....early Saturday morning. By Sunday morning I knew for sure I was domed... ...I've been a mother for 18 1/2 years...and never have I been thrown up on like this weekend.
In my hair.In my nose.On my lips.Down my shirt.On my shirt. My bedding was washed 3 times and hung on the line 3 times this weekend.
The weather was perfect for opening windows and hanging out clothes. Crazy for this time of year.
...but the snow is coming. Tonight. 4-6 inches.
So far Sam, Frankie, Allison and I have had the stomach bug. Today we're laying around doing nothing. I feel bad for the ones in the house who haven't had it yet.
I brought home sour dough starter from Jeff's aunt last weekend...It makes the best bread! I'm planning on this bread being a staple in our house from here on out.
Have you guys seen this movie?
If not...watch it! Tonight. It's one of my most favorites in all the world. It's on Netflix.
And guess what? Jeff even {sort of} likes it. His exact words....."It's actually pretty funny for a chick flick".
Also..know that you will want to take a trip to Ireland. The scenery is gorgeous! ...and I really want her shoes. The $600.00 ones.
We spent the weekend at Jeff's aunt and uncle's cabin in the Ozark Mountains....
..where his aunt spends her days in the kitchen and everything..EVERYTHING is made from scratch.
...even the feta cheese.
{I took some of her sour dough starter home and I can't wait to make her bread.
I've yet to make sour dough bread that I love! Her's was perfect...hoping mine turns out half as good.}
It's the land Jeff grew up on with his family.
{...before they moved up to Chicago...which I'm happy about!}
Our boys did NOT want to leave. Most of the weekend they were out exploring in the woods.
Jeff took the boys up to a waterfall for devotions early Saturday morning.
How great is that? You take a 20 minute hike out your front door and
you're at a pretty little waterfall. Their land really is a dream.
The weather was lovely for February...70's and sunny...it made me a bit antsy for spring.
Jeff's mom and aunt. ^
{....when you're married to a prankster and you ask for one nice picture.}
My friend Beth who is raising 6 boys and lives in Arkansas drove 2 hours!!! to where we were to come visit us. As you can see, her littlest guy was very enthusiastic about having his picture taken. Ha!
We arrived back home around 3:00 this morning....I have felt so lazy all day long.... ...I'm still in weekend getaway mode.
Jeff, our three older boys, Jeff's mom and I are in Arkansas visiting Jeff's aunt and uncle in their beautiful, peaceful, I-think-I-could-live-here, cabin in the woods in the middle of the Ozark Mountains.
I drank coffee on the porch this morning barefoot while birds were singing. So not used to this in February!
We have a wedding in Missouri tomorrow and then we'll be heading back to snowy, cold Illinois. {although they'll be having great weather while we're gone}
I'm quickly jumping on here to announce our Grand Prize Winner!!!
Congratulations to Jess!
Next week we will continue with beauty month. You don't want to miss it...there will be a video. You're going to love it. Ha!
All week we've done....Nothing. We had planned on creating another movie for you, but three of us are sick! Our week was spent on our couches or in our beds. {or chasing around little ones around if you are Dana ...Ha!}
So how about a little giveaway and we'll get back to our beauty month next week?
This time of year our skin can get pretty dry and dull. It's important to exfoliate and moisturize. It will make your skin look healthy and fresh.
I'd like to help you with the exfoliating part. Almost twelve years ago my friend gave me this hand mitt. I still have it and use it all the time.
It takes make-up off beautifully and exfoliates very nicely. {Just don't over use it..or push too hard. You will burn your skin!}
I rinse mine with warm water when I'm finished and let it dry...I wash it about once a week.
I love mine so much I want to share one with you. So....leave a comment either here or on FB. Since it's Valentines weekend, each comment will count as an entry.
A winner will be chosen at random and announced next week in Fashion Tip Friday. One of you will win your very own exfoliating mitt that will last for eternity. What more could a girl ask for?
Do you have big Valentines Plans? It's nice when the holiday lands on a weekend. Our weekend includes diffusing oils and taking naps... ....possibly making some homemade lip balm if we're feeling up to it.
Jeff has been gone for work all week...he'll be home tomorrow and I can't wait. I miss him so much!!!
.....my house was cleaned.
...breakfast was cooked and eaten.
...the kitchen was cleaned.
...Frankie was well taken care of.
.....someone crawled across my head. and gave me kisses!!
...then he fell asleep next to me.
