Burrito, it's what's for dinner!

Tonight I made burritos! From scratch! They were delicious. This dish turned out so yummy I had to share. I have not received word from OK9, but I am suspecting he will agree. He took his to work for dinner. This turned out to be the perfect "on-duty tonight" meal. I prepared it earlier in the day while Baby K9 was snoozing and then baked it just before OK9 needed to leave for work. I packed it up with all the fixings and he can easily reheat it when he gets a break for dinner. Perfect!

I got this recipe from the Taste of Home best loved casseroles, Fall 2006. MIL K9 gave it to me. I must say, not many of the recipe's caught my tummy, I mean, my eye. This one did. I love Mexican food! Who doesn't? I think we have some sort of Mexican dish each week. I try to make them as healthy as possible without messing up the taste too much.

The recipe:
Okay, the gal who posted this recipe said her mom always made it with homemade burritos but she makes it with frozen ones. I decided to try my hand at homemade. This is how I made them, if you have a good burrito recipe or know your favorite insides, you can easily substitute. I'm sure it's fine with the frozen ones too.

Serves: 8-10
For the burritos:
2 chicken breasts, boiled then diced, sliced or shredded (whatever works for you)
1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (or not)
taco seasoning or other for chicken
1 can of black beans
1 hot pepper (optional, I used a pastillo), diced
Monterrey jack cheese, shredded or cubed
Cilantro, chopped
Burrito size tortillas

The sauce:
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce
1/2 cup milk
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese, divided
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
1 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup sliced green onions
6 cups shredded lettuce
sour cream (optional topping)
salsa (optional topping)
avocado or guacamole (optional topping)

In a bowl toss the chicken with taco seasoning and diced tomatoes. Lay tortilla flat and add some cheese, chicken, more cheese, cilantro, beans, hot pepper. Wrap up burrito style. (You will see how much inside stuff works for you, if you add too much the burrito won't wrap up nicely.)

Arrange burritos, seam side down, in a greased 13x9 baking dish. In a bowl whisk the soup, sauce and milk until blended. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese and the chilies. Pour over the burritos. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, olives and the onions.

Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and slightly brown. Serve on a bed of lettuce with salsa, sour cream and avocado/guacamole, if desired.
Enjoy!

Smorgasbord

This will be a smorgasbord of a post today.

I have been reading all these debt stories and it is inspiring to say the least. I had put myself on a budget years ago when I was single. It needed to be done. It's too easy to overspend when it's just you. I had a lovely worksheet that my bestie's hubby made for me. It worked. I knew what I had to spend for groceries, gas, outings etc each month. Once we got married we knew our goal was for me to stay at home with the babies, when they came. I suppose we are blessed that we married later in life because we both had settled the majority of our debt. We didn't enter this marriage with a mound of it. We spent the past year planning for me to be a SAHM. By that I mean, we did not live on my income, at all. I think that is another blessing we had. We used it to pay down what debt we had. Many were completely paid off. We are now left with one car payment, student loans (endless!), OK9's credit card (not much, we paid alot of it down) and of course our mortgage. Doable. The student loan payments just plain suck. Oh well! So in any case, we didn't live off my income this past year so we know we can this. My income was the means to pay off debt and it also allowed us to have fun this past year. We ate out, alot. We put alot of money into our yard-which was needed! This Christmas we completely spoiled each other. We put a huge chunk in savings to buy the things we needed/wanted for Baby K9 and to have that savings around. OK9 likes to keep one months worth of mortgage in savings at all times. I agreed. Yet, we still reached our paying off debt goal. Okay, we probably could have paid more but...well, ya' know. Now, I have gotten away from my original thought. I have read of the envelope system. Well, OK9 and I tried that last fall. The problem-we live out of town and not near a bank. By time we use to get to the bank to take out the cash it was a week after payday. It didn't work for us. I just was really good at remembering my budget and sticking to it. Now that I am officially not working and we don't have an extra cushion we need to stick to our budget, tightly. We want to utilize the envelope system to help us but run into the same not near a bank issue. My solution, write the budget on each envelope and as I spend it on my debit I will subtract it from the envelope. I'll let you know how this works. My life has been a budget and thrifty spending. I think this will work for us. Our envelopes-coffee for OK9, gas, groceries, baby needs. The baby needs one will be pretty low. I don't have to buy diapers and I don't have to buy food!

