When Things Don't Go As Planned...What Else Can You Do But LAUGH?

As I sit down to write this, I am laughing. Now. The day it happened I sure wasn't.

A couple of weeks ago Ben actually stayed home. As a lot of you already know, he is often gone for work or drag racing. I could join him, but it is so much work to leave the house with 5 kids for a few days. Oh who am I kidding...it's tough with ONE kid.

Anyways...I decided that we would take a picnic lunch out to Voyageurs National Park. We could enjoy the lake, walk some trails, maybe throw some rocks in the lake...I never prepared myself for what was about to happen.

We got to the park and immediately someone had to go to the bathroom. Then the other 4 needed a drink. Then after the one got back from the bathroom someone else had to go. The cycle continued through ALL 5 of them.

By the time we got to sit down at a picnic table I was exhausted. I pulled out magnificent peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chips, juice boxes...life was grand.

 

Look at all that food!!!

 

Cooper

 

Cuyler

Carson

 

Carter

 

Olivia

 

 

Juice boxes make the world a happier place

 

 

A boy and his daddy

 

Not the best picture...but hey...it's us!

 

We ate...we talked...we laughed...until we saw THIS MONSTROSITY...

 

 

Yup. That's right. If you look close enough, it's a chipmunk. For those of you who know my kids, they are afraid of EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING! Cuyler lost it. His lip came out, the tears started to flow...then the screaming started.

 

 

And this is where it ends. Why?? Carson flipped out because Cuyler was crying...he got off the picnic table and accidentally hit Cuyler in the face with his cast...which caused Cuyler to get a MASSIVE bloody nose. I had to stop taking pictures at that point because others in the park were beginning to stare. Oh...and I had to clean up the blood. We hightailed it out of VNP. It will be some time before we return again.

 

Just goes to show that not everything can go as planned, and very often doesn't. I can laugh now. In a few years this will be a great story to remember with my kids. You can bet I am SO printing off the picture of the MONSTROSITY that attacked our picnic table...and the look on Cuyler's face.

 

I love this mommy thing. I really, really do!!

XOXOXO

 

 

A Birthday Letter To Carson

Carson...my middle child. He never really held the spot as the baby of the family. The twins came before he was even 2. Which could totally be a different blog post. Talk about mommy guilt.

 He has the best giggle...smile...kind heart...

Today, he turns 4. I cannot imagine my life without this baby boy. I often think about what my kids will be when they are adults. What kinds of lives they will live, the people they will marry. I cannot wait to see what Carson does. He is truly amazing.



My sweet Carson -

Four years ago I brought you into this world. A month early, mind you. Even then you were in a hurry to meet everyone! I won’t scar you with all of the details, but I will tell you that you came into the world fast– the doctor barely made it into the room. You were the smallest baby I had ever held. Absolutely perfect.



You have brought me nothing but pure joy, excitement and love since that very first moment. Watching you grow, taking in the world around you, inquisitive and oh so busy!

As all mothers do I have SO many wishes for you! At the age of four, these are the ones that stand out in my mind.



I wish for you to always have a kind heart. Handle it with care. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you are too sensitive. You are the first to hold your sister’s hand when she is scared, the first to run for the band-aids when someone is hurt, the first to panic if one of the twins starts to cry. I have often heard you tell other parents how much you "love their cute baby". I couldn’t live without your affection and kindness. Your tender hugs and beautiful smile remind me of the treasures you bring into my world.

Don’t ever apologize for who you are, for what you want, for how hard you have worked or where you want to go in life. I don't doubt you will be a hard worker. After all, you are your father's son. ALWAYS stand your ground and be proud of you. Do not live to make others happy... or try to measure up to someone else’s expectations. Just be CARSON. Beautiful Carson.



I wish for you to continue to know and love God. I pray that you will seek God's guidance and direction in your daily life. Continue reading His word...learning His offerings and surround yourself with Godly people as well. Live your faith, share your faith and never waiver in your commitment to God.



I wish you wins AND losses. As much as I would love to see you succeed in everything you do… as much as I believe in your gifts, I must wish you challenges. For it is within the losses, the 3rd, 4th and 5th places, and the failures that your character will be built. As your mom it is MY job to do my best to guide you through these moments. If everything was to be easy for you, you would be ill-prepared for the ‘real’ world. I promise you, life is not always easy. But I will be there to help guide you every step of the way. Even when you no longer want to hold my hand...I'll be right there.



