Speaking out again

A wonderful lady I know posted this video to her blog and I agree and like it so much that I am sharing it with you.



What this young man says has not been said enough and unfortunately is never reported in the media. They somehow always find the disgruntled soldier or soldier's family to put on the news...more sensational that way because who wants to hear that things are improving and going well? That sure doesn't help ratings!

And....that's all I am gonna say about that (for now anyway...wink)

Feeling a little sentimental...

I'm sitting here wrapped up in a throw that used to belong to my Gram.

It came in a box today that Mom sent me. I had forgotten she was sending it to me, but I was expecting the au jus mix, remote caddy, toy for The SB, birthday card and camera....but when I opened the box and saw this throw on top, I immediately knew what it was....I picked it up, buried my face in it and sobbed.

Gram has been gone for more than ten years now but I don't miss her any less. I won't ever get to hug her again, but being wrapped up in a blanket that belonged to her is a nice feeling. I think about her a lot, especially because I know my mom would give nearly anything to be able to tell Gram all about Mom's grandbabies.

She has missed some exciting things in my life, but anytime something extraordinary or special happens, I think about her and how fun it would be to share those moments with my little Gram...

Something on my heart...

As the election draws near, there is something on my heart. It has come to mind a couple times and then yesterday in my quiet time, I came across these verses that jumped out:

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." (2 Tim 4:3-4, ESV)

So, I implore you all to evaluate where you're at, seek truth and vote accordingly.

And...that's all I'm gonna say about that! :)

Guess what I did today?!

Well, I did something else today that a few years ago I would have probably told you I wouldn't do....I made my own baby food! I've been toying with the idea for a while. Here is why I took the plunge:

1--I raw feed my dogs, but jar-feed my baby?! That's messed up!

2--I can make time for it since I am a SAHM

3--We just got a food processor about a month ago

4--It is WAY cheaper

5--It is WAY healthier

6--I know exactly what is going into my baby's tummy!

7--I get some sort of odd satisfaction from doing things "from scratch"

So....here's my first adventure. I chose pumpkins because it's October, I love the fall and pumpkins are yummy!

Step 1: Go to the store to find a "sugar" or "pie" pumpkin....only to find the only baking pumpkins available are also the only painted/decorated pumpkins?! (Why does that make sense???)

Step 2: Talk to produce manager to ask if there are any non-painted baking pumpkins...to which he replies, "I don't think so, why?"

Ummm....because I plan to bake them?? ha ha

He said the paint is non-toxic and washes off so he will give me whatever painted pumpkins I want for the pie pumpkin price, rather than $5.75 each!

Step 3: Wash silly paint off of baking pumpkins

Step 4: Split pumpkin in half and place face down in 1-2 inches of water in baking pan

Step 5: Sprinkle a little cinnamon to add some spice taste!

Step 6: Bake at about 400 for about an hour

Step 7: Scrape meat out of pumpkin and put it in the food processor


Step 8: Food process. :-)


Step 9: Spoon into ice cube tray (each cube is roughly a serving size...how convenient!)



Step 10: Freeze!

(That's where I'm at now...)

Step 11: Remove cubes from tray, put in labeled freezer bag, and remove servings as needed!

Yay!

I also have sweet potatoes baked and waiting to cool so I can do the same. :-) Then it's peas and green beans and apples and apricots and carrots and bananas and avocados and.....well, you get the idea!

One serving in a jar of organic baby food? $.50


One serving of pumpkin made at home? $.04...yes FOUR CENTS!


The feeling of doing something healthy for my baby? Priceless....

I love give-aways! :)

Ok, in case you haven't noticed, I love give-aways...especially "mama give-aways!" :) So....you have to go to Mom Most Traveled and see her See Kai Run Giveaway!! She does some other great give-aways too, so even if you're not in the market for some ADORABLE shoes for little feet, check in and see what else she might have up her sleeve...and read some reviews! :)

Another fun giveaway!

If you roll on over to Baby Wears Prada, you will see two more giveaways! (They do this all the time...how awesome, eh?) I'm here to tell you about the one for Baby Bella Maya matching blankie and booties! The blankets look to-die-for soft and the booties (0-6 and 6-12 mo) are SO adorable! The combo would be perfect to tuck into a stroller and have the cutie booties peeking out from under the blankie! :) They even have styles for boys!!! :)

Just some pictures

I have put three new posts (or maybe four??) on our family blog as of yesterday!! So if you want the skinny on the last couple weeks with the fam, go check it out! :)

I took some random pictures when The SB and I went to the park so I thought I'd just post them here cause I don't know what else to do with them. :)

(Isn't he the cutest ever?!?)