1. 6 more sleeps until we go on holidays! Yippeee!
2. My girls have been gone since Thursday (three days ago). They are in Washington w/ my folks. I miss them!
3. I think Kate, from the famous Jon and Kate Plus 8 (now Kate plus 8) got her boobs done. They seem bigger to me.
4. Greg tried a new recipe tonight. Beef and turkey burgers w/ feta in between. They were okay.
5. I just registered for 2 online scrapbooking classes here.
6. I had to pretend to be out tonight so Greg could put Max to bed without him freaking out. It was nice to have that break!
7. I ran 40 minutes today. 10 minutes of running (4x) with only 1 minutes breaks of walking. Outside. I'm loving it.
8. We suspect we might have mold. So we're hunting for hardwood and we're going to rip out our dreadful mint green carpet soon.
9. We're also ripping out our bathroom (the tub leaks). We are both very excited to do some improvements around here. And hopefully it helps in the cause of our childrens health. They have had chronic colds the past 3 months.
10. I have 2 books waiting for me at the library. This and this. Can't wait to read lots during holidays!
11. I miss my girlfriends.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
giveaway...
But not from me. Although if I knew more than my Mom read my blog I might be enticed to give something away!
Go to Rebecca Cooper's blog to enter to win a Gazillion Bubbles maker...who wouldn't love that? Because this weekend is supposed to be warm and the kids would sure love to play with it. And me too!
Go to Rebecca Cooper's blog to enter to win a Gazillion Bubbles maker...who wouldn't love that? Because this weekend is supposed to be warm and the kids would sure love to play with it. And me too!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
don't these sound yummy?
I am making these tonight. And, I'll be eating them tonight too. I got them from here.
Turtle Bars
2 cups flour
2 ½ c. brown sugar
1 ¾ c. butter, softened
2 c. pecans (chopped)
3 tbsp. corn syrup
2 c. chocolate chips.
Crust:
2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. butter softened
Mix all of above ingredients together then press into 9X13 pan. Sprinkle 2 c. chopped pecans on top and press them in a bit
Carmel:
1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
3 tbsp corn syrup
Bring to a boil and boil one minute. Pour over pecans. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle 2 c. milk chocolate chips all over. Let sit about 5 minutes and then spread softened chips to cover top.
Turtle Bars
2 cups flour
2 ½ c. brown sugar
1 ¾ c. butter, softened
2 c. pecans (chopped)
3 tbsp. corn syrup
2 c. chocolate chips.
Crust:
2 c. flour
1 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. butter softened
Mix all of above ingredients together then press into 9X13 pan. Sprinkle 2 c. chopped pecans on top and press them in a bit
Carmel:
1 c. butter
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
3 tbsp corn syrup
Bring to a boil and boil one minute. Pour over pecans. Bake at 350 F for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and sprinkle 2 c. milk chocolate chips all over. Let sit about 5 minutes and then spread softened chips to cover top.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Random Blathering
Today I feel like blathering on in a random fashion.
1. I love scrapbooking but don't have time or energy to actually do it. I go through phases where I have caught the scrapbooking bug and it is all I want to do. I am not in one of those right now. It seems like a bit of a chore to me right now. Clearly I am not feeling creative. I do have 2 projects I must get to though - 3 albums for my cousin and 1 baby album for my girlfriend to document her sweet Ruby's first year.
2. I've gone through a whole week of Max screaming at naptime. Screaming like he's being stabbed. This happens at naptime and at random times through out the night. He is consolable and just wants to cuddle and rock in the rocking chair. We've resorted to bringing him into bed just so he won't wake up his sisters. This has to stop. Actually today was the best day in one week - he only screamed for a half hour and then slept for 2 hours. Yay! He also woke up chatting like in the good ol' days instead of the screaming-like-he's-being-stabbed-scream.
