Enjoy The Journey

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T08:57:00.002-07:00

We had a great Christmas! It is so fun to spend the day with family! We gave Dieter a train table and Samantha a bear. We came home with a car load of gifts last night. I need to find room in my house!

Momma's Farmhouse Apron

2011-12-21T21:45:00.001-07:00

Okay, I have really neglected this blog! I am having another giveaway over at Raising Dieter...

Sweet Charli Giveaway!

2011-11-16T12:40:00.002-07:00

Enter to win an adorable vintage dress from Sweet Charli over at Raising Dieter. I hope to see you over there!

Mrs. Jones Soapbox Giveaway

2011-11-07T22:01:00.002-07:00

Looking for all natural cleaning supplies? I have been using Mrs. Soapbox Cleaners and I love them. Visit Raising Dieter to enter the giveaway!!

Google Eyes

2011-11-02T21:53:00.004-06:00

Dieter asked me to take this picture... He got these from my mom. I am amazed at how big he is getting! I am going to try to post daily on my new Raising Dieter Blog. Be sure to link on over there :) I'm still going to post family stuff on this blog but it won't be as often.

It's Ready (mostly)

2011-11-01T21:30:00.002-06:00

Oh, and the one sad "like" is me! Tell your friends!

Who needs Halloween anyway?

2011-11-01T08:13:00.002-06:00

Dieter's costume was adorable. I could never get him to wear it! He wouldn't even look at me for the picture. Samantha was a strawberry, cute! I hope every one enjoyed their Halloween!

Hurray for my sister!

2011-10-31T08:29:00.003-06:00

She is letting me borrow her laptop. I need to save my monies to buy an ipad.

Garlic Italian Dressing

2011-10-31T08:27:00.002-06:00

{Image from Beyond Wonderful}

Another great salad dressing! I got this one from a friend. This is my favorite salad dressing next to ranch.

1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 cup Honey
1 tsp Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Sea Salt
2 large cloves of Garlic, crushed (1 clove for kids)

-Blend ingredients together
-Store in cupboard

Link Up
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Today's Creative Blog
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Keeping it Simple
C.R.A.F.T.
Skip to my Lou
The Girl Creative

Darn!

2011-10-25T19:50:00.002-06:00

My computer is broken. Certain keys are sticking...

Pumpkin cookies

2011-10-21T11:06:00.004-06:00

I made Dieter some pumpkin cookies. There not too sweet, but sweet enough to hit your sugar craving.

To cook a squash or pumpkin, put it whole into the oven. Cook on 350° for an hour or so. You should be able to poke your fork in easily when it's done. Then you can cut the squash and scoop out the seeds and stringy parts.

1/4 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup pumpkin puree
3 eggs
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup coconut flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Preheat oven to 350° and grease your cookie sheet.
Combine wet ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Combine dry ingredients in small bowl.
Blend or whisk dry ingredients into wet, making sure no lumps remain.
Let batter sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Dough should be soft but hold its shape when scooped.
Bake 17-20 minutes. Cookies will be set and very lightly browned.

You can top with some cream cheese frosting.

1 package cream cheese, softened
honey to sweeten
vanilla extract

Blend cream cheese and honey. Let it cool in fridge before frosting.

Recipe adapted from Elana's Pantry

Check out this deal!!

2011-10-21T08:11:00.001-06:00

I just bought 4 of them! I think they're adorable leggings! Happy Friday!

Groop Dealz

5 months Old

2011-10-20T07:53:00.003-06:00

"Mantha" is 5 months old. Dieter says "Mantha" and it's kind of stuck. She loves to sit up on her own. She grabs at anything she can. She is very ticklish and her laugh melts my heart. She loves Dieter (sometimes I don't know why.) This past week she hasn't wanted to be set down (hopefully that passes.) She is such a calm, happy little girl. She is a little blessing to our home.

Another good one!

2011-10-19T08:13:00.000-06:00

Gluten Free Granola

2011-10-18T08:15:00.007-06:00

I made this granola yesterday. Dieter loves it! It's a great alternative if you can't have gluten (wheat,oats,rye,barley).

Granola

1 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup coconut flakes or shreds
1/2 cup honey
2 tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
1/2 Tbs vanilla extract (mine isn't ready yet)
1 cup dried fruit

-Preheat oven to 350°
-Mix all the ingredients, excluding dried fruit.
-Spread on cookie sheet.
-Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.
-Remove from oven and stir in dried fruit.

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Chef in Training The Thrifty Home
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Domestically Speaking
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Mamma, I peed!

2011-10-17T08:08:00.003-06:00

Yep....On my bed....On my pillow...I was still sleeping...I admire parents that never let kids in the bed! I haven't begun potty training yet. His diaper was just full! Good times! Happy Monday!

Here is a very, very delicious sugar cookie recipe! They are always soft and fluffy (I think it's the sour cream that does it). Anyway, I frost them with cream cheese frosting. Yum! I don't have a picture because then I would have to make them, and then I would have to eat them. All of them because Kimball is out of town...

Sugar Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup butter
3 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp soda
1/2 tsp salt

-Cream butter and sugar together. Then add vanilla, egg, and sour cream. Continue to mix until smooth.
-Add soda, salt, and half of the flour. Stir into above mixture and then slowly stir in remaining flour.
-Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness.
-Place on buttered cookie sheet (I use a stone) and bake for 8-10 minutes at 375° (My first couple of batches take around 12 minutes on the stone).

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

-Cream the softened cream cheese: blend with butter.
-Add powdered sugar and vanilla and beat well.

