on my desktop this week

happy memorial day

"Give honor and respect to all those to whom it is due."

Romans 13:7 TLB

i want this stool

Call me old fashioned.  Call me nostalgic.  I guess I am both but I want this stool.  We had one growing up, I loved it.  I could get up close and personal when cooking with my Mom.  It is called a kick stool and yes I remember kicking it across the kitchen when my hands were full.  The great thing about it is that once you apply any pressure to step onto it, it stops, sticks itself to that particular spot and does not move until you are off of it.   I want this for more than just a childhood memory.  In the past I've purchased step stools to find they are bulky, hard to open, just a pain to maneuver plus they don't put my girls right up into the action of kneading dough (or whatever the case may be).  I mentioned my memory to Art and he found them by googling.  I am so excited.  I'm happy to know they still exist!  Wish I had known this before Mother's day :-).

for dinner

Today started out rough.  Grace woke up with a tummy ache, Sarah was coming down from being sick. It looked like the beginning of a LONG day.  We started on some summer projects since we had the day at home.  We've worked hard and in the end had alot of fun.  We got the pool set up and spent the afternoon in it with the girls.  Neither Art or I wanted to think about cooking so we went with our standby summer dinner.... a smoothie.  Tonight's was made out of :

2 frozen ripe bananas

a huge amount of frozen strawberries

apple juice

It was frothy, berry, banana goodness.  Delish and we didn't have to add ice because the fruit was frozen (simple)!  Perfect for a warm evening.

maybe we are

Today was field day at Grace's school.
I have spent alot of time in Grace's classroom, getting to know her classmates. 
I wanted to know her friends, her influences.
This is what I have found out after this year....

There is the sweet girl - loving and very excitable, showing her love in hugs and cards to Grace.  A good friend.  I like this one and encourage Grace to spend time with her.

There are two girl bullies.  Bullies in the sense that number one can't keep her hands off Grace - pushing, picking her up, hitting (all done with laughter of course). She also teases Grace on material things.  Number two bully is considered "the mean girl" in the room.  I didn't give her that name, the kids in the class did.  I've heard it many times and have tried to discourage the name calling.  She is aggressive and very competitive, smart and cunning too.  Both of these girls are big, well bigger than Grace.  Somehow they gravitate towards my girl.

The out of control boy.   I know this boys past history at other schools.  He is medicated to control his outbursts.  His being in Grace's class has brought to my knees in prayer for protection over her.  He has been suspended numerous times, hurt teachers, principals etc...(this is Kindergarten). He is a big boy too.  Smart boy with sweet brown eyes.  His outbursts have become so common that the kids don't even notice them anymore.  I asked Grace's teacher to keep him at another table, away from her, she understood and obliged. 

There is a quiet girl.  She speaks to me with sweetness and respect.  She loves playing with Grace.  I love that she loves playing with Grace.  Another one I encourage Grace to hang out with.

I've prayed for these kids, the good and bad situations.  She has almost made it through Kindergarten (one more week).  Next year brings changes....two choices....

Homeschool
Private school

Both have positives.  Both are being prayed for.  Both are weighing heavy on me. 

Some may think we are being over protective.  Maybe we are.  But she was given to us and is ours to protect and so we will.

summer to do's

We sat down today and made out our Summer to do list.  This is a fun activity we do to help us make the most of our summers.  We go into it knowing we might not get them all done, but we will try our best.  The goal is to make some fun memories.

Some of my favorites are:

Roller skating

Homework (keep their minds sharp during the break)

Ride bikes

Reading program at the library

Visit the Arch

Art's favorites:
Camp out
Pool time
Fishing
Planting seeds

Grace's favorites:

Look for a dog (her request, go figure)

Smores at the fire pit

See cousins
Church Camp

Pool time

Sarah's favorites:

Sprinkler time

Visit Kapaw's

Catch fireflies

Magic House
Sparklers

field trips

I am a lucky Mom to be able to attend both of Grace's field trips this year. 

We went to the firehouse in New Melle last Wednesday.  It was chilly, 67 degrees.

Today we went to The Farm at Kraut Run, an organic farm not far from the school.  It was a balmy 86 degrees.

BIG difference, I much prefer the chill over the balmy.

I wasn't the only Mom there with her camera but I must admit I was the only one taking pictures of all the:

knobs and levers on the firetruck

bright yellow fire fighter hats

rows and rows of potatoes (reminded me of my dad's, very meticulous in how they were planted)

chickens and rooster

I'm sure some of the parents wondered about me. 

I saw color and beauty. 

Both were fun.  Both were adventures.

on my desktop this week

information overload

Between this...

this...

and THIS sermon series (4/18 - 5/20)...

I am on information overload.

All have been a blessing to Art and I.

It was all in God's timing, he knew our needs and met them.

Check them out and enjoy.

**Bringing Up Boys is available too**

closing program

Sarah had her closing program today at Apple Tree Academy.

She belted out the tunes during the program and on the car ride home.

I love to hear her sing her heart out, especially when they are praise songs.

Here she is, the only one standing in her group :).
She was checking out the Pre-K group.
Way to go sweet Sarah, you will be there next year.
Don't rush it.

on my desktop this week

{part of my extended family}

love on your teachers

I stumbled upon this idea on a blog and now I can't find which one (sorry).  I tweaked it a little adding my own new twist.  I call these "Summer Survival Kits" and each of my girls teachers is getting one.  The original blog had the beach towel folded with the magazine and sunscreen laying flat with a big bow around it. I added the baskets for a buck each and then got the Old Navy flip flops for $2.50 each.  I think they turned out really cute.  Grace and Sarah got to pick out the towels which made it even more fun for them to give.  **Suggestion - get a return receipt for the flip flops for each person.**  I did this after realizing I had no idea shoe sizes for each teacher.  Now all they need is a homemade card and we're ready to love on our teachers!

tall

After a week of rain this is what we have.  I really need to mow the lawn.

over

Tonight I prayed over Grace as she slept.  Not just prayed for her but OVER her.  It's been awhile since I went by her bedside, knelt down, placed my hands on her, bowed my head and prayed.  I prayed for protection for her sweet innocent heart.

