December Monthly Meals

Okay, so the weirdest thing happened.....

I've ALWAYS enjoyed cooking and being in kitchen, but my love for it got stronger when Matthew and I started cooking together.  Drop the iphone in the dock, turn on Pandora and start collaborating.  This partnership has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, try new things and give new flare to old favorites.

Last month, in hopes to lower our month grocery bill, I decided that I would sit down and make a Monthly Meal Plan.  Throughout the month I took pictures of random meals and posted them on Facebook and Instagram.  I was surprised by the feedback.

Today, I sat down once again to make my Monthly Meal Plan (last month was so successful, so why not) and grocery list.  I took my picture and like last month the feedback was strong, stronger this time.

So, now Im going to start a new venture....

I'm going to blog and give you all an insight on our meals.

My approach is simple....

Easy, Yummy and Cost Effective Meals.  Using fresh ingredients and those every day items we already have.  This is a financial tough time we are living in and making the dollar and the meal stretch is important.  So from Crock Pot, to Casseroles to every day favorites, you will find them all here.....

Enjoy!

Living with Boys

Life is so crazy these days! How did it happen that my (now) oldest is 2 (I still need to work on that blog) and my youngest is almost 6 months!
People aren't kidding when they say it goes by quickly! And truthfully I think when you add another into the mix it seems to move even more quickly.

Well, I'm sorry faithful followers, I've dropped the ball. Hopefully I can catch you all up and maybe share some laughs.

Benjamin is officially a "chunky monkey"! We started him on cereal back on September 22. He ended up not doing well on the rice so we give him oatmeal and he can't get enough. As of today he has tried and enjoyed... Sweet Potatoes, Pears, Peas, Prunes, Mangos and Avacado. He's a funny little eater and watches everyone with a very close eye at meal times.

Also, as of today, he is on his third night in a row of sleeping thru and not needing a bottle! I have a feeling he will be transferring into "the boys" room before we know it! This bit brings Matthew and I great excitement! And if I'm being truly honest (which I always aim for through these blogs) the idea if Benjamin moving to "the boys" room makes me just a tad misty. He's our last, so the idea of how fast he's growing.... It makes me sad! But oh so happy.... You all know what I mean.

Now as for Jackson! He's in love with his "baby bean"! And the more active Benjamin gets the more thrilled bear gets. Bean has been rolling and getting up in all fours these last few days and bear can't help but push for more. I have a feeling these two are going to be pushing each other, cheering each other on for many years to come.

Boys are both starting to wake so I better move.... But hopefully this has given a small insight into their growth. Enjoy the pics and I promise November will be better!

Mickey Time

Little Brothers Make Great Pillows

Loves to Eat

Our new Favorite... This Pic says so Much.... lol

Our Handsome Boys

Benjamin is 4 Months Old

Happy 4 Months

Can't believe our sweet Benjamin Cash is already 4 months old!

Seems like just yesterday we were a family of three preparing for Benjamin's arrival. And now here I sit with Jackson (who will be 2 next month) upstairs napping and Benjamin beside me playing.

I think after four months I finally feel like I'm getting the real hang if this momma of two down, at least that's what I tell myself, lol.

Brothers

Benjamin is an amazing little boy! He's rolling around, squawking like crazy and is fascinated by his older brother.











He is such a wonderful addition to this family and I couldn't be happier to be his momma!

So big, holding is own bottle

Welcoming Benjamin Cash

I'd like to apologize for taking SO long to get this out to you all!!  I started this when we came home from the hospital, but days and nights began to run into each other and before I knew it, it was time to get ready and move.  So now that we are settled I promise to start pushing more of these blogs out!

Thank you for your patience, I know you've been waiting!
xoxo




Monday, April 30th


This day has been waited for and anticipated for so many months, weeks and days.  Not only is this the day we welcome our second beautiful little blessing but also Matthew's 33rd Birthday.  But truth be told I might be getting the BEST gift EVER.....  Due to the stress that we faced with the birth of Jackson and the need for a c-section, we knew going into the pregnancy of Benjamin that we would be having a scheduled c-section.

So as the pregnancy came to an end, the date chosen (Daddy's Birthday), I got more and more excited about the birth of our second blessing..... Benjamin Cash!

