Growing with Grabbie!

Blog Sale Link Up

2013-05-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

I am open to ALL offers and will happily make you a deal for multiple items!!! Prices DO NOT include shipping, but I will ship the most cost-effective way possible.

To purchase, simply comment with "Sold" and your email address.

Happy Shopping!

Carters 3 month Pink/White Ruffle dress with diaper cover. EUC. $2.00

Hannah Anderson Size 70 (approx. 12) floral romper. EUC. $8.00

~~Carter's 12 months Polka Dot Ladybug dress w/ matching bloomers. EUC. $5.00~~ SOLD

Osh Kosh 12 Mth. Polo Ruffle dress with bloomers. VGUC $4.00

~~Janie & Jack Damask 12 mth. dress with bloomers (only worn twice). EEEUC $12.00~~ SOLD

ADORABLE Janie & Jack 12 mth. smocked dress in EEEUC (only worn once). (Runs big IMO). $16.00

NWOT GAP Ruffle Dress (does have bloomers) - super cute. $7.00

~~Size 6 red polka dot Puddle Jumpers in VGUC. $8.00~~ SOLD

Old Navy Yellow & White Polka Dot flip-flops. EUC. $2.00

19 Weeks - Pregnancy Update!

2013-05-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

So I totally did an 18 week update, but completely forgot to take a picture, so I'm doing 19 weeks instead. I wanted to do an update each month but I'm pretty much a slacker. So, 19 weeks it is! I can't believe that I am almost 1/2 way through - that is BIZARRE to think about!

And yes, my belly is that big! I think I was close to 25 or 26 weeks before I was even close to this big with Emmalee.

How far along? 19 Weeks - ALMOST half way!!!

Size of baby: According to Babycenter.com, approx. 6" from head to rump. However, on our sonogram last week, baby was 7.5" and weighed 9 oz. Basically, the length of a big tomato!

Total weight gain:10 pounds

Gender: Its a girl!!!!! Madeline Grace Williams.

Everyone at my office was so excited to see what the baby was going to be that I brought cookies in the next day with pink icing. This was the sign that was put above the cookie! I just love that sweet profile.

Movement:Yes! Some days I feel more than others, but she is definitely in there. I had been calling her a boy for quite awhile (because I honestly thought it was going to be) and those kicks would literally keep me up at night. Now that I started calling her a girl, she is completely calm like her big sister was. I guess she was just mad at me - HAHA!!!

Sleep: Ok. I do have to get up usually once in the night, but I'm sleeping pretty good.

Maternity clothes: Yes. About 1/2 and 1/2. The maternity pants are definitely more confortable than my regular ones.

Symptoms: Hungry, get tired easily, and baby movement! .

Cravings: Nothing very specific, but I have aversions to sweet things. I can have something sweet every once in awhile, but I'm loving spicy food. Burger? Yes, please with jalapenos!

What I miss: Not much. I'm in the "happy" part of pregnancy!

Best moment from the past week:Seeing that sweet baby on the sonogram and finding out she is another sweet baby girl. I am so excited to have sisters!

What I’m looking forward to:Holding this sweet baby and watching Emmalee with her. Emmalee loves her already and I cannot wait to watch them interact

Doesn't that sweet grin say it all. I cannot wait for her to meet her baby sister!

And just because she is still a momma's girl, she wanted to be in the picture too!!!

Spanish Chicken and Potato Roast

2013-05-06T07:23:00.000-07:00

So I was searching for some new recipes on the Food Network website and found this one. It looked good, and easy, so I decided to give it a shot! I did change it up a bit from the actual online recipe, so I'm going to give yo my version of it.

{Ashley's} Spanish Chicken & Potato Roast
(this was the perfect amount for our family of 3, so if yours is larger, then add some more chicken & potatoes!)

Ingredients:

one small pkg of small steak or fingerling potatoes
1 tsp minced garlic
2 TBSP EVOO
Kosher salt
1 lb chicken boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tsp smoked paprika
fresh ground pepper
2 lemons (1 juiced, 1 thinly sliced)
1 large onion thinly sliced

Directions:
Heat your oven to 500 degrees.

Start your potatoes by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Toss with garlis, EVOO, 1 TBSP water and about 1/2 tsp of salt. Put in a large microwave-safe dish. Cover either w/ a lid (but don't close it - just place it on the dish) or plastic wrap with a few holes punched in it. Microwave for 8 minutes or until they are beginning to soften.

