tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85926441839831334502024-03-13T10:39:31.509-07:00To Rise AboveMehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-54715747287461899022015-06-11T21:21:00.003-07:002015-06-11T21:21:39.131-07:00What happened to the world changer?I grew up in a generation of world changers. We were driven, empowered, and passionate for God. We were "on fire".<br />
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Church camps, youth conferences, mission trips, and youth group was what my life revolved around. It was amazing. I have wonderful memories and great Facebook friends from those times but the accomplishments and moments are all in the past.<br />
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I grew up believing I could do anything I set my mind to, the world was my oyster and I only had to choose what I wanted and go for it.<br />
And that, dear friends, is where I stalled out. Decision making is not my forte and after 4 years of college and 1 internship I was no closer to knowing what I wanted to do with my life then when I started.<br />
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I am now a married, stay-at-home, mom of two, with no college degree and not a clue who I am.<br />
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I wish I could say I did change the world, that history will be written with me in it, that my name will be known, that I have made a tangible impact in the lives of others. But the truth is that most days it's all I can do to get dressed, feed the kids, run errands, feed them again, pick up the house, do laundry, put it away, feed the kids...again, and get them into bed.<br />
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It is so hard to find meaning in what I do. There is no acknowledgement, no history being made, and most days it feels like nobody knows my name.<br />
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This is not a motivational, "you matter, get out there and be a fabulous you!" post. No, this is my honest, real life. Because real life is hard.<br />
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But I press on, I roast cauliflower, trip over toys, pick up toys, and wash the thousandth load of laundry because while today doesn't feel significant I have faith that soon one day will and I cannot wait for that day.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-21151084892578420052015-06-06T23:28:00.004-07:002015-06-06T23:28:56.541-07:00Never too tiredThis evening, after a long day of painting the kitchen, feeding kids, picking up the house, preparing for Lily's birthday party tomorrow, running errands, and everything else that come with being a stay-at-home mom of a 4 and 5 year old, Ethan came up to me and, with a lot of attitude in his voice, asked why I hadn't fixed his bubble machine yet (he had left if out in one too many rainstorms this spring and the on/off switch had rusted).<br />
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Tired and a bit exasperated I launched into a speech about everything I had done that day and how tired I was and how I didn't have enough time to get everything done but I would look at it tomorrow.<br />
Ethan, in all of his 5 year old wisdom, climbed up onto my lap, put his arm around my neck, smiled at me and said, "But I know one thing you always have time for mom". I sighed and turned my head to smile at him as I asked what that was. "A hug from Ethan!" he happily replied as he wrapped his arm around me. I gladly hugged he back and with a kiss on the check replied, "You're right buddy. I love you and I always have time for a hug and a kiss from you".<br />
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I am constantly reminded that time is fleeting. This fall Ethan will start Kindergarten and Lily will start preschool. I am planning to start working part time and I know that the days I think are busy now are slow and steady compared to what is to come.<br />
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I fill my plate and try to get more done in a day than I could do in a week. I need to remember to slow down, to take time for the little things, and little people that I am so blessed to have in my life. After all, I'm never too busy for a hug. Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-73854635497170079432012-09-26T14:53:00.001-07:002012-09-26T14:53:12.858-07:00This day has gone to hell in a handbasket<div><p>I was up with both kids numerous times last night, once for an hour with Lily. I am frustrated and exhausted. Ethan didn't nap and he woke up Lily who only got an hour of sleep. I didn't get to sleep at all. It is hot in this house and I need a shower.</p>