Matthew and I woke early Monday morning (330 am) got dressed, confirmed we had everything we needed and headed out.  We had to be at Kaiser by 430 am and of course I didn't want to be late.  With nerves and excitement fluttering through my body, we checked in!

We were showed to our room (sounds more like a hotel stay then a hospital stay) and introduced to my second favorite nurse of ALL time, Leslie.  By 6 am I was in bed, getting my IV set up when Grammy walked in.  Once all set up we had a bit of time to relax and wait for Auntie Dani and Grammie Smeck to get there.

Leslie!  Awesome!!

We had a collection of doctors and nurses walk in and introduce themselves as we got prepped for Benjamin's arrival.  By 7 am, it was time to go.  Matthew was all dressed and I was walking myself into surgery (once again... such a difference experience).

All ready to go have this boy

Once down on the table they let Matthew in and the process started.  Matthew unlike last time, was able to participate and see a lot more of the birth, which he found extremely exciting.  I like last time, was awake but still pretty much out of it.

By 738 am I heard the first (of many) cries and I knew my beautiful Benjamin was here.  My heart grew, tears flew down my face and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.  The nurse in charge of taking care of my blessing, brought him down to me and let me place a kiss on his sweet face!  I will never forget the moment I saw him for the first time.  Talk about love at first sight!!

First kisses from Momma

Matthew stayed with Benjamin as they took him to get cleaned up and I got finished in the OR.  A little after 8 am all three of us were together in the recovery room.  Once they had me all organized they sent for Grammy, Grammie Smeck and Auntie Dani.  The recovery room was empty so they let us all hang out together for almost an hour.  We took tons of pics and discussed who he looked more like, lol!

Benjamin Cash Holmes
Born at 738am
6 lbs 11oz and 19 inches

By 10 am I was wheeled into my new room, which scary enough was the exact same room I was in with Jackson, 207!  Weird!!

Within moments of arrival the troops started coming in.  Uncle Omar, Auntie Dani and Lucas came to check out "B$" (As Uncle O calls him), and of course both Grammy and Grammie Smeck.  By afternoon Papa Holmes was able to come for a visit too of his newest grandson.  Grammie Smeck stayed for the day and allowed Matthew to go home and see Jackson.  By that evening both Matthew and my dad, Poppa Bubs were there to enjoy some evening snuggles with the newest arrival.

Papa with Benjamin

On a personal note.... I decided that I couldn't be kept down, so I insisted on getting out of bed and walking around.  I went to bed with out any tubes or IVs.  I need to get strong... I now have two little men that need mommy in full capacity!

Tuesday, May 1st.

After a night of little sleep and every two hour feeds... we welcomed our second day of life with Benjamin.  Matthew was wonderful and went and got me REAL coffee and a yummy breakfast... hospital food still leaves much to the imagination.

My mom and dad came back for a bit more of a visit and then dad had to leave.... Must get in
snuggles!!

Grammie Smeck meeting Benjamin

Poppa Bubs meeting Benjamin

Around 11am Grammie and Papa Holmes brought "Big Brother" Jackson for a visit.  This was going to be our first moment as a family of four.... My heart was filled with excitement and a bit of anticipation.

Our family of four

After a wonderful visit with Jackson, Daddy took him back home for some one on one time.  It was our first, of many to come, of dividing and conquering with the boys!

Wednesday, May 2nd

Today is the day we get to take our newest bundle home.  To say that we haven't had any issues would be a small fib.  Benjamin did have a small case of jaundice so we had to make sure his levels were high enough to allow us to take him home.  Thankfully the doctor on duty felt comfortable with him leaving, however we will have to get his heals pricked until his levels rise.

Unlike our departure with Jackson, Matthew and I felt much more at ease leaving with our baby.  We dressed Benjamin in his "going home" outfit, once again in family tradition, Matthew picked it out and surprised me with it.

All ready to head home

Once all bundled we headed home to experience in real life, being the parents of two beautiful boys!

At home we were greeted not only by Jackson, but by Auntie Dani, his cousins and of course Grammy and Papa!

So excited!!

Grammy and Papa Holmes and their 5 grandsons!!
Life is SO good!

Here's a sneak peek at some beautiful shots my talented and beautiful sister in law took of Benjamin and I.....

