Green Daisies

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T16:26:00.002-06:00

Our "Incredible" Family!

Larry Boy with his "super suction ears"

Jack Jack and Elasta Girl

Jack Jack and Mr. Incredible

Trick or Treating in St James, Mo.

Catch Up!

2009-11-01T15:11:00.003-06:00

Brice is getting so big. He'll be 18 mo this month!

He's still my sweetheart but has gotten a lot of "personality" lately since he started walking few weeks ago.

Ashton and Kiera Playing in the leaves!!!

Ashton doesn't like this picture but I LOVE it!

Best friends!

Our house prior to painting

After painting adding a little landscaping!

So Much Better!

Happy 30th Leon!

2009-08-09T15:54:00.009-05:00

For Leon's Birthday we went to Kokomo Joes to play games....... I am sure it wasn't his fantasy but we are on a limited budget :)

Leon and Ashton rode on the gocarts.. I am not sure who had more fun!
And played arcade games! We got enough tickets to get a squishy lizard.
Leon had some help with opening his presents :)
Ok, so I know the cake isn't the best especially compared to all of my sisters' talent. This cake is called "Pam's Dessert".... no idea why... it's a Kenwick favorite and Leon's request. It's super delicious and after a few tries with the fudge topping I think I got it to taste pretty much like when Jerry and LouAnne make it!Happiest of days to you Leon!! We are so lucky to have you! Your love and hard work, humor and strength are what binds our family together! We love you!

Budding photographer

2009-08-09T15:33:00.008-05:00

Ashton got ahold of the camera the other day. Here's what he took!

Blackberry Cobbler

2009-07-26T18:36:00.002-05:00

We have wild blackberries growing across the road so every night we have been picking them. We got enough to make a cobbler! As usual Ashton is my little cooking helper.

Baby Steps

2009-07-26T18:33:00.002-05:00

Well Brice is edging his way to eating solid foods. Here he actually put a fry in his mouth without gagging! :)

Daddy's Little Helper

2009-07-26T18:32:00.000-05:00

Britax Carseat Giveaway

2009-07-18T18:12:00.001-05:00

My friend Emi is having a giveaway for a Britax Carseat on her review blog. Check it out at http://theclothdiaperreport.blogspot.com/2009/07/britax-carseat-review-giveaway.html

Ah.... Gah!

2009-04-04T22:05:00.002-05:00

Nursing time

2009-04-04T19:57:00.004-05:00

Nothing beats snuggling up with your little baby and spending one on one time with them. With my life getting busier and busier it's great that nursing "makes" us slow down as moms and enjoy the little beautiful moments with our babies!

Ashton can dress himself!

2009-04-04T19:38:00.003-05:00

It's so great to watch your kids accomplish new things. Ashton has learned to dress himself!

Undies!.........

Left foot...........

Right foot............

All done..........

well........ almost! :)

And now for a shave!

Ashton's Creative Play

2009-04-04T19:13:00.003-05:00

All they really need are a few cardboard boxes! I love watching kids play when they are so into their own little world! Adorable!

Daddy's boy

2009-04-04T19:03:00.003-05:00

Leon can always get a laugh out of the boys.

Little drummer boy

2009-04-04T18:43:00.003-05:00

Here are some videos from March of Brice playing with the kid's pans and pulling up. he's getting so big!

Photo Shoot

2009-02-27T11:26:00.002-06:00

These are some pics I took of Brice at 7 mo old

We went to the photo studio on tuesday for his 9 mo pictures so those pics will be up soon

Sleeping Angels

2009-02-27T11:18:00.002-06:00

Not too often do both boys sleep at the same time

but watching them the other day I realized how truly blessed I am.

I LOVE my boys!

Brice and the noisy toy

2009-02-27T11:10:00.003-06:00

Not all noisy toys have batteries you can take out!

So I forgot that videos have to be shot horizontally! And then it was too late... but I think you will get the idea.

My Little Chef!

2009-02-27T11:07:00.003-06:00

Ashton just loves to cook with me. He is a great helper and is even getting a steadier hand as time goes on! He was especially cute this day as he wanted to put on his chef's hat and apron.

