Simple Joy #3

Mickey Mouse pancakes...and Eva's face when she is eating one!

Boys vs. Girls

I am often asked if I see a difference between raising a boy and raising a girl. The question use to bother me because I view ALL children as a gift from God, each with their own unique personalities. I didn't think it was fair to judge them by gender. I have thought a lot about my views on this topic lately and talked to a lot of people about it. I've come to the conclusion that I still believe all children have their own unique personalities, but certain traits are more common in certain genders. For example, when Eva was a baby I could sit her on the kitchen floor with a few Tupperware pieces and she was content the whole time I made dinner. Jaden, on the other hand, is into EVERYTHING he can get his little paws on. He is SOOOOO curious. Also, Eva would play very quietly and look at books for long periods of time. Jaden is absorbed with anything he can bang, hammer, or will make a loud sound. A nurse once gave me fantastic advice when she found out I was expecting a boy. She said, "Remember that boys are a lot more active than most girls....but don't ever confuse that with being more naughty." That made a lot of sense to me and I've referred to that advice often in raising a boy. Jaden loves to get into things and figure things out...but he is not being naughty - he is just learning! I thought I would leave you with some pictures of Jaden from this past weekend. I took them during the whole 15 minutes it took me to get ready. I would love to hear your views on raising specific genders too!!!!!

"Let's seeee.....mom washes her hair with these things...I'll just set them right here on the shower floor so that when she trips on them she knows just where they are!"

"Hmmm....I know that blow dryer thing is in here somewhere and it makes A LOT of sound!!"

"This is the way mommy puts on her make-up....my future football coach will be so proud!"

"Decisions, Decisions...should I pull just one pair of pants off the shelf or ALL of them?!"

"A boy is Truth with dirt on his face,

Beauty with a cut on his finger,

Wisdom with bubblegum in his hair,

and Hope for the future with a frog in his pocket"

--Anonymous

Quote of the Week

Eva looked at Matt enthusiastically this weekend and said, "Daddy, let's go sit on the back porch and watch the GRASS GROW!!!!!!!!"

Gotta love her.

Welcome Summer

I love summer. I love it deep down in my heart and soul. I love warm days and nights when you can sleep with the windows open. I love hearing the birds sing in the morning. I love the colorful flowers. I LOVE playing outside with my children. There is so much that I love about summer that I couldn't possibly even write about it all in one blog. My husband and I always joke during the winter months when we are getting 6 feet of snow by saying, "Explain to me again why we live in Indiana?" It really is a mystery when we love warm weather like we do. This weekend our family took full advantage of the beautiful sunshine and warm tempertures. Bike rides, swimming, taking walks, making smores, blowing bubbles, cookouts with friends....it was alllll part of the fun this weekend. Matt and I sat this evening and talked about how we feel so blessed when we think about all that we are thankful for in our lives.

Just to share a few snapshots of the weekend with you....

Matt lounging and watching the Indy Race.
Our little ladybug all suited up for a swim....yes, mommy is a little overprotective!
Our little man checking out the babes at the pool
A summer afternoon nap on the back porch...can it get any better?

Window Wash

I washed windows this weekend. It is something that I really don't mind doing, but I always go into it knowing I'm going to be dealing with some streaking and re-washing. Not this year!! I found a recipe for window wash in an amish cookbook and worked fantastic!! NO streaking! Of course I couldn't wait to share this recipe with all of you!

Window Wash:
2 quarts water
1 teaspoon corn starch (the recipe said this cuts down on water spots)
a little Joy dish soap

That is it! I just made the mixture and used one rag to wipe down the windows inside and out, and a soft cotton cloth to dry them! Happy cleaning everyone!

