So Maybe It's Not an Emmy

or a Grammy or Golden Globe.

Nope. . . it's much better!  Drumroll please. .  .

How excited I was to be nominated for such a high honor!  

(Just wish I would've had a little more time to prepare for a proper acceptance speech)

Thanks to my friend Ellen, my day was brightened when I got the news of being one of her recipients for the Kreativ Blogger Award.  Although time may be sparing and posts few and far between, I LoVe to blog.  Whether it's personal thoughts, prayers, or family adventures, the blogging world has quickly become a favorite place to share with others this amazing journey of life.  It's also become a refuge of resources, encouragement, and even finding a few 'you're-so-much-like-me' friends :)

Ellen is a new friend brought to me by the Lord through MOPS.  She is a fun-loving mom of two precious girls whose life is filled with pink and hairbows.  Her blog is honest, sweet, and hilarious!  If I need a good laugh or pick-me-up, Ellen's blog never disappoints!  Although she will be moving soon, I'm thankful for the world of cyberspace and keeping up with her new adventures in Vols country.

Since this award was graciously passed to me, I will now bestow it on a few of you!

Brandee - a beautiful friend that I also met through MOPS three years ago.  Besides growing closer as friends, she's been such an encouragement to grow closer to the Lord as well.  She has an amazing testimony and her blog speaks of the faithful, always-pursuing love of God towards His children.  We share many OCD (I mean organizational) tendencies and both love to scrapbook about our precious boys.  

Mera - a new friend that I am enjoying getting to know.  We pass in the halls at our children's Mother's Day Out, and usually have impromptu conversations at the FMC (an indoor playground during the winter - hallelujah!)  She is a fabulous mom to a precious GIRL and boy - a title I hope to claim one day :)  She lives a very au naturale lifestyle about which I am really enjoying learning more about.  Let's just say she's inspired me :)  She has an amazing story of her journey to motherhood and cherishes every moment with her kiddos.

Jessica - a fabulous smile. . . that's what I think of when Jess enters my mind.  She's a mom to a precious little boy who's about to enjoy a first birthday :)  Apart from posts about motherhood and pictures of family, her writing is amazing and will surely speak to your soul.  She truly radiates the heart of Christ and captures that essence through words.  I think we are both (proud) photoholics and our children may have retina damage from all the flashes :) 

Regina -  J...O...Y...!  I can't think of anyone that embodies the word better than this beautiful woman.  She loves to write about the Word and encourage other women to fall in love with Scripture.  Her memorization skills and tips have really pushed me towards hiding God's Word in my heart.  She is a fabulous new mom to a little boy and has handled the transition with grace and ease.  She has an infectious laugh and a delightful personality that challenges all of us to 'rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS'.

Impress your Kids -  a new blog/site introduced to me by my friend Christine.  Although I don't know the blogger personally, at first glance I fell in love with the content.  So many wonderful posts about crafts, educational lessons, and imparting God's Word/teachings to your kids.  All topics I LOVE!  I admit that I will be 'stealing' a few of these ideas in the future as Cole grows.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

Christine - another new friend that I met through our small group at church.  She is a fabulous mom to a little boy as well and enjoys the 'high' life downtown...literally!  Being a family of three living in a high-rise loft, she has taught me that it's not about all the 'things' or space we have - it's about the moments we share.  She has a passion for helping couples enjoy Christian marriage to its fullest and is currently filling us all in with what she learned at Blissdom - a mega blogger event that sounds like so much fun!  I love reading about her organizational tips and other useful info. that she shares.  A like mind indeed!     

Kyle -  the best photographer (and brother) I know.  He truly found his calling when he entered Nossi College of Art a few years ago.  His photos are beautiful and capture the 'unstaged' moments of life.  He's done family, maternity, senior, adoption, engagement, and wedding shoots to name a few.  He loves to work outdoors and find hidden treasure locations to create the perfect setting.  This summer, he will experience the 'subject' end of photography - he's getting married!  He and Laura will be hitched in June - we can't wait to celebrate their special day!  If you're looking for a local photographer, you must check out his work.  Fabulous pictures + great prices = irresistible!

And now, a few things you may not know about this Type A mama:

1.  I played the clarinet in the high school band and married a football player.  I guess that's the ultimate geek/jock union :)

2.  I have a foot fettish.  Someone touching me with their sock-feet gives me the willies.

3.  I love fresh flowers in my home.  I'll take gerber daisies over roses anyday.

4.  I'm addicted to candles.  There's usually one burning at all times in my home - thank goodness the Lord gave me a little boy that could care less about touching them!

