*

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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

monday meals and recipes on tuesday

So, I tried to link up with lyndsie yesterday; but couldn't do it from my phone until my smart husband told me a little secret! Lol! So, here we go!

Easy Taco Casserole

Ingredients:
1 pkg croissant rolls
1 lb ground beef (I substitute turkey)
1 packet Taco seasoning
1/4 cup mild salsa
Cheddar cheese or Taco cheese blend
Tortillas chips (crushed)
Sour cream

Directions:
-unroll croissant rolls and cover bottom of baking dish, bake according to directions on package.
-brown meat, add Taco seasoning per directions and salsa, blend
-once croissant rolls are done baking layer with Taco meat, sour cream, cheese and chips.
-bake until cheese is melted

**yields 9 servings
**I use a small baking dish

Monday, March 28, 2011

i'm weird

Tonight I was longing for a nice hot, bubble bath-some time to just sit back and relax. I grabbed some magazines, my phone to play a game with friends and Klayton's bouncer...wait a minute, did I just say "Klayton's bouncer"? Why yes, I did! To me it just doesn't seem right to be away from my babycakes. Joseph was more than willing to watch Klayton so I could have some me time and he did for a little while; but when Klayton was playing with his rattle and blanket, bouncing away I didn't mind that he was there with me-to me he just belongs with me and to have it any other way just seems unnatural. I am not writing this to imply that you are a bad mommy if you need a break from your kids and I'm not saying this to make you feel as if I think its not okay to be away from your children. There have been times in Klayton's short life that I haven't known what to do and I've let Joseph take him while I've had a good cry about my inadequacy as a mother! But, it doesn't take long for me to let Klayton find his way back into my arms and me snuggling him close to my tear stained cheeks and I whisper, "mama still loves you". I don't know if its the fact that we waited a year and a half for God to put him in my tummy or if its me simply honoring my petition to the Lord. I told the Lord many times in my time of waiting that when the day of tears, dirty diapers, vomit came that I would praise Him for it because that would mean I would have a child in my arms. To some I may appear to be a baby hog; for that I don't apologize. I'm learning that these days are quickly passing. Every moment with Klayton in my arms is a moment I may not have tomorrow...tomorrow he might be learning to crawl....tomorrow could be the day when he learns how to hold his bottle just right to get those last drops of milk... Some say that I get him everyday; but I know when the day comes that he's packing up his suitcase to go off to college or when he is at the altar saying, I do that I will be longing and remembering these very days that I have with him now.
I'm choosing to not take for granted this time and I am thankful that I have a baby to share my "me times" with!

10 on Tuesday

1. We have been back home for one week now! Have I mentioned how nice it is to be home???
2. I have downloaded an app on my phone called, words with friends-its basically scrabble and I'm really enjoying playing it with my friends! If you play it leave me a comment with your screen name and I will look you up!
3. I am not a fan of this cold weather...apparently, South Dakota was unwilling to listen when I asked for warm weather.
4. I have gotten so off track with my diet.
5. This week I must, MUST start practicing the piano for my brothers wedding.
6. Klayton has been up since 8 a.m and has taken two 10 minute cat naps....apparently, he's to busy chatting to nap. I don't think he has been quiet all day...I wonder if I could understand his language what he would be saying.
7. Got my hair cut and colored last week and I'm loving it! Still trying to figure out how to style it just like my stylist did for me. Which reminds me, my stylist is moving so yep, I'm without a stylist once again. Ugh.
8. Joseph has been busy working on our fall schedule and was able to get 3 meetings scheduled so far!
9. Still need to get Klayton in for his 4 month shots...yep were behind and were waiting to now because he's just getting over a cold as well.
10. And yep, I admit I started working on this post yesterday...but its done and with that I say, happy Tuesday!

New People

In the past few weeks, I have been able to reunite with friends, meet my brothers fiancee and introduce Klayton to my brother!
Here we are with my brother! It didn't take long for Caleb to love Klayton!


