Happy Easter!

Happy Easter to everyone!  We have had a lovely day, despite the fact that the weather is quite dreary.  I hope we can squeeze in our annual egg hunt this evening at my grandma's, but we'll see.  I am glad of the rain because we've had some issues with our well.  The only issue was trying to get 3 kids in their Sunday finest into church in the rain.....without Dustin (he has been working).  We made it though and got the last seats left-on the front row.  That doesn't bother me except the kids can be quite animated!  Emilynn exclaimed- "there's lots of people on stage", because the choir was getting ready for the Easter Cantata.  Carson was waving to Eric, who sings in the choir.  Henry was with my mom but not happy, so he joined us up front too- after Emilynn ran cookies and a bottle back to him to try to calm him down.  Yes, our church is pretty laid back.  The preacher thanked her for taking Henry a bottle- ha! 
Anyway, we made it through after both twins eventually migrated to the nursery.  Henry stayed with me and did great. 
We had a lovely Easter lunch at McDonald's- LOL.  We had coupons and I thought it would be nice to treat the kids.  They were good and ate almost all their food. 
The Easter bunny visited our house this morning leaving some small things for the kids- they each got a movie, a kids' Tervis tumbler (we love Tervis around here!), a Peppa Pig doll for each (Carson got 'George'), character wipes, character bath wash, play-doh, watercolor paints, character tissues, rolling pins, whisks, jump ropes, and several books.  I'm probably forgetting something.  Henry's basket had a movie, a pull toy, some Melissa & Doug stacking cars (love Melissa & Doug!), wipes, suckers (found some good Organic ones), a neat ball, and again-I'm sure I'm forgetting something.  Each child got a summer outfit too.  Oh, and Carson got a new Cars racecar, Emmy got an Aurora princess dress (which I'm pretty sure the Easter bunny found at Party City on clearance for $5!).  Commercials have really been pushing those princess outfits lately! 
Anyway, we had a lovely Easter morning and a nice service at church. 
I was explaining that Easter is not all about bunnies, but was about Jesus to which Emilynn quickly said, "she lives with God and she looks out for us." 
I thought that was a good grasp of things for a 3 year old, and definitely a good foundation we'll keep building upon. 
Happy Easter from our crazy bunch!  :-) 

Zoo trip from last spring

Maybe I've got spring fever....but I was going through pics on the computer and found several from last spring.  One was our family zoo trip.   It was so much fun, I hope we repeat it again this year. 
Here are some pics from that day. 

Hunter checking out some flamingos. 

The twins checking out something...I think the ostriches.  Love our double jogger stroller-it is freedom for me!  :-)

 

Uncle Wayne & Hunter check out giraffes.

This zoo has the best giraffe area-you are eye to eye with them and they are so friendly!  I love giraffes! 

Emilynn feeding the giraffes.

Emilynn and Boo-Boo checking out some snakes in the water-eww!  She was so short then. 

Have I mentioned she grew about 10 inches in a year!?!?

Carson & Aunt Nicole checking out some stuff.

The highlight of the zoo trip- the kids got more excited over a lizard that ran under the trash can (it saw us coming!) than any animal we paid to see!  It was entertaining for quite a bit. 

 

A stare down....each trying to figure out what the other is....

 

 

The "triplets" :-) 

 

We finished the day up with a train ride, then a picnic!   Oh, and a carousel ride too!

 

Henry was in his pouch most of the day.  I loved "wearing" Henry!!!  I miss that so much! 

 

A great day full of fun and family!  I hope we go again this year.  Cousins Morgan & Dylan were with us also, but I don't know if their parents want them on the web.  It was great to have all the cousins together for the day!  I hope they all grow up close like we all did! 

