in hopes...

that you're still around, i thought i'd say, hi!  april showers brought on may craziness :)  if you've been wondering...

-i'm still here
-i haven't read much of hunger games
-i've been happily busy w/ dandies
-we're counting down the days til summer (there are 2)
-i've started mapping out a SURPRISE disney trip
-we're counting down the days until our new puppy mucho comes home!

and while there's much anticipation for summer fun and new puppy love, i've been wanting to push the pause button...or at least the sllloooow arrow button.  this summer my youngest will no longer be a baby, and we will be celebrating her 2nd birthday in a couple of weeks!  my oldest will be turning 5 and starting KINDERGARTEN in august!  the physical (i can't keep up w/ having long enough dresses for isabella) and mental (sophia is already asking 'why?') growth of both my girls brings many smiles and even tears when i find myself dancing in the kitchen w/ them or holding them while falling asleep.

isabella's first dance recital...

and her first visit to the nail shop :)

pre-k graduation!

sophia mastering the corn-on-the-cob like a big girl...

and sitting pretty w/ one of her many babies.

i'm savoring these young but hard years, and i'm looking forward to the growing and hard years ;)

it's a teen book...

or is it?  i don't really know, but i have started reading the hunger games.  i was very hesitant about it b/c i thought i would get nightmares from reading it.  the whole story is just outrageous to me, but friends have been talking, and i i've been intrigued.  i've only read the first few chapters, and it's been alright, but i think i'm more into the idea that i can chat w/ friends and even my hubby about it!

me - "babe, i can read it, too.  we can even go see the movie together!"
hubs - "well, you better hurry up and read it."
me - "we can read all the books together and discuss it!  we can have our own little book club!" *giggling*
hubs - "i'm going to pretend you didn't say that."

my sis-in-law, christy, emailed me an excerpt from a blog that she reads.  it was about the hunger games and a christian's view of it.  i never read it, thinking if i decided to read the book, i would come back to the email.  so, i did tonight and i thought it was pretty interesting...interesting enough to share...

The Hunger Games and Easter

                                                  By JANE DELANEY | Founder of eMeals

click above and check it out!  this website is pretty neat!

it's a kids' book...

but i was immediately encouraged and inspired by this cute book.  my little miss and i checked out a couple of books from the public library recently...llama llama nighty-night and be happy! a little book for a happy you.  sophia LOVES the "llama llama" book.  i think it's super cute too and didn't know there were "llama llama" books for toddlers!  she likes be happy! as well, but she mostly just wants me to count the balls on the cover and the first page :)  anyway, the first time we read this book, i thought i just had to share...

sing and dance a little!

draw and paint a little...

make friends!

share what you have.

don't compare yourself...with others.

be the best you!

be helpful!

be curious.

be brave!

be kind.

be thankful...for all the people and things you love.

dream big

and don't lose hope.

you never know what tomorrow will bring!

so have fun!

and...be happy about being you!

can you think of some things you're happy about right now?

while typing this post i flipped the book over to discover the author, monica sheehan, based this childrens' book on her bestselling book be happy which is actually for adults!!  well, there you go...i guess it wasn't too farfetched that i thought you BIG KIDS would like to be reminded of these simple  and lovely truths :)

nifty stenciling...

has been my latest craft.  i use my silhouette cameo for making most of them, but you can make your own or even buy them at craft stores.  i posted pics on my last entry of an intricate cross i cut w/ my silhouette, aka "sally"...that's right, i named her!

i simply used double-sided tape to attach it to a chalkboard vinyl that sticks on my fridge and traced it w/ chalk!  chalkboards are popping up all over the place and thought some of you could try this technique.  i use my fridge chalkboard for diff things...depending on what's going on...holidays, birthdays, etc.  i chose a pretty cross for Easter...beautifully and simply stated :)

i've made several banners by cutting circles with a bottom of a wine glass!, cutting Easter eggs out w/ my sally and using a nifty stencil i bought from hobby lobby!  actually, i think it's made for painting and/or mod podging...

