Autumnfawn Lane

Put to the Test Already

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:15:00 +0000

Already being tested to BELIEVE.

I wrote about this special word a couple of weeks ago. Had no idea I'd be tested so soon!

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we will have to move out of our home soon. It's not a complete surprise. We'd known it was potentially a possibility, but I'd pretty much put it out of my mind. I figured everything would get worked out. Not so much. At least not the way I'd hoped.

Initially when I received the news, I was a little upset and even shed a few tears. I need time to process any kind of change and tears are just a sign that I am processing. They don't necessarily mean that I think my world is falling apart. But I did have to muddle through the stinkin' thinkin' this-isn't-where-I-thought-I'd-be-at-35 thoughts. The thoughts of having to leave the familiarity; not being able to pick my apples in June, pomegranates in the fall, and oranges in the winter; wondering if there will be scorpions in the new place; and silly things like that clouded my judgement. I knew I just needed some time alone with God, time to refresh my mind, and time to get my perspective straightened out.

The next morning, I really did feel better. I even had to laugh at myself for feeling sad about having to leave this home. When my husband first bought it 5 years ago, (I couldn't be with him at the time) I was so disappointed when I first saw it. It didn't have any of the "extras" I had wanted, didn't have 4 bedrooms which was kind of important to me, and worst of all, it had one of those 1/2 walls upstairs. I totally flipped over that. I just knew my 3 little kids were going to somehow fall over the edge to their deaths onto our tiled first floor! (Of course that never happened, thank goodness.)

Thing is, I might not be very good at embracing change, but I am kind of good at dealing with a situation and making the best of it when I am forced to. I grew to like my home. I made it mine. The neighborhood is pretty decent. My kids have made some friends here. I LOVE my fruit trees we planted and the little garden my hubby built for me, I like that we don't have scorpions in this little corner of the desert, and I super duper love the familiarity! Have I mentioned that I don't like change much?

I am so funny. I cried when I moved in and I cried when I found out we'd have to move out! What is wrong with me?!

I do realize, though, that this is such a small trial. It could be way worse. And if God has already gotten us through a job loss and 2 very hard years of recovering from it, won't He get us through this, too? I am so thankful for the friends and family in my life who are giving us so much support already. We have an amazing and trustworthy realtor. We are so blessed. :)

So again, I will write that I am believing

that all things are possible with God

that I can do all things through Him

that He will direct my paths

that He will do amazing things in my life despite my weaknesses, lack of finances, etc.

that He will bring about my hopes, dreams, and desires according to His will

that He has my life in His hands, and that He is trustworthy

I think my memory verse for this week is very much appropriate: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work in us . . ."

~ Ephesians 3:20

Weather Talk

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:24:00 +0000

Whether the weather be cold or whether the weather be hot,

We'll weather the weather whatever the weather,

Whether we like it or not!

My daughter loves for me to recite this poem to her. It makes her laugh every time. And then it makes me laugh when she enthusiastically though very unsuccessfully tries to say it back.

I'm not the best person when it comes to weathering weather. I don't like it too cold or too hot, and I've never really liked rain much. Now that I live in the desert, I have come to appreciate some rain, cloudy days, and any break I can get from the scorching sun.

The only weather I've ever been concerned about is the weather where I'm at. At least on a day to day basis--I do get concerned when family and friends back home face terrible weather like tornadoes and such. Until recently, I don't think I ever once thought about the weather in other countries unless it made the news.

But that's all changed since a little boy with dark skin came into our lives. The little boy who wrote that my husband was like a father to him because he knew what he needed, the little boy who says he prays for our family, the little boy who got so excited about being able to eat meat 3 times while recovering from minor surgery, the little boy who brings tears to my eyes every time I open a new letter from him, the little boy--our Compassion child--from KENYA.

I think about the weather in Kenya a lot these days wondering how the drought is affecting our child's family. Supposedly recent rainfall isn't enough to undo all the damage that's been done. I know what it's like to live in a place where rain is scarce, but I can turn on my hose in the backyard anytime, I have a watering system that keeps our plants healthy, I have faucets that supply all the water I need every single day.

I am thankful for weather apps that keep me updated on all the weather I care about besides my own!

Our family is praying for you, Livingstone! May God protect you and your family during this season of drought.

Most Stressful Day of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:26:00 +0000

Yea, it's January! I can breathe again.

