Just a few thoughts...

Its 12:41 a.m. and I have been up working on several things. I just started a new study tonight called "When Wallflowers Dance" by Angela Thomas. I have really enjoyed her studies when I need a little direction with my quiet time. Being on the staff at our church, I don't get to attend service much because I am working with the kiddos. This has been a transition for Coley and I- but God has given me much joy and we have an awesome prayer time which I really look forward to. It has really challenged me to feed myself during the week spiritually which of course has not been void but great!

I am really looking forward to this weekend - my family will be here - all 8 adults and 3 kids - and it is always a good time together. We are going to celebrate Paige and Ethan's birthdays with a trip to Sea World and time together. Can't wait! Its been 3 months since I have seen my parents and brother and sister-in-law. Way too long! It won't be that long again...I am going to be heading north on the interstate regularly and petitioning my sister to meet me there. My parents house is such a refuge for me and my family. Its always warm, safe and restful...well as restful as it can be with your two children in tow who are overwhelmingly excited to see their MeMe and Pepper. The food and company are always good. I always leave filling as though they have loved on us, encouraged us, allowed us rest -almost a refueling for the road ahead. Sweet time and so blessed to have a good relationship with my parents.

I was explaining to some new friends why the girls call my dad "Pepper" and they thought it was hilarious and adorable. Of course, its because he is known for his Dr. Pepper. Too funny to see Landri crawl up in his lap and share a dr. pepper with him.

Another bonus this week! DATE NIGHT!! I am ashamed to admit its been over 2 months since we have had a date. It just dawned on me that the only alone time we really get is in bed...most of which we are sleeping...hmmm...probably should take note of that more often and put that relationship higher on the priority scale. :)

Paige is doing great with her cast. I have to remind her not to be jumping off the _____ (you fill in the blank) because her foot has not healed. Isn't that what got us the cast in the first place?

Landri's personality is developing each day. She begs me at least 5 times a day for M&M's and has started having an opinion about what I pick out for her to wear. I was hoping that wouldn't start for a while.

Coley's been busy at work and we planted a huge garden last week. So he's been taking care of it. We may have gotten a bit out of control on the size of it...but hopefully we will have lots to share with neighbors and friends...who doesn't love a little home-grown fresh subdivision produce?

Good night!

Zucchini Muffin Recipe Anyone?

Hey fellow bloggers!

I am looking for a really good recipe for zucchini muffins. I know that may sound a bit odd however I scored a really good deal on fresh zucchini at a local organic market and need to put it to good use. I was thinking of something like zucchini bread - just in a muffin.

Any other good zucchini recipes? We just planted a whole bunch in our garden so hopefully I can use it in some new recipes.

You can email it me at ab_elkins@yahoo.com if you don't want to post it in the comments. Mucho gracias!

It's Fractured!

Can you believe that Paige has been walking around for almost a month with a growth plate that has been fractured in two places? That sounds painful doesn't it?

We saw the pediatric orthopedist yesterday afternoon and he said that it was fractured in two places and that she needed to be casted and wear it for the next 4 weeks. He said that the reason they probably ran all of the blood work was to see if she was having an autoimmune disorder or an infection in the bone. He said that in his opinion there was no reason to do the MRI the fractures were clearly seen in the x-rays. So - with that Paige picked out a bright pink neon cast for her foot.

Landri proceeded to tell the dr. exactly what happened to Paige (she is our spokesperson) and then hugged Paige the entire time they were putting the cast on. At one point she leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. The staff at the dr.'s office just laughed. She also explained to them that her daddy was stuck in the mud with his BIG truck.

I asked Landri at one point if she was going to grow up to be a nurse so that she could love on and encourage people when they get hurt. She shook her head and said "No, I am going to be a mom!" I wanted to cry! Isn't that the truth!

