My Smoothie King

So, as I mentioned yesterday, Mark and I are celebrating eight years of marriage today.  It literally seems like yesterday that we said "I do".  With our anniversary on the brain, I spent some time remembering back to how Mark and I got our start.  I just love reminiscing about our "younger days".  I put that in quotations, but if I'm real with myself, we really were a lot younger! 

Mark and I both had just gotten out of some long term, serious relationships.  I had just broken off an engagement and was in no way, shape, or form interested in jumping into another relationship any time soon.  Luckily, I had learned a lot about myself during the break-up and with God's grace, became a much stronger person.  I had decided to take a break from dating for awhile and enjoy being single.  It was my senior year at Union College and even though I was looking at graduating without having found a husband, I felt at peace.  I knew God was leading me and He would take care of the details.  

Mark had just moved from Andrews University to Union College at the start of his junior year to be closer to his long time girlfriend.  They had dated in high school, and on and off again in college had decided that they wanted to be closer together and really make a go of it.  Engagement was definitely on the horizon.  A few weeks after arriving at Union, Mark realized that things weren't right and he ended up breaking up with his girlfriend.  Realizing he missed the life he had made for himself at Andrews, he decided he would finish up the semester at Union and then head back there.

Luckily, we weren't the ones in control, God was.  With the help of some scheming friends, we got set up and the rest is history.  I say that, but I will continue to be the longwinded blogger you've come to know, and tell you more.  As soon as we started dating, we both seemed to know that the other was the one.  We loved spending time together and hated being apart.  Dating Mark was the most fun I had ever had.  He was (and still is) such a gentlemen and knew just how to make me feel special.  We were head over heels.  After just a few months of dating Mark, I knew that I wanted to be with him forever.  Sadly, I was graduating and he still had a year to go.  After graduation, I got a job teaching in my hometown and Mark worked on finishing up his Senior year.  

A little blurry, but this was our first date to a banquet.  

We talked constantly and saw each other every chance we got.  There were many times when Mark would make the eight hour drive just to see me for a few hours and would turn right around and drive back to make it back in time for a class.  I couldn't wait to be married to Mark, when we would never have to leave each other again. We talked about engagement, but I had no clue when it would happen.  

Loved it when he came to visit me. 

That Friday in September, so many years ago, our school had gone to the local roller-skating rink for their annual Skate Day.  My class loved skating and were having a blast.  I had talked to Mark the night before and he seemed completely normal.  I had no indication that he wasn't in Lincoln, Nebraska, but unbeknownst to me, was at my brother and sister-in-law's house!  He was in my very city and I had no clue.   

So, back to the skating...It was time for the skating games to begin and for some reason the people that worked at the skating rink asked me if I would hold the stick for the limbo.  I found the request a little odd since they had quite a few employees, but never one to ruffle feathers, I obliged their request.  I headed out onto the floor and held that stick like my life depended on it.  I don't know how they did it (probably because I was concentrating so hard on holding that stick), but my whole class was able to sneak out of the rink without my knowledge during this time (scary, huh?!).  I guess I wasn't worried because all of the parents and teachers were there.  Anyway, Mark had spent hours making letters that spelled out, "Steph, Will You Marry Me" and had my class come skating in with them.  At first, I didn't understand what was going on.  I was completely and utterly surprised, but when Mark came skating onto the floor holding the "?" sign and a beautiful ring, my mind put it all together.  He got down on his knee and said some of the sweetest things ever and then proceeded to ask me to be his wife and I couldn't say yes fast enough.  We were so happy...you couldn't have wiped the smiles off of our faces if you tried. 

One of our engagement photos.

We got married in May and it was the best decision I've ever made.  Has it always been rainbows and unicorns?  Nope.  We've had our share of problems, but with the Lord's help we've weathered the storms and have come to love each other more and more with every one.

  

I know that some people think that marriage is boring and that it gets monotonous--everything becoming too familiar.  To be honest, that's my favorite part of marriage.  I love knowing how much creamer Mark likes in his coffee and how he prefers his socks folded.  I like that he can read my mind without me saying a thing and that he knows I'm troubled about something when I bite my lower lip.  I love sleeping with just our feet touching, knowing that is our way of saying, "I'm here if you need me."  I mean there are times when we change things up and surprise each other.  Like, I was totally blown away last night when Mark chose Fritos instead of tortilla chips for his haystack.  Yeah, we know how to keep it interesting:)  I love our 8 year, broken-in love story that gets new chapters every year.  

