The Stuff of Summer

Hello from 1st Street! We are in the fullest part of our summer and enjoying every day, or at least, trying to. All my lists of projects have taken the back burner to the rest of life - and raising my three girls has really taken ALL my time. It's all good. We've gone through VBS week at church, a youth service trip here locally, a trip to Omaha to visit family (and the amazing zoo!), lots of days at the park and splash pads, etc. and I was able to jump into a ladies bible study on Wednesday nights. This weekend my husband leaves for Brooklyn, NY for 9 days and then at the end of the month we'll head north to camp in Michigan!

So many great memories have been made. Today I'll just share a taste of our fun!

At the end of June I celebrated my 33rd birthday over dinner and a Matt Kearney concert downtown. Such a great date with my guy! Now that I'm 33 I've found TWO gray hairs and notice more and more my squinty smile lines around my eyes. WHAT?! So soon?! :)

The girls started their summer workbooks last week - it was time. Our weekly routine has been going pretty good, but we are starting to have some fighting and fussing. Enter school books and somehow they magical soothe their brains. 

The Fourth of July was great this year! We went to a parade and spent the evening with friends watching fireworks. 

This Sunday we had a unique opportunity to attend an old fashioned car show where my husband preached. Afterward it was all funnel cakes & Sky rides! 

There is still so much summer left to live and we are thankful for that. :)

But I need to secretly admit that this odd 75 degree day made me smile to think that Autumn is next.

There are no perfect days

For the last few days the sky has been gray.
The mornings start out cool and the sun is going down in a flame of oranges and reds at the end of the day.
It's my season.
A neighbors tree has the most amazing orange leaves that have started to change already. In the evenings you can stand on the porch and smell wood burning stoves and nearby bonfire pits, as people enjoy the last of the warm season. There's enough chill to notice. Fuzzy socks have been put back in our dresser drawers... for me, it's the best time of the year. I adore this season of all things Autumn.

And, while there is no such thing as a perfect day, we may have come close today. While my kindergartener was at school - the rest of the fam headed out for some library time. I love the library for many reasons - but especially when I'm going in search of cookbooks. I've been feeling so frazzled lately and slightly overwhelmed with all of life and responsibilities, etc. There is something so soothing to me to walk up and down rows of cookbooks just dreaming and thinking and planning. After finding a good one I rejoined the fam and we found some good fall themed books to read at home.

The book on the right is so fantastic! It was in the cookbook aisle but is such a good, fun, mommy read. It has recipes and little stories, crafty ideas and the authors family memories.

"Give me the splendid silent sun with all his beams full-dazzling, 

give me juicy autumnal fruit ripe and red from the orchard."

Walt Whitman

I'm eager to dig in and enjoy. And, because my husband knows of my joy in this season... he treated me to one of these gems. :) Oh pumpkin and apple everything. You are my favorites.

And now, as the youngest children nap and my hubby and big girl are out and about. The quiet. It's not perfect, but it sure is good.

First week down. And, thoughts about this crazy life.

So I found this picture tonight and I have no memory of getting it taken, but, I love it. My biggest babies were so, so... little! Ava was probably 3 and August couldn't have been more then 10ish months?! Jane wasn't even a thought at this point. Holy moly. While I look like an incredibly goofy momma, I still just love this picture. Life is just crazy fast and sometimes I feel like if I blink, another day is gone.

We made it through week one of Kindergarten and all 5 of us are enjoying it. Ava LOVES her class, teacher and all the new activities. August loves having all the toys to herself during the day, Jane loves sleeping, and I am loving a few hours to get things done and get back to creating. :) This week I said to a friend that I felt bad about enjoying the void of one child at school. She reminded that I don't need to feel that way, it's OK to enjoy the new routine. Especially when everyone is SO happy. So, I am now thoroughly enjoying it. We had a parents meeting last night and I'm eager to be a blessing to Ava's teacher and the staff at her school. What a HUGE opportunity! My imagination is already going a mile a minute with ideas.

