An Owenism

Owen: Does dry skin ever go away?
Mommy:  Yes, where do you have dry skin?
Owen: Right here (showing me the cucicle on his right hand)
Mommy: That is from biting your nails Owen.
Owen: But I don't have it on any of my other fingers.
Mommy: I know but sometimes only one gets infected.
Owen: Oh (gazing at his fingers)
Mommy: Look at my owie (points to burn sustained from oven this morning)
Owen: Mom, were you biting your arm?

Several minutes later.......

Owen: Mom, will my dry skin ever go away.
Mommy: Yes Owen.
Owen: I have had it forever....like 26 years.
Mommy: (shakes head and sighs)

ONLY OWEN!

Fried Green Tomatoes and Bathing for Muscles

Our fridge is stocked with the fruits (and vegetables) of our (and my parents)  labor. 


Just to name a few favorites:
Raspberries
Cucumbers
Zucchini
Tomatoes
Peppers of all colors


I have been searching in all my cookbooks and looking on several recipe sights a lot lately. I bet you didn't know there are like a 100 ways to use zucchini.  We have made refrigerator pickles, creamed cucumbers, zucchini bread..muffins....casserole...and tomorrow, pie.  We have frozen 2 1/2 gallons of salsa and have eaten raspberries fresh off the bush. 


Tonight we tried something new...fried green tomatoes.  Yes, just like the movie!   They were surprisingly tasty and surely NOT healthy.






The recipe was simple:
5 green tomatoes, sliced
3/4 cup flour
3 eggs (make sure to get the salmonella-free ones)
2 cups Panko (breading found in the oriental section of the grocery store)
pinch of salt (I used Kosher)
Oil
*I also added a pinch of garlic (Tastefully Simple)


Place flour, eggs and Panko in three separate bowls.  Dip sliced tomatoes in each of the bowls. Place in deep fryer at 375 degrees for 2-3 minutes.


To work off the deep-fried portion of our supper tonight, we headed to our backyard and got in a game of softball.  This has been a great way to end our summer days lately.  Owen is really improving his catching skills and mommy is getting a work out chasing daddy's home run balls. 


The boys were filthy when we got back inside.  Thank goodness tonight was bath night.  Owen decided he was going to use daddy's body wash because it had a picture of a flexed arm on it.  Apparently he is convinced if he uses this he too will be big and strong.  Oh well, whatever it takes for the boy to get clean.  I am sure he will let us know if he sees any changes.

God Armor!

Owen loves to do "projects"!  I am always looking for ideas for boy specific crafts and science experiments to fit his fancy. 

Our favorite CD to listen to lately has been the "Kickin' It Old School" by Go Fish.  Owen and Easton love the song "I'm A Soldier in The Army of the Lord"!  Tonight we made a little armor for our Lord's Army....SWORDS.

I found the project at http://daniellesplace.com/html/bible_themes_armorofgod.html

We added our own touches by writing Bible verses on the blades.  The boys thought their swords were great.  In fact, Owen is sleeping with his tonight.  You never know when you need a little God Armor.  Maybe he will fight off a few bad dreams tonight!

Retiring Barbies for Baseballs

 I grew up playing dolls, styling Barbie's hair and painting my fingernails.  I liked pretty dresses, the color pink and (the singer) Tiffany. 

Now-a-days I have grass stains on my knees, dirt on my shirt, baseball gloves in my garage and trucks in my sandbox.  I own blue jeans with holes, army guys with missing limbs and I listen to bands like Go Fish and Skillet. 

I am a mom.  A mom who doesn't mind trading in a few "girly" things for a those special moments with my favorite boys!

You know you are mom of little boys if you...

