Author Archive for:Rebekah

A Baby’s World

Yes, Biceps and I have been married 11+ years. Yes, we live in midwest Oklahoma. No, we don’t have five ankle biters-yet.

And, to oppose the rumors swirling around these hard to deny facts of sans babydom-yes, I do like a clean house and fresh clothes without spit-up, poop or Lord-knows-what on them. And, I like to be on time, all the time.

 


But, that in no way, shape or form would ever overrun the decision to have a baby, or two. Or three. I’m ready for the mess. I will embrace the chaos and try to remain sane.

 


When this little guy comes to visit for a few hours and we both go through the emotions of elation, hunger, gas and then finally, a total breakdown, I’ve realized-this too shall pass.

(No pun intended on the gas portion of the sentence. Ok, maybe a little pun intended.)

 


I’ve seen my friend’s kids grow up all too quickly–to the point that I don’t recognize them immediately. “When did she start wearing a bra?”
“Who’s that boy smooching on her-I’ll kill him!”
“Is it really legal for her to be driving?”
“What’s with the dang Justin Bieber hairdo? I can’t see his beautiful, blue eyes.”
(All real thoughts from my weirdo brain.)

 


This little nephew of mine came into this world as a tiny newborn protected behind a shield of glass, but has transitioned into a smiling, crawling, fuzzy headed little dude that loves to sit in front of a fan or enjoy his Uncle Bicep’s crazy, fast pony rides.
(In my opinion they are crazy, fast pony rides. This does not reflect the opinions of others-namely, Biceps.)

 


Before too long, this little guy will hopefully be calling me Aunt Tabetta, throwing temper tantrums about taking naps and getting potty trained.

 


And hopefully, I can be there for most of those moments. And maybe throw one of my own little guys into the mix, just to keep things lively during our weekly Family nights. Or maybe two. Or three.

Who knows? I do live in Oklahoma-the land of encouraged repeated reproductivity. I’d better get busy.
No pun intended.

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Oklahoma and Biceps are Fighting Fire

Oklahoma, like many parts of the United States, is on fire. Both June and July have had high temperatures over 90 degrees. And little rain.

It’s the perfect storm for unintentional grass and structure fires, along with the intentional arsonists dreams coming true. One little spark and poof-down goes a whole neighborhood.

 


(Photo Source)
Biceps came home yesterday morning with bloodshot eyes, less than two hours sleep and the hope of a nap.

After helping him unpack his smelly clothes, throwing him in the shower and feeding him, his head fell hard on the pillow. Twitching ensued for several minutes until it was “light’s out” for Biceps.

 


(Photo Source)
A mere 21 hours later, after dressing in his fresh clothes, packing him a lunch, Biceps left at 5 am to start it all over again.

Please pray for the safety of all firefighters-paid and volunteer. And if you have a local fire station close to you, I know from experience that a quick “thank you” from time to time makes the firefighter’s day. Along with cake. They really like cake.

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I’m having a Party here tonight!

I’m having a party here tonight.


Ok. Maybe it won’t look like this tonight. But it’s a good reminder of how far this old house has come.

 


After buying this house, we had to gut the past bad remodeling jobs to make it livable. This scene here is now this…

 


I think it’s a bit of a step-up.

 


But, this did have that “open” feeling as well. When I’m tempted to be frustrated that the house still isn’t finished, it’s good to look back and see just how far it’s come.

 

And, it’s also good to remind myself of the above scenario when I begin to look for another potential property that we could buy and fix up “a little”.  Well played, old photos. Well played.

To see more pictures of this remodel, go here.
To see more finished pictures of the home, go
here or here

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Summer Drink Round-Up

With temperatures reaching 114 on a frequent basis, it’s no wonder that summer drinks are on my mind. I’ve had a lot of fun coming up with Low-Cal or No-Cal summer drinks over the past couple of months.

Here are all the recipes for my Summer Drinks in one simple post. I hope you enjoy!

 


Skinny Orange Julius (for step by step with pictorial instructions, go here)

This Recipe makes a Pitcher of 4-5 Servings:
4-5 Peeled Fresh Oranges
4-5 Cups of Ice
1-2 Cups of Water
1/4 tsp Vanilla Creme Stevia

This Recipe makes one serving:
1 Orange
1 Cup of Ice
1/4 Cup of Water or as Needed
2 Drops of Liquid Vanilla Creme Stevia

In a blender, combine the peeled oranges, adding 1/2 of the needed ice on top. Add the water and pulse until the ice is broken up into chunks. Add to this the other half of ice. Next, add the Stevia. Puree everything until it’s blended, but still a bit chunky. Pour in a chilled glass and enjoy!

