a few recipes

This holiday season I have been oober proud of myself! I have actually went to the grocery store ON MY OWN, baked and cooked!
For me going to the grocery store was huge.....anxiety and panic. I used- to hate to have anything with the shopping & preparation of food and only consume until now. Does this mean I have on my big girl thong....?!!! I believe I do! I actually like trying new recipes ( okay.... 5 ingredients or less), going to the grocery store and cooking. Maybe because consuming isn't that important to me these days and I am becoming a bit of a health nut....

I am jotting down some of my favorite recipes I have made this Thanksgiving & Christmas:

Eggless Sweet Potato Casserole

I had to double the recipe for my family

*marshmallows are excellent on top of the crust topping too :)



6 sweet potato—cooked peeled & mashed (3-15oz cans)

¼ cup evaporated milk

¼ cup orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup white sugar

½ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons butter, melted

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon



1/3 cup butter, melted

¾ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup all purpose flour

¾ cup chopped pecans



1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 2 Quart casserole dish and set aside

2. Blend together the sweet potatoes, evaporated milk, orange juice, vanilla, sugar, salt, 3 tablespoons butter, nutmeg and cinnamon. Pour into prepared dish

3. Prepare the topping my mixing together the 1/3 cup butter, brown sugar, flour and pecans. Sprinkle over casserole and bake for 45 minutes or until hot


MAGIC COOKIE BARS

1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 vanilla wafers
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
small bag of white chocolate chips
3 1/2 ounces coconut flakes


Preheat oven to 350 F. (325 F. for glass dish.) In 13x9-inch baking pan, melt butter in oven. Sprinkle crumbs over butter; pour condensed milk evenly over crumbs. Top evenly with remaining ingredients; press down firmly. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool thoroughly before cutting. Store loosely covered at room temperature.
Makes 24 bars.

Serving Size: 12.

it's beginning to look a lot like....

This has started off to be a wonderful Holiday season! I have almost all of my shopping complete and it's the second week of December! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with such yummy food topped with the best family in the world. Maci was too busy playing to enjoy all the yummies; but I sure did splurge way beyond what my tummy can handle.

The weekend before T-giving we went with Patrick's Mom and sister to eat on the seawall and then to Moody Gardens. We had a great time looking at the aquarium and the festival of lights ( which was very disappointing....). Glad we go to spend time with them, It was much needed!

The next weekend, Patrick and I took Mace to Santa's Wonderland along with Tiff and Chris and the grannies ( LOL- lolli and Nana, Aunt Stpeh) This place is AH-mazing & well worth the drive! The hay ride and lights are such a sight for kids of ALL ages and the little town has so much to choose from; including snow, marshmellow roasting, specialty foods & hot drinks. This will def. be a yearly tradition for our little family!

We attended our first Christmas party this past Saturday which is all of my mom's side of the family. Cousins of all ages gather! We have great food & play the stealing white elephant game. Maci has tons of cousin's her age to play with so of course she play 90-to- nothing and is crashed by the time I put her in the car to go home. It's great to get to see some of my cousins I don' t see on a monthly basis.

I was thinking how blessed we are to have such a wonderful family. A few people I work with have no one. That must be so sad at this time of year. I love being with our family, God has truly blessed us with health and happiness.

I will have lots more to post because we have lots more parties and events to attend all month.....I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!

19 Months

I can't believe I am calling my "baby" a 19 month old. Oh how time passes by so fast. This past month Maci has began to truly show her independance. She doesn't mind telling mommy to "let go" and "i do it".

Too CUTE to forget....
We have been working on teaching Maci her full name. Today, as I was changing her diaper and was telling her good morning and how much I love her I asked her what her name is and she replied "marler".

She also has a love for a certain twin set of baby dolls. Wherever we go one or both are in hand. As I was watching her play I just got tickled at her. She was telling the baby "quied baby" and then began to make a crying, baby noise and the cutest squint face ever!

She also loves a certain set of flip flops her mawmaw bough her. She even wears them with socks and her pajamas!! Not only does she love these flip flops any she can weazel her little toes in are her new favorite pair of shoes.

Yesterday, as I was in the shower I started to smell a baby power smell. Sure enough Maci has covered my bathrrom floor! After my shower a few minutes later she came up to me and said "I sorry Kara".

