The aftermath ...

I love the Christmas holiday. Really I do.

That being said, I HATE the days after. The kids fight, more so than usual; and not only over the new stuff but also the old. Then there's the issue of the mess that was Christmas morning. Little bits of wrapping paper, those twisty-tie thingys that attach toys to cardboard boxes, and those little bits of plastic that seems to stick to everything but the trash can.

So, I often look for a sense of calm. A sense of peace. I found it today is this picture. I hope that it does for you, what its done for me.

Source: google.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Until Next Time ...
~A

'Twas the Night Before Christmas ....

When all through the house, mommy is stressing and the kids have no doubt
That Santa is coming, tonight while they sleep
I hope and I pray I get it done without making a peep!

Yeah, that's my sad attempt at poetry.  I don't really have a lot to say, but I wanted to leave my readers, if there are any, with a Christmas greeting, from my family to yours.

Merry Christmas to All, and to All a good night!!

(sorry for the abundance of cheese!!)

Source: themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

How do you do it?!

Waste time that is?

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season completely upon us, most people say they don't have time waste.  Me, on the other hand, may not have the time to waste, but I waste it so well!

We're all guilty of wasting time.  Now matter how hard you try to convince me otherwise, I'm convinced that everyone has done it at least once (if not more) in their lives.

My biggest time wasters, and I'm sure a LOT of you will have many of the same, are as follows:

1. Facebook - now I don't know that there's ANYONE on the face of our beautiful planet, that hasn't spent SOME time on Facebook.  Whether it's catching up with friends, playing games, or trying to be the one with the most friends - we've all been there.   How much time one spends there, is what differs, depending on the person.  I'm sure there's an app, or game, somewhere, that will tell you, but really, who wants to know exactly how much time you could have been doing something else??  Certainly not me. 
2. Pinterest - This is my newest, and most time consuming addiction.  For those of you not familiar, click the link and go check it out.  It won't disappoint.  However, you HAVE been warned.  It's not uncommon for me, during the wee hours of the night - when I should be sleeping, but I can't - for me to spend a lot of time scanning different boards. A LOT of time.  Again, I'm sure if I ever knew how much time, I'd surely be horrified.  Somethings are better left unsaid! 
3. DYAC - Which stands for "Damn You Auto Correct" - simply the funniest website on the entire Internet.  Seriously.  If you haven't checked it out - what the hell is wrong with you!?  Click the link, so spend countless hours laughing at someone else.  You won't regret it.  That much I can guarantee. 
4. Post Secret - This is a weekly obsession for me, since the site only updates on Sundays.  But I anticipate the new secrets through out the week.  So I think the time wasting for THIS site, comes in the waiting.  Oh the waiting ... but that's a different blog entirely. 
5. Parenting 101 - yes I know.  This one doesn't have a hyper link.  That's on purpose.  This is my (not only mine) secret escape.  You have to be invited to this one folks, it's not for everyone.  Well, it could be, but you'll never know.  

So .. that's about it.  With the exception of the obvious - television, texting, blah blah blah - that's it.  What do YOU do to waste time!?  

Until Next Time ..

~A

I wish ..

I love my children.  Obviously.  What mother doesn't??

But, with that being said, I wish.  I wish that for just ONE night, we could get through dinner without a fight.  I wish that for just ONE night, we could get our oldest daughter to eat what I cook, without crying her eyes out.

Tonight, I made Chicken Fried Steak, Green Beans with Bacon, and Scalloped Potatoes.  The ONLY thing she's eaten so far is the scalloped potatoes.  That's it.  She won't touch the Chicken Fried Steak, and she won't even begin to THINK about touching the green beans.

I've threatened to take away EVERYTHING that is hers, and she doesn't care.  She'd rather have NOTHING than try a freaking green bean.  Seriously child, I understand that you're strong willed, but this is utterly ridiculous!  I'm at my wits end with her.

My little one, LOVED the green beans.  She had seconds of those.  She also made sure to point out to me, just about every thirty seconds, that her sister wasn't eating her green beans.  Thank you Chloe, I'm aware.

I seriously and honestly don't know what to do with her anymore.  She flat out refuses.  Lord help me get through this.

Until Next Time ...
~A

Zumba

OK, so I don't want to infringe anyone's copyright or anything .. but I feel compelled to tell you about my experience.

I've taken up Zumba.  I've heard about it for a LONG time.  People talking about how much fun it is, and how that because it's so much fun you don't even realize you're working out.  I don't know if I'd go THAT far .. but I do have to admit.  It's fun.

Honestly though, I had NO idea that it's as popular as it is.  Have you tried it?  Check out the ZUMBA website for yourself.  There's a LOT to it.  Now, back to my story.

All I knew about Zumba was that it was exercise, disguised by dancing to music.  My sister-in-law told me that I needed to channel my inner latina if I was going to survive, and I had NO idea what she meant.  Though, looking back, I wish I'd listened to her.

Zumba Fitness^® is the only Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music, created by Grammy Award-winning producers, and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is downright addictive.

Addictive, yes.  Painful .. possible.  I went into my first class raring to go.  I didn't have too high of expectations, because I didn't know how much, physically, I'd be able to do.  Because let's face it.  I'm not the most in shape person in the world.  I'm probably closer to the most OUT of shape person in the world.

Anyway,  we get through the hour long class, and I'm feeling GREAT.  I'm dripping with sweat, and on a pure adrenaline high.  I hadn't worked out in, well, ever.  I was feeling so proud of myself, that I forgot to grab my things before I left the building.  I realized, once we got to the car, that I was empty handed and that I needed to go back and get my stuff before they closed the place up.  

