My Little Fisherman

My little guy got a fishing pole for Christmas, so when we went to see Evi's horse yesterday he was so excited to get to use his fishing pole. We caught nothing though, but he had so much fun. It is so fun to see Red Rain grow and now she has winter fur and she looks fluffy. Juan, Sebastian and I were all fishing but I guess it was too cold. Maybe next time.

The craziness comes to an end

Most years people get crazy once the holidays come into sight. Traveling, cooking, spending money, kids and presents, and family.

We had a great time with my sister and her family for Christmas. Since no one wanted to dog sit we decided to not go to Mexico... Just kidding, we didn't go because of other reasons too, but we finally decided to stick around this year. It was a fun time, the kids get along with each other, the girls played Scrabble and the guys were doing who knows what.

This past weekend we went to Bartlesville to see family. We had lunch with one of my many Uncles and Aunts, the kids had so much fun playing with cousins and we had fun visiting with family. Evi spent the night with her second cousins and had a blast! She said she roller skated in the house, and wanted to know if we could get some skates. Afterwards we went to see Nanny and spent some time with her. I told Juan on our way home that I feel she is getting old. I want her to know that we love her. To me the holidays are not about presents or food, but it is about the memories you make with family.

This coming year I will try to make more of an effort to love my family unconditionally, because they are who God has placed in my life. I am glad that I can sleep at night knowing that I am at peace, I'm not in debt, my children love me, my husband is faithful, I have a roof over my head and food on the table and I am blessed! Hope everyone this year can see the family they have in a new light, and can love unconditionally.

Christmas

Here are a few pictures of our Christmas. Sebastian asked me why the boy in Polar Express got to see Santa and he didn't, so I had Juan take him to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa but he got cold feet and Evi was the only one who sat on Santa's lap this year.

Two recipes

Okay. Here is the recipe for the cinnamon rolls and the spicy crackers.

I use a bread machine, and this recipe is for rolls or bread, but I just rolled out the dough and put cinnamon on it for cinnamon rolls.

In your bread machine you put:

7 oz. of milk room temperature

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup butter softened

1 egg

3 1/4 c. flour

2 tbsp sugar (in one corner)

2 tsp yeast in another corner

1/4 c. water

Put your setting on dough, and when its risen once, put dough on floured surface, roll out spread with melted butter and then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar(You can add pecans or raisins if you like). Then roll and use string or dental floss to cut the dough. I placed in a 9x13 pan with melted butter, brown sugar and some corn syrup for a caramel sauce. Then you place in a warm place to rise(to about twice the size) and bake at 350 till golden brown.

To do dinner rolls or loaf, do the same. Except when it is done rising, punch down and either cut pieces off to make into rolls or take dough and roll into a loaf, let rise around 30 min. bake 400 for 10 min, or longer for loaf.

Spicy Crackers

Super easy, fast and a crowd pleaser.

3 pkgs of saltines ( in a gallon size zip-lock bag)

In tupperware mix:

1 cup canola oil

1 pkg ranch dip  mix

2 tbsp crushed red peppers

Mix together and pour over crackers. Let set and flip bag over and over till all is coated. Mixture will dry on crackers the longer it sits.

Memories....

I remember well my mother making cinnamon rolls. I think she is the best cook on the planet! But one thing I hated about those cinnamon rolls were the little cherries and candied fruit she would put on them. I would always pick them off. I'm sure she put them in the cinnamon rolls because they were red and green and after all she was making them for Christmas presents, but I wasn't crazy about them at all. So today I made some cinnamon rolls without the candied red and green fruit. I hope one day my kids don't say "Mom should have put some red and green candied fruit in those rolls to make them more Christmas-like". I asked the kids what we should cut the cinnamon rolls with. Evi suggested a knife, Sebastian scissors, and when I pulled out the string (like my mom did), they were amazed that I would try cutting something with string! I wonder if my mom used string because she didn't have a good knife, or maybe that's the way her mom taught her. Needless to say I will keep the tradition going!  

