The Secret to Contentment

Yes, I truly believe I have found the secret to contentment. Who knew it would come in the form of Ziploc freezer bags and numerous cans of Cream of Chicken Soup. I am proud to say that in my freezer at this moment I have meals prepared for the WHOLE MONTH!

Since adding Millie to our family, I have felt like I don't quite have enough time for everything in the day. Sound familiar? When I was growing up, my Mom would undertake this cooking project every couple of months. Several years ago she gave me the cookbook that she used. It is called "The busy person's guide to cooking." It is a dream and comes with a complete shopping list for everything you need to buy. I spent one afternoon cooking the chicken dinners and the next cooking the hamburger meals. They consist of things like lasagna, chicken pockets, chicken enchiladas, sloppy joe's, etc. It is such a nice feeling to not have to dread making dinner every night - and the cleanup is so much easier when you do it all at once. Additionally, I was surprised to find that I spent about the same amount of money at the grocery store that I typically do- but the food stretches even further.

If any of you are interested, leave a comment and I will post the recipes and instructions.

Easter

Yeah, don't know how my Mom ever got 8 kids to church at 9:00 in the morning - I have three kids and was pushing to get there by 2:00....but they did look darling in their Easter clothes.

Fun Easter Crafts

Here are two fun Easter crafts that the kids and I made. The first is a "Peeps" bouquet that we made with bamboo skewers that we colored green with a marker. It makes a fun Easter centerpiece and who doesn't love Peeps?

We made these Easter baskets out of cotton balls and shoe boxes. The kids insisted on making one for Millie as well. These were very easy and we had a great time making them. Thanks to Family Fun for the idea.

Hooray!

Hooray, Hooray, Hooray! The audit is over...I passed with FLYING colors...Millie took a bottle without any problem! What a day for answered prayers! Life is wonderful.

Audit

So right now I am sitting at my kitchen table on the computer while two ladies from Health and Welfare are in my office...kind of a strange feeling. They are here to conduct an annual audit of my Service Coordination Agency. They are going through all of the work I have done in the past year with a fine tooth comb. I have put many many hours into getting ready for this audit and hope that I have done enough. I cannot wait until today is over!

My wonderful SIL Heather is watching my kids for the day. FYI, I am nursing Millie and she can only be away from me for about 2 hours...so we are kind of playing things by ear. (While typing the last sentence I accidentally wrote that I was still nursing Halle. If that was the case, Health and Welfare may be in my office for a different reason). I sent Millie with a bottle (which she has never ever used and that I bought for this special occasion). So wish Heather good luck.

It is crazy being at my own house without any kids for a few hours...almost a dream come true (don't take that the wrong way, children...but as any of you Mom's know, how often are you in your own house without the rest of your family? Never.) I wish I could be working on all sorts of creative, meticulous projects, or even just that I could hop back under my down comforter and have a nap. But instead, I am sitting quietly on my own couch feeling like I am awaiting an interrogation. Did I mention how glad I am going to be when this day is over?

Don't Ever Say I'm Not a Cool Mom...

Clay Christian

'Tis the season for babies! I am thrilled to announce the arrival of my new nephew, Clay Christian - third son of Zach and Lyndi! Could he be any cuter? He and Millie will be great friends. Thanks to my SIL Lisa for this darling embellished picture.

My Millie

I realized that I have not yet shown off these darling pictures of my Millie. She is now 6 Weeks old and is nearly twice as big as in these pictures. (Thanks to Grandpa Western for his rockin' photography skills.)

Fave Picture

I just discovered this picture from yesterday...and I love it! I am so lucky to be a Mom to two little girls and get to tie their little shoes and watch them love each other.

A Blessed Day

Today was Millie's blessing day. It was a perfect day, one I hope to remember forever. I am so grateful for her sweet spirit and beauty. I am so grateful for Dan and that he was able to give her such a wonderful blessing. Thanks to everyone who made the drive to be with us a today. We feel so loved!