Nutella Fudge Pops

Do you like fudge popsicles?

Do you like Nutella?

If you can answer, "Yes" to both of those questions than this is the treat for you!

Here Is What You'll Need:

-1 cup light cool whip

-1/2 cup milk

-3 Tablespoons Nutella

Take all your ingredients and place them in the blender.

Mix well.

Pour into your popsicle molds.

And freeze for at least 3 hours or until set.

I should have pictures of the final project, but they were so yummy that we ate them too quickly to take a picture!

I hope you enjoy!

Have a Blessed Tuesday!

Taco Salad Bowls

I'm kind of cheating this week.

I'm not really showing you a recipe.

But I am showing you a trick.

A trick that will make taco night a lot more fun and a little healthier!
Do you like those tortilla bowls that taco salads come in?
Have you made them by deep frying them?
Well now you can make a healthier version at home with your oven instead of a deep fryer.

Here Is What You'll Need:

Tortillas
A cookie sheet
Mason jars or other jars that will be okay in the oven.

Preheat your oven to 400º

Microwave your tortillas so they are malleable.
Rub a little olive oil on both sides of your tortilla.

Place it on top of your jar and fold the sides down to form the shape of a bowl.

They will look something like this.
Place in the oven for 5-10 minutes.
Check on them frequently..mine were done in about 8 minutes.

CAREFULLY remove them from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool.

And there you have it.
BAKED taco salad bowls.


*The calorie count on this would be whatever your package of tortillas says plus the little bit of olive oil**


I hope you have a Blessed Monday!

Book #40: Anything - Jennie Allen

First off let me say that I can't believe it's been a month since I've done a book review!

Where did that time go?

Either way, I'm back and I'm ready to get reading again.

I just finished this book

It's a powerful book by Jennie Allen about giving herself to God fully.

It's the kind of book that makes you look around your own world and rethink what is important and what is really necessary.

I think we all reach points in our lives, multiple times in our lives, when we wonder if we are doing enough for God.

When that happens we need to do what Jennie did...

It all started with a simple prayer asking God to do something with her and her family, not just something, but ANYTHING.

I learned a few things from this book that I would love to share with you:

1st: "A.W. Tozer wrote, 'What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us'.  NOTHING defines a soul more than what that soul believes about GOD.  And no outward observer can know what is in the soul of a person". (pg 7)

2nd: "To risk is to willingly place your life in the hand of an unseen God and an unknown future, then to watch him come through.  He tarts to get real when you live like that". (pg.9)

3rd: "His presence is the only place where invisible weight is lifted.  The only place where hidden, broken spaces are mended.  The only place where we are defined apart from our successes and failures". (pg 32)

4th: "There is no escaping it.  He is God, and if our suffering brings him the most glory, let it be.  Easy to preach, difficult to live". (pg 56)

5th: "Through our love, we display our God, especially to our spouses and those closest to us and through our radical submission to them, God moves". (pg 87)

6th: "There is always doubts.  We doubt because God, while he gets louder, is still invisible, because of the people questioning your sanity and he difficulty of just following a wild invisible God into uncomfortable spaces.  We doubt because of the risk, the cost, the abandonment of rights and comforts, the disapproval of people you really love, and then on top of it all, because you now officially picked a fight with the devil". (pg 155)

7th:  "So do your everyday and your ordinary, Godliness is found and formed in those places". (pg 165)

Don't those points make you stop and think?

They did for me.

Jennie Allen has a knack for writing it in such a way that I felt I was sitting across from her at the coffee table and just hashing out thoughts and feelings.

Are you looking for a book that will motivate you to view your life differently?

A book that will help you put in perspective how our time here is but a moment and we must live it for HIM?

This is that book.

Even if you aren't fully able to ask God to do ANYTHING with your life, this might be the motivation to ask him to do SOMETHING....baby steps.

Check out Jennie Allen here and find out more about this and other books she's done!

I hope you have a Blessed Saturday!

I received this book free.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Baby Diaries #47

We have a 10 month old!

That means only 2 months until our baby is a year old!

This month I had to forgo my regular paper letters on the rug and instead picmonkey these ones on.

This little one did not want to hold still for her rug picture this month!

We attempted pictures immediately after she woke from a nap.

Unfortunately, she was not ready for her close-up so we took a 30 minute hiatus and returned to try again with Dad in tow this time.