The Incredibles Movie Day

2009-02-27T10:46:00.003-06:00

On Valentines Day we went to see "The Incredibles" at the Rolla Leach Theatre. Afterwards there were activities and food for the kids. Ashton really LOVED watching the movie on the big screen and sat through the whole thing!

Ashton made a rocket that was propelled by a balloon!

Look a real Incredibles guy!

Lock and Load.......

FIRE!!!!!!!!!!

Ok... Ashton looks so sad in these pictures but he really was happy as he was doing these crafts..... I promise!!!

He made this candy kiss rose and then he ran to the first little girl he saw and gave it to her..... it was sooooo cute!

Maybe he IS getting a little tired by now!

Yummy Pizza!

Tooth #2

2009-02-27T10:40:00.001-06:00

We have two bottom teeth now!

Like Mother Like Son?

2009-02-27T10:28:00.005-06:00

Do you think Brice and I look similar?

Me at 8mo old

Brice at 9mo old

Valentines Day

2009-02-14T17:00:00.004-06:00

Yummm... I woke up to a Valentine Gift of Truffles this morning....

What a great way to start the day

Leon was busy this morning as the kids and I were sleeping. When we came out there were red hearts hanging from the ceiling. Each heart had a gift of service written on it from Leon. There were one's for me, Ashton and even a very tiny heart hung almost down to the ground for Brice. For example one said: " This part of my heart wants to pick up the house so you can play with the kids" and another said "This part of my heart wants to play toy dinos with you". It was such a thoughtful idea and I can't wait to use mine!

Sprouting Up: A Natural Baby Store

2009-02-14T16:52:00.003-06:00

In August I started a business Called Sprouting Up. We are a small specialty shop and online store that sells natural baby items. We sell things like cloth diapers, baby carriers, leather shoes, Klean Kanteens, Babylegs, and more! I have had such a great time with this business and have been overwhelmed with how many people there are that use cloth diapers and baby carriers in this area. It has been so rewarding to meet like minded moms. I am getting pretty busy with it all now as we are trying to increase the amount and variety of inventory we have. If you have any suggestions of products that have made your natural parenting journey better, easier, or even more fun let me know! I am always on the lookout for more great products that are mom tested.

Below is a picture of the store (it's attached to my house) for those of you who haven't been here in person. You can also check out my online store at www.sproutingup.com I love feedback!

Tooth #2

2009-02-14T16:49:00.002-06:00

Brice got his second tooth (he has both bottom front teeth now) a few days ago.

He already looks more grown up!

Welcome Home Daddy!

2009-02-14T16:41:00.002-06:00

This January Leon started back to school. School was the main reason we moved to Rolla, Mo. Leon is working on his EE degree here at Missouri S&T. He got delayed when we moved here due to the big problems that needed to be taken care of here at the house. But now that things are under control he is back to school. He also recently started working at the local Lowes store. He started this in January as well and has already been promoted! Needless to say Leon has had a very busy schedule with work, school, and family. The kids sure miss having him around as much. Brice starts crying the minute Leon gets in the door until he picks him up and Ashton is glued to him as well. I think this picture pretty much sums it up! LOL

He's all boy! Need I say more?

2009-02-14T09:57:00.003-06:00

First Foods

2009-02-14T09:54:00.003-06:00

Brice Having one of his first tastes of food. A yummy banana!

Dinosaur Dig

2009-02-14T09:33:00.010-06:00

Here's Ashton at the PAT (Parents as Teachers) "Dino Dig" last Saturday.

He's been looking forward to this activity for months! Below is a picture of him with his "teacher" Miss Grace. He LOVES her and she is most of the reason we are involved. She's so kind and a great friend to everyone!

Digging for dinos in bird seed...... and I don't have to clean up the mess!!!

Dusting sand off of Dino Bones

Walking the cake walk.... well it was Dino fruit snack walk.

Leon and Brice at the little kids play mat. Brice loved the old soda bottle filled with elbow macaroni and confetti. Such a cute idea!

Our New Babysitter!

2009-02-14T09:29:00.002-06:00

Brice Loves to crawl out to the kitchen and stare at the washer. He'll sit there forever just watching and listening...... maybe he'll grow up to be my laundry helper! :)

Getting Better

2009-02-14T08:55:00.005-06:00

Brice is doing actual crawling for about 2 weeks now. He is super fast!

