Meal Planning Monday

It's Monday.....

And we had a long weekend (and I don't mean long in a good way) and I have a long week ahead. Ugh!

I was home Thursday afternoon and Friday in an attempt to fight off my cold...and by Friday night I was confident my plan had worked. I really felt lots better. However things went down hill big time on Saturday. And of course Tim was in Nebraska:) I basically fell apart Saturday night....my head hurt, my throat hurt, and I fell down the stairs! It was comical! I sat at the bottom of the stairs laughing and crying at the same time. Ellie came over and comforted me and then proceeded to tell Cece that they needed to be really good...because mom was having a really bad day. I hardly got any sleep Saturday night and headed first thing to Urgent Care...yep sinus infection and whatever else...throat and ears weren't looking the best. 10 days of antibiotic for me! I spent most of yesterday afternoon sleeping on the couch with two girls sitting on top of me....it didn't bug me though, it was nice to know exactly where they were:) It was a huge relief when Tim got home last night. I am feeling much better today....but have a 13 hour day at school....yep Parent Teacher Conferences tonight :) yikers!

However before I fell apart on Saturday...I did get my meal plan done! So here goes!

Monday: Grandma Cheryl is getting Papa Murphy's Pizza for the girls...yummy!

Tuesday: Sausage Bread
*carryover from last week

Wednesday: Southwest Egg Rolls
*carryover from last week

Thursday: Lasagna

Friday: ???????

Ok, ok...I can't really toot my horn too much for this weeks plan....I kind of cheated and just used the plan from last week. But give me some credit I did get it all written down:)

This week has to keep getting better and better...I just know it!

8 Things on a Saturday Morning

1. It's snowing. Not many people in my house are happy it is snowing. My oldest was the most disappointed...she wanted to know why it can go winter, spring, and then winter again...that makes no sense! She also is tired of carrying snow pants and snow boots to school every day. Bright side....she has done a great job and hasn't lost anything!! (that is a pretty big feat...you should see the lost and found pile at her school! Wow kids lose a lot of stuff!) Way to go Ellie!

2. We have had a bug at our house. Everyone has been hit by it a little. I am attempting to fight it off now. I left school early on Thursday, picked up Cecers and we napped on the couch all afternoon. And by all I mean all...I slept for 3 hours and she was out for 4 +. It was nice! And we stayed home yesterday. Even with a pounding sinus headache and sore throat is was won-der-ful to be hanging with Cecilia Kate! Hopefully we are all getting better....because this is just plain annoying!

3. We have a problem.....all of our play dough is turning brownish. I will admit I do not even try to have the girls keep the colors separate. However then we end up with 6 containers of perfectly good brown play dough...which is boring and gross. Upside they have been play dough playin fools for the last week! Another downside...lots of sweeping the floor and play dough on socks:)

4. Next week is a busy week for us....I have PTCs (Parent Teacher Conferences). I really enjoy getting to speak with parents...it just upsets our normal nightly routine and makes for a couple long days. I just need to get to feeling better or it could be a super duper long week.

5. Spring Soccer started this weekend. Tim is gone. Ugh. We would much rather have him home on the weekends. But we will survive:) Ugh!

6. My goal for the next couple weeks (months) is to finish up projects that I have started or bought supplies for. I have a lot of neat things I want to do but I tend to get distracted by other neat things I want to do.... So I am hoping the fact that I am writing this on the blog will hold me accountable to actually do these things. I want to sew curtains and a duvet cover for Ellie's room. Sew a spring skirt for the girls. Finish a couple crafts for the master bedroom. Paint the master bathroom. Hmmmmm, we will see if I can get it all done!

7. Ellie is going to a birthday party this afternoon....a boy's birthday party! This was sorta a big deal since this boy is not a cousin (Tate) or a good family friend. Tim asked, "Do you like this boy?" Ellie responded, "yeah...what? he is funny!!" It was really cute! It's an Indiana Jones Party....she has not a clue who that is...should be fun for her!

8. Oh and I felt pretty cool this week! I commented on a blog I really like to read. The blog author is someone who I do not know....she lives in Kansas. Anyway....she wrote about her weekend out with her Sister and Cousin. I commented that I thought that was so neat, because my sister, sister-in-laws and cousins are my BFFs and I love doing things with them. Like our upcoming concert adventure...yup we are going to Nelly:) Anywho, she actually emailed me back about my comment...saying how cool that was and to have fun and be careful! I felt pretty darn cool! :)

Molly Made It: Sequins Word Art

I have said it before and I will say it again....I La-La-La-Love Word Art! Somewhere in blogland I saw word art using sequins and I just had to give it a try myself.

