to take a beach vacay this year but because places don't have the usual amt of renters this season, they were offering a great deal that we took them up on. So, I came with the girls this afternoon. Kevin came after work. It was definitely interesting trying to get some bags and things to the condo with just my two hands and two kiddos. Slap wore me out! I think Kevin got the point when I called every 15 min asking where he was. :) Ava didn't understand why I couldn't take her to the beach right away. She is so excited!!! When Kevin came, we went straight to Louisiana Laginappe (the best corn & crab bisque EVER)! We had a wonderful meal and were so proud of Ava. I am proud of how she eats. She was chowing down on bisque, salad and boiled shrimp. Wasn't so proud when she decided to color the tablecloth when I had turned towards Kevin. Hm... Afterwards, a band was playing outside so Ava of course wanted to dance. She turned a lot of heads when she was shaking her tailfeather in front of everyone. I wish I had had a camera or video camera with me. She's a nut! Kevin took her swimming around 8pm and she thought she was hot stuff swimming at night. I can't wait for tomorrow. Considering it is supposed to rain all weekend, we better take advantage of tomorrow. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't rain!
September 9, 2009
Labor Day Weekend
We headed back to "Georgia's House" on Friday. What should take 6 1/2 to 7 hours took NINE HOURS!!!! It took us 2 hours to get through Atlanta. We were just holding our breath the whole time because Ava had refused to go to the bathroom before and we were afraid Nora would start crying. Thankfully, we made it through...only to get stopped by traffic again as we got into Cleveland. That is when Nora said, "This is enough! I can't take it anymore." So we listened to screaming for 20 minutes. I can't complain about 20 minutes out of 9 hours though. She was worn out. We all were. The weekend was amazing. We had cookout's each night with family, lots of painting time, relaxed on the porch swing and went to the 400 outlets for a little bit. We found a rug for the playroom for an amazing price at the Pottery Barn Outlet so now I can't wait to fix up the playroom. We have been wanting to since Ava was born so we are excited to get started finally. Of course we didn't leave without having Fred's Famous boiled peanuts, fudge from Hansel & Gretel, and time splashing and skipping rocks in the Chatahoochee River. We were also happy that Uncle Billie Earl, from Salem, IN, came. He is a remarkable man! His brain is a sponge and he has not forgotten one tiny detail of his life. He can tell details from jobs from 20 years ago, events that happened in any given year and other random facts. I would never want to challenge him in Trivial Pursuit.
Of course we got stopped in bad traffic on the way home too. We are thankful that we got home because the battery died right when we got home. The alternator and battery had to be replaced. Now, it is being serviced. We think my car knows it is about to be paid off. Ugh! But, we are praising God that He got us home safely. We could have been stranded at any moment.
Now, I am cleaning up the house so we can pack again for the beach tomorrow. From the mountains to the beach in one week. I think that is pretty impressive!
I'm also posting some favorite pictures. One is of Ava laying on the dryer....her new favorite past time is watching the washing machine. Weird.
Of course we got stopped in bad traffic on the way home too. We are thankful that we got home because the battery died right when we got home. The alternator and battery had to be replaced. Now, it is being serviced. We think my car knows it is about to be paid off. Ugh! But, we are praising God that He got us home safely. We could have been stranded at any moment.
Now, I am cleaning up the house so we can pack again for the beach tomorrow. From the mountains to the beach in one week. I think that is pretty impressive!
I'm also posting some favorite pictures. One is of Ava laying on the dryer....her new favorite past time is watching the washing machine. Weird.
August 30, 2009
Let the celebration begin!
We don't just celebrate birthdays, anniversary or special events on the exact date. We take several days to celebrate so it lasts longer. So, in true Lena and Kevin fashion, we started celebrating our EIGHTH wedding anniversary Saturday night. Our anniversary is on Sept. 1st, Tuesday, but it is worth celebrating early. We all went to dinner at Macaroni Grill because that is where we went the night we got married. At the time, we didn't have one in Mobile. Ava kept saying "Happy An-a-verse-awee!" We like to celebrate with the girls because without our wedding day...we wouldn't have them. Today, I made a cake to look like the top of our groom's cake. It turned out great, even with me being a little sloppy with it.
I'm going to save everyone from the sappy talk about my wonderful husband. If anyone knows Kevin, you know how blessed I am. It's been an amazing 8 years!
I'm going to save everyone from the sappy talk about my wonderful husband. If anyone knows Kevin, you know how blessed I am. It's been an amazing 8 years!
