This is the view from my backyard. Okaaay, it’s pretty. I still don’t like winter though. Even though we are getting snowed on (more snow to come on tues/wed), I know that we are getting closer and closer to spring. And spring leads to SUMMER. My favorite season. And in the meantime, God has given us beautiful scenery while we wait.
My Backyard February 8, 2010
Famous Lemon Cake Mix Cookies February 5, 2010
I made these cookies for my son’s class last year when it was his birthday. The kids went crazy over them. They have requested them anytime they can. My son just had his 6th grade bake sale so I made them again and they were almost all bought out. One child went up and asked my husband when I would make more lol.
Cake Mix Cookies
1/2 C veg oil
2 eggs
1 box of any flavor cake mix
Mix ingredients. Shape into balls and then cook on 350F for 8-10 min. The key to these cookies is taking them out of the oven before they are fully cooked. Take them out of the oven and let them sit for a few mintues to finish cooking.
Now how did I make them famous lemon cake mix cookies?
I used the above ingredients, but also added lemon extract to the mix. I don’t know how much extract as I’m terrible about measuring. But you could experiment with different extracts, food colorings and cake mix flavors.
I also added a basic cream cheese frosting with this (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar a little milk and more lemon extract).
I’m Overweight February 2, 2010
Yep, Wii Fitness told me so. Granted I’m only 9 lbs overweight but still overweight. That’s one of the reasons why I bought Wii Fitness Plus. I needed somebody to tell me, and hold me accountable.
Last March I suffered from Pre-e/HELLP Syndrome in my 4th pregnancy. One of the many symptons is excessive weight gain. I was wondering why the weight was piling on thru my pregnancy? I snacked on cheerios and tried to go to the gym when I could and the weight just kept multiplying.
By the time I gave birth at 24 weeks I had already gained 40 lbs. I lost a ton just from delivering the baby and having the HELLP leave my body but I still have 15 lbs to go to get back to pre-pregnancy weight. It would have made sense to lose the weight while the baby was in the NICU but the visits took a large chunk of the day. Plus I was working overtime trying to keep a milk supply so that I could express breastmilk for the baby. Anytime I lowered my calories to lose weight my breastmilk lowered as well. I then decided it would be better for me to keep the weight on since breastmilk was so beneficial to the premature baby.
Now she has been home from the NICU for 6 months and it’s been sleepless nights, doctor’s appointments and hospital stays (hospital food is not good for your diet). But I think now is the time to lose the weight. My goal is to have it lost by her first birthday. I am really hoping this helps with my blood pressure issues as I still have chronic high blood pressure from the disease.
Plus I really miss my clothes. They aren’t particulary stylish or fashionable but I miss just walking into my closet and throwing any old outfit on and going out the door. Now I spend 15 mins trying to find a pair of elastic waist pants to fit and a top big enough to nurse discreetly and cover up my stomach fat rolls. Then look in the mirror, tear up…take the clothes off and throw on a maternity outfit. Man, this has been the longest “pregnancy” I ever have had. I don’t know that playing the little Wii fitness games that only seem to burn 5 calories will really help but I’m hoping that weighing in everyday and seeing my fat little Mii will!
Swagbucks February 1, 2010
Have you signed up for swagbucks? If not please take a moment and sign up under mommyoffaith19. Swagbucks is just a search engine like google or yahoo but you earn “swagbucks” for searching that you can trade in for prizes or giftcards. Very very easy way to earn prizes! Alot of people use this to store up on Amazon gift cards.
http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/mommyoffaith19
My Children February 1, 2010
For privacy purposes my children will be named Pig, Bear, Monkey and Duck. They have always had these animal nicknames. Here are the reasons. Pig- a boy who is never full! Bear- a girl who is as cuddly as a teddy bear but can be just as grumpy. Monkey- girl who is a ball of energy and learned to climb before she ever crawled. Duck- a girl who we were not sure was a girl due to the ultrasound so we bought all yellow duck baby layette. She was born 4 months premature and spent time in her incubator, er isolette.
Then there is me, mommy of faith. Current sahm and student. Always into something. Bought a juicer to get into juicing and thinking about buying a sewing machine to teach myself to sew. I stay busy with ducky’s doctor appointments and therapy and finishing my degree. Wants to have a huge garden this summer even though I know nothing about gardening. I read alot. I love fitness, cooking (which sometimes counteract each other), being goofy with the kids, going to Church, shopping, and going to garage sales!
And last but not least is my husband, Steelman. He works alot and enjoys Call of Duty and Cafe World. The two banes of my existence. Just think how much better the world would be without Call of Duty gunfire and voodoo chicken salad.
Hello world! February 1, 2010
This blog will chronicle my life as a stay at home mom, student, mother to one preemie and 3 children. We will talk about saving money, cooking, cleaning, household tips and whatever else I get my hands into.