3. Had a YUMM-O dinner out last night w/ my girls to celebrate Miss Nola's bday. We went here. Sweet Lady Gaga. It was so yummy. Burgers...good. Different, foodie kind of burgers...VERY GOOD! Us smart chicks came up with a brilliant plan - we all ordered a different burger and then cut them each in four and shared! So smart! So we got to try four very different burgers that we may never have ordered before. Now my friend listed them by how she ranked them in taste preference. I will do that too - Portobello, Lamb, Tiger Prawn and Bison. (The only different between our ranking order is the prawn and the bison.) The Bison was good, but it really just tasted like beef. The Tiger Prawn had a yummy Asian slaw, but the texture was maybe not my fave. I do recommend this place and I sure hope the four of us will go back and try four different burgers again! And the french fry appetizer was darn good too. Thanks girls...it was a much needed night out.
4. My kids go to my MIL's tonight. I must say that I love my children dearly, but I also enjoy the break and look forward to my Tuesday night alone and my Wednesday too. I kind of do a hop, skip and a jump after I shut the door and say good-bye!
5. I have been busy designing our main floor reno. Knocking out the kitchen to the living room and designing the cabinets, etc. We have decided against a big, monsterous reno be/c this isn't the house to spend all that money on but this size of reno will give us at least another 5 to 7 years here. I think! So I am designing it in order to get pricing so we can set a goal for the start date. My mind is saying one year (heart is saying tomorrow) but we'll see what the number comes in at. We'll price alot of it in the States and hopefully save a lot of money that way. Cannot wait!
EDITED...May 27/10
6. I went to a wine and chocolate tasting tonight with my Mom. It was her Mothers Day present. It took place here. It was good. Not maybe what I was expecting or hoping for, but good. Okay...my compliments first. Yummy chocolate, hand made on site via actual cocoa beans not like some other companies that order their chocolate and then "make" it, but from actual beans. Very rich, very "layered" and I came away with a new love for dark chocolate which I never liked before. Now my complaints. No ambience, very cold in the shop, just not a warm, welcoming kind of place where you feel comfy and relaxed at a wine and chocolate tasting. But, that said, a neat experience and fun to try something different with my Mom. Oh and before hand we had a dee-lish sushi dinner together, without interuption from small ones!
7. Two toe parties this weekend. Other than that...no plans.
8. I feel very blessed to have a small number of friends that I can talk to about very deep, personal stuff going on in my life. Things that God is doing in me. It is so nice to talk to them about it and get sound, Godly advice from them and for them to REALLY get it.
9. Both L and M got check-ups today and came out with a clean bill of health. I went in thinking one or both had pink eye after seeing both kids w/ very red, goopy eyes over the past fews days, but neither of them do. The persistent colds they've had over the last few months is simply be/c they are KIDS who wipe their noses, then stick their hands in their mouths and then touch their eyes. I look forward to the days when their immune systems are built up and they no longer get colds so often.
10. Off to bed. I leave you with a picture.
These two had to make faces for the camera before giving me a decent smile. Max didn't really get the concept, but here you can see his attempt at a goofy face!
1. I love scrapbooking but don't have time or energy to actually do it. I go through phases where I have caught the scrapbooking bug and it is all I want to do. I am not in one of those right now. It seems like a bit of a chore to me right now. Clearly I am not feeling creative. I do have 2 projects I must get to though - 3 albums for my cousin and 1 baby album for my girlfriend to document her sweet Ruby's first year.
2. I've gone through a whole week of Max screaming at naptime. Screaming like he's being stabbed. This happens at naptime and at random times through out the night. He is consolable and just wants to cuddle and rock in the rocking chair. We've resorted to bringing him into bed just so he won't wake up his sisters. This has to stop. Actually today was the best day in one week - he only screamed for a half hour and then slept for 2 hours. Yay! He also woke up chatting like in the good ol' days instead of the screaming-like-he's-being-stabbed-scream.
