Bob Your Head #16

This week I was scrolling through songs I've downloaded already to see what might be fun to share here this week.

Well here it is:

He Is We - Happily Ever After

Let me riddle you a ditty, it’s just an itty bitty, little thing on my mind.
About a boy and a girl, trying to take on the world one kiss at a time.
Now the funny thing about, ain’t a story without it, but the story is mine.
And I wish you could say, that it ended just fine.

We all want to know, how it ends.

Oh, happily ever after, wouldn’t you know, wouldn’t you know.
Oh, skip to the ending, who’d like to know, I’d like to know.
Author of the moment, can you tell me, do I end up, do I end up happy?

Inhale, breathe steady, exhale, like you’re ready, if you’re ready or not.
Just a boy and a girl trying to take on the world, and we want to get caught.
In the middle of a very happy ending, let’s see what we’ve got, let’s give it a shot.
Let’s give it a shot.

We all want to know, how it ends.

Oh, happily ever after, wouldn’t you know, wouldn’t you know.
Oh, skip to the ending, who’d like to know, I’d like to know.
Author of the moment, can you tell me, do I end up, do I end up happy?

We all have a story to tell.
Whether we whisper or yell.
We all have a story, of adolescence and all it’s glory.
We all have a story to tell.

Oh, happily ever after, wouldn’t you know, wouldn’t you know.
Oh, skip to the ending, who’d like to know, I’d like to know.
Author of the moment, can you tell me, do I end up, do I end up happy?

We all have a story to tell.
We all have a story to tell.
We all have a story to tell.
We all have a story to tell.

Maybe it's from reading The Hunger Games and wondering how it's all going to end...including the love story portion.

Maybe it's just from missing my hubby and waiting for him to get home in 2 weeks.

Either way...we all want to skip to the end at times and see how it ends!

I know that my story will have a happy ever after once I see Bud at the airport!

It's the waiting that has me running circles!

What story do you have to tell?

If you could skip to the end what would you hope to find the answer to?

Any songs that you'd like to suggest I look up for next week?

I hope you had a Blessed Wednesday!

Because Mom's Need a Break...

...especially when a new little one arrives!

I have a friend who just had a baby.

I'm supposed to go see her tomorrow, but that might have to be post-poned.

Bitsy is still sick.

I have a meal for her that I'd love to bring her.

I know what she's feeling right now!

The idea of planning and cooking a meal is something I couldn't didn't want to think about in those first few weeks after Bitsy graced us with her presence.

Luckily I had planned ahead a little and I had a handful of freezer meals ready to throw in the crock pot and of course friends brought us food and all that simplicity made life a little easier!

So now it's my turn to return the favor and I'd like to show you this very simple freezer/crock pot meal!

What You'll Need:

 1 large bag of carrots

4-6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 red onion

garlic

teriyaki sauce

2 cans of pineapple chunks

(not pictured...boil in the bag rice....I normally make rice in a rice maker, but since this is for a friend and second day rice doesn't seem to taste as good...I figured I'd leave the rice for her to cook)

 You'll need 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce for each freezer bag.

I measured out that 1/2 cup was 5 ice cubes and since this was going to be frozen anyway I figured it'd be less messy if the sauce was already frozen before I bagged it.

 Also you will use the juices from the pineapple...so again to keep it nice and tidy I popped holes in the can and drained it into an ice tray.

One can filled 7 cubes.

 Next write on your freezer bag, nothing worse than remembering to write it after it's full of food!

 Now split your large bag of baby carrots between the 2 freezer bags.

 Cut that red onion into big chunks and split between bags.

 Add your 2 chopped garlic cloves per bag.

Then place 2-3 chicken breasts in each bag.

I did 3 per bag (one is for my friend and one is for us...so 3 means she'll have extra or leftovers for lunch another day...so convenient to just reheat and eat!)

 Don't forget about your frozen juice and sauce.

 Throw those in your bag last...

Don't they look pretty?

Now the trick is to get as much air out of your bag as possible before you close it up.

This is much easier since you don't have liquids sloshing around!

Once you close it...lay it as flat as possible and place in the freezer.

The flatter it is the more you can stack and the less room you give up overall.