Caleb, his fiancee and Klayton! We really enjoyed getting to know Brandy during our time in OKC!


I had a great time introducing Klayton to Jennifer! Jennifer and I met in college, we worked together for a while, were roommates our Senior year and were great friends! I haven't seen her since graduation night in May of 2004! Klayton was mesmerized by her beauty!

This is my friend Candy! I can't remember the last time I had seen her...it was probably the night I graduated from college-who knows! Time seriously passes to quickly! Candy and I have been able to stay "in touch" via Facebook. Its more like just reading each others status updates; but were still friends and it was great seeing her!

I think, besides my brother I had the most fun introducing Klayton to my friend Lindsay and her baby Hudson! First, let me say this Klayton looked at the camera for her; but not for me...he must already love his "Aunt Lindsay" she sent me the pics; but I haven't downloaded them yet. Anyway, I just know Hudson and Klayton are going to be great friends because Lindsay has become one of my greatest friends and I consider her a sister of my heart!


And, well thats it for now....

5 Months-a week late

Klayton you are 5 months old!

*You wear size 1-2 diapers
*You wear 3 months or 3-6 month clothing!
*You are completely fascinated with your socks or maybe its your feet? You are always playing with your feet and trying to pull off your socks! Maybe you will be like Mama and just not like to wear socks?
*You are still working on teeth, I think you are going to get two at once when they finally decide to pop through.
*Speaking of teeth you like to chew on daddy’s thumb!
*You are becoming a morning baby, what happened to sleeping in?
*You are now strictly formula fed.
*You love to be naked!
*You actually like bath time....finally! No more tears! Yay!


This Month:
*You met your Uncle Caleb
*Visited Oklahoma and Kansas for the first time.
*You also saw the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas.

Dear Klayton,
You survived your first LONG deputation trip-three months of travels! I am so proud of how well you did!
Yesterday, a man from church was holding you. As he held you we began to talk about what we would hear if we could see within your mind. Would you be saying, “these people look so foolish when they talk to me, etc”. But, this man he shared with me that he believes that when babies see us they don’t see our mistakes or foolishness they only see our love for them. He also shared that while holding you, he felt as if he were holding a piece of heaven…Klayton you are a piece of heaven that God has given me and everyday I am thankful for you and the gift that you are to dad and I!
Love You, Forever,
Mama

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

10 on Tuesday

1. Klayton turned five months yesterday and I feel bad that I'm not on time with his five month post. Maybe I will get it done this week?
2. We are currently traveling home, we should arrive in just a couple of hours! I am so excited to be home!
3. This past weekend we got new phones...I got the EVO. I think I will like it, I just have to get used to it. I find it fun to get a new phone to play with!
4. I am really getting into jewelry making! Several people have told me I should look into selling it... I might give it a try. if I do, I think an appropriate business name would be, Girl on the GoFashion Jewelry...
5. This past weekend was spent with my brother and his soontobe wife.we had a great time with them!
6. I have always liked Hobby Lobby, but right now I love them! My kitchen theme is bumblebees and they are currently selling tons of bee decorations and bee kitchen supplies!
7. Tomorrow I'm getting my hair cut and colored. I am so ready to have hair that looks good again!
8. One thing that I dread about arriving home after such a long time is the big grocery bill that awaits me. Ugh.
9. I need some new recipes. If you have a good recipe to share I would love to have it. We seem to always get stuck in a rut and eat the same thing week after week.
10. Some Taco Bells now do breakfast and I have to tell you their Cinnabon donuts holes are totally awesome!

