Five on FRIDAY! {December Edition}

It's FRIDAY!  & it's December!  YAYYY!

My favorite month of the year.  And I'm extra pumped this year because the kids are at such a fun age for traditions and special Christmas activities.  The kindergarten teacher in me is giddy.

{ONE}

Cocoa the Elf has made his debut at our house this Christmas season.  We put a little twist on "Elf on the Shelf" and make the focus more on Cocoa bringing the message of Jesus' birth to the kids...kind of like an advent calendar.  Anya loves waking up in the morning to find out where Cocoa is hiding.  Today Cocoa was on the kitchen table with a box of candy canes and the book "The Legend of the Candy Cane."  (I'm pretty sure I found it at Goodwill).  

I love how it is about Jesus and teaches the message to children in a creative way.   

{TWO}

Anya and Oliver met Santa for the first time last night.  We had a dinner night at Papa & Gigi's church and Santa made an appearance!  Oliver was terrified of him and Anya was curious and cautious of Santa.  She started to warm up to him as the night went on, and even colored a picture for him in the craft corner.  Maybe next year we'll get a lap picture...if Oliver isn't still scared.  

{THREE}

After Thanksgiving we decorated our humble tiny home for Christmas.  For those of you who don't know, we are renting out my parent's basement a.k.a. Our Studio Suite.  Best decision we've ever made.  I love how the lights on the mantle (yes we have a fireplace!) and our Christmas tree makes the space feel so relaxing and warm.  When we moved in we didn't think we'd do much decorating for Christmas, but I'm so glad we did!  I don't think I'm going to want to take it down in January.

My Grandma's beautiful Christmas carolers

{FOUR}

Josh gave me my Christmas gift early this year, and it's been life-changing!   He bought us the Premium Starter Kit of Essential Oils from Young Living...amazing value for literally a medicine cabinet make-over. Ever since having babies I've always wanted to have natural remedies for treating fevers, colds, bedtime battles, headaches, teething, tummy aches, skin rashes, etc.

 The kit comes with 11 essential oils, plus a home diffuser...and I'm continually blown away with the millions of uses for the oils.  We laugh at how much we say "there's an oil for that!"  When I first opened the kit I remember thinking, I probably won't end up using all of these oils.  Frankincense?  Really, people use that these days???  Little did I know it works wonders on wrinkles & sunspots, scrapes, swelling, stress, breathing issues, stomach ulcers, and stretch marks.  Healing in a bottle. Within the first two days...I had tried ALL of the oils. 

THIEVES is my favorite.

Everyone needs this oil.  This {Christmas smelling} oil kills airborne bacteria and works as a natural way to boost your immune system and fight infection!!!  And sickness at this time of year, ain't nobody got time for that!!  I diffuse it ALL THE TIME and my kids ask for me to spray my homemade thieves hand- sanitizer on their hands. We are all obsessed.

 I can't wait to start making creams, detergents, and soaps and get lost on pinning ideas.

It's been very exciting trying out the different oils for all sorts of reasons and having success with them.  Josh is sleeping snore-free thanks to Valor, and I'm actually getting sleep now!  The kids are easy to put down at night thanks to Lavender in the bath and Peace & Calming at bedtime.  PanAway is working miracles on my mom who has joint pain from lupus and arthritis.  The list goes on and on. It is changing our lives. I am SO blessed to be a part of the Lemon Droppers group and now distribute Young Living Essential Oils! 

{FIVE}

Puppy Chow, oh how I love you!  Cocoa and Jingle (Thanks Aunt Cindy!) wanted us to make Puppy Chow the other day.  Anya had fun shaking the bag  to cover all of the chex in powered sugar.  Fun baking for the kids and so addicting!

http://www.thehomesteady.com/my-blog/2013/12/gluten-free-desserts-for-the-holidays-a-recipe.html

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Friday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Oh this picture.

The smile that it brings to my face.  

Too funny.

