between loads of laundry

{ what we’ve got }

2012-05-22T18:14:00.001-06:00

Call it nesting. Call it being frugal. Or just call it plain good sense…

I’m doing the pantry and freezer challenge again and it’s so much fun… I love having limited supplies and seeing how gourmet I can make our meals! Based loosely off this plan, I’m trying to keep my shopping to a minimum and use only what’s in our fridge, pantry and deep freeze for however long it takes to use everything up!

My mother-in-law plans to come stay with the boys when I’m in the hospital so I really would like to have all our food staples fresh and up-to-date.

Supper tonight was egg noodles of varying widths from various packages… with alfredo sauce (a jar from the pantry) and peas (freezer). On top of that I served leftover steak sliced and fried. It was pretty good and no one complained. So I call it a success! It gets really tricky once you get to end of the supplies. We’ll see how creative I am by a week from now! :)

Have you ever done this challenge? Want to hop on board with me?

{ a guess and a giveaway }

2012-05-16T22:06:00.001-06:00

Today marks 35 weeks of pregnancy so far and 5 weeks (give or take) until we get to meet our little “daughter”. I still don’t totally believe it’s a girl… it will definitely take seeing to believe! I want to give my readers an opportunity to guess a few details about this unknown little person and you will get the chance to WIN.

I found this adorable Etsy shop awhile back and immediately fell in love with her mommy necklaces. I tempted myself for awhile and then ordered one for myself for Mother’s Day. Shameless, I know. What I didn’t expect was the delicate beauty & quality in these necklaces and I immediately knew I wanted to do a giveaway.

So… in a nutshell, IF you head on over to our Baby Pool, enter your guess and end up the closest once the baby arrives, you WIN a mommy necklace identical to the one I have, pictured below!

Good luck!

{ happy mother’s day }

2012-05-12T20:44:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day… and wouldn’t it be amazing to have a little daughter to hold on Mother’s Day?! Unfortunately it won’t be me… but reeeeeally I probably wouldn’t choose to have a preemie either!

To all my Motivated Moms fans, there’s a special deal on for tomorrow, May 13 only… you can grab one of these chore planning systems for only $5, for a savings of $3 off regular price! Just enter the code ‘MOTHER’ and you’re good to go! And for you iPhone users, the app is on sale as well, $4.99 and the link is here: Motivated Moms 2012.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the fabulous moms out there… those who’ve given birth and those who’ve walked the tough but rewarding road of adoption and/or foster care. Those who have stood in as moms at times (yes you, teachers/babysitters/daycare workers)… you guys are amazing and we love you!!

{ prayer, pregnancy & positivity }

2012-05-11T11:10:00.001-06:00

It isn’t any secret that I’ve struggled to remain positive this pregnancy… I guess I’m not one of those mamas that just LOVES to be pregnant. Sure there are moments & milestones (first kicks!) that make me giddy but for the most part it’s just a means to an end (baby!!) for me.

This week I hit the 34 week mark (only 6 more weeks?!!) and saw my regular doctor yesterday for a regular checkup. This is the first pregnancy I haven’t seen an OB and I have to say, I’m really liking my new doctor! Anyway, I had Noodle along at the appointment and we went out for lunch after. When we prayed for our meal, it hit me to thank God for a healthy heartbeat. Why I have never done this before I have no idea… I take stuff SO for granted!! Maybe it’s because of Diana that I think about it more now… but whatever the case, I just thanked Jesus for that strong little heartbeat we hear every 1-2 weeks.

It isn’t any secret either, that I’ve had more pain than I feel I can handle most of the time, between my sciatica and hip flexor issues… but at Mom’s group the other morning several of the women prayed for me and I feel so blessed… but why don’t *I* pray about it?!! I guess I feel like it’s a selfish request… “God, I know there’s starving children in Africa, and infertile women around the world, and people grieving the loss of a child/spouse/parent/sibling, but could you please make me a bit more comfortable?” Yeah, it just doesn’t feel right to me somehow… But what about Matthew 21:22?

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive. (NKJV)

I don’t think praying is my problem, it’s believing. I don’t pray, because, well God obviously has bigger problems to deal with; He won’t answer anyway so why bother?

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 (NKJV)

I am learning, slowly, to hand my entire life over to Christ. It is hard, so hard when you’re a control freak like I am. I want to say, “Ok God, you can take this burden and that one… but I’d really like to hang on to these so I can control my life a little better… and I’ll do anything you ask of me, within reason, of course…

God definitely has His work cut out for Him with this one…

{ the three musketeers }

2012-04-29T20:31:00.001-06:00

I love these three. That is all.