My next thought are these really cute diapers we saw today at Central Market. It's similar to a Whole Foods. They sell Gdiapers there. I had heard of these but never saw them. They are so cute! I love that I can buy them locally rather than ordering online and waiting for a week or so. Looking at them and thinking ahead, we thought they would be great for potty training. Anyone have any experience with them? Cute colors too! No, we didn't buy any. Especially not any that look like this.

photo credit: lilsugar.com

Adorable, right? They do come in cute prints for the boys too, I just couldn't resist the ruffles. These dipes offer washable, biodegradable liners or compost able.

Finally, tonight I made an awesome meal, one that felt like we were out to dinner! It was exoticish. I found the recipe in the Food Network magazine that MIL K9 gave me last week. It Vol 3 No 7, September 2010. It included the mouth-watering, delicious, Italian pasta known as gnocchi! I learned how to make it! Super easy!!! Must love mushrooms though. There is no leaving them out.

The recipe: Gnocchi with wild mushroom ragu (can be found by clicking that link.)

Here are the highlights:

Rolling the dough for the gnocchi-Mmmm!

The cut gnocchi getting ready to freeze

The finished product! Delicious! OK9 picked up the crab cakes to the left at Central Market today and sauteed them up for us! We served them with a spicy jerk sauce.

Now, if you want to see real pictures, go here.

I do not pretend to be a photographer by any means. I always see other's blogs with beautiful pictures and I just don't have that special know-how to do it. Oh well. The food tasted good! I never concerned myself with looks. It's what's on the inside that counts, right?  

Here are my modifications to the recipe:

1. My gnocchi dough had some lumps in it. As I rolled it out I picked out what I could then just decided who was really going to complain to the chef? OK9? I think not! Not if he wants dinner again.

2. We ended up with 2 full meals of gnocchi and leftovers. I froze half of them. This was def a meal with plenty for a family of 4, 5 or 6!

3. Mushrooms. Boy, those fancy ones are expensive and not easy to find! I found regular mushrooms at our local Safeway along with Cremini. The Oysters were expensive! So I decided to buy Portabello instead, I was able to buy just a couple. Today, we found Oyster in bulk at Central Market so I bought 1/4 lb for under $2. It was perfect! You really can use any combination of mushrooms you can find.

4. I used the whole tomatoes but ended up with leftover tomatoes. I felt it was a waste and could have achieved the same desired ingredient using crushed.

5. I did not use mascarpone or mint. I didn't have either and it seemed a waste to buy them just to use a little bit. The cheese especially is expensive! We topped ours with Pecorino-Romano and were happy.

6. You can buy individual bottles of white wine that equal a cup for $2.25 at IGA. If you live near one. I am sure you can find this at other grocery stores too, if you are like us and do not drink wine.

This was delicious! I would totally make it again! We both loved it! It was fairly easy, just make sure you have the veggies and mushrooms prepped before beginning. I didn't. It felt like I made a fancy meal you would only order in a restaurant. It was different. It was unique. It was a perfect night for a perfect dinner. Now, OK9 has started our movie and I can feel the looks of "Get off the computer already!" Must go!

Fruit flys

photo thanks

Pesky little creature. Would love to know the purpose! Our hate relationship began a few weeks ago. Up until then, we had no problems. We had a BBQ here. Apparently people don't like to keep doors closed around these parts. Thankfully I had this foresight so I locked my cat up! Anyway, people don't like to shut doors, flies like to fly in. We were left with these pests to clean up. They have lingered for weeks, despite my best efforts to rid our home of any food left out. I finally had enough! My neighbor called one night and asked for a tablespoon of cider vinegar. I asked why and she said to try and catch fruit flies. Bingo! So I made a container of cider vinegar and topped it with saran wrap and poked holes in the wrap. Just like she said. Caught one immediately, it got away. WHAT?!? I decided to research it. 1st, must only poke fork prong size holes or they can fly out. Duh! 2nd, it was recommended to put a piece of rotten fruit out, not the vinegar. So I set out on a mini science experiment. What would catch them the best. I made 3 different containers.