Watercolors

2009-01-26T10:45:00.000-06:00

Ok,.... so my intent wasn't to make a crafting blog but lately I have been finding all of these great crafting ideas that I am in love with. Today Ashton wanted to paint but when we went to get the paint it was all dried up. My first instinct was that I would have to get some next time we were in town.... but then I got to thinking that there has to be a way to make paint. I found this great recipe online:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/48321/homemade_paint_for_kids.html?page=2&cat=24

4 T baking soda

2T Apple cider vinegar ( I didn't have any so I used plain)

Mix until stops foaming

Then add:

2T cornstarch

1t glycerin (I didn't have that either so I just left it out)

2t water (if it looks to thick)

Divide and add a few drops of food coloring

Store the paint in a jar with a tight sealing lid.

PlayDough

2009-01-24T12:40:00.000-06:00

We made playdough today and it turned out great! I found the recipe online and it was super simple and easy and the dough isn't sticky when you play with it. The link with great pictures is http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-Playdough-Play-doh/

But it's really easy:

2 cups flour

2 cups warm water

1 cup salt

2T oil

1T Cream of Tartar (optional)

food coloring

Throw all but the food coloring in a pan and heat on low heat stirring often till it forms dough. make sure it's cooked enough so it won't be sticky. Cool, kneed, and add food coloring. I divided ours into four balls and used 4 drops for each ball.

Since Ashton mushes all his colors together, I give him a small ball of each for him to play with for that day.

Here are the kids having fun with their dough!

New Tooth!

2009-01-24T12:30:00.000-06:00

Brice got his first tooth yesterday! Yeah for him.... he has been working so hard on it and feels lots happier now that it's through! Here he is taking a well deserved nap!

Our little Scooter

2009-01-19T20:12:00.000-06:00

Here's Brice starting to crawl. He's very fast when he wants something!

Potty Training Woes

2009-01-16T20:27:00.000-06:00

Well it looks like Ashton in Un potty training himself these past few weeks. I don't know why or if there is even a reason but he doesn't remember to go to the potty unless it's poop (so I guess that's a blessing). He has been trained for almost a year so I was surprised that this happened so long after. He has always had a diaper on in the night and is usually wet in the morning but naps were always fine. Now he is even wetting during naps! So anyone who has any thoughts or ideas I'd love it. If I remember to tell him to check every couple of hours we are fine but if I forget we are in trouble!! Anyone else had anything like this?

Jacuzzi Fun!

2009-01-12T16:45:00.001-06:00

When we went to Aunt Lizzy's for New Years Eve the Ashton and his two cousins Vivian and Allison got in the Hot tub and some tea and bubbles. Click here to see the video.

Chicken (Turkey) Pot Pie

2009-01-12T15:08:00.000-06:00

So for many reasons I have been trying to cook from scratch lately. You think this shouldn't be that hard for me since my Mom cooked from scratch a lot, but I guess I just have gotten sucked into the quick food market. I actually found a recipe for pudding in my whole foods cookbook (like I said before I LOVE that cookbook). I couldn't believe it...... you mean there is another way to make pudding besides using that little cardboard box?????? And if you can believe it, it actually doesn't look that hard. I can't wait to try it. I used my last box of pudding mix the other night and I vow not to by more.... there's a lot of junk in there that I can't even pronounce. Real pudding looks healthy for you besides the little amount of sweetener. Gosh I think I am going to like this whole foods thing :) I have included the recipe below:

3T honey
2C Milk
3T cornstarch
2 eggs beaten
1T vanilla

Bring honey and 1 1/2 c milk to a simmer over low heat. blend the other 1/2 cup milk with the cornstarch and stir into hot mixture. cook for 2-3 min until thickened stirring constantly. stir about 1/2 c of the hot mixture into the beaten egg then stir eggs into the hot mixture. Cook for 1 min stiring constantly. remove from heat and add vanilla. Serve warm or chilled.

I also made pot pie the other night. It was super good (not runny like pot pies can be sometimes) and another great thing is the recipe makes two so you can freeze one for later! Yum!