{ baby blessings & a mommy date }

2012-04-04T20:55:00.001-06:00

Meet baby E… confirmed by ultrasound today to be a GIRL. We *kinda* knew, but not for sure… and yes, I know ultrasounds can be wrong. Which is why I have 13 newborn/0-3 month girl sleepers and 10 boy ones! :) I’m all about being prepared…

Buster and I had a mom/son date day and it really was perfect. He’s on spring break this week and I’d arranged a babysitter for the other 2 boys but hadn’t thought about him. I hoped he’d be enthused about spending the day with me… I wasn’t sure about bringing him to women’s group but he brought his DSi along and found another friend with a DS to play with! We had a delicious Easter potluck brunch and an amazing guest speaker… then we headed out. Shopped at Michael’s (kid was in his glory!) and had lunch at Five Guys. Then off to the ultrasound (3D) and hung out at Chapters after. All in all, it was a great day. We had some great conversations and much-needed bonding time… My firstborn is growing up so fast!

{ pink owl design }

2012-04-03T13:49:00.001-06:00

I’m excited to announce the launch of my first ever design website! It’s pretty basic yet but functional and pretty (I think!). I currently have openings for design so spread the word!

Since I started officially designing blogs for others in fall, I’ve added 10 sites to my portfolio and it’s been just so much fun! The dream job, really, in so many ways…

1. I can stay at home with my kids.

2. I can work on my own time, 3 am if that’s what works for me! :)

3. I finally feel like I have a creative outlet, (that takes me far away from teething/dirty diapers/tween attitudes/homework)…

4. …and one that’s not messy… no baking mess in the kitchen, no fabric scraps & thread everywhere, no messy paint or clay, etc. You get the picture!

So thank you to all you beautiful & patient women who’ve allowed me to experiment on your sites, and who’ve been super easy to work with! I feel like I have new friends all over the globe!

{ winner announced }

2012-04-02T23:41:00.001-06:00

The winner of the Clean n Flip giveaway is Rach! I’m so happy to be able to give you this prize… I know what it’s like to live in a house of boys and try to get them motivated, so I hope you enjoy! Email me to claim it and I’ll mail it right out.

Thanks to everyone who entered… I actually have a few extra assorted Clean n Flip booklets from before that I’d be glad to give away yet… so those winners are: Katie V, Anne & Michelle S. Please email me to confirm you got the message (Katie & Anne, I know who you are and where you live so no worries!) and I can’t wait to give you your prizes!

{ i heart organizing }

2012-03-30T20:55:00.001-06:00

I’m in love with a new organizing blog I found… possibly via Pinterest? I can’t remember but I look forward to Jen’s posts in my Reader every day! Her blog is called i heart organizing and it’s a fresh new look and decorating and organizing. So much eye candy! I’ve added this blog to my “simplify” list on my sidebar so you can check it out whenever you want.

A sample of Jen’s beautiful space… there aren’t words to say how much I loooove this room!

{ gotta love bargains! }

2012-03-27T06:30:00.000-06:00

I’m loving the new sites I came across this week… I have the Kindle app on my Android phone and it’s gotten a ton of use. Now I have an even greater excuse to use it since I found two websites that showcase bargain Kindle books, often FREE! I love free stuff. LOVE it! Especially if it’s something I’ve actually been looking for or need.

Go ahead and check them out:

Inspired Reads (all variety of Christian genres)

Pixel of Ink

And I haven’t checked it out in detail yet but Pixel of Ink has a kids site as well! Check it out here.

{ tall dark and handsome }

2012-03-26T14:12:00.001-06:00

I have finally found the perfect chocolate bar: Cadbury Burnt Almond Dark. That is all.

