Turning Trash Into Treasure

As many of you know Pinterest is the new "thing" I don't know a single female girlfriend who doesn't have a pinterest account! Well, this is the tale of a Pinterest Pin that actually worked out for me rather well! So I read several pins about refinishing furniture with steel wool and not sand paper. Sand paper is GREAT if you are trying to stain wood lighter. But if you are painting it, or going darker- steel wool scuffs up the varnish enough to remove it and let the new toppings soak in. And so our tale begins....... 

This beauty was purchased for 30.00 from a local yardsale page. 

Now- you may not see much hope for this kid sized table and chairs, but I had big dreams for her. First thing was first-scrubbing it down with clorox, because it came from a less than live-able establishment. Then came- removing as much of the chalkboard paint, and wood varnish as I could with my trusty steel wool. Second step was to lay out a vinyl sticker quote I ordered from Amazon.com across the top of the table. Then the entire thing got 3 coats of 

Valspar Ultra™ (In Maple Cream) 

• Paint + Primer
• With Zero VOC
• Superior-quality color
• Thick, one-coat coverage
• Stain resistant and scrubbable
• Gives a mildew-resistant finish
• Low odor
• 100% acrylic latex for superior adhesion
• Lifetime warranty

I chose this paint because it is super kid friendly! 

Then came the fun part, I bought 1/2 a yard of laminated fabric, measured out the seats and made a template from cardboard.Laminated fabric is a great choice for kids projects because it wipes clean with soap and water! (I wish I had a photo of this stage) I used an old mattress pad we were planning to throw away and I cut the shape of the template out. Then I laid the foam on top of the laminate fabric and cut out squares allowing an extra 1 inch all the way around the foam for tucking. I found some adorable flat head thumb tacks in colors that matched the fabric and I used those to attach the fabric to the seats!I started at the back, then did the front, and then secured the sides. I used a bit of wood glue to insure my kids can't wiggle the thumb tacks out later.  

 

Then I attached some wooden letters I found at Hobby Lobby for 2.00 each to the back of each chair. A D & an R, one for each of my kiddos! Last step was to peel off the vinyl stickers and reveal the only bit of chalkboard paint left on the whole table! 

And that is how I made this "trash" a treasure for my babes to use for years to come! I think we are ready for homeschooling this fall! 

Because they are two!

To be a mother, you must always have;
1- knee pads for praying
2- endless supply of patience
3- a good coffee pot and a cupboard always stocked with coffee
4- the ability to laugh through the tough stuff (to keep from crying)
5- a heart that is willing to put the needs of others before yourself
        (because we all know that is what real love is)
6- A strong stomach
7- if all else fails or you lack one of the above, resort to number 1 till the others come...

The following story is true- the names have been changed to protect my child from being harassed about her toddler shenanigans the rest of her life. Dinner is done, the sun is setting and I am in the midst of cleaning up our meal, when baby D decides he needs to eat. If you know baby D you know he is quite the eater and that his meals better be delivered hot, fresh and out of the boob on demand. I pick him up and nurse him on the couch while Ms. R runs around the living room dancing to her favorite Princess Sofia song. After he eats he of course poo's so we walk to the back to change him. He is laughing and giggling- why do little boys think that the noises their body makes are so funny? His bum is clean and we are walking back down the hallway when his reflux hits and covers us both in nasties. I head back to the bedroom and put him in a clean onesie; while hollering down the hallway to check on Ms. R. "You ok R?"

She screams back "Mommy I watching Fia, I'm okaaaaay". So lil D and I do a quick wardrobe change and  head back to the living room. Before I even enter I know little miss potty has pooed her pants! She runs over and says "Hey Mom look!" to my amazement she had smeared that poo up and down her legs. This is one of those mommy moments when "Oh my goodness" doesn't quite capture your emotion. I set the baby down in his jumperoo- rolled up my sleeves, filled the tub 1/2 way with hot water and 1/2 way with dial soap ( new mom tip- buy the bulk container of dial and keep it under your bathroom cabinet for occasions such as this- your turn is coming my friend) I pealed off her clothes and dropped her in. Then comes that question NO Parent should ever ask a toddler, but when you are angry and the house smells like poo it is just the first thing that instinctively pops into your head "Ms. R, WHY DID YOU SMEAR POO ALL OVER YOURSELF!!?"