5.  I do NOT like my Oreos dunked in milk.  Whew - glad that's finally out in the open.

6.  I've been a Christian since the age of 9.  I realized my need for Christ during a summer VBS and was baptized soon after.  It's been such a joyous journey!

7.  I've lived in the Gallatin/Hendersonville area my whole life.  I've never known what it's like to be in a new area, make new friends, or be away from family.  Although some may count that as 'lucky', I sometimes long for a new adventure (and then the feeling usually passes - quickly :)).

I guess I've shared enough for one post.  Should you choose to pass this award to others, here are the guidelines:

* Post the award.

* Thank and mention the person who gave you the award.

* Pass the award on to seven bloggers whom you think embody the spirit of the Kreativ Blogger Award.  (or as many as you'd like!)

* Name seven things about yourself that others don't know.

* Don't forget to notify the seven Kreativ Bloggers about their award and post a link to their blog.

Have a great weekend!      

Look Out Picasso...

There's a new artist in town.  

Last week, Cole and I were doodling with crayons and markers when I asked, "Cole, can you make a smiley face?"

"Okay!" was his quick reply.  I must interject that he had never drawn an actual 'object' - just lines and scribbles.  I was totally unprepared for what I was about to see!

Sure enough he began with a big circle for the head.  Two eyes, a nose, mouth, ears, hair, arms, and hands quickly followed as well as a personalized signature.  I was in shock with what he had created.  Hold your applause please. . .

When asked who it was, he quickly replied, "It's you Mommy!".  Wow. . .

I must say that I was thankful to see a big head as the focus with limbs protruding instead of a big belly or bum.

He now loves to draw pictures for me all the time.  Rainbows, shapes, and many more 'people' are gracing our cardstock these days. 

 

Off to contact The Louvre.  They'll need to know the Mona Lisa may have a replacement one day.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

I really wish I could follow Cole around with a video camera.  (It does seem that I currently follow him around with the Nikon - I guess the video wouldn't be a far stretch).   

The phrases he says these days are hilarious!  Here is just a brief excerpt of what's brought laughter to our hearts these past few months. . .

*  Cole is really into rhyming words lately.  The words can be real or made-up.  The sillier the better!  One evening he was naming words that rhymed with parts of his body.  When he got to ear, he exclaimed, "I know!  Beer!"  Oh my.....

As a disclaimer, I have NO IDEA where this came from - after some probing, he actually had no idea what 'beer' is.  Just a word he thought he made up!  Ha!

*  Can you please turn off the sun Mommy?  It's hurting my eyes.

*  Michael and Cole have a routine of getting the mail each day (ours runs late - around 3:00).  Cole likes to help with the mailbox and is always anxious to see if his new Imagination Library book has arrived.  One frigid afternoon, Michael decided to run out quickly and just let Cole stay inside.  Cole was preoccupied with toys and didn't mind.  It just so happened that Cole got a letter in the mail from his preschool teacher that day.  Michael came in and said, "Cole!  Look what came for you in the mail today!"  Cole's reply - "Oh!  A bill!"   

Soon enough son, soon enough.

*  While picking a book to read for naptime, Cole found one of his pacifiers that he used as a baby.  How it ended up behind books, I'll never know.  Perhaps it was his secret stash?

Anywho, he popped it in his mouth and we both began to laugh (I must admit that my eyes teared over as well - where has my baby gone?).  Our conversation then went something like this:

Mommy:  You are so silly!  Do you need this paci anymore?

Cole:  No (Laughing)

Mommy:  Why?

Cole:  Pacis are for babies

Mommy:  That's right.  Are you a baby anymore?

Cole:  No

Mommy:  What are you? (expecting 'big boy' for the answer)

Cole:  A girl.  

Needless to say, he and daddy had a talk that evening.

*  This next moment took place over the Thanksgiving holiday.  If you are fans of the movie 'Christmas Vacation', I hope this reminds you of the dinner table scene with the grandmother's prayer.  

My family was gathered around the table for our Thanksgiving feast and enjoying conversation with one another.  My grandmother had asked Cole to sing Amazing Grace to which Cole belted out all four verses (we usually discourage singing at the table, but who can refuse a sweet great-grandma the pleasure of hearing a favorite hymn through the sweet voice of a three year old?).  She then asked him to recite John 3:16.  Cole proudly began "For God so loved the world that he gave His only son, that through the river to which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all".  