 


No Calorie Sweetened Iced Coffee (for step by step with pictorial instructions, go here)

2 TBS Decaf/Caffeinated NesCafe-more or less depending on how strong you like your coffee
8 drops Liquid Stevia-more or less depending on how sweet you like it
Milk
Water

Fill a tall glass of water (heh) with the 2 TBS of NesCafe. Stir and add ice. Add the 8 drops of Liquid Stevia and milk, depending on your taste.

 


No Calorie Sweet Green Tea (for step by step with pictorial instructions, go here)

Tea Kettle
Glass Tea Jar
10 Green Tea Bags (I use 5 Caffeinated and 5 Decaffeinated Tea Bags)
6 + 4 Cups of Water
1/2 tsp Liquid Stevia

Using a clothespin, use the tab at the end of the string to corral your tea bags. Clip the tea bags to the side of your glass tea jar. Boil 6 cups of water in your tea kettle. After the water in the tea kettle whistles, pour the boiling water into the glass tea jar. Aim for the tea bags as you pour. Steep for 5 minutes.
After 5 minutes, pull the tea bags from the liquid but still inside of the tea jar. Slowly squeeze out any remaining water from the tea bags using a wooden spoon. Add the 1/2 tsp Liquid Stevia. Add 4 Cups of cold water to the tea jar. Stir, chill for several hours and serve.

 


No Calorie Fresh Lime “Gritzer” (for step by step with pictorial instructions, go here)
(makes 1 Liter):
1 Liter of Diet Tonic Water (sweetened with Splenda)*
1 Lime
1/4 tsp Liquid Stevia
*here’s my disclaimer, Tonic Water contains quinine. Some people cannot consume this product. I have yet to find an alternative.

Fill a pitcher with the Diet Tonic Water. Wash one whole lime first, then cut into wedges and squeeze into pitcher. Throw the limes into the tonic water if desired. Add 1/4 tsp of Liquid Stevia (more or less depending upon your sweet needs). Stir a couple of times, pour into your favorite “fancy glass” and garnish with another lime wedge.

 

That’s all for now, but I’m sure I’ll come up with more. I hope you’ve enjoyed the Summer Drink Round-Up!

 

If these parties are up, I link to them! (Here’s my complete Linky Party Page):
Monday: Crafts Keep Me Sane, The Better Baker, Skip to My Lou, DIY Showoff, Say Not, Sumo’s Sweet Stuff, Etcetorize, Sew Chatty, Brassy Apple, Flour Me With Love, Creating my Way, Mad in Crafts, Our Delightful Home, Sew Can Do, It’s So Very Cheri, Craft O Maniac, Polly Want a Crafter, Tuesday: Craft Edition, Inspiration Board , New Nostalgia , Lettered Life , Coastal Charm, Tip Junkie , Ladybug Blessings, Hope Studios , Todays Creative Blog, Wednesday: Someday Crafts , Day2DayJoys, Jillify It , Junk in the Trunk, We are that Family , Frugally Sustainable, Sew Much Ado, Fine Craft Guild , The Thrifty Home, My Girlish Whims , Quick, Easy, Cheap & Healthy, Trendy Treehouse, Thursday: Somewhat Simple, No Minimalist Here , A Glimpse Inside, The Mommy Club, The 36th Avenue, Cheap Chic Home, Beyond the Picket Fence, Fireflies and Jellybeans , House of Hepworths , The Shabby Chic Cottage, Friday: My Repurposed LifeIt’s a HodgePodge LifeThe Shabby NestJust Wingin’ ItOne Artsy MommaFrench Country CottageFinding Fabulous, Passionately Artistic, Petals and Picots, Simply Designing, Little Becky Homecky, My Romantic HomeBacon Time, Simply Living, Saturday: Polkadot Pretties, Tatertots and Jello, Create and Inspire, Be Different, Act Normal, Craft Envy, Funky Junk Interiors, Petites Passion, Sunday: Under the Table, Natural Mothers, Mopping the Floor

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