December is always a stressful month, and I think I experienced my most stressful day on the 17th of that month. Not a tragic, my-world-is-falling-apart kind of stress but a helpless, mom-ish, I-want-my-kids-to-win kind of stress. If I was a nail biter, my fingers would have been a bloody mess by the day's end.

Instead of spending the Saturday before Christmas baking goodies, I put in a full day's work (literally 9 am -5 pm) at the soccer and football fields cheering for my kids. It was Shiloh's last game of the season, and I don't think they'd won a game. While Shiloh was a good player, especially when playing goalie, she had yet to actually score a goal. She so desperately wanted to score a goal this game, so I sat on the edge of my seat as she kicked the ball down the field and shot like 8 times just barely missing each time. I sat on my old-timey, metal lawn chair about to BUST! My little trooper wore a smile the entire time, though, even after a kid on the other team said she "sucked." Yeah, nice kid.

Daddy, Grandpa, and her brothers left about 10 minutes before her game ended in order to get to the football field in time. Shiloh's team was winning, but she still hadn't scored that goal. Finally, the moment we'd all been waiting for . . . she scored!! My mom and I cheered, Shiloh cheered, the whole team cheered. What a great way to end the season. :)

Shiloh, I absoluetly love your joyful spirit on the field win or lose! It was so fun seeing you play sports for the first time and seeing just how much you improved by the end of the season.

Immediately after, we hurried to watch the boys play in their football tournaments. Both of my star quarterbacks played on winning teams, so I have to admit I was a little overconfident that day. Lincoln's team had won last year, and I thought how awesome it would be if they could both win this year. (Of course that was what every parent was thinking, right?)

Well, Lincoln's team (the Assassins) didn't get off to a good start, which honestly was quite shocking. Deep down, I was feeling a little feisty because there were quite a few players that had shown up that I'd never even seen before. I thought to myself, If I was the coach, I wouldn't be playing those kids! Seriously, why is he playing those kids? So. Not. Fair. Anyway, they won their second game and hope was rekindled but lost their third due to a stinkin' penalty in overtime. :( And so their season came to an end.

Lincoln, you are an amazing football player, and I enjoyed watching your cool moves on the field. Can't wait for next season!

Mullin's team (the Spartans) won every game except one, so they made it to the last and final game, which would determine the tournament winner. They were playing the Sharks again, the team to which they'd lost. The Sharks had been resting while the Spartans had been playing a few games back to back, and I think they thought the trophy would be theirs for the taking. Our team was worn out, and the quarterback (Mullin) was playing slightly sick.

Oh my, the stress was almost too much for this mama to bear--the tension in my shoulders was beginning to give way to a dull headache. To make matters worse, this last game was SO close, and near the end Mullin received a leg injury--not good since he was pretty much the fastest runner on the team. It seemed as if all hope would be lost. I pulled my son aside and gave him some Pan Away (an essential oil blend) to rub all over his leg. (Usually he is embarrassed by this sort of thing, but he gladly took it and claimed that his leg felt so much better and the pain was numbed!)

Anyway, back to the story. As Mark bit his nails and Grandpa paced the sidelines, we were all surprised when Mullin threw an amazing pass to one of his teammates who scored a touchdown, and then another pass to the same kid which gave them their extra point. Jumping jubilation--we were all so relieved! The other team had a little bit of time left to try and make a comeback to tie the game up, but the Spartans put up a fight and won!

Congratulations Mullin! You deserve it after such a great year. May you continue to persevere next season. And may all three of you (Mullin, Lincoln, and Shiloh) always give the glory to God for your incredible strengths and abilities.

Harvest Talent

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 21:02:00 +0000

Just when I'd thought I'd read every single Disney Fairy novel ever written, my daughter and I spotted a new one at the library. Something about Rani and three treasures, I think. Anyway, I have definitely learned a lot about Pixie Hollow over the past year or so and will forever cherish all of the fairy memories made with my sweet girl!

We often daydream about the kinds of fairies we'd want to be if we could. We both think being garden fairies would be fun . . . waltzing through rows of glorious flowers, sniffing sweet, rose air, and resting on velvety green moss . . . ahhh. We've even given ourselves fairy garden names: Ivy and Henna.

I think if it really came down to it, I'd pick being a harvest talent. I know the harvest talents aren't the most popular of the fairies--Pell, Pluck, and Maisy--but I actually like harvesting better than growing. I love picking veggies and fruit, heaping them up in colorful bowls. The beautiful colors make me happy, and there's just something about the gathering of food--natural, God-growing food-- that really excites me.

