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Sunday, August 24, 2008
Inspiration for Mothers
For all you mothers...you have got to check out this blog entry. It is so precious...using the analogy of a mother duck. It truly will touch you heart. http://aholyexperience.com/2008/08/what-mother-must-sacrifice.html
Friday, August 15, 2008
A Fun Week!
Just some highlights from the week:
* Carlie and Mollie are sporting their new Barbies from the soon to be released "Diamond Castle" movie. Grandpa and Grandma bought them for their birthdays.
* Mollie is loving that Daddy came home to take us out for lunch. Doesn't she look cute in his hat?
* Ellie is signaling to me, "No more pictures, Mommy! I know I'm cute, but stop with the pictures."
* Carlie is loving Kindergarten, and seems to adore her teacher, Mrs. Evans. I'm so glad we made the decision to put her in First Baptist Academy. I really think it is going to be an awesome year!
---As I write this, I can't help but be extremely grateful for the dear husband I have. He works so hard to provide for his girls. Our lives are near perfect, because of the sacrifices he makes on a daily basis.
Great Recipe!!!
With the move, I decided I wanted to be more intentional about dinner time. My girlfriend, Robyn, already does a calendar with meals planned for the entire month and I wanted to do something similar. I found when we were moving that I bought a lot of food that went to waste, because I never quite got around to cooking it. So I came up with this plan to shop for 5 entire meals every two weeks when I go to the grocery store.
I have 5 storage tubs each for a designated meal (directions included on tub in needed), and I include all the side dishes along with it. So far, it is working out perfectly. I feel less stressed, because I'm not trying to "throw" something together at the last minute. I am also saving money, because I'm not buying unnecessary items, and I actually have all the ingredients I need. I try to have a little of everything for the 5 meals. For example, one meal might be Italian, the second Mexican, the third Chinese, fourth, a family tradition, etc. You may be saying, "Why only 5 meals for every two weeks?" Well, my answer is this. Usually we do eat out some of those nights, and then you have leftovers, and sometimes you just want to do something simple like cereal. Here is what we had tonight for dinner and it was delicious.
Italian Pork Chops
Ingredients:
1 pkg of pork chops (4) (I recommend getting the thin sliced)
1/2 cup of Bisquick mix
1/3 cup of Italian dressing
1/2 cup of Progresso garlic herb bread crumbs. (I just crushed up some croutons I had leftover)
2 T vegetable oil
Begin by marinating the pork chops overnight in the Italian dressing. Then place the Bisquick mix, dressing (remaining from marinating), and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Coat pork chops with Bisquick mix. Then dip the coated pork chops into the dressing, and then coat them with the bread crumbs.
Heat oil in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops in oil about 5 minutes turning them over until they are golden brown; reduce heat to low. Carefully, turn pork chops. Cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or until pork chops are not longer pink in the center. Serve immediately.
As side dishes, I did a veggie medley...very simple...garden salad and rolls. Try it at home! It was great!
I have 5 storage tubs each for a designated meal (directions included on tub in needed), and I include all the side dishes along with it. So far, it is working out perfectly. I feel less stressed, because I'm not trying to "throw" something together at the last minute. I am also saving money, because I'm not buying unnecessary items, and I actually have all the ingredients I need. I try to have a little of everything for the 5 meals. For example, one meal might be Italian, the second Mexican, the third Chinese, fourth, a family tradition, etc. You may be saying, "Why only 5 meals for every two weeks?" Well, my answer is this. Usually we do eat out some of those nights, and then you have leftovers, and sometimes you just want to do something simple like cereal. Here is what we had tonight for dinner and it was delicious.
Italian Pork Chops
Ingredients:
1 pkg of pork chops (4) (I recommend getting the thin sliced)
1/2 cup of Bisquick mix
1/3 cup of Italian dressing
1/2 cup of Progresso garlic herb bread crumbs. (I just crushed up some croutons I had leftover)
2 T vegetable oil
Begin by marinating the pork chops overnight in the Italian dressing. Then place the Bisquick mix, dressing (remaining from marinating), and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Coat pork chops with Bisquick mix. Then dip the coated pork chops into the dressing, and then coat them with the bread crumbs.
Heat oil in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops in oil about 5 minutes turning them over until they are golden brown; reduce heat to low. Carefully, turn pork chops. Cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or until pork chops are not longer pink in the center. Serve immediately.
As side dishes, I did a veggie medley...very simple...garden salad and rolls. Try it at home! It was great!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Happy Birthday Carlie!!!