August 27, 2009
Week in Review
So I'm way behind on posting this....better late than never! After church, we skipped lunch at Nana & Papa's and went to Fairhope for the afternoon. I was dropping off consignment so we decided to make the day of it. We ate at Old Bay Steamer, using a gift certificate from www.restaurant.com. Nora has just decided that she wants to grab our glasses. She is changing so much!
Ava loves loves loves to put her feet in the fountain and make wishes with whatever change I can find. Normally, that is hard to do! Then she has to walk around or skip around the entire fountain. We walked down the pier and watched people fishing. Most of the time, nothing beats free entertainment and quality family time.
We were feeling crafty and found this idea in High Five magazine (which Ava LOVES getting). It turned out so cute and she did more than I thought she would be able to. She drew a picture. I cut out a frame out of thin cardboard and then cut tons of pieces from scraps of scrapbook paper. She used a glue stick to put them all around. I filled in the open areas, trimmed around the inside and outside and then she put stickers on it. Stickers go on everything! Then you just make a little stand out of the cardboard. It turned out adorable and she is very proud of it. We actually did it when Kevin was in TX so it was his surprise when he came home.
And this one....well, it just makes me happy because my Mom says that I used to sleep like this. Rear in air. :)
Ava loves loves loves to put her feet in the fountain and make wishes with whatever change I can find. Normally, that is hard to do! Then she has to walk around or skip around the entire fountain. We walked down the pier and watched people fishing. Most of the time, nothing beats free entertainment and quality family time.
We were feeling crafty and found this idea in High Five magazine (which Ava LOVES getting). It turned out so cute and she did more than I thought she would be able to. She drew a picture. I cut out a frame out of thin cardboard and then cut tons of pieces from scraps of scrapbook paper. She used a glue stick to put them all around. I filled in the open areas, trimmed around the inside and outside and then she put stickers on it. Stickers go on everything! Then you just make a little stand out of the cardboard. It turned out adorable and she is very proud of it. We actually did it when Kevin was in TX so it was his surprise when he came home.
And this one....well, it just makes me happy because my Mom says that I used to sleep like this. Rear in air. :)
August 19, 2009
Spending the night with Nana
So last night was rough. Nora and Ava were teaming up against me. Let me be a complainer for a second. I'm tired, I'm lonely without my husband (aka best friend, helpmate, etc...) and I have a horrible hacking cough that refuses to go away. So, on top of that, last night went something like this. Cough for 2 hours. Go to sleep. Wake up 20 min. later, passy back in mouth and roll her over, back to bed, ava crying, back to bed, nora rolled on back again, back to bed, Nora hungry, Ava crying, finally just sat on the couch. Still coughing. That is why I was a tad happy when Ava decided she didn't want to leave Nana's tonight and wanted to spend the night. I came home, got her stuff, came back home and got Nora in bed. Next thing I know...Ava's calling saying, "I just miss my mommy and Nora. I want to come home." The slumber party didn't even last 2 hours. She has stayed with them when we were in NYC and when I was in the hospital but never when I was at home. I think that on top of the fact that she is having a hard time being without her Daddy, made her not want to stay. On one hand, it feels good to be loved that much and missed. On the other hand, she better not wake up tonight. I need sleep.
One more thing before I call it a night. I took Ava to register for dance class this evening. When she walked in and saw the wall mirrors, she immediately put one hand on her hip and started to prance to the table as if she was practicing her moves. My girl can swing her hips!
One more thing before I call it a night. I took Ava to register for dance class this evening. When she walked in and saw the wall mirrors, she immediately put one hand on her hip and started to prance to the table as if she was practicing her moves. My girl can swing her hips!
August 16, 2009
Here is just another of Ava's funny grown up comments...
I was filming her talking to Nora and making her laugh..."Mommy, I just don't want a camera in my face right now."
Ava doesn't realize how much Nora is in awe of her but it is wonderful to watch. No one can make Nora laugh like Ava can. If she is anywhere near, Nora is going to be staring and following her every move. It makes me happy.