I definitely wasn't going to turn down an opportunity to help my mom pick the rest of her tangelos, which ended up being gazillions of pounds I think! So, here I am, Henna the Harvest Talent, doing what I LOVE to do!! I brought along the family, who started out not being as jazzed but had a BLAST anyway. I knew they would. :)

Not only were we rewarded with more tangelos than I know what to do with, (Where's my baking talent fairy when I need her?) but my mom brought out hot chocolate and brownies for all. Well, I thought it was a fun way to celebrate the 1/2 day off of school. :)

So far we've drunk fresh tangelo juice, the kids licked tangelo Popsicles, and tonight I think I will make tangelo, banana, strawberry smoothies to go with our homemade bread and hopefully yummy homemade hummus. This will be my first try at the hummus thing.

Another Double-Digit Kid

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:07:00 +0000

To me he will always be my strawberry-headed, chubby-cheeked, crazy, little Poo. But facts are facts, and I can't deny that this strong-willed stinker has grown up.

He's graduated to the Double Digits to be exact. 10. Really? *sigh*

He's become quite the mature fellow, much more mellow, and wise beyond his years. (Through much blood, sweat, and tears shed by his devoted and loving parents.) ;)

Though he's long given up goodnight songs, slobbery kisses, "pappy", and most stuffed animals, he still has a lot of "kid" left in him. Love his deep, belly laugh; sensitive spirit; ebullience on the football field; and crazy sense of humor. (And yes, I'll even put up with all the obnoxious bodily noises and "bathroom" banter if it means he's still just a kid.)

Happy Birthday Lincoln!

Ham Pasta Primavera

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:29:00 +0000

This is always a meal I make when there's leftover ham. If only my picture looked as good as the one in my cookbook, Hurry-Up Pasta Recipes.

It really is delicious, and I love it when there are leftovers of this dish made from leftovers. :)

Ham Pasta Primavera

3 TBS butter, divided
1 cup pea pods
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 small red pepper, cut into thin strips
3 green onions, sliced
3/4 cup milk
3 cups ham, cubed
10 oz. spaghetti, cooked and drained
salt and pepper to taste

*Melt 1 TBS butter in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add vegetables; cook and stir until tender. Add remaining 2 TBS butter, milk and ham. Cook over med/high heat 3-4 min. Serve over warm spaghetti.

**Notes-- I double the sauce part, so that would be about 6 TBS butter and 1 1/2 cups milk. Also, instead of serving over the noodles, l just mix altogether.

Linked to Tasty Tuesday and Works for Me Wednesday

Starting Off the 2012 Home School Year with Super Fun Science Projects!

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:38:00 +0000

All three kids are studying different books in Science this school year. Thankfully, Mullin is completing pretty much everything on his own! Well, here are Shiloh and Lincoln starting off 2012 with science experiments . . .

Shiloh is presently learning all about the planet Venus and how hot it is. Since Venus is covered in volcanoes, she did an experiment with melted butter and flour to get a better idea of how rock can be liquid then turn into a solid. She loved being able to do most of it all by herself. :) I, on the other hand, had to pretend I wasn't ~~wasting~~ using real butter and King Arthur flour.

To conclude Lincoln's study on blood, (he's studying anatomy) I ordered a blood typing kit so he could find out his own blood type. I really thought this project suggestion was a GREAT idea. Even though I rarely, if ever, spend this much (around $10) on a science project, I knew this would be something he'd remember FOREVER!!

I thought is was so funny that he was hoping to have a certain type, and he got what he wanted. This project was pretty easy to do and really interesting -- I highly recommend it! (You do need to have a brave enough kid to get his finger pricked--Lincoln was a little nervous at first but said it really didn't hurt that much after all.)

WFMW: Getting Kids to Make Their Beds

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:51:00 +0000

Making my bed is just something I do. It's kind of like putting on my seat belt when I get in the car. It's automatic--I don't even really think about it. It's a HABIT. (A good one, too, I think)

As a mom, I wanted my kids to make their beds out of habit, too. I didn't want to have to constantly nag and remind them to do it. Making beds may not be important to everyone and that's fine, but I really do think it teaches responsibility and helps kids see the importance of taking care of their stuff.

