This marks post 98 for me...I wanted to hit 100 in 2010 but with moving and family in town and the holidays getting to blog just wasn't in the cards! Ah well the new year brings new posts with a goal of hitting 300 posts before 2012 which is only 3-4 posts a week, definitely doable.
My New Years Resolutions for 2011:
-Lose 17lbs and hit the mark that I've been aiming for since Blake was born...this will be my lowest weight since Junior year in college.
-Walk or get outside and run around with the kids/go to the park or whatever outside exercise at LEAST 3 times a week, preferably 5.
-Find a new church and get involved again, I miss my friends at Trinity in Opelika, AL and hope I can find a place just as wonderful in our new town...the hunt begins on this Sunday!
-Blog 4 times a week
-Complete project 365...this is a big one that I'm nervous about simply because I'm forgetful...but the idea is to take one photo a day to see how things have changed. I'm still working out the logistics but plan to take moments, plus one of me and the kids and hubby on our monthly birthdays...I'm hopefull I can accomplish this and excited about fidling with my camera daily, hoping to get better and better at using it!
-Learn how to coupon and do it WELL! I tried and loved the feeling I got from saving, the sense of accomplishment in seeing just how much I could save...I'm hoping to devote more time to it...meaning less time on Facebook :P and save, save, save!
-Turn off the TV...this shouldn't be hard to do as I'm not a big tv person, but sometimes when I want to clean or cook or blog or just take a moment to myself it's nice to be able to stick Kaitlyn in front of the telly and do just that...she's limited to around 2-3 hrs a day now but I'd love it if we could go days without watching anything!
-Graduate...I'm on par to graduate in October 2011. I can't believe I will have my Masters soon!
-Do more, do good...help out at church, volunteer where I can, donate what I can, make a difference where I can...
A blog of my rambling mind, gives me something to do and you something to read.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, December 30, 2010
So long, farewell...
2010 you have been pretty great to me...
Some of the majors included giving birth to my beautiful son on May 14th 2010 at 12:28am (he didn't want to be a 13th baby like his Daddy). Blake Andrew, named well because we liked Blake and Andrew is one of our best friends, my grandfathers (may he rest in peace) middle name and a slight tribute to my darling youngest sister Andrea, was born 9lbs 0.03 ozs and nope I didn't have GD or any inclination that he was going to be so big! He was 20.25inchs...which I'm still unsure about as hubby and I both heard 21.25 inches but she wrote down 20.25 and when I asked to have him re-measured they asked the same lady and she just said nope it was right...so the forever mystery I guess :)
Quitting my job and fulfilling my dream of becoming a SAHM
-The best choice I've ever made...I've spent my career life wondering what I really should be doing, researching careers and talking with career and school counsellors trying to figure out what I should be doing with my life. At the end of 2009 I began my journey to a Masters in Teaching and Learning and thought that was a good career move.
When we found out we were pregnant after trying to so long we sat down and decided the best choice would be for me to stay home with the kids for at least a year...I was so excited, nervous and anxious about this journey I was about to embark on. May 7th, 2010 was my last day of work, sigh of relief and a week at home with just one kid...a week later my challenge doubled in the best way.
SAHM-hood is hard but ridiculously rewarding. I have days when I want to scream, days when I want to cry, days when I laugh so hard it hurts, days when my heart is so full of love I can't believe these precious, wonderful kids are mine and I wouldn't change my decision for anything!
The beginning financially was a huge toll on us, we had to rely on WIC and state health care, family to let us stay in their house and had nothing at the end of the month, it was tough and I often questioned returning to work even sent in an application once...but we've come in a full circle in short 7 months and now we can't qualify for WIC because we make too much, state health care is off the books too and we're renting a fabulous new 4bd/2ba house in northwest Georgia.
My heart smiles daily!
The second move, a mere 2 hours away, was a bit easier...not alot but a little bit. My in-laws helped us with the aftermath of cleaning and sorting which was so wonderful and without them I fear we may still not have the lake house in order!
Mostly I'm focusing on the we did it, we made it, we have a home again and all is well.
Other things:
I lost weight...just a few pounds in 2011 to hit the goal.
I learned to crochet...and did a stupid amount of fun, fantastic arts and crafts!
I lost a friend...but gained the understanding of what friendship means to me and how I know I should be treated.
I gained a friend back...I lost a friend in 2009 for reasons she and I haven't be able to figure out, a very dear friend who was my best in college and we just seemed to grow apart. We re-kindled and are slowly working on getting to know each other and how to have an adult friendship as opposed to our college one, I hope 2011 brings us close again!