Step One: Gather Supplies

 I had a 4 pack of these green frames sitting around, so I pulled one out. Also I printed out the word 'family' in a font a liked and in a size that would fit the frame to use as a guide.

I wanted to make the word in gold sequins, so I bought large sequins in gold and the multi color pack of smaller. I choose a lighter color linen fabric from my fabric pile. I also grabbed my Jewel-It glue.

Step 2: Glue on the Sequins

 I placed the printout of the word underneath the fabric...I could see it through the fabric so it gave me a shape to follow. I played around with using all large sequins, but in the end went with some big and some small. Once I had a good idea of what I wanted to do I started adding the glue. I worked from both directions so I wouldn't end up with a weird space in the middle.  

The glue went on white and dried clear! I ended up using a tweezers to place the sequins on the glue.

Step 3: Allow it to Dry:

Step 4: Frame It!

Once it was dry, I cut the fabric down to fit the frame.

I really like how it adds a little glitz and glam. It was super easy to do...it just took a little patience glueing on the sequins. I will definitely do this again!

Enjoy!

***I linked this up to MMM Day over at C.R.A.F.T. ***

differences.....

3 1/2 years seperate my two girls. Sometimes the space seems huge and sometimes pretty small. Today it was just humorous!

This situation happened after school today..........

Yep your right! That is the entire bag of catfood poured into/around the cat bowl.

The difference comes with their responses.....

Reaction #1: Over dramatic emotional 1st grader came racing up the stairs almost in tears screaming "Cece is going to kill Lucy!" I was upstairs at the time I rushed down the stairs very alarmed and asked what happened. Ellie responses "Cece fed Lucy the whole bag of catfood and if she eats it all she will die! Lucy might die! And there is nothing we can do!"

I head to the basement for reaction #2.

Reaction #2 Increasingly independent 3 year old. "Momma! Momma! I did it! I fed Lucy....all by ma'self!" "Look Momma I did it! Lucy can eat it all!" She was extremely proud of herself!

I got a good laugh out of all the drama and independence. I do love these girls but my oh my!

Meal Planning Monday

Week of Monday February 21

Monday: Italian Dunker

Tuesday: Turkey and Cheese Quiche
Didn't get this made last week.

Wednesday: Southwest Egg Rolls
Missy used this recipe and boy oh boy they look yummy....so I just had to give them a try!

Thursday: Chili
We have Ellie's Parent-Teacher Conference. Excited to hear how she has been doing!

Friday: Breakfast for Dinner....English Muffin Breakfast Pizzas

Saturday: Corn Chowder

Sunday: Sausage Roll

Wordless Wednesday

I snapped these pictures Sunday afternoon....I love the way the sun shines off her hair, the way she was walking around down there talking to herself completely unaware I was watching (until the last picture) and the way she holds her arms up with her fingers spread way apart. I want to remember this.

oh Ellie....

Ellie had a couple funny quotes tonight.....

At dinner we often share the best and worst parts of our day. Tonight Ellie got us started and saying, " Lets share about our day going from oldest to youngest." Tim was first to go, but he said he didn't have anything good to share....it had been a bad day at work. Ellie asked him to share about his bad day....so he started telling us what had happened during the day. He went on for a few minutes. When he paused Ellie exclaims, "Ok good! Mom how was your day!" It was hilarious...both Tim and I couldn't stop laughing. She obviously was done listening about his day! His defense was you asked me to share...so I shared!

Later he was talking about an injury and Ellie says "well Dad you just need to get her one of those blue bands from TV and they won't fall down anymore."

Needless to say our dinner table was full of laughter tonight!

TTMT: Cabin Fever

This week Heidi over at Hickstionary  asked, "What are you doing to ward off cabin fever?"

Here is our list:
1. Playing the Wii. For Christmas Santa brought Ellie a Wii Fit and we have all gotten pretty into it.We are not at all competitive around our house....hahaha:) I have been getting up and working out on it in the mornings. Ellie does the 10 minute hula hoop like three times a night...she is a super hula hooper! And then Daddy comes home and beats her scores...who knew T Weezy could hula hoop it up!?!?! And of course Cece loves the penguin game!

