Our Family 2014 Family Photos Reveal

Welcome to our 2014 family photo reveal. If you follow the blog via Instgram you may have noticed a couple sneak peaks that I have posted. 

Every year we get our family photos done. This is something that is important and meaningful to me. This year we had the chance to do a session at a local county fair. I have always wanted to go our family photos at a fair. After all fairs are full of colors and fun lights everywhere...and yes people. But you just work around that. 

We had such a blast at our photo session. As far as the girls, I think they would vote this years family photos the best and most fun thus far. Lastly, I would like to give thanks and a round of applause to Jen Light Photography for doing an amazing job and working with us! 

Photo Credit: Jen Light Photography

Simple Dairy Free Dinner Casserole + regular version!

In yesterday's post I talked about a simple dinner I made that my family tried from Pinterest the other evening that was a total hit. I also discussed how I converted it to dairy free for my dairy free page. Here is yesterday's post with the recipe how to make your own homemade non-dairy dry Italian seasoning mix. There you will find how to make the non-dairy version Italian dry seasoning to use for the non dairy version. 

If you do not want to make the non dairy version, all you have to do is buy the original store bought dry Italian seasoning packet and normal butter.

Dairy Free Casserole 

• Fresh green beans
• Fresh red skin potatoes
• Skinless chicken breast or chicken fingers
• Vegan butter- 1/2- 1 stick.
• Salt - sprinkle to taste 
• Pepper- sprinkle to taste
• Dry Italian seasoning (I used equalavenlnt to half a packet)

1. Prepare chicken, beans and potatoes in glass pan as shown below in picture.
2. Slice butter and place butter on top
3. Sprinkle dry Italian seasoning over the chicken, beans and potatoes along with salt and pepper.
4. Place in oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour. 
5. Enjoy!
6. Come back and let me know how your family enjoyed it!

                   

I Do NOT Own A Microwave And Why

In fact I have not owned a microwave going on now for almost 5 years. After learning from a friend and doing my own personal research I had the wonderful idea to get rid of ours. When I threw the idea out there to my husband, he thought I was a tad bit on the crazy side. Because lets honest almost every home has a microwave in it these days. Almost every family uses a microwave on a daily basis, right? If you do not, I'd love to hear form you...seriously.

My husband knew my decision was made. We started out by placing the microwave in the basement just in the event we couldn't actually go without it in the real world. But really is a microwave needed in the "real world"? Nope, it is not. At least that's my own opinion.

As time went days went on soon turned into months, I decided to sell it. Heck why not then I have no turning back. I have already figured out that my stove does all the needs my microwave did. It may just take a little more time and a few more tools, but it does the same job. In face it made me feel like a better cook in the kitchen as well. There were no more heating up frozen veggies in the microwave. Honestly the stove was just as efficient time wise. No more frozen lunches, we didn't eat those anyways because for, 1. their nasty and 2. so unhealthy and unnatural.

It grew on me and I loved living with no microwave.  The fact that people thought I was nuts for living without one was even better. It helped my family make that leap into living a more natural life style and healthier eating habits.

The best part of this story is, our four year old daughter recently had asked us what a microwave was while pointing to one. I succeeded!

Why microwaves are bad for you

• They affect your heart.
• They can leak radiation.
• Did you know they are band in other countries?!
• Microwaves take nutrients right our of your foods.
• Loss of nutrient in baby formula and breast milk if warmed in a microwave. 

Yes I Am A Stay At Home Mom...

Hi there. I am a stay at home mom and proud!

Let me state before I became a stay at home mom I did work part time as a server and attended college for about a year part time in the evenings. As time went on my husband and I knew the best decision was for me to leave my job and maybe attend college another time, so I could stay home with our daughters. Yes a college degree is important to me but not at this time. If God has blessed us with me being able to stay home and watch our daughters grow and not miss a mile stone, then why not?

Since my husband and I had made the major decision and wise choice for me to stay home full time with our three daughters, I couldn't believe the not so positive remarks I have received. I believe today's society looks down at stay at home mothers. These days it's almost expected for both parents to work, or is expected.  

One of the questions I am most asked is, "are you going to get a job someday when your daughters are all in school full time?"

