27 April 2011

THE YARD REVEAL!

Hi everyone! I'm finally ready to show pictures of the new yard! After getting gutters, we were able to fill the yard with dirt, soil, and cover with new sod. The entire yard had to be redone. You'll see why in the pictures below. Granted, the yard was not always this bad. We had really let it go because we kept having to post pone the yard makeover because of Texas' April Showers. We didn't see the point in mowing, weeding, etc if we were just going to change everything in a week. I think I got some really good before/after pictures!





I'm sure our new yard is loving all of this rain! Now I just need to post before/after pictures of our guest bath...

-Little Wife Power House


26 April 2011

what did EB bring Holden?

I have to say, the Easter Bunny [or EB for those of you who have seen HOP] was pretty good to Holden this year. Thank goodness we got the large basket from Pottery Barn or else I don't think everything would have fit!



-a fluffy stuffed animal [find it here]
-baby's first iPhone! He truly is his father's son. [find it here]
-Disney's greatest hits CD from Target. This one may have been more for me than him. 
-a sensory blanket - which didn't come in time but what can ya do! [find it here]
-my his favorite candies
-his own set of car keys by B.You [look here but buy at Target]
-a little Wheeeeeelie by B.You [look here but buy at Target]
-GiGi got holden & his cousins the Limited Edition Spring I Spy Bag! Both of us love it :)


I had a blast this weekend with my family. It was relaxing, fun, and filled with laughter. Just what the doctor ordered. 


-Little Wife Power House

25 April 2011

gotta keep a close eye on this one...

I don't think I've mentioned it in any recent posts but my little guy is crawling now! Wow, I really have to watch him...I'm going to be in big trouble once he starts walking! He has really started to explore the playroom. Want to see his new favorite hiding spot? 



On a completely unrelated note, I've been trying different things to fatten Holden up. Coconut milk [which he likes okay but will not drink out of a bottle], avocados [threw those up immediately], breastfeeding more, etc. Breastfeeding seems to be the best option. The problem is that since I hadn't been breastfeeding as much in the last month or so, my milk supply went way down. Unfortunately, I will have to turn to formula to supplement my breastmilk. I think I will do about half and half. I'm kind of upset about it and have a tiny, tiny understanding of women who can't breastfeed at all. I just want to do what's best for Holden. Even though it's not exactly what I want, I'm doing what I have to. Life is just like that sometimes. If any of you moms out there have any [HELPFUL] advice, send it my way!

-Little Wife Power House

my baby's first Easter.


Hope everyone had a fabulous Easter surrounded by those you love! I know I did.

-Little Wife Power House

22 April 2011

It's almost here!


We had some Easter pictures taken of Holden and his cousins a few weeks ago. I love that he fits perfectly in his Easter basket. What more could you want than an adorable baby in an Easter basket?! I'm looking forward to lots of family time in Midland this weekend. Holden & I are hitting the road alone *cringe* because the hubby has to stay home and do homework all weekend. *double cringe*

Anyhow, let's not forget what Easter is really about. It's easy [especially for me!] to get caught up in the fun toys and candy but we need to remember it's really about our Savior's sacrifice and resurrection. I'm grateful to him. He loved us so much that he gave his life so we could live with him again.


Go here to hear a beautiful testimony of Jesus Christ and here to watch a little Easter movie.

-Little Wife Power House

21 April 2011

Easter Cookies


I have a hard time not eating all of the dough before I bake the cookies normally but it was especially hard yesterday with this recipe. The dough was amazing! These are perfect for Easter. Crushed up Cadbury Mini Eggs?! Yes, please! Get the recipe here and get to cookin'!

-Little Wife Power House 

20 April 2011

"you're growing grass inside your house?!"

YES. I'm growing grass inside my house. Wheat grass to be exact. You know, the stuff you can take shots of at Jamba Juice? 


I will not be taking shots of my wheat grass. *GAG*
I'm just doing it to make it feel extra Spring-y at the Anderson household. And it totally has! I love the way they look in my Target $1 tins. I've been able to do some fun things with it. I've already had to trim it 3 times and I love the way it makes my kitchen smell when I do :) I got the idea here from 320*Sycamore. You can follow her steps on how to grow it if you're interested. 

