DIY

Every Girl Wants To Be Gourmet [Guest Post]

Jennifer 3 Comments

I love to cook. It’s something I didn’t know about myself until I met my husband. He loves to cook (gets that from his Opa), and he’s really good at it. Over the years, it’s rubbed off on me…at least the “love” part. I still have a long way to go with respect to the “good” part.

The difference between us? I’m a rule-follower, and he’s a fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants kind of guy. The end result? I can pick out a mean recipe that is usually a crowd-pleaser, and I will follow it.  To. The. Letter. (at least the first time). And I usually have a fairly good result with the family.

Except for butternut squash or carrot soup.

Or pastas that don’t involve a red or cream sauce.

Or casseroles.

Casseroles

I’ve tried countless recipes in these departments to no avail. Between you and me, I don’t think it’s the recipes that are the problem. I think it’s the picky eaters involved. But we have a way of dealing with that in our home, and you can read about that here.

My husband, on the other hand, can’t follow a recipe to save his life, but if all we have on hand is some cream of chicken soup, Italian bread crumbs, a few chicken breasts, and a vegetable, he’ll whip up THE MOST DELICIOUS MEAL. Of course, we’ll never be able to have it again because he won’t be able to re-create it, but that’s OK. He’ll come up with another delicious, but different, version next time.

I’m always looking for new (and easy) recipes that will spice up the food I’m serving to my family because I want to keep mealtime interesting, and I want to continue introducing new foods to our kids in hopes of broadening their palates. I’m certain that someday…they’ll thank me. (They will eventually thank me, won’t they?)

This is an interest that I share with my sister, Lindsay, and my cousin, Amber. Over the years, we have swapped recipes, shared shortcuts, and even spent time cooking together, each of us bringing something new to the table for the other to try.

For a number of years, Amber and I lived minutes from each other, and it wasn’t an uncommon occurrence for us (and our hubbies) to destroy one of our kitchens trying to create something new. On one such occassion, we learned that Amber’s husband George is allergic to jalapenos. He was charged with slicing and seeding about 20 of them for something we were grilling and, bless his heart, for the next week, he couldn’t use his fingers due to the burning sensation under his nails! Note taken. Now we all wear gloves or use a spoon!

Our hubbies, about 10 years ago, whipping up a beach vacation breakfast for the girls, before any of us had children. I love pulling out old photos!

Recently, though, my family moved across town as a result of my husband’s appointment at a new church. And with Amber and George managing 15 month old quadruplets…

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and us having 3 children ranging in age from 2-9…

 We just don’t get to see them as much as we used to. So when Amber and I received an invitation from my sister (who lives halfway between us) to attend a cooking class at her house lead by Audrey McGinnis, owner of Every Girl Gourmet, we decided to seize the moment to spend a little time together and sharpen our skills at the same time.

Meet Audrey, owner of Every Girl Gourmet. Isn’t she the cutest thing ever?

The concept?

1. A night with the girls;

2. A cooking class lead by a finalist from Season 3 of Master Chef (remember the girl who made the cakes that looked like the Judges?  That’s Audrey!)

Audrey made it to the top 36, got the coveted apron, and was cut (from the show, not with a knife) during a meat challenge. But she points to her experience at Master Chef as the inspiration for this new aspect of her business.

3. A three-course meal;

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4. 3-5 recipes to take home;

5. And some really awesome, but simple, cooking tips to keep in your back pocket.

We had a blast! Audrey is polished, well-spoken, and witty. She’s a great cook. She knows how to make everyone feel comfortable in the kitchen. And she’s lots of fun to be around.

We left with 5 great recipes including a beverage, appetizer, salad dressing, main course, and dessert. And we were stuffed! But Amber and I agreed that the best part of the evening was soaking in some practical cooking tips that transcend the recipes Audrey shared with us.

This is my sister, Lindsay. She's a local news anchor, and even in her own kitchen, she looks like she's doing an interview!

This is my sister, Lindsay. She’s a local news anchor, and even in her own kitchen, she looks like she’s doing an interview!