I usually stand there for a second maybe staring awkwardly at the other person once they asked me such a stupid question. Yes I said a "naughty" word. Seriously though, don't ever ask a stay at home mom if she ever plans on getting a job because being a stay at home mom is her job. Therefore my answer always is, no I have a job that God blessed me with why would I change that? Never once yet have they had an answer to my response. 

Being a stay at home mom is like a job in many ways. But I feel calling it a job kind of sounds bad? To me its my dream job of all jobs. I get to work at home and be surrounded my my kids at the same time. Although that is lovely most of the time, there are times where I do need a break. 

But whats a break? My breaks are at nap times, that's if I can even get the two younger girls to take a nap. My breaks don't consist of me sitting on my couch eating bon bons while watching soap operas. My breaks consist me going back and forth between rooms trying to get the littlest to lay down while she is screaming, quickly folding laundry so they don't knock it over, cleaning the house, all while trying to eat lunch by myself so I don't have to share half of it. I'm not sitting in a quiet coffee shop sipping on Starbucks nor am I out to lunch with my co-workers having an adult conversation. 

 It is not always easy being a stay at home mom, in fact most the time its not easy. My days start before the sun rises and doesn't end till the sun sets. By the time I tuck our girls in bed I most always pass out on the couch. It took a while for my husband to finally understand why. Because being a stat at home mom can be exhausting just like any other job out there. I am a taxi driver during the day, a chef for three meals a day, I run laundry mat inside my home, I am a tutor for three kids all year round, I make sure my house is clean and in tip top shape every day. 

I had one a lady tell me, "I wish I could be a stay at home mom and do what I want."

First off we don't get to do what we want. I am not out there having shopping trips to the mall by any means. In all reality my shopping trips are to target for guess what?! Diapers and wipes. He he he. I don't get to sit around all day in my pj's and sip on tea while reading a book. Although that sounds lovely, instead I have 2 out of our 3 kids competing for my attention, playing the question game or just keeping me on my toes. I have a list of chores that I have to complete for the day. Maybe by the weekend I can finally do a craft which would fall under, doing what I want.

Deep down inside I know my job is beyond important to me and my daughters. I wouldn't change it any other way. 

Are you a stay at home mom? If so what crazy question have you been asked or told??

Apple Picking!

This weekend we finally went apple picking. I have been waiting so impatiently myself, ha ha. By far apple picking is one of my most favorite fall activities to do as a family. This was the girls first time. All three of them thought it was neat and did a swell job filling the bag right up. Red delicious are the girld favorites. 

 We were blessed with a sunny wand warm october day. To our surprise we started to sweat picking the apples. Only in Michigan can it be either 80 degrees or snowing in one month. 

 They were quit the pros at picking apples. Vivian had learned the correct way of picking an apple off the tree at her recent field trip.

 Of course the hubby has to scout out where the best apples were. 

 Sisters helping sisters or what we call, team work in our house. 

There were even some apples low enough for our littlest to pick on her own. She was so proud!

 She wouldn't take a picture with me. She was too busy eating an apple. In fact I lost count how many apples they snacked on while picking, ha ha ha.

 Sisterly love totally melts my heart.

 This is our typical picture of the three girls. Viv is usually in la la land. Ev most always has an attitude from not wanting her picture taken. helen on the other hand likes to pout about who knows what. For myself, I always get a good chuckle from the pictures. 

After the hard work from picking apples we were off to play. next we're off to the pumpkin patch...

My New Permanent Fashion Accessory...

My new permanent fashion accessory; glasses.

Yes I may seem a little excited over them. If you were me you may be too. Only because this may be the answer to the last of my migraines that the change of food, and medication can not help. Secondly so I can actually see with out a blur. I admit I should have gone in a long time ago when my husband told me to, after I stated I had a hard time reading street signs. I am excited to get lost in books again. They have been pushed aside on the shelf. Come to find out I am near and far sighted. Weird huh? We think so too but it explains a lot. For once since I started blogging I could actually write this post without feeling strain in my eyes and having to take a break. Ah...feels wonderful.

