tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24033115709560381982024-03-05T02:21:15.118-08:00In The Life of an ActorExcuse the mess,
raising up souls.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-38096955562324107832015-06-26T19:30:00.000-07:002015-06-26T19:31:35.269-07:00Naming and Saying Goodbye It wasn't until I picked up the casket at the funeral home I could picture her. I felt like I was holding her body. I was but it felt like there was an instant physical connection. It was overwhelming and very moving.<br />
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I had no idea what to expect. I went in alone since picturing a heard of small children into a funeral home seemed overwhelming. The director took me to a quiet private room and instantly my eyes fixed on the candle lit table with a simple box and a crucifix. It took my breath away. I had imagined who Avila might be (our future hoped for girl) but I didn't know who this baby was until I saw and picked up that box.<br />
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Noel Elizabeth Stanbary<br />
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She is beautiful. Lovely. Hear-wrenchingly adored. I always knew I loved her but then when I held her in my arms it hit me like a ton of bricks.<br />
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I stood there staring for a while as if time stood still. Then I reached out to touch the box.... and I pulled back hesitating. Was I ready for this? He wrapped the box in a red velvet bag and gave it to me. ...and now I just walk out the door? With her? And then I can just keep her forever, right?<br />
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When I walked outside I felt like the whole world MUST be staring at me and know EXACTLY what treasure I held in my arms... I couldn't look around since my eyes were completely blurred with tears.<br />
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Jeremy comforted me in the car and the kids wanted to know why I was crying. Augustine immediately wanted to hold. "My baby sister."<br />
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All the kids held her except Becket and he did his obligatory pat-pat on the box acknowledging this new competition. It felt like that first moment you bring your baby home from the hospital and all the kids are fighting over holding the baby and the youngest is squaring up their new competition.<br />
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They kissed the box and held it close telling her they love her.<br />
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The day before we told the kids that Noel Elizabeth died in mommy's tummy. They didn't quite get it until I showed them the ultra sound picture of her. And then Augustine was overwhelmed with emotion... breathing fast he said, "I am feeling not good. I am feeling very sad and anxious. Let's stop talking about this..." It took him a while to calm down but it was the first time I felt bad I couldn't protect or do anything to save our baby. I know it's just a natural thing and I did nothing wromg. But when your children don't understand how a baby could die inside mommy-- you feel weak... like I failed them and Jeremy.<br />
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I want to write this because I want to share this feeling this journey and I want to remember it but I also want to let it go.<br />
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Gianna said she wished the baby could be in her tummy. She had the reaction I expected. Bummed but it was ok.<br />
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We brought Noel Elizabeth into St Joseph's and all knelt down outside adoration.<br />
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I started thinking that we wouldn't get to bring her to church again. The kids wouldn't get to hold her again... and I started crying really hard.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Augustine's love and tender care for her and his sense of loss was SO close to my heart and how I was feeling. He said everything I wanted to say. He shared his devotion for his littlest sister and it was so beautiful and painful. </span></div>
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We went into mass it was just us, Father Andre, and three of my dear friends who felt like angels siting behind us. We didn't really invite anyone officially but the presence of friends was very comforting and I was so touched. How blessed we are to have such a WONDERFUL priest who thanked US for doing the mass. I was SO blessed by HIM (in persona Christi) to walk us through this in love and prayer. His face was total compassion and love. The mass was beautiful. Simple. About halfway through Augustine sunk in his seat (still holding Noel) and said "I am not feeling so good anymore." It started to hit him the loss of baby Noel. He sobbed for the rest of the mass.<br />
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"I can't stop thinking about my little sister. I want my baby sister who is born Christmas Day! I just can't stop thinking about her. I love her... I want her. My sister Avila who is born Christmas Day."<br />
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I held him and cried with him.<br />
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I felt like the mass enveloped us and our sadness. Jesus enveloped us. We didn't feel better but Jesus held us and we held each other. I said, "it's going to be ok"... But he said, "No, it's not ok... I want my baby sister Avila." I can still hear him crying. It was so pitiful and beautiful.He is so young and feels love so intensely especially for his siblings. His love for Noel and if she had been born at Christmas... Avila.... was no different.<br />
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It was a full hour mass and the homily was a conversation with the priest about how we were doing and his words of comfort. Jeremy read the readings I had picked out,<br />
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"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5<br />
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"Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.' ..."<br />
Jeremiah 1:4-8<br />
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I almost thought he wouldn't make it through but he did great and it was beautiful having him read scripture.<br />
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We headed to the burial at Guardian Angel's in Oakdale and the location was beautiful. Becket who is just starting to talk more said, "Jesus" and pointed right to the crucifix. It was kind of amazing, since I didn't think he knew the connection and he has never said anything like Jesus before. We all set her in the grave together and seeing the box there... was. really. hard. Really.<br />
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I don't even want to elaborate except that I knew I would be ok but I knew the final goodbye would feel like the final goodbye and I was ready to start dwelling on the eternal hello and the life of hope that we live.<br />
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Noel Elizabeth, my little dear daughter. I picture you in heaven as a little girl not as a baby. You are so sweet and so beautiful. Thank you for dwelling within me... for letting me share in your gift of life. I am so in love with you and am thankful for the precious gift that you are for all eternity. For your prayers.<br />
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"Before you were conceived, I wanted you.<br />
Before you were born, I loved you.<br />
Before you were here an hour, I would die for you.<br />
This is the miracle of life."<br />
-Maureen Hawkins<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-5518853975246804602015-06-19T21:33:00.001-07:002015-06-19T21:33:32.700-07:00Our 4th Child : Celebrate her life!April 23rd: I found out with GREAT joy that I am pregnant with our fourth child. I am elated!<br />
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April 25th: I can't hold in the excitement any more and I tell Jeremy, He is super excited too! We LOVE our children and are HONORED to welcome one more into our hearts! Christmas Day is the due date!<br />
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May 10th: Mother's Day we video taped the kids hearing the news about their LONG awaited and prayed for new sibling. <br />
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Augustine was kind of like... "I knew it. I prayed for a baby and we have one. We have TWO babies. Two baby girls. I want the baby to be named "lizzie"....<br />
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Gianna was like... "I am so happy. For the baby in mommy's tummy."<br />
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June 1st : I was preparing for my 12 week Dr's visit. It was a beautiful day. Like a day you just want to bottle and drink. As I was getting ready I was preparing myself for any bad news. I always do this. Not to be morbid but I like to mentally be prepared. With three pregnancies and virtually no complications. I wasn't too worried. However, I was reflecting on what we would name our baby if they didn't live. The name Elizabeth popped into my head. That is her name... if she doesn't live. Augustine's prayed for Lizzie. I felt so good about that. And didn't give it another thought. <br />
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On the gorgeous drive to the Doctor's with the windows down and music blasting I was caught up in a special song... "Be Blessed... Be Loved... Be glorified!" (Anyone know it? I can't figure it out.) Caught up in an emotional and tearful worship of my God who I love with all my heart. I said,<br />
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"God I give you everything my whole life! If it is your will this baby doesn't get to be my baby to hold they are yours and I am HAPPY to give you this little life to glorify you all eternity."<br />
<br />
<br />
On a total high and feeling love from God I happily head into my appointment excited to hear my baby's heartbeat.<br />
<br />
<br />
My weight was 123... feeling good about that. Check. My blood pressure is terrific. Check. Can't hear the heart beat? No problem.<br />
<br />
<br />
We head to ultra sound. I was really not concerned and neither was my Dr. <br />
<br />
<br />
Little sweet baby pops up on the monitor. Immediately I see no heart beat. I've seen enough ultra sounds to know that heartbeat is pretty easy to spot.<br />
<br />
<br />
My Doctor said she is now concerned but would like to try the internal ultrasound. I change and frantically (and now very insensitively text "Miscarriage" to Jeremy.) My baby is not alive and I know it. But emotionally it hasn't hit me.<br />
<br />
<br />
2 more ultra sounds later and we have a confirmed miscarriage. I started crying when my Dr started sharing... what is next. It's a blurr until that moment. And I wonder if I can pull it together enough to leave. Rhogam shot. We decide to wait 2 weeks to see if the baby passes naturally.<br />
<br />
<br />
I drove teary eyed to a park in White Bear to take a few minutes. Called a friend and cried. Called Jeremy and cried. It was like God prepared me for this moment. He is so kind so gentle so loving. So good. And yet... my heart still was aching to know this little child. To love this little baby. To KNOW this baby, my child.<br />
<br />
<br />
I came home and cleaned my disaster living room. Now I know how I respond to pain. At least something in my life can be in order. Jeremy and I eat watermelon with the kids outside and I kept watching him tear up watching our kids. That was heartbreaking, knowing he was hurting to. <br />
<br />
<br />
A wonderful friend watched our kids while we went together to see our baby in an ultrasound for final confirmation. There she was. I could see her little limbs, head, butt... She died at 8weeks and 6days, which I calculated was May 20th. Jeremy and I cried as we talked about the baby's name and we decided to see if we would be able to find out the sex before naming her. I say her because we don't know and we won't "know" but Augustine prayed for a girl and I want to refer to a gender.<br />
<br />
<br />
My little sister my mom miscarried about 25 years old, Mary. She is holding my baby in heaven. My little sister who I have thought about my whole life is my baby's auntie in heaven. Makes me cry with love to think about.<br />
<br />
<br />
Jeremy and I talked and cried for quite a while and I wanted to go home and just curl in a ball and sleep. But my husband encouraged us to go out... where? I don't even care. And then I remembered that when we found out I was pregnant Jeremy rejoiced because we get to go to Buffalo Wild Wings before the baby is born. It's a weird tradition of ours... but I then felt a lift in my spirit and felt the desire to celebrate her. CELEBRATE HER LIFE! She lived inside of me and she lives eternally! I even got a beer. Because I could. And we actually laughed and reminisced. It was another amazing God moment!<br />
<br />
<br />
The weeks that followed were filled with such unimaginable grace, love and support by our friends I can hardly contain my heart when I think of the kindness and generosity we have received. <br />
<br />
<br />
Of course, I would remiss to say I didn't cry and feel down. When the Aidan and Anias baby blankets I bid on became mine. When Gianna told me how much she loves and misses our baby. (This is before they were told.) When I would eat and Augustine said, "You are eating for the baby in your tummy!" When I brought up the idea of a baby dying in their mommy's tummy to Augustine and he got so sad he asked me to stop talking about that. I found great comfort in God's promises and even joy at the thought of our baby in heaven.<br />
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<br />
The thoughts of passing our baby terrified me. It was described as a mini labor. Painful. Risk of an ER trip. Seeing the baby. Finding the baby. My brave husband truly comforted me and said he would help with taking care of the baby and I could face it as I was able. <br />