Here’s a few things we learned:

1. Roasting vine-ripened tomatoes is the secret to delicious homemade salsa (plus adding a can of Fireroasted tomatoes). Audrey taught us to roast the tomatoes at 500 degrees in a round cake tin covered with foil. After removing the tomatoes from the oven, Audrey shared that covering them with the foil for about 15 minutes helps loosen the skins so they will peel right off.

Roasted Tomatoes

I’ve made two batches of Audrey’s salsa since the party. Delicious!

2. Adding a little tobasco to a buttermilk ranch dressing recipe is a nice touch.

3. The pits of an avocado will keep guacamole from turning brown. So after you whip up a batch of delicious guacamole, reunite the flesh of the avocado with its pit. It will thank you by staying green!

4. When baking any recipe that calls for vegetable oil, replace the oil with an equal amount of apple sauce. The end result? A healthier dessert, free of transfats, that will be light and fluffy (if you’re going for a dense cake, do not make this substitution).

5. When baking any chocolate recipe, if it calls for a cup of milk or water, add a teaspoon of instant ground coffee to the milk or water to increase the intensity of the chocolate.

6. If your recipe calls for eggs at room temperature and you forget to take them out of the refrigerator ahead of time, don’t panic. Instead, place them in a bowl of luke warm water for 3-4 minutes. (In exchange for this little tidbit, I shared a secret regarding softening butter — if you take butter right out of the refrigerator and grate it with a cheese grater, you will have softened butter for creaming without the wait time.)

As usual, I forgot to remove eggs from the refrigerator today. Audrey's trick worked like a charm!

As usual, I forgot to remove eggs from the refrigerator today. Audrey’s trick worked like a charm!

7. And finally, have you every wondered how to eat a cupcake without getting frosting all over your nose? Audrey taught us that a truly moist cupcake can be broken easily in half by tearing the top of the cupcake off the base. Then, take the base and place it on top of the icing (like an oreo), and wala! A mess-free cupcake with icing in every bite!

We learned a ton of other things as well, but most importantly, we got to spend some time with each other and we got to escape, even if just for a few hours, from the demands of work and family.  That alone was worth the cost of admission!

How do you love spending time with the girls?  And what are some of your favorite practical cooking tips?

P.S.  If you enjoyed reading this post, please come visit me and my family at Confessions Of A Pastor’s Family.  I am married to a pastor in the local church and recently launched this blog as a place for us to share stories regarding our Faith, Marriage, Family, and Ministry.  It is our hope that, through candid posts, we can touch the lives of families beyond the walls of our own church in a positive way.  We’d love to hear from you!

P.S.S.  Also, be sure to check out Audrey’s blog, Every Girl Gourmet.  It’s filled with great recipes and helpful cooking tips!

Blessings!

It’s autumn, right?

Amber 5 Comments

This week the Harvest Moon illuminated the sky in it’s orange glory, marking the official start to autumn. Naturally, in Texas no one would know autumn arrived judging by the weather, where temperatures remain in the mid 90’s. We never let the weather dictate how we prepare for the new seasons in our home. Over the week, George and I spruced the place up with some new fall decor, and the babies gave us their hands (and feet) for the cause.

Our attic is stashed full of seasonal decorations, but some of them are getting rather tired and may need to retire. George thought we needed a fall wreath this year and wanted to upcycle a grapevine wreath from the attic. I think fall wreaths are a wonderful way to welcome visitors, but I’ve never found myself good at making them. But, I’m far too frugal to purchase a ready made one. With a little help from Pinterest and a few new accessories from Hobby Lobby, our porch now looks like this-

5-Autumn

I bought a 12″ wooded S, which I coated with Mod Podge then dusted with gold glitter. George actually made the burlap bow and arranged the sprays into the wreath. The owl was found in our attic and we nested him in the wreath for a spooky touch. Since the chevron on the bow is green, I am thinking of later converting this wreath to a Christmas one by switching out the sprays and owl for other accessories. The pumpkins on the porch were old faded plastic ones in storage that got the same bedazzled treatment as our S.