I started going to church again and am working hard on my relationship with God and how I fit into church and how I want my kids to fit into church and learn to know and love Jesus.
2010 was an emotional year for some friends of mine...losing a child, losing parents, divorces, moves, career changes, etc. I wish I could take away all their pain, give them hugs and make the tears go away but I've learned what strength and courage look like and cannot put into words how amazed I am at my friends and how they've met their battles. I truly hope 2011 brings them joy and happiness and helps to disolve some of their tears.
Good-bye 2010, thank you for all you brought me and the lessons I learned!
Some of the majors included giving birth to my beautiful son on May 14th 2010 at 12:28am (he didn't want to be a 13th baby like his Daddy). Blake Andrew, named well because we liked Blake and Andrew is one of our best friends, my grandfathers (may he rest in peace) middle name and a slight tribute to my darling youngest sister Andrea, was born 9lbs 0.03 ozs and nope I didn't have GD or any inclination that he was going to be so big! He was 20.25inchs...which I'm still unsure about as hubby and I both heard 21.25 inches but she wrote down 20.25 and when I asked to have him re-measured they asked the same lady and she just said nope it was right...so the forever mystery I guess :)
-The best choice I've ever made...I've spent my career life wondering what I really should be doing, researching careers and talking with career and school counsellors trying to figure out what I should be doing with my life. At the end of 2009 I began my journey to a Masters in Teaching and Learning and thought that was a good career move.
When we found out we were pregnant after trying to so long we sat down and decided the best choice would be for me to stay home with the kids for at least a year...I was so excited, nervous and anxious about this journey I was about to embark on. May 7th, 2010 was my last day of work, sigh of relief and a week at home with just one kid...a week later my challenge doubled in the best way.
SAHM-hood is hard but ridiculously rewarding. I have days when I want to scream, days when I want to cry, days when I laugh so hard it hurts, days when my heart is so full of love I can't believe these precious, wonderful kids are mine and I wouldn't change my decision for anything!
The beginning financially was a huge toll on us, we had to rely on WIC and state health care, family to let us stay in their house and had nothing at the end of the month, it was tough and I often questioned returning to work even sent in an application once...but we've come in a full circle in short 7 months and now we can't qualify for WIC because we make too much, state health care is off the books too and we're renting a fabulous new 4bd/2ba house in northwest Georgia.
My heart smiles daily!
Moving across country to Alabama, and moving to Georgia.
-Moving is hard, packing boxes, organizing, physically moving, the logistics are complicated...nevermind the emotional side of it all. I have a hard time being overwhelemed with stuff and trying to move especially 2 weeks postpardum makes it very very hard. My parents are my angels and helped me move...psh helped...they moved us. Without them we'd be, well lets not go there because it'd be a mess! The second move, a mere 2 hours away, was a bit easier...not alot but a little bit. My in-laws helped us with the aftermath of cleaning and sorting which was so wonderful and without them I fear we may still not have the lake house in order!
Mostly I'm focusing on the we did it, we made it, we have a home again and all is well.
Other things:
I lost weight...just a few pounds in 2011 to hit the goal.
I learned to crochet...and did a stupid amount of fun, fantastic arts and crafts!
I lost a friend...but gained the understanding of what friendship means to me and how I know I should be treated.
I gained a friend back...I lost a friend in 2009 for reasons she and I haven't be able to figure out, a very dear friend who was my best in college and we just seemed to grow apart. We re-kindled and are slowly working on getting to know each other and how to have an adult friendship as opposed to our college one, I hope 2011 brings us close again!
I started going to church again and am working hard on my relationship with God and how I fit into church and how I want my kids to fit into church and learn to know and love Jesus.
2010 was an emotional year for some friends of mine...losing a child, losing parents, divorces, moves, career changes, etc. I wish I could take away all their pain, give them hugs and make the tears go away but I've learned what strength and courage look like and cannot put into words how amazed I am at my friends and how they've met their battles. I truly hope 2011 brings them joy and happiness and helps to disolve some of their tears.
Good-bye 2010, thank you for all you brought me and the lessons I learned!
May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $50 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.
May the problems you had, forget your home address!...
In simple words..May the year 2011 be the best year of your life!!!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Christmas: the before, during and aftermath...
Christmas was different this year...not bad or good per-say just different.
For the last 27 Christmases I have been with my parents and sisters (well not them for 27 but you get the jist)...this year they jet setted off to Paris for the holiday, my youngest sister followed, middle sister is in Australia with her husband and I was in our new home in Georgia.