here's an easy tutorial on how to make a simple burlap banner using a stencil...

supplies needed:

banner stencil (or draw a rectangle on a piece of poster board/cardboard/cereal box and cut it out!)

material for banner (if you like burlap, i recommend using 100% linen burlap.  it's easier to work w/ and gives a cleaner finish)

marker

scissors

string (twine, ribbon, etc)

acrylic paint

small sponge or brush

stencil for letters

the great thing about this stencil is that is has holes drilled, and i can mark where i need to punch holes later.  i lined my traces right next to each other as to get the most out of my material :)

cut them out and flipped over so there wasn't any marks showing...

and lined them up.  i placed my stencils on top...

and even used a ruler to make sure my letters were placed about the same spot on each triangle.

and then i pained w/ a sponge!  (i forgot to use foil underneath and got paint on my counter, so don't forget to use something underneath!)

i also forgot to take pics of making the holes, but i just used a normal punch hole and it worked easily through the material.  i then used some string to string through...

this banner was used at a baby shower for a friend, and she now uses it in her baby's nursery :)  the burlap and string give a rustic and organic feel while the hand-painted letters give it that special touch!

*tips*

-the burlap i used came in a package.  it's pricier than normal burlap so don't forget a coupon ;)  i've been meaning to find out if it's sold by the yard.

i can't just...

not post about Easter.  but brain is having trouble...i'm pretty much exhausted from the weekend's events and trying to play catch-up on the house today. but i have to say something.  who knows, one of you may not really "get" what Easter is about.  so, here goes...short and sweet story of Easter and the symbolism behind the beautiful cross.

Easter Sunday is the celebration of the resurrection of THE Lord Jesus Christ.  He was nailed to a cross, buried in a tomb and rose from the dead.  It is because of this Christians have eternal life.  The crosses you see on necklaces, walls and shirts symbolize the pain and beauty of just that.

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.  Do you believe this?"

 --John 11:25-26

mmm, mmm, good...

soup!  here's the santa fe soup recipe from the fab-mama, brooke.  and let me tell you, if you love queso (and who doesn't?), you're gonna love this!


Santa Fe Soup:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can kidney beans
1 can whole kernel corn
1 can stewed tomatoes
1 can chopped Rotel tomatoes
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese
1/2 lb Velveeta Mexican cheese


Brown ground beef and onion. Combine tomato mixture and cheese in the microwave and mix together. Use all the juices from the browned meat and cans of beans, corn and tomatoes. Mix together. If mixture is too thick, add 1 can of tomato soup and one can of water.  Heat one medium heat until hot, stirring often. (The soup will burn on the bottom if you don't stir it often)
Serve with sour cream and tortilla chips on top!


Sweet Cornbread:
1 c flour
3/4 c cornmeal
1 t baking soda
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
1/4 c brown sugar
3 T butter
2 eggs
1 1/2 c milk

Combine all ingredients and place in 9x13 greased pan. Cook at 400 until the cornbread is golden brown. Yummy!!

thanks for sharing the yumminess, brooke!

march's fab-mama-jama is...

BROOK-ay!  well, i call her that on occasion ;)  her name is brooke.  she's an at-ease mama of two cutie pies, hudson and elaina, and a fun-loving wifey to her man nate-dogg (okay, i call him that on occasion), i mean nate ;)  already you can probably tell w/ the way i joke w/ her and her husband, brooke is a hoot and a joy to be around.  i admire her positive energy and love her silly sense of humor.  she's someone that doesn't take herself too seriously, but she does takes her mom, wife, teacher, friend, volunteer roles seriously...and in most of these roles, she uses her cooking to show she cares :)

meet brooke...