I was feeling great about the workout I'd just completed, I decided I'd keep going.  I wasn't just going to go back to the building, I was going to jog to the building.  Now.  Let me clarify some things.  I've never, and I'm being serious when I say never, been a runner.  I pretended, once, when I was in high school, that running was cool, and ran around my block.  One single time.  I hate running.  HATE it.  Always have.  So you ask, why then did you run back to the building?!  I honestly have no answer for that.  I have NO clue. 

Regardless of the whys, I did it.  And when I finally made it to the door, I knew instantly it was a bad decision.  I felt a twinge in my left calf muscle.  Crap.  A Charley horse.  OK .. I know what to do .. I have to walk it out.  Walk it out.  Walk it out.  So .. slowly I walk into the building and retrieve my things.  Walking it out.  Walking it out.  Ohmygod .. this hurts SO bad.  Walk it out.  I limp back to the car.  The simplest action of lifting my leg to get into the car .. took my 10 minutes.  Simply because every time I tried, my good friend Charley decided to get angry at me.  

I've never in my life had a Charley horse that hurt THAT bad.  This one, hurt for days.  I could barely walk.  

I'm surprised I was able to go back tonight, but I'm so glad I did!  I can't wait to make this a part of my weekly routine!  This is my class  and instructor, and she's JUST as energetic as her picture makes her out to be.  

I love it!!

ZUMBA!!

Until Next Time .. 

~A

Family Friday

Am I doing a good job?

I'm sure this is something that comes up in the life of every single parent that's even been.  But then again, somehow, it feels like I'm the only one.  I'm sure there isn't a parent around that doesn't worry about if they're doing right by their children.  Am I giving my child all the necessary tools they'll need to survive in this crazy world?  Am I being too strict?  Am I being strict enough?  Do I show enough love?  Do I show enough concern?

I grew up in a single-parent household.  A very different parenting situation than the one I'm in with my own children.  My parents divorced when I was very young, leaving my mother to burden everything all on her own.  I can't even begin to imagine the questions that she had to ask herself daily.  I'm sure they sounded a lot like the ones I shared above, but they had a whole different 'weight' to them.

My oldest daughter, has always been the one that I've referred to as the 'worrier'.  She's a very sensitive soul, and tends to take almost everything to heart.  She allows things to become very personal, even when it's not meant to be.

She'll be entering into 4th grade the day after tomorrow, and she's terrified.  She has it in her head, at 9 years old, that it's going to be too hard for her.  That she won't be able to make it.  She spent thirty minutes this evening, after she'd been told to go to bed, crying.  No, not crying.  Sobbing.  Loudly. All because she's worried about starting school. It broke my heart.

I know there are things that I've done wrong in raising my children, but if anything I thought I'd taught, and continued to teach them, to have confidence.  Confidence in themselves, and confidence in the things that they set out to do.   I've obviously gotten off track somewhere.

The tears have since ceased, and she's soundly sleeping.  Yet, as I sit here typing these words, my mind wanders.  Is she sleeping soundly?  Is she having dreams about school?

I wish there was something I could say to her, other than the things that I've already said, to make her understand that while yes, it IS scary, it doesn't have to paralyze her with fear.  I'm trying, though it doesn't seem to be very successful, to raise my children to have faith.  Faith in me, as their mother, but mainly to have faith in God.  I grew up in solid faith.  That faith has helped to mold me into the person I am today.  That being said, my human side seems to show a lot more than my Godly side.

I want to be able to teach my daughters that regardless of their fears, God is bigger.  Our Lord knows their fears, and He'll take them from them .. if they'll let Him.  I really need to find a church 'home'.  I've missed it so much since moving.  My heart aches for that closeness.  I know my children ache for it too.

1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you" 

Lord, I come to you now, in my hour of need.  Please Father, I ask that you envelope my daughter in Your peace.  Lord, allow her to feel Your arms around her.  Allow her to feel Your ever presence.  Father, I pray that I will be able to be the light that I need to be to both of my girls.  I want them to be able to see You in me.  Lord, shine Your light on the path that will lead us to where we need to be.  Father I give You all the glory and praise.  In Your Son's Heavenly name I pray, Amen. 

Until Next Time ... 

~A

no-bake cookies

A recipe in pictures ...

Yummy ....

Until Next Time ... 

~A

The Day Before ... Part II

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

We're headed home tomorrow.   We're all so excited.

We're excited to be out of the heat.  This is torture.  I know.  How can it be torture when I grew up here.  I lived in this part of California my entire life.  It's only been the past year and a half that I've lived elsewhere.  Apparently that year and a half, has been enough.  Enough for me to no longer be immune to the heat.

I hate heat.  That has become abundantly clear.

We're excited to see daddy!  The girls can't wait to see their daddy.  I can't wait to see my husband.  I've missed him so much!  The girls too.

We've had a great time here in California, but we're more than ready to go home.

Oregon Oregon here we come !!!!

Until Next Time ...
~A

Recipe ....

Generally speaking, this isn't a recipe blog.  That being said, there have been times that I've shared some of my recipes here with my readers, and there have been times when I've linked to other recipes on other blogs.

I'm sitting here today at my mom's house.  My little one has decided to fall asleep on the couch.  My other little one is with her great-grandma.  My step-father is also napping, and my mom's at work.  So, sitting here alone, I decided to snoop around.

Not really, but I did decide to look at some of the cookbooks my mom has in her book case.  I came across one that I used to look at ALL the time when I was a little girl.  I can't remember what the name of the cookbook is, and since it's so old the cover is no longer in existence.  I do remember though, that the church that my grandma used to go to is where it came from. Well, sort of.  She (my grandpa too) went to a Missionary Baptist Church in Modesto.  This cookbook came from a 'sister' church in Hemet, Ca.

I have NO idea where Hemet is, or who half the women are that are mentioned in the book, but I do remember looking at it a lot.  It instantly took my back to my childhood, so I pulled it out and started flipping through the pages.

I came across one recipe that was quite unusual.  It's not got your 'typical' ingredients either.