I wish for you to follow your HEART. Your dreams: follow them. Your family: treasure them. Your friends: be loyal to them. Your fears: accept them and allow them to make you strong. Your passion: LIVE IT.

Seek happiness. Every single day find something that makes you happy and do it. Be it big or small – an act of kindness, listening to a song you love, calling a friend, drag racing with your dad - it quite simply doesn’t matter. What matters is that you spend a portion of each day smiling, laughing and enjoying life.



I wish to be here for each of your moments. The sweet little 6 pound baby that wanted into this world early. I want to watch you grow...live life and see what you become.



Carson you are what pure joy looks like. You are dirty and messy, you snuggle and love me. I love when you grab me and say "I better get that hug now, momma." I adore that you sleep with 6 stuffed animals and a blanket. I love how you always tell me "see you in the morning!" as I tuck you into bed.



"I love you, my Mommy"...that is what really gets me.

Happy 4th Birthday to my special little boy!

Love you to the moon and back!

Mommy
XOXOXO

Somedays You Just Want To Dance

I love those parenting moments when you realize something big. Those Ah-ha! moments.

This weekend Olivia had a dance recital. She has been in dance before...but this was like nothing I had ever seen. I was amazed at the costume changes, dances and the poise that the young girls demonstrated on stage. I was amazed, and not ashamed to admit that I cried. Watching my baby made me more proud than I have ever been.

Over the past year I watched Olivia grow in ways I never thought possible. She learned so many amazing things...at the same time teaching ME things.

Since she is my first child, I often feel like I am learning right along with her. Teaching her lessons as I am working on myself, too. It's often a fine line. I sure wish parenting came with a manual.

 

This past year at dance has really helped mold Olivia into a very different child. Though it may not be so obvious at first glance...I am so excited to see what her future holds. As I watched her today, I realized a few things. Things she has learned...will continue to work on...things that I could have never taught her by myself.

Life lessons learned through the eyes of tiny ballerinas...

 

Being part of a group taught Olivia about teamwork. Do you think that doing a group project is difficult? It sure can be! But try matching the angles of your legs with 25 other people on stage all while changing formations, positions and being totally exhausted. Dancing with other people forces you to give and take...adapt. I learned years ago that sticking together as a team even when things get tough can be some of the hardest, yet best lessons in life. Being a dancer truly teaches you to be a team player... to think about others in a situation rather than just yourself.

Dance has taught her responsibility. I expected Olivia to attend dance. I expected Olivia to practice. She was responsible over something that she was so VERY passionate about. It felt good to know she not only wanted to make herself proud, but her teachers and ME!! Dance taught her a lot about discipline, dedication, and perseverance.

When you live in a house mostly filled with boys, the need for female friends is very important! Dance served as a form of expression I when she had no other outlet. Playing Just Dance on the Wii wasn't cutting it anymore. Dance is a silent language that often speaks more than words ever could.

Dance also enabled her to spend time with some of the best friends she could ever ask for! One of the greatest gifts she received was the people that it brought to her life.

 

I know that as a woman, I have struggled with positive self image. As I watched Olivia on stage I saw her shine. I saw her filled with a sense of pride. While this will probably be an ongoing lesson, I know the feeling when you think that someone is better than you, skinnier than you, prettier than you, and more experienced than you. In the end, you have to learn to accept who you are and learn that where you are at is okay...because you’re doing the best you can do. This can be applied to many situations in life as well like with school, family, and even work. You’re not always going to be the best, but as long as you love yourself and accept yourself for who you truly are, you will live a happy and prosperous life. Yes. This is for sure an ongoing lesson. Even at 33 I struggle some days.

I am amazed. By the teachers, the costumes, the dances...but most importantly the beautiful dancers that captivated me each time I watched them. As I sat in the audience, eyes wide and ready for the next dance, I thought about those life lessons. I sure wish I would have been a dancer...but for now, my kids will just have to put up with me busting a move to "Baby Got Back". Don't worry...they love it when I embarrass them. Just ask.

 

I encourage all of you to turn on your favorite song...dance...and enjoy life like these sweet children did this weekend. Enjoy each step along the way...it's magical.

XOXOXO

I do what I do...

It was brought to my attention today that there are blogs out there that rip on women who like to do special things for their children. That some mom's seem to "overdo it".

WHAT?!?  Everything I do...EVERY SINGLE DAY...is because of my children and Ben.

