Oblivious

Mom's Grocery List she left for me 3 days ago

Oblivious: adjective 
not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one.


  Let's just say that my parents left Monday afternoon and it is now Thursday evening. The picture above is what I found 15 minutes ago on the front of my fridge. I think I can accurately say that the above definition describes me in a nut shell! Alexis says, "Mom, I saw it on Monday when we got home. I even told you that Nana left a grocery list. Didn't you notice it?" Umm, no...

  I never keep a list. My mom keeps one on the side of her fridge and when she runs out of something or knows she is going to need a specific item, she puts it on. This is a very simple and smart idea. My brain just doesn't want to take hold of the freedom that comes with not scrambling to make a list 30 minutes before I'm heading to the store. I just forget the list is there. My brain doesn't organize. It's not that I don't want to, I just can't. No matter what I do, I always go back to being a scatter brain when it comes to anything to do with organization. It works for about a week to maybe a month tops then something throws a snag into it and it snowballs down hill from there.  It drives me crazy! I will just have to continue to pray and ask the Lord to give me this piece that is missing from me! 

 

Weekday Wear

Weekday Wear by messybunch featuring nike athletic shoes

  So this is a reality post. The outfit on the left has pretty much been my "uniform" for the last few months. Feeling sick, always feeling cold, and so tired does a number on your enthusiasm for looking good. The outfit on the right is what I should be wearing. Is it a hard look to complete? No. Is it too much trouble for me? Yes. Sad, I know. But, this is my life right now...slowly the light at the end of the sick tunnel is getting brighter and brighter! Praise the Lord! As always I do at least put on some beautiful piece of jewelry. It helps me feel a little more put together, even in extremely casual attire. :) I love the Prism earrings. They are classy, and simple. One of those pieces that goes with everything. Sugar Plum is the perfect necklace to add to the outfit on the right. 5 layers of beautiful stones and beads make a beautiful statement.

  If you noticed the "Deceptively Delicious" book at the bottom, it's a must read for picky eaters! I seem to go through spurts of trying to eat healthy and then slide right back into our usually lane of boxed snacks and junk food. I am once again in the healthy lane and this is one way that I can incorporate healthy things into our usual dinners. Check it out from your library and see what sneaky tricks you can learn from this wonderful book! :) 


Blessings~Heather

A Daddy's Love

   My husband loves to dry the girls hair. I think that he finds something therapeutic about it. Maybe it's the not having to think while he does it (he struggles with thinking all the time) or just the fact that he is a server. I'm not sure, but either way the girls love it when their Daddy dries their hair! 

The funny thing is that my Dad use to dry our hair at night when my sister and I were little...I wonder how many other dads do this? :)

   Here is Shelby getting the Daddy treatment.

 Wow, don't I look pretty!? She thought it was soooo funny to have her hair sticking up everywhere. She'd shake her head and laugh when it would wave around. Her hair is so fine that it kind of floats when it's so blown out.

Oh how my Daddy loves me! 

 
1 Corinthians 13:4–8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails ...

Homemade Soft Pretzels....with a Twist!

  Alexis our oldest is always begging to bake something. We have this book called "The Ultimate Book of Kid Concoctions 2" by John E. & Danita Thomas, that grandma sent them. Long story short...Alexis was begging last week to make these "Crazy Pretzels" and I caved and let her have at it. I figured it would be a good way for her to incorporate some math into her day (besides school work) and most importantly the ability to follow directions! And boy oh boy am I glad she did! These are sooo good. Now this could be the pregnancy talking/tasting, but they just hit the spot when you need a little snack....or the entire batch...it's up to you. If I were you I'd share, but be prepared to make a double batch to make them last! Although if you have a "normal" size family, aren't into devouring an entire tray, or have self control, it might be safe for you to just tackle the single batch. ;) 

 They are super simple...my favorite! Here's how it goes...you ready? There are 6 ingredients. Do you think you can handle it? :) 

1 Package Yeast, 1 Tbsp. Sugar, 1 1/2 cups Warm Water, 4 cups Flour, 1 tsp. Salt, 1 Egg, beaten

(The rest is below in the bottom picture)

The girls watching the yeast proof...