Happy Tuesday!!!!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Friday favorites

Today I'm linking up with Lyndsie for Friday's Favorites...the topic today is favorite blogs that we read! I don't really follow a ton of blogs; but I do like all the blogs I follow and you can see which ones I follow on my sidebar. But, I decided I would share my top three favorites that I have been reading "religiously" during the last month! lol! So, in no particular order....
Another Day Stronger, I have just been introduced to this blog in the unfortunate loss of their baby Maddie. I read back through all their prior posts to losing their baby and just loved their story and now I read it every day as they start a new journey in life that they have not chosen for themselves; but God chose for them. They remind me daily not to take one day with Klayton for granted.
Katie's Keepers. Katie has a blog that she is pretty faithful to blogging on daily. It is a simple blog about her and her family; but I really like it a lot and have been reading it since her baby Colson was born so its been fun keeping up with him and her!
His Plan Revealed. Kacey doesn't blog every week; but I love to keep up with her blog because she has been an amazing testimony to me. She had a hard time getting pregnant and actually found out she was pregnant about a month after me. Kacey was carrying twins; but Kaiya Faith passed away while in the womb and Roman was born prematurely. Roman is now six months old! Through Kacey's journey I have never heard her once complain, she has such a thankful spirit for what the Lord has done in her life!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

10 on Tuesday

1. I'm posting my blog from my new IPAD! Since the ipad2 was just released we were able to get an awesome deal on the first one and were pretty happy with it!
2. We have had a crazy few days...yesterday we spent the day touring Las Vegas and today it was spent at the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon was fun; but it is not stroller friendly.
3. Currently we are in Gallup, New Mexico for the night and we should arrive in Oklahoma City today or tomorrow...
4. I have found a new hobby...making jewelry! I love it and it's something I can do in the van while traveling!
5. I have a nasty cold. Really hoping it goes away, each day it gets better but not fast enough for me.
6. In just a few days my baby will be 5 months old and I'm left here wondering just where the time has gone??
7. I joined Weight Watchers. Hopefully, this effort will help me to stay on track with diet. I need some serious motivation, I do however believe I will be better when were home.
8. Speaking of home we will be there in just a few short weeks! Yay!
9. I made my bracket for March Madness and no I am not a die hard basketball fan; but my husband is all about March Madness, so I do it for him. This year I did my bracket all by myself...so we shall see how I do!
10. I'm thinking about doing a blog give away...what do you think?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

ABC's of me...

A-Age: 29
B-Bed size: queen; but I prefer king…
C-Chore you hate: dishes! I would rather clean the bathroom than do dishes, ugh!
D-Dogs: none at the time, once we are done with deputation we would love to get a dog!
E-Essential start to your day: cuddling with my baby boy! I love his morning smiles!
F-Favorite Color: red
G-Gold or Silver: I’m traditional, gold.
H-Height: 5’3
I-Instruments you play: Piano, flute.
J-Job title: wife and mommy!
K-Kids: Klayton, 4 ½ months!
L-Live: South Dakota is where our home is; but since we travel so much we have many ‘homes’!
M-My mom's name: Lori
N-Nickname: Kenny, Sweetie
O-Overnight hospital stay: My most recent was last October when I had Klayton. Before that I think it was when I was a kid…
P-Pet Peeve: Spelling errors, chewing with mouth open, chomping food…
Q-Quote from a movie: I NEVER remember quotes….
R-Right/Lefty: righty.
S-Sibling: one brother and one sister.
T-Time you wake up: whenever Klayton wakes up….today it was 8.
U-Unique information about yourself: When I was a kid, the school I went to there was a girl named Kendra Marie Thrasher born on my birthday just a year before me….for those of you that don’t know Thrasher is my maiden name.
V-Veggies you dislike: pea
W-What makes you run late: I usually don’t run late, usually we are early or right on time.
X-Xrays you've had: December for my gall bladder
Y-Yummy food you make: homemade chicken tenders, my husband loves it! Homemade pizza!
Z-Zoo animal: monkeys!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Something New, What I'm Loving Wednesday

Today I'm linking up with Jamie for something different!

I'm loving this wallet my husband bought me yesterday! So tiny, yet convenient and cute!


