Scripture on the Semi-Homemade Structure

Say that three times fast!  I first saw this idea once when walking a house under construction (mr. fix-it and I have loved walking houses for as long as we've been together!  even before mr. fix-it was a builder, when we lived in Lawrence, KS, and he was an investor accountant!)  But as much as I loved the idea, I never remembered to do it during the framing stage.  Until now.

So... We started with my all time fav... Then I consulted with friends and searched the web until I found 2 Bible verses, perfect for the occasion.  Here I am, adding one over the fireplace:

The verse is from Proverbs:

A quick update on the view from outside!  I'm so excited that mr. fix-it and I decided to add those 2 windows over the garage.  We won't finish it now, but in the future the space behind those windows can be finished out to be bedroom #5!

The verse on the eat-in bar in the kitchen reads:
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23

(Don't laugh at G-man's outfit in the background.... that's the result of ALL his shorts - except the gray/white plaid shorts with skulls - being in the load of laundry that was the Purple Crayon Incident.  And yes, he has shirts that match these shorts... but none of them have bicycles on them and that boy is OBSESSED.  Nothing but bicycles would do that day.  So... I give you... G fashion.)

Thessalonians 5:16.... my fav verse.  Over our front door in the entry way.  I think it's a good reminder.  I want this to be my first thought when I come home and my last thought when I leave!

 I voted mr. fix-it to write this important verse over the door!

Then the kiddos got in on the action!  We let them write their names on the floors in their bedrooms.  Then Sissy got carried away, and before I knew it, she had all 4 of our names in almost every room!  LOL!

I didn't get a good pic of G-man getting permanent marker on his only non-crayon shorts writing his name.  But here he is, in that crazy outfit, peeking thru the walls of what will be the closet under the stairs!

This was so much fun... definitely a new Semi-Homemade tradition (even though we hope to only build one more house and then settle for awhile!)

Wait til y'all see the cute stuff I got in Canton - update to come!

This was me

Last week. At work. I thought this pic of the kiddos in our home office pretty much displays my 2 main emotions last week. Big Sis looks stressed out. G-man is crying.

Bear with me while I get my head back on straight. And while I help mr. fix-it get through some major drama at his job. Then I promise to be back to normal. Thanks - y'all are the best!

Snow Day in TEXAS

Or what I was doing while management was in MY meeting. (I'm over it, I promise. Okay, I'm mostly over it. I'll BE over it after happy hour on Thurs. And again on Fri.)

Quiz: Is G-man crying because:
a) he was forced to wear his sister's coat when his mysteriously disappeared?
b) he hates the snow - that's why he lives in TX, damnit!?
c) he took 1 step in the snow and face planted? (okay, I can't help but giggle. sorry, g-man!)
d) all of the above



You know it's always, always d!!! Poor g....

Seriously, Big Sis was out to impress! mr. fix-it said, roll a snowball for a snowman... and she did it like it was part of her regular day. You go, Southern girl!

The finished product! Frosty with his new friends, the Semi-Homemades. And yes... Frosty is an Oklahoma State fan (go, pokes!) He's sporting his o-state cowboy hat and scarf! (And that's popcorn from Mom and Popcorn for his eyes and mouth, lol!)

Big Sis making snow angels. We got a FOOT of snow! A foot! Which means that Big Sis could do snow angels and not even sink to the ground - crazy!

She convinced daddy that HE needed to do snow angels, too... lol....

G-man was watching safely from his post on the porch. That boy did NOT like the snow. He must get that from his momma. And he's trying to pull off that manly hat to combat his pink & grey plaid peacoat.... I'm still laughing. ;)

The snow missed us today - woo hoo! And seriously, I have a call in to Spring and she better be on the way stat. But we'll always remember this snow day... in more ways than one! What a fun day with my kiddos!

I like this gig

Okay, so I'm not so delusional to think that it would be all playdates at Chickfila.... fun playtime with my (well behaved!!) kids in our living room...and baking cookies..... even though we've done all those things this wk.... BUT, I cannot tell you how much I've been enjoying my time off! I've gotten to be a SAHM for the past week, with 4 more days to go, and I.am.loving.it!!





