Emerald Isle, NC

 

About 2 weeks ago we were on our family vacation. All 17 of us. It seems like it was so long ago. The weather could have been better, but it also could have been worse. We enjoyed each others company tremendously. It really was wonderful. I didn’t think it would feel like vacation to me. Just another work day in another house in another state. But, surprisingly, it actually did.

I am mad because everyone was out in the sun about the same amount of time (minus one crazy person in particular) and I am the only one who doesn’t have any signs of having ever been in the sun. It is not fair. Pale people. Boo Hoo.

I found a list of random thoughts that I wrote down during our vacation. I don’t really remember the purpose of my run-on notes , but I found them. They are silly.

1. I didn’t know that Piggly Wiggly’s actually existed.

2. I want Bojangles.

3. I have never in my life seen a wild turkey. I just saw a whole herd on the side of the road.

4. We each picked out 1 junk food item, Ryan picked out Gushers. Weird.

5. Do Artichokes count as a vegetable? What are they?

6. Southerners are slow.

7. Mel: “Evan Williams is good for your soul.”

8. One thing that is not cheaper in the south is gas station vacuum machines.

9. The NC Aquarium is way cooler than the one in Baltimore. And 100x’s cheaper.

Yeah, I am not really sure what all that was about, but I think it is a fun reminder of the experience.

**

Okay, and I just wanted to add a few more things…

Ryan promised me Cracker Barrel on the drive down to EI and we didn’t stop. So he is now in dept.

Lucy has become a complete Daddy’s girl since vacation because of all the time she and Ryan were able to spend together. I love it.

My husband is really talented. He beat me in golf, ping-pong & catching M&M’s in his mouth.

The end.

Please enjoy our slideshow. I was kind and only included 1/4 of the pictures I have.

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break time

I have taken a little bloggy break because we have been on vacation.

I am back now but quite busy because I am trying to clean up and get organized from hbeing away for 10 days.

I am excited to post about our trip to Emerald Isle, NC and also write about a beautiful wedding that we were  privileged to be apart of.

Here is a teaser…

Stay tuned.

Homeschool Preschool

Last year, A friend of mine started a play group for all of her “SAH Mom” friends with toddlers .

This year she wanted to be a little more structured and decided to do a little Homeschool Preschool for all of the children ages 18mo-3yrs.

We meet once a week for two hours. The two hours include a “circle time” where we sing a welcome song and talk about the weather. Then we do a craft that relates to the color, letter and theme of the day. After craft we have free play that includes different stations of play. When we are finished with free play we reconvene and do another short circle time where the children play with instruments while singing a song and then we read a Bible Story that ties in all of the themes we talked about through the day.

This week the colors were green and red. We talked about the letter “A”. For craft, we painted wooden apples (apples are red and they start with the letter “A”) and hot glued them to a stick (it could be for a book mark or a planter decoration). During free play we played with green Play-Dough , used red and green stickers to fill in the letter “A” and The Bible Story was Adam and Eve (the apple).

And of course, when it is all over, we have lunch together and chat.

It is a really fun time. I like that all of the Mom’s share the different roles and responsibilities and our children are learning and having fun together at the same time. It is also helpful to have a curriculum that we follow so I can use some of the themes throughout the week and plan different activities that will go along with what we do on our Preschool days.

*Here is the curriculum that we are using, in case you are interested.

And, it is not just helpful in an educational stand point, but the children are also building a lot of life skills by being together. Some of the children don’t have siblings, so they are learning to share with others. Some have younger siblings so they are able to enjoy other children their own age. It is a time where we can support other Mom’s and encourage one another when things get tough.

And, and. Every third week, we get to take a field trip. I have always loved field trips. My Mom used to pack me the best lunches on field trip days.

Here are a few pictures from todays group.

 

The Excellent Wife

 The Wife of Noble Character: Proverbs 31

Her Character:

Confident – v 25

Courage – v 17

Dignified – v 25

Diligent – v 14

Early Riser – v 15

Faithful – 21

Generous – v 20

Industrious – v 13

Influential – v 10

Kind – v 26

Moral – v 30

Not lazy – v 27

Observant – v 27

Organized – v 15

Prudent – v 16

Reverential – v 30

Sensible – v 18

Strength – v 17

Trustworthy – v 11

Well groomed – v 22

Wise – v 16

Her Skills:

Creative – v 13

Handspinning – v 19

Knowledgeable – v 13

Sewing skills – v 22

Purchaser of choice foods – 14

Supervises meals – v 15

Attention to detail – v 27

Common Sense – v 18

Home business – v 24

Investor – v 16

Observant – v 27

Organized – v 15

Overseer – v 15

Philanthropist – v 20

Prepared – v 21

Realistic – v 18

Stewardship – v 18

Successful – v 24

Teaches – v 26

Wise – v 26

Her relationship with her husband:

Appreciation – v 10

Has his best interests at heart – v 10

One of trust – v 11

Praise – v 28

Unity – v 23

Here is the resource in which I stole the above breakdown. 