 

 

 

 

 

Consignment Sales & Stores- one way we afford to live on one income

When we made the leap of faith for me to quit my full time job to be a full time mom, it was certainly just that- a leap of faith.  After some number crunching we realized we were basically using up my salary just eating out and going and "doing" things.  Sad but true!!!   We quickly adjusted to Dustin's salary alone.  That is not to say it was not without some nervousness, but I soon learned that God provides.  It really is amazing to watch him work in our lives.  One concern of mine was how in the world to clothe two little people (little did I know it would soon be 3 little people!) with clothes, shoes, socks, etc.  I had always enjoyed yard sale shopping but honestly, you have to really search those because the odds the house you pull up to has kids exactly your kids' sizes is slim.  One thing that I do at yard sales is buy sizes ahead and usually the prices are so low you can afford to do that and take a risk that the item may not work later...depending on how fast the kids grow and seasons.
It's really not a good use of my time to do a lot of yard saling at this stage though because it requires a babysitter and there is no guarantee you will find what you need. 

An easier approach to be able to get used clothing in specific sizes is shopping consignment stores or sales.  I love shopping at our local consignment store, especially when I need something specific-like a pair of rain boots for one of the kids, or maybe a new dance leotard for Emilynn.  I always check there before biting the bullet and paying full retail price.  I have to admit- I would rather have something name brand that is used than something brand new from say...Walmart or another discount store.  I bought Emilynn 2 outfits at Walmart in the fall and after the first washing they looked so worn that we just used them for playclothes.  Name brand things like stuff from The Children's Place, Gymboree, Crazy 8, Carter's, etc. holds up so much better, even after many wears and stains come out much more easily.  Someone told me they used nicer cotton to make the name brand things- I'm not sure if that's true but it makes sense to me! 

There is also a really nice, new Goodwill that I really like as well.  I went in there a few weeks ago and got SO many nice, name brand things for the kids.  They are pretty much set for summer-especially Emilynn.  She probably has more than she can wear but she is my hardest on clothes, so we'll see.  Goodwill is a little harder to shop, you need more time when you go there because things are lumped together.  For instance, infant through maybe 3T is together, which is a big range. 

We are also blessed that different people just give us clothes from time to time.  I always take everything, no matter.  I can look through it and get what we can use out and then pass on the rest.  I don't want anyone to think my kids HAVE to have name brand clothes, because that is NOT the case.  We have a mix of everything at all times.  Carson pretty much only likes John Deere shirts, so I get those from our local Peebles store if we don't have hand-me-downs from either Cousin Hunter (there are 2-remember!). 

Anyway, we shop a local consignment sale twice per year (my sister and I).  We went last week to it and drug my mom along, which significantly increased my bill!  She loves shopping for Emilynn.  Girls clothes ARE much more fun to shop for.  Amanda and I both joined her at the girls' section and all picked out a bunch of stuff.  We all agreed the boys' stuff was less in quantity and not as cute. 

I really racked up on stuff at the sale.  Here is what I got for $66.00 total.  Half of that went to a Fire Department too, so it also helped a great cause!  Oh, and when I say "near" or "local", that is relative because anything near or local to me is about 30-45 minutes away!!!   Some people have hang ups about used clothes.  My thought is- how do you know how many people tried on something in a store, or possibly took it home and returned it?  You really don't.  That makes it kind of the same thing, don't ya think??  :-) 

My consignment steals:  (I'll list prices when I remember them)