I couldn't have chosen a wiser, more loving, compassionate and generous man to share my life with and I'm forever grateful that God sent him into my life so many years ago.  I feel so blessed to have chosen a man that enjoys being our family's spiritual leader and is the best daddy for our two little ladies.  Can this man get any better, you ask?  Well, get this...he makes a pretty amazing smoothie, too.  I'm one lucky lady and I won't ever forget it.  Happy Anniversary, Mark!  To many, many more! 

Crafting Update

I've been working on a post all night but I'm not quite done and I'm getting pretty sleepy.  I'll finish it up tomorrow, but until then, I thought I would post some things I worked on today.  

I wanted to show you the finished bow frames in their new home in Rosie's room.  Since we are working on potty training, we no longer need her changing pad, so she had an empty dresser top.  I thought the bow frames, along with some of her favorite books would be the perfect thing for the space.  She loves the change.  

When we went to Hobby Lobby last week, I picked up this cork board for next to nothing.  I knew I wanted some fun pushpins, but couldn't find exactly what I was looking for.  I decided to raid my craft closet and see what I could come up with.  I ended up finding some pearls and thought that they would go great with the vintagey feel of the board.  With a few stick pins and some glue, my dream was realized.

Want to make your own?  They are so easy.  All you need is pearls, stickpins and glue.  Add a dot of glue to the top of the pin and into the hole on the the pearl.  Let set about two minutes before sliding the pearl onto the end of the stickpin.  Let them set for a day or two for the glue to cure completely.  Like I said, EASY!

I Think I Want to Marry YOU!

I saw this couple on the Today Show today and had to watch the video.  I literally cried through the whole thing.  It's so sweet.  

Mark and I will be celebrating our 8th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow!  I can't believe how it's flown by.    This video made me think of Mark's sweet proposal to me.  I love creative men!

I'm Parched

I was woken up this morning to the sweet smell of belgian waffles being cooked.  I love it when Mark is home!  He really spoils me.  It's kind of a joke around here, though, that Mark seems to make really dry pancakes and waffles.  I never want to hurt his feelings, because it is so thoughtful of him to make them, so I never say anything.  One time, however, I had to pour a little water on my pancake to get it down!  He always realizes it after he samples his handiwork, so he's not in denial or anything.

Today, they were very good, but they were a tad on the drier side.  I was still really enjoying them, though.  He bit into his and mentioned that they were dry.  He was troubled by the fact that he can't seem to make them not dry.  I told him I didn't get it, because I didn't see how, that if he follows the directions to the tee, that they would be dry.  That's when he looked at me a little nervous-like.  I said, "You did follow the recipe, right?"  Again, that look.  "Well, I kind of guesstimated the amount of flour, then I had to add more water, than I added more flour."  I DIED laughing.  That's why they are dry!  He just throws things in--no rhyme or reason.  That's a man for ya.  Can't follow a "map" for anything.

We've had a great day.  Errands, cleaning laundry and naps, and then in the afternoon the Nudd's came over for a barbeque.  The kids played in a few little kiddie pools we set up while the adults worked on the food.  We had grillers, corn on the cob, potato packets, chips and Brandon made the best salad/salsa.  It had grilled corn, green onions and jalapenos in it...so yummy!  For dessert, Maria made a pineapple and cherry cake that was the perfect ending to the meal.  It was a lovely afternoon and I really wish I had taken some pictures. A storm blew in right as we were finishing up, so our timing was great.

While we were outside enjoying the weather, I was able to pick my first batch of blueberries!  They were actually very yummy.  I can't wait to start putting them in recipes.

Tonight, Mark and I are watching the Bachelorette/NBA Conference Finals while I work on a craft project for Rosie's room.  I've been meaning to do this project for months.  Am I the only mom with girls that feels like their hair bow collection is out of control?!!  Ours is nuts.  I have a whole cabinet dedicated to housing all of their hair accessories and I wanted to be a little more organized.  This project is my first step towards that.  It really requires one big frame, but I decided to work with what I had and used two old frames I had on hand.