Recently we’ve had a problem with delivery drivers, solicitors, and even neighbors ringing the door bell just as the babies drift off to sleep during nap time. There is not much worse than getting four babies to sleep only to have a door bell startle them and spoil the peace. For a while, we had a paper note taped to our doorbell, but it wasn’t attractive. George replaced the paper sign with a barn wood frame and wood panel stating, “Knock softly babies sleeping.” Because George is an over achiever, he wanted to make an additional sign with a quote that is meaningful to our family.

There is a wonderful story behind the quote, which George will happily share with anyone who wants to inquire.

There is a wonderful story behind the quote, which George will happily share with anyone who inquires.

Inside, I tossed some spray painted dry gourds into an orange basket for a fresh fall centerpiece. Then, I used the extra burlap ribbon from the wreath to adorn our mantle along with my favorite pumpkin collection and scarecrow.

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Finally, the babies helped us create a Halloween masterpiece with their hands and feet.

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We used black foam board cut into smaller sections as canvas, and I connected them with grosgrain ribbon from our gift wrap box. Harper’s hands created the spider, Sydney’s feet created the candy corn, Rylin’s hands made the skeleton hands, and Mason’s feet became ghosts.
We chose to hand the babies’ art work adjacent to the quad table, and they enjoy admiring it during mealtimes.

The kick off to fall is never complete without a pot of chili. This year, I wanted to try my hand at Crock Pot chili since our slow cooker is my new favorite kitchen appliance. I perused our pantry and came up with my take on Green Chicken Chili.

Green Chicken Chili Dump these ingredients in the Crock Pot: 4 chicken breasts, 1/2 box chicken broth, 2 cans green enchilada sauce, 1 can rotel, 2 cans corn drained, 2 cans white beans (rinsed and drained), 8 oz cream cheese. Cook on low 6-8 hrs or on high 4 hrs.

Green Chicken Chili
Dump these ingredients in the Crock Pot: 4 chicken breasts, 1/2 box chicken broth, 2 cans green enchilada sauce, 1 can Rotel, 2 cans corn drained, 2 cans white beans (rinsed and drained), 8 oz cream cheese. Cook on low 6-8 hrs or on high 4 hrs.

What do you do in your home when fall arrives?

Hugs,

Amber

How do you make a tissue dance?

Amber 4 Comments

Put a little boogie in it!

Sorry for the lame Laffy Taffy joke….I couldn’t help myself since this post is about baby boogies.

Thanks to our lock down efforts, we did not have a sick visit to the pediatrician until after the babies’ first birthday. Now that we are past the days of lock down, we are venturing out to new places more frequently. Naturally, that means we’re exposed to germs, and sick babies are inevitable. As much as I’d love to protect the babies forever, we cannot and will not live within the confines of a bubble. I want the babies to experience childhood fully and as normally as possible so out of our bubble we’ll go.

George will probably not like this picture being posted, but it's the only one taken at our very first sick visit. We had to take Harper to the urgent care clinic on a Sunday afternoon when he had a double ear infection and nasal congestion.

George will probably not like this picture being posted, but it’s the only one taken at our very first sick visit. We had to take Harper to the urgent care clinic on a Sunday afternoon when he had a double ear infection and nasal congestion.

While the average baby contracts about eight colds within the first year of life, our babies are just now experiencing their first legitimate cold. It’s not the worst cold ever, but there are copious amounts of despicable snot. With tons of nasal suctioning and tissue wiping, the babies noses became raw and irritated. I decided to try my hand at making nose and face wipes to solve the problem.

I simply used the same recipe we use for baby wipes and swapped out the traditional baby wash for Johnson & Johnson’s soothing vapor wash (it contains soothing rosemary, eucalyptus, and menthol) and added a few drops of tea tree oil to soothe the raw areas.  The batch cost me about $.50 and they are fantastic! I realize that many people are hesitant to try home-made items, but honestly these are a cinch. If parents of quadruplets can find two minutes to make them, most anyone could.