Recipe For a Happy Marriage

1 c. consideration

1 c. courtesy

2 c. flattery (carefully concealed)

2 c. milk of human kindness

1 gallon faith in God and each other

2 c. praise

1 small pinch of in-laws

1 reasonable budget

a generous dash of cooperation

3 tsp of pure extract of "I'm Sorry"

1 c. contentment

1 c. each of confidence and encouragement

2 children, at least

1 large or several small hobbies

1 c. of blindness to others faults

Flavor with frequent portions of recreation and a dash of happy memories.  Stir well, and remove any specks of jealousy, temper, or criticism.  Sweeten well with generous portions of love, and keep warm over a steady flame of devotion.  Never serve with a cold shoulder or a hot tongue.

I don't remember reading that particular recipe when I was a little girl, but then again, it had no impact on me then.  I wasn't married, why would it.  Now however .. it has a totally different message.  One that I plan on keeping with me always.  I hope you keep it with you too.

Until Next Time ... 

~A

Lazy Day

Dictionary.com defines Lazy as not inclined to work or exertion.   

I think this word should be used to define me today.  Today has truly been a lazy day.  I told my mom this morning, that I didn't even know if I'd get dressed today.   I ended up getting dressed, and running to the grocery store this morning, but that's about as much as I've done.

I was going to head out to the cemetery today, to place flowers at my grandmother's grave site, but I decided to wait until the weekend.  My mom wanted to make the trek with me, and since I don't get to see her often, I obliged.

I did empty the dishwasher for my mom this morning ... so that's something I suppose.

I'm just so tired of driving .. I decided today was a day to do nothing.  I'll be pretty busy the rest of the time I'm in California, so I might as well take advantage of it while I can.

I plan on looking through some old pictures (from when I was a kid) this evening.  I can't wait to see what I find!

Until Next Time ...
~A

Bakersfield and the like ...

I've totally slacked on my 'travel journal', as it seems I do with any project I set out to start, but this time it wasn't completely my fault.

I was in Bakersfield, and I didn't have wireless Internet access.  So, while I still could access the Internet (through my cell phone) it would have been a huge PITA to try to update my 'travel journal'.  I'm sure a 'die hard blogger' wouldn't have let blogging an update from a cell phone stop her, but let's face it.  I'm not die hard.

None-the-less, even without updating, I have an update.  So, here goes.

We left Modesto on Friday (the 19th) around 3:00pm.  We were supposed to leave around 2:30, but we were running a little bit late.  Naturally we drove through Ceres, and M wanted to do a drive by of our old house.  So that put us just that much more behind schedule.  Normally, there wouldn't be a schedule that we had to follow, but in this case we had plans to meet up with some friends at 4:00pm in Kingsburg, so running late was a big deal.

We made it through Ceres, and onto the freeway.  Shortly after we drove through Turlock, C fell asleep.  Which was completely fine by me.  I was really hoping we weren't going to have to deal with car sickness this time, and if she's asleep .. then no sickies.

We hit traffic right around Fresno, which put us even further behind schedule.  We didn't end up making it to Kingsburg until almost 5:00pm.  It didn't seem to matter much though.

We met up with our friends and settled down to eat dinner.  Since C slept all the way (so far our trip was about an hour and a half) she wasn't car sick.  It was me that was feeling kind of queasy.  We ordered dinner, had really good conversation, and ended up leaving Kingsburg at 7:00pm.

We had originally planned on being in Bakersfield around 7:00pm, but that didn't happen.  We pulled up in front of my dad's house right around 9:00pm.  It was a very uneventful drive, which I was completely OK with.

For those that don't know, Bakersfield is hot.  I'm not talking normal, summer time hot, I'm talking hot like you're sitting on the devil's behind hot.  When it's only getting to 80 degrees inside the house, with the A/C turned on, it's TOO DAMN HOT.   Now I know what you're thinking.  You grew up in California.  You should be used to the heat.  Yes.  I grew up in California, and yes I WAS used to the heat.  But then I moved.  I'm no longer used to the  heat.  It sucks!  Plain and simple.  People can ask me if there's anything I miss about California, and I can promise you, you will NOT find heat on that list.

It was hard to enjoy doing anything outside while I was in Bakersfield, because it was so hot.  We did go to CALM, which is the California Living Museum.  It was kind of neat, but very hot.  We visited The Plaza, because my children are fascinated with going to the mall.  We also went to Bakersfield National Cemetery, which is where my uncle is buried.  That was a touching experience for me.   I'm really glad that I got to see his stone.  It really was beautiful.

That was pretty much it.  We came home (well, back to Modesto) today (8/23).  We'll head home to Eugene on the 30th.  But I promise you this.  Between now and the day we leave Modesto, I WILL be updating my 'travel journal'.

If you're friends with me on Facebook you can check out my profile and see the pictures from our visit in Bakersfield.

That's pretty much all I've got for now.  My eyes are heavy, so I'm done.

Until Next Time ...
~A

Day 1

Honestly there isn't much to report.  The day went off, without too much excitement.

My nerves were for not, as I knew they would be.  The drive was nice.  Very long and overly tiring, but nice.  There wasn't too much traffic.  Even driving through Sacramento was easy.

I had originally planned on leaving Eugene at 5am.  I'm not sure why I picked that time of day, it just seemed like it made sense.  That didn't happen.  We didn't leave until 6:30 yesterday morning.  We made really good time, in my opinion anyway.

We had our first (of many) potty breaks, and decided to throw in breakfast too,  in Grant's Pass.   We were stopped for about half an hour.  Then back on the road.  We didn't stop again until we hit Yreka.  Then we stopped again in Redding.

That's where I met up with a friend, and we had lunch.  After Redding we stopped just a few miles up the road, for a caffeine refuel.  I was starting to get REALLY tired, and needed something to help keep my eyes open the rest of the way.  

