The Lord's Prayer...

I just got this sent to me in an email and I had to share :) (thanks Teana!)

What every reformed baby girl needs...

Since I now know that we are moving into the realm of pink, I decided to just take a look at the sales at Gymboree.

I know what you're thinking...already???

Well, as a matter of fact YES!

When I saw this...I knew it was a must-have.

Every little reformed girl needs to have a tulip sweater...do you not agree??

Working my way towards a basketball team, you say???

Um, not this time.

It's a girl.

I am in shock...I don't even know what to say or think.

After four boys, I didn't even think this was possible.

I even had the ultrasound tech check a few extra times, just to make sure.

There was no doubt....ALL GIRL.

I don't even know what to do with myself.


40 week gender shot: (updated Aug 2008)

WFMW...How to clean your kitchen sink (and almost anything else!)

Last spring, we redid our kitchen. It came out lovely and the sink was just great...all nice and ivory and perfect. See for yourself:

(this picture was before it was even usable....see how clean?)


Then life happened.

A pan was left to soak in the pretty ivory sink and left a rust stain. Multiple stoneware dishes were cleaned in the pretty sink and left brown marks where it rubbed against the ivory.

There was no amount of scrubbing that could take away the marks.

Even when the lovely ivory sink was completely clean, it didn't really look it.

I was so sad....until I remembered!!

Duh...um, what about using a Magic Eraser???

I didn't even have to scrub...just a light wipe and all markings were gone. It was at that point that I noticed even the parts of the sink that I thought looked clean, really weren't.

But now they are...thanks to Mr Clean. I owe ya!

I was so excited, I wanted to scream it from the rooftop. Other moms know the feeling that I speak of!

The rebellion has started...

I have a doppler...I don't use it as much as I have in the past, but I still like to hear the heartbeat and see how fast it's beating.

This morning, I laid down to hear it, and placed the wand on my belly.

This baby of mine would immediately kick the wand...which I could feel strongly. I could also see the wand getting pushed up...and I could hear it on the doppler.

Then this baby would move and dodge the wand...until I found the heartbeat again...and the same scenario would happen.

Baby Payson is already rebelling against his/her mommy!

(I was cracking up about it though)

My dear sweet baby

It's like a secret language that is developing between us.

With each small kick, I feel your presence.

As I lay my hand on my growing belly, I feel your poking and can't help but smile.

These are moments that a mommy can never forget.

I love that when I sit to rest, you remind me that you are there.

Alive and growing...

It's like nothing else matters.

It's just my baby and me...

Boston Creme and Red Velvet Cupcakes

I am sooo making these for dessert on Easter! I'll probably make a red velvet cake too...YUM!

Boston Creme Cupcakes

1 1/4 cups cold whole milk
1 (3.4-ounce) box vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
12 pre-made cupcakes baked from a cake mix
1 cup heavy cream
1 (12-ounce) package semisweet chocolate morsels
1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Combine milk, instant pudding mix, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Beat mixture with a hand mixer for 2 minutes, or until it thickens. Place mixture in refrigerator for 15 minutes. Spoon filling into a pastry bag fitted with a medium-size plain tip. Fill cupcakes with vanilla pudding filling by inserting tip into top of cupcake and squeezing a couple of tablespoons of filling into each cupcake.

Heat cream in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat until bubbles appear around the edges. Remove from heat, add chocolate morsels to pan, and whisk until smooth. Spoon or drizzle glaze over cupcakes, or dunk the tops into the glaze. Refrigerate until set, at least 1 hour, before serving. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.


Red Velvet Cupcakes

For the cupcakes:
15 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 1/4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
13 ounces granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
3 eggs
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons red food coloring
1 1/4 teaspoons vinegar (white or apple cider can both work)
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 cup water
For the cream cheese frosting:
1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
1 pound butter, room temperature
2 pounds powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon vanilla extract


For the cupcakes:
Preheat oven 350 degrees F.
Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder into a bowl and set aside.