To start with, I painted both of the frames with green paint.

Next, I covered the glass from both of the frames with fabric I had on hand.  I wrapped it like a gift and used strong tape to secure.  I added two pieces of ribbon for each frame and secured them to the back with tape.  I then put everything back in the frame and secured it with the frame back.  Easy and pretty cute.

 Here's the finished product.  Just add bows!

Now that it's done, I really wish I had one big frame, but I really didn't want to spend any money, and this will work for now.  This project literally took me just a few minutes and I would recommend it to anyone feeling overwhelmed by a plethora of bows!  Let me know if you end up making it!   

Making Memorial Day Memories

We really wanted to make the most of this holiday weekend and so far, so good.   So, in no particular order:

* Went to Charlotte with our friends the Guytons

* Ate at Cheesecake Factory

* Went to a park

* Went to IKEA

* Ate at Which Wich 

* Went to Discovery Place (Children's Museum)  

* Celebrated Maria's Birthday at Olive Garden

* Went shopping 

* Did laundry 

* Cleaned the house

* Took naps

* Watched "The Descendants"

* Video chatted with my parents

* Went grocery shopping

And it's only Sunday!  I'm not completely sure what tomorrow will hold, but I do know that it will include a barbeque.  Happy Memorial Day Weekend to you!  

You Can't Win Them All

So, I burned myself really bad at the pool today.  My legs feel like they are going to shrivel up and fall off.  My skin is so weird and I always get the strangest burns.  Only the top of my legs are bad this time.  They are bright red and the rest of my leg is completely white.  I'm hoping they turn from lobster red to brown really quickly.

We did have a great time at the pool today, though.  The girls had a blast.  The kiddie pool is shallow enough that Kiki can walk around when she's in her floatie, so she and Rosie had so much fun chasing each other and splashing in the water.  We were the only people there for most of the time, so it was very relaxing.

Today, I tried to conquer something that I've been gearing myself up for, for quite some time. We started day one of potty training Rosie!  She was very receptive to the idea and was delighted to wear panties all day.  For most of the day we had zero accidents.  I would ask her about every ten minutes if she needed to go potty and she would say no every time.  I finally had to start making her try on the potty about every hour and...nothing.  I don't know if she was holding it in or what, but nothing, not pee or poop.  If she's wearing a diaper it seems like I'm changing them constantly, so I don't know what was going on.  Finally, around 6:30 pm, after Mark was home, she asked to play in the backyard.  I asked her if she needed to go potty and she said no and went outside.  About a minute later we heard screaming and saw her running to the door, a trail of tinkle following her.  She was devastated, poor little thing.  She just stood there with her head down and sobbed.  I explained to her that that's what happens when you don't tell mommy that you need to potty.  She wanted to take a bath, so I stripped her down and we headed upstairs to take one.  As we were walking up the stairs, she said, "Mommy, I am so sorry I wet my panties.  It was so scary and I am so sad."  Talk about heart wrenching!  I assured her we weren't the least bit upset at her.  Mark said that later she kept apologizing to him.  We decided to keep her in a diaper for the night.  I guess we just have to keep at it.  I'll try to keep you updated on the process.

We went to the library today to return Rosie's books and pick up a book that I had on hold.  When we got home and it was time for naps, Rosie asked to read one of the books we had just returned.  I explained that we had to give the book back because we were just borrowing it.  She looked at me sadly and said, "I  am so very sad about that."  This kid has had a hard day.

Tonight, we did some experimental recipes with the Vitamix.  They didn't turn out to be great successes, sadly.  There are a lot of amazing looking pasta sauces in the cookbook and I have been dying to try them.  I settled on the tomato alfredo sauce.  I have never done any cooking in the Vitamix, so this was my first go at it.  To cook something, you just put it on high and leave it in for about six minutes.  The speed of the blades end up cooking whatever's inside.  Amazing, huh?!  So anyway, I put in all of my ingredients and six minutes later I had my sauce.  After trying it, we were both a little let down.  I told Mark that I probably wouldn't be making it again, and he responded by saying he wouldn't be upset about that.  Oh, well...I tried.  I've learned the hard way to never trust an Alfredo Sauce recipe that doesn't contain cheese.

 All the ingredients ready to go...

 Almost done

The finished product...too bad it was terrible. 

