My husband, the Writer..

For it is in times of silence that we truly hear what our heart has always known. Allow yourself times of silence, be patient, wait for your heart to answer and listen intently to the truth that is bestowed.

Often in life, days rush by, time like the wind, often goes by unnoticed.

Have you taken a moment to listen for what you are truly feeling?

Do you fear, what you may hear?

Fear not, inspiration and ideas come to those who are patient, wait, and listen for the clear and instinctual thoughts that are born in silence.

Shhhhh…….be quiet and listen.

Chris Auditore

What a Nice Treat!

Today, my friend Cindy stopped by with a nice HOT SKINNY VANILLA LATTE for me, what a TREAT! She had to stop by Walmart before she came over for a playdate so she made an extra little pitstop at one of my FAVORITE PLACES and grabbed a couple cups of Joe!

It was such a nice start to my day. Adrianna loved playing with Peyton, it's like having a real, life sized doll. :o) She let Adrianna dress her, put pigtails in her hair and just followed her around like a little cutie! What an EASY playdate, Cindy and I actually got to talk! (with a few interruptions by our boys...they are ALWAYS on the move, LOL). I love days like today.

The kids and I just ate lunch, I'm about to go clean up and put everyone down for a nap (well at least Christopher, Adrianna just relaxes and watches a show). I even may take one myself. I went for a run this morning, but got started too late and felt like I was going to die! Texas heat, yuck! I did a different route today but got in my 2 miles in under 30 minutes, so I'm glad for that, but it seemed VERY hard today. I don't know if it was the running against the wind or if it's because my mind is so focused on preparing to get pregnant again that it's SO unmotivating me to exercise, LOL! Hey, it IS the one time in my life that I don't worry about weight! :o)

I am trying a super easy Key Lime Pie recipe for Bible Study at our place tonight and am also doing a new Sweet and Sour Meatball recipe for dinner so hopefully everything turns out okay. Here are the recipes...

Key Lime Pie
5 egg yolks, beaten
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup lime juice
1 drop green food coloring
1 prepared graham cracker pie crust

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix together egg yolks and condensed milk. Stir in lime juice and food coloring. Poor into prepared pie crust. Bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees. Garnish with whipped cream if desired.

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

• 1 can of crushed pineapples
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (I added a bit more of this)
• 24 meatballs (from freezer)

Mix all ingredients except meatballs in a large saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until well blended. Add meatballs. Simmer for 10 min. Serve over cooked rice. (I'm cooking Jasmine rice and serving it with Snap Green Beans)

Well, we had a GREAT weekend!!! Chris and I hosted our first Shrimp Boil! This was definitely a first for us. Our friends Justin and Jen helped us with the shopping a prepping and boy did they put together a heck of a mix! Shrimp, crab legs, sausage, potatoes, corn, onion, garlic...OH MY! It was accompanied by some delicious rice from one friend, yummy bread from another friend, banana pudding out of this world made by another friend, and on and on I can keep on going!

We had about 25 people at the house and I was more than delighted! I LOVE to HOSTESS and always have, now I know that I can totally host for at least 20-30 people no problem. :o) Friends, food, family, beer, dessert, kids . . . my kind of day! It felt like I've known these people forever and some of them it was the first time at our house. . . this is what it's all about for me. This is living for us. Simplicity, the small things. A true gift.

And tomorrow night is our VERY FIRST BIBLE STUDY at our house! Chris is facilitating and I'm so excited. I remember when we first got involved in church together he said, "Imagine us having a Bible Study someday?" I just sit here and smile. God is so amazing and has us on such a wonderful journey, meeting wonderful people and building amazing friendships and relationships. I am not one to quote scripture, but I know that somewhere it says to give more than you think you can and God will open the floodgates and pour more blessing on you than you can imagine, and WOW, I really see that happening.

It's an incredible journey . . .

Adrianna's New OBSESSION!

