Why I love to bake...

My kids love to help out in the kitchen- especially when it comes to baking. Crew was totally into the banana bread we made yesterday. I modified a recipe from Williams-Sonoma Kids Baking and it was a big hit. Not just with Crew, but with everyone in the family.

Here's the recipe {with modifications}; I hope you enjoy it too!

easy! Banana Bread

{Makes 1 loaf, but I double the recipe and make 1 large loaf, 2 mini loaves and a dozen mini muffins too- perfect for small hands!}

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 very ripe mashed bananas

2/3 cup sugar (I used just under 1/2 cup of sugar)

1/3 cup oil (I pour half the measuring cup with unsweetened applesauce and then top it off with canola oil)

2 large eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla (I used a splash more)

(I also added 1/4 tsp. fresh-grated nutmeg)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease loaf pan (I love "Pam spray for Baking"...the bread comes out so easily every time!). In a medium bowl stir together flour, baking powder, salt and soda. In a large mixing bowl, smash the bananas with a fork. Next add the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla (and nutmeg too if you're adding that in) and beat until well blended. Add the flour mixture to banana mixture and stir until just blended.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in oven for about 45 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs clinging to it. Cool on rack for about 15 minutes and then remove from pan.

My favorite part of baking bread with Crew was listening to him say "num, num, num" every time we added an ingredient to the bowl and then watching him get sticky from licking the spatual. I gave him a quick bath while the muffins were baking and when he was dried off, clean and cozy, the muffins were done and ready to eat. The timing was perfect. He couldn't even wait for me to get his buttered and put on a plate. He just helped himself. There's something very special about baking with kids. I highly recommend the experience. It's a simple joy.

This is what 23 weeks looks like this time...

Roughly 20 pounds of added weight on my body already. It's not just in my belly either. I am feeling lots of movement and occasional hiccups too. We are no where near a final decision on names- but that is to be expected- sometimes we don't choose until the baby has been in our arms for awhile. We are considering Grady, unless you ask Chip. =)

I am happy to be sleeping well at this stage, and happier yet that I can still look down and see my feet. I am aware at just how quickly the next few months will fly by. I've only once made it to my actual due date. Teagan arrived exactly when the doctor said she would. The others have all made their appearances early- ranging from 6 days to nearly 5 weeks. I have a feeling this baby will follow the same trend. And that about sums up pregnancy at 23 weeks. Getting bigger, still feeling okay, and no where near ready yet! =)

I just got an extra hour in my day!

Hello Blog-readers, family and friends. It's been too long! Wyndham's therapy sessions got cut short by an hour later today, so I feel like I have a bonus hour in my day. The first thing I thought of doing when I got my "free time" was to check in here and write a new post. Aren't you lucky to be at the top of my list when life finally gives me a little breathing room?! Hooray for a little, unexpected breathing room. And I can tell you, I needed it today!!

Life here has been nothing short of busy. The weather has been very spring-like, which means Chip puts in long hours at the golf club getting new leagues in play and keeping the members as happy as he can. I feel like a single mom a lot of the time- and by bedtime the kids often take advantage of me being far-outnumbered and worn down too. They are definitely keeping me on my toes. From the extra playtime and suprevision they demand when we play outdoors, to added activities- like run-club at school a couple of days a week, and the need for more baths. There just isn't enough "me" to spend time blogging and documenting our busyness. There is even less time for me to have anything inspirational or insightful to share. I'm out of material- and energy most of the time. So those are some of my 'excuses' for not being as visible and vocal at Nitty.Gritty. lately. You are always welcome to go back and re-read the archives. I think I was more exciting and interesting back then anyway. =)

The photos posted today are some I took during a 5-minute photoshoot with Ava two days ago. I bribed her with a piece of candy and she in turn gave me looks spanning from pensive to dramatic to just plain silly. I love the age she is at right now when her personality comes out in such a spontaneous way. She can be a handful and very demanding at times. But at other times she is just "her" and I think she believes that all the world is her stage. =) In a few of the pictures she poured on the charm- pretending to sing for a large audience. As you can see, she was putting her whole heart into it... and then laughing about it as she knew just how fun that might actually be to sing for a giant crowd.