<p>I just bathed the kids and Ethan splashed water everywhere, soaking me, the floor, and the walls of the bathroom. </p>
<p>I've got two more hours until bedtime and I may not survive. <br>
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</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-46332543571104730122012-06-07T22:32:00.003-07:002012-06-07T22:32:21.622-07:00Friday Five: first birthday edition<div><p>1. Tomorrow we are celebrating baby girls first birthday with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a cousin. </p>
<p>2. I still need to start/finish sewing baby girls birthday gifts</p>
<p>3. I made strawberry lemon, chocolate, and will be making lemon drop cupcakes, yum! </p>
<p>4. We painted our deck and installed lattice work last week. It's something we've been meaning to do for awhile and an upcoming backyard birthday party was a great motivator. </p>
<p>5. Once the party is over I think I will need a vacation. I've been stressing out over it all week. </p>
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-6167632675076863832012-06-01T12:37:00.001-07:002012-06-01T12:37:10.962-07:00Friday Five<div><p>1. I just sang the entire Brady Bunch theme song from memory. <br>
I. Am. Awesome! </p>
<p>2. I am feeling incredibly tired and annoyingly hyper all at once. I fear I am going to crash this afternoon. </p>
<p>3. I cleaned half of my kitchen this morning. I have no immediate plans to clean the other half. </p>
<p>4. I need to convince my husband that we should buy a large mirror to decorate our living room with. </p>
<p>5. I think I am going to go do the laundry and each sherbet. </p>
<p>Have a great weekend! </p>
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-59221968363875567672012-05-25T16:38:00.001-07:002012-05-25T16:38:39.132-07:00Friday Five<div><p>1. The kids and I went to the library today and picked up our logs for the summer book club. I'm so excited to get started! </p>
<p>2. I bought a double jogging stroller off of Craigslist for twelve bucks. Twelve bucks!  How awesome is that?!</p>
<p>3. Baby girl doesn't nap. Ever. Ok, maybe for 40 minutes a day, tops. That is not enough sleep. </p>
<p>4. I plan on decorating E's toddler bed with "choo, choo's" in hopes that he will want to sleep in it. </p>
<p>5. I am almost done sewing baby girl's first birthday dress. It is adorable, I can't wait to share!</p>
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-47451402838267121402012-05-04T08:31:00.001-07:002012-05-04T08:31:05.587-07:00Friday Five<div><p>1. I'm trying to drink less pop, namely Dr. Pepper. This was my first week and it is hard! </p>
<p>2. Baby girl jammed her finger up my nose yesterday. It hurt. A lot. And caused my nose to bleed for a good 5-10 minutes. </p>
<p>3. I am exhausted. Like, "Can I just crawl into bed now and sleep into Saturday morning?", exhausted. </p>
<p>4. I have so much laundry to put away. So much. </p>
<p>5. I discovered the baby esp app this week. I am in love! I feel like I can finally accurately track the kids schedules or lack thereof and get things on track.</p>
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-37409165349276335762012-04-27T17:03:00.001-07:002012-04-27T17:03:13.807-07:00Friday Five<div><p>1. I'm writing this on my phone while rocking baby girl to sleep. </p>
<p>2. E is eating a fruit chiller and watching Madame Blueberry. </p>
<p>3. Today I cleaned my bathroom for the first time in . . . well, let's just say it had been awhile. </p>
<p>4. I still need to clean the hall bathroom that my hubby and the kids use. </p>
<p>5. We went on 2 walks today. One this morning and one right before supper. E was in heaven, loves the great outdoors! </p>
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-62671783611004661652012-04-06T00:16:00.001-07:002012-04-06T00:16:06.140-07:00Friday five: Easter edition<div><p>1. Easter is my favorite holiday.</p>
<p>2. Every year my parents have an Easter egg hunt for myself, my husband, our kids, my sisters and brother. It's basically awesome.</p>
<p>3. My moms birthday falls on the day before Easter this year. </p>
<p>4. My son was born 8 days Easter. I was absolutely brokenhearted that I couldn't go home for Easter, I spent the afternoon in tears.</p>
<p>5. I started baby girls Easter dress 3 weeks ago. I should probably finish sewing it try tomorrow.</p>
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-72775196299103926722012-03-16T21:05:00.001-07:002012-03-16T21:05:44.447-07:00Friday Five<div><p>Friday's are usually my favorite blog days, in between Friday Fives, what do you think, and weekly wrap up's everything seem to fall into place. </p>
<p>So, in an effort to start blogging again I've decide to so my own Friday Five. </p>
