We drank the Koolaid

We asked.  We researched.  We debated.  And then we did it: we went all in and drank the Isagenix Koolaid.  IsoLean shakes, to be more precise.  And then the Isaflush.  And the Cleanse for Life... and Ionix Supreme.  We went all "cleanse my cells" on each other, knowing full well we'd return that sucker on day 29, thank you very much.

But then we kind of liked it.  And a couple days later we maybe loved it.  Disclaimer: I'm still nursing Parker so I am limited in what I can take.  Billy has done the full 30 day cleansing and fat burning system.  I have not done it in its entirety.

So,  here's our "take" on the cleansy juice.

1. I went from drinking 4-6 cups of coffee every morning (calm down La Leche League) to drinking around 4 cups a week.  Not because I chose to quit drinking it, but because I didn't need it anymore.  I lost the desire and taste for it.

2. I went from drinking 1-2 diet cokes in the afternoon (sometimes 3 children will cause you to turn to poisonous substances.  Mine just happened to be in the form of caffeine) to drinking 1-2 a week.  Again, not because I decided to give it up; I absolutely looked forward to my afternoon fix of carbonation.  But I stopped craving it and lost the "need" for it.

Those two reasons alone are huge benefits, but I will continue...

3. We are significantly less bloated.  Which, 3 babies and 2 c-sections later, is a mighty fine feeling for this mama.

4.  Neither one of us have experienced the post-lunch crash since starting Isagenix.  You know, when all you can fathom, whether you're at a desk or hiding from your kids in the bathroom (....), is laying your head down for a quick snooze... we genuinely don't feel that way in the afternoons.  In fact, afternoons have become some of my most productive and purposed time of the day, as well as Billy's.

5.  Billy has lost 12 pounds after 3 weeks of using Isagenix.

6.  When all three boys were sick for 8 days, we remained untouched.  Could be immunity, or it could be that we were getting enough of what we needed and our body had the tools to fight it off.

7.  Billy has completely lost all swelling of his joints.  Regardless of weight, his wedding ring has always been a challenge to get over his knuckle.  In fact, we thought the only way it would come off was if it was cut off.  However, as he's been using Isagenix the swelling in his knuckles is completely gone.  His knees?  Also gone.

8.  Billy is drinking around 3-4 cups of coffee a week as opposed to 2 cups a day.  The bags under his eyes are gone.

9. People noticed a difference in us.  So they decided to try it.  Which means we got paid for it.  Which means it nearly paid for itself.

10.  See number 9.

It's been a fantastic experience for us.  And come day 29, you better believe we will not be returning it.  Which begs the question, who's next???

So this one time...

We moved to Chicago.  Bought a house.  Moved to a different part of Chicago.  Then had a baby 2 weeks later.  Despite a couple rounds of bronchitis, a pulled back muscle and getting the entire house painted before he arrived, we survived and are absolutely in love.

Meet the newest fella of the family, sweet Parker Alexander.

 8 lbs. 4 oz., 20.5 inches of chubby goodness.  Those. Cheeks.  No but really.  They overlap his chin.  He is our shortest, yet chubbiest.  

 Squishy baby in a basket.  Swoon.  [My new neighbors likely think there is something mentally wrong with me after watching me photograph a naked 4 day old on my front porch.]

Giant feet and hands, as usual for Grimme children.

And the smitten big brothers.  Hugs and kisses.  All day long.  

Going into the c-section at a new hospital with a new doctor I was anxious, to say the least.  My first two deliveries, not so spectacular.  My c-section with Everett was far better than my delivery with Luke - but still not my favorite.  But this time... this time!  I could cry about it!  Maybe I did cry about it!  Though still a C-Section, it was the most pleasant, and dare I say enjoyable, experience for us.  From the moment we walked into Northwestern it was so peaceful and structured and mother-baby everything.  One of my biggest concerns was the anesthesia, as last time I went completely numb.  Head to toe.  Felt like I was unable to breath.  Couldn't speak.  Couldn't open and close my eyes.  And just kept vomiting on the table but not able to move, so well, that was lovely.  All after laboring for 10 hours.  But this time once we were in pre-op, every single person involved with the procedure came and introduced themselves, asked my concerns, then listened and heard my concerns, then told me what they were going to do about it.  Then they said it was time to go, so I literally walked next door and got on the operating table.  My doctor walked in, asked me what Pandora station I wanted to listen to, and then they got the party started.  Truly, the most wonderful group of people.  Had I been able to get up and walk right away I might have given them all hugs and kisses.  Don't worry.  I couldn't.  

The anesthesia started doing exactly what it did before, numbing my entire body.  But thanks to their willingness to hear me out, they were prepared and as soon as my blood pressure dropped (80/50) they quickly remedied the situation and we were smooth sailing.  When Parker was born, they weighed him, wrapped him, and handed him to Billy.  And from that moment he didn't leave our sight.  Granted, I was slightly confused.  Don't you bathe him?  Don't you take him away for all these tests?  Nope.  He's yours.  And everything we need to do can be done in your room.  So...for the remainder of the c-section we just hung out with Parker.  Billy just sat with me and Parker laid with me.  Then when we were done and on our way to recovery Billy carried Parker to recovery.  About an hour later we were in our room with Parker and it was so peaceful. and quiet.  and heavenly.  My pain stayed so low, by that afternoon I was able to walk, Parker was peeing and pooping and nursing, and 2 days later we were discharged early and headed home.

We could not be more thankful for how everything went from start to finish.

So, here's what I know to be true: God is good and faithful and gracious all the time.  In the midst of Luke and Everett's deliveries, as unpleasant and scary as they were, we knew He was still good and just.  We never felt forgotten or forsaken.  And during this delivery with Parker, as pleasant and beautiful as it was, we knew the same to be true.  He is still good and faithful.  And we were overwhelmed by His grace during this time and the many many ways He went before us and took care of so many details and fears of ours.

