Little Okie Homestead

I'm so excited! I entered Melissa's  Holiday Gift Guide giveaway and I was a winner! Ya Me!  Well, it arrived in the mail today and I'm so excited! I can't wait to use my  muslin receiving blanket  from Saving Grace Designs! So here it is... And one with Baby Goose enjoying it!!! Thank you Danielle for this wonderful gift! I know we will get a lot of use out of this great blanket!

Now that Goose is 4 months old I've been thinking about all the things that I was able to do with Monkey that just hasn't happened with Goose. Having two kids takes up a bunch of time! I'm sure that you know that if you are a parent to more than one child. I never really have a down moment because someone always wants my attention but there are also so many things that I want to do with both of them. There just isn't enough time in the day. So here are some things that Goose is missing out on and goals that I hope will help prevent it from continuing. Things Goose is missing out on: Reading stories Having a schedule Sleeping in his own bed One on one time with Mama Goals to help prevent this from happening: Get Goose on a schedule that works for the whole family Set up a bedtime routine Get him use to sleeping in his own bed Read more stories with and without Monkey Create one on one time with both boys weekly How have you figured out sharing time

Marriages are under attack every where! I see it happening in friends families whether part of a church or not. I think it's evils way of trying to break our spirits! If he breaks a family he not only breaks the parents spirits but the children as well! Now some situations can turn out better than they were before but there will always be scars left on everyone. I don't know about you but I want to keep my family together at all costs! The great news is Biblically it's not that hard! Debi refers to Proverbs 17:22 and 15:13 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. - Proverbs 17:22 A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. - Proverbs 15:13 So in laymen terms smile! Be happy! Let your husband know no matter what your current circumstances are that as long as you are all together you will be happy and make the best of it! If you haven't been living this way, which I haven't been lately,

A while ago I said I was starting a Bible study of James and I did but not consistently. I'm doing it now though! Today I studied the background of this book to get a feel about who wrote it and the timing of when it was written. Here's what I learned: Author - James is Christ's oldest half brother and brother to Jude - James first rejected Christ as the Messiah but then became known as James the Just because of his devotion to righteousness - James is the earliest book written in the New Testament - 44 to 49 A.D. Just this information is way more than I ever knew. It's so cool to learn fun facts about what your studying! Background - James was writing to Jewish people who were dispersed because of persecution Themes - James focuses on godly behavior - He shares his view on justification by faith and adds his own emphasis on spiritual fruitfulness - He teaches on the law but not that we have to obey to be saved or rules for our life but instead give

I just came home to the cutest picture ever and I'm so bummed that I couldn't get an actual picture. I went out tonight with my sister in law to see the new Twilight movie. It was great to have some girl time without Goose since he still coming to most girl only times because of him nursing. Well half way through the movie I get a text saying he won't go to sleep. This is a common experience for me but Hubby normally sleeps through it so it was new to him. I let him know to just keep trying and let me know if we have to head home early. No more texts come so I figure he got everything worked out. I walk into the room we are staying in and there is Hubby and Goose cuddled up together on the bed both passed out! It was so adorable! This is a common occurrence for myself and Goose because he's been out lasting me at night so I give up and bring him to bed. I think when we get back home next week it will be time to start some self-soothing techniques and falling asle

In the beginning of the book, Created to be His Help Meet, Debi Pearl asks you to make a list of 10 things that you want to see change in your marriage so I will share a few with you. 1. My heart & attitude I've been resentful and angry lately about things regarding my hubby and my role as a homemaking wife. I want to change my negative feelings with positive ones. I really do love my hubby and being home to help him and raise our boys. 2. His heart God promises that my hubby can be won over by my actions, not words (1 Peter 3:1-2) and return to Christ! This alone should motivate me everyday! Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be win over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. -1 Peter 3:1-2 That's all that's on my list at the moment. I plan on praying for guidance on what else needs work. I can think of plenty

The Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him".... So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep...he took one of the man's ribs.... Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. Genesis 2:18, 21-22 We were created to be our man's helper! It's a great thing to be because when we help our husbands, we are helping him complete the purpose God had created him for! How awesome is that? But "being a perfectly fit helper does not make one inferior to the leader." Being a helper just means we are helping our husbands do their jobs-- better! You may not be the one controlling everything and making the decisions in the house but if your husbands knows he can trust you he's going to come to you and value your opinion. He's going to take on account your feelings and do what is best for everyone! As Debi Pearl says, "

I'm Thankful For...Safe Travels Day 17 We are heading out to OKC today!  It's a long 10 to 12 hour drive from Denver (thinking 12 with the kiddos) but I'm excited! We have never been one a road trip before with the kids so this should be interesting! I trust that God will keep us safe during our travel & that it will go smoothy! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone! See you in a week!