I made my kids' beds until they were 5, and then they had to take over. It was actually kind of hard to let go of doing it for them because I knew the beds wouldn't look as nice. (Not that I am a perfectionist or anything.)

Anyway, here's how we accomplished bed-making as a great habit:

*A few weeks or so before each kid turned 5, I would have them help me make their beds. I would show them where pillows go, how to tuck in sheets, etc. It was bed-making 101.

*Once they turned 5, the rule was that they had to make their beds before eating breakfast. Even though there was grumbling with each of them at first, they did it because they woke up hungry and their little bellies wanted to be filled!

Now my kids are 12, almost 10, and 6, and bed-making is second nature to them. My boys, being older now, are allowed to make their beds after breakfast if they choose to do so. :)

In order for the habit to stick, I highly recommend having children make their beds before breakfast for quite some time.

Made beds = happy mom & disciplined kids!! Works for me.

My kids had no idea I'd be taking pictures of their beds today, and I promise I didn't fix a thing!! It's all my amazing kids. :) I am proud of jobs well done!!

Boys' beds

Girl's bed

And of course I set the example. How could I make them do it and not me? :)

Visit We Are THAT Family for more great tips.

Believe

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:08:00 +0000

It's my word for 2012.

Believe

I gave up making long lists of New Year's Resolutions a few years ago. Not that I don't ever make lists or set goals for myself, it's just that I am the type of person who is vulnerable to becoming a slave to tasks.

If it gets written down on a to-do list, it MUST be crossed off! I hate failure and have a difficult time shrugging my shoulders and thinking, Hey, no problem. Better luck next time. To me, to make a resolution is to be determined no matter what to bring to pass whatever it is you have resolved to do. To not do it = failure.

I find it more agreeable to my personality to make a Hopes, Dreams, or Wishes list , and to truly live my life according to James 4:15. I know in that particular context the heart of the matter is about boasting and bragging, and I am definitely NOT saying that people who make resolutions are sinning. NOT. AT. ALL.

I am more at peace with myself, and I don't have to live with the constant burden of you need to get this done, you need to go here or there, you can't eat or do that, or you must be a size whatever by this time next year, etc. I just want to take life one day at a time and to be open to whatever God has for me. Way easier said than done, but it is my heart's desire.

So, why the one word for 2012? I read this post by Kristen yesterday, and thought it was such a great idea and was inspired to do the same. As I was taking my makeup off last night I wondered how in the world was I going to come up with just one word? I am a girl of many words!

Believe seemed to be front and center, but I still wasn't sure. It didn't seem like the most interesting word, and didn't I already believe? But this morning as I was reading Shiloh's Bible story that coincided with our Sword Fighting study, I believe it was confirmed.

In the story, Peter is bravely stepping out onto the water but starts to sink because he takes his eyes of of Jesus and looks at the threatening waves. Jesus says in the Day by Day Kid's Bible, "Your faith is so small! Why didn't you believe?" In that split second I truly felt as if God were speaking directly to me. So much so that I had to fight back a few tears. (Seriously didn't want my daughter to think I was a total weirdo.)

Humility replaced the pride buried deep in my heart, and I realized that I still lack faith and trust in my God. Doubt remains a constant, though subtle, companion.

So for 2012 I am believing . . .

that all things are possible with God
that I can do all things through Him
that He will direct my paths
that He will do amazing things in my life despite my weaknesses, lack of finances, etc.
that He will bring about my hopes, dreams, and desires according to His will
that He has my life in His hands, and that He is trustworthy

*My runner-up word is follow. (Told you one word is so hard!!) I must continue to follow God on the path He has for my life and to keep my eyes on Him. Discontent and even jealousy so easily set in when my eyes wander to others' paths.

May 2012 be a year of blessings. Happy New Year to all of you!

Supposed to be There not Here

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:03:00 +0000

The kids and I were supposed to be driving up to Winslow, Arizona with Daddy today for a family mission trip to an orphanage. But, both my boys have been sick all week, and though on the mend, they haven't completely recovered. So, I am being nurse-mom for the weekend instead of mission-trip-worker.

It would have been my very first real mission trip.

As my hubby pulled out of the driveway this morning, I, still in my pajamas, stood in the kitchen juicing tangelos listening to my daughter blow her daddy kisses through the window. I couldn't help but rehash my thoughts of the past couple of days, "Why, Lord? Why would You keep us from going? Isn't true religion helping widows and orphans? Am I not worthy enough? Have I complained too much about the work You have me doing already? Why would You let my kids get sick at a time like this? Why didn't You miraculously heal them?"