While that is in the microwave, start your chicken. Pat your chicken dry and put in a bowl. sprinkle with paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. toss the chicken and coat well. Then sit aside to let it marinate for a few minutes. Then slice your onions.

Prepare your baking dish with some non-stick spray. Place your potatoes in the bottom of the dish, then add your onions on top. Place your chicken on top of that. Take any juice left from your marinade and pour over your chicken.& potatoes. Take your thinly sliced lemons and place on your chicken. Bake for approx. 20 minutes.

"Mommy, I 'Wake"

2013-05-02T06:09:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, something has to be done about Emmalee's recently-develop sleep habits.

Please understand, Emmalee has always been a great sleeper. She slept through the night at 8 weeks old. There have been a few short periods of time where she has woken up in the middle due to sickness or teething, but nothing too severe.

Well now that she is old enough to open doors, she has started getting up at 5 and 5:30, coming into our bedroom and saying "Mommy, I 'wake. Mouse on please." (translation: Mom, I'm up and want to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, please.")

I usually put her in bed with us and tell her that Mouse is still sleeping, so she should sleep to. But she doesn't. She will rest her pretty-little head on my pillow, but she never goes back to sleep. So when my alarm goes off around 6, she's bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. By the time its time for her to go to Mrs. Donna's she's falling alseep on the way, or is horribly fussy and whinny.

I honestly need your help! I'm not a huge fan of locking her door, but did your toddler do this? Even if they just woke up early and didn't get out of their bed, how did you help them get back to their normal sleep habints?

Help me moms, because I am at a loss. I need guidance...and SLEEP!!

Somebody is 2!

2013-04-15T10:42:00.001-07:00

It was 2 years ago today that the most precious angel came into my life.

It was 2 years ago today that my dreams came true.

It was 2 years ago today that my life changed forever.

It was 2 years ago today that I become a momma to this most precious, sweet, sassy, and amazing little girl!

Emmalee Caroline,
You are light of my life and the joy in my heart. You are the sweetest and sassiest 2 year old I know, I get the honor of calling you mine. Your smile can brighten any room, and your laughter is contagious. You bring joy to everyone you meet, and you never meet a stranger.

You are learning new things everyday. You know almost all of your colors, and you can {almost} count to 10, and you're learning your ABC's. You are a non-stop chatter box and you love to sing. Your favorite foods are applesauce, yogurt, grapes, pizza, and ice cream. You love to be outside and you love the slides at the park.

You love everyone around you and you are so excited about being a big sister. Your baby sibling has no idea how lucky they will be to have you as their big sister.

Emmalee, being your momma is one of the most joyous things I have ever gotten to experience. You fill my (and your daddy's) heart with pure joy and the past 2 years have the BEST. We never knew how much we would love you!

Happy birthday, my sweet 2 year old.

Being a Wife, Being a Mom, and Still Trying to Be Me

2013-04-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

There is a fabulous group of ladies hosting a series called "Build Them Up." I love it! They are just fantastic and I, personally, love the idea of us all rallying around each other to encourage and build each other up.

http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2013/04/remembering-you-taking-care-of-yourself.html

Today's encouragement is how to stay "me" when your are constantly surrounded with your children and families. How do you keep the "you" in your life.

Its funny because when I think of who I am, and who I have always been, its a mom. My mother can tell you stories of me as a little girl and I was always toting a baby doll around or playing "house" for hours. I've been known as the baby-hog forever, hence the name Aunt Grabbie. I LOVE children. I LOVE babies and I LOVE being mom.

I think its this reason that struggling for infertility for 2 years was so hard on me, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. All I have ever wanted to be was a mom. But I won't lie to and tell you that it fulfilled my every desire, because it hasn't. What it HAS made me realize is that there is so much more to me.

I think I put my whole self into being a mom because that was the desire of my heart. For 2 year, I forgot what it was like to a wife, a sister, a friend. So it wasn't until after I became a mother did I realize that I lost myself.

So, in order to keep the "me" in me, I do a lot of things.

1) I work outside the home. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to be a SAHM, but working is actually so good for me. I have developed amazing friendships and have mentors that I can look up to. I perform a role for my company that is essential - its keeps things "functioning." and when I come home each day, I get to lavish hugs and kisses on my 2 favorite people, my daughter and my husband. I love what I do, and for me, its been so important to have these adult friendships and relationships.

