Art Azurdia - Unequaled Greatness

It might be 8 minutes but SUCH a POWERFUL message...

DAY 3

Ross has completed the border of a 3,000 piece puzzle.. with NO help.. day 3.. a sunny day.. I went out for a ski run first.. My goal was to do all of chair 2! Of course my first run was a black which got my legs nice and warmed up for the rest of the runs!..

DAY 2

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY.. I do love my sweet girl but it has been a long time since I have had a date day with my husband... My sister in law came up for the day to watch little Ella. Today consisted of Skiing.. hot cocoa.. Christmas shopping... Buckwheat Crepe with lemon juice.. it was 13 degrees at the top of Mountain.. My husband and I tried to ski the whole back side but I don't think my toes could have taken anymore.. we did all but one run.. The snow was just right.. and IT WAS SNOWING.. and the best part of this day Ella had a wonderful day with her Aunt B.. Ahh that made it so much easier to enjoy the day!

DAY 1

We finally have arrived in our home away from home.. the mountains an snow is just breath taking I don't know if I could ever get used to the view. It has been spitting snow on and off all day on the Mountain. day in the village its nice and sunny! My room for the next month is 33 stairs to the kitchen and let me tell you I feel the burn every time I come up.! I come up and then realize I forgot something and back down again only to face those stairs my legs dread.. but oh that burn should do some good!.. Tomorrow I will be 18 weeks pregnant.. my stomach official looks like I have either gained weight in the stomach area OR I have a baby bump coming along.. the next few weeks I should really be showing.. well this is it for today.. Ella has officially woken up from her nap.

4 generations

What a wonderful visit to Boston, My sweet Gigi was there.. She came out to visit the family for a month and what a beautiful time we had together!..

Life as we know it

This piece of artwork sums up my life.. My child not quite dressed, me, still in my pajamas and cleaning my tea cup just to get some more.. Being 17 weeks pregnant and running after a VERY active 13 month old.. is exhausting. I clean and I clean, I say NO and I say no.. I chase and I chase.. over and over and over.. some days I don't think I can handle any more of it.. And then God pours his grace on me and reminds me that all of this is for a reason.. All this is what I have wanted since I was 2 years old! How often God tells me 'No' and chases after me over and over and over.. I am so very thankful for my family, I am thankful I have a healthy child and the fact I can be at home with my daughter.. and care enough to say 'no' and chase after her.. I am thankful I have a home to clean and clothes to wash.. I have money to cook and bake.. SO I can very easily get caught up in the exhausting life of a homemaker/ MOM.. no sleep.. breaks are far and in between BUT God has been so good and blessed me over and over and over.. I can look at this painting that my husband has done and it will remind me of life as we know it and this life its a wonderful life..

BEST KISS EVER

MY Baby is 1 year old!..

Bitter Sweet

There is something about food and drink that brings comfort to so many people.. I guess thats why I find joy in cooking.. Yes, I do love to eat but I find that baking a dessert or making someone a home cook meal brings warmth to their hearts.. ( My husband would shake his head and say silly silly just about now.. )

When i was 14 years old I went out to the midwest to visit family.. it was back in 1996 that God brought Darrell and Karen DeGreve into my life.. I find that it was no mistake.. ONly a few months before I met them I was in the hospital for O.D.

Life at home was tough and I thought that would be a quick fix.. But God had plans for me.. and brought this couple as my "comfort food"..

they were warmth to my heart.. AND still are. I titled this post as bitter sweet.. because we don't get to see each other often and it really leaves a bitter sort of feeling in my heart.. BUT when we are together..! Its like Thanksgiving Day!..

I love you D and K..

Pizza

Pizza: of course I forgot to take pictures once they cam out of the oven.. but we made a veggie overload with goat cheese and a three meat with mozzarella..

I have not had pizza in a while because Ella did not do well with tomatoes.. so I just loved it..

I do love food

Happy Birthday To Tracy

Another recipe down.. This is a chocolate coconut CRUMBLE cake..

The Flavor is amazing.. now the texture it was a bit crumbly but I think that will be an easy fix.. I will do a bit tweaking and I think this will be good.. the frosting was very light and I would like to make it thicker and more fluffy.. BUT I do think once I work on it a bit it will be worth going in the cookbook..

My Friend, Tracy is turning 38 on Monday and I thought since we are doing the cookbook together I should try to come up with a recipe that will be dedicated to her..