Lacto- Fermented Salsa

2011-10-14T08:09:00.003-06:00

I found a recipe for Lacto-Fermented Salsa. You might be thinking, "What is that?" Lacto-fermented salsa will keep for weeks and even up to 6 months in the fridge. It has many health benefits; it is loaded with enzymes and probiotics (who doesn't need more of that?).

I found my recipe on Nourishingdays.com. I have a lot tomatoes and peppers so I tried some. I admit, I was a little skeptical keeping it on my counter to ferment. My first batch is finished and it is so good! Kimball asked me to make more so it will last all winter! I have four more quarts sitting on my counter as I type now.

Lacto-Fermented Salsa (makes 2 quarts of salsa)

1 large onion
3 small bell peppers, cored and cut into large chunks
6 large garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves
2.5 pounds roma tomatoes, cut into quarters
juice of 1 lemon
3 tablespoons sea salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
1/2 cup whey
1/4-1/2 cup water

-Combine onion, bell peppers, garlic, and cilantro in food processor (I don't have a food processor so I chopped all of my ingredients.) Pulse 3-5 times. Add 1/3 of the tomatoes and pulse 2-3 times. Repeat with another one third of tomatoes, and finally the last of the tomatoes.
-Pour contents of food processor into large bowl. Add the lemon juice, sea salt, cayenne powder, and whey. Stir well and allow to sit a few minutes while you prep your containers.
-Wash two quart jars. Do the same for the food funnel and jar lids. Ladle salsa into jars, leaving 2-3 inches of head space. Add water to submerge the salsa.
-Close lid tightly and leave a room temperature for a few days, until bubbly and fermented. During this process the solid vegetables may separate from the liquid. Simply stir with a wooden or plastic spoon until redisbursed and submerged under the liquid. Transfer to cold storage. Should keep for months.

That is my breakfast this morning. Yum!!

I thought this was funny...

2011-10-13T08:45:00.001-06:00

Cantaloupe Popsicles

2011-10-12T08:25:00.004-06:00

Dieter has been asking for popsicles for a couple of weeks (popsicle season is about over). I usually make them out of our apple or grape juice that we press or steam. We have so many cantaloupe in our garden I decided to make it with them. I blended a cantaloupe and added a little bit of honey. If I had any lemons or limes I would have squeezed a little in. They taste delicious and are so creamy!

Yuck!

2011-10-11T13:35:00.002-06:00

That is how I feel! I have spent the night and morning with my head in the toilet (sorry for the description). Hopefully tomorrow I will feel better...

Vodka Please!

2011-10-10T09:44:00.008-06:00

Kimball: I am at the liquor store. What kind of Vodka do you want?
Shay: Uh, regular!
Kimball: There is no "regular". The wall is full of Vodka. Potato, wheat, all kinds of grains.
Shay: Uh, potato? I don't know!

That was mine and Kimball's conversation Saturday when I sent him to the state liquor store (Don't worry family. We have not started drinking). You see, I found a recipe to make my own vanilla extract. I had know idea real extract had alcohol in it (not your imitation stuff. Check your labels). Anyway, Kimball bought me wheat and potato vodka and I am using the wheat vodka now (I liked the bottle better). Three months from now it will be ready...

Vanilla Extract

6 Vanilla Beans (They smell soooo good!)
750 mL Vodka

-Split vanilla beans in half lengthwise.
-Pour out few ounces of vodka from the bottle to make room for the vanilla beans.
-Place split vanilla beans in the bottle with vodka and secure lid.
-Store in cool, dark place, shake occasionally, for two or more months.
-When vanilla extract is ready, it will have a deep caramel color and smell delicious.

Recipe found here:

Vodka picture is some random picture from the internet

Link up here:
Moms crazy cooking
Today's creative blog
The Thrifty Home

"You look like a nap"

2011-10-07T08:45:00.002-06:00

That is what Kimball said to me when he came home yesterday. I just laughed because I had just woke up from a nap. If I can get my kids to nap at the same time I usually nap with them. His comment made me think of when your sleeping and the phone rings, and you try to sound like you haven't been sleeping. We've all done it...

This is a really cute video about love

Bottling Peaches with Honey

2011-10-06T09:22:00.002-06:00

Ok, so I don't have a recipe. I pealed and sliced about 8 quarts of peaches and put them in a big bowl. Then I added around 3 cups of honey (taste your mixture and add more if needed) and I stirred everything together and let sit. Then I filled up my quart jars and made sure that the peach juice filled up the jars as well. The last jars I had a hard time getting enough juice. It think if I had added a little more honey I would have had more juice. I processed them for 25 minutes. I am trying more today and hopefully they turn out as well...

Delicious Pancakes

2011-10-05T08:33:00.004-06:00

I grew up eating Bisquick. I still love it, but I don't use it very often (except when I'm pregnant, I crave "yellow" waffles). This is a really delicious pancake recipe. It is a Fanny Farmer recipe (She published a cookbook in 1896 and introduced the concept of using standardized measuring spoons and cups.) Anyway, when I make it I use honey and whole wheat flour. When I make it for Dieter I have to replace ingredients with almond milk, rice flour, coconut oil, and baking soda...

1 cup milk
1 egg
2 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp sugar
1 cup flour
2 tsp baking powder

Homemade Ketchup

2011-10-04T08:06:00.012-06:00

Dieter can't have store bought ketchup because of the corn syrup, so I made my own. I was surprised how good it was! After having it, I will have a hard time using "regular" ketchup. I multiplied my recipe by 24 because I wanted to bottle it.