When dealing with toddlers one should NEVER start a sentence with "Why did you ____?" Because the answer is this..... because they are 2!!! Two year old's do not have the ability to reason like adults do. I might as well have been a caveman banging a club on the ground screaming "you toddler ...why you go poop?" and the answer would be the same- because she is 2! Ms. R finished up her bath & Daddy came home just in time to give mommy a time out to collect herself, & lil D a break because by this point he was very upset and ready to be held.

We wrapped up the night at bedtime with snuggles, clean pjs, hugs and prayers. I know days like today are sometimes overwhelming.... but I also know toddlers have been doing totally insane things like this since Adam and Eve.  I sat on the couch with Joe after both kids were in bed and said "Geez babe, I feel defeated" he looked at me and held my leg and said "Why? You are raising our two beautiful, healthy children. It isn't an easy job but you are great at it. So, today was hard.... tomorrow might be too, but no one is better suited to care for them than you." WHAT an amazing ministry my husband is to me. He is exactly right, I may have had a hard time capping my anger today but a total stranger would have lost it. LOVE is the key ingredient in child rearing that keeps the wheels greased and moving. No matter the struggles of the day I am so grateful we end every day with a snuggle and a prayer. Giving God full glory for the gifts in our lives, because that is exactly what our children are and I wouldn't trade them for anything--- poo and all! 

Dear Toddler- Mommy always wins!

Many of you I am sure understand the struggle to cook wholesome, healthy meals for your family while appeasing the appetites of Mom, Dad, & Tot!  Quinoa has become our replacement for rice or mashed potatoes because it is so much healthier for you. Tonight I made a delicious mexican quinoa and shrimp salad (or so I thought). Quinoa, Onion, Garlic, Shrimp, Cilantro, Corn & Black Beans came together in a beautiful symphony of flavors.

Unfortunately my toddler did not share my excitement for this kitchen endeavor, she took one look at the delicious meal I was so very proud of and said "Mommy I don't like it". I was stunned- "But you haven't even tasted it Reagan...." she replies again "Mommy it looks ucky" - why thank you toddler for your bonified food critic break down of my meal. My heart was a little crushed, I have never been a supporter of "Finish your plate or you can't leave the table" but I do believe you should expose your child to bold flavors & textures of food.... so in our house the rule is YOU HAVE TO TRY IT before you decide you don't like it.


Well, tonight's dinner played out a little something like this... dinner is served at 6:00, Reagan refuses to eat it. Mommy insists she take a bite before she gets up..... Reagan refuses. Reagan stalls the inevitable; she throws her doll  down then asks to please get up to get her (nope), she hides her sippy cup behind her and tells me it is lost and she needs to find it ( ha- good try), she fake cries for a bit, she real cries a bit and all the while I calmly remind her she just needs to take 1 bite of food and she can leave. "No WAY"  she responds. So, we sit & sit, &sit..... 6:59 she tries 1 bite of shrimp and looks at me shocked and says "Um- its delicious". Mommy wins! I would never cook something gross and make my family eat it. In fact Joe and I love watching foodie shows and always strive to produce tasty kitchen cuisine. Reagan ate 7 bites and all the shrimp in her bowl before she asked to get up again (PTL) Toddlers are a funny breed, each day is an adventure and I know some day I will look back on things like this and smile.

- "Patience you must have my young padawan" - Yoda

Where is The River when you need it?

So huge confession, post baby number two things have been a bit dicey. Not because my marriage is having issues, Joe is a rock our marriage is totally solid and I couldn't ask for a more loving man by my side. Not because I am overwhelmed- I realize to lots of people that having two children 2 and under seems like a dose of insanity; I will be the first to admit that there are moments of insanity but all the beautiful wonderful moments in between make the insanity totally bearable! The reason it's dicey is because I am having an identity crisis. This is not the type of crisis that is going to make me start signing my name with a symbol, it is just the tough realization that I have improperly defined myself for years and I don't know how to re-define myself now.