We had a wonderful weekend. Nora started blowing bubbles Friday so I've been covered in spit! She smiles so big when she does it as if she is telling me, "Look at me mommy!" I went to a Tupperware party (they still have those!) Saturday and I can't wait to get my pantry all organized. :) Then we spent the afternoon all hanging out in a blow up pool. Ava was very demanding that we play "as a fam-a-ly." So, that is just what we did. Nora too! This morning, Pastor Ed delivered yet another amazing message. I'll admit, I have a hard time listening for so long and sitting in one spot but this morning, I was hanging on every word. We had a great family lunch at Nana & Papa's (we get together every Sunday). All of the kids were trading stories of their first week of school. They had brought surprises for all of the girls from Birmingham. One of Ava's surprises was a Snoopy Hallmark Christmas ornament but when we opened it, Snoopy's head was broken off. She cried! Lanie Grace and Kenley were baptized tonight! I'm so proud of them for the decision they made to follow Jesus. I hate hate hate that I wasn't there to see it but Kevin left tonight for business. It will be a long week without my best friend and the best Daddy in the world but I will enjoy the time with my girls.
Here is a picture of Nora with her surprise from Nana and Papa. She would giggle when we put it on her head.
I was filming her talking to Nora and making her laugh..."Mommy, I just don't want a camera in my face right now."
Ava doesn't realize how much Nora is in awe of her but it is wonderful to watch. No one can make Nora laugh like Ava can. If she is anywhere near, Nora is going to be staring and following her every move. It makes me happy.
We had a wonderful weekend. Nora started blowing bubbles Friday so I've been covered in spit! She smiles so big when she does it as if she is telling me, "Look at me mommy!" I went to a Tupperware party (they still have those!) Saturday and I can't wait to get my pantry all organized. :) Then we spent the afternoon all hanging out in a blow up pool. Ava was very demanding that we play "as a fam-a-ly." So, that is just what we did. Nora too! This morning, Pastor Ed delivered yet another amazing message. I'll admit, I have a hard time listening for so long and sitting in one spot but this morning, I was hanging on every word. We had a great family lunch at Nana & Papa's (we get together every Sunday). All of the kids were trading stories of their first week of school. They had brought surprises for all of the girls from Birmingham. One of Ava's surprises was a Snoopy Hallmark Christmas ornament but when we opened it, Snoopy's head was broken off. She cried! Lanie Grace and Kenley were baptized tonight! I'm so proud of them for the decision they made to follow Jesus. I hate hate hate that I wasn't there to see it but Kevin left tonight for business. It will be a long week without my best friend and the best Daddy in the world but I will enjoy the time with my girls.
Here is a picture of Nora with her surprise from Nana and Papa. She would giggle when we put it on her head.
August 9, 2009
"Things my mother taught me."
I'm not a big reader so it takes a lot to get me to actually read a book. We are currently reading a book in our Sunday School class called, The 10 commandments of parenting, by Ed Young. It is wonderful! We have already read another of his books, The 10 commandments of marriage. His style of writing makes it easy to read and it all just makes sense. He doesn't sugar coat things...just tells it like it is. Here is a little exerpt from Chapter 4 that I thought was so funny. This part of the book talks about teaching children obedience.
My mother taught me logic: "Because I said so, that's why."
My mother taught me humor: "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
My mother taught me about sex: "How do you think you got here?"
My mother taught me about receiving: "You are going to get it when we get home."
My mother taught me about justice: "One day you'll have kids and I hope they turn out just like you. Then you'll see what it's like.
My mother taught me about religion: "You better pray that'll come out of the carpet."
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! :)
My mother taught me logic: "Because I said so, that's why."
My mother taught me humor: "When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."
My mother taught me about sex: "How do you think you got here?"
My mother taught me about receiving: "You are going to get it when we get home."
My mother taught me about justice: "One day you'll have kids and I hope they turn out just like you. Then you'll see what it's like.
My mother taught me about religion: "You better pray that'll come out of the carpet."
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did! :)
August 6, 2009
Big Girl
Lately, Ava tells us a million times a day, "Look! I'm growing!" or "I'm a big kid now!" It is adorable and sad because it is true. I want her to stay little and to always be at home with me. Maybe that is because if she does, then I'm not getting any older.
Because she is a big kid now, she gets to do more big kid things. So, today, we went to get dance outfits, tap shoes and ballet slippers. She can't wait to start dance at Sheffield's in a few weeks. Every time she put a leotard on with a skirt, she would shake her "fluffy fanny" in the mirror. She looks so cute! When we got home, she wanted to put one on and her tap shoes. She was already tapping and making up a song to go with it. Now, she is waiting to try them all on for her Daddy when he gets home.
Nora Ashley has had a big day too! She hasn't stopped jabbering and squealing and she found her feet today! She has been holding on to her feet and playing with them. She changes daily. I sure hope I can remember all of this.