The days are different and we are learning our new day-to-day. I so enjoy packing up my big girls "Sophia the First" lunch box and watching her (shall we say) creativity on the days that I let her choose her own outfit. THAT is proving to be the most challenging thing so far! Ha. I'm back to cooking almost every night and things are just feeling really normal. {sigh}

This morning my husband took our 3 year old out for the morning on a daddy/daughter date - leaving me time to pop Jane in the baby seat and check out some of my favorite stores basically alone. So refreshing to just have quiet. I walked up and down almost every aisle of our local antique mall - it was wonderful - and I found a few pieces of vintage silverware for my crafty dining room project. I don't know what it is about antique stores - but, I always get emotional when I look at stuff. Isn't that so strange? All this old classy stuff that used to be somebody's belongings, now lining the aisles getting picked through by thirty-somethings who think that once super practical day to day things are awesome decorations. Ha! Can I still blame postpartum for these random emotional dramas? Anyway, it was a wonderful time out and I even have a few minutes to check out a local thrift store for some cheapy frames. Score! My project is almost complete and I'll put up some pics once its finished. Here is the gist of what I'm going for, from Pinterest:

 

Now that I have a few extra hours in my day when my two littlest nap, I am so enjoying really getting back into creating things for the home. I've missed it. It doesn't come naturally to me... but it's fun to look around and get ideas. Operation "really move in" is now in full effect. We've been here a year in October and I still have boxes. Still. One day at a time I suppose. 

Side note: Anyone else avoiding the news lately?

Wow it seems the world is minutes away from imploding on itself. So much sickness, sadness and sin. It's enough to make my heart break. I have found myself pondering the power of God a lot lately - even in the midst of so much ugliness. He promised He will return and make all things new. What a hope for those of us who believe! 

The end of the season.

Roses!

We are mid August and the yard is starting to wrap things up.

I haven't gotten a lot of time to actually be outside to enjoy all the pretties. Having a baby threw a wonderful wrench in my attempt to garden beautiful flowers. Can't complain about that. :) But the other day while the girls were out playing, I grabbed the camera and explored. 

The end of the season is looking pretty good. 

The last of the hosta blooms.

Trumpet vine, my favorite.

Not sure what... but I love the fun shape of this leaf.

Our gorgeous BIG back yard tree.

Here's to a fantastic remainder of the month and to big yellow leaves here soon. {grin}
What's growing in your yard?

It. Is. Time.

source

All of the sudden the wind picked up, the clouds came overhead, and the seasons are a-changin'. Mr. Weather man is calling for 70's for the next few days and I'm tempted to do a happy dance.

It's time.

Last weekend my husband and I had a youth leaders retreat with some of the best people in the world. Seriously. Love Jesus, love each other... just a great crew. Early Saturday morning before most were awake I stole a few moments of the quiet to see the creator in His creation. He never fails to amaze me.

 

I just had to stop and be in awe. To a whole lot of people... it's just clouds and dirt and an occasional wild animal. To me, it's beauty, and revelation of a Savior. A creative, beautiful, Lord. 

 

 

I even caught a glimpse of some deer grazing in the woods. Awesome. Do you ever feel like those moments were created just specifically for YOU? 

Countdown to Autumn is on. Worship Him.

"O Lord, the heavens praise your miracles
    and your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones.

Who in the skies can compare with the Lord?
    Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord?

God is terrifying in the council of the holy ones.
    He is greater and more awe-inspiring than those who surround him.

O Lord God of Armies, who is like you?
    Mighty Lord, even your faithfulness surrounds you.

You rule the raging sea.
    When its waves rise, you quiet them.

 The heavens are yours.
    The earth is also yours.
    You made the world and everything in it.

You created north and south.
    Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon sing your name joyfully.

Your arm is mighty.
    Your hand is strong.
    Your right hand is lifted high.

Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne.    Mercy and truth stand in front of you."
Psalm 89:5-9, 11-14

In the Beginning...of September.

If you were awake around 6:30am {central time} yesterday morning, you would have seen the most amazing sunrise. The first cool night and rain in awhile had come and the early morning clouds were just starting to part and mist away.

I had so many psalms running through my head as I snapped shot after shot. I'm still not good with this wonderful camera...but, I still enjoy trying.

 These pink and purple clouds, what an amazing creator! 

