Watching Them Grow

They are growing too fast! I can't keep up!

No, not the weeds in my garden, my boys. If I could go back and soak up a little more time with those chubby faces, I would. Now, I am watching my baby turn into a toddler. He is just so adorable! Seems only yesterday, he was a big roundness in my belly, then a squirming babe in my arms. Now, he is taking off, squealing at the cat and telling daddy (in his own way) not to go. The other day, my dad came over and Lachlan walked up to him, pointed to his eye as he said, "I" and then pointed up to him and said, "See!" Wow. He is growing up too fast!

Lachlan 2010

2011

My older two are no exception. I have been looking at old pictures and getting misty eyed over videos of them when they were tiny. What's a mother to do?

 

2011

Connor 2004

Finally, my oldest son is becoming too old to hold my hand! We were crossing a street and I held my hand out to him and he says, "Mom! I'm too old to hold your hand! It's embarrassing!" Dash my heart to pieces!! Did he really say, holding my hand was embarrassing? I guess you cannot stop the progression of a growing child. Just hold onto those precious memories fast. Because, before you know it, they are too old to hold onto those apron strings, and it's time to let them go...

Russell 2004

2011

        

White Bean w/Roasted Garlic Dip

So, with the temperatures soaring and needing to round out a meal without adding any cooking time to an already hot house, I set out in search of filling sides that didn't require cooking, and consisted of stuff I already had in the pantry, so I wouldn't have to cool off the sweltering car and run to the store. Here is a dip that I was amazed to find so flavorful and easy I had to restrain myself from eating it all by myself. It literally went with everything we were having for dinner. I had marinated chicken drummies and my husband grilled them (I'll include that recipe at the end), and we slathered them in the dip. I had toasted a tomato bread and that went with the dip. Tortilla chips had also been included with the dip, and of course that was awesome too. I think tomorrow, we will strip the meat off the chicken, and use that, the tomato bread and dip to make sandwiches!

White Bean w/Roasted Garlic Dip

1 can small white beans (canallini is what I used)
1 head of garlic, roasted

1/4 C. olive oil (more as needed)
4 green onions diced (just the green part)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
3 Tbsp fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Place all items into a food processor and blend until smooth. If it seems too sticky, drizzle a little more olive oil in while blending, until smooth. The consistency should be like smooth peanut butter. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.


Zesty Marinated Chicken Drummies

1/2 C. soy sauce
1/2 C. Zesty Italian dressing
2 Tbsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp lemon juice
10 chicken drumsticks

Combine all ingredients into a bowl or large freezer ziplock bag. Mix all the ingredients together and marinate for as long as 24hrs. Grill or bake, basting with remaining marinade throughout cooking time, until chicken is done.

Count Your Blessings!

From time to time, when I was growing up, my mom would sing this simple song and I could hear the joy in her voice, grow. I was thinking about this song today, watching my soon to be 18mos old sleep in my arms. He's been a complete turkey for the past week or so and I realized more teeth were coming in a couple days ago. While that explains it, it doesn't make him any easier to deal with. He gets incredibly insecure and clinging and it's nearly impossible to get anything done. It's easy to be grumpy and short when you feel like you are running behind and anytime you start on a project, you have to stop to take care of a fussy little one. However, I am trying to so enjoy the good times, that I store it up, and don't forget them when he is most difficult. That way, when he is being a pill, I just stop and breath, and remember how cute he was the day before (or whenever) and remind myself, that it won't last for long.

My Grouchy Flower

Today, he was so stinkin' cute (despite off and on fussiness). I'm sure people thought I was crazy, making faces at him from the rear view mirror (he has one so we can see each other while driving) and reaching behind the seat and grabbing him (to make him squeal) while at stop lights. He was cooing and smiling up a storm in the grocery, and doffing his hat at the older ladies (where did he learn that??) making them smile and coo back.

I stopped to get a coffee and while waiting, he was kissing me and singing momma to me. I just soak these moments up. Especially, because I know it will happen before I know it. He will be too big for kisses, and a big boy and not want to hold my hand while crossing the street (as I was informed by my eldest). As a mother, I wonder, how I will survive (as so many others have) having my heart swell so big with each baby I have, and then utterly dashed as they grow independent and push for more freedom from me. While it makes me proud to see them grow to be young men, I can't imagine how hard it will be to say goodbye as they leave me. So, I have to remember to count my blessings, and save them up in my heart. So much is taken for granted, but these are the things that help us push through each day, knowing there is so much more waiting for us, after this life!

Count Your Blessings (midi) - right click and choose "open in new window"

1. When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
   When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
   And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
   • Refrain:
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
     Count your blessings, name them one by one,
     *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
     [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
2. Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
   Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
   Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
   And you will keep singing as the days go by.
3. When you look at others with their lands and gold,
   Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
   Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
   Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4. So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
   Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
   Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
   Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.