And on that note, I do believe I'll go finish my coffee!  

Things they are saying...

Lately, these two little boys of mine have said some of the most hilarious [and slightly inappropriate] things around the house... Including, but not limited to....

-"Mommy, where's my rape?" ... Excuse me?  "My rape-no.  So I can cook with you."  .....APRON.

-A certain child, in the bath tub, playing with his little hiney, so I ask...

 "Sweetie, why are you doing that with your bottom?" 

 Child says, " So it can fill up with water."  

I say, "Oh really?  Why do you need to fill it up with water?" 

Child says, "So I have plenty for the winter."  In. all. seriousness.  

I left the room and laughed til I cried.  Apparently he saw this on Animal Planet? 

-"Sometimes, half is called half.  And the other times its called half."

-"Thas ser-ous business." says one little boy regarding the food still left on his plate.

-"Mommy.  Mommy.  Mommy!  .... MAMACITA!!!!!"

"NO FAIR!"  There's nothing special to that.  Other than I hear it 239873593275 times a day.  And it drives. me. nuts.  

What's happenin'

Well it's still cold!  But today instead of snow it's rain, so that's an improvement.  Maybe.  Sometimes the moisture and dampness brought with rain is colder and chillier than a snow day.

I was telling a friend earlier this week that while there is much busyness on the horizon, right now there is not much busyness.  At all.  So sometimes the days tend to drag on with our only outing being to the grocery store or weekly library time.  We ventured out to the Kohl Children's Museum about 25 minutes from here.  It was similar to Marbles but a bit much.  Sensory overload to the max.  Luke and Everett would often walk into a new area without an idea of the theme and where to even begin.  After 2 hours Luke just stood still and said, "So I think we can probably go now..."  Not to mention this is one area we saw the cost of living a solid 65% higher than good ole Raleigh, NC which made for an expensive 2 hours.

We have a lot in the coming weeks and months, which will be nice.  Luke starts a "Jungle Safari" class next week at the community center where he will learn about a new African animal each week as well as play games, make a craft and more.  He is beyond thrilled.  Everett's library time starts next week also, which will be a nice change for him.  They do things on a monthly basis at our library so this month it was Luke and his 3-5 year old story time (parents and siblings not included).  Luke also starts soccer in 2 weeks!  We have some fun things going on this summer, including our baby brother making his debut in July.

It's also been a huge gift all around having Billy home every week.  When he traveled on a regular basis we were both really focused and he was so intentional on making sure the boys got their daddy time.  But now that he's home more, there's more freedom to enjoy time all together as well as for him to just take a breather every now and then and not worry about a to do list all. the. time.  Some nights after dinner the boys go down to the basement to play and Billy and I have uninterrupted conversation...CRAAAAZY.  I know.

While the days can be lonely for me at times, it's also been good time to do things I normally wouldn't do or haven't had time to do.  Like read a 450 page book in one week.  Two weeks in a row.  Or teach Luke to read (Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons).  I've tried out several new recipes that have been on my list for at least a year.  It's also given me time to look into getting my counseling certification through ACBC, which happens to have a center within an hour of us (praise the Lord!).  So all in all things are good.  We are learning a lot.  Enjoying our "newlywed bliss" all over again.  Learning the territory and experiencing new cultures.  And so thankful for the unwavering peace we've been given from the Lord.

A week ago today...

It's officially been 1 week since our truck arrived at our new home and the unpacking began.  My mom and step dad arrived the next day and the serious unpacking, putting together, errand running began.  It was a blessing having them here to entertain the boys almost all day every day.  It gave us much needed uninterrupted time to try and get things a little more settled, and it made the first week a little less lonely!!  A few things we love about where we ended up... a park in the neighborhood.  Along with 2 ponds, a dog park and a library within walking distance.  Not to mention the world's best grocery store that is like a combination of the food and restaurant like atmosphere from Whole Foods, pharmacy and toiletries of Target, ease and simplicity of Harris Teeter, and the prices of Kroger.  Such a simple thing to be excited about, I do realize...but seeing as I spend a large portion of my time revolving around food and groceries and hungry boys, it's rather delightful.

The weather has strangely resembled the unpredictability of North Carolina, as it was 54 and sunny on Monday while today we woke up to 4 inches of snow.  Billy started his new job this week and our family left.  It has definitely been more quiet around here but we are getting into a new "normal."  Like staying in our pajamas until 10 am.... or 3 pm.... or until bedtime when I put a new pair on the sweet child who is still in his pajamas at bedtime....

A few things I've learned so far in this process and life in general here in Buffalo Grove:
-Everything takes longer.  As in at least an hour longer.  A quick run to the grocery store is not quick.  A quick trip to Ikea that is 25 minutes away ends up being a 4 hour trip.  Running into Target?  More like a stroll in the park.
-When you are browsing rentals in which you plan to reside, always look at light fixtures.  And washer/dryer connections.  We were a bit surprised to find that not a single room in this house has an overhead light fixture.  AFTER we arrived of course.  We were even more surprised to find that our electric dryer did not work in gas-run house.  And even MORE surprised to find out it would be close to a $1500 fix to either buy a GAS dryer equivalent or have the house wired to accommodate our electric dryer.
-If you think you will need 1 or 2 pairs of clothes per person during a move, add an extra 2.  Or 4.  Or wash every article of clothing before you leave.  Because the movers *might* drill a hole in your washing machine.  And all the Lowes within a 30 mile radius *might* be out of stock on the washer and dryers you want.  And it *might* take more than a week to get your new ones delivered and installed.  Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything...........  (DO YALL KNOW HOW MUCH LAUNDRY THIS FAMILY PRODUCES IN 9 DAYS?!)
-Always ask...
In aforementioned scenario when your washing machine might get completely damaged, and the claims department of the moving company offers to replace the unit they damaged... it is worth asking them to replace the entire set.  After all doing laundry in 5 year apart machines that don't match would be a travesty.  You might be pleasantly surprised that they will indeed buy you an entire new set.
-Then when at Lowes and you are looking for your new [paid in full by said moving company] set to wash the ungodly amount of dirty clothes piling up in the house, and they are out of stock, why not ask them to match the price from the less expensive ones that aren't in stock on the $500 more expensive ones that ARE in stock.  You might again be pleasantly surprised that they will accommodate your request.  Even when those are too out of stock.  But hey, you just got a brand new washer and dryer for free, worth twice as much as your current machines, and completely eliminating the gas/electric dryer problem.  Thank you, Lord.

