Mommy's Reading Again

Now that we're getting used to our new schedule, I've started to get back into things I enjoy. Mark and I have been tackling our yard and garden again. Which feels so good! There is just something, about digging in the dirt, that heals the soul!

And during the day, I'm finding a lot of "down time." Probably because I'm getting up earlier. Much earlier. And I get so much housework done. By the time I get Elena to school, I'm usually completely caught up with the cleaning. OK, there is still laundry to do. But that just kind of does itself. You know, throw it in the machine, and it washes.

When the girls go down for their naps, I'm sorta without anything to do. I mean, there is always something to do, but I actually have some free time. Well, I'm working on this project for me. Which makes me so happy! And I've started reading again.

With that, I've leaned on some friends for book suggestions. Things that will interest me. And aren't too crazy. I've also been reading my Bible a lot more. Which really heals my soul!! But recently, I've really gotten into this book.



Now I've read other books by Jennifer Weiner. They really are good. But I'd never read this one before. Which is about the "suburbs." And a murder. Which has had me completely "hooked," all week long!

I have Lola to thank for introducing me to Jennifer's books. And Cam to thank for this book. So around 11AM, I've probably got this book in my hand. Oh, and a sweet treat in the other! A

Something for Mommy

I had a lot of fun, participating in this Crochet Along. I actually finished my owl bag on time! And now, I need to make another 2. :) My 1st one was for Elena. But Ofelia just adores it too! My niece, who is a bit older, also asked me to make her one. I'm going to be a little busy. But it really is a fun and easy pattern to work with.

Just as I was finishing up, I noticed that Lola was hosting another Crochet Along. With her mom. And this one, is for a beautiful shawl. Something I could definitely use! So I signed up. :)



Mark just laughs. But I do think I'm "hooked" on crochet! Like I've said before, I don't have a lot of time to crochet. But when the girls are napping, and I'm all caught up on "house stuff," I like to sit and relax. Crocheting is helping me to do just that. Relax.

I'm really excited about this project. Because this is something I could use. In more ways than one. Yes, after 3 girls, I'm starting to realize even I need a break. At least for a few minutes every day. And this momma, could really use a few more additions to her closet. A

Now That There's 3...

I LOVE my girls. But now that there are 3, life is just a bit more complicated. I turned to Mindy for some help. Sunday mornings have always been a bit stressful. We're trying to get to church on time. With kids, it gets a bit more complicated. But with 3, I'm finding, it's a little overwhelming.

My big girls, don't like Mark to comb their hair. They'll let him, get them dressed. Even fed. But I have to comb their hair. And Sofia, she's got to eat. Something else, that Mark can't help with.

All of this, has led to me, throwing on a maxi dress, sandals, and putting my wet hair, in a bun. I've got a cardigan in the car, at all times, for just this reason. And we still get to church, as the bells begin to ring. :(



This week, I found this video. Watched it 5 times. Laid out everyone's clothes. Saturday afternoon. And set the alarm. 2 things happened Sunday morning. One, we got to church with 5 minutes to spare. Two, I felt better. My hair was combed. I had a chance to throw on some lipgloss. And I felt confident. Put together. Thank you Mindy, for the idea. It may not seem like a lot, but it definitely changed, my now crazy Sunday mornings! A

You Made What??

I recently found a new blog, that I'm in love with! If by now, you haven't noticed, I've got a serious sweet tooth! Oh boy do I!! I remember when Mark and I first started dating, my MIL was very concerned about this. Because I'd show up for dinner, and I wouldn't really eat. Then I'd see dessert, and I'd eat everyone under the table!!

Little has changed really. Except now, I really do try, to have a more balanced diet. I promise myself, that if I eat a salad, then I can have some cookies. I have to. Or else, I'd try and live off of sugar!! :)



But recently, I've been wanting salty and sweet, at the same time. And Grateful Belly is helping, in that way! It's a little crazy. Last night, after Elena and Ofelia went to bed, I got one of those cravings. It was consuming my entire thoughts!! That's when I turned to this inspiration.

I know. It sounds odd. Fritos dipped in chocolate. Then dipped in sprinkles. Oh boy it was a treat! A party in my mouth!! Mark looked at me a little strange. But he tried them too. And he really enjoyed this treat. Now I'm feeling a little guilty. Because we finished them off. Last night. Without sharing with our girls. Maybe that's an excuse, to whip up another batch!! A

Perfect for My Daughters!!!

I'm not going to lie, life has been so crazy!! But I'm still wanting to make time, for all my girls. I want our older girls, to feel special. And not left out. Because, let's be honest, Sofia needs me 24/7!!!

Today, when Sofia went down for a nap, I wanted to work on a special project. Just for Elena and Ofelia!! It's been a little hit or miss, whether all my girls will nap at the same time. But today, they all did. I swear, I heard angeles singing. :)



I remembered this project. I seen it, a few weeks ago. Before Sofia was born. And I "favorited it." Knowing, that I'd come back to it. Eventually! Today was the day. I've cut out, all the bunting pieces. I've got some sticks. And now, I just need to start tying. :) Hopefully by tomorrow, we'll have 3 buntings. For 3 perfect little girls!!! I can't wait. A

Making Memories

I'm a really big fan of Rice Krispies Treats!!! My mom can attest to that. I remember one day, hearing about them. And making her go to the grocery store. For all the supplies. I think I was in elementary school. :)

We made them that afternoon. And ever since, it's been one of those treats, that I just love! Since I've been married, I've varied my Rice Krispies Treats. Added things to them, like candy, nuts, dried fruit,various marshmallows. Lots of things!! And they are just too darn good!