While I was at the grocery store today, I bought a few peaches and thought they would be great on homemade ice cream.  I decided to try the recipe for vanilla ice cream.  The recipe really seemed "too good to be true" easy.   We decided to make the lower calorie version and I think that's where things took a turn for the worse.  Next time we will go full fat and I think it will turn out a lot better.  It wasn't horrible, but it was more the consistency of a pina colada instead of creamy ice cream.

What the picture said we were going to get.

What we got...not bad, but not creamy ice cream either.  

We aren't giving up on this recipe yet, though.  

Kiki's had a rough two days.  She's teething and new teeth really throw that kid for a loop.  Here are a few pictures I took of her right before I put her to bed tonight. 

You can see the newest tooth there on the right.  This makes three on the bottom and two on the top. 

I didn't hear her for a second and came around the corner to find her chowing down on some french bread that Rosie didn't eat.  She had the whole thing eaten in a matter of seconds.  

Is Your Mom Home?

Jackie and I decided to load up the kiddos in our van and go on a little road trip today.  Well, it wasn't exactly a road trip, but we did head to Greenville, South Carolina to go where else, but Hobby Lobby.  I've missed me some Hobby Lobby.  I have so much fun in that store and today was no different.  We really didn't go with a huge list of things to get, but we did end up finding some fun things.  I'm really excited about a really great frame I found for Mark's office.  Well, I got it for Mark's office, but I'm trying to convince him to let me keep it for the house...we'll see.  After shopping we went to Panera for lunch and then headed home.  We had such a fun time.  It was so nice to get out of the house.  I've felt a little stir crazy this week.

On our way home we were stopped at a light and my eyes caught something in the window of a little diner.  It was my husband!  Upon closer inspection, we also spied Alan.  We caught our husbands on a little "lunch date"!  Haha!  They actually eat together a couple times a week, but we thought it was funny that we ran into them.  It was also pretty funny that they were so wrapped up in "man" conversation that they didn't hear us honking or see us waving wildly.  That, or they were ignoring us:)

Rosie's favorite thing we got at Hobby Lobby was a little ducky watering can.  She has been watering the backyard all afternoon.  I mean literally the whole backyard.  Who needs a sprinkler system when you have her?...not us!

The weather was pretty nice today, so after dinner, Mark and I took the girls to the pool.  Rosie took a bit to warm up to the water but when she did she had a blast.  She's one that needs to ease into things slowly, so give her a few weeks and I think she'll just LOVE it.  Kiki, on the other hand, really liked it from the start.  She just kicked back in her floatie and enjoyed the scenery.  It was really quite precious.

So, I'm really liking my new hair.  I went back to my old faithful...longer bangs and layers.  It kind of feels like coming home.  I've missed it.  It's hard to tell from the picture, but the highlights are pretty distinct, which puts a different spin on it and I like that.  I got my finger nails done with shellac last night, too, so for the first time in a long time I feel like I'm groomed up pretty good.  It's sad how you kind of let things like that go when you are a busy mom.  I'm sure Mark will appreciate the effort:)

So, I've gotten pretty used to being called "ma'am" in the last few years and I really hate it.  It makes me feel oh so old.  I'm also about done with finding gray hairs.  If I keep pulling them out, I'm not going to have any hair left.  I don't know when I got old, but it seems I have.  Well, I just had something amazing happen that I will treasure in my heart on those dark days when I'm up to my ears in being called "ma'am".  A college student just came to my door to try and sell me some educational books for kids.  When I opened the door, he asked if he could talk to my mom:)  Ha!  Yes, it was getting dark, but let's just go with it.  

Lunch Date

I meant to post this yesterday, but I got home late and forgot...


Rainy again today!  I really wish it would clear up so I could take the girls outside.  Our neighborhood pool opened up a few days ago and I would love to go, but it doesn't seem to be in the cards any time soon.  I found out yesterday that they are building a playground in our neighborhood and I'm ecstatic!  Coming from Chicago, the land of amazing parks for children, I have been pretty let down with the number and quality of parks around here.  We almost never go to any because they are just not good.  We went and checked out the building progress yesterday and it looks like it is going to be a good one and it's so close!  Yay!

