Birthday Buddy

Jayden, my first and oldest nephew, and I have only 3 hours and 20 minutes that separate us from sharing the same birthday. I was 18 years and 364 days old when that big baby boy nearly 11 lbs. entered the world, stealing my heart.

He changed my world and he changed me. Jayden is not only my nephew, but he is just like a little brother to me as well as nearly like my own child. My heart had never up until meeting Eric and having Ellie known the immense amount of love that it could behold. I then, as a young college girl, started spending my weekends less and less with friends and more and more with Jayden. I took care of him in the middle of the night when he woke up, I took him on dates, I took him running, I experienced nearly all his firsts with him, I got to see how holidays are way more fun with a little one than with just as your own self. In fact, I remember working as a CNA and having to work weekends and holidays and being so sad as I was single and childless meaning I was the last person allowed to ask off for these days. I understand now as a mommy how important it is for mothers to be with their babies on holidays if possible, but I loved that baby as my own and I couldn't imagine not being with him for Christmas! I was heartbroken. We have always had a special unique bond. We fight like siblings and fuss and annoy each other but we also get each other unlike most others do. We are really super close buddies.

With life having changed so much for both of us since his birth (3 new siblings for him, a husband and a daughter for me, new state and town for him, too), I no longer see him every weekend yet I still see him a couple times a month which is a blessing.

To celebrate us turning 9 and 28 next weekend, Jayden and I went on a special birthday date this past Friday as he was in town for the weekend. I called him up and asked him where he wanted to go. I told him he could go anywhere he desired. Chick-fil-a it was! Jayden got the spicy chicken deluxe. He opened all my doors for me and threw away the trash. He also got a frozen lemonade drink. He and I talked about roller coasters, cars, volcanoes, food, books, and science. I gave him a Harry Potter temperature changing mug of the Marauder's Map for his nightly tea and book time at home.

It overwhelmed me as I sat with him talking and watching him enjoy his meal the amount of special bubbles that over took my heart. I fear he won't think me as fun or as cool now that we are both getting older. He used to call me a big kid....he literally thought I was a kid who was tall...even after I married Eric....and I just wondered, am I still cool Aunt Emmay? Am I still interesting to him? His laughter reassured my fears. He was so interested in my words and he was laughing all the time! He complimented my messy loaded down camry full of Ellie toys, snacks, hiking gear, ballet gear, and extra clothes. He made me feel special and I hope he felt special, too.

There is nothing quite like the first child in your life that makes you see the world through a new pair of glasses.

Happy Birthday, Birthday Buddy!! I love you!!

Cajun

You best know him as Dingo Dog. Insert, "The Dingo ate my baby!!" ...but seriously...watch out kids!

Cajun is my stepchild. I first met him on mine and Eric's first date and he did not even bark at me. In fact he instantly snuggled me and licked me and cuddled down beside me. He was buttering me up. He wanted a new mommy. But, it was short lived. He had to train me and I am just as stubborn as he is! He is a high maintenance picky little dingo. Don't touch his paws, don't cuddle him, don't look him in the eyes, don't run in the house, don't make loud and disturbing sounds, and don't chase him. I don't live by his demands so he and I are constantly at odds in a hilarious sort of way.

Before I came along, for a season of time, it was just Eric and the Dingo. Two bachelors. Doing whatever they wanted. House and couch and bed all to themselves. Enter squealy, chipper, high pitched blonde number one. Then two (Blondie), then three (Ellie).Cajun is the most docile he has ever been, now. Sure he is old, but I think the three blonde ladies of the house have worn him down. Often he retreats to be alone upstairs in the bed or in his "house." If we get near him, he darts. It's again because we are too touchy feely and loud for him. He is a grumpy old man. "Daddy, what did you do?! All these blonde girls running around wild!!"

He is a carolina dog. Breed in the carolinas, clearly. They are still considered a wild and newly domesticated breed. Meaning....they aren't as trusting, calm, or docile as your other family breeds like retrievers and collies....Very dominant, territorial, protective, and wild in character.
For example....when Cajun was a puppy, Eric rescued him from The Greenville Humane Society. He had a nub for a tail. Carolina dogs all have tails. His was clearly docked as a pup. Eric got Cajun set up with a dog trainer who gave services in-home. Cajun failed. I have all the paperwork. He failed. He was offered a free training session due to the bewilderment of the trainer who had obviously just never ever seen such. He is not stupid...in fact he is too smart. He is stubborn. And picky.