As far back as I can remember when it came to "the birds and the bees" I was the girl who got her curves way before the boys my age were ready for them and the ultra curvy blonde bombshell persona followed me from middle school- to high school and way into college and my adult years. I think I was the only 8 yr old who had to wear a bra and shave & by high school those curves were being noticed by college guys who I casually dated my sophomore, junior & senior years. (NO I do not think your 15yr old daughter should date a 20 yr old college man, this is my confession/diary don't read into it) In my early 20s I modeled a bit for cosmetics and lingerie companies before meeting my husband.(By no means was I Heidi Klum, but I now realize a huge part of my identity was in how I looked). The night Joe & I met he was so ga-ga over me his jaw literally dropped and a few minutes later while we were chatting he spilled his beer all over my pants because he was so nervous (God knows I LOVE that man). He then donned me with the fun flirty title of Texas Tart. I wore heels every day, mini skirts when I could, never left the house without make up and always looked my best. This is who I was- fashionista, fun, flirty, bubbly, curvy -Bailey

 

Fast forward and the "Texas Tart" decides to settle down with the ruggedly handsome Army man who stole her heart. They have a beautiful storybook Scottish Christmas wedding, they move to snow filled Kentucky and 3 months later they discover they are expecting a wonderful blessing later that year. 

Reagan entered the world a wee- bit before her due date because of pre-eclampsia complications. After 12 long months, just two weeks before our beautiful baby girl turned one I finally made it back to my pre-baby weight and found a lot of my confidence. Three months after that we decided it was time to start trying for baby number two, so ideally our babies would be about 2 years apart and great buddies. We all know in the ever changing Army world that having siblings "buddies" is sooo important because the only consistent thing in your life is your family! Again- we find out weeks later baby #2 is on the way!!! We were over joyed!

(Me & Reagan at like 5 weeks pregnant with Dawson) 

Dawson R. came into the world 2.5 weeks early because of pre-eclampsia complications and lets just say the body doesn't bounce back as fast after baby number two... in fact the only thing bouncing these days are the wobbly bits I have collected on my previously "tart-like" bod. I have been really lost since Dawson was born. Not just because the chasing a 2 yr old and keeping up with a newborn leaves days with a cloudy haze hovering over them, but because I don't know who I am anymore. I am obviously not the stiletto sporting, mini skirt maven from my past. I would like to think I am far from the flannel/husbands PT shirt wearing bed head mom at the PX. But who am I? It is amazing when all the things you were "proud of" in yourself are taken from you. I am proud of my children, I am so stinking proud of my husband, but there isn't much I can say for myself. I am hoping at least one of you Mom's out there can relate. 

So over the past few weeks this has been seeking the same answer, who am I supposed to be now? Who does God need me to be now? What kind of example should I be for my children? How do I balance what pregnancy has left me with (the battlefield of my body) and filling the needs of a husband who is so deserving of my affection. How do you look yourself in the mirror when all you want to do is cover all the mirrors with bed sheets? Then- God started to speak... "But he said to me ' My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in your weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christs power may rest on me. That is why for Christ's sake I will delight in my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak then I am strong"  2Cor 12:9-10. Then Pastor Jon gave an awesome sermon about laying down your cross at Jesus feet... and NOT picking it back up, but leaving it there.... which I completely fail at. So I turn to Proverbs 31-Which says a wife of noble character is worth more than rubies. Not once in those 21 verses does it how beautiful she is, it speaks only to the works of a wife and a mother who is actively serving her family and her Lord. In fact in verse 30 it says "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised"!!!! Hello light bulb! 

So I get in the car and I am driving. Two crazy kiddos both crying for a nap in the backseat-  this is that moment, that instant that I want to come to the river! Have you ever had that kind of a moment? One where you know you are carrying so much... you know you have been wrong, you know your head is all kinds of messed up.You feel like you don't have a foot to stand on, your heart is broken, your entire identity is not only blown out of existence, but it wasn't real to begin with. "Oops" doesn't quite seem to cover it. "Help me" doesn't quite seem urgent enough. Tears aren't going to fix it.... you just need JESUS! Like the woman who reached out in the crowd and touched Jesus robe as He was walking past, believing in faith she would be healed..... I need JESUS. Then KLOVE plays this song by the Rhett Walker band and I just burst into tears