 1-cider vinegar with a piece of pineapple and saran wrap.

2-cider vinegar with a few drops of soap, a piece of pineapple and saran wrap.

3- sugar water, piece of pineapple and saran wrap.

I set them all 3 out and waited. Didn't have to wait long. They each attracted the flies. #1 and #2 I had to let the flies go outside. #2 not only caught them but also killed them! Sweet! I have a new fruit fly trap. I have since caught all of them except one pesky one left. It will be gone in a matter of days, I am sure of this.

This is not a pest,

 

This is the cutest face ever! He can stay. Just in case you are not sure he is the cutest,

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

As a Police Officer's wife...

I have learned a few things.

1. As cool as I thought it would be to be a cop's wife and get out of tickets. It's not. There is nothing cool about having to admit to the Officer that just pulled you over that you are married to a fellow brother and "Yes Sir, I do know better and no, my husband will not be happy with this." I'd rather get the ticket than have to admit that ever again!

2. I thank God every morning he comes home and pray for his safety every night he leaves.

3. I never argue or disagree with him in any way before he leaves for his shift or while he is on duty. It may be the last time I see or speak to him and even if it is not, he does not need the distraction.

4. I kiss him goodbye each and every day. I make sure I am here before he leaves for that very reason. It may be our last kiss.

5. There is no guarantee that the above 2 lesson's learned won't happen.

6. I am completely defensive of all Police Officer's and their jobs now. Please don't discuss with me how you disagree with them, how wrong you think they are or how mad about your ticket you are. It will offend me.

7. I use to be that person that would read the news story and think, "those cops, again with the excessive force!" Now I know that there is way more force that could be used and I think, "Thank you Lord that that man/woman gets to go home safely to his family."

8. Just because the bad guy doesn't have a gun, doesn't mean he cannot wrestle with the Officers and get their gun or get their taser, render them helpless, then get their gun. There is always more to the story then Cops are trigger happy. For most of them, they really just want to go home to their families and keep the innocent safe.

9. I now know that what I read in the news is about 1/4 of the story. The real story will probably never be printed, it just isn't as interesting. I now know the media loves to go against the Officers, most of the time. The public enjoys that more. It's okay, but reread #6 before discussing what you read/heard with me.

10. OK9 is our hero. Whenever I have the opportunity to shout out the good that him or anyone he works with has done, I will. More often than not, Police Officer's are not looked upon as the hero. They rarely get the pat on the back they should.

And Finally, I attended four Officer's memorials last year. They were ambushed while on the job protecting the community. I never want to attend another one. I never want to be the family sitting in the front row. It was heartbreaking and I did not know the Officers killed. At the end of the shift, I want it to be OK9 and his partners that make it home, unharmed, not the scummy, criminal who thinks he can do whatever he wants.

I married into a life with an Officer. It's not ever what I thought I wanted but I love my life. It brings me to my knees daily. My life is so much more than being a LEO's wife, but the little part of it that is, these are some of the things I think about now. They have been on my mind more and more in the recent months. Police Officers put their lives on the line each time they put on that uniform. It is the career they chose, one pause during their shift can mean the difference between coming home or not. One error in judgement can mean their career. They get the privilege of putting on that uniform and walking with their brother's in blue to keep us safe. I wish they were more appreciated. I wish others knew what I know, you would be more careful with your judgements on Police Officers. I know I am, now.

Worth watching if you haven't seen:
Glen Beck: Leave the cops alone!
taken from A Police Wife

Pay particular attention to this statement at the end: Because when you need them and call them, they will come to your dirt bag house and stand between you and a bullet, that's the kind of people they are!

Oh my jamness!

I made my very first batch of homemade jam last night! Along with Officer K9's help, of course! It was really fun! It was sweet goodness in a jar!