Not alone...with two amazingly wonderful children, one so ridiculously excited she couldn't control herself and one slightly overwhelemed with no real idea of what he was supposed to be so happy about! A husband to managed 4 glorious days off to shop last minute and spend time with us! And my in-laws were in town!
We baked, decorated, shopped, explored, relaxed under our Christmas blanket, soaked up the cool weather and talked about how wonderful the day would be.
Kaitlyn and I played a round of football, as much as you can with a 3 yr old who gets mad when you take the ball...running around the backyard like lunatics, watching our warm breath hit the cool air and cheeks turn red and I thought how much fun my Dad would have with us, explaining Aussie football rules, showing how you really kick the ball and tackling us until we almost peed from laughter.
We made sugar cookies for Santa, and wished Mum was there to remember the gingerbread recipe.
We played games and knew Auntie Andi would have been keen to join in.
My in-laws are wonderful, they love my kids immensely and I enjoy their company. They are the snuggle up by the fire place watch a movie, read lots of books and lay low type. My parents are the rough and tumble, hands and knees lets get silly type. A great combination of granparents if you ask me!
It was Blakes first Christmas, not they he cared. It was my first Christmas without my family, and it was hard.
Despite my husband telling me I was a control freak and needed to stop it causing a few tears on the way to his family's Christmas dinner...which is kinda fun to do in the car as people driving by do the double take at this lady sitting in her Christmas outfit tears rolling down her face while going 75mph on the freeway...it was a good Christmas...I just want my kids to have the best memories of Christmas. He logically, as he always is, explained that it's going to be great because we make it great and enjoy each moment, not because it's all planned out and organized.
Next year it can only get better!
Decorations are down, earliest that's ever happened! but we're getting into a new groove in a new town and if feels good to have the house in order.
Toys are being played with...more Blakes than anything bringing quite a few tears from the not wanting to share 3 year old bashing the poor I just wanna play with you 7 month old and then said 3 yr old having to go to her room and think about how we treat others...oh Christmas.
Of course now we gear up for New Years Eve...which when you have two kids under the age of 4 involves the hopes of staying awake until midnight!
I'm working on my resolutions...with a large goal of keeping them this year...which of course means they have to be doable and not the generic lose weight but never do a thing about it goal!
Its such a funny holiday...spend months preparing for this one day, which really is a couple of hours of enjoyment in the morning, wake up at stupid hours of the morning with crazy anticipation, kill a couple of trees with all the paper used, eat some silly amount of junk food, oohh and aahh and fuss over gifts you didn't want or need but still love, all the while trying to remember the true meaning of the holiday...only to wake up on the 26th and go wait it's OVER?!?
I love Christmas, I do, it's just a lot of pressure for one day a year...next year I think we'll work harder on that true meaning and less on the commercialized craziness!
For the last 27 Christmases I have been with my parents and sisters (well not them for 27 but you get the jist)...this year they jet setted off to Paris for the holiday, my youngest sister followed, middle sister is in Australia with her husband and I was in our new home in Georgia.
 |
| dude yoghurt puffs are baby crack, thanks Santa! |
 |
| Kaitlyn was the official helper of the morning :) |
We baked, decorated, shopped, explored, relaxed under our Christmas blanket, soaked up the cool weather and talked about how wonderful the day would be.
Kaitlyn and I played a round of football, as much as you can with a 3 yr old who gets mad when you take the ball...running around the backyard like lunatics, watching our warm breath hit the cool air and cheeks turn red and I thought how much fun my Dad would have with us, explaining Aussie football rules, showing how you really kick the ball and tackling us until we almost peed from laughter.
We made sugar cookies for Santa, and wished Mum was there to remember the gingerbread recipe.
We played games and knew Auntie Andi would have been keen to join in.
My in-laws are wonderful, they love my kids immensely and I enjoy their company. They are the snuggle up by the fire place watch a movie, read lots of books and lay low type. My parents are the rough and tumble, hands and knees lets get silly type. A great combination of granparents if you ask me!
It was Blakes first Christmas, not they he cared. It was my first Christmas without my family, and it was hard.
Despite my husband telling me I was a control freak and needed to stop it causing a few tears on the way to his family's Christmas dinner...which is kinda fun to do in the car as people driving by do the double take at this lady sitting in her Christmas outfit tears rolling down her face while going 75mph on the freeway...it was a good Christmas...I just want my kids to have the best memories of Christmas. He logically, as he always is, explained that it's going to be great because we make it great and enjoy each moment, not because it's all planned out and organized.