Our Bitsy is up to 26 lbs!
Each day comes with new triumphs and I am constantly astounded by all that she has and is learning.

This month she started to "Give 5".
We have to say a little chant to get her to do it....
"Give me 5, Give me 5, Give me 5, 5, 5!"
She smiles so big when she does it.

She has on and off periods where we catch her playing with a pacifier.
This is something she has never really done.
She will now crawl around with it in her mouth while she plays.
It still only lasts 15 minutes.

She pulled up to stand for the first time, very early in the month.

The day before she turned 10 months she walked the side of the coffee table.
I am not ready for her to be a walker!

On the 22nds of July we moved Bitys's crib to her room.
She is no longer sharing a room with us.
It was a hard transition for me, but it's better for all of us now.

On July 9th we saw Bitsy's 1st tooth.
On July 23rd her 2nd top tooth broke the skin.

Her 3rd  tooth made it's appearance the same week!
And a few days later we could see that 4th tooth ready to break the skin.

Bitsy seems to be handling the teeth like a pro though.

She giggles when we laugh.
She claps when we say "Yeah!"
She has always loved Sesame St and Blue's Clues, but now it seems she watches for longer spans of time.
The rate at which babies develop is astonishing!
It's proof that there is most definitely a God!

Here is one of Bitsy's favorite toys.

A giraffe, who she loves to chew on his face!

My little dandelion's is such a character.
She's growing like a weed.
I feel like if the wind is too strong her hair will all blow away.
And don't even get me started on chubby legs, arms, bellies, or cheeks!
I am so looking forward to what this next month holds for us.
I just can't believe it's been nearly a year since I brought her home.
She has changed our lives and only for the better!

I hope you have a Blessed Friday!

Exclusive Pumping a Conclusion

**I normally show y'all a craft of some type on Thursdays, but for this month I'd like to share my breastfeeding experience in hopes that I might help someone else out there**

***ALSO, please note that I am not in any way trying to put down those who formula feed.  Every mother must do what is best for her and her baby.  I know there are many reasons for why each mother chooses how and for how long she does her chosen method.  This is a place to support each other and help each other, thank you***

Let me start out this week by saying, "Thank You"!

I have had some wonderful emails from readers who are also exclusive pumpers or who are interested in pumping.

When I had Bitsy I felt so alone with my decision to be an exclusive pumper.

I had searched the internet and I had found some information regarding exclusive pumping, but not enough to remove that feeling of singularity.

I felt weird when people asked if Bitsy was breastfed, I always responded with yes and occasionally elaborated to explain that it was not a traditional breastfeeding experience.

My ultimate goal was to provide for my daughter and I felt a sense of accomplishment in doing so by whatever means were necessary.

I think one of my favorite quotes, and I can't remember where I read it, from an exclusively pumping mom when she was asked if she breastfed was, "Yes, but we prefer bottle instead of fresh from the tap".

My soul purpose in writing this series was so that I might help just one person.

That I might assure another woman that she isn't alone.

That I might provide information that I couldn't find.

And also so that I wouldn't forget everything I had done, should I need to continue with exclusive pumping when Baby #2 is in the picture.

I will tell you that my biggest reason for weaning is because we want to give Bitsy a sibling.

Heck, we want to give her 2 siblings over the next couple years, all of them close in age.

I wanted to give my body a few cycles before I started on my pregnancy journey again.

Exactly one week after I had completely stopped pumping my cycle started again.

Same way it had been prior to having a baby.

Please don't hate me, but I don't suffer cramps, bloating, or mood swings.

I know that not everyone will get their cycle back as quickly, I also know that some women get their cycles back without stopping breastfeeding and some continue to breastfeed while pregnant!

It's amazing what our bodies are capable of.

Have you ever took a moment to think about that?

Recently, while watching one of my favorite stand up comedians I heard him say this:

“Women are amazing, and I mean that in a very pandering way.
But women are, really! A woman can grow a baby inside their body. And then somehow, a woman can deliver a baby through their body. And then by some miracle, a woman can feed a baby with their body! And when you think of the male contribution to life…it’s kind of embarrassing, really. The guy’s always like, ‘Yeah, well, I helped too! For, like, five seconds. Doing the one thing I think about 24 hours a day.’”

—	Jim Gaffigan (Mr. Universe)

No matter how your breastfeeding experience goes I pray that you have a wonderful support system.