Today I'm prepping for Holden's first Easter. Since having Holden, I've noticed I get muuuuuch more excited about holidays. I want to make them perfect for him! I loved holidays growing up and I know he will too. Uh, what kid doesn't love them? 

I finished getting everything for Holden's Easter basket [will share next week. I probably should have done it before to give you guys some ideas but I didn't. Oh well, maybe you can use them for next year if you need to!] I dyed some Easter eggs using this "recipe." It really is like a recipe and the colors are so vibrant! I haven't seen egg color like this before. Check out this post [hers look great. and follow all of the links too! She found some really cute Easter-esque items.] I also made some Easter cookies...think Cadbury Mini Eggs. Drooling yet? I'll post about those tomorrow!


What are you doing to prep for Easter? 

-Little Wife Power House

19 April 2011

The Bride and The Bridesmaid


Does anyone love Ikea as much as I do? I think 90% of our furniture is from Ikea, no joke. I like to go there and just walk around, get a $.50 hot dog [who am I? I used to hate hot dogs! Now they're just ok], and of course, pick up one or two things. Today I got a cheap-o desk and a table I will be using in Holden's big boy room for under $50! My friend, Blair, is getting married in like 35 days and then leaving all of us to move to Sunny California [lucky!] so we are making sure to hang out at least once a week. We call them our "lady dates." Last week, it was lunch, this week, Ikea, next week....sugar cookie decorating - professional style! Holden was loving on Blair during our lunch date:


I'm so happy that she found such a great guy that makes her so happy but I am sad I won't get to see her very often anymore. The upside? CALI VACAY!

-Little Wife Power House

PS - People are so lucky when bloggers are willing to give stuff away for nothing more than a comment [aka My Montessori MOMents]. Me - I'm mean, I make you follow hehe, but you can win this sweet guitar teether/rattle for nothing more than a comment! 


Go HERE to enter!! Or don't ;) [so I can win] Winner will be drawn on Monday.

15 April 2011

Breakfast Fuel


Okay, so I'm not a great foodie photographer but I hate blogging without a picture. I really ought to take a photography class but I have one too many things on my plate as it is. One day I will! Anyhow, I'm having one of those days. I'm not feeling great, I really need to catch up on work but I've been so tired this week that it's been so hard [ahem - getting up at 3AM two days in a row]. I needed something to work today and I knew cooking was the answer! I made these amazing blueberry muffins from scratch. It's amazing to taste the difference of ACTUAL BLUEBERRIES compared to the box mix. I highly recommend this recipe! And honestly, they weren't any harder than the mix. I hate having to open the can of blueberries and spending five minutes rinsing them! These will be perfect fuel to get me going tomorrow morning when I re-do our guest bath :) 

Happy weekend everyone! The hubby surprised me and is taking me on a date while Grandpa watches Holden :) What a perfect way to start the weekend. I need some hubby time.

Oh yeah, find the recipe here! I left out the crumble topping because I was feeling lazy but I bet it tastes yummy.

-Little Wife Power House

13 April 2011

Happy 9 Monthday, Holden!



Nicknames: my little guy
Temperament: I would generally categorize you as a very happy baby. You get very excited and flap your arms up and down - it's pretty cute. You still love me most [hehe] but you don't freak out when I hand you over anymore. We are still working on leaving you with Aunt Lori, though. You get mad when 100% of her attention is not on you. I can tell already that you are kind hearted.
Things I Could Do Without: Some extra crankiness due to teething. Still waking up once a night sometimes [when will this end?!] I got up at 3AM to nurse you on Monday & Tuesday and could not go back to sleep. I actually do not mind getting up with you to nurse you as long as I can go back to sleep.
Item/Toy We Love The Most: Your new I Spy Bag...I may play with it more than you do at the moment ;)
Item/Toy You Love The Most: The hand-me-down construction toys that the Guerrero's gave you. You are such a boy!
Things I'm Loving Most Right Now: You are a much better napper now-a-days! Sometimes I wonder who you are when you take two 1-1/2 hour naps. It helps me get more done and also have some downtime to relax. I love you calling for "mama" and "dada."
Things You're Loving Most Right Now: Walks. It has been especially windy lately so you have been having a ball outside. We go on a walk every day to our "park" and either have a picnic or just sit together on a blanket. It's probably the best part of my day and I'm guessing yours too.
Milestones: You make all kinds of noises now! You can say "mama" and "dada" very well. You said "Hi!" once and as of Monday you started with "lalalala." I love your baby babble. You get up on your hands and knees but haven't started crawling yet. You can pull yourself up to sitting position. You also got your first sunburn this week! Lots of milestones this month :)