I got my usual, grande Java Chip frap, double blended, extra java chips.  And since the girls were being really good, I decided to get them a vanilla bean frap.  Chloe LOVES those things.  Mikaila does too.  Chloe drank most of it.  In fact, she drank just a little too much, and round about Lathrop (which just so happens to be about 25-30 minutes from our final destination) it decided to make a second appearance.

Poor baby ... threw up all over the place.  She was so upset.  Not that she'd gotten sick, but that she'd not gotten sick in the potty.

We finally made it to my moms house about 10 minutes till 6:00 last night.  The longest day OF MY LIFE.  Until I have to turn around and do it again.

Later today we'll be off again.  Headed to Bakersfield, stopping first in Kingsburg to meet up with another friend.

I hope we don't have to deal with any puke today.  I think, just to be on the safe side, we'll skip the Starbucks.

Until Next Time ...
~A

The Day Before ...

Tomorrow is the big day.

The day of travel.

The day of stress.

Stress is overwhelming me.  Today especially.  I don't know why I'm so stressed out.  But boy howdy.  It's really starting to take it's toll on me.

I've had the girls packed and ready (for the most part) to go since yesterday.  I was really on point with their things.  The only things of theirs I still have to put into the bags are their toothbrushes, and shampoos and such.  They'll need those tonight and in the morning .. so they'll wait.

I feel like I always wait until the last minute to pack my things, and really it's true.  I do.  But it's because I have to.  I can't pack my shampoo for example, because I'll shower in the morning, and I'll just have to unpack it to take a shower.   So rather than create an extra step for myself (I know it's not that big of a deal, but don't mess with my reasoning) I just wait.

I'm sure that's adding to my stress.  I've got all my clothes that I'm taking with me laid out and ready to go into the bag ... but for some reason, I'm stalling.  Not sure why.  I"m beyond excited about going back "home".  I know it's not technically 'home' anymore, because I now live in Oregon.  But, I was born and raised there.  Lived my entire life there.  It will always be home.  Ya know?

I think the biggest contributor to my stress is that my husband isn't coming with me.  I'm going to miss him terribly.  I really wish that he was coming with us.  I'm going to be traveling, more than five hundred and fifty miles (557.97 miles to be exact) with my two children.  Alone.  I know I"ll be fine.  I'm pretty savvy.  It's just a bit nerve wracking.

Lord be with us, and keep us safe.

The next time you hear from me (I'm hoping that will be tomorrow night) I'll be adding my first entry to my "Travel Journal" (which is what I"m dubbing my blog for the next 13 days).  I just hope I'm not completely obliterated from driving all day long.

Until Next Time ..
~A

Road Trip

Who doesn't love a good road trip?  I do!  I suppose that's a good thing, cause I'm preparing to take a doozie.

I'm driving to California to visit my family.  I'm leaving Oregon on the 18th (early morning) and driving to Modesto.  I'm hoping to be there by dinner time.  Please GOD let me be there by dinner time.  I'll be spending the night in Modesto that night, then leaving the next afternoon for Bakersfield (With a stop in Fresno on the way).  I'll be staying in Bakersfield until the 23rd, and then it's back to Modesto until the 30th, and then it's back home to Oregon.

At some point, between the 23rd and the 30th .. I want to take my girls to The Jelly Belly Factory.  We've never been there, it's FREE, and it looks like a smashing good time.  So that's another few hours on the road.

Don't worry.  While I've completely blew my 30-day photo challenge, I AM taking my camera along with my rechargeable batteries.  I'll be taking TONS of pictures.  I'm also taking my laptop, and plan on using my blog as a travel journal while I'm gone.  It might not be exciting, but since my husband can't come with us, I'm hoping he'll be able to read the travel journal and see the pictures, and kind of feel like he's with us anyway.

Hopefully you'll come along for the ride, and enjoy our sites along with my husband.  Oh, and by the way.  I'm still looking for some road trip company for the trek to The Jelly Belly Factory (click on the link .. it looks like fun) if you're interested.

Until Next Time ...
~A

D-I-Y

I like to think of myself as that type of person that can envision something in my mind, and make it happen.  There have been quite a few time, when I've seen something I've coveted, and told myself it would be super easy, and a lot less expensive if I just made it myself.

Sometimes, it turns out great, and I come away with something even better than what I originally wanted.  Other times, that's furthest from the truth.

Today, while I was spending more time than I should spend on a new addiction, I came across a picture.  All this picture was, was a crayon drawing on a white t-shirt .. with a tag line of sandpaper iron on transfer.

You know that old saying,  "curiosity killed the cat" ... well, it didn't kill me .. but it certainly got the best of me.  And since I have a great relationship with Google, I was on a new mission.

I can not WAIT to try this DIY craft with my kids.  They're going to get a kick out of it, and I know I am too!  I think I might even make my own!!   I'm going to share the instructions here, but please keep in mind that I have NOT tried this out yet.  So I can't validate how it works.  But I'm going to.  When I do, I'll post an update.

I'm so excited!!!  Here goes ...

So you're going to need some good quality crayons.  I only buy Crayola crayons, because they tend to last longer than the cheaper ones.  They're also a lot easier to clean up if you happen to have an oopsie.   You're going to need sandpaper, and according to everything I've read, the coarser the better.  You're going to need a piece of cardboard, to go in between your t-shirt while ironing, and then of course you're going to need a t-shirt.  Obviously a white t-shirt will give you more options with the colors you can use.  But I think it would look really neat with a black t-shirt and a white or other brightly colored crayons.

Oh .. duh!  And of course you'll need the iron.

**TIP**One thing to remember.  If you're going to print any words or letters in your transfer, you'll want to print them backwards.  That way, when you do the transfer, they'll be facing the right direction!

