Catch the Moment: April

A couple of years back I got a really nice camera, my first DSLR.  Taking classes on how to actually use it off of the auto mode is on my list, but with that said it takes great pictures even on auto so I don't feel so bad.  When I first got my camera I took a lot of pictures of my family.  As time has gone by I've found that I'm not using it as much now with the convenient camera on my iPhone. (You can follow me on Instagram for more day to day pics)  When Nurse loves Farmer shared her Catch The Moment series, encouraging us to pick up our cameras to catch the little moments in our daily lives that was the exact inspiration I needed!

 This past week we had the chance to visit our Grandparents who have a motor home.  They're snow birds back and forth from New York to Florida every year.  The weather was perfect, we enjoyed spending some time outside riding scooters and going for walks around the camp ground.  

 This Radio Flyer scooter is just her size and it doesn't go too fast for her.  She is getting better on it everyday!  She likes to try to keep up with her sisters and our neighbors.  

 Love taking pictures outdoors in the natural sunlight!

My girl was having fun jumping up and down, great way to burn up some of that energy.  

What's your child's favorite outdoor activity?

Linking up here

Easter 2013

Well the past two weeks have been a blur to me.  First we had family visiting for a week and then Spring Break last week.  Big Sis took her first solo airplane ride to stay with family for her break.  That left Middle, Little Sis and I to play last week.  I feel like I didn't blog very much, but with good reason. I enjoyed my week with the girls.  

We had a very Blessed Easter weekend as well.  We went to an egg hunt at our church on Saturday followed by a fun neighborhood egg hunt, needless to say we were egged out before Sunday!  We woke up Sunday to find the Easter Bunny had left the girls baskets full of goodies.  Church was AMAZING, like usual.  We had a small brunch afterwards with another family from church.  We are so blessed with the friends God has brought us.  

 Little Sis at our neighborhood Egg Hunt

 She loved racing to find the eggs, she wanted to stop and open most of them before going for the next one.  

 Easter morning before church I was able to take a couple of precious pictures of my girls!

 Our three beauties

 The Easter Bunny hides the girls baskets each year.  He left chocolate crosses, peanut butter mini eggs, mini cadburry eggs, hair bands, pens, chalk, movies, flip flops, body wash, tooth flossers and The Jesus Calling Storybook Bible Book.  {He tries to leave practical goodies instead of toys and tons of candy}

 We enjoyed a simple brunch with friends.  We had ham sandwiches, pasta salad, deviled eggs, fruit salad and made yummy brownie sundae's.  Aren't these Easter Bunny chair covers from The Dollar Store adorable?!

This was the decoration I made for the Easter table.  I bought the vase, flowers and burlap strip at Walmart.  The eggs were found at Home Goods.  We also used My Computer is my Canvas's printable Egg Baskets as name tags with Easter candy inside.  

My husband says that the Easter Bunny never hid baskets at his house, so tell me did he hide yours or were they out in plain sight??  I would love to hear!

Nominated for a Liebster Award

Last week Cindy at Little Miss Celebration nominated me with the Liebster Award!  How sweet of you to think of me Cindy, you made my day! 

 I had been blogging privately for a couple of years but felt it was time to go public with a blog about our life, the fun stuff we enjoy and our faith.  I'm having so much fun blogging, making new Blogger friends and stepping out in faith when I share our life with others online.  It's exciting to get an award but most importantly I'm thanking God for the continued growth and opportunities that he is bringing me through this blog.

  "So, neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow."  1 Corinthians 3:7

What is the Liebster Award, you may be asking...it is an award given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers and have been in existence for less than 6 months.  It's a fun way to get to know new bloggers and show them some love.  

Here are the rules:

• Share 11 random facts about yourself.
• Answer 11 questions the nominator has asked you.
• Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award to and link them in your post.
• Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you pass the award to.
• Go back to their page and tell them about the award.

11 Random Facts about me

{I had recently asked you to send me some questions to get to know me better so I thought this would be the perfect time to answer those for you}

1.  "When do you do your blogging and projects?" 
I try my best to save blogging for when Little Sis is asleep for her nap or after the girls bedtimes.  Evenings are also when I have alone time with my husband so I try to limit my time on the computer then too.  Luckily we both have hobbies we enjoy and try to give each other time to do so when possible.  I've been trying to have 2-3 blog posts a week, I would love to do more but my family is my number one priority.  

2.  "What is your most and least used Pinterest board?  
My board with the most pins is "Sewing Projects" but I feel that I use my "Recipes" board a little bit more.  The least used board is "Master Bedroom Ideas", and I have to laugh about this because I feel our bedroom is the one room in the house that I pay the least amount of attention to.  I spend so much time keeping the rest of the house clean and tidy that when it comes to our bedroom, I tend to be lazier and messier because no one really goes in there besides the Hubby and I.  It definitely needs some TLC and crafting attention!

