Crazy Dog in a Clothes Basket

I do not know why, nor can i figure it out, but my 45lbs Huskie enjoys getting inside clothes baskets and sleeping. He doesn't fit in them very well, and he insists on turning around like 5 times before laying down. It is always noisy, and VERY funny!!!! ENJOY!!!

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My Little Lady Bug

Even though I am not a big fan of Halloween, I HAD to dress Savannah up for her first Halloween! When my friend gave me this costume I just couldn't help myself!! Enjoy my little bug!!!

Buttermilk Waffles

Buttermilk Waffles

2 cups flour
1 T sugar
1 t baking powder
1/2 t salt
2 eggs, separarted
2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup oil
1 t vanilla

Stir together dry ingredients. In mixing bowl, beat egg whites until fluffy. Set aside. Now beat egg yolks, buttermilk, oil and vanilla. Add dry ingredients. Mix until combined. Fold in egg whites.

See my post about how to make your own frozen waffles!!! They taste as good as the day you make them!

A Day in the Life of Savannah and Georgia - Part One

The inspiration to write this comes from my mother who loves to keep lists!!! Me, being a not so detail oriented person, have a hard time keeping lists, and if I do have a list I lose the list!!! She showed me my "baby book" where she wrote down everything I did for an entire day when I was about one years old, and I figured perhaps I would do something similar...except with a bit more flare and flavor. So, here I go!!! Click here to read my introduction, it will give you a little insight into our lives and might make this a bit easier to understand.

8:30am - Savannah and I woke up just as Daddy was getting into bed. We snuggled and cuddled for about 15 minutes and then decided to get up!! In true Savannah fashion, she immediately wanted something to eat and drink. She walked around saying "shink...shink" until I got her some fresh water for her sippy cup (we do not do juice in our house) and then I put a waffle in the toaster.

9:00am - Breakfast (being the bad mom that I am) consisted of us watching Sesame Street which comes on every day at 9am and eating bananas and frozen waffles. Savannah found a bag of dried fruit which had never made its way back into the kitchen and figured out how to open the bag while I was in the bathroom. She proceeded to dump out the entire contents on the coffee table and fed the fruit to herself and the dog who has had doggie diarrhea for the past day....I am sure dried fruit will not help in that area. I cleaned up the mess of dried fruit, and quickly ran off to take a shower while Elmo was on entertaining my daughter. It is amazing how quickly you can shower once you have kids!

10:00am - Turned off the TV and set Savannah up with 2 crayons and a pen in her highchair. Taped a very large piece of paper to the table (I pushed her high chair up to our dining room table) and let her color. I meanwhile checked my facebook, my blog and texted my sister-in-law who is also expecting. This will be her first baby, and has endless questions for me regarding pregnancy, parenting etc. I try to help, but God only gave me so much patients and she has been using up a lot of them lately!!

10:30am - Done with coloring, wants down and now decided to chase after the dog and cat. Our poor dog is getting older, but tolerates her so well. I decided to be nice and let him in our bedroom to sleep with Daddy. Savannah wasn't to happy about that and shouted her baby gibberish at our bedroom door. I am very thankful that Daddy can sleep through anything!! He never woke up through any of this!!!

11:00am - Decided it was time to fold the clean laudry that has been sitting in my garage for a week. So pathetic, I know, and i am hoping someone who is reading this is does the same thing!! I put the laundry basket on the couch, turn on Boston Med (which has been waiting for me to watch since Thursday in the DVR). Savannah LOVES helping with the laundry. I give her one piece of clothing and let her help. Everytime she reaches for another piece of clothing that has either been folded, or is sitting in the basket waiting to be folded, I tell her "NO". She knows what "NO" means, but is a very strong willed child, and will look me directly in the eye with one hand on the clothes daring me to do something. I had this battle with her the entire time I tried folding the clothes (which is why they sat in the garage for a week!) until she found a pair of my clean underware. Now, I can't believe I am about to share this with the world, but I doubt this will be read by many! She took my underware (clean underware) and was very entertained for a good 15 minutes dancing around the house with it on her head! I ran with it and quickly finished folding all the clothes. She then "assisted" me in putting everything away. I would let her carry one item to each room so she felt like she was a part of the project. Some how we even put all of Mommy's and Daddy's clothes away in my room with out waking him up.