She loves to drink Coffee & eat cinnamon/sugar powered do-nuts with Lolli ( although, Lolli knows Mommy doesn't like her having too much caffine or sugar)

Happy Halloween

Maci's fist fall fest was so much fun! Although, not a lot of the games were geared twords her age group.... she still had a blast watching all the other kids and also got to run around. She absolutely loved the "train" and petting zoo. Lolli and Pop-pop came with us because Daddy ended up having to work. She had just woke up from a well needed nap but soon there after was ready to play, play, play!! It aslo helped that Morgan and Carson got there just after her nap. She absolutely LOVES Morgan. We ended the night with a hot dog on the way home ( this was her first hot dog....she suprisingly liked it). She told everything she saw "bye-bye"...."bye-bye kids, bye-bye train" and said "love you Goat". It was so adorable. She was the CUTEST kitty at the fest!

17 months

my little darlin' is growing up oh too fast. September marked 17 months old.
Here are same phrases, and words that I wanted to jot down.
~here it?....choo-choo-train
~mere mommy ( come here mommy)
~hold you
~love you
~shhhhh.....sleepin'
~Daddy workin?!
~ewwwww ( when she picks up anything funny looking)
~laughs really loud when she toots
~loves to "culla" (color)

She absolutely loves socks and shoes and to be outside. Anyone ( especially my Dad) that takes her outside on a regular basis is her favorite person.

Race for the cure

In loving memory of Rose Sharon Gigout Henderson
Sep. 18, 1939 - Nov. 17, 2007

I signed up for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure at work. I thought I was going to run it but, decided to walk along with all of my other Co-workers. I also invited my cousin Christy to walk with us. It was so much fun and supported a great cause.

It was an awesome experience and I will continue to support this organization yearly.

Not to metion, everything was PINK including the port-o-potties :)

First time at the beach

We had a great time at the beach! Maci loved the sand and water! She wore herself out & slept all the way home. Just wanted to post a picture so I would remember her first beach visit.

15 ( months) & fabulous

This by far is the cutest age : )....I feel like every age I say that, but this is my favorite age by far!
My child is hilarious, sassy but sweet and loveable!
Here are some milestones at age 15 months:
-LOVES to Give hugs and kisses
-Say's "NO" to everything she doesn't want to do
-Gives a big cute smile on command and still makes her funny face...sometimes she get's the two confused and out comes a funny face then smile
-when asked where something is she replies " I nunno" ( I don't know)
-Loves to wear shoes
-Hates her bow's
-LOVES chicken!
-loves to climb!
-Wants to do everything herself
-sleeps in her "big girl bed" ( yes, finally she's out of her play pen which was in Mommy & Daddy's room)
-loves to be outside
-loves to say "shew" when something is nasty or to trash and then, throws everything away
-loves to look at the horses at my parents house
-makes a quack noise to ducks and bark sounds to dog's ( she calls them dog-dog's)

Walking, talking and new do!

The month of June was a huge milestone for Maci Jade! 1.)She began walking this month and now prefers it rather than crawling; she's very fast at both!
2.) She's talking 90 to nothing & Repeats EVERYTHING ( yes Daddy needs to clan up his language ;-)) Her favorite words are sit and dog.She even makes a barking noise....so cute! When I first heard her say sit I could have swore she was saying the 4 letter curse word...Thank God...it's SIT and not the other!! 3.)
She got her 1st big girl hair cut! Of course Lolli cut her hair :) She was such a trooper & did great. She loves to brush her hair, too! That's my little DIVA!!

Sea World Summer 2010

My first real "vacation" with Maci was very fun! We went with my parents, and cousins Daniel and Christy and their spouses and kids. In all we had 6 kids under the age of 6 with us...so I am not really sure you could call it a vacation. We left excited to show Maci shamu!! The first night we ventured out the the river walk and has some great Mexican food, we ended up having to sit outside due to the size of our group. Wow, it sure was hot! By the end of the meal, Maci was wearing her diaper only. The next day was our Sea World adventure... Surprisingly, it was not packed at all but the weather was insanely HOT! We had a great time and enjoyed a couple of shows, including Shamu ( not the same as when I was a kid) and Maci LOVED it! She loves water and fish so that was right up her alley! She was (as always) great the whole trip. She would get so excited when the kids would join us in our room and found a fascination for my parents suite case. She would climb in and out of it and then just sit on top of it and babble....that was so very cute ;-). Although somewhat chaotic at times, the trip was so much fun! It was sad that Patrick didn't get to join us, due to his work schedule....we'll definitely vacation with Daddy our next trip.