2) I scrapbook. Its my way of releasing all of my creative "juices." For me, its relaxing. One of my favorite times is getting together with my sister or several girlfriends and just scrapbooking. There is nothing more fun than going to a scrapbook retreat. I love it. Its something I do just for fun, and just for me.

3) Bubble baths! They are pieces of heaven sent down to earth for our pure enjoyment. Now granted, do not take a bubble bath when your toddler is awake because your relaxing bubbles will soon be all over your bathroom floor. But when your house is quiet, and lights are turned down low, just fill the tub, grab a good book, and RELAX! (and just FYI, my favorite bubble bath is "Sleep" with lavendar & chamomille from Bath & Body Works).

4) Last, but not least, find a girlfriend that you can escape with. Get away for a weekend, or even just a night. Its okay to work on your friendships too, even when your a mom and wife. Friends are the people that will be there when you need to gripe because your husband didn't unload the dishwasher, but your pregnant so your hormones are crazy; when you just need to cry and have someone understand you...its them. So don't take them for granted, and remember how precious their friendship is to you.

Cousins and Friends

2013-04-08T09:21:00.003-07:00

There are a lot of things in the world that I am thankful for: my Savior, my husband, coffee, jelly beans...you know, the important stuff. In all seriousness though, I am incredibly thankful for my sister and her children, as well as Brant's sister Kristie. And I can tell you that my sweet child is just as thankful!

If there is one thing that my child will do anything for - its to play with her cousins. She ADORES them, all of them! She squeals with sheer delight at the mention of seeing them. Her innocent little 2-year-old world would not be complete without them.

If she could tell you who her best friend(s) are, I promise you she would tell you Mason, Connor, Kate, Ethan and Aeson!

Just see for yourself the smile and delight on these sweet faces!!

We ran into my sister at the grocery store on a Sunday. Emmalee RAN through half of Kroger just to get to Mason!

Playing with Aeson for his birthday.

Connor, Emmalee, Kate and Ethan at the pumpkin patch.

Emmalee and Aeson at the park.

This was at lunch yesterday - These two "E's" are a hoot together!

Good Friday at the Zoo

2013-04-04T10:38:00.002-07:00

On Good Friday, Emmalee, Grandad (my dad0, and I had a fun trip to the zoo. The weatherman predicted some scattered showers, but decided to take the chance and go.

I'm so glad we did! It was cloudy in the morning but warmed up for the afternoon. It was a wonderful, beautiful day to be outside!

This girl was spoiled rotten by her Grandad all day.

Not so sure about the petting zoo!

I could just squeeze those precious cheeks!

We had to make a wish in the Wishing Well!

We watched the jaguars for a long time. This a mom & baby. The baby kept trying to play with the mom, but the mom was trying to clean it. We were very entertained watching their interaction.

Emmalee LOVED seeing the parrots.

This animal is absolutely beautiful.

The elephants are one of Emmalee (and my) favorite animals!

Me and my girl!!!

Oh, I just love these creatures.

We couldn't leave without riding the carousel.

One of Those "Guilt" Days

2013-04-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

Are you a working mother? I am . Emmalee will be 2 years old in less than 2 weeks and I went back to work when she was 10 weeks old. I'm used to it. I love my job, and she loves her "Nonny" (aka Ms. Donna) and all of her friends at Nonny's house.

But I would be lying if I told you that there are not days where I feel guilty, because there are. Even after almost 2 years, I still have a day here and there when I feel guilty for working.

Sometimes, I feel like Emmalee is missing out. She doesn't get to have fun lunch dates, or do swim lessons, or gymnastics, or playdates. Sure she could...on the weekends. But our weekends always seem busy already with birthday parties, or baby showers, or family events. Sometimes I feel like my working cuts out stuff for her.

Then I get pictures of my little girls playing baby dolls with her friends, and singing, and I hear her laughing when I go to the door to pick her up, and that guilt fades away.

My baby girl gets to have play dates every day.

My baby girl gets to have a special lunch dates all the time.

My little girl is having the best time with her friends every single day.

And on days where we get to have special time together, like Good Friday at the zoo, it just makes them that much more precious.

So if you're a working mom, remember this: There will be good days, and bad days; sad days and "guilt" days, but you will always be their momma, and NOTHING can take that away from you! You're a GREAT mom!