DIY Boogie Wipes recipe: Cut one Viva paper towel roll in half and stuff into a cylindrical container. Whisk together 1 1/2 c. water, 1 tbs soothing vapor bath, 1/2 tbs baby oil, and 2 drops tea tree oil. Pour mixture over the paper towel roll. Pull cardboard from the center of the paper towels. Voila!

DIY Nose and Face Wipes:
1. Cut one Viva paper towel roll in half and stuff into a cylindrical container.
2. Whisk together 1 1/2 c. water, 1 tbs soothing vapor bath, 1/2 tbs baby oil, and 2 drops tea tree oil.
3. Pour liquid mixture over the paper towel roll.
4. Pull cardboard from the center of the paper towels.
Voila!

For step by step pictures of the process, check out our baby wipes recipe, then swap out the baby wash for soothing vapor wash.  Simple!

What home remedies do you use for colds?

hugs!

Amber

P.S. For baby wipes, I prefer to use Bounty paper towels because they are strong.  However, for noses, the Viva paper towels are much softer and gentler.  Also, the soothing vapor wash is only recommended for infants over three months of age.

How to Build a Quad Feeding Table

Amber 20 Comments

As the babies approached their six month birthday, we knew spoon feeds were impending.  It’s not that we aren’t absolutely excited to introduce new flavors and textures to the babies, but we know it’s going to bring new challenges.  Over the past few months, we settled into a really nice feeding schedule with bottles at 8, 11, 2, 5, and 8.  Spoon feeds will inevitably interfere with our tried and true routine (in a good way eventually).  A jar of baby food won’t last one feed in this house so we will also be making our own baby foods.  That means even more work preparing feeds.  As it is, George spends roughly 30 minutes nightly preparing formula for the next 24 hours.  On a positive note, making baby food will make us eat healthier because we will be well stocked with fresh produce.

And the biggest challenge related to spoon feeds….where and how to feed four babies!  High chairs were never under consideration.  Four of them would be pricey and there is NO space for them in our kitchen anyways.   My original plan was to buy feeding seats to attach to our kitchen chairs.  Feeding seats would be relatively inexpensive, portable, and space saving.  However, our kitchen table is round and there’s no way one person could reach all the babies if feeding them alone.  I am alone with the babies 3-5 days of the week so practicality is imperative.  A few months ago, there was chatter among quad moms about feeding tables.  A lot of them raved about them so we started browsing the options.  There are companies that make commercial grade quad feeding tables.  However, these tables are primarily marketed to daycare and school settings.  They are very practical and durable.  They are also unattractive and expensive.  In order to house a quad table, we had to sacrifice our kitchen table.  Keeping that in mind, we wanted something sturdy, practical, and easy to clean, but that was not an eye sore either.  Thus, the idea of building a quad table was born.  We ordered red replacement seats for the commercial feeding tables from Just Multiples for $30 each.  Shortly after ordering our seats, I heard it through the grapevine that fellow quad mama, Traci’s father recently built a feeding table for her quads. Traci was kind enough to share their plans, which George used loosely.  Also, George was able to chat with Traci’s father for a few tips.

Just Multiples sells a commercial grade table for $575

Here is a list of the materials George used with a cost breakdown:

  • plywood $60
  • two 4 x 8 beams $22
  • wood filler $3
  • stain $12
  • wood glue $3
  • four 2 packs of corner braces $16
  • sandpaper $6
  • Liquid Nails $3
  • four replacement toddler table seats $120
  • paint FREE- we already had it!
  • miscellaneous woodworking tools FREE- we already had them
  • GRAND TOTAL $230

As you can see, we saved several hundred dollars making custom table that fits our breakfast nook perfectly!  Below George attached pictures with step by step explanations of how he fabricated our table.

I began by gathering my materials in order to layout my design. Two sheets of 3/4" cabinet grade plywood and two 8X4" beams.

I began by gathering my materials in order to layout my design. Two sheets of 3/4″ cabinet grade plywood and two 8X4″ beams.