This week we visited Ok9's parents. While there we picked a gazillion blackberries! They grow wild here and in about a week or so ours in our yard will be nice and ripe. Since they aren't yet, we picked some there. I have been wanting to learn how to jam for quite some time now. We got to talking at lunch and OK9's mom said she could give me her canning pot and a masher. His dad offered some canning tips and while looking through a food network magazine, his mom found a how-to-process page! Perfect! I googled recipes and most just follow the same recipe that comes in the Pectin package. I did find this blog to be very helpful! She includes pictures and step-by-step instructions. I used all 3 sources to make my blackberry jam last night. I thought it would be a long, complicated process. Not at all! It was easy and in about an hour we had jam! Oh the sweet sound as the jar seals popped when all was said and done. Oh the sweet goodness on my bagel this morning as I enjoyed my foam jam, as OK9 called it. The foam you get after you boil up the berries and sugar, can be made into jam to eat right away! The blog above has a link on that page with simple, I mean, really simple way to not waste it. I ended up with 10 jars if you include the extra foam. The recipe said you would get 8. It tastes deliciously sweet so I think I did good. Here are some highlights of our jam making. I will spare you the instructions as you can easily read them here or on the Pectin insert or you may already know!

kitchen utensils I had on hand to use

skimming the foam off the top, we didn't actually get too much and I did not use butter as recommended

processing the jars

If I know you well enough to exchange a Christmas gift, you can expect fresh jam and some other homemade goodies I have been learning how to make!

In other news, Mamma Hen at Being Gently Led, gave me this:

So, apparently, I am suppose to list 10 new things about myself. Well, since I don't know everyone who reads this, I'd say anything I put will be new to someone! Let's see what I can come up with. BTW...thanks Mamma Hen! Hope I don't disappoint!

1. I just learned how to make jam! He he....that is kinda a cheating one, I think. Not only did I just learn but I now have this addiction to try more recipes and to can. I would love to make a huge batch of my yummy salsa and can it for the winter. I would love to crush my own tomatoes and can them for sauce later.

2. Speaking of sauce, I despise jar sauce. You know, the Ragu, Prego anything that labels itself as Pasta Sauce. It is not. It is so simple to make your own. Why settle? It's like eating a cheeseburger at McDonalds versus Red Robin. Like getting a steak at Sizzler versus Ruth Chris. There is just no comparison. Seriously, if you really feel you don't have time to make your own, use your crock pot to make it! It comes out better in there anyway. Honestly, though, you can have homemade sauce in about 30 minutes and I promise it is no more expensive than that jar stuff! You probably have most the ingredients on hand. If you do choose to use the jar stuff, hey, good for you. Please don't mention it to me. I will think less of you. :) Just saying....ask OK9 if you don't believe me.

3. Okay, #2 makes me sound snobby and awful. I'm really not, I am just a born Italian who grew up with nothing but homemade. I never even knew such jar stuff existed. I am very passionate about homemaking stuff! Food especially! I truly think America's obesity problem could be partially solved if people ate at home more than out. Not just eating at home, but eating good, fresh food. Not processed foods, like jar sauce. I hear people complain about being overweight and I think, and will say to them, "What are you eating?" Usually a simple change in your diet can cut many calories out! Promise! That and exercise. #3 is, I am very passionate about healthy eating and healthy exercise! I love it! It is almost an addiction as well. Oh boy.

4. I have little self-confidence. If not for my relationship with Jesus, I would not have experienced half of what I have. I would probably not even be Mamma K9 right now. I am most happy at home in a shell. Jesus gives me the strength and confidence to get out of it and I have been blessed 100 times over for it.

5. I have been saved for almost 7 years now. Prior to that, I wanted to be a mom but never a stay at home mom. Would not have been caught dead doing it! Definitely thought those who did were crazy! Amazing how Jesus changes your heart! I wouldn't change where I am for anything. Being stay at home was so important to me, it's one of the first things I told OK9 about when we met. Just to make sure he agreed, he did! (Let me clarify here, I thought those who did were crazy, but I did not look down upon them. I just thought "I could never do that! I'd get bored." That kind of crazy. Not the "What a waste of your life" Crazy.I always thought if you can do it, go for it! I just didn't think I could do it.)

6. I could sit on the couch and watch a Law and Order, NCIS, Criminal Minds marathon all day and be totally content. Check off another addiction. Oiy!

7. I love to read. Not only do I love to read but it too is an addiction. I can read one book in a day, easily. Okay, well I use to when I was single, without child! I'd stay up all night and read if it meant getting to the end of a great book!