*what did you want to be when you "grew up"?*

Growing up my career choice changed daily! I wanted to be a doctor, a mommy, a Sea World trainer, a lawyer, a singer, a politician, the list went on and on.  The one thing that was always on my list was teacher. I loved kids and I knew that when I when I grew up I wanted to help people. And, if you ask my sister and brother I was very good at telling people what to do! ;)

*what is your best memory of your mom?*

My mom worked full time growing up but I don't ever remember her being tired. She would always come home and cook a good dinner and whenever possible she would have us sit around the table and eat as a family. Some of my best memories are of these times. She would also wake up on Saturdays and make us homemade biscuits or pancakes shaped like Mickey Mouse.  I can imagine after working all week sleeping in on Saturday would have been something she would have liked to do, but she rarely did that. My mom was and still is a very selfless person.

*what do you do to relax?*

Relax...what is that!!  When I do get the time I love to read, cook and workout. Running (I know some of you will think I'm crazy) is very relaxing to me. I love being out there by myself, listening to music and just being alone. It is very relaxing to me.  I also come back after a good run, a very happy mommy!

*what is your favorite activity w/ each child?*

Now that my kids are getting older I am beginning to see just how different they are and it is really neat. I try to do things with just that one kid throughout the week, but I am not always very successful.

Hudson: This boy has a huge imagination and he loves when I participate with him! Playing Batman, legos, or just going outside to play any game he picks is fun for him. He got a bike for Christmas so this is his new favorite activity. He can ride it with no help, but he just likes me to be outside with him so he can talk my ear off!

Elaina: This girl LOVES her books. He favorite thing to do is to read. She loves it when I read books with her. Her favorite book right now is Knuffle Bunny. It's a cute story (you should all buy it). Right now her big thing is "I help!"  she wants to do anything that I am doing and she wants to help. She loves cooking with me, putting makeup on with me or fixing my hair with her new princess hair kit!  It's very cute and sweet!

*everything you cook and bake is super yummy, where did the love for yummy-making come from?*

My love for cooking comes from my mom and aunt. Those two ladies are the best cooks in the world.  I never thought I would be able to cook like them so I never really got into cooking until about 4 years ago. I got a Barefoot Contessa cookbook for Christmas and the recipes looked fun to make so I started trying some out.  Then I began attempting some of my aunts and moms recipes and I guess the rest is history! This Christmas my aunt gave me a framed recipe of my Mamaw's pecan pie.  It was her original recipe. It is probably one of the best gifts I have ever received. My mom and aunt say that my Mamaw was one of the best cooks they knew so maybe it started with her...

*what recipe does your fam love the most?*

I asked my husband what recipe he liked the best and he said everything I make is great. (He is such a kiss-up!) So, I told him he had to think of one and he came up with Santa Fe Soup and sweet corn bread. It's a great cold weather recipe!

*what is your best kept recipe?*

Sausage Bread!! I am not sure that this recipe is a big secret but it is one of my favorites. It is actually a recipe that my aunt made up. I don't even know if I have the recipe written down. It is one of those that I can do from memory! It is simply delicious!!

I do have a secret spice that I like to add to a lot of my dishes...but I'm not telling you that!! ;)

and speaking of secrets...it was killing me to keep this post from going "live" for so long.  poor brooke answered my questions and took pictures back in january, and she has had to wait until now to get her surprise (sorry girl, you know how i am!)!  when choosing that certain someone to share some kind words about this special lady, i knew w/o a doubt who to go to...her mom...and brooke, i hope this was worth the wait...

One of the greatest joys a mother can have is to watch her own daughter become a mother.  It was a very rewarding experience to watch my oldest daughter, Brooke, become a mother when Hudson was born.  It touches your heart in ways that are hard to explain.   Often, you see your children as little ones they once were and you forget they are grown adults with families of their own. 

Brooke is an amazing young mother, her patience and sense of humor with Elaina and Hudson never ceases to amaze me.  She handles each situation with grace and love and never seems to get her feathers “too” ruffled.   She enjoys her children and takes time with them, which is one of the greatest gifts she can give them.