Ketchup

2 lbs Tomatoes, roughly chopped
1/2 cup White Vinegar
1 Onion, chopped
1 Clove of Garlic, crushed
1/4 cup Honey
4 whole Cloves
1 Bay Leaf
1 Cinnamon Stick
1/4 tsp Celery Seeds
1/4 Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 tsp whole Allspice
1 Anaheim Chile, chopped (optional)
1 1/2 tsp Salt

- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, cloves, bay leaf, cinnamon, celery seeds, red pepper, and allspice. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet or wok, combine all remaining ingredients except honey. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until onions and chilies are very soft, about 40 minutes.
- Strain the vinegar mixture through a fine-mesh strainer and add the infused vinegar to the tomatoes and stir.
- Puree the tomato sauce in a blender until smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine mesh strainer and return sauce to the skillet.
- Continue heating until the sauce is at a desired thickness, about 2 hours.
- When near completion, add the honey and stir until fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust salt, honey, and vinegar as desired.

I need a new camera to take better pictures :)

Recipe found in the Internal Bliss cookbook

Linking up here:
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Chef in training
Hope Studios
Todays Creative Blog
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Bowl Full of Lemons
The Thrifty Home
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Lovely Crafty Home
Fun to Craft

Dehydrated Almonds

2011-10-03T08:08:00.009-06:00

Almonds are one of Dieter's favorite snacks (They're the only nut he can have). They are easier to digest if you have soaked them 12-24 hours before. I found a recipe in my Excalibur book for Honeyed Nuts. Dieter loves them! He has about eaten them all!

1 cup Almonds (You could do any nut. Soak them 12 -24 hours before.)
1/2 tsp Coconut oil
1 tsp Honey
Dash Sea Salt
Pinch of Cinnamon

Mix honey, coconut, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
Mix in nuts (Taste mixture. Add more honey/cinnamon if needed)
Dehydrate at 145 until crisp

And I found this picture on my mom's computer over the weekend. It made me smile! It was taken before we were married, so about 6 years ago. Kimball looks so young!

Linking up here:
Ask Anna
Keeping it Simple

Allergies a blessing?

2011-09-30T08:40:00.004-06:00

I recently read the children's book Pollyanna. In the book she plays a "glad game" where she looks for something to be thankful for in every situation. Her game spreads through out the town and every one is happier because of it. Well, I thought of Dieter's allergies. I noticed his allergies when he was 5 months old (eczema and vomiting). His allergies continued to get worse and worse and it seemed anything he came in contact with his skin broke out (rubber, latex, plastic, citrus, the list goes on...). He is now 28 months old and can't have soy, corn, dairy, gluten, refined sugars, tree nuts. Nothing processed or packaged as they contain soy/and or corn. I have thought about the paths we have taken and the trials we have had. I have realized God gives us trials to make us stronger. He wants us to learn something along the way. But the amazing thing is, through it all He never leaves our side. He is our guide, our companion. I have started Dieter on a new diet to finally heal his gut and intestinal track ( I'll post about it soon). My family still has a long journey ahead but I do feel so blessed to be where I am today.

Here the link to the book if your interested:

Freezing Peaches

2011-09-29T08:11:00.003-06:00

I froze a bushel of peaches. I will use them through out the year, most likely for smoothies. I found it was faster if I filled up a quart mason jar then dumped the jar in the quart baggie. I did save some peaches to make fruit leather. Fruit leather is one of my favorite treats!

Homemade Ranch Dressing

2011-09-28T08:36:00.007-06:00

Hi Friends! I have been so busy canning/freezing/dehydrating fruits and tomatoes. I love this season but it is nice when were done. Here is a Ranch Dressing recipe. It is so good and easy! I mix all the dry ingredients in a mason jar and store it in my cupboard.

Dry Mix:
1/4 cup dry minced parsley flakes
1/4 cup dry minced onion
1 Tbsp dry dillweed
2 Tbsp onion salt
2 Tbsp garlic salt
2 Tbsp onion powder
2 Tbps garlic salt
1 Tbps salt

Mix 1 tsp to 1 Tbsp of dry mix
1 cup sour cream (I like Daisy brand)
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup milk ( cow or sesame. To make sesame milk blend sesame seeds with water until it turns "milky")

Linking up here:
Handyman Crafty women
Someday Crafts
The Gingerbread Blog

"Business in the font, party in the back"

2011-09-26T08:15:00.003-06:00

Samantha has been sport-in a mullet! We finally cut off her tail (after my brother laughed and laughed at her. It was the final straw). I bet she feels much better now :)

Genetically Modified Food

2011-09-23T07:55:00.003-06:00

We have been battling with Dieter's allergies so this video caught my attention. This mom (after discovering her own child's allergies) started looking into America's food supply. It's an interesting video that I think is worth looking at.

She also has a book out where she dives deeper into her discoveries.

Diapers, Diapers, Diapers

2011-09-22T08:35:00.002-06:00

We go through alot of diapers at my house. I have one cute little bum in size 2 and one cute little bit bigger bum in size 4. My sisters told me about Amazon Mom Subscribe and Save program (It's free to sign up) and I really do save!

When you click on the diapers below, you will find another link to "Subscribe and Save at Amazon.com" Sign Up and your diapers will be shipped to you. You can manage how often and the quantity at My Account.

Next, I have signed up for Prime. It's a free trial period, but every time I buy a "Prime" item it makes my trial for longer so I have never paid.

Here's an example of what you can get and shipping is free:

We get this box for $14.60 (it won't show you this price until your Prime and Subscribe and Save)

And this box for $24.45

Broccoli Salad

2011-09-21T08:19:00.004-06:00

So I don't have picture of this salad and I found some random picture of broccoli off of the internet. I love broccoli! Kimball doesn't share my interest but when I make this salad, he will eat it. The secret is the coconut milk. I don't have any measurements . Just add and taste as you go...