<br />
<br />
Waiting.<br />
<br />
<br />
A panicked trip to get supplies.<br />
<br />
<br />
More waiting.<br />
<br />
<br />
Peace.<br />
<br />
<br />
Joy in my own living children.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sadness.<br />
<br />
<br />
Fear. Worry. Anxiety.<br />
<br />
<br />
Comfort, Friendship. Support. Love<br />
<br />
<br />
Waiting.<br />
<br />
<br />
June 18th : Almost 3 weeks of waiting and Jeremy is in crunch mode with opening and lighting a show. We go to meet with the Surgeon/Doctor. The much feared D&C it's inevitable and despite the bad timing I want to get it over with. Our surgeon prays with us... I mean who gets that everyday?! Amazing. I know I am in great hands.<br />
As we head home I just want to just curl up in a ball again... but Jeremy hints at going for a walk, coffee and food. I'd rather eat a sand pit. But, ok. He is a wise man. When I see Cosetta's up the hill.... I get excited. How have we never been here? We talk and laugh and enjoy piles of sweets, Gelato and Italian food. I am so thankful for my wise loving husband. <br />
<br />
<br />
Back to reality... Jeremy heads off to rush hour traffic and a missed day of work to catch up on, which means an all nighter of no sleep. Everyone is stressed and kids are cranky. I get a call from the clinic I can get in at 7:30am I need to be at the hospital at 5:30am. Jeremy is pulling an all nighter working-- 5:30am. I can't do this. I don't have grace. He can't do this. It's our only option. <br />
<br />
<br />
Ring. Ring. <br />
<br />
<br />
A friend calls and has no idea what is going on but she asks if she can pray with me. I tell her in about 1 minute and she starts praying for me on the phone. God is amazing. <br />
<br />
<br />
The kids need to sleep over and I'm thinking I can't do this. I need to pack food, clothes diapers, medicine... get the kids sleepovers figured out. Feed them all. Feed myself before my 8hr fast starts. Get them dropped off... and Becket didn't nap, he is a crying mess. Augustine is getting a cold and is a crying mess and doesn't want to go. Gianna is threatening no more hugs and kisses for mommy. Jeremy is stressed to the max, work doesn't relent. But literally my friend prayed into me the strength I needed. That we are a witness to life. That basically swimming upstream isn't easy. If it was we would all do it. Sacrifice is a beautiful and a gift. I'm not sure if those are things she actually said but God put them in my heart. Suffering is powerful and redemptive! I have some seriously HERO friends who have blown me away and yet I knew the kids would do best for a sleepover with Jeremy's mom. Jeremy's mom is a wonderful woman and cares for us deeply but we hadn't told her yet because she does not respond positively to us having more children. We know we are wild trust walkers who do crazy things like start theatres with Christian values, pay our bills with no money in our account, and are open to having as many babies as God wants to BLESS us with. So now I have to face that... and God reminded me the ONLY person I need to please is God. No-one else. So she might even read this and if she does... we love her and we know she loves us. But she said nothing to me. Not even a fake condolences. But it is ok... because God is who I am accountable for and he has given me a tribe of friends and other family who are lifting me up as the arms of Jesus.<br />
<br />
<br />
On the way home I had a horrible stomach ache like I've had for weeks. I just wanted to go home and go to bed. But I stopped in at adoration. I felt Jesus calling me... and all I wanted was His consolation. So I curled up in a ball at His feet. Good thing He is so strong. Because I am so weak. <br />
<br />
<br />
I tossed and turned in my sleep but my poor husband barely had that opportunity. Maybe he got in an hour of sleep? He sacrificed time the day before to be with me in my struggle... and had to work all night to attempt to catch up. It's for these reasons maybe some people think we shouldn't have more kids. It sounds hard. It sounds like suffering. It sounds like stuff you can't handle. Is it? Yes. Is this the life the saints led? Yes. Do I want to be a saint? Yes. Am I a saint. NO. Do I know living a sold out life for God my best chance of being a saint? Do I know that life is not comfortable? Do I know that I can be purified through suffering AND experience JOY!? YES!<br />
<br />
<br />
June 19 : The D&C... The morning was rough getting into the prep room but I actually felt tremendous peace and joy before and after. The nurse started tearing up when she shared her own loss years ago. No one else saw it but me... but she was so sweet. With one call our church started working with a funeral home to get the baby's remains for a burial. I had family and friends praying. They blow a heater in your hospital gown. I know that sounds weird but seriously, the little things! A woman from the hospital came to pray with us. I felt so loved and taken care of. From March 19th to exactly June 19th... All four of our kids were birthed on Friday. The anesthesia I feared was actually very helpful and peaceful. No scary flashbacks. No Small talk. No Pain. <br />
<br />
<br />
Another friend dropped off flowers, chocolates, a meal and a card. I know -- I am blessed BEYOND compare.<br />
<br />
<br />
I write all this to remember God's faithfulness and our child's story. Our baby's LIFE and DEATH and LIFE a-NEW! We aren't sharing the name yet and we haven't told our kids yet. Probably in the next day. For me sharing my baby's life gives me the greatest joy. I thought it would be so hard to then tell everyone the bad news of a miscarriage. But with each person I tell I feel I want to shout it from the roof-top! I love my children ALL four of my children. In my womb or in my arms. They have a life and it has value! Souls for all eternity! What a gift to have and to give and to partake in. For some people these words don't help them because grief is real. ... but this is where God has me. Rejoicing in our baby's life and honoring our baby's life. And I can't promise I will have rainbows and jumping jacks everyday but... that's ok too. <br />
<br />
<br />
Gianna (3yrs): 'I love mommy. She's my best friend. I love Jesus. I love Jesus in mommy's heart. I love the baby. I love the baby in mommy's heart."<br />
<br />
<br />
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." - Jesus<br />
<br />
<br />
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">**Non-graphic pictures to be posted in a later post**</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-53184784409456111692015-02-01T19:28:00.002-08:002015-02-01T19:28:55.526-08:00Healthy Eating at $65 per week : Meal Plans and Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I've updated on this series. January was an especially difficult month to stay on budget. Mostly because Becket can't eat the same as the rest of the family and I weaned him and he is consuming TONS of food. That kid can EAT and EAT and eatandeatandeat!!<br />
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Boys are SO different than girls in the eating department.<br />
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I'm watching this very sad Superbowl game and if you know me ... you know WHY it's SO sad. Hint: No Packers. But my FIL is in Seattle so... I guess it makes it a little interesting.<br />
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So, I figured I need to seize this moment and get back on track with my budget for February. We were over by $60 last month! YIKES! I mean its actually only an extra $15 per week which sounds about right for Becket's food needs but... it can't stay that way. So... I just need to be a bit more careful and cut in other areas. I'm also thinking I may need to pull back on some organic splurges... We shall see...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I did buy these at Mississippi Market Co-op for 0.30 each! Since they are generally over-priced there, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">this WAS an awesome deal! On sale for $2.30 and I found them with sticker coupons for $2 off each!</span></div>
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I'm pretty pumped about this weeks menu, thanks to Pinterest. Feel free to check out my pinterest for recipes. I will put a star by each recipe on Pinterest... but of course I will not follow them exactly and I will swap some ingredients for others or omit them. I basically look to recipes for ideas and ingredients. But I look at them as spring boards ONLY for my own creations.<br />
<br />
Sunday: (beware NOT healthy) Homemade Alfredo/Mac 'N Cheese, Broc/Org Green Beans, and Organic Apple Slices<br />
Monday:Thai Coconut Lime Curry Soup*<br />
Tuesday: Pork Egg Roll in a Bowl*<br />
Wednesday: Chicken Cordon Blue Quinoa* and Frozen Peas<br />
Thursday: Leftovers<br />
Friday: Homemade Goat Cheese, Veggie and Artichoke Whole Wheat Pizza<br />
Saturday: Egg Broc Quiche<br />
Sunday: Homemade Falafels with Greek Yogurt and Whole Wheat Pitas<br />
**Baking: Chocolate Chip Granola Bars<br />
<br />
Breakfast: Wild Blueberries and Maple Syrup Oatmeal, Banana/Orange/Berry Smoothies with Flax Milk, Cereal, Peanut Butter Toast and Oranges, Granola Bars and Kiwi<br />
<br />
Lunch: PBJ and Leftovers<br />
<br />
Becket: Ground Turkey Patties, Salmon, Rice, Quinoa, Veggies, Fruit, Oatmeal, Pastured Bacon, plain Pork, Tillapia (I set aside parts of other meals I've made last month just for Becket so I have single servings for him only. He would eat Oatmeal every meal if I let him... I try to focus on healthy fats as well. He just finished off the last of my last Costco trips Organic Beef.)<br />
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And, of course, Fermented Cod Liver Oil for everyone... Except me... It's nasty.<br />
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Because we were sick and our nanny was sick I saved $45 in childcare money and decided to put it, temporarily, towards some stock up items, My plan is to pay that money back to our nanny budget from my grocery budget this month. So I just went to Costco yesterday and took $40 cash and refused to spend a penny more!<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Costco: $37</span></u><br />
Frozen Organic Green Beans<br />
Organic Strawberry Jam<br />
Organic Maple Syrup<br />
4lbs Frozen Wild Blueberries (I decided to not get them organic since my Dirty Dozen list says only Domestic Blueberries. Not going Organic gave me a whole extra pound and they are delicious and so nutritious!)<br />
Bunch of Bananas<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;">Trader Joe's: $15.50</span></u><br />
<b>Organic Celery</b> (FREE, I got a bad bunch last week and asked if I could exchange it. I used some of the good stems for meals and broth last week, so I feel pretty good about it not being a total waste.)<br />
<b>Rice Milk</b> (Costs slightly less at Costco but I'm hoping to get him nutrition tested again soon and don't want to get stuck with a bunch of rice milk if it's a problem.I'm also planing on taking this and the salmon purchase out of my "baby supplies" budget.)<br />
<b>Brown Sugar/Maple Shredded Wheat</b> (Jeremy's cereal) x2<br />
<b>Wild Caught Salmon in a can </b><br />
<b>Can of Coconut Cream</b><br />
<b>Olive Oil</b> (According to my parents Consumer Reports magazine Trader Joe's sells the best value Olive Oil. We've been going through a lot since Becket's only safe oil is Olive.)<br />
<b>Chocolate Chips</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Aldi: Goal Under $40</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<b>Cabbage 2</b><br />
<b>Frozen Peas x3 2.70</b><br />
<b>Swiss Cheese 2</b><br />
<b>Lime .50</b><br />
<b>Broccoli 1.50</b><br />
<b>Eggs 2</b><br />
<b>Garlic Powder 1.50</b><br />
<b>Goat Cheese 2.50 (TJs is 2.50 so I'm hoping Aldi is same/cheaper, if not I'll get Mozzarella)</b><br />
<b>Breadx2</b><br />
<b>Carrots</b><br />
<b>Kiwi 1.50</b><br />
<b>Oranges (4lbs) 1.99</b><br />
<b>Chkn Breast 1.79lb (I buy non-org chkn breast once a month since organic chicken breast is too expensive!)</b><br />
<b>Brown Sugar</b><br />
<b>Tomatoes?</b><br />
<b>Mushrooms?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
If anyone is still reading this, I'm sorry, I'm kind of doing this for my own processing tonight while my two year old is on my lap coloring my receipts with markers. Hee hee. :-)<br />
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Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
Oh, and I forgot, I'm picking up rice noodles with a gift card at Cub this week too! And I bought 2 items at Walgreen's last month that, with coupons, were "money makers" so I have $12 in "gift receipts" that I'm hoping to get a good deal on diapers with to help offset my baby supplies budget this month. Sometimes you give to get. :-)<br />
<br />
Wow! Close finish to the game! I hate watching a close lose/win. :-(<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-77616663244902192652015-01-26T21:49:00.000-08:002015-01-26T21:49:12.981-08:00Happy 1year Birthday Becket!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Small Birthday celebration this year. Cards from the kids and a gift and card from Grandma Risa.<br />
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I Love you Becket! Oh, how I love you! You make me so happy! I still get up with you throughout the night because my heart goes out to you and your itchy little body. You are such a trooper. You are such a smiley happy baby when mommy is near and you melt my heart over and over. You are so playful and love to be silly and get tickled. You love to share your food and eat with a fork (with help!) You crawl and stand with strength and you will be walking soon, I think. Your skin has improved since we cut out nursing and allergens. You eat almost the same thing everyday because you seem to have reactions to everything new I try.<br />
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Breakfast: Oatmeal with maple syrup, flax and wild organic blueberries<br />
Lunch/Supper: Brown Rice/Quinoa and Green Beans/Broc or Peas and wild caught Salmon/Grass Fed Beef /Pastured Pork/Bacon/Beans and Apple/Raspberries<br />