Next year it can only get better!
Decorations are down, earliest that's ever happened! but we're getting into a new groove in a new town and if feels good to have the house in order.
Toys are being played with...more Blakes than anything bringing quite a few tears from the not wanting to share 3 year old bashing the poor I just wanna play with you 7 month old and then said 3 yr old having to go to her room and think about how we treat others...oh Christmas.
Of course now we gear up for New Years Eve...which when you have two kids under the age of 4 involves the hopes of staying awake until midnight!
I'm working on my resolutions...with a large goal of keeping them this year...which of course means they have to be doable and not the generic lose weight but never do a thing about it goal!
Its such a funny holiday...spend months preparing for this one day, which really is a couple of hours of enjoyment in the morning, wake up at stupid hours of the morning with crazy anticipation, kill a couple of trees with all the paper used, eat some silly amount of junk food, oohh and aahh and fuss over gifts you didn't want or need but still love, all the while trying to remember the true meaning of the holiday...only to wake up on the 26th and go wait it's OVER?!?
I love Christmas, I do, it's just a lot of pressure for one day a year...next year I think we'll work harder on that true meaning and less on the commercialized craziness!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Moving is...
a pain in the rear!
I despise moving, the boxes the overwhelming feeling of just how much stuff your family owns, and the logistics of getting it and fitting it into a new space.
As most know I have ADHD...this makes moving unbelievably hard. I would walk into a room of "stuff" and not be able to accomplish anything because I was too overwhelemed. Literally I just could not do it, physically my body wouldn't function.
Thankfully I have a "git r done" husband who came home after an exhausting week at work and well got it done! He brought a friend from work who helped him load all the heavy stuff and pack up a trailer. NINE car loads, TWO large trailer loads and a small truck load later...we got it!
We made it here, our new house is just outside Atlanta, Georgia and is mostly put together...of course the other side of ADHD is not being able to live in a mess or clutter and NEEDING to have everything done. I have wine glasses to unpack and pictures to put on the wall but mostly we're home and decorated for Christmas. The glassess will have to come up from the basement tomorrow as we need them for mimosas Christmas morning!
I have a stupid amount of pictures to inundate you with, but alas it's 10pm and I'm tired so that will have to wait for another day...hopefully soon.
So I'm here, feeling a bit disconnected and behind in my blogging world but this marks my 95th blog post and my friends we will reach 100 this year...maybe with a surprise involved ;) Gotta have something to make you come back...
I have missed you all! good things are coming...for now enjoy the holiday season, share some magic and cheer and to quote my favourite day time talk show host, be kind to one other!
I despise moving, the boxes the overwhelming feeling of just how much stuff your family owns, and the logistics of getting it and fitting it into a new space.
As most know I have ADHD...this makes moving unbelievably hard. I would walk into a room of "stuff" and not be able to accomplish anything because I was too overwhelemed. Literally I just could not do it, physically my body wouldn't function.
Thankfully I have a "git r done" husband who came home after an exhausting week at work and well got it done! He brought a friend from work who helped him load all the heavy stuff and pack up a trailer. NINE car loads, TWO large trailer loads and a small truck load later...we got it!
We made it here, our new house is just outside Atlanta, Georgia and is mostly put together...of course the other side of ADHD is not being able to live in a mess or clutter and NEEDING to have everything done. I have wine glasses to unpack and pictures to put on the wall but mostly we're home and decorated for Christmas. The glassess will have to come up from the basement tomorrow as we need them for mimosas Christmas morning!
I have a stupid amount of pictures to inundate you with, but alas it's 10pm and I'm tired so that will have to wait for another day...hopefully soon.
So I'm here, feeling a bit disconnected and behind in my blogging world but this marks my 95th blog post and my friends we will reach 100 this year...maybe with a surprise involved ;) Gotta have something to make you come back...
I have missed you all! good things are coming...for now enjoy the holiday season, share some magic and cheer and to quote my favourite day time talk show host, be kind to one other!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
I'm out
It's official, we're moving...BLARG! YIPPEE! about sums it up...we are finally in a position to live with hubby full time up north near his job...but I'm leaving lots of wonderful friends made in such a short time.
We'll be back to visit...and I'm excited to once again find new friends, new places to explore and make the most of our new house, one that's ours (as much as a rental is) this time...
Packing has consumed my world and a nasty sore throat...it's gonna be a loooooong week!