Brooke loves her family and has created a warm and caring Christian home for them.  She has created many wonderful memories for Hudson and Elaina and I know she will create many more in the years to come.

I am proud of all my children’s accomplishments, however, watching Brooke, as a mother is a special accomplishment/bond only a mother and daughter can share. Brooke has made me a proud mother and I know one day her children will be writing the same thing about her.  She brings such joy, laughter and happiness to our family and many others.

brooke, you are a lovely lady that i'm blessed to call friend.  you are a wonderful role model of a working mom, a supportive wife and nurturing mother.  i'm always impressed how you handle life w/ ease.  i know i haven't sat in your classroom, but witnessing your kind, natural way w/ children, i only hope my girls have a teacher like you!  you are one of the most encouraging and supportive people i know.  thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders...you know how to make this blogger feel special ;)  i just hope i can persuade you to blog about your delicious recipes...

much, much love to you BRRROOOK-ay!

oxox,

sandra

p.s.--that santa fe soup recipe will be posted soon!!

it's like hangman...

but better!  it's a new app called draw something that i LOVE and laugh every time a play a turn.  it's a great game that includes drawing and sending turns back and forth w/ friends via your mobile device.  my brother recently introduced me, and i just had to share!

draw something

it's FREE!  my username is sdburk if you wanna play ;)

i'm not a student...

but i was def on spring break :)  i enjoyed some ME time, hubby and wife time, Girrrl time, and FaMiLy time this past week.  i had SO much fun and feel very blessed.  last night i was wondering what my week's posts were going to include.  and after catching up on my daily devotional :/  (yeah, i was a little behind i hate to admit) i found saturday's read a must share...

"When no one else seems to understand you, simply draw closer to Me.  Rejoice in the One who understands you completely and loves you perfectly.  As I fill you with My Love, you become a reservoir of love, overflowing into the lives of other people."

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence

there were several occasions in the last week that i felt "misunderstood" and honestly, i think it happens A LOT.  and i used to worry about this A LOT.  in every instance i would try to remedy the situation and explain myself so that there was no false assumptions, no feelings hurt, etc.  and for whatever reason, over the last few years, i just don't worry as much.  i feel like i can't worry much.  i'm mentally exhausted enough w/ raising two little ones and being a homemaker as it is!  it's not to say that i just don't care what people think of me...sure, it crosses my mind, but when it comes down to it, if someone doesn't "get me", thinks i have "ulterior motives" or thinks i'm "loca in the cabeza"...oh well!  i know (or at least hope) that those who are near and dear to me...know me.  and i pray that those who aren't that near to me, see the goodness that comes from me and accepts all the quirkiness that comes w/ it!  from time to time, i worry that this may come across as rude and feel that i may have lost some sense of grace and loveliness w/ becoming a young mom and/or a 30-something.  seriously, i used to speak w/ a little bit of eloquence and didn't feel that when i open my mouth darts come flying out (but cute, cupid darts w/ hearts wrapped in bows)... a sweet friend of mine has told me that i "have a gift w/ the written word", and every time she tells me this, i laugh and say, "i'm better at writing than speaking b/c i have time to think about each word.  when i'm talking my brain doesn't work fast enough and who knows how thoughts are going to come out!"  no really, i've lost brain cells through college, giving birth and...giving birth, and i can't seem to speak correctly most of the time!  but what it all comes down to is that my Lord knows me...my mind, my heart, my soul and that there is love and goodness there.  and hopefully, a few of you out there are sprinkled by this love among those who may get the "wrong idea".

i know i'm not the only one that feels that way...esp women.  and that's why i wanted to share the above excerpt.  find peace in the One who knows and understands you.  His opinion is what matters.

coffee at 5 p.m....

and this mama could not go to sleep last night!  and when i finally was tired enough to sleep, i started coughing...and once i stopped coughing and fell asleep, i had HORRIBLE nightmares :/  good times...

