Au Revoir.

We leave early tomorrow-- hooray for that! Meanwhile, I have about a million and one things to get done today, I'm pooped because I haven't gotten enough sleep in about 4 nights, and I have a little girl who is not only not feeling 100% but definitely woke up on the wrong side of the bed (or crib, in her case). Annabelle has done nothing but cry and whine since we got up this morning, and I'm about ready to cry myself. I think it's going to be a long, exhausting day.

But, I know everything will eventually get done, Annabelle can eventually go down for a nap, and in a mere two short days I will be in the mountains with my husband-- WITHOUT KIDS. Oh yes, I didn't mention that part of our trip yet. Since it is our 5th anniversary on the 5th, Jeremy and I are going to Estes Park for 2 nights by ourself while the kids stay at Grandma and Grandpa's. The family is excited because they get the girls to themselves for three days, and we are happy because we can have the anniversary get-away we really wanted. A blissful three days. That thought alone is perking me up right now. :) Praise God, I need it!!

There, I hope I left you all on a little brighter note than I started off on. I'm not letting myself get back on the computer today, since I have so much to do. Have a great week, my dears, and I'll be back on the 8th. Love!

To tide you over...

.... some ridiculously cute pictures of my kids. Because I know you'll miss these smiling faces. :)

A drink with jam and bread

I am a little embarrassed to post this, since I am definitely not any sort of real photographer (although I LOVE to look at and admire other's talents in this area!). Lots of bloggers I read do the PhotoPie challenges, and they've always looked like fun. So far, I've stayed away from doing them, because, well, you know, of the whole not being a photographer thing. Then, I came across this week's challenge since my good blogging buddy Ashley guest-posted and came up with the theme. And I thought, "Hey, beverages! I drink things. I like to drink things. I could do it..."

So here I am, actually posting for a photo challenge.
And if nothing else, at least you all know I love tea now. :)

I love my tea in a nice mug I can wrap my hands around, and it's even better if I actually have the time to sit and drink it on the couch while I flip through a magazine. Ahh, the perfect 10-minute pick-me-up.

Seven Things.

Another "tag"... this time it was Karen over at That Mom who got me. Thanks for thinking of me, Karen! :) Her site is great, and I love to go there because I know I will always find something entertaining from her great sense of humor, or thought-provoking and encouraging from her stores of knowledge.

I don't know if anyone is interested in reading MORE about me, but here goes anyway-- for funsies!

There are 4 simple rules to this fun game of internet tag.
1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1.I have been a bridesmaid seven times. And I only hated one of the dresses!

2. When it comes to clothes, shoes, accessories, or home decor, almost everything I buy is from a sale or off of a clearance rack. I honestly can't remember the last time I paid full price for something, unless it was at Ross Dress for Less or Goodwill. For example, while I was at Kohl's today I picked up these earrings for the price of $2!! Why buy expensive things when there is such incredibly cute cheap stuff?

3. My least favorite chore is probably the bathrooms (of course), with dusting coming in a very close second. The main reason I dislike to dust is because it needs to be done all. the. time.

4. I sing. A lot. When I vacuum, when I drive, when I'm in the shower, when I am having fun with the kids, sometimes even when I am shopping. That last one has gotten me a few weird looks, considering how very public a place most stores are. Hey, I can't help it if I happened to hear "My Love Open The Door To Your Heart" while wandering through Ross and felt the need to sing along.

5. I subscribe to the magazine Cottage Living, and I love it. Almost everything in there is so delightful and so the way I want my house and garden to look. Such great inspiration!

6. One of my all-time favorite books is called Stepping Heavenward by Elisabeth Prentiss, and the reason I love it so much is because it is amazingly relevant and easily identified with. Every time I read it (and I've probably read it about 4 or 5 times) I find myself going "Oh! That is so me! That's what I do!" It is always so convicting and encouraging.

