please don't make me nap mommy!

There is one thing I have to admit, because if I don't admit it then every day I will continue to be frustrated, overwhelmed and never come to terms with this situation. My son STINKS at napping! Maybe this is just a phase we are going through, but he currently only sleeps an average of 1.5 hours a day total. He'll sleep 30 minutes here and 30 minutes there, but rarely longer that that. At first I thought it was just because he wasn't used to the loud noises and bright lights at day care (which is probably a couple reasons he naps so terribly at day care), but I've realized that it's not just at day care but also here at home. He has this new "angry cry" that he does when he is overtired and it doesn't matter if I try and lay him down early he will keep himself awake until he's so overtired that he starts to "angry cry." It's SOOO frustrating and really hard on me, especially at day care because I know the teachers (and myself) don't have the time to really sit down and rock him in order to get him to sleep. So, I am continually praying for him to develop better sleep habits during the day without having to Cry It Out (we haven't been doing very much CIO with him because he has colic). It seems that the only way he will sleep is if he has a full tummy and is rocked with his pacifier. We have a musical puppy (Twinkle Twinkle Little Scout) that plays lullaby's that has been really helpful because I can take it to day care to put in his crib. I know that napping would be better if 1. he didn't have colic and we could have him CIO and 2. if he was at home every day so he could take a nap in a dark, peaceful room. Right now I am brainstorming ways for him to stay home more often without causing more stress on our financial situation.

On the bright side, Josiah has been sleeping through the night really well! We learned about a week ago that his bedtime is 7 p.m. (we were trying to keep him up till 8 and he would throw a fit) so 7 p.m. it is! That means from the time I get home from work to the time I get him to bed I only have about 30 minutes to feed him, bathe him, and put him to bed. This makes getting dinner ready a little difficult but with Andrew's help we can usually have dinner ready to eat by the time Josiah goes to bed. Then we have the rest of the evening to relax! Josiah generally sleeps till 3 or 4 or in the morning (5 if we are lucky!) before he needs to eat again. Then he'll go back to sleep until 7 or 7:30. I like to start his feeding schedule by 7:30 every morning. Lately Josiah has been waking up at various times throughout the night crying and I've had to go in and pop his paci in so he'll go back to sleep. Hopefully he will keep up the good night time sleep habits! If you have any suggestions on helping Josiah transition into day care better and helping him nap better that would be great!

Favorite Fridays:FRIENDS

Growing up I fell in love with the show FRIENDS. I remember the first episode I watched was the one where Rachel realizes she likes Ross and goes to the airport to meet him but he comes off the plane with Julie. After watching that episode, I HAD to keep watching to see if Ross and Rachel ended up together. I've spent the past 10 years collecting all of the seasons and it was my husband who finally bought me the 10th season a couple years ago. Sine then, I think I've watched the entire show from beginning to end over a dozen times. My friends and family love to quote some of the hilarious moments from the show! Here are some of my favorite:

Rachel: Can you take care of Emma just for today?
Ross: Sure, just lend me your breasts and we'll be on our way.

Phoebe: Hey. Why isn't it Spidermen? You know, like Goldmen, Silvermen.
Chandler: Because, it... it's not his last name.
Phoebe: It isn't?
Chandler: No. It's not like Phil Spidermen. He's a spider *man*. You know, like Goldmen is a last name but there's no gold man.
Phoebe: Oh, oh okay...
Phoebe: There should *be* a gold man!

Joey: Anyway, I started working on what I'm gonna say at the ceremony, you wanna hear it?
Monica, Chandler: Yeah!
Joey: Now, listen, it's just the first draft so... "We are gathered here today on this joyous occasion to celebrate the special love that Monica and Chandler share. It is a love based on giving and receiving, as well as having and sharing. And the love that they give and have is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have and receive."

Chandler: How can I dump this woman on Valentine's Day?
Joey: I don't know. You dumped her on New Year's.
Chandler: Oh man. In my next life I'm comin' back as a toilet brush.
[Janice enters Central Perk]
Janice: [to Chandler] Hello Funny Valentine.
Chandler: Hello, Just Janice.

Joey: All right they got water, orange juice, and what looks like cider.
[takes a glass from the fridge]
Chandler: Taste it.
Joey: [drinks from the glass and puts it back in the fridge] Yep, it's fat. I drank fat.
Chandler: Yeah, I know, I did that two minutes ago.

Joey: You think I need a new walk?
Chandler: What?
Joey: Well I've had the same walk since high school and you know how when a guy walks into a room and everybody takes notice. I think I need a 'take notice' walk.
Chandler: Are you actually saying these words?