Broccoli Salad:

Broccoli cut into small pieces. (For picky eaters, the smaller the better)
Apples cut into small pieces
Almonds (However you want them, slivered, whole, halves...)
Sunflower seeds
Shredded carrots
Grapes (I don't always add these)
1/2-1 can Thai Kitchen coconut milk (sweeten it a little with raw honey)

Combine ingredients and mix in coconut milk.

Click here to getImages &
Broccoli Vegetables Pictures - Pictures

Linking Up Here:
We Are That Family
Raising Homemakers
Thrifty Home

Nectarines

2011-09-20T08:11:00.002-06:00

I love this time of year! Peaches and Nectarines are two of my favorite fruits. We have planted a little orchard but the trees are not producing much yet. I went to a local fruit stand and bought Nectarines. Kimball bought me a dehydrator last year for Christmas and I am so grateful for it this time of year!! I am currently dehydrating nectarines. This is my first time doing nectarines and I hope they turn out.

I have an Excalibur Dehydrator. I know it is a lot of money but I think it's worth the investment!

Oh Dieter, my Dieter

2011-09-19T07:39:00.001-06:00

It's a good thing your sister is patient with you...

This is Inspiring

2011-09-16T08:26:00.001-06:00

If I lived in Arizona...

2011-09-15T10:05:00.002-06:00

I would buy this hutch for my kitchen. I love the creamy white and the distressed paint. And since I'm wanting things for my kitchen, I love the farm house sinks in the kitchen below.

Find the hutch atHeritage Home Creations

Tomato Sandwiches

2011-09-14T07:47:00.008-06:00

Thinking about tomato sandwiches is making me hungry! I hardly buy tomatoes through out the year so I really look forward to them in my garden. I had never had this until I married my husband and now it's one of my favorites!

If you have a toaster oven it's easy:
Put cheese on bread and place in oven.
When cheese is melted, pull out and top with tomatoes, salt/pepper.

If using the stove:
Turn stove onto low-med heat
Butter bread and place face down on pan
Let bread lightly brown then flip over
Top with cheese and put the lid on so cheese will melt
Add tomatoes and salt and pepper

Linking up here
And here Raising Home Makers
And here We Are That Family

Quilters Daily Deal

2011-09-13T08:00:00.002-06:00

Every night at 11:00 (mountain time) Missouri Quilt Company has new deal. Often it is a Moda charm pack which is super cute material! I check it and Pick Your Plum almost daily!

A cute new stool

2011-09-12T08:22:00.004-06:00

Hi everybody! I hope you had a good weekend. I found instructions on how to make a wood stool. Kimball is wonderful (and with minimal complaining) made this stool for me. I am not sure where I missed it in school, but following instructions is hard for me. I need to train my mind so I can start making things without my cute husband, but for now he's a good helper. I found the plan off of Ana White's website. Her site is amazing. She has tons of step-by-step plans on building furniture. I haven't painted my stool yet. Dieter wants it blue. The pink stool is the stool off of her site.

Alright... I am in the box

2011-09-09T09:02:00.002-06:00

If you have read this book you will know what I am talking about. If you haven't read this book, you need too! It's about changing the way you think and act towards people. It's a simple and fast read. It is one of the best self-help books I have read and I should read it every couple of months. Enjoy it, it's good!

Have a great weekend!

Halloween?

2011-09-08T08:12:00.002-06:00

I received a Halloween magazine in the mail the other day. Halloween really? Have you noticed stores are already full of candy! Well, I thought these costumes were adorable. Maybe I'll get one for Samantha.

Find them here

Enchiladas

2011-09-07T08:07:00.007-06:00

I take turns making dinner with Kimball's mom and sister, so when we make dinner we make it for 2 other families. Tuesday is my day to make dinner and I made enchiladas. They are simple and so delicious. I try to cook with whole foods and when I buy something processed I want to be able to know what all the ingredients are.

Ingredients:
1 or 2 cans La Victoria Enchilada Sauce (32 oz. cans)
12-16 Tortillas ( I buy Costco's uncooked tortillas)
2 cups Beans (I like black beans. I soak them the night before. You could use canned)
1 cup Corn, fresh or frozen
2 cups cooked Rice ( I like Basmati)

Cheese, optional
Sour Cream, optional ( I like Daisy brand)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350
Pour enough enchilada sauce to cover bottom of 9x13 pan.
Cook Tortillas (if their uncooked).
Cook your beans and rice.
Mix beans, corn, rice, and 1/2 of the Enchilada Sauce. Reserve the other 1/2 to pour over the top.
Fill tortillas with mixture. Roll and place fold side down in the pan.
Cover with remainder of enchilada sauce.
Cover with cheese if you desire.
Bake for 30 minutes.

Enjoy!

Big Baby!

2011-09-06T08:12:00.005-06:00

Hi there! We entered Samantha into the baby contest. She won biggest baby! She was only a couple of days from being in the next category so she definitely was the biggest. She is such a good baby. I want to hold and kiss her all day (So does Dieter and it's trouble).

LuLu and ChaCha (on etsy)- That is were I buy Samantha's flowers and headbands. The flowers all snap onto the headbands. My sister told me about them and I have bought way to many...
Find them here

How do I get my child to love reading?

2011-09-02T08:08:00.005-06:00

I taught 1st and 2nd grade before I stayed home with my kids. It was hard to see kids struggling and hate reading, while other kids loved it. This is a great book that talks about the importance of reading aloud to your child. It will help you if your child is struggling. Even if your child isn't struggling, I would still read the book. It is an excellent book on reading that will make the most difference in your child's life.