2. Watching movies. We have watched lots of movies this winter. Lots. Even the same ones over and over. The girls are really into the Care Bears right now!

3. Art and Craft Projects. New this year, we started Art and Craft Thursdays. The girls and I have been having a blast. Ellie asks me all week long what are we going to make on Thursday. When I started I thought maybe it would be hard to keep coming up with stuff.....but it is not. And frankly my crowd is not hard to please:) I also have been working on projects here and there.

So that is what we have been doing....how bout you?

Anatomy of a Birthday Party

Theme: Dora Rainbows
Cecilia really wanted Dora. I am not the biggest fan of a character-themed party. But if that is what the birthday girl wanted...that is what she will get. To me birthday parties are all about the birthday girl. However, I added rainbows. Well it isn't that far of a stretch...we have a Dora DVD and in one of the episodes Dora works to save the rainbow....so Dora Rainbows it is!

I always try to make them a special birthday outfit. Cece had a great time picking out the Dora fabric.

 Super easy to make...I cut the triangles out of felt, stenciled the letters on using purple paint, and tied the triangles together with ribbon. I plan on reusing the Cecilia portion in her bedroom.

Food: Taco Bar. Tacos, Salsa, Guacamole, Cheese Dip and Chips. Skittles.
Taco bar was the obvious choice for food at a Dora party. It was so fun to eat fresh guacamole and salsa on this beautiful spring day!

Cake: Dora Rainbow Cake
I saw the recipe for the cake a few months ago and knew it would be perfect. And I also duh! Why hadn't I ever thought of that before!Yes I start planning birthday parties months in advance...I love celebrating my girls!

I used this recipe to make the fondant. Super simple and oh so impressive! And I can't take all the credit...my sister, Emily, really helped me with the cake. Maybe one day J.E.M.S will become a reality:)

My Valentine......

Best friend. Funny voice maker. My cheerleader. Great Daddy. Hard worker. Dedicated. Fantastic cook. Level headed. Patience of a saint. Loving. Thoughtful. Goof ball. Man of my dreams.

I am one VERY lucky girl!

XXOO

Meal Planning Monday

Week of Monday February 14th

Monday: Heart Shaped French Toast, Sausage and Strawberries

Our Valentines Day is pretty low key...and it usually is. We love to celebrate Valentines Day home with our girls....with the hope that we will get out for a date alone later in the month. And this year Tim already brought me roses....on Super Bowl Sunday:) He knows me all too well....I prefer pink over red and I would never want him to shell out the cash for roses on Valentines Day. Plus it was such a special surprise...and they still look great!

Tuesday: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Wednesday: Lo Mien and Egg Rolls

Thursday: Tacos
Leftovers from our Fiesta!

Friday: Turkey and Cheese Quiche

Be Mine

I had time this weekend for one more Valentine's craft project. Yeah it would have been nice to get it done earlier....but the temps were too cold for spray painting! I saw this project on family chic and modified it a bit for my liking (spray painted the clothespins). I think it turned out LOVEly!

Supplies:
Wire Hanger
Clothespins
Pink Spray Paint
Chalk Board Paint
Ribbon
Small Piece of Wood

Steps:
1. Spray paint clothespins and small wood piece.
2. Bend hanger in to heart shape.
3. Clip clothespins to hanger.
4. Attach new chalkboard
5. Tie ribbon to hanger.
6. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday Cecilia Kate!

We celebrated Cecilia's 3rd Birthday today with a Fiesta! It was in one word...wonderful! Wonderful weather, wonderful family and a wonderful time! I will let the pictures do the talking! Enjoy!

 And one really tired Birthday girl!

10 very random things

1. It is so cold! I do enjoy winter---the snow, the bundling up, the curling up inside under blankets, sweaters, hats, scarves. But the enjoyment does start to wear off and I am officially to that point. I am ready for Spring! And the weatherman tells me it is coming...maybe even this weekend. I am excited!

2. Yesterday the girls were playing upstairs in Cece's room. They entertained themselves for over an hour and of course I did not disturb them!! Later when I went upstairs I found this.......

What in the world were they doing? Building a nest out of stuffed animals? Are my kids weird? Hahaha! I love them anyways!