He is a protector. He is loving to those who fully submit to him. He personally loves my mom, my friend Savannah, and friend Julie. And well...that is about it. From time to time he shocks me with cuddles and kisses. Ok, so I love him but ugh he grates my nerves. (Animal activists fear not) Cajun is well loved and our "animosity" is a running joke with family and friends.

What I love most about Cajun are a few grand things. First, He makes Eric very happy. He was in Eric's life as a soul companion at a traumatizing time in Eric's life. He and Eric have a special secret language and Cajun only obeys Eric...or me when he fears I am going to kill him....but only then...lol! I see a childlike, boy like grin on Eric's face when Cajun dusts off his old bones and wants to play with Eric. I see tears in Eric's eyes when Cajun seems sick or his time may be near. I see the joy this pet gives my husband. That is why I love Cajun.

I love that Cajun is so funny in his nature. He is the most dominant and territorial dog who just wants to be cuddled by daddy like a big old baby. He has no use for foolish games or antics. He is too posh for all that. He tricks Blondie and keeps us laughing.

I love that he knows how to open Christmas presents and admire them under the tree, practicing self control by only sniffing and not tearing into them until Christmas day. 

I love that he let me dress him as a deer for Halloween one year and as a senor another. He lets me play dress up with him even though he hates it. For being so touchy, he truly does love to please his people. He also knows treats are involved.

I love that Cajun can spell. Yes, he can actually spell. P-A-R-K. .....W-A-L-K. He knows what they mean.

Spaghetti Squash Hamburger Casserole

Y'all....I don't know what I would call this other than good!!! I had a craving last week for a hamburger casserole...noodly, hamburgery, cheesy goodness. But how to have that and make it healthy? Here is what I did:

Spaghetti Squash Hamburger Casserole

INGREDIENTS:

* 2 lbs of lean grass fed beef
* 1 large or 2 small/medium spaghetti squash
* 2 cups of fresh chopped tomatoes
* Seasonings- Course Ground Pepper, Onion Powder
* Shredded Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.

2. Vertically/ symmetrically cut the spaghetti squash so that you have two equal halves. Lay on a baking sheet with a little water in the sheet, and bake for 35 minutes or until exterior of squash is softened and inside of the squash easily scrapes out.

    While the Squash bakes, brown your beef, chopping it into loose hamburger bites, drain any residual grease, and season to taste with spices. Pour into mixing bowl. Add chopped tomatoes to the mixing bowl with the beef.

3. Let the squash cool off to the side, enough that your hands will be able to work with it later.

4. Once the squash has cooled, take a fork to the inside and scrape away seeds and discard. Then, continue scraping squash with the fork and place into bowl with beef and tomatoes. Mix well.

5. Place mix into a 9x13 oiled casserole dish and sprinkle top with cheese. Bake at 375 F for about 35 minutes or until cheese is golden.

*Next time I would add in spinach and onion. To get my greens in there! ;)

*Just because it is healthy....remember to watch portions. You can have too much healthy food. Moderation. Don't stuff yoselves, y'all! ;P   And easy on the cheesy....y'all know I don't cut anything out but I moderate it. This is a lifestyle, not a trendy diet. Enjoy your food and find ways like this to have your cravings, but healthy or healthier!

*Disclaimer to photo for the blog...Not mine! Haha! Too hungry to take one the night I made it. Thank goodness for Google...and what a beautiful casserole dish! Haha!! Enjoy! Make it your own! Keep it healthy!

Church in the Nursery

Every night, as you all well know by now, friends, we, or just I as Eric's school/work schedule doesn't allow him home at Ellie's bedtime often, we say prayers audibly with Ellie.

While saying prayers as the Three E's, we stand in the nursery, all holding each other in an embrace and speak to Jesus. Eric and I take turns on different nights leading the prayer over our family and Ellie specifically.

The moment is special, always.

It is special for the fact the where two or more are gathered, there God is, too. (Matthew 18:20).

It is special because it grows us closer as a family. When we are gathered in this way and the room is filled with the Holy Spirit, there is no place for evil. There is no place for bad feelings, moods, or grudges to remain. The day ends with peace and love in the name of Jesus.

It is special because Ellie sways back and forth between Eric and I, with her soft, long, cold, sweet little hands and fingers running over our faces and shoulders, grabbing our faces and laying wet little slobbery kisses on our eyes and lips. Rubbing my head and stroking...pulling my hair.