 I'm torn between myself and your truth
These cursed memories, forever seeping through
My thirst for myself left me wanting more
Till I found myself face down on your shore

You say
Come to the river
Oh and Lay yourself down
And let your heart be found
You say come to the river
Drink from the cup I pour
And thirst no more

My restless heart, led me astray
To my selfish pride, I became my own slave
But you placed a thirst in me, with no drink in sight
Cause I could not see, till I saw through your eyes

Hello God- it is me. I know we talk all the time. I know I am usually doing the talking and I don't listen like I should. I know that I obviously was using worldly ideals to define myself and that is why I now feel totally lost and unlovable! I am clawing my way to the river, my nails are dirty with mud. The grass stains on my knees won't stop me.... I need JESUS. 

Zephaniah 3:17 " The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing" 

Chia Seed Jam

I have always been a bit of a carb queen, but after having baby #2 I need to watch my carb intake or pick smarter carbs. This has sent me on a journey to learn about good sugars, bad sugars, protein sources and other fun super foody items like Cha-cha-cha-CHIA seeds!!! Yes, they are funny but they are also an amazing source of nutrients. The addition of Chia Seeds to my diet every day has totally eliminated gas issues in my 13 week old son; so for that reason alone I love them! So today I got creative in the kitchen and came up with an amazing use for Chia seeds! This jam is nice and light, full of protein, antioxidants, omega -3s, calcium, no high fructose corn syrup in this casa, and it is dye and preservative free!! You just can't beat old fashioned, home made! So here it goes- 

Ingredients: 

1-package fresh strawberries 

2Tbs Water 

2Tbs Agave Nectar (or other sweetener to taste)  

3Tbs Chia Seeds  

Start with one container of fresh strawberries from the grocery store. (they are in season right now and pretty cheap but I guess any berries would work) Wash berries well. Then, chop the berries into quarters and place in a medium saucepan. 

Add 2tbs of water & I used 2 tbs of agave nectar (for a lower calorie option you could use splenda or stevia instead) let this mix boil over medium heat for about ten minutes stirring occasionally. Once strawberries are nice and soft use an emulsion blender and puree the mix. Taste it and add more sweetener if desired. 

If you are happy with your puree, add in 3 tbs of Chia Seeds, remove from heat and stir well. (I get mine from Amazon for about 7.50 a bag)

Let the seeds sit in the mix for 15 minutes so they can gel and ta-da JAM! I used a mason jar for storage but tupperware or an old jelly jar works too! ENJOY!

Quinoa Taco Salad (My new favorite Meatless Monday Recipe! )

1 cup of quinoa (I used a mix of red and white but it doesn't make a difference just looks pretty)
2 1/4 cups of water
1 tbs olive oil
1 1/2 cup of corn (I used defrosted frozen corn, but canned would work too)
1 can of black beans
1/2 a bunch of chopped cilantro
2 green onions chopped
2 limes
1/2 tsp of paprika
1 tsp of cumin
1/2 tsp chile powder
1 tsp salt
Tortilla chips 

Put quinoa, water & oil into a medium pot. Bring to a boil , then cover and let simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes or until all the quinoa has spiraled out. Once it begins to boil add in your paprika, cumin, chile powder & salt. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When quinoa is done add in corn, beans, cilantro, green onion & juice from both limes. Stir together and let it cook another 3-4 minutes. Serve over tortilla chips and enjoy! 

Photo Book

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Dear Dawson

Dawson,

From the moment I found out I was carrying you, I couldn't have been more excited. Me and your Daddy had decided to try for a second baby, and God saw fit to bless us with you! Right off the bat, your pregnancy was very different from Reagan's, I prayed and prayed and prayed for you daily.... and God told me that you were a special gift specifically for your daddy. At the time I didn't know if that meant you would be a boy, or a girl... if you would look just like your daddy, or act just like him... but I knew you were specially made to fill a need of his I couldn't.

