Too cute

I want these!!! How cute would it be to hang from my diaper bag, or a bottle, or her favorite stuffed animal, or her soccer bag...the possibilities are endless. I think I could convince myself that this is an investment piece!










Check out the adorable site for more tags and labels.

Isaac

The journey to contentment (and a car) has been a very long one. For two months, I have wrestled with anger, bitterness, and impatience. After my car died, I assumed we would find another within a week. I could wait a week, even two. As the weeks passed, and all the great deals seemed to pass us, I began to lose hope. Had God not heard my desperate pleas? Had Miguel not heard my desperate pleas?

Contentment. Not the lesson I wanted to learn. Yet, I have so clearly seen God's provision in God's timing. Was I going to have an "Ishmael" car by forcing the issue? Or an "Isaac" car by allowing God to bring the car of his choosing across our path?

Last Saturday, we stumbled across a newly posted Honda Pilot on Craig's List, and the story began. The car was beautifully kept, had low miles, and had everything we were looking for (and more) in a vehicle. But, it was out of our budget. Miguel called the woman, Ellie, and immediately liked her. We decided to go see the car, but had to wait until Monday. As we were walking on the trail, we decided to call her and offer her a lower price, just to see what she would say. Before we could call, Ellie called US and offered the car to us at the exact same price we were going to offer. She said to think about it while she talked with her husband. Monday we drove to see it, and we both loved it. We had our deposit ready until she quoted us a higher price. Her husband did not want her to sell it for such a steal. I walked away feeling disappointed, but honestly at peace. I could be content to wait a few more days, weeks, or perhaps even a month. The next day, Miguel called to thank Ellie for her time and to tell her that we would not be purchasing the vehicle. Ellie immediately told Miguel that she wanted to bless us as a family, and she would sell us the car at a greatly discounted price. Ellie's sister had reminded her that there is blessing in being generous and blessing others. We had our "Isaac" car!

Unbeknownst to me, Miguel had prayed that morning that God would be gracious to us and allow Ellie to offer an even lower price than she had originally quoted. Miguel prayed a big prayer and saw God answer immediately and powerfully. If for no other reason, I truly believe the my VW died to increase my contentment and Miguel's faith. It is amazing the circumstances God uses to mold us and teach us. I pray that in the next trial or test, I will be able to find contentment as I look back and see God's provision in God's perfect timing.

4 months (a week or so late)

Time has literally been flying by. I teared up last week as I sat and watched Isabel. She is no longer a newborn, and at times seems like a little girl. We have enjoyed every single day of being her parents. Each day seems to be more fun than the one before.

Isabel's favorite things:
*Staring thoughtfully at people
*Watching her dog and laughing as he licks her hands
*Playing with her toys on her playmat

Silly things she's doing:
*Crying at certain (unnamed) friends
*Eating cereal and squealing between bites, almost as if she's saying "more Mom!"

Tasty Tuesday

Cheesy title, right?! I figured everyone else does it, why shouldn't I? Today found me enjoying Reubens (my all-time favorite sandwich) and ice cream from Bonkey's.

This Reuben recipe was truly tasty: http://www.gilroydispatch.com/lifestyles/182780-the-reuben-corned-beef-vs.-pastrami

I even used the skillet and 28oz tomato can that they suggested. It felt silly, but it was fun!

And Bonkey's. There are not words enough to describe the experience. If you haven't been, please come up and we'll take you!!! Homemade ice cream shop housed in an old movie theater; families enjoying ice cream/snowballs/candy at incredibly reasonable prices; little town feel where you always run into someone you know; I love the whole Bonkey's experience.

ME?!?

This clip reminded me of my mom. We often say that if she gets healed, we will confiscate all of her clothing and destroy it before she can protest! I pray this clip will never remind you of ME!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/10333/saturday-night-live-mom-jeans

What I'm Loving Lately

This Condiment Recipe for Chipotle Mayo

1 C. Mayo (we use light or Smart Balance)
2 Chipotles in adobo sauce
1 T. Adobo sauce
Juice of half a lime (I use bottled juice and add to taste)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Chop peppers finely and add to mayo
2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine
(This can all be put in a food processor and pureed. I don't have one so do it by hand.)