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You are officially allergic to:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Eggs</li>
<li>Bananas</li>
<li>Soy</li>
<li>Milk</li>
<li>Peanuts</li>
<li>Coconut</li>
<li>Latex</li>
</ul>
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You also have problems/reactions to:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Citrus</li>
<li>Tomatoes</li>
<li>Potatoes</li>
<li>Corn</li>
<li>Allergy Free Toddler Formula </li>
<li>Avacado</li>
</ul>
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You REALLY want to eat what we eat. </div>
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You flip carefully through pages of books and I have not seen you rip a book yet! You LOVE to imitate. I love your clicking communication noises. You say, "Dada" "Mama" "Ga (Gus)" "Naaahh (GianNa)." You prefer not to share mommy and will push siblings away if they get to close. You love and get a kick out of Augustine and Gianna.<br />
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I can't wait to watch to see how you keep growing. EVERY morning I LOVE seeing you anew and loving your beautiful body. I give you baths every morning and love our quality time together. I find it's the best way to start my day!<br />
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Success! Gluten Free/Dairy Free/Nut Free/ Egg Free/ Everything Free cupcake!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-44133050416547020062015-01-26T21:10:00.000-08:002015-01-26T21:10:29.790-08:00I choose this moment...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a hundred things I could be doing right now. As I'm sure you all do to. So, thanks for stopping to read my post! ...that being said I choose this moment and I live in it. I've been doing a lot of that lately.<br />
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I've been on an organizing and cleaning kick lately. But, don't worry, know one could tell. Because, well, I DO still have kids that destroy everything they touch. I can't even tell you how often I catch myself wondering how everyone else is doing it all. This is what I've come up with:<br />
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1. They have help.<br />
2. They don't sleep.<br />
3. They have older kids to help.<br />
4. Something gives.<br />
5. Their husbands are around more to help.<br />
6. Their kids aren't as needy.<br />
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Number 4 is what I'm focusing on. I'm not looking to compare I'm just really trying to figure out a system. A magical system. A place of peace and contentment. I'm finding I must find it in the mess. All three of my kids want me. ALL. THE. TIME. They want to be held and loved constantly. I truly LOVE that part of my job! But I want a perfect home to... Can I have both? Some moments are picture perefct. I have laundry going the whole house tidy, floor vacuumed, main room dusted, dishes done, dinner in the crock pot and scones cooling and I'm rolling on the floor laughing with my kids. And some moments, like this morning, I was curled up on the couch with Gianna and Augustine watching Tinkerbell Movie on the big screen licking suckers. No one had eaten breakfast, I didn't have the dishwasher emptied yet, I had no plan for supper, let alone having it started, We were in our PJs. But Augustine was sick and Gianna was in desperate need of being held (like she is all the time). So I let it all fade away. I kissed cuddled and enjoyed my cuties until Becket woke.<br />
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And then...<br />
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They all started crying and screaming for my attention. Just ask Jeremy, he still has ringing in his ears. I know I do. At one point all three were begging to sit on MY lap. While Jeremy sat on the couch with a perfectly lovely lap, wide open. And if you must know... I AM still in my PJS. There, I said it.<br />
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So what sometimes happens is the flurry of crazy quickly whisks away my sweet moment. BUT I reflect tonight and remember, in that moment, in each moment, I was present. At least I think I was. Hee hee. :-)<br />
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Tonight I frantically was memorizing lines for the play I'm in.<br />
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It's about the third hour total I've been able to put into memorizing and I have to be off book tomorrow night. Yikes! I am not a night person so having the only available memorizing time be at 9:30pm is painful for me. But it's all good and I am SO pumped to be in this show. My mommy brain appears to be leaving me alone when it comes to memorizing and I hope that bodes well for my chance of avoiding Alzheimer in the future.<br />
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I am SO thankful for this day. I loved watching Gianna and Becket bond through playtime while Augustine was on the couch all day. I love putting Augustine down for nap last and reading our chapter book together in his sun-shining room. We finished "Grk and the Poletti Gang" and are now reading "Grk Smells a Rat."<br />
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My kids have a lot of various personality traits but one of the traits they all share the most is affectionate and loving. They love each other and me SO much. They eagerly are giving kisses and hugs to my leg or knee or nose. Becket is experiencing some serious smothering by Gianna right now and it is adorable.<br />
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We literally had a fight about who's baby Becket is. "He is MY baby brother. (kissing him affectionately) But he is MY baby. (me tickling his tummy). etc. etc.. You know she, the two year old with chocolate-eyes-you-could-melt-into, won. Augustine steps into the doting and caring older brother role quite perfectly. He is often sweetly reminding Gianna of the house rules and comforting her when she is an emotional wreck. He also smothers Becket as well and loves on him dearly.<br />
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I can say all that because I also shared how I'm still in my pjs and I let my kids have suckers (although they WERE organic AND it was only after Gianna took her fermented cod liver oil) for breakfast.<br />
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I know I will keep striving for perfection but I also know I need to have peace in the imperfection or I won't love my life.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-51663470355934219862015-01-05T21:00:00.001-08:002015-01-05T21:00:52.505-08:00Christmas 2014I have so much to share on this blog but for the sake of feeling overwhelmed and not writing or posting anything I'm going to check something off the list... Christmas pictures!<br />
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After not being home for Christmas Eve/Day in 3 YEARS! I got to enjoy my wonderful family and our dear held traditions, the Wisconsin way!<br />
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I re-arranged our furniture and can't believe we haven't done this sooner! I love how our red wals glow in the light!<br />
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I tried to focus on advent with the kids using advent chain links, candles and prayers. Not all I hoped but I hope as the kids get older it will be more meaningful.<br />
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I LOVE watching my kids LOVE eachother!<br />
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Christmas Eve Ham Dinner before going to Mass at St. Johns in Little Chute </div>
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with the priest that gave me my first communion!</div>
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The best I could get of just the three of them.</div>
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The four oldest cousins on the Preissner side.</div>
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I love these family pictures!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CP_1Qo9XRzBWHmlQQC7DdeTcrfbOS_kVv4Bmb0Gb-YfG18ufQw_3_O1MtRFCw6H_NZERFOPaTusHkUz6IUnahPDW4BuJ4Kl9VtuALfQ9i6o9f8_XOi3VaM6U5y0V4jWhP5QloYoBcT0/s1600/IMG_6340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CP_1Qo9XRzBWHmlQQC7DdeTcrfbOS_kVv4Bmb0Gb-YfG18ufQw_3_O1MtRFCw6H_NZERFOPaTusHkUz6IUnahPDW4BuJ4Kl9VtuALfQ9i6o9f8_XOi3VaM6U5y0V4jWhP5QloYoBcT0/s1600/IMG_6340.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VRzZUZMDwsABRB0pmwf49Wh2HxpblUzJ5blK52UJ3y8HX1y_VDkDfFMpsnuH9F9G2KF9Mv5YR3sL9eMcredxrKedD5B8M8BeCvNJqprsLrLXRRiDbkKx2DUXdc3X3oyZWJRHvwcVpBM/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6VRzZUZMDwsABRB0pmwf49Wh2HxpblUzJ5blK52UJ3y8HX1y_VDkDfFMpsnuH9F9G2KF9Mv5YR3sL9eMcredxrKedD5B8M8BeCvNJqprsLrLXRRiDbkKx2DUXdc3X3oyZWJRHvwcVpBM/s1600/IMG_6346.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>What a ham!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUisXo_xTO4iAakBbQUNj2Dj0v2f_rJV6GSuSpfLxaVNudzOsW84ilaomYGL_MbCs6AtXXMnIaSW6NmRkC5qjEFh0CwreJP1RaVAxzqg1VWBIBsUiOAl8KsDwFbyavQqacMBZxb8bdu6M/s1600/IMG_6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUisXo_xTO4iAakBbQUNj2Dj0v2f_rJV6GSuSpfLxaVNudzOsW84ilaomYGL_MbCs6AtXXMnIaSW6NmRkC5qjEFh0CwreJP1RaVAxzqg1VWBIBsUiOAl8KsDwFbyavQqacMBZxb8bdu6M/s1600/IMG_6353.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vuxquD1oUOdHwS8Mo9AsqhFNevcFlji9jHGIGQu_9XjAv85-2exZBlNokuwqMWO63i3nGbYpgopMERSAK4KokJAULqBehmPUSusIyT1ELqD9EJjEVIHeczzjBiJ95l3t-S0OTM7aL5Y/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8vuxquD1oUOdHwS8Mo9AsqhFNevcFlji9jHGIGQu_9XjAv85-2exZBlNokuwqMWO63i3nGbYpgopMERSAK4KokJAULqBehmPUSusIyT1ELqD9EJjEVIHeczzjBiJ95l3t-S0OTM7aL5Y/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>She's the only girl of 8 cousins/brothers and she works it!</div>
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Gifts after Mass exchanged between siblings and to my mom and dad.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas Day 2014</span></div>
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We did 3 gifts for the kids this year with this theme:</div>
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Gold: A gift for their hearts desire.</div>
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Frankincense: A gift that glorifies God.</div>
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Myrrh: A gift for the body.</div>
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Gold: Tool/work Bench and Ninjago book for Augustine</div>
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Gold: Baby and Baby Bed for Giana</div>
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Becket was mostly along for the ride. I made him a cute photo book he will appreciate later.<br />
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Mommy and Baby matching outfits!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnL4AnwZ47P9x4Bd-MKo96ILkpUaruFKDHWAlal6u0xFCABAdFI1hgP3H86dlaWH8ASTXUEH4piguXI9CBicmdcmwFGnlUE8r8Xhyphenhyphen-ikk8zzEzrggzJXQ0d1mtdkzgoQbvqISrlNrvUJs/s1600/IMG_6378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnL4AnwZ47P9x4Bd-MKo96ILkpUaruFKDHWAlal6u0xFCABAdFI1hgP3H86dlaWH8ASTXUEH4piguXI9CBicmdcmwFGnlUE8r8Xhyphenhyphen-ikk8zzEzrggzJXQ0d1mtdkzgoQbvqISrlNrvUJs/s1600/IMG_6378.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Boys Christmas Day Eve</span></div>
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Green Bay Botanical gardens light show! LOVE this place and the kids did too! Gorgeous decently warm night. (Not quite worthy of the guy in shorts in the below pic... just noticed that!)</div>
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Home in MN and we opened the gifts I managed to forget!</div>
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Frankincense: Saint Gianna Doctor Kit</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-46335817124980857912014-11-30T11:46:00.000-08:002014-11-30T11:46:17.761-08:00A Golden Birthday Reflection: 30 yearsAs a kid I always dreamed of my Golden Birthday on the 30th of November.<br />
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<i>My first Birthday! Thanks Mom and Dad for giving me life!</i></div>
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<i>30yrs old. Bummer, people won't even care about my birthday when I'm 30. Man, I won't even care then. I wish my Golden Birthday was the 15th of November.</i><br />
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Flash forward to today. I think this day is so special because I really remember thinking those thoughts. Year after year. 11/30/84. How well do I know those numbers. Now that the BIG day is here (and in the adult world 30years old IS a big deal!) I can't help but notice how different a person I've become. My hope for the day was that it would be fun, relaxing and full of surprises. My dear amazing husband is amazing at making things special. I mean amazing! He will burn himself out to make me feel special.<br />
<br />
11/30/84<br />
<br />
2am I am awakened by my crying 4yr old... His foot fell asleep and it hurts bad... but I can sleep in. So instead of rushing him and hushing him to bed as quickly as possible knowing I'll be up feeding my baby in a couple hours, I wrap him up in my arms and bring him downstairs to snuggle by the tree. We rocked for an hour while I reflected and enjoyed the peace.<br />
<br />
"I welcome this new year in by rocking my 4yr old back to sleep by the tree in this Silent Night. May I bless and honor God and those around me. May I love and live fully for Christ today and forever! Happy New Year to me!" -FB Post<br />
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I slept in until 10am.... lazied in bed. Took a slow hot shower in the quiet house. Got dressed leasurly. Anyone with kids knows this is a pure gold start to the day!<br />
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And then I get greeted with this chorus of Happy Birthday GOLDEN joy!!<br />
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I love the quiet. I love the peace. I love to think and reflect and re-charge. But this... THIS is what makes me feel fully alive and fully joyful!<br />