Next I began to layout my design using a rough set of plans from the Dvorak's.

Next I began to layout my design using a rough set of plans from the Dvorak’s.

Then I used a jigsaw and carved out my design. I clamped both pieces together and cut both at the same time.

Then I used a jigsaw and carved out my design. I clamped both pieces together and cut both at the same time.

I used the seats to decide where to place my holes.

I used the seats to decide where to place my holes.

After cutting both pieces I cut out special openings to allow for the seat to snap into place. (notice this is the bottom piece)

After cutting both pieces I cut out special openings to allow for the seat to snap into place; this is the bottom piece.  Note: In hindsight I’d make this hole 9 1/2 ” by 9 1/2″ square because the top piece will be 8 1/2″ by 8 1/2″ square and will cover this opening.

I used wood glue to press both pieces of wood together and I allowed this to sit for two days.

I used wood glue to press both pieces of wood together and I allowed this to sit for two days.

I used clamps to make sure everything went together smoothly. Wood has a tendency to warp.

I used clamps to make sure everything went together smoothly. Wood has a tendency to warp.

I used a miter saw to cut down the legs to size. All are 29" long.

I used a miter saw to cut down the legs to size. All are 29″ long.

Here are the four legs cut to size. Notice how they are sanded down.

Here are the four legs cut to size. Notice how they are sanded down.

I bought a dowel rod and cut 8 individual pieces. This will be used in the next step.

I bought a dowel rod and cut 8 individual pieces. This will be used in the next step.

I used a drill to make holes in the leg and into the underneath of the table. Notice how I wrapped tape around the drill bit to give me a guide so that I did not go through the table.

I used a drill to make holes in the leg and into the underneath of the table. Notice how I wrapped tape around the drill bit to give me a guide so that I did not go through the table.

Next I used wood glue to glue in the dowel rods and then Liquid Nails to secure the legs to the table. I used weights to make sure it went down properly. I let this sit overnight to cure.

Next I used wood glue to glue in the dowel rods and then Liquid Nails to secure the legs to the table. I used weights to make sure it went down properly. I let this sit overnight to cure.

The next morning I sanded the table down for hours. I then applied the first coat of stain.

The next morning I sanded the table down for hours. I then applied the first coat of stain.

I also used these brackets to secure the legs to the table again. I wanted to make sure nothing moved.

I also used these brackets to secure the legs to the table again. I wanted to make sure nothing moved.

I then brought the table into the house to see how it fit in order to make last minute changes.

I then brought the table into the house to see how it fit in order to make last minute changes.

Amber wanted me to match our living room rug so I painted a little design.

Amber was afraid the table would look like a “sea of brown” and wanted me to match our living room rug so I painted a little design on the top.  It was a good idea.  After all, there will never be place mats, center pieces, or table runners on this table!  Paint was a good way to liven it up a bit.

Here is another angle after I applied a coat of polyurethane.

Here is another angle after I applied a coat of polyurethane.

And here it is all done in it's splendor. Never in a million years did I ever think I would make one of these.

And here it is all done in it’s splendor. Never in a million years did I ever think I would make one of these.

This one shows all of the dimensions I used.

This one shows all of the dimensions I used.

To make sure the table could handle the weight of four babies or toddlers, George perched on top of it.

To make sure the table could handle the weight of four babies or toddlers, George perched on top of it.

He also sprawled across the thing like some sort of gangster! Should be good for a gang of quads.

He also sprawled across the thing like some sort of gangster, maybe the Quad Father. Should be good for a gang of quads.

Now that the table is ready to go, we just have to figure out how to pad the babies in so they can use it ASAP.  We realize the seats aren’t intended for six month old preemies, they are really for toddlers.  However, we figured if George was going to go through the effort of making a table, we might as well use it as long as possible.  Stay tuned for spoon feed updates and pictures with messy babies!

hugs!

Amber (and George)

 

Update….we used old baby bath towels to pad the babies into their seats until they sat up well enough independently.  They outgrew the quad table after their second birthday and we now use a family dinner table with restaurant high chairs.