7. I am extremely excited right now because in a mere 5 days we will be flying to Colorado to visit my parents, sisters, and brother for a whole week!! I cannot wait to see them all and spend some great family time together. My girls need a Grandma/ Grandpa/ Auntie Jerusha/ Auntie Lydia/ Uncle Josiah fix quite badly as well. Jeremy is excited too, of course, but his elation is slightly more subdued. :) Some of the things I am most looking forward to: Hugging my Dad again (there is nothing like a Daddy hug, even when you're grown), eating my mom's cooking as well as seeing her read stories with my girls, shopping and being silly with my sisters, seeing how much my little brother has grown, and attending church with my family again. There will of course be much more on this upcoming trip in another post...

Now, it says to tag 7 people, but I barely know of 7 more people that read my blog in addition to the last three I tagged, so I'm not going to do that. However, you know I would love to read more about all of you, so don't be shy-- do it if you want!

{tasty tuesdays} Our favorite enchiladas

This recipe might not be the fanciest when it come to enchiladas, but they taste really good and are super easy to make... so, that makes them a winner in my book. :)

Chicken Enchiladas

8-12 flour tortillas

grated cheese

Filling:

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

2 cups cut-up cooked chicken

1/2 cup chopped green onions

chopped canned black olives, optional

Sauce:

2 cans cream of chicken soup

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup sour cream

1-2 cans chopped green chilies

Fill tortillas with filling; top with sauce (2 or 3 tablespoons). Roll up and put in 9x13 inch pan. Top with remaining sauce and grated cheese (however much you want). Bake at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly, about 30 minutes.

This recipe fits perfectly in an 8x8 pan when halved, if you don't have many people to feed. Or, make the whole batch and put it in two pans so you can freeze one for an easy meal later!

Spring has most definitely sprung.

I see it in the colorful Easter eggs that we dyed last week, which was a joyful occasion with 6 little kids giggling and delighting in the bright colors and glitter. Auntie Jessica and sweet cousins Faith and Jason came over to help, along with our dear friend Kourtni and her two kidletts, Logan and Juliet. What fun! Such oohs and aahs of wonder as the round eggs came out of their cups, each a different shade of spring colors. I wish I had gotten a picture of their cute little hands afterwards-- all those purple/yellow/orange/green/blue fingers.

I see spring in the beautiful azalea that graces my front entry, a surprise brought to my door courtesy of thoughtful Andrea (the kids' beloved DeeDee). It's pink blossoms make me think of wonderful gardens filled with blooms of all sorts-- something I don't have yet, but I am certainly dreaming of it, and this plant is only one of the first.
I see it in the happy faces of my girls as they studiously hunt for Easter eggs at Aunt Barb's house on Saturday for our wonderful family Easter gathering. They are outside in the beautiful weather and sunshine, delighting in each new egg that they spot and can put in their colorful baskets. It is always a great time, with the rest of the family standing around watching the action and laughing over our funny little group of kids. I very much so wish I could show you all pictures of my niece and nephew in these activities and show you their precious little faces, but no one is allowed to post pictures of them online until the adoption is final. Suffice it to say, they had a WONDERFUL time and it was nothing but a joy to have them there for this year's festivities. Having two more children in the family is such a blessing and only makes things even more fun! You should see the four of them-- Emma, Annabelle, Faith and Jason-- together; it's so cute I could just explode.

I know it is spring by the telltale appearance of the yearly Easter "stump cake". This year, instead of having to make it myself, I had my girls and Faith and Jason help me. They loved helping to squirt on the green frosting grass and oh-so-carefully placing the jelly bean eggs and bunny peeps. We are all quite proud of our creation, I must say. It tasted pretty yummy, too!
Spring has also shown up on our arms-- look, they are bare! Such lovely, warm weather for this Easter. I loved picking out clothes that went together for my little family and dressing us in such bright, cheery colors that matched the sunshine and blue skies. Easter is not at all about the new dresses-- not at all. But, oh, it is so fun to go out and buy some new spring duds for everyone, and Easter is the perfect excuse to do just that. It was not hard to forget about our new clothes as we gathered at our church on Sunday morning. The message was wonderful and convicting, reminding me again of what it is we celebrate, and how this wonderful truth-- Christ rose from the grave!!-- affects our lives and our eternity. The songs were joyful and uplifting, full of truth and wonder. It is so easy to be joyful on Easter, and for good reason.