My precious Carlie turned 5 today. I can hardly believe it! It seems like we were just bringing her home from the hospital. Oh, how she has blessed our lives! Carlie has such a tender heart, and in so many ways has been Jesus to me. She is so sensitive to when my heart is aching or I'm upset, and wants to comfort me. She also is so thoughtful to pray for Daddy's back to be healed often. It amazes me how mature she has become just over the summer. I have given her more and more responsibilities and she continues to exceed any expectations I have. She has been a wonderful big sister to both Mollie and now Ellie. It will be hard for us to have her gone during the day. I'm nervous that Mollie will miss her terribly while she is at school. They truly have become the best of friends.
We laugh because even from the tender age of two, Carlie has known exactly what kind of birthday party she wanted. She knew EXACTLY what kind of cake, the decorations, even the activities/entertainment to have. For her second birthday party she wanted a Hawaiian luau, then a Dora Adventure, then a Mermaid/Pirate party, and this year a Fairy/Princess Party. My mother always made my birthdays super special, so I have tried hard to make hers OVER THE TOP! It is funny though, her sister, Mollie, could care less.
This year we celebrated back in May, because she wanted her classmates and friends from Abilene to be able to attend. I knew August would be crazy with the new baby and the move so I agreed. Funny though, we have celebrated her birthday now three times...once in May, at my sister's house in Chicago (in July...combined party for her and Mollie), and then again tonight.
It really is special to be 5!!!
Ellie is growing...
I just wanted to show you an updated picture of Ellie. They change so quickly at this stage. Thank you so much Priscilla for the cute outfit!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Carlie going into Kindergarten??? Can it be true?
I have to say it is a very emotional thing to have your oldest enter kindergarten and accept the fact that you and your husband have officially had your last child all within days of each other. Where did the time go with Carlie? Could she really be entering into kindergarten already? And how fast will Ellie get to this point. Oh, logically I know the answer...5 years, but with Carlie it didn't seem like 5 years...really just a brief moment of time.
On Carlie's official birthday I will post pictures of her throughout the years...but for now I wanted to share my thoughts about the test her school administered to see if she was ready for kindergarten.
At First Baptist Academy they administer a test called the Phelps Kindergarten Readiness Scale which helps determine whether or not they feel your little one is ready for kindergarten based on their score in three different domains: Verbal, Perceptual, and Auditory. (See www.great-ideas.org/manual.htm)
Since Carlie literally turns 5 the day before kindergarten starts, I have been apprehensive about whether or not to hold her back. How do you know? Is she ready? So having something tangible say "Yes, she is ready!" helps to alleviate some of my fears of her not having a successful year. Note to my girlfriends who have children going into kindergarten, too. I believe this test can be purchased and administered at home. If not, most schools might test your child for you.
I got Carlie's scores back and was interested to see what each domain actually consisted of. What were they testing? She scored above the national mean in all domains, but had Auditory as her lowest...with a near perfect score for Perceptual. Here is where it gets interesting. As I studied the domains and recommended activities to increase proficiency in each area...the uniqueness of my girls came out. Now, mind you, Mollie hasn't been tested...but I can already see her strengths. Let me explain.
Verbal is just what it is...anything to do with verbal skills such as word meanings, vocabulary, using language to express themselves and the world around them.
Perceptual has to do with a child's fine motor coordination, eye-hand movements, being able to visual discriminate two different objects, seeing similarities and differences.
Auditory deals with the ability to remember things heard, discriminate different sounds, listen and be able to act on what they have heard.
How do these domains play out, and if one was a particular strength for your child how would you know?
Let me share some of the activities involved with each:
When verbal is a strength... your child might describe objects more accurately...including not just the color of a toy but the shape, it's size in relation to other toys. They may like to play "I Spy" or enjoy telling you how an object works. When told a particular category such as "transportation" they can readily think of several things that would go in that category such as trains, bikes, cars, etc.
When perceptual is a strength...your child might like to do puzzles or play the game Concentration (using both memory and visual) They can easily reproduce something they see such as a letter, number, shape. They love to draw and assemble things.
---This is where Carlie excels. I remember when Carlie was only 3 yrs. old we decided to buy new ceiling fans for the porch. We had to take off the blades of the old ones so they would fit in the trash. Well, Travis was just joking around and showed Carlie how to unscrew one of them and walked away. When he came back, Carlie had totally disassembled the entire fan. She is naturally good at puzzles and playing Concentration. Interestingly too, I can write sentences and Carlie will copy them and it look great...but have no idea what she just wrote. She also can draw the most amazing pictures including minor details such as the DVDs on the bookcase or the small flower by the tree.