Somedays I wish I was more like my kids- not letting my surroundings stifle who I feel I am at heart. I wish I were more spontaneous with laughter and fun and silly- instead of concerned about bedtime routines and staying on top of the grocery shopping lists. Now that I actually have a free extra minutes in my day today, I think it's the perfect time to do something random and fun. I'm just not quite sure what it will be. No matter what it turns out to be, I have a feeling it's going to make me feel a little bit more alive inside. And that's always a very good thing if you ask me. Here's to finding even something small in your day in which you can celebrate life and the simple joy it contains. I've been missing that!!

The first golf outing of the season...

We now have to drive two carts out to the driving range and even then we are full to the brim with people and bags. There are just the right number of cup holders to keep everyone happy. As you can tell, Crew is thrilled that when he walks over to the golf cart the cups are at his perfect level for helping himself to a sip.

We all need some work on our swings, and our short games need lots of practice too. But it's nice to know that even with all the age differences among us we all enjoy time at the golf course- especially on a mid-70 degree, sunny day. It will be several weeks before Lake Michigan is warm enough for us to think about bringing everyone to the beach. That's just one more perk to golf. As soon as the sun melts all the snow the course is ready to go!

What activities do you like to get a jump on before summer arrives? Let me know!

{Happy Tax Day to all the American readers today too. I hope it's happy anyway.} =)

Between baby and little boy.

This is a series of photos taken just as Crew was settling down for naptime. He is hardly cuter than when he has his water bottle and just enough energy left for a couple of monkey jumps on the bed, a few mischevious grins and smiles and then his little hair-tugging as he readies himself for sleep. He is at that fun, but difficult stage in life where he's got abilities and strong desire to be a little boy. But at the same time he still has needs and moments where his babyhood comes out in obvious ways. He is growing up. But at this point, he's still my baby and I am trying not to let this phase rush by too quickly. He'll be a big brother soon enough.

Just me and the girls.

First of all, thanks for all the fun and interesting baby name suggestions. Chip and I and all the kids are having fun tossing out suggestions nearly every day. I brought up Vern, Lyle and Arnold one evening and nobody jumped at any of them. I guess I wasn't all that surprised. I do think there is quite the trend of classic/old-fashioned names on the rise though. I guess it's just certain names though. I have yet to see Dwayne or Floyd on the popular name list- my dad {Floyd} would probably be happy to see his name grow in popularity. But it will likely be at least a few years from now. =)

In other family news, we enjoyed a long, extended spring break vacation from school and routine last week. It seemed to fly by very quickly even though we didn't travel anywhere or do anything too exciting. Having long, leisure mornings and relaxed bedtime schedules was enough of a treat, if you ask me. I did "force" the girls into short, individual photo shoots one bright, sunny afternoon. I realized I don't take near as many photos as I used to. I need to get back on track and start snapping pictures- even if it is just routine, ordinary activity.

My next big challenge will be talking the boys into their photoshoots. They really don't think it's as much fun as the girls do. And so goes the long list of differences in genders!

It's official.

We're now taking baby boy name suggestions. Because of course, I had my girl name all figured out. =) This little one likes to move- a lot! He was sucking his thumb for the camera during part of the ultrasound too. If he keeps that up after his birth he will be our first thumb sucker. So, although he's baby #7 in the line-up, I think we're in for a few surprises anyway. That's part of what makes babies so special. They are all individuals and so unique!
We'll be anxious to meet him in person.
As soon as he puts on a bit more weight. =)

Little details... Happy Easter!

What a great time of year to look around and see the details of God's handiwork coming to life as spring bursts forth outside. We just finished coloring eggs (while Crew napped peacefully in the nearby room) and talked about how neat it is that God made so many colors and cool things like eggs and rain (it's raining out right now) and that in just a couple of days we'll find out if we're having a baby boy or girl. It's fun to see and feel the excitement of life through the perspective of a child.

Whether it's watching eggs change from white to rainbow colors or just hearing their laughter and eyes light up at the thought of another special day tomorrow, it's truly a remarkable thing. To think that there was a time in my life that I never wanted moments such as these. And now I wish they would never end!

Happy Easter to you. May the reality of what Christ did on the cross change your heart and life for all eternity!!

Happy Birthday to Chip!

Here's wishing my hubby a truly wonderful birthday today as he celebrates turning 42. (I don't think he minds that you know his age.) I wish he could get a big hug from every one of his kids, and I'm sure that would be his wish too.
Still, I have to let him know that he is loved by me and so many others.
I feel lucky to be the one in his life to walk life's up and downs and to enjoy special moments together and feel even more fortunate that he's still by my side- we've had some close calls! I wish him many more years of happiness, success, overcoming challenges and just a lot of good things. He's nothing short of an amazing dad and husband. He does more than his share in life and has one of the biggest {sometimes most competitive!} hearts I know. He calls it passion. =) I'm so glad he embraces life the way he does. It makes it better and often times more fun for those of us around him.
Here's to you, Chip!
Happy, happy birthday from me and all the loves of your heart. xoxo

Experiencing everyday Grace.