At one point, I wouldn't allow Rice Krispies, marshmallows, or anything to do with my favorite treats, in our home. At the time, I needed to lose 10 lbs. And it just wasn't happening, with these bad boys in the house!!

I think last year, was the first year, that I heard about these eggs. It might have been 2 years ago. I can't remember. But I saw the commercial on TV. I kept saying, I'm going to try those. Well, it never happened. :(



Last week, I saw that commercial again. And I got an idea. Over the weekend, I just knew, that we had to at least try these. I picked up the supplies on last Friday. While grocery shopping. Yum! I was so excited!! And last Saturday, after nap time, we went all out!

Two hours later, we had a nice stack of eggs. I'll be it, Mark and I, made 99% of them. But that's our job. :) Elena and Ofelia were so excited, with all their hard work!! It was such a fun project. One that I hope, becomes a tradition in our family. :)

And all those Rice Krispies eggs, were happily eaten!! Not all by us. Although, we did have our fair share. But I took them with us, to my parents' house Sunday. They had us all over, including my siblings and their families, for dinner. It was super yummy!!

I'm hoping, to make these one more time. For Easter. But with my due date so close to Easter, I'm just not sure. We'll have to play it by ear. Maybe instead, I should whip some up today, during nap time. For our weekly Family Dinner. :) A

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter everyone!! There's just something about Easter, that makes me so happy!! Lent, is a time, when I completely "fill up" my tank. I soak up all of God's grace. I feel like Lent, is a time of reflection. But also, a time of "soul healing."

Our little family, is so excited about going to church today. I'm telling you, we all feel so blessed. The Easter Bunny even stopped by. Left our daughters some treats. That I'm sure, when they wake up, will be so thrilled! :)




This afternoon, we're all heading to my in-laws' house. They're hosting a nice cookout. And my family, is so happy about going! My sister even called last night, to ask me what time she should be there. Secretly, I know that she's excited over my MIL's cooking!! So am I!! I made this cake for the celebration. It was super easy!! And now, I'm wondering why I haven't done it before. Happy Easter!! A

Learning to Crochet

Lola has been in town. Since her dad got sick. I'm not exactly sure, just how long she's going to be here. But we're all enjoying her company! Very much! There have been many lunches. Lots of trips to the library. And a few runs to the store.

One thing that I've always wanted to learn, is how to crochet. And anyone that knows Lola, knows that she is skilled! So is her mom. :) I watched as Lola, mindlessly crocheted in the hospital. And it just intrigued me.

A few days ago, I asked Lola to show me the basics. We went to Hobby Lobby, and stocked up, on supplies. And one night, we had her over for dinner. Mark agreed to clean up the kitchen after dinner. So that we could get started. :)



I was hooked from the very beginning! Every time we go visit her dad, I bring along my crochet. Just so I could ask a question or 2. From Lola, or her mom. Right now, I'm working on this blanket. In these colors. For Elena. Lola insisted, that it's a very basic pattern. And it really is easy. Even for this beginner. I'm slowly coming along!

When I finish it, I want to start a pink and turquoise one for Ofelia. This might take a while, but I'm OK with that. I never realized, just how calming crocheting is. Thank you Lola! You've taught me something, that I've wanted to do for years. And I love it! A

Garden Inspiration

It's still cold around here. But we're already thinking of Spring. And planting. My in-laws always have the most beautiful, and delicious garden. My FIL always sends us home, with fresh veggies. We all anxiously await the fresh peaches and pears. Oh, and the green chili! Just thinking about it, makes me want July to be here!!

For the last few years, Mark and I, have had a garden. Nothing like my FIL's. His is just amazing! I'm telling you, I don't think my in-laws buy veggies all summer long!! But Mark and I have been trying. And we've been relatively good at it.

This year, we have a newborn. And I just don't see myself, on hands and knees, weeding our garden. For 3 hours a day! But we still want to plant various things. After talking with my FIL and my good friend, now I know what we need to do.



Two words!! Garden boxes!! I've been investigating the situation. Mark and his brothers, are going to be building us 4 this weekend. :) This is a nice description/tutorial. I'm hoping, this cuts back on our weeding. But still allows us, yumminess all summer long! A

I'm Gonna Get My Craft On!!!

Last night, I got a little lost. In the world of YouTube!! Isn't that the way it works? YouTube just sorta sucks you up. And you lose hours of your time. I feel like it works like this. Anyway, I was catching up on all my favorite YouTubers. And I was so excited when I came to Jen's page!!



This is such a good tutorial. Honestly, I almost bought a wipe case, some burp clothes, and a little blanket on Etsy. It's still in my "favorites." I'm not going to tell you the seller. Because now that I think about it, $100 for this set....is just nuts!! The blanket is just a receiving blanket. With a little fabric letter sewn on it.

But I'm so excited about this discovery!! I'm not crafty. At all! But even I, can figure out how to glue some fabric, on a wipe case. Especially, since Jen does it all on camera!! Now I need to go buy a glue gun and some fabric. This is so exciting for me! I'm going to be making one of these for our baby girl!! :) A