I am a Mom, a Wife, A nanny, A housekeeper, A chef, A nurse, A teacher, A friend, before I am Whitney.

I get told all the time that I am crazy or insane Or why do you where work out clothes everyday. Some of these comments really bother me. (It has been proven time and time again that if stay at home moms get paid it would be a 80,000 yearly pay). These comments sometimes cut me pretty deep and while I do my best to remain positive - they still bug me. It basically said 'I wish I got to stay at home all day and exercise with my child, instead I have to go to work and do WORK...' Work?! You think I don't WORK?! Like being a nanny and a mother is not a job?? I have 5 under 3 almost every day. You think I sit at home all day and twiddle my thumbs? You think having 3 toddlers and 2 babies just let me kick my feet up all day after I've done my morning workout? You think I'm beaming with energy? Just to break it down... I exercise for 20-30 minutes a day at home doing yoga. And let me tell you it is pretty much impossible. I rarely have someone not touching me or needing cuddles or milk. Sometimes stopping 20 times throughout to fetch toys, bring food, telling them stop hair pulling, break up fights over toys and some days, stopping 2 minutes in because it just ain't happening that day! Other days we're so busy or the boys are so CLINGY / CRANKY  the best workout I can get in is running up and down the stairs doing laundry, changing diapers, potty training the two year old or making the three year old go potty or while they eat or while we practice new words, counting, or all the body parts we've learn and those abc's.  I certainly do not spend all day exercising. I just take care of 5 tiny humans that I don't have time to change my clothes or wash my hair. My days are spent changing shitty diapers, dealing with tantrums, playing cars and trucks, making food that gets thrown on the floor before it's even tasted, walking around the block with 5 kids and a dog, trying to make grumpy children nap, attempting to teach four little humans to SHARE instead of bite, pull hair, scratch or push each other. And breastfeeding the infant, singing the alphabet, going for adventures to keep the boys happy, vacuuming 3 times a day because of all that food that I worked so hard to cook wasn't even considered eating, or the dog has more hair on the floor then on herself, oh and did I mention the constant battle of playing referee ALL day between 4 little cheeky monkey boys that guess what do not just play happily and entertain each other all day! For the record, toddlers don't do that!!! Maybe when they're older, yes! I hope so anyway ~ but for now, no. And I also suppose the kitchen gets cleaned all day by itself after every meal. And the bathrooms get cleaned everyday since a three and two year old boy don't know how to aim right (or my husband). How about a pantry that fills itself ??...(I wish). I don't think so,, that's right on the rare occasion I just have my two children we go to the grocery store. Do you know how hard it is for me to load up two kids in a cart and groceries? The four month old still needs to sit in infant car seat and the toddler still needs to sit in basket since he falls if in big area. So the infant carries goes inside the cart and the toddler sits in the basket, Leaving no room for groceries. So I either need two carts by myself or use all my left over energy to go when dad gets home every night. {{If I could figure out away to make a toddler seat with a spot on carts for infant carrier I could be a millionaire}}. So asking me why I wear work out clothes everyday or why don't you where make up everyday comments bug me. Or why don't you get ready you cant go out like that.

I am very fortunate to have a passion for childcare. And I have wonderful friends that entrust in me with their babies. My main goal of the day is to make 5 tiny humans happy before my own needs. Then my husband comes into the picture. It is my job as a stay at home parent while he works to wash his work clothes and make him lunch and dinner, or run his errands. So yes I look like a hot mess most days. But at the end of the day the tiny humans do not care what I look like as long as they are fed, changed and happy. I have a wonderful husband who thinks I look beautiful everyday.  You may think I am crazy or insane or think I just let myself go but I also think you are crazy for looking perfect everyday. Your comments wont change the way I go along with my day after all I am a Mom, a Wife, A nanny, A housekeeper, A chef, A nurse, A teacher, A friend, before I am Whitney.

Welcoming baby London

 I tried my hardest to hold London in until after Christmas, but due to my high blood pressure she made an appearance on December 22, 2016 at 4:42 pm!