2C diced potatoes
1 3/4 cups sliced carrots
2/3 c chopped onion
1 cup butter cubed
1 cup flour
1 3/4 t salt
1 t thyme
3/4 t pepper
3 cups chix broth
1 1/2 cups milk
4 cups cubed cooked chicken (I used Thanksgiving Turkey leftovers that I had stuck in the freezer)
1cup froz peas (Leon isn't a fan of peas so we subbed in froz broccoli)
1 cup froz corn
pastery for two double crust pies

boil potatoes and carrots for 8-10 min

In a Large skillet saute onion and butter

stir in flour, salt, thyme, pepper

stir in broth and milk, bring to a boil (I used a whisk to keep it smooth)

Cook 2 min

add chix, corn, peas,potatoes, carrots

pour in pastry shells. Lay on top pastry and seal edges

cook at 425deg for 35-40 min let it stand 15 min before serving

freeze other pie and when ready cook at 425 deg for 30 min, reduce heat and cook t 350 deg for 70-80 min

Sugar cookies :)

2009-01-12T14:48:00.000-06:00

I made some Felt Sugar Cookies for a Birthday Party Ashton went to the other day. I was really happy with how they turned out. It was such a fun craft that I can't wait for an excuse to make more. I first saw these "cookies" in a natural toy catalog and thought they would be easy enough to make. When I went online I found lots of cute pictures and went from there. I think it's pretty self explanatory but feel free to post if you want to make these and have any questions. I also made a little kids apron to go with the cookies, that's what is shown in the last picture.

It's A Beautiful Day

2009-01-12T13:18:00.000-06:00

We had such a gorgeous day here in Missouri. It was 68 and sunny. I absolutely love the winters here. They are cold enough to have a change of season and be ready for summer again but they lack that "freeze you to the bone" feel the Illinois winters are so famous for. I haven't even had to wear my winter coat much which is a plus as I hate coats to begin with :) I also feel like there is more sunshine here, at least I feel less cabin fever... although it is only January ;) Here are a few pics of the boys enjoying the nice day.

A few of my favorite things....

2009-01-08T19:18:00.000-06:00

I have found a problem with having my own blog. I realize that having sisters growing up you tend to think a lot alike. We all notice it about ourselves.... for instance when we go to one another's house we can always find our way around their kitchen even if we have never been there before. We use similar phrases when talking and even our husbands notice the similarity. And the newest thing I have noticed is that my sister Jen who also blogs and I think alike about our post ideas! I swear I have been thinking about posting my favorite Christmas gifts and then last night I read Jen's blog to see she had just posted a similar topic :) So here goes nothing ......

I have to say I was so happy with Christmas this year! Our family really tried to keep the focus on Jesus's birth. I tried not to let myself get carried away Christmas shopping and give into the last minute rush shopping. I did most of my shopping early and it was really nice. We tried to support local small businesses and handmade items. I ordered things from friend's home parties as well. And I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with all of the gifts we received. It felt like there was so much thought put into every gift which really shows because my kids loved everything. Here is an incomplete list of some of my favorite gifts I am sure I will forget some, but I thought it would be a nice way to journal as well as maybe give you ideas.

Homemade Gifts

I love homemade gifts and we got a bunch this year. Here are a few of my favorite.

Photo Album Books
I first got a photo album book for a baby gift for Ashton. It was made by Bernice Keutzer. It was a 4X6 size photo album (the coffee table size) filled with beautiful cutouts from magazines. There were pictures of animals and flowers and people and landscapes. Ashton LOVED it! It was such a great idea that I have since made them for gifts. This Christmas my Mother-In-Law made ones with pictures of everyone in the family.

Knitted Socks and Sweaters

My mom is amazing with her knitting skills! This year she made knitted tiny socks for Ashton and Brice (I got a pair last year). They are super cute and made out of wool which I love! She also made Brice a hooded sweater with a zipper down the back. It makes it so easy to get on and off.

Cotton Baby Dolls

My sister Kate makes these gorgeous dolls with matching blankets. They are mostly hand sewn and she painstakingly sews on every piece or hair which I think makes them priceless. She stuffs them with cotton or wool and they are instant heirlooms. I keep telling her she should start making them to sell.

