Day 30, thankful for...

Today, day 30, I am thankful for having the opportunity to share my entire month of thanksgivings with each and every one of you.  What a wonderful project this was.  It made me think specifically every day about what I am thankful for in my life.  It definitely puts things into perspective when you have to write it all down and think through each one.  Having this opportunity has made me realize just exactly how much I have to be thankful for in my life.  Complaining about not having something will seem awfully shallow after 30 days of being able to pinpoint each thing in my life that is so special to me.  So, today I would like to say thank you, to everyone who has taken the time to listen to my ramblings, you are so important to me!

Day 29, thankful for...

Day 29, today I am thankful for my family.  We are an odd bunch much of the time, but I don't know what I would do without all of you in my life.  You have all helped to shape my world into what it is now and I cannot imagine things any differently.

Day 28, thankful for...

Day 28, today I am thankful for coffee.  Does that time really say 4:25am in the background?!?!  Yes, sadly it does.  I will most likely need that whole pot of coffee to make it until nap time today...the joys of being a mom!  :)

Day 27, thankful for...

Day 27, today I am thankful for my crock pot.  It is so nice to be able to throw all the veggies and meat into the crock pot and put it on low to simmer all day long.  The smell is heavenly and there is no need for cooking a big meal.  Stew on a cold day in Wisconsin is also an added bonus!

Day 26, thankful for...

Day 26, today I am thankful for the time I get to spend baking with Sophia.  Having her "help" in the kitchen is not necessarily the best way to get things done in a hurry, but I am so glad I have the opportunity to do just that.  Making memories is so much more important than hurrying could ever be!

Day 25, thankful for...

Day 25, today I am thankful for my Green Bay Packers!  Even on days like today when I have a hard time not throwing the remote at the tv, I still stand by time team.  :)

Day 24, thankful for...

Day 24, today I am thankful for lazy, laid back weekends.  It is SO nice to not have to run all the time.  After a few crazy days of Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping, being home with the kids and watching them play is all that I could have asked for.  

Day 23, thankful for...

Day 23, today I am thankful for the amazingly patient husband I have.  He is happy to take Sophia out to the woods deer hunting.  She is not ever really very quiet and the chances of them seeing anything are close to zero, but that doesn't deter him from taking the time to do something for her that she absolutely loves.  Amazing husband, incredible father, what more could I ask for?

Day 22, thankful for...

Day 22, today I am thankful for amazing skills from my brother in law who saved all of my pictures from a three year span.  They were on a computer that got hit by lightning and I thought they were lost forever...but, thankfully for his amazing skills I now have them back!!  And, I will be downloading and backing up everything from now on!!  Just a few pics from the "lost forever" file!

Day 21, thankful for...

Day 21, today I am thankful for the wonderful friends Logan has found.  We are so lucky to have been blessed with three amazing families who have children the same age (or close!) as Logan.  Not only did Logan find incredible friends, but I have also been blessed to have the friendship of their parents.  It is because of these amazing children that Logan  knows the true meaning of friendship.  We love you all!

Day 20, thankful for...

Day 20, today I am thankful for my four legged children.  These two little monsters drive me just as crazy as my regular kids do every day, but I cannot imagine life without the love of these two.  Ready to cuddle, give me a kiss, or be mouthy, these two are a huge part of my life and I love them to pieces!!

Day 19, thankful for...

Day 19, today I am thankful for love.  Our home is filled with so much love that if it were a color, our house would be red!  The love from children is irreplaceable.  It is unconditional.  No matter how much I feel I have messed up, all three of my children are available to show me it doesn't matter at all to them.  

Day 18, thankful for...

Day 18, today I am thankful for nap time.  My daughter seems to have major issues realizing it is the weekend, therefore there is no need to get up at 6am.  So, I will be taking a nap along with my littles this afternoon!  And, I cannot wait!

Good thing I love these little munchkins!!

Day 17, thankful for...

Day 17, today I am thankful for the opportunity I get to see my kids grow and play.  I have been so blessed to be able to be a stay at home mom.  The amazing things a child does in one day is so incredible, I cannot imagine not having the opportunity to witness each and every event.  Last night, the littles decided they were going to gang up on their big brother and this is just one of the many things I am so lucky to be able to witness!

Day 16, thankful for...

Day 16, today I am thankful for Friday.  It has been a long week and getting to Friday was questionable a few times!  Thank goodness, we made it!  

Day 15, thankful for...

Day 15, today I am thankful for everyone in my life who lends a helping hand.  I wouldn't be able to accomplish nearly the amount I do without each and every one of you.  Whether it be an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or someone who just swoops in and takes charge when I can't go anymore.  I am thankful for each and every one of you.  <3

Day 14, thankful for...

Day 14, today, I am thankful for laughter, love and even some licks.  Sophie and Henry have decided the funniest thing on earth to do is give Momma licker kisses.  They run to me all sweet and innocent and ask for a kiss.  As I bend down to oblige, they sneak out the tongue and give me a big lick.  This results in giggles upon giggles.  Laughter that makes them fall to the floor.  They think they are hilarious, but Mom has a secret!  I think they are too!  <3

Day 13, thankful for...