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It only lasted about a minute but I had to take a picture because it will be my forever memory of this day. Jeremy's exausted sleep deprived face leading the kids in a chorus of song and cheer and love. It speaks volumes of his deep sacrificial love for me. Gianna's beaming smile that radiates love as if it really was pure golden sunshine. And then Augustine hands me a card he made for me and wrote. As I read it I laughed and cried at the same time. It was so meaningful. He is amazing with words and expresses them beautifully. I just wanted to read it over and over and over!<br />
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"Mommy -<br />
I love you so much - I love playing with you and I love you saying jokes to me.* :) I know you. And I love you for your birthday and I love you cuz your heart is beeping (this is where I start to cry harder) and I really, really love you. And I know how you feel about me. Augustine (Back: We will get you an awesome treat!)"<br />
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*I just read a book to Augustine yesterday that asks questions at the end of each story. One of them was about how the little bear knew his mommy and him had fun together because they joked together about things. It was like Augustine wrote that just for me as an inside secret code.<br />
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Becket pretty much was desperately trying to get into my arms. Babies love like no one else. As the three of them rushed off to mass I nursed Becket while sipping my coffee and eating my "breakfast in bed." Becket stares up at me like I am God. Because to him I am. I am everything. I satisfy all his needs. He clings to me with joy and desperation. He melts into my arms and stares up at me with totally agape. It's amazing.<br />
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And then I reflect in our embrace as I'm still leaking tears of joy. This is what 30years has brought me.<br />
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My wonderful family and parents who gave me life!<br />
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<br />
My "beeping heart"<br />
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... my life.<br />
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<br />
My tears.<br />
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<br />
Joys.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Sacrifices.<br />
<br />
I've traveled to 15 different countries:<br />
Spain<br />
England<br />
Switzerland<br />
France<br />
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<br />
Austria<br />
Mexico<br />
Australia<br />
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<br />
New Zealand<br />
Wales<br />
Ireland x2<br />
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<br />
Scotland<br />
Greece<br />
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Italy x5<br />
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<br />
Germany<br />
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Canada<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been to almost every state in the US.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I've become a professional Actress and Ballroom Dancer.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I have a double major Bachelors Degree.<br />
<br />
I studied abroad in England.<br />
<br />
I graduated from UW Green Bay Summa Cum Laude.<br />
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I've worked in my dream job.<br />
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<br />
I have never wavered in my devotion to Christ and my faith. (Thanks to God's grace!)<br />
<br />
I have failed. I have tried again. I have quit. I have never quit.<br />
<br />
I am blessed.<br />
<br />
I ran a half marathon.<br />
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My body participated in creating Augustine Joseph Paul April 2nd, 2010.</div>
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<br />
....and Gianna Rae Ann April 28th, 2012<br />
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<br />
...and Becket Robert Mark Francis January 24th, 2014<br />
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I married the man I have prayed for since I was a child. The man who calls me to greatness and helps me grow in holiness! My best friend!<br />
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My greatest blessings are my faith, my husband and my children. My worldly possessions and achievements pale in comparison to them. The world tells me that my last five years of my life dedicated to my family in the mundane pursuit of holiness are a waste. They are less important and less impressive. That the list of impressive things I could have achieved and roles I could have played would look better on paper. That's why paper doesn't matter. It's blood that matters. I know and often have to repeatedly remind myself that commanding hundreds of audience members with my performance or running a successful business is less important than raising souls. Not that the other is not important. However, God has called me to the diapers, cleaning, cooking and growing and protecting children in my womb and scarred and stretched body. It is valuable. To support my husband in prayer and love while he beats the pavement working for a cause we both are on fire about. To raise up my children day by day to contribute love to the world and to bless the world with their un-repeatablity. Whoa, what a huge job. Yet, it is so buried in dirty diapers and messy houses it's hard to see.<br />
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Thank you God for these 30 years. I am blessed beyond measure.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-36009369006630927072014-11-26T20:12:00.000-08:002014-11-26T20:12:36.731-08:00Getting Creative and Clean...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last weeks Chicken Pot Pie! Oh it was SO good!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I made this Pumpkin Cheesecake for my Norwex Party. Oh yum yum yum! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Jeremy was like, why don't you make stuff like this for just "us." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My response, "Because it costs as much as a whole meal!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">That's true BUT it's also because I prefer to serve and have healthy food around mostly.</span></div>
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So I had under $20 to spend this week. I go between feeling inspired and feeling ... ug.<br />
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I kind of get inspired when I whip up AuGratin Spaghetti Squash and Pesto/Pepperoni/Lasagna out of thin air and it works and is surprisingly yummy.<br />
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I LOVE cleaning out my fridge. I get that from my mom too! Tonight we ate odds and ends since we had our main meal for lunch.<br />
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Becket: Coconut Quinoa/Ham/Broc/Rice/Green Beans<br />
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Gianna: Green Beans/Ham, Red Ants on a Log, Yogurt, Whole Wheat English muffin with butter, whole Banana (Big eater tonight!)<br />
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Augustine: Red Ants on a Log, Yogurt, W/W English Muffin<br />
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Me: Half a pan of coconut oil brownies and green beans (Um, I need to practice for thanksgiving...)<br />
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Beside cleaning out food from the fridge I'm turning a new corner in cleaning in general. I like keeping things tidy, I am really aware of chemicals in the food we injest and the stuff we put on our bodies. I switched to using coconut oil for "everything" quite a while ago.I LOVE coconut oil! However, when it comes to cleaning and cleaning products... I was concerned but just didn't go all on board ... until now.<br />
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I had a Norwex Party and it finally clicked for me. It's a natural next step on my holistic journey. It's simple and it might actually get me cleaning more! I'm extremely sold on their anti-bac products. Cleaning without using chemicals AND no more stinky rags. I have a hard time using a rag more than once before tossing it to get washed. It smells and looks gross to me. Not only do the Norwex rags not smell but they capture germs and don't allow them to grow. Die germs! I don't need to buy sprays or cleaners I just clean with water and a rag. Simple. AND they clean stuff very well and very quick. I could go on but I think you get the point. So, I've been scrubbing my fridge, walls, doors, light switches, and tonight -- even my blinds! That is really impressive for me. More than things being clean is actually the great feeling of getting rid of bacteria and cleaning more naturally. Keeping pollution out of my house. IF you want to learn more I'm happy to share. I don't sell the stuff but am happy to promote it!<br />
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I just heard on the news $49 is the average Thanksgiving meal cost... yikes! My in-laws are really into cooking and my sister in-law has Celiacs so it has to be uber gluten free. So if I bring something I have to prepare it at her house. Since she is a super amazing ambitious cook (3 stuffings are on the menu!) they have the whole meal planned and pretty much everything is covered! I am bringing a special spiced apple cider from Trader Joes. I debated making something more but it's to tricky trying to prepare it there so... cider it is! I really can't complain.<br />
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Meal Plan this week:<br />
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1- Chicken Dumpling Soup<br />
2- BBQ Chicken Sandwiches<br />
3- Au Gratin Spaghetti Squash and Pesto Lasagna<br />
4- Thanksgiving with Family<br />
5- Hummus, Pita and Veggies<br />
6- English muffin ham and egg breakfast sandwiches<br />
7- Mashed Potatoes, Ham and Green Beans<br />
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Augustine has been watching Master Chef with me and decided he wanted to make mashed potatoes by himself. I handed him a peeler and said you are on your own. He peeled a WHOLE pot of potatoes. PERFECTLY. Wow. It was pretty amazing! He's 4years old. I prefer to cook alone but it was a wake up call for me to let him in on more stuff in the kitchen and to trust him to actually just do something and do it right. I hover and want to hurry to avoid the mess. Lesson learned. I grow as a mom every day. Every minute.<br />
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I am so thankful for my children they make me SOOO happy!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-26331818644372048292014-11-20T20:03:00.000-08:002014-11-20T20:03:22.603-08:00Say Yes to the Mess!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Watching them in space. Watching their meaningful bodies interact with one another...</div>
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Watching them at rest and in motion. Just taking in their perfect creation.</div>
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Watching them share and care and give to one another.</div>
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Watching them touch hands, embrace, and delight.</div>
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Delight in one another. Whisper secrets. Whisper "I love you Becket!"</div>
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Celebrating differences and enjoying similarities.</div>
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Gianna (whispering to Augustine while they brush their teeth): "You are my best friend."</div>
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Augustine (whispers back): "You are my best friend too, Gianna."</div>
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Un-prompted. Un-inhibited. Love.</div>
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I read an inspiring quote recently about parenting. One of the lines said, </div>
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"Say yes to your kids as much as possible." </div>
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At first you go... what?! And then it sinks in. Kids ask to do crazy. messy, and wild things. Say, "Yes."</div>
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I often want to say </div>
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"No, I just cleaned that."</div>
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"No, I don't want a mess."</div>
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"No, not right now. I have to get this done first."</div>
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"No, we don't have time."</div>
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"No, I'm to tired."</div>
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I'm not going to torture myself or you about how many times you say no.</div>
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In fact, I have some serious 2yr old Sarah still in me because I quite enjoy saying "no" sometimes.</div>
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But, I celebrate the times I say, </div>
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"Yes!"</div>
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"Yes, let's forget my to do list and play in the snow."</div>
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"Yes, let's build a fort."</div>
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"Yes, you can cut paper up and sprinkle glitter all over your project." </div>
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The clean house is for my sanity now...</div>
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But the mess and the yes are for my memories later.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-46848859875648261902014-11-20T19:36:00.003-08:002014-11-20T19:36:56.636-08:00$260 groceries for the month...So I know I started the $65 per week thing but it's actually $260 for food for the whole month. So, yeah, longer months require me to stretch that buck even further! So this week was what I would consider my stock up week.<br />