All in all it's been a pretty good week, though I cannot believe it's only been a week.  We are thankful for the area in which we live and our house, though dainty and little yard, is quite cozy and homey already.

And here are a few pictures just because.

This is how Billy does Ikea.  

Little Pajama man...

In real clothes!  On our beautiful sunny day.  We were sweating.  

:)

Best. Library. Ever.

Little bookworm.

Did I mention this is the best library ever?

Case in point.

Going on two hours at a library.  Within walking distance from our house.  So excited about this!

We moved: as told through my iPhone

I just told Billy that I at this moment while I am not sad, nor happy, angry or upset,  I am so mentally and physically exhausted that I could cry at any moment.  Full tears.  ugly cry.  for no reason.  And while that makes absolutely no sense, I am hormonal and pregnant and have been couped up with my kids in a mini van and a hotel room for 4 days.  4. long. days. YALL.  Ok only 3.  But still.  

So without brain dumping every overly emotional thought that comes to mind in this moment, because let's be honest, as my kids are asleep (in the back of my mini van, of course) this will be the only time that I actually have to process a full, complete and coherent thought or sentence, even if it is overly emotional, I will leave you with just pictures.  That may or may not have been a coherent [run on] sentence.  Oh and I will give captions, too.  

Here's what moving with the Grimme's has looked like....

Our atlas moving truck with the best team ever.  I laughed that they brought a truck this big.  Now I am crying that it was actually full and they are bringing every last piece into our new [1000sq ft smaller] residence. 

Um.  The worlds best going away gift.  Given by the worlds best friends.  Now I might be crying because I miss my girlfrands. 

Cute, right?  Morning of day 2's drive.  Our 8 hour drive took 12.  No big deal.  My kids and 75 lb Weimaraner loved all the togetherness almost as much as I did.  

Move in day we woke up to a fresh 4 inches of snow on top of the 37inches that were already there.  I wish I could say I stayed warm and cozy inside.  I tried.  But the doors being open for the movers all day gave me the option of sitting on the floor inside a 48 degree house or getting back in my mini van with my kids and dog.  I opted for the 48 degrees.  I might sell the van on Craigslist after this trip.  Sh.  Don't tell Billy.......

Did I mention they are sick?

And have been wearing the same pajamas longer than 24 hours?

Well.  That's it for now.  

*disclaimer: I am tired.  And love my kids.  And love that we feel led to this place.  I am not bitter.  I am blessed by the most amazing husband who brings me m&m's and diet coke and puts up with me.  And I'm also listening to a great album I haven't paid attention to in a while titled Live at The Banks House: Will Raegen.  Good for the soul, y'all.  

Well, the cat's out of the bag...

1. I am pregnant.
2. It's a boy.
3. We are moving to Chicago.

Since most of you are probably most astounded by number 3, let's start there.

It's been a whirlwind and a very strange string of events.

We have family and friends in Chicago that we got to visit this summer.  During one of our drives I turned to Billy and said, "Wouldn't it be amazing to live here near Ray & Sarah, and be part of this incredible church plant [with people we know/getting to know from Raleigh]??"  To which he replies, "Yes.  But I don't have a JOB in Chicago and we just bought a HOUSE in Wake Forest."  Both valid points.

Fast forward 6 months, a random phone call for a work from home position based out of Chicago, a whirlwind of an interview, and a senior management job offer on the spot later - we found ourselves with a [slightly unwanted] job opportunity in Chicago.  The job they interviewed him for was not what they wanted to hire him for, thus asking Billy and our family to relocate to Chicago.

CRAZY, RIGHT?!

After much prayer, late late LATE talks through every scenario, and a last minute trip to Chicago (in the middle of vortex number 2), we felt like it was an obvious YES to move to Chicago.

Shew.  It is so so hard to leave.  Billy and I have both lived here for over 20 years.  Most of our parents are here.  We are leaving behind our beloved church family and our most precious friends, some we have known over 15 years.  But we also know that what lies ahead is a sweet sweet blessing for our family, an adventure and opportunity for our family to grow deeper with the Lord as we depend on Him in an unfamiliar place.  We are also moving into an unknown territory in Billy's career as he will now be home 99% of the time.  When we first got married and for the first 6 months of Luke's life he was literally gone every. single. week.  Him being home is huge for us, as we welcome baby #3.  While a blessing I am sure it will bring on a new set of challenges as we have never actually lived with one another longer than 14 days.  Ok maybe 20 :)

There are many ways in which the Lord has already gone before us and for that we are so so grateful.  Truly, the details of how this has all played out is quite incredible.  A few things we are most thankful for is our sister and brother in law + nieces will live relatively close, we were provided a personal reference OB for baby boy 3 from our current OB, and we already have a church we will be able to call family.  There is also a homeschool CO OP that I was wanting to participate in with Luke next year here in Raleigh....and there is one in the same suburb in which we are hoping to move.  So thankful!!

Here are a few answers to questions in which we have been asked recently....

Billy's new company will take care of our house to sell and buy out if needed.
They will move us.  And our cars.  And our dog.
His new start date is March 10.
We are moving before said start date.  Please note that is in exactly 1 month.  AHH!!!
We will probably take a trip to Chicago this weekend to find a 6 month rental until we better know the area.
WE ARE NUTS!  And it is only by God's grace that I do not end every day in a puddle of emotions on my kitchen floor eating chocolate cake and ice cream.
Thankfully I'm just sticking to the chocolate cake and ice cream portion of that last statement...