I can say a ton about it, but don't have the time... I've given into Adrianna's b-e-g-g-i-n-g and we are "Hannah Crazy"!

We have school pencils, pens, pencil cases, notebooks, barbies (yes more than one!), lip gloss, hand cream, hair accessories, and it goes on and on . . . already at 5!!!!

The one thing I will say about my little Adrianna is that she is a PERFORMER and has been since she could walk and talk. She loves to sing, dance, and act. She's a natural, I swear!! I'm not just saying that because I'm the proudest mommy in the world, EVERYONE who knows her has and still does say that about it. Some kids just have it. I'm looking forward to see where it takes her one day. Her favorite part of the show is the concert part and her singing and dancing. Some of the show is a little grown up but it is my responsibility as her mom to teach her the behavior she is and isn't allowed to have. She is going to be starting school in a month and that opens up the world for her, the world outside of home, and I'm SO EXCITED for her, even though with that chapter beginning comes lots of new challenges for all of us, but that's what growing up is, right? That is one reason I am totally against homeschooling, but that isn't something I want to blog about or be torn up about by readers either. To each their own, I say. :o)

Here is the latest purchase for her hot pink walls... LOL

The GREATEST IDEA EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got these in today as a demo and had to try them immediately, OMG they are the BEST THING EVER CREATED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I swear, they are AWESOME! Just wait till my friends try these, you can't NOT buy them! If you want to order them through me, go to my site!

Oatmeal Waffles

I just made these and they were GREAT!
I LOVE MY WAFFLE MAKER!

Oatmeal Waffles

Ingredients 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats 1 tablespoon Clabber Girl Baking Powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 slightly beaten eggs 1-1/2 cups milk 6 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted 2 tablespoons brown sugar Instructions In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. In a small mixing bowl stir together eggs, milk, margarine, and brown sugar. Add to flour mixture all at once. Stir just till blended. Pour 1 to 1-1/4 cups batter onto grids of a preheated, lightly greased waffle baker. Close lid quickly; do not open during baking. Bake according to manufacturer's directions. When done, use a fork to remove waffle. Repeat. Makes 4 waffles.

Remember When?

MY DAUGHTER HAD HAIR!!!!!

:o(

My husband, the Reader?

I'm sitting here sipping my morning coffee while my kids are STILL sleeping! Chris is at his Resonate Brother's Mens Group that he organized to meet every Saturday morning at Rio Grande for breakfast, did I mention how PROUD I am of him?!!?!?! :o) I'm sitting here smiling, thinking about the vision of last night. I was putting an Avon order in and I came out to the living room to see Chris relaxed, with his reading glasses on, reading "Wild at Heart"! I don't know why, but it was kind of hot! LOL He has salt and pepper hair, now has given in to wearing reading glasses, and it is SO ATTRACTIVE!!!! (I've always been obssessed with Richard Gere,HA!)

Anyway, back to my point, the guys are now reading that book and discussing it every other Saturday at breakfast and it brings such joy to my heart. Everything that we do now, everything we are involved with in church, is and has ALWAYS been at our own pace. That's what makes our church so natural and so organic. We have a Pastor who truly wants to change lives, genuinely, help us discover our true values and pursue the greater life we are all meant to have here, now.

I would keep going on, but I have to go get ready to serve at the Round Rock Area Serving Center. I still can't believe this is something I've kept up with! I was excited to organize volunteer groups through church, friends and now my mom's club too, but for sure figured I'd drop that by now...I usually get bored easily. But this does have my heart, there is nothing better than giving to such a great cause.

Today will be spent, serving over there for a couple hours and when I get home, Chris and some friends of his are going to see "Batman" of course . . . but then it's busy, busy, busy! We are hosting a Southern Boil at our house next Saturday (yes I said southern boil, I know, crazy!) so we need to get the yard shaped up and finish the floor molding up tonight while Adrianna has a sleepover at Kylie's.

Have a GREAT weekend!

Great Read Today...