In a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, mix oil, sugar, and buttermilk until combined. Add eggs, food coloring, vinegar, vanilla and water and mix well. Add the dry ingredients a little bit at a time and mix on low, scraping down sides occasionally, and mix until just combined. Be sure not to over mix, or the batter will come out
tough.

Line a 16-cup cupcake pan with paper liners, scoop the batter into the liners and bake at 350 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean. Let cool.

For the cream cheese frosting:
Whip the butter and cream cheese together in a mixer fitted with a paddle attachment until creamed. Gradually add powdered sugar to the mixture and scrape down the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and mix until combined.

The frosting can be used right away, or stored in the refrigerator up to a week.

Frost cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting.


I'm undecided about whether to make Red Velvet Cupcakes or one big cake...I'll be sure to take pics either way!

And the winner of the Living The Dream Giveaway is....

Laura: The (Almost) Amazing Mammarino!!

The guidelines were to comment on what shirt you most relate to and why. This was her response:

DEFINITELY LAUNDRY MOM!!!!

Recently, I started going through my mountain of special needs laundry: sweaters, frou-frou church dresses, and the worst - the dreaded stain pile. I don't mind doing laundry, but I DESPISE stain treating. (It doesn't help that I'm a perfectionist and will wash an item 67 times to get out a nickel-sized spot of mustard.) Because of this, I conveniently get all the laundry done except the stained clothes. The pile kept growing and growing until it threatened to topple over and smother us all. Seeing that we enjoy breathing so much, I decided to chip away at the pile. I made some startling discoveries:

- I was further behind than I had thought;

- There were several boy's outfits in the stain pile sized 24 months and smaller (my son currently wears a size 6); and

- I've discovered quite a few hand-me-downs that will fit my 2-year-old little girl (my older daughter is in second grade).

As much as I hate constantly doing laundry, though, I feel so blessed to have a washer and dryer! My most horrible childhood memories are from our bi-weekly trips to the laundromat. Oh, the agony! The torture! (And that was just from the cigarette smoke and country music!)

It's pretty darn nice to be able to throw a load in on the spot when your little urchin urps last night's ravioli all over his white sheets.

And to be honest, it's a blessing to have these piles of laundry. It means that I'm blessed with the little tykes who wear them! I truly am "Living the Dream!"

The other two I like are referee mom and minivan mom (they're pretty much tied for 2nd). My t-shirt size is XL. Thanks for telling us about these great shirts and notecards!

I want to thank everyone for participating!

It's not too late to get your own shirt! Just visit LTDchix, and they'll be more than happy to take your order! Remember to mention this site to receive 15% off!

Living the Dream GIVEAWAY!!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

(This post will remain at the top of my blog until the Giveaway is over on Saturday!)

What works better than a MOMMY GIVEAWAY!!!



A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about some t-shirts for moms from LTDchix.

I was surprised to see an email from them, asking me if I wanted to do a giveaway on my blog...and of course, I accepted!




Here's what you have to do to enter:

*Head over to LTDchix and find your 3 favorite choices from their selection!

I would have to say that my favorites are:

Referee Mom
I feel like this every single day...only add on a couple more kids!

I also like the Cooking Mom, the Shopping Mom, and the Mini-van Mom!

I love that you can get assorted notecards, if you can't decide which one you like best!

*Leave me a comment on which mom you relate to best and why. You can also mention your top 3 choices and what size you need!

*Make sure you can be easily contacted...whether it is through your email address or your blog!

This giveaway will end on Saturday, March 15th!

If you decide to order a t-shirt or notecards this week...you will also receive a free tank top!

Just be sure that in the comment section of your order, you say that you found them through the giveaway from Shannon at A Reforming Mom!

You can read more about the company here.

Whether it's you or someone you know...aren't we all Living the Dream? I know I wouldn't change it for the world!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!

Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

I am the only one in the house that will eat it. That definitely was no deterrent when it came to what I wanted to eat. I mean, really, what goes better with temperatures in the 70s than soup?