The Handmade Christmas List

I love crafting.  And I love gift giving.  And as we approach the holidays and the season to give, I don't think there's anything sweeter than a thought-out gift from the heart.  Below you'll find a list of my favorite DIY Christmas gifts, complements of Pinterest of course :)  Once the holidays are over and gifts have been given, I'll share pictures of my version of the below gifts!

Snow White Costume

This is a link to a FREE PRINTABLE TUTORIAL for a 2T-3T Snow White Costume.  Pair this with the Snow White storybook (on Amazon Prime for less than $4.00)!

Olliblocks

These Olliblocks are one of my favorites, though you do have to pay for the Printable.  However, they have a starter set that includes 4 different character sets which is the most economical of the options.  Grab a little Mod Podge and be on your way!

Sleeping Bag

This free tutorial is another favorite, and I'm hoping to use this for my boys.  Though with all the other handmade goodies in the works it might just have to wait until their birthdays!

Personalized Serving Plate

Ok seriously?  Too cute and oh so easy.  Makes a great hostess gift!!

Personalized Coffee Mug

This didn't come with a tutorial other than a tag line, "Paint Pen on a Dollar Store mug!"  So, I tried it out myself, and so so easy + adorable.  I used scrapbooking stickers and dotted away!  I packed it in a box full of K Cups my Keurig loving sister in law :)  

And lastly, 

Custom Coasters

I've seen these done with Scrapbook Paper, but I love this for grandparents or those that have been to really awesome places with great pictures.  

Do you have any favorite DIY gifts?? 

I Want What I Want

Lately in our home we have been talking in much detail about worry and trust.  Our first born is a worrier and can be a bit controlling.  A rule follower to his core, and everything he does is with a plan in mind.  This is fun at times, comical others.  And sometimes very irritating.  Stepping back I see that at the very end of it, it is worry.  Worry that things aren't going to go his way; things might not go according to his plan.  What if...  There's not enough... But I want... That's not how we....

At the end of the day it is worry that he's not going to get what he wants, that it's not going to go the way he planned.  A trust issue.

And this week as I stared down at 6 little faces from Compassion International in need of a one time emergency gift I was worried.  I didn't trust.  I didn't believe we could help because..
what if we could use that money for Christmas gifts.
There's not enough to pay for them and also new tires, oil changes, etc.
But I really wanted to buy the materials for Billy to build our dining room table.
That's not how we budgeted that money.

And I see that I have the same trust issue.  I worry.  Will there be enough, Lord?  This is not what I wanted.  This wasn't my plan.  And while keeping the kids pictures out on the counter for a few days in hopes that I might have a change in heart and stop being so selfish my husband walked in with a check from a doctor he saw over 2 years ago.  Enough to cover every one of those children's immediate needs.

So this evening as I wait for my absolutely lovely Bible Study ladies to arrive I am filled with praise.  Praise that my God is the God who provides.  And breaks the chains of worry.  And reminds me that even when I don't want to and I am stuck on wanting what I want when I want it.... He is still God.  And He has not finished His work in me.

"Trust in the Lord, and do good; Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness." Psalm 37:3

Sick season is upon us...

And I am determined to keep our family healthy!  Or as healthy as possible...

I used to pride myself in the fact that since having kids we had never experienced ear infections or stomach bugs.  Which was all because of my fantastically awesome parenting, of course.....  We were clean.  Neat.  Relatively good eaters.  Vitamin takers.  Herbalife drinkers.  Ear infections?  Throw up?  Unheard of in the Grimme house.  

And then.  The month of our move out of Cary it started happening.  My 3 year old stopped sleeping well.  Very whiney, all the time.  Irritable, not eating.  Wasn't paying attention or listening.  But it was all because of the move and the stress, right?  It did not even occur to me that he might have an ear infection, all he had was a runny nose and it was March, the month of runny noses.  And then one day, when I could not get his attention as he was standing just 10 feet away from Billy and I, it finally dawned on me.  It's not that he's not listening... I don't think he can hear me.  So I took him in to the doctor and they told me had "glue ear." In both ears.  And that he literally could not hear me.  It was like he had his fingers stuck in his ears.  How can this be, I asked... The response: he's probably had an ear infection for several weeks.  They kindly offered to check Everett's ears (1 year at the time) and sure enough.  Same thing.  In both ears.  Not MY kids!!  We don't DO ear infections, thank you very much.

Insert humility here, followed by a  month - MONTH - of 4 different antibiotics (google what antibiotics do to your kids attitudes and behavior.  Then picture that x2 while living in your parents house while searching for a new house) before we finally reached resolution of said glue ear.  Just in time for them to get a stomach virus.  !!!!!!  I remember a friend texting me the week they got the virus and it said, "I know this is random, but have your kids still never had the stomach flu?"  Funny you ask, my friend.... 

Throughout the process of getting rid of the glue ear, and keeping it away for a year I have found several helpful tips and tricks for not just [warding off] ear infections, but also boosting immunity and fighting off the common cold.  I am indeed a Pinterest junkie.  And very thankful for the website, www.keeperofthehome.org.  This is not to say we don't or won't ever get sick.  Or that their health is entirely dependent on me.  Sickness happens.  And the more involved they get in weekly activities, so will the sickness.  But, there are some things I can do along the way to minimize the sickness.  

First of all, I keep my kids on a daily vitamin C and Herbalife multi vitamin regimen.  They get a dose of each in the morning and if they're interested, ill give them a kids Herbalife smoothie or shake for a snack at some point throughout the day.  If they show any signs of colds, I bump up their vitamin C to twice a day.  *take note that not all vitamin C's are the same!  Go for something that is all natural, no artificial flavors OR colors and is made for kids.  Too much vitamin C can be harmful.  We always get ours at Trader Joes or Whole Foods.