September came in like a sigh, just as it should. The weather has cooled off, the sky is piercing blue, and the porch swing is all the more inviting. :)

Happy September!

New boots, a mouse, and why I should never make homemade alfredo.

Over Christmas vacation I had a little conversation with my sis-in-law about my new mom bad habit. Shopping for my children. Let me explain that better...
When I am given birthday or Christmas money, shooed out of the house by my hubby for some alone time. or just have a few extra minutes to browse a store alone - it happens. I end up in the kids section looking at things for my girls. Recently I've noticed a few "holes" in my own wardrobe and I'm blaming it on this habit of mine.

As I was getting ready for church this morning I realized I have NO winter shoes. Well, a pair of tennis shoes and some old leather boots that I've had for years... but, nothing warm, mildly stylish or without holes or detached soles. {blush} So, tonight at Kohls I took care of that problem - and these babies will be delivered later this week. :) Warm, cute, what I needed. AND... SUPER SALE price :) Originally they were $80, and I got them for $30.

 

Mice. Cute, fuzzy, squeaky, mice. I'm all about having them out in the nature and I even enjoy reading a good children's story now and again. But, let me be clear - I am not a fan of a tiny, little, brown fuzz ball tip-toeing across my dining room carpet. Last night as I was sitting alone finishing up a good magazine - something kept getting my attention from the corner of my eye. Since our living room resembles a small exploded toy store I just assumed it was a polly pocket or little people princess - until I looked up and watched it move, tail up, and everything. All of probably 3 inches long and beady eyed. IN MY HOME. So now I'm afraid to walk into my own kitchen. And, while I know we need to set up a trap...I dread the end result of that. SNAP. {ugh}

Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo. Delicious Amazingness in a pan. I whipped up a batch of it for our Sunday lunch this afternoon. It was every bit of buttery, cheesy, creamy, savory YUMness. With all the heavy whipping cream, nutmeg, parm cheese and wide noodles- how can you go wrong?! Well, just don't look at the nutrition content. That's all I'm saying. I need to wait a looooong time before I make this again, as I'm sure we had enough fat and calories in just this one meal, to last a week. But it was so good, so worth it!

 

Tomorrow is the last day of 2012. I can hardly believe it. It's been a good year - a challenging, wonderful, crazy year. I am so thankful for each and every day. What a gift! 

Friday Favorites...

I'm jumping on the "Friday Favorites" band wagon! Fun idea! It's a wonderful, calm, afternoon here. The girls are napping, I'm watching Little Women and sipping a mug of Mocha - all comfy on the couch. Love family day!

Favorite #1 - our REAL tree. {excuse this lame pic}

We went to three places this morning to find it - and at our last spot nabbed it for a great price. It's 8 feet tall and smells amazing. :) I love a real tree. I cannot wait to decorate it with my little girls and hubby.


Favorite #2 - Christmas Yummies

This recipe is called "Terribly terrific Toffee". Um, yum. And I love that it made from inexpensive saltines - a cheap and seemingly easy idea!  A Southern Grace has the full recipe here.

Favorite #3 - Gift wrap idea, using my little girls fingerprints :)

 

What a brilliant idea and {again} a great money saver! You almost wouldn't want to rip these packages open. I'm hoping to do this with my girls for their gifts to Grandparents. I think it adds an extra element of precious. Check out the full how to at Splash of Something. 

Favorite #4 - Truth! I love how from time to time I find these great verses written out beautifully.

 

{Found this on pinterest, it didn't lead to any blogs or anything I could cite}

Kind of a random bunch of favorites - but, by now I'm sure you aren't surprised by that. :) 

Have a wonderful Friday! 

Hearts at Home... {squeal}

Yeeeeeee! Tomorrow is the day! Myself, along with several other women from church are loading up a van and heading to MN for the Hearts at Home conference. :) I've never been able to go and have always wanted to. SUCH a treat for this Momma! I applied and got the scholarship, which was a huge blessing, and now I can't wait to just sit and drink it all in.

Perhaps I'm most excited about sitting under this gals wisdom, even for just a session or so. :)

I'm a fan of their show and just really value the bits and pieces that I have heard her speak on, about raising children, and the value of capturing your children's hearts. I have much to learn! 