Babysitting coupons

My sister Tori started giving me babysitting coupons for birthdays and Christmas. They are one of my favorite things to get. I love having "free" babysitting and she also does pedicures if I don't need a sitter. I think this is a great idea for kids. I would like my kids to do these when they get old enough.

Bought Gifts

Pampered Chef

I love pampered chef items and I got a few for Christmas.

The small scoop (perfect for so many things my favorite is peanut butter balls)

The cheese knife (works great and then I don't have to buy sliced cheese)

Bamboo utinsels (love them, love them, love them)

Apple slicer (makes slicing apples so fast I offer to do it :)

Schleich and Papo figurines

These are Ashton's favorite things to play with these days. They are plastic figures that come in all sorts of shapes. Our favorites now are dinosaurs, knights, dragons, and animals (elephant, polar bear, etc.) I really like that they are safe for the kids. I worry about cheap plastic toys made in China. I want to be sure they aren't getting lead poisioning and I also I don't like to support unfair labor practices. I believe these brands are better for both of these things.

Books

I love getting books but am not good at picking them out. I just don't have that knack. This Christmas we got a bunch of books that are all instant favorites.

"That's Not My Dinosaur"

Usborne " The Childrens Book of Art" Great on so many levels. Picture book to home school book.

"In the Artic" - This book has great sturdy flaps that make it really interactive Ashton asks for this one all of the time!

Clothes

I have to say I just love getting clothes. I got clothes from Leon and my In-Laws. And so did the kids. I am a clothes addict but we don't have the money to get new stuff that often.

New Years Resolution

2009-01-07T16:50:00.000-06:00

Like many people I am sure, my new years resolution is to loose a few pounds. I have yet to lose the weight I gained while I was pregnant with Brice. I don't like to stress about it for the first months but Brice is 7mo old now so I would like to work on that! I think it's important to try to get the weight off and get back into shape so I don't just keep adding on every baby I have. I'd like to have a bunch and don't want to get behind :) I also feel like I am a better person when I exercise and am not carrying around extra weight. I am happier, more active and seem to be able to get more things accomplished. So my goal is to eat healthier and exercise three times a week! I'd say eat less but since I am breastfeeding Brice I want to be sure that my milk supply and quality isn't sacrificed. And no one wants to be around a hungry breastfeeding mom ;)

Leon and I had made a deal that if I lost the weight by May that we'd go on a family vacation... somewhere warm near the ocean. So that was going to be my motivation. But now things are tight with money so I don't think that is going to happen. I still want to lose the weight but I know it will be harder without the promise of a reward when I am done. Oh well.

I also want to try and detoxify my life and my house. Here's what I have done so far:

1. I have started using gentle non-toxic cleaners (I love Charlies Soap All purpose Cleaner! It works great for kitchen, bathroom, floor, etc you can check it out at http://www.charliesoap.com/ or on my website www.sproutingup.com/Charliessoap.html ).

2. I am trying to use products that are scented with essential oils instead of fragrance oils that come in most products. I found a great natural deodorant that actually works! It's Tea Tree and Lavender By Earth Science. I also LOVE Dr. Bronners Castile soap. I use the Tea Tree kind for my diaper wipe solution and the Rose for bathing. It smells sooooo good!

3. I am trying to use plastic containers less. I got these cute glass containers that I use for snacks and we all use Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel bottles instead of plastic sippy cups

3. I am also trying to eat more whole foods. My good friend Hazel gave me a copy of the "Whole Foods for the Whole Family"cookbook and I have been using it a ton! Thanks Hazel!

How about you? What is your new years resolution?

Or post any suggestions on how I can meet mine!

First Post - Happy New Year!

2009-01-04T13:40:00.000-06:00

I am excited to start this blog as the new year begins!

I hope to use this blog to share my thoughts and life story with my family and friends as well as those just passing by.

I was inspired to start blogging by my sister Jennifer who has a gorgeous blog http://flannelhippos.blogspot.com/ that I LOVE to read. I have never been one for journaling but I love scrapbooking because of the ability to put thoughts and pictures together. Since the births of my children I have found that trying to scrapbook has been more of a frustration than a hobby so I have put that aside for this virtual scrapbook......... WELCOME to it!