Eat well.  By eating well I do not mean eating an exorbitant amount of food.  I mean watch what you eat.  The month of getting our house ready to go on the market, show it, sell it, move out of it, we did not eat well.  We ate out all the time, I bought a lot of pre made snacks so we could get out quickly.  We were constantly on the go.  I really think this contributed to just how sick we got.  Double up on the raw veggies, drink tons of water, avoid processed foods as much as possible.

Ear massage.  Sounds weird, but I am convinced it has helped release some fluid in their ears and prevented infection.  If they will sit in your lap to watch a show or read a book, gently place your finger in their ear and rub in a circular motion.  I have found that when either of my boys have a runny or stuffy nose, they welcome the ear massage.  And the most recent time I did this with my youngest (whom I was convinced had an ear infection), he had quite a waxy build up that had drained within 3 hours after me rubbing his ears for 10 minutes.  And we never ended up having to go to the doctor to check on his ears.  

Fluids fluids fluids!  I know they always say this when you're sick, but I feel like there are some misunderstandings about pumping fluids when sick.  Choose something low in acid and low in sugar.  Otherwise you will likely end up with an upset stomach combined with a lot of mucus.  For example: giving a full glass of orange juice to someone who just woke up and is extremely congested may result in throw up all over the floor.  I know this from experience.  STOP THE MILK.  Dairy is a mucus producer.  So drinking milk, or any quantity of dairy, is only going to produce more mucus.  Your child will survive without milk for a few days.  *obviously not for infants...as they get all sustenance from milk*. I recently found a great "tea" that you can easily make at home.  I will post the recipe below.  This is great for several reasons-honey and ginger in their raw form are both great as an immune booster and digestive health.  This is also a great throat and cough soother.  So, in the midst of getting those fluids in I definitely recommend this.  My boys love it.  

Chicken broth.  From cooking a real chicken.  While preparing canned soup is certainly easier, the age old advice of sipping chicken broth when sick won't prove profitable from canned soup.  The marrow from the chicken is an immune booster and is packed full of great vitamins and minerals which will help you heal more quickly.  A lot of the broth in canned soup isn's nearly as potent as homemade. The next time you eat a whole chicken for dinner, throw the bones in a pot covered with water, toss in a quartered onion and add some parsley.  Let it cook for a good 2-4 hours.  Strain your broth, and freeze it for another time.  

Do you have any health tips for this fall and winter???

As promised, Homemade Pop Tarts

One of the things I love about my husband is how versatile he is.  He is book smart but also street smart.  He loves to hunt, great at cooking.  He is a man's man, but a tender tender heart.  (I promise, I will get to the pop tarts).  A few years ago we decided to dive in to the world of canning, as we'd seen his parents and grandparents do.  There is no way I would continue canning if he didn't help me with it.    It is hard hard work, but worth the reward.  He really loves it as much as I do, and for that I am thankful!  Over the years we've learned how to make many jams and jellies, along with pie fillings, canned green beans, pickles, tomato sauce and more.  What I love about the jams and jellies is that they can be used for far more than spreading on a biscuit!  My boys like to use it as a topping to their oatmeal, I use apple jelly and butter on top of a pork recipe, and most of all...we love to stuff our homemade pop tarts with our home made jams and jellies!!

Below is the recipe we use from 100 Days of Real Food.  They are easily frozen so I tend to make them in bulk, with several different varieties.  This is a great food to let your kids help with.  Mine love to help roll out the dough, spread the jelly and press the ends down.  On the morning of, pop one in the toaster and voila!  Another fresh, warm breakfast at your service.  AND it's all real food.  Winning.  

Whole-Wheat Toaster Pastries (a.k.a. Pop Tarts!)

SERVES: 7 – 8 TOASTER PASTRIES

ADAPTED FROM THE HOMEMADE PANTRY

INGREDIENTS

• 2 ¼ cup whole-wheat flour, plus extra for rolling out the dough
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup cold, unsalted butter (2 sticks)
• ½ cup water plus ice
• 1 egg beaten with a splash of water
• 7 – 8 tablespoons
• jam or jelly (we prefer either homemade jam or an all-fruit spread that’s sweetened with fruit juice concentrate as opposed to sugar or high-fructose corn syrup)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Put the flour and salt in a food processor with the dough blade and pulse it together briefly.
3. Meanwhile fill a glass measuring cup with ½ cup water and add a few ice cubes to it.
4. Take the cold butter straight out of the fridge and cut it into ½ inch chunks. Sprinkle the pieces of butter on top of the flour in the food processor. Be careful to spread out the butter as opposed to letting it all clump together in one piece.
5. Turn on the food processor and blend until the mixture resembles a crumbly meal. While the food processor is still running add ⅓ cup water through the top. Watch the dough come together and add 2 – 3 more teaspoons of water as needed so a dough ball will form. If some of the dough is in a ball and some is stuck to the sides that is okay…you can fix it with your hands. At this point the dough could be stored in the fridge in plastic wrap for up to 3 days or in the freezer (in a freezer safe container) for up to 6 months.
6. Remove the dough from the food processor and put it on a lightly floured counter or large cutting board. With a rolling pin (and another sprinkling of flour) flatten out the dough to one big rectangle or square that’s no more than a quarter inch thick. Trim any uneven ends and use those to patch other edges as necessary.
7. Using a knife cut out 14 to 16 rectangles of dough. Actually you could make them any shape or size that you want at this point. Lay half of your dough shapes onto the parchment lined baking sheet. Spoon about a tablespoon of jam down the middle of those bottom dough pieces.
8. Top them with matching dough shapes and seal around the edges by pushing down with a fork. Make a few holes in the top with the fork as well. Lastly, brush the tops of the uncooked toaster pastries with the egg wash.
9. Bake at 375 degrees F for 18 – 24 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the cooked pastries on a cooling rack (if you have one) then either eat them right away or store them in the fridge for 3 days or the freezer for several months. They can be eaten cold or reheated. Enjoy!