I'm loving:

~ the patience I'm having with my kids, because I'm not forced to do 8 things at once


~ that a trip to the dentist office for my 4yo can be fun!! when not stressing about how much time it's taking, and how fast can I possibly get back to work?, and what meeting am I missing


~ getting my laundry....grocery shopping.... you name it.... done during the week. And during the DAY!


~ getting to cook for my family. I love to cook but right now I only do it on Sunday evenings (that's when I prepare 2-3 meals that we can eat all wk! We don't get home til after 6:30 on weekdays and the kiddos are too hungry to wait for me to cook!)


~ listening to my kids (really listening!), getting on the floor and playing with them (I know it's sad, but I don't usually have much time for that!), taking them on day-to-day errands (we're finally going to go set up G-man's savings account!)


~ getting stress-free sleep! OMG, I didn't realize how stressed out I usually am.... and how it affects my sleep.... I haven't slept this well in years - always 'thinking' (stressing?!) about the next big deadline, presentation, meeting....


Funny thing is that several people I know (mostly in the working world!) told me how bored I'd be... that I'd be dying to come back to work, have some time without the kids.... that I'd go crazy.... but I've been far from it! I've still been BUSY (I think that's just my nature - I'll always be busy, no matter what!), but I've loved slowing down a bit.... spending time at home!
.
Now.... if only I had another week at home, I could get started on my 'project list.' :) Watch out, Mr. Fix-It! This 'time off' could get addicting! ;)


ETA: Tonight I tried a new recipe (more on that to come - I tried a Pioneer Woman classic!), AND we gave the kids baths, AND settled into the living room to play..... by 6:45, the same time we're usually getting home! INSANE! LOVE IT! :)

A Semi-Homemade Christmas Tradition

In the Semi-Homemade house, we're big on tradition, especially this time of year! I'll be pulling something together soon on all our traditions, and I want to hear from you about yours!

This weekend is one of my favorite (and I think, most unique!) holiday traditions, and we call it Mom's Weekend. This is our 8th annual (we started it when we got married and lived in KS!) and it keeps getting better & better! Both moms (mine and Mr. Fix-It's) come for the weekend (sometimes they come together - if their schedules allow - sometimes not!) We spend the weekend shopping (checking things off our lists!) and EATING! We go to Cheesecake Factory every.single.year. And I wouldn't give that up for anything! We shop and eat our way through the weekend, getting in the holiday spirit and staying there. I can't tell you how much we look forward to this and plan it waaaay in advance, so nothing gets in the way!

My MIL got in last night and my mom is on her way. Cheesecake, here we come! (This is my fav.... snickers!)

And speaking of getting in the holiday spirit... One of my fav bloggers & Etsy shop owners, Amber at RockerByeBaby is doing something great to help someone else have a happy holiday. Read her own personal story, it's touching. Several of my awesome readers own businesses that might be able to help, others can maybe clean out some great hand-me-downs to send.... I've done my share of complaining about this damn recession, but I'm so happy to help those who have truly been impacted at devastating levels. I just love the Spirit of Christmas....

Happy Fall Y'all - Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

I love October! It's so full of fun! We've got the trip to the pumpkin patch , OSU Homecoming, Halloween... it's probably impossible to cram ANY more fun into October. (I think I tried... which is why I'm run down and super sick!)

But a few pics from the 2nd annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch with the Everythings! Remember that Big Sis was so excited about going that we had to create a special semi-homemade countdown, just so she'd stop getting up at 5am everyday, ready to go!

Here are G-man and Big Sis - we got there a little early and were waiting on The Everythings.

Then a blast from the past..... Big Sis and Miss Priss (Everything) at this same punkin patch last year! I couldn't help but throw in some pics from last year.... both because I can't believe how much the kiddos have grown up (not to mention there are 4 this year to last year's 3!), AND I wasn't blogging last yr, so these are new to you!