A verse came to mind to get me back on track--"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." I remembered that I wasn't going to waste time and energy on questions like that. I was going to rest in God's sovereign will and accept His plan and purpose even though I didn't understand and still don't and may never.

I can remember the first time my pastor mentioned this particular opportunity and my heart quickened. I couldn't wait to see if Mark thought it would be a good idea for us to go. I figured it was an answer to a prayer I'd been praying for our family--that God would bring about ways for us to serve others together. Ways that pushed us beyond our comfort zone, especially me. So, it is still kind of hard to understand why we couldn't be together serving this weekend, but I am accepting it. And maybe that's what I am supposed to get out of this--to continue to grow and learn to accept God's way and have peace about it even when I don't like it or get it. (Two of my favorite verses come to mind here--Proverbs 3:5-6)

Thanks to technology, Mark texted me a picture of the sweet orphan we bought presents for. One of the gifts was a necklace in the shape of the first letter of her name. Shiloh has one just like it in the shape of an "S" of course. Wish I could have been there in person to give her a hug, but a picture will have to do.

Like my pastor's wife said, "There will be many more opportunities . . . " I am so thankful for such a wonderful church family and can't wait to serve with them in the future!

A Web Greeting Will Have to Do

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:27:00 +0000

This was the year I finally got my train track pictures, and I was beyond excited about my Christmas cards. Unfortunately, my cards turned out abnormally dark, so my hubby and I decided not to spend even more money on stamps sending out cards with which we were not happy. :(

I am very pleased to report that I did get a full refund. :)

I am still a little sad and disappointed as this will be the first year in a super long time that I haven't mailed Christmas cards. But I keep reminding myself that Christmas isn't about ME, and I am sure most people throw the cards away anyway, right? ;)

Wishing all of our friends and families a very Merry Christmas!

2011

The 2011 Ornaments

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 04:25:00 +0000

It's tradition.

The kids get a new ornament right before they decorate the Memory Tree with all of their gazillions of ornaments they've collected over the years from grandparents, us, home school ornament exchanges, church, etc.

This year I chose keepsake Disneyland ornaments in memory of our first, real, "just us" family vacation.

~Happy faces~

Mullin, Lincoln, and Shiloh, I hope you never forget our super fun vacation. I hope you still have these ornaments when you are old and gray, and every year when you hang them, I hope a flood of memories takes you back to October 2011. (Oh wow, didn't expect my eyes to fill up with tears while writing that!) Anyway, I had the BEST time with you guys. :) Love, Mom

She Just Couldn't Wait

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 04:00:00 +0000

I think it was a day shy of December when Daddy finally took Shiloh Christmas shopping for her brothers. I couldn't have been happier because she'd been ~~bugging~~ asking me to take her all month!

Her enthusiasm was just precious. She'd saved up all her coins from Grandpa and from $.50 money chores I gave her every now and then when I had some change to spare.

The boys, especially Lincoln, love nutcrackers, (the classic-looking kind) and Shiloh had spotted the perfect ones at Fry's. She came home with the biggest smile and asked for bags to wrap them in so she could give them to the boys that night. I nonchalantly suggested, "Why don't you wait until closer to Christmas?"

No reply.

When I turned to look at her face . . . BIG, FAT tears were slipping down her cheeks. Broke my heart.

"Oh honey, did Daddy say you could give them to the boys tonight?"

With the most genuine, pitiful look, she shook her head "yes."

We got some bags right away and . . .

just look at how happy she is!

She wanted pictures of herself with each brother and their nutcracker. Too sweet. :)

The nutcrackers are proudly displayed on shelves in the boys' room. They even named them.

Autumn Oatmeal

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:14:00 +0000

Because using pumpkin this time of year is so fun and festive, I decided to add it to our oatmeal plus a yummy topping. After two tries, my family agrees this is the perfect pumpkin oatmeal!

Autumn Oatmeal

6 cups oatmeal soaked overnight
1 cup canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree
3/4 cup raw honey
2 TBSP ground flax seed
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/4 tsp. cloves

Topping

3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp. cinnamon
dash of salt
4 TBSP butter

Mix topping ingredients until crumbly and set aside.

