Valentines Day... I've never been a huge fan of Valentines Day. I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade but I just hate the idea of men feeling obligated to buy gifts or flowers that are just going to be thrown away.
I hate going out to eat on Valentines Day. The restaurants are always packed full of people and the waitstaff are trying to hurry in and out as many customers as possible. I hate to feel rushed like that. I would much rather buy some really nice cut of meat so I can cook dinner at home and then have Clayton get a dessert from the Cheesecake Factory. I despise cheesecake BUT, The Cheesecake Factory holds my heart captive to the best chocolate dessert in the world- Linda's Fudge Cake. This is no ordinary chocolate cake! Its seven layers of chocolate cake and chocolate fudge frosting topped off with chocolate shavings. It usually takes Clayton and I two days to finish one slice. Now that Jett has inherited my sweet tooth, I'm sure Linda's Fudge Cake wouldn't last more than a day in my house.
Anyways...
Monday nights are my Bible Study nights. I leave at 6 and don't get home until around 8:30. We don't eat dinner until after I get home. Clayton doesn't usually get home from work until 6 so Monday nights he usually walks in the door just as I'm leaving. Last night on his way home from work Clayton stopped at Sonic and grabbed me a diet coke and some tater tots. He handed me the Sonic treasures and said he thought I would be hungry on my way to my Bible study. I was tickled pink!! Even though it was something so small as tots and a pop, to me it was so much more. Its little things like that make me feel loved and appreciated ALL year long. Clayton is so good about surprising me with things all year long and doing such sweet things for me. I absolutely love finding love notes from Clayton all over the house ALL the time! I would much rather have sweetness and surprises all year long than get flowers and candy on Valentines Day. I know I'm very blessed to have a husband like Clayton. I'm constantly reminded how few husbands truly go out of their way to treat their spouse as the love of their life like mine does.
This morning I woke up to the best gift ever! It was a little blonde 1 1/2 year old! He was smiling and jabbering away when I went into his room to get him. Oh, did I mention he slept in until 9? That was a fabulous surprise! We made pink heart shaped pancakes for breakfast and both Jett and Tucker were thrilled. Both of my little loves got pancakes for breakfast.
I truly and sincerely mean this: there is NO Valentines Day gift that will ever compare to being made to feel special and loved all year long by Clayton and Jett.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
"The Sisters" and Homemade Frosting.
We used to live next to two older women who were widows and happened to be sisters. We referred to them as 'The Sisters.' Their names were Bea and Helen. Very sweet Christian women who loved my family and were lonely at times. I used to walk over there many times a week to visit them and I remember one day while I was there, Bea had just made chocolate cupcakes. She was in the middle of making a homemade peanut butter frosting. I'll never forget how both of them knew precisely how much frosting a cupcake should have. They both knew that you better not dare to skimp on the frosting- especially when its a peanut butter frosting. Since that day many years ago I always think of them whenever I frost a cake, brownie or cupcake. They have both past away now and I think about them frequently. I often wonder if they were to show up and try one of my cupcakes would they be happy with the amount of frosting or would they be disappointed.
Frosting will either make or break your cake. Most people think 'Eh, its just frosting' but you couldn't be any farther from the truth. You could make the most amazing cake but if you slather some pre-bought frosting on top you are committing a major mistake you will regret for the rest of your life. That may be a bit dramatic but seriously, once you make your own frosting and then try the pre-bought stuff, you will never ever want to go back to your old ways. Making a homemade frosting is so crazy easy and I don't know why more people don't do it. It seriously takes less than 5 minutes to whip up an amazing frosting. All you need is a mixer, around 5 ingredients and you will be the proud owner of your very own frosting! The best part is licking the beaters once your done! Jett loves having a Mama that makes her own frosting because he gets to sit in his highchair with a big ol' beater full of frosting once I'm done!