Kneading the dough...

My dough snatchers...

Beautiful baby soft ball of dough...

I used a heart shaped cookie cutter for my "Crazy Pretzel" shape...Brushing it with egg gives it the nice golden look...otherwise they look a little anemic...

Here is the end result...Notice Ty's race car w/ driver...Alexis' flounder fish...Addie's number 3...Gabe's pretzel knot...

*Dip them in good old American mustard while they are still soft & warm and you've got yourself one delicious snack!

Recipe for "Crazy Pretzels"... (click to enlarge photo)

  We've made these 4x's in the last week. It makes a great snack to take with to all the baseball games. Now I know some of you cringed at the fact that I say "dip it in mustard," but it really is a lot healthier than cheese and gives it a nice kick. You can also sprinkle some Kosher salt on top before you bake. 

Hope you enjoy them as much as we have!

Weekday Wear

Weekday Wear by messybunch featuring a crochet tote

  This is one of those dress it up or dress it down outfits. You could easily wear this during your daily activities and add a few of these pretty accessories to make it more appropriate for special times. The crocheted tote & Prism earrings give it a casual feel, while the beautiful flower headband & Pave CZ ring make it just that much more sophisticated. The Tassel sandals from Boden are super adorable! A little flare, yet practical. :)

The Beginning of Our Backyard Makeover!

  Today the sod was finished up! Yay!!! There is so much green! It looks so lush compared to the bland gray sand that we have looked at for the last 10 months. Lots more work to go, but for now I am going to be joyful in knowing we are that much closer to being done. :) 

 Getting started...

 It's getting there...

 View from the kitchen...

 

 From upstairs...

 The girls making a run for it...

 Down the side yard...lots of planting area for flowers...

 My view from my tanning spot! Yippee!...

 The kids trying to see how wet they can get dodge the sprinklers... :) 

  Until the next project! ~Heather

The Beginning of Our Backyard Makeover!

  Today we started our backyard improvements! I'm so excited to finally have the ability to sweep my floors and not have to do it an hour later, due to sand. The landscapers put in the irrigation lines, sprinkler heads, as well as leveled the sand/soil for sod tomorrow. The kids very much enjoyed watching these men do their work. I'm sure they just loved all of us staring at them for 4 hrs straight! lol Here are some pics from today's work...not a big difference, but enough for all of us to be excited! 

 The kids watching the digging from upstairs....

 Landscapers hit the existing irrigation line from front yard....

 Girls watching the water flood the area in front....

 Landscapers discussing what they should do about the broken pipe...

Backyard getting leveled...

 Work made easy...

 Still working...

 The boys spot for most of the morning...

 Shelby entertaining herself and everyone else...

 Our little girls being cute...

 Sprinklers hosed the slider...Kids thought that was fantastic!

 Landscapers adjusting...and the broken pipe did get fixed...and the rest will wait till tomorrow~

Weekday Wear

Weekday Wear by messybunch featuring slim jeans

  The Elena bracelet and Jenny earrings & ring are crisp addition to this casual top and jeans. These purple wedges are super summery with the beautiful flowers and cork sole. You'll smell divine with this Vanilla Birthday Cake shower gel...it scents your skin with a wonderful fragrance! Add some lip gloss and go :)

Marinated Flank Steak

  This is my mom's Marinated Flank Steak recipe. SO good! I'm not the biggest fan of beef (unless it's in a hamburger smothered in sauce and toppings, or wrapped in bacon a.k.a. Filet Mignon), but this is absolutely one of my favorite meat dishes hands down, ever...well I guess it could be tied with Baby Back Ribs smothered in BBQ sauce, but you get the idea. I was wondering if I should share it, because if you come to our home for dinner, this is probably what I'll serve you.  :) But, in the good fashion of sharing (our mothers always told us to) I will.