Combine soaked oatmeal plus water (about 1 cup or so depending on how thick you like it) and cook over med/high heat. While it is cooking, stir in the rest of the ingredients. Once the mixture boils, turn heat to low and continue cooking until nice and thick. (Just a few minutes at most.)

Remove from heat and spread in a greased 9x13 pan. (I just used olive oil) Sprinkle topping over oatmeal and bake in a 350 degree oven for just 5-10 minutes--until topping has melted.

So delicious! Even my hubby, who is very picky about his oatmeal, liked it. :)

Linked to Tasty Tuesday

"I Can't Believe I'm a Soccer Player!"

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 22:27:00 +0000

My sweet, little girl all decked out in her pink soccer gear looked in the mirror after her very first soccer practice and squealed with delight, "I can't believe I'm a soccer player!"

A severe drop in temperature, a cloudy, fallish looking sky ~ a perfect day for watching sports in AZ.

Shiloh's excitement was contagious this past Saturday as we cheered our soccer star on. Bless her heart, she smiled and jumped for joy the entire time even though her team was getting CREAMED. :)

This girl is truly happy to be alive. I think she's related to Sponge Bob.

Following in My Footsteps

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:12:00 +0000

Another Metal Mouth in the family!

So, 2 out of 3 kids have inherited my ~~HORRIBLE~~ crooked teeth. :( My husband had NO clue when he married me he'd be forking out SO much money on teeth! Sorry, Babe.

On November 2nd Lincoln entered the wonderful world of wire. It's CRAZY how much 6 little metal brackets cost. And this is just the first phase of treatment!
A couple of years ago, big brother endured his first phase of treatment in order to make room for permanent teeth to come in. At least he didn't have to get 7 permanent teeth pulled like I did in the second grade! Yikes.

Lincoln joyfully takes out all the hard, sticky Halloween candy he won't be able to eat while wearing braces. He's being such a great sport about it, but I think he's a little excited about getting because he'd watched Mullin getting the royal treatment at the orthodontist's office.

Dr. Larrabee and staff are amazing. I have to admit, I am even excited about Lincoln earning Larrabee Loot because Lincoln says he will turn it in for a Starbucks card and treat me to a frappuchino. :D!!!!!! How sweet is that?!

Since November is "being thankful month" I will end with a few things I am thankful for regarding teeth.

I am truly thankful my parents, even though money was tight, let me get braces as a teen. I am almost certain I would have NEVER gotten married had my teeth remained as they were.

I am thankful my husband has continued to spend money on my teeth and all their imperfections, or I probably wouldn't have any molars left in my mouth.

I am thankful that, even though money is tight, God is providing for my kids who need orthodontic care.

I am thankful that, so far, none of my children have had to get cavities filled. I think I'd already had about 10 by the time I was 12.

I am thankful for Thieves. Best stuff I have ever used in my mouth! So glad my teeth aren't as sensitive as they used to be since using it. Glad it kept a cavity from spreading in Lincoln's mouth, and glad it is helping with his unexplainable tartar issue.

Edible Acorns

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:29:00 +0000

I thought it was pretty crazy that on the night my kids were assembling these too-cute cookies, I checked my email and saw this post by Kristen. Apparently these are all the rage!!

I happened upon a friend's facebook photo and was inspired to make these with my kids. In my friend's photo these cookies were sitting atop the most beautifully frosted cupcakes. (I never got to the cupcake part- we ate 'em up too fast!)

Edible Acorns

1 or more bags of Hershey Kisses
1 box bite-size vanilla wafers
1 bag butterscotch chips
white frosting (I just used powdered sugar and milk)

"Glue" first 3 ingredients together with white frosting and you have the cutest little edible acorn!

*Linked to WFMW

Make Your Own Pesto

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:45:00 +0000

Making homemade pesto has been on my want-to-do list forEver! My garden is overflowing with basil that needs to get used up. So, after my facebook friend posted this recipe, I knew there was no excuse for me to tarry any longer. Mmmm, I am glad I finally got around to it; it was a nice change from ordinary pasta sauce. :)

My friend, Emily's, recipe (Who got her recipe from another friend):

2 cups basil leaves

1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup pine nuts or toasted almonds (I used almonds)

1/4 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (I used a blend of Parmesan and Romano)

2 cloves garlic, pressed

1/2 tsp lemon juice

salt

- Toast pine nuts in a skillet with a little olive oil for a couple of minutes until golden

- In blender or food processor mix dry ingredients until well chopped. Add olive oil with machine on in a thin stream.