Chandler: Is she crazy?
Phoebe: Like a straw. Remember crazy straws? (waves arms frantically)

Ross: You know, we should probably ask the doctor if she even knows how to deliver a baby that's half human, half *pure evil*!

Rachel: ...How many centimeters am I dilated? Eight? Nine?
Dr Long: Three.
Ross: Just three? I'm dilated three!

Joey: Oh! Sorry... did I get you?
Chandler: NO, you didn't Get me! It's an electric drill! You Get me, you Kill me!

Belated Favorite Fridays: More Homemade Recipes

These are a few homemade recipes that I really enjoy. Since I make these from the top of my head and probably don't have them written down anywhere, the measurements really aren't very specific.

My Dad's Homemade Enchiladas:
Ingredients:
8 burrito size tortillas
1 lb. hamburger
1 package of Taco Seasoning
1 chopped onion
1 chopped green pepper
1 large can of Enchilada Sauce (not sure the size, but it's the big can, ha!)
2-3 Potatoes
Cheddar Cheese
Any other toppings of your choice: lettuce, sour cream, ranch, etc.

1. Brown hamburger with chopped green pepper and onion, add taco seasoning according to directions on back of package.
2. Wash, slice, and boil potatoes to make "mashed" potatoes.
3. Add 1/4 can of Enchilada sauce to mashed potatoes and mix.
4. Combine mashed potatoes and browned hamburger/pepper/onion and mix.
5. Spoon enchilada mixture into center of each tortilla (like a hotdog) and roll them up.
6. Place them seam down into a 9x13 pan (they probably won't fit into just one pan) and top with rest of enchilada sauce and cheese.
7. Cook in 350 degree oven until cheese is melted.
8. Top with whatever you so desire and enjoy!

Yogurt Pie:
Ingredients:
1 graham cracker crust
2 AE fruit yogurt cartons of your choice (I like raspberry or strawberry)
1 regular size tub of cool whip

1. In a mixing bowl combine the 2 cartons of fruit yogurt and 1 tub of cool whip and mix until well blended.
2. Place in graham cracker crust and place in refrigerator for 1 hour.
3. Add your choice of topping (fresh fruit, chocolate syrup, etc) and serve!

Bruschetta:
Ingredients:
1 French Baguette
4-5 Roma Tomatoes
2-3 Garlic Cloves (pressed using my Pampered Chef Garlic Press!)
Fresh Basil leaves
1/2 Red Onion
1/2 Green Pepper (if you wish, it's fine without)
approx. 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
approx 1 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar

1. Cut and slice the French Baguette, brush with olive oil and bake in oven according to directions on packaging.
2. Slice tomatoes, basil leaves, red onion, and green pepper and combine in a mixing bowl.
3. Press 2-3 garlic cloves into mixture.
4. Add 1 Tbsp. of olive oil and 1 Tbsp. of balsamic vinegar.
5. Add a pinch of salt and ground pepper.
6. Mix well and top warm bread with bruschetta mixture.
*I plan to try using spinach in this recipe the next time I make it! With this recipe you really have to make it for your own taste (I like lots of garlic and balsamic vinegar, but you may like less so experiment and find the balance that's right for you!)

Favorite Fridays:oopsy!

Well, life has been super busy and OOPSY I forgot to even post the homemade recipes I said I would! So, once time slows down a bit I'll get those up here!

Life is too short...

Today my mother told me that a man from my home church had passed away suddenly. He collapsed when he was at work and died of unknown causes. He was really young and had two teenage boys. I didn't know him that well, but he always had a smile on his face, was sweet and generous, and he was a member of the youth committee when I was youth director there. I know that the Lord has a wonderful place prepared for us, but you can't help but think about the people that you love and imagine what life would be like if they suddenly disappeared. I held my baby boy in my arms and cried and gave my husband a hug and kiss with the thought in my mind that this could be the last time I see them. You never know when your life is meant to end. It really makes you think about how you are living this short life and how you need to focus on what really matters.

why was i so worried about having nice things?
or why didn't i treat this person better?
or why do i spend so much of my time watching tv or surfing the internet when i should be praising my God and giving him my time and energy?

It's hard to face the idea of death, but I have to keep reminding myself that I have an awesome God who has an amazing place for me for the rest of eternity. When I was a kid I used to be scared of the word "eternity." I just could not comprehend the idea that life in Heaven will never ever end! It will just keep going, and going, and going! Even now I just can't understand it. It will NEVER END! As humans we are so used to things on earth having a final ending, but God is eternal. It's crazy awesome! I just have to keep reminding myself that though we face the valley of the shadow of death, we have nothing to fear, because our God is for us and nothing can ever stop it!