And, let's be honest...

A van ride, a hotel stay, and a conference all with friends. I'm practically giddy for some girl time :) 

Here's to a fantastic weekend, challenged hearts, and memories made! 

Have you heard? And, some recipes.

Have you heard Downton is back on? Well - at least in the UK.
A few weeks ago a fellow blogger posted a link to watch Downton Abbey SEASON 3 in the UK when it aired, on the 16th. I spaced and totally forgot to plan for it... oh well, there is more to life. I'm not sure if you can watch it re-run style yet, but, thought I'd share the link in case you can. Check that out here if you are fan... and just itching to know what happens to THESE two. :) By the way, thank you Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom for the link! We love you!

And please accept my apologies for any crude or just plain gross side bar commerical things - whatever they are called - some can be inappropriate {to say the least}. I, in my limited internet abilities, don't know how to rid them. 

Have you heard of Nascafe's newest product...Memento?

Yum. I'm enjoying a Mocha Memento right now as we speak, er... type. They are instant coffee which I do turn my nose up at usually - but, for some reason I really enjoy these. They are quick, delicious, and even have the frothy yumminess you'd get from a coffee shop. :) Even my black-coffee-only-loving husband enjoys them. Ah, if I only I was paid to say all of that - but alas, I am not.

I'm ending this post with a few recipes that we've tried out recently. With this 60 degree weather this momma is aching for soups, breads and all things fallish-creamy-fatty-goodness-ish. Which, funny how "comfort foods" seem to ease all comforts minus the one on the scale... hmmmm. But, seriously, we have had some yummy things lately and I'm all about sharing!

Favorite Salisbury Steak

For the patties:

1lb ground beef {xtra lean if you can}

1/2c unseasoned bread crumbs

1/2c milk

1 egg white

1/4c fine chopped onion

1t worcestershire sauce

1/4t salt

1/4t pepper

For the gravy:

3/4c beef broth

1/4c beef broth in addition (or, dry red wine if you use it)

1T cornstarch

1/4t dried thyme

Jar mushroom {however, you know we don't even go there} 

1) In medium bowl combine all patty ingredients: mix gently. Shape into 6 oval patties, about 3/4in thick.
2) Spray skillet with nonstick spray. Heat over medium heat until hot. Add patties and cook 3 mins each side or until browned. Remove patties from skillet and drain if necessary.
3) In small bowl combine broth {and wine if used}, cornstarch and thyme; blend well. Pour into same skillet. Cook over low heat until mix boils and thickens, stir constantly. {stir in your mushrooms if used} Return patties to skillet. Cover; simmer about 15 mins or until no longer pink inside.
*I served this with mashed potatoes and corn! Good all American meal.

Beef Stew

1 1/2lb beef stew meat cut into cubes

5T flour

1t salt

1/2t pepper

1T oil

1lb small, red, potatoes, quartered

1 1/2c frozen pearl onions

1lb package fresh baby carrots 

12oz jar beef gravy

14.5oz can diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4c cold water

1) On waxed paper, sprinkle beef with 2T of the flour, salt, and pepper; toss to coat. Heat oil in a large skillet. Add coated beef; cook and stir 4-6 minutes or until browned.
2) In 4 to 6 qt. slow cooker, layer potatoes, onions and carrots. Add browned beef; sprinkle any remaining flour (from the coating step) and browned pan bits. Top with gravy and canned tomatoes.
3) Cover and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours. About 10 minutes prior to serving, blend water and remaining 3T flour until smooth. Stir into stew. Increase heat to High, cover and cook 10 mins.
*We didn't include the pearl onions because... that's a battle I just will not wage with a 3 year old. And, we totally skipped step #3b - just ate it before whipping in that extra flour. Just as good. :)
*Serve sprinkled with some sharp cheddar.

Have a wonderful Tuesday! If you, like me, are enjoying these cool temps - keep on enjoying. I hear we may hit 80 again tomorrow :/

Happenings

It's been a little quiet around here on the ol' blog. Not that I haven't had a zillion posts swirling through my brain on a daily basis. Life has just been lived and days are full and kids are busy and growing. It all goes too fast and I'm trying to soak it in.