<p>1. This week has been long, yesterday while having lunch with my mom I though out was Tuesday. It was not, thank you Lord! </p>
<p>2. I'm feeling very challenged as a mom, I have a defiant almost 2 year old and a 9 month old who hates going to sleep. Awesome.</p>
<p>3. Yesterday, in the middle of crying babies and loads of frustration I work 3 pages worth of heartache, vents, and complaints. I felt better. . . and then today came. </p>
<p>4. I'm currently soaking in the tub and it is awesome. </p>
<p>5. My son turns two in 12 days. Crazy.<br>
I should probably get started on his birthday. </p>
</div>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-14809160940145212492011-09-22T16:41:00.000-07:002011-09-22T16:41:52.268-07:00Teething :/I have two kids under the age of two and they are both teething at. the. same. time. Ugh . . . <div>
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I've been trying to get some wool soakers and side snapping covers made so that I can (finally!) start a test round but noooo, Baby girl and Little man and proving that they can drive their mother insane in only one short afternoon - help!</div>
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OK, I feel better now. :) They are actually both napping right now (knock on wood) so I need to get busy, wish me luck.</div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-25673908020053944522011-09-21T13:42:00.000-07:002011-09-21T13:42:20.538-07:00Curried Chicken Salad"How's the diet going?"<br />
Ugh, don't ask. Have I mention that I hate dieting and have no willpower?<br />
I did pretty good the first week, fell off the wagon the second week, and here we are on the third week. So far I've lost 7, then gained 3 back. Ugh, I really need to stop eating ravioli and old Easter candy.<br />
Ok, enough complaining, today for lunch I ate the yummiest Curried chicken salad and it was super easy!<br />
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I made buffalo chicken chunks a couple days ago and had enough boiled chicken chucks to make this as well.<br />
I didn't measure anything so everything is a guesstimate.<br />
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2 cups cooked chicken chunks<br />
3/4 c. mayo<br />
1/4 c. whipping cream<br />
1 1/2 T. Curry powder<br />
1/2 sm. onion<br />
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Throw chicken and onion in a mini-food chopper or food processor, whichever you have on hand.<br />
add mayo, whipping cream, and curry powder and mix well. Eat and enjoy!<br />
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-7966988746053734752011-09-15T18:20:00.000-07:002011-09-15T18:23:49.393-07:00E's new coat!This morning, after I woke up, I told my husband I didn't feel like being a grown-up today and wasn't there someone else who could be the mom for awhile?<br />
He just laughed at me. How rude.<br />
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Seriously though, it's been a rough week. I've been sick, the kids have been sick, the house looks like we've been sick.<br />
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I'm finally feeling better through, tired but better. Hey, I even managed to finish sewing E's winter coat, which is a good thing considering it's been hoovering around 65 all day.<br />
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E's coat was a mess to make, I enjoyed making it but it felt like a mess. I drafted my own pattern, used two layers of fleece for warmth, an old micro suede dress shirt of the hubby's to line it and some super cute monster/peace printed corduroy to accent the (cheaper) green corduroy. I do plan to make baby girl a coat in the next couple of weeks so I'll try to pull the mess together and post a tut at that point.<br />
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The whole she-bang! E's in bed so no modeling pic's :(</div>
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A side-ways close up of the front - buttons are from on old (fake) fur coat of mine.</div>
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Sleeve detailing</div>
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A pocket</div>
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The inside, right-hand side of the coat. I cut the lining to include to pocket from hubby's shirt.</div>
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The lining of the coat</div>
Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-26737021285486628432011-09-08T20:41:00.000-07:002011-09-08T20:49:50.687-07:00Yvonne's Chicken CurryMy husband trains new hire classes, up trains employees and much more at his job.<br />
At the end of every new hire class they have a food day, aka potluck dinner. This recipe was made by one of the trainee's, Yvonne, for the last classes food day.<br />
