Homemade.

In an effort to cut out as many processed foods as we can, I have been trying to do all my cooking from scratch. This week really put me to the test when I added Fettuccine Alfredo to our menu. Buying a can of it to add to the pasta just didn't seem like an option, so I took to my recipe cards and found a white sauce I use in another recipe. Here is what I came up with, and thought I would share.

 

Homemade Alfredo Sauce:

6 c whole milk

6 cloves garlic, minced

6 tbsp butter

1.5 cup shredded provolone

1.5 cup grated parmesan

1/2 c flour

 

Melt butter in a 5qt dutch oven or large sauce pan. Add flour and garlic and cook. Whisk and add milk. Bring to a simmer. Continue to whisk as sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses.

*the amounts above make a double batch, so half it or freeze - its up to you! :)

:wordlesswednesday:

these cheeks...

Winter Weekend*

We started out the weekend a little early on Thursday, playing outside with Bentley && Harrison's new ride. :)

He had daddy make a few laps as a rider and then did some laps alone.

Friday we headed up to Whiskey Creek for the BEVRA snowmobile races.

Harry got to experience his first "real" snow. Hes been out in it plenty, but I have never actually bundled him up and set him in it - until Sunday. He wasn't so sure, but he didn't cry either.

Craven showing Bentley how it's done.

we couldn't get him to go by himself up north, but some of the other kids had fun riding it instead.

He chose to stick with the non motorized sled for most of his riding which was just as much fun, apparently. :)

We had such a fun weekend with family and friends!!

 

.buried.

Just in case, someday, I wanted to remember the sub zero temps and boat loads of snow we are buried in right now, I thought I would blog about it.

I also think that our loved ones in Florida who are basking in the sun, ought to know what we are being punished with up here! :P

 

this is a screen shot of my weather app. BRRRR!



A week ago, we had ZERO snow on the ground.

today tells a much different story.

Bentley has been begging for days to go make a "no-man". I have kindly been putting him off because it is just TOO cold. And I honestly really worry about Harrison.

Finally yesterday we bundled up while Harrison was napping and went out to enjoy the snow.

We build the worlds largest snowman.... ;)

 

&& then Bentley knocked his head off. Which is why he was so small to begin with because Bentley "tore down" everything I put up. A total boy thing, for sure.

I had to drag him inside kicking and screaming because he didn't want to be done. I was beginning to wonder if he can even feel - it was literally freezing!

&& after one day of having to shovel, my husband finally brought home his newest creation: the plow for the RzR! :) Bentley is having tons of fun riding along while they plow, and even more fun staring at the RzR while it sits in the garage!

Just in case any of you Floridians don't feel bad yet, let me know, I can text some more pictures. HA! :) xoxo

.::WordlessWednesday::.

&& then there were four...

...adorable little boys. Under four. Taking over our house for 8 hours.

Actually at one point, we had five.

I have always joked about having a million kids (seriously) but days like yesterday make me rethink that. A lot. Not that the little princes were naughty or drove me nuts...but man oh man, what a ton of work.

 

<<Shout out to you mommies of many children.>>

 

The fun and smiles that were shared though, cannot not overshadowed by the work.

 

Little Cohen leaves NO food untouched. Bentley was late to the breakfast table, and learned the hard way! :)

the "little boys" playing trucks.

the "big boys" playing play dough.

&& if this isn't the cutest thing ever, I dont know what is.

and then the splashing began. Prompted by the smallest one in the bunch, Harrison. :P

And then it was snuggle time. Well, for C&C. My boys just had ZERO sit in them...they were too excited their cousins were over!

this lasted for a record 30 seconds, don't be fooled.

 

We had such a fun day with all the boys. Considering we don't see each other as often as we should, we cherish days like these!

[[8]]months::

Prince Harry -

You are EIGHT months old today. I feel like you have become a slightly new child in the last month. Your little world is growing by leaps and bounds and you cannot wipe the excitement from your face.

You are crawling. Not on all fours yet, but you have perfected the G.I. Joe and you use it to your fullest ability to track down whatever it is that you want. You are rocking on all fours, so we know it won't be long. You love to follow your brother now that you can move, and this new found freedom has opened up a whole new world of toys for you. You are loving not being stuck with just whats within arms reach.

You are also starting to vocally remind us of your presence. You are doing a super fake laugh we know you learned from your brother - just to make sure someone doesn't forget you're around, too. You are also mumbling, saying DA-DA and squealing with excitement.
On the other hand, you are starting to react to your brother's antics with a cry (some real some fake). You don't like it when he takes your toys and you especially don't like it when he piles all the blankets on you. You can also do "so big", clap and shake your head yes, when we say YEP! to you.