My loves.

My beautiful mother-in-law Jeannette and the lovely Jessica. I am glad to call them mom and sister.

And, finally, I see it is spring by these:

Yes, that's right, my bulbs are finally sprouting! These tulips poked their green little heads above the ground just a little bit ago, and I'm sure they were very glad to find the sunshine and beauty that waited for them above their home in the dirt. I was only too happy to see them and welcomed them warmly!

Spring is everywhere, and I am grateful. There is something about this time of year, when we see new life, beauty, and brightness all around. We don't have hard winters here, obviously (in fact, I love our winters and think they are ideal-- try a Midwestern winter sometime and you'll know what I mean), but it is still so lovely to welcome this new season. Praise God for giving us so much beauty and newness that inspires us to renewed energy and vigor in other areas of our life. I think we need such refreshment from time to time-- just like my little tulips needed the sunshine after all that time underground.

taking a blogger's breather...

Whew!! What a nutsy and hectic week and weekend it was. As you can see, I didn't even have time for my well-beloved blogging. But, get ready, I plan to get all caught up this week. As of now, I have 4 different posts brewing in my mind! Doesn't that sound exciting.

It feels good to just be sitting here at the computer, relaxing and typing. The girls are playing outside, my dishwasher is (finally, after three days of a dirty kitchen) running in the background, and the house is quiet after a whirlwind afternoon of three piano lessons with three very rambunctious boys. Sigh (the good, content kind).

I simply must make you all aware of several new bloggers I added to my list over there. First of all, did you see my husband Jeremy has now technically joined us in the blogging world? I am so excited. He has a very nice wit about him and can write really well, when he has the time. But, in order to keep him here, we must be sure to visit often and show him some love, or he may abandon this new venture like other internet capers gone before. Blog away, HoneyBunches!

My lovely and fabulous cousin Stephanie also gets a mention. She's not new, really-- if I remember right, she's actually had her little blog and website for quite some time now. However, she has become a little blogging queen recently! (She's better about posting than I am, which I guess is not saying much, really... :)) And I LOVE it. I don't get to see her that often, so I am very glad for this window into her life. She has the cutest pets, wonderful style on every front, a beautiful little cottage, great ideas, and perfect grammar. There, if that doesn't make you want to get clicking on her page, I don't know what will.

And Last But Not Least, there is a new blog that you simply must check out because it is fun, girly, and fabulous: Mrs. Priss. I barely know Morgan at all in person, having only met her once at Stephanie's wedding, but what I do know of her is delightful. I'm loving her brand-new blog, because it focuses on some of the things that, as a girl, I love-- but, as a busy mom, I find sometimes hard to fit into my life. Reading it gives me some inspiration; if nothing else, it at least makes me FEEL like I am doing something to be stylish and girly. It's such a fun blog idea, and I'm glad Morgan was fabulous-minded enough to think of it.

There, I think I've gotten my blogging fix for today. Onto dinner preparations!

**Edit: In rereading this, I realize I used the word "fabulous" three times. It is highly possible that I've watched too much Project Runway.**

{tasty tuesdays} Quick and Simple Dinner

1 sweet husband

1 phone call

7 dollars

a dash south of the border

Call sweet husband and inform him you are utterly pooped and not at all in the mood to cook. Add 7 dollars, and he will then be able to stop off at a Taco Bell on his way home from work. To top it all off, give said husband a big hug, for being so understanding, when he arrives home with yummy fast food. Unwrap food and eat!

(yes, I realize I could have just posted one of the many recipes I have, regardless of whether I cooked today or not. But, as already mentioned, I am pooped, and finding one out and typing it up is STILL an effort. :) Regular recipes shall return next Tuesday, have no fear)

Green, green, green.