"I am thankful for the lawn that needs mowing and the windows that need washing because it means I have a home...I am thankful for the piles of laundry because it means my loved ones are nearby"

--Nancie J. Carmody

Simple Joy #2

Driving with the windows down on a sunny day. I know I've mentioned I enjoy driving before, but I seriously love it - especially in beautiful weather. This morning Jaden and I had to run some errands...just the two of us. It was fun to spend some time alone with my little guy. On the way home the sun was shining bright, the sunroof was open, and great song came on the radio. I turned it up and said, "Jaden, dance with Mommy"!! We both laughed and bobbed our heads to the music. I couldn't help smiling. So beautiful. So simple. So much joy.

The Cost of Groceries

After the poll closed on grocery shopping I felt much better. Our family is definitely in the $126 and up catergory when it comes to our weekly grocery bill and 33% of you are also in that range. Another 33% were spending $101 - $125 to feed your family. Part of the reason I feel we spend so much is that we have an infant that is still in diapers. Diapers are pricey and I've never found an "off " brand that works as well as Pampers. The other reason our grocery bill is so high is that we buy a lot of fresh fruits and veggies - many of them organic. I've read numerous times that you should try to do the majority of your grocery shopping on the outer edges of the supermarket (not down the aisles where pre-packaged food is sold) because the healthier items are on the outer ring. It makes sense. The outer ring of the grocery store holds all of the fresh fruits and veggies, fresh meats, and dairy products. I try hard to make healthy meals for my family - the old saying "you are what you eat" is true. This has become even more important to me after our scare with Jaden. It may sound odd, but when we thought he may be sick it made me feel so good to know that the only things that had gone into his little body since birth were wholesome foods - most organic. So, my fellow readers, I leave you with one of my favorite healthy recipes! Remember - healthy eating can be delicious AND nutritious!

Veggie Mix (great grilled or in the oven)

Cut the following into large pieces:
Red Potatoes
Roasted Red Peppers
Artichoke Hearts
Zucchini
(Add or delete and veggies your family likes)

Sprinkle with 3 T. olive oil, onion powder, garlic salt, paprika, and a little parmesan cheese.

Bake (or grill) covered at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes. This is GREAT with a burger or chicken.

Being a Dog can be "Ruff"!!

This is a little shout out to my furry nephew Gus!!! He is all ready to swim in Aunt Jamie's pool this summer...complete with his life jacket! Seriously, can you get much cuter than that?

"Dogs are not our whole lives....but they make our lives whole."

--Roger Caras

Home Sweet Home

Well, my loving husband finally caved and agreed to put something on our walls! I have to tell you - I am a bit giddy with excitement! You see, when we moved into this house Matt did not want to put one little hole in a wall because it was all "sooooo new"!!! I understood his thinking and agreed not to touch the walls.....but it has now been nearly 6 months and I'm a little (OK, a LOT) tired of looking at blank walls. So tonight we put up our first piece of "artwork " in our children's bathroom. It was as if we were embarking on this great adventure as we put the children to bed and I ran to get the verse that was to be hung - skipping half of the way! Maybe part of the reason Matt was up for this was that this type of artwork did not require us to puncture the wall in any way, shape, or form - right up his alley! We are both happy with the result and I find myself eyeing the other blank walls in our house. ..oh poor, poor Matt.

By wisdom a house is built,

and through understanding it is established;

through knowledge its rooms are filled

with rare and beautiful treasures.

proverbs 24:3-4

One of My Favorite Things....

There are so many simple joys in life. I decided that I would occasionally just post some of mine on my blog. If you can think of any of your simple joys feel free to comment!

My latest simple joy...
I love it when Eva starts her sentences with, "When I was a little girl...."

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

What a beautiful sunny day....finally!!! We got up this morning and took full advantage of it! I bundled Eva and Jaden up in the double jogger and was able to get 5 miles in this morning! What a great way to start the day!! Afterwards we played outside and rode bikes! In my mind, it was the perfect morning (of course it would have been even better if Matt had been here)!!! I'm curious...what is your favorite way to spend a morning? Post a comment and let me know!

"Each day when you wake up ask yourself, 'What good things am I going to do today?'. Remember that when the sun goes down at sunset it will take part of your life with it."