Also, God blessed us with an unexpected gift. A family from our church gave our pastor some money and said that they just wanted to bless and help us with the medical bills we will have coming with the MRI, etc. When I got off of the phone from hearing this news, the chorus of the song playing in my car said "stand in awe and worship the King of Kings and Lord of Lords - come and adore him..." Isn't God awesome! We were totally humbled. Thank you all for praying! It was a few anxious days waiting to find out about the blood work.

We have much to be thankful for - Coley has a job, Paige's blood work came back normal, God blessed us with the funds to pay off the MRI, and today we are resting at home! Have a great weekend.

The roller coaster of life...

I feel like we have been on a roller coaster for the past two weeks. Its been nuts around here. I really enjoy having two or three days at home each week to do housework, laundry, bake, etc. which has not been the case. We have been on the move - pretty much constantly. I am looking forward to Friday- hopefully that will be the first day in two weeks where we can just be at home. Isn't home good? Especially when it is cold and rainy outside?

Paige- I will try to keep this short; sprained her ankle about 3 1/2 weeks ago and after x-rays they said to just watch the swelling. Okay - so I didn't. She didn't complain until about a week ago and I then noticed that it was...well...swollen. So on Friday I called the pedi and they said to take her on Monday for another set of x-rays. These revealed a lot of fluid and inflammation. So Tuesday they ordered two blood tests and an MRI. Today we learned that all of the blood work came back normal, however they are sending us to an pediatric orthopedist for treatment. She is complaining that it hurts and her toes feel tingly. So hopefully we will know more tomorrow. We have been at the doctor all week. Landri is our "little encourager". She is too funny. I am convinced that she is going to be radiologist. She LOVED seeing the x-rays come over the computer and chatted it up with all the techs about her sis-ta's ankle.

Praise! Coley still has a job! His company had voluntary lay-offs last week and this week - well it was forced. God has been so good to us. Really good news today with the blood work for Paige and Coley still having a job.

Plus it rained today! I am completely exhausted and feel like I am getting double ear infections, extremely sore throat - but honestly there is no time for me to be running to the dr. You know- as a mom - you just keep going until...well you crash and burn...its funny because then your fam looks at you and says "what is wrong with mom?"I had a latte about 4 p.m. so that is the only reason I am still up at this point. That sounds horribly negative but I really don't feel that negative about it at all...my sis has the stomach bug - that is after my nephew had it four days last week...you know...many of you can testify to weeks like this.

Good thing is that we have a nighttime to rest and a new morning to soak in the sunshine. Right now...Coley is snoring like a big papa bear on the couch...how can they do that?

Its time for me to say goodnight!

Coupon-Clipping Encouragement

Okay ladies! I have figured it out! I have arrived into the world of super coupon clipping and ad-shopping!

Every Sunday I get the paper and clip out coupons and look at the ads for Target, Walgreens, CVS and H-E-B. I start by circling those items that are on my list for the week (those things that we are out of or getting close to) and those items advertised which appear to be really good deals. Next, I browse through my coupons and pull those that match up with the sale ads. I usually have a calculator close by and figure the savings - especially on things like toliet paper. I also browse a few blogs of moms who have already done the work for you and have the best deals listed:
http://www.moneysavingmom.com/

I am convinced that most stores think we are a bunch of hum-drums who don't even notice prices or ads. Actually I have been pretty hum-drum! Now it is a challenge to see what I can get for free or close to free!

Here's what I purchased last night:

Walgreens:
Aquafresh Toothpaste - 99cent Walgreen coupon + 75cent coupon = Coley got his favorite toothpaste for 24cents
Printer Cartridge refill = Normally $10. Less $5 walgreen coupon - $3 Register Reward = $2 I paid out of pocket
Garnier Fructis Shampoo and Paste = on sale for $2.99 - 2.00 walgreens coupon - $1 Garnier coupon = 1 cent I made! These were free!
Ibruprophen - clearanced Walgreen's brand for 60cents
Obrit Gum - 3 packages for 99 cents (this less than it costs for 1)

CVS:
Milk - $2.89 (this is great! usually milk around here is 3.99, plus I snagged $9 in cash back from purchases I made using my Extra Care Card - all which were on sale and I used coupons with those.