Flank Steak Marinade

1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 Tbsp sliced green onion
1 tsp ground ginger
1 Tbsp minced garlic
3 tsp sesame seeds

*Grab a mixing bowl, gallon size Ziploc freezer bag, and your ingredients.
-Put the Ziploc inside the mixing bowl (this holds your baggie in place while you add the ingredients.)
-Add all ingredients, zip, and shake. Making sure all brown sugar is dissolved.
*At this point, you'll need your flank steak. Cut the steak into 3 even pieces (this allows the marinade to really get into all the meat evenly.) 
-Then zip, and freeze. Freezing is super important...the meat seems to suck the marinade into itself when frozen, and you get so much more flavor then if you were to just marinade in the fridge overnight.

  Super easy and packed with tons of flavor! The meat is tender and you don't even need a steak knife to cut it...unless you are me and forgot to cut against the grain once. Makes for some tough meat! And when you are spending the price of flank steak, you don't want to screw it up. I also serve this with Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Sauteed Garlic Green Beans. Yes, we love garlic in this home.

 You'll want to BBQ the steak on medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on how done you like it. This will give you medium, still pink meat, preferred by most. I like mine dead...no pink...at all. So Bob leaves one section on for a bit longer just for me. :) The only area I'm really high maintenance in would be how my meat is cooked and the food I eat (I'm just picky)...give me some slack! lol

 

 

  Yummy Garlic Mashed Potatoes...sorry I don't have a pick of the green beans, but they are heavenly!! Put a little butter and olive oil in the bottom of a pan throw in fresh French Green Beans (get them at Costco) add minced garlic (tons of it) and kosher salt. You want to cook them fast and on high heat so they don't get soggy. The garlic browns a bit and gets kind of caramelized. This is the only way I can eat green beans. They still have their crispness and are infused with tons of flavor. Heavenly I tell you!

  Now that it's getting to be BBQ season, try it out! You won't be disappointed. At least I don't think you would be! ;)

Enjoy~ Heather

Weekday Wear

Weekday Wear by messybunch featuring heart handbags

  Spring has sprung around here, or so we thought. It's been beautiful sunny and warm all weekend. Today I hear there is a forecast of 30 something temps w/ possible snow! Oh well, technically it is Spring....so here's one for a warm day. I think it would even be fitting for Easter Sunday. 

  This beautiful floral print top is very eye catching. Don't you think? I softened it w/ a light aqua colored skirt, and a light yellow cardigan. lia sophia's Crystal earrings and Crystal necklace do the trick to make this outfit even more feminine. The purse brings out the gray tones in the top to anchor the outfit...you know, keeping it from being color everywhere! lol Although if you are brave a bag in the salmon color would look divine. :) Finish off your look w/ these great lip glosses "Juice Gems" from the mark. line at Avon. Go through Katie my Avon rep! 


  Remember ladies that Mother's Day is just around the corner. April is the perfect month to get just what you are looking for at lia sophia. This month's special is use the Customer Save Plan (Buy 2 at regular price, Get 1 at half) then you may purchase your choice of 3 more pieces at half price! This is a perfect way to get your mom and mother in law a full set of jewelry each for a great price. Call me or email me to set up a party, or an order that will ship directly to you in time for Mother's Day! 


Blessings ~ Heather

Live in the Land

  This is a great sermon called "Live in the Land." Click the link to watch Dave Bechtel's sermon from Bethel Church.

Blessings~ Heather

Tumble Books

  Our family loves Tumble Books! It's a great way to help with reading and for those who can't read, a great place to have a book read to you. I'm sure many other libraries have Tumble Books on their websites, but I haven't looked into it. We use Tumble Books through Fort Vancouver Regional Library, www.fvrl.org

  All you need is your library card number to access this free site. There are many options to choose from. One is the read along. This is were the words light up as they are read by the narrator. The second is Story Book. This is were the narrator reads to the child and turns the pages automatically. The third is Tumble TV. This is were all the books of the chosen grade level play through alphabetically. The fourth is Puzzles and Game. The fifth is Language Learning. These are books written & read in a different language. The sixth is Non Fiction Books. Many are about animals and famous people. There is even an option to make Your Playlist...this allows you to customize books for your child to listen to or read each time they log onto Tumble Books.