I love this new song my Chris Tomlin called "Faithful," the lyrics are so wonderful!

Faithful, forever You are faithful
Father to the fatherless
You uphold the one who feels forsaken
You are faithful, God

Faithful, forever You are faithful
Lover of the wounded heart
You defend the poor and the forgotten
You are faithful, God

And I will sing to the maker of Heaven and Earth
God, You reign forever and Your love will endure
Faithful and true is the name of the Lord
You are faithful, God

Faithful, forever You are faithful
Shelter for the fragile soul
You lift us up, You hold us all together
You are faithful, God

You are there in every season of my soul
You are there, You're the anchor that will hold
You are there, in the valley of the shadows
You are faithful, God

'member that time?

hey, 'member that time when we were kids and we used to push the trampoline up to the side of the house, crawl out my bedroom window and jump off the roof onto the trampoline? And 'member how mom and dad never found out? We were good!

If you want to do a 'member that time? Monday go to http://teamvanvoorst.blogspot.com/

Favorite Fridays: Homemade Recipes

I’ve been into making my own homemade products for a few years now and overtime have come up with a collection of money-saving homemade recipes. They are easy, simple, and work well in our household!

Homemade Laundry Detergent

I’ve been making my own homemade laundry detergent since Andrew and I got married. The recipe is:

1 Cup Baking Soda

1 Cup Washing Soda

½ Cup Oxy Clean (I’m trying to find a more natural substitute for the oxy clean but haven’t been able to yet)

I mix it all up in a Tupperware container and use 1 Tablespoon for every load. To add a nice smell I use some cheap fabric softener from Sams Club (since the point of the homemade laundry detergent is to save money!).

For clothes that have stains or are really smelly I spray some white-vinegar on the spot and toss it in the laundry. It’s not good at getting out the deep/tough stains but it works on little ones.

Homemade Hand Soap

Well, I guess you can’t really call it homemade, but it helps me save money! I have some foam pump bottles that I saved from previous Bath and Body Works hand soaps and to save money I bought a big jug of hand-soap from Sams Club and put a tiny bit in each pump bottle. Then I add water and shake it up. I don’t think I’ve had to buy hand soap for over a year because of this and it works just fine!

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner

I have a cheap spray bottle that I fill with a few drops of all-natural dish washing soap plus a little white-vinegar. Then I fill the rest of the bottle with water and shake it. Did you know vinegar is a great disinfectant? I use it on glass, sinks, counters, toilets, the shower, and even spots on the floor. It’s great!

I really enjoy being able to save money by making my own cleaner, hand soap and laundry soap. Sam’s Club is SO GREAT because you can buy in bulk for cheap. We’ve been buying diapers and wipes there, which we have found will actually be a little cheaper than spending a large sum on cloth diapers. However, I do know that in the future with the 2^nd kid I would be saving more money by using cloth diapers, so when that time comes I will definitely consider using cloth diapers! In the mean time I may start making my own homemade baby wipes.

I am also getting into making my own homemade seasoning mixes. Andrew and I cook a variety of different foods ranging from Italian to Mexican and it’s nice to have a seasoning mixture ready for whatever meal you need rather than having to buy all the different seasonings you need for each individual recipe or having to buy the pre-made packs of seasonings.

Homemade House Seasoning:

In a sealable container mix 1 Cup Salt, ¼ Cup Black Pepper, and ¼ Cup Garlic Powder. We use this on almost everything; French fries, sweet potato fries, chicken, pork chops, and lots more!

Homemade Mexican Seasoning:

In a sealable container mix 1 Cup Chili Powder, ½ Cup Ground Cumin, ½ Cup Salt, and a ¼ Cup Pepper. We use this on tacos, fajitas, and other Mexican dishes. You can adjust the level of spice by using either hot, medium or mild chili powder. I’m trying to find another seasoning to add that will help add even more flavor because I still think this is just a little bland compared to the taco seasoning you can buy out of a packet.

Next I need to come up with a homemade Italian seasoning. Usually we grab what we want from the cupboard and just start sprinkling but it would be nice to have our own premade mix that I can grab and sprinkle rather than reaching for multiple things. Usually we use garlic powder, parsley, oregano, rosemary and thyme.

Coming next week for Favorite Fridays: More Homemade Recipes!