• A Wilson softball glove for Emilynn- $3 (because you can never have too many gloves, you never know when a pick-up game will occur!)
• A purse with an "E" on it from Justice-$2 (We had to explain Justice to my mom. It was funny, she spotted the "E" bag and then said, "You don't want this, it says 'Justice' all over it. I told her I was sure she'd be adquainted with Justice soon enough!) 
• A Jansport small backpack for Emilynn- $2
• Rainboots for Emilynn-like new $4
• Thomas and Friends roundhouse set you can take with you-$4 (looked it up online later and since it is discontinued it goes from anywhere from $40-$80!) 
• Package of 3 pair of shorts for Emilynn- $1
• Drama Queen shirt for Emilynn (so appropriate!)-$1
• Carter's Summer one piece romper for Henry- so cute!
• Jumping Beans 4th of July tee- Emmy
• Thomas & Friends t-shirt- Carson
• Jumping Beans skort for Emmy with matching flamingo t-shirt-cute!
• Osh Kosh jean jumper for Emilynn
• Faded Glory top for Emilynn-really cute summer one!
• Baby Gap polo shirt for Henry
• Lightning McQueen shirt for Carson
• Beach print Bermuda shorts for Emmy
• Dressy capris for Em
• 3 pack of Jumping Beans capris for Emmy (the "loungey" kind as we call them around here)
• another 3 pack of shorts for Emmy- $1 (these are the cotton stretchy ones that can be worn out or possibly as playclothes)
• Package of 5 tank tops for Emilynn
• Red and white seersucker dress with strawberries in smocking on it- so adorable!  Call me old-fashioned- I love smocking!!  Even for baby boys! 
• Rare Editions capri set (dressy)-$5
• Rare Editions seersucker capri set with flamingos-$5
• white t-shirt with flowers
• Gymboree cotton sundress
• J.Khaki sundress with a monkey on it
• Jumping beans top
• pink and white top
• package of 22 socks for Emilynn- Nike, Old Navy, etc.  I will pick through these.  I don't normally buy used socks but I think I paid $2 for all of them and will get some good pairs out of it.  We always need socks and they seemed in great condition.

As you can see, the girls' stuff was in abundance.  I think my Mom was skeptical at first but I'm pretty sure we made a believer out of her...since she ran my bill up by $20 more than I usually spend.  I think it was pretty good to get all of those things for just $66.  I may even be able to re-sell some things at next year's sale if they make it that long!!!  :-)   Emilynn is so set for summer it's ridiculous.  I am not sure about the boys yet, but I know I have stuff in my storage shed for them both and Carson can probably wear the same shorts he wore last year- 24 month.   We've taken to calling him "Slim." 

Amanda scored some good deals too- the best being a like brand-new baby mattress for FREE!!  We were gonna pay for it and they gave it to us. It made for an interesting ride home in the back of Amanda's compact "commuter" car for me!  :-)   The boy stuff was really lacking though.  Bummer!  You never know what you are gonna find. 

We finished the night with dinner at Ruby Tuesday.  A fun mother-daughter night hunting for deals!!!! 

We thought it was spring!

We thought it was spring, but apparently I jinxed it by posting snow pics on Saturday!  It snowed all day yesterday, off and on.  It was pretty and so nice to be holed up at home, warm and snug with our family.  The kids wanted to go outside all day, but we kept putting them off.  Finally, this morning I bundled them up and sent them out.  They were gone all of 5 minutes when they had a squabble and each declared they weren't playing with the other anymore.  It involved a rock and a mud puddle was all I could gather.  I'm sure they'll be back out again soon!  Snow days means a constant in and out, with snow clothes strewn everywhere.  We are not leaving the house today, except tonight for a birthday dinner.  I'm actually hoping to leave the kids with Daddy and just go myself.  It is so cold to take them out and we've all been sick for the weekend.  I think it started with the pollen on the warm days, it really got to us.  I finally got sick Friday, was the worst Saturday, and started feeling better Sunday.  I am so thankful that I was sick while Dustin was home, because being sick AND caring for kids is NOT easy.  I've done it.  It's so hard!  Henry is snotty again, after just being sick for his b-day.  I think we are going to have to just keep him home until spring is here for good!!!  Although I do blame the recent runny noses on the pollen that was flying all around on the warm days. 

Carson's new favorite show to watch is the "cowboys and cooking, mom", which means he wants to watch "The Pioneer Woman" on Food Network!  It's one of my favorite shows and I will try to sneak in an episode while the kids are busy playing something (distracted!).  He loves to watch it with me, it's right up his alley- cooking and farming together!  The boy loves to help me cook and does a good job.  He mixes the juice now, when we make juice from frozen cans of concentrate.  That is one of his cooking responsibilities he takes very seriously around here.  He also likes to take pictures of what we make- which cracks me up.  He got it from me.  It started when I made butter and had to take a picture.  Dustin was looking at the camera and said , "you took a picture of your butter?".  Yep!  I did!  Ha!  I was so proud.  Of course I had to take pics of the kids helping cook, so we started keeping the small camera in the kitchen.  Thus began the kids always wanting to take pics of everything we make! 