it was around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, and i hadn't had coffee and def feeling it!  so, i went out for a small vanilla latte.  4:30 i have coffee in hand, but it's too hot.  so, i arrive home, chat w/ the neighbor (which i never do), got the girls inside, got them settled (snacks, drinks, scratch their back ;)), i realized it was 5:00 and i had maybe one sip of my coffee.  do i dare drink?  yes!  i did.  anywhoooo, the caffeine helped and i  started playing "catch-up" on this and that from my days of being sick w/ a man-cold (ha, that's for mr. dandy!).  so, around 11:00 p.m. i'm lying in bed and on my iphone...i'm on facebook and there's talk about the lemon tree and how i still have an hour to try and win some sweet giveaways!  the lemon tree is a group of fun, creative and stylish young ladies who offer services in party planning, styling, and all sorts of neat things!  and their fun giveaway was def a reflection of their great style!  so, there i was tweeting, facebooking, liking, copying, yada-yada-yada.  my point is they're EXTENDING the deadline until midnight tonight...

so go on, try to win some lovelies :)

and let's just pray sandy dandy gets a good night's rest tonight!!

ugh...

i feel like it's been one thing after another w/ me!!  this time i'm recovering from a sinus infection gone REALLY bad...so bad, i felt like i had the flu :(  i got smart this time and went to the dr sooner than later ;)  i'm on the mend now, and i wanted to share a great FREE app for any fellow allergy sufferers out there!

it gives you the day's allergy forecast (low, medium or high) and tells you what pollen is predominantly present.  it even gives you a 4 day forecast where you can find a "cold-n-cough index level", and if you suffer from asthma, there is an index level for you, too!  pretty nifty, huh?

thankfully, mr. dandy has been an AWESOME caretaker for me and the girls!  i was able to rest as much as i needed while he completely took over all parental duties :)  the girls enjoyed playing outside a lot.  i heard them laughing hysterically while i was lying in bed so i got up and looked out the window to see this...

no allergies here ;)

you must try...

this eeeeeeeeasy and deeeeeeeee-lish recipe!  let's just say even my mom said it was "delicious."  people...this very rarely happens ;)  we even had left-overs today and my four year old says, "mama, this is dee-lish-ous!  you make the best food in the world!"  **keeping that memory in a safe place**

so, basically it's a pork loin roast cooking in a slow cooker.  i got this recipe for crockpot salsa verde burrito bowls from www.mommacooks.net.  and i did make the whole recipe, but i am just going to tell you how to cook the pork as you can use it for whatever you want!...enchiladas, tacos, burritos, salad...put it on a baked potato for cryin' out loud!

i am going to add one very helpful step.  i always forget this and thought to myself how great it would be if recipes included this step...so here we go:

INGREDIENTS:
*2-3 lb pork loin roast
*1 16 oz jar of mexican salsa verde sauce

STEPS:
*LINE SLOW COOKER W/ LINER!!! (i forgot i had this wonderful thing and had the pot sitting for days soaking in water until my sweet mr. man scrubbed it clean :))
*pour salsa verde in slow cooker
*add one salsa jar of water
*place pork on top
*cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5
*shred w/ forks and DEVOUR!

aaaand you're welcome ;)

where have you been?

...i mean...where have i been?  wowza, it's been a while!  i have to say that i was out of commission for some time due to not feeling myself.  unfortunately, i ended up having a dry socket from one of my wisdom teeth extractions :(  and i didn't know it was in pain for much longer than i should have been.  i finally went back to the doc and started the healing process from that!!  so, recovering from that and doing my every day stay-at-home mom routine was enough for me!  i don't exactly enjoy blogging when i don't feel well, and i'm sure you don't enjoy hearing me complaaaaain...

so, last week i finally started feeling myself again :)  i'm starting to get back to me...cooking, getting creative and such.  and to be completely honest, during my blogging hiatus i rediscovered regular network programming!  the hubby and i decided to stop cable and now use hulu plus.  i'm loving it...my new shows are new girl, parks and recreation, smash and am eager to start watching downtown abbey.