So let's just got over the list of things you need one more time .. just to be sure you've got everything.
Crayons
Sandpaper
Cardboard
T-shirt
Iron (set to the cotton setting)

Now .. we're ready to get started!!

Take your sandpaper, and on the rough side, draw your picture.  Remember my tip if you're using any words or lettering.  Make sure you press kind of hard, you'll need a lot of the wax from the crayon to get the picture to transfer well.

Once you've got the picture you want, you can prepare your t-shirt.  Take your cardboard and place it inside the t-shirt.  This will protect the backside from getting any unwanted wax.  Once you've got your cardboard situated the way you want it .. you're ready to make some magic.

Position your sandpaper, picture side down, onto the t-shirt.  Apply the iron to the backside of your sandpaper for between 10 - 30 seconds.  It doesn't take that long, but you want to make sure it's get a good transfer.  Remove the iron, and very gently lift one corner to check the progress.  If you're satisfied with the outcome, then you're almost done.  If you think it needs a bit more .. go for it.

Now here's the important part.  You'll have to set the color.  Take a few paper towels, and place them on top of your image and iron for a few seconds.  This process will help to remove any excess wax.  Then just toss the t-shirt into the dryer for about 20 minutes to completely set the color.

You're done!  Not only do you have a one of a kind t-shirt .. but you DID IT YOURSELF!!!  Feel accomplished???  You should!!

**TIP** The first time the shirt is washed, it's recommended that it's washed alone.  Just in case.  You don't want to have your entire load of laundry come out with bits of rainbow.

If you attempt this simple and fun DIY with your children, or even just for yourself, let me know!!  I'd love to see your creations!!!

And if you're interested here's the website I got the idea from.  Sandpaper Printed T-Shirt

Have fun!!!

Until Next Time ..
~A

Oops ...

I don't know why I do this to myself.  Why I set goals, when I know that I'm not going to accomplish them.

I missed a few days of my photo challenge.  Crap.  I always do this.

Oh well, I guess there's nothing I can do about it now.  Here's my submission for today.

Isn't this so ... inviting & relaxing?!  Someday .. I want to be able to have an outside escape JUST like this!

Source: tumblr.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Until Next Time ... 

~A

Birthday Wishes

Today is my husbands birthday.  36 years old today.

Happy Birthday husband of mine.  I do love you so.

Until Next Time ... 

~A

Artwork

My husband decided that for his birthday he wanted to get a new tattoo.  So, since tomorrow is his birthday, guess what we did today?

Here's my submission for today's photo.

Until Next Time ... 

~A

On top of things ...

In my late night stupor, I'm sure I didn't make a lot of sense.  Regardless, I'm trying to make up for the fact that I missed a day in my newest challenge (even if I'm only making it up to myself).

Here's the 3rd entry in my Photo Challenge.

This .. is where the magic happens ...

Setting the bar

So I'm horrible at setting goals for myself and following through with them.

Case in point.  This blog.  When I started blogging, I meant to do it every day.  If not every day, as close to every day as I could get.  I sometimes go months without posting anything.

My second case in point, PIFF.  Remember when I tried that one out?  If you're a reader of my blog, you'll remember when I wanted to participate in what I dubbed PIFF (Pay It Forward Fridays).  I think it lasted all of 2 weeks?  Am I wrong?

Case in point number 3?  My Photo a day for 30 days challenge.  I couldn't even go a full week.  In my defense .. I've been overly occupied with a possible new venture today.  Well .. yesterday.  What should have been day 2 (since technically it's day 3) of my photo challenge.

Since my own rules stated that I had to take the photo myself .. the photo I'm going to submit now (at 1:00am on day 3) will be for day 2 of the challenge.  Then later today (still day 3) I'll submit another photo.

I believe my rules also stated that my submission had to be shot THAT day.  Here's where I'm going to have to cheat a little bit.  I didn't take any photos today.  Yesterday.  Whatever day we're talking about.  So, I'm going to use one that I've taken previously.  I made the rules, I can choose when and where (and how) to bend them.  Right?!

My photo submission for day 2?

Rocks

Until Next Time ...

~A

A Photo A Day ...

So I'm considering giving myself a challenge.  I've seen a lot of other bloggers participate in a photo a day challenge, so I figured I'd join in the fun.

I'm going to start off small though.  I figure I'll try "A Photo A Day for 30 Days" ... that's a good place to start.  Today being the first day.  I'm going to take the challenge a bit further .. and make my photo a photo that I shot. I think I'm up for the challenge.  My inspiration is a photo that I saw on Pinterest which just so happens to be my newest addiction.  So for my photo today ..

My oldest daughter desperately wants her ears pierced.  The trouble with that is this.  We've tried piercing them 3 times, and each and every time her ears get infected and it's a horrible process trying to take the earrings out.  So a very good friend of mine made her a very special, one-of-a-kind pair of clip on earrings.  They even have Swarovski crystals!  How lucky is she!?

So there's my first submission, for my "A Photo A Day for 30 Days".

Until Next Time ... (which in this case means tomorrow)
~A

Source: polyvore.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Never Forget ...

Source: etsy.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Whaddya think??

Hopefully it's noticed that I changed the way things look here.   What do you think?  Worth keeping??

I'm kind of liking the way it looks.  I might still change the fonts though.  Not sure if I want a hand written look or  if that would be too hard to read.

Decisions Decisions.

Until Next Time ...
~A

What Women Want ...

This is the AGE old question.  Asked from generation to generation, and yet it's never been figured out.  From a man's perspective anyway.

And while I can't speak for EVERY single woman in the world .. I'm sure a vast majority would agree with the points I'm about to make.  Gentlemen ... pay attention.

1.  Love.  Women don't just WANT love, we NEED love.  And I'm not just talking about the act of making love.  I'm talking about love in general.  Hold her hand while you're walking down the street.  Tell her you love her at random times during the day.  Choose to sit next to her instead of across from her when you go out to eat.  It's the little things that keep us happy.  Trust me on this.  The big, extravagant displays of affection, while much appreciated, aren't always necessary.