{ menu plan 03.26.2012 }

2012-03-26T07:00:00.000-06:00

Monday Lunch: clubhouse sandwiches, cucumber salad
Monday Supper: shepherd’s pie

Tuesday Lunch: cheese quesadillas, meatless taco salad
Tuesday Supper: sausage & perogies, mixed veggies

Wednesday Lunch: ham & cheddar chowder, fresh biscuits
Wednesday Supper: fish tacos, spanish rice

Thursday Lunch: leftovers
Thursday Supper: pork chops, rice, green beans

Friday Lunch: creamy potato bacon soup, fresh bread
Friday Supper: pizza night

Saturday Brunch: pancakes, bacon & eggs
Saturday Supper: leftovers

{ on saturdays–and a giveaway! }

2012-03-24T21:00:00.001-06:00

I grew up a little old-fashioned, I guess. Saturdays started off with a big pancake breakfast and then we cleaned the house from top to bottom. That’s just what Saturdays were for, without exception, and Sundays we were ready for any impromptu company that we decided to invite, or better yet, invited themselves over!

My job, as an 8/10-year-old, was usually cleaning the dining room chairs. On warm days I hauled them all out onto the deck and lined them up in rows, scrubbing each one thoroughly and using a knife inside a rag to clean around the chrome frame. And now that my own son is 8, I realize the extent of what he can do around the house and it’s going to pay off in spades once the baby comes!

Awhile ago I ordered a chore system for kids called Clean n Flip Zone Cleaning, that has literally revolutionized the way we clean around here. I do have my own cleaning system for the general day-to-day chores but since sciatica has me unable to do it all and I happen to have a couple of eager beavers with way too much energy, I’ve been putting the Zone Cleaning into action! With simple, easy-to-read instructions (as well as clear illustrations for the non-reader), your kids can clean most of your house entirely on their own! My boys think it’s a game and it’s no problem getting them moving when I haul out the Clean n Flip.

I recently asked the people behind this product if I could give one Zone Cleaning package away to one of my readers and they were happy to oblige! All I require of you is to leave a comment here describing the creative methods you’ve used to get your kids to help out with household chores, and you’re automatically entered to win the new & improved Zone Cleaning for Kids, which including the Clean n Flip booklet, a DVD that explains the system so your kids can understand it, and labels for the baskets used in the system.

***Giveaway ends Saturday, March 31 at 11:59 pm***

{ daybook 03.12.2012 }

2012-03-12T12:09:00.001-06:00

Outside my window... bright sunshine and the promise of spring!

I am thinking... that I hope we are done with the flu now and looking forward to giving this place a good cleaning!

I am thankful... that I didn’t get sick, that I have hubby to help with midnight puke clean ups and rocking the sick baby!

In the kitchen... clean dishes waiting to be put away

I am wearing... black yoga pants and a comfy coral coloured maternity tee

I am creating... a baby! hmm… and a few diy projects in my head :)

I am going... hopefully nowhere today… definitely need a recoup day, but I do need groceries too

I am wondering... what this baby will look like, what personality characteristics it will have

I am reading... The Boy in the Striped Pajamas paperback by John Boyne and What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa Terkeurst on my Kindle app.

I am hoping... the next 14 weeks fly by!

I am looking forward to... the birth of this baby, more than anything! and to having a waist again, and to run another race :)

I am learning… what God wants of me

Around the house... sad Sawyer, still isn’t feeling the best, Noodle on the computer, hubby at work and Buster in school.

I am pondering... yesterday’s sermon

A favourite quote for today... from Isaiah 40:11 NIV:
He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.

One of my favourite things... Starbucks Grande Peppermint Mocha, decaf, half sweet, extra hot. And I especially like rattling that off when I order it :D

A few plans for the rest of the week: cleaning, maybe some painting, Bible study on Tuesday, women's group on Wednesday, Dr and chiro appointments on Thursday

A peek into my day...

{ creative juices or nesting? }

2012-02-26T22:55:00.001-07:00

It’s been another bad week for the blog… but it’s been a great week in real life! It’s usually a good sign when I’m on the computer a little less and living in the moment a little more! :)

The creative juices have really been flowing around here… I’ve been working on yummy blog designs and thinking about doing premade designs, ready to install… any takers? I’ve also been repainting like crazy in our house (yes, I know it’s only 4 years old… your point is…?), making baby blankets,

dreaming up Pinterest inspired master bedrooms,

Photo source

thinking about painting the cradle or some other piece a bright yellow for in my bedroom,

Photo source

and really enthused about tackling this DIY headboard for our room!

I can’t decide if my creative juices have finally started flowing or if I’m just nesting! Any thoughts?

{ true love }

2012-02-15T21:53:00.001-07:00

Last night I took hubs out on a Valentine’s date… we’ve never been huge on Valentine’s day; we take date nights whenever we can get them but just don’t make a big deal about February 14. But a friend offered to keep the boys for the evening and since that’s half the battle right there, we agreed in a heartbeat!