Here are some ranch oyster crackers he helped me make for Christmas gifts (excuse the mess-it was Christmastime folks!)

 

Here is my homemade butter that I was so proud of: 

 

 

I will say- making butter is hard work, by hand anyway.  It was delicious though!  Maybe in the future we will make more.  The kids did help me shake the jar.  It was fun! 

 

 I will have to post more pics of our food creations soon!  We have some from our canning last year, which the kids also helped out with.  I hope to do even more canning and preserving this year, they are able to help me so much now that they are 3! 

 

Speaking of food, it's lunch time around here and the natives are restless!  :-)  I feel like sometimes all I do is prepare food, clean up, and start all over again!!! 

 

Snow Pics

Here are a few of my favorite pics from our recent snow. 

I love the blue, blue sky shining and the bright snow on the trees in this one!  I thought it was pretty even though there are no kids in it!  :-) 

Carson- I don't know if he likes the snow or not!!!

 

 

Emilynn felt as though her Barbies needed to experience the snow as well.  :-) 

 

 I love snowy days!  Even all of the wet, snowy clothes that line the entryway for a day or two!  Kids have to go in and out at least 14 times per day-right? 

This was one of the first snows we had.  I have more pics of the last one where cousins Morgan & Dylan were with us- will upload those soon. 

2 1/2 months down-1 month to go- Plagiocephaly Update

We went Wednesday for Henry's monthly plagiocephaly check-up with the orthodist.  His numbers got slightly better, but due to the way his flat spots were, they mostly go by how his head looks versus the numbers.  I must say, his head looks SO much better!  We are doing one more month to give it another month to fill in in the very back a bit more, but after that, he will graduate out of his helmet.  It seemed so overwhelming at first, and now it's almost over!  It seemed like it would be such a huge, lifechanging event when we got his diagnosis, but truly it's been a fairly painless process.  It helps that he's such a great baby, I'm sure. 
When you take his helmet off, there are always red spots in certain places where the band fits tightly.  Once the orthodist had been out doing adjustments and came back, he was surprised to see a spot was still red after having the helmet off a while.  Well, it was from falling in the hallway at the office!  We were walking up and down the halls while he was making the adjustments and Henry fell and bumped his head pretty hard!  That brought on another discussion- we need to think about how we are going to transition out of the helmet since he's so used to having it on!!!!  He really does rely on it when walking and playing and has a problem when he falls without it!! 
Anyway, we'll figure that out too I guess and get used to seeing our boy's face again!  It's hard to see all of Henry with his helmet on!!  I am excited and happy we made the decision to get the helmet. 
After his appointment, we had a yummy Mexican lunch.  The whole family, everybody went to the appointment.  It was a nice family day.  :-) 

In case you are wondering what his helmet (or band) looks like-here's our helmet boy: 

 

He's getting into my Tupperware cabinet here.  :-)  Mischievious boy!  The strap is really strong velcro and you have to watch because certain blankets will stick to the velcro and that can be very annoying and also dangerous in a crib. 

 

Looking out at the snow-maybe next year!!!  Oh, and look at his short legs-they really are that short-haha!  The holes in the back of the helmet are for ventilation purposes. 

 

You get the idea.  I never got stickers or decorations for it.  I just thought I'd get sick of them after a while. 

 

He has had a haircut since these pics, so he no longer has hair growing out of the helmet!!  It really has been great for learning to walk!  I will be glad to see his face again-it is hard to see him in the helmet. 

 

 

Some things I'm excited about...

A friend of ours is starting a new company, called Torture the Devil.  It is a Christian company focused on serving God through your gifts and talents and "torturing the devil" by serving God to the fullest! 
Check it out if you want:  www.torturethedevil.com and read more about the company and becoming a Christian!  You can also get some cool "Torture the Devil" gear like shirts and wristbands! 

