A Crazy Beautiful

Blue Apron Equals Fun in the Kitchen

 

A couple weeks ago my husband ordered a few meals from Blue Apron for us to try out.  It was fun to receive a box in the mail full of fresh ingredients to create a delicious meal and my kids had so much fun helping me.  Our first box included 2 meals, one was Chicken with Broccolini and Potatoes and the other was Fresh Pappardelle Bolognese with Romaine, Celery and Apple Salad.  My husband loves fresh pappardelle, so I opted on trying this one for our first time.  Everything was so fresh, even the pasta.  It was delicious and healthy and everything was lableled for your conveninece.  All you have to do is follow the directions and BOOM....in 30 minutes you have dinner on the table! I must say, I love to cook and create my own meals, but this was fun... I am definetely hooked.  I know with the New Year brings new changes and fresh starts and I can deinetely say, if you have been in a "what do I make for dinner tonight" rut, this will definetely get you out of it!

We currently are signed up for the Family Meal plan and get 2 meals a week which is $69.92 a week. Shipping is always free and you can skip a week or cancel at any time.  Our box for this week literally just arrived on our doorstep and I'm so excited to open it up!!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Happy New Year

Welcome to 2015! I haven't really made New Years Resolutions per say, but more thoughts on what I want this year to be, how I want to be, what I want out of this year. I've never chosen a word for the year, but I kind of like that idea... So the word I have chosen for 2015 is PRESENT, as in "be present." Be present in the lives of my children, be present for my husband and be present in my life. It may seem easy, but often times I become so wrapped up in everyday life and all of the running around that I put things off for another time, another day, another year. This year things are changing. I will be present!

So to kick off my New Years goals. I did a one day juice cleanse today through Whole Hearted Juice Company. I drank 5 raw juice blends throughout the day and one raw nut blend that I am enjoying now in my cozy bed. The juices were delivered to my door Monday night and I spent 2 days prepping for the cleanse, enjoying many fresh fruits and vegetables, veggie soups, salads, cauliflower rice, steamed veggies and lots of water. My body is definitely detoxing, but feeling good. My mind has felt very clear today and it has been nice to just relax and focus on my intentions for the year. I'm ready to take this year by storm! Tomorrow I will wake up and come off of this cleanse the same way I went in, enjoying lots of fruits and veggies and then will slowly start re-introducing meats and dairy back into my diet. For now I'm feeling great and someday I hope to do a longer cleanse through this amazing juice company.

So, cheers to you, to a Happy New Year, to a new you, to good intentions and to being present or whatever your goals may be!!

 

 

 

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Hugo

Introducing the newest member of the Kaufman Homestead.....Hugo.  He is helping us stitch up that little hole in our hearts that Ruby left.  He is just the cutest little guy and gives us all kinds of love, hugs and kisses.  We just can't get enough of him!

Ruby

Eleven years ago I met a man named Ryan, (who I ended up marrying) who had a little dog named Ruby.  Ruby was about a year old when I first met her and she immediately became my little princess. I took her everywhere with me; the three of us were a family. I'm not going to lie, I totally used to dress her up in little doggie clothes. I'm sure she hated it, but she went along with it.  Soon, Ryan and I got married and soon after that I was pregnant with a sweet little girl.  Ruby used to sit on my belly while we would talk to our little girl.  She was a protector.  Our sweet little girl soon joined the world and Ruby immediatley fell in love with her, licking her head and just watching over her.  A couple years later we added another little boy to our family and then a few years later another dog.  Ruby got less attention, but still remained our princess.  Then again we added another sweet boy to our family who was born in our home and Ruby was right there while I had him. She was always the mother hen. The protector.  The last couple years, Ruby really started slowing down, but we just kept loving her.  Two weeks ago, while on vacation in Florida, we got the call that Ruby had passed peacefully in our room.  Ryan and I had a feeling that the time was coming, but no matter how much we prepared ourselves, the moment we found out our sweet girl was gone, was really hard.  I've never had a pet that long and that I loved that much.  She was a part of our family.  She lived an amazing, long life.  She used to hike with Ryan, she was the best mole catcher around and she loved our kids like her own.  We will miss hearing her snarled breathing at night and the way she pranced outside.  Since she's been gone, I still think I hear her at times.  I think the hardest thing is that our littlest guy keeps calling her name and looking outside for her. He doesn't understand, but I'm so glad she got to be a part of his life.  RIP sweet Ruby

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” Josh Billings

My Baby

This little guy sure does keep me busy. He is so curious and wants to explore everything.  He is almost two years old and I wish he would stop growing....I just want him to stay my little baby forever.  I can't lie, I've gotten a little emotional lately thinking about how big he is getting and how much he is talking and learning about the world.  I still remember holding him in my arms the moment he was born.  He will always be my baby.