I get up at 5:30 every morning so that I can elliptical and watch the shows that I love. It's my time of peace during the day. I don't have to think about anything except what Walt is up to on Breaking Bad, or what theme Glee is going with this week. It's all mine.

Once my kids are up at 7:05 my day begins.

I've wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember. I wanted 12  kids. That changed drastically after the birth of Olivia when I was positive my butt was on fire. Yes, fire. I quickly changed my mind and thought 1 would be great. As you all know, 5 children later and I still wish I could have more. I praise God that women have that built in switch in their heads that easily helps them forget about the pain of childbirth.

I live for my kids.

I am the mom that makes cookies 4 times a week. I make special shaped pancakes on Saturday's. My children know that there will be Valentine's waiting on the table February 14th. They know that Erin O'Lucky will show up on St. Patrick's Day with gifts...the Easter Bunny will hide eggs Easter morning. They will have matching shirts for the 4th of July. On Ben's birthday we decorate and make special cake for him to share at the racetrack. On my children's birthdays I decorate the dining room, they get balloons, they choose the flavor of cake I make and whatever they want for dinner. They each get a shirt or new outfit on their birthday to wear to school...I make skirts for Olivia...I color rice so that they have a different sensory activity. I make their Halloween costumes. I display their artwork. We have an Elf on the Shelf. I paint with my kids. I sing and dance with my kids EVERY DAY. I could list way more...but you get the point.

And people actually blog about this being a bad thing?!?

I DO NOT do those things with my children to make myself look good. or to make others wish they did more. I am sure there are PLENTY of mom's out there that do WAAAAAAY more than I do.

I made the decision 9 years ago that I wanted my kids to know how much they are loved. To never question that love, and become strong and confident through my actions towards them.

This doesn't mean that I spend a ton of money on my children. Actually the dollar store has become my favorite place to shop for decorations and small items I might need.  

This is why I do what I do...

My goal is to create positive memories. No matter how little time I have left after cleaning, taking my kids places, running errands, making dinner...I can fill more time with realistic, simple, and fun gestures and activities that my children will not ever forget. I never know what silliness or gesture will become embedded warmly and happily in  my child's mind forever. Simple acts (not expensive gifts) have a way of becoming treasured memories of growing up and of ME. For me, it is all about the little things.

I can. I don't do everything perfectly. But I sure am going to try. I fall flat on my face at times. I fail...I am NOT perfect. But my kids sure do love me.

I choose to do these things with my children because:

THEY WON'T BE KIDS FOREVER.
THEY WILL GROW OLDER AND START THEIR OWN FAMILIES.

One day I will wake up on St. Patrick's Day and not have a reason to set out Lucky Charms. But I will smile at the memories and happiness that they had opening the box of cereal that became a tradition. And know we celebrated for Grandma Hildebrandt.

One day I will not have a reason to play an April Fools Day joke on my kids...but I will ALWAYS have the memories of them trying to drink out of a cup filled with Jell-O!!

One day Olivia won't want me to make her skirts and hair pretties. But I will always have pictures of how sweet she was in the items I was able to make her!

One day my kids will want a store bought Halloween costume. But, wow, I sure did make a some good attempts. And they will know this, too.

Some day I won't have a child at home to decorate my dining room for on the day God gave them to me. But THEY will always have the memories of how proud I am to call them mine.

One day I won't have a reason to hide the Elf on the Shelf. But I am so excited for next Christmas. The joy that Elf brings to my kids is priceless. I hope that they can feel the same joy someday with their own children. I know they won't forget it.

Someday my kids won't want a "birthday shirt"...or a homemade birthday cake...so till then I'm going to sew and bake my heart out. They will always hold those memories dear.

Soon my kids won't want to finger paint with me...or color in a coloring book...but to look back in those books is priceless.

Someday my kids will have their own families. And I sure hope I have given them memories and shown them the love they deserve.

So yes. I may "overdo it" according to some people. But I will never have any regrets for what I do for them. How could you have regrets for doing simple, loving and awesome activities with your kids? We were all kids once...and what great memories mine will have.

I will always be proud for the kind of mom I strive to be...to show them love, give them attention and help to guide them through this crazy world.


I have come to these realizations over the years:

YOU are the only person who can change YOUR life.
In every situation you have ever been in, positive or negative, the one common denominator is YOU.  It is your responsibility, and yours alone, to recognize that  you are capable of making choices to change your situation, or to change the way you think about it. Don’t let the opinions of others interfere with this  reality. What you’re capable of achieving is NOT (and never will be) dependent of what others  think. You can achieve anything...it just depends on what YOU choose to do with YOUR time and energy. 