i have two new recipes that i'm excited to share w/ y'all and some crafty projects, too!  just typing this post makes me feel happy to "be back" :)

i spotted this verse on pinterest tonight and wanted to share...so, i whipped up this little card...

i really wish i knew how to allow you to download things!!  anyone know??

love...

it's all about love.  love, love, love, love.  happy valentine's day lovelies.  i love all things lovely.  really.  the giving.  the receiving.  the beginning of love.  the nourishing of love.  the fact that love is unstoppable, uncontrollable and just THE MOST FANTASTIC thing about being a human.

"you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and all your mind.  this is the great and foremost commandment.  the second is like it, 'you shall love your neighbor as yourself."

 --matthew 22:37-39

how great is He that His greatest commandments are just so...lovely?  yeah, He's pretty awesome.

february's fab mama-jama is...

my girl mary.  i've mentioned this lovely lady several times in my blog posts, and i have been wanting to introduce this special friend to you for months now!  i was going to set-up a surprise afternoon get-away to her favorite restaurant (mai's) and flower her w/ peonies.  but w/ childcare issues, sick babies, sick mamas, daddies gone...it just wasn't in the cards.  i finally decided to surprise her anyway...a simple flower arrangement and dinner at her house (children playing, hubbies gone) had to do.

i know this all sounds like i'm courting my girlfriend, ha...and yes, i am, lol.  every woman knows how wonderful it is to have close girlfriends that you can always count on...someone to vent to, someone to ask for advice, someone to welcome their home to you b/c you just have to get out!  girlfriends understand hormones.  they understand the daily to-do's of being a mama.  and even if they don't understand they're always there to listen and support you.  my girl mary is that and more.  she's a devoted wife, loving mother and still nurtures her friendships.  i know friends come and go, but there are some that are in for the long haul :)

funny thing is i met mary in kindergarten!  we even grew up in the same neighborhood.  we were friends then, but as junior high and high school came around, we ran in different circles.  it wasn't until a few years ago when she and her husband moved back to the area that we became the friends that we are now.  we chatted, and we clicked.  she enjoyed the same things i did.  we found humor in the same things.  and we just felt at home around each other :)

waving at the camera at my (11th?) birthday party

on our way to see justin timberlake in concert (pre-babies)!

anyone who knows sweet mary, knows what a kind, caring and loving woman she is.  her dear friend racheal knows...

Mary has been one of my closest friend for over a decade. So many of my greatest memories include Mary. She is caring, funny, and nurturing. She is a wonderful mother to her beautiful daughters and an amazing wife. She loves the Lord and is a great example of what it means to be a woman of God. When she asks how you are doing, she genuinely wants to know the good and the bad. She is willing to talk through the tough things or just sit back and listen. She is a great friend. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. I love you Mary!!

meet mary...

*what did you want to be when you "grew up"*

Honestly, I never thought about what I would be when I grew up.  When I was in junior high and high school I thought it would be fun to be an interior designer...does that count? 

*what is your best memory of your mom?*

There are so many wonderful memories that include my mom, but the one that keeps standing out is when she cared for me after I had my wisdom teeth removed.  Those of you who have undergone this procedure know how unpleasant the recovery can be, and my mom jumped into action to make my experience very positive.  She even made ice packs out of tube socks!

*what do you do to relax?*

My methods of relaxation have evolved over the years.  Since having children, the way I like to relax is to watch some guilty pleasure television (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) and enjoy a cool glass of Chardonnay.

  

*what is your favorite activity w/ each child?*

My favorite thing to do with Abigail is to get her up in the morning.  I love opening her door and seeing that beautiful, pacifier-filled smile beaming at me.  We share some hugs and kisses and then begin our day!