Here is the recipe:

Broccoli and Cheese Soup

1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half-and-half
2 cups chicken stock or bouillon
1/2 pound fresh broccoli (I used some frozen broccoli too)
1 cup carrots, julienned
salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces grated sharp cheddar


Directions:

Saute onion in butter. Set aside. Cook melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Stir constantly and slowly add the half-and-half (this is called making a roux). Add the chicken stock whisking all the time. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender for 20-25 minutes. Add salt and pepper. The soup should be thickened by now. Pour in batches into blender (I used a food processor) and puree (you can leave some chunks in there if you prefer that). Return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese; stir until well blended.

This serves 4.

I doubled it, with plans to freeze some for later :)

ENJOY!!

As I ate lunch...

I thought of the Melting Pot.

Nutritious, eh?

Hey preggos...get you tutu's and leotards ready!

A dozen pregnant women wanted - for ballet

By Kate Kelland

LONDON (Reuters) - Far from being heavy, lumbering and clumsy, pregnant women are often fascinating, beautiful and serene, according to the artistic director of one British ballet company.

And to prove it, Balletlorent is recruiting 12 pregnant women to star in a dance production alongside six professional ballet dancers.

"MaEternal" will be performed in the northern English city of Newcastle in May and is offering the 12 who get through the auditions "a chance to share with an audience the beauty of what it means to carry the life of another within you."

Artistic Director Liv Lorent, who, coincidentally, is pregnant herself, says she has always been keen to combine trained dancers with people from all ages and stages in life to make her ballet productions richer.

"I've done projects in the past where I have invited all sorts of people -- children, old people, builders, footballers doctors, all sorts -- to take part," she told Reuters.

"This is another development of a long-held wish to mix up the different physical types in my choreography. The shape of people changes the way they move, and I like that very much."

She notes the stark contrast between the typically lithe light and muscular physique of a dancer, and the softer, rounder contours of a pregnant woman, and delights in it.

"You can't get a 25-year-old size 8 ballet dancer type body to move with the weight, the gravitas or the sheer cheerful spirit a pregnant woman," she said.

Lorent promises that no previous dance experience is necessary to audition for a part in MaEternal. The only requirement is that anyone wishing to take part should be up to 32 weeks by the time of the performance on May, 14. Beyond that, she says, the risk is too high of unplanned dramas on stage.

As well as recruiting 12 pregnant women, Lorent has also signed up Lynn Campbell, an active birth therapist who runs pregnancy classes in and around Newcastle, to advise on the movements and abilities of expectant mothers.

"Pregnant women do sometimes feel heavy and weighed down by all the changes, but sometimes they also feel fascinating and beautiful and amazing," Campbell told Reuters.

"Culturally we don't always have the words to celebrate the beauty of pregnancy, and although people are often fascinated by it, they don't know how to express that, so the say things like "Aren't you big!"

"So this is a real opportunity for pregnant women to be seen in a new way."

Who wants to join me?

We've heard it all before

I'm sure that I've said it a time or two as well.

"Just make it to that magic week 12 and all of your morning sickness will disappear."

What a crock.

I'll turn 19 weeks along tomorrow....

After spending time this morning with my head in the sink as the bile made its appearance...I challenge that whole 'magic week 12' thing.

You see, there are days, like today, where this pregnancy is kicking my butt.

Please don't look too close at my face...or else you might be scared to see the broken blood vessels from all of the dry heaving.

Name the caption

Happy 7th, my dear

When I think about the last 7 years, I think about all that has happened and thank God for His wonderful grace. We definitely wouldn't be where we are without it.

I think about each and every time we have moved since we've been married. Have we really lived in six different homes?

I look at our children and remember how Nolan accompanied us to our first anniversary dinner. I see our four boys, feel the baby moving inside me, and remember the three babies that I've yet to meet.

I am thankful that it was agreed upon early on that I stay at home. Which sometimes meant working two jobs or cleaning the occasional floor, but there has never been a day of regret.

I remember when money was tight, and we weren't sure how we would possibly get by. We did, even if that meant spending twenty dollars a week on groceries and eating a lot of pasta and soup.