My husband, who is not a big fan of Indian food, loved it so much he asked for the recipe. I've tweaked it a bit but the main recipe is the same. I love Indian food and this recipe does not disappoint!<br />
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Yvonne's Chicken Curry<br />
2 T. Olive Oil<br />
2 Med. Onion, chopped<br />
3 Cloves Onion, diced<br />
1 t. Salt<br />
3 T. Curry Powder<br />
1 Med. Jalapeno, diced<br />
2 lb Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breast, Chopped<br />
16 oz. Frozen Cauliflower<br />
Small bag Frozen Peas<br />
2 Cups Whipping Cream<br />
Salt to taste<br />
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1. Saute onions in oil on medium heat until golden brown.<br />
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2. Add garlic, jalapeno, salt, and curry powder. Stir well until onions have taken on the color of the curry powder.<br />
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3. Add chicken, cauliflower, and peas. Cook until chicken is no longer pink and all water has evaporated, approx. 20 minutes<br />
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4. Add 2 cups of whipping cream and simmer for 15 minutes.<br />
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Serve Alone or Over Rice. This is especially good over Coconut Rice which can be made be cooking rice with 1/2 part coconut milk and 1/2 part water.<br />
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</span>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-4626062484480276912011-09-06T23:10:00.000-07:002011-09-06T23:15:46.673-07:00Willpower and Garlic Parmesan SauceThe hubby and I started the Atkins diet today, this is his second go around with it and it worked great the first time. I was preggers w/baby girl the first time so I didn't do it with him.<br />
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If today has proven one things it's that I love to eat junk and I have zero willpower, absolutely none!<br />
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The Atkins diet is pretty simple, eat less than 20 net carbs a day eating mainly green vegetables and meat. Limited dairy, no fruit, and no sugar. Translation: no fun.<br />
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Back to the no willpower thing; along with my "allowed foods" today I also ate, 3 packs of fruit snacks, 2 regular, full-sugar pops, several Belgian mint chocolates, and 1 white chocolate candy bar.<br />
Ugh, no wonder I need to lose 74 pounds :(<br />
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In other news, while trying to come up with a delicious garlic parmesan wing sauce tonight I inadvertently made the most amazingly delicious parmasean garlic alfredo sauce, this stuff is awesome, I'm talking standing at the stove eating it with a spoon awesome!<br />
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While I didn't take any pictures I did remember the recipe. So, here ya go!<br />
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1 stick of butter<br />
1 med onion, chopped<br />
4 cloves of garlic, chopped<br />
1 cup whipping cream<br />
1 T. corn starch<br />
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese<br />
salt and pepper<br />
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In saucepan saute onion and garlic in 1 T. butter until golden brown.<br />
Add remaining butter and bring to a boil over medium heat.<br />
Meanwhile stir 1 T. corn starch into 1/2 cup whipping cream until dissolved.<br />
Add parmesan cheese to butter mixture.<br />
Add cornstarch and whipping cream to butter mixture, stir quickly and then remove from heat. Sauce will look very thick at this point.<br />
Add remaining 1/2 cup of whipping cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste<br />
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You can serve this over pasta or do like I did and toss the sauce over 4 pounds of cooked chicken breast chucks, spread on baking sheet and place in oven. Broil approx. 10-15 minutes until golden brown.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<br />Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-50635209168807883082011-05-03T12:04:00.000-07:002011-05-03T12:11:40.687-07:00Smoke gets in my eyesToday I put a frozen pizza in the oven for lunch and soon after my kitchen started filling with smoke. Oh yeah, I thought, I need to clean my oven. Well, technically I just need to turn on the self cleaning feature of my oven and then sweep it out, but you get the idea.<br /><br />So, after my pizza was done cooking I locked the oven door and turned the know to clean.<br /><br />Not my brightest idea.