One Day Old

Love

My beautiful Benjamin

52.14 Motherhood is..... Learning

Life is full of learning.  Hopefully we as adults strive to learn something new everyday.  I know I do, and that helps to not only fill up my knowledge tank but makes me feel alive.  I'm constantly teasing Matthew that he is full of useless knowledge.... but I will say, every time he opens his mouth I learn something new.

I think Motherhood is very similar.  I learn something new EVERY day!!  This comes in all sorts of ways... Sometimes its as easy as Jackson opening his mouth or doing something, perhaps this new bit of knowledge comes from another mom sharing wisdom, or some times its as easy as a bit of self reflecting.

With the birth of Benjamin coming tomorrow, I have been looking back on my last 19 months of being a momma and reflecting on my journey of learning!  I can honestly say that I have learned not only a ton about being a mom, but about myself, the kind of mom I strive to be and my son.  I can desire and teach certain things for Jackson all day long, but he is his own person and sometimes you just have to let go and see what he figures out.

I have tried harder these last few weeks and if I'm to be totally honest more these last few days, to really let Jackson be the intelligent, independent young man he's growing into.  Its been a battle.... with only a short period of time left, I've wanted to hold on more.  Smother him with more love, kisses and hugs.  Make him feel my love... LOL!!  Even typing that I know how emotional that sounds.  But its the truth and I am okay with allowing my silly ideas to hit the screen.

I know as parents our "job", or "goal" or even "mission" in life is to teach our children, but I think there is another side to this... We are to sit and learn as well.  Our children are innocent little beings with no life experience outside of us, so this makes them more adventurous, more trusting and more at ease.  I think I can take my son's advice and see life through his eyes a bit more.

I have LOVED being just Jackson's mommy these last 19 months and I know that he has taught me as much as I have taught him.  We have been a fun team of 3... But I also know that we are going to be an even better team of 4!!

I am proud of the mommy I have become and the lessons I have learned.  I have many, many people to thank for those lessons.  But I also know that I am about to start a new chapter in life and learn more... being a mommy of 2 boys should be interesting.

Today, I thank Jackson for teaching me about being a mommy and for rolling with the punches!  You are amazing son and I love you more than words.

Exploring his surroundings

52.13- Motherhood is..... Sharing

Teaching your children to share can be tricky! Jackson, like most children his age hasn't yet grasped the idea of sharing. He's in the "mine" phase..... From his shoes, to my phone, everything is "his" (lol).

Like most mommy's I'm doing my best to teach him through words and actions, the meaning of sharing.
But I think the best example comes from kids close to his age.

The other day we began to notice that Jackson seemed frustrated with his toy selection. I reached out to my sister in law in hopes that perhaps she might have some toys that my nephews have out grown. The feedback was wonderful! My (now) six year old nephew, Lucas was on a mission!!
Within a few days we had a box of some of Lucas' favorite toys, that he had outgrown. He sat down with Jackson and showed him how they worked and any tricks he may know.

Watching them I saw the true example of sharing! Now, in part due to my hard work but probably more of Lucas' example, Jackson asks me to sit with him and we play together!

It really is amazing the things our children learn from each other!

52.12- Motherhood is.... Praying for Grace

The other day I saw a mommy post on Facebook that she needed patience, (don't we all) and one of the comments from a dear friend of mine, made the suggestion that she pray for grace instead!

At the time I thought what an amazing idea but didn't think much past that moment!

Today, in the middle of many emotional meltdowns (and yes, at times it was both Jackson and I crying) I remember the suggestion of praying for grace!

Grace- elegance or beauty of form, manner, motion, or action.

So today, I prayed for Grace as a mommy! I prayed that my actions showed love, even though I had to be firm. I prayed that the manner in which I handled his tantrums was delivered in a way of strength and not frustration. And finally I prayed that through this entire day of trying moment after trying moment, I showed God's love and grace to my amazing boy!!

I'd like to say that our day got easier as it went on, but that would be a fib! But we did have some wonderful cuddles (while crying... I called it the hug hold), some giggles and silly moments, and at the end of the day those are the moments I need to hold close!!

By Grace I will be the best momma I can be and pray that my boys only remember the silly, loving moments that accompany our rough days!

So today I too will remember the silly moments and instead of posting a picture of Jackson melting down (yes, i actually took one. I know, awful mommy, but it caught me off guard), I'm going to share my favorite silly moment of our day.....

Doing daddy's silly face!