When auditory is a strength...your child might love hearing nursery rhymes and filling in the gaps. They may also love to sing or be able to retell a story once they have heard it. They can easily follow oral instructions.
---This is where Mollie excels. It is not uncommon to see her looking at books and "reading" the familiar nursery rhyme. I bought this book series that had all the classic nursery rhymes and she loves to pretend to read it or have me start it and her finish the sentence. I say "Hickory Dickory Dock..." then Mollie follows with, "...the mouse ran up the clock." She also is naturally more drawn to phonics. We have a Leap Frog video, and at a very early age Mollie would say "The A says Ahhhh." Whereas, big sister really didn't catch on that the letters made sounds. Carlie is more likely to memorize what a word looks like such as "the" and then be able to say it when she sees it again. Mollie though very apt at knowing all her letters and their sounds hasn't begun to show interest in writing or drawing pictures. She does however love to sing, and has memorized almost all the songs from VBS.
I guess as a mother, it is exciting to see that though they come from the same family your children will and do exhibit many wonderful differences that make them...well THEM. I wouldn't trade my girls for anything. To Travis and I they are just perfect. I do appreciate the test though, because it made me see more clearly the natural bent of Carlie and Mollie in a way I had never looked at it before. I understand now why Carlie is less drawn to certain activities that Mollie embraces and vs. versa.
If you are a mother look at the website, especially the section that talks about ways to help them excel in other areas that they are not naturally bent towards. Perhaps, take that moment to really listen to your daughter explain "verbally" her picture and elaborate on the story that goes with it. Get them involved in wonderful programs such as Kindermusik that tailors to their interest. Turn off the television and have them tune in to what is going on around them...what sounds do they hear...an airplane, birds chirping, children laughing. Sit on the couch and color your very own picture with crayons. Relish the moment right now you have with them, because soon they will be gone.
On Carlie's official birthday I will post pictures of her throughout the years...but for now I wanted to share my thoughts about the test her school administered to see if she was ready for kindergarten.
At First Baptist Academy they administer a test called the Phelps Kindergarten Readiness Scale which helps determine whether or not they feel your little one is ready for kindergarten based on their score in three different domains: Verbal, Perceptual, and Auditory. (See www.great-ideas.org/manual.htm)
Since Carlie literally turns 5 the day before kindergarten starts, I have been apprehensive about whether or not to hold her back. How do you know? Is she ready? So having something tangible say "Yes, she is ready!" helps to alleviate some of my fears of her not having a successful year. Note to my girlfriends who have children going into kindergarten, too. I believe this test can be purchased and administered at home. If not, most schools might test your child for you.
I got Carlie's scores back and was interested to see what each domain actually consisted of. What were they testing? She scored above the national mean in all domains, but had Auditory as her lowest...with a near perfect score for Perceptual. Here is where it gets interesting. As I studied the domains and recommended activities to increase proficiency in each area...the uniqueness of my girls came out. Now, mind you, Mollie hasn't been tested...but I can already see her strengths. Let me explain.
Verbal is just what it is...anything to do with verbal skills such as word meanings, vocabulary, using language to express themselves and the world around them.
Perceptual has to do with a child's fine motor coordination, eye-hand movements, being able to visual discriminate two different objects, seeing similarities and differences.
Auditory deals with the ability to remember things heard, discriminate different sounds, listen and be able to act on what they have heard.
How do these domains play out, and if one was a particular strength for your child how would you know?
Let me share some of the activities involved with each:
When verbal is a strength... your child might describe objects more accurately...including not just the color of a toy but the shape, it's size in relation to other toys. They may like to play "I Spy" or enjoy telling you how an object works. When told a particular category such as "transportation" they can readily think of several things that would go in that category such as trains, bikes, cars, etc.
When perceptual is a strength...your child might like to do puzzles or play the game Concentration (using both memory and visual) They can easily reproduce something they see such as a letter, number, shape. They love to draw and assemble things.
---This is where Carlie excels. I remember when Carlie was only 3 yrs. old we decided to buy new ceiling fans for the porch. We had to take off the blades of the old ones so they would fit in the trash. Well, Travis was just joking around and showed Carlie how to unscrew one of them and walked away. When he came back, Carlie had totally disassembled the entire fan. She is naturally good at puzzles and playing Concentration. Interestingly too, I can write sentences and Carlie will copy them and it look great...but have no idea what she just wrote. She also can draw the most amazing pictures including minor details such as the DVDs on the bookcase or the small flower by the tree.
When auditory is a strength...your child might love hearing nursery rhymes and filling in the gaps. They may also love to sing or be able to retell a story once they have heard it. They can easily follow oral instructions.