  Tumble Books are even on Face Book! If your library doesn't supply a link to Tumble Books, maybe they would subscribe by your request. It's a great tool for homeschooling, or passing the time when it's a rainy day or just too cold to play outside. Check them out!

April Fools Day

  I have never ever liked April Fools Day. There is something about looking like a fool that doesn't appeal to me. Here is the one and only story of April Fools that I once decided to participate in...and because of this story, will not ever participate in again! :) 

 About 4 years ago, my husband and I thought it would be funny to pull a prank on my parents. His companies office is in Vancouver, but they also have an office in Pasco (about 4hrs from each other.) At the time, Bob and I had discussed how nice it would be to move to where there was more sunshine and less rain (Pasco.) We figured it would be an easy move, considering all Bob would have to do is transfer offices. No job hunting, easy! Of course this was all just talk at the time! Anyways, we decided to tell my parents that Bob got transferred to the Pasco office and we would have to move immediately. So as my Mom, sister, and I were in the Orchards Fred Meyers that morning, I happened to say "Oh yeah, Mom, by the way, Bob was told yesterday that he has been transferred to the Pasco office in Eastern Washington." (thinking my mom would be sad that we were moving.) At first she was like "You can't move away!" Then I saw the light go on, she says "How wonderful, your dad and I can move there too! We'll come with you!!" (You see my mom has the same obsession with the sunshine as I do...hers might even be more extreme.) Can you say BACKFIRE??? Here I thought that she was going to be like "You can't go!" "Why would you want to move?" But no, she was delighted! 

  After we left Fred Meyers, we were heading out to my dads office so that they could take the kids to the circus that was at the Rose Garden. Bob was going to a Trailblazers game with a friend, and I can't remember what I had to do, but I was going somewhere. We got to my dad's office and my mom immediately says "Brian, we're moving to Pasco!" He looked a little bewildered...mom was just beaming. (My dad is like me...we could move pretty much anywhere and be fine...so he was like "What? Why would we move there?" but, kinda had that "O.K." look to him.) I felt really bad, really bad! So, I spilled the beans. "We aren't being transferred. April Fools!!" ;) Let's just say they weren't too happy. Especially my mother. We all left and went our own way. 

  Later that night around 11pm, I was the first to arrive back home. When I pulled into the driveway I noticed the side door (which we used a front door) was cracked open.  I am such a fraidy cat when it comes to the dark, then you add a door to my house open! I wouldn't even get out of my car! I called Bob, no answer, so I left a message. So I went to my parents place a few miles away and waited there for everyone to get home. I did call my parents in the mean time and filled them in on it. My dad was going to stop by and check it out. Bob as well got my message and went home to see what the fuss was about. I get a phone call at my parents place from Bob. This is the short version of how it went: bob : "Ahh, Heather, umm you might want to come home. The police are on their way, some one ransacked our house. Who knows what they stole. The cops want to get your statement." me: "What?! You've got to be kidding me?" (All the while I'm thinking I can never sleep in that house again! I felt totally violated. How was I going to tell my kids everything was alright, when someone just broke into our house?) bob: "You'd better hurry over here, the cops will be here any minute!" me: "Alright I'm coming." 

  As I arrive home, there were no cops. I thought well that's weird. I walked into the house and they were all standing in the kitchen with little smirks on their faces..."April Fools!!!!" hahahaha! I was so mad and upset, that I slammed the door, it had a glass window (an old glass window) and it almost shattered it. I might have even shed a tear or two. It's a horrible feeling to think that someone had come through your home! It still bothered me months later. I couldn't think of anything but that every time I came home. 

  So learn from my mistakes...don't play April Fools jokes, unless you can handle the consequence of your joke!  I could not. :) No more April Fools jokes for this girl! I learned my lesson and learned it well.

(Oh yeah, the door must have just not closed all the way when we left. It happened sometimes if we didn't shut it hard enough, but I had never found it that way late at night.) :)