It Really Is...

THE BEST CHOCOLATE SHEET CAKE. EVER!!!

I have a Texas Sheet Cake that I have used and got it from a good girlfriend's mother-in-law. It's yummy and it has been used for many an occasion. So, when I saw this claim by Ree, THE Pioneer Woman, I was skeptical - to say the least. But, I had to make it. The differences in our recipees were minute. Hers has more butter and vanilla. And, it's better. See for yourself. You can see step by glorious step by clicking on the above link. It's worth it. Here's my final product (above.) I used my Pampered Chef large bar pan and didn't oil the pan first.

Sweet Melynda & Ashley share what appears to be one of the last pieces.
It's so good my daughter wouldn't even remove the fork from her mouth in fear that she would miss out on some the chocolate crumbs.

About 30 minutes (at the most) after I brought the cake down stairs.

I am smart, though, and gave myself and nice big serving the first time around 'cause I had a feeling that it might be my only one! It was.

Cousins

Abbie and I , pictured above, used to be close. We were friends. Then they moved close to us (from far away) and we were way too much alike to be friends all the time. So, we drifted apart and only saw each other at family affairs. We're cousins. Two months apart in age. Our Daddy's are brothers. You know what one of the cool things about growing older is? I mean, if there is a cool thing about growing older...., sometimes we grow up, too. And I think Abbie and I have grown up. 'Cause we like each other now. We're friends. And while being family is all that, sometimes being friends is more. Here's to us: two thirty something-going grey together gals. The East coast is too far to see each other often but not too far in cyberspace!!!
Here is her brother, Adam, and his darling son, Bryce. They live in Washington with his wife and other two rugrats. I think Bryce looks like his Daddy - at least his head does.

The beautiful mommy is my niece and she's being introduced to a bunch of family she hasn't met before. She's holding my great-niece. You can also see my Aunt and then there's Bryce's head really close to the camera.

We had a mini-reunion at church today. My Dad's brother and his whole family, well almost, came to church today to see us and hear my DH preach. So, we got to see all of my cousin's and most of their family. Some had to stay home and work. Such is life. Especially for a doc in residency.

How nice to see family. But they're moving away or have moved away. Except for one. And we will not forget you Robyn!!!

Spring Break'in

Sonic - What's not to love about Happy Hour at Sonic? Even on my crazy diet I can sneak in a peach iced tea legally!! Just in case my mother is worried that I took this picture while driving (GASP), look at the speedo and you'll see it's perched perfectly at 0.
How many times could a little boy go pee in a port-a-potty? Well, in less than 3 hours he went SIX times. By himself. I snuck in for a picture and he was NOT happy. I can't post the picture that captures him yelling, "NNNOOOOOOO!!!!" since it shows his three-year old bum. He even used the hand sanitizer EACH time. Now, that's my boy. Since this time, I've wondered if he would use an outside facility more faithfully if we got one for our place? I'd love to just take a power hose to the seat - hey - I could make it the "Non-female" room!!! That would make cleaning the bathroom SO much easier!!! I may be on to something here. Ya think?

Here is a picture of Javier with coffee running down his chin. You read that right. Coffee. Granddad started this tradition with Paco and kept it with Javi. Granddad comes over every morning to have coffee with the boys. This particular morning, Granddad couldn't make it and I messed up by giving Javi the wrong cup. See, he has a coffee cup. Well, you can tell just by looking that it isn't right because there's coffee dripping from his chin; with a mouth full of cafe con crema y leche (coffee with cream & milk).

Happy Easter!

I love Easter. I love all it represents - the colors, the change in food, springtime and new beginnings - life. I really enjoy that the activities and expense don't overtake the meaning of Easter - Christ, and that we can actually be in the norm with church-going activiites. I love our church's Easter breakfast where the men cook and we ladies can show up and eat. Yes, we bring sweet breads but that's nothing compared to the hubbub of other holidays!

You can see I have very tough boys. Tough Enough to Wear Pink this coming August when CNR, our local rodeo, does it fundraiser for free mammograms for area women. They looked good - my boys were all decked out in dress shirts and ties today. Only little Javi didn't have pink on that's only 'cause I couldn't find a dress shirt to fit him in pink!

