My wonderful hubby got the opportunity to speak at our church on Sunday. He speaks on to our high school kids weekly as he is the Youth Pastor. But, this was his first time sharing with our adult congregation and it was alot of fun for him. I thought I would share the podcast for those of our friends and family that weren't able to make it. I thought he did a great job. Enjoy!

Snow in the OC!

A few weeks ago the little guy had an obsession with snowmen. We weren't feeling up to taking a trip to the mountains so, Daddy improvised and came up with a quite impressive alternative...A sheet Snowman!

A Sheet, Electrical tape for eyes & buttons, a scarf, hat & marker cap for a nose!

For the cooking impaired!

Okay Girls, I am not one for sharing recipes, because well...my husband would be happy with a turkey sandwich for dinner every night (I know, don't be hatin'). But, this recipe looked really yummy and I gave it a try. Its super easy, quick and soooo yummy! I substituted with Ground Turkey instead of beef cause thats how we roll. But try it out and let me know if you like it!

Ingredients

1 lb. ground beef
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or 25% Less Sodium)
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup water
6 flour tortillas (6-inch) , cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
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Cooking Instructions

Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it's well browned, stirring often. Pour off any fat.

Stir the soup, salsa, water, and tortillas in the skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5 minutes or until the beef mixture is hot and bubbling. Stir the beef mixture. Top with the cheese.

Creamy Mexican Fiesta: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream with the soup.

Ranchero Style: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and shredded Mexican cheese blend instead of Cheddar.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with a mixed green salad with Italian salad dressing and corn-on-the-cob. For dessert serve store bought flan.

San Fran (a little late, but what's new!)

san fran 2008

Some of you have already heard about my trip since it was a few weeks ago. But, it is blog worthy so I will post late anyways. My 30th birthday was in January and my husband was talking to me about planning a big party. But, we decided instead of spending the money on a party, to get away (sans kids) and go to San Francisco for the weekend! I have always wanted to go and this was the perfect excuse. A few minutes later I was talking with Carolyn and told her about it and said, you want to go...and she said yes! It all came together and soon after babysitters were in place and we were on our way! It was one of those non-stop, jam packed quick trips and I will never forget it. My husband, best friend (aka big sis) and her hubby. They made this trip extra special. In a nutshell...Plane arrived, public transportation, Larkspur hotel, fishermans warf, clam chowder bowls, shopping, cable cars, chinatown during chinese new year, yummy italian dinner, more shopping, golden gate bridge and more. One of the funniest memories is that we could hear Carolyn and Joe talking through the vent in our bathroom as their room was below us. So, Sunday they sang happy birthday to me through the vent! It was hilarious and a great finale to our trip. 

THANKFUL!

I am thankful for several things this morning. In no particular order. I am getting ready to celebrate my 30th birthday. That in itself is a miracle, I was told when I was three and diagnosed with juvenile rhuemotoid arthiritis that I would be confined to a wheelchair by the time I was 30. Well, for those of you who know the story, I was healed and I am definately not in a wheelchair, nor do I have residual pain from the disease that once crippled me. AMEN!

I am thankful for a wonderful family, I get to spend so much time with them and I love it. I am thankful for my husband and beautiful children. 

For our home, provision, my church and so much more. I am also thankful for my friends and the melting pot...LOL (So much fun last night)!

These are just to name a few. I am blessed and thankful for all the reasons I can thank God for his faithfulness to me these 30 years of my life. (it's kinda weird to say that still)

Yee-Haw!

Rachel found her brothers cowboy hat the other day and turned into a little cowgirl. She was spinning in circles saying "yeehaw" she has become quite the ham lately. I don't know where she gets it from!

Olive Oil!

This is a very humbling post because I know some of you out there will read this and think...Duh! But, I was baking cupcakes for our Jr. High Girls Slumber party tomorrow night and I was out of oil (all I had was olive oil-cause thats what Italians stock up on!). So, I figured...what the heck I will give it a try. Needless to say, the fire alarm almost went off and I think the bottom of the cupcakes could seriously injure someone if I threw one! 

Yep, thats a testament to what a great cook I am. Good thing Scott likes sandwiches...ALOT!

But, since I am obsessive about having a photo (I know, I tried, but couldn't hit the publish post button until I added one!) There is something I did have success with...and it is pure SIN & will lead most people down a path of destruction. And, the only ingredients are LOTS of Sugar, Peanut Butter & Chocolate. Can we say...PMS!

Yes...that is one missing in the middle!

Props to the Pooch!