Not sure what translation this is from, but I've yet to find it at Lifeway.  

*  Michael thought it would be funny to teach Cole the phrase "Hasta la vista, baby" when playing around the house.  Never did we imagine that he would quote this perfectly to three elderly women at Wendy's one evening.

Women:  What a cute little boy!

Me:  Thank you - Cole say hello to the ladies.

Cole:  Hi!  How are you?!

Women:  Oh!  How sweet!  We're fine.  How old are you?

Cole:  I'm three.  

Women:  What a smart boy!  Enjoy your dinner.

Cole:  Good night!  Hasta la vista, baby!  (Michael, Papa, Gigi, and myself are all cracking up at this moment)

Women:  Awww - he knows Spanish :) (We're REALLY cracking up now) 

Although Cole brightens our day through these funny moments, it's the sweet sayings Michael and I savor the most.  His talk of Jesus and how he arose from the dead (He's not dead anymore!  He's alive!  He's so powerful!), his prayers at mealtime and before bed, listening to him sing praise songs, and his "I love you" are what we cherish.  It's amazing watching his little mind grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus.  I'm so thankful that God chose us to be a part of this journey - what a beautiful gift!   

O Happy Day

I love that song (especially the Sister Act 2 version). . .what a perfect day to sing!

 

Hello Sunshine!  O how we have missed your warmth and shiny beams.  We hope you are here to stay!

Isn't it amazing what a little sunlight can do to brighten your mood?  I've always said that I would be a sad case if I lived in the likes of Seattle or London.  

To celebrate this glorious day, I decided to go ahead and add a little spring to the blog.  Bye-bye Frosty, hello daisies! 

Gerber daisies are my favorite flower and usually fill many flower pots on my back deck during the summer months.  Everytime I see them, they bring a smile to my face :)  

Hope you have enjoyed this beautiful day as well!

Love Day Fun

This love day, Michael and I had the best of both worlds.  We enjoyed a night out (thanks Gigi!) on Thursday with a hibachi dinner at Fuji and When In Rome at the theatre, and still loved spending Valentine's Day together as a family on Sunday.  

A couple of years ago, I began the tradition of a 'hearty' breakfast together on Valentine's morning.  Cole helped make heart pancakes (I'm going to dye the batter pink next year), heart-shaped fruit, and other breakfast goodies.

On our way to church, Michael was SHOCKED by a fun surprise Cole and I had made the night before.  Saturday night, I taped the message "We Love U Daddy" to the garage door (and prayed that it stayed through the night!).  We loaded up Sunday morning, backed out of the driveway, and waited for Michael to notice his surprise.  He loved it! 

 He also LoVeD the daily surprises I made on our 'Countdown to Love Day'.  He was sad to see them end :)  This will definitely be something to continue year to year!

After a morning of great worship and a message by David Nasser (click here for a podcast of his sermon. . . "prayer is like breathing for our spiritual lungs"), we enjoyed driving around town looking at houses for sale - a past time that Michael and I both love.  Our bellies were still full from breakfast and Cole was content to listen to his Kids Shout the Word CD as he munched on goldfish :)

After touring most of Hendersonville and Gallatin, we stopped in for lunch at Larrivieres on the square in Gallatin - a favorite!

We then headed home for a lazy Sunday afternoon and enjoyed watching Cole open his basket of goodies from Michael and I.  

Is that for me?

Nemo 24 pc. puzzle, CARS stickers and stamps, paddleball, 'grow sponge' cars and trucks (he LOVES those things!), Nerf dart gun, fact book about the 50 states (he LOVES learning about the U.S. - its a new fascination!) and a Blue's Clue's DVD.

(from my previous post, you know how much I adore the Dollar Tree and the $1 bins at Target - Cole's basket of goodies - $10!)

I'm tellin' ya. . . the kid LOVES the U.S.!

We hope you enjoyed a special Valentine's day with those you love as well!

Valentine Treats

Cole enjoyed making Valentine treats for his friends at Treasure Creek.  As he's grown, I've noticed the giving attitude of his heart.  I'm so thankful that my little man has the spirit of a servant - I'm sure he could teach this mama a few things!  

He helped me pick out the goodies as well as his Valentine cards - Lightening McQueen and the CARS crew of course!

Assembling the goodies. . .heart bubbles, kaleidoscopes, chocolate, heart ring suckers, stickers 

(The Dollar Tree has become my good friend - Valentine treat bags for 11 friends - $7 total!)