Those first days were rough, I was incredibly nauseous until week 20 and lost weight way before I started to gain it. About the time my nausea went away, Dr. Brandl informed us that we would be welcoming a baby BOY into our arms soon! You were already snuggled deep into my heart, but I dreamed of the day I would hold you in my arms and feel your soft skin against mine. I imagined what you would look like, I dreamed about it... I even made playful bets with family about what color your hair & eyes would be. Around week 24, the Doctors began to notice that you were growing much faster than other babies your age. I like to think that you were just in a race to meet me too! They monitored this closely and by week 34 you were measuring 40 weeks in length and 6.5 lbs! This is when things got tricky... my body was really tired from carrying your full size self around and chasing after your sister Reagan. I began to have contractions - lots of them but without any real pattern. After a trip to Labor & Delivery, they diagnosed me with an "irritable uterus". I was told to try and take it easy so we could keep you in the oven past Christmas. I ended up in L&D again a few days before Christmas because the contractions were so painful that I couldn't do much of anything and they seemed to be consistent. My OB was out of town and the Dr. on call didn't feel comfortable bringing you into the world yet, so I was instructed to go home and velcro my bottom to the couch till my next appointment. I sat very anxiously on the couch all of Christmas.At this point I had lots of people praying you would come, because I was nervous there was more going on that what the Dr's knew. I was nervous and frustrated but I fully believed that God was in control and that He had a very special birth date picked out for you before you were ever conceived.  A huge part of me wanted you to be there for Christmas, to share that special celebration with you! But, the other part of me saw it as a gift that Reagan got one last Christmas as a "single child" with just us before you came and stole all the attention.

December 28th I went in for my check up, and my blood pressure was remarkably elevated. Dr. Brandl walked into the room and said "So, how soon are you ready to have this baby? It is time!". With your sister I had a very rare condition called Pre-Eclampsia, in the olden days this was very serious; now it is just something that needs to be closely monitored and usually brings babies into the old a wee bit early. The first sign of Pre-E is a high blood pressure, so to avoid any further complications Dr. Brandl decided we needed to deliver you right away. I told her I was ready as soon as she needed me to be, she requested that we arrive back at the hospital that night at 10pm for an augmentation. I left the appointment around 3 in the afternoon, drove home to meet your Dad and Reagan, packed up our bags and headed over to Lala and Grandee's house for dinner. Lala & Grandee helped us put Reagan to bed and get the car loaded. Your Dad and I left Lala and Grandee's and got to the hospital around 9:45 just in time to bow our heads and pray together before this next chapter began.

Las Palmas hospital was fabulous, they had a nice little room arranged for us and all the appropriate labels were set out for Mommys allergies & Pre-E warning. Our room was spacious and cozy, there was a TV and a lounger chair for Daddy and a cozy baby bed for you set up in the corner. I was so excited I couldn't wait for labor to begin! I was 3cm dilated at my appointment earlier that day so they considered this an "augmentation" not an induction but for both they still use pitocin. This was my first experience with pitocin and boy is it something that should not be taken lightly... ouch! By 12 my contractions really got rolling and by 4am I was asking for an epidural. I got my epidural at 4:35am, I am not ashamed of my choice to use modern medicine, I believe toughing it out within your own pain limits is awesome and that everyone knows their limits. I hit mine at 4:35 :-) at 9am they broke my water and I was still only 4cm dilated. At 10:00 Your sister, Lala, and Grandee came by for a quick visit before they took Reagan to breakfast. It was such a treat to snuggle your sister and see her sweet face! Shortly after they left at 10:30 I was feeling a ton of pressure and I could feel you moving into place, the nurse came to check me and I was 8cm. Your heart rate started to jump around like a mexican jumping bean- so they put me on oxygen to try and help you. I got really nervous and scared so I closed my eyes and prayed and prayed. At 11:00 I knew it was time to push and I sent your dad to find the nurse. They nurse came in and I was 10cm and you were nearly here. She ran out and called Dr. Brandl to come quickly. Dr. Brandl arrived and I pushed through 2 contractions and then you were in my arms! 11:21am YOU Dawson Robert Perry entered the world 20 inches 7lbs 7oz. Your chord had been wrapped around your neck which explained so much, it explained why you didn't drop when you should have- why you were only 7lbs 7oz (when they predicted about 9lbs, but you only gained 1lb 2 oz the last month you were in my belly) your poor little body was so tangled up that you weren't getting the things you needed to keep growing. You also had issues swallowing the first few days because your esophagus and face were bruised from the chord. Most of your issues have subsided now, but you do have gastro-esophagial reflux that may or may not go away as you get older. I have changed my diet to try and help you and so far so good. You are an AWESOME baby... completely adorable and sweet. You hardly ever cry, you love to sleep and eat, and your smile lights up the entire room. Everything you sister does makes you smile! It has been two glorious months now and I can't imagine my life without you sweet boy. You have brought so much to our family, and as predicted you not only look just like your daddy, but you are the first grandson born with the Perry name. Your father is so happy that his lineage is secure and he has someone to watch European Football with!

