Natalie Turns One

Today our second born, Natalie Jane, turned one. She has brought so much joy to our family. She is full of spunk and reminds me of a bulldozer. 

She loves animals so I decided to have her a Safari party. She has a plush lion that she sleeps with and loves. 

Here are some photos from her birthday party this evening.

 

 

 

 Two of her great grandmothers were here so we

took photos with the four generations.

We love you Natalie,

Mom and Dad

Mother's Day

We had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. It started Saturday evening going to the park and then out to eat. Natalie decided that going out to eat was not a good idea since she missed her nap so we took turns eating. 

Sunday morning Natalie was the first to wish me happy Mother's Day by throwing up a large amount of milk over me and the bed. I guess she knew the sheets and mattress pad needed a washing.

Caroline and Josh fixed a lovely breakfast. I felt loved and appreciated.

I am telling you those things because that's real motherhood and I wouldn't change it for anything. It's the hardest but most rewarding job I've done. My heart aches for those who's arms are aching. 

"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15

Here are some photos to document our day.

 My five star breakfast made by the best.

I'm so grateful for these two gifts from God.

I wasn't sure I would ever be called mom after having 

a surgery due to endometriosis.  

 Sisters

With Love,

Hope

Caroline Turns Four

It's hard to believe our firstborn turned four. My how time flies. She wanted a bunny party this year because my Mom told her about the bunny cakes she used to make me for my birthday parties.

Here are some photos to document the evening.

 Bunny cakes like my Mom would make for me.

 

 

 

 favors

 carrot cake

 All the children ready to hunt eggs

We ended up inside because of the cool weather.

What a fun evening celebrating with family!

 Hope

Easter 2018

Today was a meaningful day, it started with an Easter sunrise service at church and then lunch with my Shank family. We had to leave our home at 6:30 am with two little girls in tow (ready for Easter). I remembered my camera and pickled eggs but forgot my diaper bag. We borrowed a few diapers and got along just fine.

Here are some photos to document the day.

 

 Caroline checks our daffodils each day to see if more have bloomed. 

She was astounded at the amount Grandmother had blooming. 

She picked three bouquets while she was there.

 A photo to treasure. My Grandma Shank holding Natalie Jane.

 

a dream came true

 The grandchildren ended the fun day by digging in the garden.

Some ended up in the bath tub until it was all said and done.

I'm so grateful He is ALIVE!

Hope 

Spring Roll Rice Bowls

It's spring. I have a springy recipe for you. It's filled with colorful vegetables and involves rice and chicken. Then it's drizzled with a sweet garlic + lime dressing. My husband calls it "chick food". It does look like something chickens would enjoy, but he ate two bowls of it.

Spring Roll Rice Bowls

2 cups Basmati rice

8 chicken thighs marinated in my citrus lime chicken 

Vegetables

cucumbers

cabbage red + regular

bell peppers

tomatoes

spring onions

carrots, shredded

spring onions

cilantro

Sweet garlic + lime dressing

1/3 cup canola oil

1/3 cup lime juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 garlic cloves, crushed 

Cook rice as package directs.

Slice vegetables and set aside.

An hour ahead of time mix up your marinade and marinate

chicken for 1-2 hours. In a hot skillet fry the chicken thighs until done.

Slice while hot and return to your skillet to keep warm.

Blend dressing ingredients well with a stick blender. 

To assemble; start with a bed of rice, then top with chicken and vegetables.

Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with cilantro.

 It's fun to eat with all the textures and colors.

Enjoy!

Hope

Christmas 2017

Christmas came and went and I'll have to say it was the most relaxing one yet. It was so much fun to see Caroline anticipating Christmas this year.

Here is our Christmas in photos...

 Christmas brunch.

Reading Caroline's last Advent window.

Natalie Jane

 

 Last year we were wishing for a sibling for Caroline

and this year she's here for her to hold.

The bookworm opened lots of books.

Christmas with the Shank's.

Caroline was delighted with a dress my sister, Faith, made her.
She would pick out that fabric every time we went to Faith's fabric

store and would ask aunt Faith to make her a dress.

Her dream came true. Now she wants to wear it everywhere:) 

 The Grandchildren minus Natalie who was sleeping.

 The Helmuth's

 The Helmuth grandchildren

 All the 2017 models.

I'm enjoying this new year by cleaning out corners. 
Don't stand around at my house too long, 
you might get thrown away:)

Blessings,

Hope