Freezing Toes

Both of the kids wanted to go out and play in the ice, not snow because there wasn't any, but the ice. So after getting them dressed nice and cozy, they went out to play. About 20 minutes later, Evi knocked on the back door, with boots in hand and in her socks. They had decided to jump on the trampoline and break the ice that had formed on it. I went out to get Sebastian and his shoes were off too. After a change of pants, and warm slippers on we started on our next project... cinnamon rolls.

My Birthday Boy

My baby just turned four! Last week was his actual birthday, but because I was having back issues we had to postpone it for today. So here is how our day went...

We went to church and had a jolly time. After church Juan asked Sebastian where he wanted to eat. Sebastian said he wanted the sushi train, but this weekend when passing by we noticed it is now a pub. So we suggested Texas Roadhouse, where we can throw peanuts on the floor and then crunch them with our feet, and you can ride on a saddle and have everyone sing you happy birthday. Nope the boy wanted sushi. After sushi we came home and got things ready for the party. He is really into spiderman, so I made him a cake and he opened one present then the camera died. But it was a fun time. Now that the kids are in bed, and the blog is updated, I will go and look at his baby pictures and thank God for the life of my son.

Christmas Program

Evi was a Sarah, Father Abraham's wife in the Christmas play. She had been practicing for weeks to get her lines down, and today after we left church she said she was glad that it was over. It was cute to see her wave to her cousin Liesel in the audience. I could tell she was glad her cousins were there. She did a fantastic job, and I see that she blossoms with an audience.

Sebastian was another story. I watched as all the little boys (about 25 of them) take the stage as little angels singing " Away in a Manger" and doing hand motions. My boy had his hands shoved in his pockets. I told him that I was sad that he didn't sing and he said " Well, I already sang that song in my class" and he wasn't gonna sing it again.

Sweet Boy

I was wondering if anyone was wanting to spend some quality time with this sweet boy. We are going to Mexico for Christmas, and are taking Ruby to her new parents, but need a place for this little guy. We may even bring a little treat back for the sitter who would like to watch him while we are gone :)

Another Blog Game

My friend Terra tagged me to play this game. First, 5 of my favorite things, and a little something about myself. Now I must challenge 5 people to do their favorite 5:

Jessica, Crosby, Yvonne, Charissa, Liesel.

1. I love the things my kids will do for a laugh. They are always saying or doing something to make us laugh.

2. I love my parents. I hope to one day be like my Mom.

3. I love my little boys snuggle first thing in the morning, when he climbs into bed with us.( Evi was never a snuggler)

4. I love assisting Mommas while they are welcoming their new little ones.

5. I love my hubby's kisses.

More blogging fun, a get to know me survey...

Who's Who?

What is your husbands name? Juan 

How long have you been married? 9 years & 7 months

How long did you date? From the time we met, to the time we got married it was 13 months.

How old is he? 32

Who is taller? He is, not by much though.

Who can sing best? Neither one of us really, but at least I can sing on key...

Who is smarter? He is, hands down!

Who does the laundry? I do, but he has tried before.

Who pays bills? I write the checks, he tells me what to pay.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? If your looking at the bed, I do. It is closest to the door, and bathroom. Why is it only women that have to go in the middle of the night?

Who mows the lawn? He does, unless he's been mowing all day, and I feel like helping him out.

Who cooks the meals? I do unless I am in bed with back problems, then he does.

Who is first to admit when they are wrong? I usually do, cause he is usually right.

Who kissed who first? I think that was me.

Who wears the pants? He does, but I am the belt!

Go ahead try it out, it's fun to learn about each other!!

Christmas Pictures

Im curious as to how many people experience trouble taking family pictures of themselves. We were laughing this day because we were trying to get Sebastian not to make a silly face, Evi to smile naturally, and the dogs to look at the camera all while Juan is pushing the button and running into place. After maybe 15 shots, we finally decide to just pick one. Juan's legs were getting tired of sprinting, the dogs were wiggling, Evi was tired of smiling and we were done. I had to post this picture. As the eye behind the camera you can say "Quit making silly faces" and "Evi, move your hand!", but as we all were smiling for the camera, little did I know. That's why I love my digital camera! By the way, we did not use this for our Christmas cards this year.

