The Truth Hurts

Today was a hard day. I can’t even pin point a specific event or a list of specific events that made the day end the way it did. All I know is that there was a constant power struggle between me and my oldest daughter from the moment she woke up until bath time.

It was 645pm and I was feeling thankful that this day was coming to an end and then, out of nowhere, I was sucker punched!! As I was getting the girls out of the tub, my 4 year old stood up, squinted her eyes and informed me that she was going to get a new house with a better mom. Wait…what did I just hear?!

OUCH! That stung.

Actually, it ripped my heart in two. I bit my lower lip and with all my might, held back the tears that were ready to flow like Niagara Falls.

Then in the next breath, she started babbling away like nothing ever happened. I looked at her, asked her to be quiet and tried to process what I heard.

I had the husband finish getting them ready. I just couldn’t be in the same room with her. Deep down, I knew she didn’t really know what she said or how hurtful it was but I couldn’t hide the sadness in my face or the pain in my heart.

When we said our prayers before bed, my husband added a few extra. He thanked God for all of Mommy’s hard work for the family and how she always does everything to keep the family together. My baby girl chimed right in and added…”and for all the food she cooks us!”

I squeezed my eyes shut even harder for fear if I opened them the least bit, the water works would be in full effect.

After a glass of wine (or two), I was finally able to talk about it and figure out what’s going on. Could it be possible she’s feeling the stresses we are with all the buying and selling of the houses? Does she need some one-on-one time with her momma? Okay, maybe I need some one-on-one time with my baby.

My plan is to take her out for cupcakes at her favorite lil’ bakery and then do a little shopping on Friday while her sisters and probably her daddy nap.

I firmly believe everything happens for a reason and this is no exception.

Maybe this needed to happen. Maybe it was the only way I could see that she needs me. That she is only 4. Maybe she’s right. She does need a “new” mom. One who will stop multitasking and make the time to be with her…to really be with her.

Whatever the reason, it has opened my eyes and my heart. And on the Eve of Thanksgiving, I sit here feeling blessed and grateful to have learned yet another valuable lesson in parenting firsthand…kids really do speak the truth.

Beautiful the mess I am…
Love & Prayers,
Katie

(Photo from Pinterest http://pinterest.com/pin/A3VMOQAQwDYH3DOgcX8AAAA/)

Ten Year Two Step

On the few occasions that I am alone in the car, the first thing I do is eject the kiddie music and pop in some DMB. My all time favorite cd is Crash. I could seriously listen to that all day long! With the upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving fast approaching, I’m reminded of something that I am thankful for. I am thankful for Betty the hygienist.

Ten years ago, a fellow dental hygienist, Betty, set me up on a blind date with one of her patients. His name was Jon and he was a flosser. True story. Dental hygienists just cannot date people who don’t floss so that was an important AND impressive quality. I reluctantly agreed to let her. Betty is of my mother’s age and she was always so motherly towards me. This happened right after all those hurricanes (Charley, Frances, Ivan & Jeanne) hit us. Betty always made sure I had plenty of food, water and a place to stay. So when she demanded, I mean suggested that I call him (yes, she made me call him because she wouldn’t give my number out), I did exactly as I was told.

Thank God I got his voicemail. Seriously.

We ended up meeting for dinner on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. After four hours of delicious food, great wine and mind-blowing, heart-pounding, butterflies-in-my-stomach conversation, I knew I had to see this man again. On my way home, I called my sister and my BFF and told them both that this was the man I was to marry. Creepy, I know but so very true. I felt it in my soul and I saw it in his eyes.

Two Step by Dave Matthews Band always reminds me of that evening, not because it was playing that night but because it says what my heart was feeling that night and every night there after. I love you Jon Henry. Happy ten years!

Two Step by Dave Matthews Band

“Hey my love you came to me like wine

comes to this mouth

grown tired of water all the time

you quench my heart and love,

you quench my mind

Celebrate we will

because life is short but

sweet for certain

we’re climbing two by two

to be sure

these days continue”

(image found on pinterest…http://www.pinterest.com/pin/519532506985695228/)

Prayerful Text

I admit it. I’m a text-aholic. And I’ll also admit that I prefer to text over talking on the phone. It’s quick, easy, can be done while all the kids are screaming, can be one word or even one letter. It’s the perfect way to communicate. Today, I did something I have never done before with my texting. I typed a prayer to my husband.

With both of our busy day-to-day schedules, his in the business world and mine in preschool land, we rely heavily on text and email to stay in touch through out the day. It works for us.

Today is probably one of the more stressful days we have had in a while. In the beginning of November, we put our house on the market and 4 days later we took it off because we were officially “in contract.” Never in a million years did we ever think that would happen! Talk about putting the rush on finding a new house now!

Low and behold, we found one. One that we could raise our family in and one that we could grow old in. It’s perfect and in a wonderful neighborhood with awesome schools. Yesterday, we signed the papers and the realtor was delivering them to the sellers that afternoon. We didn’t hear a thing until this morning and it was something about the sellers receiving another offer. WHAT?! And just like that we froze. We still know nothing and it’s almost 3pm. We are still frozen and Elsa & Anna are nowhere to be found to help break the spell. (Lame, I know…but remember I live in preschool land). This not-knowing is about ready to give the husband a heart attack. So… before I went to pick up the girls from school, I sent this text:

It was the only thing I could do to help him, to help us. I’m curious to know if it brought him any comfort but I’ll wait until tonight to find out so I can see it in his face. Surprisingly enough, this time I didn’t have to go searching for comfort in the kitchen (good thing because the oven is on the fritz!). I actually found comfort through prayer.

