Baby Food Pouches

These convenient little pouches filled with yummy, supposedly 'healthy', pureed fruits and veggies can be expensive. I mean down right expensive! Micah can suck one down in 15 seconds flat... then I'm like what now?  Oh, here have some crackers...

I made Lyla's baby food, I just hadn't felt like doing it with Micah since we were in my parents house for most of his first year; so these things were awesome. But, I had to limit myself to one a day since they are around $2 each, for an organic brand.

I have thought several times to myself... I wish there were a pouch I could use and refill over and over. And then my incredible sister-n-law's blog had a post about nothing less than re-usable pouches!!! YES! I immediately bought some of the least expensive pouches reviewed.

Here is a link to that review. So helpful!
http://thricethespice.blogspot.com/2014/01/baby-and-big-kid-pouch-review.html

 As soon as my pouches came in I started planning! And after some research, came up with some tasty recipes for our very own, homemade, in-expensive food pouches!

I used my Magic Bullet to puree all the goods. I steamed in the microwave the carrots, sweet potatoes, pears, and squash. All separately of course ;)

Above is sweet potato, apple sauce, and cinnamon.

 I just portioned it to where I thought it would be a good consistency, not too thick, not too smooth.

When we used to buy the ready made pouches at the store, Micah seemed to enjoy the spinach pear mix. So I made my own version.

Spinach, steamed pear, and a bit of applesauce.

I had never bought a savory food pouch at the store, mainly because they were $3.00 and up. And if he didn't like it, well too bad for me I guess. However, since the homemade version only costs around $0.30 cents I decided to try one.

Avocado, steamed squash, steamed sweet potato, and spinach.

He didn't turn it down, but it wasn't gone in 15 seconds either. After a few tries, I believe he will like it!

Steamed sweet potato, steamed carrots, and steamed pear.

Steamed carrots and pineapple.

Apple sauce, steamed sweet potatoes, and pineapple.

 And then I made some strawberry applesauce for Lyla. She was very interested in it all and was pleased to have her own. :)

Just a few frozen strawberries, and applesauce. 

Also, I made sure and bought No sugar added applesauce.

Hope this gives you some inspiration for your own baby food!

This Brings Joy

What a beautiful yard we get to look at right now! Winter days can be so bright and cozy, especially when there is lots of bright white snow. However, I still look forward to the spring and summer days ahead when most of our time will be spent outside in the sunshine.

 Lyla slept in again this morning, and I couldn't help snapping a picture of her stretched out in her bed. She is getting so very long!

 

 

When I informed her that the snow was melting, she quickly decided to get ready and go play in it before it melted all away. We haven't been going outside to play much due to the cold, so I was pleased to see her playing and exploring. Our guard dog Duke stayed right beside her the entire time; made me for more at ease watching from the window. She didn't stay long, but when she came inside she seemed refreshed and extra obedient. It is amazing what some fresh air and outside time can do for the spirit. God's creation is the ultimate mood lifter.

Also, while watching Lyla play, I discovered she is going to be a big help in the garden this year. :) Work that shovel girl!

Joyful Day Everyone!

Her Very Own

I have been planning and dreaming of decorating Lyla's bedroom since we started building our house. Actually, probably LONG before that. Nonetheless, it is finished. And I really like it... Oh wait, it is not for me. She really likes it. :)

 

Finding a good deal just makes me plum happy. The pink chandelier above was a Craigslist find.  Already painted and ready to be hung. How cute and girly is that?

We had some scrap trim pieces left from the house, so I made some picture frames and painted them pretty colors to display her art, letters from friends, or family pictures. 

The flags are from her birthday party decorations. Scrapbook paper triangles hung on hemp twine. I saved them with baby girl's room in mind. 

ONE ROOM DONE! I can mark that off my list. :) 

Happy day everyone!

Blessing

I was reading a book I borrowed, from a dear sweet friend, regarding motherhood and its purpose. I like to really read, re-read, and ponder on books like these hoping to let them sink in and really change me for the better. Well, this one has some questions to think, write, and reflect about at the end of each chapter. One of these questions and coordinating scriptures has given me a whole new light about my children.

The Question: Read Psalm 127:3. What does this verse imply about the ministry of motherhood?

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?

    the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows
    are the children of a vigorous youth.
Oh, how blessed are you parents,
    with your quivers full of children!
Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you;    you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep. 

First, I let myself see that my children are my weapon (vs 5). Weapon? YES! They are my fist full of arrows. Just think for a moment about the child-like faith our children have. They have faith in us, their parents, faith in the world, faith in tomorrow, faith in good; they do not fear (unless they are taught too); they are full of laughter and joy; they are filled LOVE right from the womb. What could be more dangerous to the enemy than these things? Our children bring us back to a place where faith is expected, goodness reigns, and fun is... well, common! I believe this is why life tends to be so BUSY in today's world. The enemies way of keeping us from using our weapons. And busyness is expected and respected in most cultures. Think of a warrior with a FIST FULL of arrows. Seems silly to think about them not being used.

Just seeing those gleeful smiles shuts out any darkness. A fist full of arrows...

Then I re-read (like I do) and notice that I am blessed because I am a parent. Because I have children, I have blessings. My Lyla and Micah are my blessings. 

My rewards. 

My prizes. 

Grab a hold of this and let it rock your world. 'Cause let's face it, the worldly view of children is messy, loud, dirty, annoying, time consuming, and expensive. But our Father says that my babies are my PRIZE!! 

I felt His anointing poor over me as I grasped this concept. And I am holding on for dear life. I never want to forget that Lyla and Micah and any other babies we may have are my reward. They are my BLESSING. and therefore, I have begun addressing them as my blessing out loud. Instead of saying "sweety" or "darling", I say "blessing". 

It reminds me of my ministry as a mother, it keeps my focus on my Father's view of children, and it lets my blessings know that they are just that... a blessing.