What I'm Loving Wednesday!

To link up go to Jamie's blog! Here!

What I'm loving!

First off, I love reading my cousin's blog  Mrs. DIY and the tennis guy!

She always has some fun craft she is doing (always cute and Pottery Barn-ish) and she's got a lot of exciting things going on in her life! 

It would be MY ideal life it I didn't have my own!

I also LOVE that when I woke up this morning....

(after our 5:00 am feeding I go back to sleep)

That Daddy J, cleaned the ENTIRE HOUSE!

He woke up at 6, changed and dressed Kie.  Cleaned the kitchen, the living room, the baby's room and started the laundry and dishes. Made coffee for me and him and got off to work before 7! I really don't know how he does it!

It takes a lot for me to get that much done when I'm with Kie all day. And he did it all before work!

My husband is amazing! I'm reminded daily how great he is and I'm forever grateful to God for blessing me with him.  

Not to mention, last Sunday he was announced at our church! He officially joined Hyde Park Baptist and the preacher told our congregation how he gave his heart to Jesus! And that he will be getting Baptized this month. In fact, he is getting baptized the 20th of this month when his mom (from Colorado) will be here.  She has never met Kie either, so it will be a big special weekend for everyone.

I am ALSO loving....

Kie's sweet baby talk!

My sweet baby loves to chat! He babbles and coos and his favorite word is "ahhhh goooooo!"  It's the cutest thing ever!

All day long he talks, smiles and gurgles! 

I'm also LOVING that it's February....

February is getting closer to SPRING time! And Spring in Austin is beautiful! Right now it's a  whopping 18 degrees! And I'm a true blue Texas gal, which means I don't fair well in the cold!

I am still in need to get in shape before  this summer time....but that is for another blog.

AND lastly....

 I'm loving this week rather than last week...

Because last week I spent my Friday night in the ER.

Since my c-section (3 months ago) I've been experiencing a lot of pain in my lower right torso.  I chalked it up to healing, ligaments re-attaching and perhaps the cold weather.

Well last Friday it was 70 degrees, and I was in immense pain. So I no longer could blame the cold weather for the sharp piercing pain in my abdomen.  I tried to relax the majority of the day, but the pain progressed.  Of course it PEAKED after the doctor's office closed and I called a 24 hour nurse who informed me she thought it sounded like appendicitis.

We got to the ER around 7 pm and I stayed there till 1:30 am.  They ran a lot of tests, checked my appendix, gall bladder, uterus, my incision, looked for cysts, check my kidneys and did a few sonograms. But they could not determine why I was in pain.

So yesterday I was finally able to get in to my doctor.  He informed me my pain is from an internal suture or something left from the surgery.  And that I should expect this pain for  6 months. 

I trust my doctor, but I find it hard to believe a suture could resonate so much pain.  And why is it hurting worse 3 months post op?

I don't know. Nor am I a doctor.

So I guess I will just suck it up and deal.  Tho I may add, when the pain strikes I can't walk, carry Kie or stand straight.

I don't take pain meds. And I'm very healthy, exercise often and eat good. So I don't know.  Even my incision from the surgery has healed up great and never had a problem!

ANYWAY...that was last weekend.  At least now I know when the pain strikes, that it's not detrimental to my health.  

I always look for the positive!

well I'm done nursing which means I'm done blogging!

Until next time,

-HK-

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

It's that time of the WEEK! To play along, go check out Jamie's blog  "This Kind Of Love" to link yourself!!

With that being SAID....this is a SPECIAL Wednesday.

More so it was very special YESTERDAY. 


So what I'm so very gratefully, graciously thankful for is....


SALVATION!



Yesterday Justin and I went to visit our preacher, Dr. Bowman.
We went to see about Justin joining our church.  I had been a member since 2006 and Justin wanted to join (he had been coming with me for over a year or two.)  And we also wanted to talk about Kie being dedicated at one of the services.


All my expectations for the meeting were BLOWN out of the water!  Dr. Bowman was so nice and his meeting/talk with us was JUST as great as one of his sermons!  We were blessed to have him personally for an hour!  Anyway, he asked a little about the both of us and how we grew up.


My story is pretty boring.  I'm from a small town, Atlanta-Texas, born and raised in a Baptist Church. Saved and Baptized at 9 years old. Yada ya ya...(Though of course I've been through my share of trials and tribulations...but we all have!)