I'm Thankful For...Teachers Day 16 Not the normal type of teachers. I thankful for them too but that's not what this post is about.  Last night I went to my life group. It's kind of like Bible study to our church. We are studying about parenting in our group which I don't think we can ever study to much. We are all at different points in child training and going through different struggles and it is great to talk to others and get suggestions. Last night I asked someone that I respect and admire about David and Goliath. Monkey has really been into this story. He talks about it all the time and on the way he said, "We are strong like David and Goliath." I wanted to make sure he understood the difference between what made David strong and what made Goliath strong so I started to explain. "David is strong because he had God in his heart and God made him strong. Goliath was strong because ...." Umm didn't know how to explain that one

Chicken Parmesan The Family Kitchen by Debra Ponzek   Some changes made by me I think this is the best Chicken Parmesan that I have made! It was really quick and easy! Since I didn't have to fry it completely through it made for the perfect crispiness and probably a little bit more healthy too! 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (5 to 6 oz each) *I used 10 thighs because that's what I pulled out of the freezer Salt & freshly ground Pepper 1 cup all-purpose flour * I used whole wheat flour & 1 cup was way to much so I think this could be cut in half 3 large eggs, lightly beaten  2 cups Panko or seasoned dry bread crumbs 1 cup canola oil * I used extra virgin olive oil & some Wild Tree Basil Grapeseed oil 1 1/2 cups Auz Delices's Marinara Sauce (pg 129), or store bought tomato sauce , warmed 1 cup grated Provolone cheese * I didn't have any so I didn't use it 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese * I used

I get asked every year from many family members what I think my boys would like for Christmas gifts. In reality they don't need anything. We are so blessed to have everything they need and then some. We have toys and clothes overflowing most of the time. So this year I thought I would try to look at toys, books, ect. and make a list that would help guide everyone to what we are looking for this season that my boys will use. I think it's very important for toys to be things we will actually use and I think that learning toys are always important too. Monkey actually prefers toys that he can learn from but he also enjoys board games or books. So here is my list. For Goose   (this list was hard because really what does a 5 month old baby need?) 1.)  Fisher Price Growing Baby Animal Activity Puzzle Monkey loves puzzles & I think that they are fun learning toys. I never knew they made puzzles for little guys like Goose but I would love to start introducing puzzles to h

It was hard to come up with a wish list for me but I did it! So here are some things I would like to have. 1.)  Canon Powershot SX10IS 10MP Digital Camera with 20x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom 2.)  Apple iPod touch 32GB White (5th Generation)        My Ipod is one of the old ones & it's completely full so I would like a new one with more storage for more songs 3.) Ruby stud earrings        For our anniversary after Monkey was born Hubby bought me stud aquamarine earring for Monkey's birthstone so I would like some for Pilot's birthstone as well 4.)  Wild Diva Kalisa-04 Vickie Round Toe Mid High Boots        I love wearing boots during the winter but all of mine have a heel & with two kids a heel is just something I'm not comfortable wearing right now. Maybe in a few years when they both are more independent 5.)  Victoria Classics Camille 7 Piece Comforter Set       Our bedding it falling apart! We got it as a wedding gift & we just p

Monkey was too big to do this with when October rolled around so I had to get a big enough pumpkin that Goose would fit in. I love photos like these & I think he looks pretty stinkin' cute in his pumpkin!

I'm Thankful For... Day 10 Today I want to say I'm thankful for my sister in law  M ! Her birthday was the 9th & it got over shadowed by the stomach flu entering our house. I'm so excited that we get to head our to OKC to visit her over Thanksgiving!  The boys are going to love playing together! Just a few more days & we will be heading out! Can't wait!

I'm Thankful For...My Mom Day 9 This is a post that I couldn't have written on the day...why? Well because I was dealing with a baby with croup & a 3 year old that was experiencing the stomach flu for the first time. Poor guy woke up around 2 am saying his tummy hurt. He has been saying this a lot to get attention since Goose has joined us so I just told him to go back to be. Well before he could turn around to head back to bed he threw up all over the floor! (Yep, lost the mom of the year award again) I felt horrible!  I got him cleaned up, the floor cleaned up, & got him back into bed. A few minutes later while I was nursing he comes out saying his tummy hurts again. I put Goose down quickly which makes him start screaming because I interrupted his eating time, wake up the hubby on the way to the bathroom & try to get Monkey to stand over the toilet.  When he didn't throw up I set him to bed with a trash can just in case & went to get my

I'm Thankful For...Doctors Day 8 Normally I try & do everything homeopathic but sometimes you just can't risk it! Today was one of those days!  We have all been sick. It started with Monkey, then me, now the hubs & Popa have it & yesterday Goose started showing signs that he was next. His cold took off! Within 24 hours he was coughing really bad & it was so sad having to listen to him cough through the night. This morning we decided it was time to take him in to be seen.  We headed up to Children's Hospital because we had to go there to get Monkey's stitches out so we figured we'd have Goose looked at too. Doc said it was croup :( I have never had to deal with croup with Monkey (or really any cold) when he was this little. They gave Goose a steroid & he's doing much better now. We have a follow up appointment on Saturday with his doctors office to make sure everything is going well. For now I'm back on the couch