Beautiful the mess I am…

Love & Prayers,

Katie

Overnight Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal by Circle B Kitchen

http://circle-b-kitchen.squarespace.com/food-and-recipes/2013/10/18/overnight-apple-cinnamon-oatmeal.html

As promised, here’s a pic and the link to the Overnight Apple-Cinnamon Oatmeal. It was absolutely delicious!! I may or may not have had a few bowls this morning. My oldest described it in one word- “Delicious mom!” Alright, that was two words. And my 2yr old made a squinty face and said, “yucky”. She didn’t even try it! She woke up cranky (2yr molars AND her canines are coming in) so I rejected her opinion. I know she will love it. The kid eats everything!

I ended up doubling the recipe so I have plenty of leftovers for a few days. I’m curious to see how it will reheat in the morning though. I may add a little milk (and maybe even some honey) to it and heat it on the stove. I promise to let you know how it goes.

Let me know if you like them or if you have any tips to share! I would love to read them.

Love & Prayers,

Katie

Malaspine Meatloaf

I never gave meatloaf much thought until I tried my BFFs mother’s recipe. Oh my! Ever since then, this is the only meatloaf I crave and now with the cooler weather coming, it’s the ultimate in comfort food. Serve with some egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Or heck! Serve it with both and enjoy! Let me know if you decide to add it to your meal plan for the week. I would love to know how you liked it!

Katie 🙂

Malaspine Meatloaf

Servings: 4
Time: 2hr 30mins
Print

Credit: The Malaspine Family

Ingredients:

Meatloaf:

1-1.5lbs ground beef
1-1.5lbs ground pork (not the original Malaspine way, a Roemer addition)
2 eggs
1/2 c ketchup
2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
1/2 c breadcrumbs
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper

Glaze:

1/2 c ketchup
2 tbsp spicy brown mustard
4 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, scramble 2 eggs. Add the ketchup, mustard, bread crumbs, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Mix well. The mixture should be kind of gooey.
Add the ground beef and the ground pork and mix well.
Place into 13×9 pyrex and evenly distrubute to cover the majority of the dish.
Use a small bowl to prepare the glaze. Add the ketchup, mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider and mix well.
Pour the glaze over the meatloaf.
Bake at 350degrees for 1hr 45mins to 2hrs or until meat is thoroughly cooked.

Got What I Asked For

I’ve been complaining about my lack of sleep lately. More specifically, my lack of uninterrupted sleep. Well ask and ye shall receive, right?

The girls were in bed by 7 and I’m pretty sure I was asleep by 7:20. Next thing I know it’s 11:30, the tv is blaring and the hubby is snoring. In those four hours I slept like a ROCK! I’m not exactly sure how a rock would sleep but I didn’t move or hear a thing. I woke up feeling so refreshed and full of energy.

Not the best feeling at 11:30pm especially when the littles are super early risers. But hey, I’m not complaining about that tonight!

Instead, I took this opportunity to try a new recipe – Overnight Apple Cinnamon Oats. I’ve never made them but have always wanted to. I’ll post the link (and of course a pic) tomorrow and let you know how they were. Fingers crossed the girls and the hubby love them!

Beautiful the mess I am.
Love & Prayers,
Katie

A Few of My Favorite Things

Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

The mornings go so much smoother when I purposely wake up before the kids to have a cup of HOT coffee with my favorite creamer, in my favorite mug, while sitting in my favorite spot on the couch with what has become one of my favorite books to read in the quietness and stillness of the house. Typically, that quietness only occurs in the wee hours of the mornings but lately my littlest angel baby has been requiring all of my attention during those hours. And its been affecting me, my attitude and parenting.

Let’s just cut to the chase…I miss sleeping.

My sister tells me to get over it because I’m a mother of three now and I’ll never sleep again. I’m trying my hardest to prove her wrong. I don’t need a lot of sleep. I love to be active…but I need my sleep to be uninterrupted at least for a few hours so that I can function…and be happy.

Truth be told, I have not been loving the Lord my God with all my heart these past few weeks. I’ve been grumbling, cranky, and down right miserable. That’s not me. That’s me with no sleep.

How, in this season of my life with a 4yr old, 2yr old and a 5month old, do I love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul and all my mind? I do not have the answer to that. The only thing I know is that when I spend the first part of my day in His word, I am a better wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

While I’ve been all out of sorts because of my lack of sleep, I’ve been cooking up a storm of comfort food. (And of course I know this because I can’t stop photographing it- I just popped a meatloaf in the oven, photo and recipe to come soon!) Searching for comfort in the kitchen yet once again, while all along I should be…on my favorite spot on the couch with my favorite mug filled with coffee with my most favorite book of all time, my Bible.

And while I waited for the big girls to wake up, I prepared their favorite table with a few of their favorite breakfast foods- homemade granola bars, yogurt and some fresh fruit.