In the event that breastfeeding is a breeze for you, Congratulations!

This information may still be helpful for you though, in the event that your little one goes through a phase where he/she looses interest in feedings.

Sometimes, pumping can be something you do in between feedings just to produce extra for your freezer stockpile or just to increase your supply if you think your little one isn't getting enough.

Whatever, your reason for choosing to pump, I hope that it is a pleasant one.

I hope that I have provided an environment here where you feel welcome, well informed, and unafraid to ask questions.

Please know that no matter when you read this post, today, a week from, now or a decade from now...I will always be open to answering questions or just offering support.

Mom's need to learn to do that.

We need to learn that there are different parenting styles and that no one way is the best.

If we expect everyone to understand that kids are different from each other, than we must be willing to extend that understanding onto parenting as well.

If you don't have children yet, but are expecting or planning, here is my little bit of advice for you:

"Everyone has an opinion.  You don't have to agree with any of them.  I recommend you listen to all they have to offer though.  File it away, because you never know when you may think you've tried everything your know and your at your wits end, all of a sudden you'll remember something someone once told you and it might just be the one thing that worked.  It also might be the worst idea, but at least you had options"

I hope you have a Blessed Thursday!

What We Did Wednesday....When it rains....

It was a VERY wet weekend here.

Seriously, rolling thunder, lots of lightening, and more than enough rain.

What do you do when your husband has worked a crazy busy week and the forecast outside is uber unpredictable?

You make sure that there is plenty of cuddle time and lots to watch on Netflix.

I started Saturday by letting Bud sleep in about 2 hours later than normal.

I got laundry going.

The kitchen cleaned.

Trash taken out.

Bitsy and I played and watched 2 episodes of Blue's Clues and just as we were about to watch an episode of a new show Timmy Time...the internet went down.

I did all the regular checks, but still it didn't work.

I caved and woke Bud up.

He did all he knew to do only to call the cable company and find out that we were part of an outage.

That meant no Instant Queue via Netflix and since we don't have any cable and it was raining outside....we had to resort watching regular DVDs!

We had a Netflix Public Enemies, we watched and enjoyed it.

When Bitsy woke from her nap we pulled out a Disney movie from our stash.

When Bud and I first got married I bought 1 Disney movie each month.  

Someday I hope to get back in that habit.

Honestly, I think Bud & I enjoyed Toy Story a bit more than Bitsy, she spent the time crawling around and playing with her toys on the floor.

Oh, and crawling all over us of course!

That afternoon we hit up the Blockbuster Box and rented The Ides of March & The Help.

I had already seen The Help, but Bud hadn't and yes..he wanted to.

It was a VERY lazy Saturday to say the least.

Sunday wasn't super exciting either.

The sermon was going to be a repeat of the sermon given at the Matt Redmon concert we attended for free at our church that Thursday.

That's right....we got to see Matt Redmon for free!

It was a great concert.

Anyways, we spent Sunday morning moving Bitsy's crib out of our room.

*tear*

Then we moved the 2nd refinished dresser into our room.

*I'm going to share it with you soon*

Bud went out to mow the lawn, since the sun was out for a brief period of time.

When he was done we had lunch and then Bud had to pop over to work for a few hours.

I spent the time playing with Bitsy and rearranging clothes from the closet to the dresser.

We spent that night watching our other movie....The Ides of March, we would describe it as a slow going movie with a lot of build up and then a fast quick end.

There was more foul language than I like and I don't really care for much at all.

So of the 3 movies we watched 2 were good and the 3rd, well I just say we got that one for free because it was buy one get one kind of deal at the Blockbuster box.

I couldn't stomach thinking we had spent money on that movie.

Anyways...it was another weekend where we couldn't get away to do anything new or fun, but I don't think either of us minded.

I think we were more than happy to be lazy.

Do you ever find yourself falling in a slump?

I don't like to call it a slump because we don't necessarily dislike it.

What do you do during these times?

Do you have rainy day rituals?

How do you keep the kids entertained?

How do you keep yourself entertained?

I find comfort in having a relationship to which we can cuddle up on the couch, watch movie after movie, and just enjoy the closeness and comfort of each

other.

I love when we have full days to just watch Bitsy develop right in front of us.

Do you ever just take the time to relish in watching?

I hope you all had fulfilling weekends or in the very least restful ones!

I hope you have a Blessed Wednesday!