My choice of glasses are perfect for me. I had to pick something that stood out with my personality. If I am going to have to wear these all day ever day, they need to be fashionable. I think the ladies in the office loved it. They kept stating how cute they are and how I'm not sticking to normal glasses. He he. Of course this won't be my only pair. I need a pair of red ones right? Ha ha.

Now here is to getting use to my new fashion accessories. Or as we call them for our youngest daughter who too wears glasses; pretties.

A Hunters Widow

Finally my husband is back from being gone half the week hunting. This is my second year of becoming a Hunters Widow during October. Those of you who's husbands hunt know exactly what I mean. I dread him leaving but at the same time hope he comes back with some meat for all of us. Although this year compared to last year it was a little more crazy around here while he was gone. Our schedules are a tad more hectic with the two older girls in two separate schools. But it's safe to say we managed without Dad in the house. 

A few things I realized while my husband was gone hunting were...

1. I didn't mind having the bed all to myself for a couple nights. Well sort of to myself including a tiny two year old. I didn't have to hear the nagging of, "Do your knees have to be that high?" Ha ha!
2. I did miss my morning coffee already made and waiting for me. Yes I am a little spoiled in that department. My husband makes my coffee in the morning before I come out. It's just one of those small things he finally has realized that sets off my mornings perfectly. So I admit, I went one morning while he was gone without my cup of coffee while I walked out the door to drive the girls to school. 
3. Somehow I was able to keep the house picked up at all times and not trip over his big shoes. Strange. 
4. I don't sleep well. Yes even though I had the bed to myself. 
5. Lastly, I missed his presence. So I am glad to have him home again.

Does your husband hunt?

Helen's Eye Update: Calling All Prayers

Yesterday it was time again for yet another eye check up for Helen. Although going in I knew it was more than just the normal check up every 2-3 months. For this time it was possible we would talk about Helen having eye surgery. For myself as a human being the word surgery scares me. And as far as being a parent the word surgery not only scares me but worries me. As I sit her writing I keep thinking to myself that it's not fair. It's not fair that I; age 25 never had to have surgery or get put under and my little two year old has to already. But I have to keep reminding myself that God has a plan for all of us whether we know what his plans are for and why. Although I don't understand this plan just yet and maybe I never will.

Here is where we stand as of yesterday at Helen's latest eye check up. The reason they think we haven't been able to get her to wear her glasses lately is because her prescription has changed, causing her vision to be blurry when we put her glasses on. Duh! Makes total sense to us now. Therefore we had to order her a new prescription for her glasses. Cha ching! Her RX had gone down which is a good thing.  That does not solve the problem though. We have to get her to wear her glasses for the day or at least the patch for one hour in the day if she refuses her glasses. This may be a good ultimatum for us parents. Her right eye still crosses in towards her nose while her left eye is focused strait. Her left eye is now also starting to cross in while her right eye is focused strait. They want her left eye to cross in more than it is currently before her eye surgery in December or January. We have another check up in December regardless. Also a week before her eye surgery we will go in and they will be getting her glasses situated for her eyes to get use to look both strait at the same time. They will want her to wear them for the week before surgery. As far as number of surgeries in our future? We are not sure yet. We are hoping for just one but could be two, we are just not sure at this time. As her mom I must show her that I am strong so she will be as well.

We love prayers for Helen's up coming eye surgery. And leave a few words of encouragement for her.

I have my "comment box" open for everyone.


For those of your just joining you may visit the page Helen's Eye Journey for her story and full understanding.

Art Prize 2013: Photos

It's time for Art Prize in Grand Rapids, Michigan again. This is one of our favorite fall activities to do now. Every year artist all around the world enter their art work around Grand Rapids. Hundreds of people walk around downtown and view all different pieces of artwork. It's a pretty busy time of year for the lovely city. 

Yesterday we choose art pieces that would be intriguing to the girls. I was awesome watching them study the art. The girls thought it was neat reading how the art was mad and what some of them were made out of. 

 This was Viv's favorite. A giant toy of ducks on string.

 Making music

 Helen enjoyed this one because it's a dog.

 The Grand River with art in it.

 Studying art.

 It was her actual birthday yesterday, we celebrated at Art Prize.