On a totally different note, this past week I was in bed (yes.. all week) due to back problems. I think it was caused by that crazy long birth I had. The most frustrating thing is not being able to do anything for your family. I owe many thanks to my sweet hubby, who never complained of having to do dishes, bathe kids, do laundry, dinners & lunches, pick up the house and on top of all that still take care of me. Also, thanks Charissa for cleaning my house, and for the soups and bread, and for being willing to take Ava out of school to take me to Dr.'s visits, and just being willing to help, and to Sunny and Yvonne for all you did for me too. Thanks to all my friends & family for the phone calls to see how I was doing. I am blessed!

Thanksgiving

We had so much fun at my Uncle Mark's house for Thanksgiving. There were 48 people including kids. My Grandma who is 93, dressed as a pilgrim to celebrate. I believe that is a doily on her head, that she sewed ribbons on, to make a bonnet. We had lots of fun and fellowship, and it was good to be with family.

Longest Birth Ever

I have been at the hospital the last couple of days. I got a call on Monday night, go got there at around 8pm, she was being induced for high blood pressure, and she finally delivered last night at 8:45pm, and I got home at 10:30. I think this was my longest one yet.
We are looking forward to going to Bartlesville for Thanksgiving, and being with family. Today is my day to recuperate and get ready for tomorrow!

The Craft Show

This weekend was the craft show that Yvonne & I attended. It was our first one, and we had fun. We had a candle booth next to us that at first smelled nice, but 8 hours later, we were ready to get out of there.
There were a lot of people that took our business cards, and even a pregnant woman in labor, that had gone to just walk to get labor going, who I was able to share some insight as to what would help. The lady in charge of the church nursery came by and asked if we could start making diaper cakes for her to give to the new mom's at church! We really felt like it was a great opportunity to get the word out of our business, and there weren't any other diaper cake booths there. It was a lot of fun!

Friends

Sebastian has a friend, Mollie. She has spent the week with us, and we have enjoyed having her. Today we made some turkeys for Thanksgiving. Considering I didn't make a trip to the craft store, and three year olds made them, I think they turned out pretty cute! Speaking of cute.. isn't Mollie a doll? Sebastian thinks she is!

A Great Tag!

Don't you love the 4th picture in the 4th folder of your picture files? I do! I was tagged by Jennifer B. to post & tell about it, then tag 4 more friends to do the same. So here it is:



Here is one of many pictures that the kids take when I'm not looking. It is a turkey butt, I mean turkey feathers. It was given to Evi by my cousin Caleb, and she has it in her room. I think it is kind of gross.
I now tag my brother Jason, my friends Crosby, Yvonne & Cousin Dalene R. Can't wait to see your 4ths!

Where is Spiderman when you need him?

I can't imagine why I can't find a Spiderman toy to put on top of a cake. Wal-Mart has some for $10.99 but then why try to go cheap if you have to spend that much on a topper. I spent most of the day looking on e-bay, but by the time you wait and wait, the bid is at $11 plus shipping. I have looked online at Target, Toys-R-Us. Has anyone seen a Spiderman that is a reasonable price? I am thinking of going to the Goodwill to search in the toy bin!

I got a new job

I am now giving childbirth classes. My first official client came by tonight for a class, and I will also be her Doula in a couple weeks. It is nice to know that I will get paid for my time that I put into the classes. Now I need to get my hands on some childbirth class materials.
On the 22nd, my friend Yvonne and I have a Art's & Craft Show, where we will be selling our diaper cakes. If anyone wants to purchase one, or just stop by and see us, we will be at The Church at Battle Creek on 61st and Aspen, on November 22nd from 9am to 5pm or you can visit our blog www.youniquetechnique.blogspot.com

