Baby Bell #4

Yes, you read that title correctly. We are now expecting another baby in May 2012. Surprised? We were a little, but not really. We have been using Natural Family Planning since having Lachlan and the month we conceived, my husband and I had sort of playing this "should we or shouldn't we" game. My cycle had been a little wonky end of July and into August, so I think it was a combination of playing Russian Roulette (so to speak) and that, that created this pleasant surprise.

My husband was a little surprised, but happy and said, "Well, we did want to try for a girl one last time." Speaking of gender, I searched online for various ways to up the possibility for a girl as well and gender predictors. Through a fertility clinic I found a link to a fertility  doctor's suggestions on how to conceive a girl. I found that our guessed conception time/method indicated a high result for girl. Also,  a Chinese birth calendar used for centuries with a 97% accuracy rate, also indicated a girl for us. So maybe this is finally it! After three fantastic boys, I will get a girl. Of course, she will most likely be rough and tumble just like her brothers, so girly isn't expected. I've also been made to promise that no Barbies will be purchased or accepted for this potential girls (by the men of the house), but that isn't a promise I will find hard to keep, since I abhor the idea of Barbie and all the concepts she embodies.

So, we are all freshly excited by the news. We decided to share our news with the grandparents, on Grandparent's Day. My hubby called his parents and had the kids share the news, as well as a package of cards for the occasion were sent. For my parents, a similar package of cards was hand delivered, along with a game for the kids to play. We didn't tell them, but I put two betting tickets (originally for a horse race) I photoshopped to make them gender betting tickets, in one card. They were pretty slow to pick up on it, but as the gears started turning, the kids couldn't stand it anymore and yelled "We're having another baby!" to which my mom almost dropped the fish she was pulling out of the oven, and squealed with glee.

It will be so nice to be closer to family and I am hoping some of my husband's family will be able to visit near the birth date. So, I am looking forward to another blessing and praying for God to help me grow in my ability to homeschool and raise my kids, while tending to another baby and toddler. All things are possible through Him!

Homeschooling In Full Swing!

 I have thrown myself into homeschooling and am up to my eyeballs in worksheets, coloring page printouts and scheduling. On top of that, I am trying (not really succeeding either) to stay on top of housework. Good gravy! Sometimes I think,

"What on earth have I gotten myself into!"

However, I am convinced that this is better. They are learning about things that have been forgotten in public school (God and country; respect; honor) and I am making sure they read classic children's books. This week is Roald Dahl's "James and the Giant Peach", in honor of Mr. Dahl's birthday, which was on Tuesday. We will be watching the movie on Friday or Saturday, when we finish the book.

I created a blog to follow our homeschooling activities and I have a lot of resources listed there. So, pop on over to the MT Bell Elementary blog and take a gander. I might be over there most of the time for the duration of school. Please comment, I appreciate the feedback (as long as it's constructive and not insulting), and rate. Wish us luck on this educational journey! I know I'm going to need it! haha

Thanks for following!

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.