<br /><br />You see, if your oven is smoking while cooking a pizza at 400 degrees is going to go overboard when it starts to clean itself at 500+ degrees. About 10 minutes after "turning the clean on", I'm sitting the the living room enjoying my pizza, well actually the pizza isn't that great, and I realize my house is filling with smoke, not just a little smoke but there is literally a haze everywhere! Lucking, E is napping and the door to his room is closed so he has escaped the smoketastrophe of 2011. I, however, am having trouble seeing as my eyes are burning like crazy. So, I get up open all the windows and doors, turn on the ceiling fans, and turn off the oven.<br /><br />Fifteen minutes later and there is still a little smoke left.<br /><br />So now I've got a smoke filled house and a dirty oven. Crap.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-3173638661922836122011-04-01T12:54:00.001-07:002011-09-06T23:10:41.136-07:00Just some thoughts.Tomorrow we will be celebrating E's 1st birthday with family at a local park. It's been chilly all week but the forecast kept promising me warmer days and it has finally warmed up today! Whew, b/c there is no way I can fit 22 people in my tiny little living room!<br />
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I lost our dogs Wednesday evening, I was putting things away, I stuck a piece of plastic that had broken off the recliner in the coat closet (you know, in case my husband want's to gorilla glue it back on) and it must have hit the garage door opener w/out me realizing it b/c when I took the trash out later that evening the garage door was wide open and the dogs were nowhere to be found.<br />
I felt really bad about it but it was an accident so what can you do?<br />
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I'm currently working on a crazy-complicated project, recovering a kids chair for E's b-day tomorrow . . . keep your fingers crossed for me!<br />
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Alright, I need to get off my bum, switch out the laundry and get back to the chair reupholstering.<br />
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Have a wonderful Friday!Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-84679645214232618062011-03-27T12:29:00.001-07:002011-03-27T12:38:14.116-07:00"Leashes" for kidsIt seems like there is a 50/50 split between the, to leash or not to leash, crowd.<br />I've heard people say things like, "My child is not a dog, I would never put a leash on them!"<br />Yes, I agree, your child is not a dog. However, why do you put your dog on a leash when you go for a walk? Most likely to keep them safe and out of danger. Well, that's why a lot of parents choose to use a child harness (PC term), to keep their kids safe and out of danger.<br /><br />I've always thought child harnesses made sense. When my brother was little my mom had a wrist strap, it velcro'ed to his wrist and then she held the other end giving him freedom to roam about. After searching on Amazon I was surprised to learn you can still buy that kind. Personally, I think the child harness that buckle over a child's chest are safer b/c they can't slip off and your child can't hurt their arm if they pull too hard. Oh, and it's NOT like a dog leash/collar b/c it's not going around the child's neck.<br /><br />Child harnesses, like so many things, need to be used for the right reason, the parent that drags their child along is not (imo) using them for the right reason. <br />I think<a href="http://childrenshospitalblog.org/confessions-of-a-child-leashing-mother/"> this article</a> really sums things up well.<br /><br />I love what she say here: <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Parenthood is hard, and complicated, with curve balls coming at you all the time. Every parent chooses his or her own solutions to problems. Just because someone’s solutions are different from ours doesn’t mean they are wrong."</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I think it would do everyone good to keep that in mind in all areas of life!<br /></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-86308726294649689302011-03-10T18:19:00.000-08:002011-03-10T18:22:02.199-08:00Enjoying the silenceI love the quiet time I have after I've put E to bed before N comes home.<br />It's my time when I can sit and enjoy the silence, no one needs to be fed or change, no one is practicing their screaming, the kitchen is clean and the laundry is waiting to be folded and while I will be getting up in just a few minutes to start supper for N, switch over the laundry, and pick up the bathroom from E's bath for now it's peaceful ad quiet and I wouldn't have it any other way.