Growing Up

I can't believe it my little Caroline is almost 9 months old. Where has time gone? She's still a mini version of Madeline. Those little girls get to giggling it's so funny. Caroline already looks up to Madeline. Then we call Kate, Mommy 2.

It's wonderful having a 14 year old who loves to help.

Lot's going on with us..... actually coming up.....

We've been circulating and sharing a wonderful stomach bug. I haven't been that sick in years. Thankfully mine was 24 hours.

We've discovered that Caroline has reflux. She's had tummy problems since birth. Recently it's gotten worse and we're trying some meds. Anyone have experience with GERD or Reflux? I need some tips this is new to me.

Modeling

I enjoy looking at model homes. Back in the day (when I had 2 kids) we would go out and look at open houses. Well now I mainly look online. Here are some of my favorites. I've got an online folder with photos of my "dream rooms".

First this is my FAVORITE pool and outdoor area ever. This photo is taken from a home for sale in the area we are looking. Too bad the house is only 3 bedroom. I'd say SOLD fast. All time dream kitchen. Complete kitchen paradise. I can see the kids yelling down from the balcony... "Mom, is that cookies I smell."

My husband and I are "Trekkie's" yes I admit it. This would be our dream media room. We're in talks to add one like this to the house if we move.

I adore balcony's in the house. It's so grand and beautiful. Look how little the big kids were.

Will was thinking " Not another modeling trip"

Kate was thinking... hum can I throw my brother over??

A "mom cave" yes that's for me. What a great space for crafting and "me" time.

Can't you see a reading area by the window with a nice cup of coffee?
Could I ever fill this closet up with my clothes? Umm it would take some serious shopping. Each morning I could pose and make sure my outfit was just perfect.

Dreaming about all these wonderful things can be fun. When it comes down to it I'm perfectly happy with "simple". Although some "fabulous" wouldn't hurt.

If there was one room in your house you could make your dream what would it be?

I say kitchen.

Menu Monday

It's that time again..... food time!

Since having Caroline (#4) I've had a very hard time getting the extra pounds off. Really I've put on some extra one's on top. I can't get to the gym consistently because with 4 kids someone is always sick. If they aren't sick as soon as we go to the gym we're out another week. So I've got a plan. The weather is great I'm taking the girls out in the jogging stroller and I'm doing workout videos. (Not P90X too extreme for me). I'll try to hit the gym at least 2 days a week.

I'm also trying to cut out about 200 calories out of my day.... little chocolate snacks. Yes, I have a stash and it makes things worse.

Enough already here's our menu:

Monday: Grilled Chicken Fajita Salad with fresh salsa from the farmers market

Tuesday: Make your own grilled sandwich and a side of fruit

Wednesday: Baked Ziti with Lean meat and salad (Making a double batch to take to a friend who has a new baby)

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Good Friday Grilled Fish

Saturday: Grill steaks and chicken outside

Sunday: EASTER!!! Not sure what we're having. I'm thinking of making a smaller version of Thanksgiving or Christmas. After all this is the day Christ has risen. A day of celebration. What do you eat on Easter?

If we sell our house we're hoping to have an annual Easter egg hunt with friends and family out on the land. As of right now we've only had 3 shows and no offers. It's been over a month. It's in God's hands.

Frugal Date - Wine Wednesdsay

My husband and I have a standing date each Wednesday.

We call it "Wine Wednesday".

With 4 kids it's impossible to meet for a date to share conversation and wine. We have a local wine bar we love so we recreate it at home.

At 5:30 sharp the kids head to the living room. We make them a batch of popcorn and put in a favorite movie. They look forward to a mid week treat. My husband and I relax in the study for our date.

Each week we pick out a new wine to try. I take a trip to a specialty grocer and pick out a coordinating cheese to try. I make a fancy cheese and fruit tray to share.

We have a glass, talk and just reconnect. So much of our daily life we pass each other by. This day we both look forward to. I think alone time with your spouse is key to a lasting and fruitful marriage.

For dinner I make a casserole and throw in the oven early and pull out for us to enjoy around 7:00.

Our wine dates at home cost at most $20 (we get the cheap wines). Our favorite wine bar runs $75 for the same experience.

It's truly frugal and fabulous!

(If your not a wine drinker how about lemonade and a fruit tray. The key is quiet time to talk and relax.)

Menu Monday

Can you believe there is only 7 weeks left of school? Where did the time go?? My kids are starting a Disney World countdown. Even though we are moving we decided to keep the Disney trip.

Let's talk food....

Monday: Spaghetti and Meatballs

Tuesday: Make Your Own Sandwich or Hot Dog(Busy night with b-ball practice and dance)

Wednesday: Santa Fe Casserole from Philadelphia Cooking Creme Sample (let you know about this one)

Thursday: Freezer Raid, Chili from my frozen stash. Gotta get rid of the winter foods.

Friday: Lenten Fish Fry

Saturday: Out to eat, late baseball game

Sunday: Family Night Dinner, Chicken Parmigiana and spaghetti

My House Highlights

This is the house we've called home for the last 4 years.

We put it up for sale 2 weeks ago.

(sniff, sniff)

We've decided to move out a bit further and purchase a house with more land and a country feel.

(Note on naked tree: Here in the South we have crape myrtle tree's that we trim in the winter and they bloom beautifully in the spring and summer)

Our master is finally done and we decide to move. That's how we seem to roll. Always moving when the house is looking good.

We had the custom plantation shutter installed over the bed. I like it dark when I sleep. This king size bed is heavenly.

This is Madeline's room. Originally this was our playroom/guest bedroom. As you can see she has lots of toys and tutu's. Just realized I made her bed pretty badly for the photo. At least it's not on the listing.

This is my teenage daughters room. I surprised her 2 years ago with a room redo. She loved it! In the new house she says she's getting a more grown up room. No more flowers. Sweet Caroline's Room. Remember we thought she was going to be a boy so I had to make it a bit more girly.

This room has a 2nd door off the master. Perfect for a nursery. The "dude's" room. He loves his display shelf with model cars and lego creations.

This is where my husband and I spent a lot of time talking. We installed these french doors and closed off a room to make a home office. We sit in the leather chairs and drink wine on Wednesdays.

Each Sunday night we eat in the formal dining room. Many memories in this room. I had plans to put bead board below the chair rail.

Our living room is my favorite part of the house. Our custom built in cabinets are fabulous. Too bad I can't take them with me!

This is the eat in part of our kitchen and my desk area. I spent way too much time blog hopping.

We re-did our kitchen a couple years ago. We debated and put in high def laminate counters. Hindsight I would have put in granite. I love the slate back splash!!

These 2 buildings are my husbands pride and joy. His new Tuff Shed (really we put it in before we thought to move 2 months ago). It's all tricked out.

The big building we finished out inside and installed new french doors. It even has air and heat. It's his man cave. Here's the inside of the bonus building. We finished it out and put paint, carpet, built in cabinets. My husband originally wanted Texas orange walls. Glad we didn't do that!

I think it would be perfect for a homeschool building.

We've got a great backyard with ton's of grass. Love the 8 ft fence we had put in last year.

I won't lie I will be very sad to see this house go. I have mixed feelings about moving. I know with the school situation long term it's what's best.

I will miss our neighbors, friends and the lovely house we made our home.

Well I can't say good-bye yet we don't have any buyers. If your looking in the area and want to check it out email me at jenrudd@sbcglobal.net

Free Popcorn

We love popcorn at our house. It's a daily request. Hey, it's yummy and inexpensive and somewhat healthy... unless you pick up butter lovers.

Head over here to get your free sample of Orville's new pop up bowl. I can't wait to try it out.