Frosting will either make or break your cake. Most people think 'Eh, its just frosting' but you couldn't be any farther from the truth. You could make the most amazing cake but if you slather some pre-bought frosting on top you are committing a major mistake you will regret for the rest of your life. That may be a bit dramatic but seriously, once you make your own frosting and then try the pre-bought stuff, you will never ever want to go back to your old ways. Making a homemade frosting is so crazy easy and I don't know why more people don't do it. It seriously takes less than 5 minutes to whip up an amazing frosting. All you need is a mixer, around 5 ingredients and you will be the proud owner of your very own frosting! The best part is licking the beaters once your done! Jett loves having a Mama that makes her own frosting because he gets to sit in his highchair with a big ol' beater full of frosting once I'm done!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Butter...
Some people get excited when they buy a blank canvas or a new camera. There is something about the thrill of creating your own masterpiece. Me, I get excited when I have a pound of butter in my fridge. The excitement of deciding what yummy treat to create is incredibly fun for me.
Now, imagine my delight at having 3 lbs of butter in my fridge right now!! Braum's is having a sale where if you spend $15 in their fresh market, you get 1lb of butter free. Well, spending $15 is a piece of cake in there and hence, we have 3lbs of butter. I've already made my Sunday Fudge Cake and an Apple Crisp.
I sincerely hope we are able to have a house full of kids because I truly look forward to making desserts and having them inhaled in less than 24 hours! Currently, when I do bake, the freshly baked treasure lingers for days because Clayton and I just can't finish it on our own. I'm sad to say I usually have to throw a lot of it out because it spoils before we can finish it. I get so much more enjoyment watching someone else eat my desserts than I do eating it myself. That is, except for my Sunday Fudge Cake- that concoction of chocolate is absolutely AMAZING. Its hard to share that dessert- its my all time favorite chocolate dessert that I make.
Everyone wants to be known for something. Some people are known for their athletic ability, some for their photography skills, others for their humor. Me, I want to be known for loving Jesus and my ability to blow peoples taste buds with my baking.
Like most things, it takes practice. As long as I have butter, I will keep working towards my dream of becoming a fabulous baker.
Now, imagine my delight at having 3 lbs of butter in my fridge right now!! Braum's is having a sale where if you spend $15 in their fresh market, you get 1lb of butter free. Well, spending $15 is a piece of cake in there and hence, we have 3lbs of butter. I've already made my Sunday Fudge Cake and an Apple Crisp.
I sincerely hope we are able to have a house full of kids because I truly look forward to making desserts and having them inhaled in less than 24 hours! Currently, when I do bake, the freshly baked treasure lingers for days because Clayton and I just can't finish it on our own. I'm sad to say I usually have to throw a lot of it out because it spoils before we can finish it. I get so much more enjoyment watching someone else eat my desserts than I do eating it myself. That is, except for my Sunday Fudge Cake- that concoction of chocolate is absolutely AMAZING. Its hard to share that dessert- its my all time favorite chocolate dessert that I make.
Everyone wants to be known for something. Some people are known for their athletic ability, some for their photography skills, others for their humor. Me, I want to be known for loving Jesus and my ability to blow peoples taste buds with my baking.
Like most things, it takes practice. As long as I have butter, I will keep working towards my dream of becoming a fabulous baker.
Life @ 17 months
Jett is 17 months! There is so much to say about this age. Such a fun time with him.
I LOVE:
His happy feet dance.
When he says, "Mama"
Hearing him yell Bubba or Eddy across the house as he is looking for Teddy.
His giggle when Dada gets home from work.
When he tips his head all the way back and laughs.
Watching him run through the house chasing Tucker
Asking him for a kiss and he turns his cheek close to me so I can kiss him.
Watching him point out his belly button and then having to show him mine.
Being tackled by him. He literally body slammed me the other day and he was so proud of himself.
Having him play independently in his room with his tools and tractors.
His ability to feed himself with a fork or spoon at every meal.
How he gets real quiet and then knocks on the wall trying to get Tucker to bark.
When he 'woofs' at random dogs in the neighborhood.
His passion for giving the most precise and intense 'High Five's'.
His adoration for bubbles.
How he talks all day long.