3. Had a YUMM-O dinner out last night w/ my girls to celebrate Miss Nola's bday. We went here. Sweet Lady Gaga. It was so yummy. Burgers...good. Different, foodie kind of burgers...VERY GOOD! Us smart chicks came up with a brilliant plan - we all ordered a different burger and then cut them each in four and shared! So smart! So we got to try four very different burgers that we may never have ordered before. Now my friend listed them by how she ranked them in taste preference. I will do that too - Portobello, Lamb, Tiger Prawn and Bison. (The only different between our ranking order is the prawn and the bison.) The Bison was good, but it really just tasted like beef. The Tiger Prawn had a yummy Asian slaw, but the texture was maybe not my fave. I do recommend this place and I sure hope the four of us will go back and try four different burgers again! And the french fry appetizer was darn good too. Thanks girls...it was a much needed night out.
4. My kids go to my MIL's tonight. I must say that I love my children dearly, but I also enjoy the break and look forward to my Tuesday night alone and my Wednesday too. I kind of do a hop, skip and a jump after I shut the door and say good-bye!
5. I have been busy designing our main floor reno. Knocking out the kitchen to the living room and designing the cabinets, etc. We have decided against a big, monsterous reno be/c this isn't the house to spend all that money on but this size of reno will give us at least another 5 to 7 years here. I think! So I am designing it in order to get pricing so we can set a goal for the start date. My mind is saying one year (heart is saying tomorrow) but we'll see what the number comes in at. We'll price alot of it in the States and hopefully save a lot of money that way. Cannot wait!
EDITED...May 27/10
6. I went to a wine and chocolate tasting tonight with my Mom. It was her Mothers Day present. It took place here. It was good. Not maybe what I was expecting or hoping for, but good. Okay...my compliments first. Yummy chocolate, hand made on site via actual cocoa beans not like some other companies that order their chocolate and then "make" it, but from actual beans. Very rich, very "layered" and I came away with a new love for dark chocolate which I never liked before. Now my complaints. No ambience, very cold in the shop, just not a warm, welcoming kind of place where you feel comfy and relaxed at a wine and chocolate tasting. But, that said, a neat experience and fun to try something different with my Mom. Oh and before hand we had a dee-lish sushi dinner together, without interuption from small ones!
7. Two toe parties this weekend. Other than that...no plans.
8. I feel very blessed to have a small number of friends that I can talk to about very deep, personal stuff going on in my life. Things that God is doing in me. It is so nice to talk to them about it and get sound, Godly advice from them and for them to REALLY get it.
9. Both L and M got check-ups today and came out with a clean bill of health. I went in thinking one or both had pink eye after seeing both kids w/ very red, goopy eyes over the past fews days, but neither of them do. The persistent colds they've had over the last few months is simply be/c they are KIDS who wipe their noses, then stick their hands in their mouths and then touch their eyes. I look forward to the days when their immune systems are built up and they no longer get colds so often.
10. Off to bed. I leave you with a picture.
These two had to make faces for the camera before giving me a decent smile. Max didn't really get the concept, but here you can see his attempt at a goofy face!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
He's Two!
My baby boy is two. My very last baby. He's gone from this...
To this.
It truly is bittersweet.
Here's a shot from his family party on Sunday. Poor third baby gets no theme and a store bought cake. On Saturday we'll have the "friends" party, which is more of an adult party with their kids in tow, appies and hopefully a home made cake! Hopefully! I figure the third kid is lucky to get a party at all!
Look how big he looks blowing out his #2 candle! Sigh. Heartbreaking.
To this.
It truly is bittersweet.
Here's a shot from his family party on Sunday. Poor third baby gets no theme and a store bought cake. On Saturday we'll have the "friends" party, which is more of an adult party with their kids in tow, appies and hopefully a home made cake! Hopefully! I figure the third kid is lucky to get a party at all!
Look how big he looks blowing out his #2 candle! Sigh. Heartbreaking.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Hi, it's me!
I don't come here much. Which does not really matter AT ALL because no one else does either. However, I have been working on this.
And guess what? Its been working! I've been drumming up some business for my little toe painting business. Kind of cool if you ask me.