My girls matched for what is probably the last year. Mel is ready to move out of "girl sizes" and Sky will be in them forever. Well, maybe not forever, but I'm sure it seems that way to all of us, especially her.

Sky had a special music at church service today and sung so beautifully. It was a glorious time celebrating our Lord's life.

"Buuubbby, I want another egg, please."

"I am a stud."

"I am cute. Yeah, I know."

Well, I'd better eat good today 'cause I have a long three days ahead of me before I can eat like I want again. As you can see in my above weight ticker, I have lost 13 pounds. This is after two sets of 3 diet days. I start my third set tomorrow. I'm not dropping 10 pounds each week but I'm very happy with the results so far. Hip Hip Hooray!

Now, I'm off to change a gDiaper.

gDiapers

Well, we did it. We found a hybrid cloth diaper we were willing to try. See, I just couldn't do the laundry for cloth. There are EIGHT of us already - just try to imagine the amout of laundry that we go through in a week, people!

So, we've been reading and researching these gDiapers. We made the initial investment and are trying them out this weekend. What's nice is, if we don't like them, we can send them back! Not that I see that happening but it is an option if they don't work on Javi.

What are these hybrid diapers you wonder? Well, let me tell you. They are the cutest things, short of the cute bum required, of course.

First off, I can compost the wet liners! The decompose in 50-150 days depending on the temperature of the center. The US EPA lists one of the Benefits of Composting as:
~Keeps organic wastes out of landfills. We'll talk about composting in another post, though. Not today - that would be too much info for me to sort through in my mind and get it on paper - errr computer.

Now, what to do with the poo poo liners?? FLUSH 'em! That's right folks, flush 'em right on down the toilet. "The beauty of using gDiapers is that you’re leaving less of a diaper footprint on the Earth. Once your baby’s waste goes through the sewage treatment process to remove pathogens (the viruses and bacteria that pose heath risks) and odors, the resulting solids left over can be recovered and converted to a valuable fertilizer. And here’s the great part: biosolids work better when moisture retaining polymers or SAP are added. Biosolids are often used on tree farms to help grow trees, which is what the main raw material of flushables is!! So, a wonderful circular process – what sustainability is about – and you’re actually helping with each flush you make!! "

Did you know it takes about 500 years for a disposable diaper to biodegrade in a landfill? While I'm sure Heather knows this since she is hard-core cloth diapering mom, I was in denial of what the disposables were doing and how long it took for one liitle diaper to biodegrade.

Anyhoooo, here's another way we're making our place a better place to be.

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Shots and Stats

Javier had an appointment today and got sent through the mill like he was a baby calf. No, he wasn't branded. He was poked and prodded and had his ears examined, his heart listened to and even his little testes were checked. All's well on the home front!

He now weighs a whopping 20 lbs. 3 oz and is 30 1/2" long! Back on the chart and climbing fast. He's gained 2 pounds in two weeks! Whoo Hoo!

Boy howdy, did he scream bloody murder when they gave him his shots. It was going so well, too. Not even the chance to nurse comforted him. It was just tragic. The nap that followed was a relief to all. Especially him, I'm sure.

Good Friday

In honor of our Lord's sacrifice, we will be watching Passion of the Christ at church tonight. It is a horrificly graphic violent film reliving the last twelve hours of Christ's life. This is no popcorn munching movie. It will rock even the most liberal Chistian out of their seat.

And for a softy, like me, I will cry. Sob. And grieve for Mary's loss and pain.
But I have hope. Because I serve a Risen Savior. He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives in me! As I grieve today, may I look past the cross to the empty tomb that I know is coming! I need to be reminded today that Christ suffered - for me. That He died - for me. That He was beaten - for me. Beaten to a bloody pulp - for me. For you. For my children. God loves us that much.

On another note - I want you to see this video. It made me cry. Be sure to click on the video to start it. Doesn't get much better than this.

Can't Have Your Cake and Eat it too...

...especially if one throws it to the floor, flings it onto the floor and rubs it on the high chair.

But occasionally some chunks of cake make it into the newly one year old's mouth.

Enjoy.

This is as creative as my mind can be today. Sorry. Actually, that's not entirely true. I have SO many ideas and posts floating around my head I just can't catch one that flows together. That and I'm burning fat, on nap deprevation and doing a gazzillion things at once. I must remember to stay honest with you.