NOT LOVING:
His loud soprano scream when he doesn't get his way.
Reminding him daily that Tuckers food and treats are not meant for little boys.
Opening the dishwasher and helping himself to the knives
Watching him run from me while he yells NO, NO, NO as I ask him to do something.
The daily injuries that come with a child who is CONSTANTLY in motion and is SOOO curious. (Not the best picture but this is the splint he got at the ER after spraining his hip)
Obviously there is so much more good than bad! All these naughty things are just signs that he is growing up and learning how to be more independent. Its bittersweet watching him change each month. I look back at pictures from just 2 months ago and he's already so different.
I'm so grateful to have such a healthy and happy child. I will gladly take all the frustrations just so we can have so many happy moments.
I LOVE:
His happy feet dance.
When he says, "Mama"
Hearing him yell Bubba or Eddy across the house as he is looking for Teddy.
His giggle when Dada gets home from work.
When he tips his head all the way back and laughs.
Watching him run through the house chasing Tucker
Asking him for a kiss and he turns his cheek close to me so I can kiss him.
Watching him point out his belly button and then having to show him mine.
Being tackled by him. He literally body slammed me the other day and he was so proud of himself.
Having him play independently in his room with his tools and tractors.
His ability to feed himself with a fork or spoon at every meal.
How he gets real quiet and then knocks on the wall trying to get Tucker to bark.
When he 'woofs' at random dogs in the neighborhood.
His passion for giving the most precise and intense 'High Five's'.
His adoration for bubbles.
How he talks all day long.
NOT LOVING:
His loud soprano scream when he doesn't get his way.
Reminding him daily that Tuckers food and treats are not meant for little boys.
Opening the dishwasher and helping himself to the knives
Watching him run from me while he yells NO, NO, NO as I ask him to do something.
The daily injuries that come with a child who is CONSTANTLY in motion and is SOOO curious. (Not the best picture but this is the splint he got at the ER after spraining his hip)
Obviously there is so much more good than bad! All these naughty things are just signs that he is growing up and learning how to be more independent. Its bittersweet watching him change each month. I look back at pictures from just 2 months ago and he's already so different.
I'm so grateful to have such a healthy and happy child. I will gladly take all the frustrations just so we can have so many happy moments.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
My "Target Day"!!!!
Usually once or twice a week I scour the internet and my own coupon box for coupons that match the deals at local stores in Edmond. My favorites are CVS, Homeland, Crest, Target and Walgreen's.
I compiled all my coupons this morning and decided today was my "Target Day." Target allows you to use a manufacturers coupon as well as Target coupons you can print off their website. I usually prefer to do my bargain shopping when I don't have Jett with me because he has been known to start fussing and then its hard for me to truly focus on my coupon deals. I prayed as we entered the store that God would keep my baby content so I could focus on my plan! Jett couldn't have been any cuter- he played with his feet pretty much the whole time we were in the store. He let out a yelp near the end to remind me that we were past nap time so I quickly headed to the check-out.
I had put quite a bit of thought and preparation into this shopping trip and as I got to the check-out I got a little nervous and then excited! I was hoping and praying that my time spent pouring over coupons and then matching them up with the Target coupons had worked to my advantage as I had planned.
Before coupons, the total was $42.11
After coupons, I paid $3.29 out of my own pocket for all the items in this picture!!!
Yes, it does take some time and thought but how fun to get all this stuff for so darn cheap!! I have so much fun doing this! This is my own little ministry- I love donating bags and bags of stuff like this to people who need help!! What good is it in my closets? I can't stand hoarders!!
I compiled all my coupons this morning and decided today was my "Target Day." Target allows you to use a manufacturers coupon as well as Target coupons you can print off their website. I usually prefer to do my bargain shopping when I don't have Jett with me because he has been known to start fussing and then its hard for me to truly focus on my coupon deals. I prayed as we entered the store that God would keep my baby content so I could focus on my plan! Jett couldn't have been any cuter- he played with his feet pretty much the whole time we were in the store. He let out a yelp near the end to remind me that we were past nap time so I quickly headed to the check-out.
