Favorite Beauty Items

As a mom I so often find myself not taking anytime for "me." There are many days that I end up wearing sweats, no make-up, and my hair in a pontytail. Ok, being honest here, MOST days are like that. It is actually a rare occasion that I wear any make-up, fix my mess of hair, and wear anything without an elasticized waist!

There are a few staples in my "beauty" regimen that I thought I would pass along. Most of them are items that can speed up the process of getting ready, or just really good products that make me happy!



First off, let me say that for years I have tried numerous face cleansers. I have used those for acne, dry skin, exfoliating, etc. I almost always had the same problem with each one...my make-up would not come off unless I washed my face multiple times. And then I usually had to follow up with eye-makeup remover. Until I found this product! This cleanser has a make-up remover built in, and I can say that it takes off ALL make-up, even the eye junk in just one wash. What a time saver, plus it's less than $5 at Wal-Mart!




I have REALLY, REALLY thick, long, wavy/curly hair. I have broken dozens of combs while trying to manage this crazy mess of hair. This Paul Mitchell line of hair products does wonders for thick/wavy hair! It's pricey, so I don't always have the extra cash to buy it. But, it makes a huge difference in shortening my blow-drying time. I highly recommend the Super Skinny Serum.



This is the absolute best face moisturizer I have found. I have tried several brands, both expensive and cheap. I always come back to this one because it really works! I usually buy the lotion in the fall/winter since my skin is drier then. During the summer the gel is great.



I really have never fallen in love with a lipstick. They are usually so drying and don't last. I have tried lip stains and glosses, but they are too dry or too sticky. I tried these gloss balms last month and was pleasantly surprised. It's just enough color, and the consistency is great. It has the feeling of a balm, but not the stickiness of a gloss. I plan to buy one in almost every color!



I have mentioned before that I am OCD about cleanliness. And I wash my hands. A LOT. Not to mention I have two kiddos, so I am constantly changing diapers, cleaning up messes. And I use hand sanitizer religiously. So, I need a REALLY good hand lotion. This hand cream is the BEST. I have tried every one out there that claims to be for "extremely dry skin." Hands down (no pun intended), nothing comes close to this lotion! I use it every night and it keeps my hands from getting extra dry.


What are some of your favorite beauty items?

Cookie Bars

I came across this recipe last year at Christmas. I was checking out the Eagle Brand recipe website, and this looked really good and simple! The offical name is not "cookie bars," but that's what we now call them. They are SO good, and very easy to make. Enjoy!



Ingredients:

* No-Stick Cooking Spray
* 4 cups graham cracker crumbs (it's usually about one and a half packs out of a box)
* 2 (14 oz.) cans Eagle Brand® Sweetened Condensed Milk (or store brand works too)
* 3 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

* HEAT oven to 350°F. Spray a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
* COMBINE graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, butter
and vanilla in large bowl. Mix until blended. Spread evenly in prepared pan.
* BAKE 25 to 30 minutes. Cool. Cut into bars.

I accidentally picked up mini-chocolate chips this time. But, they still turned out great!

School Days...

Callie has done a good job learning to cut with scissors!




So, I have found out that Callie has quite the little personality and sense of humor. I never know what's going to come out of her mouth! This particular day of school she had her "Phineas" and "Perry" stuffed friends next to her while she was doing schoolwork. She then told me, "I have Phineas and Perry with me today. But not Ferb. He was in a mood."

LOL! Like I said, never a dull moment...

Your Story

Your story began in September 2005, when I took that first pregnancy test...and it came back postiive. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, I fell in love with you. I loved you in a way I didn't know was possible.

After 3 months of morning sickness, exhaustion, and anticipation, we went to our first doctor's appointment. I was a little worried when they couldn't immediately find your heartbeat, and was scheduled to have an ultrasound the next week. That week was the longest week of my life.

I remember the ultrasound tech checking the image on the screen. It was the first time I saw the tiny life that was growing inside me. However, the technician didn't smile or talk. She informed me that she wanted the doctor to come in and check things. It was then that I heard the words that have forever changed my life... "There's no heartbeat."

It's been six years, and yet I still remember every detail of the room, the doctor's words, and the emotions I was feeling. I remember the loss I felt instantly. Such a strange feeling to know the baby you're carrying is no longer alive. November 11, 2005 is a day I will never forget. That's the day you went to heaven.

There are so many things I would like to say to you. There are so many things I wish that we could do together. And one day, we will. But for now, this is my letter to you.


My precious baby,

I know you probably aren't a baby anymore, in your heavenly home. But to me, you will always be "my baby." I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with you, I was thrilled! And even through the months of morning sickness that followed, I told you every day, "Mommy loves you!"