3.  "What is the best thing you have read?" 
 OK, I have to be honest...I am not a big reader.  I do love to read craft, recipe and DIY blogs but occasionally pick up a book.  One of my favorite authors though has been Nickolas Sparks, I love that I know most of the places in North Caroling where his stories take place.  This past summer I read "Discerning the voice of God", by Priscilla Shirer with my church and it was such an amazing book.  I learned so much and God definitely spoke to me through this study, very powerful!

4.  "What is your favorite food?"  
My favorite food type is Italian but my absolute LOVE is C.H.O.C.O.L.A.T.E.  I like to have a little bit each and every day.  It's rare that I don't have some sort of chocolate in the house for my daily craving, which tends to be everyday after lunch.

5.  I love to sing.  
I was always in chorus and drama while in middle and high school.  I also sang in the church choir during high school.  I would love to sing with our Church's Praise Band but the time commitment and my husbands work schedule don't make that possible right now.  Maybe someday :)

6.  I'm pretty crafty with a lot of things but decorating cakes is not my calling.  
I tried to make one of those barbie doll cakes for Middle Sis one year and it was so pitiful looking.  I had to thew at least half of it away to make it look somewhat decent.  Luckily she was young and loved it anyways!

7.  I have lived in NY, PA, NC, FL, and TX. 
 I've moved so many different times I've lost count.   This was our fourth military move with the Coast Guard in the past four years!  We spent 9 months in Beaumont (TX), 15 months in Milton (FL), 8 months in Corpus Christi (TX) and have been living here in South Florida for just over a year now.  This has been my favorite military move so far.  I love the area we live in, love our neighbors and our Church family.  It is going to be very hard to leave all of the wonderful friends God has brought into our lives.  

8.  I've had so many different types of jobs. 
 I've worked in a Real Estate office, several different Doctors offices, Bank Tellers and Account Reps, Preschool Teacher, Daycare Owner but feel that my true calling from God is to be a stay at home Mom to our three girls.  It is the most challenging and rewarding job out there!  

9.  I try to wake up at 5:30am on weekdays for my quiet time. 
I set my alarm to get up before my daughters and husband get up so that I can enjoy my cup of tea and do my Bible Study Fellowship homework in the mornings.  It really helps me set my heart right before starting my day.  Saturday is my only day to sleep so I don't do my study that morning and Sunday I wake up and get showered and ready for church before the girls wake up.  I really enjoy my sleep though so I typically don't stay up past 10pm.  
10. "What kind of crafting do you like best (paper, sewing, cooking) and why?"  
Hmm, this is a toughie.  I do cook most of our meals and enjoy finding new recipes that our family likes, for some reason my favorite kind of recipes are desserts lol!  When I do find the time to sew or embroider I always find it to be like therapy.  I often think, I need to make time to do this more often.  So I guess sewing and embroidery are my favorite followed by cooking then paper crafting.  
11.  I'm a jeans, t-shirt and flip flops kind of girl.  
Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy getting dressed up every once in awhile.  Since we live in South Florida and it's pretty hot here I've found that I would rather wear a sundress over shorts and a t-shirt. 

Cindy's Questions for Me
1.  If you could be someone else for one day, who would it be and why?
So this may sound a little cheesy but Martha Stewart.  She is a super crafter, chef and seamstress!  I would love to have some of her knowledge.  Really though,  I'm very blessed and wouldn't want to be anyone else other than myself.   2.  Who is your favorite musical artist or group?
I listen to Christian and Country music.  Some of my favorites are Karrie Jobe and Carrie Underwood
3.  If you could be on a reality show, which one would you want to be on?
Since I love to sing, I would choose American Idol. 
4.  What's been your biggest cooking disaster?
I attempted to make one of The Pioneer Woman's chocolate cakes.  She said on her show that you didn't have to use the mixer to stir the cake, so I used a wooden spoon like she did and it DID NOT turn out, it was all lumpy and nasty.  I can laugh at it now but I was not happy at the time.  
5.  I would love to learn how to________?
Use my DSLR camera without using auto, someday hopefully I'll have time to take some classes.
6.  What movie has made you laugh the most?
After thinking about this one I realized I don't watch very many movies.  We rarely go to the movie theater or rent movies.  The first movie that popped into my mind was "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.  I always watch it when the reruns are on TV and it still makes me laugh out loud.  
7.  What's your biggest pet peeve?
People without good manners.  For some reason personal space and manners are very lacking these days.  The world would be so much nicer if we were all kinder.
8.  If you could pick another first name for yourself, what would it be?
I was almost named Jamie, but my Mom took my Aunt's baby girl name that she had picked out and my Aunt used my Moms baby name of Jamie.  
9.  What country would you most like to visit that you haven't?
I would love to visit Italy for all the yummy food.
10.  Other than Christmas, what is your favorite holiday?
I'd say it is a tie between Thanksgiving and Easter.  Both are very near and dear to my heart.  We have so much to be thankful for.  I love to be surrounded by family, friends and yummy foods during both of these holidays.  We should always be counting our blessings and everyday should be like Easter because Jesus is risen and lives forever in heaven and someday we can too!!
11.  What is your very favorite dessert?
I thought of two for you, chocolate cake with chocolate icing and I've always loved twist flavored soft serve ice cream with loads of rainbow sprinkles on a cake cone...yes I'm still a little girl at heart :)

