Julie Hamlin

My dear friend, Julie, got married yesterday. We have known each other since I was three and it was a pleasure to be at her wedding. It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful ceremony. We enjoyed seeing some old friends and celebrating together. Congrats girl and have a fabulous honeymoon in Hawaii!!

Happy Feast Day Angelica Rose!

Today is the feast day of Saint Rose of Lima. I love Maria's idea of celebrating the children's feast days. Since we are already trying to celebrate the Baptism Day this sounds like a wonderful tradition to add and could make a really beautiful way of learning and contemplating on the saint's life every year. I love this quote:

“Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.” ~ St. Rose of Lima

Piece of Cake

What used to take a long time to accomplish, is now so easy!!

ABC's

Emma pics, couldn't resist

Notice the two bruises on her head....she has NO FEAR!! Angel was never like this, so she is keeping me on my toes and makes my heart jump!

Waiting for Papa

Ever since Jason has been riding his bike to work, the girls enjoy waiting for him to come cruising home on the front porch...and Jason likes the warm welcome home. We have had very interseting conversations on the porch about airplanes, clouds, spiders and of course lots of practice singing her new and favorite songs!

New Mode of Transportation

Sisterly Love (I think)

9 Months

Amazing how much Emma has changed in 9 months, which she turned yesterday. We have her actual check up next week so will have to give you the stats then, but she has definitely gone from our little baby...to a beautiful big baby!! The baby stage sure doesn't last long at all, so I am holding onto those snuggles and baby cuddle moments as long as I can!

Menu

Not sure why my menu didn't post on Monday, but it appeared there today!! I went shopping today and saved 24% of my bill in coupons!! YEA!!

Happy Birthday Dad!!

Today is Dad Hartsell's Birthday, wish we could be there to help you celebrate (and sorry your card is late!). Hope you have a great day and another year ahead. We miss and love you lots!!!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday: Costco Dinner (sad but true, Angel loves the hot dogs and we get our shopping done)
Tuesday: Steak Stroganoff (very yummy, has a little bite to it!), carrots
Wednesday: Leftovers and Tacquitos
Thursday: Chicken Packets (awesome recipe, could freeze half for later!), Green Beans and Carrots
Friday: Stuffed Mushrooms, Homemade White Pizza (our favorite!)
Saturday: probably leftovers since going to a wedding that afternoon
Sunday: Dinner with Family - Mom's choice for her birthday, TBD

Silly Mama

Fun in the Sun with Aunt Alli

Updates

Hello again!! I know some of you have been wondering where I went....well...first our camera DIED on us and then our computer started going CRAZY!!! We thought it was dying too, but so far we think we got some kind of virus or something, still trying to figure it out but at least I can get on the Internet again.

First, my mother-in-law had her surgery last week and all the lymph nodes they tested were BREAST CANCER FREE!!! That means no chemo....yea!!! She is recovering well, although very tired with the medication for pain. She will start radiation in a few weeks but we are so thankful for the good news and all the prayers. Will keep you posted. Mom, we love you!!!

Jason has been LOVING his new job. He actually comes home and says the day goes by sooooo fast, which is great to hear. Boeing has a lot of perks that come with the job and it has been nice to be a part of such a good company so far. He just found out that this biking program he entered got him a FREE $650 value road bike....once he goes to the safety class for it next week he will receive it. He is very excited as his bike has been having some mechanical issues, one of which sent him crashing to the ground and getting banged up! He is handling the commute so far. He bikes to the bus in the mornings and then catches the ferry. Once he gets the new bike, he might just bike to the ferry. Then he bikes from the ferry to work. He enjoys the exercise and the time on the ferry to catch up on reading. So we shall see how it goes....I will have to capture a pic of his mode of transportation. Angelica likes telling people that Papa takes a "boat, a bike and a bus" to work and that he "fixes airplanes". Jason still isn't sure what classes he will be taking, but he is wanting to finish his degree in the next couple of years....so with the Boeing education perks, we feel like we cannot pass it up, especially with the GI bill. So we will keep you posted....

Angelica has been SINGING a lot lately...all day long. She loves her favorite "Jesus Loves Me" also, "Moon Moon Moon", "Goodnight Sweetheart" and now loves to sing her "ABCs"...will have to get that on video.

Emma is EVERYWHERE. Took her less than a week to pick up speed and to figure out steps. She is now pulling herself up on everything and so very active and determined and has no fear!! I feel like I need to put her in a helmet. I think she will be an early walker. She is talking a lot now and saying "mama" and loves her yo-yo baby yogurt.

I am trying to get more "organized" and excited about getting a "new" to us camera...Jason's sister Michelle who is a photographer is sending us her old Canon Digital Rebel....so hopefully I can figure out how to work it. We just need to get a lens (if anyone can tell me a good kind....Michelle??) and we should be good to go!! Thanks Michelle....that is such a huge gift and couldn't have happened at a more perfect time!!

Come join us!

All you Bremerton locals, come join us tonight at the last Evergreen Park Tuesday Night Summer Concert, it is the Navy Band NW Dixieland Jazz Band...should be good!!

Determination

Ever since Day ONE when Emma started crawling, she has spent forever trying to get up the little step from the family room to the kitchen. No matter how many times she slipped off or fell down, she would get up and try again. The other day (when my camera was still working...can't you tell I am a little bitter about the situation) I captured the first time she got up on the step and then slid off and then the next day got a picture (those things I used to take everyday to fulfill my passion and dream of being a photographer) of her accomplishment!

**First day she actually made it up even for a brief moment.**

**I was in the kitchen and when I turned around this is what I saw!**

**Very proud of her success at making it all the way up the step, now she is everywhere and loves to eat the magnets off the fridge!** (I would video, but again don't have a camera...ok, enough complaining...for today!)