8. I pick my nails. More like my cuticles. I hate it. Have done so since a child. I forced myself to stop for the wedding and have not been so disciplined since. I hate it. I hate my hands. Sadly, I have really strong nails, if only I wouldn't ruin them.

9. I dislike my hair. It's fine, limp and blah! My natural color is a mousy brown, I started highlights and color when I was 21 just to brighten it up. Now I do it to cover the millions of gray hairs. It's a must.

10. I hate shopping. Can't stand it. It gives me a headache. I don't mind grocery shopping, love that. I hate clothes shopping. I hate what clothes cost. Hate is a strong word, but it is how I feel. I do not like to look through racks to bargain shop. My strong dislike for it is what first attracted OK9 to me when he got my profile on eharmony. :)

Now, I am suppose to pass this on. I want to pass it to All I've ever wanted. We are friends, who have not met ye,t but will soon. Our sons are about 10 days apart in age. I'd love to know more about her.

I also want to pass it onto my friend at A glimpse of our life. It was fun to write and she hasn't blogged in a longggg time!

Luke 6:27-28 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."

Taking care of the important stuff

Men, this is a for ladies post only. If you choose to continue, it will be TMI, know you have been forewarned.

Today, I finally made it in to get fitted for a decent nursing bra.

We live kinda far out, it isn't convenient to get to the mall and quite honestly, I didn't see getting fitted and trying on bra's with an infant with me. Since OK9 is on vacation, I took advantage! I put Baby K9 down for a nap and left OK9 2 bottles of milk. I headed down south (about a 45 minute drive to the nearest good mall.) I wanted Nordstroms and nothing else!

Let me back up. You are probably asking, "Why Nordstrom's? Why not Motherhood or something?" About 4 years ago the Today show featured a story about how most women in America are wearing the wrong size bra. Wearing the right size can completely change your appearance and feeling about yourself, truly! So, for my birthday that year I asked for a fitting and a few new bras. Nordstrom had the best reviews for fitting, so my mom and I headed there. I still lived in Vegas so it was way more conveinent to get to! It was a perfect day! I got fitted and yep, I was in the wrong size! I ended up with 3 bras that day. One they didn't have in the store so she ordered it for me, free of charge and shipped to my house. After a few wears and a wash, one of them did not fit so well. I returned it with no hassle and got a new one. Perfect! I followed the washing instructions and my new bras lasted well over a year. Although, honestly, I should have gotten new ones after a year. These did not fray, they still fit like day 1 and the elastic held up. They recommend washing bras, good or bad, by hand with either a delicate wash or your everyday dish soap. I use Dawn. Lay them flat to dry so they do not get mishapen. You should also store them flat so they keep their shape as well. If you are really pressed for time, because, let's be honest, who has time to hand wash? Anyway, if you are pressed for time, wash them in the shower with you. It's quick, and who doesn't take a shower? About a year and half later, I had lost a ton of weight and needed new bras. I headed right back to Nordstrom. A year after that I got married and who doesn't need new bras for that? I went down to Nordstrom and stocked up! Even hit the clearance rack for some great deals! A few months later, though, I got pregnant and the new, cute ones did not fit. *sigh. I headed to Nordstrom here and got 2 new ones for my new, preggo boobs. They were happy, for a little while, at least.

The thing is with getting fitted there is that it is personal. You get one gal, who knows what she is doing and she is dedicated to finding the right fit for you. I have never felt like they were selling me a bra I didn't want or the most expensive bra. I am always honest about my budget. They do an excellent job of explaining how the bra should fit and what other sister sizes you may fit into. They always write my size down for me too. I tend to forget alot. The best part though, is that there is no expectation or pressure to buy from them. You can simply get fitted then leave and go somewhere cheaper. I will say though, the bras are totally worth the price tag. I have yet to be dissappointed. Except by the fact that the cute ones I bought last summer may never fit me again.

So, it was only natural that I head there for this important bra. I got fitted and found a perfect bra! It's comfy, supportive, attractive-as attractive as a nursing bra can be. It even has a cool feature to help you unhook the cup to nurse. It was expensive. I could only buy one. For the most part, I just wear nursing tanks around the house or for running around. There are certain times though, when a gal just wants to feel like a gal and that means holding these pup in and up! I think I can do that now. The gal today wrote my sizes down and when I have a bit more money I will probably head to Motherhood to pick up a couple. Although, anything I have bought from there while pregnant did not last but a couple of months, so I am skeptical it is even worth buying a bra there.