Tiny Prints GIVEAWAY

It's that time again - Tiny Prints Christmas card preview AND $50 + free shipping GIVEAWAY!!! **See bottom of this post to see how you can be entered to win the $50 gift card**

Tiny Prints is always a go to for us.  Great coupons, great specials, frequent free shipping offers....and most importantly, fantastic designs and customer service.  This year Tiny Prints has gone above and beyond with their new trim options (round, ticket and scallop) and lovely design styles.  Some of their new designs feature full bleed photos, glitter (woohoo!), clear cards (a must see) and more.  And if that isn't enough, add on minimal cost address labels and envelope liners and you're all set!  Below is a round up of my favorite cards this year.  

For those enamored with the latest trend of burlap, vintage and stripes (myself included) this one is for you.  The rounded edges give it a polished look and this card features several picture options.

 I love all things grey.  And all things simple.  The two together make this card very sweet and streamlined.  With a little bit of Christmas on top.

The polka dots bring out the kid in all of us, and who doesn't love to be a kid at Christmas??  Again with the rounded edges adds a little class and softness to the red and green. 

Wanting to make your card the most memorable?  Can't go wrong with this tastefully bold Christmas card that doubles as a Christmas ornament!  

And lastly...for the tradition in all of us, this card is elegant, classic and timeless.  None of which you can go wrong with!

To check out Tiny Prints vast collection of Christmas cards, click here.  Not interested in Christmas cards?  No worries, Tiny Prints also offers an incredible collection of personalized gifts which can be found here.  You are sure to find something for everyone!  And if you want to find out even more, check out the Twitter party #TinyPrintsCheer in November with @ResourcefulMom

And now that you've fallen in love all over again with Tiny Prints, I am sure you want to know how to enter the drawing for $50 + free shipping @ Tiny Prints!  All you need to do is check out the holiday cards Tiny Prints THEN LEAVE A COMMENT HERE ON THIS BLOG stating your favorite card.  If you do NOT comment here you will NOT be included.

Happy shopping!

Shop Local

With Christmas around the corner (did anyone else just have a panic attack with that realization???), I wanted to throw out a list of my favorite local, small businesses that can help you out with your Christmas shopping and holiday baking.

The Purple Polka Dot

Located in the heart of downtown Cary, this little shop has become a local favorite in the past two years.  Featuring home decor, clothing, hand painted barn signs, children's accessories and more you are sure to find something fun and unique to give.  And maybe yourself to.  For daily updates and staff favorites, look them up on Facebook: The Purple Polka Dot

La Farm

This quaint little bakery and restaurant is situated in western cary and is a must when in the area.  All fresh, homemade French cuisine that is cooked to perfection.  Their wide assortment of pastries, desserts, breads, savory quiches and pies, salads and cookies leave you completely satisfied but dying to come back.  Not to mention their first class coffee menu... If looking for a gift idea, think hearth made granola, holiday bread, or even a gift card.  Your loved ones will thank you!  Visit their website, www.lafarmbakery.com

Annelore's German Bakery

You're in for a treat with this one.  Every German cookie and pastry you can imagine, homemade by the master chef Annelore herself and her trusty companions.  This mom and pop shop can be found at the NCState fair grounds Monday-Saturday and is getting ready to open up shop in Cary by January.  This sweet German couple not only offers a wide selection of absolutely delectable treats, they are truly a joy to talk with and get to know.  If you're looking for a crowd pleaser for those holiday parties or an addition to your Christmas morning menu, this is the place to stop.  

www.facebook.com/anneloresgermanbakery

What A Babe

I've known Tanya for a few years now and I just love her creativity and willingness to work hard from home while caring for her daughter full time.  I can't help but take the time looking through all the cute frills and thrills for little girls since its all polos and jeans around here!  She hand crafts a huge variety of girl's hair pieces with a few accessory items on her website as well.  Check her out at www.whatababe.etsy.com!

Good Girl's Studio

Johanna has made quite a name for herself here in the heart of Raleigh.  Starting out in retail and making jewelry on the side, Johanna quickly began to notice a market and was found offering home shows to sell her jewelry.  Over the past few years or so she has become quite sought after.  Her unique revamped vintage, one of a kind pieces, and custom order designs make her jewelry truly something to desire.  You can find her on Facebook, or check out her website goodgirlstudio.com

I just noticed that if the men in your life don't like food, there's probably not much on here for them.  What are some of your favorite places to shop local???  Link up!

Freezer Muffins

The title of this post doesn't do it justice.  Freezer muffins are life altering.  Truly.  My life changed when I found out about it.  Why, you may ask?  Think hot, warm, FRESH muffins any time of day without having to make them on the spot.  Guests coming on a whim?  No problem, let me throw some fantastically awesome blueberry muffins in the oven right quick.  Taking care of kids all day with no time to make a quick treat for your Bible Study ladies?  On it.  House smell like diapers and in need of a "I promise I do more than chance diapers" pick me up?  No?  Anyone?  Ok.  Don't feel like waking up at 5:30 am just to make your family a warm breakfast?  Please, and thank you.

So, here's my little secret.  I've held on to it for a while wanting it to be all mine but I feel like there's some pride to that in fooling everyone I'm a happy little baker and have time (hah!) to bake all the day long.  So without much further ado...

Make your batter.  Pour it in your lined muffin tins. Pop that tray of raw muffins in the freezer.  Let them freeze.  Pop them out and into a storage bag.  Label said bag with oven temperature and cooking time.  Next time you want some muffins, pop some of those suckers in the oven and voila: You're awesome. 

And if you want to get CRAZY make your muffins in bulk.  Bake a few in the moment.  Save a fewer for later.  And make a few varieties all in one day.  Then you can heat up whichever muffins you want...whenever you want.  