I've also been working on 3 scrapbooks for someone special. She went through a terrible loss about one year ago so I'm trying to get the scrapbooks done for her and her kids before the year is up. I will be close, but maybe not totally finished. Just waiting for some more info to include.
And I have a paying job...design work! After a nice break from work, four clients have landed on my lap - just the kind thing you pray will happen! One is on hold for a bit, two are small jobs and one is a nice sized reno that might grow as time goes on.
Oh and then there's this...
These four take up a good deal of my time. Then there's the house work that I have NOT been doing! I have a good layer of dust on most surfaces around here about an inch think!
That about sums it up. Nothing extraordinary or unusual. But still, its mine.
And guess what? Its been working! I've been drumming up some business for my little toe painting business. Kind of cool if you ask me.
I've also been working on 3 scrapbooks for someone special. She went through a terrible loss about one year ago so I'm trying to get the scrapbooks done for her and her kids before the year is up. I will be close, but maybe not totally finished. Just waiting for some more info to include.
And I have a paying job...design work! After a nice break from work, four clients have landed on my lap - just the kind thing you pray will happen! One is on hold for a bit, two are small jobs and one is a nice sized reno that might grow as time goes on.
Oh and then there's this...
These four take up a good deal of my time. Then there's the house work that I have NOT been doing! I have a good layer of dust on most surfaces around here about an inch think!
That about sums it up. Nothing extraordinary or unusual. But still, its mine.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
for today...
March 25th, 2010
Outside my window... It is sunny, blue but a bit chilly. It is SUPPOSED to go to +16 tomorrow.
I am thinking...that my friend is celebrating her 40th birthday today in Arizona! I wish her a lovely, happy day and a yummy birthday drink too!
I am thankful for...my neighbor and friend. She picked up my girl from school today because Maxwell decided to play and talk for most of his nap. He finally went to sleep a half hour before we'd have to go get Gabrielle.
I am wearing...Jeans and a pink sweater. I need color!
I am remembering... to iron my pants for tonight.
I am going... to do nothing this weekend! Lessons are done, we have no plans and I can't wait to just hang out at home.
I am currently reading...Water for Elephants.
I am hoping...for some warmer weather to roll in and blue skys. The grey has been depressing.
On my mind... what I should do for work. Work for myself or for a firm? I'm torn because there are things about both that are appealing. I am half wanting to stay at home with the kids but half of me wants to be designing again and to be getting a pay check!
Noticing that...it is time to do some decorating around here.
Pondering these words..."pray with expectation." I have not been expecting an answer lately to a specific prayer. Time to turn that around.
From the kitchen... soup and sandwiches tonight. A nice easy dinner before heading to bible study.
Around the house...the norm. A bit of a mess in each room. Too tired to care!
One of my favorite things: things to look forward to...like our holiday in July. So far away, but looking so forward to it.
Outside my window... It is sunny, blue but a bit chilly. It is SUPPOSED to go to +16 tomorrow.
I am thinking...that my friend is celebrating her 40th birthday today in Arizona! I wish her a lovely, happy day and a yummy birthday drink too!
I am thankful for...my neighbor and friend. She picked up my girl from school today because Maxwell decided to play and talk for most of his nap. He finally went to sleep a half hour before we'd have to go get Gabrielle.
I am wearing...Jeans and a pink sweater. I need color!
I am remembering... to iron my pants for tonight.
I am going... to do nothing this weekend! Lessons are done, we have no plans and I can't wait to just hang out at home.
I am currently reading...Water for Elephants.
I am hoping...for some warmer weather to roll in and blue skys. The grey has been depressing.
On my mind... what I should do for work. Work for myself or for a firm? I'm torn because there are things about both that are appealing. I am half wanting to stay at home with the kids but half of me wants to be designing again and to be getting a pay check!
Noticing that...it is time to do some decorating around here.
Pondering these words..."pray with expectation." I have not been expecting an answer lately to a specific prayer. Time to turn that around.
From the kitchen... soup and sandwiches tonight. A nice easy dinner before heading to bible study.
Around the house...the norm. A bit of a mess in each room. Too tired to care!
