Week 12: What Being A Mom Looks Like

1. Being a mom is messy. When your children are little you have puke stains, boogers, baby food/milk, and possible poop on you. Don't lie and tell me you have never had your baby's poop on you. Being a mom is messy, because there are some days when it's 11 at night you realize that you haven't showered for the day yet.

2. Being a mom looks like a library full of parenting books. I can't begin to tell you how many parenting books I've read and how contradicting the "experts" can be. Every day parenting advice is being published and it can be overwhelming. However, I think a full bookshelf shows you are trying to do your best as a mom. Just remember the most important instructional book, the Bible.

3. Being a mom looks like cuddles. My children, despite how big they are, still love to come over and cuddle with their mommy.There is just something calming and reassuring about your mom's arms and being cuddled by her. It just feels like everything in the world will be ok.

4. Being a mom looks fun. Just the other day, my kids made a fort in the living room and camped out. It is so fun, bringing out your inner child and playing with your children. I loved going into their fort and exploring their wonderful creation and remembering how much fun being a child is. 

What does Motherhood look like to you? Can you relate to any of these?

Week 11: I Said I Would Never

My blog has had no purpose lately, as you can tell I haven't been keeping up with my 52 weeks of blogging with purpose. So here I am trying to play catch up, but hey, life gets busy and that is OK. We've been having fun!

I've honestly thought about this one and all I can come up with is:

1. Give my children formula. Christian was a pig. I also worked part time and I could tell you stories of trying to pump and work and keep up with the little munchkin. So unfortunately he had to go to formula. I was devestated and did better with my second one. 

2. Allow them to have nasty snotty noses in public. I was always big on having clean children. I had extra clothes packed in car and wiped their noses with the first sight of boogers. Well, Christian was a very sick kid. He was constantly having a runny nose due to teething, ear infections, colds, whatever. His poor nose was so raw that I just let go of the snot thing.

3. Let them stay up past midnight. Funniest story: It was New Year's Eve 2007. We were getting ready to join the Army (Active Duty). Ashlee had just turned two and my family was over at our house, ringing in the new year. It was tradition that we ordered pizza, had smoked sausage with cheese and crackers, chips, and soda. (And we wonder why we gain weight over the holidays...ha ha). Anyways, I bought the kids pop, for the first time. I thougth orange soda was caffine free. Long story short: Ashlee was awake until 3 am, orange soda DOES have caffine, and caffine mixed with a two year old is not a fun combination. 

Dairy Free Mac n Cheese

I am so excited that I finally found a easy and delicious dairy free Mac n cheese recipe that I just had to share A.S.A.P! 

I just searched Pinterest this afternoon and found it. It looked easy, compared to a lot of other ones I've tried, but I really doubted the taste. Well, I made it for dinner....and.....the critics approve! Ashlee didn't even know it was dairy free cheese and she's my Mac n cheese fanatic. 

I may be making a big deal about something so insignificant, but you seriously don't have any idea how frustrating this dairy free thing can be sometimes. I'm so grateful for the world we live in today, with all these specialty foods. 

So here it is:

1 (16oz) package of elbow noodles

2 packages of dairy free cheese (I used Daiya brand-1 mozzarella and 1cheddar)

2 1/2 Cups of dairy free milk (I used unsweetened So Delicious Coconut milk)

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Boil noodles for 5 min. (No longer)

3. Bring milk to a low boil and then add cheeses and salt/pepper. Stir constantly until cheeses have melted.

4. Drain noodles and put into a greased casserole dish.

5. Add cheese mixture to noodles 

6. Bake for 30-35 min.

Enjoy this! If you don't do dairy free, I'm sure regular cheeses would taste just as good. Also, gluten free would just swap out the noodles, for gluten free ones.

Homemade Refried Beans

Canned food never bothered or concerned me before, like it does now. I've become more self conscious of what we eat after discovering Christian's casein and msg intolerance. 

I read labels on EVERYTHING! You should too. If you can't pronounce it or it has more than 5 ingredients-you probably shouldn't eat it. I believe very strongly that the different health issues we face today can be reversed if we watch what we put into our bodies. Ok- enough lecture. Here's te recipe for the refried beans. I only post a recipe once I have reached satisfaction with the tweaks I make. 