I'm Thankful For...The Right to Vote Day 7 Today I'm grateful to live in a country where I get to vote!  Even though who I chose to vote for may or may not get elected I know that it is a privilege! Many people fought for our rights to vote over the years & I'm glad they did! Now it's time to pray! Pray for our president & the decisions that he will have to make in the next four years! Pray for our country that we can stand together in these hard times! Pray for our media & the information they report to us. That is will contain truth over lies! Pray for the young adults that are just starting out to be informed! Pray for our children & whatever the future will hold for them! Overall it's just a time to pray for America to stay the way the founders intended it to be! A free market place where people like my hubby can start a business and be successful! A place where dreams really do come true! A place to call hom

I'm Thankful For...Time With the Hubs Day 6 Today we were lucky enough to get some extra time with the hubs. Of course it was because he didn't have any work to do for the day but I will take it once in a while.  He's such a hard worker and is trying so hard in this awful economy to get his business started and hopefully be able to give others some jobs in the next year. It's hard! It's costing a lot of time, energy and money. It's sad that he has to work such long hours but today we were lucky to have him home early to hang out with us. And it meant that I got to go to the grocery store without the kids! Always a good thing for a  homemaker ;)

I'm Thankful For...Monkey's Heart Day 5  (almost caught up!) The past few nights we have started reading Bible stories before Monkey goes to bed. We always read books but we finally found our boxes and boxes of children's books from storage so we have our three children's Bibles back!  I'm so excited! Monkey has been asking to read these stories over his normal children stories that we read. I just love how God seeks their hearts at such a young age. I can't wait to see the work has in store for Monkey as he gets older. I can only pray & do my best as a mom to help him grow to be a wonderful man after God's heart. And maybe just maybe he will help turn his Daddy back towards Christ!

I'm Thankful For...Friendships! Day 4 Today I'm thankful for friendships!  I have had many times when I have needed close friends to surround me with love & support and I'm so glad that I get to help someone else today & tomorrow that are sharing some struggles that I have been through! I'm so grateful that God has placed this on my heart to be extra supportive to these women that are struggling! It's not easy to be a wife & a mom but with God's help we can get through anything!

I'm Thankful for...Prayer! Day 3 Today I'm thankful for prayer that lead me to be motivated to get up and get started on my workout!  I really want to lose my baby weight and the weight I have been carrying around for years now! So the plan? Well it involves several things that I'm praying God will help me continue. 1. Be in bed by 10pm every night that Goose will allow me to.  I want to get good sleep so I am ready to workout and get my day going everyday! 2. Spend time in the Word and Praying. I know that I can not do this alone! I don't have the motivation or the energy to do it without God's help! 3. Get up every morning at 5am. It sounds really early to me but if I'm up by this time I can get a full workout in, a possible shower (if not it will have to be later), I can then cook Hubby breakfast before he leaves for work and make sure he takes lunch with him. This is part of wanting to be a helpful wife. If I do this Hubby isn't

Day 2 I'm Thankful for our free crib Write your own thankful post, grab the button, & link on up to share what we are all thankful for! Our Family Bassinet Goose outgrew his bassinet by 3 months.  It was time to put his crib together and move in with his brother! Isn't he just adorable! Look at all that room he has to wiggle around in now! I think he looks pretty happy about the move! He's been in his crib now for a few weeks & he's doing great! He's not waking up Monkey very often & enjoying all the extra room to move around! With Monkey we got a handy down crib (which we still have) however I have lost the screws that hold it together plus it has the drop down side so it wouldn't have been the best to use. Someone generously posted on my local freecycle to give this crib and changing table/dresser away. I was lucky enough to be the first to respond & now Goose has a safe crib that has all the screws to sleep in! 

Last year I did a 'I'm Thankful for...' series through the month of November and I'm going to do it again. Link up with your thankful posts! Day 1 A few days late ;) Today I'm thankful for my hubby! This past April it became apparent how fragile life is and I very easily could have lost him. I'm very thankful that he is here with us being a great husband and dad to the boys. He's such a hard worker and trying to build his own business to provide for all of us. I'm thankful for all he does for our family and how much he loves each one of us! Here he is playing with Monkey at a bouncy house while walking with my family in the Memory Walk in remembrance of my grandma!

Halloween was so much fun!   This weekend we went to the Butterfly Pavilion's Bug-A-Boo!  We had lots of fun making crafts & playing with our cousins. We got this cute picture there since we weren't able to make the pumpkin patch this year.  Monkey picked out the pumpkins and the patterns to make on them. Goose has the monster & Monkey has the scared kid in the bed. My little stinker!  He's the cutest little skunk ever! Then there is Batman who was suppose to be a Ninja Turtle! We went over to Jude's  neck of the woods to let them trick or treat together and they had so much fun! Jude just cracks me up! He has such a different personality than Monkey and it was fun to watch them together. We went to maybe a full block when all of a sudden Monkey has to go potty. We were far enough away from Censie's house that we couldn't make it back there fast enough. We were at apart of the neighborhood where every house had it&#