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-76298059504801779332011-01-29T21:30:00.000-08:002011-01-29T21:38:49.709-08:00Weekend RamblingsWe woke up at 7:15 this morning to go to a local elementary school's PTO sale. We got a lot of great deals on baby items last year, this year there were almost no baby items to be found. It's a g ood thing we don't need much this time around. :)<br /><br />We bought some toys, games, and a brown grocery bag full of kids clothes. I grabbed all the warm decent looking boys 4&5T things I saw. my bag wasn't quite full (it was $7 a bag) so I tossed it some adorable little girl items. I don't know if I'm having a girl so if I find out (on Wednesday) that this baby is a boy then I've got some cute girl things that are going to need a new home.<br />I hope I get to keep them but I will be thrilled with a healthy baby, boy or girl, I just want this baby to be healthy.<br /><br />I bought a new blow dryer today. It's pink, sort of a salmon pink. I love it.<br /><br />I'm hungry. We ate Burger Kings for lunch, I got an A-1 steakburger, my favorite! It gave me gas :( I ate some cheese and crackers earlier but I was feeling queasy so I didn't eat much. Now I'm hungry. Really hungry.<br /><br />E has a bad diaper rash, we finally took him to the Dr. and have a prescription antibiotic cream to use on it. It should get better in a week. I hope it gets better fast; My heart just breaks for the poor little guy. :(<br /><br />We had a potluck and game night tonight. Only 2 of the 5 people that were supposed to come showed up. That's okay, we played Super Mario Bros. for the wii. I kept dying but it was a lot of fun.<br /><br />I think I should eat something and then go to bed.<br /><br />G'night.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-9632093183003077682011-01-25T17:44:00.000-08:002011-01-26T13:14:18.537-08:00Lap Desk TutorialA couple weeks ago I read an article about how if you use a laptop you have the chance of getting minor burns on your legs/lap if your laptop isn't getting adequate ventilation.<br />That led me to researching lap desk online and I couldn't find anything I liked that was in my price range. I started thinking about what I could make and I remembered these lap desks that my sister and I had when we were little. They had cardboard dry erase tops with bean bag bottoms.<br />With those in mind I made up my lap desk today (for some reason the pictures are really dark)<br /><br />Step 1: Gather your supplies<br />board<br />fabric cut 5" larger than your board. i.e. my board is 15" x 22 1/2" so I cut my fabric to be 20" x 27.5"<br />pen or pencil<br />tape measure<br />glue gun<br />staple gun<br />hammer<br />ribbon<br />fill, I use poly beads but you could also use regular stuffing/batting<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-BeiF5vuI/AAAAAAAAAKk/Oq4YygE0WFI/s1600/243.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-BeiF5vuI/AAAAAAAAAKk/Oq4YygE0WFI/s400/243.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566310026000842466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Step 2:<br />Mark the middle of each side of your board and piece of fabric<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LLdbuVgI/AAAAAAAAAKs/CvVOY7A2ODs/s1600/244.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LLdbuVgI/AAAAAAAAAKs/CvVOY7A2ODs/s320/244.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566320693448955394" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Step 3:<br />Starting in the middle of the longer side staple your fabric in place. Repeat on the other side.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LLn8qJ0I/AAAAAAAAAK0/480CSg42FIk/s1600/245.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LLn8qJ0I/AAAAAAAAAK0/480CSg42FIk/s320/245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566320696271447874" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Step 4:<br />Wrap the ends around the shorter sides and staple in place. Leave one side open. On the other side match up the marks you made indicating the middle of the fabric and board. Staple in Place<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LLyAT2UI/AAAAAAAAAK8/0CIarjg9GO0/s1600/246.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LLyAT2UI/AAAAAAAAAK8/0CIarjg9GO0/s320/246.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566320698971117890" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LMv-m1kI/AAAAAAAAALM/orsEzmcADVU/s1600/248.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LMv-m1kI/AAAAAAAAALM/orsEzmcADVU/s320/248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566320715606971970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Step 5:<br />Pour you poly-fill beads or insert your stuffing into the open end of you fabric.<br />Match the middle of your fabric and board on the open end and staple in place.