... and then there were three!

On Sunday I received the best Mother's Day present of all time... the news that come January we will be welcoming a new little Appleberry babe into our family!

Yep, you read that right... I am pregnant!

And although news like this always feels like a shock... this has been in the making for a long time.

You see, it was just shy of 1 year ago that Loren and I set out to make our third and final baby!

From the beginning there was this gut feeling that things might not happen as fast as they did with Tuck!

I mean with Tuck I was just coming off my pregnancy with Greta and so I think my body was at a pretty fertile state.... but those of you that know us well, you know that getting pregnant with Greta wasn't so easy!

My body just doesn't like to ovulate or flat out cooperate with plans, dates, cycles, etc.

But after a few months of working with a doctor we were pregnant with our Greta.

And it just so happens that this third baby is following suit!

After months and months of trying with no success, Loren and I agreed it might be a good idea to go back and see our fertility doctor.

Long story short...

After more months and months of trying, a couple disappointed and tear filled nights....

Oh... and lots of fertility drugs later... we are now pregnant and expecting our third little babe

mid January of 2013!

Not only are Loren and I super excited (ok, and a tad nervous!) but Greta and Tuck seem to be pretty pumped as well!

It has been all the rage and talk at our house lately!

Greta is already taking well to the role of big sister.

She is being very kind and nurturing.... making sure to be extra careful when I hold her or if she sits on my lap. She doesn't want to "crush the baby" as she says! lol

And Tuck... well any chance he gets he will remind you that he is no longer little or the baby around our house... he is a big brother now!

Last night he kissed my tummy and yelled loudly... "Goodnight Baby!!!" - in hopes that yelling would mean the baby would really hear him!

Loren and I know that this will be our last baby and so we have every intention of truly enjoying and really living every moment of this last pregnancy.

I have to keep reminding myself that this is really happening!

That although this is going to be scary, nerve racking, chaotic, and life changing... that this is what we wanted.

That you have to put in all the blood, sweat, and tears now... just so that later in life you can truly reap all the benefits.

So that one day you can proclaim "I survived raising a family... and lived to tell about it!"

So here's to Baby #3!

May the Lord continue to watch over our family and bless us with a healthy pregnancy and flawless delivery!

And don't be shy to send up some prayers for us!

We could use all the help and support we can get!

Chat later,

Soon to be Mommy of THREE! - yikes!

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies!

(picture taken from foodgawker)

These are not your ordinary Chocolate Chip Cookies!

These are like cookies on crack... or maybe their addictive like crack?!... Regardless, these cookies are to die for!

I have been making these babies for quite awhile now and they are always a huge hit and a crowd favorite!

They have made appearances at Birthday Parties, Christmas Parties, Charity Events, and Bake Sales.

So if you are looking for a cookie that will wow! the socks of everybody... look no further!

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

First make a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough... I usually follow the recipe on the bag, nothin' too fancy here.

Oh, and it doesn't hurt to have a couple helpers to lick the beaters and eat all the Oreos...

Using a cookie scoop (or a regular spoon) take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie.  Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo cookie. 

Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo cookie is enclosed with dough.

FYI: They make for very large cookies and I would only put about 6 to a sheet!

 

Place onto a baking sheet and bake cookies at 375 degrees for 11-14 minutes or until golden brown.

NOTE: Some bakers have had some trouble with their dough spreading too much during baking. If that becomes a problem... there are 2 solutions to this.

1. Throw the dough balls into the freezer for a quick chill before baking.

(usually I don't have the extra time for this)

Or...

2. Half way through the baking process pull your cookies out and with the back of your spatula, smush the cookie dough back towards the center - it should still be gooey and pliable - making your cookies smaller in size yet thicker, hiding the Oreo.

Like so...

Once they are out of the oven, let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

This makes about 16 - 24 VERY BIG cookies, depending on how you do them.

Enjoy!

Jen

Things That Make Me Happy...

Last night while making dinner the babes were sitting together at the table "discussing" a whole bunch of topics.

As I stood at the stove frying meat and choppin' up veggies for tacos, the hum of their conversation was music to my ears!

They were getting along!

There was no fighting, yelling, hitting, or back talk. It was just 2 babes, brother and sister, enjoying their time and conversation!

The whole slew of topics was quite comical!

First there was talk of a possible thunderstorm... my babes hate thunderstorms!

They were sad that the birds and squirrels had to live outside because what if they too were afraid of thunderstorms?

Then there was talk of the bad dream Greta had the night before.

She was telling Tuck all about it when Tuck left the dinner table to get his gun!

He came back to the table all proud and said that if "Sissy" had another bad dream, he was gonna shoot the bad guy! - oh my.

And finally their conversations landed on Greta going over colors and numbers with her little brother (typical first born!)

She was trying to get him to count and work on his numbers... but like a typical boy... he was too distracted by his gun...

When she finally got him to count it went something like this...

5,4,3,2,1,- 6,7,8,9,10, 11teen, 12, 13...

Well, at least he's got just about all of them!