12 Week Update

2013-03-20T07:29:00.001-07:00

Well I you don't follow me on Twitter or Facebook, then you may not have seen this news yet!

We are super-duper excited about Baby #2, although it was quite unexpected. If you have followed my blog for awhile, you may remember that it took 2 years of TTC (trying to conceive) with Emmalee. So to see this pop up...

...completely unexpectedly, we were shocked...a very delightful, joyful shock - but a shock nonetheless. So Baby #2 is due on October 2nd, although my doctor suspects we may have a September baby. Emmalee is so excited and loves to talk about the baby. If you ask her what's in mommy's belly, she will say "Emmie's baby." Let's see if she feels the same way at 2 am when the baby actually gets here!

So here is the first official Baby Bump Update for Williams Baby #2!!!

How far along? 12 Weeks - almost finished with the 1st trimester! WOOHOO!!

Size of baby: a little over 2" long - about the size of a lime.

Total weight gain:2 pounds

Gender: ???

Movement:Not yet, but I can't wait until I do.

Sleep: Ok. I am pretty tired so I usually go to bed not long after we put Emmalee down - between 9 - 9:30 every night. But I'm already up once or twice during the night to go to the bathroom.

Maternity clothes: Some. My "regular" clothes are pretty tight already, so I either wear maternity or use my bellybands.

Symptoms: All of them! Nausea, bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, headaches, fatigue, sore breasts, growing belly, food craving and aversions...the list goes on and on!!! I will say that the nausea is finally beginning to fade and I could not be more thankful, but the rest of the list is in full swing.

Cravings:Every day is completely different. Yesterday all I wanted was a greek salad. Today, I want Pei Wei, and who knows what I'll crave tomorrow.

What I miss: Feeling good. I had a great pregnancy with Emmalee and always felt good. This pregnancy is completely different. I just don't feel "good".

Best moment from the past week:Getting my fetal doppler in the mail and hearing the baby's heartbeat.

What I’m looking forward to: Hopefully beginning to feel better as I enter the 2nd trimester.

I will say my belly is definitely out there already. Its true what they say - you definitely get bigger faster when its your 2nd.

Favorite Picture Ideas

2013-02-22T06:18:00.001-08:00

Today on Kelly's Korner "Show Us Your Life", she is talking about favorite picture ideas. And in my opinion, there is nothing better than simply capturing life! Not poses, not portraits, but life...the smiles, the laughter, the true emotion of seeing someone truly live in the moment.

When Brant and I got married, we had a wonderful photographer names Julie Robles. (now don't judge that I didn't use my sister because 1, she was my matron of honor and 2, she hadn't started her photography business yet!) But Julie was wonderful and did amazing work. But my most favorite pictures that she took were right after the wedding ceremony had ended. As soon as we walked out of the santuary, she pulled Brant and I aside, and took us into the courtyard. She said "You have 5 minutes to just think about what just happened. You're married! So I want you to take this 5 minutes with each other, and just reflect." And so we did, but the moments she captured between us are, in my opinion, priceless.

Scrap-Happy Weekend

2013-02-18T10:25:00.002-08:00

We had a really great weekend, did you? Friday night was the start of college baseball alt DBU. It was the inaugural game to open the new Horner Ballpark. It is really beautiful. I'll try post pictures soon. With the start of baseball season of course, come the start of my widown-ness! HA! I joke, but sometimes that is what it feels like.

Brant's position at DBU requires that he is at all of the baseball games. Since the majority of games are weekend, I definitely feel that I am often a single mom during baseball season. But my husband loves his job, and that it what matters to me!

With the two of us girls left at home on Saturday, we invited Aunt Cookie and Kate over to play. It was so great having Kate around because Emmalee adores her. The two of them played, and played, so Aunt Cookie had a chance to work on some new marketing tools, and I got to scrapbook!!!! I feel like I haven't scrapbooked in ages, but I have got to get caught up on Emmalee's book.

Here's a few of the pages I got done this weekend.

You might recognize some of these pictures from my post the other day about our day at the park. I LOVE the way this page turned out!

A Day at the Park

2013-02-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

A few weekend ago, Brant's family came for a visit. We had a great weekend, but Sunday afternoon was certainly a memorable day. After church, we decided that the day was too beautiful to stay inside. So we grabbed some sandwiches and made our way to the local elementary school where they have a great playground. We enjoyed a great afternoon of conversation, which Aeson and Emmalee played until their hearts were content.