 Goof ball.

 Another favorite on our list. Its a dragon made out of steel from a train.

 An art piece they could touch finally!

 He had the joys of pushing the stroller. Do you have a sit-n-stand? I love ours!

 Me and my girlie's.

Daddy and his girls.

That was our Sunday Funday!

Whoa Girl; Where Did That Come From?

Whoa girl! Where did that come from? Those were my exact words that came out of my mouth while tucking in our oldest daughter in bed the other night. Or should I say that was my reaction when she had snapped at me with the eye roll and head bob. To be honest I am not even sure what I may have done to spark her temperament. I may have told her to clean up her room, leave the cat alone, something silly and simple. Therefore the instant reaction from her came to me in a surprise.

I didn't yell back at her, Just gently replied "whoa girl, where did that come from?" After tucking her in and walking out of her bedroom, I started to think. I may know where the mood change all a sudden came from. It then clicked, she's a girl. She's a girl who is almost 7 years old and going into first grade. I am entering a new stage of parenting. I am learning along with this territory comes the attitude. The attitude that contains the eye rolls and head bobs. To be honest I want to just laugh at her when she rolls her eyes and bobs her head at me. But what kind of parent would I be if I actually did?

As I sit here reading and figuring out strategies how to raise young girls and their changes. Example how to handle their changing emotions, sudden mood swings and the eye rolls. I start to think about my daughter. She too is also under going changes with her emotions as she is maturing. It is something we both are learning how to handle and will continue to learn together as she matures into a young lady. I know they say you shouldn't be your child's best friend, but I feel having a daughter and once being a daughter myself, It's okay to be that "friend" to your daughter. I'm not talking about the friend where your parting it up with your kids when their older by any means. But the friend yet still parent they can come to when their in need.

For now I'm going to stick to my "Whoa Girl" when she snaps with a sudden change in mood or eye roll. It seems to work well. And I hope whatever I'm doing I continue doing correctly because I have a great bond with all 3 of my daughters.

When I know what that is, I'll fill all you moms in out there raising daughters!

DIY: Homemade Laundry Detergent Updated

   Doing laundry can become expensive when you have a family So an idea clicked in my head; I'll start making my own detergent! In my spare time I researched different homemade laundry detergents recipes. Take note, I'm very picky! I wanted something that wouldn't fade my colors and at the same time still brighten my whites. With it being homemade I wanted it to be able to fight stains and still smell good. I found a lot of the detergents were pretty much the same. Some people added some different things here and there. This is the recipe I came across that I really liked. I Made the laundry and tested it before sharing with you.

Here is an idea how long this laundry batch can last your family. It has potential to last up to a year. Up to 6 loads of laundry a week; measured 2 ounces of the detergent per load. 

Cost: 26 dollars and some odd change. I bought all my supplies at our local grocery store; Meijers. You should be able to find all these products at any local grocery store. 

Homemade laundry detergent
1 Box of borax (4lb)
1 Box super washing soda (3lb)
1 container oxy clean (3lb) Optional; help brighten your whites!
2 Bars of zote soap
1-2 Purex crystals, Optional; helps your clothes and towels from coming out of the dryer rough and makes them smell good!!
2 Boxes of baking soda (2lbs each)
big bucket
SMALL cheese grader only. TIP:You must use a small cheese grader so you don't end up with big flakes. You don't want to clog up your washer.
All these are found in the laundry detergent isle expect the baking soda is in the cooking isle

It truly is easy to make. The only time consuming part is grading the soaps. 
  Add in the ingredients then add your shredded soap on top and mix.
 Voila your all done!
   My first couple loads came out great.
 I used only one purex crystals and think next time ill use two.
Hope it works for you!

Happy 90TH Grandma Hoffman!

A women with such a great legacy turned 90 the other day, as the family was gathered to celebrate with cake and ice cream. Of course that meant with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Never is a celebration a small one; even if not everyone is able to make it. Once we returned home I couldn't help but think how grateful I am to be apart of the Hoffman clan. They are full of Dr.s, nurses, business owners, teachers, lawyers, stay at home moms, artists, travelers, etc. But those are just titles. To me the family is much more.