This labor went by so quick at 9 hours compared to Lincolns (26.5 hours). I went from a 5-6 to 10 in less then 30 minutes and 6 pushes she was here!

5.1 pounds and 18 inches long! She completes our little family!

She is the tiniest thing I have ever seen! bringing her home from the hospital at 4.14 a whole pound smaller then her brother!

 

First bath at the hospital! Something I absolutely loved to watch because Lincoln just got a sponge bath

 

Getting all checked out! They let her stay on me for about 20 minutes, the best thing ever!!!!

A few hours old and a full tummy! As long as she is swaddled she is happy!

 

A Christmas hat!

 

Lincoln was not impressed at first but he warmed up to her eventually!

Her going home outfit. the premie clothes were too big on her!

She was not impressed with the carseat

 

 

Christmas morning family picture!

 

Both my kids at a week old! My tiny humans!

 

First bath at home! she loved it once she got warm!

 

 

It is so nice having a room to bring your newborn home to!! YAY for our own house!

 

Lincoln now asks to hold his sister, which I think is adorable!

 

I just love her soo much!!!! London Harper! here Daddy picked her name since I picked Lincoln's

 

 

Bring a Mom is the greatest! It is true what they say about breastfeeding your kids, The first one it is a bonding experience and the second kid you are yelling at your toddler the whole time!

 

 

 

 

I come from a family where gravy is a beverage!

Thanksgiving was wonderful. I survived cooking my first thanksgiving. I loved every minute of it.  It was a small gathering of family but we watched football and ate until we could not eat anymore. For the first turkey I ever cooked it fell right off the bone when my husband and father went to carve it. it was delicious. I hope I can do that again next year.  My grandfather made the gravy, no matter how many times I watch him or listen to his instructions my gravy is never as good as his! And gravy is a staple at thanksgiving it goes over the turkey, stuffing, tators, good for roll dipping. I am glad I cooked the pies the day before. I had almost all of my food prep ready so I sort of relaxed the morning of thanksgiving. I somehow survived my first thanksgiving without watching the parade, my husband wouldn't let me, his football was on. Because ladies we all know football before everything else in the world!!! Some people say you marry a man like your father, well my father is very hard working and a die hard football fan, well my husband is a very hard worker and can not function without his football. Pre game show, the show, then the after show, and the day after show, I mean they all say the same thing but just incase he watches it!!  Lincoln slept right over dinner we saved him a turkey leg though and he has zero interest in anything but black olives and jell-o. Well at least he ate something.

He sure looked cute with his little gobbler shirt and mow hawk.

If only I could get him to smile

Here is Lincoln eating Olives, but only the black ones!

Here are some pictures of my table. Along with the flowers my great grandmother sent!

Everyone eats the same things on thanksgiving so there are no pictures of food.  

 And yes we used paper plates the less dishes the better!

Lincoln was to tired for turkey when everyone else ate. But when he woke up I gave him a little bit of everything but he must of been full on olives.

After the food comma pictures.

  The next day I was very thankful for my husband I slept all night and for most of the day. We had moved into our house, had the wedding, then thanksgiving and I guess everything was done and my pregnant body knew it. Now to Christmas and then New Years and then to meet our baby girl! Hopefully in that order. We still can not decide on her name maybe once she is here we will finally figure it out. Or we will just call her baby girl. After our guests had left on thanksgiving Lincoln and I decorated the Christmas tree. It was magical to watch him! He handed me every ornament out of the box. It is true what older generations say,, the holidays are even more incredible when you have your own children. This year Lincoln will be able to get the stuff out of his stocking and I am trying to teach him how to say ho ho ho.

It is a lot of fun decorating with kids,  I really try hard to refrain from fixing the bottom of the tree. I have obsessive Christmas ornament placement disorder.

 

I think it turned out pretty awesome! Lincoln put his big brother ornament on the tree and then took his diaper off and ran around so I took advantage of a cute baby butt picture. He might hate me when he is older for all the pictures but I just think it is too cute not to pass up.