So this was her birthday cake..

Tracy, has been a great friend the past 4 years now and its been amazing to see our friendship flourish.. We both have grow so much and the things we have grown in has been together! She has taught me so much about what a WIFE is suppose to be like.. SHE is a godly wife.. She loves her husband and puts him first.. (well God is first and then Tom)

She loves loves her family and does all she is able to make the best for her family and I LOVE it.. I am truly blessed to be around her and have her rub off on me..

She is a wonderful chef and can make some amazing meals that are healthy and both her and her husband have given me a love for cooking for I tend to like baking more, but I would never have gotten into cooking if it wasn't for her..!

She has such a Passion for Jesus and a love for the WORD of God that will make anyone want to dig in it more.. She is truly a godly woman and I love her so very much..

Happy Birthday to my sweet sister in Christ and dearest friend..!

BIg HEART

Burgers in the Mail

YOu've Got MAIL

This is the perfect turkey burger put in a pocket!.. The nice thing with this is you don't have so much bread and you place your cheese and all your favorite things inside!..

Dinner:

I know I have posted the Buffalo Steak and Cheese BUT these ones are on my homemade Pita bread..

Its been so hard making foods when i am trying to get to my pre-baby weight.. I have been slacking on coming up with recipes

Oatmeal

Greek Oatmeal

If you like Baklava then you will like this baked oatmeal.. Its a perfect breakfast casserole... you can eat just like this or pour some milk over it..

Graham Cracker Delights

Summer sweets

So summer time is coming up and I must say that no one really wants to be turning on the oven when you are doing all you can to keep your house cool!. This easy simple treat is the perfect solution.. a snack that will keep you and your house cool..

Strawberry and Oatmeal

There is something about food..

My daughter's favorite thing to do is nurse, if I let her she would nurse all day and all night! Just started introducing food to her diet and boy its fun to watch the things she likes and the things she is not too sure about!.. Like avocado she got one taste of that and held those cute little lips nice and tight!.. but strawberry and oatmeal and opens her mouth like a baby birdie...

So the journey begins as I make baby food!.. Looking for the best foods to introduce to my child..! You see food is not just the "glue" that hold family and friends together.. not just the "comfort" and "love" that we believe it is.. food will either build us up or tear us down.. The foods you choose to eat will either help you or hurt you.. So making to chose to choose what is best for my child HOPING it will only teach her good eating habits that will help her take care of her self instead of hurting herself!..

Who would have thought that food plays so many roles in our lives..

Breakfast

Egg Burrito

My breakfast..

the perfect breakfast sandwich.. with a bit of hot sauce to give it a little kick!.. I love the mornings in my home.. the sun pouring into the kitchen is very peaceful!

Baking

Death By Chocolate Brownies

Been working on baking.. these brownies need some tweeking.. The flavor is good the texture is what needs to change!.. Brownies have a special meaning to me.. You see Baking brownies was something I did all the time when I was young because my brother Ben LOVED my homemade brownies.. So making brownies was one of the foods that gave me a love for baking..

I LOVE my Applecheeks

CLOTH Diapers

I know I am in the minority when it comes to what I put on my baby's bottom but I can tell you I have tried all sorts of diapers.. and NOTHING can compare to 'applecheeks'!..

I hate disposable! I tend to do more laundry washing so many outfits a day when i could just wash diapers!.. So i have switched over and can tell you it is not only saving us money but my little girl stays in the outfit I put on her in the morning all day long!..

Buffalo Steak and Cheese Wrap!

Steak and Cheese..

One of my favorite foods back home is Steak and Cheese with hots and pickles from Village house of Pizza in my home town Dracut!.. It has been a long time since I have been to Village and have gotten their food! Since my diet has changed.. BUT I have thought. Why take away that foods that leave such great memories.. I can make it healthier can't I? So here you have it folks.. a healthy steak and cheese.

I hate to say I forgot to take a picture of the finished product! But i must say it was very tasty and did bring back some sweet memories of the town I grew up in.. Dracut!..

Blueberry Muffin and Proverbs

Blueberry, Oatmeal and Flaxseed Muffins.. they turned out pretty good.. If you would like to try to make them, the recipe will be in our cookbook!

Proverbs for the day

"a gracious woman attains honor.."

"As a ring of gold in a swine's snout

So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion."