It's ok to be hungry.

As mentioned a multitude of times, my kids eat.  And would eat all day if I let them.  One day as I was cleaning up an hour after breakfast, which is an hour before snack time (don't misunderstand - it involved 2 bowls of oatmeal each, a muffin, some fruit and possibly some eggs) my kids thought "go play in the playroom" meant, "go rummage through the pantry."  So I stopped and asked Luke what exactly he was doing in the pantry which of course led to, "because I am so hungry!  I just want to eat something right this minute!"  And I thought to myself, for heaven's sake it is ok to feel hungry!!!  

And lately as phrases like, "I'm staaaaarrvvvinnnngg", and, "I am so hungry!" start to appear within just moments of finishing a meal, I've had to step back and really process how I'm supposed - correction - WANT to respond.  

We live in a life of overindulgence.  A day filled with more, more, more.  America is the second most obese country in the world. We are given a hand full of options for every meal and those in between, while some are begging for just a hand full of food for their entire family that day.  And it causes me to pause; to wonder; aside from developing poor eating habits, it causes me to assess what I'm teaching my children.  I don't want to feed the lie that they always need more.  Or make them oblivious to the multitudes around us who are living with far less.  We teach them to give to those in need, to help feed the hungry, but I have to confess.  Do they even now what true hunger is?

I have read excerpts from a book titled, French Kids Eat, which speaks in detail on this topic of snacking all day.  Feeling that we can't ever let our children feel hunger.  I'm hoping to take time to finish the book this Christmas, but in the mean time you can take a read and let me know what you think :)

Another "cries of hunger" moment for my kids some time after my revelation of being ok with hunger in our home (who am I kidding, it was probably 5 minutes after they wandered into the playroom) I finally decided to just say it.  "It's ok!  To be hungry!"  And much to my surprise...it ended it with Luke.  And that was that.  

So next time when I tell them its another 30 minutes until our 9:30am snack time, or that they might have to wait another 15 minutes for dinner... I will also remind them that sometimes, it's ok....to be hungry.  

*disclaimer: I feed my children.  Very well.  I do not starve them.  And this is not an endorsement for the book, French Kids Eat.  

Family favorite

Often times I get the idea to blog.  You know, sit down an write a post start to finish.  And then after the flood of ideas and wondering where to start I realize that there is not a single thought in my head that make a coherent sentence by the time I actually have the time to SIT DOWN and write a single blog post.  True story.  You would be astonished at how long it took me to write the above three sentences which are more than likely grammatically INcorrect.

But hey, since we are on a roll....

You know what I love?  Food.  You know what I love more?  Chocolate.  That's true, but not where I was going with this.....

I love blessing those whom I love with food.  One of the most satisfying things for me is to get up early before my family (which lets be honest.. It's a pretty rare occurrence since I have a 3 1/2 yr old 5 am wake up call) to feed them a warm meal.  

Side note: have we mentioned I have 2 small boys and 1 large boy who eat us out of house. and. home.  So praise the dear LORD these children of mine love oatmeal.  No, but really.  They do.  By the bowls full.  Especially when it is stuffed with fresh peaches, warm cream and a tad bit of vanilla.  

Back to warm breakfasts.  This summer a favorite was fresh peaches n' cream oatmeal.  I don't like oatmeal, as its not generally something associated with chocolate, but if I did I am confident I would love this combo.  At other favorite is homemade pop tarts.  Sounds scary, but it's not so bad.  I will share the recipe soon.  But seeing as we are halfway through this glorious North Carolina fall, I'm going to share with you a family favorite from my favorite cookbook at the moment, Deliciously Organic.  Enjoy!

Pumpkin Muffins, by Deliciously Organic

4tbsp unsalted butter, softened

2 tbsp coconut oil

1 1/3 cups whole cane sugar or Sucanat

1/2 cup puréed pumpkin

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 3/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour (we love King Arthur)

1/4 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/3 cup whole buttermilk

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional-but so good!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

In mixer bowl, beat together butter, coconut oil, and sugar on medium-high speed for about two minutes.  Turn mixer to low and add the pumpkin.  Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.  Mix in vanilla.

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a large bowl.  With the mixer on low, add half of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the buttermilk.  Repeat process and mix until just combined.  Fold in pecans.  Spoon batter into oiled muffin cups until 3/4 full.  Bake 23-25 minutes, or until golden brown.  Cool for 5 minutes before serving.  

And that's that!  This recipe makes 16 muffins.  We usually double and freeze for another day.  Check out the freeze post for an interesting twist on fresh muffins!!

Freedom

Freedom.

This week my [not so baby] baby, Luke, was finally of age to attend a local VBS.  Or Kids Week, as they call it.  Selfishly, I was thrilled.  I thought he might like it, but I knew I would love it.  A little freedom to do what I wanted to do at the house while Everett took a morning nap.  Or a little more freedom at the grocery store only worrying about one child instead of 2; Freedom to drink my [overpriced] coffee beverage while Everett slept in the car.

Our overly sensitive (though wonderfully made, says the Psalms) and super introverted 3 year old needed a lot of prep work before being sent off for 2 hours each morning.  He likes to know whats coming, what to expect.  He hates large crowds, he hates the unknown, loud things make him cry and very nervous... so this was going to be a stretch.  But he has a love for all music, art and games.  We went into this knowing it would be a stretch for him, but prayerfully a good stretch.