2. Trust.  Women need to not only be trusted, but desperately need to be able to trust.  The minute that we feel we can't trust you, you're doomed.  The relationship is doomed.  Don't keep secrets.  About anything.

3. Space.  Women love to cuddle (I know I do) and be close with our spouse (or significant other) however, we also like some time to ourselves.  No kids, no husbands.  Just for a sense of rejuvenation if nothing else.  There's a lot that goes in to being a wife and a mother.  Remember that.

4. Appreciation.  Women NEED to feel appreciated.  Like I said above, there is a LOT that goes in to being a wife and a mother.  Add even more if you're a wife and a mother that holds a full time job outside of the home.  Let us know that you appreciate what we're doing and how we're doing it.  A little 'thank-you' here and there would be much obliged.

5. To be needed.  Women want, .. no .. NEED to be needed.  Tell us everyday, that you need us.  Whether you think we already know this or not.  It's nice to hear it once in a while.



I'm sure there's MUCH more that could be added to this list.  And I'm sure, at some point, I'll add to it.  But for now, it's a good starting place.

Take note boys ...

Until Next Time ..
~A

Inspiration ...

What inspires you??

Until Next Time .. 

~A

Heartbroken

That's what I am right now. 

Before my family moved to Oregon, my grandmother gave my daughter a snow globe.  It was in the shape of a heart, and on the inside of the globe were two birds that were kind of intertwined.  And in true snow globe fashion, there was glitter.  Lots and lots of glitter. 

Shortly after my family moved to Oregon, my grandmother, the very same one that gave my daughter this snow globe, lost her short lived battle with glioblastoma.  My entire family was devestated, naturally.  But my daughter, seemed to take it extra hard.  She's a soft soul, my daughter, and she tends to be very emotional about certain things. 

Since my grandmother passed away (we just so happen to be coming up on the one year anniversary of her passing) my daughter has cherished this snow globe.  It's been sitting in various different places in her bedroom.  For a while it was on her window sill .. very close to the head of her bed.  She said it helped her to remember GG before she went to sleep.  

More recently it was on her bookcase.  Proudly displayed among other little girl trinkets.  She would stare at it for hours sometimes, and tell me how much she missed her GG, and how when she looked at the snow globe .. she flet closer to her.  

Tonight .. my daughters prized possession .. shattered.  She was trying to clean up in her room, and somehow .. she knocked the snow globe right off of her dresser.  Something that's happend a hundred times before.  It's never been hurt before .. but tonight, it shattered into a thousand pieces.  Water, glitter, and glass littered her bedroom floor.  But the thing that broke my heart .. is the tears that flowed from my baby's eyes.  This is something I can't replace.  I can't go out and buy her a new one to make it all better.

My heart is much like the snow globe .. in a thousand pieces and can't be mended.   

Just Be ...

Be happy ...

There's so many things to be happy about ...

Just be ...

Until Next Time ..
~A

It's Independence Day

Which one are you?

This made me think.  (right under the mobile app logo)

Whose live have you touched in a positive way?

Will you be remembered as the one that cared enough to reach out?

Or will you be remembered as the one who didn't have the time of day?

Be the one that cares enough to reach out.  You never know the impact you'll make on someone's life.

Until Next Time ...
~A

Taking it back ...

Wednesday afternoon, I took myself back to my childhood.  Not because I wanted to, it just happened.

My dad was here for a visit.  It's been close to 2 years since I've seen him.  Anyone that knows me, knows that's not unusual.  Hasn't been my entire life - well, what I can remember of my entire life anyway.

When I was a kid, my brother and I saw our dad pretty much twice a year.  We never spent a Father's Day with him.  We never spent Christmas Day with him.  He'd come into town generally around our birthday's (which both happen to be in May) and usually again around Christmas.   When he was in town, it wasn't for an extended period of time by any means.  Usually, just the weekend.  He'd come in sometime on a Friday, and leave late morning on Sunday.  It sucked.  Plain and simple.  No little girl, or boy for that matter, should have to stand on the train platform, tears so thick they can't see, and say goodbye to their father - not knowing when she (or he) would see him again.  That's just not fair.

As a little girl, all I ever wanted was to be with my dad.  I wanted to have the "father/daughter" thing that all my friends had.  Never had it.  My dad left when I was only 4 years old.  He missed so much of my life, and I missed even more of his.

Taking him to the airport Wednesday, took me back.  I became that little girl, standing on the train platform, tears so thick I couldn't see.  Thankfully now, I have sunglasses that cover them.  Not so thankfully, my little girl is also the little girl I used to be.  Her tears were heavy, so heavy that she could barely speak.

I think her tears are what took me back.  Seeing the hurt she was experiencing, made me become that little child all over again.  I didn't want my dad to get on that plane.  I didn't want him to leave.  I wanted him to stay.  Forever.

I desperately wanted the days of my childhood that I missed out on.

Here I am 32 years old, and all I want are those missed days.  If I could have one thing ... one wish .. that's what it'd be.

So if I can say this to a Dad that might be reading this ... Dads - cherish the little moments.  Cherish the time you have with your children.  It means more to them than you'll ever know.  Daughters (and Son's too) - Cherish the time you have with your fathers.  You never know how long you'll have that time.

Until Next Time ..
~A

Photography

I've always been interested in, and intrigued by a good picture.  It's a talent that I've always wished I had.  I've even often wondered if it's the person that actually holds the talent, or if the talent lies in the type of camera that's used.

Yesterday I believe that I came a bit closer to possessing the talent I so badly want.  I got a new camera, and I took some pictures, that if I do say so myself, are pretty awesome.

Let me know what you think?