"He who trusts in his riches will fall

But the righteous will flourish like the green leaf."

Celebrating being a Mumma

I could not have asked for better weather.. God sent a cool breeze which felt like a peace that filled me up and took all my 'to do' list and blew it away for the day!..

I thank my God and King for giving me the gift of motherhood!.. Though a hard and challenging road, it's also so very rewarding. My love for my child grows more and more and my dependence on Jesus only grows! As my child shows need for me, I show my need for Jesus! I am learning to depend on my God, like my daughter depends on me! Our culture tries to pressure Mom's into making their baby to be independent as fast as they can and yet I wonder, is that good? Being independent makes you feel like you need no one and you can do it by yourself!.. Shouldn't we be teaching our children to be interdependent?

If your child depends on you oh how you can teach them that they need to depend on their Heavenly Father. For He is our TRUE security!.. I pray that everything I do will reflect Jesus and will only draw my child to Christ!.. Because THATS what its all about, not how smart my child is, how many activities she is involved with, talent, outward beauty, how many friends she has, if people like her or not, or making sure your child is educated in the ways of our culture BUT will your child grow up and love Jesus and be completely sold out for Him. A Star that shines for the world to see!.. Thats what I want for my Ella.. May God the Holy Spirit rule my life so my child may be Yours..

Cookbook recipe for breakfast

Sweet CREPE'S

Another recipe down!.. I got a text this morning from Tracy telling me she is working on the Spelt Pancake recipe.. and so I thought well its time for me to work on one of my breakfast foods! Spelt (sweet) Crepe's... There is something about Saturday mornings and having a big breakfast to start the day... Getting to spend sometime with the ones you love as you fill your bellies and think of the plan for the day..

The Woman in the Apron

"The principle use of Grandma's apron, was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a holder for removing hot pans from the oven. It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken-coop the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven. When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy children. And, when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove. Chips and kindlling wood were brought into the kitchen with that apron.. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner. It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron," that served so many different purposes."

Cookbook in Motion

So the recipes have started! Tracy and I have been working hard on trying to get as many recipes written as possible!

Tonight we had dinner together.. She made some black bean tacos and I made some turkey tacos with home made Spelt Tortillas!..

But I thought I would share some of the things you will see in our Cookbook...

Hot Cocoa (Carob or Dark Chocolate..)

Spelt Tortillas

Fajitas

My Famous spicy Enchiladas

Calzones

Stir Fry Eggs

Blueberry Muffins

Cannonball Cookies

CCO Cookies

Crepes

Spelt Pancakes

Stuffed Peppers

Carrot Cake

Tacos

One by one the recipes are being written down and memories are being made!

Home Maker..

I have given my notice at work which means I will be able to focus on things that will truly make me a homemaker.. So what is a homemaker.. "A homemaker handles household responsibilities as his or her main daily activity. While not an occupation in the traditional sense, as it is not usually undertaken for monetary remuneration, a homemaker may work full-time to maintain the home environment. The occupation is typically taken by one adult of a household, such as a parent of a child unless all working age individuals in the household work full-time. If the homemaker is part of the family, a female homemaker is usually termed a housewife, and a male homemaker, a househusband. Thedomestic consumption work^[1][2] of homemakers provide goods and services directly within a household, such as cooking meals,childcare, household repairs, or the manufacture of clothes and gifts. Common tasks include cleaning, cooking, and looking after children."

Someone who turns a shelter into a place of refuge, someone who turns food into love.. she gives up all of herself for her family. I know that most women have a hard time being a stay at home mom.. because they feel like they have no identity BUT if they only knew the secret of their job and how they are the ones who holds the world in their hands.. I don't think women realize the power they hold when they choose to be a homemaker.. For they are giving themselves and raising the future.. teaching the children about character, right and wrong.. the importance of honesty and how to work with people.. a Mom teaches her child how to interact with others and most importantly die to self to serve others..!

So a homemaker to me is the best job and yet the hardest!.. for you have to die to self to see future results!.. Selflessness is the key to being a successful homemaker!..

HOW food is the glue to family and friends

Not that long ago a friend asked me for a recipe that I made so she can make this pie... Well I sadly informed her that I have no idea I just made it up as I went along.. She informed me that I have too many recipes that I made up and how I need to be writing this stuff down and I jokingly told her I know I have so many I should write a cookbook!..

Well here it is folks..