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LMMqHkWI/AAAAAAAAALE/NBhb9Jt7Gr4/s1600/247.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-LMMqHkWI/AAAAAAAAALE/NBhb9Jt7Gr4/s320/247.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566320706125795682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Step 6:<br />hot glue your ribbon around the edge of your board to cover the staple.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-R2cMCPeI/AAAAAAAAALU/LgWKSt2ijQE/s1600/249.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-R2cMCPeI/AAAAAAAAALU/LgWKSt2ijQE/s320/249.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566328028918857186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Step 7:<br />Enjoy!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-R2r_qi-I/AAAAAAAAALc/EUSK7h9rUs8/s1600/250.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-R2r_qi-I/AAAAAAAAALc/EUSK7h9rUs8/s320/250.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566328033161939938" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm linking up here:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/ss202/hopestudios/2-2.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://nightowlcrafting.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa169/lesliebullock/Fullscreencapture510201033545PM-11.jpg" alt="NightOwlCrafting" border="0" /></a></center><br /><br /><center><a href="http://sewmuchado.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://i807.photobucket.com/albums/yy351/jdsmit21/SMAbuttonWDIWargylecopy-1.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br /><a href="http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/2011/01/whatever-goes-wednesday-50.html"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 166px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TUCOc14VyrI/AAAAAAAAALk/xtIs5W_40Yo/s320/WGW%2Bbutton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566605765580802738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TT-R2r_qi-I/AAAAAAAAALc/EUSK7h9rUs8/s1600/250.JPG"><br /></a>Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-47996227566161150572011-01-25T02:27:00.001-08:002011-01-25T02:33:26.608-08:00Misc. 4:30am ramblingsI finally did it.<br />I redid my layout/design.<br />Big news. I know.<br /><br />I've been having trouble sleeping at night so I guess this is proof that while sleep-deprived, yet unable to fall asleep, I can accomplish stuff.<br /><br />I've read that you can take unisom while pregnant and while I try to avoid medications, especially while pregnant, I'm so tired I'm ready to do just about anything so I can get more than 5 or 6 hours of sleep. You see, I'm one of those, I need 8-10 hours of sleep a night kind of girls so this is just not cutting it for me.<br /><br />In other news, I've got a couple of fun DIY projects up my sleeve, One I've been contemplating for about a week now and one I just found tonight. Hopefully I'll get those finished in a week or so and then post tutorials.<br /><br />Also, I've been cleaning out the basement, mainly my mess of a craft area, and once that is done I plan to post pictures. It's nothing to drool over but I love looking at other people's craft areas so I figured I'd share mine for whoever is interested.<br /><br />Alright, my show's almost over (Grey's Anatomy, I just started watching it and am addicted!) so I should try and get some sleep.<br /><br />Night all!Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-33029032333441345012010-12-27T16:46:00.000-08:002010-12-27T17:34:49.842-08:00ThoughtsChristmas was great, I enjoyed spending time with my family and got lots of neat gifts including a Hastings gift card, Blokus-my new favorite game, , Avon bubble bath, shave gel, chapstick, and hand lotion, Adventures in Odyssey cd set #2, a card table and chair set from my parents, and a dressmakers dummy from my hubby :)<br />I have wanted a dressmakers dummy for the longest time and am so happy to finally have one!!!<br /><br />I also got a nice amount of cash and so far have used it to buy,<br /><br />Bath and Body Works stuff<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TRk61esiCiI/AAAAAAAAAJw/w5Q_030Tcqo/s1600/Sweet%2BCinnamon%2BPumpkin%2BSoap.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 194px; height: 261px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TRk61esiCiI/AAAAAAAAAJw/w5Q_030Tcqo/s400/Sweet%2BCinnamon%2BPumpkin%2BSoap.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555536305785539106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />- Pink Stripped Tote<br />- Coconut Shower Gel<br />- Coconut Body Lotion<br />- Coconut Fragrance Mist<br />- Wallflower<br />- 1 Wallflower Scent Refill<br />- Look Ma, New Hands!