It so perfectly shows how imperfect we are.  I'm so thankful for this moment captured in all of its glory. 

This was a bonus picture, taken as we were walking back to our car.  Mind you it's FREEZING outside.  Like 40 degrees.  Anya had just fallen off the curb and smacked her forehead...her frozen forehead.  Poor girl:-(  Both kids had runny noses by this point...again, freezing outside.  {They were such troopers up to the end...with the injury and all.}

But that sunset was just pure goodness from God that I couldn't let pass us by.  I had glimpses of those perfect Pinterest family portraits taken in front of a glorious sunset.  Of course we would get that shot......wrong!! But I love how this picture captures us in this stage we are in.  I'm also thankful for a husband who reminds me that it's OK if not every picture is Pinterest perfect. 

Sometimes it's fun seeing the reality rather than a staged forced picture.  So here you go!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Oliver at 15 months

Precious handsome boy (as Anya calls you)

15 months have flown by.  You are such a big boy now!  

Last month you started walking, and now you are on your way to running, climbing, dancing, and doing all that you can to keep up with Anya.  

We love watching you dance with Anya to "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" as you spin around and wave your arms.  It's adorable!  At library story time you can't wait for the songs to be played so you can stand up and dance.  Your favorite is "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes."

Bath time is another favorite time of day for you!  "Bubble, bubble" is what you say when 

when you see the water.  You love splashing and lying down low like Anya does.

You are talking so much lately.  "All done" is your newest phrase.  You make sure to say "buh bye" to the things in your room before nap and bedtime.  When we pray you give us your hands to hold...if you aren't shoving food in your mouth.  

Daniel Tiger is still your very favorite toy, coming in second is your elephant lovie, and then your tractor with farm animals.  Trains amaze you.  It's fun living in a town with a train station so you can see the train all the time.  You kick your legs and point and say "ohh ohh ohh", it's adorble!  

You wear size 18 month clothes, size 5 shoe, size 4 diaper.  I can tell that you have stretched out as you are becoming taller, sadly you aren't as chubby.  You weigh 24lbs and are 32 inches tall! 75% !  We have been so blessed to have received most of your clothes as gifts and from my friend boys.  It's been so helpful!

Oliver James I love you so much.  I'm blessed to have YOU as my son.
Love,
Mommy

10 on 10:: November 2014

10 on 10

Ten pictures on the 10th day of the month for 10 consecutive hours.  

There are many months that I forget about 10 on 10, and other months like last that get taken but never get posted.  Yesterday I remembered to document our day, so here's a snapshot of our day!

{Growing}

The night before Anya put on one of her dress up outfits (her Tea for Three model dress) and we noticed that it didn't touch the floor like it did a few months ago (we used to have to tuck it up or she'd trip).  I decided to record her growth.  

Sure enough she grew a whole inch since September 20th!  She's getting so tall:-

{Learning}

Anya is learning how to write and it's very exciting!  She says "Mommy I'm so proud of myself"!  She would rather write her brother's name than her own.  

{Thinking}

A math game with Anya's turkey hands

{Dancing}

Storytime at the library is always a hit for these kids.  Their favorite part is when they dance!  I love watching Oliver dance and move his arms...his new talent.

{Watching}

At lunch Oliver is constantly watching his big sister who always makes him laugh. 

{Playing}

It was 60 degrees yesterday so we had to get outside to play...only cold temps in the forecast now.  

{Snacking}

My snack buddy.  Graham crackers with peanut butter is our favorite snack around here.

{Coloring}

Anya went to play at Mama's house so Oliver and I had some quality time together.  Not quite coloring, more like eating the crayons...

{Climbing}

New discovery

{Cuddling}

Love this boy

I hope you had a great tenth!  

Happy Halloween!

A little message from our hive...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

 I love how I'm getting pictures of my children in their Halloween costumes, where my mom took pictures of my sisters and I when we were little.  One of the many perks to living with family!

These two were very excited to be out trick or treating at the neighborhood stores and businesses.  