It’s a 10 Pin Kinda Day

Amber 7 Comments

Today my favorite sister, Courtney, and her partner puppy in crime, Stella, spent the day with me.  We decided that since I have been nowhere near a spa in ages, it was time for beauty treatments.  So….we found 10 cool DIY projects to try today.  Here’s what we did today:

1. Courtney put my hair up in a braid to keep it out of my face.

2. Courtney created a cute retro style head wrap to keep her hair back.

3. We made some refreshing watermelon mint water.  All you do is muddle a sprig of mint with a few scoops of watermelon in a mason jar, add ice, then fill the jar with water.  Finally, shake well!

muddlin’ mint and watermelon!

4. We needed lids for our watermelon water (since I am now a total slob!) so we put a piece of paper under the lid and poked a hole in it for a straw.  The Pinterest version uses cupcake liners, but we didn’t have any so we improvised!

5. We made some lavender mint hand/ foot scrub.  The original recipe calls for a different scent of soap, but we had lavender, which smells divine and added a few drops of mint.  All you do is put sugar in a mason jar, mix in Dawn soap with Oil of Olay and mix well.  Then, scrub your hands and feet until a nice lather forms.

6. Next, we made a simple facial mask with water and baking soda.  So easy!  It exfoliates and removes blackheads very well.

7. While our masks set, we moisturized our hands with an olive oil honey serum.

8. Then, no surprise, I got hungry!  So…we made delicious, creamy Nutella cool whip Popsicle.  We just blended 1/2 c. milk, 3 tbs. Nutella, and 1 c. cool whip in the blender the poured them into Popsicle molds.

9.  Well, the popsicles had to set so we had some microwave popcorn to tide me over and in the meantime, did a spice mask.  We simply mixed cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey and rubbed on our faces.  Nutmeg and honey act as natural anti-inflammatories, which can reduce swelling and redness in skin. They’re also great for soothing acne scars and preventing infection. In addition, the nutmeg and cinnamon also work to exfoliate your skin when you wash this mask off.  And…if a little drips near your mouth, it tastes great!!!!

10.  Finally, it was time for my pedicure!  Since I haven’t been able to reach my toes in weeks and I can’t go to a salon, Courtney gives me a pedi every two weeks.  Such a sweet sister!  This time we did “mermaid toes”.  Courtney buffed and trimmed my toe nails as usual then cleaned the oils off with rubbing alcohol.  She then painted two coats of Essie “Turquoise and Caicos” nail polish on me.  She topped it off with two coats of Essie Luxe “shine of the times” and now I have shimmery mermaid toes!

We really had a wonderful day!  I am so blessed to have Courtney as my sister.  I hope our girls are close like this when they are older.  And, I hope they are close to their brothers too!

These DIY projects were fun, cheap, and easy.  All worthwhile!

hugs,

Amber

Diaper Chute

George 11 Comments

I guess I couldn’t let my wife steal all the glory so I decided to show off a little.  As we know “It is all about me.” – that’s a little inside joke.  As my wife turns to words for comfort, I turn to building and creating with my hands.   A guy can nest too, right?  If there is one thing you need to know about me it is that I was born with Anosmia;  it means I cannot smell a thing.   Not a rose, popcorn, a slow roasted Texas Brisket or a dead skunk.  Nothing.  It really hasn’t affected my life except of course for my cleanliness.  I like to keep everything as clean as possible to make sure it doesn’t stink.  I have noticed that people who can smell mention that things smell good 5% of the time with bad smells representing an overwhelming 95%.  I presume the world is full of bad smells but this is just an observation.

This brings me to my creation…The Poop Chute.  Who has a poop chute you ask???? Nobody except the Shawvers!  I just cannot believe anyone would allow poop to be in the same place they eat and sleep. It just does not make any sense to me.  I asked many people how they dispose of diapers and the only logical conclusion is a Diaper Genie or Diaper Champ.  These devices were created years ago and I am surprised nobody has come up with something better. Since we are expecting four I did not want to keep emptying these devices all day long to keep the stink away.  I needed something where they all go and I can change once a day.