Great Friends

I have some amazing friends. Crosby, thank you so much for the WONDERFUL vegetable soup! It really hit the spot! There was even enough to have leftovers, mmm.
And Yvonne offered to bring me medicine to make me feel better, my sister offered to babysit for the day and my sweet husband took over the house, made runs to the grocery store for medicine, did dishes and really helped out with the kids.
While I was lying in bed trying to recuperate, Sebastian came in, found some lotion and attempted to give me a foot massage. Then he went to my closet, got some black heels, put them on my feet, then told me I needed to get out of bed, put a princess dress on ( he didn't approve of my sweats), and then wait for my prince to come kiss me and wake me up. I told him I would just pretend I was wearing a princess dress, and my shoes make me look princess enough. Keep in mind I'm still in bed at this point, and I hear him go tell Daddy to go kiss the princess so she'll wake up. Juan came in & kissed my forehead ( guess he doesn't wanna get sick too). I know I don't have vacation time, or maternity leave, or sick days, but who gets to be a princess every day?

Sick Days?? What's that??

I love being a mom. Pregnancy and birth, and the after part, where they grow up and are smarty pants. But I wonder why stay at home moms don't have sick days, vacation time, paid time off, maternity leave or the ability to call in sick. I think that they should be a " Celebrate a Stay at Home Mom" Day. I wonder if Obama would go for that?
I think I have the flu. My house is a mess, it is almost noon, and Sebastian is still in P.J.'s, none of the beds are made, but I did manage to get Evi off to school. I'm making my son become a couch potato. "What movie you wanna watch next, Sebastian?" is my favorite line when I'm sick. I guess instead of blogging, I need to get off my seat and do housework!

Look who went fishing!

We went to the ranch again this weekend, and while Evi rode on the trail, Sebastian went fishing. He caught 3 fish, with Mommas help. He wanted to keep the one on the rock, and eat it, but I couldn't get Nemo out of my head, and we ended up throwing him back. We might keep the ones we catch next time.

Out of the mouths of babes..

Sebastian made a letter for God at church last night. I have always wondered what he thinks about God. It turns out it was a thank you note. The teacher told me that when she heard what Sebastian was thankful for, she told him to think some more and she would be back to help him write it down. After hearing all the other kids say what they were thankful for, the teacher asked him again he said" You heard me". So she wrote part of what he said. He said he liked dressing up like Stephanie, with pink hair, from "Lazy Town". Evi is out of the dress up stage, so I have no clue where he got that. Why couldn't he have said " I like dressing up like Spiderman" We all had a good laugh.

How many times have you heard.....

"Momma can we keep it? It's a baby??" This morning I did, several times, and with tears after I threw the thing out the back door. "NO WAY!"

Fall Festival

We went to the Jones' Ranch for our church Fall Festival. The next morning we went to help them pick up trash and clean out the barn from the party the night before.
It was such a nice day, we were able to see Red Rain, and groom her, and then I saw Sebastian down by the pond, and I realized how much I would love to live in the country. This is where Red Rain calls home, and it is so nice that we can go see her whenever and hang out at a beautiful ranch. I spy Sebastian, can you?

It was about time!

Sebastian was mistaken for a little girl the other night while wearing his Gramps costume. So today I gave him a haircut. At least I didn't use a bowl...

I walked into the living room to tell Sebastian that it was time to go get Evi, and he was fast asleep with both dogs. I love that Ruby is just letting him lay on her.

Granny & Gramps

Here they are! Sebastian won a $5 gift card for his costume, and there were 2 other grannies that won a prize, but Evi was a good sport, and even took Gramps to get his prize. They had fun, and Evi kept asking for prunes instead of candy. People got a kick out of that.

We took the kids to the pumpkin patch. They rode a horse and played a couple gamed and each picked out two small pumpkins. Evi was upset that I let Sebastian put his pumpkins up to his eyes, and I made her take hers down. I explained that she was holding hers against her chest, and it just didn't look right, and so she wanted a do-over, so she got a picture with pumpkin glasses.

Evi officially meeting Mahajuluta AKA Red Rain

Juan having the talk with Red about never bucking Evi off

Red Rain getting some love. It's like she was snuggling! It was so cute.

Red, Evi, Juan and 6 month old Bliss

"CHEESE!"