Target: We went to the new Target and I had over $33 in coupons and got out of the store spending only $25. They had great specials - I got some soft scrub cleanser for 60 cents after coupons and sale price.

*I take my coupons with me in store everytime I shop. You never know when something is going to be on sale that hasn't been advertised.
*Even if it is a great buy - and it is something that I absolutely don't need or won't use - I don't buy it. The only $$ you can really save is what you don't spend.

Happy Shopping!

Another Glorious Day in the Life of Motherhood

I couldn't help but post today about the girls playing "ambulance hospital" in the middle of the living room. It was too cute. They constructed their very own ambulance using the laundry basket as the stretcher. They had a baby on it with a "hurt leg" and were taking her to the hospital when I shot this picture.

Paige also in a fit of assertion and 5 year old selfishness decided that she would label her new Barbies so that Landri would know that they are not hers to play with. I found Paige writing a "P" on the forehead of her Barbies with a Sharpie marker. She has no clue how ridiculous they look.

Landri just looked at her like "that isn't going to stop me from playing with your Barbies!"

This week has been crazy, amazing and exhausting. We attended an open house for a private school we are considering last night and it was really neat. Paige was really excited and I could see her light up when she entered the classrooms. She quietly observed and soaked in everything. She told me that she wanted to go to Kindergarten on Monday.

We went to eat Mexican food afterwards which is always fun - Landri always ends up with refried beans smeared pretty much every where. Paige eats much slower than all of us so we waited on her to finish during which Coley and I realized that we have now been out of college longer than we were in college (almost double actually). This was an "ah-ha" moment when we looked around the room and were surrounded by early 20 somethings drinking margaritas like they were already on spring break and wearing just enough to be decent to get into the restaurant. All the while, we disciplined two precious little girls, wiped beans and rice from little faces and tried not to distracted by all the skin showing in the room!

Another day in the life of motherhood! :)

Paige's 5th Birthday!

What a week it has been! I have been crying now for several months about my Paige turning 5. We celebrated on Tuesday with a family party and spent a day at the beach. It was a great day - all I had expected and more. Even though the sea breeze was a tad bit cool it didn't seem to bother Paige at all. We spent 4 hours on the beach during which time we explored several sand dunes, walked the entire shore, had a picnic and ate birthday cake. God blessed Paige and I with a special time alone just walking the shore together.

The tears continued flowing as I remembered the day she was born - feeling no less prepared for the task of motherhood- today than what I was 5 years ago. I took those few short minutes on the beach alone with her to praise God for the precious gift of motherhood, his incredible grace and mercy which sustains me each day in this journey and the awesome gift of seeing her growing into the beautiful women he has designed her to be. I prayed asking God to continue to give Coley and I wisdom, discernment and stamina for the everyday parenting tasks and that above all they honor him. She looked up at me and asked me why I was crying, I exclaimed "I am just so glad God has given me you!"

During our stroll along the shore, there was a Blue Heron about 10 yards away. We watched him walk out a little further into the bay, dip his beak into the water and retrieve a fish. He slowly walked back towards us and swallowed it whole. It was so cool that we got to see him that up close. Paige commented several times about the noisy seagulls (who were extremely hungry - and were excited to see tourists) and said "they are telling me Happy Birthday!" She was completely at peace and consumed with finding treasures and dipping her toes into the cool water.

Landri however could not understand that we weren't at the beach to swim. She was completely soaked within the first 5 minutes we were there. She ended up running a slight fever and napped in the back of the car.

We wrapped up our day looking at shrimp boats and eating fresh seafood. It was truely an awesome birthday. I realized that so many times during the busy kids birthday parties I am so wrapped up in hosting that I rarely get to enjoy the day celebrating their life. This year, we had a simple yet awesome day as a family, enjoying nature and the warm sunshine, no frills, no big production, just time together.