Upcoming thoughts that may turn into posts (in no particular order):

~ My Green Kitchen
~ Am I ready for chickens?
~ How am I loosing all this weight in the above ticker?
~ Query 10
~ Why I hate, I mean don't look forward to, Spring sports
~ Easter, my favorite holy day

Green Moma - Part II

Ways I am a Green Moma? To keep my thoughts on the post at hand, let's look at one area today that I know I am very green in. The Laundry Room. I am the "get the stain out go to gal!" Really. I am so patient in this area, it's crazy! I can soak an item, rub it, treat it, naturally, of course, soak more, rub more, treat more til I get the stain lifted. It's amazing really.

Okay, on to business at hand. My laundry room. What do I use? Why? Is it as economical as I think? Is it better for the environment? Does it really reduce allergies? YES to all!!! Here's the scoop: Melaleuca.

Step 1 - To remove the toughest laundry stains, pretreat your clothes with PreSpot!
Step 2 - Wash with MelaPower.

Step 3 - Brighten with MelaBrite!

Step 4 - Reduce static and get softer, fresher smelling clothes with MelaSoft. If you have children, you should NEVER use dryer sheets with their pajamas as it reduces the effectiveness of the fire retardent they are made with. You can however, use the liquid MelaSoft!!!

Step 5 - Relax wrinkles, prevent stains, and freshen fabrics with one-of-a-kind, proprietary formula. REVIVE is the only fabric spray that protects your clothes from stains. Special stain-blocking ingredients repel soil stains from the fibers of your clothes. And because Revive prevents stains from setting in, they’ll be no match for MelaPower® when you throw your clothes into the wash.

I did not log on as a customer so these links should work for you to learn more about the products I use, if you so desire. Now, if you want to find out how to buy these yourself and have them delivered to your door at a reduced rate and earn 10% back on everything you buy, just ask me. There's so much more than laundry but remember, folks, we're just taking one room at a time, as to not overwhelm me. You may not know this but DH thinks I'm a tad ADD, seriously.

Now, let's look at cost. I pay $14.99 for 96 oz of MelaPower. It's so concentrated a half-pump does normal loads. One bottle lasts us ~ 3 months doing 10 loads/laundry/week. MelaBrite is $14.00 for 96 oz and lasts a long time. Really, a long time. MelaSoft costs me $9.74 for 64 oz, liquid and since I only use it on the little boys, it lasts forever. The dryer sheets cost me $5.24 for 100 sheets and I rip them in half for things other than jeans and towels. I gave you my cost, that could be your cost. If you want to buy something and not be a customer, your cost increases 30-40%. And no other savings are available. Okay, PreSpot, $5.24/24 oz spray bottle. Buy the spray nozzle once so stay green. Same with all the pumps. Buy once and move from old container to new. :) Revive costs same as PreSpot - same deal, 24 oz and re-usable spray nozzle.

If, I am doing dirty whites. I add a tablespoon of Diamond Brite to the load. It is the dishwasher detergent and I use it in place of bleach. In fact, I don't own a bottle of bleach. Haven't for years. That's all I'm going to tell you about that product cause we're not doing the kitchen today, remember?

I am never without a capfull of Sol-u-Mel in each load. It's just a nice cleaning booster. And I like nice cleaning boosters that aren't harmful to my family and the environment. 'Cause I am a nice person and that's just how it is!

Okay, what else do I use for laundry? Hydrogen Peroxide! It is best for blood and food stains. Just kind of bubbles up wash it immediatley. And, when I'm patient, I use Murphy Oil Soap. "For laundry stains or colorfast fabrics, wet the stained area and apply Murphy's at full strength prior to washing the garment." It's natural, too!

So, there you have my green laundry room. AND, I love my oh-so-efficient front load, just the right amount of water Maytag washer!

Query 13 - Green Moma

Am I green? I think so. I am going incorporate my green talks with my walk with Christ label because for me, they go hand in hand.

For example, The Queries are "thoughtful questions that remind people of the spiritual and moral values Friends seek to uphold." If you go here, you will find Spokane Friends has a very nice page devoted to The Queries and what they all are.