Sampling the goods :)

His class had a pajama party on Thursday, Feb.11 (one of the few days school wasn't cancelled).  It was fun, but I still don't think he understood why he wore his pajamas to school :)  He came home with a bag of goodies as well to enjoy.

A 'Hearty' Afternoon

With MOPS being cancelled this past week due to snow, it created the perfect morning for Cole and I to work on our Valentine's Day crafts.  I try to do a craft of some sort every week with him to practice skills such as cutting, pasting, coloring, patterns, following directions, etc.  He loves it and I love it as well :)  

The holidays always provide the perfect crafts - so many ideas!  Last year, we painted handmade Valentine cards for the grandparents, and wanted to create something special this year too.  I decided to break out a favorite craft of my former first graders and try it with Cole. . . we had a ball!

First, we made love picture frame magnets for the grandparents and great-grandparents (they came 3/$1.00 at the Dollar Tree - what a bargain!)  Cole punched out all the parts and created them himself (placing the hearts, designs, etc. in his own pattern - didn't he do a GREAT job?!)

After the frames were made, we moved on to the cards.  Cole loves anything multi-colored. . . I think it reminds him of rainbows, which he loves :)  Taking that into consideration, we made tie-dyed heart butterflies.  Sound difficult?  They're super easy!

1.  Begin by coloring two coffee filters with various colored markers.  Scribbling works best, so this is perfect for preschoolers.

2.  After coloring, cut into a desired shape for the wings - we chose hearts of course!

3. Place each filter on a paper towel and spray with water.  Watch as the colors magically run together to create the perfect tie-dye/stain glass effect (especially when held up to sunlight!).

4.  After filters dry (about 10 minutes) glue onto colored paper to create your butterfly.

Ta-Da!  Cole was very proud and the grandparents were thrilled to receive such a special treat.

Cole also wrote his name by himself for the first time. . . I know, I know, he's an amazing little boy! :)

Weekly Menu

Monday:  Homemade chili dogs w/ fries

Tuesday:  Pampered Chef Party - Mexican Fiesta!

Wednesday:  Tortilla chicken strips, twice-baked potatoes, green beans

Thursday:  Valentine's date with the hubby - yay!

Friday:  Teriyaki pork tenderloin, saffron rice, okra, garden salad

Saturday:  BLT sandwiches, tater tots

Tortilla Crunch Chicken Fingers:

1 envelope onion soup mix

1 c. finely crushed plain tortilla chips (regular potato chips or flavored crackers are also yummy!)

1 lb. chicken tenderloins

1 egg

2 T. water

2 T. melted butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a gallon ziploc bag, combine soup mix and chips.  In a bowl combine the egg and water - beat well.  Dip chicken into the egg mixture then drop into chip bag, coating well.  Arrange chicken on a greased baking sheet and drizzle with butter.  Bake uncovered approx. 12 minutes or until done.

Thanks mom for this yummy recipe!

Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin:

1/2 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. sugar

2 Tbsp. ketchup

1 (1 lb.) pork tenderloin

In a large resealable bag, combine the soy sauce, sugar, and ketchup.  Add the pork; seal bag and turn to coat.  Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.  

Drain and discard marinade.  Place pork in a greased 9x13 baking dish.  Bake, uncovered, at 425 degrees for 35 - 40 minutes.  Let stand for 5 minutes before slicing.

Sumner Co. School Nutrition cookbook - submitted by Jane Watts

Counting down to Love Day

Valentine's Day has always been an enjoyable holiday (okay. . . maybe not through the teenage years), but has never been a favorite holiday of mine.  Roses aren't my style (give me Gerber daisies and you've captured my heart!), I don't have a sweet tooth, and I try to show my friends and family how much I care the whole year through.  

Although I wouldn't categorize February 14 in my top five, I do enjoy the awareness it brings to say those three little, powerful words and all of the fun activities/creative ways people use to show their affection for one another.  

Michael and I have enjoyed surprising each other over the past 12 years (WoW!) and now enjoy spending this treasured 'love day' as a family with Cole.  When pondering over my Valentine's Day favorites, two years came to mind...