Things haven't always been easy, and we haven't always known why things have happened the way they do. I thank God for His hand on our marriage, and how He works all things for the good of those who love Him. He is the focus of our marriage, and I appreciate the leader He has provided for our family. I strive to have a marriage that is completely Christ-Exalting...and I know that you feel the same way.

Thank you for the past seven years, and I'm looking ahead at the next seven and beyond.

I love you!

Shannon

PS: Thanks for the flowers!!

I miss it

Pictures from the park

It's that time of year again...when you can start to go to the park and not have to wear your winter jackets!

Of course, this weekend would have made you think otherwise, but there is rumor that warm air is coming back!

Here are a couple pictures from our picnic in the park last weekend...when it was in the 70s.

Just call him the Godfather

The day was like any other. I was mothering in my usual fashion...when I saw something I had never seen before.

You see, I recently changed the batteries in the kid's sit n spin. This created much havoc. Gideon likes a specific tune, and doesn't like Haddon and Nolan's favorite one. Nolan likes a specific tune, not the ones that Gideon and Haddon like. See where I'm going with this? Haddon likes a specific tune, not the ones that Nolan and Gideon like.

You can guess what happens when it's Nolan's turn on the sit n spin. Haddon and Gideon get upset, due to the tune that is being played. On this particular afternoon, it was Gideon who was spinning round and round.

Nolan tried to talk to Gideon about the music. Gideon wouldn't listen. As a matter of fact, he was downright ignoring him!

Enter the calls to mom.

"Mommy! Gideon's 'noring me!"

"Nolan, just leave him alone and play with something else."

"But I can't!"

"Um, yeah you can. Leave him alone and let him play."

It wasn't over yet.

Enter Haddon.

"Haddon!! Go get Gideon!! He's over there!!!" (says Nolan)

Without a word, Haddon picks up the closest toy. It happened to be a Spiderman toy...made out of a plastic meant to feel like pure steel. He promptly threw it squarely at Gideon's head. He was spot on.

Gideon began screaming. So I could properly tend to the head wound, I told Haddon and Nolan to go to the corner.

To which Nolan replied, "I didn't do anything!"

My 6 year old Nolan, who is like a mini-Godfather, thought he would get off scott-free since he wasn't the one who took force against his brother.

I'm not sure what worries me more...Nolan would knew what he was doing...or Haddon who did what he did without asking the question 'why?'

Fat chance of that happening.

What are we naming the baby?

We haven't been keeping the name a secret...if anyone has asked, we've told :)

The first name will be the same...boy or girl. It is nice for Nolan and Gideon to already call the baby by name! It's the middle names that would be different.

For a Boy: Payson Baxter
For a Girl: Payson Deborah (maybe a nickname of Paysie...though John says he doesn't like that, lol)

Now the next question that is asked, is usually...Where does that name come from??

I was introduced to Elizabeth Prentiss through the GirlTalk Blog. I purchased a couple more of her books, Aunt Jane's Hero and Stepping Heavenward. When I read more about her, I found that her father was Edward Payson and that she had grown up in New England...namely Maine, where I also grew up. We also share the same birthday!

Having done as much research as I could on Edward Payson, I found out that he had been greatly influenced by Jonathan Edwards. I was also surprised that he has been as forgotten as he is today. I would consider Edward Payson very influential to the history of reformed theology. I have had trouble finding out more about him because there have been hundreds of men named after him. They share both his first and last name (as their first and middle names).

Early last summer, I remember speaking to John one night about the name of a future child, if we were to be so blessed with another. He immediately loved the name Payson!

I recommend reading a short biography of Edward Payson.

As for the middle names...

...You can read about Richard Baxter here.

...And Deborah is after my mom :)

So there you have it.

I also want to note that the name goes right along with our name pattern...in more ways than one.

All of our children's names end the same...Nolan, Gideon, Haddon and Jamison...and Payson. There is also a syllable pattern...Nolan is 2 syllables, Gideon is 3, Haddon is 2, and Jamison is 3...then Payson has 2. 2-3-2-3-2.....confused yet?

Al Mohler responds to the homeschooling decision in California

Read about it here.

He will also be talking about this on his radio program on Monday.