Then Justin told his story---which, some may know.  My husband's life was polar opposite of mine.  He was born in California, where he witnessed his own father take his life, in which Justin had to cut his dad out of the tree in their yard. (He hung himself.)  Justin was 13, taken by the State of California--lived in group homes/orphanages.  Grew up around Santa Barbara where gangs ruled the coastal towns.  You either were in a gang for protection or you were killed.  Justin emancipated himself from his mother (who had left him and his brother).  Started working at 14, had his own apartment...And has been working for the last 20 years.  He was his own parent and his own guardian.  He experienced a lot of different vices to help him cope.  He was always battling his past but was able to overcome them through a lot of therapy.  


ANYWAY--Dr. Bowman was touched by Justin's story.  He started to witness to Justin about Jesus, also comparing Justin's life story to verses in the Bible.  After talking to Justin about life and death, our choices in life--and the wages of sin then Justin prayed the sinner's prayer with my preacher.  
There I was sitting with him in our Pastor's office, rocking Kie in my lap--as we witnessed Justin take Jesus Christ into his life.  Finally, a love that would NEVER leave him.  A God that would never forsake him.  
Justin's eyes were filled with tears and he had the biggest grin on his face.


I have seen Justin 'cry' a total of 3 times.


1.) When we missed the plane to Cabo, causing us to MISS our wedding.  (Will blog about that one day!)
2.) When we got married. Ok, he teared up. Not so much cry.
3.) And yesterday, asking and accepting Christ into his heart and life.


Justin is making it PUBLIC--on Sunday.  He is joining the church--where Dr. Bowman will tell our congregation about Justin asking Christ into his life.  Then the following Sunday he will be getting baptized!


I cannot tell you how happy and overjoyed I am!


My husband has always been a good man, regardless of the pitfalls of life.  He's got a great heart and would give the shirt off his back to anyone.  He was raised Catholic as a little boy, but after his family split apart---Justin's only concern in life was to survive.


Since marrying me, I've witnessed to Justin and tried to show him God's love.


God has been working in his heart for a long time. So I cannot tell you how happy I am, my family and his friends are--for this great decision!



Well, that's what I love this Wednesday!



Until next time!


-HK-

J vs. J

So I have this celebrity crush on Jason Statham.  He's been in a lot of movies like Crank, The Transporter, The Italian Job and a lot of other action-packed movies.  His new movie The Mechanic comes out this weekend.  (I watched a lot of these thanks to my husband!) Anyway, Justin doesn't mind this celebrity crush because HE has a man-crush on him.  And then I realized why I love LIKE him so much.

Justin

Jason
http://tinyurl.com/6hgx8je

Sooooooo notice any similarities?!?! Also he is a big scuba diver like my husband--also looks strangely a lot like him, they are close in age--and is a total hottie pa-tottie bad boy good guy! (my husband is a reformed bad boy.)

---It's like I have my own Jason Statham!

Justin

Jason
http://tinyurl.com/5vmy24f

Jason
http://tinyurl.com/4p3a6hf

Perhaps I'm stretching it a bit....

What do you think???

Baby Lane

http://tinyurl.com/4sljf4l

I think there needs to be a lane for parents/guardians with babies.  This lane would have no stop lights or 4-way stops.  Because, if you're a parent or have ever driven around with a baby....then you know babies love movement.  And Kie, like my little niece, will start to whimper as soon as the car starts to slow down or movement ends.  And, if we're unlucky to fully stop and sit for a bit at a busy light or intersection, then Kie has started his full on baby cry.  It's actually a super cute cry, but not so cute when I can't soothe him.  


If Daddy J is driving, I prefer to sit back-sit with the Lil Man--just in case I need to soothe him.  But if I'm driving with just Baby, then there's not much I can do!  Anyway, instead of a HOV lane, there needs to be a BABY lane.


Just my 2 cents.


--------------------------------------


Last weekend we had a GREAT time.
--Friday Justin and I had family night.  It was crab cake and salmon Friday.  Followed by time spent in the hot tub.  (Lil man is in bed and we have his monitor on).  
Saturday we SPRING CLEANED the house.  I realize it's a bit early to be "Spring Cleaning" but we tagged team the house and clean and scrubbed everything.  I was excited because I used my new little vacuum.  It's just a hard wood floor/carpet cleaner one, but it's little enough to clean in hard places like under the bed/sofa and crib.  (We have a big vacuum as well, which Justin uses for the rest of the house.)
We also went shopping for Kie, which I love.  He got some new jeans, a hoodie, a baseball footsie, a motorcycle onesies, new shoes, a few extra onesies and a new beanie!  And it was all for $30 at TJ Maxx.  (Btw, I had never been there before!) Wow,  I'm definitely going back for the little man!


We also got him a new bouncy swing that you can connect to a door frame so he can work on his leg muscles.  He is a bit young for it, but he still enjoys sitting in it and letting us bounce him.