I had put quite a bit of thought and preparation into this shopping trip and as I got to the check-out I got a little nervous and then excited! I was hoping and praying that my time spent pouring over coupons and then matching them up with the Target coupons had worked to my advantage as I had planned.
Before coupons, the total was $42.11
After coupons, I paid $3.29 out of my own pocket for all the items in this picture!!!
Yes, it does take some time and thought but how fun to get all this stuff for so darn cheap!! I have so much fun doing this! This is my own little ministry- I love donating bags and bags of stuff like this to people who need help!! What good is it in my closets? I can't stand hoarders!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
My First Mothers Day
My first Mothers Day was hands down a wonderful day! We had my parents for a couple hours before they headed home, we spent a couple hours outside swimming/tanning and then finished the day with a movie. Jett was so much fun in the water! He just floated around in his floaty with a big ol' grin on his face for quite a while!
After the pool we got cleaned up and watched the first 3 hours of 'Gone With The Wind.' We haven't finished it yet but so far I really like it. I had never seen this movie before so I was stoked to finally watch it. I'm anxious to finish it and see what happens to Scarlett!
While we were laying by the pool on Sunday Clayton and I got thinking back to when I was pregnant and how so many people told us that once we had a child we wouldn't be spending much time by the pool and how our lives would be SO different. I used to just cringe every time someone 'told' me how our life would be once Jett was born. Every baby is different and I'm still clueless why someone would think that just because their baby did or didn't like something they immediately assume every child is like that. There is no doubt that God has blessed us with a baby boy who is pretty laid back and loves cool water! If we want to lay by the pool and Jett's not napping then we put Jett's pack-n-play outside in the shade and when he's not in the water he sits in there with toys. He has a great time playing by himself and standing up trying to throw toys to Tucker.
Random piece of information: Buffalo Ted (our chubby cat) turned 8 on Mothers Day. We rescued him from the humane society in Omaha on Mother's Day 6 years ago and have since declared his birthday to be on Mother's Day!
After the pool we got cleaned up and watched the first 3 hours of 'Gone With The Wind.' We haven't finished it yet but so far I really like it. I had never seen this movie before so I was stoked to finally watch it. I'm anxious to finish it and see what happens to Scarlett!
While we were laying by the pool on Sunday Clayton and I got thinking back to when I was pregnant and how so many people told us that once we had a child we wouldn't be spending much time by the pool and how our lives would be SO different. I used to just cringe every time someone 'told' me how our life would be once Jett was born. Every baby is different and I'm still clueless why someone would think that just because their baby did or didn't like something they immediately assume every child is like that. There is no doubt that God has blessed us with a baby boy who is pretty laid back and loves cool water! If we want to lay by the pool and Jett's not napping then we put Jett's pack-n-play outside in the shade and when he's not in the water he sits in there with toys. He has a great time playing by himself and standing up trying to throw toys to Tucker.
Random piece of information: Buffalo Ted (our chubby cat) turned 8 on Mothers Day. We rescued him from the humane society in Omaha on Mother's Day 6 years ago and have since declared his birthday to be on Mother's Day!
I'm so insanely grateful that on August 1, 2010 God gave us a healthy baby boy!
I love being Jett's Mama and look forward to watching him grow up!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Jett's First Swimming Lesson
It is official, Jett Cooper IS my child.
Yesterday afternoon he was getting a smidge fussy and we still had 1 hour before nap time so I decided to take him outside to sit by the pool. We sat down on the side and I put my feet on the top step while he just watched. Pretty quickly I realized that he had no intention of just 'looking' at the water so I took his pants off and left him in his onesie. I slowly started lowering his cute little legs in the water until he was standing on the first step. At this point the water is up to his shin. As I was holding him he started to lean forward so he could put his hands in the water and splash.