When you are ready to cook...simply take it out the night before and place in the fridge to thaw some.

Cook in your crock pot on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours.

All you'll need to do with the rice is get some water boiling and boil it according the the directions on the box (10 minutes I believe).

And there you have it.

Whether you are expecting, need to bring a new mommy a meal, or just want to plan ahead for your family..this is an easy way to preplan!

I hope you all had a Blessed Tuesday!

Baby Diaries #41

Is it cliche for me to say that time is moving at an incredible rate?

My Baby Girl is 5 Months old!

She weighs 20 lbs and 6 oz (That's up 1 lb 13 oz from last month)

She is (according to my measurements) 26" (That's up 3/4" from last month)

She is so close to rolling over it's crazy!

She cranes her neck to see what's behind her and arches her back...but then that big 'ole belly is in her way and she gets stuck.
I'm sure it won't be much longer.

She loves to Skype.
In the past couple days we have Skyped with Bud, My Dad, and Aunt K (her Godmother)
Most of the time she just stares and smiles.
Occasionally, she will add to the conversation.
I think for her it's one step better than watching TV, because at least this is interactive.

Oh and let's not forget how much she loves to look in the mirror.
We stand in front of the mirror daily and although she probably doesn't know it's her she's looking at...it sure does make her smile.
I'm thinking positive body image and confidence are being learned!

This last month Bitsy has encountered many more firsts!
First airplane ride.
First time down a slide.
Oh and my least favorite...
...her first cold.
We went to the doctor on Friday after I noticed a cough she had developed Thursday night.
I didn't want to rush her in, but the cough was wheezy sounding and I didn't want to take any chances.
Since they had an opening I took it.
The doctor said it's just a cold and Bitsy is too young to take any medicine at this point.
All we can do is run the humidifier...which we always do anyways.
Bring her in the bathroom for steam treatments...I do this too every time I shower!
And make sure she stays hydrated.
It stinks having to watch my little one rub her eyes red, sneeze until her nose runs and cough so much.
On the other hand I know it's good for her body to learn how to fight off these kinds of sicknesses.
So we've added some of this...

 into this...

...so now the whole house smells of medicine.
Bitsy has been taken extra long naps...I mean like 2-3 hour naps 2 to 3 times a day.

Even sick she is still too cute for words!
She tolerates me cleaning out her nose (for the most part).
And she is happy to just cuddle with me instead of play.
We are taking this day by day and if she isn't feeling better by tomorrow I'll be calling the doctor again.
Everything I read says that if she isn't getting better by day 5 we should have the doctor check her again.
I guess it couldn't hurt right?
Am I one of those Moms?
I sure hope not, I never wanted to be one of those Moms who freaked at the first sign of anything.
No I'm not one of them...
I'm just a regular Mom.
Trying to make my baby feel better as quickly as possibly.
Plus we only have 17 days until Daddy gets home so we need to get to feeling better quick!

I'm off to cuddle more with Bitsy...and maybe rest a little extra myself.
I hope you had a Blessed Monday!

Book #31: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

...as if it couldn't get any worse for Katniss...

If you didn't think the Hunger Games were bad enough, just wait until you learn about he Quarter Quell.

Every 25 years the Hunger Games gets a special twist and this Quarter Quell is no different.

Katniss is back in the games only a year after she last entered.

Only this time it's different.

When she was taken from home things were changing.

Pressure from the capitol to keep everyone on their best behavior had increased, but the rumor of uprisings was hard to miss.

Oh and what about District 13?

The District that was blown to smithereens...what if it wasn't?

If you haven't read The Hunger Games...

Go back and read it.

This second book would not be the same if I hadn't read these in order.

The Hunger Games seems to tie up nicely at the end...you could stop there and never read this second book.

You could.

Notice I don't state that you should.

This second book is even more gripping than the first and let's just say that it does not end quite as nicely.

I'm hungry....

for book three!

I must know what becomes of everyone.

The uprisings.

The Capitol.

Evil President Snow.

HOW DOES IT ALL END!!!

Go read book one if you haven't, then continue on, I beg of you!

It's a wonderful series!

I hope you had a Blessed Saturday!