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I know this picture is not about food... but he is licking his lips AND I could just eat him right up!</div>
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I was on an "I'm so sick of the same old thing" kick and even though I had a meal plan for the week starting Sunday I thought I'd probably be making changes... and I did. I figured I'd wait until Wed and include my Aldi visit. Well, I was in Minneapolis on a freezing day this Wednesday and I thought ...<br />
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<i>What better than make a quick trip with all three of my kids in this insane arctic weather to Costco. I'm ONLY going to spend $20.</i> (cue laughter)<br />
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I LOVE Costco (even with three small kids chasing the samples like treasures around the store!) I love their prices and organic products. The only kicker is at the checkout you kind of want to yelp... "But I only got a few things! How is this $70??"<br />
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So I stocked up on:<br />
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Butter (4lbs)<br />
Organic Ground Beef (4lbs) (After I bought it I realized it is not grass fed. BOOO hoo! So sad.)<br />
Garbanzo Beans (their canned are cheaper than buying the dried beans in stores and canned garbanzo beans make smoother hummus)<br />
Ground Sausage<br />
Cuties (my kid's treat for being so good)<br />
2 Jars of Organic Strawberry Jelly<br />
A huge bag of Frozen Organic Green Beans<br />
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Ok, so I got more than a few things... I think.<br />
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So between my $45 Trader Joe's visit and my $12 Aldi visit... I have $35 for the rest of the month. That will be plenty to buy fresh essentials to go with my stocked up items. ie. Milk, Eggs, Fruits, Veggies and Bread.<br />
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So here is my menu plan for this week:<br />
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Sunday: Chili and crackers<br />
Monday: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie (it was AHHHMAZING!)<br />
Tuesday: Asian Cabbage Salad with Sesame Sticks and odds and ends<br />
Wednesday: We basically ate supper at Costco aka sample side plus cuties and veggies at home<br />
Thursday: Ham, Broc, Coconut Quinoa and Grilled Cheese<br />
Friday: Ham Carbonara and Green Beans<br />
Saturday: Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana (see in my pinterest board)<br />
Sunday: Spaghetti Squash with Thai Peanut Sauce, Garbanzo Beans and Rice<br />
**I am having a Norwex Party on Sunday and will be making Pumpkin Cheesecake. Don't you want to come? You are invited!**<br />
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I also made yogurt on Monday and Bone broth on Tuesday. I used the bits of chicken from the bone broth drumsticks in the pot pie and it was truly amazing. My MIL has the easiest and yummiest pie crust recipe. Ever. I might just be a pie maker after all! (See in future post!) Also, while I made it from scratch otherwise with no recipe I used Trader Joe's organic frozen veggie mix and it was really good. The sweet corn in it was like fresh off the cob. I will definitely do that again. It solved my food blahs and I'm back to feeling inspired by food. That and I am now obsessed with Master Chef Jr. Man those kids can cook!<br />
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Speaking of what kids can cook never underestimate what your kids might EAT. My kids begged for Apple Slices, Garbanzo Beans and Milk for breakfast. So that's what they got. Talk about some power food. In case you were wondering. :-)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-23811332764396704142014-11-17T20:45:00.000-08:002014-11-17T20:45:37.476-08:00Food at $65 per week: Make your own yogurt!In my real food switch I started buying organic whole plain yogurt at Trader Joe's for $3 a large container. My Augustine devoured it and it would be gone in a day or two... then came Gianna... it was gone in a day... It makes a great baby food. I had wanted to try making it for a while to stretch a buck, but it needed to be EASY and fool proof. I have to many memories of my mom's runny homemade yogurt. However, I have good memories of it... warm with cherries mixed in! Yummy! <div>
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I found a recipe I love and fits in my busy life... and I'm here to share it with you! </div>
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<i><b>Pour 1 gallon of whole organic milk into my large crock pot around 3 or 4pm when my first kid wakes from naps.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Turn crock pot on high for 2-3hrs.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>At around 2hrs milk should be 180*. (This depends on crock pot.) Heating kills of competing bacteria.</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Take off cover and let it cool to 115*. (Don't let it cool lower than this or your yogurt won't be as thick.)</b></i></div>
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<i><b>At 115* stir in 1 cup of plain yogurt with live active cultures. (With each batch I make I freeze 1cup of yogurt for the next batch and the gift keeps giving!)</b></i></div>
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<i><b>Put on lid. Wrap entire crock pot, plug and all, in a big towel and put the whole thing in a dormant oven. I don't want to question your intelligence but, well, make sure the oven is NOT on. I also put one oven rack on my stove to remind my forgetful mind not to turn the oven on and make late night cookies! </b></i></div>
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<i><b>Leave for 8-12hrs. Overnight basically. In the morning you have thick and creamy yogurt!</b></i></div>
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<i><b>The next step that I do is to make greek yogurt. I fell in love with Greek Yogurt before it was even cool. I went to Greece years ago and was served real Greek Yogurt with honey at all our bed and breakfasts. Oy yum! Now I can make it!</b></i></div>
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Greek yogurt is yogurt strained (in a cheese cloth) to remove whey and allow for a thick and high protein dessert er... food. Strain to desired thickness. Then use as breakfast, snack, dessert with raw honey or jelly/jam. I also use it for sour cream in recipes and as toppings as well as dips and it even passes for cream cheese if you strain it to long! (Oh happy fault!) I only strain about half of my yogurt. The kids eat the regular stuff, it lasts longer.</div>
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Now how about those health benefits? Yogurt with live active cultures is a great source of pro-biotics. Key to staying healthy during cold season. Feel free to google for more details! My personal testimony is that (knock on wood) I have not gotten sick for a couple months now despite the fact that my germ pool children get colds continuously. I am only this healthy when I am pregnant. And no, this is not a pregnancy announcement. ;-) The most recent change to my diet has been homemade yogurt. That's the only thing I can match it to. I usually catch almost everything my kids have to offer except perhaps their puke-- in the bucket I'm holding... inches from their face. Eck!!! So, this is pretty unusual for me and I am now completely sold on my yogurt kick!</div>
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Speaking of being sold...</div>
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A whole gallon of milk makes enough yogurt for a full week (or two) of yogurt eating here. I buy my milk for 5.99 at TJS using their organic store brand. It's even cheaper at Whole Foods but not worth the extra trip right now. Besides that I don't have to buy sour cream or cream cheese! Also, DON'T throw away the whey that you strain off of your greek yogurt. We use it to make smoothies and it has a great tart flavor. You can also freeze it for later use. Or experiment with fermenting veggies. I'm not there yet, but hopefully soon! I think it lasts for a couple weeks or so. </div>
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**Also, as a side note. Based on my research I do not think low-fat is the healthy option. It's not natural and the body needs good healthy fats and so do our kids. Lower fat dairy goes through extra processing effecting it's health benefits. Also, the right fats help us absorb vitamins. I could go on and on but I'm not a scientist nor am I writing a research paper. I do encourage you to research it though, you might be surprised! Look at holistic and naturalist writers.** </div>
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Here's to hoping for better health to all!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-19379148594839719162014-11-10T10:12:00.000-08:002014-11-10T10:12:52.029-08:00Happy First Snow: Meal Plan and Real Food Hot Cacao Well, Praise the Lord we have a play written for our Christmas show! A stellar cast, director and team... I am already in the Christmas Spirit or in the Exmas Spirit? See the show and then tell me. :-)<div>
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Interested in getting tickets for <a href="http://www.openwindowtheatre.org/">"Christmas in Niatirb"</a> click the link! But don't wait because we do sell out early especially for our Christmas show!</div>
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My picture is not uploading correctly... let's just say this is from Becket's perspective. :-)</div>
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Today was the first snow. And I know for some that is dreaded news but... It is November and its pretty fitting for this area. The first snow is pretty magical for me. Exciting and fresh and new. It quickly wanes after that. But I'm embracing today and with it comes excited kids who scramble to get dressed and out the door to play in the snow!</div>
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Eager little morning faces peaking out their window at the fresh white world. All my Winter's and Christmases come rushing back to me in a warm wave of cool rush on my face and the scent of cookies, hot chocolate and red cheeks.</div>
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I make my own "real food" hot chocolate for my kids instead of the nasty packaged stuff and it's oh so good, simple and really chocolaty!</div>
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Homemade Hot Chocolate:</div>
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1 cup of warm/hot whole Organic Milk</div>
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1/2 tsp Organic Cacao Powder (more for me less for the kids to avoid a caffeine rush) </div>
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1 tsp Organic Powder Sugar/or Regular Sugar/Honey/Real Maple Syrup</div>
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Stir and serve with homemade whipped cream or mini marshmallows. That marshmallow part isn't so "real food" but my kids love marshmallows and I got 6 bags for $1 this summer so it's a fun treat. </div>
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Menu for the week:</div>
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Sunday: Cashew Chicken Fried Rice</div>
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Monday: Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff</div>
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Tuesday: Tater Tot Green Bean Casserole</div>
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Wednesday: Hummus, 100% Whole Wheat Pita Bread and Veggies</div>
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Thursday: Spaghetti and Veggie</div>
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Friday: Tilapia, Coconut Quinoa and Broccoli</div>
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Saturday: Black Bean Chili and Crackers</div>
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Trader Joes: Total $22.30</div>
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Maple Shredded Wheat</div>
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Joe's O's</div>
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Button Mushrooms</div>
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Whole Wheat Pita Bread</div>
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Organic Gold Potatoes 4lbs</div>
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Organic Grape Jelly</div>
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Canned Coconut Milk</div>
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2 Bananas</div>
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Whole Organic Milk</div>
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Aldi: </div>
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Tilapia</div>
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Boneless Pork Roast for pulled pork (next week)</div>
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In case you haven't noticed I plan to be under budget each week to leave room for special deals I come across. I also leave wiggle room since our grocery budget actually means our food budget. So if we go out to eat or grap a french fry to share or for Sunday donuts... that ALL comes out of my precious limited food budget. So I like to be spontaneously prepared!</div>
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Augustine has been skipping his daily nap most days and so that means he is consuming a LARGE mid-afternoon snack. He is SUCH a skinny boy and SUCH a big eater! He ate 3 bowls of buttered bone broth brown rice AND 2 slices of %100 whole wheat bread with butter. (He eats a lot of raw fruits and veggies so I let him eat reasonable snack requests of carbs and protein.) Gianna on the other hand eats like a little bird. She eats about 1/4 of whatever I give Augustine. So if he eats 2 PBJs, an apple and 4 carrot spears for lunch she eats 1/2 PBJ, a 1/2 apple and 2 carrot spears. And that is me MAKING her finish her food. It's quite a difference!</div>