“I’ll love you forever, 
I’ll like you for always, 
as long as I’m living 
my baby you’ll be.”

From the book

"I'll Love You Forever"

Robert Munsch

Pants- Thief and Bandit

Back to School

I still have this little space here, but it sure has been a while.  Life has been busy to say the least and this blog has gone to the wayside....but I'm back to share!

The kiddos went back to school and although I'm glad they went back, my little mama heart sure doesn't know what to do with itself with all of this quiet and free time....I kind of miss them! Here are a few photos from their first couple of days. They are so happy to be back with their friends and little Bricky goes to preschool a few hours a week and is just happy to be carrying a backpack like brother and sister.

 

 

 

Eight

Happy 8th Birthday to my sweet Savanna. You were the first one to make me a mother, to let me experience a love that I have never felt before. I love you sweet girl. You are such a loving, caring and kind person.  You are the best big sister to your crazy brothers and you have a heart of gold.  Happy Birthday and thank you for letting us expereince the world through your beautiful eyes. I hope all of your birthday dreams come true. I love you, Mama

Ten Years

Ten years ago today I walked into a little hole in the wall bar in Nevada City, CA and my life changed forever.  It is the night I met my husband...the man that completes me, who is my soul mate and who I could not ever live a moment without.  Our ten years together hasn't been perfect, but I wouldn't change one thing.  I love our beautiful chaos and this life we have created together!

 

American Blogger

With tears in my eyes, I just watched the American Blogger video by Christopher Wiegand.  Wow, absolutely beautiful! I follow so many of those bloggers through their blogs, instagram and facebook.  Such a unique look into the who, what, where and why people blog.  It has truly inspired me to continue to tell my story through my blog. 

Go check it out

www.americanblogger.com

 

A Birth Story...

This post has been a year in the making. I can still remember every detail about the day. It was a brisk, sunny fall day. I woke up feeling a little crampy. We decided to skip church that day as I wasnt sure I could sit comfortably during the service. Contractions were happening, but not consistently. I read the kids a few books and we relaxed throughout the morning. It was nice to just be with my family without anything to do. Soccer had ened the day before and Ryans big race was over as well. Contractions began to get a little stronger, so we decided to call my mom and give her an update and have her bring the turkey over that I wanted cooking while I was in labor.  We told her she could just drop it off and then she could go run any errands she needed to do.  Ryan began cleaning and making sure everything was tidy.  My mom arrived soon after and knew right away that she would probably not be leaving.  Ryan thouht it would be a good idea to call our midwives.  I talked to them and explained what was going on. They said they were on their way.  About 30 minutes later they arrived and checked to see how much I had dilated, I was expecting to be at a 5, but much to my surprise, I had dilated to an 8.  I was in shock and said, wow, this is really happening today.  Ryan drew my bath while my midwives, Kaleem and Marlene began making preparations for Brixton's arrival.  I relaxed in the bath, listening to my "Breathe Baby Breathe" playmix I had made.  The kids went outside to play, but made sure to keep checking in to see if Brixton had arrived.  Contractions began getting stronger and I remember asking Kaleem, how long does this last.  She told me about an hour and then it will be time to push.  My aunt had arrived to help with the kids if needed, Ryan sat with me and my mom would come in every so often to check on me.  Marlene sat right outside the bathroom door, listening to me and knitting the last part of Brixton's hat that she had so kindly made him. I remember how comforting that was to know she was right there. All of a sudden, Marlene and Kaleem came in and we all knew that it was time to push. I was at a 10 and he was ready to make his arrival.  Ryan helped hold my arms and Marlene showed me where to push. My mom and aunt sat quietly watching me and Kaleem was helping Marlene and taking pictures. The kids continued to play outside.  I remember the feeling, I remember the noises coming out of my mouth.  Soon his head was out and I knew one more push and he would be here in my arms.  Sure enough, there he was and Marlene helped me to pull him up and into my arms. He was crying and looked absolutely perfect!!! The kids came in soon after and saw him.  Rocco was very interested in what everything was, while Savanna just stood back and took it all in.  About 20 minutes later my placenta was out and then we cut the cord and I got into the shower, while Ryan got the chance to hold his son for the first time.  After my shower, I climbed into bed with all of my family around me and my sweet baby in my arms.  I remember looking around and thinking, I am truly blessed.  I was home and it was perfection.