I was worried that all his splashing was going to get all my clothes wet so I scooped him up and went inside so I could put my swim suit on and took his clothes and diaper off as well. I put him back on the top step in the pool and within the next few minutes it got crazy. I so wish I could have recorded the next 10 minutes. It was the funniest thing to see Jett stark naked and white as can be splashing on the steps.
I honestly had no intention of giving Jett his first swimming lesson on March 22 when the pool temperature was 71 degrees but ya' know- it just happened. As he was standing on the step splashing water onto the patio I was dripping water higher and higher on his back. Every single time I would do that he would turn his head to face me and give me the biggest grin! He LOVED it!! So, I grabbed him and flipped him onto his belly and he went wild! His little feet were kicking while his hands were splashing out in front of him while I swooshed him around in the water. He was giggling and squealing the whole time! I was laughing pretty loudly because my child was straight up hilarious!
When I was pregnant with Jett I would spend hours and hours a day just swimming and floating around in the pool and he was always so still while I was in the water. Once I would get out he would kick around for a very long time. I always knew he was going to love the water! I just didn't think he would share my love of cool water at such a young age! I can spend hours in the water when its only 68 degrees. Due to the nerve pain in my foot I can't be in water cooler than 65 or its extremely painful for my foot.
I was always the kid who would cry when my parents would make me get out of the water and then start BEGGING to go swimming again once we were in the car. I can remember spending weeks with my grandparents in the summer and swimming in the lake with my cousins the entire day. Those are some of my favorite summer memories. I remember when we bought this house I was so crazy excited because I finally had my OWN pool and no one was ever going to tell me I had to get out and leave!! Definitely a dream come true for me to have a sweet pool in my backyard!
Those fifteen minutes with Jett in the pool yesterday definitely make it on the list of my top 5 happiest moments with Jett!
Yesterday afternoon he was getting a smidge fussy and we still had 1 hour before nap time so I decided to take him outside to sit by the pool. We sat down on the side and I put my feet on the top step while he just watched. Pretty quickly I realized that he had no intention of just 'looking' at the water so I took his pants off and left him in his onesie. I slowly started lowering his cute little legs in the water until he was standing on the first step. At this point the water is up to his shin. As I was holding him he started to lean forward so he could put his hands in the water and splash.
I was worried that all his splashing was going to get all my clothes wet so I scooped him up and went inside so I could put my swim suit on and took his clothes and diaper off as well. I put him back on the top step in the pool and within the next few minutes it got crazy. I so wish I could have recorded the next 10 minutes. It was the funniest thing to see Jett stark naked and white as can be splashing on the steps.
I honestly had no intention of giving Jett his first swimming lesson on March 22 when the pool temperature was 71 degrees but ya' know- it just happened. As he was standing on the step splashing water onto the patio I was dripping water higher and higher on his back. Every single time I would do that he would turn his head to face me and give me the biggest grin! He LOVED it!! So, I grabbed him and flipped him onto his belly and he went wild! His little feet were kicking while his hands were splashing out in front of him while I swooshed him around in the water. He was giggling and squealing the whole time! I was laughing pretty loudly because my child was straight up hilarious!
When I was pregnant with Jett I would spend hours and hours a day just swimming and floating around in the pool and he was always so still while I was in the water. Once I would get out he would kick around for a very long time. I always knew he was going to love the water! I just didn't think he would share my love of cool water at such a young age! I can spend hours in the water when its only 68 degrees. Due to the nerve pain in my foot I can't be in water cooler than 65 or its extremely painful for my foot.
I was always the kid who would cry when my parents would make me get out of the water and then start BEGGING to go swimming again once we were in the car. I can remember spending weeks with my grandparents in the summer and swimming in the lake with my cousins the entire day. Those are some of my favorite summer memories. I remember when we bought this house I was so crazy excited because I finally had my OWN pool and no one was ever going to tell me I had to get out and leave!! Definitely a dream come true for me to have a sweet pool in my backyard!
Those fifteen minutes with Jett in the pool yesterday definitely make it on the list of my top 5 happiest moments with Jett!
This was the night before his swimming lesson. The water was 68.
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