Bible Verse Friday #28

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm.  But how can one be warm alone?" ~Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

source

This is the last Friday in February and our last BVF focused on love.
Whether it be family, spouse, or friends we were created to have relationships.

"Then the LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone.  I will make a helper who is just right for him". ~Genesis 2:18

I am the first to admit that I am very comfortable being alone.
I am introverted.
That being said, I still crave social interaction from time to time.
I think it's engrained in us.
Have you ever been through a period in your life when you thought no one could understand and you just wanted to be alone?
Did it really help the situation?
Did you ever, in turn, seek out a confidant to which you could surround yourself with?
How did it help the situation?

I think we all crave relationships.
I think we all crave love.
I think we were created that way.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm.  But how can one be warm alone?" ~Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

We are able to accomplish more with help.
We are able to overcome more with help.
We are able to get up faster with help.
help = love.
As I've stated before there are different levels of love.
The kind you have for your parents vs the kind you have for your children.
The kind you have for your spouse vs the kind you have for your friends.
As a Christian I want to radiate love to all I encounter.
I want to help others in the best way I can.
help = love.

Who are you helping on a daily basis?
Who is there for you when the real trouble strikes?
Is it a family member?
A friend?
A spouse/significant other?

In my world my husband is my best friend.
He is the person I rely on when everything seems off kilter.
Despite his absence, just hearing his voice is a comfort.

I challenge you to help someone this next week.
Practice helping others and in turn I think your ability to radiate love will grow and glow stronger and brighter than ever before!

I hope you all had a Blessed Friday!

Biz & Bitsy's Travel Tales

As I mentioned on Tuesday, my Mother-in-law blessed us with tickets to go visit Bud back in Texas.

Austin to be precise.

The only bad part is that it reminded me of all the things that North Carolina doesn't have!

Oh well!

Also, let me preface the fact that I didn't get nearly as many pictures as I should have.  

I seriously would get lost in the moments and be driving away from somewhere when I'd realized...Drrr...I didn't get a single picture!

Also there were no pictures of Bitsy and I at the airports or flying because well...I was a bit frazzled.

So to start it, it all began at 4am on Friday!

I was up, everything was already packed, I prepped the bottles for the day and at 5:30 Mrs. MC had picked us up and we were en route to the airport.

I had planned for bad traffic, but I didn't plan for bad weather.

Fog to be precise!

We drove through the back roads where we live and continuously commented on the eerie-ness of the fog.

Upon getting to the airport I checked our bag no problem (FYI...if you didn't know US Airways charges for all checked bags...no free 1st bag here).

Then it was time to go through security.

This is where an extra set of hands would be nice.

I had to send the diaper bag through, the carry on through, pull the milk out of the bag (FYI Moms you can travel with as much breast milk as you think you will need.  You don't have to abide by the 3oz rule here!), send the car seat and stroller through the belt and then walk through with Bitsy.

Once on the other side it was a matter of unfolding the stroller, putting the seat back on, placing Bitsy in her seat, putting the bags in the respective places...all while opening the bottles of milk for testing.

Before I knew it we were at our terminal and ready able to relax.

The fog was still lingering outside, but I figured once the sun came up it'd burn off and there would be no worries....wrong.

Charlotte, NC made national news and we were unable to fly into Charlotte because of THEIR fog issues.

So our 7:30 flight didn't take off until close to 9 and in the mean time I was informed I wouldn't make my connection.

My options.

Wait for another flight from Charlotte to Austin until 8pm OR I asked what if I fly into San Antonio?

They got me a flight to San Antonio at 3:45pm!

It meant I wouldn't get to go by my old work to see my old friends and co-workers, but I'd still get to TX today.

We boarded the plane, I apologized in advance to the guy sitting next to us (I didn't know how Bitsy would do on the plane), and then I settled in for the 'short' 45 minute flight to Charlotte.

Well we sat on the tarmac for 40 minutes.  Addy was starting to get antsy, but eventually settled in for a quick nap.

Finally we took off an arrived in Charlotte close to 11.

After learning from Bud that morning that spouses and dependents are allowed in the USO, I asked around and got directed to where it was located.

Bitsy and I headed to the children's area, where it was quiet and relaxing.

I was able to pump after 7 hrs our travel and Bitsy fit in another nap.