I want you to know that your brief life meant so much to me, brought me so much joy. I never had to discipline or correct you. I never had to remind you to pick up your toys. I never had to separate you from fighting with your sisters. But, I want you to know that I wish I'd had the chance to. I only had a short time with you, and you only got the best parts of me.

I think about you often. Sometimes in the little things...I wonder what your personality is like. What would've been your favorite color, movie, toy? What would've been your first word? There are times I look in the backseat of the car, see your two sisters, and still think, "one is missing." YOU are missing.

I think about you in the big things too. Like the holidays. Would you have loved Christmas as much as I do, excited to get out the decorations and celebrate? This year we took a family vacation to Disney World. It was so much fun! I wish that we could've taken you too.

I think most of all, I wonder what you look like. I didn't get to look into your precious face. Or count your fingers and toes. I don't know what color hair you have, or what color your eyes are. Both of your sisters have blue eyes like me. And I can't help but imagine that you do too. When I picture you, that's what I see...your blue eyes.

I love you so much, and I always will. You forever have a place in my heart. One day, I will see your precious face and I know that it will be even better than I can imagine!

Love,

Mommy


"How very softly you tiptoed into our world, almost silently, only a moment you stayed. But what an imprint you footsteps have left upon our hearts."
-- Dorothy Ferguson


"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us."
--Helen Keller

Learning Letters

We have been using this Pre-K curriculum for almost a month now, and I can't say enough good things about it! We ordered it from Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler and so far it has been great! It comes with lessons plans, printables, and lots of creative ideas! I would definetly recommend it to other homeschoolers who are looking for something that is both high quality and affordable!!

Anyway, Callie has been working on uppercase and lowercase letters. A few activities with the curriculum I have changed to suit our needs. Here are some pics of Callie practicing letter tracing and letter recognition.






And, during schooltime Ashtyn loves to be invovled as well...

Ultimate Coffee Cake

My mom has made this for breakfast for years. I never knew it's "offical" name and we just always called them "pull-apart rolls." One day as I was watching Paula Deen, she starting making this and called it the Ultimate Coffee Cake. So, I guess that's what I'll call it from now on...well, because it IS the Ultimate Coffee Cake.

These are SO easy to make, and taste SO good! I followed the recipe from Paula Deen on the food network. It turned out very well, however, there are a few things I will change next time I make this.

Ingredients:



16 to 18 unbaked frozen dinner rolls
1 (3-ounce) package regular butterscotch pudding mix, not instant
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted

Directions:

The night before place frozen rolls in well greased Bundt pan



Sprinkle dry pudding mix over rolls. Sprinkle brown sugar over pudding mix. Sprinkle chopped pecans over brown sugar.



Pour melted butter over all



To prevent the dough from forming a hard crust while its rising overnight, cover with a damp towel or tightly wrap with plastic wrap. Let rise overnight at room temperature, about 8 to 10 hours.



When you get up in the morning, it will look something like this



Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.



Turn pan over onto a serving platter to remove. Serve by pulling apart chunks with forks.



Now don't get me wrong, this turned out really good. But, it just wasn't exactly like my mom's. So, I called her and asked what the difference was. First, she normally puts the chopped pecans in before the frozen dinner rolls, that way the pecans are on top. Also, and this is the real kicker, she uses CINNAMON. I wondered why the carmel sauce didn't taste the same! She puts a teaspoon of cinnamon in with the brown sugar. If you are like me and like cinnamon, then add it in, otherwise leave the recipe as it is and enjoy!

School is in Session

Last fall I felt something change...it was my heart. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised, as God has changed my heart several times over the last 10 years. I had always said I would NEVER marry a Pastor, and have been married to my Pastor husband for over 7 years now. I never intended to be a homemaker, until God put the desire in my heart. And I thought I would never, ever consider homeschooling my children.

Well, things change. Like my heart towards homeschooling. Over the last year, God has placed such a desire in my heart and calling on my life to educate my children at home. I have felt a little overwhelemed at times over the idea, and scared or uncertain if I would be able to do this. After much prayer and seeking advice, I realized that on my own, no I could NOT do it. However, God's word promises, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13.

My hubby has not been 100 percent on board with the homschooling thing. He is supportive yes, but also skeptical of whether or not this is the best choice for us. So our compromise has been for me to do preschool with our 4 year old, and if it goes well and works for our family, then we will continue on.

We have researched so many different curriculums, ideas, and methods. We had settled on one curriculum, and for several reasons just hadn't ordered it yet. Of course, the advantage of homechooling is that you can begin and end anytime you want. So, kind of last minute we decided on a curriculum that we were both excited about.

Today was our first day of "school." Callie was super excited to get started, and was so attentive as I was teaching her. I am excited to begin this new journey. School is in session at the "Reid Academy."