Find the book Read Aloud Handbook

Potatoes and Beans

2011-09-01T08:07:00.003-06:00

I have been eating this almost daily since beans have been on in the garden. It is so simple and delicious. I bought a Vegetable Steamer
and potatoes cook really fast. When there done add butter and salt and pepper. So Yummy!

Don't forget to put your lid on!

I want this

2011-08-31T07:52:00.005-06:00

My sister let me borrow her steam cleaner. It was amazing. I hate cleaning my shower, especially the grout lines. I have scrubbed and scrubbed with cleaners and it still looks dirty. This cleaned it with no problem, it was easy, and you don't have to worry about chemicals. Maybe I'll get it for Christmas (if I don't buy it sooner).

You can get it here Steam Cleaner

Kimball thinks I have a problem

2011-08-30T08:08:00.003-06:00

And I will admit, I do! I couldn't make enough quilts when I was pregnant with Samantha. I love it! I love buying material! Most of all, I love the time I spend with my mom when were making them! Well, I found another quilt I want to make.

This link will tell you how

Do your little ones need a backpack?

2011-08-29T07:56:00.004-06:00

Hey everyone! Did you have a good weekend? We had a fun little trip but it's always nice to come back and get on a normal schedule again.

I found this backpack for Dieter. I thought it was adorable. There are lots of animals to choose from.

You can get it here Skip Hop

One day I will sleep through the night

2011-08-24T08:02:00.013-06:00

Dieter is hit and miss sleeping through the night. Last night I heard, "Momma come lay by me. Come on Dieter's bed". I couldn't help but smile, grab my pillow, and cuddle with him on his bed. One day he will stop speaking in 3rd person and one day he will be a teenager and won't like me. I need to try to always be grateful for those cute little moments.

Also I want to make this. You can find how to here

Oh, and I am heading south for a little vacation. Wahoo! I have been telling Kimball all summer I want to go somewhere. Enjoy your weekend!

Baby products I use

2011-08-23T08:30:00.003-06:00

I love Burt's Bees. I use their bum cream, lotion, and wash on my kiddos. Well, Sam only gets the bum cream. I only bathe her in water and she doesn't need lotion yet. They only use natural ingredients so they are safe for your babies/toddlers skin. The last stuff I bought was from Macy's Grocery but I noticed Walmart had it the other day.

You can also buy it here

A Fun Website

2011-08-22T08:14:00.000-06:00

My sisters friend started this website. It's pickyourplum.com. Everyday at 7:00 am a new craft item is posted. Most days the items sell out so you have to check early. Enjoy!

You can find it here

A Book Recommendation

2011-08-20T12:13:00.001-06:00

Well, I recently read a book that I want to share.

You can get the book here

So, you are probably wondering why I read this book when I just had a baby. I DON'T want to get pregnant anytime soon and this book taught me a lot about when to make a baby. I am amazed at what I didn't know about the female body. This book will explain to you how you can know the exact day you are ovulating by being aware of your own body. There are no test needed just daily awareness of your body. Pretty simple! You ovulate on day 14 right? (that is what I thought) Well, only a small number of women do and you can ovulate on any number of days, who knew? ( I don't know how I have two children. I was pretty ignorant on this subject).

And another thing I learned was that boy sperm swim faster but die sooner, and girls are slower but live longer. If you get the timing right, you can try for a boy or girl (Heavenly Father still has the ultimate decision) This book is full of great information! Anyway, I thought I would share. I first got the book at the library, but purchased it because it is one that I will refer to often. Hopefully that wasn't to uncomfortable :)

The difference between men and women

2011-08-19T09:18:00.001-06:00

Well, if any of you looked at my blog yesterday you would see how worried we were for my brother. When he called Melissa last night, he didn't think anything was wrong. He was having a fun camping/fishing trip on his way home from Alaska. As women/wives/mothers, of course we are going to worry. The whole situation is kind of embarrassing, but I think our response was natural. We are very glad everything is ok.

Here are some pictures of Samantha. She is 3 months old and 14.8 pounds. What a cutie!

A phone call from Branden

2011-08-18T19:38:00.000-06:00

I don't know what he has been doing, but Branden just called Melissa and he is at the Canadian border. Many prayers have been answered.

Please keep my family in your prayers

2011-08-18T14:10:00.000-06:00

My bother Branden has been stationed in Alaska, but has been relocated to Colorado. His wife flew down last week with their 7 month old baby. Branden left Monday to drive their car down. She has not heard from him, his phone goes right to voice mail, and his last debit transaction was on Tuesday night. He should have been here sometime yesterday. They have talked to the border patrol and his car has not crossed the border. At his last known location he was 8 hours from the border. Please keep him in your prayers. His wife Melissa and baby Jaxon have been at my mom's today calling everybody they could think of. I think my brothers will be leaving for Canada if there is still no word of him by this weekend.

Toddlers

2011-08-16T21:42:00.000-06:00

This cute picture is of the toddlers on Kimball's side of the family. They were born within 5 months of each other. It is so fun for Dieter to have cousins his same age! Dieter was 6 months old in the other picture. It's hard to believe they are already two years old!

Oh, and something silly Dieter says now is, "Mama Shay". That is what he says when he wants me to watch him do something! What a funny boy!

Family Pictures

2011-07-30T16:15:00.000-06:00

We had our family pictures taken. I am such a slacker because this is the first family picture we have had since we had kids! Oops! Amy Hess took the pictures and she did such a great job!