Maci's Hosptial Stay

Maci started running fever and having the typical flu like symptoms, Sunday of last week. By Wednesday, I just knew she was dehydrated, as she had only one urine diaper all day Wednesday. I knew I would have to taker her in to the ER. As soon as I got her there, they took her back and immediately ran blood work. That was so traumatizing for she and I both. I hate seeing her in pain. She barley had any strength to even cry. As soon as the blood work came back the DR ordered an IV because her range was very low ( lower than the DR thought they would be). They could barley find a vein to begin the IV on. About 30 minutes after they ran blood/ IV she was out cold. The next day she felt and looked about 10% better. She actually, wanted to eat a little something and drank too. That was a great sign, because she hadn't wanted to eat or drink all week. We are so blessed that our baby is out of the hospital and feeling 75% better. Dr said it would lake about 2 weeks for her to be "herself". We are so very blessed that God kept his hand upon Maci during this time.

1year and two weeks

Maci is beyond funny, and this is by far the cutest age yet! She has the most funny, precious personality and is so sweet and loving. I just wanted to jot down some things she is doing at this age ( i know I will forget these sweet little things).
She is "petting" to show she loves us
Uh-oh is her word when the phone rings
She loves going into her room and throwing everything out of her drawers
She says no, little, uh-oh, da-da, ohhhhh on a regular basis
she mumbles all the time
she loves being outside

She definately is a strong willed little lady ;O) and doesnt mind letting us know when she's mad. Daddy and I have our hands very full!

The little DIVA turns ONE!

My precious Maci Jade, celebrated "Diva Style" for her 1st birthday! We celebrated at Crosby park and had a wonderful time. All of our family and friends gathered for this memorable occasion, stuffed our faces with Cat Daddy's Dog's and ate the most wonderful cake! It was such a great day, and to my suprise didn't rain (lots of prayers went up for the weather!) The kids had a great time playing at the park. Maci got lots of toy's and a huge new wardrobe that will last her all summer and then some! She also got two new bikini's ( they are so tiny and adorable). Patrick's Dad drove in from Oklahoma, (where he is working for time time being) and he stayed the weekend with us. We had lots of laughs!

Here is MJ napping before her debut! This is just too precious not to post!

My treasure arrived 4/17/2009

I can remember like it was yesterday....totally pregnant & swollen I arrived to my what I thought to be a normal checkup. When I went in the nurse of course noticed that I was super swollen and then proceeded to take my blood pressure, which was super high. Dr. Irwin came in and gave me the alarming news that I would be admitted into the hospital because my blood pressure was "stroke level high". I was so nervous, but thought, no biggie- I'd stay the weekend and then be sent home. I was also very upset because my shower which was that Saturday, would have to be cancelled. Dr. Irwin told me that if my blood pressure didn't go down by the next morning, we would have to deliver the baby early. I was in complete shock.... Last weeks check up was fine and now this week I was being admitted and could possible give birth 6 weeks early! When I was admitted, the nurse could not believe that my BP was so high ( I could see the fear on her face). They then moved me to labor and delivery where they monitored by BP all night, still never coming down. I was then taken to ultrasound to see how much Maci weighed. The tech predicted around 5lbs.. I got the news around midnight, that Doc wanted to fit me in for a c-section ASAP. I woke up about 5am, washed my face, put on my make-up, & fixed my hair : ); I wanted to look pretty that day! My nurse came in about 7 and told me they would be coming in very soon, to take me back to surgery. My nurse that day was awesome and calmed my nerves! The operating room was awesome and filled with about 15 people. I got my drugs and the next thing I knew Maci Jade entered this world. ( 4lbs, 6 oz) The feeling I felt at that moment was like nothing I have ever felt before, my baby girl was here and I was now a mommy! For six days I was bed red ridden, with my blood pressure not falling, and Maci was moved to level three nursery because she had very severe breathing complications. Those six days were the most miserable I have ever experienced. I was unable to hold my precious baby girl. Patrick & my parents lived at the hospital and went back and fourth to maci then me. Finally, after my blood pressure decreasing, I was able to see my baby girl! ( those were the most wonderful words I had heard in a very long time...not to mention I got to take a SHOWER...I was a happy momma!!) Holding her was the best feeling in the world and I was on cloud nine! She was everything I wanted and prayed for! A tiny treasure from God. She began to breathe better and a week and a half later we were able to bring our princess home! Since then our baby girl is beyond healthy and is in her weight percentile ( She's just perfect!).