Refried Beans

Dry refried beans

5 Chicken Boullion cubes

1 1/2 T garlic salt (divided)

1/2 of a medium Sweet onion

1/2 C of butter

Water

-In a 5 qt. crockpot, place 2 inches (3 cups) of dry (rinsed and washed) pinto beans. Fill the crockpot nearly to to top with water

-Then add:

5 Chicken bouillon Cubes (I will eventually post the recipe for homemade bouillion cubes) 

1 Tbsp. of garlic salt

1/2 of a medium sweet onion. (Do not chop the onion, but simply place it onto the beans)

-Cook on high until the beans are soft. 

-Strain the beans, pour off excess juice......BUT SAVE ABOUT A CUP of the juice. I add the beans to my food processor along with 1/2 cup of butter (we use vegan butter) and a splash of the juice. Feel free to add as much juice as you desire, but add just a little at a time. I personally like my beans thicker. I also add about 1/2 T of garlic salt. 

If you do not have a food processor, a blender, or even a potato masher will work. When I first made these I mashed them by hand with a potato masher.

Week 10: Survival Tips To The Expectant/New Mom

1. Follow your instinct. I remember with my first one, I was so nervous and so scared of him that was very unsure of every decision I made. In fact, I remember pulling my mother aside on his first birthday saying, "He's still alive!, I did it!". She chuckled and said to me, "yes he is, you are good mom Stephanie".

There were moments when my instinct didn't kick in and I had no clue what was wrong with him, then I would rely on my mom or other's for advice.

So when that "gut feeling" or "instinct" kicks in and you know with your heart and every fiber in your being that something is wrong, or you know a solution, or whatever it may be....GO WITH IT! 9.9/10 times you are right!

2. Enjoy your baby/babies. Take every opportunity to video tape, or capture moments on camera. They go by so fast. The dishes can wait until they are in bed, the laundry can be folded when they are napping. A semi-cleaned house will have to do when you have children. I sent too much time focusing on a "perfect house" and "perfect appearance",  that I missed some great opportune moments with my children.....sigh...to only go back in time.

3. Don't be obsessive. Schedules are important for babies and for your sanity. I believe in schedules but not to the point where you turn into the wicked witch because the schedule is off. Don't allow them to control your life, but rather to set the standard and realize that there will be days when the schedule will be completely thrown out the window and that's ok. It's all how you react to it, that will influence your entire day and your baby.

4. Rock a bye baby. I know that babywise and other books out their say to put your baby on a schedule and allow them to self sooth themselves to sleep. I'm telling you to snuggle that baby. I rocked both my kids to sleep in the evenings until they no longer would allow me. I think Christian was 1 1/2 yrs and Ashlee was younger, perhaps 10-12 months old. She was quite the wiggler. However, those are some of the most precious moments with my children. They sleep great now and I do not regret it, not once.

Here are my babies shortly after Ashlee was born. Christian was being a good big brother and cautiously caring for his sister. He was so sweet. 

Week 9: Goals for Motherhood

So I fell a little behind last week. For some reason last week was torturous for the kids and I as they experienced their first full week of school. We were all lacking in the sleep department and had no desire to attend to homework what-so-ever.

This week is proving to be much better, however, it is only Monday! ha ha ha.

So my Goals for Motherhood are:

1. Be in the moment. As a young mother I became so busy with "tasks" that I didn't spend enough time just being in the moment and enjoying my children. I realized this a little too late. Although I never think that anything is too late.  When my children were babies I was too wrapped up in "the list" rather than just enjoying them. Perhaps some of it was because I was acting a single parent, being that my husband was deployed both times. There are moments that I cannot remember when Ashlee was a baby. It makes me really sad and regretful, I wish I could travel back in time and know what I know now. It's never too late though and I try to embrace every moment I can now.

2. Raise children with a Christian Worldview. Our world has become so full of other religions and thoughts. I would like my children to know and share with others that we are created by God, who created the world. That is the truth. Plain. Simple. We are made in his image and should try to live as Christ lived: loving others - despite their lifestyle choices or decisions they've made, being kind even when others don't return the kindness, give to others who are less fortunate.

3. Raise confident children. When I was younger I was not very confident. I followed others and their opinions. I want my children to be "set apart" and be confident in who their are, what they believe, what they value, and not let others take advantage or persuade them otherwise.