A Few Pictures

2011-07-14T09:43:00.001-06:00

Hi There! Here a few pictures of my kiddos. Samantha is getting so big! She is over 12 pounds. She is smiling all the time and can hold her head up so high. I think I laugh at Dieter everyday. He is such a fun boy! I love hearing him count, "1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 7, 8, 9, 10".

Samantha's Blessing

2011-07-05T09:04:00.000-06:00

Kimball blessed Samantha on Sunday. He gave a beautiful blessing! I was worried that she was going to cry during the blessing and she did! It was a great day and I am glad we were able to spend time with family afterward!

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Dieter's Birthday

2011-06-17T09:39:00.000-06:00

Dieter turned 2 years old! He wanted a bike for his birthday and when we asked what color he wanted he said "Yeow" We bought him a balance bike (they don't have peddles so they learn balance faster. You can watch some pretty cool videos on You Tube). He was so excited when he saw it. He is already cruising around on it pretty good!

Samantha is 1 month old. It has been hard to get her to sleep! Some days she doesn't nap all day, but I have discovered she likes to sleep on her belly so i will see if that helps...

Life with two kids

2011-05-31T10:39:00.000-06:00

Samantha is going to be 3 weeks old tomorrow. I can't believe it! Dieter has done really well adjusting. The hardest thing is keeping him from climbing on her to kiss her. I'm starting to adjust to no sleep and I'm trying to get Samantha to sleep when she's not being held! Little cutie wakes up every time she's put down. I feel under control when I am home but a little crazy when I try to go places!

My delivery went really well. I was having contractions all afternoon, but they weren't progressing. I kept telling Kimball they would probably go away. At 10:45 pm my contractions changed and I could tell things were going to move fast. Kimball called the midwife at 11:00. She arrived at 11:45, broke my water at 12:10 and Samantha was born 3 minutes later. It was a great experience and recovery is tons faster after the 2nd baby.

Our baby girl!

2011-05-13T14:00:00.000-06:00

Samantha arrived on the 11th. 8 lbs 2 oz, 21 inches. She is perfect! Her delivery was very fast. I was afraid my midwife wouldn't make it, but luckily she did. She was only here 30 minutes before Samantha was born. Everything went great and I am very glad she is finally here!

In case your wondering...

2011-05-06T08:32:00.000-06:00

I'm still pregnant. This little girl is taking here sweet time!

Quick Update

2011-04-30T17:56:00.000-06:00

Well, today is my due date... and no baby. She has to come soon...

Christmas

2011-01-04T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hello again! We had a great Christmas and it was fun to see Dieter get excited about his presents. He got blocks and a stick horse and it is cute to see him ride his stick horse around the house. Kimball gave me a food dehydrator and we have already dehydrated fruit and made jerky. It was a great present!

I am still having a little girl and very excited for her arrival this spring. I like the name Leah but I don't have Kimball totally convinced yet.

Dieter on Christmas morning

Me and Dieter on New Year's Eve

It's a Girl!!

2010-11-15T21:26:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I am 16 weeks pregnant and found out it is a little girl! I was surprised because I haven't been sick (I wasn't with Dieter either) so I just assumed it was a boy. Well, I guess come next ultra sound they could tell us its a boy, but he was pretty confident it is a girl. I am due April 30th so that will make Dieter and baby about 23 months apart. I am very excited!

Shoes, shoes, shoes...

2010-08-10T15:35:00.000-06:00

Dieter loves shoes. All day long he brings me my shoes then runs to the door. He thinks if I have my shoes on then we can go outside. It usually works because it is so cute when he brings me my shoes. He also likes to wear his shoes all day. You'll see in the picture below, shoes and pjs- pretty cute. Last week we went camping with Kimball's family. We went to the dam one day and the picture is of Dieter and his cousin Hayden.

So it's August-I'm not sure what we have done all summer. In July we went to Glenn Beck's American Revival. It was so good and uplifting. Other than that we haven't done much- Just enjoying being together and laughing at Dieter.

Mosquito and an Owl

2010-07-09T09:03:00.000-06:00

My poor child got a mosquito bite 2 days ago on the forehead. When he woke up this morning his eye is almost swollen shut. Last week he got a bite on his arm and his arm was swelled for 3 days. We live in the wrong city if Dieter is going to be allergic to mosquitos.

About the owl... We have been hearing scratching in our fireplace for a week or longer and couldn't see anything in there. Kimball finally opened the fireplace from the inside so what ever was scratching could fall down, and it was a big owl! I couldn't believe how big it was. We felt bad that it had been in there for so long so at 11:00 at night Kimball called animal control and took it to some place were they will nurse it back to health. Kimball said when he got there the lady was bottle feeding a beaver. Too funny! Kimball is growing soft as he gets older because he is not opposed to shooting random animals around our house.

Yes, we are still alive.

2010-07-01T11:31:00.000-06:00

Okay I am terrible at blogging. I try to stay away from the computer because I am easily distracted. The internet is endless and I have a hard time not spending hours looking at misc. things. I am trying to use my time more wisely but I have set a goal to be better at blogging. Dieter turned 1 on June 11. I can't believe my baby is 1. Where did this year go? Dieter is walking so good and when we play with cousins he wants to be one of the "big kids". He has done a pretty good job exploring all cupboards and bookcases in our house and loves to climb on everything. Dieter loves being outside and pointing at airplanes and birds. He absolutely loves when Kimball comes home from work. He doesn't want to leave his side (until he's tired, then he wants me). And I am very happy to say that I am officially a full time mom! My last day of work was Tuesday. I am so excited to be home. I am going to try to be very productive during the days with endless projects around our house.