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Okay, you'll probably think I'm a little nuts, but I think about Christmas all year!  Seriously, I enjoy thinking about what to get the kids and others on our list.  Mainly, I think about it because being a one income family, we can't just go out and buy everything in December and be done with it.  That would cost WAY too much and not be feasible.  We either have to buy things early, or save early so we'll have the funds to buy stuff when the holidays arrive.  I try to do a little of both.  Plus, if you look early for gifts, you can usually find great deals!  Soooooo...where am I going with all of this? 

Enter, the Lucy Locket.  Dustin's grandma, "Nanny B" as we call her, has this Lucy Locket at her house.  It looks like this: 

It is heart shaped, you can carry it around, and it reminds me of a Polly Pocket, but much bigger and nicer (in my opinion).  It's about 12 inches x 12 inches and almost 5 inches thick.  All the kids LOVE playing with this at Nanny B's house, even the boys (but don't tell I said that!).  When you open it up, this is what you see:

the top

the bottom

It IS a lot of fun to play with, and you can carry it whereve you go.  I have searched and searched for something for Emilynn like this ever since we've had the one at Nanny B's to play with .  As it turns out, they were made in 1992 by a company in England.  How did Nanny B get one?  At the dump!  She bleached it and it was good to go! 
I've looked on Ebay for a while for one and today, I was able to "make an offer" on one in decent shape and it was accepted.  Yay!  I am going to give it to Emilynn for Christmas and she will LOVE it, I know!  The thing it, usually stuff that's no longer made costs a LOT on Ebay.  I got this for only $20 plus shipping.  Yay!  I love when I find stuff I know my kids will love for a great price.  Does it bother me it's used?  Nope, not at all.  I've looked for something brand new that compares and it just doesn't seem to exist.  I can't wait for it to arrive! 

The only other Christmas item I'm working on right now is getting Henry a "baby Henry" doll for Christmas.  The twins each have an American Girl Bitty Twin that looks like them and they call them "Baby Carson" and  "Baby Emmy".  Henry only needs one, so it's taking a little more effort to get just one brand new Bitty Twin, but you can get them and I'm sure he'll be loved like our other baby dolls here. 

I know I'm crazy for thinking of Christmas already, but it such fun! 

Lest We Never Forget....

Today some sadness is on my heart for several reasons.  Days like today make me feel like God is disappointed in the direction our world is going, because I am sure disappointed myself at times. 

Today, a little boy named Dylan Hockley would have turned 7.  Instead, he was killed in the Sandy Hook massacre.  It breaks my heart to think of all the lives lost that fateful day.  Those parents who dropped their kids off at school and fully expected to pick them up that afternoon, what was to be a normal day.  Things like that make me want to never leave our little house in the woods with my kids.  How can we keep them safe?  Places that are supposed to be safe, aren't.  It's sad and troubling.  My heart goes out to all the families who lost precious children and loved ones on that awful day. 
We will never forget them and pray for them always. 

Another tragedy occured yesterday, when a State Trooper was killed in the line of duty.  I had the opportunity to work with this gentleman on occasion and am saddened by such a senseless act of violence.  My heart goes out to his family as he is mourned and missed by so many.  

It is a harsh realization that life can be forever changed in the blink of an eye. 

On days like today, I turn to the only one who could possibly give an ounce of comfort in times such as these- God. 

And as time goes on and the pain of loss isn't so fresh, may we never forget. 

When God sends you snow....

You make snow cream!  I've always wanted to try this, but just never had.  We just made some and it's good!  Now, being the ice cream fanatic I am, I will say it is in no way, shape, or form like ice cream.  But it is a good treat nonetheless. 

Here's the recipe we used:

Clean Snow-I just got a huge bowl of it and brought it in. 
I filled each individual bowl with snow, then added the following:

1/4 tsp. vanilla
2 tbsp. maple syrup
3 or 4 tbsp. milk (or you could use cream)

The kids liked it, and it was a neat thing to do on a very snowy day. 

Now we are warm and I hope won't go outside again (we've had two trips out so far, so you can imagine the stuff strewn everywhere!).

I will try to post our snowman pic when I get a chance!