Here is the fun part...I get to pick out 11 blogs that I want to give the Liebster too.  
Kelly @ Supper with Southern Living
Ashley @ This Southern Girls Heart 
Gianina @ Naps and Roadmaps
Merrie Beth @ The Wise Woman Builds
Vickie @ Ponder 365
April @ House by Hoff
Heather @ The Unsophisticated Kitchen 
Moni @ Zu Haus at Home
Christy @ Confessions of a Serial DIYer
Carissa @ Carissa Miss
Debbie @ One Little Project

Congratulations Ladies, here are your 11 questions to answer.  I hope you have as much fun as I did.
1.  If you had to eat the same menu everyday of your life, what would you choose for breakfast, lunch and dinner?
2.  If you could choose anywhere to live, where would it be?
3.  What's your favorite vacation spot?
4.  Best Pinterest Idea you've found so far?
5.  Favorite Place to shop?
6.  How did you meet your husband?
7.  Favorite TV show?
8.  What's your favorite hobby?
9.  Favorite dessert recipe?
10.  I wish I knew how to______?
11.  In five years I hope to be _____?

Share your Potty Training Story

I have been so amazed to see the response that my Potty Training in our Happy House post has received.  It's my number one viewed post thanks to Pinterest.   I've been getting lots of comments, emails and Facebook messages regarding Potty Training.  I've had friends use the 3 day method I blogged about and had wonderful responses with their children too. 

I do realize that the 3 day method is not a one size fits all for training.  I would love to help other readers who are having a struggle or questions about potty training, that's where you come in.  I am looking for other Bloggers who would be interested in being featured here on Happy House of 5, by sharing your Potty Training story, experiences and recommendations.  It can be similar to my 3 day training, completely different techniques, how you decided your child wasn't ready yet, boys vs. girls, training multiplies, I'm sure your story could help encourage another reader if you shared it!  If you are interested please email me at Lindsey@Happyhouseof5.com

GIVEAWAY:Haute Tots Children's Boutique WINNER

Good Thursday Morning!  Sorry I've been MIA a little this week.  My husband and I went to Disney for a little anniversary getaway(pics on Instagram and on Facebook so if you aren't connected with me that way be sure to!) and we have family visiting from out of town for the week.  I'm busy enjoying their company and getting things done for Easter this week.  I'll be back in full swing next week.  

We do have one important thing to take care of though, it's time to announce the winner of the 

Haute Tots Children's Boutique GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS JOELLE!!!  Please contact me at Lindsey(at)Happyhouseof5(dot)com within 24 hours to claim your prize. 

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

The other night I was making one of our family's favorite dinners, Comfy in the Kitchen's Crescent Chicken. when I realized I was out of the canned Cream of Chicken Soup that I normally keep stocked in my pantry.  I found a Pinch of Yum recipe for homemade Cream of Chicken Soup.  It looked surprisingly easy so I thought I would give it a try!

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
2.5 cups chicken broth
1.5 cups milk
3/4 cup flour
Seasoning Mix: 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of parsley.

In a saucepan pour the chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk, bring it to a low boil.  In a seperate bowl combine the flour, seasoning mix and 1 cup milk until smooth.  Stir the flour mixture into the broth and milk over a low boil, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.  It will become thickened as you stir.

This recipe makes the equivalent of two cans of condensed Cream of Chicken Soup.  

I was very happy how the soup turned out and I especially like that it doesn't have any preservatives in it.  With that said, I'm not totally against the convenience of the canned soup.

 {Click here to see where I link up}

Goodbye Google Reader, Hello Bloglovin'

Are you like me and follow a TON of blogs through Google Reader?  Well Google Reader is retiring!  Not to worry though, I've found a great way to keep up with all of my favorite blogs and so can you.

  

Bloglovin' in a great reader,  that honestly I think I'm going to like SO much better than Google Reader.  You can very easily transfer your blog feed by clicking HERE.  Once you get transfered over you will simply click on the picture and be taken to that blog.  Once finished you'll click on the next blog and be taken to that blog.  I really like that you can actually view their entire blog and not just the post like you did on Google Reader.  

So with that said, please click on the Bloglovin' button on the top right hand side of this blog or go ahead and transfer all of your blogs by following this very simple step found HERE.