12:00pm - Oatmeal time!!! Savannah loves her oatmeal, so we did a quick lunch of High Fiber instant Oatmeal. She quickly cobbled it up and said "more more" so I cut up a hot-dog and microwaved it for 30 seconds. This being one of her all time favorites, gobbled it down. I took her out of her seat and she had a BM and then while rubbing her eyes said "book...book". She went and got me three books and we read them all. She loves the Usborne books because they are interactive. Each page either has a lift the flap and/or touchy feely characters. She likes to take my hand and make me touch everything. To cute!!!

1:00pm - Off to nap!! Crawled in bed with Daddy (yes, we co-sleep...I will be awaiting the hate mail eagerly..and no, we don't know what we are going to do when baby number two arrives so please don't ask) and snuggled up. She cried for about 10 minutes and then fell into a peaceful slumber.

1:30pm - Made myself lunch, checked my Facebook (ok so I am a Facebook addict) and am now sitting her typing all of this!!!

This I fear is LONG enough...perhaps next time I will do an after nap time edition.  My hope is that some other mom will read this and totally relate and feel glad that they aren't the only ones who lead a crazy, boring life.

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Introduction

I thought I should write this first, so if you are reading any of the Day in the Life of series, and got a bit lost, this would help!!! So, let me tell you a little about my life!!! I am a registered nurse and I work in a busy pediatrics office 2 days a week. My husband is a police officer who works the night shift, so he sleeps all day and keeps a rather unorthodox schedule. I have a dog and two cats which Savannah looks at as her friends (siblings?). We live in a very modest 2 bedroom one bath house in Florida with what seems to be NO storage space. I am 4 days away from being 6 months pregnant with a baby boy. So, there you have it!! My life in a paragraph!! I hope you enjoy my "series", who knows if anyone will even read it, but my hope is that someone will read it and feel happy to know they aren't the only ones leading a crazy, boring, life. ENJOY!

Camera Critters Florida Style!

We went to Sawgrass Lake Park this spring and were able to capture the most amazing alligator pictures! If you ever travel to Florida and want to see alligators, your best chances will be in the early spring. Why? It is cooler and that is when all their babies hatch!! You will be more likely to see the mamma gator watching over the baby gator. Check out these pictures!! I thought it was pretty neat to be this close to nature (and still be alive!)

A baby gator, the large gator pictured above we think was the mom!

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Operation Chirstmas Child - In July

My great friend over at Living So Abundantly wrote a wonderful blog post about Operation Christmas Child! She encouraged me to do the same to help get as many people as we can to send a shoebox for needy kids this year. I told her I would write a post about how to send out a shoebox, and still stay with-in your budget. Let's be honest, this year has been tough financially on all of us. I have read on other blogs about people being critical of those of us trying to be "thrifty" with our Operation Christmas Child box. The reality is, it is better to give, even a little, than not to give at all. The Bible doesn't say to tithe only when we bring home a good paycheck. I feel it is the same thing with Operation Christmas Child. I would rather give what I can than not give at all. I am sure a needy child abroad will appreciate whatever I have to give! So now, stepping off my soapbox, check out all the big school supply sales and you can really get a lot for your money!!! Be aware, Operation Christmas Child does not allow liquids of any sort to be sent, so lay of the twenty-five cent liquid glue (grab the glue sticks instead) and have fun!! You can also look though all those BOGO toiletries you have sitting up in your closet!  Although American children may not appreciate a new toothbrush and some toothpaste in their stocking, a kid who doesn't even have a tooth brush will be very happy! Let your kids make them a nice card and you can even include a picture. Click on the Operation Christmas Child link or check out Living So Abundantly for more information and don't forget to let her know you appreciate her post!!!!