Stats:
Height: 28 inches [42nd percentile]
Weight: 17 lbs 2 oz [6th percentile...LITTLE guy!] Your pediatrician recommended avocados...coconut milk...things high in fat content [the good fat] so we tried out avocados tonight...they triggered your gag reflex..gross..TMI? Love you! 
So you're a tall gangly thing...just like your dad :)


Gah-lee. I cannot believe you are 9 months old today. Where did the time go? You will be a year old soon, crawling, walking, running, talking...that's crazy to think about. Of course, there are things that I don't like about each month but I swear you just get more fun. You are more interactive, you love people repeating what you do, you give the best hugs & slobbery kisses. There are [a lot] of days that I wish I could just sleep in...just 30 more minutes...but then your Dad brings you in and I see your face light up, get a hug, and kiss your chubby cheeks.


We could hardly hold you back from the cocoa crispie treat. Even without the fun flame. Every time we let you go for even a second you jetted for the treat. 


We finally got ONE picture but we were close on stand by...



Since you obviously can't eat a cocoa crispie treat, we gave yours to JR. Here you are wondering why this guy stole your birthday treat...




We love you and look forward to your 1st birthday party in July! Plans are already in the works...:)


I have big plans for our guest bath this weekend! I'm really excited. Come Monday we will *hopefully* have a new yard and a new bathroom! Yahoo!


-Little Wife Power House

12 April 2011

Come Thou Fount



I think this has to be my favorite hymn ever. Gives me chills. I should really start every morning listening to this beautiful hymn. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir does a wonderful job [as usual!] It actually reminds me of one of the first times Allan and I ever watched conference together and now it's probably the most requested song for him to sing to me :o) So uplifting. Enjoy! 


Also, check out what I got for Holden and Allan. I can't wait for Easter!

-Little Wife Power House

11 April 2011

Easter Giveaway WINNER!

First off, I want to say a BIG thank you for all of the support and love on this giveaway! You guys are great and I wish I could choose all of you but alas, I cannot. 

The good news is that if you did NOT win, you can purchase the Easter edition [deluxe or standard] or you can purchase the beautiful color block fabric I Spy Bag [deluxe or standard] by handmadeMOMentsbyme HERE. You won't regret it. 

Okay, I hear ya! Who is the winner, you ask? 

[disclaimer: I used 35 because there were 35 valid comments...some were extras and didn't count as entries :)]


Congratulations, Katri! Can I admit something? I hope one day that Katri will agree to guest blog on LWPH! I don't know her but she is so cute and talented. Visit her blog here. Okay, now that I have that confession out of the way...Katri, send me your address [lwph.blog@gmail.com] so I can get this I Spy Bag to you! Must e-mail me within 24 hours. I know your cousin will love it!

Until my next giveaway...

-Little Wife Power House

08 April 2011

"You got that hair slicked back and those wayfarers on, baby" -The Ataris


I just posted about Ray Ban Wayfarers that I wanted for H. Weeeeeell I'm happy to report that I did not have to spend $70! Happy day! Nordstrom had these for a mere $10! And they seem to be practically baby proof. He only kept them on for the picture but maybe he'll get used to them? I have my own Ray Ban Wayfarers that my wonderful hubby got me for our first Christmas together but sadly...I can't wear them anymore thanks to the allergy I developed to my contacts. One of these days I will fill them with prescription lenses...one day. 