The evening ended at a lovely little Italian restaurant with live music and candlelight… hubs ordered chicken cacciatore and I had the veal parmigiano… it was great to talk uninterrupted, no drinks spilled and no squirmy toddler to wrestle in and out of a high chair…

But I have to admit, the most impressive part of the evening that keeps sticking with me, was a line in the movie we watched before dinner. I actually dragged hubs along to The Vow, and thankfully it wasn’t too cheesy and chick-flicky for him. Anyway, back to that line… the daughter confronts her mother for not leaving her father when he was caught in an affair. And the mother says, “I stayed with him for all the things he did right, rather than leave him for the one thing he did wrong…” It struck me right between the eyes… not because I entertain thoughts of leaving my own husband, but because I tend to focus on all the things he does wrong… instead of fiercely loving him for the things he does so right!

It’s also inspiring to me that some of the recent movies out there have really put a more positive spin on faithfulness in marriage… I definitely would recommend this one for date night!

{ valentine’s special }

2012-02-11T16:58:00.001-07:00

I’m ready to take on a few more blog designs and I’m offering a special price of $50 for a Blogger custom design, including the header, background, tabs, colour schemes, etc. Items that are not included are stock images from sites such as iStockphoto, and custom design buttons or drop-down menus.

So if your blog needs a new pick-me-up or you know someone who’d love a gift… here you go…

Just mention the code: BEMINE and you’re good to go!

Note: I have done Typepad and Wordpress blogs as well and I’m happy to work with you on them. However I would charge an extra $10 for those.

{ serving }

2012-02-09T13:01:00.001-07:00

Noodle has been learning about serving others in Sunday School. His verse for the week is Romans 12:10 NLT: “ …take delight in honouring each other.” and it is paying off in spades! He takes such pride in cleaning around the house to my satisfaction, surprising me with an extra chore done and holding the doors open and extra hugs. I’m not complaining…

…but I have to admit it’s rather convicting! It’s been on my mind a lot lately how much I balk and complain at my lot in life… as a wife, a mother and a homemaker… and how very rarely I remember that I am called to serve. And how much more fun it would all be if I remembered to take delight in honouring others.

Honouring others. Serving others. Sacrifice. Giving of myself. Not exactly a natural human tendency. But so rewarding! I’m up for the challenge. Are you?

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others…” (Mark 10:45 NLT)

Photo source.

{ menu plan 02.06.2012 }

2012-02-06T17:00:00.001-07:00

Monday Lunch: chicken & veggie pasta
Monday Supper: Malaysian meal

Tuesday Lunch: leftovers
Tuesday Supper: hobo dinners

Wednesday Lunch: grilled cheese, creamy tomato soup
Wednesday Supper: grilled salmon, smashed potatoes, Asian slaw

Thursday Lunch: mac ‘n cheese with broccoli
Thursday Supper: spicy chicken fettuccini in peanut sauce

Friday Lunch: tacos
Friday Supper: pizza night

Saturday Brunch: pancakes, bacon & eggs
Saturday Supper: leftovers

{ home }

2012-01-31T14:41:00.001-07:00

Home. It’s such a cozy, warm & comforting word. It was good to be in warm & sunny LA for a week but even better to be back home, a family together again! Maybe I’m getting old *cough* but I love just being at home with my family… I love the comfortable-ness of it, the familiarity, the love & even the little fights… they’re all part of who we are as a family!

I’ve even been without a vehicle for the last 2 days so I’m hunkered down with my boys… Buster hasn’t had school so it’s been great. The weather has been absolutely super (and very rare for Alberta in January!) so we’ve gone on walks to the grocery store which definitely doesn’t hurt us! I’m nearing the 20-week mark, and I’m starting in on the lovely sciatic and hip pain, so walking isn’t the most fun but still necessary! :)

I’m hoping to get into more of a routine tomorrow when Buster goes back to school but for now PJs all day and leftovers for meals are doing the job! :)

{ on leaving & a mother’s heart }

2012-01-23T20:50:00.001-07:00

No menu plan today and no posts the rest of this week… I’m taking a much needed break, flying away to LA with the hubs for 6 days!

It’s hurting my mama’s heart to leave the littles, especially Sawyer, but I know it’ll be great and he’ll be in good hands.

So adios… and we’ll be back next week!