 

SHUSSSSSHHH don't tell my husband but something other than Falcons memorabilia is on his shelves. Maybe he wont notice.. Wishful thinking I know, but we don't have a fire place and I like my stocking hung. Its only 4 weeks out of 52 I think he will survive.

 

Having a house means you can hang Christmas lights, too bad I am 8.5 months pregnant. So next year I will get out onto the ladder outside and hang them up. But for now I can look out my sons room and see our street of lights! Or Maybe I can talk my husband into hanging some outside!! Wish me Luck I am the decorator in the house!

 

 

This year I am extremely thankful for my little family!

Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving!

 

 I am going to enjoy the last month of Lincoln being my only Baby even though he is already a year and half!

 

  Much Love Whitney

 

 

 

 

A Time to be Thankful

This year was the first year we are in our house so we did a Thanksgiving dinner at our house. With my Dad, grandparents and my great Grandmother. I am so excited to cook my first thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it is not about how much money you spend on people, it isn't about the gifts you received. But it is about family, food and football. But most importantly baking, my favorite hobby! There is nothing better in my opinion then family sitting around eating food with football on.  I am making the usual turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, green bean casserole, sweet potato's with marshmallow toping, mashed potatoes,  pecan pie, pumpkin pie. and my great Grandmas raspberry Jell-O salad. My grandmother grew up in England and as far as I know she brought this recipe with her. I also do not like canned veggies or fruits. So I have fresh green beans, a bag of fresh cranberries.  Everything I do in the oven is at 350 degrees.

This year I am very thankful. I married my best friend! I have been fortunate enough to stay home and raise my little boy. It is the biggest blessing being home with him everyday. I also watch some friends kids to help bring in some extra money. We bought our first house. It will be our forever home! We added a furry child to our lives and although the dog hair drives me crazy she is perfect for our family. We are expecting a little girl around new years who will complete our family! I am thankful for the constant support of family and friends that are in my life. I am thankful that we are in a house were I can finally host things like thanksgiving and football. I am thankful for my weekly blog, it is on hour a week to myself and I am hopefully helping other moms! And today I am especially thankful for coffee so I can be the best mommy I can be and get the house and pie baking done for thanksgiving. My husband knows I stress myself out to much, so I am doing the pies one day, the cleaning the next and deviled eggs. Then the Thanksgiving morning I will make the potatoes and casserole and such. His words were we don't need decorations we just need food everywhere. However I like centerpieces and pretties everywhere. His job is football watching. I will make sure everything fits on the tables!  I am posting these before thanksgiving so if you would like some recipes here they are!

Raspberry Jell-O Salad

1 large box Raspberry Jell-O,

1 Cup boiling water

In a sauce pan add jello and water. Bring to a boil. Let boil for 2 minutes stirring constantly. Set timer once it starts to boil. Add 1 package of frozen raspberries. And 1 package of thawed frozen raspberries. Stir until dissolved. About 5 minutes. Then stir in 2 cups of original applesauce. Stir for 5 more minutes to insure everything is combined. If you don't it will become a weird texture. Then Pour into a 9x13 pan or I like to put into three 3 cup Pyrex. Because storing is easier. Cover and put into refrigerator until set.

Then for the topping!

1 16 oz. tub of sour cream

about half a bag of small marshmallows. (about 40)

Stir constantly until combined and pour over raspberry mixture. Put into fridge for a couple hours and serve cold. Cut like a cake! This is a family favorite.

 

Cranberry Sauce

from fresh Cranberries

My cranberry sauce is pretty simple I add the cranberries into a saucepan with some sugar, (I never measure I just use my sugar pouring thing. I got it at the dollar store. I put these on low heat about two hours before eating time and stir often enough that it does stick or burn to the pan. so yummy and delicious. The sugar will create liquid and the cranberries melt down. You can add more or less sugar depending how sweet or tart you like it.