 Waiting in the train-line for trick or treating to start...Anya was VERY excited to get candy!  The PERFECT day for trick or treating!  I wish it was going to be so cold tomorrow on Halloween...

 Gotta love time with Aunt Katie!

Anya Violet is 3 {and a half}

Three and a half.  

How can six months go by so quickly?  We just celebrated her golden birthday, didn't we?

She is growing up so quickly and it's such a joy to watch.

Anya is obsessed with all things Elsa (like all girls these days). 

Her favorite color is blue...Elsa blue.

She eats pretty much all of Mommy's cooking, but has gotten pickier in the last few months.  

Anya loves bath time with Oliver, dancing and singing, and helping us with "ideas" for the flea market.  She cracks us up when she tells us that the acorn she put on the hutch will help it to sell at the flea market....for $40.  She loves modeling for Tea for Three too!

She loves her baby dolls that she calls "the twins".  A boy and a girl doll.  She's more attached to the boy baby and pretends he's Oliver.

Anya is in size 4T, shoe size 10.  Maybe 36lbs, not sure of height but she's tall like a 4 year old.

Anya is playful, social, and mature in her conversation.  She still throws temper tantrums, but I think they are happening less often.  Fingers crossed! She is an early riser and has grown out of naps (not a fun combo). She has a tendency to over love Ollie with hugs and trying to pick him up...constantly knocking him over.  Poor guy!  She loves going on Daddy Daughter dates when she fills her marble jar.  Anya loves learning and could literally do preschool all day and be happy.  She is very proud of herself for learning how to write letters.  It's very exciting!  She loves doing puzzles, watching "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse", and playing "go fish" with Mommy.

I can't get enough of our morning cuddles and her long soft curls.  

Cherishing every moment.

Love this girl.

  

Five on Friday {Fall Edition}

It's been a very long time since I've done a five on friday (I think Easter was my last!)  Five on Friday is just a unique way to post about the randomness of life.  And you know me, twist my arm to make it about something seasonal;-)

{ONE}

Sunday is our Sabbath day in our household...and we had a wonderful Sabbath last weekend.  We had a Halloween/ fall day.  After church we picked up some groceries for making some appetizers, buffalo chicken cups (see number 2), "mummy dogs" aka pigs in a blanket, and apple cider.  We enjoyed playing the leaves with the kids, drinking hot apple cider, a campfire while we ate our appetizers.  Then we carved our humble little pumpkin and the kids got to show it off to our neighbor. It was truly one of those days I'll always remember (& I hope Anya does too!)

{TWO}

Our new favorite appetizer....

Won ton Buffalo Chicken Cups

Photo by: www.happygoluckyblog.com

"Recipe courtesy of Kraft Food Recipes:

what you need

4

oz.  (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

1/4

cup  FRANK’S® RedHot® Buffalo Wings Sauce

1

cup  shredded cooked chicken breasts

2

 green onions, thinly sliced

12

 won ton wrappers

make it

HEAT oven to 350°F.

MIX cream cheese and wings sauce in medium bowl until blended. Add chicken and onions; mix well.

SPRAY 12 muffin pan cups with cooking spray. Line each cup with won ton wrapper, with edges extending over top of cup. Fill with chicken mixture.

BAKE 18 to 20 min. or until edges of cups are golden brown and filling is heated through.

FRANK'S and REDHOT are registered trademarks of The French's Food Company LLC.

kraft kitchens tips

FOOD FACTS

Look for won ton wrappers in the refrigerated produce section of your grocery store.

SPECIAL EXTRA

Garnish with additional sliced green onions before serving.

These little guys are amazing!!

{THREE}

Tea for Three is going to be at the November Flea Market!!  Woohoo!  Katie and I are very excited for our surprise appearance at the Kane County Flea Market.  We weren't planning on attending, but we are back by popular demand!  God has been SO good to us with this business and we are so excited to show our clients our November treasures.  To God be the glory.  Come EARLY if you plan to buy...we sell out fast!  