Lemonade Cookies

I just found out from a mother friend who has kids in school that summer is down to it's final 3 weeks.

I can't believe that it's almost over!

Not that it really means anything for me.

Needless to say when I think of things that remind me of summer, lemonade is right up there with flip flops and sunshine!

So what better way to combine my love of summer with my cookie desires than to whip up some yummy lemonade sugar cookies!

Here Is What You'll Need:

-1 cup butter softened

-1 cup granulated sugar

-3 eggs

-3 cups all purpose flour

-1 teaspoon baking soda

-2/3 cup thawed frozen lemonade concentrate.

Mix the butter and sugar.

Add each egg individually and mix until thoroughly blended.

Combine flour and baking soda.

Add 1/2 of the dry mix to the butter blend.

Add 1/3 of the lemonade to the butter blend.

Continue alternating the flour and lemonade until all added.

Mix WELL!

Refrigerate for about an hour.

This will help!

The mix is super sticky and only gets stickier the warmer it gets...so keep it cool.

Place 1" sized balls equally spaced (leave room because they spread while baking) on a baking sheet.

Bake at 400º for 8-10 minutes until they are just golden on the edges.

Allow them to cool thoroughly and then enjoy!

These cookies are soft and sweet and just the right amount of lemony!

I just whipped these up for a pool party at our neighbors and they were a big hit!

Let me know what you whip yours up for.

A pool party?

A yard sale treat?

A kids lemonade stand?

Yourself!!!

Enjoy!

I hope you have a Blessed Tuesday!

Heads Up 7-Up Chicken

Summer time equals finding any excuse to grill if you ask me.

There is something about grilled chicken that makes it better than baked or fried.

It HAS to be healthier too right?!?!

Today I have a yummy recipe that is only 4 ingredients.

That's right 4 ingredients!

Here Is What You'll Need:

-1/2 cup of soy sauce

-12 oz of 7-up (if you can get your hands on a can awesome! I couldn't and ended up with an entire 2 liter)

-1/4 cup vegetable oil

-4 boneless, skinless chicken breast

In a zip lock bag mix your soy sauce, oil, and 7-Up.

Place the 4 chicken breast, frozen or not in and allow to marinate 24 hours.

When you remove the chicken from the bag the next day it'll look like this...

 Now fire up your grill and get to grillin'!

Or in my case, get your hubby to grill it.

 Oh.My.Goodness!!!
This is making my mouth salivate just looking at it...

 & I already had it!
Now serve it up with a side of pasta salad and enjoy.

 Nothing says summer like chicken from the grill and cold pasta salad!

**Each serving of this chicken is approximately 370 calories**

I hope you have a Blessed Monday!

Bible Verse Friday-

"Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!

Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived incomplete honesty!

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long.

Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.  My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt.  I said to myself, "I will confess my rebellion to the LORD."  And you forgave me!  All my guilt is gone.

Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgement.

For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory.

The LORD says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.  

Do not be like senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control."

Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the LORD.

So rejoice in the LORD and be glad, all you who obey him!  Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"

~Psalm 32

My NLT Life Application Study Bible Says the following:

Here David expressed the joy of forgiveness.
God wants to forgive sinners.  Forgiveness has always been part of his loving nature.
He forgives disobedience, puts sin out of sight, and clears our record of guilt.
What is confession?
To confess our sin is to agree with God, acknowledging that he is right to declare what we have done is sinful and that we are wrong to desire or to do it.  It means affirming our intention of forsaking that sin in order to follow God more faithfully.
God describes some people as being like horses or mules that have to be controlled by bits and bridles.  Rather than letting God guide them step by step, they stubbornly leave God only one option.  If God wants to keep them useful for him, he must use discipline and punishment.  God longs to guide us with love and wisdom rather than punishment.  He offers to teach us the best way to go.  Accept the advice written in God's Word and don't let your stubbornness keep you from obeying God.

I think we have all heard the phrase:
"We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God".
Have you ever stopped to think about how judgmental we can all be.
We judge people's sins as though some are worse than others.
While in our eyes it may seem that way in God's eyes all sin is equal.
We need to work on adjusting our hearts to remember this, because if we can remember this than we will know that we are no better than anyone else.

Our sins are the same as theirs.
The only thing that all of us can do is confess them to God and ask his forgiveness.
I think far to often we trick ourselves into believing that if we ignore this 'little' sin it'll go away.
But we can not hide it from God.
God knows and sees all.
We are open books to him and he is just asking us to confess what's been written so that we can turn the page.