4. To let my children know that it's okay to make mistakes and I love them no matter what. As a perfectionist, I have realized that I have tried to impose the same "perfectionism" on my children. They apologize for the smallest things (especially my daughter) and I've realized that sometimes I set the standard too high. The Bible says that no one is perfect. So why do I try to be? and Why do I try to make my kids perfect? I think after discovering our son was autistic, I learned that there is no "perfect" way of doing things. We are different and unique and that is OK.

Cream of Whatever

On our journey to be Dairy Free, I discovered this amazing recipe for Cream of Whatever. I make this anytime a recipe calls for cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, cream of celery (you get the idea). In addition to being a dairy free option, it is also healthier - since it doesn't come from a can.

Cream of Whatever
3 Tablespoons of Butter
3 Tablespoons of Flour
1/4 teaspoon of salt
dash of pepper
1 1/4 Cup of Milk (liquid)

Melt Butter in a saucepan, stir in flour and seasonings. Cook over medium heat until bubbly. Add liquid slowly, using a wire whisk. Cook until thick.

Makes 1 Cup (or 1 can of condensed cream of whatever)

CREAM OF TOMATO - Use tomato juice for liquid. Add dash of garlic, onion powder, basil, oregano
CREAM OF CHICKEN - Use chicken broth for half the liquid. Add 1/4 teaspoon of poultry seasoning or sage.
CREAM OF MUSHROOM or CELERY - Saute 1/4 Cup of mushrooms or celery (chopped) and 1 Tablespoon of minced onion in butter before adding flour.

Week 8: If I Could Have One Superpower

If I could have a superpower, it would be like that of Mary Poppins.
   -really quick side note- This is my all time favorite movie

Do you remember in the movie where she tidies up the children's room by the snap of her finger? Well, if I could snap my fingers to wash, dry, fold, and put away laundry, that would be amazing! If the house would be spotless by just the snap of my fingers, that would be even more amazing. If errands could be done (such as grocery shopping) with just the snap of my finger, I'd be in heaven.

I think you get the picture. If the little mundane, but somewhat important, tasks of the day could be completed with a simple snap, I'd have more time to spend with my children, my husband, my friends.

So you could say that perhaps this superpower was a little selfish, but overall, the desire is to have more time to invest in relationships and people that are important in my life.

Week 7: If I Could Turn Back Time

When saw this week's topic, here is the first thing that came to my mind:

Don't deny that you love that song too!

If I could turn back time, I would:

Tell my young self that it doesn't matter what others think of you. Be YOU! Not everyone is going to like you, but live your life as the good, caring, compassionate, kind, loving, giving, person. Stay true to who you are and not live a camilion life.
     This would have saved me from several bad relationships and bad choices.

If you could turn back time, would you change anything? What?

Posted Calories (helpful or not)

Chick-Fil-A now posts their calories on the menu. My question for you is, does this affect your choice in ordering?

There are times when I just want to be bad.....and eat fries, deep fried chicken with melted cheese on top, and a Dr. Pepper to wash it all down.  However, when I look at the calorie information this makes me wonder if water and grapefruit really look that appealing for dinner that evening, since the calories are more than half of my daily intake.

So my question for you is (please click on the comment link below): Would you still choose this

Or this?

Week 6: If I Could Be Anything In The World...

Finally caught up!

I would be a Registered Dietitian and have my own practice. I would consult those with eating disorders, whether it was obesity, or anorexia/bulimia, and those who have special dietary needs (such as gluten/casein intolerance). After consultation I would accompany them to the store and then to their home where I would teach them how to prepare the food. I'm all about "hands on", rather than, "here is a list you are on your own". 

Since high school I have always been interested in business. In fact, I have only worked in the banking and financial industry. I have always felt that business was 'safe' for me. However, this past year I have discovered my true passion. 

Technically it has been a passion of mine since 2007. When we left Montana, I was overweight and the heaviest I had ever been in my entire life. I was always a pretty tiny thing, but after having my daughter and turning 25 my metabolism didn't want to work the way it use to. I HAD TO exercise??!!! WHAT?! I was only use to eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. I also had a very poor and deadly idea that if I wanted to loose weight I just would not eat. I battled anorexia for a very long time as a young child and into my adulthood (that's another blog post). 

So....after moving to Washington, I decided the time was right for a fresh start. I began working out and lost weight (40 lbs) all on my own! The journey continued as I started to learn more about healthy foods, organic foods, etc. while living in one of the best places to do that in. 