Society can SUCK!
When you find yourself stuck between what moves you and what society tells you is right, always choose what drives you. That is unless you don't care about your own happiness.  No matter where life takes you, you will come across people who think they know what’s best for you ... people who believe they are better than you ... people who think everyone has the same definition of happiness, life, success and beauty.

We all have our own niche:
Have you ever met someone who tries to measure peoples worth basked on what they have, rather than who they are? Material things don’t matter.  What truly matters to me is having a strength of character, an honest heart, giving grace and having a positive sense of self worth. If you have ANY of those things, hold on tight...never sell yourself short. 

I have NOTHING to prove.
My husband always says "the only time you start at the top is when you are digging a hole." Everyone wants to be the best...to be the first to achieve a task and have people look at them. But you know what the truth really is?  Your happiness and inside growth happens while you’re working to achieve something, not while you’re done.  Enjoy the climb up...enjoy each step...don't rush and miss your life. As hard as it can be, let the need to prove yourself to others go. You'll accomplish what matters most to you. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing or trying to do.

You will NEVER please everyone.
Some people always want to rain on your parade. They want to point out what you did wrong, and then never compliment you for the things that you did right.. Try not to be one of those people. Do not try to win someone's approval who disrespects you or treats you badly. And don't ever consume yourself with trying to change them. Please don't leave room in your heart to hate them. This energy is wasted and will consume you.

I'm off to bed...but you can bet I will be up early tomorrow morning ready to rock this mommy world...

XOXOXO

Just Like Mom Would Make...but bread!

So, my mom makes this Betty Crocker Coffee Cake that is PHENOMINAL! It is probably the best coffee cake ever. When I was little I wouldn't eat it. Why? Because I thought it's name rang true...COFFEE cake. I hated coffee. As soon as I took the leap and tried it, I never looked back.

When my mom makes it, we practically have to fight each other to get a piece. Especially if my brother-in-law Rich is there. He has been know to hide the pan in his car.

I love cinnamon! And brown sugar! I am the person that eats the lumps of brown sugar...is that odd?  I have a life long love affair with cinnamon toast, cinnamon cereals and also cinnamon essential oils. YUMMY!! My kids now have this same love... they drive me crazy with the amount of cinnamon/sugar they use when making toast. We have a special "CINNAMON/SUGAR" shaker so it can easily be applied to their butter soaked toast. See??? I'm totally a healthy mom!! ;) Sidebar: I hate butter. I hate everything about it. I would NEVER put it on my toast or bread...I'll eat it in something, but never, ever on anything. Bleh.

Anyways...when I came across this recipe for Cinnamon Coffee Cake Bread, I never dreamed it would be this good! I baked a loaf on Sunday when my mom was still here. I ended up sending it home with her to eat! I immediately made another 2 loaves! Seriously so good! And super easy! I don't like anything that takes a lot of time or energy to make. The hardest thing about this recipe is the buttermilk! I always have some on hand...for pancakes...but a lot of people don't. So if you don't have buttermilk in your fridge I highly suggest you grab some and make this quick bread!

Cinnamon Coffee Cake Bread

Ingredients:

2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup butter at room temperature

1 cup white sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup brown sugar

2 heaping tablespoons ground cinnamon

 

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x5 inch loaf pan with non stick spray. Mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl and set aside. Mix the buttermilk and vanilla in a measuring cup and set aside. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl and set aside. In a bowl cream the butter and white sugar together and then add in the eggs one at a time. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and mix to combine, then add 1/2 of the buttermilk mixture. Repeat this and end with the flour. Pour 1/3 of the batter into the prepared pan and top with 1/3 of the cinnamon mixture, repeat so that the final layer of cinnamon mixture is the topping on the bread. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

 

 

XOXOXO

PS...I now LOVE, LOVE, LOVE coffee.

Chocolate...It's healthy! Okay...maybe not.

Do you remember the Hershey's Syrup that you could buy in a can? I don't even know if they sell that stuff anymore! But I can remember the can sitting in the fridge with the yellow top on it...using that can opener (the triangle one) to open it! That starts a totally different topic when I think about those can openers. I sure wish they still sold Ecto Cooler Hi-C drink!!