Monday went ok, though he sobbed when I left.  I nervously kept my phone on loud and with me for all 2 hours and 2 minutes I was away (let's be honest.  I spent half of that time in the church parking lot anxiously chomping at the bit to get my boy) hoping I didn't get a call saying he needed to come home. No phone call.  Win!  The next day, after a lot of prep work he didn't shed a tear and happily nervously waved goodbye.  Day 3, complete exhausted and totally over this whole Kids Week business.  And dropping him off was oh so hard.  I second guessed myself, wondered if it was really worth it, why on earth am I forcing him to do this?  But a friend sweetly reminded me, the gospel is for all people introverted or not.  And community is something God desires so deeply for us.  So even though he is 3 and even though he does well with one on one, there will come a day when he must be ok with people.  And starting now isn't going to hurt him and the people at this church so desperately give of themselves to love on my boy each day.  SO.  We pushed through.  And prayed through.  Oh God, would you please use this to show yourself to my big guy!  Would you comfort him?  Would you show him that he can do this?  Would you help him understand that when he is sad, YOU can bring him joy?  Show him he can talk to you all the time, please, Lord?  These are the prayers we prayed often with and without Luke.  Luke was a dancing fool that day when I came to him.  During the music he was so free and uninhibited.  I cried.  I saw victory.  I saw a sweet answer to prayer.  On the way home, he sweetly and sheepishly said, "Mommy.  God helped me be ok today and have a good time."  OH sweet Jesus, thank you.  Thank you for giving him a glimpse of your goodness.  Thank you....  Day 4, again a lot of prep work and even staying a little bit in the beginning to keep him calm and leave him on a good note. But he did it.  I did it.  And when I came to get him oh my heavens I nearly fell over in sweet praise for the confidence and freedom Luke found.  It may seem so small, but for us its not.  Kids Week was the antithesis of every fiber of his being.  Loud. A mascot.  Lots of screaming.  No one he knew.  But God was so good.  And while I wanted freedom this week, freedom for just a couple hours each morning...God has such greater plans in revealing true freedom to our family.  I hope and pray that in the way he found freedom to break dance and boogie and lift his hands in worship will stick with him.  "It is for freedom that Christ has set you free...Galations 5:1"

Here are my very favorite quotes from Luke this week that show the evolution of his heart this week....

"I like my Sunday School class better.  There aren't as many people."
"Today is Tuesday!  Only 3 more days of camp and then I never have to go back!"
"Today is Wednesday, Mommy!  Only 2 more days of camp and then I never have to go back!  Wait, is there camp in the fall?  Does fall time end?  And then summer again?  Oh.  Do I have to go back next summer?"
"Mommy.  God really helped me have a good time today.  He gave me comfort."
"Mommy, did you know God loves us all the way down to our toes?"
"Today is our pizza party and then no more camp!  But there will be camp next summer, right?  I think I'll go back."

Preschool Pressure

Luke is almost 3.  Almost meaning 2 more months and my baby is 3.  Many exciting things come with the age three.  Preschool time at the library (as opposed to toddler time) cooking class at the museum, non-parent-involved gymnastics classes.....  And preschool registration.  As I have been researching preschools in our area I am overwhelmed.  I am stressed.  I am anxious at the mere thought - self induced - of standing in line to try and "win" a spot for the class I want.  And as I thought through these things more and more I was overwhelmed with the pressures of preschool.

Among moms there is this underlying sense of pressure.  Expectations.  Longing for right of approval.  Unfortunately I fall guilty of judging or thinking less of others based on their parenting decisions.  And I know that many decisions I have made have brought judgment opon myself.  Cloth diapers?  When did you start solids?  How long did you breast feed?  You gave your child WHAT kind of milk at WHAT age?!  You give your child store bought baby food?  Natural birth vs the alternatives.  You do Babywise (or don't??)?   You let your child sleep with you?  And on. And on. And on.  Spank?  Santa? Elf on th shelf?  Oh you went back to work?  More recently for us - and more piercing, honestly, "What preschool does he go to?"  "Is he going next year?" "Where are you going to try and enroll him?"  "You're thinking of keeping him HOME?!?"  Can I get a a WITNESS?!! Says Peter Rochelle.

And so here I am, confident in decisions I have made (some areas where I feel I should have acted differently, God's grace has already met me there.)in the past with my boys but now there is this.  The decision of preschool or not to preschool is just sitting at my feet.  And I am humbled yet saddened at how much weight I (we) put on what others think.  I want to be passionate about the things Christ was passionate about (which is not cloth diapers or breastfeeding, though they are not bad things and we choose both).  I want to put great weight on the desires of His heart (I can't find sleep schedules in there anywhere...).  I'm not so much interested in making my decisions based on what the national education something or another says I should send my child to preschool for.  I want to listen to the One who is above all. And when I look heavenward I see Christ and His great love for me, his lack of favoritism, always choosing to act justly with love, grace and mercy.   A God who listens to every need, gives freely and hears my pleas for wisdom on how best to love, train and teach Luke at this age.  And most of all.  The freedom in Christ to walk forward with great peace with what is best for our family, according to His word, and this season in this moment.  Which may or may not include me standing in a long line to win the lottery for a 2 day 2 year old preschool class.

So it is with great confidence that I announce.  I am still praying about it.  :).

Tiny Prints. Big Impression.

It's that time of year again: The Christmas card giveaway - but this time it's for me AND you!

Last year we showcased Tiny Prints and it seems they've outdone themselves again.  They just came out with their new Holiday Collection and I must say, it's pretty fabulous.  Whether you're going for traditional, modern, religious to customized they've got you covered with unique designs and top notch quality.  One of my favorite things about Tiny Prints is the ability to narrow down your search by color, style, number of pictures and more.  And what's more?  You can simply tag all of your favorites as your browsing to compare all in one spot.  Genius!

And did I mention customer service??  Last year after I submitted my Christmas card order I received a phone call about half an hour later saying that there was a grammatical error they found.  Then they told me the appropriate grammar and sent me another proof.  To that I say... YES!

I encourage you to check out their special promotions for the Holidays and who knows, maybe YOU will be the lucky winner of the $50 GIVEAWAY!  (Just remember to "like" the facebook post that got you here no later than November 19).

Without much further ado, here are a few of my favorites from this years' collection:

**This is a sponsored post by Tinyprints.com