Then we moved here, to Georgia. Upon finding out the our son was high functioning autistic and casein intolerant, I discovered how difficult it is to afford, find, and cook for a child with a food intolerance. However, the benefits outweigh any cost or challenge in my book. We saw an amazing change in our son and how it improved his daily life. 

So after that long story, you now know what I would love to be and why. Today I am currently in the process of attaining a degree from a university that does not offer a Nutrition program via online. However, I am hopeful that God will direct us toward an area where I can reach my dreams of becoming a RD next year. 

Week 5: If I were to win the LOTTERY - 5 things I would buy

If I did gamble - played the lottery - and somehow lucky enough to win - here is what I'd buy.

1. My dream home - I love anything rustic and woodsy. So my dream home would look like this, but on a lake.

2. Dream Vacation(s) - I'd love to travel around Europe and then take a cruise and visit Tahiti and other foreign lands

3. Do a little shopping - of course. What woman wouldn't shop

4. Share the dough with my family

5. Save the rest

Week 4: My Biggest Weakness

My BIGGEST weakness is: CONTROL!

This is an issue I have been working on for years. No one wants to "air" their weaknesses for all to see, however, I'm going to be completely honest with you today - and just for today (I'm kidding).

As a "type A" person I love to have consistency, neatness, perfection and what I've concluded is that all boils down to needing to have control over everything.

So there you have it! I'm a work in progress

Week 3: My Life 5 Years From Now

In 5 years:

Christian will be 16

Ashlee will be 13

Rande and I will be married for almost 17 years 

Who knows where we will be living 

I will be working again and hopefully have my masters and bachelors degree

Week 2: 10 Things I Live For (or can't live without)

1. Jesus
2. My husband
3. My children
4. Family
5. Friends
6. Air
7. Water
8. Food
9. Coffee
10. Google

Week 1: Who am I?

 I am a child of God. On April 21, 1991 I asked Christ to come into my life and became a child of God.

I am a wife. December 8, 2001 I said "I do" to a wonderful man (my best friend) who loves me unconditionally. Not only am I a wife, but I am a MILITARY wife. During the first 8 years of our marriage we spent over half of it apart. It is only because of God that we have made it this far. He gives me strength during moments of weakness, comforts me when I am a lonely, and protects me from temptations.

I am a daughter. My parents have stood by my side through thick and thin. I've made some choices that they probably didn't agree with - but they have loved and supported me no matter what.

I am a BIG sister to these two little munchkins. They aren't so little anymore, but we have some of the best memories and they will always love their big bossy sister. My brother has made me an aunt and I look forward to the day I can spoil my sister's children just as she has mine.

I am a mother. My life and attitude of becoming a parent changed the day I had my son. Since then I have been blessed even more with a little girl. I cannot imagine life without these two. I may get burnt out and tired some days, but I wouldn't trade a day spent with these two for anything. 

 Finally, I am a college student. I made the decision to attend college 14 years after I graduated high school. I was nervous and had my doubts at first, but I'm so thankful that I made this decision and could not continue if it wasn't for the support of my husband, children, and the Lord. 

52 Weeks of Blogging with a purpose

My friend, over at One Feisty Family, sent me a link to this "52 Weeks of Blogging with a purpose". Becky (From Mrs. to Mama) came up with the idea. It sounded fun and what a great way to keep up weekly with blogging.



I'm a little behind, so this week I'll play catch up over the next few days. I hope you all enjoy this and encourage you to do the same if you are a blogger.

Va.Ca.tion

Right now we are on our 2nd annual family vacation in Florida. Last year we stayed in Destin for a week and this year we are in Pensacola for over a week. Last year we decided a week was a little too short. Can I just say, that I LOVE the Gulf Coast. I would live here if I could. The water is beautiful, the sand is white and soft between the toes. 

So you are probably wondering, why is she blogging while in paradise? Well today we have had continuous rain and at times downpours. The camper is a little small after a few hours. 