Tracy Friedlob and I are on a journey to make a cookbook!..

But this won't be just any cookbook the things we have in my mind will capture you.. We want this book not only to be just a cookbook that you use to try to help you come up with something for dinner but something you use to make you smile and give you feelings of 'remember whens'.. We want this book to take you to a world where you can smell the food cooking and feel the warm of the fire and you go into a world of how food can bring happiest and joy to your family..!

For Food is not only for nutrition but has been used as a social activity for a long time.. what a wonderful way to bring family and friends together.. Picnics and cookouts.. Birthday parties..

Thanksgiving and Easter.. People normally think of certain foods around events that tie families and friends together..

Food is the glue to relationships.. ( in some way.. )

So the journey begins.. the journey of turning food into something that brings people together..

40 weeks PLUS 4 days

Fall has come to Greenville, South Carolina and I am loving every minute it feels like fall.. I can smell the fires and I love seeing the leaves swirl around on the streets and enjoy waking up and putting my bare feet on my cold bathroom floor!..

sweaters and socks and blankets and hot tea and cool walks.. I do love it when we hit this season!.. Today my husband took me up to Asheville, NC.. its about an hour drive but a lovely drive in the MTs. I felt like I was back in New England or back in New York.. such a peaceful feeling..

ANYWAY.. no baby yet she still seems quite content and though I am waiting and hoping today is the day i don't want to rush her.. I know she will come when she is ready!

Just finished reading, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, by Katie DiCamilillo.

it is a wonderful children's book and I recommend it to everyone!

COUNT DOWN

I am in my 39th week and feel like My little girl is very cozy and comfy and its like she has no plan on coming out.. though I have 5 days til my due date I do believe that day will come and go and it will go into the weeks following.. I do hope she will realize she needs to come out sometime so I don't have to get induced.. She must sense that life in the womb is a perfect little haven..

She seems to be a very content little girl!.. We are both so looking forward to meeting her..

we got the birth tub at the house just got to set it up and all is ready for her to come.. I have finally stocked my home with food.. everything is organized ( for the most part) and now is just waiting time..

The next time I type I will be a Mommy.. entering a chapter of my life that will change me forever... Though fear has overcome me many times God has been so faithful and personal as He has reminded me over and over that He won't leave me and that He has chose this time for us to have a baby!.

There is a time for everything.. My husband is feeling so much better about this birth and is so much more prepared.. he has been wonderful asking what things help me relax.. if he should go buy candles or get certain music.. wanting to make the atmosphere as relaxing as possible..! I have been praying and praying that God will bless us with a wonderful birth experience..!

and I pray that I won't get mad at Ross!..

My first Pair of Mittens!

Though not a thing of beauty I am proud to share with you my first pair of mittens..

Looking back at one of my old journals from High school I noticed a list of things I wanted to do or accomplish.. like.. learning another language, playing an instrument, go to Montana.. make a pair of mittens.. ect... So here is one of the things on my list that I have accomplished..

36 weeks

Life in the Shoe household has not slowed down a bit..!

Ross has started back up in school..

which makes our time together shorten quite a bit.. so sad..

ANYWAY..

I am having a home birth and having your baby at home there are somethings you need to do to prepare..

I was given a list of things I needed to get together.. extra sheets, lots of towels, paper towels.. flashlight.. crock pot.. the list goes on and on... on top of what you have to sterilize certain things..

but to know I will be home is such a comforting feeling..

for those who know me I am not one who likes to shop.. if I can go a month without going into the supermarket then I will go a month.. we eat what we have until we have nothing left..

well I am starting to think its time to fill up the pantry and get things going because once baby comes I think I will only use that as an excuse to not go even more..!

I will try to update before Baby Shoe comes along..

and will for sure blog about the birth..

books I am reading..

Sometime A Light Surprises (for book club) just started it.. I sometimes have a hard time with novels.. I like to read to learn new things.. research.. BUT book club is a few weeks away so i better get going..!

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way- I am learning so many wonderful things in this book and so happy someone recommended it to me.. She told me it helped her out a ton and I can see why..

example.. it doesn't matter if you are 4 centimeters or 8 centimeters that doesn't tell you how long it will be before you have the baby.. its how long the contraction is and how close together they are..

AND when you are fully dilated its not just push push babies out.. sometimes that can take hours..

SO I am happy I am learning many things so I will be a bit more prepared in what is going on..