Read a great devotional this morning from my new "Coffee Break Devotions" book.

"It's easy to feel trapped by our circumstances. The older we get, the more elements creep into our lives - career, spouse, mortgage, kids, and all that accompany these additions. While there is joy in work and family, the complexity and responsibility can be overwhelming. Sometimes making a change is as simple as making a decision and acting. But sometimes a change isn't realistic, feasible or even right. If a change isn't in order, God will help us find peace within our circumstance. Pay attention to your thoughts and attitudes. make small changes in areas of your life that aren't as far reaching. Don't forget to give yourself time to unwind and rest. Constant tiredness can warp the perception of the greatest optimist."

A heart at peace gives life to the body
Proverbs 14:30

"Oftentimes when we thing we need a change, we only need a good night's sleep." :o)

Please don't go....don't goooooooo...don't go away!

Now as I sit here in post traumatic state, all I can sing in my head is that 80's song "Please Don't Go" by K.C. and The Sunshine Band. I was in the kitchen today when my sweet little Adrianna came running in with Christopher saying, Look at my bangs Mommy! Now instead of laughing at her self trimmed one inch haircut on the top and feathered back sides, I FREAKED OUT! Yes, I do mean freaked out, crying, yelling and all, I couldn't believe it! NOT THOSE BEAUTIFUL CURLS!!! I SWORE I'D NEVER CUT HER HAIR!!!!!!! I was completely out of control, nothing I could do so I cried. Please don't go! Not those curls, NOT SIX WEEKS BEFORE KINDERGARTEN STARTS -- I MADE HAIRBOWS FOR SCHOOL ------what do I do?!?!?!?!?!?!?!!!

After talking with Chris and regaining some control and calming down, I went into her room, laid out a blanket and asked her to come sit down and talk. She brought Christopher over and sat down and cried because I yelled at her. I felt HORRIBLE, I felt like a BAD MOM, how could I yell at her like that?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I sat down and held her, apologizing for my behavior, explaining that I was wrong and she of course hugged me telling me it was okay...my sweet little angel. I explained that people go to school to learn how to cut hair and all she had to do was ask me and I would take her. She explained the reason she decided to cut it. She saw a picture I put on the fridge of my new haircut I'm getting and said she wanted it too. She wanted to be like Grandma and cut Christopher's hair too. I told her all she had to do was ask me and I would take her to the salon. So we made a special trip out to a salon just for kids and they did the best they could to even it out. Adrianna was so happy when we left , she loves her hair short and well, let's say it's growing on me. She is the most beautiful little girl and I really need to just forget the dumb haircut thing! It's only hair for goodness sake!!!!!

I had the most traumatic haircut experience when I was in the third grade, my dad took my sister and I and we had MULLETS!!!! Or however you spell it! I was super made fun of and all I could think about was that when I saw her hair. The wonderful thing about our children is their resilience and their HUGE hearts. Admitting I was wrong, rectifying the situation, and making her feel good was all I had to do. I think I'm harder on myself than she could ever be. :o)

So, here they are . . . my short hair little girl and buzzed hair little boy.........huhhhhhhhh





Oh, yes and here is the evidence.... I bagged it up and plan on scrapbooking this day for sure!

I could not ask for more....

I heard this song on the radio yesterday and it made me bust out my Edwin McCain CD. This song was released in Jan 2000, we got married in Oct 2000 and I so wanted this song as our wedding song. Chris didnt want the song that was "popular" in 2ooo, he wanted something more original and special although this and "I'll Be" were faves of his too! So we used those two songs as part of the last set for our reception.

I sit with tears of joy in my eyes when I hear this song. I was SO IN LOVE and would listen to this over and over again so excited about the "LOVE" I found and was completely content and full of joy. As I listened to it again yesterday, I was filled right up! I really can't ask for more...

Found this on youtube and it's the best I could find,the live version didn't sound too great.



Chris took me and bought me this CD and dedicated this one to me...I love my hopeless romantic!