- Continue blending, scraping sides, until well blended. Add lemon juice.

*Linked to Tasty Tuesday

Homemade Taco Seasoning

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 20:40:00 +0000

I am really trying to cut down on prepackaged seasonings, mostly for the healthy reasons. My family loves tacos and refried bean burritos, so I came up with a yummy, mild seasoning mix.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

1 TBSP Chili powder

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. red pepper

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. onion salt

*To 1 lb. of cooked, drained ground beef - I added the above seasoning mix, 1/2 TBSP olive oil, and 1/2 cup water. Bring to a boil, then turn to low and simmer for about 5-10 minutes.

When money was ULTRA tight, I was forced to get really good at making homemade refried beans. Now I am glad I did. I still make them a lot, and it's a meal that lasts for about 4-5 days for a family of five. We use the beans instead of meat to fill flour tortillas, top tostadas or stuff in taco shells.

I use the same seasoning mix as I did for the tacos, except I use 1 tsp. salt, and 1 tsp. garlic powder.

Now, to those of you (like my hubby) who like HOT, you've just got to add that in yourself! :)

Linked to Tasty Tuesday and WFMW

The Very Hot Fall Field Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:11:00 +0000

Vertuccio Farms Field Trip

Definitely saw our fair share of animals pooping on the farm! No shame.

Pizza garden tour. Garden is in the shape of a circle divided into 8 "slices." Slices include wheat grass, tomato plants, pepper plants, onion and garlic, cow pen, goat pen, pig pen, etc. Informative and fun!

Corn maze treasure hunt

Air Pillow

Pumpkin Hunt

My Memories Suite {Giveaway}

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:30:00 +0000

*Updated ~ And the winner is Stacey T.! Thanks for playing. You can still use the coupon code below for $10 off the software and $10 for the My Memories store. :)

Scrapbooking used to be a high priority in my life. I was even a Creative Memories Consultant at one point. Those were the days before the birth of my third child and homeschooling.

My third child is now six years old, and I still haven't finished her baby album. I confess: life is busy, homeschooling takes up most of my time, and I'm tired. Once I got behind in scrapbooking, it was hard to catch up. Though not in boxes, my pictures are piling up in computer folders.

I try not to think about all those memories fading away, or I'll cry. You can imagine my excitement when My Memories contacted me about reviewing the #1 rated -and affordable- scrapbooking software!

So, if you're like me and can no longer find the time for traditional scrapbooking, My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software is the perfect solution!

With this software, you can create scrapbook pages, videos, calendars, cards, and so much more! The following video explains from start to finish just how easy it is to use My Memories Suite.

Here is just a sampling of some of the pages I have created using this software. I loved the fact that there was no mess to clean up!

Most of these pages were created in a very short amount of time using available templates and designs on the software. The "High Maintenance" page came from a free kit I downloaded from the My Memories site. By the way, there are tons of free kits from which to choose! I downloaded a bunch myself.

Here's the best part: My Memories is giving away My Memories Suite Version 2.0 software to one lucky reader! ($40.00 value!)

*To enter visit http://www.mymemories.com/ then come back here and tell me which digital paper pack or layout is your favorite.

**For extra entries follow My Memories . . . (1 entry per follow)

Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/

Facebook- http://facebook.com/mymemoriessuite

Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite

***Earn 5 extra entries for sharing this post with your friends!

__________________________________________________________

To all readers, here is a fabulous coupon code for $10.00 off the purchase of My Memories Suite Version 2.0 scrapbooking software and a $10.00 coupon for the MyMemories.com store.

Coupon code: STMMMS5495 (Feel free to share this code with all your friends!)

Giveaway ends Monday, October 17. (Don't forget to leave contact info.)

Digital Scrapbooking works for me! WFMW

Mums and M & M's

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:13:00 +0000

First thing I saw when I finished getting ready this morning. :) So sweet ~ he's totally speaking my love language!

Added it to my front door fall display. We have to do something to make it look like fall around here! (Cuz it shore don't feel like it!)

Now I need a fairytale pumpkin to complete the look. ;)

Disneyland

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 22:12:00 +0000

Squeal! Too excited about going on vacation with my family. It was time! How do you choose from hundreds of pics? Here is just a sampling of our wonderful getaway from the real world.

