Monthly Archives: July 2012

Toddlers and Doggies and Carpet, Oh My!

Posted by Mama Bear on July 30, 2012 None comments

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After several potty training accidents and the dog being inside alot this summer because of the heat we finally decided to look into buying a steam vac last week. Between the boys and the dog the last few months the carpet is starting to look and feel a little yucky. Our landlord had installed light colored shag carpet throughout the house before we started renting because he was originally planning to sell the house. While it looks and feels nice it’s not the easiest to keep clean especially with a dog, two toddlers and the fact that it’s in the dining room area too. Since he has been so kind to rent to us month to month without charging extra for our 80lb lab mix we figured the least we could do was try to keep the carpet looking nice.

The vacuum came in the mail a few days ago and I had a chance to put it together but hadn’t been able to use it until today while the boys were gone. I absolutely looove it!! I’m pretty sure I have some weird obsession with watching the water rushing through the vacuum and turning from dirty brown to clear. I wasn’t sure what to expect since it isn’t a high dollar or commercial machine but it did an awesome job considering the price. The other thing I love is that it’s super easy to take apart and dump or clean and not too hard to maneuver.

Here’s the one I bought if anyone else is in the market for one. Hoover SteamVac Pet Complete Carpet Cleaner with Clean Surge

Black Bean & Zucchini Quesadillas

Posted by Mama Bear on July 25, 2012 None comments

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Made these quesadillas last night from a recipe on health.com to help eat up the zucchini from my sis in laws garden and daddy wasn’t home so we didn’t have to worry about making a dish with meat in it 😉 They were better than I expected and both boys gobbled them down!

1/2 c canned black beans, rinsed and drained

2 tbs salsa

1/2 c finely chopped zucchini

4 (6-inch) corn tortillas

4 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese

*For my gluten and nightshade allergy adjustments, I ommited the salsa and used onion and cilantro with lime juice and salt instead. I also used teff wraps instead of regular tortillas.

Preparation

1. Combine beans and salsa in a small bowl; mash with a fork. Stir in zucchini. 2. Layer 1 tortilla with half the bean mixture, sprinkle with 2 tbs cheese, and top with another tortilla. Repeat with remaining tortillas, bean mixture, and cheese. 3. In broiler or toaster oven, cook quesadillas 1 minute on each side until cheese is melted and bubbly.

We’re Not Home Yet

Posted by Mama Bear on July 24, 2012 None comments

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Being on the path we’ve found ourselves on this year, traveling and even the Colorado shootings yesterday I’ve been reminded over and over the past few months, this is not our home…

We are on a journey, we are foreigners. Sometimes the road seems long, exhausting, even scary. We experience wonderful and exhilarating mountain points along the way but those days can also be met with equally dark valleys.

Our Father reminds us…Dont get too comfortable here. I have something better for you ahead. You are not home yet.

Why do you insist on dragging that suitcase full of regret, fear, resentment around? My child, I told you, I’ve got this. Its too much for you to carry. Leave it there. I have everything you need for this journey. Come to Me when you are weary and I will give you rest. I will turn your days of tears into days of joy and laughter… and when this journey is over, I will carry you safely home.

Happy Birthday Bubba!

Posted by Mama Bear on July 20, 2012 None comments

Happy First Birthday to our little wildfire! You’ve brought so much surprise and joy to our life. You are definitely your own unique little person with lots of love to give. We pray Gods protection and direction on your precious little life.

We love you so much!!

Momma, Da-da and BooBoo
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Feelin the Blues

Posted by Mama Bear on July 20, 2012 1 comments

Since coming back from our trip I seem to have been hit with a case of the blues. Maybe the heat and drought are getting to me or maybe the uncertainty of irregular paychecks, not to mention coming off of the high of vacation; enjoying nature and taking a break from everyday life.

I got several things accomplished over the weekend but was feeling exhausted and unmotivated by Monday. I wanted to just lay around in bed, maybe even mope but I still have two littles to attend to. Ok so I did mope a little.

We have now been in the rental for four months, longer than I expected or planned to be. I look around at the still unpacked boxes stacked in the kitchen, on the porch and a couple in various rooms waiting for the day we can pick up and go wherever it was we are supposed to be going. Not anymore. They have now found residence in the basement, cabinets or trash can. I’m this close to hanging some decor while I’m at it.

When we sold our house back in March after calling it home for 6 1/2 years we had done a pretty good amount of fixing it up and decorating it to our liking. I had painted and decorated most of the rooms and my husband had installed a gorgeous master bath and completely landscaped the yard (surprise surprise 😉 and we had a wonderful deck and garden and enough room for friends and family to come visit. It was our first and only house and where we lived when our babies were born.

I’ll be honest, it’s hard to get motivated about being in the rental. Not because we’re not thankful for a house to live in for a decent price but we’re limited on what we can change or do. Plus who wants to spend much money on something they don’t own especially when the plan isn’t or wasn’t to stay here long anyway.

This is the hand we’ve been dealt right now and while in reality its not bad it’s not what we envisioned either. I think I’m starting to find my groove and accept the fact that it is what is and make the best of it. I know my job is still to do what’s best with what I have no matter how big or small and maybe someday we’ll feel “home” again.

P.S. Did I mention it has also been extremely hot and dry this summer. It was 110 degrees the day I took this pic and my son was upset because I told him it was time to come in and cool off…..
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Day 14 – Heading Home

Posted by Mama Bear on July 14, 2012 1 comments

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Heading from Estes Park back to Kansas City today. Not looking forward to being cooped up in the van for that long but hey, theres always books, movies and interenet ha! 🙂 At this point we have traveled approx 3,800 miles, stayed at 6 campsites, visited 3 national parks and been gone 14 days.

We’ve made some wonderful memories and crazy ones too… now we have to get back and get some work, ebay and car repair stuff taken care of and sell the pop-up and maybe the van before the end of summer.

I could use a little refreshing myself and then I’ll be ready to hit the road again!

Day 13 – It’s a Beautiful Day

Posted by Mama Bear on July 14, 2012 None comments

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Enjoyed our last day in Rocky Mountain National Park. Hiked around Bear Lake and down to a waterfall. Fell asleep to the rain and thunder. Trying to take the last bit in. I can’t believe how two weeks have flown by.