My favorite thing to do with Loralai is singing her a song at bed time.  After my husband reads her a story, she always asks for mama to sing her a song or say a prayer with her.  I just LOVE that time together!

*you're a super friend, who always has the right thing to say and do for those in need...where do you think that comes from?*

My parents have always given me invaluable advice and counsel, and in addition to their words of wisdom they would reference scripture that pertained to my specific circumstance.

*what do you enjoy doing most for your friends?*

I truly enjoy giving my friends unexpected gifts.  Whether it be tangible gifts or acts of kindness, I just love doing things that make my friends smile and feel special!!

*what could a friend do for you that would just make your day?*

I love when my friends set up unexpected occasions to spend time together.  

and how awesome, she happens to have a business that allows her to party w/ her friends!

*what is your favorite part of selling stella & dot?*

...having an excuse to hang out with other women and share the fun jewels that S&D has to offer!

if you're interested in hangin' w/ mary and her jewels ;) contact her at maryweatherall@hotmail.com or check her website out at http://www.stelladot.com/sites/maryweatherall

marrrrry, you're a beautiful woman, inside and out!  your natural caring way is such a wonderful example to your sweet girls, and i just know they will grow to be beautiful young ladies like their mama :)  you put up w/ all my quirkiness, and you laugh w/ me in all my silliness.  and you always offer prayer anywhere and anytime time i need it!  i pray that you know how much i and many others appreciate your kindness and generosity.  your welcoming hugs, welcoming front door and welcoming love are only a few reasons why i love you girl!  thank you for being you!

oxox,

sandra

MIA...

got my wisdom teeth extracted.

need i say more?

check back tomorrow...i canNOT wait any longer!  the next fab mama-jama will be smiling at you from this blog, and i just bet you'll be smiling back :)

who's the next...

fab mama-jama going to be???  that's a good question!  i'm waiting on one special touch for each of the TWO mamas i have lined up.  sooo, you and i will just have to wait ;)  i just want their posts to be perfect and special :)

until then, i just want to mention what a fun time i had saturday watching my hubby, his brother and friend run in an unbelievable challenge called tough mudder!  my friend brooke (whose hubby was running w/ mine) and i cheered them on as they ran about 12 miles of cold, wet, rough, shocking (literally) tiring and awe-inspiring obstacles.  it was such an awesome feeling watching these men power on this rough ride knowing each one of them had been training for this day.  they got through it w/ the help of each other and well, two cute cheerleaders...

way to go fellas!

i had a huge feeling of pride watching my man "mudder on" and will get the opportunity to do so again this march.  crazy enough, he is up for the challenge again and is giddy about it like a little boy!  i'm glad he has found something that motivates him to stay healthy and have that great feeling of accomplishment :)  i'll stick w/ my crafts, cooking and things that are lovely...not muddy ;)

my patience was being tested...

and, i just had to walk away!  it was dinner time and it had already been "a day" (really an afternoon, but whatever)...daddy was in a late meeting, i had already told my youngest to sit down and turn around 50 times, and that same little one was not eating.  i would give sophia one bite and then walked to my lady lair.  i had hit my limit and had already prayed for an extra dose of patience.  i knew if i didn't leave the situation, i would BLOW MY TOP!  i texted mr. dandy how much longer he was going to be and he texted back, "still here," followed by, "everything alright?"  my response, "patience low...keeping calm," and my man texts, "keep calm and mother on."  that made me smile...for about a minute.  considering it takes him at least 45 minutes to drive home, i knew i had to do something before i go BaNaNas!  knowing my two usual sidekicks were busy, i called my mom :)  poor thing had just arrived home from her own long day of work and traffic, and i call to ask her to run an errand w/ me.  i go on to explain that really, my husband is working late, i'm low on patience, on my period and just want to round the girls up in the car, put a movie on and drive.  she lovingly said, "yes."  and that's all i needed.  thankfully, she lives less than 10 minutes from me.  i picked her up, grabbed her some to-go dinner, chatted, and i ran into the grocery store to pick up a few things.  all the while, my girls quietly watch winnie the pooh :)  i took my mom back home and drove back home knowing my honey would be there by now as he texted me saying there was smoke in his building...i didn't do it!!!