Thanks, Sommer, for the tip off to these! Her cute boy has them too! 

Today Holden & his cousins head to take pictures with some real live bunnies...H might even have a little cotton tail himself ;)

Before I forget - Sherwin Williams is having a sale this weekend....40% off of everything! They only do this like twice a year so take advantage! I will be repainting our guest bath in the near future thanks to the sale :)


One last thing, thank you to everyone who has supported me & Lori so far in the giveaway! You guys are awesome. 

-Little Wife Power House

07 April 2011

a little something for myself

Yesterday I went and got my eyebrows waxed. It's the one thing I decided to do every month for myself. As a mother [heck, as a HUMAN], you have to take care of yourself sometimes. The reason I chose this was because I have found it IMPOSSIBLE to keep up with my eyebrows since taking on motherhood & work. I have felt very self conscious about it. Is that silly? I figured that even though I often don't have time to put make up on, at least my eyebrows will look good :)


I also bought myself some daisies. Fresh flowers just put a smile on my face...and for only $4.00! Best $4.00 I've spent all week. Thank you, Market Street for my cheap, beautiful flowers :)



What do you do to pamper yourself? 


-Little Wife Power House


PS Why did my facebook friends tell me that THESE exist!? I'm sooo tempted to splurge on these but I have to hold myself back! must.not.spend.ridiculous.amounts.of.money.on.baby.stuff.


PPS/PSS [whatever it is!] Only a few more days left to enter the giveaway <--click here! So easy to enter :)

06 April 2011

summer time and the livin's easy

Holden & I are living it up right now. We spend all the time we can outside. Walks, walks, walks, lounging on blankets in the grass, sitting on the porch, and did I mention walks?

On one of our longer walks, I found a whole other side of the neighborhood that we had never been to. At the end of the street was a "park." I use the quotes because it's just a fairly large grass field and then a covered picnic table area. But it's perfect for taking your little ones to play soccer, have a picnic, whatever floats your cookie. It might be one of my favorite "parks" in the neighborhood because the possibilities are endless and there is hardly ever anyone there!

I took what might be one of the sweetest pictures I've gotten in a while...I love moments like this...


The only thing that could have possibly made this better would be the hubby being there. Can't have everything all the time though, right?



Holden loves to pick at the grass...and try to eat it. I'm pretty quick, thankfully. But really? He could eat worse things :)


Get out and enjoy this great weather while it lasts! If you need us...you know where to find us.

HEY WAIT! Don't forget to enter my Easter Giveaway! xoxo

-Little Wife Power House

05 April 2011

Easter Giveaway - closed

I love giveaways...a lot. I only give away things I own and know are completely awesome

Lori over at My Montessori MOMents [who happens to be my fabulous sister!] started selling I Spy bags in her Etsy shop. I had never heard of them but was instantly intrigued. Something that is educational, fun, cute, and keeps a child quietly entertained? Where do I sign up?! I bought one for my little guy and even though he can't find "the lego" or "the monster" yet, he sure loves feeling it, chewing on it, and throwing it around! It will be perfect for waiting rooms, church, car rides, etc when he is older.  

And guess what! One of you can win one of her 
Limited Edition Spring I Spy Bags here!! The deluxe edition...fancy! 

Check out this beautiful fabric...
Have a daughter/niece/cute little girl in your life that would love one of these? The pink fabric is perfect!
Or a little guy? Really though, the green could go either way :) I know I love green!

How to enter:
1) US only [sorry to my few international readers!]
2) You must be a follower of Little Wife Power Hous[click the "follow" link on my sidebar. You do not have to have a blog to be a follower, just a google account.]
3) Visit Lori's ETSY SHOP and leave a comment telling me which color I Spy bag you would like to win
4) For a second entry - blog, tweet, or share the giveaway on facebook! [or do all 3 if you REALLY love me :)] Please leave a separate comment.
5) The winner will be chosen randomly and announced on Monday, April 10th [so make sure to check back on Monday!]


