Everything on the Stepherz home front is wonderful. I’m still pregnant– yayyy! 9 weeks and counting… Cramping, no nausea, but still chugging along. I’m as prepared as a person can make themselves for either outcome…

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This year has been an interesting one. I’ve really gotten to know myself more, and I’m thankful for that. I know that I’ve been blessed because Jeremy is a good provider for us, and that allows me the priveledge of being at home with my children and having the extra time to get to know them and myself.

I’ve tried things this year. I’ve tested myself. For instance, I didn’t even know what all the buttons on my old sewing machine did a year ago. I couldn’t even change the tension on my thread without royally screwing something up. I didn’t know how to stitch by hand. I could barely sew a button on. This year I cut off my satellite television, bought a fancy sewing machine, and taught myself to sew. I sewed quilts, adorable clothes, and even made felt fruit and vegetables!

I’ve killed every plant I’ve ever owned until this year. The only plant that grew in my home is the Pothos Ivy and that is because it is indestructible and loves water torture. But this year I decided I wanted a green thumb. And I did it. I mean, I’m not trying to brag, please don’t get me wrong. But, dangit. I’ve greened my own thumb! (try not to pay too much attention to the sweet peas in the front that are trying to test my green thumb. insobordinate suckers.)

It’s funny because a few years ago I couldn’t tell you what I was good at. I didn’t have a hobby. And it’s not like I’m talented or special. That’s not what I mean to put out there. What I’m proud of is that I quit making excuses to try new things or to challenge myself. I just made it happen. Anyone could do it, sure. I did it. I don’t have to envy people who are crafty, or who have time to craft. I’m kinda crafty myself and thanks to this SAHM blessing, I have the time to do it. Even better, I LOVE making things for people. I don’t mind if I never sell another quilt or painting or rose– I just love doing it.

Jeremy pointed out last night how far I’ve come in a few years in the cooking department. When we met (mind you, I was 20), my idea of being ambitious in the kitchen was mac-n-cheese with tuna stirred in, a can of peas, and some butter bread. But now I can cook it up like it ain’t no ones business! I bake, I marinade, I create. I have kitchen equipment and tools! I wear an apron! I MADE the fargin’ apron!

The lettuce and the zuchinni are from my garden! And the steak might not look deelish, but it was a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

And I guess this all comes from reminiscing on my childhood a bit the other day. My mom was a Chef Bouyardee Mom. She was a McDonald’s Drive-through Mom. She never made me eat anything green. Cinnamon Pop-Tarts were not just part of my nutritious breakfast, but usually all of it. And sometimes all of lunch and dinner too. No kidding. She was a modern woman who learned from a modern woman. My grandmother never created with her own two hands what she could buy in an Art Gallery or Designer Clothing Boutique or fancy restaurant. And there’s nothing at all wrong with a modern woman, or with a woman who doesn’t desire making things. I’m just glad that despite that no one ever taught me to cook or sew or to be creative, I did it anyways. That’s kind of neat, I think.

Anyways, I guess I can’t take full credit for the amazing garden. I’ve got a little green thumbed garden gnome named Noah who helps out. He uses this Miracle Gro magic potion that makes my zucchini grow an inch a day! I’ve got zucchini bread coming out of my ears, y’all!

I’m just thankful. I’m blessed. And I’m happy. I’m so glad I quit that desk job and came home.

 I’m sooooo sorry. I’ve really had some bloggy blues lately. I haven’t written about the promised love story or the zoo trip, I haven’t been visiting your blogs diligently, and I’ve hardly had anything interesting to write about here on this blog. I’ve been hoping for a few months that I’d get back into this blogging thing, but I haven’t. I think the warm, beautiful weather is to blame! But isn’t it so much fun to spend these warmer months having fun rather than typing away on a computer? Forgive me for my inconsistency…

We’ve just planned our first family vacation since we went to NC/SC when Noah was a couple of months old. I’m so excited about it! We’re heading to Florida at the end of September. I bought our tickets recently which makes it sooooo real! My best friend, Stacey, really hooked us up. Her father owns a private hotel on a small island outside of Tampa, and we get to stay there for free. So now I’m just saving up for our Disney tickets, spending money, food cash. What’s more is that Stacey and Justin are going to be there too! Jeremy and Justin are going deep sea fishing too; which Jeremy is so stoked about!

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I’m still preggers, though I’m still not feeling like it. I have no nausea, tiredness, etc. I have my last blood test tomorrow to see if those numbers are going to indicate anything. The doctor won’t say it, but I’m pretty sure he just ordered this last test to see if the numbers are finally dropping since they aren’t rising at the rate they should be. I’ll probably know more by the end of the week…

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We’re having another yard sale this weekend. One of my neighbors organized the neighborhood yard sale this year. I don’t have too much to sell, but I need to make some room because we’re finally going to start that emergency closet. Everything I’m reading in the news, behind the scenes, etc. says that we’re headed towards another Depression. I’d rather just be safe than sorry. I have too many mouths to feed to ignore my responsibility to be prepared. I’ve found the LDS Church’s information to be very helpful for planning for emergency situations. A blog I found that belongs to a mormon mother says that she lives by the, “Eat what you store; store what you eat” philosophy. It makes too much sense! Your food won’t go bad from not using it if nothing goes awry (depression, emergencies, etc.), but if it does (go awry), you’ll always have a nice fresh stash to grab from. We’re going to aim for storing a year’s worth, ultimately. And quickly. I want to have our emergency closet filled by winter. I’m going to make a huge head start this week– grabbing 20+pounds each of beans, rice, grains and a huge stash of sugar, flour, powdered milk, etc. You can click here if you are interested in using a calculator that determines how much to store for your family’s size. It’s unbelievable how much you need. And since it is heavily predicted that money won’t be doing you any good real soon (wheelbarrow of cash=1 loaf of bread), you might invest that money now into stocking up on the necessities. Some might think it paranoia. I consider it being the smart Little Red Mommy Hen.

