Before...

Isn't she just adorable!!

We are working on a little project in the backyard. 

Here is the before:

Our plan was to extend our patio this weekend. 

We spend so much time outside and we have the BEST evening shade for grilling out and playing outside.

But oh-oh!!

When daddy got online Friday to see how much stone pavers we needed to pickup he realized the stone we picked out has to be laid on concrete-not the packed sand we had planned on :(

Here are the beautiful stone tiles we were going to lay. 

Now we are back to square one picking a material. We are thinking of concrete stamping. Has anyone does this?? Regardless Chris started tearing up the grass and we are on our way.

I hope to show you a beautfiul patio in the next few weeks. 

And while I am on "before's". Here is my poor EMPTY dining room.

At first we didn't have the money, and then I couldn't make up my mind, and then the money was spent on Jackson's room...and now.....I think I have it figured out and hope to have a table in the next couple of months!! I know my family will be excited to not have to sit on card tables and plastic chairs!! HA!!

I also hope to show you an actual Dining Room (yippee!!!!) in the next few weeks.

Weekend Getaway...

Last weekend we went to Ruidoso for a quick getaway. We stayed at the Inn of the Mountain Gods usuing a Groupon we purchased. Are you in on the groupon buisness?? If not, go sign up here!! We got an amazing deal! 2 night stay, 2 rounds of golf, and a $40 gift card to the hotel for $199.00!!!

Little Miss came to get us around 6:30 Friday morning. 

She was ready to go!
Headband, pj's, and backpack full of toys! 

The view from our room was amazing! 

There is something about the mountains that just make you stop and savor the moments a little more. 

Munchkin went swimming for the first time!! 

I missed seeing him as my mom and I were at the spa(!!); a Happy Mothers Day gift to us.

Kailtyn, Daddy, and Papa all went horseback riding.

She wasn't sure at first

But acted like a pro on her horse: Duke.

I love weekends getaways. Weekends without chores or errands or obligations (most I put on myself !!). Weekends devoted to just "having fun" with My Precious Family.

I wish I could bottle them up....

Moments I wish I could bottle up....

• Daddy and Kaitlyn playing barbies
• Jackson rubbing his sleepy eyes
• Back porch sitting with my honey
• Kaitlyn rubbing my foot in the morning with her little foot after she has snuggled up in our bed
• Little eyes that follow me around the room; Jackson is a mama's boy
• The excitement Kaitlyn has to show us something she has made or learned. She almost tackles me at church to show me the page she has colored and to tell me the bible story she learned
• Moments when you are in "mommy mode" or "cleaning mode" and you suddenly feel your hubby behind you with a sweet kiss
• Phrases from your little one like "but I'm really going to miss you.." or "mommy, do you want to come play with me.." and I love talks about Kaitlyn's "someday prince"

 I am really trying to savor these little moments; I know I will miss them someday. 

My Little Birdie's 1st Dance Recital!!

Mama's heart was bursting watching my Little Birdie perform!!

And to watch her little face when Daddy surprised her with flowers after the show....

that made my little heart melt.

So proud of you Little Miss!!

Yummy!! Skillet Lasagna

This recipe is soooo yummy!!! Make it...today!!!! :)

SKILLET LASAGNA

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 clove minced garlic
1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes, undrained
1 1/4 cups water
1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups bow tie pasta, uncooked
1 cup cottage cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dash basil, pepper

In large skillet, brown beef with onions and garlic; drain. Add tomatoes, water, tomato sauce, parsley, basil, oregano, and salt. Mix well. Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat; cover, simmer for 20 minutes or until pasta is tender, stirring once. Stir in cottage cheese. Cover with and Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle in basil and pepper to taste if desired. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Mother's Day 2011

Mother's Day started with Muffins with Mom at Kaitlyn's school Thursday.

Kaitlyn gave me a decorated flowerpot and a teapot filled with chocolates...the teapot is her favorite gift she's given me. :) On the way to church this morning she had chocolate all over her face but swore she hadn't been in them :)

And don't you just LOVE homemade cards!!

Kaitlyn told me in the car yesterday that she had a surprise card for me she made for Mother's Day. HA! Love it!! I acted suprised!!

We had the whole gang (Chris' family & mine) to the house for lunch today!

And even Shane came home to join in the festivities

Here are the mama's in my life; a great looking bunch and even greater women of God to look up to!

I am so thankful for my mom-I don't know what I would do without her and my kids just adore her!

And I LOVE how long I have known my mother-in-law. She was actually my Sunday school teacher who poured into my life, before I even knew who Chris Bledsoe was. :) 

My grandma is the life of the party and has truly taught me that life is to be celebrated!

And my sweet sister-in-law Jane has been such a blessing to our family and a great friend! 

 

I am so blessed!!

Being a Mommy....

 My life is beautiful chaos! I LOVE being a mommy!!!

Being a mommy means....

.....finding toys under your bed and under your pillow

......you've been given precious gifts from God to raise up and bring Him glory

.......lots of giggles and moments that make you laugh out loud

 .....you always have a snugglebug

.....you think of yourself less and less and less

......morning breath and sweaty-smelly necks are sweet aromas

......the house is never quiet, and when it is you are sad

......your heart can hurt so bad sometimes you think it might burst

......the fingerprints on the fridge become a blessing because you know your house is full of those you love.

Happy Mother's Day!!

Little Birdie Preview

Kaitlyn has her big dance recital next weekend!! What a hoot!!

Jackson: 5 months!!

What a blessing to be your mom Baby Jackson!!

Little Teacher

Praying God's Word: May

God is working on my heart about the call we have as parents to teach our children His ways, and not getting caught up in the "popular" way to raise our children-but to have a biblical perspective. I love trying to make spiritual knowledge pleasing (Prov. 15:2) by being creative and by looking for teachable moments with Kaitlyn. 

Week 1: Romans 12:10
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. "

Week 2: Deuteronomy 6:6-7
"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up"

Week 3: Romans 12:2
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Week 4: Deuteronomy 4:9
"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them."