One of my favorite things: things to look forward to...like our holiday in July. So far away, but looking so forward to it.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
For Today...February 24th, 2010
Outside my window... It is lovely...we've had a delightfully warm week.
I am thinking... that I better get going on dinner. We're having sticky chicken, rice and veggies. (*EDITED* - All THREE kids chowed down - that includes Max!)
I am thankful for... my one day a week without my kids. It is a nice day of quiet, but I'm also anxious for them to get home.
I am wearing... black work out pants, a grey long sleeve t-shirt and a white tank top under it.
I am remembering...to get a SIN card for Maxwell.
I am going... to a seminar on Saturday with my husband.
I am currently reading...The Power of a Praying Wife. Loving it. Next up...The Power of a Praying Parent.
I am hoping... to get away w/ my wee family during spring break. They have two weeks off! That's a lot of time to be at home w/ them.
On my mind... I need to make a treat for our BSF Fellowship tomorrow night. Banana bread I think.
Noticing that... I am enjoying walking/running on the treadmill @ the gym more than I would have imagined. But I do need new runners desperately. They wore out long ago. But new ones are SO expensive! Yikes!
Pondering these words... Psalm 33:4 "For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."
From the kitchen...Thursday nights are officially soup and sandwich night. Love to have one easy-peasy meal during the week.
Around the house...so many projects I wish to get started on. Entertainment unit, kitchen table, play room storage. One day.
One of my favorite things: Celebrating my birthday. I decided a few years ago that not just the kids birthdays would get celebrated but ours as well. So, this year, like last, I organized a night out w/ my girlfriends and it was fantastic. I am so lucky to have wonderful friends. My family also made me feel very special. 37 ain't so bad afterall.
I am thinking... that I better get going on dinner. We're having sticky chicken, rice and veggies. (*EDITED* - All THREE kids chowed down - that includes Max!)
I am thankful for... my one day a week without my kids. It is a nice day of quiet, but I'm also anxious for them to get home.
I am wearing... black work out pants, a grey long sleeve t-shirt and a white tank top under it.
I am remembering...to get a SIN card for Maxwell.
I am going... to a seminar on Saturday with my husband.
I am currently reading...The Power of a Praying Wife. Loving it. Next up...The Power of a Praying Parent.
I am hoping... to get away w/ my wee family during spring break. They have two weeks off! That's a lot of time to be at home w/ them.
On my mind... I need to make a treat for our BSF Fellowship tomorrow night. Banana bread I think.
Noticing that... I am enjoying walking/running on the treadmill @ the gym more than I would have imagined. But I do need new runners desperately. They wore out long ago. But new ones are SO expensive! Yikes!
Pondering these words... Psalm 33:4 "For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."
From the kitchen...Thursday nights are officially soup and sandwich night. Love to have one easy-peasy meal during the week.
Around the house...so many projects I wish to get started on. Entertainment unit, kitchen table, play room storage. One day.
One of my favorite things: Celebrating my birthday. I decided a few years ago that not just the kids birthdays would get celebrated but ours as well. So, this year, like last, I organized a night out w/ my girlfriends and it was fantastic. I am so lucky to have wonderful friends. My family also made me feel very special. 37 ain't so bad afterall.
Monday, January 25, 2010
S.A.H.M.
Who knew I'd be THIS busy now that I'm "not working"? It is 1:32 pm and I've just sat down for the first time today. I'm pooped! I've made a school lunch for Gabrielle, dressed three kids, driven one to school, picked up a friend for a playdate, dropped Greg's lunch off to him at work, cleaned the kitchen (12 times it seems), unloaded and loaded the dishwasher, made lunch, put in and folded some laundry, made banana bread, gotten snacks and lunch for 3 kids, cleaned up again and here I am...finally! I'm thinking it is far easier to go to work!
Am I crazy? To be not working? When I did that, I did the school lunch and school drop off, then I drove the youngest two up to the day home. I came home, made a cup of tea and SAT DOWN. It was easy. It was quiet. I got paid for it.