---This is where Mollie excels. It is not uncommon to see her looking at books and "reading" the familiar nursery rhyme. I bought this book series that had all the classic nursery rhymes and she loves to pretend to read it or have me start it and her finish the sentence. I say "Hickory Dickory Dock..." then Mollie follows with, "...the mouse ran up the clock." She also is naturally more drawn to phonics. We have a Leap Frog video, and at a very early age Mollie would say "The A says Ahhhh." Whereas, big sister really didn't catch on that the letters made sounds. Carlie is more likely to memorize what a word looks like such as "the" and then be able to say it when she sees it again. Mollie though very apt at knowing all her letters and their sounds hasn't begun to show interest in writing or drawing pictures. She does however love to sing, and has memorized almost all the songs from VBS.
I guess as a mother, it is exciting to see that though they come from the same family your children will and do exhibit many wonderful differences that make them...well THEM. I wouldn't trade my girls for anything. To Travis and I they are just perfect. I do appreciate the test though, because it made me see more clearly the natural bent of Carlie and Mollie in a way I had never looked at it before. I understand now why Carlie is less drawn to certain activities that Mollie embraces and vs. versa.
If you are a mother look at the website, especially the section that talks about ways to help them excel in other areas that they are not naturally bent towards. Perhaps, take that moment to really listen to your daughter explain "verbally" her picture and elaborate on the story that goes with it. Get them involved in wonderful programs such as Kindermusik that tailors to their interest. Turn off the television and have them tune in to what is going on around them...what sounds do they hear...an airplane, birds chirping, children laughing. Sit on the couch and color your very own picture with crayons. Relish the moment right now you have with them, because soon they will be gone.
WHAT? Target doesn't have it!
I have to say the shopping here is AMAZING! You can find so many things right around the corner, and St. Louis is just a hop, jump and skip away if you need even more selection.
So imagine my surprise when I couldn't find anything to coordinate with Ellie's watermelon dress from Gymboree for my two oldest girls. What was a mom to do? I wanted them to all be dressed a like for this idea I have for Ellie's birth announcement/"We have Moved!" card. So I had to get creative.
On a whim, I decided to paint Carlie and Mollie's shirts. Here is my work in progress. You will have to wait to see how cute they look in them when the announcement comes out.
A Summer Fling...
SUMMER TIME...is perhaps the Walters' girls favorite time of year. Partly, because we all celebrate our birthdays during summer, but also for the fact that a lot of what we love to do happens during the summer. Swimming, going to the park, eating watermelon, lazy days...you name it.
So we decided to have one more "Summer Fling" this weekend... WE MAKE HOMEMADE ICE CREAM! Boy, was it delicious! It is a family recipe and SUPER easy! You simply get one can of sweetened condensed milk and one 3 liter of Sunkist or Crush drink. We prefer the orange flavor. Then take about two cups of Sunkist and mix it with the sweetened condensed milk in a bowl. It will look very creamy. Pour that in your electric ice cream machine container. Then pour the rest of the 3 liter in. Then follow the directions for your ice cream machine (ice/rock salt to cool it down) It is so simple with only TWO ingredients.
Here the girls are enjoying it. The girls loved helping with the ice, and watching it spin and spin. Of course, Travis was the one who kept saying, "When will it be done!"
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
The Transformation...
I'm desperately wondering whether Ellie's hair will indeed remain brown. So I will use her sweet sister, Mollie, to demonstrate "THE TRANSFORMATION." I am unshamed to announce that since Ellie is our last, I would love for her hair to remain brown...like her Mommy's. :)
You see Mollie had dark hair until Christmas. Then in March '06 the transformation began. Then came the thick blonde hair. Crazy! I'm the one who carried them for 9 mths.
Dominate Genes
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As you know, I have brown hair and brown eyes. Who would have guessed that I would have two beautiful blonde hair/blue eyed girls? Following Daddy's footsteps I guess...
But this wasn't always the case. Did you know that all three of my girls were born with thick brown/black hair at birth? Cool trivia question...
So I wasn't surprised when Ellie sported her own thick brown hair. Here is the proof, the first picture is Carlie (5 yrs. old) at the hospital, then Mollie (3 yrs old), and now precious Ellie (4 days old).
Pictures of Ellie Grace Walters
ELLIE GRACE WALTERS arrived...AUGUST 3RD!!!
Sunday, August 3rd was a very exciting day in the Walters' family. It began lkke any normal Sunday morning. I awoke early to take a quick shower and get ready for church, and then soon after got the girls ready for church. You know the typical Sunday rush! "Girls, come put on your dresses!" Matching dresses of course, and bows to compliment. Then off to pack their goody bag for church, i.e. coloring books, snacks, juice boxes, etc.