 

So a friend posted a picture on Facebook the other day...HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE SYRUP. She said it was easy...and delicious. So I had to try. This is a different recipe that what she used...but I guarantee that you won't be disappointed.

 

It has no preservatives! I bet you could even use carob powder if you were looking for a more "heatlthy" chocolate. I can't wait to use it in some milk...on ice cream...or just eat it with a spoon. ENJOY!!

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup water

Dash of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

 

In a small saucepan, add sugar, cocoa, and salt.  Whisk together gently.  Add water.  Bring mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.  Reduce heat and cook 1 minute.  Remove from heat and add vanilla.  Cool.  Store in the refrigerator.

 

XOXOXO

 

 

Foolproof scones! Go ahead....try them!!

Today I made these scones. Baking is nothing new for me. I would do it every day if I had the willpower to not eat all of it! I have a weakness for sweets...candy, cookies, cake, frosting. I love it all.

 

I recently took part in a women's ministry at church called Apples of Gold. It was a 6 week bible study run by some awesome women! Every Tuesday I was welcomed into their homes for a cooking demonstration, bible study, encouragement and conversation!

 One of my favorite things that we made were these scones! I had to make them again today, as I have been CRAVING them!

 

AND...I proudly ate them for all 3 meals!

 

 

Items Needed:

3 C flour

1/2 C sugar

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

6 T cold butter (no substitutions)

1 C vanilla yogurt

1/4 C + 2 T milk; divided

1 1/3 C fruit...dried OR frozen

2/3 C vanilla or white chips

 

*In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and soda.

 

*Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

 

*Combine yogurt and 1/4 cup milk; stir into crumb mixture just until moistened.

 

*Knead in the white chips. Fold in your fruit. If you choose to use frozen you are going to want to knead it less, or your dough will take on the color of the fruit. (I formed a pocket with my dough and placed the frozen fruit inside and closed it).

 

*Place the dough on a piece of parchment paper, then pat the dough into 2 - 9" circles. Cut each circle into 8 wedges; separate wedges.

 

*Brush with the remaining milk.

 

*Bake at 400 for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

 

*Use glaze to drizzle over the  scones.

 

I didn't really have a recipe for the glaze...but this is what I used:

2 1/2 C powdered sugar

2 T room temperature butter

1 1/2 tsp almond flavoring

Enough milk to make the consistency right

 

Add first three ingredients together in a zip lock bag, mixing well...add small amounts of milk until the desired consistency is reached. Cut a small hole in one tip of the bag and use that to pipe your gaze on. No mess to clean up!

 

 

Serve warm!

 

xoxoxo

 

Happy 9th Birthday, Olivia Grace!

I created a new blog! And what a better start than with a post about my sweet little girl! She made me a mommy for the very first time!

Today is a bittersweet day. It was a day of joy mixed in with a little sadness.

Why? My baby girl is growing up so fast - happiness because she is growing into such a sweet young lady. She is so loving, caring, sweet, amazing, smart and beautiful. No matter how old she is, she will always be my baby girl!

I fell in love with Olivia long before I knew who she was. Dreaming of what she would be like as a child, adult and someday parent herself. What would this baby choose as a profession? Would she look like me or Ben?

Right before she was born I begged Ben to name her Presley (this is understood if you know MY love for Elvis). He refused this suggestion insisting "Olivia Grace was perfect".  It really was! She was born weighing 8 pounds 2 ounces...the smallest person I had ever held. And she was all MINE.

My heart has hurt so many times when she has been sick, or hurt herself (her middle name, Grace, means nothing...she inherited my clumsiness), felt sad, or when people have been unfair and unkind.

This beautiful girl makes me laugh daily with her witty responses, fun loving spirit and silly, fun attitude. She loves music and dancing around the house. The love she has for her brothers melts my heart, and often gives me a glimpse into the future as to the mommy she will be.

I am always making new memories but I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy each and every moment because they truly do pass way too fast.

I am so grateful and thankful that I have her as a daughter. No matter how many birthdays may come and go, she will always be my little girl. With each passing year, she grows sweeter and more beautiful. I am so blessed that God thought I would be the perfect mom for her.

So my dear, sweet Olivia Grace, thank you for being a wonderful daughter. For giving me so many reasons to smile. Thank you for the many hugs and kisses you give me everyday, and for always letting me know that you appreciate me...most of all, thank you for showing me that I'm the luckiest mommy there ever could be.

Proverbs 31:29 
"Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all."
 

May all of your wishes and dreams come true...

XOXOXO