This is a very spicy, flavorful addition to burgers, chicken salad, and even tacos.

Thank you, Bobby Flay for spicing up my life and burgers.

Fun Finds

I love Target's dollar section. Right now, they have out Easter stuff. I bought a felt bag/basket for Isabel that is beyond adorable! There were too many styles to choose from (pink bunny, yellow chick, purple flowers, eeeeeek). I almost bought 3! I also stocked up on non-Easter cards with great prints and small gifts to keep on hand. For a buck, the stationery they provide is good quality and pretty.

Wal-Mart, at least by us, has their Valentine's goodies discounted to nearly 90%. I purchased an "X" and "O" muffin tin, too cute, for $2; a lip-shaped cookie cutter for $0.50; and ten adorable heart-shaped gift boxes, perfect for giving small gifts, for $1.

milestone

It's the little things in life that bring the greatest joys! Yesterday, Isabel rolled from her tummy to her back, screaming the entire time. The way I reacted, you would've though the Ravens had won the Super Bowl.









What small joys are you finding in life right now?

Movie Review

Miguel and I have been watching our fare share of movies lately, courtesy of RedBox. With a sick baby, we've changed most of our plans and opted instead for lots of Isabel cuddle time. When we couldn't handle watching Ultimate Recipe Showdown for the 5th time, we rented movies. Friday night it was Three Men and a Baby. You've got to watch it for the diaper changing scene alone. I'd forgotten how funny it is, probably made more so by the fact that we are in the throws of poopy diapers! Saturday night we watched Changeling. Angelina Jolie stars in this true story about a mother whose son is stolen and then "returned." The boy she welcomes home is, upon inspection, not her son. After repeatedly protesting and begging that the police continue the hunt for her real son, she is wrongfully imprisoned in an insane asylum. A local minster takes up her cause and helps her fight the justice system and the corruption of the time. The movie is certainly heart wrenching, and hard to believe that such an event actually took place in our nation. Changeling is definitely worth the two and a half hour watch.

3 months

Isabel is three months old today. It is strange to measure in months and not weeks. Where has the time gone?? A few of her favorite things:

*Cuddling
*Screaming when she's happy, which is most of the time
*Smiling her big, toothless grin at Mommy and Daddy
*Holding onto my shirt while eating.
*Watching t.v....sigh...when she's supposed to be eating. Miguel is firm in his resolution that she will NOT watch the Bachelor. But Isabel does love the Food Network.


Silly things she has been doing lately:

*Scrunching up one side of her lip and nose (a bit like Elvis)
*Throwing herself backwards while we hold her in order to get a good view of the ceiling
*Pulling my hair
*Outgrowing her 0-3 mo. clothing
*Waking up with "bed head"

black foils

"Afflictions are often the black foils in which God does set the jewels of His children's graces, to make them shine the better...God often takes away our comforts and our privileges in order to make us better Christians." -C.H. Spurgeon, from Morning and Evening

Our life seems full of testing at the moment. We have seen God provide for us in amazing ways, only to see that same provision seemingly taken away. This week has brought about new opportunities to see just where my hope lies. Isabel's state-funded insurance has been canceled due to Miguel's new salary. Though he makes significantly less than he did at his previous job, he still makes too much for us to qualify for the insurance she was receiving. So, our application gets transferred to another agency, and we wait. We wait to see how God will provide. We pray for health and safety for our baby girl. At times, I feel like these trials will crush me. I don't always have the faith/vision to see the trials as the black foils. But my prayer is that I will remember HIS ultimate purpose in my current trials. I pray that He uses them to bring me to His feet and make my faith shine brighter.

"Trials make the promise sweet;
Trials give new life to prayer;
Trials bring me to His feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there."
-C.H. Spurgeon

Facebook

I wish I had written this article from Newsweek. It was witty and quite honestly, true!

(Click on image to read article)

Valentine's

I was reading through old posts this morning, and I realized that I used to write better posts than I have been recently. Or at least posts that were entertaining or useful. Without further ado, here's a throwback post.

What is the best Valentines' gift you have ever given AND received?