Because she is a big kid now, she gets to do more big kid things. So, today, we went to get dance outfits, tap shoes and ballet slippers. She can't wait to start dance at Sheffield's in a few weeks. Every time she put a leotard on with a skirt, she would shake her "fluffy fanny" in the mirror. She looks so cute! When we got home, she wanted to put one on and her tap shoes. She was already tapping and making up a song to go with it. Now, she is waiting to try them all on for her Daddy when he gets home.
Nora Ashley has had a big day too! She hasn't stopped jabbering and squealing and she found her feet today! She has been holding on to her feet and playing with them. She changes daily. I sure hope I can remember all of this.
August 4, 2009
Campmeeting - Greatest place on earth!
Campmeeting was amazing as usual. We went for almost 2 weeks. We like to be there the week before so we can enjoy the peace & quiet and do our Atlanta trips before campmeeting starts. During the cm week, there are so many activities for the kids that we didn't want Ava to miss out on.
The week before, we went to the Aquarium. Nora stayed with Nana so we were able to just let Ava spend as much time as she wanted to. She loved the tunnel of fish and wasn't afraid to touch the sting ray's. We also went to the Mall of Georgia and the outlets on 400. Of course we made trips to Smitty's, an old whole in the wall that has been there forever, for a slaw dog and milkshake. Tradition. Also, we had to go to Dairy Queen (walk up only) for a slaw hamburger and sit on Aunt Virgie's porch to eat it. Another tradition. Everything tastes better in Cleveland. We made 2 trips to Babyland General before cm even began and then another trip during the week. Ava got to pick out her own baby this year. She is so proud and was determined to name her Ava Lena.
During the week of campmeeting, Ava had it rough. She fell out of a swing and hit the root of the tree that was sticking up. She scraped up her chin. The next day, she fell and had two scraped knees. Then she and Nora both had pink eye and Ava ran a fever for 3 days. So, needless to say, she didn't get to have the campmeeting I had hoped for. She had fun but people didn't get to see what she is really like. She was always too tired or cranky. Nora did very well and we had fun showing her off. There was never a lack of people wanting to hold her. She had a big week too! She started sleeping through the night and giggling.
The week was strange. Lots of odd things happened. We had a bear seen between our tent and the car parked behind it, a girl got bit by a copperhead snake during smores night, a random drunk guy came through, tried to go in a tent and got picked up by the cops, and we had a member of the campmeeting family get seriously injured at slippery rock (the name should say it all). Other than all of that, we had a blast staying up till 2am playing cards, huge family dinners, lots of visiting on porches, playing in the Chattahoochee river, gem mining and Ava had an amazing time each morning singing. She is still singing "Pharaoh Pharaoh!" There are way too many pictures so here are just a few favorites. Eventually, I'll put up a slideshow for all of the others.
The week before, we went to the Aquarium. Nora stayed with Nana so we were able to just let Ava spend as much time as she wanted to. She loved the tunnel of fish and wasn't afraid to touch the sting ray's. We also went to the Mall of Georgia and the outlets on 400. Of course we made trips to Smitty's, an old whole in the wall that has been there forever, for a slaw dog and milkshake. Tradition. Also, we had to go to Dairy Queen (walk up only) for a slaw hamburger and sit on Aunt Virgie's porch to eat it. Another tradition. Everything tastes better in Cleveland. We made 2 trips to Babyland General before cm even began and then another trip during the week. Ava got to pick out her own baby this year. She is so proud and was determined to name her Ava Lena.
During the week of campmeeting, Ava had it rough. She fell out of a swing and hit the root of the tree that was sticking up. She scraped up her chin. The next day, she fell and had two scraped knees. Then she and Nora both had pink eye and Ava ran a fever for 3 days. So, needless to say, she didn't get to have the campmeeting I had hoped for. She had fun but people didn't get to see what she is really like. She was always too tired or cranky. Nora did very well and we had fun showing her off. There was never a lack of people wanting to hold her. She had a big week too! She started sleeping through the night and giggling.
The week was strange. Lots of odd things happened. We had a bear seen between our tent and the car parked behind it, a girl got bit by a copperhead snake during smores night, a random drunk guy came through, tried to go in a tent and got picked up by the cops, and we had a member of the campmeeting family get seriously injured at slippery rock (the name should say it all). Other than all of that, we had a blast staying up till 2am playing cards, huge family dinners, lots of visiting on porches, playing in the Chattahoochee river, gem mining and Ava had an amazing time each morning singing. She is still singing "Pharaoh Pharaoh!" There are way too many pictures so here are just a few favorites. Eventually, I'll put up a slideshow for all of the others.
