Monday, November 25, 2019

Jenna's 5-year Checkup and Party

Jenna had her 5-year checkup with her doctor last week. When he asked me if I had any concerns to discuss, I was at a loss because I couldn't think of anything. She's pretty easy! 
Here are Jenna's growth stats:

Weight: 39 lbs 14 oz (52%)
Height: 3 ft 6.5 inches (53%)

On Thursday Jenna woke up to a hallway filled with pink balloons.
Ryan had bought her a little stuffed kitty that she had her eye on in the store. He was SO excited to give it to her, so we let her open it during breakfast. She immediately got teary-eyed and when I asked if she was going to cry, she said "No, I just have joys of tears!" So precious, right? Unfortunately that night I gave her a stuffed Minnie Mouse and when she started playing with her instead of her new kitty, Ryan burst into tears because he thought she didn't like his present. Oh such a sensitive heart!
Jenna opened this sweet new book from us.
 As well as a unicorn bathrobe!
Her main present from us was a Frozen Karaoke machine. We had a singing party that night and let's just say everyone loves her present.
The next day I took Jenna, Lyla and Bella to see Frozen II. We enjoyed it.....Jenna looks funny here because she was really cold after the movie!
 Back at home we had homemade pizza and homemade spiced cupcakes.
 And more presents! Jenna was blessed with so many sweet things....a unicorn pillow, a collection of unicorn ponies, a cabbage patch baby with pacifier, a denim jacket (with a unicorn on it of course), and a jewelry box that she painted and decorated herself.
And that concludes her birthday week! It is extra special because she shares her birthday with my Mom. Happy Birthday Mom and Jenna!

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Jenna: Five

Happy 5th Birthday Jenna Mae Nullmeyer!!
 You are just as sweet as can be, and each year you seem so much more mature
Big milestones this year included learning to ride your bike without training wheels, and starting Pre-K. You also graduated to a big girl twin bed in your room, and you can get yourself dressed and brush your teeth with minimal help from me.
You definitely have a unique sense of style. You often want to look like a baseball or soccer player (because of your brothers), and you do this by folding up your leggings and wearing tall socks. On the other hand, you love all things pink, purple, rainbow, and unicorn. You're the perfect mix of tomboy and girly girl.
You have a very gentle, sweet, content disposition. You skip instead of walking. You sing to yourself while you play. One of my favorite things about you has always been how easily pleased you are. You are my content, go-with-the-flow child. The small things in life just delight you, and I absolutely love that. The other day our neighbors gave us some cupcakes and you declared it "the best day ever!"
I often tell you about our plans for the day in bed at night, and you always get a big smile on your face. Whether it's your gymnastics class (which you LOVE!), or just some homeschooling plans, you're always excited.
Speaking of school, you are loving both the learning we do at home, as well as the little Pre-K class you attend with cousin Lyla. You two are together a lot and you get along so well!
Sometimes you act really shy around people, and I honestly can't tell if you are pretending to be shy or actually shy. Maybe a little of both?
Other times you can get a bit whiny and overly-dramatic when you've gotten hurt. Sometimes you flop on the floor because you just "cant" do what I've asked. But that moodiness doesn't pop up too often, which I appreciate!
Your favorite foods still include some healthy options like cucumbers, PB sandwiches, eggs, oatmeal, beans, smoothies, and meat. Of course you also love things like pizza, which you requested for your birthday dinner.
I can always count on you to help me in the kitchen, be the first one to listen, or just keep me entertained with your constant chatter. Having a daughter is so special!
I recently discovered a hidden talent of yours: You are SO good at memorizing things! You can recite most of a book to me after we have read it only a couple times. You memorize songs really easily, too.
Favorite things: Riding your bike, bedtime stories, playing imaginary games with little dolls/figures, talking, unicorns, writing lists, playing with cousins.
You may only be 5, but you have big plans to be a mermaid when you grow up.
I love you so much my Jenna girl. Please stay little for as long as possible, and never lose the sweet, grateful spirit that God has given you. Happy 5!!

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Dinner Recap

I snapped photos at dinnertime during the last couple weeks. I have completely lost track of which meals went with which nights, but I figured I would still share them. Hopefully this gives you a little dinner inspiration!

I recently had the opportunity to speak at my MOPS group about meal planning/prepping. This was the first time to do something like this, so it was a little intimidating. I focused my talk on what can be done to prep food ahead of time. As busy Moms with young kids, we don't always get big chunks of time. Instead, we get little pockets of time here and there and we need to take advantage of them when they come along. For me, it is often when the older kids are in school and Andrew is napping. I will do as much as possible to get dinner ready ahead of time. And come 5pm, knowing I have already filled my pot with water and washed and chopped my veggies goes a long way in getting dinner on the table with minimal stress. People often ask me how I cook dinner every night, and I would say that is my biggest tip. We did have at least 3 leftovers/scrounge for food nights recently, so please don't think I cook a from-scratch meal every single night!

Hamburger Soup

Meal Prep for Week 5 of "Cook Once Eat All Week"

Green Chile Chicken Rice Casserole

Cauliflower Pasta

Bourbon-Glazed Meatloaf, Baked Potatoes, Salad

Chicken Parmesan Bake

Chicken Sausage, Peppers & Onions, Beans, Cornbread

Shredded Pot Roast, Steamed Potatoes, Kale Caesar Salad


Salmon, Rice, Salmon Burgers, Steamed Veggies

Pumpkin Turkey Pasta, Salad w/ Homemade Ranch

Loaded Potato Soup

Baked Chicken Tenders, Cheese Tortellini, Steamed Veggies

Enchiladas, Bagged Salad, Chips and Homemade Pico de Gallo
We also had this Mexican Style Roasted Corn!
 I don't buy bagged salads often, but this is my favorite.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

These Are My Boys

These are my boys.
They are energetic. They are impulsive.
 They are handsome. They are sweet.
 They are goofy. They are moody.
 They are daredevils. They are athletic.
 They are creative. They are easily frustrated.
 They are busy busy busy.
 They are curious. They are messy.
 They are silly. They are loud.
They are confident. They are hard-working.
 They are fighters. They are protectors.
 They are frustrating. They are my heart.
They are all mine.