"feed doz bebe towls"

That's what Cash said all the way out to Roseville last Sunday as we were on our way to my aunt's farm to "feed those baby cows." We had been given an open invitation to come and help feed, but with nap time and yucky weather being factors, we hadn't had a chance since we were in Glasgow. But it just so happened that last Sunday (yes, my birthday) everything fell into place and off we went to "Kaffy and BP's."

I love her barn quilt. My sister painted it for her. It's perfect for this barn, I think.

Armed and ready.

This isn't as easy as it looks. These little guys really pack some punch when they are eating. Makes me glad I'm not on the receiving end of it!

Cash was amazed by all the slobber. So amazed that he wasn't that interested in petting him.

Cash named the other calf Whitey. Guess what he named this one...

Can anyone else say that the highlight of their 30th birthday

was feeding a baby cow?

Probably not.

Snow art and an update

What is this lil' man doing?

Why is he outside with a squirt bottle?

He's painting the snow, of course.

Yes, we painted the snow! Cheap (96 cents) squirt bottles, water and food coloring make the perfect snow toy, and Grammy and Grandad had the prettiest snow on the street!

Excuse the dark pictures. It was late afternoon when we were outside, and these were taken before I knew about the 18% gray (ha, ha).

A work of (cold) art, don't you think?

Cash even made some colorful snowballs. When he threw them at the trees, it left art all over the tree bark, too. (Yes, he has mittens, and no, he doesn't like wearing them.)

We couldn't be outside in the snow without doing some sledding, too.

For those of you who have asked how the house building is going -- the answer is: slowly. With all these days of snow and freezing temperatures, pouring concrete and laying block and brick haven't been possible. So instead of starting the framing on Tuesday like we had planned, this is what we have right now ...

It goes to show that God's plan is sometimes different than our own. Which is alright. Besides, if we didn't have all this snow lately, I wouldn't be making snowy memories with my sweet Cash.

He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes.

- Psalm 147:16

Wordless Wednesday

Ten Months

Every evening around eight o'clock, my sweet Baylen starts to get a little grumpy and whiney. He finds his blue, silk blanket (known as his woobie), and then he finds me.

And this begins my favorite.

He's had a big day (because everyday with a baby and toddler is a big day), and now he is tired. With pajamas on, we snuggle together in my red glider and his eyes slowly close as I sing him to sleep. As he nurses, I sing one of his three favorites, "Twinkle, Twinkle" "Seek Ye First" or "The Gambler."

This is my favorite.

After he is finished and fast asleep, I bring him up to lay on my chest and we snuggle some more. This is when I thank God for sending him to us healthy and happy, and this is when I pray for his salvation. This is when I squeeze him tight, kiss him on his forehead, and then lay him in his crib asking God to let me do it all over again the next night.

This is my favorite.

EXTREME Fun

Cash has a new favorite place. Move over play-place-in-BG-which-I-won't-name. There is some EXTREME fun to be had in Glasgow!

We went last Wednesday when there was snow and ice all around. We were the only little kids there (there were some girls doing gymnastics with the owner), and we took full advantage of all the room to run around. There's a foam block pit to jump in - it evens has a rope to swing on! Cash's reaction when he saw all the fun? "Oh, mommy!"

After Cash landed in the pit.

Baylen loved the pit, too. I put him in it, and he crawled around.

He preferred to sit and practice his clapping.

There is also an inflatable castle complete with a tall slide.

(Don't you love Cash's hair? I do.)

Here Cash is rolling some kind of gymnastics training thing (love the wording, don't you?) I'm not sure he was supposed to play with it, but he fun rolling it around - and rolling over it.

So I didn't take very many pictures - because I was having too much fun! There's also a huge trampoline, balance beams, and plenty of bars to swing on and over. We'll definitely be going back this winter!

Whole Wheat Berry Muffins

So I haven't posted in awhile because I told myself I wouldn't post until I finished my New Year's goals post. It takes a bit more thinking than pictures and a few words. But, of course, I just haven't had the time this week. The boys' naps haven't overlapped. There have been many errands to run, and now there is snow to play in...

So I decided to post one of my favorite recipes. These are THE best muffins ... ever. Cash is a huge fan (and so were the two guys that came last week to replace my windshield - I shared.)

Here it is - Whole Wheat Berry Muffins

Ingredients:

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder

2 eggs
1 cup yogurt (I use Stoneyfield organic)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup berries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together flour, sugar and baking powder. In another bowl, mix eggs, yogurt, vanilla and butter. Toss berries into flour mixture and bounce to coat (this is important for even distribution of berries in muffins). Pour liquid mixture into dry mix and stir. Spoon into cups. Bake 20-25 minutes or until brown on top. Makes from 12-18 muffins.

I used blueberries this morning because it's what I had. Sometimes I use blueberries and raspberries. Yum! I've also used strawberries (cut up), bananas, and even nuts. In other words, you can use a cup of just about anything. By using yogurt instead of oil you save about 150 calories and 18 grams of fat for each muffin. It makes them moist, too.

Let me know if you try them and what you think of them. Enjoy!

Farewell to my 20's

Today is officially the last day I can say that I'm "twenty-something." Yes, tomorrow, I turn thirty. I've heard lots of stories from different people of "when I turned thirty." My favorite is the very dramatic "I stayed in bed all day." No, in case you're wondering, that's not my plan for tomorrow or today for that matter.

I'm not upset about turning thirty. Bring it on. I'm ready for it - really it's just another day, right? Don't get me wrong. I've thought about it. Yes, I have gray hairs, the beginnings of some nice crow's feet, and I believe my pores are getting bigger. But I'm not going to dwell on the so-called negative parts of getting older. (Let me remind you: Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness. Proverbs 16:31) I've been so richly blessed by my Savior in the past thirty years, that I can only look at all the wonderful parts of my life.

Looking back, I was raised by two of the most loving parents God could give a baby. They taught me love in return, how to live life positively, and to never take anything for granted. I have a sister who has never stopped encouraging me and inspiring me. Family is a huge part of my life, and I know that is because I've been given the best grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins a girl could have. I graduated with decent grades from a high school that instilled lifetime learning, and went on to graduate three times (yes, three) from a top-notch university. I was able to teach the leaders of tomorrow at the best elementary school in Bowling Green with the best teachers in the world :) God then allowed me to meet and wed the man that He created for me, and since then has blessed me with two of the sweetest baby boys on the earth. Yes, God has been good to me.

So looking on? I'll continue to spend time with my family, savor the moments with my husband, hold on to the quiet times with my boys, and continue to live every day for my Heavenly Father.

What more could a gal ask for?