I have been feeling a little guilty lately about the lack of attention my sweet (horse) dog Rusty gets these days. When we first got him (about 6 years ago) he was Scott and I's baby. He did everything with us, slept in the house and as a puppy even milked us into letting him in bed with us. Yeah, I know...

But, after the first kid, and then the second kid...his living quarters have changed and his attention has been a bit squelched. Don't get me wrong, he is still pretty spoiled. We built out the garage that he has now taken over and we love him to pieces, but lets just say he hasn't been in any more family photos since this one....

She Scolded Me!

I got scolded by my big sister today for not blogging in so long. Which is funny because she knows more about me than I probably know about myself. But, apparrantly she needs it in blog format to be totally filled in.

I have been having "issues" because when I blog I feel the need to get all creative with photos and such (I guess its the graphics lady in me) and if I can't accomplish that in a timely manner I just say forget it.

It's not that I dont have anything to say, you all know I can chat it up with the best of them, but its this requirement I have given myself to make this all fancy. So, my attempt will be to blog more frequently. With pictures or not and see how it goes.

We had our ups and downs in 2008 (unfortunately a few downs) but I am seeing through all of it and looking to the faithfulness that God has shown us time and time again. I am anticipating great things in 2009! 

The kids are growing so much every day. Nathan finally got potty trained and it's been really nice only changing diapers for one little munchkin. Here are a few pictures from Christmas...just for the heck of it (cause I have issues and I can't post without them!)

ONE!

Yes, all her hair fell out and came in blonde.

I can't believe my baby is one today! She is sooo fun. Her personality is contagious and for the most part she always has a smile or a kiss to share. Last year at this time, I was in labor with a 9lb. + baby and it wasn't quite as easy of a labor as it was with Nathan who was 5 weeks early and 7lbs+. But, it was all worth it, she brings so much joy to our home. I knew I was in for trouble when she started walking at the end of her 8th month. She is a busy body and a half which is probably good for her sake so she can keep up with her brother. I love the relationship that is developing between them. Nathan is beginning to get protective of his sister and they have such a special love for each other. I am looking forward to watching her grow, but sad it is happening so fast!

Princess Party

Rachel is turning one on Saturday, but we did an early birthday party for her. It was a princess party for our little princess. Rachel wasn't feeling so good on her birthday, so she wasn't her chipper little self, but it was still a lot of fun. I got some ideas offline and they were a hit. We made: Magic Wands (pretzels with white chocolate tips & pink sparkles), Chicken Crowns (compliments of Burger King) Jewel Salad (with raspberries, cranberries & walnuts...yum) Pink Princess Punch, Medieval Chicken, and Ring Pops, it was so fun. We also had face painting (thanks to Sara, Joe's sister) and the kids played in the bounce house most of the day. I can't believe my baby will be one tomorrow. She is so lively and fun...what a blessing I have been given in her! Enjoy the pics...

rachels 1st birthday

Monchhichi

There are very few things that I am sentimental about. But, My Grandma Burnett has these two monkey dolls at her house that she has had since we were little kids and we always played with them when we went to stay there! I still want to take them home with me when I go to visit because they remind me of her and I don't get to see her very much. Anyways...I about jumped for Joy in the middle of the grocery store today (yes the grocery store) as I walked by an aisle of Monchhichi dolls. I am so excited and hope I have the diligence to keep mine as long as my grandma has. I might even let it sleep next to me tonight for old time sake!

Slacker!

Thanksgiving 2008

I have been totally slacking on my blog lately, but I fully intend to get back in the swing of things. I have to admit...I have been swept away by facebook. It's totally addicting, but not as rewarding. A lot has gone on since my last real post, but it would take forever to catch up, so I will just start with where I am at right now. Thankful...I have to say Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays and this one was great. This year has been up and down for our family, but God is always so faithful and that is what I am most Thankful for. The unending, unconditional faithfulness of the Lord in our lives. He has given us soooo much!

All I have to say now is....I Can't believe it's december!

My new Best Friend!

This by far will be my most shallow post, but I am not the least bit shameful about it! I have a new best friend as of this evening. And, here she is...

The shark steam mop! My sister and Mom have said how much they love theirs. I have to admit, I thought it would be just another gadget (I am a sucker for gadgets)...but it is awesome! I don't have to use chemicals anymore (which I always worry about with a baby around) and it cleaned my floor so quickly, with such little hassle. No buckets, cleaning supplies...just the washable micro cloth and I was done. Yippee! Hey, if you are not opposed to getting household appliances for Christmas, put it on your wish list. 