Crockpot Turkey

I tried a new crock-pot recipe today that was really good! It was literally a "throw all in and let it cook" recipe and it was so nice because I was home sick today and didn't have the energy to make an entire meal for us. If you'd like to know where I got it I can let you know the website, but here is the recipe:

2 lbs. Turkey Breast
4 Rosemary Sprigs
4 Garlic Cloves
1Tbsp Brown Sugar
1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
1/4 Tsp Salt

Place Turkey in the crock-pot, arrange rosemary and garlic around the turkey, coat turkey with brown sugar/black pepper/salt, and cook on low for 6 hours.

I'm glad I was home when I made this recipe because I ended up turning the heat down to 10 hours and then eventually to warm because the turkey cooked really fast. This recipe actually calls for a whole 6-7 lb turkey breast but obviously we didn't need that much for just Andrew and I so I think that's why the turkey cooked faster. However, it's so great because you literally throw everything in the crock pot and let it cook. Those recipes are my favorite! Again, I don't take the credit for this, but I hope you will make it and enjoy it just as much as we did!

Favorite Fridays: I'm A Reader

I've always been someone who enjoys a good book. Even in high school I would make plans to go to the library after school to check one out. Being so busy though, it takes me months to get through a single book, and sometimes I read multiple books at one time just because I can't wait to start the next one before I finish the one I'm reading. I'm willing to admit that I'm a Twilight geek and a Harry Potter fanatic, but most of all I enjoy reading love stories. I'm especially a fan of Nicholas Sparks! I've been reading his books since High School and was so excited when they started making some of them into movies (although the movie is NEVER as good as the book)! I'm currently reading one of his new books called "Safe Haven" that is also being made into a movie.

http://www.nicholassparks.com/

Another author I really enjoy is Francine Rivers. She is my absolute favorite Christian author. Her books are based off the Truth of the Bible and God really speaks to me through her stories. If you haven't already, I would recommend reading "Redeeming Love" AH! It's by far my favorite book of all time and definitely the best romance ever (since it models God's love for us)! She also has a series called "Lineage of Grace" which tells the stories of some incredible women from the Bible. She does a great job of pulling you into the story so you can experience the emotions that some of these women faced; such as Mary the mother of Jesus, Tamar, and Rahab. One series of hers that I really enjoyed (and I've currently got my mom hooked on) is the "Mark of the Lion." It takes you back to the first Jewish-Roman war and brings about a romance between a young slave girl named Hadassah and her master's son Marcus and the struggles she faces being a Christian. I actually still have the last book in that series to read, but as I said earlier I start new books before I finish others, so I must admit that I'm also in the middle of another one of her series that has two books "Her Mother's Hope" and "Her Daughter's Dream" which contain the memories of her great grandparents. All of these are incredible books and I truly believe Francine Rivers is writing the from mouth of God.

http://francinerivers.com/

This year I have hopes of actually finishing some of these books and starting new books from different authors. I would really like to read "Jane Eyre" (which they are making into a movie of by the way) and I've heard great things about the author Beverly Lewis (another Christian author). If you have other suggestions of good love stories or authors please let me know!

Crockpot Thyme Chicken

I've been working on going Gluten Free for a while now. Since December turned out to be majorly unsuccessful, I've decided to change one part of my diet each week so that as each week progresses I become more and more gluten free. My goal right now isn't to become completely gluten free, but to trim out the things in my diet that may be influencing my stomach issues. This week my goal is to put together a gluten free flour mixture and make my own homemade gluten free bread! I'm still looking for some ingredients for my flour mixture, so I will be sure to let you know how it turns out.

On the other hand, I've been talking a lot lately about how I need some quick recipes to help with our evening meals since Andrew and I both work till 6 and by the time we get home we need a quick meal before we put Josiah to bed. Here is a crockpot recipe that we tried once before and it turned out really bland. I decided to change it up a bit for this second round and it turned out really great, so I thought I'd share for you moms who are also "on the go" a lot and need a good crockpot recipe.

Crock Pot Thyme Chicken
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups white wine
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1/2 tablespoon oregano
1/2 tablespoon parsley
a pinch of ginger
(add any other spices you'd like)
1-2 cloves of garlic (or one large clove, minced)
1 lemon
1 1/2 lbs. Chicken
(we used boneless chicken breasts and then cut them in half. If the pieces are too small then they overcook. The recipe calls for 3 lbs. of chicken but we don't need that much for just 2 people)

1. Place everything except the lemon in the Crock Pot.
2. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze half into the crock pot. (You can toss the lemon into the mixture if you wish but we didn't want too much lemon flavor).
3. Mix it all together, make sure to coat the chicken in the liquid.
4. Cook on low for 7-8 hours.

Serve over mashed potatoes, brown rice, or vegetables.

I honestly can't remember where I got this recipe, but we love it! Let me know if you try it!