Best Received: A cook top stove. Purchased and installed by Miguel while I was at work. I got home and saw a gorgeous bouquet of roses on the counter. I didn't even realize that they were sitting on a brand new stove! Miguel then made me a nice dinner on that stove. Perhaps not the most romantic gift, but definitely something I had desired. It was that much sweeter because it was a surprise.

Best Given: I have a horrible memory, so I can only remember last year! I had written a "menu" for the evening, including things like: a romantic dinner by candle light, a massage, etc. He earned "money" to buy the items by finding Hershey Kisses I had placed around the house. In the evening, he counted all of his Kisses and then chose several items off the menu. What he chose was based on how many Kisses he had found, and the value of each menu item. It was a fun, creative way to give him a gift (and inexpensive).

25 Random Things

I wasn't going to do this, but enjoyed reading every ones, that I couldn't help but start thinking of what I would put. And then I had 25...so here they are in no particular order.

1. When I make salads for us, I don't wash the lettuce. If we have guests, I do.
2. Miguel picked all of the colors for our house. He has a much better sense of decorating than I do.
3. I hate to mop and have only mopped once in the last two months. I spot clean.
4. I drink my soda through a straw so I won't stain my teeth.
5. I am a closet Justin Timberlake fan. Yeah, I'm bringing sexy back.
6. I hate scary movies, but love Stephen King's books, especially Misery. I had to sleep with the light on one night after reading it in bed.
7. I change toilet paper rolls at other people's houses so the paper hangs OVER.
8. I loved being pregnant.
9. With that said, I wouldn't mind being pregnant again by this summer.
10. I don't like cheese on my burgers, but always get it on the side to eat separately.
11. I have a secret desire to go to culinary school.
12. I can easily shop for and dress others, but have a very hard time doing so for myself.
13. I have a horrible memory. I can't even remember the plot of the movie we watched this weekend.
14. I love technical writing and edit papers on the side.
15. I used to love ice hockey and had posters in my room of Pavel Bure and Sergei Federov.
16. I am a very critical person.
17. I think pretty much all babies are funky looking, even mine when she was born.
18. In college, if I ate on campus, I would order cheese and mayo on wheat with a big pickle. It was the cheapest sandwich on the menu and I love it.
19. As a kid, I hated messes and couldn't finger paint because my hands would get dirty. My granny still forced me to.
20. Irregardless is NOT a word, and I cringe it when people say it.
21. I am ultra competitive. Miguel and I have to be on the same team when playing games.
22. I'm embarrassed when people come over because of all the dog hair. I always offer a lint brush before they even sit down.
23. I would get rid of the dog so I can have a clean house for longer than 2 seconds.
24. I motivate myself to not be lazy by saying, "Do it now." sometimes I have to say it out loud, so I really hear it and listen.
25. Miguel laughed at me when I told him I was a laid back mom. Guess I am not!

Cookies?!

Yesterday, Kjirstin and I spent the afternoon together. We are forcing our little ones to be friends, whether they grow up and like each other or not! =) Since it's not exactly warm and sunny right now, we decided that instead of venturing out, we would do some baking and cooking during our weekly playgroups. Kjirstin isn't eating wheat, because of Logan's allergies, so she brought along this recipe:

Wheat-Free Peanut Butter Cookies

1 C. Peanut Butter
3/4 C. Sugar (we used 1 C., but I would definitely use 3/4 next time)
1 egg

Whisk the egg. Add the PB and Sugar. Beat until well combined. Spoon rounded tablespoon sized cookies onto an ungreased sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 8ish minutes. Cookies will set-up as they cool.

I was quite skeptical of these "cookies," but they ended up being quite delicious!! Not to mention they're the easiest cookies in the world to make. I always have the ingredients on hand, so Miguel and I will probably make them quite often to go with our nightly ice cream!

Book Club Update

It's been a while since I have posted our book club's readings. Perhaps this is due to lack of time, or just lack of interesting reads! December's book was "The Christmas Train" by David Baldacci. Cheesy plot, if you can call it a plot; predictable twist; action packed, in a ridiculous "ALL this drama could never happen to one person" sort of way. Need I say more?! I didn't make it to the meeting due to a family gathering.