3. My friend Becca went and bought her self Just Dance for her Wii and when she was getting it she could get Just Dance for Kids FOR FREE! At first she said no....then she remembered my girls and took it! Dancing to some children's music makes for a great afternoon....and workout!

4. Tim's parents and his grandma are traveling to the Holy Land. They left yesterday. Tim's parents traveled there a year ago and are taking Grandma long this time. Praying for a safe travels! It is a little scary for us to watch them go with everything going on in Egypt right now. I know God will watch over them.

5. After school yesterday Cece met me at the door. She said "Momma I have this in my nose!" and proceeded to blow out...of course it was a beautiful snot bubble. "I have snot Momma!" Gotta love her....so cute and gross!

6. Ellie has her last basketball game this weekend. It is crazy how fast this past six weeks has went by! Just another sign Spring is on its way.

7. We visited my parents this past weekend. I helped my parents paint their bathroom....mom and I were going to do it...but my Dad took over for me...apparently I wasn't doing a good enough job...though his looked exactly like mine and it all turned out great! He was telling me how to paint....I think he forgets I have painted 3 houses in the last 4 years:) If you knew my Dad you would laugh he is a little bit of a perfectionist (and we love to give him a hard time) oh and I might be just a little bit like him:) More on the bathroom....they are COMPLETELY remodeling their farmhouse bathroom. When it is finished I will share the before and after with you! It is quite the transformation!

8. I love visiting my parents. I also love digging around their stuff and finding treasures. My dad laughs, my mom seems to urge me on,  and Tim just shakes his head. Here is what I brought back this time....

Some yarn, jars, wire hangers, paint brush, and a few of my dad's old shirts. Wonder what I will do with all of this:)

9. After all the snow the past week...there was a HUGE snow pile at the farm. We built another snow fort!

The girls with my cousins...Jenny and Joy.

10. We have had alot of fun decorating for Valentines Day. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy:)

  Ellie painted these for me. I LOVE them:)

Meal Planning Monday

Monday: Pasta Bake

Tuesday: White Chicken Chili

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes

Thursday: Texas Lasagna

Friday: Breakfast for Dinner

Saturday: ????

Sunday: Taco Bar for Cecilia Kate's Birthday Party!

Happy Birthday Cecilia Kate

Cece turned 3 on Friday and we officially have a big girl! I cannot believe our baby is 3, it is crazy how fast the times goes. We are so proud of the amazing little girl she is becoming. We love her so much! She had a won-der-ful birthday. It started with Caseys' Donuts for breakfast. Followed up with a Birthday Party at Daycare. An afternoon at Grandma and Grandpa Weesner's. And finished up at Nana and Papa's house. And we aren't done yet....we will be celebrating her birthday with a Dora Fiesta next Sunday! She is a very loved-lucky girl!

I Saw God Today

I am a pretty emotional person. And for the first month or so after having my babies I am a REALLY emotional person. So one can only imagine what happened the first time I heard this song....

I Saw God Today by George Strait
released February 19th, 2008

I just walked down the street to the coffee shop

had to take a break
I’d been by her side for eighteen hours straight
I saw a flower growing in the middle of the sidewalk
pushing up through the concrete
like it was planted right there for me to see
the flashin’ lights, the honkin’ horns
all seemed to fade away
in the shadow of that hospital at 5:08
I saw God today

Chorus:
I’ve been to church
I’ve read the book
I know he’s here, but I don’t look
near as often as I should
Yeah, I know I should
His fingerprints are everywhere
I’d just slow down to stop and stare
opened my eyes and man I swear
I saw God today

I saw a couple walking by they were holding hands
Man, she had that glow
yeah I couldn’t help but notice she was starting to show
it stood there for a minute takin’ the sky
lost in that sunset
a splash of amber melted in the shades of red

Chorus
I got my face pressed up against the nursery glass
She’s sleeping like a rock
My name on her wrist wearing tiny pink socks
She’s got my nose, she’s got her mama’s eyes
My brand new baby girl
She’s a miracle
I saw God today

See.....it was the story of our new baby girl Cecilia Kate....who after 21 hours of labor finally made her way into the world 3 weeks early...arriving right on time at 5:08 pm. And I have no doubt in my mind that my Heavenly Father was in that room with Tim and I. A miracle!

3 years of Cece

Birth Day

First Birthday

 February in Arizona...was fantastic...kinda miss it:) kinda.

2nd Birthday