Looking back things make so much sense now. I believe God knew that you were in distress and that despite my trips to Labor & Delivery the doctors couldn't see what was going on. He knew that if my blood pressure went up they would have to bring you, so that is what had to happen. You my precious red haired, blue eyed angel- God has an investment in you. God planned every wrinkle in your face, and crinkle in your nose. He ordained a path for the course of your life and the fact that I was chosen to help Him bake you is an honor. You are perfectly imperfect, you are precious, and you are loved!

Xoxo
Mommy

Irish Cream Bundt Cake

 A St. Pattys Day gift, from my kitchen to yours

1- Yellow Cake Mix
1- cup Chopped Pecans
1- package of Vanilla Pudding Mix
4 eggs
1/4 cup of water
1/2 a cup of oil
3/4 cup of Irish Cream (Baileys or Emetts or whatever you want)

Glaze
1 cup of Brown Sugar
1/4 cup of water
1/4 cup of Irish Cream Liqueur


Mix yellow cake mix and pudding mix together till well blended. Then add in 1/2 the pecans, 1/4 cup of water, 1/2 cup oil & eggs. Blend on high for 5 minutes till thick and creamy! Heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a bundt pan and then sprinkle the remaining pecan bits into the bottom of the pan. Once cake mix is blended pour over pecans and spread out evenly. Bake in the oven at 325 for 60 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick and remove it without residue.

While cake cools-
Bring 1cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup of water to a boil on the stove. Stir constantly and continue to boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and slowly stir in 1/4 a cup of Irish Cream liqueur... some separation may occur and that is ok! Transfer bundt cake to serving platter. Use a wooden skewer or fork to poke holes in your cake. Don't riddle it with holes or it will fall apart, but enough to give the glaze a channel to travel through. slowly pour or spoon the glaze over the cake and continue to let cool, glaze will harden and become devilishly delicious! ENJOY!

The Shape of A Mother

In my life I have held many shapes... many weights... and many lbs! I grew up struggling with my weight, was teased and ridiculed for it, battled an eating disorder trying to control it... and eventually learned to just embrace the shape God gave me.

 "There is a season and a purpose to all things under the heavens" Ecl 3:1

None of these shapes I have held was I more proud to bear than the shape of a Mother. The beautiful journey from flat belly to full belly because God is perfecting His creation inside you is in my opinion the second most amazing miracle on earth! (The first being Jesus of course) The following is my photo diary of the shape Dawson gave me during his stay in my belly. 

10 BIG Updates!

Since I last updated TONS has happened. We are so very very blessed. Praise God from whom all blessings flow- so here it goes..... 

1. I am now 26 (ouch it hurts..... even just to type it... I still feel 21!)

2. Reagan is now 2 :-) Yay for parenting a toddler and all its beautiful challenges.

3. Joe has taken command of his second Company here at Ft. Bliss 

 

4. We announced the arrival of Baby #2 

 

5. We found out  Baby #2 was a BOY 

 

6. My Beautiful Sister moved to NYC 

(Where she routinely runs into famous people Casey, The Jonas Brothers, & Devin)

7. We celebrated Christmas with my parents for the last time before we PCS from El Paso 

 

8. We welcomed a very eager to arrive Dawson into the world at 37.5 weeks due to early Pre-E Symptoms

(Blog about his delivery coming soon) 

 

 

9. Although he is thriving and growing well, Dawson was diagnosed last week (@6wks) with severe Reflux 

(this also needs its own blog post)

 

10. Joe & I just celebrated our 5th Valentines together (3 years of marriage, 2 kids, and tons of love!)