You are still my angel sleeper...and eater. You are sleeping 12 hours at night and taking two big naps during the day. I am so thankful for this, because you are constantly happy. Like always smiling, laughing and clapping.
You are getting fed from a spoon three times a day and eating 6 ounces after, with some 8 ounce snacks in between. You have also started feeding yourself puffs and yogurt melts.
You are in 12-18 month clothes...seriously. I can hardly stand it and I feel like most of it I JUST packed away because your brother outgrew it.

You are a sweet boy, little one. We are so thankful for you and can't wait to continue to watch you grow into a little boy.

&& here is the 8 month comparison picture. Bentley Left, Harry Right. xoxo

Friday Favorite



I have been a total shut in lately. I cannot deny this. I have turned into a super germ-a-phobe and am paranoid about my kids catching all the terrible sickness flying around. So needless to say, we have been skipping church (nursery seems like a germ haven to me), play groups at the gym, and mom group at church (nursery, again) because I just can't bring myself to take the risk.

We all know that too many days stuck indoors with antsy kids can be almost as bad being stuck indoors with sick kids. Lets be honest. So...you guessed it..I took to Pinterest for some ideas of fun things to do.

Given that my child has dirt in his blood I hunted down the recipe for Moon Sand/Cloud Dough. This was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time! :)

B has been busy for hours and couldn't be happier.

The recipe is super easy: 8 cups of flour, 1 cup baby oil. Mix together in large bowl until flour becomes moldable.

There are a few minor drawbacks, but to me, they are worth "dealing with." The baby oil does leave his toys hands and clothes a little greasy, but so far its all come clean. Its not staining things. The other thing is spillage. Obviously this happens, but this does vacuum up very nicely. I do keep it on the tile....I would imagine it would not react so nicely to carpet. :)

 

Have fun and Enjoy!!!

..:::WordlessWednesday:::..

{{love}}

Birthdays && Firsts

Last week we celebrated daddys birthday on Wednesday and Thursday, and our cousin Ryan's birthda on Saturday! It was a fun filled week/end of celebrating, and the boys had so much fun!

Helping Daddy blow out the candles. He was pretty proud of himself. :)

Sporting their Thomas party hats from Baby Ryan's First Birthday!

Harrison also got his first haircut last week. It was probably technically a trim, but I felt it still deserved documentation! :)

Thanks to a little snack, he laid nice and still for us. Thanks for the trim, Auntie Nenna!

NewYearGoals::

I've never really been a big one on new years resolutions: i feel like they are always the same, and they never last. That and I always wonder why people think a new year means they should "better" themselves...whats wrong with striving to be your best all year long?

 

Needless to say, I don't fall into the whole "get skinny, eat healthy" fad - again, this is something I try to work on all year long, for the sake of my own health, and for my husband.

But, I am a list maker by nature.

So this year, I decided to do make a list of some goals. My list is not super long, and I have chosen to share only some of them here, but here is what I have compiled thus far.

 

1. Read one book a month

*i love to read and just dont take the time anymore. this is one goal that i am making, to commit myself to doing something for me, on a daily/weekly/monthly basis*

2. Pray scripture daily for my children

*along with starting a new daily devotional for the new year, i have decided to pick one verse for each child and pray it daily on their behalf.*

3. Get up and get myself "publicly presentable" at least five days a week.

*laugh all you want, but being a stay at home mom that really cherishes her sleep, this is something I struggle with most days. and again, this is another outlet to do something for myself on a daily basis...because lets be honest, a full face of makeup and a good hair day always make one feel better*

4. Dramatically lessen my time spent on social media.

*let's face it, we all have a slight social media addiction. After some self conviction, some comments from those close to me and a sermon in church, I have decided to dramatically cut back on the time I spend posting and browsing on social media. I am looking forward to the outcome of this change.*

5. Simplify.

*it doesn't take long for the day to day things in life to get out of control. I am going to strive in every way possible to simplify every aspect of my life: my marriage, my parenting, and my day to day chores and duties. Life goes by way too fast, and I am hoping by simplifying things I will be able to enjoy the little moments much more, before they are gone.*

 

Like I said, I have chosen to keep some goals to myself, but these are my top five for the year.

 

I posted on Instagram about my second goal and thought I would share with you what verses I chose and how I came to finding them.

For Bentley I chose 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18: "...but always try to be kind to one another and to everyone else. Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

For Harrison I chose Proverbs 3:3: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them arond your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."