I thank God daily for blessing our family with such a beautiful little girl full of life! She is the mostly precious, sweet, beautiful baby. We are beyond blessed to have her in our life. In a week we will celebrate her first birthday.

Maci Jade First Birthday Photos

I had her pictures taken in a precious outfit that Lolli bought her. The pics turned out great!

Mace-Face

It only fits her nick-name her Daddy gave her! "Mace-Face"
Not sure where she picked up this cute as a button funny face...but, it's so cute!
I just had to post!

My Birthday Gift!

Yesterday I took a vacation day and got to sleep till noon! WOOOO! Any mommy will say that when she sleeps till noon!! Then, hubby and I went to lunch & then to best buy...where he bought me a fab new camera ( valenties day/ birthday gift)!! I am so beyond excited!! I have had a rinky-dink camera for the past years, and now I can capture every momet of happiness with my new toy ( it even videos). I will be posting new pics soon.

My newly discovered WONDERFUL products!

This sucker will hold it all in, WOW! It's amazing...when those love handles get a little out of control put this bad girl on...WA-LA!

The best foudation out there! Covers well and stays on pretty much ALL DAY! Great for oily skin!

2/4/2006

This Thursday Patrick and I will celebrate 4 years of marriage! WOW, is all I can say. God, has had His hand upon us. These past four years have been filled with every emotion in the book. God, has truly stepped in; I know this because if He had not I wouldn't be married now. I am truly amaized at His wonderful promises. I have learned so much in this time. I am so honored to have such a sweet, caring, challenging (lol), fun marriage! My husband, is the man God chose for me. I know this without a doubt!

This weekend, we will celebrate at the San Luis Resort in Galveston, have a couples massage, go to dinner and hopefully, if it's not too cold take a romantic walk on the beach!

I can't wait to celebrate with my price charming!
Wishing my WONDERFUL husband a very Happy Anniversary....many more to come!

9 monhts and counting

My baby girl turned 9 months last week. Of course we had to make our trip to the Dr. for shots ( i hate that part). Maci did ok, cried... but Daddy came to her rescue!
As of now she's into EVERYTHING!!! She crawls 90-to-nothing and pulls up on just about everything she can get her hands on. Her front two top teeth are now in, and it looks like she's getting some more! She's such a sweet baby, but KNOWS what she wants, and doesn't have a problem letting you know it! I think I have a priss pot on my hands! She has a permanent mo-hawk, and it's so cute. A waiter at the restaurant I was at the other night asked me if I had cut her hair that way...I thought that was very funny ;)
Thank the Lord that she's still sleeping all night, that is a true blessing! I just can't believe that in three ( let's hope they go by slow) months my princess will be 1. I am sure by that time she will be walking and I will be overerly, super busy! I have already picked out her party stuff, I guess that's the only exciting part at this point. She will always be my baby!

2010

As the new year has approached me- I have some goals set for myself.
1. Find a church that meets our needs as a family
2. Loose 30lbs and keep it off!
3. Become organized
4. Manage my time better
5. be sweeter and more patient with people I interact with- weather it be my husband or a stranger at the grocery store
6. get out of debt
7. Take lots of pictures & actually get them developed!
8. become intimate with God in a new way



This is my prayer for 2010:
Lord, help me to be an imitator of you, whether it be at work, home, or public. Help me to walk by your side daily, and give you praise thru the good and bad. Without you I am noting, I need you in my life daily. I know by me serving you, I can accomplish my hearts desires which will lead to happiness, a better marriage, trust, and dedication thru all of my actions. Lord, I know with you all things are possible, I am trusting in you and giving you my whole heart in 2010!




Blessed are those who trust in the Lord. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NLT)