We hung out there until 2:15 at which point I hit up Jamba Juice (something we don't have near us) and headed to our gate on the other side of the airport. (Did I mention I had to chug my Jamba Juice because traveling with an infant doesn't give you the free hand necessary to drink a beverage once on a plane).

We boarded our plane, I apologized to the gentleman to my left, he responded with a very kind: "Don't worry I understand, I have a 2 and 4 year old"., relief flooded my body as sitting by another parent is comforting.

And then....

....we sat on the tarmac for 40 minutes.

This was supposed to be a 3 hour flight from Charlotte to San Antonio...Bitsy fell asleep while we taxied those 40 minutes and then promptly woke once we began our flight.

She was pretty chill and playful for about 30 minutes and then began the 15 minutes of crying.

She was tired and tired of napping on my lap as opposed to being able to sprawl out at home.

1/2 way through her fit, the fellow parent turned to me and assured me that he didn't mind the crying one bit.

She passed out from exhaustion and slept the remainder of the flight!

We arrived in San Antonio near 7pm...and this is what greeted us!

A very happy Daddy (not pictured is the single rose he brought for me...it's the little things)

P.S. that is what I look like after 12 hours of travel with a baby!

After Bud picked us up we drove the 1.5 hrs to Austin and finally allowed ourselves to relax!

Bitsy woke up and got uber playful with her Daddy which had us both rolling, but had me freaked that her schedule was ruined!

Nope, when it was bedtime, we all crawled in and we were out!

Saturday morning Bud went out and got us Torchy's Tacos...delicious breakfast tacos (something else you can't get in NC)...

We met up with JF and visited some of Bud's old co-workers...and when we came back 'home'...it was time for Bud & Bitsy to take a nap.

 Later that evening we hit up my favorite Tex-Mex spot!

(Clockwise: JF, EH, Bud, Bitsy, Me)

 Sunday we went to our old church and then hit up Kerbey Lane.

They just opened a location a block from where we used to live.

It's probably best they waited until we moved away to do this, otherwise we would have eaten there far too often...walking distance to good food is dangerous.

 It was so good to spend time with my hubby!

 Happy happy happy happy!

 Bitsy...entertaining herself while we eat!

 Crab cake eggs benedict!

 Kerbey Lane Home Fries.

 Famous Gingerbread Pancakes!

 Daddy & Bitsy exchanging silly giggles and jokes!

 Oh, hey Mom!  Didn't know you were there!

 That evening we were able to get out for a stroll!

 Mr. L and his wifey let us stay at their place.

In exchange we watched Tucker Friday and Saturday night.

He was so good with Bitsy!

 Bitsy going down a slide for the first time and not looking very comforted by the idea.

 Having a baby means getting to play on the jungle gym again!

 Who is having more fun?

 Serious Daddy/Daughter time!

For dinner that night we went to my favorite place to get margaritas 

 Hibiscus margarita = delicious!

 Monterrey Chicken Enchiladas!

Monday we made a quick trip down to San Antonio to surprise Bud's Grandpa!

 We introduced him to his GREAT-Granddaughter!

 Making memories

Group Shot.

That was our last day with Bud.

After a quick rendezvous at his hotel with his class mates, Bitsy and I hit the road back to our hotel in Austin.

The trip home was slightly less eventful.

The line thru security was 30 minutes long, but we were early so there was no stress.

We got on the first flight to Houston...I apologize in advance for anything Bitsy might do.

She quickly fell asleep and napped until we landed!

We had 1 hour ish to get to our next gate, but we had to get our boarding passes there for some odd reason.

So we got them boarded sat down and as we taxied I heard it...

toot.

toot.

Ppppphhhhhaaaarrrrrrtttttttt.

I knew what that meant.

I tipped Bitsy forward and saw the beginning of diaper blowout.

And guess what!?

There is no way to change an infant on a plane.

So I wrapped the blanket behind her and we rode for 2 hours in a dirty outfit.

She fussed a little, but so would I if I were filthy.

When we were about to get off the plane I tipped her forward again to see that the diaper blowout and crept up her back nearing the end of her neck!!!

We rushed to the first bathroom, cleaned her up and changed her outfit then rushed across the airport to board our last flight.