Do you have something that is lingering in you today?
Have you said something hurtful?
Have you thought something lustful?
Have your been dishonest or deceitful?
Take a moment right now.
Get on your knees and put a name on what you have done.
Rebuke it.
Dispel  Satan from his handle and ask GOD to forgive you.
Do not be stubborn.
Stubbornness only increases your struggle.
Let go and let God lead you, gracefully and gently down the path he has planned for you.

I hope you read this today and make peace with something that is troubling you.
Not a day goes by when God doesn't want to forgive you and shower you with grace and love.

I hope you have a Blessed Friday!

P.S. Next week there will be no Bible Verse Friday as it's the 27th of the month and thus time for a Baby Diary entry.  On another note, starting in August I would like to put a little spin on Bible Verse Friday and spend some time focusing on actual Bible Study.  More specifically Women of the Bible.  If you would care to join me I am starting off with Bad Girls of the Bible feel free to get a copy 2nd hand for less here.  I will also be getting the workbook, but you don't have to get that if you don't want to.  I am thinking that each week we will cover one chapter/one woman and I will select some questions to discuss here.  I would love feedback if you have read or have insight!  I look forward to this new journey!

Exclusive Pumping Weaning

**I normally show y'all a craft of some type on Thursdays, but for this month I'd like to share my breastfeeding experience in hopes that I might help someone else out there**

***ALSO, please note that I am not in any way trying to put down those who formula feed.  Every mother must do what is best for her and her baby.  I know there are many reasons for why each mother chooses how and for how long she does her chosen method.  This is a place to support each other and help each other, thank you***

The past few weeks I've been telling you all about my experiences with being an exclusive pumper.

Well there comes a time in each Mommy's life when she decides for many different reasons that it's time to wean.

It is not an easy process.

Some Mommy's opt for medication from the doctor, and if that is what you choose to do no worries.

If you are looking for a more natural way to wean this is the story of how I transitioned from pumping 3x a day to 2, then 1 and then eventually to every other day until I felt I didn't need to pump at all.

Here is what you'll need:

No More Milk Tea- I swear it works!

I purchased 2 boxes, drank it for 2 weeks, and based on other peoples experiences with weaning mine was drastically less complicated.

Source

Honestly, that is all you will need.

It helps to have a husband who understands that there will be a few days of discomfort.

It helps if you warn him ahead of time that you will do your very best not to be grumpy AND if you actually try to keep your attitude in check!

I helps if you choose to do this in a block of time when you don't have a lot going on.

You don't want any added stress if you can help it.

My reasons for weaning were simple.

Bud and I want to have our babies close together.

That meant that I needed to get back on cycle before we could start trying again.

I decided to wean when Bitsy was about to turn 8 months old.

This meant that with our freezer stock pile I could provide for her until she was 10-1/2 to 11 months old.

Whatever your reasons for weaning, they are yours and yours alone, don't let anyone else pressure you one way or the other.

When I decided to begin weaning I transitioned to pumping 2x a day for 1 whole week.

I couldn't believe how knocking out that one session gave me what felt like hours of my day back!

I pumped until I could pump no more at each session and still quickly noticed that my supply was dropping, by nearly 10 oz a day already!

The next week I went to pumping 1x a day, in the evenings and again pumped until I could pump no more.

Again I noticed a drop in supply the first few days, by about 10 oz.

It was then that I started drinking my tea.

I had it twice a day, two bags per cup.

Before my week of pumping 1x a day was up I was already down to only 15 oz a day.

The worst transition for me was the day that I first waited to pump for a full 24 hours.

That was when I was the most uncomfortable.

I did feel a couple of blocked ducts that were just forming so during my sessions and especially during showers, I was sure to massage those spots to break it up and avoid any complications.

When I talk about massaging those hard nodules, I don't mean a relaxing gently massage, I mean you really need to consider a deep tissue massage.

Being that I suffered from Mastitis in my early days I didn't want to encounter anything remotely close again!

The next 24 hour day was more tolerable, and after that I was fine.

The next hard transition was when I decided to go to pumping every other day.  

I pumped late Saturday evening and then waited until Monday to pump again.

I was pretty uncomfortable so I did allow myself a reprieve.

I pumped for 5 minutes mid-day Monday to take the edge off.