First up, it's time to feed the animals! They have longhorns (duh, we'r in Texas!), sheep, goats, baby cows... probably more, but my farm animal knowledge is limited, and I'm lucky to remember this much with all the sleep deprivation!

These goats were about to come thru the fence, they were so excited to see Big Sis (and her food!)


I love this one of Mrs. Everything and Miss Priss! You can really see how much fun the kids (and their mommas!) have at the pumpkin patch!


Look how much these girls have grown up! Miss Priss's hair is looooong! (And quite possibly, Big Sis's is shorter!) ;)

Then, on to ride the train. I rode it last year and my back didn't forgive me for a week! This year, we were able to put Big Sis and Miss Priss in a car together and just wave from the sidelines! (Well, poor Miss P didn't make it the whole way... but no parents had to ride, so I still consider it a win!)

G-man watched and cheered on his fav gals...

And I think it's safe to say the dads were discussing college football.

After hotdogs and snacks, the Everythings left and the Semi-Homemades headed off for a hayride! Here is me with G-man - it was a beautiful day!

Then time to see how tall this fall? Okay, so last year's pic wasn't the greatest... but she's grown ALOT! ;)

We had such a great time AGAIN! I love this photo opp, with the state flag of TX in the background....

Later at home, Big Sis hammed it up with some of her pumpkins (and some of MY heels)!

And these pics are from last year.... We were searching for a cinderella pumpkin like this one we got last year and they didn't have any - what a bummer!

She's still got (at least some!) of those great cheeks she had last year... ;)

Big Sis is already talking about next year's trip and by then I'm sure she'll have her brother up at 5am with her.....everyday for 6 wks before..... rearing to go to the punkin patch!

Her Picture Perfect Day

My cousin's, that is! We're in a crazy run of weddings this year after going to NONE for.... oh, about 5 years! And I'm guessing that any of you who have been to a one in the past year or so has seen this idea -I think it's so fun! They have a photo booth set up, and you get to go in and take 4 pics - with your friends, the bride, your family, whoever... you can do it as much as you want (evident by the fact that I was in there 3 times!)

My sweet cousin is 5 months older than me - we grew up together, graduated HS together, attended the same college.... and now she's a Mrs. and I couldn't be happier! Here are the Semi-Homemades hamming it up in her wedding day photo booth. I think it says something about us that the best pic, by far, is the 'silly one.'

This one was supposed to be me and my 2 sisters.... but Mr. Fix-It had his hands full with a walking!! G-man, so.... Big Sis snuck in at the last minute! And I'd like to explain... yes, the top right is our 'silly' pic.... but the bottom left is something my siblings and I like to call our 'Will Farrell' look.... we do it often and we do it crazy.... it's just what we do. We love him. ;)

From the Semi-Homemade Cookbook: Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos & French Onion Soup

This is my view from the kitchen. Looking down. On G-man. As he gets more.....

.....and more upset......

....while I'm working on.....


French Onion Soup... I think ended up trying this one... or a combination of this one and a couple other ones from foodnetwork.com. IF you use this one (I modified it a bit but it was yummy... or what we could taste of it before we burned our mouths on jalapenos, anyway...) but please note that one cup of wine is NOT usually half the bottle, as stated in the recipe. Unless you already drank half the bottle, while sauteeing the onions. Which I say is a good practice.

....And while Mr. Fix-It is working on semi-homemade jalapeno goodness.

Seriously, do you need the recipe? Split open jalapenos (these are fresh from Mr. Fix-It's dad's garden and some of them were SPI-CEEEY!)

Clean out all the seeds. Or you'll be sorry.

Put a chunk of cream cheese (more, if they're super spicy peppers like ours were!) inside the jalapeno and wrap in bacon. Use cheap bacon here... yes, cheap bacon. Or in the least, THINLY sliced bacon. It grills better... Hold it all together with a toothpick and throw it on the grill. These are THE BEST for tailgating!