In the last few weeks we have had some really fun events in our lives.

-Friends having babies

-playdates and company over

-A very awesome, God-honoring, wedding

-Double date night with some friends

-Taking meals to new mommy's

-March Madness {ugh}

-Planning a workshop for the ladies retreat

-Enjoying 80-something degree weather in MARCH {and another high 80's today!}

Lots of lots of things.

My husband and I are up to our eyebrows in watching the series, "Downton Abbey", I'm sure you've heard of it. If not - you may be an alien. {jk} It is such a captivating show... we are right smack dab in the middle of Season 2. INTENSE. Watching episodes 5, 6 and 7 tonight :) We are party animals like that! I'm finding myself loving all things of that era now and I secretly wish I could dress like Lady Mary or Cora. Or, let's be honest... even like one of the house maids. How cool!





I'm thankful for a husband who enjoys such a thing with me. There is nothing better to me then putting our children to bed, cuddling up on the couch and enjoying some British Period drama :)

He's.A.Keeper.

We were able to sneak out for a bit a few weekends ago to see the band, Gungor, in concert. What a great time! It was so refreshing to grab dinner {sans toddlers} and a show with friends. By the way...if you live in the Des Moines area and you haven't tried Gateway Market for lunch or dinner - you are missing out! I had THE best shrimp salad!

My children are growing like weeds. August will be ONE next month... commence whimpering. I cannot believe it's almost been a year! Thankfully she's still my midgey-small baby girl that lets me snuggle her. She started walking along furniture last week and just about broke my heart. Praise God for almost 11 months of baby August! Ava is giving me a run for my money, tho, I never fully understood that expression. :) She is still into ALL THINGS girly and requests to wear a dress daily. A dress and socks, to be perfectly specific. She's a funny girl. We have started to butt heads here recently as she learns about new independence and ideas she has on life. Many nights I've gone to bed with a heavy heart over how often she truly requires discipline. I guess that's reality and I'll keep on because she is worth it! At the same time, she is brilliant! I plan to start school with her in the fall and can't wait to watch the little sponge soak it all in :)

We praise God for life and for love. It's passion week and we anticipate an awesome Good Friday service and amazing Easter Sunday!

A little Friday DIY

The mission continues...
Bring beauty into my home. Work with my hands. Create.

I came across this beauty of an idea this week on Pinterest.

The author of the blog (super cute blog) had shared the idea and apparently has used the sheet of music background for the last few holidays. Brilliant idea!

I love moss. I love the look of nature in the home. So I was ALL OVER this idea.
Hmmm...now, how to learn super fast how to do it. Little Birdie Secrets had a step by step for the how to - and I kinda did my own thing based on that. Click above to see how SHE did it.

I'm proud to tell you that I had an actual craft night. Yes, me! I've always wanted to do that... just sit and craft - but always ALWAYS feel so stupid or lost trying to figure out how to make beauty. It's not a natural talent. Trust me.

After TWO hours {thank you Caramel Macchiato} on my front porch cutting, gluing, and perfecting - I finished my version. Wanna see?

I found the frame at Hobby Lobby normally $60, marked down to $11. You really could use any frame, I'm sure. My hubs brought me a hymnal from church storage {shhh} so that was FREE. The foam wreath, moss, and ribbon also came from hobby Lobby. {I had a gift card!} The daisies are from our wedding, yep, 6 year old plastic daisies! Woot Woot! I tend to like the darker, more natural, colors so I went with a jute ribbon overlapped with a shimmering champagne color, opposed to white and pink. And I'm not a HUGE egg person - so, daisies won that out. :)

The little glass dish in front I found at Salvation army - for cents. The moss covered rocks are DOLLAR TREE goodies! {no kidding...you STILL haven't checked out Dollar Tree decor?!} And, just framed up another Easter themed hymn for an added look.

It shouldn't take 2 hours like I did. I was just really pokey and taking my time and enjoying creating. :) This was a SUPER easy project and you could change it up so many ways.

{Sigh, I love looking at it}