I'm outtie, check back in once we're up and running in the lovely state of Georgia...good-bye Alabama you've been great, I wasn't sure what to expect but you surprised me in a fabulous way and I will miss you!
We'll be back to visit...and I'm excited to once again find new friends, new places to explore and make the most of our new house, one that's ours (as much as a rental is) this time...
Packing has consumed my world and a nasty sore throat...it's gonna be a loooooong week!
I'm outtie, check back in once we're up and running in the lovely state of Georgia...good-bye Alabama you've been great, I wasn't sure what to expect but you surprised me in a fabulous way and I will miss you!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
4 years ago yesterday...
I found out I was going to be a mama...my first born was not planned, she was as they call it an 'oops baby'. The feelings were intense, happy, excited, scared, nervous, overwhelmed, unsure, giddy, but mostly HOLY CANOLI I'm having a baby.
July 29th, 2007 life changed for the good...
Becoming a Mum has meant a lot of things, a lot of great things and a lot of realizations. Realizing whatever you did before doesn't matter, but what you do from now on does in a big way. Dirty dishes become less important and the perfection of blowing raspberries more.
Alot of people talk about 'giving up' things to become a mama...I don't think I gave up anything. I'm still up at 2am, only now it's to comfort and feed a hungry baby. I still wear my heels, they're just next to the princess shoes. I put on my make-up right after kissing two plump cheeks. The little black dress is still worn only now one shoulder is covered with a burp cloth and there is a hint of snot or slobber or both on the hem right where a little face burried into it.
It's a pretty amazing thing, becoming the whole world to one person. Knowing that you are shaping this persons life. What you do, what you say helps them to figure out who they are and what they want to be or do when they grow up. Your life is them. They are perfect in their own way, they know it and you know it.
It's a marvelous thing this title of Mama. One that isn't always easy to come by, one that people sometimes suffer and cry for a long time before receiving. One that is always hoped to be the first word out of a child mouth, but usually comes second to that easier to say Dadda. One that is a need when sick, a word of support and encouragement, a comfort in the night and a smile in the morning. A title not always asked for, a title that means the world and one that makes a difference.
July 29th, 2007 life changed for the good...
Becoming a Mum has meant a lot of things, a lot of great things and a lot of realizations. Realizing whatever you did before doesn't matter, but what you do from now on does in a big way. Dirty dishes become less important and the perfection of blowing raspberries more.
It's a marvelous thing this title of Mama. One that isn't always easy to come by, one that people sometimes suffer and cry for a long time before receiving. One that is always hoped to be the first word out of a child mouth, but usually comes second to that easier to say Dadda. One that is a need when sick, a word of support and encouragement, a comfort in the night and a smile in the morning. A title not always asked for, a title that means the world and one that makes a difference.
Four years I've had this title...and I cannot wait for the rest to come. My little girl gave me this title and it's one I hold near and dear to my heart, not taken lightly and even in the whiniest or grumpiest of times when the 3 year old is acting like a 3 year old a title that I love.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Making time...
Life is all about making time, using time, taking time, having time. These days I am working hard to make time, its there I know it is, it's just figuring out the best way to find it and then how to use it when I do find it. It's becoming harder and harder with a little boy who just wants to explore the world.
We're moving soon...again...and when we do the layout of books, magazines and everything else that's not ment to be drooled on will have to find a home on a shelf higher than bubs can reach. As of today I've lost two magazines to the drool monster.
Time is not currently on my side...with B crawling it's difficult to do much when he's awake, and since he won't sleep in his crib but prefers my bed which is on the main floor it's hard to get much done with him napping...but I keep reminding myself this is only temporary, he'll sleep alone eventually, he'll be independent and not need Mummy to play with him forever so that time I'm searching for to do "stuff" will come back. I'm sure at some point I'll have too much time and yearn for my kids to still want to roll around on the floor with me and be silly.
Happy 1st of December...23 days until Christmas...can you believe it? Time moves too fast sometimes, it's hard to stop and smell the roses but this holiday season I plan to smell it all, the roses and poinsettas, cinnamon candles, pine leaves and Christmas trees! I will be taking my time this season to soak in every moment!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Countdown to Christmas!
This year advent begins on the 28th of November, I recieved an awesome little booklet with daily devotionals to read as we enjoy this holiday season! There are 26 days until Christmas in the advent calendar however we are doing a 24 day countdown (this is so we can use this craft every year), I will do our daily bible verse and countdown as a supplement to the fun we'll have with my new and first craft for the Christmas season!