She hugs us and holds us and she loves it. It is special because Ellie sees a healthy loving family dynamic...not perfect....no family is perfect...that is why we need to pray, lol! But she sees love for each other and she most of all, sees and hears, and hopefully one day feels, the love of our Holy Spirit, Prince of Peace, God our King.

Tonight, Eric ended the prayer with, per usual, "Amen." I followed, "Amen." Then Ellie...."men"...with a big fat smile on her sweet face!

My heart was super happy! She smiled and looked from Eric to me as she said it. She doesn't know what the "Game" is we are "playing" but she sees that it is happy and fun and good. She feels the love and joy it emits.

Every night, I pray that one day God will fill Ellie with the Holy Spirit and that her heart's desire would be for Jesus, loving Him, serving Him, seeking Him, and that He will guide her and lead her and protect her. I pray God will help Eric and I to lead her and guide her and direct her in accordance with His will for her life to glorify Him.

While I know she has no clue what "Amen" was for and what we were doing....She was watching and learning and observing.

I do so much wrong every day. I #momfail all day long. But nothing matters more than #winning at leading our child God GAVE us in the way of the Lord and bathing her in His love and truth. And tonight, I got to see evidence of her "getting" that. For all the hard times, imperfections, bad attitudes I possess, that one effort of her to be included in the prayer by saying "men" (amen).....it is really all that matters.

Show her Jesus...not religion.  Show her first, love....not just laws. Show her God's truth...not man's twisted truth.

Emmay's Apple Crumble

I created this as I made it this evening. I didn't measure hardly anything...(I am the typical Southern Grandma's Recipe in the living flesh, haha!) But I will give you here, what I did.

I was insanely pleased with the result! YUM!!! Satisfied all the cravings with NONE of the guilt.

INGREDIENTS:

* 5 peeled, sliced, honeycrisp apples (or apple flavor of your preference)
* Cinnamon
* Nutmeg
* Organic Stevia
* 3 cups (separated) Almond Flour
* Olive oil or Coconut Oil
* Organic Vanilla Extract
* Light brown sugar
* Chopped Pecans

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel and slice your apples and toss into a big mixing bowl.

2. Sprinkle desired amount of nutmeg, cinnamon, and stevia, and vanilla extract over the apples, and mix it up, coating apples well. Set to the side.

3. In another mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of Almond flour with approximately 2 tablespoons of your oil of choice, splash a little vanilla extract and a little stevia. If the mix is too crumbly, just add a little water. The dough should be easy to manipulate in form and spread in bottom of dish.

4. Spray or grease a 9x13 casserole dish and spread dough mixture out evenly, covering entire bottom.

5. Pour apple mixture on top.

6. In the same bowl as first flour mixture (now empty), put in one more cup of almond flour, splash a little vanilla extract, and a wee bit of oil....this time the dough should be crumbly.

7. Evenly disperse crumble over apples (it will not wholly cover the apples).

8. Top with chopped pecans and a sprinkle of light brown sugar.

Bake in Oven at 400 F for 25-30 minutes, or until pecans look toasty, and apples are soft to the stab and slightly bubbling.

Ellie the Ballerina

Since before I knew I was pregnant with a darling little girl, I knew if we had a daughter, I would want her to try all the sports, musical, engineering, etc. activities she could get involved in. I want her to do whatever Ellie is passionate about. Whatever God blessed her with for her talents, gifts, and interests. I want her to praise Him with her passions. But particularly, I want her to get involved with dance. I LOVE dance! It is such a beautiful sport and requires so much discipline, too. And let's be real...the tutus and the sequins don't hurt! Haha!!

When I knew I was pregnant with an Ellie Clardy Gladden, I messaged a friend I trust dearly with all things focused on Christ centered parenting. Christy Sydow. She is one of the few moms I know that I aspire to be like in raising my child. She is just a mom who stands out to me for going against the world and the world's values and who instead seeks God in her parenting values. This is my desire, too. So, I knew I wanted Ellie to be involved in dance but I did not/do not desire her to wear skimpy little outfits or be ridiculously sexualized as some dance companies do---and parents think it is so cute....your worth is so much more than that in my opinion. Bash me all you want. It is just my belief. It is just not right for me and the daughter I want to raise in this world. Modest is Hottest is one of my beliefs. So I asked Christy to recommend to me if she could, a dance studio near us that was Christ focused or at least not a skimpy frimpy kind of place. I have a role and job to protect my daughter's innocence and modesty. I was so pleased when she immediately named Sterling Studio of Performing Arts in Easley. She really just seemed to like their overall mission in what they do and how they work. She had heard so many wonderful things, herself about them.