WARNING: PICTURE OVERLOAD!

Menu Monday

2013-02-11T07:17:00.001-08:00

Ah, its another week and another menu full of exciting culinary concoctions. Well, maybe that a bit of an exaggeration, but I am trying a brand new recipe this week.I always love trying new things.

Monday:
I am so excited to try this Spicy Sausage Pasta from Lindsey's blog. It looks so fantastic! And just FYI - I did ask Lindsey if it was too spicy for lil' one, and she said "no." She used a mild rotel and both her itty bitties ate it! I am so ready to try this...can you tell?

Tuesday:
Lemon Pepper Chicken with homemade mac'n'cheese and roasted brocolli

Wednesday:
Chicken Cacciatore subs (this is always one of my favs!) I've blogged the recipe before here.

Thursday:
"Breakfast for dinner" night! Country omelets! The "county" part is diced ham, bacon, onion, green onion, and lots of cheese topped with some homemade salsa!

Friday:
Dallas Baptist University's Baseball Opening Night!!!

This is a huge night because its DBU's reveal of the brand new Horner Ballpark. Since Brant is working, he will obviously be there, so Emmalee and I will happily sitting in our new season-seats! Row 101 seats 7 & 8! Unless of course, Emmalee decides that running around the field house is more fun, ha!

Hope you all had a great weekend. Up next, a post about the new, fabulous recipe I tried on Saturday! Its a must-have in your recipe repertoire!

A Growing Girl

2013-02-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

I still can't believe my sweet little girl is getting so. I feel like she's getting a little more independent every day. I feel like time is flashing before my eyes, and I don't like it.

I want to freeze her. To bottle her up so I can remember each and every moment of her childhood. I want her to stay this way forever.

She loves being outside. Wagon rides is probably one of her most favorite things - ever! A baby doll or two usually makes the trip with us, and of course she loves to bring Dax along.

Girl can eat! I don't think there is anything the child won't eat....notice the plate: sausage, macaroni, green beans, a roll, and she devoured the entire piece of corn on the cob. And to be honest, I love it! But her favorite food - ice cream! The child would eat an entire carton if I let her!

Books, books and more book! She adores reading. One of her favorite things is sitting in the rocking chair with a pile of books. She will read every single one of them.

I adore this picture. This puppy has no idea how much she loved him, or maybe he does. Her first words in the morning are usually for Dax. If she is laying in our bed, she wants Dax. When I pick her up everyday from Ms. Donna's, she asks to go home and see Dax. Oh how she loves him, but I promise you that he loves her just as much.

Em is definitely a little homemaker! She loves her kitchen and dishes, and playing "momma" to her babies. I am amazed at the "little stuff" she picks up. She loves to "tasty" her food (aka season) her food. She sprinkles all sorts of stuff on it to make it just right. Wonder where she saw that? When I walk by her play stove she'll tell me "watch out, it's hot." I love it - I love that she hears me and understands. I love that she wants to cook like momma, that she wants to "protect" like momma, that she wants to take care of her babies like momma.

And here is the attitude - sassy is the word that comes to mind. As sweet as this angelic face is, it is equally as sassy and ornery...I guess that's my way of knowing she's mine.

She is my Emmalee Caroline: a momma's girl, but she begs for her Daddy every minute he isn't home; she loves her dolls, her pets, and her food; she has a heart the size of Texas and attitude to match; and she keeps us on our toes, but we wouldn't have it any other way.

Can someone please explain to my why they grow up so fast? There is no way she will be 2 in a few short months...I just brought her home from the hospital yesterday.

Menu Monday

2013-02-04T08:11:00.002-08:00

This week is going to be super crazy, so I wanted a fast easy menu this week, and that's exactly what we have!


Click Here to see all flavors

Monday - Crockpot Red Beans & Rice with Hickory Smoked Sausage

Tuesday - Baked Bacon, Cheddar breaded chicken and sauteed green beans.I make the chicken with these new Kraft helpers and I LOVE them! They are so easy to use and I just back my chicken at 400 for about 30 minutes. They have all sorts of different flavors, but the Cheddar Jack Bacon is my fav!!! They make dinner fast, and easy, and are usually around $3, but last my week my Kroger had BOGO FREE! So I got 2 for $3! Can't beat the price!

Wednesday - Tacos and nachos! One of life's easiest dinners!