To make your own countdown to Christmas you will need the following:
-24 mini stockings, these were on special this week at Walgreens (2/$1) it was a limit of four each purchase so Kaitlyn and I had a great time buying four going to the car and putting them away then going back into the store to get four more six times!
-white ribbon
-hot glue gun
-candy (I bought 2 bags of hershey's kisses (2/$5 at walmart plus a $1 off coupon from the Sunday paper...I only used one bag!
-ruler
-needle and white thread
Optional
-Avent calendar and devational booklet
-Green construction paper
Type up bible versus in two columns and print on green construction paper
Cut into seperate cards for each day
String mini stockings onto the ribbon
On the end that is not attached to the ribbon spool measure about 2 inches down and fold the ribbon over to create a loop, this is how you will attach the string of stockings to the wall.
Sew the loop (if you hate to sew you could use your hot glue gun for this part)
Once you have strung all your stockings on the ribbon and sewen or glued the first loop space out the stockings about 2 inches apart so they hang together. I layed my row off stockings out on the table and then took my hot glue gun and went down the line.
Make sure you start at the end with the loop, leave about 5 inches from the loop to the first stocking.
Once all your stockings have been glued on it's time to stuff them with the bible verse and goodies!
In each mini stocking (with one bag of hershey's kisses) I put 3 kisses and the day's bible verse.
Each day we will enjoy a goodie as we read our bible verse and supplement with a reading from the devotional booklet.
Christmas is my favorite holiday, I cannot wait to begin the Christmas season!
To make your own countdown to Christmas you will need the following:
-white ribbon
-hot glue gun
-candy (I bought 2 bags of hershey's kisses (2/$5 at walmart plus a $1 off coupon from the Sunday paper...I only used one bag!
-ruler
-needle and white thread
Optional
-Avent calendar and devational booklet
-Green construction paper
Make sure you start at the end with the loop, leave about 5 inches from the loop to the first stocking.
Christmas is my favorite holiday, I cannot wait to begin the Christmas season!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Turkey Day...warning it's kind of long and mushy!
In the past at Thanksgiving tables I've always been so nervous about the question of what I'm thankful for, to be honest I don't really know why, guess I didn't want to sound silly and to be honest there have been years where it's been a struggle for me to come up with something. However I cannot wait for this year and the question because I have a new attitude towards life and am thankful for oh so so much...
Let me start with this amazing man...approximately 9 years ago I met this crazy kid on the girls floor of my freshman dorm, he wanted me to go out to the bars with him, I looked at him in his pink condom hat like he'd lost his mind and said I had to go to bed and be up at 5am for swim practice. During that year I saw him a few more times, for some crazy reason he'd stolen my heart and neither of us knew it or why! Junior year we became inseperable friends.
July 6th, 2004 we started dating...
February 14th, 2007 we got engaged...
March 22nd, 2008 we got married...
What a ride it's been but he is my rock, my soul mate and my best friend. He drives me to the brink of insanity and keeps me grounded.
This past 5 months have been the best of our marriage, I think we've both grown and figured out who were are and what an amazing choice it is to love each other daily. I am very thankful for him.
These kids are my world and I am so thankful for them, each and every moment
My friends are amazing, both new and old. I have been taught a lot this year about trust and loyalty and friendship, true friendship runs deep. I've lost a few friends this year, but gained a wonderful one back as we are working to mend the broken ties we had.
This year I am thankful, thankful for the lessons I've learned, the hard times and the good, the tears and the laughter, the true friendship I have been shown, the love I have experienced, the heartache I've felt, the changes, the sames, the differences, the skills I've learned, the strength I've gained, the failures I've felt, I'm so thankful each and everyday for the life I have been given.
Happy Thanksgiving my American friends! May you all find something to be thankful for this season!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
mmm mmm pie
I made three pies today for tomorrows festivities! It's the first time in a long time I was embarrased about my check out stuff at the grocery store...chocolate syrup, whipped topping, chocolate pudding mix (which I ended up not needing), ice cream and hershey kisses (which are for our advent calendar...post to come). Oh and three cans of pumpkin puree, I was really really bummed that I couldn't find pie pumpkins this year...I may have been able too at Publix but with two grumpy kids in the car I cut my losses and bought the canned stuff.
I NEVER buy junk food!
Pumpkin pie ala Lisa
*4 cups vanilla ice cream
*2 cans pumpkin puree
*5 eggs
*3/4 cup of sugar
*2 DEEP dish pie crusts
*cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
*Pre-heat oven to 450degrees and set ice cream container ontop of the oven to soften
*In a large mixing bowl combine eggs, pumpkin and sugar and mix until all combined
*Add in about 1/4 a teaspoon of each spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) and mix well
*Combine with 4 cups of ice cream and mix until smooth.