--Anonymous

Recipe Fun for Everyone!!

This is a GREAT recipe to do with little ones! It makes quite a mess, but that is part of the fun!! An added bonus is that this recipe can be made SUPER healthy and the munchkins think it is such a treat!

Banana Logs:

2 bananas (or more depending on how many you want to make)
small bowl of orange juice
peanut butter
shredded coconut
granola

1. Cut bananas into bite size chunks and dip in OJ.
2. Freeze for 2 hours.
3. Roll frozen bananas in peanut butter (this is the messy fun part)!
4. Roll peanut butter covered bananas in topping of choice (we used shredded coconut or granola)
5. Freeze

Eva and Brady thought that this recipe was a blast to make! They loved getting their hands all messy and then licking it all off when they were done. I loved watching them giggle and make a mess knowing that the treat they were making was good for them!

"While we try to teach our children about about life, our children teach us what life is all about"

--Angela Schwindt

Favorite Indulgent Activity

Well, my friends, after the results of the poll are in it looks as if many of you are spending your few precious hours of indulgence reading or watching the tube (54%). A few of you are sleeping (18%) and taking a bubble bath (18%), and one of you enjoys a little drink or two during your "me" time! Cheers!

As much as I love being a "happy housewife" and cherish every moment I spend with my husband and children, we all need alone time. It helps rejuvenate us and refresh our minds and souls. I have often found people say, "I just don't have time for it" but I've found that it's important to MAKE time for it. Even when Matt is on the road, I try to steal a few minutes while the children are napping, or after I have tucked them into bed at night. Yes, I often have piles of laundry to fold, bills to pay, and a kitchen that still needs a little picking up from dinner...but somewhere among all of it I carve a little time out for me. I personally enjoy updating my blog or curling up on the sofa or bed to read. I would love to tell you I read educational literature or deep intellectual novels, but the truth is that my favorite thing to read for myself is the latest gossip magazine or family magazine I picked up at the grocery store!! I also love driving alone- I find it relaxing to be on the road on a sunny day with the sunroof open and a good song on the radio. My mind becomes free and clear.

So all of you "happy housewives -and house husbands" out there...I challenge you to take even 5 minutes out of your day today to do one of your favorite indulgent activities. Whether it is reading, a bubble bath, or a bit of the bubbly...you will thank yourself later!

"Never be afraid to sit alone and think."

--Lorriane Hansberry

Quote of the Week!

We were grocery shopping and Eva points to the Depend undergarments and LOUDLY says, "Mommy, do you need some of THESE??!!"

Let's all just assume she thought they were diapers for her little brother.

Miracles Happen!

Many of my readers know what a scare our family had in the past week. For those of you that may not, our doctor brought up a very scary word regarding our little boy...cancer. As a parent, hearing that your little one may be sick is one of those things that literally takes the air out of your lungs.

We were blessed today with amazing news....Jaden is absolutely fine. The doctors at Riley's believe that his abnormal bloodtest resulted from simply growing! The only thing we need to do is let him eat as much as he wants and check back with the doctor in a month. Prayers have been answered beyond our wildest dreams. So many people were praying for Jaden - friends, family, even complete strangers. The power of prayer is unbelievable and our little Jaden is proof of that. To all of you that kept Jaden in your minds, hearts, and prayers during this past week - thank you. You all shined so brightly for our family during our darkest hours.

"When we do what we can, God will do what we can't"

--Anonymous

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's Off to Clean I go...