If you have never been fitted, go. You will never regret the time it takes. You will feel new, young, perky, confident and most of all-well fitted. It can be life changing. Seriousely.

I want to go to a Dude Ranch

photo credit: travel.latimes.com

Just because that sounds cool. Actually, it sounds funny. I had no idea they really existed until tonight. OK9 had a special on about things to do in the Pacific NW and it had the top Dude Ranch, Stillwater Ranch in East Snohomish County. LOL!

Today was an amazing day. I woke at 6:30 for church and when I felt this tightness in my chest I realized that I had slept through the entire night! All night! I laid Baby K9 to sleep at about 8, I think he finally dozed about 8:30 and he never woke again! I actually had to wake him at 7:30 for church. Was it a fluke? Well, tonight will tell. We sang along to Praise Baby on the way to church, had an awesome worship time at church, witnessed the dedication of our new friends (well, more my new friend but soon to be our) baby girl and then baby and me went to the nursing moms room where he ate and fell asleep! So sweet!

I could give the entire run down of the rest of our day, but I think today was for us. It was our day. Just know it was amazing. It was a good day. I love my family and am still amazed each day that they are mine. We ended it with the boys watching their first of many, football games together.

OK9 started his 2 week, yes folks, you read correctly, 2 weeks of vacation! I am so excited to have him home for 2 weeks. What will we do????

The Praise Post

Last night before bed I was looking through my nightstand drawer. See, I have this thing about bedtime. I am exhausted but I procrastinate actually going to bed. My son takes after me. So, I am looking through my nightstand drawer and see my journal, laying next to my journal is Officer K9's gun. I paused, then decided the odds of the gun going off as I reach in to grab my journal are slim, so I went for it. The gun, I am happy to report did not go off. Now, you are probably wondering why the gun is in my nightstand drawer and not his. No, I do not know how to use the gun. We had switched sides when Baby K9 was in his bassinet, it fit better on OK9's side. We just haven't switched back. So back to the journal, I started looking at my last entry. It was a year ago! Ouch! Anyway, I started reading through various entries and was blessed by what I read. My journal entries are by no means nice and uniform. They are mostly ramblings, odd writings here and there. I've picked a few snippets that encouraged me. I pray they encourage you. If nothing else, may they be a light into who I am, a bit. Not too much.

Feb. 20, 2006~ I do not want to want for a husband. I want to wait on You to provide and until let your purposes be in my life. Don't let me hold onto desires that are not from you. 

Feb. 23, 2006~ Is my impatience causing me to stumble in my walk? Am I truly surrendering all to God and waiting on Him?

July 7, 2006~ Do I really dare to let God be to me all that He says He will be?

Dec. 4, 2006~ Someone at church gave me $200. God is awesome! 

(I never found out who the someone was) 

March 30, 2006~ My "husband" is my Isaac. I need to lay him down and trust in You to heal my heart.

(I had just read this amazing book, I forget the name now. Last night reminded me what my Isaac is today-Baby K9.)

June 17, 2007~ 1. God's love is everlasting

2. God's love is giving

3. Father is Holy

4. Father is merciful and gracious

Aug. 5, 2007~ Did I bring my plans to God? Is it about me or Him? I am seeing my singleness as a burden not as a blessing.

Aug. 6, 2007~ I am like the people in the boat who cried to Jesus during the storm. He is saying to me now, " Oh ye of little faith, why do you doubt me?"

Phil 4:8 Whatever things are true...

(This is a favorite of mine. In this entry I listed what things are true. You should do it. It was a blessing!)

Aug. 6, 2008~ When I had nothing I had God. Has He not always protected me and taken care of me?

Aug. 7, 2008~ I need to be whole in Jesus so I can give Jesus to my husband, that kind of love.

Sept. 6, 2008~ Officer K9-matched on 8/12/2008

I think "the one" has come into my life. It is overwhelming at times. I feel I need to totally rely on God because only He can lead this and work this out. I'm choosing God!