  

Love Day 2003:

I had been struggling with a student since Sept. and my strength was almost gone (I interject that without the Almighty, Unfailing, Ever-Faithful, GRACE of God, I would not have made it!).  I knew that we would probably go out to dinner that night - I just didn't have it in me to make a fancy meal.  When I got home that afternoon, Michael had left me a card in the bathroom with a handwritten poem telling me when to be ready.  I prettied myself and was ready for a night out :)  Michael came to get me (had even begun warming the car) and instead led me up the stairs to our bonus room.  When I entered, I was brought to tears by what I saw:  A candlelit table had been set-up in the center of the room with a delicious dinner on our wedding china.  Christmas lights had been strung around the room casting a soft glow. . . favorite songs were quietly playing in the background.  Needless to say, we spent the night IN :)  We also began Valentine journals that year.  On each V-Day, we pull out our journal, reflect over the past year and how our love has grown, and write a love note to one another.  It is something that I will always cherish.

Love Day 2009:

This year, we spent a fun-filled day together as a family of three.  We visited the Train Expo at the convention center downtown, enjoyed a delicious lunch at Dalt's Diner and then headed home for a yummy home-cooked meal :)  We rounded out the evening watching Cole enjoy his Valentine basket filled with little goodies and munched on chocolate cupcakes with raspberries.  It was a low-key day, but filled with wonderful memories!  Click here and here to see more about this special day! 

As I began to ponder about what I could do different this year, a friend of mine passed along a cute idea.  As Valentine's Day approaches, give your spouse a little gift everyday with a note attached stating your love and appreciation for him.  I LOVED this idea and began yesterday - 10 and counting!  Here's a rundown of what I'm planning. . .

Day 10:  You will always have my HEART 

I bought a heart balloon, box of heart candies, and an oversized card where I wrote a love note (don't worry, I'll spare you the details :)).  I left these in his office for him to find when he returned home from work - he was so surprised and loved it!

Day 9 (today):  Thank you for your involveMINT with Cole and your encourageMINT to me as a mother.  (Junior Mints)

Day 8:  I love you to PIECES!  (Make a heart shaped puzzle for him to put together)

    

Day 7:  You are the WRITE man for me! (Pens/funny notepads)

Day 6:  Thank you for always shining the LIGHT of God's love to others and being the spiritual head of our home.  (Flashlight)

Day 5:  You are a LIFESAVER!  Thank you for all you to do provide for our family.  (Bag of LifeSaver candies)

Day 4:  My hugs and KISSES are only for you!  (Bag of Hershey kiss w/ almond candy)

Day 3:  I'm NUTS about you!  (A bag of his favorite trail mix)

Day 2:  ORANGE you glad the Lord brought us together and made us for each other?  (Orange/Tropical scented air freshner for his office and a clementine - his favorite fruit)

Day 1:  DEW you know how much I love you?  (Mountain Dew)

Valentine's Day!  Cole and I are making Michael a heart shaped cake (use one square and one round cake - turn the square to make a diamond and cut the circle in half to make the two tops of the heart).  I'm also hoping to make a big "We Love You Daddy" banner and tape it to the outside of the garage door.  When we leave for church on Sunday and the door closes, he'll be so shocked!

I hope that you enjoy sharing the most amazing LOVE ever known to man this holiday - the precious, unchanging, ever-faithful love of Jesus Christ.  His love never fails!

*I'd love to know any special holiday traditions or fun activities you do with your children/spouse.  Always looking for great ideas!  

Weekly Menu

Monday:  Enjoying Family Night at Chick-Fil-A :)  After being in the house for 4 days, we needed a fun night out!  

Tuesday:  Tumbleweed's White Chicken Chili, cornbread

Wednesday:  Spaghetti, salad, garlic bread

Thursday:  Poppyseed Chicken Casserole, baked beans, corn-on-the-cob, cheddar biscuits

Friday:  Beef Enchiladas, Mexican rice

Saturday:  Dinner with the Taylors - Yay!  Italian night!

Sunday:  Super Bowl PaRtY!

Tumbleweed's White Chicken Chili:

1 stick of butter or margarine

3-4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts

1 onion; diced

2 (4.5 oz) cans chopped green chilies

1 c. mild salsa

4 c. warm water (or chicken broth)

2 tsp. parsley

2 1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp. oregano

1 Tbsp. ground red pepper

1 Tbsp. salt

1 1/2 Tbsp. cumin

3 cans northern white beans

Boil chicken until done (save broth to use).  Cut chicken into 1" cubes.  In large pot, saute onions in butter until tender.  Add chicken and chilies to onions.  Stir and simmer on low for 20 minutes.  Add all remaining ingredients.  Bring to a quick boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.  Serve with sour cream and Monterey Jack cheese if desired.