.....Sam grilled shrimp for lunch. {outside with a temperature of 1 degree}
...I was fed a grilled shrimp. I woke up and couldn't remember if it was a dream? or if I really ate one? They assured me I really ate one.
.....three loads of towels were washed and folded.
..movies were watched.
....Valentine decor was made.
...hardly any school was accomplished by the girls.
Let me say this though....it is SO much easier being sick with older kids!
They are awesome at running the house when I am down and Jeff is gone for the week.
Hope you're having a good week. Stay healthy!
XxOo
Even saying "this is going to be hard" sounds absolutely ridiculous when compared with
other people's lives and what others have to go through in this world.
Or what Christ did when He died on that cross for our sins.
I live a lovely life.
I have a hard working husband who I can trust and who loves me and takes care of me.
I have six wonderful children.
I have never had to send my children to bed hungry.
They have always had shoes and clothes and a winter coat and warm beds to sleep in.
I have nothing to complain about.
With all that being said...tomorrow is the start of Lent.
during this season I will NOT be... TALKING ON THE PHONE.
This may sound silly to some...but I LOVE to talk to people!
..in real life and on the phone. So not talking...will be hard for me.
The phone can sometimes be a bit of a distraction too.
If anyone calls at anytime...I'll usually stop what I'm doing and talk!
I want to use this time to really focus on my relationship with God
and be more focused on the people in my house.
Feel free to send me a text or an email.
Maybe I will improve my texting etiquette...I can be a really bad respond-er.
Now go eat a Paczki!
XxOo
P.S. We're reading this this book too. I promise you will enjoy it.
A short story a day during the season of Lent.
Today we'll be sharing a video on "the messy bun"...
....and a few more tips {and the budget friendly products} we love at the bottom of this post.... ....since the video...well...just watch.
Anh Co Tran is going to use this...I just know it.
Hair Tips
1. ALWAYS use product. Your hair will thank you.
{Wait...what is product you ask? It's hair cream..hairspray....etc.}
There is so much on the market to protect and enhance your hair.
If you're using a curling iron, a flat iron or a blow dryer without a heat protector...
...you're KILLING your hair.
Product will make your hair look so much nicer too. It gives it a more finished look.
{Just don't over use.... THIS is not the goal. Our Favorite Heat Protectors....
This is my favorite....it's a little pricey, but it lasts forever.
I only have to purchase one bottle a year as opposed to a cheaper product more often.
Here is a less expensive product that I've also used and really liked.
Dana and I use THIS hairspray.
To be quite honest, THIS is my favorite....but I don't like paying for it.
I don't mind something that will last for a long time...but hairspray, it goes quick.
Stephanie and Caitlin use THIS.
Gianna uses Not Your Mother's...unless your mother uses it. But I'm sure it's still not your mother's.
Finally...I LOVE THIS silkening gloss.
It smells SO good. You only use a little, tiny bit..so the bottle will last you a very, very long time.
{I've had mine for almost 2 years!}
So.... to wrap up this post.
Even if you don't have time to do your hair...you can still make it look nice.
If you do a bun, don't slick it back...keep it loose with a little hair out to make for a more natural look.
{although the slick look is coming back..I'm not a fan quite yet}
Add a headband, pretty earrings, lipstick! Accessorizing will make you look and feel polished.
With a little spray and a curl here or there you will look put together with very little effort.
If you're not sure what you're doing....just ask one of us!
We'll be more than happy to answer any questions.
Gianna didn't make it into our movie this time...she was visiting her little dolly in the NICU.
They are both doing great....just waiting on little Shaylene to eat and breath better.
{Thanks for the picture Kayla}
Casual breadsticks because I don't really have exact baking times, measurements or ingredients...
...So easy to make...you really can't mess these guys up...even with my laid back recipe.
I wrote out the ingredients for a great big batch.
I was able to make 35 breadsticks and 2 small loaves of bread.
Freeze what you don't use...you'll be happy to have the leftovers!
Toss in bowl...
3 T. yeast
3 1/2 cups of warm/hot water 1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup of olive oil {or any cooking oil}
2-3 Tablespoons of Italian herbs {I used a blend..garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil}
1/2 cup honey or sugar
Mix
Add 7 cups of flour...one cup at a time {add a little extra flour if your dough is too sticky}
Knead in mixer for 5 minutes.
Let rise 30-45 minutes
Roll out dough into breadsticks {remember...they double in size in the oven!}
Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes...{or until golden brown}
Brush with melted butter. You can even sprinkle a little garlic powder on top.
Serve with soup.pasta.salad...your options are endless.