Thursday - Leftovers! Brant is actually working this night, so I'm sure I'll have left over beans & Rice, or something.

Friday - Pizza at the church

This weekend our church is hosting Disciple Now (DNow), and we have a group of 6 9th grade boys coming to our house. So Friday night the church is serving everyone pizza, so that's where we'll be. I have to share a special thanks to several of my tw'iends (Twitter friends) for diving me some good breakfast casserole recipes. I needed something big but filling for these boys on Saturday morning, and I think I've got just the thing to hit the spot. I'll let you know how it goes!

Well I hope you all have wonderful weeks ahead of you - I know I do.

Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup

2013-01-22T08:41:00.002-08:00

I LOVE soups, and I LOVE easy recipes, and I LOVE my Crockpot, so this recipe is probably one of my favorites because its all three: soup, easy, and Crockpot-perfect!

CHICKEN ENCHILADA SOUP

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

1 lb FROZEN chicken breasts
1 bag frozen corn
1 can black beans - rinsed
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 can of green chillies
1 medium onion chopped
1 can red enchilada sauce
1 can chicken broth
1 cup of water.
1 clove minced garlic
2 TBSP chopped cilantro
1 TBSP cumin
1 tsp chili powder (add more or less to add more or less "kick")
salt & pepper to taste.

Directions:
Place your FROZEN chicken breasts on the bottom of your crockpot. Toss in ALL of the ingredients. Stir is up (but make sure the chicken remains on the bottom). Cook on low for 8 hours. Once its finished, shred the chicken with a fork.

I top mine with shredded cheese, sour cream, and some tortilla chips. It delicious!

WARNING: this does has a little kick to it, so taste before you give to your little ones. I made Emmalee Caroline chicken soup instead of this because I didn't want it to be too spicy for her.

Hope you enjoy!

Is this really the 1st Post of 2013?

2013-01-22T08:26:00.002-08:00

Is this really my first post of 2013? Y'all, one of my New Years resolutions was to blog more. I'm doing great, huh? Guess that resolution already flew out of the window. But I guess its never too late to get back on the horse and keep tottin' along!

But here's a glimpse into what is going on in the Williams' House right now.

We had a fabulous Christmas. Santa brought Emmalee a kitchen, puzzles, and an entire space to call her own - a playroom! It was even a White Christmas in North Texas - a VERY rare occurrence!

I was so excited to find this little wooden kitchen made in 1957 on Craigslist for only $40. Then we added the sink, some hooks on the side for pots and pans, and repainted it to match the colors of the playroom. I just love the way it turned out!

New Year's Eve Emmalee spent the night with her Granda while Momma & Daddy went out with friends and had a fabulous night.
We went to see Madagascar Ice at the Gaylord Texas and it was so much fun.

Our Daddy was out of town ALL last week, and Emmalee started to get very sick Thursday night into Friday. I took her to the doctor and found out that she had the flu. It was awful, but our happy girl is finally feeling better.

And now we're gearing up for some home renovations that I am so excited about! We're updating both bathrooms, the kitchen, and our landscaping! So yes, you will soon see lots of renovation posts, as well as budgeting posts since I have a tight budget to keep!

So that's the gist of life right now. I WILL keep my New Year's resolution to blog more - I promise. Especially since Em is almost 2- I cannot believe that my baby is almost 2 and I have no earthly idea where time went!

But I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas and New Year with your families.

2012 Christmas Card

2012-12-13T06:42:00.001-08:00

I have to admit that I LOVE our 2012 Christmas cards. I was "testing out" one of the boutique print styles my printer offers and they, as always, surpassed my expectations! And of course having an amazing photographer is half the battle, but "my" photographer is always fantastic (and yes, it just happens to be my sister). So hats off to Amanda Rooney Photography for her amazing work.

So, without further ado, the

Williams Family 2012 Christmas Card!

Up-Close of the front

Up-Close of the back

This year's caption was

"May you REJOICE in His blessings during this season of

Christmas and throughout the new year."