Grace has been restless at night the past week.  She wakes up and needs help getting back to sleep.  This is not like her.  Along with this she has come home saying she's had two horrible days.  She used the word "horrible."  Talking it out seems to help but my gut feeling is something is going on that she's not able to articulate on.  Knowing Grace, her patterns, her spirit - I felt called to pray over her.

She has overheard me talking about homeschooling, about a new school next year and at times has surprised me by telling me she wants to stay home and learn with me.  Is this another God nudge?  Could this be part of her restlessness?  I know it can keep me up at night.  I never meant for her to hear my conversation with Art but what is done is done.  I just have to keep reassuring her that her Mom and Dad are trying to do what is best for her and that we love her very much.

In my head.... "Keep praying Ny, keep praying."

it's done

I've gone private!  I hope it hasn't caused any issues or becomes a headache for those who check on me from time to time.  I felt the need to protect myself and my family.  There are alot of things on my mind these days regarding protection.  You will see that with the past few posts.  Art and I are praying for guidance and wisdom in it all.  It feels overwhelming at times but I know God is in control.  I am leaning on him for the answers.

she twinkled

I had my first exposure to trying on clothes with Grace in the fitting room today. She was tickled to carry in her three selections to try on. So tickled I thought she was going to bounce off the walls of the fitting room. With each new dress she bursted out the door to show her Dad. I would peek around the corner to see her twirling, dancing and telling her Dad her thoughts on that particular outfit. She was beaming and in heaven.

She needed to dance and twirl for her Dad, she needed to hear him say she was beautiful. She needed affirmation that she is special in his eyes and she got it. She twinkled after that.

ANNOUNCEMENT :)

**Hey to all my friends who follow or freqeunt this blog, I am going private on Sunday (5/16). If you aren't able to view it, send me a message with your information and I will add you to my view list. Thank you.**

bringing up girls

I got this book this weekend as a Mother's Day gift to myself. Since getting it I haven't been able to put it down. I've been up late this week reading it every night. I've had many emotions/thoughts as I've just begun reading it.

Worry

Concern

Fear

Been inspired

Moved to act now

Moved to get on my knees and pray for my girls

Overwhelmed

The need to protect

The need to put my kids in a bubble

To home school

Every chapter is better than the one before. Dr. Dobson makes a point to call three of the chapters (so far in my reading) "Daddy chapters." While he wants Moms and Dads to read them, they are geared to the relationship between Fathers and Daughters. There were times I found myself saying, "That is so Grace" or "Wow, that is my Sarah" in their relationship with Art. It's been a blessing that God has placed in my path. I highly recommend.

**There is also a Bringing Up Boys by Dr. Dobson as well.**

i made this for dinner tonight

I found it HERE.

And as usual I didn't get a picture of it, we were all kind of famished :).

I did add my own twist to it and powered it up. (in red)

It was scrumptious and my kids liked it (SCORE)!

Honey Lime Enchiladas

Ingredients:
2 pounds chicken, cooked and shredded

Sauce/marinade:
3 T. honey
1/4 c lime juice
1 Tb chipotle chili powder (I didn't have so I used regular chili powder)
1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 cup pureed squash

2 (10 oz) cans green enchilada sauce (mild)
3-4 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
cheddar cheese, shredded

I added a can of black beans, drained and washed

1 scallion onion, chopped
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (I used 2% milk and only did 1/4 cup)
6 flour tortillas

Cook chicken, then shred. Mix together sauce ingredients then add to chicken. Let it marinate with the meat for about 30 minutes. Lightly spray a 9x13 pan with no-stick spray. Pour enough enchilada sauce to cover the bottom of the pan (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup). Fill flour tortillas with chicken and *shredded cheese and just a little enchilada sauce (*be sure to save about 1 cup of cheese to sprinkle on top of enchiladas). Roll and place filled enchiladas in pan on top of sauce. Mix the remaining enchilada sauce with the cream and leftover marinade, if you have any. Pour sauce on top of the enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until brown on top. Then turn on broiler and place enchiladas nearer the top of oven. Let it broil until cheese is slightly brown and crispy.

I think next time I will add more lime juice, I like the flavor so does my gang but overall it was very tasty. I'm glad I tried something new.

i dig

I do dig gardening. I wonder how SK's teacher knew that?

Herbs. The car smelled of basil the whole ride home. Mmmm...

Lunch on a warm day, out on the deck with powered up spaghetti.

This face, marinara and all!

pooped pinka

Tiresome day for my pinkalicious with a party at school today.

It's hard being four.

sunday afternoon after

I spent my Sunday afternoon after the big party taking it easy, clipped some coupons.

With a little help from the girls.

{SK's leg, my pink slipper, GM's Snow White dress }

4, rag doll, blow and release

Does she look 4 or what?

Our day was fun and so pink.

Birthday girl with her very own pinkalicious rag doll.

She loves her.
4 candles and of course cupcakes.
End of the day, family gone, just us releasing and watching some of the pink balloons fade into the heavens.

Great day.

on my desktop this week