Family Favorites

Here are some recipes I grew up with and now make for my family and we LOVE THEM!!
Popovers
Chocolate Pudding
and a new dessert I made and the best kind of these I have had:
Lemon Squares

Fun at Marmee's

These are pics my mom sent me from when she watched the girls the other day...they had way too much fun!! (glad someone's camera works...yes I am complaining and whining!)

Tips & Savings

I wanted to pass along this neat website I have seen on a couple of blogs lately and finally gave it a try. These past couple of months I have been "shopping" around for the best places to do grocery shopping. While sometimes, you just have to watch the deals and coupons and get the better price, I have found that Super Walmart usually either matches or beats those prices. I tried out the one near us in Poulsbo finally and the past two weeks have done all my grocery shopping there. I have been very impressed with their selections and produce and PRICES most of all. Then when I add in all my coupons it is even a bigger savings. I clip them out of the paper and lately been finding A LOT online. I look at my shopping list and then search online for specific coupons. For example I was going to buy some Uncle Ben's rice...went to their site and got a $2 coupon!! I knew I was going to buy some General Mills items like granola bars and cereal...went to their website and saved $1.50....same goes for Huggies, Gerber, etc. You just print and off you go!! Then THIS SITE is so neat. You plus in the stores you shop at and your location and it basically tells you all the deals going on that week....and you can search by store or item...it is AWESOME. When you find the deals you want, you create a shopping list and then print it out and it tells you where to go. For other items, Costco still beats the deal when you compare the price and quantity. If you have any tips....let me know, but truly check out this site and find coupons....I saved almost $10 last time.

Menu Plan Monday

I updated last week's menu plan with what we had on Sunday and another dish my mom made with our meal on Friday. Good stuff. When I try new recipes, I will put them in RED and then leave a note to say if it was a winner or not!

Monday: Steak-Um Hot Sandwiches with peppers, onions and mushrooms, Applesauce, Baby Carrots and Waffle Fries
Tuesday: Cold Sandwiches to go to the last concert in the park - Navy Band playing
Wednesday: Sauteed Chicken Cutlets with Lime Sauce, VERY VERY YUMMY, Brown Rice and Sauteed Zucchini from garden
Thursday: Grilled Brauts, Potato Salad and Carrots
Friday: Tuna Casserole
Saturday: Marinated and Grilled London Broil (the marinade was good, but not a big fan of London Broil cut of meat), Layered Salad
Sunday: Dinner with Family, TBD

Sad in Seattle...

...because this weekend our camera DIED!!! So sad, as I probably use my camera almost everyday! The CCD card or reader or something died....basically the part that takes the pictures and after several estimates, it would cost at least $250 to fix! So we are in the deciding time for a new camera. We really would like to get a nice one and maybe have a cheap one that we could just take on the go and that still does video capability because the nice ones I guess don't have that feature. So...if anyone has any tips or suggestions please pass on! We will hopefully decide soon because I HATE not having my camera....so it might be a much less "colorful" posting for a bit.

Snack Time

Nothing like sitting in a big girl chair and enjoying a yummy combo of carrot, pears and rice cereal! Want to join me?

Splish Splash

Last week we actually had some warm days of summer...and the kiddies (and Papa) got to get in the little pool. Angel loved going from her sandbox to her chair and into the pool and back again. Emma LOVED the water and never wanted to get out. She even survived some "dunks" her big sister poured over her head and didn't seem to mind at all. Fun times!

of course some video...with what else? Angel singing (she does all day!)

My Days are Numbered

...since Emma has started crawling...last Friday. And she is getting faster every day!!

Bye Bye Aunt Caitlin

Caitlin left to go back to college this past weekend. We will miss you and can't believe this is your last year. We look forward to watching those Concordia Soccer Games this season. (also, her wedding date is set for August 1, 2009!)

A new addition...

...the potty chair!! We recently (and finally!) went and got the "big girl" potty. Angel has been dragging it to every room with her and getting used to sitting on it. Now that I have the pull ups (and used up all my excuses of a new baby, vacation trips, no potty etc)...I think it is time to start. I believe she is ready and I hope this new adventure and training goes well, really not looking forward to it. Wish me luck and if you have any pointers....PLEASE PASS THEM ON!

Homemade Baby Food

Well, last week was the first time for Emma that I did my BIG homemade baby food day. It is so nice to get this done and have the flexibility of grabbing whatever cube of food I need from the freezer. Not only does this save a ton of money and not having to get overloaded with empty baby food jars, it is healthier with no preservatives and gives you the ability to give small portions at a time and mix all kinds of food combos together. I mostly steam everything, but I did bake the squash and boil the peas. I use THIS website for tips and tricks. I then blend everything and pour the purees in ice cube trays because each cube is about one ounce of food. Then I freeze and put in labeled Ziploc bags. Here is what I was able to make out of everything:

2 sweet potatoes = 30 ounces

1 butternut squash = 38 ounces

1 acorn squash = 13 ounces

6 pears = 26 ounces

4 peaches = 26 ounces

11 carrots = 18 ounces

1/2 bag peas = 25 ounces

Recipes to Share

This is our FAVORITE chicken wing recipe: Cindy's Tasty Wings

I think I have given this recipe before, but here it is again and I added about 2 cups of lentils last time and it was EVEN BETTER and really filled out the flavor and soup: Italian Vegetable Soup

And I tried these for dessert the other day...click on picture for recipe. They were yummy, although I think made mine too big so they were not as chewy and that is why I had a lot of filling leftover as well. Will just have to try again!!