Anyone out there listening are watching Glenn Beck? If you are, pretty crazy what is happening in our country. One of my favorite things to do is buy books off of Amazon (yes, I get very distracted on the website). I am really into history books lately and have bought several that Glenn Beck has talked about. I look forward to reading and educating myself about our country and history.

Well, if anyone still looks at my blog I will try to not let 2 months go by before I post again...

Here are some pictures from Dieter's b-day.

Mixed Feelings!

2010-04-21T13:04:00.001-06:00

Dieter is 10 months old and has taken his first steps! It is so exciting but I am also not ready! Well, I guess I am ready but my house is not. I have started to get organized and this will help me organize faster.

I love that spring is here. We have planted a little orchard at our house. We have 6 apple trees, 8 peach, 1 cherry, and 1 pear. We have more room to add 2 apricot and one more pear (need to save more money first :). Several years from now we might be wondering what we were thinking! Kimball is so creative and last fall made an apple press for our already 3 full grown apple trees. The juice is so yummy. He hopes to improve is apple press by the time our 6 new trees have fruit. Me and Dieter have been spending plenty of time outside this spring. I have so much yard work to do...

Got Allergies?

2010-03-27T10:02:00.000-06:00

We don't!! About 4 months ago I noticed Dieter showing signs of allergies (throwing up, rashes, eczema). One of our neighbors told us about a chiropractor that cleared up his daughters severe dairy allergies, so we thought we would give this chiropractor a try. We figured it couldn't hurt...
Well, Dieter has been allergic (and sensitive) to so many things; dairy, corn, yeast, soy, banana, apples, berries, detergent, chemicals, chlorine, avocado, sugar, millet, flax seed, rubber, plastic, newspaper, latex... Seriously, me and Kimball have been so surprised to the things he was allergic to. It seemed like everything he touched (or after he ate) he broke out in a terrible rash. Well, we have some good news to those of you that have allergies, Dieter is cured!!! No more rashes, eczema, throwing up. It has been such a blessing that our neighbor told us about Dr. Scott Skaggs. The treatments are easy and there wasn't any skin poking either!! I would highly recommend seeing him. And to top it off, he has fixed Kimball's seasonal allergies!! Dr. Skaggs as saved us a lot of trouble in the future. I honestly don't know what Dieter would have eaten when he got older. I would recommend him to anyone. If your interested here is his number...782-4454

Pictures

2010-03-06T12:48:00.000-07:00

I went and got Dieter's pictures taken. I think they turned out pretty cute!! He is such a fun and happy baby!!

A Much Needed Update

2010-02-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

Our little bear is 8 1/2 months old now! He has 8 teeth and I hope he's done teething for a little bit. He loves to walk (we have to hold his hands). He is not crawling but has a lot more interest in walking. He loves being outside and especially watching our chickens run around the yard. I think the little guy would be content to look outside all day! I am looking forward to Spring. I have been off-track from school all month but I start back on Monday. One great thing is that I am not going back to work next school year, Yeah!!! I look forward to being home full time.

6 Months Old and Cousins

2009-12-11T15:09:00.000-07:00

Well, another month has gone by... Does anyone else think time keeps going by faster and faster? Dieter is now 6 months old. He is so fun and brings so much joy to our family! He is so happy and smiles all the time. Kimball and I feel so blessed that he is apart of our lives!! He is getting so strong and grabs at anything we are holding. He loves anything paper. Christmas will be fun with all the wrapping paper!!

On Kimball's side of the family, there have been 3 new babies after Dieter. Grace was born in August. Hayden and Van were born in November (10 days apart). It will be so fun to have them grow up together. We lined them all up for a picture. Dieter is huge!!

I've created a monster???

2009-12-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

That is what Kimball tells me about Dieter... I made the mistake of letting Dieter sleep in our bed (he cuddles, I love it). Well, now he is almost 6 months old and he will only sleep if I lay by him. Long story short, me and Dieter nap from 1-3 and we go to bed about 8:00. Yep, you might think I'm crazy but I'm enjoying it. It won't last long. He is growing up fast.

Because of this Dieter doesn't nap very good when I'm at work. Sorry mom!!

5 Months Old

2009-11-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I don't know how to turn the pictures.

Only on a baby are these chubba thighs so cute!!

Our little bear is 5 months old. I can't believe it!! He is the best baby and is so happy. He has two teeth and has rolled over! It is so fun seeing him grow. He absolutely loves being outside!! We have a swing set in the backyard and I think he would be content to swing all day long. He notices when I leave the room and he loves to put his toys in his mouth. I love being a mother (even if the little guy still wakes up 3 times in the night)!!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T18:43:00.000-06:00

Here is our little Chicken... He doesn't like the costume much, but he looks adorable in it!!! I hope everyone has a good evening!

Here is Dieter with his cute cousins Mckay and Kyler

This never happens...

2009-10-16T15:19:00.000-06:00

So I was being terrible and ignoring Dieter while I was shopping on the internet. I realized I hadn't heard him making any noises for a while. It turns out he fell asleep on the couch! My little bear never does that!

Kimball, Dieter and I had a little get away to Park City. I've been telling Kimball for a while I wanted to go. It was very relaxing and fun to do a little shopping. I really like Park City!

Where did the summer go????

2009-09-25T14:50:00.000-06:00

I thought when I had Dieter, that I had so long before I had to go back to work. Well, the time has flown by and I went back to work on Monday. I am teaching Monday, Tuesday and every other Friday. It is not too bad but it was very hard leaving him. Thankfully my mom and Kimball's mom are watching him. I can't believe his is 3 months old already!! I think time keeps going by faster and faster.