 

I was given a calendar over a year ago now by a friend, entitled 31 Days to Pray for your Children. I used this as a tool to help me narrow down which verses I liked for each child. Here is the calendar:

1. Salvation - Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10

2. Growth in Grace - 2 Peter 3:18

3. Love - Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22

4. Honesty & Integrity - Psalm 25:21

5. Self-control - 1 Thessalonians 5:6

6. A love for God's word - Psalm 19:10

7. Justice - Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8

8. Mercy - Luke 6:36

9. Respect - 1 Peter 2:17a

10. Strong, Biblical Self Esteem - Ephesians 2:10

11. Faithfulness - Proverbs 3:3

12. Courage - Dueteronomy 31:6

13. Purity - Psalm 51:10

14. Kindness - 1 Thessalonians 5:15

15. Generosity - 1 Timothy 6:18-19

16. Peace - Romans 14:19

17. Joy - 1 Thessalonians 1:6

18. Perseverance - Hebrews 12:1

19. Humility - Titus 3:2

20. Compassion - Colossians 3:12

21. Responsibility - Galatians 5:6

22. Contentment - Phillippians 4:12-13

23. Faith - Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40

24. A servant Heart - Ephesians 6:7

25. Hope - Romans 15:13

26. The willingness and ability to work hard - Colossians 3:23

27. A passion for God - Psalm 63:8

28. Self - Discipline - Proverbs 1:3

29. Prayerfulness - Ephesians 6:18

30. Gratitude - Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20

31. A heart for Missions - Psalm 96:3

I read through the calendar and narrowed down a few verses I liked for each of my boys. Then I narrowed it down even more to things that were just core beliefs of our family and should be part of their every day routine, even as babies. For instance, praying that they have a heart for missions or a willingness to work hard is probably a bit premature, so I settled on things relevant to them now, and for the next 365 days.

Bentley is at the age where he is starting to struggle with sharing and being nice - although I am not sure he quite FULLY understands the meaning of either, yet. Thus I landed on a verse about kindness and joy for him. And for Harrison, I just couldn't pass up a verse about love. After all, it is what our family believes as one of the most important things in life, and it is what God calls us to do first and foremost before anything else in the Bible..."love thy neighbor as thyself."

 

The calendar has all the verses spelled out on it, so if you would like a copy just comment with your email and I can get one to you.

 

Happy New Year, everyone...and happy new goals!!

(if you have any set. If not, it is never too late to start. xox)



Happy 30th Birthday, Prince ::xo::

BP-

Today you turn 30.

I thank God for you every.single.day but its days like today that make me really reflect on what a true blessing you are to me. I know God doesn't make mistakes and putting us together just proves this once again. We have been through so much together - the good, the bad, the fun, the sad - and every day my love for you grows more and more.

You prove to me time and time again that being patient pays off, staying calm always helps with things get tough and that a smile can change everything. You are a true inspiritation to me in everything you do. You are an amazing father to our boys and you always handle every bump in the road like it hardly even existed. These things are all struggle for me, but you patiently and continually remind me of them and help me to use them to help myself and others. And most of the time, you do this sub consciously.

You can make me smile when no one else can and you always know how to make me feel loved. Your hugs bring me to a place of safety and security that is unmatched and your witty comments and jokes show me you truly care. (even if I dont always find them funny :))

You are one of my greatest blessings, B. I don't know what I would do without you.

Thank you for loving me for who I am, for the two clones of yourself you have so richly blessed me with, for helping me land when I got lost in outer space and for always loving me, NO MATTER WHAT. You are an amazing person and a true gift from God. I am so thankful, proud and lucky to call you mine.

I love you, the most!

xoxo - your princess.

TwentyTWELVE

Here is our 2012 in review:

 

january:

we learn that baby p #2 is another boy! :) what a blessing!

Bentley experiences his first snow on his own two feet.

february:

we take our annual family trip to florida and Bentley sees the ocean for the first time.

&& enjoys extended amounts of time in the pool with gapa.

march:

Bentley moves to a big boy bed in preparation for his little brothers arrival

april:

Bentley request to wear his life jacket indoors to prepare for another boating season

&& we learn he LOVES animals, on his first trip to the critter barn.

may:

Harrison Lee joined our family. What a sweet little blessing from God!

june:

we learn Baby Kaindl is on its way - another blessing from God!

&& we enjoy many summer days on our new boat!

july:

Harrison was baptized

&& we had our first sleepover on the boat. Both boys were champs.

august:

I pull off a surprise 30th Birthday party for Brandon. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate!

september:

Bentley turns TWO!

october:

we spend the month completing random acts of kindness.

november:

We share that we will soon become a family of five..

only to learn later in the month that God had another plan for our family and took our sweet angel to be with him.

december:

we celebrate THREE years of marriage. I am so thankful for my amazing husband.

and we welcome our new nephew - Sawyer!

Looking back on this past year was so fun...looking back on 2011 was fun too! We are SO blessed, every year, and its so fun to see how much the kids change and grow. We are so thankful for them, for each other, for all our health and all our many blessings. God is good!

I started a new daily devotional today and the verse it was based on was "for I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." It is so reassuring knowing that we are in such good hands. Thank you Lord, for another wonderful year. We can't wait to see what you have in store for us in 2013.