I have a Birfday coming up!

That is what Nathan told me this morning. I think he thought I had forgotten today was his birthday. Scott and I had decided we weren't going to play it up too much for fear that he may think he gets another party and the whole melt down that would ensue when we told him he only gets one party. But, I think I greatly underestimated him. He came in my room and said "mommy...I have a birfday coming up" and I said "yes you do...it's actually today!" and he held up his cute little fingers and said "I am fhree!" He melted my heart and I honestly cannot believe how fast time has gone. 3 years ago today I was in a lot of pain...and then I experienced the most amazing gift from God...Nathan! (Yes he was born with a mohawk & yes...it was an indication of things to come!)

 

"You're the biggest Mama I ever saw!"

That is what my lovely son told me this morning as I was getting ready for church. And, the funny thing is I turned around and gave him a big hug and said "thank you hunny". I know it comes across as being offensive to some, and I hope to goodness that he doesn't say it to anyone else. But, I know my sons precious lingo and know that he means it as a compliment. For example, this weekend we celebrated his 3rd Birthday and he saw the pinata and said, that's the biggest pinata I ever saw, or the cupcakes...thats the biggest cupcake I ever saw, it truly is a term of endearmant for him so I got a great laugh out of it. 

And, yes I am in total awe that my little boy is almost three. It feels like it has gone much to fast. He is such a joy and every day is a blessing to share with him. 

Randomness!

Okay, so its been a while since my last post, so I figured I would just post all of the random things that come to mind since the last time I posted.

1. I got food poisoning and lost about 8 pounds in one week, which is not exactly the way you want to lose weight, but now that I am feeling better I can't complain!

2. My sisters best friend Emily had sweet lil addison and i got some of the credit. She was over at my mom's house and so ready to have the baby. I told her a wives tale I heard when I was pregnant, that she should go eat the Waldorf salad at California Pizza Kitchen and it would send her into labor. Well, she listened and had the baby that night! 

3. Rachel is cruising all over the place and getting into everything.

4. Nathan is saying the most hilarious things, he keeps me laughing all the time!

5. I just started getting back on schedule for Women's Bible Study and absolutely love it. I always come away refreshed, renewed and strengthened. If you don't go...you should!

6. I love, love, love all the new kids that came into Jr. High this season, they are all so fun!

7. I also love the new weather...I pulled out my warmer clothes and can't wait to sport em'.

8. I resolved to the fact that I will never have all my laundry done & put away at one time. (well, at least as long as my kids live with me!)

9. I am anxiously awaiting Thanksgiving, my favorite Holiday of the year.

10. Scott and I planned our weekend away for our 8 year anniversary and I can't wait.

11. In light of the economic crisis, I have been overwhelmed by the abundant blessings God has given us and I am so thankful that we find our security in Him!

12. Last, but not least I hope to get back to regular posts next week, so check back then. (Below are a few random pictures to go along with my random post!)

These kids are so funny...right after I got the photo they all fell out of the tree and were so mad at me for making them climb in there!

This is a sneak preview at Rachel's Lady bug costume!

Apparently my kids think I work for them. (I have no idea where they got that idea!)

We have had a few sickie poos around here this weekend. And you moms know how not fun that is! Anyways, my son takes after a certain somebody in our house (who shall remain nameless) when it comes to being sick. This morning he woke up with a world of requests...after I carried him to watch Dora ON THE COUCH, and changed his diaper and got his Juice, and found the RIGHT Dora (he had a specific one in mind) and got the RIGHT blanket, and he seemed all comfy and happy, I proceeded to sit down on the couch. And, he says to me "No, your not done yet...you forgot my pillow!" It was then that I had an epiphany...this kid thinks I work for him. Then I just laughed and thought, well I guess I do. And, you know what...I love it. Kids are so precious and I wouldn't trade being a mom for anything. My husband and I were talking last night about a portion in 1 Timothy that talks about our roles as men & women and how that God has designed us the way we are to fulfill certain tasks. I am so glad that this is the role he has for me and I want to strive to do it the best that I can. I took a picture of nathan once he was perfectly satisfied this morning....

Introducing Princess Buttercup!

I couldn't resist. I know some would view this as torture, but I have earned that right. And, in the words of my very own mother "just humor me". That's what she used to tell us when we were shopping and she thought something was cute and wanted to try it on even if we didn't like it! Rachel has earned the title of Princess Buttercup or as some of the more cruel people in the family refer to her...Princess Butterball!