In honor of St. Patty's Day!

The spring wreath I made for our front door, inspired by the beautiful $35 ones I saw at Target.

This cost me all of 99 cents. I win.

(I bought the actual wreath at Ross from the clearance aisle for 99 cents, all bedecked in seriously ugly orange flowers and tacky ivy-- so I ripped 'em off, and hot glued on my own moss and flowers, both "leftovers" from other craft projects. The ribbon is from my ribbon jar.

See, I knew there was a reason I saved all those odds and ends!)

My new purse, which was a St. Patty's day gift waiting for me at church, courtesy of my Secret Sister. Thanks, whoever you are. I kinda love it a lot!!

Here you go, Lorie, since you asked:

our new grass in the backyard! Isn't it beautifully green and thick??

I just hope we can keep it that way...

The tree ring. Does anybody have a good recommendation for a beautiful, non-messy, fast-growing shade tree? :)

(Mom, just so you know, I'm still planning on e-mailing you pictures of the backyard, but I am waiting until Jeremy can take his camera out there with the wide-angle lens and really do it justice. Meanwhile, enjoy the sneak peek!)

Happy Monday, and a pleasant evening o' fun to you all.

Just watchin' grass grow

Really, that is what I'm doing right now (other than finally blogging). As I type this a large patch of grass is growing in our backyard, square by square of green, green sod. It thrills me to look back there and see something other than dirt and the concrete we've had for the past week. Now it REALLY feels like a backyard!! And as soon as it is ok to really be on it, we shall go turn somersaults and cartwheels like little girls-- good thing at least two of us are just that, and since I am sure Daddy will not be joining us in the cartwheeling and somersaulting, it looks like only I will be the foolish one. :) But I'm ok with that; having our backyard complete is a cause for much rejoicing! Already, since our concrete has been in, the girls are out there playing every single day, as much as I will let them. They even have cute little tan lines developing. Now that we have will have grass too (and trees soon to come, I hope!) I envision picnic lunches and storytime in the sunshine.

I just realized that after my post about the hearing last week Friday (thank you all SO much for your prayers) I neglected to give you an update about the outcome. Well, as it turns out, the parental rights did NOT get taken away at this particular hearing, due to some legality about proper notification. It's frustrating and a disappointment, but in reality, it is nothing more than a setback. The kids will of course remain with them, and things are still definitely moving forward to adoption-- we are all pretty confident that is where this is headed. All this means is that it will put the whole process back at least another three months, since it must be at least 90 days before another hearing can be had. There is much to pray for still, especially now that it will take even longer, but to quote Jessica: "everything will be wonderful and on that day when they are adopted, I shall praise God like never before. It will taste sweet." Amen to that, sister! (do you see what a wonderful attitude God has helped her to keep? She's such a great example.) It will all work out in the Lord's perfect and providential timing.

Have you ever noticed that the Lord always sends encouragement your way right when you need it the most?? I’ve seen this time and time again, sometimes in my own life, sometimes in others'. Today, it was both, and I am so very grateful for His hand that is always in our lives to help and guide us. He knows us and our circumstances better than any other. And I am so very grateful, too, for the people He puts in our lives to provide this encouragement. What an undeserved blessing.

To end this rather rambling post of mine, I'll tell you a funny little story. The other day we had to make a Costco trip, and it happened to be that time of day when the samples are on every corner. The girls and I were a tad hungry, so we walked around, "grazing" to our heart's content. One stand was handing out pita chips, and as the lady gave them to us she informed us they were the "Simply Naked" variety of a particular brand-- because they were plain, of course. We thanked her and walked on, nibbling on our yummy chips. Soon, however, Emma got my attention with a quiet "Mommy?"
I looked down to see her little face all in a worried frown. "What is it, honey?"
"Mommy, why are these chips naked??" She almost whispered the last word, as if it was too awful to even say.
I tried very hard not to laugh, as she was obviously quite concerned. "That's just what they're called, because they don't have a flavor on them."
I don't think this answer appeased her little mind, because she then said, even more distressed than before, "But Mommy, naked means BUTT!!"
Apparently, in her eyes, we were eating tuschie of some sort.