Today, I want to look at Query 13 - "Is your life marked by simplicity? Are you free from the burden of unnecessary possessions? Do you avoid waste? Do you refuse to let the prevailing culture and media dictate your needs and values?" Four questions to ponder and live by. Let's take them as A - D so as not to confuse them with the numbers associated with the Queries.

This is where I find being green goes hand in hand with my faith. A.) Is my life marked by simplicity? I try. I don't feel I'm extravagant in my dress, outward appearance, home decor, children's lives, etc. My question for you is, Do you see my life as one being marked by simplicity? Really, it means nothing if I think it is but nobody else does.

B.) Are you free from the burden of unnecessary possessions? Goodness no! I have more STUFF than I know what to do with! But, I am making progress, I think. We as a family are discussing purchases more and evaluating the need versus want value of things. Do I need another pair of shoes? No. Do I want them? Yes. If I get them then I will give some of my older ones to good will.... that kind of thinking. I've just started this with the girls. If they get a new (read newer) item of clothing, they MUST get rid of an article of clothing. This makes them really think about how bad they want something, knowing something else is going to have to go.

C.) Do you avoid waste? Boy, I sure think so!!! From leftover meals to finding a use for things that wasn't their intended purpose.

Here is a picture of Sky taken Monday at the recycle place. This was her second trip this month. As you can see, there are MANY bags in the trailer we had to use since there were too many for my Suburban. She has 65 pounds here. Plus the 30 pounds she had before. That's 95 pounds of cans, peoples!!! And, it's a whopping $51.30 for Mexico! She actually made $57 but after her tithe, it's the $51.30 and really, she only had quarters so decided to make it $5.75 so that left her with $51.25 for her fund. I'm so proud. It's one thing for me to do this stuff but when my kids start doing it, on their own, it's a big mommy moment.
Back to the avoid waste - I say yes, I do. But more importantly, WHAT DO YOU THINK I DO? See, I am striving for perfection, right? So, I need feedback, loving feedback, of course.
and D.) Do you refuse to let the prevailing culture and media dicate your needs and values? EEEWWWHHH, this one is tough. Aside from the Guitar Hero addiction - it really has created MANY family nights of fun and that is important, right? I know I let it dictate some of my needs - my new Pearl Blackberry for example is SO utterly awesome. But I didn't need it. But I like it. See my quandry? I don't see me adjusting my values to what media and culture are doing. We're very modest on dress, strict on music and movies our kids see, we don't allow the T.V. to just be "on" for the kids. All music must be approved, books, etc. But I know that I could shape up in this area. Technology is grand but it does add an element of need versus want to ones life, at least mine.
Upcoming? Some ways I am truly a green mommy. Oh, after reading Heather's post on these, I bought FIVE! 'Cause really, people, how often do you think I would need ONE grocery sack? I'm already in love and made the checker put my other purchased items in the nifty new sack. That's me - thinkin', not wastin'!

Commenting and Blogs

Okay, some of you are new at blog life. So, here's a short lesson on how it works:

1) I create a post on my blog. You can read it and then at the bottom of the post you may click on the word comment. There you can either sign in, if you have an account OR you may post annonymous and just leave your name in the body of the comment. For an example, view the comments for My Baby's 1 post.

2) All of the green or different colored text words and probably links to another post of mine or another blog or website. PLEASE view them as your time allows. It will give you more depth to my blogging life.

3) Comment often - it's fun to see what others have to say!

4) On the side bar, you can access other sites that I like and have listed there. Have fun!

My Baby is 1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAVIER!

One year ago today, my baby was born. In fact, at exactly this moment, I was in very active labor. He was born at exactly 11:16 AM.

I’ve thought a lot about Javier’s birth this past weekend. Remembering what I did, where I was the days preceding his arrival. In fact, I spent time at the GFA Auction, just like I did this year, went to church on Sunday, like I did this year and if it weren’t for leap year, I’d only be off a day!
What a year we’ve had. From a wonderful VBAC and healthy heavy baby to a scary weight loss period with many prayers being said for Javier. From recovering to a virus to double ear infections to hopefully another clean bill of health in a few weeks, we’ve been through good and bad this past year.