Over Labor Day weekend we entered Dieter in the baby contest and he won Prince!! What a cutie!! One of his prizes was a gift certificate to Sadies Photography. I went and got his pictures taken today and I love them!!

I'm glad I bought this

2009-08-25T11:57:00.000-06:00

This wrap was one of the best things I've purchased. It allows me to have free hands again! Dieter wants to be held all the time. It is a Moby wrap. It comes in all colors, but I liked purple. I laugh when Kimball wears it because its purple. Anyway, I would definitely recommend this.

Kimball loves to play with Dieter. Dieter is starting to "talk" (cute baby noises). It's so cute!!!

Very Bored!

2009-08-14T18:08:00.000-06:00

So, up until last week I watched several hours of the HGTV channel each day. I live in an old house so I love seeing rooms being remodeled. Well, last week I cancelled our TV thinking that maybe I will accomplish other things during the day instead of sitting on the couch. I did pretty good this week keeping busy, but now I am incredibly bored. I did start a project today, but it is very difficult to do with a baby that wants to be held 24/7. I am going to paint our kitchen cabinets. I took down the doors and started sanding. Their is no turning back now... Anyway, if anyone as any good books they could recommend that would be great!! And here is another picture of Dieter. So far, it is my favorite...

Finally caught one on camera....

2009-07-24T15:14:00.000-06:00

A smile!!!

1 month

2009-07-13T10:23:00.000-06:00

Dieter is 1 month old now. I can't believe it!! I feel like we are starting to get into a routine and I don't feel nearly as exhausted. I took him to get his pictures taken and here are a few of them...

Will I ever sleep again?

2009-06-18T09:11:00.000-06:00

My cute baby is 1 week old today and both Kimball and I are very sleep deprived. I didn't realize such a cute little thing can be so exhausting!! I really don't have much to complain about because I do feel so good...
My water broke last Thursday at 5:00 a.m. and I had Dieter at 10:40 p.m. So that makes about 18 hours of labor and I did not have an epidural. It was hard work, but I quickly forgot all about the labor when I held Dieter in my arms. Kimball has a much better memory of the birth than I do, (probably a good thing). Anyway, we are all doing very well and I can't help but post some adorable pictures of my boy...

Dieter Van Call

2009-06-14T14:39:00.000-06:00

June 11, 2009
7 lbs 1 oz
We liked the name Dieter after listening to President Uchtdorf speak at General Conference. Van is Kimball's dads name.

Almost Finished

2009-04-23T20:22:00.000-06:00

Here is our baby's room... I love how it turned out. I need to get a rug and put up curtains. Then I just need my little baby here!!

This is what the room looked liked after we started tearing into it. Kimball didn't want me to put this picture on but I didn't have any other pictures to show you what it looked like before.
I found these cute vinyl stickers to match my bedding.

Some things for the nursery...

2009-03-31T13:00:00.000-06:00

I have been slacking on my blog. Kimball and I both had birthdays this month. He turned 27 and I turned 24. I am off track again until the middle of April so I am trying to get things done around the house while I can still bend over a little bit :). We still are not finished with our babies room. We need to put up molding. Hopefully will get it done this week and I will can get some pictures posted when its finished. But I have my babies bedding and I have made some things to decorate the room... This is a quilt my mom helped me make.
I made these for a shelf in the room.
Here's the bedding. I don't know how to turn the picture...

I'm growing

2009-01-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture with my pregnant belly. I am 21 weeks. I think my face is getting chubby but I am very happy to have a our little boy on the way.

Cali

2009-01-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

We went on a trip to Cali with Trevor and Jen Wayment. We went to Disneyland and to San Diego. It was a fun little trip and now I am back teaching. I didn't get our baby's room painted but I went back to the doctor and our baby is still a boy :).

It's a BOY!!

2008-12-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

We went to the doctor and she said she is 90% sure, but there is definitely something between the legs!! I had been thinking we were having a girl but I am so excited for a boy! I don't think Kimball has stopped smiling since we came home from the doctor. I am feeling really good. I don't feel nearly as tired as I was. I am currently off track from school for 4 weeks so I am planning on getting the baby's room painted (if I can get Kimball to finish the sheetrock).

It's Baby Time!!!!!

2008-12-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I am pregnant!!!! (14 weeks) I have been meaning to post that I was pregnant long before now, but I am a slacker (and soooooo exhausted). I come home from teaching every day and can easily sleep through the night (Yes, Kimball is neglected). I have not been sick, so that has been a blessing! I haven't been able to eat certain foods (mostly anything healthy is yuck!), but it is getting better. I go back to the doctor in 2 weeks and am crossing my fingers they will be able to tell me if it's a boy or girl. The ultrasounds are so fun and I love seeing the heart beat!

Our Cruise

2008-11-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

The Coleseum
Vatican
Pompeii

Ok so this was a while ago, but we went on a cruise to Europe with my brother and sister-in-law. We stopped in Malta, Naples, Rome, Florence, and France. It was so fun! I would go back to Italy in a heart beat!

Anyone who is private...

2008-11-19T16:42:00.001-07:00

If you are already private here is my email kcall13@yahoo.com. I love to browse! Thanks!

Bingham Family Pictures

2008-11-15T19:19:00.000-07:00

We had our family pictures taken this fall. It is hard to get everyone together these days...

Camera Troubles

2008-11-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

Well, Kimball and I never develop our pictures. Our camera has about 3 1/2 years of pictures on it. We can't find the cord to hook the camera to the computer... so until we get a new cord, our blog is boring!