No wonder she was worried.

{tasty tuesdays} Book Club Goodies

Last week Monday I hosted book club at our house. I love book club! We have a lovely time discussing whatever book we happened to have read, something I always find very edifying and interesting. Then, we allow ourselves hours to talk about whatever we want. Most of us are mommies, so a night away from the kids to be spent with girlfriends is a precious thing. We almost always find ourselves talking and having fun until at least 11. Oh, the conversations we have...

Since it is just us girls, I took the opportunity to make and serve some of my favorite spring "girly" desserts. I served these two recipes, along with a plate of fresh whole strawberries. Mmmm.... perfect.

Lemon Bars Deluxe

2 1/4 cup flour, divided

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups sugar

1/3 cup lemon juice (fresh-squeezed is best, of course!)

sifted powdered sugar

Combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup pwd. sugar; cut in butter with pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Press mixture into greased 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned. Combine remaining 1/4 cup flour and baking pwd. in a small bowl; stir well. Combine next three ingredients and stir into flour mixture. Pour over prepared crust. Bake at 350 for another 22-25 min. or until set and lightly browned. Cool completely. Sprinkle lightly with pwd. sugar. Cut into 24 bars.

Almond Mini-Chip Shortbread

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 1/2 cups flour

1 tsp. almond extract

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13 pan. In large mixer bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and almond extract; blend well. Stir in chocolate chips. Pat into prepared pan. Bake 30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Cut into bars. Cool completely in pan. NOTE: it is very important that you DO cut them after the 10 minutes. If you wait until they are completely cooled, they will not cut-- they'll crumble.

And there you have it-- two tasty desserts that are perfect for spring, I think. There is something about lemon and almond that make me think of lighter, warmer weather. Why don't you pour yourself a nice glass of iced tea and sit on the patio to enjoy these-- doesn't that sound lovely.

Celebrity sighting?

This shot was snapped by a very persistent paparazzi photographer at a local Target store this past week. Is it two little celebrities out for a shopping trip, trying their hardest to avoid recognition with the classic hat/sunglasses combo??

Oh, wait, it's just Emma and Annabelle, who decided, according to Emma, to attire themselves as such because it was "too sunny out".

And it turns out that persistent paparazzo is none other than Mommy, with her camera always at the ready.

Who can blame them for trying to hide themselves?

Sunshine and prayers.

What a beautiful spring-y week it has been. Lots of bright blue skies and sunshine, balmy breezes, trees in bloom throughout the neighborhood. It's wonderful to be blessed with such lovely weather that makes you go outside and enjoy it, that motivates you to do things you just couldn't do if it were cloudy and gray. I love waking up to the sunshine.

Even in the midst of such bright sunny-ness, there are still clouds from time to time. That is the kind of week it's been: up and down, a roller-coaster of emotions, blue skies one minute and clouds the next.

Today is a big day. And as I write this, I have knots in my stomach-- the same knots that have been there all week long as we in our family looked forward to this day. My sister-in-law (who also happens to be my best friend) and her husband are in the process of trying to adopt two kids from the foster care system. There is a story I need to REALLY tell you sometime-- and I will, when the time is right. Anyway, today is the hearing to take away the parental rights of the biological parents. This is a BIG step in the process, and we have no idea what the outcome will be. But, needless to say, we are all hoping and praying with all our hearts that the ruling will be in favor of this happening. It means one step closer to adoption, it means no more bio visitations for the kids, it means that much less time until this whole thing is over and Luke and Jessica can really call them theirs. You don't even know the emotional strain this has been on Jessica-- there is so much that goes into this, and each week seems to hold new surprises and challenges. This week has been especially so. While we very much want to see this particular chapter closed in the process, it is extremely bittersweet. It is a wonderful, positive step forward in the adoption process-- but, it also means that a woman is faced with the fact that she is losing her kids for good, forever.