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Becket is extremely allergic to eggs we recently found out. It was all pretty scary! But he is eating bone broth brown rice, ground turkey, beans, green beans, and even cheerios. He is the most peacful in his highchair surrounded by finger foods and he picks them up perfectly in his pincher grab. It is just darling. He is so quiet there I almost forget about him! What a darling!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-76865051834756623802014-10-27T19:35:00.000-07:002014-10-27T19:35:04.143-07:00Fall Pictures Part 2: Baby Pumpkins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I LOVE this tradition that our baby's first year at Emma Krumbee's wears the cute pumpkin sweatshirts. Then I can compare pictures over the years. </div>
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I think Becket and Gianna look the most alike in these pictures.</div>
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Augustine 2010</div>
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Gianna 2012</div>
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Becket 2014</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-80035986151725163842014-10-27T19:26:00.000-07:002014-10-27T19:26:00.530-07:002014 Fall Pictures Part 1: Emma Krumbees<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just had to get caught up on posting Fall pictures! </div>
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I think 2014 has been one of the BEST Autumns ever! </div>
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We did lots of fun stuff and the weather has been pretty incredible!</div>
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We were going day by day through Tech Week (s) saying ... I can't wait for our Emma Krumbee trip... it's almost here. It's like a holiday for us!</div>
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The cold and rain in St Paul... ALMOST got us down... </div>
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but we went, in the pouring rain, and had zero rain at Emma's. </div>
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Feeding the goats is always a hit!</div>
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For sale but they are priceless!<br />
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My snuggle buddy! Each child wears the pumpkin sweatshirt on their first year visit... comparison pictures to come!<br />
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We don't buy the pumpkins but the hay ride to them is so fun ... and I love the photo ops.<br />
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I love my tired sweeties! We spent the day there so the kids were pretty tired by the end.<br />
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What a hottie!</div>
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Can't wait for next year!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-36996196707542658862014-10-27T16:28:00.000-07:002014-10-27T19:48:07.271-07:00Survival Mode - Food for now.Ok, so... Its one of those weeks where I want to throw in a frozen pizza for every meal. My dear husband is completing the writing of our Theater's Christmas show and is basically "out of town" in so many words. The show is going to be AWESOME but it requires some sacrifices on our end. Don't all good things? Not seeing much of Daddy in the house is purely exhausting.<br />
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Even though he is gone... I am resisting the temptation to eh hem ... eat garbage for a week.<br />
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In fact I even threw bone broth in the crock pot tonight as I fed my kids peas, carrots, apples and PBJs. We will do better tomorrow. On a side note school went great today! I guess there is a trade off?<br />
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Here's a past peak on last weeks meals:<br />
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My experiment last week was trying Kerry Gold butter to see if that should be our next real food switch. It's made in Ireland from grass-fed cows and is supposed to be better for you. We switched from margarine (my ex-favorite) to real butter at least a year ago and I haven't looked back. Seems like a pretty straight forward real food switch. I stocked up on like 20lbs of organic butter for $1,99 per pound a while ago and I'm on my last pound. Getting close to the Holidays I'm hoping Aldi starts carrying butter closer to the $1.60 (?) I think that it was last year. Until then we will just stick with conventional butter.<br />
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This week I'm going to try to make a switch to organic eggs. It's so hard for me to pass up eggs for 0.99 a dozen but from what I've read it's probably the next most logical step. More on that....<br />
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1- Organic Spinach/Beet/Walnut Salad with homemade super healthy poppy seed dressing, Grilled Cheese, and Broccoli<br />
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2- Some kind of pasta<br />
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3- Organic Kale and Salisbury Steak with Organic Rice in bone broth<br />
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4- Grilled Tuna Sandwiches, Chips, Carrots and Apples (I didn't make this last week.)<br />
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5-Cheeseburger Soup w/Bone Broth and Buttered Toast/Crackers<br />
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6- Sausage/ Peppers/ Organic Potatoes in Crock Pot<br />
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7- Whole Wheat Tacos with Guacamole<br />
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Shopping List this week:<br />
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I actually don't need the corn or any of the other items on my Aldi list just thought I should stock up on sale items. I might just skip Aldi and buy booze and chocolate at TJs....I'm going to need it this week!<br />
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**I just went to Trader Joe's and the prices were slightly different than my estimate... those Org eggs - yikes - expensive! I got organic celery instead of corn and -- Beer. No, not booze, beer of the root variety. I'm having a root beer float as I type! Total was slightly over $19.**Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-57135494715511491412014-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:002014-10-21T19:00:06.051-07:00If Deals were Drugs... I'd be high.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Is that title kind of racy? Am I going to get tagged by government spies for mentioning drugs? (That alone tells you what a naive goody two shoes I am!) Only to disappoint the snoops with info on sausages and free juicy juice boxes??! Although if they saw my behavior last night they may question my sanity. More on that...<br />
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Ok, so I'M not one of those crazy "extreme couponers." While I love the show (if I had cable) I think the excess of it all is pretty crazy! I could only justify that excess if I was giving it away to the poor. Now that sounds appealing! With that disclaimer in mind I DO get a rush high when I get a good deal! It's pretty fun!<br />
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Tell me if this sounds weird. I drive up to a dark street at 7:30pm pull over in front of a house I've never been to before... get out and grab a white bag from the front porch and rush back to my car and speed away.<br />
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Totally normal, right?!<br />
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I swear the bag was only filled with unopened boxes of juicy juice and that they came from a safe reliable source... Even if I didn't really know the people well... Or... At all... All in the name of free juicy juice boxes! Hey, I tested them first before giving them to my kids. :-)<br />
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Then today I took a wonderful trip with my kids to target to get these for $.64 each pack! Yes, I'll take a high five!<br />
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<a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/tag/target-deals">Click here to see how to get the same deal!</a></div>
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Beyond that it was just an amazing day with my kids in the sunshine at the park. They give me the biggest high of all. Sometimes I crash pretty hard too but my kids really do fill me with an insane amount of joy!<br />
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I mean look at this sunshine (and by sunshine I do mean this face!!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaz-Ked6AfykK6J7jDCBt3m1sJPxmzMHMJhB8z6tpKG8K5MM31E0jZJ2Ah3TLtRqndNDuh5hjqAasnJWEZDHY1D5WuGIl1E8mcWUheUIMU8bG0nfWXi3sXWw-T9Fm8ZaKaEjxV27ogoU/s1600/Becket+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaz-Ked6AfykK6J7jDCBt3m1sJPxmzMHMJhB8z6tpKG8K5MM31E0jZJ2Ah3TLtRqndNDuh5hjqAasnJWEZDHY1D5WuGIl1E8mcWUheUIMU8bG0nfWXi3sXWw-T9Fm8ZaKaEjxV27ogoU/s1600/Becket+park.JPG" height="320" title="Receive the blessing from little Saint Becket" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receive the blessing from little Saint Becket<br /><br /></td></tr>
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While all my kids were scrumptiously adorable today Becket got all the cute pictures. He does this little tongue waggle thing and I just want to eat him he is so cute. He is not the typical crawling baby on the go. He really loves to sit with me and hug me. His crawling comes in handy since I am on the move and he needs to follow me everywhere! I so treasure these days since I know they are fleeting.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-64992828214149797862014-10-19T20:01:00.000-07:002014-10-19T20:01:20.923-07:00Healthy Eating at $65.00 - Meal plan and shopping Some people have wondered how I feed my family of five on $65... Sometimes I wonder too! We are BIG eaters in this house and did I mention we love food?<br />
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I mentioned several of my tips already but here is an example meal plan for this week.<br />
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I think one thing that stands out is only buying perishables that I can use and will not waste. If I do stock up on something and can't use it. I find a way to freeze it.<br />
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Also I do stock up on stuff when it hits rock bottom prices...<br />
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For example last week I stocked up on bell peppers (not organic) 5 for $0.99! I bought 7 bags of 5... I couldn't resist. I made a huge pot of beans and started freezing beans and chopped peppers and onions for Chili and soup. As you will see from the following menu I will be making use of those YUMMY peppers. My kids and I love bell peppers (especially the red ones!)<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Menu 10/19-10/25 </u><i><u style="font-weight: bold;"> * </u>I actually won't make these meals in this order, I'm to spontaneous for such things.</i><br />
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<b>Sunday (today) : Baked French Toast and Chili with (greek yogurt) sour cream, cheese, and organic corn chips</b><br />
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<b>Monday: Organic Potato/Zuchini Latkes w/Homemade Organic Greek Yogurt, Pork Tenderloin and Broccoli</b><br />
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<b>Tuesday: Crock Pot Stuffed Bell Peppers</b><br />
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<b>Wednesday: Fajitas with Whole Wheat Tortilla Shells (I got these on clearance at Target last week)</b><br />
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<b>Thursday: Frozen Pizza and Spinach Salad </b><br />
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<b>Friday: </b><b>Tuna Sandwiches, Chips, Carrots and Apples</b><br />
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<b>Saturday: Saute Pasta </b><br />
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<b><i>*Desserts*: Apple Crisp and Ice Cream, OJ/Whey/Spinach Julius, Frozen Blueberries</i></b><br />
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<b><i>*Breakfast*: Homemade Organic Yogurt, Cereal, Butter Toast, Eggs, PBJs and Homemade Canned Apple Sauce</i></b><br />
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<b><i>*Lunches*: Leftovers, PBJs, Veggies and Fruit</i></b><br />
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<b><i>*Snacks*: Carrots, Apples and Peanut Butter, Frozen Peas, Cereal, Butter Toast, Peppers and Bananas</i></b><br />
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I actually made the most of the amazing gorgeous fall day and walked a mile to our local Trader Joes. I love that store! People are SO friendly and happy there. I got so many smiles from people ooing over Becket. He happily smiled back. Maybe people are so happy because they were sampling pumpkin cheesecake and spiced cider... oh, wow, YUMM! Did I mention that I love that store and that organic avacados were only $0,99? Booya! (As a side note, I normally buy their organic chicken but the breast is SO expensive and I thought I'd try the antibiotic free stuff. I normally don't buy the breast but I've been craving that fried white meat and its been almost three months so that was my splurge this week. It still was pretty pricey.)<br />
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Last Week I was in WI with my family and got loads of free apples, bread, eggs, cereal, peanut butter and milk. I also bought Broccoli on sale for 69cents a bag at the local grocery store and local raw honey for super cheap from my parents neighbor. I also stocked up 2 weeks ago with buy one get one free (aprox $0.65 each) 100% whole wheat bread from Aldi as well as frozen peas (it's all happy in my freezer). I'm also stocked from a recent trip to Costco (3 or so weeks ago) on Organic Brown Rice, Organic Quinoa, Real Maple Syrup and Organic Strawberry Jelly.<br />