<br />- Pocketbac hand sanitizer w/ holder<br />- lip gloss<br />- 2 Black Amethyst Shower Cream's<br />- 1 Strawberry Lemonade Body Lotion<br />- 2 Carmel Apple Foaming Soap<br />- 1 Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin Foaming Soap<br />All for only $35 including shipping!<br /><br />Tree Hut Shea Sugar Body Scrub<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TRk7dRPKhyI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/6tnNVUfOR8U/s1600/Body%2BScrub.png"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 178px; height: 166px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TRk7dRPKhyI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/6tnNVUfOR8U/s400/Body%2BScrub.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555536989367469858" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cocoa and Strawberry Got Milk? Magic Milk Straws (the coolest things I have ever found at a gas station!)<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TRk9x6T3w8I/AAAAAAAAAKA/krsSH5XpuFg/s1600/milk%2Bstraws.ashx"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 313px; height: 228px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TRk9x6T3w8I/AAAAAAAAAKA/krsSH5XpuFg/s400/milk%2Bstraws.ashx" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555539543013704642" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />4 Maternity tops and 2 dresses from Old Navy on sale for $55 including tax (free shipping).<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TRk-NuuMBsI/AAAAAAAAAKI/BCHZceU62j4/s1600/Old%2BNavy%2BTop.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 219px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_768e0T4pNuM/TRk-NuuMBsI/AAAAAAAAAKI/BCHZceU62j4/s400/Old%2BNavy%2BTop.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555540020939196098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Today I started the <a href="www.flylady.com">flylady</a> baby steps. This is technically the second time I've started but this time I got all the way through step one, lol.<br /><br />Alright, I must stop messing around and get some things done.<br /><br />Have a great Monday!Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-40389543622005654652010-12-16T11:32:00.001-08:002010-12-16T11:37:31.096-08:00The post no one should have to writeLast night I stumbled on the blog post of a woman whose 21 month old son died in a sudden and tragic accident <a href="http://roscommonacres.com/2010/12/in-memory-of-our-beloved-son/">http://roscommonacres.com/2010/12/in-memory-of-our-beloved-son/</a><br /><br />Reading her story and watching the above video tribute broke my heart. It also made me aware of how wasteful my time is and of how much I take for granted.<br /><br />I am blessed with a beautiful, energetic, healthy, 8-month old son. And if, God forbid, I were to lose him, I would regret not getting down on the floor and playinog with with, not reading to him more, and simply taking the time to cuddle.<br />I read a lot of different blogs with focuses on everything from crafts to daily living to leading a healthy lifestyle. But for all of my readings nothing, really, has helped me to live a more purposeful life.<br />And so, that is what I pray I will begin to do. I don't want to look back one day and wonder where the time went and why I took what I had for granted.<br /><br />I want to live a purposeful life and I want to be proud of all I do.Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8592644183983133450.post-14232492266016393392010-12-06T18:50:00.000-08:002010-12-06T18:55:33.086-08:00No.I'm a nosy person by nature; If I've ever been to your house I've probably looked in your bathroom cabinets. More than once.<br /><br />I have a tendency to put myself into the middle of situations and to take things a little too personally when I really just need to step back and say no.<br /><br />No, I do not want to go to your child's birthday party.<br /><br />No, I will not help you write an email, you are 24 years old. Please act like it.<br /><br />No, I will not tell you personally, this is the way everybody found out and if you don't like it then maybe you should take a long hard look at our friendship and realize that you have been backing away ever since I got married and had a baby.<br /><br />No, I will not come to your Christmas party. In fact, I think it is very rude that we already invited you and your husband to our house on that night a couple weeks ago and your response is to throw a, no children allowed, Chiristmas party. Yes, I am offended by that and no, I will not be coming.<br /><br />Whew, big breath.<br /><br />Why don't I have the guts to say those things to people's faces?Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07512600380465004924noreply@blogger.com0