Day 13, today I am thankful for pretty Wisconsin weather.  Saturday, we played outside in t-shirts.  Yesterday, Sophie bundled up in her snow suit and played in the snow!!  :)  Only in Wisconsin!  My elders (can't remember which one for sure!!) use to say, don't like the weather?  Wait 15 minutes, it will change!!  

Day 12, thankful for...

Day 12, today I am thankful for a little bit of down time on a busy day to spend time playing an old fashioned board game with Logan.  What a wonderful young man!  <3

Day 11, thankful for...

Day 11, today I am thankful for all the veterans in this country.  Without each and everyone of you, we would not have the life we do.  An extra special thanks going out to my family members, past and present who have served this great nation.  I know first hand the sacrifice you have made and I am humbled by your dedication.  

Day 10, thankful for...

Day 10, today I am thankful for wonderful friends.  You are my sister's by choice.  You know who you are and you know what you mean to me.  Without you, my life would not be complete.  I only have pictures of a few of you, so even if you are not here, (especially one, make that two after looking through my pics!  hint, hint, always behind the camera and hiding from the camera!!  you know!) know that I hold you close to my heart!

Day 9, thankful for...

I had a busy weekend and didn't get much of a chance to even sit at the computer, let alone take the time to write anything down!  So, I will be making up for lost time today!  

Day 9, today I am thankful for kisses from my babies.  No matter how bad the day has gone or how irritating the kids have been or how many fights I have had to break up, kisses and hugs seem to change my entire perspective on the day!  Slobbery, wet, half a kiss, air kiss, cheek kiss, whatever it may be.  In that second of time, I know they are thinking only of me and their love for me is overwhelming!!

Day 8, thankful for...

Day 8, today I am thankful for my bug.  Miss Sophia has been an absolute miracle for me.  There were many times throughout my pregnancy that we were unsure if she was going to make it.  She made her appearance 5 and 1/2 weeks early and has not stopped since!  She is full of energy, laughter and love.  She is a naughty little monkey some days, but goodness, she acts like her Momma!  I love you to the moon and back, Bug!

Day 7, thankful for...

Day 7, today I am thankful for my boys.  These guys are the light of my life.  Rough and tough and ready for a brawl, they are the epitome of love.  The first ones ready for hugs and snuggles in the morning.  The last ones giving kisses and love at night.  These two play for hours and I never hear a peep.  Giggles and laughter, definitely.  They are such a joy to their Momma.  Love you both, hooooeeee much!  

Headbands

I am selling some crochet head bands.  I made a set for Sophie and her baby and I had a lot of interest in them!  So, check them out and see what you think!


The regular head band with a flower is $4 plus shipping.  A matching set for a girl and her baby is $7.50.  On the right is a pic of my little girl with her baby.  Below is another set of matching ones for an order I did.  

Another color pattern.  You pick your colors and I can see what I can do! 

Day 6, thankful for...

Day 6, today I am thankful for getting to be a mommy.  These three amazing kiddos have changed my life in so many ways.  I am in awe of the love my heart can hold.  To be loved by these three is more than I could have ever asked for in my entire life.  Love you my littles and big guy!

Peanut Butter Pie

So, it is like heaven in a pie shell.  :)

Peanut Butter Pie

1-9 inch pie crust  (check out this blog entry if you need the recipe!  Pie Crust)
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup corn starch
1 tsp salt
4 cups milk
4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
3/4 cup peanut butter (preference as to which kind you like best, I use creamy)
3 tbsp butter, at room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
whipping cream and chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)


1.  Preheat oven to 450 and cook pie crust according to directions.

2.  In a saucepan, stir together sugar, cornstarch and salt.  In a large bowl, whisk milk and egg yolks until blended.  Whisk milk mixture into sugar mixture.  Heat on medium heat 6 to 7 minutes or until the mixture thickens and boils.  Continue boiling one minute.  





3.  Stir constantly.  Remove from heat.  Stir in peanut butter, butter and vanilla until well blended.  

4.  Immediately pour peanut butter mixture into baked pie shell.  Press plastic wrap over the filling and refrigerate 4 hours.








5.  Slice and serve.  Can be garnished with whipped cream and chopped peanuts.  Enjoy!

Quick and Tasty Pie Crust

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup shortening

4 to 5 tbsp warm water

Sift together flour and salt in large bowl.  Using a pastry blender, cut in the shortening until the flour mixture is about pea size pieces.

 Add three tablespoons of water and mix together, if needed add up to five tablespoons until you have the consistency you are looking for.  You do not want the dough to be too wet, it will not taste good or roll out right.  

Once you have the dough the consistency you are looking for, lay it out on a lightly floured surface.  Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.  

Fold the dough in half, place your ungreased pie pan near it and lay the crust into the pan.

Using a butter knife, cut around the edges of the pie pan so your crust fits into the pan.  Using a fork, poke holes in the crust.  On the bottom and don't forget the sides!  

 Bake the crust at 450 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until edges are slightly browned.  Fill with your favorite pie filling and enjoy!