Who wouldn’t want to be all these things? I know it is overwhelming when I look at how many things I am NOT, but it is encouraging that there probably are a few characteristics that I DO possess. 

I have read this quite often, especially right when I was about to get married (you know, the crash course of “oh crap, I am about to get married and I don’t know what I am doing”). But I think I am going to be spending more time studying this and trying to figure out where in my life I should, could and need to be growing. I want to always be striving to be a better wife and mother and this, for me, is a good place to start. 

My suggestion, if you too are interested in growing in a specific area, pick just one thing. Trying to change in all areas at once will be completely overwhelming. Start with one little bit of scripture and apply it to one little bit of life.  

 Maybe even try asking your Husband or children which thing he/they think you could work on (I know, this will take a lot of humility but often others see us in a better light than we see ourselves). I know what Ryan would say, because he keeps telling me and I am really trying hard to change it. “Well groomed”.

Just kidding. Ha-Ha.

 

And it rains.

As my Husband is busy soaking up the 106+ gallons of rain that has taken residence in our basement, I am hanging out with the sweetest most beautiful girl in the world.

Because he told me to. Or I’d be helping. Even though I really wouldn’t want to be. It stinks down there.

My soul has been weary of late and I can’t seem to find the joy that once took place in my being. I am feeling very overwhelmed with lots of emotions and I just keep praying that God would restore my joy and give me a new attitude and patience to take on the challenges of the day that is about to face me.  

I just started reading a book (that I am about to finish) that has really been rocking my world. This book has helped me to see life for what it truly is. It has been encouraging me to see everyday gifts as, well, everyday gifts instead of  just another monotonous day.

“Ugh, I don’t want to get out of bed” has turned into “Good morning. What a beautiful day I get to spend with the most beautiful thing in the world”. Every day could be our last day together and I do not want to die, or be at the end of my days, or God forbid something happen to Lucy, and I not have taken every moment as an opportunity to enjoy her every breath.

The book is called Stepping Heavenward.  You should read it. It is a Christian book, for those of you who think I am trying to fool you. Ha.

We are going on Vacation in T minus 2 weeks. Holly-lu-ya. Amen.

Emerald Island NC is the destination. We will be going with a brood of Price family members. It is going to be an exciting and exhilarating time. It probably wont be so peaceful, since, there is about 17 of us all staying in one big house. But, who needs rest on vacation? Each family member is responsible for one night of cooking. I have no idea what to make. I am torn between “breakfast for dinner” and a chicken dish.  I want to go the breakfast route but I know there are a few overly health conscious family members attending and I don’t want to get mad at them or be offended when they make something else to eat because they can’t eat what I made. I just need to get over it. You can’t assume to please all 17 people now can ya?

Ryan and I are pursuing a debt free lifestyle. What this means is that we are trying to pay down debt, to become debt free by sticking to a spending plan we have developed to track all of our spending and saving. So far, not so good. It is amazing how expenses just keep coming up. I know that is is going to happen forever, and I am not surprised. But really, come on. Cut us a break will ya? lol . I must say though that through all of our trials and unexpected expenses, God has provided for us and we have never been in need.

I feel bad for people who do not know the joys of trusting in a God who takes care of their every need. Even if you do not know Him or trust Him, He is still taking care of you. You are just unaware of the peace made available to you through His saving grace. Finance are a huge struggle and burden for many people and I can honestly say that I need not worry or be anxious because our Father in Heaven has taken care of my every need. I do not know how we are going to pay our Mortgage week after week, but we do and I know it is because of God’s mercy and kindness to us.

Speaking of God’s kindness and mercy, here are a few pictures from our summer.

Boo. Summer is over.

Yay. I LOVE fall.

Anyway, here are those pics.

Oh. And a big thumbs up to my long time friend John who just got engaged to a wonderful girl named Sarah. I really like her. And she puts up with him. But mostly, they seem really happy and that makes me happy. Congratulations guys. I am so excited for the two of you!! ❤

Okay, back to the pics…

There are a million from this summer so I am trying to narrow it down to a few of my favorite.

Ok. Rain check (since it is raining). My computer is acting up and I can’t insert any pictures. I’ll hook some up for tomorrow.

 

 

The Mascara Project

I have been consistently wearing mascara for 10 years and I have not been able to find one that I love.

There have been a few that I like for a little while, but there is just something missing.

Side note: When I was in middle school,  I didn’t know the perks of mascara (I wasn’t really given a formal “this is how and why you wear make-up” lesson) and used black permanent maker to color my eye lashes black (yes, for real). I have red eye lashes and figured that coloring them black was just as effective.

A few months ago I posted the question on my facebook page: “What is your favorite Mascara?”. I had several suggestions and was anxious to start trying all of them out.

I took everyone’s suggestions and paired them with customer reviews on a beauty app  (should that be capitalized?) I downloaded and limited my search to $10.00 and under & items sold in drugstores.

I think you may be surprised at my findings.