Oh, it was such a great feeling to have finally made it to this point!

Love Aurora's castle! And it was so lovely having random people offer to take pictures. Friendliness does still exist in pockets. Well, at least in fantasy land.

Starting with a classic. (For the boys, it was just an opportunity to hurry up and get it out of the way!) At Daddy's and Shiloh's request, we actually ended our adventure with this ride, too.

Yes, about to be brainwashed by children singing the same song over and over again . . .

Yuck -rain! Hoping for a little shelter on the monorail. Ew, my hair's starting to get curly, too. :(

Trying to look on the bright side: at least it's not over 100 degrees, and we got to wear layers ~ yea!

I didn't realize that Disney changed the inside theme of The Haunted Mansion during the holidays. Neat, but I like the regular way better.

Awww, the Pooh ride. Can't go to Disneyland without riding this one!

The one ride Daddy can't go on . . . Teacups. He can't do the spinning round and round and round rides.

Of course the boys LOVED Star Tours! It was fun for me just because I didn't know what to expect - it was a new one for me!

Ice-cream break!

Waiting to ride Thunder Mountain

I have to admit, I couldn't wait for Pixie Hollow. So many sweet memories of reading tons of Disney Fairy novels to my own little fairy!! Mark says I'd make the perfect Vidia - getting to scowl all day long. ;)

Fawn, the animal talent fairy. Shiloh would make a great animal talent, if only I'd let her have some pets!

Vidia and Tinkerbell. What fun to dress up and get your picture made all day long. I missed my calling.

My very happy girl on Dumbo. After a long day riding thrill rides that she did NOT like, (we went to California Adventure, too) she was so excited to be here. Ugh. We waited WAY too long for this ride!!! The boys, especially Mullin, weren't too gung ho, but Daddy had gone back to the hotel for jackets. I wouldn't let them sit out. For goodness' sakes, Shiloh had to ride all kinds of rides she didn't like!!! Poor girl. I LOVED all the roller coasters and such at her age, but she preferred the safe and gentle ones.

Buzz Light Lear was fun. Guess who had the best shooting score? Of course, it was the hunter (Mullin) of the family, but I was a close second.

So cool seeing the castle all lit up at night. Magical indeed.

Favorite Disneyland rides:

Daddy- It's a Small World. (No, I am not kidding.)

Me- I just don't know. Liked the anticipation of having not experienced Star Tours and Indiana Jones before.

Mullin and Lincoln- Splash Mountain

Shiloh- following in Daddy's footsteps with It's a Small World.

*For some reason Pirates of the Caribbean wasn't up and running while we were there. Okay by me, though, not my favorite or anything.

**Another highlight for me was just sitting on Main Street with my big, fat cinnamon roll and hot cocoa taking it all in. :)

Downtown Disney

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 03:48:00 +0000

After traveling for 7 hours, our first stop on our first "just us" vacation (We don't count our weekend Flagstaff getaway 5 years ago) was Downtown Disney. I am the only one in our family who's been to Disneyland, so this was a pretty exciting venture!

The kids thought the Lego store was really neat.

Waiting for dinner ~ people watching is the best!

Ate at House of Blues. Though we were thrilled to be in Downtown Disney, in all honesty, the restaurant was crowded, noisy, and PRICEY!! But somehow when you are on vacation, these things don't matter as much. :)

Good times. We couldn't wait until the next day!

Oh, The Tastes and Smells of Autumn

noreply@blogger.com (Brandi) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 10:00:00 +0000

Please take a moment and enter my digital scrapbooking software giveaway! Giveaway ends Oct.17,2011

Every Fall our family looks forward to all of the delicious pumpkin recipes we make. We started it off bright and early this morning with Pumpkin Pancakes!! Oh, so good!

Pumpkin Pancakes
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
2 TBS wheat germ
2 tsp sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 cup milk
1 egg, slightly beaten
3/4 cup canned pumpkin
2 TBS vegetable oil ( I use coconut oil)

*Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl. Combine liquid ingredients, then stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. (It is supposed to be a thick batter, but sometimes I add a tad more milk) Pour batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased griddle and cook until done. We choose to garnish with butter, syrup and whipped cream!!

Lincoln and Shiloh are thoroughly enjoying this autumn treat!

Oh, goodness! Mullin has already cleaned his plate!

*Originally posted October 6, 2007

Linked to Tasty Tuesday

WFMW