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Wednesday I will make my Aldi trip. I have a shopping list but I will probably add more items to stock up on stuff.<br />
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This is my temporary list: $17<br />
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Frozen Pizza x2 (I take the pepperoni off of it and dice it up in my saute pasta later in the week) $4<br />
Frozen OJ $1.50<br />
Bananas $2<br />
Tuna $2.50<br />
Saltines x3 $3.00 (I buy these for my husband who really needs them for soup, while I think they are yummy... they have practically no nutritional value. Oh well.)<br />
Marinated Pork Tenderloin (It looks to be on sale and will be a fun meat treat!) $4<br />
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Trader Joes:$21<br />
Aldi: $17 (aprox)<br />
Total: $38.00<br />
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...Some weeks I spend a little more and some less but I budget by the month so it all evens out each month. However, I'm now regretting my total self control in Trader Joes. Perhaps I'll have to go back. ;-)<br />
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I will update my Aldi list when I go Wednesday I always find something extra I need (or want).<br />
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Until then happy savings!<br />
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<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-10541088116088450282014-10-08T08:27:00.000-07:002014-10-08T08:27:52.412-07:00Healthy Eating at $65: Bone Broth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Family cowboy stew recipe a CHEAP EASY HEALTHY favorite, featuring bone broth!</span></i></div>
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First of all thanks for all your positive feedback on this series! I had so many questions about bone broth I figured I better just start with that:</div>
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When I first made my own chicken noodle soup from "scratch" as an adult it was loaded with msg bouillon cubes and antibiotic pumped chicken breasts the size of my head cut into cubes and homemade noodles (from scratch) YUMM it was SO GOOD! MSG just tastes delicious! I totally remember remarking to my husband, who was just realizing I could cook (maybe even better than he could), "This is WAY better than my mom's chicken noodle soup!"<div>
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Flash forward 5 years. </div>
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The truth is, Moms really DO know best. My mom made it the old fashioned BONE BROTH way. And the health benefits are INCREDIBLE! <a href="http://holisticsquid.com/making-chicken-bone-broth-from-basic-to-adventurous/">My favorite blog Holistic Squid</a> notes the benefits of bone broth, "...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">homemade broth is loaded with nutrients that its packaged cousins do not – minerals, gelatin, and glycosaminoglycans (which include substances like chondroitin and glucosamine, keratin and hyaluronic acid and more.) These nutrients known to </span><a href="http://www.holisticsquid.com/five-superfoods-for-strong-healthy-teeth/" style="color: #2194a3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-decoration: none; width: auto;" target="_blank">benefit teeth</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;">, bones, hair, nails, and joints."</span> Sounds impressive, right? Not only does it save me money but it also does add a lot of flavor AND I have adjusted my mom's recipe to be the way I prefer it! No MSG needed... although man, that stuff is tasty and addicting, but oh so bad for you!</div>
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<li>Start off with Organic Chicken (I have not used beef, yet). I buy mine whole at Trader Joes or I buy a $3.90 pack of Organic Chicken Drumsticks. My parents also have given me some of their free range chickens and chicken bones. Organic chicken is SO expensive so I make the absolute most out of it!</li>
<li>Throw the whole pack of meat (without the obvious packaging and less obvious nasty sack of "grossness" found in the chicken's cavity) in a large crock pot. Along with organic celery just the leafy tops you don't usually eat (because it's on the dirty dozen and is pretty inexpensive to buy), conventional carrots (maybe one chopped), onions (a handful of chunks), onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. I want it to be as flavorful as possible! (I wait to add sea salt so I can use some of the broth for my baby sodium free.)</li>
<li>Top with water and cook 6 or so hours on high until meat is done. <i>I think cooking your bone broth WITH the meat adds significantly more flavor so I only do it this way. Plus you are killing two birds with one stone - cooked tender chicken AND bone broth!</i></li>
<li>Take meat off the bone and put everything (yes, even the fat and cartilage) back into the pot and top with water and one Tbls of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (with "the mother" I buy Trader Joe's brand).</li>
<li>If I have cooked a whole chicken I chop the meat into two (sometimes three) portions and use or freeze for later. I try to get 2 meals out of the batch. More on that method later. </li>
<li>Turn crock pot on high for 20ish more hours. And forget about it. I do it overnight - works great and smells awesome! It's done when the bones break easily. I don't really think you can overcook it.</li>
<li>I wake up in the morning, turn off the crock pot, take the lid off. Feed little people breakfast etc while it cools. Then when I have a spare minute I strain. If you want to puree the veggies you can for baby food but I think they don't have much flavor at this point. I pour into Mason Jars and store in the fridge (short term) or freeze in the freezer. We usually go through it pretty fast.</li>
<li>And WALA! You are done! On the day I work at making bone broth I almost always make soup so my supper is prepared in the meantime. </li>
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What else can you make with bone broth? </div>
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RICE: I cook all my rice in it in my rice maker. I love my rice maker. Think crock pot for rice and you have an easier rice than instant rice! Actually "rice packets" were one of the main things I used to purchase when my husband and I were married. Bone broth organic brown rice is WAY cheaper and WAY healthier!! Just PLEASE do yourself a happy food favor and add SALT (and other spices) and coconut oil or butter for even yummier rice.</div>
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QUINOA: I cook my rice in a coconut milk (from the can) and bone broth combo whatever the recipe. It adds so much richness and health benefits.</div>
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Obvious -- SOUP: Anywhere broth or bouillon is needed.</div>
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Less obvious, unhealthy, cheap food hack -- RAMEN NOODLES: Yes, I said it. This is where I'm keeping it real. My husband and I LOVE Ramen. Since I never buy it - that solves that problem. Take that MSG! However, when we have 6' 2" 17 yr old Aidan stay with us I'm pretty desperate for cheap and quick lunches to stay on budget. If he eats it the kids will want it too. So I make their noodles cooked in bone broth with sea salt and frozen peas. They don't complain. It's health-ier. I will leave it at that. :-)</div>
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I just made some Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup yesterday with my bone broth and my kids and husband devoured it. Mmmmm! I'll share the recipe sometime at a later date! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-71123299779008642712014-10-07T11:40:00.003-07:002014-10-07T11:40:49.671-07:00Healthy Eating at $65 a week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-M01rbrA-TreiS0Dkz-fZMwjYHudytDQl4kSjYzbpgC2qEsCD-N18jpMEtxoqpI5imh-MNQHzY7tXNDIboN4zmLn_XwF8yb4AFggD64XdLtmTUA-aIm0kRf8UDLtKIW9wF1MXbYe1iE/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-M01rbrA-TreiS0Dkz-fZMwjYHudytDQl4kSjYzbpgC2qEsCD-N18jpMEtxoqpI5imh-MNQHzY7tXNDIboN4zmLn_XwF8yb4AFggD64XdLtmTUA-aIm0kRf8UDLtKIW9wF1MXbYe1iE/s1600/IMG_4247.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />
I thought it might be fun to write a bit about our family transition to healthy and organic eating. First of all my goal is to maintain our budget while making ways and taking baby steps towards eating organic.<br />
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I often hear eating healthy costs more. It actually doesn't have to cost more, it just depends on what you choose to eat. Eating ORGANIC DOES cost more, almost double... so how have we been able to maintain our budget and make slow switches to organic eating? This series on "healthy eating" will highlight some of the ways I save money and feed my family wholesome food.<br />
<br />
Feeding my babies always really strikes me. I am responsible for what goes into their mouths. What fuels their bodies. I exercise self control for them and get them enjoying and choosing healthy foods. While I want them to be eating healthy I also like to think I take a very balanced approach. My kids get a sucker almost every day when they visit the magic fairy at the post office with Daddy. (More on that at another time!) My kids get treats and rewards. Right now they get a squirt of whipped cream in their mouth for using the potty. (Gianna shares her reward!) And I also have no problem with occasional fast food and we still love pizza and other junk food. Food brings people together. It evokes joy, warmth and sharing. To put it bluntly food makes us pretty happy here at our house! I've left the "fat free" "sugar free" world FAR behind and focus on full fats (coconut oil, butter and olive oil) and healthy sugar (raw honey and real maple syrup).<br />
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I try to spend more money on food where it really counts in terms of health benefits (Organic Whole Milk, Organic Quinoa, Organic Grassfed Beef and Organic Chicken) and focus on cheaper WHOLE foods like beans, brown rice, carrots, cabbage, and 100% Whole Wheat Bread. More on that for a later post.<br />
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Making things from scratch and AS EASILY as possible is also key for my success. So if I can save money making something organic from scratch vs. buying the item conventional and convenient I try making it from scratch! For example conventional black beans from a can vs. organic black beans soaked and boiled on the stove.<br />
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My take on Organic. I used to think people who ate organic were total snobs. I also had an all or nothing approach to it. Truth is, sometimes all organic eaters are snobs. Sorry, its true! I will just vow to NOT be a snob, ever. So however you choose to eat - I RESPECT your choice. This is not about a competition. It wasn't until I was feeding little bodies - LARGE amounts of food. Augustine could eat as much as me when he was 2!! I finally realized... if I cut out conventional apples my baby's small body will have that much less chemicals and pesticides in their system. Hmmm, appealing. Very appealing. With health problems cropping up all over I really felt that eating more holistically was what our family was being called to.<br />
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Besides, I love food and I like a good challenge!<br />
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Thanks for joining me as I share our journey through healthy eating for 5 at $65 per week!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-39047843089077236122014-10-02T21:16:00.000-07:002014-10-02T21:16:23.166-07:00Quick Takes: Life at the speed of lightThe days last forever and yet they go so fast...<br />
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I'll admit today was a day I wish I could have cherished and yet I just survived. But my kids are alive and so am I! :-)<br />
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Here are some quick takes from my week:<br />
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Augustine:<br />
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Augustine in the orange shirt</div>
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<ul>
<li>He made it to his second class for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and I think we might just make it through the who year! </li>
<li>We are 5 weeks into school and he can count to 10 by 2s, sound out three letter words, and recognize over half the alphabet. </li>
<li>His favorite letter is "T"</li>
<li>He can now spell write (from memory) his own name, AUGUSTI (still working on the NE, he says "N" is too hard)</li>
<li>I absolutely love his big brother sing songy voice he gives Gianna... My favorite quote lately is, "Gianna, Mommy gave me the good news! You get to sleep in my bed!" (Gianna let's out a screetching "NNNNAAAAAOOOOO!") Augustine replies in a sweet sing songy voice, "Well to bad, you get to."</li>
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<li><i>I wish I had more time to cuddle you Augustine. But I know you adore your siblings and Gianna is most certainly your best friend.</i></li>
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Gianna:</div>
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<ul>
<li>She holds a pencil perfectly and is just the sweetest thing. That being said she is going through a bit of a screaming rough patch and my ear drums are ringing from it.</li>
<li>You and Becket go shopping with me while Augustine is at Good Shepherd and you are such a sweet helper! "I put it in gently Mamma?" "What can I help with next? I be gentle." I love this time with you!</li>
<li>Potty training is a major up and down journey with her. Yesterday in church she started pulling off her pants and diaper because she had to go "pee really bad!!"... off she scuttled while I attempted to chase after her WHILE nursing. Did I mention this was in church? By myself?</li>