It was pretty cool to look back on where I was and what God has done. I think they serve as good reminders of places we should be, places we should never be again and places we can go! Let go and Let God! I was encouraged to get back to a place where God truly was my everything, morning, noon and night. Being a mom does that to you.

World Trade Center site, 2006

Sleep training and other going's on's

I have been reading countless blogs, books, recommendations on various "sleep training" ideas. At the end of the day, what did I choose? A mish mosh of them all, what works for us! I had trouble buying into the "crying it out method." Even a semi-crying-it-out method did not settle well with me, yet I did not want Baby K9 dependent on me for sleep either. I brought my thoughts to Officer K9, he seemed to agree with me. I am not sure if this was because what I said actually made sense or if he agreed because 4 nights a week (he works 3 on 3 off schedule) I am on putting baby to sleep duty by myself. In any case, he agreed. So I spent nights in prayer about what to do. In the end? Well, it seems to work out to be baby's feeding time at bedtime. It's just how the schedule rolls and quite honestly, I can't see weaning that time out. He is hungry, I'm not not going to feed him or stop him early. So he eats and sometimes falls right to sleep sometimes not. I then put him to bed and most often, he falls right to sleep. Sometimes though he fusses a bit, finds his thumb then goes right to sleep, and still sometimes he fusses alot, actually cries real tears and it tears at my motherly heart strings. I wait, I'd like to say I wait 10 minutes but I don't. I wait almost 10 though, that counts, right? Then I go in and will lay my hand gently on him. This works some of the time, but sometimes, well sometimes, this sweet little boy needs his momma's arms so she picks him up and cuddles with him so he falls asleep happy and peaceful.

He sleeps in his crib, in his room each night and at naptime. I do have him on an every 2 hour nap schedule and that seems to be working very well. He is tired by the 2 hour mark and usually falls right to sleep. If he wakes during the night, he puts himself back to sleep. Right now, his feeding seems to be about 11 p.m. then 4 a.m. (sometimes 5) then 7 or 8 a.m. He goes back to sleep after that feeding for another hour or two, yes! So that is our "sleep training." Most would say we are doing it wrong, but you know what? We are doing what works for us. At the end of all my praying what I realized is that if the worst thing in my life is that my baby needs a cuddle before bed from me or his daddy, well, there are worse things in life. If this little boy is 10 years old and he asks me to cuddle up next to him and read him a book to help him sleep, well guess what? I will say yes and nothing else will matter in that moment except that I took the time to show my baby love. This is what works for us, I truly believe each person has to find what works for them. There are things I have read that made sense and I can agree with, but there was not one way that worked completely. Each child is unique and special and deserves to be treated as such. How often do I call on Jesus to cuddle up with me to help comfort me? That's what daddys (and mommys) do.

I have registered us for MOPS in the fall, I'm excited and nervous. I don't know much about MOPS and have no expectations. I'm excited for Baby K9 to meet some friends his age and for mom to meet some new friends. I also found a swim class for him once he turns 6 months. I can't wait! Yet, I want the time to go very slow so I can savor every moment of these next few months! Next week my bestest friend, her 2 kids and her brother are heading this way for a week and we are taking them camping! Yikes! Camping with a 3 month old?!?! I know sounds crazy! Everyone swears it is easy and we will have a good time. We are not going too far from home, just in case we need to head back early, or late at night. I'm most worried about keeping him warm enough! The low is expected to be in the low 50's. I think I have decided on the following for sleeping: He will be in his play yard so on top of the pad I will put a thermamat then his sheet. Under the play yard I will lay a fleece blanket. For him, a long sleeve onesie, long pants, socks, footed sleep jammies (cotton, not fleece,) a fleece blanket sleeper, a flannel swaddle (he enjoys being half swaddled, not full) and a hat. He likes to suck his thumb so I can't cover his hands! What do you think? Warm enough, not warm enough? What have you done, if anything? Some have said to cover him with a blanket and lay one under him. I'll be honest, I am not comfortable putting a blanket in his crib. They are on every "no" list to protect against SIDS as they can easily suffocate them. Baby K9 wiggles around too much, I know he will end up under it! Plus, he enjoys grabbing the blankets and putting them over his face, I constantly have to watch him when I do give him one in his swing or car seat. So, any tips for camping in general with a 3 month old?

1John 4:14
And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.