Sending love from

The Williams, Brant, Ashley, & Emmalee Caroline. 2012

I am one of those people that puts so much meaning into the "sayings" or "greetings" on my cards. Last year walked about the "wonder of the 1st Christmas" because it was Emmalee Caroline's first Christmas. Here are a few links to our previous cards, if you want to see them: 2011 Card; 2010 Card. But this year, we have been blessed beyond our imagination. The Lord has answered prayer after prayer: wonderful jobs, an incredible care provider for Emmalee, paying off credit cards, allowing some house renovations, incredible friendships, and the list goes on and on. So if there is one thing that I wish for others, it is His blessings. I pray that no matter the circumstance, His blseesings always shine through and that we are reminded of His sacrifice each and ever day.

Award Winning Chili

2012-11-27T08:32:00.003-08:00

Yes, its true! This chili really is award-winning! The funny part of the award is that I had never made chili before, but our church was having a church-wide chili cook-off so my dear friend Jalah and I put this together. And this was the winner!

I get so excited when the weather starts to turn cold so I can make it. Its one of my favorites - on the stove top or in the crockpot - its just delicious! You can spice it up or mellow it out, but the basic ingredients are still the same.

So without further ado, here is my award-winning chili recipe!

Single batch - serves 4-6 people
2lbs ground beef
1 package of of frozen onion/bell pepper mix
1 TBSP minced garlic
1 medium onion, largely chopped
1 large can stewed tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes (drained)
1 can crushed tomatos
1 small can tomato sauce
2 cans red kidney beans (drained & rinsed)
1 jar salsa verde
chili powder (4 TBSP)
cumin (3 TBSP)
garlic salt (2 TBSP)
onion powder (2 TBSP)
cayenne pepper (2 tsp)
paprika (2 tsp)

Brown your meat with the minced garlic and drain excess grease. Then add in your spices. The measurements above are approximates. You can always use more or less depending on what you like. Stir your spices in really good with the meat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then add all other ingredients. Simmer for about an hour. Add salt & pepper to taste. Top with some shredded cheese and dig in!

TOP SECRET: It the MOST delicious if you let it sit for several hours, or overnight, then reheat. You can also throw it all in a crockpot and let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours!

Hope you enjoy!

A Day of Thanks

2012-11-22T14:34:00.002-08:00

I love Thanksgiving. There is nothing better than spending the day in praise over what we have been blessed with.

I am so very thankful for this man. A husband who loves me unconditionally and is an incredible father to his treasured daughter. I can honestly say that the Lord made him just for me. He is my knight in shining armor, my best friend, and the love of my life.

I am thankful that each day I get to see this beautiful smiling face. She is the apple of my eye and I cannot imagine life without her. She is sweet, sassy, spunky, and everything in between. I love her more each and every day.

I am thankful for a savior that redeemed me and washed my sins away.

I am simply thankful. The Lord has blessed us more than we can ever have imagined and today, tomorrow, and always I will give Him thanks.

Open Your Eyes

2012-11-11T06:55:00.000-08:00

Sweet Emmalee,
Too often in life we shut our eyes. We shut out our eyes to keep out the things we don't to see: the bad, the struggles, the nasty games and politics. But all too often, we also shut our eyes on our faith - we only see what we want to instead of seeing everything the Lord has for us. So always open your eyes.

Beth Moore once said that all too often the Lord's miracles go on around us every day, but we never see them because our eyes of belief are never open. So I want you to always have your eyes open. The Lord's plan for you is so amazing and His miracles are there for you to see, so don't allow them to fall by the wayside.

So open your eyes and always keep them open. Don't shut yourself off from the things of this world. Look for His miracles because they are all around you. Open your eyes and see his magnificence, His splendor, and His glory.

Temptation

2012-10-23T13:48:00.002-07:00

Sweet Emmalee,
Temptation - it's something that will be all around you all the time. Its inevitable. Its what the devil loves to use against us and make us constantly doubt ourselves. Its what brings you to your knees in a moment of weakness. Temptation is a not a fun thing - but is something that can also make you stronger.

If I can tell you one, or maybe two, things about temptation its this:
1) There is always a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says that "The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." This is one of my favorite truths in the Bible. Our God is so faithful to us and will also provide for us. He will always take care of us.

2) There is nothing you can do and no sin great enough that can ever separate you from the love of God (or your momma). Romans 8:38-39 says "And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Temptation can hit you at the drop of the hat, especially when you don't expect it. Always be prepared and always be on guard. The devil will strike when you're at your best and when you're at your weakest. It will knock on the door every single day.

Be prepared for it, sweet baby girl, but do not temptation bring you down. Be ready for it, learn from it, and grow from it. Remember that no matter what you do, no matter where you go, no matter who you are - I will always love you.