<li> </li>
<li><i>Gianna, You really are so perfectly sweet and adorable. So feminine. And yet you are strong, so strong. I love you smiley girl. You drive me crazy!</i></li>
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Becket:</div>
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<li>Speaking of rough patches. Oh, my dear Becket is going through the worst teething rough patch. He is cutting his top two teeth at 8months. Bottom two came in at 6months. I know this is awful to say, but with his army crawl and sobbing screams searching for me the second I am not near him in sight, he looks like he should be in some haunted house. I come out of the bath room and he is pulling himself by the arms three rooms down crying and pursuing/searching. It is SO pathetic and heart breaking. I am so exhausted at the end of each day. </li>
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<ul>
<li><i>You cry almost constantly and yet... I absolutely ADORE you! I just wish I didn't have to clean and cook and I could just hold you. You are SO sweet! I just look at you and I want more babies because you are so wonderful and precious!</i></li>
<li><i>You are eating bone broth with baby cereal, pumpkin, carrots, peas, green beans, broccoli, and apple sauce (all pureed). But you still prefer nursing and will not take a bottle. I love that you prefer me! You are my first baby to nurse (exclusively) this long!</i></li>
<li><i>Your eczema is still a problem and I am keeping your food intake dairy and gluten free. </i></li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-951761694784857062014-09-25T19:16:00.000-07:002014-09-25T19:16:49.926-07:00Home schooling!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here I am, an adult. With children. Homeschooling.<br />
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Growing up I was home schooled up until college. And although I wasn't exactly the perfect student. (Ask my mom.) I really enjoyed being home schooled. I loved my siblings. I loved the flexibility. I found some of my high school stuff recently including my planner and goals lists. I was so impressed with myself and my motivation to educate myself. I loved learning!<br />
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I always hoped to homeschool my own kids and when I met Jeremy that was definitely something we talked about early on when we were dating. And here I am starting school with my kids... I'm pretty giddy about it actually. And while we are still only in week 4 I've started appreciating my mom in a whole new way! Homeschooling is NOT easy. Nope. It's work. Extra work that I sometimes feel I don't have time for, and yet, its so satisfying to teach and learn along-side my kids. I love spending each day with them and hoping I can impart my passion for learning on to them in fun exciting ways. My kids have a teacher who is personalizing learning for them with great passion, care and time.<br />
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So here's the facts:<br />
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We named our school: Saint John Paul II Academy<br />
<i>JPII is my top choice for obvious reasons. He is a major patron saint for our family and work. He was also self educated in so many ways, often clandestinely. He loved learning and was such a well educated person. I admire his intellect and his holiness and aspire to raise strong holy men and woman to be like him.</i><br />
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What we are doing:<br />
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<br />
<ul>
<li><b>This year we are doing a letter of the week route</b>. I am loosely using THE CATHOLIC ICING curriculum. Each week we get a new letter and base activities and games around the letter. He is starting to recognize, write, and sound out words and letters. We also tie in math, science, history, art and religion. </li>
<li>He said he "hated" homeschooling on the first day. Now he does like it, I think.</li>
<li><b>HEM Co-op in Ham Lake 2x per month.</b> I am teaching dance (for pay) for the 7th grade and up age kids. Gianna and Becket are in "Little Saints" nursery. Augustine is in "Young Disciples" pre-school and he is loving it! (Well, to be fair, on the second class he said he hated his teacher and didn't want to go.) I am learning he is scared of new things and his "shyness." I encourage him that even though he feels shy he doesn't have to act shy. I'm so proud that he is persevering and is excited to tell me -- "I wasn't shy today! You were right mommy!" (I hope to hear that a LOT in the years to come!)</li>
<li><b>St Joseph's Catholic Church Co-op for Irish Dance 1x per month.</b> (This is so adorable to watch I can hardly concentrate and talk to the other moms!)</li>
<li><b>Catechesis of the Good Shepherd 1x per week.</b> I LOVE this program. More on that later. Augustine likes it so far as well now that he is in his friend Lucian's class. </li>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-35446172409644864262014-09-18T19:10:00.000-07:002014-09-18T19:10:45.135-07:00How can such a small person be so expansive?I watch their little bodies in space and marvel at how tiny they are and yet... (after much thought) I've decided, so <i>expansive.</i><br />
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They fill my heart just sitting there in their rolls of beautiful chub.<br />
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I just want to hold them and squeeze them all day. And yet, I'm exhausted and busy feeding, cleaning, feeding, cleaning... so I often just stop and watch them. Soak up their rich buttery cuteness into my soul.<br />
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After looking at these pictures I actually feel energized! I am so blessed, Thank you Lord for these Jewels!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-23374442550806710152014-09-16T20:55:00.001-07:002014-09-16T20:55:34.225-07:00Raising Souls...I've really been exciting about starting to blog again!<br />
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I hope to use the blogging platform again to share with my children of my love for them. I feel like my motto is:<br />
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"Excuse the mess, raising souls,"<br />
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Because, well, while I TRY to keep a tidy efficient running home my priority is my children's souls. I hope this blog reflects how God is working in our lives.<br />
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Since I last wrote it's been pretty much 2 YEARS later and we have welcomed a dear new soul to our home! Becket is a delightful 7 month old and he melts my heart. I feel a special (and unique) love for each of my kids. I feel something different in my heart as I love each child. What a full feeling. I am truly blessed to call these lovely children a part of my heart.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-89990706265100901072013-03-29T09:11:00.002-07:002013-03-29T09:11:44.461-07:00Lent 2013I reflect this day as I gaze as my bright pink tulips and out the window to our snow covered ground. Spring will come. The days of fasting will end. Joy and Hope DO prevail.<br />
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I've focused on moderation this Lent and it has left me peaceful and free from my chocolate sugar addiction.<br />
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Augustine and I made this Crown of Thorns and it has been a beautiful reminder for the whole family. As we put the thorns in he whole-hardily apologized to sweet Jesus for the pain he causes Jesus when he is disobedient and not loving. <br />
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He gets to take a thorn out every time he does something good or when he goes to church. It's a great reward to him and is bringing me back to the cross everyday.<br />
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We dyed Easter Eggs for the first time... and boy, if you want to get your kids to eat boiled eggs. Dye them!! Augustine went from not really liking eggs to LOVING THEM! Gianna, didn't get the memo. She does not enjoy boiled eggs. "Just give me peas, bananas, fruit, broccoli and buttered toast!"<br />
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I took Augustine to Holy Thursday mass last night and it was so wonderful. Just him and I reflecting on Jesus. He was SUCH a good boy! Stamped in my memory as one of my best Holy Thursday services EVER! I posted this on facebook that night...<br />
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<span class="userContent">---Holy Thursday mass with Augustine tonight was so SO wonderful! He is so eager to pray and understand the mass... As I was packing up our stuff he knelt in the aisle hands folded, "St. Augustine pray for us. St Gianna pray for us. St. Daddy pray for us. St Mommy pray for us. Mother Mary pray for us. Saint...Pope...Pope Frances pray for us. Father Son Holy Spirit. Amen. Ok, Let's go!"---</span><br />
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Our Passover Meal as a family...<br />
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...Augustine wanted to wash feet like Jesus did when we got home. So precious... and I sure hope this is a new family tradition. Watching Augustine grow in his faith is the high of my life right now... that and just having the blessing of the two most beautiful children!<br />
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<span class="userContent">Holy Week to all...</span></div>
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<span class="userContent">....and Happy Easter on the other side!</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2403311570956038198.post-57312412611142252752013-02-06T20:40:00.000-08:002013-02-06T20:40:55.674-08:00Gianna 9 Month's Old<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGkskdeTF1-Us3akPK8a1VOU40EyXq_-YOHG7OJbCXngLISY-ey86t_xo1TQNNxQiwoFlBabm-lVj2mkYpkJg80jZA1JNp2Mp4hfLQVXN8pknqvyjExxlCFqaL8jmljmVU3fv3ZOGM2k/s1600/Gianna+9m+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMGkskdeTF1-Us3akPK8a1VOU40EyXq_-YOHG7OJbCXngLISY-ey86t_xo1TQNNxQiwoFlBabm-lVj2mkYpkJg80jZA1JNp2Mp4hfLQVXN8pknqvyjExxlCFqaL8jmljmVU3fv3ZOGM2k/s640/Gianna+9m+040.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This little girl rocks my world! </div>
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Stats:</div>
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18.8 lbs (about 1 pound more than when she was 6 months!)</div>
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28 inches</div>
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Less than 50%tile for head</div>
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Brown Eyes</div>
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Brown Hair</div>
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She can give you butterfly kisses from across the room with her lashes and her cheeks should require a restraining order... once you start squishing them with kisses who can stop?</div>
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She is average on the charts... so I guess telling her she was so chubby made her self-conscious? Going from rich mommy milk only to veggies thinned out my sweetie... but I still think she's chunky! She has the most beautiful thighs. (Remember that Gianna!)</div>
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She loves to dance and her body just MOOOOOVES when any type of music plays... she has a sort of spastic head shake think that cracks me up. But she does not like tummy time and is not interested in crawling.</div>
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She adores her brother and smiles and smiles and smiles! Augustine looks out for Gianna throughout the day... he reminds me to go get her when she cries and he asks for her every morning. He delights in her like I do and we both love to make her laugh and smile. He's kind of bossy (sorry Gianna) but almost in a sweet way and I love to watch their relationship grow!</div>
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Her food sensitivities seem to be getting better and since I just loaded up on free pancakes at IHOP and she didn't suffer I'm pretty much convinced she isn't affected from my milk as much.</div>
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She picks up food with great ease and grace... even the slimy slippery bananas and avocado (her favorites!) She also enjoys: Peas, quinoa, applesauce, gluten free bread, cheerios, cantaloupe, kiwi, pureed green beans and broccoli. She is a huge fruit fan... and can be a little picky at times. <br />
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She can say:<br />
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Dadadadadada<br />
Babababba<br />
Lalalalala<br />
Nanananana<br />
and most recently (as in the last two days....)<br />
MAMAmamamama<br />
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She has two super cute bottom teeth in, she loves nursing still but goes crazy over a bottle too, and she has been weaned from being swaddled (just this month!).<br />
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She has refused a paci for months and has no real comfort object...yet... although she really likes Augustine's special blankie. (Of all the things... THAT dirty thing?!?) He of course almost never shares it and snatches it from her if he sees her even glance at it longingly. <br />
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She's pretty patient when it comes to most things... I especially notice it because Augustine is so demanding "NOW" kind of kid and she usually gets taken care of last... I hope it teaches her virtue. How could it not?! <br />
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My dear peaches (yep that's what I like to call her) how lovely you are and how LOVED you are!<br />
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I bless you my child.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14862884339239262962noreply@blogger.com0