These are some miscellaneous pictures of Wyndham taken over the past couple of weeks. She has gotten her energy and personality back and we are so happy that she is healthy and strong again. She had a rough several weeks this winter, but you could never tell it now.

I have been struck several times while going about my daily tasks the past few days of just how much grace I experience because of Wyndham and the extra-special needs she has. It has been in the forefront of my mind much more than usual, as she her surgery date came and went- I have actually "felt" the grace we're experiencing right now as her surgery was rescheduled. I don't often share the ugly realities of living with her ongoing needs, but trust me, they are there and we have learned {I think we have anyway!} to take them in stride most of the time and to just accept that Wyndham's challenges are just a part of our normal routine.

What you don't see are the difficulties that result of a traumatic brain injury- even years later. Things like having to diaper and change a 70 pound, 9-year old girl. It's not very pretty and many times a week we wash and remake all her bedding too. I can't really tell you how hard it is to bathe someone of her size and needs too. She requires extra help getting in and out of a tub and depends on us to take care of all her personal grooming. Wyndham continues to work hard several times a week in physical rehab in learning and developing the skills necessary to walk up and down steps and to climb up into her seat in our minivan.

As I've helped assist her in many of these situations the past few days it has occurred to me that I am living with "extra" grace right now. All of her daily challenges are only going to be magnified and even several more will be created after she has her {double-foot realignment} surgery later this fall. She will be in casts over both knees and I can't even begin think of all the added demands that will make for all of us. I don't really like to actually think about it at all, because it is overwhelming and scary.

But that's not where my heart is right now. I just can't help but be even more aware and grateful of how blessed we are to soak up the things she IS able to do and I am seeing how even her challenges are "easy" for us compared to how things could be. I have a greater sense right now of what a gift she is and how we are so fortunate for the strength and health she does have- and I am grateful even more for all the things God has brought her through. I know that she faces a lifetime of 'stuff' that many will never know, and to be completely honest with you many times I get frustrated and angry that she/we have to deal with them at all. She's never done anything to deserve the added difficulties and pain she carries with her everyday. But I also know she/we are given more Grace than we deserve to work through the challenges and to even 'accept' them as normal and part of our routine.

I sometimes 'forget' that I am a mom of a little girl labled handicapped in her files. It is because of grace that that is true in my life. I just want to publicly thank God for His grace in our lives and to praise Him for the gift of Wyndham and even thank Him for her handicaps today. For it is because of them that I can see more of His grace- and nothing compares to experiencing everyday Grace.

On my mind today...

These colorful felt pinwheels caught my eye on Elsie's blog. You can purchase a bouquet of pinwheels here... and find more inspiration at the creator's blog- Giant Dwarf. I just think it's fun to share ideas and things that inspire me from time to time. Simple things. I think it helps remind my husband that I'd rather have a bouquet of felt pinwheels than roses too. He forgets how practical I am at heart and I know he still reads my blog from time to time, so this post is especially for him. {wink}
Now. On a totally different topic...
Do any of you feel relieved and convicted at the same time when you hear ongoing media coverage about such people as Tiger Woods and Sandra Bullock? I'm just thinking outloud for a minute, because it's something that's been on my heart and mind the past several days. First of all, my heart breaks ANY time I hear that a marriage is being rocked. Whether it's because of financial strain, marital infedelity or any number of other reasons. I know firsthand what a challenge marriage is to maintain, and especially in our American society, it is so easy to "throw away" when the going gets tough.
So when I hear stories of struggling marriages I stop and thank God that He has and continues to hold mine together. It is a challenge to make a marriage relationship a priority and it is easy to let stuff pile up or come between a husband and wife. I am humbled and grateful that my marriage- while far from perfect- is still intact and even wonderful at times. I don't take that lightly and I know what a gift it is. Every single day.
The other thing I have been thinking about is how easy it is to stop and point a finger or to feel "arrogant" when {especially big celebrity couples} marriages break down. It seems all too easy to say, "Boy, I'm glad I would never do something like that... or How could that even happen?". The fact is, none of us are immune to the things of this world that seek to tempt us, drag us down, rip us apart and in short, break up a sacred union. We live in a fallen, sinful world and these sorts of stories in the news- as much as they make me hurt for those behind the headlines- seem to be quiet reminders that I need to do as the Bible says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Prov. 4:23
Having the world at your fingertips, and money and fame may seem to be glamourous and wonderful. But in this broken world I am learning to thank God for what I have, to be content and even very satisfied with the things I do have. I have been praying for people I know in stressful marriages and even praying that God can be glorified and bring good out of the hardships and struggles that marriages can encounter. He is the One thing that has been the source and strength in my marriage to Chip and I know that He desires nothing more than to bless even the rockiest marriage. I am glad that we can trust and turn to Him. No matter how tough life gets at times.