I won't go into much more detail than that, except to say that I love my niece and nephew with all my heart, and want what is best for them. And Jessica, who amazes me each day-- I can't even tell you how much I look forward to her kids really being HERS. All week long, it has all been very heavy on my heart, and I cannot stop thinking and praying about it all (a fact I am actually very grateful for, since praying is all I CAN do). Thankfully, I am reminded every day that no matter the outcome, it is in God's hands-- and His grace will be sufficient to carry Luke and Jessica and these kids through whatever else may come in this journey.

In other news, we are getting our backyard put in this week! Whee! We are so happy and excited. We've NEVER had a backyard before, in our five years of marriage, and there is just so much we are looking forward to-- BBQs, entertaining on our patio, gardening and making it beautiful, having a place for the kids to play. Oh boy, are we ever excited about that last one. My girls hardly know what to do with themselves, and neither do I. Sending them outside to play while I try to get some chores done is like freedom, sanity, and world peace all in one. Seriously! You don't think I would actually exaggerate, do you??

We will see how today goes. And your prayers would be much appreciated for this, if you happen to think of it. Praise God for prayers, and being able to trust in Him. Even-- no, especially-- in the midst of all these emotions, that sticks out to me. He is good. He is faithful. And we can rejoice no matter what happens.

{tasty tuesdays} Quick and Easy Crab Cakes

These are so tasty, and they really do come together quickly. It's perfect for those nights when you want to feel like a bit of a gourmet (it's crab... how can you NOT feel gourmet?) without all the time and effort.

2 eggs

2/3 cup water

1 tsp. lemon juice (fresh-squeezed is best, of course)

2 cups stove top stuffing mix (for chicken)

2 cans (6 oz. each) crabmeat, drained and flaked

2 tbsp. butter (olive oil works too)

Beat eggs, water and lemon juice in large bowl. Add stuffing mix and crabmeat; mix lightly. Shape into 8 patties. Cook patties in melted butter in large skillet on medium heat for 5 minutes on each side, or until browned on both sides and thoroughly heated.

Serve with a garnish of lemon if desired.

Once, I made a cream sauce to go with them too, and it was delicious drizzled over the top! Try that option if you want to add a little bit more fat and calories. :)

Happy eating.

The Girl With a Thousand Names

This kid has nicknames. She seems to attract them like honey does bees. I don't know why-- we love the name we gave her: Annabelle Grace. But for some reason, almost every time we talk to her some different little cutesy name is flying out of our mouths. Allow me to share with you a sampling of these many terms of endearment:

"Annabellesie-Boo"

"Sugar Booger" ~ A little gross maybe, but still cute. Daddy uses this one quite frequently, and it has existed almost since she was born. Since, it has also evolved into

"Choogie", "Choogs", or "Choogie-Choogs" (Daddy's special favorites) and sometimes I even find myself calling her

"Sugardy-Boogerdy-Bear" ~I know, poor child.

"Sister"~ Her auntie Jessica began calling her this from the moment she was first introduced to Annabelle. We also call her

"Sissy", or "Sister Kisster"~ I love to call her that one when I wake her up in the morning. She almost always greets me with a smile after a big stretch, and then we have our morning cuddle.

"Bazabies"~ you guessed it, another Daddy nickname. It's actually quite cute to hear him address her as such.

"Annabajelle", or "Annabajellybelle"

and last, but certainly not least, there is the nickname that my younger brother "Uncle Elijah" (who is in college and comes to stay with us from time to time) lovingly bestowed upon her:

"Annabizzle"

Believe it or not, even in the middle of all these nicknames (which we are hoping will not give her some sort of complex later in life), we do still refer to her as Annabelle. As I already said, we DO like that name too. :)

So, pick a name, any name. It doesn't matter. She'll answer to anything and and still be the same sweet little darling who can steal your heart with her blue eyes and big smile.