It's obvious I haven't been sharing too many thoughts lately on this blog and to be honest, it's just because I haven't had the time. I really shouldn't say "haven't had the time", more like "investing my time more outward" which bumps the blogging down a few notches. :o)

I am thrilled today! I use the word "thrilled" because I don't know how to express the level of "high" I'm on. I think twice sometimes about expressing my joy because I don't want it to be taken in any other way, especially not a bragging way, because that's totally not what I'm doing. We moved here 6 years ago this month and I NEVER could have dreamed that we would be where we are right now. The huge, big news is that we are starting to try for BABY NUMBER 3!!!!!!!! I said over and over after Christopher that we were DONE, and I believed it, heck, I got rid of EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL But Chris and I had a talk one night and long story short, we are both ready, that's what's important. So this month will be spent upgrading health insurance, talking with doctors about getting a VBAC2C. I've had the 2 Cesareans and am looking at my options for this upcoming pregnancy, still researching and gathering information. We actually have an appointment at the Austin Birthing Center on the 22nd so that should be FUN!

Life is strange. Life is amazing. Life is crazy. Life is hectic. Life is a gift. I spent the first 23 years hating life(that's a little harsh, I didn't HATE it, just didn't LOVE it). Now I've spent the last 9 years so full of love and LIFE, I thank the Lord for that. He brought Chris to me, and through Chris my life was turned around! I pushed the move here to Texas for Chris to be close to his family, leaving mine and all my friends behind. I didn't really understand and couldn't explain why we were doing it, it just FELT right. It's been a crazy ride here in Texas the last 6 years, from being totally LONELY, to now being surrounded by tons of FRIENDS, not just acquaintances, but FRIENDS. We are around tons of kids all the time, and I really do love it! I have embraced the role of a stay at home mom, it's the best reward I could ever recieve. Being a wife, mother, and homemaker comes first and I wouldn't want it any other way EVER. That's the easy stuff, because I love it and have yearned for it my whole life. What takes work is being a friend, not just to the people I already have, but reaching out to those that I don't know. Giving life to those people I am not super close too and well as my close friends and family that I adore.

I've found my niche in blogging....it's all about the money saving blogs! I love being referred to by my friends as their "Coupon Girl", I love showing people how to save money. I love sharing makeup tips and ideas with my friends. I love learning parenting tips from them! I love all the crafty tips and ideas they give me. I love how they make me laugh!!!!!!!!! I've spent the past few nights obsessed with uploading pics to different websites that have free deals, just pay small shipping amounts and I've only finished 2008 and most of 2007. One of the things that hit me while I was uploading and viewing all of these beautiful memories was how many of those pictures had Kyle, Erika, and Kylie in them!!! Adrianna and Kylie, posing on a Hippo, trick or treating two years in a row, Old Tyme Days, Birthdays, Holidays, trips to the park, in pjs watching a movie, dressup after dressup, and it truly goes on and on. I realized just how blessed my family is.

Since I met and became friends with Erika, SO MUCH has happened!! My circle of friends has expanded from Ruth and Erika to Cindy,Sabrina,Carrie,Catherine,Sarah, Jenn, Melissa and on and on! These are women that I truly can call my friends. I can drop my kids off in an emergency and I know they'll be well taken care of. I can call them crying and they will listen, really listen. They've been there to bring dinners by to help out in a hectic week, drop off wine and chocolates to help me when I'm stressed, grab the kids to give me a day to myself, go to the movies with, share my stories with and listen to theirs as well! Some relationships move a little slower but that's okay, it takes time to build any relationship!