Starting to think about baby.

Now that I am into my second trimester I am so happy to leave behind the morning sickness, fatigue and lack of energy to do anything. It is a relief to know that I actually do have desire and even a bit of energy to do some creative stuff in my "spare time" again. Half-way through the first trimester I began to think I may never create anything with my paper products again!

So this past week I was glad to have the chance to make a little something for a friend of ours who had a little book shower in the kindergarten class at school. The top three photos are pictures of the mini album I gave them to fill with pictures and notes about their adorable baby girl, Nora. I know that Nora's mom loves vintage things, so I pulled out a mix of my vintage and tiny flower patterned papers and then cut them up and glued/tied them together into this baby book. It was not only fun for me to put together, but fun to see how some of the random scrap stuff I have laying around my scraproom mixed and matched and turned out to be a cute little book.

In just a couple of short weeks we have an ultrasound and will likely be able to find out if our baby is a boy or girl. I am thinking after I find out I can start making another book and have it ready to fill with pictures well before our baby comes later this summer. I am looking forward to making a few baby things- it's my way to unwind, do some dreaming and use up my stuff all at the same time. A win-win!

One of the other projects I just came across and bookmarked is the cute shadowbox baby collage you see in the last photo- which I found here at giddy giddy blog. This could be a great project for not only babies, but kids of any age, weddings or just a neat way to show off a miniature collection too! I thought it was simple, sweet and I was definitely inspired and hope to make one of my own.

I am still overwhelmed at the thought of a newborn in our home, but at the same time I have been feeling some baby kicks and have to admit that it is a humbling and great honor to look forward to such a gift. We're also still gathering ideas for baby names, so feel free to leave your suggestions for us here. Baby naming is a task all its own! =)

She got her wish.

If she were here with us, Teagan would be turning into a teenager today. It's her 13th birthday. We were privileged to be able to spend 4 birthdays with her here on earth. Several times in the days after she turned four she would say, "I just want to be 4 forever". I questioned her and tried to talk her out of such a wish. I told her about lots of fun and beautiful things that life held for her as she would grow up into a lady.

It was simple wish and one I never imagined would actually come true. But it did. I sometimes wonder if her heart and soul were connected to Heaven from the beginning. I tend to believe the answer is yes. I will never fully understand and especially on days like today, it hurts and the wounds of grief feel fresh again. To miss her is one thing. To wonder how things might be is another. And the process of surrendering and accepting this reality of ours continues.

Even as my heart aches, I still have a peace and a comfort in my heart. Teagan got her wish and it changed me. I am glad that our spirits are forever connected- no matter how long or how far apart we are. As she celebrates today in Heaven, and we remember her here on earth, I am glad for the Hope we cling to- that we will be together again someday. It makes me realize our hearts aren't that far apart afterall.

She might have been turning 13 today... but I will always remember her as four. She got her wish; as heartbreaking as that is, it also brings me a certain Joy too.

Teagan will always be the love of my heart.

Happy Birthday to the little girl who changed my heart and life forever...

even at the age of 4.

Princess for a day.

Ava celebrated her 6th birthday yesterday. She had requested a pink frosted castle cake after seeing a similar blue one in a book that the kids all like to look through. She was awakened by all of us saying, "Surprise!" to her too- after she had requested that the night before as well. =) Funny how she "planned" her own party, but seem genuinely surprised and happy when it all actually came true before her eyes.

There were presents and brunch and an afternoon out of the house at a lacrosse game and playing with the neighbor kids too. It was sweet and simple, but as the pictures show, she was as happy as could be. It sure is fun to be princess- if even for a day.

Happy Birthday, Ava. You are loved- just the way you are!