But for some reason, the desire to be at home was strong and could not be denied. After much prayer, it seems the answer was clear. Be at home with your kids right now. Now, that might change at some point. I might want to find work in a month, or two or six or by next year. But right now I'm loving it. I love spending my days at home with my kids. They are so little and when I see Maxwell, toddling around in nothing by his diaper, I am struck by the fact that he is my LAST baby. My last little person at that age to live in this house. And I want to enjoy these moments with them and soak up every last detail of their "little person-ness"...
*EDITED* After posting this, Lily spilled her entire glass of milk on the carpet. I did not respond very well. So although I want to be at home right now, I will not and do no always excel at this job!
Am I crazy? To be not working? When I did that, I did the school lunch and school drop off, then I drove the youngest two up to the day home. I came home, made a cup of tea and SAT DOWN. It was easy. It was quiet. I got paid for it.
But for some reason, the desire to be at home was strong and could not be denied. After much prayer, it seems the answer was clear. Be at home with your kids right now. Now, that might change at some point. I might want to find work in a month, or two or six or by next year. But right now I'm loving it. I love spending my days at home with my kids. They are so little and when I see Maxwell, toddling around in nothing by his diaper, I am struck by the fact that he is my LAST baby. My last little person at that age to live in this house. And I want to enjoy these moments with them and soak up every last detail of their "little person-ness"...
*EDITED* After posting this, Lily spilled her entire glass of milk on the carpet. I did not respond very well. So although I want to be at home right now, I will not and do no always excel at this job!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Today...
Outside my window… it is chilly. There is ice fog. But it sure is pretty.
I am thinking...that our toy room is in desperate need of some attention.
I am thankful for... my new role as a stay at home Mom. Loving it!
I am wearing… my jeans and a long sleeve white t-shirt.
I am remembering...that I have quite a few things to get in the mail.
I am going...to pick up Lily from pre-school soon.
I am currently reading...the Love Dare.
I am hoping...to take a hot vacation soon with my husband and kids.
On my mind...how fortunate we are to live in a place that doesn't have earthquakes. They Haitians need our prayers AND our money. Go here to donate.
Noticing that...I haven't been taking very many pictures lately.
Pondering these words..."Instead of continuing in this negative first reaction, Martha moved forward in faith. When you think such thoughts in a similar situation, will you like Martha, move forward in faith? Will you say, "God has some new blessing for us that will give Him glory"? Will you expect this blessing and, like Martha, cooperate in faith with God for whatever He wants to do for you in and through this disaster?"
From the kitchen...promised Lily we'd make chocolate chip cookies together today.
Around the house...we got a new front load washer and dryer. Love them.
One of my favorite things...snuggles with my kids.
Snapshot...
This turkey thought he was hilarious dunking his nose into the whipcream on his pancakes.
I am thinking...that our toy room is in desperate need of some attention.
I am thankful for... my new role as a stay at home Mom. Loving it!
I am wearing… my jeans and a long sleeve white t-shirt.
I am remembering...that I have quite a few things to get in the mail.
I am going...to pick up Lily from pre-school soon.
I am currently reading...the Love Dare.
I am hoping...to take a hot vacation soon with my husband and kids.
On my mind...how fortunate we are to live in a place that doesn't have earthquakes. They Haitians need our prayers AND our money. Go here to donate.
Noticing that...I haven't been taking very many pictures lately.
Pondering these words..."Instead of continuing in this negative first reaction, Martha moved forward in faith. When you think such thoughts in a similar situation, will you like Martha, move forward in faith? Will you say, "God has some new blessing for us that will give Him glory"? Will you expect this blessing and, like Martha, cooperate in faith with God for whatever He wants to do for you in and through this disaster?"
From the kitchen...promised Lily we'd make chocolate chip cookies together today.
Around the house...we got a new front load washer and dryer. Love them.
One of my favorite things...snuggles with my kids.
Snapshot...
This turkey thought he was hilarious dunking his nose into the whipcream on his pancakes.
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