So now I had my studio pinned down and I began following them on Facebook, dreaming of the day I could enroll my little ballerina! To say I have been anticipating it like a child for Christmas or Disney world (heck, an adult for Christmas or Disney World!)....is a massive understatement.

I did my research and learned that Sterling has a Mommy and Me class that starts at 18 months old. So as a new dance season approached and registration began...I emailed the studio to see if it was acceptable to start Ellie a little under aged to get her toes dipped into it. Besides, she will become 18 months through the season as it is. Much to my joy, I was told to give it a go!!

So here we are!! We are taking Mommy and Me dance together and it is soooo cool! I am so thankful for the patience and "bubbliness" of Carrie Sterling with Ellie....as Ellie is not 100% able to fully get what is going on just yet! Haha! But it is so nice to be able to practice the stretches and dance moves, to be involved with a new friend for Ellie who is so sweet to her, to watch Ellie discover, and have fun with the props used in class and to watch her try to imitate what is being performed. I cannot wait to see how Ellie will learn and grow as we continue this activity. I am so happy to be a dance mom (but without the drama, please! Hahaha!) It is a great way to bond with Ellie, teach her new disciplines, and get her involved! Looking forward to all that is ahead!! Thank you, Sterling Studio!

Ellie's First Birthday Party!

First of all, God is just awesome! Ellie's First birthday party was a pool party which we held at my parent's neighborhood pool. We had it all to ourselves. The clouds were dark and gray, it had been a week of rain and the day of the party, August 4, 2018, it was set to be a 20% chance of rain.....and it did rain all the way up until the party. I was in "go mode" from my 6 A.M. alarm clock to get showered, fed, balloons blown up, food, decorations, and supplies delivered to Kingsland for an awesome party. I prayed for the skies to clear. If you know me, you know there is no "stop button" for my "go mode" until all is in place and ready. So, I messaged my best friends to be in charge of praying that morning as I was too wound up with party details and things to accomplish before the party to even muster the words I needed to pray. My little prayer warriors came through, and the sun came out, all clouds cleared up, and my nerves dissipated with the clouds. Of course, Mama and Daddy would have just had the party at their house had it rained, but I wanted everything perfect for my birthday princess! Mama, Daddy, and my brother Josh all set up everything for us so beautifully. Mama also did all the cooking and food prep. Eric and my Mother in Law helped Ellie to have a good morning so she would be happy for her party. My family is awesome.

Her theme was "Ellie-phant" as this is what we all lovingly call her and has always kind of been her thing. Eric came up with the theme and I thought it was just too precious. Though, we only really made the invitation the theme element. Pink and gold were her colors. We used her decorations from the shower my mama and sister threw for us last year! So it was extra special.

Tip Top Cake Shop in Easley created the perfect cake and cupcakes for our little one. Not only do they always taste amazing, but they are always spot on with exactly what I request and fantastic customer service. They are my "cake person" for life.

Ellie had almost all of her sweet friends she invited to attend and it was so sweet to watch her look around and see all her friend's sweet faces and their parents whom she loves to love on as well. Ellie invited her family and her closest friends.

Ellie swam in her float with her buddies and splashed around. The bigger kids liked playing corn-hole and shooting water guns and playing games.

We served a taco bar, prepared especially by my mama!

When it was time for the smash cake, we sang her "happy birthday" and then blew out her gold "1" candle. Ellie was the  type who didn't do much with the cake....she was more curious as to why everybody was circled around her staring at her, hahaha! She got a few good bites and then stuck her tongue out to lick it! Her 4 older cousins finished it off like vultures!

She opened presents and we 3E's are so grateful for the love showered on our baby girl. Not just on her birthday, but every day. It is a blessing to have so many friends who love God and display that love onto our little one.

We were thankful that Ellie's Nana (Eric's mama) was able to come all the way from Michigan for her party and to be able to stay with us a few weeks and get some Ellie time! Ellie really loved playing with her Nana!

Thank you with all of our hearts to our dear friends, near and far who made this day so so special for Ellie! It made this little Mama's heart overflow with joy and pride!! We are truly blessed that God has placed each of you not only in our lives, but in the life of our precious growing daughter. We are most thankful for how each of you is a beautiful example of Christ and we are thankful for the trust we have of our child in your presence and swarmed in your love as you reflect the love and behaviors of Christ! That is what living life is all about in the first place, so what a great way to celebrate the life of Ellie in the company of such filled people! We love y'all!! Muah!!