I was feeling a little different...thinking perhaps my water broke, but not wanting to be disappointed again, I was determined to wait until I knew for sure that TODAY...was truly THE DAY!
We got in the car and headed to our new church, Fairview Heights Church of Christ. I even signed our neighborhood friends up for VBS...then I became nervous. I will spare you the details. :) We talked to a girlfriend, and Travis said, "Debbie, do mind watching the girls? Dorothy wants to go by the hospital and see if she is in labor." This all happened around 9:30. Off to the hospital we went.
Ellie Grace Walters arrived at, no kidding, 11:29 am, literally two hours after leaving church. Church wasn't even officially over, before she decided to come. Perhaps, she was hoping to make an alter call.
I know at 11ish I was sure praising Jesus...for surviving and getting to see an absolutely beautiful baby girl result from the intense pain of delivering her completely natural. Oh yes, they informed me, "Mrs. Walters...There is NO TIME for an epidural. You can do this!" To which I replied, "You have got to be kidding me. I didn't research this or read the book. No, this isn't happening this way."
Oh, but it did. In literally 15 minutes, my contractions caused me to go from being dilated to a 4/5 to an 8. Perhaps, what I will remember most is Ellie kicking me one last time in the ribs as I felt her head almost out. Interesting...
Enough of that drama, though. I know the real reason you are reading this entry is to see the precious pictures of our newest addition, Ellie Grace.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Reflections from "Experiencing God" Study
Summary Statements from Today's Lesson:
* To know and do the will of God, I must deny self and return to a God-centered life.
* I must reorient my life to God.
* I must focus my life on God's purposes not my own plans.
* I must seek to see from God's perspective rather than from my own distorted human perspective.
* I must wait until God shows me what He is about to do through me.
* I will watch to see what God is doing around me and join Him.
An interesting statement from today's study: "You never find God asking people to dream up what they want to do for Him."
Basically, God doesn't need or is limited to your "Big Dream." So if we are sitting there "brainstorming" what we can do for God to please Him...we are probably on the wrong track.
INSTEAD:
* We should wait until God shows us what He is about to do...and join Him
* We watch to see what God is already doing around us and then decide to join Him.
So the author gave some examples from scripture illustrating this point. God was doing or had planned something...and then Abraham, Paul, Gideon, etc. were invited to join Him.
I wasn't as familiar with the example for Gideon so I read the entire chapter. Then I was blessed by a scripture tucked away in the text, II Chron. 16:9 "...For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."
AMAZING!! Does that sound like a statement from a demanding god, who punishes anyone who gets in His way? No, it is a picture of a God who desperately wants to be in fellowship with His beloved, and is constantly searching them out to strengthen them and give them hope.
These past few weeks, I have asked God to help me with my "unbelief" and He has been faithful. My circumstances haven't changed, but as I write this I have such a sense of peace about what is going on. I'm not worried, and I feel strengthen, encouraged, hopeful...
Perhaps a change of scenery and a little "reorienting" of my life is just what I needed.
* To know and do the will of God, I must deny self and return to a God-centered life.
* I must reorient my life to God.
* I must focus my life on God's purposes not my own plans.
* I must seek to see from God's perspective rather than from my own distorted human perspective.
* I must wait until God shows me what He is about to do through me.
* I will watch to see what God is doing around me and join Him.
An interesting statement from today's study: "You never find God asking people to dream up what they want to do for Him."
Basically, God doesn't need or is limited to your "Big Dream." So if we are sitting there "brainstorming" what we can do for God to please Him...we are probably on the wrong track.
INSTEAD:
* We should wait until God shows us what He is about to do...and join Him
* We watch to see what God is already doing around us and then decide to join Him.
So the author gave some examples from scripture illustrating this point. God was doing or had planned something...and then Abraham, Paul, Gideon, etc. were invited to join Him.
I wasn't as familiar with the example for Gideon so I read the entire chapter. Then I was blessed by a scripture tucked away in the text, II Chron. 16:9 "...For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."
AMAZING!! Does that sound like a statement from a demanding god, who punishes anyone who gets in His way? No, it is a picture of a God who desperately wants to be in fellowship with His beloved, and is constantly searching them out to strengthen them and give them hope.
These past few weeks, I have asked God to help me with my "unbelief" and He has been faithful. My circumstances haven't changed, but as I write this I have such a sense of peace about what is going on. I'm not worried, and I feel strengthen, encouraged, hopeful...
Perhaps a change of scenery and a little "reorienting" of my life is just what I needed.
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