I wish I could have had an outfit change...instead I proudly wore my stain on my lap as a badge of courage!

Our last flight Bitsy was cheerful and napped the entire time!

A Blessing!

A lengthy post I know!

If you hung in there I am not sure why...but I had to get it all down so someday I can tell Bitsy all about her first trip!

I hope you had a Blessed Thursday!

Bob Your Head #15

After getting to see Bud Friday, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday...I just feel overwhelmed with a sense of how blessed I am.

So this week our song focuses on...focusing on the blessings.

What are you feeling blessed by today?

I hope you are having a Blessed Wednesday!

Back.

Did you miss me?

Probably not.

You probably didn't even know I was gone!

That was the plan.

I worked hard to get all my posts prepped and scheduled before I left for my extended weekend.

As I've mentioned, Bud is gone for school for his job.

9 weeks in all.

The game plan was that my mother-in-law would come visit Bitsy & I about half way through.

Then one day she called and asked me, "What if instead of me coming to see you, I give you the ticket to go visit Bud"?

I couldn't believe it!

Bitsy and I gladly accepted and found a 3 day weekend to plan our trip back to AUSTIN!

Well...we are back home.
I need to send an extra special thanks to my mother-in-law and the wonderful gift she gave us!

Thanks to the plethora of friends and neighbors who made sure the dogs were taken care of during our absence.

Thanks to my wonderful friend Mrs. MC for picking us up from the airport and bringing us home.

(Oh and for allowing me to bring that sinfully smelling KFC into your vehicle)

Bitsy and I are both fully unpacked, fed, and bathed.

She's fast asleep.

I'm putting clothes in the dryer and vegging out a bit more before I put myself to bed.

I'll be back on Thursday to fill you in on the adventures of traveling with an infant and the joys of seeing Bud!

I hope you had a Blessed Tuesday!

Breakfast Scones...

of the chocolate chip persuasion.

I really like scones.

They sound so fancy don't they.

I actually had someone tell me they were difficult to make.

For a long time I was intimidated by these traditional breakfast treats.

Finally, a couple weeks ago I gave it my first go ahead and made Blueberry Scones.
Turns out....it's not so hard after all.
So this week I decided I needed to cater to my sweet tooth and I'm here to show you how to tackle some delectable chocolate chip scones.

Here is what you'll need:

 1. 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
2. 1/4 cup sugar
3. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4. 2 cups all purpose flour
5. 2 large egg (note I only pictured one above...oops, the 2nd you'll use the egg white ONLY)
6. 1 tablespoon baking powder
7. 1/2 teaspoon salt
8. 3 tablespoons chilled butter (must be cold)
9. 3/4 cup chocolate chips (I have semi-sweet pictured above, when I make these again I'll use milk chocolate)
10. cooking spray
11. a little extra sugar for sprinkling on top

Preheat to 375
Spray your baking sheet with cooking spray now
(do not procrastinate and wait to do it until you need it, your hands will be messy and it will be more difficult...trust me)

Whisk together buttermilk, sugar, vanilla, and 1 egg

 In a separate bowl mix flour, baking powder, and salt

 Cut in butter

 Mix in your chocolate chips

 Combine liquid and dry ingredients and mix until just moist.

 Place dough on a floured surface and knead carefully with floured hands.

 Take a moment to see what your little helper is doing...
Okay maybe that only applies in my household...

 Place dough ball on greased baking sheet and form a 9" circle
Make sure it's appears to be the same thickness all the way across.

 Pre-cut your dough into 12 sections.

 Brush egg white on top of dough...

 ...sprinkle that extra sugar on top.

 Place in oven for 20 minutes.
Check periodically as many stoves vary.
Mine took a total of 25 minutes today.
You will want these to cook until they are golden brown.

 Wait patiently while they cook OR eat your fingers.
I took the opportunity to go ahead a clean up the mess.
It's always more rewarding to eat my yummy treats in a clean kitchen!

 "Seriously, these fingers are delicious...I don't even know what scones are!?"

 Golden brown.

 Because you pre-cut these...they are much easier to separate once baked!

Now take your scone and a beverage of your choice (mine happens to be milk this afternoon).
And savor your hard work!

I hope you all had a Blessed Monday!