That night our friends Sean, Michelle, Amanda and Warren came over for dinner and board games.  (It's becoming a weekend tradition).  Michelle made a delicious King Ranch Casserole, I made Megan's cheesecake cookies (thanks lady!) and together we all feasted.  We played Catch Phrase and Cranium till 1 am!  It was a lot of fun playing with Justin. We were a great team.  Usually we play guys vs. girls but decided this time to do couples.  


Kie was also a great host, he laughed and played and fell asleep! <3 Such a sweet little man.


Anyway, this week is already flying by! Later on today we're meeting with our preacher to talk about dedicating Kie at one of the services soon.  We're so excited.  I can't wait to watch our sweet baby grow up in Sunday School and be an active little boy in choir and all the fun activities of church.




Well I'm going to finish straightening up the house and maybe me and Kie will go out for a walk around the neighborhood.  I was working out pretty good the last few weeks but the weekends always throw me for a loop.  Zumba is a lot of fun as well, but getting Kie down to enjoy it is hard!


I usually have to make a fool of myself dancing in front of Justin while he holds the baby.  I get a good (sweaty) workout in, he gets a good laugh.  A win-win for all!


Until next time,




-HK-

Easy Recipe Friday!

Happy Birthday

 to the best DAD a gal could ever ask for!

With that being said, TODAY is my dad's birthday.  And I, being the Daddy's Girl that I am--would like to say a few things about the old man (he's 54 today!) 

First off, my dad is one of a kind!  My dad has always been so great to me, even when I disliked him for punishing me during my teen years and grounding me for sneaking out the house.  Regardless, he has always shown his love (in his own way) to me. He's supported me in life through everything and he's always been the most generous man I've ever known (until I met my husband.) My dad and my husband would do and give me anything if I asked for it.  Luckily for them both I'm not that type of girl!

I love and respect my dad so much for coming so far in life! He came from nothing, put himself through medical school against all odds. And became an amazing father!  I also named my own son after him.  Dad's name, Timothy Cranford, my son's Timothy Kie.

He's a great father and grandfather to me and my precious son!

Thank you God for blessing me with him! And here's to many more happy years with him!

============

On to Friday's topic!

I've not shared any recipes before so today I'm sharing  "Easy recipe Friday!"

Basically I'm going to try to post a easy, tasty recipe every so often--and I'll do it on Friday.

Or so that's what I say now.

Regardless this is for 

Momma's Made-Easy Enchiladas!

This recipe is GREAT for making an army load of food.  So If you like leftovers--or care to make this for friends, a party, your big family--or for your significant other who eats like there is NO tomorrow...then this is your recipe! 

You can also freeze for later!

Of course you can always scale down on the ingredients. 

ALSO be sure to check out the ** (this indicates how to make the meal with less fat, less calories and healthier for you!)

What You Will Need:

2 cans of Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup

(or you can use Cream of Chicken--I use one of each)

**I use the less sodium and fat free ones**

3 tsp of butter 

**Butter can be nixed from the recipe all together.  The original recipe that was passed on to me included butter.  I don't use it!

**1 8oz Light Sour Cream

1 rotisserie chicken

(I use a rotisserie chicken to save me time)

**You can also cook a boneless, skinless chicken breast.

20 flour/corn tortillas (if small) 10 if large

**Or use wheat tortillas

Pico De Gallo

(home-made or store bought)

2% fat free mixed shredded Cheese

**Or you can use NO cheese

+ Spices +

(to taste & additional flavorings)

1. Cumin 

 2. Chili Pepper

3. Paprika

4. jalapenos

1. Set oven for 350 degrees

2. Mix in a large bowl--the sour cream, pico de gallo, 1 & 1/2 cans of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken, the melted butter and shredded chicken breast.

3. Add cheese to mixture--and spices to taste. (optionally)

Personally I add a lot of spices! Especially the cumin for a smoky flavor.

4. Use a glass casserole dish and fill the tortillas with the mixture, roll and place in dish.

5. Pour the remaining half of can of cream of mushroom over the top of enchiladas. 

Sprinkle with cheese & paprika.

6. Put in oven for 20 minutes.

And volia! Your Mexican dish is complete!

You can also top the enchiladas with jalepenos, pico de gallo or even put them in the mixture depending on how spicy you like them!

The best thing about this recipe is you can't go wrong! You can add a lot to it and flavor it however you like!

Well it's about time for me and Kie's MORNING nap.

I may add another blog today.

I've got a running list of things I wanted to blog about! We'll see how today goes.  I also am having friends over this weekend so the house needs a good scrub/clean down first!

Also I bought a new vacuum and I'm excited to use it! I'll write a review if I think about it.