*Pour evenly into each pie dish
*Bake at 450* for 18 mins, then reduce oven temp to 350 and bake for an additional 45-50mins until knife comes out clean.
Peanut Butter Pie (from the Sunday paper about 2 weeks ago)
*1 cup of smooth peanut butter
*extra tablespoon of pb
*8ozs of cream cheese
*1/2 cup of sugar
*chocolate sauce (the ice cream topping kind that will set)
*tub of cool whip
*graham cracker crust
*In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup of pb, 8 ozs of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar, mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
*Add in 3 cups of cool whip and mix until smooth.
*Spoon mixture into graham cracker crust and smooth out.
*Cover with chocolate sauce and put in the freezer for about an hour...at this time set the cool whip out so it defrosts.
*Once chocolate sauce has set cover with rest of the cool whip
*In a plastic ziploc bag put the extra tbsp of peanut butter, microwave for about 40sec. then cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag and drizzle over the cool whip.
*Put chocolate sauce in another ziploc bag, cut a small hole in the bottom and drizzle in the opposite direction across cool whip. Add semi-sweet chocolates if you desire!
*Put back in the freezer to set!
I NEVER buy junk food!
Pumpkin pie ala Lisa
*4 cups vanilla ice cream
*2 cans pumpkin puree
*5 eggs
*3/4 cup of sugar
*2 DEEP dish pie crusts
*cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger
*Pre-heat oven to 450degrees and set ice cream container ontop of the oven to soften
*In a large mixing bowl combine eggs, pumpkin and sugar and mix until all combined
*Add in about 1/4 a teaspoon of each spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) and mix well
*Combine with 4 cups of ice cream and mix until smooth.
*Pour evenly into each pie dish
*Bake at 450* for 18 mins, then reduce oven temp to 350 and bake for an additional 45-50mins until knife comes out clean.
Peanut Butter Pie (from the Sunday paper about 2 weeks ago)
*1 cup of smooth peanut butter
*extra tablespoon of pb
*8ozs of cream cheese
*1/2 cup of sugar
*chocolate sauce (the ice cream topping kind that will set)
*tub of cool whip
*graham cracker crust
*In a large mixing bowl combine 1 cup of pb, 8 ozs of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar, mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
*Add in 3 cups of cool whip and mix until smooth.
*Spoon mixture into graham cracker crust and smooth out.
*Cover with chocolate sauce and put in the freezer for about an hour...at this time set the cool whip out so it defrosts.
*Once chocolate sauce has set cover with rest of the cool whip
*In a plastic ziploc bag put the extra tbsp of peanut butter, microwave for about 40sec. then cut a small hole in the bottom of the bag and drizzle over the cool whip.
*Put chocolate sauce in another ziploc bag, cut a small hole in the bottom and drizzle in the opposite direction across cool whip. Add semi-sweet chocolates if you desire!
*Put back in the freezer to set!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Menu Monday
Monday:
Lunch-Sub sandwiches out-visiting a friend and her newborn today
Dinner- Cornflake crusted chicken, green beans and sweet potato fries
Tuesday:
Lunch-Sandwiches out again-visiting a friend for lunch
Dinner- Tilapia with seasoning, sweet corn and fresh homemade bread
Wednesday:
Lunch-Grilled Cheese and tomoto soup
Dinner- Eggplant parmesan
Thursday:
Breakfast- French toast casserole, grapes
Lunch/Dinner-THANKSGIVING DINNER
Friday:
Lunch- leftover turkey sandwiches with mayo and cranberry sauce
Dinner- Breakfast for dinner (scrambled eggs, beef bacon, biscuts)
Saturday:
Lunch- Homemade pizza
Dinner- Ground Chicken Enchiladas, black beans, spanish rice
Sunday:
Lunch- Sandwiches, apple
Dinner- Spagehtti casserole, peas and cornbread
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Crafts, Crafts and more Crafts!
I LOVE crafts, it's possible I could spend an entire day and more than our monthly income in the craft store. At present I am working on a new long sleeved dress for K, some overalls for B, crocheting a blanket for B and K (just started B's...my goal was to finish one for each of them for Christmas but not sure if it will happen or not), and some photo blocks for Christmas gifts for grandparents!