my point...it's good to know when you need a break...when you need help...and it's ALWAYS good to pray.  smoke in the building, coincidence?  i think not ;)

and really, periods are overrated...moms are not!

i finally updated...

my iphone.  both my husband and brother have been on me about doing this, and i just didn't see the need to do it.  AND more importantly, the thought of losing any info in the process was enough to just keep pushing it down to the bottom of my never-ending to-do list.  so, yesterday was the day.  and lo and behold i didn't lose any data...at least not that i know of :/  i was able to replace most of the apps from my computer, but some were missing.  for the jic (just in case), i wrote down apps that i thought might not make it :)  and it just so happens i've been thinking of sharing an "app of the week" that i think you lovelies would enjoy.  so, here is the first...

click the above logo for detailed info

i've actually just downloaded this app last week, and i've already used it a couple of times.  w/ this app you can send super cute cards, notes and announcements via text and email.  you can even add pics to them!  AAAAAND, you can have red stamp mail an actual paper card to the recipient.  the app is free, but you of course pay for any snail mail.  you could even send a cute calendar to a friend!  so neat!  here is one i sent to the awesome angela wilson...

angela photographed next month's fab mama-jama today!  yea!  it was a rainy, rainy day and poor thing had to travel w/ her three kiddos.  including her newest addition, anderson, who had enough of miss sandra holding him :/  angela, gracefully took baby a and kept on snapping!

thank you angela!!!

fyi, there is no editing to pics w/in red stamp.  i fist edited the pic in another iphone app that i love!  so, here is number two...

click the above logo for detailed info

i use this app A TON!  most of the photos i use on this blog are from my iphone.  it's just so easy and convenient!  in fact, i am going to try and upload pics i took of this month's fab mama-jama w/ my canon rebel to my iphone, use this app for editing and then uploading to this blog.  i'm very curious to see how they turn out!

hope y'all found these apps useful...let me know what your fave apps are!

panko bread crumbs saved my life...

okay, not really, BUT they sure did help me out tonight!  i was trying out another broccoli recipe i found on pinterest.  one cup of italian seasoned bread crumbs were to be used in these broccoli bites (click the link for the recipe!).  so, i poured the crumbs into a one-cup measuring cup, only to find out i had just about 3/4 cup of crumbs.  i walked to the pantry w/ hopeful steps thinking i might have something to substitute that last 1/4 cup.  PANKO!  i walked back to the measuring cup and was totally grossed out to see BUGS IN THE BREADCRUMBS!!!  EEEEWWWWWW!!!!!  barf!  puke!  BLEGGGHHH!!!!

soooooo, i poured them out, tried not to barf and used a whole cup of panko bread crumbs and sprinkled about a table spoon of italian seasoning into them.  i should have added salt, but they still tasted yummy w/ my mama's leftover spaghetti :)  sophia ate A LOT of them, and i'm hoping there won't be any gas pains :/  but so glad to get some green veggies in today!

aaand, most of them were not bite-size, lol

another awesome mom moment today...while waiting for isabella during her dance class, i handed sophia her sippy cup from my bag.  ten minutes later i reached into my bag to find the sippy cup i filled up for her today, and i quickly realized i had given her a cup that had been in my purse from yesterday...awesome.  at least it was juice and not milk, right??

awesome mom moment number three...opened the washer to start a new load, but found a huge load of damp clothes in there already.  i cannot for the life of me remember when i put that load in there  :/

but hey, at the end of the day, the house didn't burn down, no one broke any bones, and the hubby was extra complimentary on how nice the house looked...it was a good day!

and b/c the picture of the broccoli isn't the best (and b/c i just had to share this lovely moment)...

my little ladies just lovin' on each other

L-O-V-E