Now we'll just have to work on the order next! haha

It was just so wonderful to let them be.

If you're a Mom, you know that when your children run off and play or get along nicely it is like heaven!

To not have to jump in and mediate like a referee is the most refreshing thing.

It's as if them getting along and acting more like friends then brother and sister set the tone for a great night!

Oh my little munchkins....

... if only you could always get along so nicely! :)

What's making you happy on this Tuesday?!

Chat later,

Jen

A Johnny Cash Birthday Bash!

Like I mentioned in yesterdays post... we have a brand new three year old boy rollin' around our house!

And this little boy is all boy... or should I say, all... southern boy!

When he does somethin' a little southern we have always joked it's because he has some Missouri in his DNA... but I truly believe it!

There really is a little bit of the south runnin' through Tuck's blood.

Don't get me wrong... he does take an interest in things like Spiderman and Star Wars.

But when it comes to the things that Tuck loves most... there is a definite southern flair!

He loves Fried Okra and Iced Tea.

He loves mowin' the grass with his Daddy and fixin' up old cars!

(remember this post?)

He loves guitars and country music!

And his all time favorite singer is... Johnny Cash!

So about 2 months ago when I asked Tuck what kind of Birthday Party he wanted I wasn't surprised when he said... "A Johnny Cash Party!"

I'll admit, it through me off guard for a second!

It didn't fall into your typical Spiderman, Super Hero, or Cars Genre and so it took me a second to wrap my head around the idea.

But I told myself... if Tucker wants a Johnny Cash Birthday Party... then a Johnny Cash Birthday Party is what he will get!

And with that I set out on my journey to plan for all things Johnny!

I made sure we had the staples... some Johnny Cash posters, a whole music play list of Tuck's favorite Johnny Cash songs, a couple guitars scattered around, and lots and lots of black!

For lunch we did a whole Southern Style BBQ with some Missouri favorites!

Barbecued Grilled Chicken, Cheesy Potatoes, Baked Beans, Coleslaw, Corn Bread Muffins, and a new crowd favorite... Fried Okra!

And of course some Iced Tea per the Birthday Boy's request.

And right at the center of the buffet we got to display some of Tuck's favorite things...

His Johnny Cash Cadillac, Guitar, and Action Figure!

We even got a pretty sweet guitar cake delivered all the way from Missouri from Ms. Mona!

And there's Mr. Tuck sportin' one of his early Birthday presents... his first Johnny Cash t-shirt.

Boy did he love it!

One of the best parts to the whole party is that on the invitations we asked all of the party guests to come dressed in all black!... like Johnny.

So from the oldest to the youngest we had a whole bunch of people dressed in black!

Here's Tuck with some of his best friends enjoying birthday suckers!

And one of the coolest parts to Tuck's party came at the end while we were opening presents.

Tuck's Grandpa Loren got him his very own Johnny Cash Guitar!!!

Now he can strum and sing Folsom Prison Blues and really feel like Johnny Cash!

All in all, it was a great day!

I love a good themed party and this one might go down as one of my favorites!

It was full of fun challenges but came out with a unique, one of a kind outcome.

I'm pretty sure it's not every day you hear of a 3 year old wanting a Johnny Cash Birthday Party... but I'm glad I was able to give a little life to Tuck's dream.

That's what Momma's are for, right?!



Until next year... we'll see what other kind of crazy parties I have to plan!

Chat later,

Jen

Now that I think of it... Tuck's party last year was pretty fun too!
You can check out Tuck's 2nd Birthday Party, here!

...and Then He Was Three.

Yesterday our sweet, cuddly, little boy left the world of two year olds and jumped into the world of three's!

Like every year, we have a tradition of taking one last picture of the birthday babe... the very last picture ever taken of them at that age... because come morning... we joke that they will look and feel a whole lot different!

So here he is... Tuck and the very last day he spent as a two year old...

That day was a great day for Tuck... he got to celebrate the day before his birthday with all his friends and family at his Johnny Cash Birthday Party! So this ear to ear grin was inspired by a successful party full of great food, cake, presents, and his favorite music.... Johnny Cash!

It was a great day!

I've always said, Birthdays are especially such a proud and sentimental moment for Momma's.

Proud because for three whole years I have loved Tuck. I have fed him, dressed him, changed countless diapers, and cooked thousands of meals. His and Daddy and I have I already taught him valuable lessons in discipline and character... we have kept him happy, healthy, and safe for three whole years!

Sentimental because I can hardly believe time has ticked so fast.

When Tuck was born he was whisked out of my arms and rushed to the NICU nursery. He couldn't be held or even touched for days. In that moment... that bubble... I couldn't even think of the future...

...and now look at where we are today!

I have the sweetest baby boy a Momma could ask for!
By God's grace he is happy, healthy, and full of this "all boy" energy!

 Tuck loves John Deere tractors and helping his Daddy mow the lawn.

He loves all trucks, cars, and things that go fast or make a ton of noise!

He LOVES music!