I'm loving this gum in strawberry, original and peppermint! I also love it because it has 'gum juice' in each piece! 40 pieces for $2.00!

I'm loving this pack of cute highlighters that I found yesterday for only $.99!

I'm loving that we are making one more step in a healthier direction...sea salt! And, I'm loving my new bumblebee towel for my kitchen!

I'm loving, as always my two boys!

I'm loving that for once I was able to match my babycakes for church this past Sunday!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

10 on Tuesday...

1. Today were going to apparently one of the largest stores EVER or maybe its just the largest store EVER in the state of Utah...Smith and Edwards. I guess they have everything and its better than Wal-Mart.
2. Speaking of Wal-Mart have I ever mentioned how much I hate that place? Well, I do...I know its like the store for every woman; but not me! I would rather shop at Target.
3. For my scrapbooking friends, here is a blog that my friend DeAnna started, www.mycricutdiary.blogspot.com!
4. Another blog worth the reading is www.tiastidbitsandmajorrants.blogspot.com! This is a new blog that my friend Tia started!
5. And last; but not least another blog worth the read, www.countedfaithful.blogspot.com!
6. I haven't cooked in forever and last night I was able to make sure I still knew how and cooked for our friends the Harris'! I made my chicken tenders which are so yummy, ranched mashed potatoes and corn! I think it was a hit! I am cooking again tonight, taco casserole!
7. I'm thinking about joining Weight Watchers once again. Last time I did the program it worked and I had a great success. I just seem to be devoted to my diet right now and I really need a system to keep me in line and maybe if I'm paying for it, it will keep me motivated. If I join I will do the Weight Watchers online so I can conveniently access it from my phone!
8. I think my days of nursing are almost done. We made it 4 1/2 months; but I was hoping for longer. Its just so hard to keep up my supply on the road. So, Klayton is getting formula during the day and is being nursed at night and his 1st feeding in the morning; but I don't think that will even last for that much longer. With that being said, let me tell you-I hate buying formula it is so stinking expensive! Ugh!
9. I can't believe Klayton is just two weeks from being 5 months old! Where is the time going? Before I know it he is going to be crawling, sitting up....whenever I hold him I can just tell when he learns how to crawl he will not want to be held anymore he is already such a mover.
10. Tonight might be an evening in watching, Like Dandelion Dust and scrapping! That my friends will make for a wonderful evening!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Looking Forward to Next Week

Another week in Roy, Utah...this Saturday we will be on our way to Las Vegas, Nevada for a Sunday meeting! Viva Las Vegas! Anyway, I am kind of excited about going there...I'm interested in seeing the Eiffel Tower since I will more than likely never see the one in Paris!
Once we leave Las Vegas we will head to Oklahoma City and introduce Klayton to his Uncle Caleb and meet Uncle Caleb's fiancee Brandy. We haven't seen Caleb in what feels like ages...last time I saw him was right after we found out that we were expecting a baby! But, we will be able to do a lot of making up for lost time as we will now see Caleb next week, then in April and finally again in May for his wedding. Its crazy to think that my little brother is getting married. This is my brother and I at Thanksgiving of 2009.

I am also looking forward to meeting up with my favorite redhead, Lindsay and meeting her new man, Hudson! It will be so neat to introduce Klayton to her and spend time with her. Lindsay is one of my greatest friends and I am so thankful that the Lord knew that I would need a friend like her when He allowed us to be roomies in college!

I have been battling quite the headache this past weekend and today, I really wish it would go away and never come back again. I have also not been feeling the greatest...hoping that when I wake up tomorrow I will be miraculously healed! I'm wondering if the snow here in Utah is what is giving me my headache??? Mmm...I was really hoping to avoid the snow; but that didn't happen. So , South Dakota I will be home next month and please be sure to be sunny and start warming up...