Anyways, if you've never been to the Gulf, it's a bucket list must. So far during our stay we have visited the lighthouse here in Pensacola (that's supposedly haunted), had a date night in Gulf Breeze, visited Ft. Pickens, visited the beach-several times- deep sea fishing in the gulf, and toured the Naval Aviation Museum. On top of all that excitement we have had the privilege to watch the Blue Angels practice, since they are so close to our campground. Stay tuned for more fun pictures and stories. For now I will leave you with this:

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, as we all know. I'm going to be honest for a minute here with you. When I was a child I knew what Memorial Day was, but I mainly focused on the idea of having a day off from school and barbecuing. Then I married a military man. Now Memorial Day is a day of reverence. A day to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our country and the families that have made the same sacrifice. 

I think of my dear friend Emily. I remember we had just moved into our home in Washington. I was new to the "active duty Army life" and I saw this woman setting up her own fence in her back yard. I thought to myself, "wow! that woman is tough and strong". Unfortunately only a month later, Emily's true strength would be tested. Tom was killed May 28, 2007 in Iraq. I never met Tom, he deployed before I had the honor or knowing him. Emily has done such a wonderful job of honoring and remembering Tom that I feel as if I have always known him.  Tom was a father, brother, son, friend, and husband. Emily is not the only one who has lost the love of her life - there are others. Fathers who have never met their newborn/unborn babies, sons who will never marry and have families of their own. 

Today, please stop whatever you are doing, pause for just a moment, and remember those who have given their lives for you. Remember the families who have lost their loved ones. Today is not a day to thank those who currently serve our country (that's Veterans Day) but to remember those who have died serving. 

Yay Baby Seester

I was on a roll with this blogging thing, then bam! The door is shut and silence. I went to Montana to see my sister (baby) graduate from college. Since being back home I had my final week of classes, my parents here, Christian's birthday, Mother's Day, volunteering at the kids' school, and trying to put my house back on the clean list. So....that's why I've been bad about blogging.

Back to my sister's graduation. I'm so proud of here. She has such a heart for children, especially those with special needs. She has struggled through school her while life and had to take a break from college to care for our mom at one point. She is so selfless and giving. It was such a great opportunity to celebrate her and her achievement together a a family. My parents were very gracious and bought me and my brother plane tickets to come see her graduate. I wish we could've all been there- but it was neat to have the "original family" together again. I think the last time it was the five of us, it was 1999.

Dairy free Ranch Dressing

I found the best Dairyfree/Vegan Ranch Dressing recipe. I make it all the time and in fact, I found a dairy free ranch at the commissary but everyone loves this one. Click here for the link.

The only product you may not have on hand is the veganaise. I have found it at Publix or any specialty super market.

Five favorite smells

I find it amazing that a particular smell can remind you of a special event, make you feel safe, or turn your tummy. Today I'm going to share with you my five favorite smells and please comment what your five favorites are. This will be fun!

1. Gain 

2. Rain/thunderstorm after a hot summer day

3. Clean babies

4. Flowers (but seriously, who doesn't like the smell of flowers)

5. My husband

This is going to be gross, but I love the smell of his deodorant and body wash. When he is all clean, his smell relaxes and comforts me.

Pineapple/banana smoothie

I found this smoothie on Pinterest and had to share since it was so stinkin' good.

1 1/2 cup pineapple (fresh is best!)
1 banana
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup ice
1/2 cup water or pineapple juice (I use water)

Blend and enjoy!

Anxious

Thursday I'm leaving for five days/four nights and flying to Montana to see my little sister graduate. I'm so stinkin' proud of her and thanks to my parents I can be apart of this joyous day. 

The reason why I titled this post "anxious" is because I can't seem to stop thinking about being away from my two precious kiddos. Yes I know I will be away from my husband - but honestly - this military wife is use to being separated from him for years on end. Don't get me wrong, I always miss him when he is gone, but it's nothing new.

However, with my kiddos, I have only been away from them maybe 15 days of their little lives. Cut the cord, right? Because Rande's job is so unstable, I try to be the stability for them - their constant. I feel as if I'm going into the doctor to have my arm or my leg amputated.

Today God laid a verse on my heart, Philipians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God". So I prayed and I petitioned to God to give me the peace he promises in the following verse (7).

So today I have a peace. I know that this weekend away will be good for the kids and for me.

I couldn't resist and had to share this picture of Ashlee. She was probably 3 years old and dressed as Hannah Montana for Halloween. Too cute.

This guy has the best smile and looks so much (and acts) like his dad.

4th of July in 2009 right before Afghanistan deployment. Their smiles just melt my heart.