Especially Johnny Cash and Hank Williams... the good ol' country, thanks to his Daddy.

He is always singing or dancing. And when he hears music you can see him tapping his foot as he keeps the beat!

He loves cheeseburgers, broccoli, goldfish crackers, ice cream, and pop... and his favorite cartoon to watch is Peppa Pig!

His favorite color as he calls it is "lighter blue" and he loves to watch Star Wars with his Daddy.

In the summer he loves to play in his Daddy's boat. Anything comes up in conversation about that boat or fishing and Tuck will talk your ear off! He's a chatty little guy! :)

He is also a cuddly one and always has to be holding hands, touching you, or sitting on your lap!

But truth be told... he gives the best hugs, kisses, and snuggles.

He is my boy!

From day one he has captured my heart and truly blessed my life.

We can't wait to see where this next year as a three year old takes him!

We love you Tucker Loren Appleberry!

May this next year as a three year old be full of fun, new, and exciting adventures!

Always remember how important you are and

That Jesus loves you and so do Mommy and Daddy!

 Now here's hoping potty training will be something to add to his list of accomplishments as a three year old!

Chat soon,

Jen

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins!

Yesterday was my little Sis' Birthday... she celebrated turning 24 years young!

(ahh, to be 24 again?!)

And as her sister I know that one of her favorite muffins is Lemon Poppy Seed!

And since she was coming over to watch my babes yesterday morning (she's also my Nanny!)

I thought she needed a batch of her favorite muffins to start her Birthday off right!

So, while the babes were fast asleep and Mr. Appleberry was fixin' our broken dryer... I did what I do best, what calms my soul most.... I baked!

So if you are in the mood or need a yummy muffin recipe to go to... this is a good one to have on hand!

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 cup Sour Cream

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 Tbsp grated lemon zest

2 large eggs

2 tsp poppy seeds

NOTE: if you don't have buttermilk on hand just use a half a cup of milk with a splash of white vinegar in it!

Glaze:

1 teaspoon melted butter

powdered sugar

4 tsp lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tins with paper liners.

Whisk all dry ingredients together and set aside.

Next, whisk all wet ingredients until they come together, occasionally scraping down sides of bowl.

Slowly beat or whisk in the dry ingredients until combined.

Stir in poppy seeds. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

Bake muffins until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean, 20 – 22 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Remove muffins from pans and cool on rack.

Mix together melted butter, lemon juice and enough powdered sugar to make a glaze. Drizzle or pipe glaze over tops of warm muffins.

Serve and Enjoy!

Makes about 1 dozen muffins.

What about you guys... what is one of your favorite muffins?!

Does Lemon Poppy Seed make the cut? :)

Chat soon,

Jen

Oh, and if Lemon Poppy Seed isn't your muffin of choice... here is my families recipe for Blueberry Muffins!

Catchin' Up!

My oh my!

I did it again, I let life get busy and carry me away. Carry me away to a far far place where I skipped out on blogging for almost a month! Sad.

As usual, when I am taking a break from blogging, I miss it!

I miss documenting the big things... and the small.

I miss sharing and inspiring and venting.

Blogging is a great thing for me and I hope one day, a great source for my family to look back at and see some silly and maybe some touching things.

So let's see, what are some of the big things I missed out on documenting in the month of March?!

Well....

The first weekend in March, Appleberry's Attic was involved in the 2nd Annual Girl's Night Out at Emmanual Christian Center.

It was a great night and a great turn out!

It's always so fulfilling yet humbling to get our stuff out there and hear all the wonderful feed back!

Turning our dreams and passion into a reality is such a blessing!

That night was big in other ways too... We actually launched our brand new baby line... A.berry Baby!

A line of baby and kid stuff through Appleberry's Attic!

My sister Jes and friend Liz are heading that up and we are so excited to have added 2 new team members to The Attic!

You can check out all the new goodies on our facebook page!

Let's see...

Greta took a little 5 week Gymnastics class!

At first she was terrified and deathly shy (which is the reason we put her in the class to begin with!)

but after a long discussion, a little tough love, and some encouraging words... Greta was able to make a turn around and totally rock gymnastics!!!

We are so, so, proud of her!

Way to go G!

In other news, I got in a car accident this past month... that was no fun!

I am not able to say too much about it since we are still in the midst of getting everything fixed and figured out... but lets just say this Momma is still a tad sore and a little sick of living with head aches! Boo.

And of course with the excitement of Easter that was approaching we did our traditional Easter Egg coloring! Or as I like to call it... mess fest!

Dye and kids is never the best combo... but they had a blast and their Easter Eggs turned out so cute!

And finally, just this past weekend we celebrated a wonderful and blessed Easter!

One filled with tradition, family, and a thankfulness that my Father paid the ultimate price and died on a cross for sins He didn't even commit... they were mine.

Here's hoping you and your family had a happy, healthy, and blessed Easter!

And here's hoping you'll hear a little bit more from me in the month of April! :)

It feels good to be back!

Chat soon,

Jen