I’ve also considered the problem of losing our home if things got bad. I mean, what good is a truck load of supplies if you have no where to live and no gas to drive the truck to greener pastures? But then I read a quote from the Depression era: “You better come take my guns before you try to come take my house.” Can the banks take all of our homes? If it got bad enough that we’re all losing our homes, can the banks really come and foreclose on you and all of your neighbors too? Yeesh. America is the most heavily armed nation in the world. I’m hatin’ it for those repo guys. I’m a real Priss Pot as you know, but I’d get down right GI Jane on some mofos trying to kick my babies onto the street. No!

So, while I’m excited about the potential changes with the upcoming elections, I’m also a bit skeptical of the times we’re in. What a mess we’ve made!

Use your economic stimulus checks to visit Disney World one more time. Buy beans with what’s left over. Be good to your friends.  And, lastly, don’t be afraid. Be prepared. Going back to nature is going to be a good thing. Mother Earth said so.

Here’s some more links for you to ponder:

X Waves

Countdown to Crisis

Economic Outlook

Emergency Stash Info

Emergency Preparedness Blog (I really like this one!)

Meal Recipes

3 day food supply 

Soooo, tell me. I’m interested… Are you totally rolling your eyes at me? Or are you a Little Red Mommy Hen too?

We had Noah’s little Bucaneer bash today and it was fantabulous! We had friends, good food, fun costumes, and a fantastic time. I really tested my creativity with this party and I’m pretty proud of how it all came out!

Jeremy was really busy getting the yard ready, so I ended up making the cake for the party. And I’m soooo glad I did because it was fun and challenging. The end result made it worth having to apologize for my temper tantrums later.  I flung icing at everyone in the house if they dared to talk to me while I was in my artistic cake making mode.

I finished our costumes just barely, but they came out pretty cute, no?

The babies would not pose for me no matter what bribery I tried. So I had to sneak pictures in while they weren’t looking…

My favorite part of Noah’s costume was this awesome tattoo I found on eBay… So Piratey!

I made some of the decorations. Here’s a banner I put together…

The kids loved their goodie bags– I filled them with tattoos, water guns, pirate finger puppets, beach balls, bubble swords, and wooden flutes.

The food was pretty yummy, but simple… Fruit kabobs, sandwiches, veggie trays, deviled eggs, mac salad, beans, and a few other odds and ends.

But most of all, Noah had a fantastic time playing with his friends, eating cake, and being the center of attention. It was such fun! But now I’m tired from getting it all together. A haggard mommy pirate indeed. So I’m going to take a week or so to recover and endulge in having absolutely no projects to work on. Naps. Yessss. Leftover cake. Yessss.

And an update on the preggy sit: I’m having no more nausea (which isn’t good), a teensy bit of cramping (which means nothing), and I’ve gained every last pound I lost from the diet I started before I knew I was pregnant (so what!). I’ve got an OB appt. next week and we’ll see if those hormones keep multiplying via some blood work. But just so you know, I’m relaxed and content. I’ve given it to God. I’m so blessed and happy and loved. And we’ll just wait and see what happens…

Have a beautiful weekend my friends!

Well, I promised that I’d post some pics from Father’s Day and here they finally are. We had a fantastic day! We started the day with that delicious meal (that I didn’t eat, of course)….

Mommy ate things less appetizing on Father’s Day… Tuna Fish and salad. But whatever it takes! I’ve lost 10 pounds, y’all!

At the street fair, we had sooooo much fun! There was a neat splash area, snow cones, face painting, t-shirt art, and beer for the daddies!

I happen to be married to the most wonderful, fantastic, loving, sweet, and handsome daddy on Earth.

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In other news, I’m getting ready for Noah’s 2nd birthday too! If you lived closer to us, you would probably receive an invitation– copy paper soaked in coffee, then microwaved to dry, then ironed, then put in the printer, then cut, then burned around the edges, then rolled and tied with a pretty red bow. It’s a fun way to invite friend’s to Noah’s 2nd Buccaneer Bash!

I’ve got more time than money, so I’m spending every spare moment thinking of creative ways to make his party the AWESOMEST!  I’ve also been making our costumes, which has been mucho fun!  I have my skirt all done, and I’m pretty happy with how it turned out so I thought I’d share pics! This isn’t the final masterpiece, but does give you an idea…

I wish I would have gotten a better shot from the front because that’s where it’s the prettiest. But, the party is next weekend, so I’m sure there will be more pics to come. ESPECIALLY of Noah who is going to be the BOMB in his pirate costume! I’m making everyone peasant shirts to go with their bottoms and I have still to make Jeremy’s swashbucklers.  I’ve bought pools and sprinklers for the kids, lots of cool pirate themed candies (rock candy, chocolate candy coins, candy necklaces, and candy rings) and and toys that are piratey, and we’re planning a little pirate treasure hunt as well. The cake is going to ROCK because my creative and talented hubby is in charge of that! But I won’t brag too much yet, since it all hasn’t come even close to coming together. Aren’t themed birthday parties soooo much fun though!?

More to come… We’re going camping this weekend so I’ll be back to post some more fun pics and stories!