All photos were taken, by me, with the Canon PowerShot SX130 IS and then edited using picnik.

Until Next Time ..
~A

Nine years ...

I can't believe that it's been nine years.

I can't believe that my baby girl is going to be 9 years old.  It's simply mind boggling.

Let me take you back ... I'll try to sum up her birth story (which is something I do every year on her birthday) in as few words as possible.

October 2001 -

Roughly around the 18th of the month, I found out that my husband and I would soon be welcoming our first child.  So many emotions ran through my head.  Am I ready to be a mother?  Is my husband ready to be a father?  Can we afford to bring a child into our family?  Will I be able to raise this child to have values and morals?

I was scared, excited, terrified, anxious, and so many more things all at once.  I found out while I was at work, and had to tell my husband later that evening.  I was extremely nervous as to how he was going to react, seeing as how we'd just decided days before that we wanted to wait another year before we had kids.

Needless to say he was excited.  Shocked, but excited.  We quickly started to think of names for our little bundle of joy.  At this point we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl, so we thought of names for both.

My husband really liked Francesca, but I quickly vetoed that one.  We both liked Elijah for a little boy, and finally decided on Michaela for a little girl.  Though my husband didn't like the traditional spelling, he said it looked too much like Michael.  So we played with it for a bit, and came up with Mikaila.  So, if we had a boy it would  be Elijah Daniel and a girl would be Mikaila Alexis.

Our little girl made her entrance VERY early in the morning.  As early as one could possibly be.  June 13th, 2002,  at 12:01 am Mikaila Alexis said her first hello to the world.   She weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces, and was 19 inches long.  She was absolutely perfect in every way.  According to her daddy and I anyway.  She was the most beautiful baby in the entire hospital.

I can remember that day like it was yesterday.  It's so hard to believe that 9 years have passed.  She's growing up so fast.  She's almost done with 3rd grade, and getting ready to start 4th grade.  She's my pride and joy, and I love her with all my heart.

Happy Birthday baby girl!!  You make Mommy and Daddy proud every single day.  We can't wait to see what you're going to do next.   We love you so much!

Until Next Time ...
~A

Blast from the past

I'm sitting here one day last week, perusing the net, mainly facebook, and I read that my online friend's kids don't know NKOTB.

Seriously?!  Who doesn't know New Kids On The Block.  The more and more I think about it, I realize that my OWN children probably don't know who NKOTB are either.  I know for sure that my 3 year old doesn't, and I'd lay money that my 8 year old has no clue. 

Then I started thinking about the things that I loved way back when, then I can't find now.  There were a few things that I couldn't find pictures of, but I'm still looking for.  I don't want to name them, because maybe we, well I, can do a weekly blast from the past post. We'll see how that goes. 

Anyway .. here are a few, four to be exact, blasts from my pasts.  Are these on your list of things you loved way back when??

I think we're alone now

         

banana clips

Guess? Jeans

Jelly Shoes

#1.  I absolutely LOVED Tiffany.  'Nuff said!  

#2.  Banana clips were important!  We all used them!

#3.  Jelly Shoes.  I LOVED these shoes, but hated them at the same time.  They always gave me blisters, and made my feet really dirty.                

#4.  I know you can still get Guess jeans .. but not like you could when I was a kid.  It was all about the upside down triangle patch on your butt.  Right?!  You remember ... 

Do you have anything, that you'd thought you'd forgotten about ... any blast from the past???

Until Next Time ... 

~A

Wish List ...

As I'm sitting here .. admittedly feeling a bit sorry for myself .. I'm thinking of all the things I'd like to get for myself.  I honestly can't remember the last time I did anything for myself that wasn't for a reason.  I think it's time.

Here's a few of the things I want to spoil myself with.

iPhone ...

Mani/Pedi

Massage ... ahhhh

Mac

#1.  I think I might be the last person on the planet that doesn't have an iPhone.  I want one badly, even if everyone else always has one.  Who says you have to be original all the time??

#2. Mani/Pedi .. I'm in desperate need.  I haven't had a pedi in YEARS and I need one so badly.  Just for the sheer relaxation of the process. Throw in a manicure to round it all out.

#3.  I had one .. once.  Many moons ago it seems.  It was the most relaxing hour of my life.  I need that again.  Soon!!

#4.  I want a Mac.  Badly.  I'm over the PC.  Period.

What about you?  Is there anything you covet??  Wanna share?

Until Next Time ..
~A

~Live, Laugh, Love~

I think these are words to live by .. if it's not your motto, it should be.

Until Next Time ...

~A

Tuesday's Favorites

Here are a few of my favorite things ....

Mmmm ... healthy too!

It might be a favorite, but I miss it

ALL things Twilight

Oh how I love watching the sunrise

So my layout is off .. but you get the idea.  Let me break it down for you. 

#1.  Pomegranates.  I love love love pomegranates.  I can remember as a kid, my grandma has a pomegranate tree in her back yard.  We would pick the pomegranates up off the ground and devour the seeds.  They were oh so yummy.  It was always hard to hide our devoured treasures though.  Grandma, somehow, always knew what we'd been up to.  ;)

#2.  Sleep.  I love sleep.  I love TO sleep.  I just wish I could.  Lately it seems that sleep is hard for me to find, and even harder for me to keep.  I don't know if it's stress, the snoring husband, or the 3 year old feet that dig into my back.  Whatever it is, I need to fix the problem, because I miss my sleep desperately.

#3. Sunrise.  There's just something about watching the sunrise.  It puts your life into perspective.  The 'dawning of a new day' 'starting over' 'a new beginning' .. it's all retrospective.  There's nothing greater that watching the beautiful miracle of a new beginning.  Except maybe hearing my children laugh.  