Today we decided to meet Mark for lunch at Mountain Deli.  It was so good.  We were so close to McFarland's so we decided it would be ridiculous not to get a little treat.  I got my black and white cookie again and it was pretty great.

Tonight I'm getting my hair done.  I've decided I need a little something different, so we are going to throw in some blonde highlights.  I haven't had any blonde in my hair in years and it sounds fun for summer.  I'm still trying to grow my hair out, but I do need a trim.  I'm excited to see how it turns out.

Here are a few pics from today...

These top two crack me up because that's pretty much Rosie's life now.  She has to eat in a rush because Keeks is always lurking around the corner ready to pounce.  

My Rosie Girl...

Feeling Fruity

Clapping is pretty big right now at our house.  Keek's won't stop clapping--won't give it a rest for anything.  It's so cute, but now she's started clapping while I'm breast feeding her.  It's like she's applauding my hard work.  I have to admit, it's nice to be recognized for being good at making milk, but it also makes the already long process, even longer.  Hopefully, she'll learn a new trick soon!

Mark came home again for lunch today.  I threw together some haystacks.  We were both craving a smoothie and I did some internet searching before he got home so that we could try something new.  I found one that sounded so yummy, although we changed it up a bit.  It ended up being great.  You should give it a try.

Haystacks!  Call me lazy, but it was a paper plate kind of day. 

 Ready to be blended. 

Mark called it the Christmas Smoothie because it had flecks of green and red.  It was very refreshing! 

Sunrise Smoothie


1 cup almond milk
2-3 cups fresh spinach
1 cup strawberries
1 cup fresh pineapple
1 banana
a few raspberries 
1 cup ice


Blend until smooth

Mark and I are always trying to figure out what our favorite fruits are.  I know that sounds weird, but we just have never been able to decide.  It's really tough because any fruit at it's prime is pretty darn amazing.  I love mangoes, raspberries, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, oranges, apples...I love them all!  Today though, I think I've finally come to a decision.  My favorite fruit is....drum roll please.....PINEAPPLE!  I just love it.  It's so juicy and when you get a good one, it's hard to beat and in my opinion, you can't.  So there you have it.  I love pineapple.  What's your favorite fruit?

Tonight we made my favorite meal...potato packets on the grill.  Man they are good.  I didn't have all of the veggies I normally have, but we made due.  Tonight our concoction consisted of: Potatoes (surprise, surprise), onions, celery, black beans, corn, garlic, olive oil, adobo seasoning and seasoning salt.  We garnished with sour cream and fresh salsa I made at lunch.  They were just as I remembered them.  By the way, I make homemade salsa almost every day now.  It's a must in our house lately.  We eat it on everything.  We borrowed the recipe from Mark's dad and it is super easy and super yum.  Usually it's a chunky salsa, but we left it in the vitamix a litttle long so it was a different texture...still good though.

Homemade Salsa

 Potatoes and veggies getting ready to go in the foil packet. 

Tonight I was telling Mark how well Rosie is comprehending and remembering things that I read to her.  Today, when I was reading her one of the books we got at the library she started to pretty much read it to me.  She remembered whole phrases, word for word.  Anyway, I was sharing with Mark about it and he said, "Rosie, are you smart?"  She answered right back, "Yes Daddy, I'm smart and I'm kind."  I think that's a pretty great combo.  The girls were very sweet today!  I'm one blessed momma!

Tonight we ran to Target to get a few things...diapers, etc.  While I was there I decided to get something I've been interested in for quite some time now.

It's one of those curling wands.  I've heard good things and I'm anxious to give it a try.  Do any of you have one?  Would love to hear your feedback, tricks, etc.  By the way, I used my Target giftcard that I got free from Ebates!  I also received my first check back from them today, so it actually works!  You really do get money back from buying online, no strings attached!  I also have another check coming from referring someone. (Thanks, Hanne:) Yay!

Fifth Ending?

So I was proofreading my blog from yesterday right now (yeah, I probably should have done that yesterday) and realized that I said we left the baseball game at the fifth "ending" instead of "inning".  This cracked me up.  I guess it just shows you how bored I was subconsciously while at the game...it seemed like I was sitting through the ending five times.  I left the mistake because some things should just stay. 