I started to think back to the very first time walking into Grandma Hoffman's home. Not only was I meeting her for the very first time on Thanksgiving; also my husbands 11 aunt and uncles! He really has 12; they lived in New York at the time. Yes, That's just on my husbands dad's side. The embrace in grandmas hug was tight and heart warming. You know the hugs grandmas always give. It wasn't something I had felt in a long time since both my grandmas had passed by the time I had meet my husband. I feel gracious when I became apart of the Hoffman family 6 years ago. Actually almost 8 years ago since everyone was so welcoming in our situation before we married. Never did Grandma Hoffman show any judgment or pass any judgment

Though Hendrick and I may have to repeat who we are and our daughters when we see her now, I feel blessed that God has brought her in my life almost 8 years ago when we still had Sunday family dinners. She sure could make some wicked dinner!

To grandma Hoffman turning 90!

Spring Has Arrived

Finally it feels like spring. We have been making sure we get great use of the beautiful days.

I finally can open all my windows and shut the heat off. I love the fresh breeze coming inside.

The littlest one has now learned her boundaries of the yard. Thankfully it didn't take too long.

We have been enjoying our nature walks and bringing home hands full of pine cones, rocks, sticks, etc.!

The grass even had its first cut and the garden beds are ready for flowers.

Evalyn learned how to ride 2 wheels. No more training wheels for her. YAY!

I finally can open all my windows and shut the heat off. I love the fresh breeze coming inside.

I love the sound of spring. Listening to lawnmowers in the distance, kids running around playing outside and the birds chirping sweet melodies.

A Book To Save My Faith?

As I was browsing Target this evening with my three lovely daughters in search of the perfect Easter dress, my heart told me to go look at the books. After the fun of trying on the dress with the help of my daughters , we made our way to the book isles. Not to mention I haven't looked in the books for a long time. I just haven't had the time to actually sit down and get lost in a book. If you know me personally, I love to read. Whether it is a short children's story to a think chapter book. One of my favorite authors is Jodi Picoult. As I am glancing through the books on the shelves this certain book pops out at me in an instant. It was titled, "To Heaven And back" by Mary C. Neal, MD.  I then questioned in my head, "what steered me to the books and why did this certain book pop out at me"? I didn't even hesitate; I grabbed the book and gently set it in the the cart.  

Alright so let me be a little honest here, this is not easy. At one point I started to feel ashamed of myself for losing faith. It all started around a year and a half ago. I have allowed a person in my life and trusted to easily. Which is one of my flaws. I like to give others the benefit of the doubt. You know don't judge a book by its cover? Or Innocent till proven guilty? But I have learned that does not always work. You should read the introduction of a book first. 

After months of having my faith tested and belief in God tested; yes I said it, I started to fall apart on the inside. I remember like it was yesterday after a night of crying; okay crying would be an understatement; I sat up on my bed literally shaking my fist in the air looking out my bedroom window.  It was my very last prayer I had said, asking God himself, "why are you doing this to me?! What did I do to deserve to be treated like this?!" As I ended my prayer I told him that I can no longer take it and to remove all of it from my mind. As months went on I still had to deal with the questioning of my faith.  and therefore I started to question God himself. He was not answering my prayers let alone giving me any sort of signs. I still had to deal with tearful days turned into nights. Along with the feeling of family not feeling so much like family at all. 

During those months I developed sever anxiety to the point of almost vomiting in public. I couldn't go anywhere literally with out my husband along my side. I became a prisoner in my own home. And on the days where I would be depressed or cry in front of my daughters because holding it in was no longer an option physically. It killed me inside that my daughters had to watch me go through this hurt. Yet I felt I couldn't explaine to them why I was crying if they caught me or tell them who made me cry. I usually tried to hide my pain, but it wasn't always easy. They were just too little and I didn't/don't want my daughters to grow up judging. But with the love of my husband and daughters by my side during this hardship I have endured a stronger me. I have slowly overcome the anxiety and with a little help now thanks to anxiety medication. Soon hoping not to need them at all.