Wild Wonderful Weekend

2012-10-22T07:44:00.002-07:00

I've been posting so many "31 Letters to My Daughter" that I haven't really written much about "life" lately. So I thought I'd give a run down of our wild and crazy, yet wonderful weekend.

On Saturday, Emmalee and I went to Miss Hannah's 1st birthday party. It was so much fun and Emmalee loved playing with the other kids. She was so exhausted after the party, that she was asleep in the car before we even got on the road to go home.

After we got home and took a "nap" (aka laid in our bed and talked to our animals the whole time), we went to the Pumpkin Patch at the First United Methodist Church in town. We picked up Aunt Cookie and some of our cousins on the way. Have I ever mentioned how crazy lucky I am to have a sister that is a photographer??? I am in love with some of the snapshots she captured of our babies playing together.

While Em & I were at the pumpkin patch, the hubs was installing my new cooktop. My old one was so nasty and old and I had been begging for a new one (especially since 2 of the burners had gone out - a woman CANNOT cook with only 2 burners!). So one of our friends just bought a new home & is completely renovating the kitchen. She had the same size cooktop & it was a glass top. She was just going to throw it out, so she said we could have it. I was beyond thrilled; however, Brant learned that you cannot force a glass cooktop to fit into the counter.

Brant said he was not putting the old one back in, so we got to go shopping. Luckily, we had already saved some money for a new one, we just spend it a little sooner than anticipated. But let me tell you that I am in LOVE with new cooktop. It has 5 burners (2 small, 1 dual medium/large, 1 dual large/jumbo, and a warming burner).

On Sunday, we got up and went to church. Emmalee was playing hide & seek with her daddy while momma was getting ready. I had to take this quick video because she was cracking me up. She had learned to say her name, so the fact that she was "calling" herself was priceless!

I mean, can she get any cuter? (and yes, I know I am completely biased!!)

After church, we decided to see what would happen if we changed Em's bed into a toddler bed. I am so very glad that we decided to get a 4-1 convertible bed for her. It made the decision so much easier.

I know she is only 18 month old, but she loved to be in her bed. One of her favorite things is to sit in her bed with her books and read, and what kind of mother would I be if I didn't promote her reading? But if she was in her crib reading, then she would want you to stay in her room and hand her more books, or get her out...so, we decided to solve that problem. Now she can get up, get down, and just be lil' miss independent!

I was a little concerned with how she would do last night, but so far she has done perfectly. She went right to bed last night, and never got up. I think one thing that "helps" is that last week we decided that she only gets a paci when she goes to sleep, so she knows paci has to stay in the bed. So, if she wants her paci, she has to be in her bed. Now, trust me, I'm praying that this continues, but I'm also prepared to have a few rough nights. But I'll keep you posted!

That sums up our wild wonderful weekend. I hope yours was as wonderful as ours!

A Step at a Time

2012-10-21T19:34:00.001-07:00

Sweet Emmalee,
There will be times in life when you don't always know the answer. For me, it was college. I thought I was going to go to a college called Oklahoma Christian, but then there was Howard Payne, but I was never certain.. Then there was Dallas we want are not Baptist University, but I was so unsure of where I was supposed to go. I remember that it was July and school would start (no matter where I went) in just 2 short months. I needed to complete applications, make a decision, schedule classes, move in and start the next four years of my life...but I had no idea what school to do it at. So I spent days on my knees in prayer asked God to just lead my footsteps - to just walk me in the right way. And He did - He was faithful.

You see, we don't always know the answers. We look high and low, we seek out advice from others, we do anything we can to find the answers that we need. But one things is certain: the Lord will always provide the answers we need, when we need them. But sometimes, His answers come in one piece at a time. We have to just take His answers one step at a time. In Proverbs (3:6), it says "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your PATH straight." A path is just a set of footsteps, so if we let Him direct our steps, then we will eventually travel a path.

Do not be weary when you do not find answers that you want all at once. Let the Lord work in your life and seek Him in every step. His path for your is great. Put one foot in front of the other and go one foot at a time. When you're going too fast, slow down and just take one more step forward. When life is too tough, have the strength to just take one more step forward. When you're heart is heavy with pain, look up to Him and take one more step forward.

O love, seek the Lord and He will always direct your ways. Remember to just put one foot forward and take one step at a time. Every footstep leads you down the path.