- frequently step on Lego's
- play cars instead of Barbies
- know the names of all the transformers
- have a plethora of Bandaids and Neosporin in your first-aid kit
- fold several pairs of dinosaur, shark, and rocketship underwear frequently
- have to clean the bathtub after each washing
- often find sand, dirt or mud in your entryway or your child's shoes
- frequently remind your children to say excuse me and not to laugh after they complete a bodily function
- own 10 thousand balls, cars, trains or blocks
- frequently mend or replace blue jeans because there are holes in the knees
- have marks on your work slacks from runny noses
- have stock in SHOUT cleaner
- keep "P U" spray in the bathroom
- have to clean and/or wipe the toilet seat daily (sometimes hourly)
- find deceased bugs in jars
- read books about sharks, bulldozers and snakes instead of princesses
- have to wash the dirt off the faucets before you wash your hands
- keep hand sanitizer, wipes and Kleenex in your purse at all times
- get sloppy kisses, tight squeezing hugs and wiggly cuddles

How blessed I am to be the mom of two incredibly adorable boys.

Gracefully turning 30!

I turned thirty today.  Gracefully.   So maybe I have found a few gray hairs, maybe I began using anti-aging cream as part of my daily routine,  and maybe nursing, pregnancy and gravity have taken their toll on my body.  I may run to the bathroom a little faster after a good laugh (or sneeze), I might stretch a little after a long car ride, and I probably don't stay up much later then 10.  I find myself shaking my head at the clothing kids now-a-days wear and wonder why they call the songs on their iPods music.  I would rather spend my Friday night playing board games with my kids then going out on the town.  I have become a wife and mother much like the one who raised me.

So yes, I have gotten older but the last thirty years have played an important role in the woman I am today.

In the last thirty years I have:

1.Been Baptized
2. Got a sister
3.Argued with my parents
4. Been Confirmed
5. Broke bones
6. Got stitches
7.Graduated from grade school, junior high and high school
8.Babysat many children
9.Got my first job
10.Been to 20 states
11.Traveled to Mexico 2 times
12.Got a drivers license
13.Graduated from college
14.Bought my first car
15.Got my first boyfriend, first kiss and had my heart broken
16.Made many friends
17.Lost loved ones
18.Bought my first car
19.Moved several times
20. Fell in love
21.Got engaged
22. Got married (one of the most important,  life changing blessings I have experienced)
23.Bought my first home
24. Payed my first bill
25. Got my first "grown-up" job
26. Rode on my first airplane
27. Grown
28. Joined a church
29. Taught bible school
30. and my biggest accomplishment experienced pregnancy and birth bringing two beautiful children into the world

Each year has brought new memories, joys and sometimes sorrow.  Each day has had it's share of blessings and tribulations.  As I gracefully embark on another decade of life I look back at the journey I have made and look forward on the road ahead of me.  Here is to turning thirty today!  Gracefully.

Wordless Wednesday

Lists of life!

Summer is coming to an end, too quickly, in my opinion.  Yesterday began a 14-day stretch of pure and udder craziness in our little families schedule. 

The calender marks many events from extra work days (BOOOOO) to family reunions :), doctor appointments, church meetings, celebrations of life, up-coming county fairs and a not so lovely birthday.
I just hope I don't forget to take out the garbage, pay daycare, pick up laundry detergent and buy groceries. 

Uggg, while many of these things with be filled with memories, hugs and laughter I can't help but wish for a simple moment cuddling in bed with my three favorite humans and "Goodnight Moon." 

I have lists everywhere tonight.  Little reminders of what I need to do, bring, and buy this week.  I am not used to working this much and it has began to take its toll.   I will trust this is only temporary and by the end of these 14 days I will be back to my "old (older) self". 

I am feeling slightly overwhelmed, exhausted and edgy.  I hope rest tonight will calm me.  I am unsure if my emotions are related to being worn out or if my deep yearning to be a stay-at-home mom is surfacing at a rapid rate.  I don't know what the future holds, but I will wait patiently with hope that God has bigger plans for us and they will soon be reveled. 

As for me I need to put away the lists, close my eyes and listen to the beautiful sound of the rain falling outside.  Tomorrow will be here before I know it and with it a list of things to be accomplished.

I am blessed!

On Monday, August 9th I will have have held hands with Paul for 10 years.  I am looking forward to holding his hands for many more!  Blessed, I am!

Go jump in the lake!

We know how to stay cool on the hot days of summer.........................

...................just go jump in the lake!