Wowza...terrible picture:P 

{FOUR}

He's WALKING!  And you wouldn't even believe if you knew just how difficult it is to capture a picture of it.  Okay, maybe you do if you have a one year old;-)

{FIVE}

I have the best father-in-law EVER!  This morning he stopped by to give this Mommy a much needed PSL & pumpkin scone.  Thank you for thinking of me on this beautiful fall day!

Yes, that is a bite taken out of the back.  Y'all don't understand...I've got a very hungry little girl who must be starving.  #thanksanya

Happy Friday Friends!

Apple Crisp

Me- "Anya say 'cheese'"!
Anya- "Mommy can I take a bite?"
Love her!!


We make a TON of apple crisp during September and October.  And Anya and I have the best recipe for you, although I rarely follow recipes.  We ALWAYS double the apples and probably triple the crisp.  But if you like following recipes...here's one that's delish!

4 diced apples
2/3-3/4 cup of brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup oats
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/3 cup softened butter
dash of salt
1/4 cup of water or less

Place the diced apples in an 8x8 dish.  Pour in 1/4 cup of water over the apples.  Mix together brown sugar and butter.  Add in flour, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.  Stir mixture until crumbly.  If it's to dough-y I just add more flour and oats.  Sometimes I add vanilla too.
Bake 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

I love it a la mode!

                                 

My Littles

Life is moving in fast forward around here.  I am finding it more and more difficult to document about our life.  Not that our calendar is really hectic but just that every minute of my day is spent doing hands on things like helping my son learn to walk, and getting hungry kids fed, playing at parks, teaching my daughter pre-school.  I remember a time before kids when I could reflect more and blog about life.  Now I just seem like I'm trying to keep my head above water that, sadly, I don't have as much time to document our moments.  This is such a great stage the kids are in... but boy is it exhausting and oh so rewarding!

 {Oliver}

 He is my little gentleman.  He's such a laid-back, joyful little dude.  He's 13 months now, and loving life and all of it's adventures.  He LOVES going to the park "pak", trucks "ca", food, doing whatever his big sis is up to.  This kid can climb a slide by himself, but finds it challenging to walk across our family room.  I think I'd classify him as a "laid back monkey" if there is such a thing.  He is a social butterfly as he is learning new words everyday and babbles on and on in baby language.  As long as he has his "Daniel Tiger" (lovie) and his two fingers to suck on the world is good;-)

{Anya}

Anya is now 3 years & 4 months old, which is such a surprise to everyone who meets her as she is as tall as most 4 & 5 year olds.  She is such a beauty inside and out.  Anya is my big helper.  Any household chore I ask her to do, she does...with joy! She loves helping me out with Oliver in any way I let her.  Sometimes she gets too much in the way!  She is such a lover of life and people.  When she wakes up at 6/6:30 each morning she's happy and ready to start her day.  This morning I found her upstairs helping Gigi pack her lunch.  She's very excited that "fall is here" and can't wait for the upcoming holidays.  Anya will introduce herself to just about anyone (so far she's always asked permission) and makes friends easily.  The other day at the doctor's office she asked me if she could say hi to a lady waiting in the office.  It was humorous to me to see how quickly she opened up to the lady about herself and her brother after the lady said "hi" to her.  She has a will of her own and enjoys being in control of things...to put it nicely.  Anya has a growing curiosity to learn about God, Jesus and Heaven and I've gotten in some deeper conversations with her than I have most people about faith.  The other day she asked me who answers the door in heaven and was happy to hear my response was Jesus.  I was impressed with her imagery of heaven and the "door" image (as it is described like that in scripture).  This girl has a huge love for baking, doing preschool with Mommy, listening to stories about Anna and Elsa that Mommy and Daddy make up, and playing outside. 

 The love these two have for each other is the sweetest thing ever!  I love watching them hold hands in the car or how they giggle when they play.  They are so blessed to have each other!