Back to the book. Once I tucked my daughters in tightly, I couldn't wait to get my hands on my new book. I wasn't quit sure why. It's not the kind of book I would be reading right now that's for sure. After reading the first chapter I couldn't help myself but to keep reading on. I felt my spirits being lifted and my faith regrowing inside me the more I read. Could God have planed me to buy this book? Was it for a reason? Or was it just a coincidence. I believe it was Gods beautiful work. Not to mention Easter is this coming Sunday. Maybe it's a good day to start heading back to church again?! I think so!

Will I forgive? yes I do. Will I forget? Heck no. I don't think most people can forget how they are treated badly to an extant and blamed unfairly. Will I be cautious with my friendships weather its with family or friends? Of course. I almost have a guarded double wall now that's for sure. But I have learned God has a plan weather or not we know what it is at the time or why we have to go through so much pain and hurt. But don't lose your faith...trust me!

Homemade Strawberry Frosting

For our Valentine's day cupcakes I had everything bought, least I originally thought. But leave it to me to leave out one of the most important ingredient's when making cupcakes; the frosting! The last thing I wanted to do was make a trip to the store with the girls. I figured it couldn't be that hard to make homemade frosting on my own, and it was a piece of cake. Then I wanted it pink, but I did NOT want to use food coloring, so we decided to make strawberry frosting. It is so easy I though I'd share the recipe with you. 

Homemade Strawberry Butter Cream Frosting

(Frosts roughly 24-28 cupcakes.) (preparation time: roughly 12-15 minutes.)

Ingredients

*1 cup of butter (soft)

*3-4 cups of powdered sugar (I use 4 cups)

*1-2 Tablespoons of milk (I use 1 Tablespoon. It depends on your desired consistency.)

*1 teaspoon of vanilla

*Strawberries (Shade of pink depends how many you use.)

Preparation

1.) In a mixing bowl cream your butter. (I use my standing kitchen aid with the wire whisk, or my hand kitchen aid blender.) 

2.)Beat in the sugar and vanilla.

3.)Add your milk and keep beating until your frosting reaches your desired consistency

4.) Wash and dice your strawberries. In a separate bowl mash them till the strawberries have the consistency like soup and you see no chunks.

5.)Poor the strawberry liquid into the already beating frosting and let the strawberries mix in.

6.)Once the frosting is evenly pink, I use a lunch bag and cut a whole in the bottom corner to decorate my cupcakes.

Enjoy!

18 months old!! (with pictures)

It is hard to believe that our littlest is already 18 months old as of the 4th. It is just amazing watching her sweet and caring personality grow. I joked during my pregnancy with her, that I would love if she had mainly her sister Evalyn's personality with some of her other sisters; Vivian. Well, I believe God granted my wish to be true. She seems to be a perfect mix between the both of her older sisters.

Only a day old 

Not even a year  old yet.

She is very smart and loves learning new things from her big sisters. She follows them around like their shadow, and already looks up to them in so many ways. I think by now, they know their little shadow isn't going anywhere no matter how many barricades they try to build. I love watching their sisterly bond, and her two older sisters are starting to include her in activities.

 Even though she is our youngest, she is literally the littlest of our three daughters. I finally packed away her 12 month clothes out of her closet at 18 months. It gave us a little chuckle, and a little sadness knowing she is our last. Unlike her other two sisters, she has an obsession with shoes. One of her favorite words is, shoes!  She has to sleep with shoes on during her naps and at bedtimes. We finally transitioned that with slippers instead. Could this be an insight to our future with her and a shoe obsession as a teenager? If so we are in deep trouble, he he he.

A couple fun things that stand out to me since Helen is 18 months now,

•  She figured out their bathroom stool is great for reaching the light switches and sneaking candy during Valentine's Day, or in general to be more independent. 
• I taught her the word slippers and socks She now knows the difference between shoes, socks and slippers. Finally their not all shoes, he he. 
• She is now calling Dada Mama, and not me Dada all the time! Times change honey! Ha ha.
• She has learned how to run, oh goodness. It is too cute watching an 18 month old run.
• She is now able to climb up onto the couch all on her own.
• And lastly...DRUM ROLL please, she is showing signs of potty training. I'm so excited. She has all the steps down, we are just waiting till she is full ready.