Green Bean Casserole

from fresh green beans

I never really a recipe for this one, it always turns out about the same though. I cut the ends off green beans and then cut into thirds. I put into a large bowl, add two cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup. (you can mix and match these but I do not like mushrooms so I put 1 in. but 2 cans of cream of something) then I add salt, pepper, onion powder, half of a can of crispy onions, and a tiny splash of water so it is not thick. Stir everything and pour into a 9x13 pan greased pan. Add the rest of the crispy onions on top (enough to cover/ I always add extra because I like the crunch)  sprinkle salt and pepper and through into oven for about 30-45 minutes at  the onions will be crispy and the middle will be warm and delicious.

Sweet Potatoes with marshmallows

This is fairly easy but I understand that some people burn cereal. I peal and then cut into about one inch chunks. and put potatoes into a Paula Dean Dutch Oven with a lid. Then I sprinkle them with cinnamon, add chunks of butter randomly even and into the oven it goes. It takes about 30 minutes to cook. you want the potatoes to be tender that they break with a fork. Then I add big marshmallows all over the top of it. Covering all the potatoes and back into the oven until the marshmallows are brown on top. It does not take very long at all. I have to put my hand on the oven handle and do not let go. they burn really fast. And need checked often to get them just right. If I get distracted they burn.

Here is a picture of the desserts I made! I added a lace around the pecan pie with extra pie crust. And some random leaf shapes around the pumpkin. I also made a couple hearts to put on the pumpkin pie after it was cooked.

The Dog treats are very simple, healthy and way cheaper then store bought ones.  its 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup broth (I alternate between chicken or beef just whatever I have more of) and 1/4 cup applesauce. (I have used original and cinnamon either will do).  Mix all together, I add some more flour if needed so they are not sticky. Then cut into bone shapes and bake at 350 or 20 minutes.  Picture of these are on instagram.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I will post again next week about how my first turkey cooking adventure goes. XOXO much Love Whitney

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Sweet tooth recipes

It is true what they say every pregnancy is different. With my first Son all I wanted to eat was avocados, salads and drink tang. I had a garden salad with hard bowled eggs for breakfast and it was the only thing I could keep down for a couple months.  But with this pregnancy I have a very big sweet tooth. This little girl is spoiled before she is even here. I want cherry turnovers, brownies, cake, cookies, cheesecake and ice cream. Any one who knows me knows I do not care for chocolate but this little one loves brownies. My husband is happy because there is always something sweet on our counters. So the old wise tell is true for me that boys like salt and greens while girls like sweets.  Here is a couple of the recipes that have kept me happy!

Cherry Turnovers,

Makes 5 turnovers

 

Great Grandma Linda Pie Crust  

1 1/4 cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

4 Tbs water

1/3 cup shortening.

 

and some cherry pie filling!

 

I made the pie crust and rolled it out and used a 4 inch bowl to make circles. Put about a tablespoon right from the can of filling in the middle of each circle. Folded the circles in half and crimped with a fork. then I used my old fashioned egg separator; brushed on the egg whites and sprinkled with cane sugar. Baked at 350 for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

 

Because everything is better with frosting. I made a quick little icing, powder sugar, vanilla and a splash of milk. I have never measured it out but as long as it taste good I drizzle it on the turnovers with a spoon.

 

 

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Makes about 4 dozen

 

3 cups flour

³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar

³⁄₄ cup margarine

2 eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 teaspoon salt

¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda

1 bag white chocolate chips, (they taste the best if you freeze them first)

a couple handfuls of craisins

 

Plop into balls on a greased cookie sheet and

Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown!

 

 

Now if you ask my husband he will say they are not desserts because there is fruit in them. I beg to differ, they make his daughter and pregnant wife happy!

 

 

This mama has been wanting yellow cake too so I make a yellow box cake(I am a busy stay at home mom that watched 3 other kiddos some days. it makes my life a little easier to use box cake..don't judge) and add Great Grandma Barrett's brown sugar frosting on it. which is melted stick of butter on the stove with 3/4 cup brown sugar all melted and dissolved. Bring to a bowl and then a tiny tiny splash of vanilla and powdered sugar. whisked until smooth and you pour on the cake hot. It should be a light tan color that is pretty thick.

 

 

Lincoln loves feeding my baked goodies, he will be an awesome big brother less then 2 months until we meet little sister!!

 

Whitney