Below I show how I built my work of art.   I simply used small pet door and a duct which can be purchased at any local hardware store.

This is a small 6X6 pet door purchased for about 20 bucks

                                      I had to bend this duct to the proper shape, pointing downwards.                                                   This is a 10" vent pipe elbow purchased for about 12 bucks  Next, I  cut out an opening in the wall to accommodate the pet door on one side.  On the other, I cut and traced out a 10″ hole to insert the duct into.

This is the door on the inside. You place the diaper in here.

This is the door on the inside of the nursery closet. You place the diaper in here.

This is the duct from the inside of the garage.  The diapers fall out of this chute into a waiting trashcan placed underneath.  I will line the trashcan with charcoal to absorb the odors.  I will simply step out of the car, take out the trash, and Voila!  It’s a nice way to dispose of dirty diapers in a convenient centralized location!

BTW….I also invented a previous product that I used to potty train our puppy while living in an apartment.  We called it The Pooch Patio Potty.  I put a layer of sod in a soil lined box for the puppy to use.   It worked great!  Sasha was able to potty right on the balcony without making a mess and we didn’t have to haul her down three flights of stairs each time she needed to go.  However, someone else later made something similar with Astroturf and now sells them at Bed Bath and Beyond!  My million dollar idea gone in an instant.

George

Pin this!

Amber 3 Comments

I am pretty behind on my blogging because frankly on my last days of going to work, I was zapped of all energy.  Last weekend my dear friend, Melissa hosted the most precious shower at her house with the help of my friends Terra and Nekedria.  It was so cute in fact, I think some of Melissa’s  ideas should be pinned on Pinterest.   They used my sea turtle story as inspiration for the theme, which was so personal and touching.    Every time I would go into a new room I would find some extra special detail in the decor.   For example, on the coffee table was a set of books wrapped in brown craft paper that displayed the names of the babies.  Behind the fireplace hung a clothesline holding  little onsies with hand painted turtles.  Baby bottles were stashed about that were filled with sea shells.  The cake even featured our blog name and a set of sweet sea turtles.  I felt so loved seeing all of the hard work they put into my shower.  Current and former colleagues were all there showing their love and support as well.  Our department secretary who retired almost two years ago even came, which was a wonderful surprise for me.  One group found a Brighton sea turtle charm bracelet that I will wear as a reminder of our journey and a symbol to show others.  I couldn’t read the cards because I knew they would start the waterworks and I wouldn’t be able to turn them off.  Below is a slide show of pictures so you can see everything for yourself. 

hugs!

Amber

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Mission Organization!

Amber 13 Comments

When we bought our house six years ago, we thought we’d grow into it, but we had NO idea how much.  In six years time, we’ve done a lot of stuff collecting.  That means both spare bedrooms and their closets were filled to capacity.  That does not make for good nurseries, especially not shared nurseries.  George was willing to part with his exercise equipment and sold all of it on Craigslist, but the closets were still full of photos, gift wrap, miscellaneous junk, camping gear, and the list goes on.  We cleaned out as much as we could, but the stuff still had to go somewhere.  It migrated to our upstairs room where it sat for weeks.  While no one that visited our house saw the enormous pile, we both knew it was there and we had lots of stuff that needed a home.  It caused that annoying nagging feeling within us.  So, we went on a mission to tackle it this weekend!  Thankfully, George is a good fantastic carpenter.  He expanded the shelving in all of the closets in our house, including the pantry and laundry room.  These expansions helped us to store more stuff than before, but it would not contain everything.  We then found cabinet kits at Lowe’s for our upstairs room.  By the time we headed to bed last night, all of the stuff had found a new home (besides the nurseries) and it no longer consumed our home.  It gave us both a sense of preparedness and control over things that we can actually control, which felt great!  Now we can focus on important stuff like outfitting the nurseries!  If we only knew what colors to choose….

hugs!

Amber

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