Having that investment made in me by one person, Erika, ignited a fire inside of me. Made me remember how great it feels to give to people, share your life with people, and just love them! This past year, I've spent more and more time reaching outward and I have felt more and more fulfilled than ever! Spending some time in that area of my life, makes my family life feel even more rewarding! As a SAHM, I spend 3-4 days a week hanging out with different friends, doing crafts, playing in backyards or parks, spending library time, etc. and the kids love it. There are weeks that I do need to stay home more and do, and Adrianna of course always says, who are we going to go play with today? My little quiet social butterfly! LOL

I guess what I'm trying to say is that by giving more life outward, I receive more within, maybe that's what being filled up by the Holy Spirit is, I don't know but I do know that is a feeling I don't want to go away. It's hard to be a wife, mother and friend, that's for sure. It's hard to juggle all of that and make time for yourself, especially if you are a spontaneous person like me and are not so keen on strict routine. Don't get me wrong, routine is good, but I need a balance of both. I plan my menu weekly, I write out my activites, I schedule some time to run, I schedule a date night and daddy/daughter day/night once a month and that's good enough for me. I usually always have my laundry done by Friday, house dusted, floors swept daily, bathrooms cleaned on the weekend and that's as scheduled as it gets. I tried breaking it down to a daily cleaning list but it just didn't work, well it did for a short while, but then I dropped it!

You have to find what works for you, but anyone can step outside of their comfort zone. I watched a sermon by TD Jakes a few weeks ago and he said something like "If you know it, you are living on facts. If you're not sure about it, not comfortable with it, that's living on faith!". He said it so much better and sent chills through my body. I want to always feel a little inconvenienced, a little unsure, and leave it in God's hands. Since I've chosen to hear his voice and chase after him these past two years I have all this proof of the amazing things he does for those who listen....

Thank you God! Thank you for all the opportunities you've given us to receive. Thank you for giving us all these people we are living life with . . . you are such an awesome God! I can't wait to look back on this blog 2 years from now! :o)

Still Around...

It's been a while and I have been meaning to blog, just haven't had the chance! Chris and I took the kids down to Brownsville to hang out with his brother Patrick, my sis in law Jen and my adorable nephew Anthony! We were supposed to hit S.Padre this weekend and enjoy some beachin' but it rained all weekend long! And I'm not bummed out at all! We had a BLAST! If you knew my sister in law Jen, then you would know we could not NOT have fun together! We are kindred spirits to say the least, I loved her instantly, we have similiar childhoods, similiar personalities (except she's way more organized than me!) , have experienced some serious heartache that we both relate too and our little cuties are only 6 weeks apart!

The weekend had some guy time at the bookstore and Starbucks, some girl time doing a little shopping, "Made of Honor" watchin' at the Dollar Theater (Loved it! WE both adore P.D, wink), I brought my facial steamer so we did some of that and some makeup chatting and playing, ummm...oh yeah HUGE BBQ dinner, UFC fight and oh, did I say talking? LOTS OF TALKING!!! Chris and I needed this weekend so much and it was such a great way to force me to relax, since it didn't feel like I was relaxing. I was having fun, Chris was having fun, the kids had a blast . . . it was GREAT!

I spent last week running around, finding swimsuits, hitting the Disney Store for a Princess Beach Bag, suit and matching water shoes. I packed up beach toys, towels, sunblock and so on but that's okay because we are heading on another vacation in August to a condo in N.Padre right on the bay and down the road from the beach, so now I have to go get some fishing poles for the kids, can't wait! :o) The condo belongs to a friend of Jay and Ruth's so it's FREE, pretty much . . . we'll hang out, cook food at the condo, get some sun and some use out of the stuff I bought for this weekend. My friend Carrie came up with this AWESOME idea and brought me a kit to do it before we went out of town and I didn't even get the chance! That's one of the things I was really bummed about. But at least I'll get to do it next month!

I had some great conversations with Jen about how amazing God is and how he brings people into our lives, some stay and some go, but the ones that are still here bring so much to my life and I am so amazed by how God works and how he speaks to me and takes care of my family. It was such a wonderful visit but I'm also so glad to be home. I look forward to jumping back into our routine of life!

That said, enough of the blogging, I have a TON to catch up on!!!! LOL