Ok, so not the best picture, cat not included  in shoe box! LOL

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Chocolate Chip Pie

My Momma would make chocolate chip pie for every special occasion. I was never a big cake eater, and always wanted this instead. I think I have had this for every birthday as long as I can remember! You could make this for picnics, get togethers, you name it! I guess I go by the rule, have chocolate will travel...you could take it anywhere!

Chocolate Chip Pie

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup melted butter

2 eggs

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1 tsp vanilla

1 unbaked pie shell

Mix first 8 ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Pour into unbaked pie shell . Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 mins. Be sure to place pie pan on a cookie sheet while baking. Pie will be brown on top and slightly wiggly in the middle. I personally like it best after it has been refrigerated.

 

Babies with sensitive skin

When Savannah was born, I naturally used all the Johnson and Johnson products that people got me at my baby shower. For most newborns, that stuff works great, but my Savannah....well she's special!  She has VERY sensitive skin, she had horrible cradle cap and some eczema. I tried lots of remedies, but nothing seemed to work! I had to cut dairy out of my diet (I was breastfeeding) and I hoped that would help with the eczema and it didn't. So, I was at Target, looking around when I saw a small selection of California Baby products. They claimed to work well for kids with sensitive skin and eczema...gentle enough for newborns!! I figured it couldn't hurt to try! I was tired of my poor girls head looking like alligator skin, so I bought the body wash and some of the baby lotion. It worked wonders!! Her cradle cap was gone after 2 baths, and her skin looked so much better. I guess natural is always better (not less expensive!) so I have continued using only California Baby bath products and intend to use them for the next baby as well. I would suggest this to any mom who has a kid with sensitive skin....I loved it!

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I am in no way associated with California Baby, I am not getting paid by California Baby for endorsing their product.

Sorting out baby clothes!!!

Well, I am so thankful for good friends!!! A very good friend of mine had a baby boy a couple months after I had Savannah. She graciously gave us 4 big bags of clothes for our new baby boy who is due in November! That was a real blessing because I have cut my hours down at work and we really didn't have the money to go buy a lot of baby stuff!!  I put all the bags in our "spare" bedroom. As you can see...it was a big project to tackle to get it all organized and ready to go!!!

Thankfully, Savannah took a VERY good nap, and I was able to tackle this room and get everything organized! She woke up toward the end (PTL) and helped me finish up. Now all the clothes, blankets and toys are sorted and ready to go!!

                             Check out Tackle it Tuesday for more projects and fun!

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Grass this long? NOT ME!

Who would have thought the grass in our front yard would be so long, it was over little Savannah's head? NOT ME!! A week or two worth of lots of rain, humidity and heat took its toll. Poor Daddy had to work 8 straight 14 hour days and just couldn't keep up. So Savannah and I made the most of it and went on a photo taking adventure in our own front yard. We played in the grass, chased butterflies (tried capturing that on camera, no luck!) and smelled flowers.

Check out more "not me" stories here.

Grass so tall it was over her head!!!

Who would ever think we would have grass so tall, it would be over Savannah's head?? NOT ME! But after a lot of rain, humidity and heat that grass got long! Poor daddy just couldn't keep up.

To check out more" Over your head" photos

go to I Heart Faces

Snickerdoodles

These seriously are the best snickerdoodles. If you are not familiar with snickerdoodles, they are just a yummy sugar cookie with cinnamon and sugar. I make this, scoop them into balls and then freeze them. When ever I want a fresh baked snickerdoodle, I just pop them in the oven!! Fresh baked cookies here I come!

Snickerdoodles

For Topping:
3T sugar
1/2t cinnamon

For cookie dough:
3 1/2 cups flour
1 T baking powder
2t baking soda
1/4 t salt
1/4 t cinnamon
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 T corn syrup
2 1/2 t vanilla extract

Directions:
In a small bowl, stir together the sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
To make the cookie dough, stir together the dry ingredients.
In a bowl with a paddle attachment, cream the butter. Add the sugar and continue to mix, then add eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla, and mix thoroughly. Add the dry ingredients and mix until blended. Use a cookie scoop or two spoons and roll dough into balls, about the size of a walnut then dip the top into cinnamon and sugar mixture. Place on an un-greased cookie sheet about 2 1//2 inches apart (they will spread). bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed up and surface is slightly cracked. Let cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool.