{ thoughts on pink }

2012-01-20T11:45:00.001-07:00

I had my 18-week ultrasound yesterday, and although they weren’t able to completely confirm, they’re leaning towards GIRL. She told me she couldn’t tell… then glanced at hubs and me and our 3 boys… and said, “You know what, I’ll look again!” That kinda made me smile… I think everyone else wants us to have a girl more than we do!! Her final conclusion was that she simply couldn’t see any boy parts, but she couldn’t distinctly see girl parts either. So in other words, we’re basically back to square one. :)

But I got to thinking about it, obviously… and it’s just weird cuz I can’t see us with a girl at ALL. I would love a girl and hubs would too… but it’s boys that I know & understand… so much simpler because we already have all the clothes! But ultimately God decides and I’ll let Him, because He seems to have a good grip on things… lol

It also hit me what a responsibility a girl would be for me… I mean there’s obviously the fun stuff like pedicures and shopping trips as they get older, but I’m talking about raising a sweet, feminine and Godly girl… and I know God would help me, but it feels much bigger to me as a mother and female myself, than the boys, with all their testosterone…

And then… and please don’t laugh! Or do… but I don’t love pink & frills & lace. And I KNOW people are going to give that stuff to me and I’m going to have to be humble and just wear it. So I’m going to say it here, loudly and clearly that if we DO have a girl and you DO want to give us a baby gift… PLEASE go easy on the pink…

There are such cute options in coral & aqua & yellow & gray… and THIS:

{ simplifying simplified }

2012-01-18T10:26:00.001-07:00

One of the best articles I’ve read on simplifying is over at The Better Mom today. I love how she brings out the clutter problems of A) unmade decisions, and B) “planning” to be broke. Both my downfalls. God wants us to live in the here and now, and to enjoy our lives and homes, not be depressed and buried by them.

Next Tuesday we leave for Los Angeles for 6 days and a babysitter is coming in to stay with the boys (I know, totally freaking out here about leaving them!!) so I kinda feel like I need to have the house somewhat organized, food prepared and boys’ clothing sorted… and she won’t need to worry about anything.

So I think I’ll begin a little simplifying expedition over the next few days and see how much we can accomplish! Especially since it’s –34C out there (that’s –30F for you southerners) with a wind chill warning of –40 to –45 in effect. Yup, COLD.

{ menu plan 01.16.2012 }

2012-01-16T11:22:00.001-07:00

You may notice I do a lot of repeating from one week to the next. This is simply because some days we aren’t home and I don’t end up making what I’d planned. I’m really very flexible when it comes to menu planning… it’s mostly a guideline, so if I’m in the mood for something else when dinner rolls around, I don’t sweat it!

Monday Lunch: ham & cheddar chowder, homemade biscuits
Monday Supper: Jill’s pork tenderloin, baked mushroom rice, fresh green beans, fresh bread

Tuesday Lunch: chicken, bacon & avocado quesadillas, tomato slices
Tuesday Supper: Malaysian Meal (a favourite from my childhood)

Wednesday Lunch: leftovers
Wednesday Supper: grilled fish tacos, cilantro lime rice, tomato & avocado salad

Thursday Lunch: flatbread pizza with spinach, caramelized onions & feta
Thursday Supper: lasagna, Caesar salad, mixed veggies

Friday Lunch: chicken stuffed manicotti, fresh green beans, fresh bread
Friday Supper: pizza night

Saturday Brunch: pancakes, bacon & eggs
Saturday Supper: rosemary roasted pork tenderloin, potatoes au gratin, steamed broccoli

{ daybook 01.14.2012 }

2012-01-14T18:35:00.001-07:00

Outside my window... dark & cold

I am thinking... that I’m happy the house is clean & I can spend some time blogging & designing…

I am thankful for... such supportive and wonderful people in my life!

From the kitchen... fillet of sole, sweet potato fries and sautéed veggies

I am creating... a few blog designs

I am going... to LA in 10 days!!

I am reading... Praying the Names of Jesus, Grace for the Good Girl

I am hoping... that my next ultrasound goes ok and that we find out the sex of this baby!

I am hearing... the clocks ticking, some quietly happy sounds from downstairs

Around the house... hubs and the boys playing downstairs, I’m catching up on blogs

One of my favourite things... is a chai latte.

A few plans for the rest of the week: church tomorrow – I work in infant care… the ultrasound on Thursday… the usual hectic daily grind…

From The Simple Woman’s Daybook.