Harvest

Friday, February 17, 2012

Two and a HALF

While Valentine's Day is indeed a special day around the Radtke house, it also marks a milestone of sorts for a little boy. February 14 is the "halfway" point each birth year for Jackson. I remember in 2010 when he hit 6 months I thought my heart was going to split in two. The idea that we survived the first 6 months and were that much closer to his first birthday filled me with a wide range of emotions. And while I'm in no way rushing to see him turn 3, there are many exciting things in the next 6 months that I look with great anticipation toward his future.
Jackson at 2.5 you are 37.5in tall and weigh 33lbs.
You wear 3T clothes and a size 9W shoe.

~ You are an incredible eater. 
It is not unusual for you to request TWO sandwiches at lunch.
Your favorite foods are yogurt, bananas, blueberries, 
broccoli, and peas. Your secret weakness is....chips. 
{I have no idea who you get that from.}

~You are still a great sleeper. 
I cannot thank you enough for taking a 2-3 hour nap 
each afternoon to let your pregnant mama rest.

~You have transitioned to a big boy bed. 
You weren't sure about it at first, but thankfully you have done so well.
~You are potty training. 
You think your Lightning McQueen & Thomas skivies are pretty cool.

~You LOVE to read.
Any book by Mo Willems is a winner in your book. You also enjoy
the Clifford series, the Thomas series, and any book about a truck.

~You are VERY excited about becoming a big brother.
You tell everyone you meet this news. Your Dad and I are 
very excited that God chose you to be first in our family. Your 
baby brother is lucky to have you to look up to.
Finally, Jackson, while you are absolutely the busiest little boy I have ever met, you are also an absolute joy. You fill our home with laughter each day. Whether it is something that you have said or a facial expression, you are a very funny little boy. You also have a tender heart that loves Jesus. You take your prayers very seriously and talk to Jesus about anything. It is amazing to see how He works in your heart. I am confident that the "twos" could have been quite dramatic if you did not ask Jesus to help you make good choices. I pray that you always seek to "make Jesus happy".

Monday, February 6, 2012

{Mama Recommends}

COCONUT FLOUR!

The key to successful gluten free baking is the type(s) of flour you use. Today's recipe uses coconut flour. This delicious flour is made from ground coconut meat and has the highest fiber content of any flour.

If you're like me, when I first heard "coconut flour" I gagged. I hate and I mean HATE shredded coconut. This flour is NOTHING like shredded coconut. It has a light and delicious flavor and is perfect for muffins and cupcakes. Even if you're not GF you should incorporate this flour into your baking. It's an incredible addition to your baking that will give it great flavor and health benefits to boot!

Today's recipe comes from Comfy Belly. I cannot remember how I stumbled upon her site, but I have used several of her recipes and they are delicious!

~ Chocolate Chip Muffins ~

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup of coconut flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of maple syrup (or honey or other liquid sweetener)
  • 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable shortening, or oil of your choice)
  • 1/3 cup of mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Blend all the dry ingredients together in a bowl.
  3. Using a whisk, or mixer on a low setting, blend in all the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix until well-blended.
  4. Fill each muffin liner about 2/3 of the way full with batter.
  5. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is starting to brown a bit.
  6. Store covered or in the refrigerator.

Notes:
~She states the recipe makes 8-10 regular size muffins, but I was able to make a dozen.
~Be sure you use muffin liners.
~I used 1/4c maple syrup 1/4honey - I really liked the flavor the honey added.
~I plan to make these again and use blueberries. I'll let you know how they turn out!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Big Boy Room

A week ago we made a huge transition in our home. 
We said goodbye to the nursery and HELLO to the big boy room.

With baby brother due to arrive in June, we wanted to have a few months for Jackson to adjust to the shock prepare for all the changes that are on the horizon.

For the past few months we have searched for a twin bed that was reasonable in price, solid in structure, and fit our taste. We simply could not find one. The price category was a deal killer every time. While discussing this dilemma with a dear friend, she offered her toddler bed as a transition while we look. Their daughter had just moved to a twin and it was sitting unused in their basement. It was such an answer to prayer {and a relief to this pregnant mama's back!}
So, the plans were put in place to paint the walls, put together the new dresser and acquire the toddler bed.
Trip and I didn't know what to expect from Jack. I think we had thought of every ridiculous scenario in our mind as to what he would do the first nights free from the crib. But we were shocked pleasantly surprised. He has fallen asleep in his new bed as though nothing has changed. And he has remained in his bed until we come to get him.
I think the sweetest part of his new bed is our ability to sit beside him once he's tucked in for the night. Jackson loves to be sung to before bed. Among his favorite songs are "Holy, Holy, Holy", "Tis So Sweet","Amazing Grace",  "Jesus Loves Me" and "Twinkle, Twinkle". Once his songs have been sung we pray and then say goodnight. To simply lean over and kiss his head has been such a treasure for Trip and me. {Sure beats trying to hike ourselves over the crib rail for one last smooch.}

A couple notes about the room:
The quilt is from his crib bedding. I think it's a riot that they put a quilt in crib bedding. Thank goodness we ended up using a toddler bed. Otherwise, what a waste of an absolutely adorable quilt.

The red stripe pillow sham is part of a twin duvet set from Ikea. Once we actually find his twin bed I plan to use the entire set.

The chair is from my grandmother. God bless the '70s. That comfortable chair is the most hideous yellow you can imagine. One day I hope to recover it, but for now, the throw will have to do.

The lamps & pillows are from our visits to Corolla, NC. We love that they came from a place so special to our family.

Finally, I cannot rave enough about the paint. After painting several rooms with warehouse store paint, I splurged for this project and went to Sherwin Williams. I lucked out that I had a coupon for 25% off my purchase. The color is the perfect beige and the paint quality is fantastic. It goes with everything and I absolutely love it. I wanted to paint the walls something that will be easy to work with as Jackson gets older. I plan to paint his brother's room the same color.

I still need to finish hanging his pictures. But other than that, the room is complete.

Next up...brother's nursery. Hopefully that "little" project gets done before my due date. :)