Best Ever Bread Machine Bread

This recipe is from my best friend at Living So Abundantly, she already has this posted on her blog, but I just wanted it on here so i won't lose the recipe!! It really is that good!!!

Beset Ever Bread Machine Bread

1 cup warm water
2T white sugar
1.25 ounce yeast
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 cups bread flour
1t salt

Add the first 3 ingredients, let sit for 10 minutes (set the timer). Add the rest of the ingredients, bake on the basic white bread setting.

Pictures from the Big Island

While stationed in Hawaii (yes, both my husband and I were in the military) we had the opportunity to go to "da Big Island". I am NOT a great photographer. It is a goal of mine to become better, but the scenery is SO beautiful, you do not have to be good a photography to take great pictures. Hope you enjoy a taste of Hawaii!!! Aloha and Mahalo

                                                     Rainbow Falls, Big Island, Hawaii 2003

See more HOT pictures at See it Sunday

Meet My Dog, Charlemagne

My Siberian Huskie Charlemange. He is a goofy dog, a good dog and a loving dog. We did find out today that he has a taste for crayons. That is one thing I would have never thought of removing those from the table before leaving the house tonight!! He devoured the entire box of brand new crayons I bought Savannah. Perhaps we will find some colorful presents in the backyard this week!! HAHA!!

Oh well, hope you enjoy the photos!!!!!

You can check out more cute animal photos at Camera Critters!

Blueberry Apple Crisp - Frugal recipe for moms who are breastfeeding...

This is one of my favorite recipes!! I found it very helpful when trying to cut dairy out of my diet because my baby had a milk protein allergy. Not only was it better for my baby to continue breastfeeding, but it was MUCH more economical option because the formula she needed cost $25.00 a can!! You can check out my other post on breastfeeding a baby with a dairy allergy here!

Blueberry Apple Crisp


1 cup butter (substitute butter flavored crisco 1cup + 2 Tbs water)

2 1/4 cup flour

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar

8 apples (granny smith) peeled chopped apples

1 T lemon juice

2 cups blueberries

2 T flour

1/2 t cinnamon

1/2 t salt

1/2 cup rolled oats


Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3 quart baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, 1/3 cup sugar and salt. Cut in butter (or using a mixer, mix in crisco) Mix in rolled oats and set aside. In baking dish, mix together blueberries, apples, lemon juice and remaining 1/2 cup sugar, 2 T flour. Top with flour/oat mixture. Bake until juices are bubbling and topping is brown. About 50 minutes.




This is very good right out of the oven, out of the refrigerator, or warmed up for breakfast the next morning!!!

This is linked to Ultimate Recipe Swap.

Breastfeeding when your baby has a dairy allergy

When my Savannah was first born, she was diagnosed with a milk protein allergy. Basically, what that means is if I had any cows milk in my diet, any at all, she would get very fussy and gassy because it would pass through my breast milk. She would spit up a lot, and vomit on anyone that would hold her!! My options were to either stop breastfeeding and put her on a synthetic formula (like Alimentum or Nutramigen) that is $25.00 a can (and doesn't smell or taste good) or take the dairy out of my diet. So I choose the cheaper, healthier choice and decided to continue breastfeeding and cut out the dairy!!! I obviously had to change the way I ate and learn how to read labels. I was shocked to find out all the hidden sources of dairy!!!! Needless to say, I was able to transform many of my favorite recipes into a dairy free versions. My goal is to share my tips of leading a dairy free life while breastfeeding and include some of my favorite recipes!! My first recipe I will share is my favorite Blueberry Apple Crisp. I am so thankful that I was able to continue breastfeeding and figure out ways to easily cut dairy out of my diet.