We all have housework....it is part of being a "happy housewife"! Some of it I honestly enjoy, some of it I don't mind, and parts of it I dread. I honestly enjoy doing laundry. There is something about a large pile of clean folded laundry that gives me such a feeling of accomplishment! I love to organize closets and cabinets. Unfortunately, I have had to hold back my obssession with this since one of my children's favorite pastimes is to unorganize them. On the flip side, since we have moved into our new home the dusting is NEVER ENDING. It seems as if I dust and within an hour the dust has returned. It doesn't help that we have a lot of black in our home (countertops, tables, fireplace surround, etc) that shows off the dust so very nicely! I am also not a big fan of cleaning toilets....but then again who is?! I have discovered that one of my favorite ways to do housework is to crank up the radio really loud and dance around like a rockstar with my children while I do it. I am sure if anyone could see in my windows they would be sure I lost my mind, BUT my daughter now asks with delight, "Mommy, can we CLEAN today?!!!!" I'm curious...what is your favorite and least favorite part of housework?? Just post a comment to let me know. If you are unsure how to do that just click on the small "comment" icon at the bottom of this blog post (it will actually say "1 comment" or however many there are) and then type out your comment. It will then ask you to retype a few letters (this is to reduce spam). After that you click on "name" and type in your name, OR you are more than welcome to click "anonymous" and I won't be able to tell who you are, but I can still read your comment. I am anxious to know what the other "Happy Housewives" out there are thinking about this subject!

It's the BIG Three-O!!!!

My sister celebrated a BIG birthday this past week - her 30th!!! I watched her at her celebration and wondered the same thing I wondered when Jaden turned 1....where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday we were listening to Michael Jackson and fighting over who was going to be "Billy Jean" when we would sing the song. Then I blink my eyes and we are in high school and our lives are consumed with school, friends, cheerleading, and work. Before I know it we are adults and have become even closer than we were in the years past. As I sat there I came to the realization I have come to so many times before - life moves fast...enjoy the little things for in the end you will look back and realize they were actually the big things. Happy Birthday Sis.

"Accept the change that age brings and stay alive inside" --Anonymous

It's Fiesta Time!!

As promised, I want to include some of my favorite recipes in this blog. I am always looking for new recipes to make for my family and enjoy trying different things. This recipe comes thanks to my sister. She made if for me last year and I loved it! The odd thing is that if I would have seen this recipe in a magazine I would have skipped over it because it doesn't sound that good on paper, and I would have been worried about finding Hungarian peppers in our supermarket. Rest assured, the recipe is wonderful and Hungarian peppers were a breeze to find! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Spicy Peppers

2 lbs. ground sirloin (you can use beef or whatever your family prefers)
1 tube of Bob Evans spicy sausage
1 chopped onion (optional - I use 1/2 of an onion)
1 fresh jalapeno (remove the seeds and chop) Note: removing the seeds also reduces the heat
2 packages taco seasoning
1 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1 can rotel tomatoes
6 - 10 Hungarian Peppers (chopped in bite size pieces)
shredded cheese (I use pepperjack - you can use whatever you prefer)

Brown ground sirloin and sausage together. Add onion and jalapeno. Drain any fat. Add Taco seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and Rotel tomatoes.

In a deep casserole dish layer meat sauce , cheese, and Hungarian peppers. Bake covered at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

I serve this with warm tortillas (we prefer to put the casserole in the tortilla like a taco). I also serve Mexican rice, chips, and salsa with it.

Enjoy!

Go Middies!

I would like to give a big shout out to all of my Middlebury Elementary friends! It was wonderful seeing you last night, and I only wish I could have stayed longer. The food was wonderful, but that didn't mean nearly as much to me as the company in which I enjoyed the meal. You have all become such a special part of my life.

As many of you know, I resigned from my teaching position yesterday. This was a difficult decision for me as I truly do love my profession. I leave with the sadness of knowing I won't see all of your smiling faces each day, but this is something I feel is best for our family right now. My family means the world to me...I know you all understand. Many of the friendships that I've made in my years teaching at Middlebury are friendships that will continue regardless of the stages we are at in our lives, and I look forward to many more happy memories with you in the future!

"Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's hands we know that a lifetime is not too long...to live as friends" --Michael W. Smith

Note: A few of you have attempted to leave comments and have been unable to for various reasons. I adjusted my settings and anyone should be able to leave comments now! Thanks for reading and stay tuned for one of my favorite Mexican recipes!!