Here is a list of all of the mascaras that I have tried (in no particular order):

  • MAC Zoom Lash (price exception, I had a gift card)
  • CoverGirl VolumeExact Waterproof
  • Maybelline Volum’ Express Colossal
  • Maybelline Full ‘N Soft
  • L’Oreal Voluminous Origional Mascara
  • E.L.F. Lightening
  • Wet N’ Wild Megalength

Crazy.

Don’t worry, I used coupons.

I hated MAC. I hated L’Oreal. I hated CoverGirl. All three of these were so bad I only used them a few times. MAC was SOOOO clumpy. Ew. Talk about Taranchula Eyes! The other two flaked off so bad that within an hour, no kidding, I had two black eyes. It was terrible.

What was my favorite?

Drum roll……….

Wet N’ Wild Megalength Mascara. $2.99 @ Walgreens.

I know, I am totally surprised too. I love it. It is long-lasting. Lifting. Curling. Non Clumpy. Non flaking. Cheap.

Try it! Try it!

The second runner-up, if you are curious, Maybelline Full ‘N Soft. It is nice, just not dark enough for me. That is the only draw back.

 

Okay, now ya know.

 

Lucy, who do you love more?

lol

Yeah, she misses her Daddy when he isn’t around. And, if she is not calling for him, she is listing off all of the other family members. Over and over again. It is pretty cute. Most of the time.

So, Lucy is a little older than 20 months now. She is a little person. It is so weird. Her brain is definitely bigger than her body. I am really surprised at the things that come out of her mouth and her imagination.

Some of my favorite things that she is doing right now are:

Saying the word “yesh” and “peeeeze”. She talks really well. She puts words together like “up mama” or “schnack peeeze”.  I know at her age putting two words together is normal, but she can do it and it is cute.

Putting her sandals on all by herself. If I ask her to go put her shoes on, she does. I didn’t even know she could do that until one day she walked into the bathroom with them on. I was really proud of her.

As you may know she loves music and dancing. When I ask her to turn on the radio, she runs into my bedroom and pushes the “on” button to the clock radio. She even asks for music (but the word music sounds just like movie so sometimes it is confusing).

When we are baking she likes to wear her little apron.

For some reason she is really into Elmo.

And, I am really excited that she has just recently started actually listening to Ryan and I read her books. She always liked books (grabbing them, eating them, throwing them…) but now she actually picks them out and sits through them, and then asks us to read them again. Yay.

She still loves cheese. Loves it. She also really likes string beans, broccoli (brockie), eggs and those fruit strip things we get from Aldi’s.

Lastly, she made Ryan say please when she offered him a cup of fake water. What a stinker.

Sorry again, I just like to record these things for future reference. I don’t really expect you to think that my child is as cute as I think she is. I am sure you child is cuter (in your opinion). HaHa.

 

And we are still trying for baby #2. It has been 4 months. I really am not anxious or upset. There have been a couple of occasions where I have gotten frustrated or upset, but I know that when we are supposed to get pregnant we will.

I can’t tell you that Ryan is at all upset that we have to keep “trying” <hehe>.

Things like this are just another reminder that God is totally in control of my life and no matter what I do or try to do or try to control, it is only always going to turn out the way He wants. He wanted me to have Lucy and I have her. If he wants us to have more, we will, and if not, there is a good reason. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him… according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

But, you can keep praying for us.

Super Easy Homemade Fruit Pocket Pies

For some reason this morning I was motivated to make breakfast. Well, a homemade breakfast. I usually do make breakfast (if you count instant oatmeal and cereal).

This was SO SO simple, Lucy and I had it made and out of the oven before 8am.

I got this recipe from the Today Show. Click on the link for the formal Fruit Pocket recipe and video.

 You can find my variation of the recipe below.

Homemade Fruit Pockets

 

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup fresh raspberries, strawberries and/or blueberries
  • cinnamon sugar
  • 6 Tbsp. smashed apple jam, apple butter or apple sauce
  • 12 slices  soft whole wheat bread
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
Preheat oven to 350°F. Wash berries and spread to dry on paper towels.
 
 Trim crusts from bread using a serrated knife.
 
For each pie, spoon 1 tablespoon of smashed apple jam, jelly or sauce in the center of a bread slice. Top with 3 to 4 berries and another slice of bread. Gently press the top slice around the fruit.
 
Using a fork, press the edges of the bread together to seal in the filling. Lightly brush the top slice of bread with  oil. Pick up each pie and, while holding in your hand, lightly brush the opposite side with oil. Place pies on an ungreased baking sheet. Sprinkle tops with cinnamon-sugar.
 
Bake pies for 18 to 20 minutes or until bread is lightly toasted and bottoms are browned. Cool before serving.
 

Makes 6 servings.

Tips:

I used unsweetened apple sauce and fresh-cut strawberries as my filling. I didn’t have to prepare anything. Ryan thought it was good but thinks it would have been better if I had used a jam or preserve, or maybe a cream cheese type filling. I agree, but I was looking for a healthier recipe and in this case, a cream cheese filling would have totally blown that.

                        

 

I’m kinda getting better at this baking thing…