And a newly discovered Semi-Homemade dessert you must try..... okay, anyone who knows me knows that my absolute fav dessert is brownies. And now Pillsbury has totally read my mind. Brownie Minis! See, if there's a pan of brownies, I'll eat...... say, for example...... the whole pan. But with these, you can make a tray of just 6 mini-brownies. And 3 of them is only 150 cal! (So, even if you screw up, the worst you can do is 300 calories!) Finally, someone gets me!

I'm on a mission....

UPDATED: Did I mention my mom-in-law (or mom-in-love as my friend says!) is Paula Deen? Yes... she:
a) brought a homemade (not semi-homemade, but TOTALLY homemade) sweet potato pie with her
b) just let me know that she and Big Sis made cookies this morning
c) taught Big Sis how to 'dead head' our rose bushes yesterday
d) is currently making a yummy dinner, complete with carmel apples for dessert

I'm thinking about asking her to permanently move in....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm on a mission.... To figure out something super sweet to do for my mom-in-law. I was honestly blessed with the best one in the world (she doesn't even read this, so I'm not kissing up!) ;) She drove 5-6 hours last night to get here around 10pm and stay home with Big Sis and her strep throat today.

Yes, I've been to the dr. 3 times in 15 days with these crazy kiddos.... and it's not even COLD here yet! Mr. Fix-It and I both needed to be at work this week (especially after missing so much lately!), so mom-in-law to the rescue!

She's here to love on Big Sis for the next couple of days... and while she's at it, she'll have a fab dinner on the table tonight AND my house will look like a picture from a magazine, by the time she gets everything in its place.

Any ideas on a great way to say thanks? Anyone?

Semi-Homemade Birthday Party: Little Monkey turns TWO!

Calling All Monkeys
To Swing Over and Play
In Celebration of
Ainsley's 2nd Birthday!!

I have a special spot in my heart for little summer monkey babies - especially my niece Ainsley! And her momma (my sister!) honed her super-momma powers and put together this super sweet, semi-homemade monkey birthday party (despite being a working momma and having a new baby in the house!)
The sign above welcomed all the cutie 2-year-old guests to the fun - time to monkey around!


The inflatable monkey stood guard over the loot! (His monkey siblings hung from door frames and chandaliers!)





Look at this wrapping paper - what a hoot!

My sister Ellen has caught on to my Etsy love..... Search 'monkey party' on Etsy and you get all these amazing ideas! She chose this cute pink & brown coordinated monkey party supplies, courtesy of Parties by Hardie. Y'all know how much I love the print & party stuff! So reasonably priced and so semi-homemade! They even have a Halloween set (hmmm!)

Here's the little monkey herself (and her momma!) I wish you could see her shirt - a cute little monkey birthday shirt!






Little brother Carter even got in on the act, with a cute monkey shirt of is own!

On the menu? A Banana Split Bar, of course! We used bananas for a centerpiece before the kiddos dug in!

I love, love these cupcake toppers! And I'm even more impressed that my sis was able to put them together. These are from Parties by Hardie, too - just print & cut, then take a toothpick to the backside....

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Ainsley.....

The banana splits were a big hit! She had hot fudge and carmel sauce and peanuts.... you could also have whipped cream, sprinkles, mnm's (my absolute fav!), chocolate chips, fruit toppings... (Okay, somewhere I have a pic of the banana split station.... I'll have to try to find it!)

I love a casual drink station!

Time for Pin the Nose on the Monkey! The little kids just went for it, but Uncle Jason blindfolded Big Sis!

Avery showed them how to do it!

Me and my big man (I know, I know.... alot of people think my sister and I look alike. I'm just the... less skinny, bigger boned version...) ;)

Eatin' banana splits and coloring monkey pics! (One of my most fun semi-homemade ideas... we just searched for monkey coloring sheets and printed them out!)

There's nothing cuter than a bunch of (screaming, crazy) 2-year-old girls!

So fun! I've got a few spare minutes, so I'm off to plan our upcoming Semi-Homemade Halloween party and Halloween-ify our house a bit more! I love rainy nights at home!