Until next time,

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

It's Wednesday and I've not done a "What I'm LOVING Wednesday" in awhile--so today's the day! Plus a little run down of this past weekend and week!

If you'd like to start doing a "What I'm loving Wednesday" HERE is the link to Jamie's blog to link up!

I am starting to LOVE coffee.

It's more of a Café au lait!

But regardless, it helps me get through the morning when all I want to do is take a morning nap with Baby.

I love weekends with my husband and son!

My husband works 80+ hours a week so time during the work week is hard to find. But weekends are for FAMILY time!

I cherish our time together so much.  We usually spend one day with close friends, playing board games and socializing.  One night in watching movies and Sunday is of course church day!  Weekends can't get here fast enough for the Knuth family!

Baby Kie wearing his Bevo outfit! (Notice the Longhorn horns!)

I LOVE motherhood.
The spit up in my hair, the changing dirty diapers, the nursing at all hours of the night, the teetee on the onesies, the rocking, the smiles, the coos, the flailing baby arms and legs...

AH, motherhood is such a blessing.  Hard or not, I love it and thank God everyday (and my husband) for our sweet lil man.

I also love my new Saucony running shoes--

I love my Victoria Secret yoga pants (I live in these!)

You can get them here!

I love Date Nights!

--Justin and I got to go on our *second* date since Kie was born.

We went to Cafe Josie for dinner Saturday night.  What was so ironic is we went there nearly a year ago to the day!  That day last year, Justin revealed how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me--and plans were set for the future!

I also LOVE this beautiful weather!

It's been in the 50's here in Austin and sunny!

Today I'm meeting my friend Allison at Town Lake for a walk (with my super fun stroller) and Kie!

I can't wait to see her, it's been over a year! And for her to meet my sweet lil man.

I also LOVE me & daddy time in the HOT TUB.

  After we put Kie down for bed, we put him in our room with the monitor on--and we go out on our deck to soak our muscles in the water.  Believe it or not, carrying around a 12 lb baby all day can make your arms and shoulders a little sore!  So I definitely enjoy the 15-20 minutes we get to soak in the hot water!   Plus the nights are cold and enjoying the quiet winter sky is a bonus.  I usually imagine we are far away from the city :)

---Well that's it for What I'm Loving!

--Also, like I mentioned above, this past weekend Justin and I went out for a date while my parents were in.  I love grandparents and free babysitting! 

Our date was fun and refreshing!  It felt good putting on something nice and dressing up.  After we went out to dinner we ended up at a favorite spot of ours a year ago (Justin refers to it as our 'old stomping grounds'. ) It was amusing because we ran into some old friends we hadn't seen since Kie was born.  We realized a lot has changed in our lives and we are so happy where we are at. We definitely don't miss the social scene and everything that goes with it.  We now have our own social circle that doesn't mind quiet nights in---and taking turns holding little man! lol

Sunday we went to church and Kie decided to wake up during the service to do some vocalizing during Dr. Bowman's sermon.  So Justin took Kie out to the lobby where he listened to the rest of the service where no one minded if Kie decided to talk back to the preacher! Ha!

We also went after the service so that Dr. (Kie) Bowman could meet our sweet little Kie.

Dr. Bowman really enjoyed that we named our lil man after him.  

Anyway, I have some cleaning to do before we head downtown to the lake. 

Hope everyone is doing great!

Lots of love-

-HK & Kie-

Here & Now

Quick update! My parents are coming into town this weekend! I love it when they are here! They will be amazed how much Kie has grown since Christmas!  I miss being so close (in proximity) to all my family but I wouldn't move from Austin! Unless it was to some other exciting place in another state.  Personally I believe Austin is the best city in Texas.  So much to do and see!

Anywho....

We also are officially going to Florida in July with my entire family.  Super excited! And also means I gotta get my bottom into gear and get it into shape.  (In a smaller shape preferably!) Justin and I will be taking another vacation just the 3 of us. But it will be a lot of fun to be on the beach with all the family.  Plus it may give me and J some one-on-one time because there will be so many aunts, cousins and grandparents willing to watch lil man!

lastly, I got ZUMBA for Wii!  I'm excited to see if I like it and if it helps me wiggle & dance my way BACK into my skinny jeans.  I love dancing and my friend Megan told me she loves it and it makes you sweat a lot!  And believe it or not, I love to sweat.  Makes me feel like I'm ridding myself of toxins.


Yea! Justin's back from work! It's been a super long day for us both.  Kie has allergies and work has been crazy for J. Tonight is bath night for little man (he gets one every other day!) and I'm about to clean the kitchen up from dinner and maybe do some Zumba.  We'll see how it goes.

Until next time,

-HK-