#4.  Twilight.  I love ALL things Twilight.  All things.  I'm not overly obsessed like some people are, but that being said, I'll be one of the first to see the newest movie, or re-read the series.  I have all the books, like most Twilight fans do, and I've read them a few times.  I'm actually thinking about reading them again.  

So those are a few of my favorite things for today.  What are yours?  

Until Next Time ... 

~A

Promises ..

I am oh SO irritated with a certain person that keeps making promises to my daughter, and NOT following through with them.

Just wait.

You're digging the SAME hole with her that you've dug with everyone else in your miserable little life.  When she wants nothing more to do with you, don't wonder why.  You'll already know.

You'd think that by now you'd have learned your lesson.  Your oldest son, wants nothing to do with you.  Why? Because of the childhood that you provided for him.

Your daughter, big surprise, can barely stand you.  Why?  Because of the childhood you provided for her.

Your youngest son, tolerates you for his children.  Why?  Because of the childhood you provided for him.

See the pattern?

You can tell everyone in the world how much you've changed, but the truth is plain and simple.  You haven't.  You never will.  You're the same miserable little woman you've always been, and I REFUSE to let you poison my children they way you poisoned your own.

Your game ... is OVER.

It's the End of the Word as we know it ... and I feel fine!!

OK.  So that's a lyric from the R.E.M song.  That I'm sure is being overplayed on close to every radio station around the country today.  Becuase, according to billboards that are plastered everywhere, tomorrow is in fact, the end of the world. 

Here's my thought's on the topic.  

I'm a Christian.  I have been for most of my life.  I don't know the Bible cover to cover, but I do know some of it.  There's quite a few places in the Bible that talk about the end of times.  Do I think we're there?  I do believe it's coming, yes.  Do I think it's coming tomorrow?  Hey, honestly it COULD happen.  In the tradition of being honest, it COULD happen today.  Right now.  An hour from now.  

The Bible says "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" - Matthew 25:13

There's yet another verse "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." -Matthew 24:36

So the claims that "the Bible guarantees it ..."  that the world will end?  Yes.  That the world will end on May 21st?  No.  

So I suppose there's a tidbit of advice in my note.  Listen to the Bible.  Be prepared.  It (the End) IS coming.  It may not happen tomorrow .. but it IS coming.  Are you ready??  

Mindless thinking ...

I'm sitting here this morning .. tired beyond belief.   I have the strangest thoughts running through my brain.  I'm sure it's due to sheer exhaustion, but I thought I'd share.  If for no other reason than to laugh at myself at a later date.


My youngest daughter is sitting in the other room watching Spongebob.  Something that she does daily.  And while I've thought about this subject before, I've never thought about it to the extent that I've thought about it in the last 20 minutes.  


Mr. Krabs, the owner of "The Krusty Krab" has a daughter.  His daughter, Pearl, is a whale.  How does that work?  


Spongebob's last name is Squarepants.  He resembles a yellow kitchen sponge.  His parents, are Mr. & Mrs. Squarepants.  Yet they're not square but round.  They don't resemble a yellow kitchen sponge, but more of an oatmeal cookie.


Mr. Krabs, often refers to Spongebob as a kid.  Spongebob often acts like a kid.  Yet, he lives in his own home (even though it's a pineapple) and he has a job. 


Like I said in the beginning.  I'm sure my thoughts are due to sheer exhaustion.  I"m beyond tired.  But I've never been so intrigued by Spongebob Squarepants before.  Honestly, I hope to never be this intrigued again.

Chicken Enchiladas

I've been wanting to make Chicken Enchiladas for a while.  The last time I made them, I made them with my sister-in-law and they turned out oh so good.  I'm hoping that my venture, with my own reciepe, will turn out just as well.

I'm going to post the ingredients then post the recipe along with pictures.

I hope this works the way I want it to.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
1 small can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom AND cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
cilantro (if you like it, if not leave it out)
1/4 cup milk
cooked and shredded or cubed boneless skinless chicken thighs (you could use breasts if you prefer white meat)
shredded cheddar cheese (I used the 4 cheese Mexican blend from Sargento)
Flour tortillas (I was able to fill 6)


What you want to do first is take your meat, either breasts or thighs, and boil them.  I chose thighs because I prefer dark meat.  

To my boiling water I added some salt for flavor and a little bit (one turn around the pan) of EVOO.



Once the meat was cooked (it doesn't take very long) you want to remove the chicken from the water and either shred it or cube it.  

Once your chicken is shredded you can move on with the recipe.  This would be a good time to preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  While you're oven is preheating, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan.  If you have a saucepan with high sides, that would work best. 

 

You're going to add 1/2 cup of chopped green onions to the butter 

Once you've added your green onions, you're going to saute the onions until they are soft.  Once they're soft, you're going to add the can of diced green chilies, the cream of mushroom soup, the cream of chicken soup, and the sour cream.  

Make sure that everything is creamed together well.  Once everything is combined you're going to take3/4 of this mixture and put it in a separate bowl and set it aside.  You're going to need it in a bit. 

Now take your shredded chicken and add it to the remaining 1/4 of the sauce mixture that's still in your saucepan.  Once the chicken is added, add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of shredded cheese.  It's just depending on how cheesy you want your enchiladas.

Now make sure that all the cheese and chicken are incorporated into your sauce mix.  Once the cheese is melted and stringy you're ready to start stuffing your tortillas.  

Now you're ready to start stuffing your tortillas.  Take your tortilla, add a scoop of the chicken mixture and then put cilantro (if you like it) on top of the chicken mixture.  Fold and place seam side down into a lightly greased baking dish.

Now you want to grab your bowl that has your remaining sauce mixture.  Add 1/4 cup of milk to the sauce and mix well.  Once mixed, pour over your enchiladas and cover with cheese and more cilantro (again, you can leave the cilantro out if you don't like it.)

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes .. or until the cheese is bubbly and delicious!  

Enjoy!!

Until Next Time ...

~A