That night I pumped until I could pump no more and then I was done.

I had thought I would continue to pump every other day, but honestly I waited and waited and decided to let my body tell me what to do next.

Wednesday came and went and it would have been the next time I was scheduled to pump, but I didn't feel I needed to.

I manually expressed some in the shower, but not much.

Friday would have been the next day and by that point in the week I was only dealing with a little leaking...you may need those pads a little longer after you finish just until you know you aren't leaking anymore.

I'd hate for you to have an embarrassing situation.

So, as you can see I went down to 1x a day for a whole week, then I waited 2 days to pump and I did that only once.

Then I was done.

Wouldn't you know it....a week after I last pumped my cycle returned.

I'm not saying that this will be a fail proof way to wean and it may not work the same for everyone, but this is just a guideline of how I did it and I figure if it can help even one weaning Mama it'll will have done it's job.

I hope that this post has helped answer some questions about exclusive pumping, what it is, who we are and how it can be done.

If you have any questions or if you think I've forgotten to cover a particular area (which I may or might have)...please leave a comment or shoot me a message!

I want to make sure this is a thorough and helpful guide for anyone who is struggling with breastfeeding and thinks that the only other option is formula, there are other options.


I hope you all have a Blessed Thursday!

additional sources:
http://pumpingrules.blogspot.com/
Exclusively Pumping

What We Did Wednesday- Resting and Recovery.

Hey Everyone!

Would you believe me if I told you that since last Wednesday we had 5 days of nothing!

5 days of letting Bud recover from his LASIK?

The first 4 hours were the hardest as his eyes hurt pretty badly.

But after those 4 hours and especially the next day Bud felt a million times better!

Here is a final picture of Bud wearing glasses...while dancing with our baby girl in the kitchen!

The day of surgery we were able to relax all morning.

Bud went under the knife around 2pm and we were headed home by 2:45pm.

"They are going to do WHAT to Daddy's eyes"?

After we got home I got both Bud and Baby down for naps and...

I went about my regular routine.

Cleaning the house.

Making dinner.

Getting Bitsy up from her nap and entertaining her quietly so Daddy could rest more.

She LOVES the vacuum.

 The next few days the blinds were drawn and we kept a lot of our lights turned off.

Bud's eyes were very sensitive.

We watched tv and movies to pass the time indoors.

You can kinda see Bud's eye in this picture.

It's bloodshot from the suction they used on his eye.

I won't lie...it's kinda creepy.

They said it could take up to 3 weeks for it to go away...I really hope not.

 Bitsy decided that she should suck on her toe...and let me tell you it was so loud we couldn't hear the television!

 Bud had 5 days off of work so he graciously helped out with Bitsy as much as he could.

This meant laying on the floor and playing with her or watching 'Shaun the Sheep' with her.

Don't you love these 2?

Bud would wear his glasses even when we were inside, the first few days, because his eyes were so sensitive.

It drove me bonkers, because I didn't know where he was looking or if he was even awake sometimes!!

With all the help of Bud watching Bitsy I was able to piece the top of my quilt. 

 Size the backing and batting.

 Trace my quilt lines.

QUILT!!!! 

 Square up and trim up my edges...

 ...begin binding....

...and FINISH binding the quilt!

It's in the wash now and then I'll send it off to my youngest cousin who turned 6 months this past week.

I also spent a TON of time in the garage refinishing another dresser!

Pictures of that to come soon!

I actually have 2 weeks where I will show you 2 different dressers I have refinished!

Without Bud I would never have been able to accomplish so much in the past week.

I am so thankful that he was willing to help.

I am also so thankful that he was able to get his LASIK for free!

He has worn glasses the majority of his life, I didn't get mine until I was a junior in Highschool.

I can't wait until the day when I can get my eyes fixed....probably 5 years from now, when we have all our debt paid off and I am done having babies!

Anyways after a busy 5 days inside we finished up the weekend at our neighbors house in the pool.

Bud couldn't get in yet, didn't want to risk getting pool water in his eyes...but he was able to socialize.

Bitsy LOVED the pool, but was not so keen on all the people trying to hold her.

Unfortunately, we weren't able to get anywhere new and exciting this weekend, but we were able to enjoy some R&R at home.

I encourage all of you to find a weekend or even just 1 day to try and enjoy being home with no plans!

I promise you'll thank me!

I hope you have a Blessed Wednesday!