January's book was "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyers. I had no desire to see the vampire movie when it came out, nor did I have any intentions of reading the book. In fact, I didn't realize the movie was based on a popular young-adult book series. I went into it thinking "Harry Potter." Fabulous, a new series for me to devour. But, what I discovered was little more than a young-adult romance. It held my attention, and I was drawn in, I admit. It was a bit like watching those cheesy chick-flicks -we make fun of the movies, but secretly are quite entertained. However, I am not going to read the series. "Harry Potter," it was not.

Now, a complete shift in genre. "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is our February book. I've found it a bit difficult to move from fluff to heavier reading. Perhaps because I am constantly stopping and starting again between Isabel's feedings...hmmm....wonder how long it will take me to finish?

2 months

Isabel turned two months today and our baby girl isn't so much of a baby any more. I was looking at pictures on facebook yesterday from the past 8 weeks, and teared up. She is so big, and I wonder who let that happen? Major milestones (at least to me!) over the past weeks have included:

-Smiling at us when we talk to her. She smiles and coos the most when she's on her back on the changing pad.
-Holding her head up on her own to look around. She absolutely loves to look over her left shoulder (??weirdo??)
-Sleeping through the night, at least most nights.
-Weighing in at 9 pounds, 14 ounces. OHMYGOSH. That means size 1/2 diapers and 0-3 month clothing.

I have loved motherhood more than I ever imagined I would or could. I am amazed by the most simple of things-watching her sleep, hearing her "tired" cries, seeing her stare at colorful objects. There are many times that I cry as I realize how blessed we are; I want to remember every moment of these sweet and all-too-quickly-passing days.

Perfect Super Bowl Party Food

I am always trying to come up with new "party" foods. At caregroup this past week, Cathy made an amazing Buffalo Chicken Dip. Miguel loved it so much that he had me make it for the Raven's game on Sunday. I think the dip was devoured in under 5 minutes. The dip is simple to make and is sure to be a huge hit at any party you host.

Ingredients
1 lb. chicken, boiled and shredded
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened (I used one low-fat and one regular)
1 C. Ranch Dressing (low-fat)
3/4 C. hot sauce, such as Frank's
2 C. shredded Cheddar Cheese

1. In a large bowl, cream together cream cheese and Ranch dressing.
2. Stir in hot sauce and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese.
3. Stir in chicken.
4. Bake in 350 degree oven until hot and bubbly. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 C. cheddar over top and let bake 2 more minutes or until melted.

Serve with tortilla chips, Triscuits, celery, etc.

Extreme Home Makeover

Occasionally we watch Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I love how Ty has his "special" project room, and the other designers make sure that the kids will absolutely love their rooms. The designers spend time talking with the kids, finding out what would make the room the best possible for them. Sometimes it's a Disney room, or maybe a jungle theme, and sometimes even a Harry Potter room with doors and drawers that open when you point the wand at them. Amazing. I love to see the face of each family member as they enter the room made JUST for them.

As we were watching last night, Miguel wondered aloud what type of room he would want. A snowboarding room? A room full of tools and work space? He decided on a running/gym room, fully equipped with high-end workout equipment, weights, and training gear. Wonder what that room would cost??

I quickly stated that I would want my room to be a library. I can picture myself walking into a room with floor to ceiling bookshelves. Dark mahogany wood, of course. The shelves would be stocked with books of all kinds-classics, contemporary fiction, children's literature...and the book list would go on and on.

What does your "dream" room look like?

New Year's Resolutions?!

When I was younger, I made resolutions every year. And miserably failed to keep a single one: Read my bible every day for a year: didn't make it past one week; Run at least three times a week: ran around the neighborhood a grand total of once before realizing I hated running. You get the picture! As I grew older, every year I would respond to the age old question, "What's your resolution?" with a pat answer, "I don't make resolutions, because I will just break them!"

Yet again this year, I don't have a single resolution. However, I AM looking forward to returning to the gym consistently (not to run!). I have no set agenda, no weight-loss goals, no intention of going daily for 2 hours. That way, if I go once a week, I haven't broken my non-resolution!!

I am also looking forward to spending time investing in my marriage. I haven't set my heart on weekly date nights, or daily in depth conversations. I haven't even made a list of places to visit and things to do together this year. That way, if we go to NYC or have a monthly date or even just play a game of cards, I will be pleasantly surprised and excited!

Do you have any non-resolution resolutions?