This morning, while Mark was in the bathroom doing his hair, Kiki crawled in, pulled herself up beside him, patted him on the leg and said, "Daddy"!  She's said dada and mama before, but this was as clear as day.  You could tell that it made Mark's day. 

I found her climbing the stairs today, so I guess it's time to put the gate up.  We already have one at the top of the stairs, which I hurt myself on multiple times a day, so you can tell I'm pretty excited about adding another obstacle for myself. You have to be a hurdler to get around in this house.

Mark came home for lunch, so that was a treat, otherwise our day has been typical.  We did go on a walk this morning and we are about to go play in the backyard as soon as Kiki wakes up from her nap.  Pretty exciting stuff!  Hope your afternoon is shaping up beautifully!

Long Winded

Weekends sure fly by, don't they?  I hate that!  We had a fun/full one.  Before you read any further, please be warned that this post is pretty long.  I probably overdid it.  Bare with me!

Sabbath was pretty great.  The girls absolutely love Sabbath School.  I don't remember if I mentioned it before, but Rosie moved up to the next class, so she is no longer in the same room as Kiki.  I have to admit, I've been a little sad because I loved being able to be with the both of them.  Mark now takes Rosie and I take Kiki.

Kiki is at kind of a hard stage.  She wants to be moving at ALL times.  That being said, she does surprisingly well in her class.  She usually bobs to the music and loves all of the little props she gets to play with.  Her very favorite are the little babies.  One week she actually rocked the little baby!  She's a crack up!  Rosie, although initially very shy, has done great in her new room.  She loves getting snacks and doing a craft.  This was her craft from yesterday.  I just love it and to say she's proud of it would be an understatement.

We didn't stay for church because it was graduation weekend for Fletcher Academy and it was packed.  We came home and attempted to take some pictures of the girls in their matching dresses.  I always forget to get pictures of them in their church outfits.  Well, I either forget or one of them falls asleep and it just doesn't work out.  So it was pretty exciting when we arrived home and they were both awake and in pretty good moods.  Something happens though, when you bring out the camera.  Their sweet little smiles turn to frowns and there are bound to be some tears.  We weren't able to get very many good ones, but here are a few that made me smile...

After we all got changed and finished up making our portion of the meal, we loaded our stuff up and headed over to the Guyton's for lunch.  The food was amazing, as always.  After lunch, we went on a walk, then headed back to their house and hung out on their back porch to relax and chat.  The weather was great and it was such a lovely afternoon.  The girls all played and had a blast.  We soon got hungry again (imagine that) and we decided that the best place to remedy that would be where else, but...Papas and Beer! (Sorry Michelle and Stephen)  It didn't disappoint.  We were so exhausted when we got home, that after baths, the girls were out cold.  Mark and I soon followed.  

This morning the girls were up bright and early.  We did some cleaning/laundry/etc. and then ran a few errands.  We got a new propane tank for our grill, which I am completely ecstatic about.  I can't wait to start grilling again!  It's one of the best parts of summer to me.  After the errands, we made our way to the McCormick Baseball Field to watch the Asheville Tourists play the...well, I can't remember who they played.  Mark's hospital sponsored the game, so there were a ton of ParkRidge employees there.  We sat with the Guyton's and grazed on some fun game food.  The girls did pretty well, until around the fifth ending and then they completely lost it, so we decided to call it a day.  

It was too late when we got home to do naps, so we decided to let the girls play in a little pool in the backyard.  I stayed inside and worked on making baby food for Kiki.  I ended up making banana, banana-pear, and pear-spinach. She's never had spinach before, so I hope she likes it!  

   

Pool Time

 I kept the girls in regular diapers and boy did they expand.  That's one big booty! 

My fat bottomed girls!

Enjoying the sun!  I love this guy.

Remember how excited I was about our strawberry plants?  Well,  things just got even better!!!  We have these...

Blueberry bushes!  I can't wait for them to be ready.  This is the house that keeps on giving.

So, have you been curious if we've been using our vitamix?  Well, I can assure you, we have.   We've already used it five times today!  In fact, I just finished up a batch of salsa.  It's definitely been worth the investment.  I would recommend it to any and everyone! 

 Before

10 seconds after!  The perfect "smoobie" according to Rosie.  

Well, I hope you have had a wonderful weekend and that you didn't age too much while reading this.  I also hope your Monday isn't too stressful!