Homemade Marinara & Pumpkin Candles

I had a day I knew I wouldn't be going anywhere, so in the morning I ran to Sprouts and loaded up on fresh fruits and veggies. I took the day making yummy foods to freeze. I used Lori's food processor...it saved me.

My last big venture was to make homemade marinara sauce with all fresh ingredients. I've never done this before and I don't think I'll ever do it again because of the amount of time it takes, but it was fun to try. When I was done, I placed all of these items in the freezer.

At the end of the day the kitchen was finally cleaned up and the kids were getting in bed. Austin came downstairs and tried to get something out of the freezer. I remember saying, "No" and in slow motion bags of marinara fell to the ground and splattered! It was everywhere. I have to admit tears started to flow, but we were able to save some and it did get cleaned up! I'm happy to be able to laugh about it now.

This picture was taken after a lot of it was cleaned up.













The marinara incident with Austin reminded me of this.

























2 days before Austin's 3rd birthday we were at Bath and Body Works standing in line. Austin went to touch a glass pumpkin candle and the whole display of glass and pumpkins came crashing down!!! The woman profusely apolgized because she put the display up the night before and she didn't think it was safe. I felt horrible! Luckily, Austin was not hurt except for a few scratches. Corporate called and they changed the display. (I have to admit layering $75.00 candles on unsteady sheets of glass probably wasn't the safest idea.) Once I knew everything was O.K., I pulled out my camera...I was so glad it was in my purse that day. What a boy!

Staining the Fence

This was our absolute favorite part of Spring Break! Believe it or not we spent 2 whole days (probably 8 hrs. each day) staining the wood fence around our backyard. It desperately needed it and the kids had an incentive. They were trying to earn a certain game for the Wii (which they later chose to take back because of appropriateness...Sean and I were so proud of their choice). These kids were so motivated to get it done.

Whether they earned the game or not I was so proud of each child. They truly worked HARD and we have the stain on many clothes to prove it. Working together as a family makes my heart HAPPY. What more can I say...

Artist of the Week

Way to go Taylor! Artist of the week again this school year. We didn't tell her about this 2nd time...so boy was she surprised during the assembly. Great job Tay.

Taylor Turns 9!

Yesterday was Taylor's 9th birthday. What a day it was! All that Taylor has been asking for is a puppy for years. (I had told her before Matthew was born that this baby had to be at least 1 before we would think about getting a dog and now he's almost 2.) It was a tough decision because I'm allergic to dogs, but once I heard that having a pet is one of the best ways to teach a child responsibility I was sold. Sean and I have been researching for the past few weeks about hypoallergenic dogs. On Saturday Sean found just the right dog and we surprised Taylor the next day!
At the beginning of the day we told Taylor she would not be getting a dog. She was definitely bummed, but was trying to be a good sport. I had wrapped some gifts in dog wrapping paper and gave her a dog card. I said that this could help replace not having a dog and she said, "Mom, you're just rubbing it in." That night Sean's family came over. Heather said she had one more gift to get and came around the corner with the dog. Taylor screamed and we were all so excited. It was hard for her to go to school today because she wanted to be with the dog. He is a sweet puppy and the final name is "Squirt".
Taylor we love and you are an amazing little lady. You have always brought so much love, peace, and laughter to our home. You have so many talents and you deserved a wonderful birthday.

Daddy/Daughter Dance

Every year our city has its annual Daddy/Daughter Dance. Hundreds of dads and daughters come to boogie the night away. This year was no exception. Earlier that day Taylor's friend, Hope had a b-day party where the girls got dressed up for the big event...so fun! Here are some pictures of the night. Sean and Taylor loved it and made great memories. Before bed that night Taylor said to me..."I have the best dad ever"!

Love this boy!

We love our Matty Mac

Thoughts

My thoughts these past weeks have turned to how much I adore my kids and husband. I am in love with their hugs, kisses, drawings, handprints and conversations. This blog is mainly for our little family, so I want to remember my feelings. Life is going too fast and I have to take these moments to appreciate the wonderful day-to-day life they give me. My life would be so different if I were not a mom...I think I would be more organized and put together, but I'd much rather be where I am and doing what I'm doing.

I just had a birthday and that morning I woke up with a "Birthday Girl" ribbon pinned to my shirt! I then walked out to the living room and there were streamers hung and birthday signs all over. Taylor had waited until we were asleep and then (with a flashlight) put everything together for my birthday the next day. What an amazing surprise. Sean and the kids showered me with love for the next few days. I loved Austin's birthday mashashe= massage. I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!

(One of my favorite moments of my birthday was sitting in a dim restaurant and talking with Sean. I love our conversations. He is still my best friend and can make me laugh everyday. I know I'm the luckiest girl in the world.)