Javier is a very sweet spirited boy. He doesn’t cuddle a lot and like to be laid down for bed awake and loves to suck his fingers and snuggle with his afghans. Every now and then he’ll want his mommy and those times are precious and way too far between.
He's a funny little dude. I don't think he'll ever crawl on all fours but I;ve been proved wrong before. He's really tall, taller than Paco was at year. He's just moved into 18 month clothes but some 12 months still fit and some 18 months are still a little big.
He's his Daddy's boy. Which makes me sad. As wrong as that is to say, I'm just being honest. I wanted him to be a mommy's boy. Like Paco is at night. Still. But, he's not. He'll take me over someone else but if he Dad walks in, I'm finished. Chopped suey.
I love my baby. My still nursing at night baby. I'd let him nurse whenever he wanted right now but it seems he's taken to nurse at night and in the morning. If I'm lucky, naptime - but I'm usually not lucky.
Can't believe this year is already gone - I'm so thankful I'm home with my kiddos.

50 Things About Me

Inspired by my Heather's List, here are some things about me, fifty of them to be exact. Maybe call it "The Good, The Bad and the Ugly."

1. I am the baby of the family.
2. And the only girl.
3. Thus, I am spoiled. Still.
4. I married three kids when I married my husband.
5. I have been raising them since we got married.
6. I love having so many kids.
7. I am a bonus mom - an extra blessing sent from Above.
8. I had an emergency c-section with Paco.
9. I had a no drug, all natural VBAC with Javier.
10. I nursed Paco til he was 2 1/2 years old and I was 6 months pregnant with Javi.
11. I am terrified of running out of toilet paper.
12. and baby wipes.
13. and chocolate.
14. I am not patient with stupid people.
15. I like to drive. Always.
16. Even from the backseat. Passenger seat, phone...
17. I can make a meal from anything.
18. I didn't say you'd like it.
19. I love to read.
20. I am a speed reader. So is my Dad.
21. I hunt deer
22. And elk
23. And I dream of hunting moose in Alaska.
24. All of my game, minus one deer, have been shot with a .243 Winchester Model 88 bought by mother for my father in 1962.
25. I am a really good shot.
26. I like cards.
27. Both my sons share the same middle name, after my Dad.
29. I can't stand the sound of smacking or popping bubble gum.
30. I want to live in Mexico someday.
31. And speak Spanish fluently.
32. While raising my kids to be fluent, as well.
33. I want a gas stove/oven range.
34. I have Little Mermaid songs memorized - still.
35. Alladin was the movie I saw on my first date when I was 16 years old.
36. I've hoisted a backpack in The Netherlands, Germany, Italy, France and Switzerland.
37. I secretly loathe Martha Stewart. Always have. I have no idea why.
38. I collect cookbooks
39. Yet make up my own recipes
40. Rarely following a recipe!
41. I like to sleep.
42. I've napped nearly every day for at least 4+ years.
43. I am addicted to Guitar Hero
44. I am addicted to strong dark coffee - black.
45. I haven't had any alcohol for 6 years, 7 on May 11th.
46. I met my husband in AA
47. I like big band music and 80's rock.
48. I loathe rap music and heavy metal.
49. I love cooking.
50. I hate cleaning.

Be Joyful Always

1 Thessalonians 5:16 instructs us to "Be joyful always." Hmmm. I am not. The prayer that I have to go with this in my Daily Wisdom for Mothers devotion journal says, "Father, help me not to be crabby as I learn how to be a mom. Amen."

What really struck me was last month we went to Donkey Basketball and I had so much fun. I was laughing - really laughing when Sky said, "Wow, mom, I've never heard you laugh like that." Not struck me funny, but struck me kinda sad. Do I really not laugh anymore? The deep from the belly laugh? I don't.

That needs to change. Now. So, this morning I got down on the floor (that part isn't new) and got Javi really laughing and so did I. For a minute. Which is a start. Right?

I have a new label - Walkin' with Christ. I am going to make more of an effort to really think about how Christ is living through me, where I am in walk with Him - honest up-close peeks into my heart and soul. I'm scared. You will be gentle with me, won't you? 'Cause, really, you might not like all you see. The point is getting it out in the open so I can let HIM do some work in me.