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Things to Ponder

Do you know how it is to know you shouldn't keep pondering certain thoughts; but you still do? Well, ever since I heard about 4 month old Maddie being taken to heaven, I just can't get her and her family out of my head. I recently started following their blog, It All Started When Two People Fell in Love-you can catch the link on my sidebar. A part of me doesn't want to follow their blog because my heart just aches for them; but then I want to follow it and read it, so I can pray for that family.
I couldn't imagine Klayton being taken away from me. We dedicated Klayton back to the Lord when he was in my belly and again on his first Sunday in church after being born. I know he belongs to the Lord and the Lord has just loaned him to us; but deep down I just keep asking the Lord to not take him from me, EVER! Is it selfish that I think I should be the one in this life to never experience what the Staat family is experiencing now? To carry a child in the womb and then to only hold them in their arms for 4 months doesn't seem long enough; but its 4 months longer than we deserve. If I truly dedicated him to the Lord, I am giving full permission to the Lord to do with Klayton as He pleases...I don't dictate what the Lord can and cannot do with my child or with my life. I have to simply trust in the Lord believing He is doing what is best for my life and for Klayton! I am learning that giving Klayton to the Lord has got to be a daily practice, it is so easy to try and do things my own way. I have to raise Klayton with the Lord in mind.
The Staats have simply reminded me that the people we do have in our lives cannot and should not be taken for granted. I pray that I never take one day with Klayton and my husband for granted. And once again I choose to be thankful for dirty diapers, spit up, fussy nights, days of teething because if I didn't have those I wouldn't have my Klayton! And I will soak in and cherish every smile Klayton gives me, every cuddle, every laugh, every time he grips my finger or plays with my necklace. Thank you Lord for giving me YESTERDAY and TODAY with my baby!

Wait

Desperately, hopelessly, longingly, I cried.
Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait!'

"Wait?, you say, wait!" my indignant reply.
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!
Is Your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and am claiming Your Word."

"My future and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and You tell me to wait?
I'm needing a 'yes,' a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign."

"And Lord, You promised that if we believe
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
And Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry:
I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!"

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut
And grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting...for what?"

He seemed then to kneel and His eyes wept with mine,
And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.
All you seek, I could give, and pleased you would be.
You would have what you want...but, you wouldn't know Me."

"You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint;
You'd not know the power that I give to the faint;
You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair;
You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there;
You'd not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence were all you could see."

You'd never experience that fullness of love
As the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove;
You'd know that I give and I save...,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart."

The flow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked
Of an infinite God, who makes what you have last."

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
Your dreams for your loved ones overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you!"

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me
And though oft may My answers seem terribly late,
My wisest of answers is still but to wait."

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

10 on Tuesday...

1. I have not been able to come up with ten random thoughts...I keep coming back to this post and I get nothing. So, lets try again!
2. Currently, I am enjoying a night in with my baby while my husband is out playing basketball with some guys! He has been anxious to play, so I am glad he has been able to go out and play tonight!
3. Do you know how easy it is to spend money? Very easily, especially when it comes to scrapbooking supplies! My Grandma-in-law, sent me money and I spent it all tonight on scrapbooking supplies so now I am even more anxious to scrapbook!
4. Tonight I was able to play Scrabble with my mom! We played on POGO, it was quite fun even though I lost all three games.
5. Skype, its a great tool! If you don't have it you should consider getting it,its free and a great way to keep in touch with family and friends you don't get to see everyday. The last two days we have been able to skype with both of our families!
6. Laundry is definitely calling my name and I think I shall heed to it tomorrow...
7. Just one more month and then we should be home-yay!
8. I am looking forward to introducing Klayton to his uncle in just a few weeks! Its just sad that it has been this long before they could meet; but such is life.
9. Its crazy to think that both my sister and my brother will be getting married this year. My sister in April and my brother in May; but I am thankful that God brought special people into their lives that they want to spend their lives with!
10. Wow, I actually completed this post! Go me!