Even if you don't have a kid yourself, you would be an awesome aunt/uncle/friend if you won this for a special kid you know! Or you could be like me and get stuff to save for years down the line. Some say crazy...I say prepared :) Good luck! 

-Little Wife Power House

04 April 2011

Guest Blogger: See Sallie Run

Hey all you lwph readers---I'm Sallie, from seesallierun. First of all--Jen is one of the coolest people I know, that's why I wanted her to blog on my blog. So thanks for letting me borrow her today! Go check her out!

I'm excited to be here talking about...wait for it....MARRIAGE

My new favorite topic. (As of 3 months ago)

I currently reside in Lubbock, Texas with a husband whom I refer to as Captain Awesome.  I feel like we are living a pretty awesome life out here in dusty west (a brown sky is more commonly scene out here) Texas. 

The funniest part about all of this--I NEVER EVER EVER in a million years would have told you 3 years ago that this is where I would be. 

In high school and college, I used to come out to Lubbock every year, sometimes twice a year, for cross country and track meets. We would drive forever and ever only to get to no where and then have to run in terrible dust storms. We would drive around and see brown. I vocally swore to my friends and family, and anyone else that could hear, that I would NEVER EVER EVER live in Lubbock, Texas. 

And here I am. 
(me with a tumbleweed)

3 years ago, the man who I refer to as the Captain asked me on a date. I quickly accepted the invitation and then called him the next day to tell him that I regretfully could not go on the date because I currently had a boyfriend--I had forgotten that small detail. 

You laugh, but it's true. That's a very good example of what I like to call a "Sallie Moment" 

2 years later, I was a single girl out with my sister at a New Years Eve dance. The captain was there and I vocally swore to my sister, after she inquired about me dating him, that I could NEVER EVER EVER date him. I could only handle him in small doses. 

And here I am. With one very large dose of him. 


Growing up, I swore that I would never be one of those mushy couples who swoons over each other night and day and I would most certainly not hang pictures of us all around our house like it was some shrine to our love bubble. 

And here it is. The love bubble shrine. 


I tell you this because life isn't usually what we expect. But it's exactly what we need. Marriage has been that way for me. Everything I needed and nothing what I expected. 

To me, marriage has been like a new pair of running shoes.  I love getting a new pair of running shoes. They smell new, look new, feel new. It's an all around fantastic experience to get a new pair of running shoes. For the first month, the shoes make you feel like you are running on clouds--but they are a little stiff and it takes a while to get used to the new feel. For the most part, they sparkle, and have very little outward flaws. I keep them newish looking as best I can. 
Then I run through a puddle. I wipe it off, and keep going. 
The shoe starts to mold to my foot and slowly, they start to fit like a glove. They curve where my foot curves and support me where I need support. 
I continue to step in puddles, but I feel like mud spots give them character. To me, spots on running shoes represent hard work and challenges. 
After a while, the shine is gone and that cloud feeling is also gone. But they are still a great running shoe. In fact, they have become a great running shoe. 

This is how it's been for the Captain and I. Puddles come, but they never stop us from running. We simply wipe them off and keep going. They give us character and we fit better after each puddle. They went from new to our ordinary running shoes, but we would NEVER EVER EVER throw them away. 

I love the ordinary in our marriage. Without it, I would never appreciate the extraordinary. For example, our simple, ordinary morning routine. We get up, I shower, Garrett snoozes. Breakfast and lunches get made. We eat together, brush our teeth together. Kneel in prayer before quickly running out the door--often late--and then typically not see each other again till dinner. Then we eat again together, then usually go here and there getting this and that done and the next time we meet is when we snuggle up in bed after a long day. I'm usually asleep before our evening prayers end, but I love it. I love the ordinary because when we do get the occasional Saturday or Sunday afternoon with each other, it seems like a dream. 

Love the ordinary, appreciate the extraordinary.  

So...NEVER EVER EVER think that you are going to get what you expect. But always expect that what you get will be exactly what you need. 

I absolutely LOVE marriage. And more importantly, I absolutely LOVE my sweet husband, the Captain. 


Come see me run over at seesallierun


{Sallie}