Paint a nice smear of Mod Podge on one side of the block
Place your favorite picture ontop and press down, let it sit for a couple of minutes to adhere/dry.
Flip it over on the cutting board and trim off the edges with the exacto knife.
Flip the box back over and apply a few coats of Mod Podge to the picture, I like to brush down all across and then take the paintbrush and ever so lightly go back over vertically to give the look of a canvas.
Let dry for a good 15 mins and about a week before touching/stacking!
To use the other size of wood blocks do the same steps but place the picture on all four blocks together, (Place all the blocks together, then glue one side and put the picture on them to cover all blocks...I hope this makes sense I'm such a visual person and did not think to snap a picture when I made my first set...I will have full pictures of the book project I'm doing ((see below)) to show you on Tuesday if this is confusing) then use the exacto knife to separate the blocks and thus cutting though the picture. You will end up with four blocks each holding one part of a picture to make up 6 full pictures in total! What I am working on now for K's Christmas gift this year is using 6 blocks and a Dr. Sesus book that we have a duplicate of, I am cutting up words from our favorite for one side, another side will be colours, another side will be matching, yet another will have counting, and then two sides for pictures. I cannot wait and will post pictures as soon as I have it all done...which hopefully will be Tuesday as our activities have all been cancelled for the week due to the Thanksgiving holiday!
I recently finished some frames for a couple of friends. Old book, frame, scrapbook paper, paint, letter stencil and a hot glue gun...I have too much fun making these!
and an awesome Fall wreath for a small wall in the dining room....made from a newspaper, rope, hot glue and leaves/pine cones in the garden!
I love to craft and as often as I can when B is napping, K and I will pull out the glue and paint and whatever other fun things we can find and go to town, her on one end of the table me on the other, working together in our own little crafting world putting together our masterpieces.
Every payday I gather up my craft store coupons, Hobby Lobby puts 40% off in the paper every Sunday, Michaels hands out 40% in email a couple of times a month and JoAnn is hit or miss in the clearance aisle and search out as many fun crafts as I can get my hands on! I have a big ole bag of Christmas goodies I can't wait to start making.
My big plans this year are for K and I to make Christmas balls for the tree, an advent calendar and gingerbread houses! More artsy fartsy posts to come :)
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Moving right along...
I feel like I haven't had time to breath lately...and if you'd entered my house not three hours ago you literally wouldn't have been able to breathe since I took the kids outside for the beginnings of our holiday shoot and forgot about the black beans on the stove simmering for tonights dinner, they burnt, the pot is ruined and my house smells like burnt toast...we have been so busy, my brain apparently hasn't had time to catch up to today's activities!
Saturday we were invited to our first birthday party since moving here, a little boy in K's Church class turned 3 and had a bounce house at the playground. We had an absolute blast and are so thankful to be making new friends!
In light of being so ridiculously busy and having a bubs that can now sit on his own, bath time has become a multi-tasking event with two in the tub...although I think that makes it HARDER for mama and I end up soaking wet with two kids who think it's hilarious to splash each other and the mama in the process.
Friday I chucked them both in the tub though and they LOVED it!
B is teething, that in itself makes things more of a challenge as he does not enjoy being put down and his mouth hurts :(
Tuesday we went to a craft day...post to come about my fun new project...I spent 8 hrs making this thing in what I could do in probably 2...but B wasn't having it!
I need a catch up day, one for cleaning, one for cooking, one of crafting, one of editing photos, one for movies and snuggles with my kids, definitely one for blogging...anyone got some free time to share? Cause I need some!
On-ward and up-ward...we rally, we make it through the day, we are happy...we'll catch up eventually right?
Sunday my sweet little baby boy hit the 6 month mark...he also sits by himself and has TWO teeth! I'm sorry but whoever told him he could grow up can you let him know Mama isn't ready for such a big boy :(
Oh and he wants to crawl so ridiculously bad that he'll get on his hands and knees and rock and then gets MAD when he can't go anywhere!
Friday I chucked them both in the tub though and they LOVED it!
B is teething, that in itself makes things more of a challenge as he does not enjoy being put down and his mouth hurts :(
Tuesday we went to a craft day...post to come about my fun new project...I spent 8 hrs making this thing in what I could do in probably 2...but B wasn't having it!
I need a catch up day, one for cleaning, one for cooking, one of crafting, one of editing photos, one for movies and snuggles with my kids, definitely one for blogging...anyone got some free time to share? Cause I need some!
On-ward and up-ward...we rally, we make it through the day, we are happy...we'll catch up eventually right?
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