Camp Kennedy

Moving Day

2010-09-19T19:58:00.003-05:00

I am moving to WordPress. I feel it has fewer issues and is more user friendly. So go ahead and follow me there!

www.campkennedy.wordpress.com

Menu Plan Monday - On Tuesday

2010-09-07T05:40:00.001-05:00

We spent all Labor Day weekend working.......it is called labor day after all :) Saturday after darling son's soccer game (he won 4-1) we spent the entire day doing yard work at my Mother in law's. It was beautiful fall like weather but I still burnt my face pretty good. Sunday we started on the garage. We have to do this every summer. Somebody uses it for his wood shop during the summer.....I won't mention any names but he has made me a beautiful house and furniture ;)

Sunday was also our 12th wedding anniversary. We had a nice family dinner our one of our favorite pizza places. Then we headed for ice cream and to watch the boaters on the river.

Monday, Labor Day, we spent getting all the baby stuff out of the garage. It will feel good getting rid of all of it. But it is bittersweet :( We then hit the river for some fishing and fossil hunting. We caught no fish but did find 3 good sized fossils!

What a crazy busy week it was and will be this week. Swimming, Soccer, Scouts, School, Garage Sale and Work! The menu plan will be a lifesaver.

Well on to the menu plan. Breakfast is on your own as always. Lunch is leftovers.

Monday - Turkey n Dumpling Soup
Tuesday - Spaghetti (with sauce and veggies from garden)
Wednesday - Out to dinner for darling son's 7th Birthday
Thursday - Lemon Dijon Tilapia with Pasta (rolled over from last week)
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Saturday - Aussie Chicken (rolled over from last week)
Sunday - Fish Taco's

Have a great week everyone.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-30T11:39:00.001-05:00

We had a great weekend in Missouri. Visited family, ate, played, ate, attended my home church, ate. I will need to get back to my walking for sure after the long weekend of eating!

We also celebrated the son's upcoming birthday. Hard to believe he will be 7 next week! After school today we will head to the store because someone has some birthday money burning a hole in his pocket!

School is in full swing. One week down. This week we will add Cub Scouts to School and Soccer. I also work Tuesday - Friday so I better get cooking ahead on my day off today.

Monday - Shepherd's Pie
Tuesday - Taco Cornbread Casserole
Wednesday - Chipped Beef on Biscuits
Thursday - Turkey Melts and Crockpot Mac n Cheese
Friday - Homemade Pizza
Saturday - Lemon Dijon Tilapia with Pasta
Sunday - Aussie Chicken I have been seeing this on so many menu's I have to try it!

What's on you plate this week? Head over to I'm An Organizing Junkie and check out hundred's of meal plans from other bloggers.

Menu Plan Monday - Back to School Week!

2010-08-23T06:00:00.024-05:00

Yay. School starts today. Little man is nervous. New grade, new teacher, new lessons. He was afraid they did not color in first grade. I assured him that if they required crayons on the supply list they must do some coloring. He perked :) It's going to be a goofy week. The real fun starts now! Soccer, School, Swimming and Scouts here we come!

Monday - Scottish Meat Pies - we make ours in muffin tins. They are easier to take as leftovers!
Tuesday -Taco salad
Wednesday - Grilled Tilapia with Fruit Salsa
Thursday - On the road to Gramma and Grandad's. Fast food and TUMS! :)
Friday - Out to eat at Gramma and Grandad's
Saturday - Pizza with the extended family
Sunday - Home from Gramma and Grandad's. Breakfast for supper.

Square Foot Gardening Results

2010-08-22T20:04:00.002-05:00

Just thought I would post an update on Camp Kennedy's Square Foot Garden

It all started here. Little tiny plants in a new place.

I was uncertain how they would grow in the new location!

The zucchini loved the new location. By love I mean LOVED!

The tomatoes also thrived. The green beans were plentiful also!

I am getting harvests like this every few days!

I learned a few good lessons this year. First of all. Zucchini plants get big. Give them plenty of room. Next year I will plant my watermelon far from my zucchini. Peas don't like the back corner. They felt left out so they drowned themselves. So next year I will find a drier place for my peas. The beans thought their spot was perfect. Just have to keep the bugs from bugging them. Since I did a decent job I may get super crazy and add some cucumbers and corn! I still have lots of space around the back yard. How big do cucumber plants get? Oh and I need to learn to can! Enjoy. I have to now go and pick more tomatoes!

Fill In The Blanks and Tomato Sauce

2010-08-20T18:04:00.006-05:00

Today we peeled and pureed a ton of fresh tomatoes from our garden. I decided to do "freezer canning" and make tomato sauce. It will be super to have fresh sauce this winter! I have a ton more tomatoes on the vine. May have to learn how to can!

I came across a cute blog today called the little things we do. She has a little thing she does on Friday's called ...fill in the blank friday. I thought it would be fun to play along.

1. My favorite current TV show is: Destination Truth. Why you ask? Well first off it is clean family fun. I really don't have to worry too much about my son seeing anything he shouldn't at age 6. Second the host (Josh Gates) and his entire team are witty and fun. I would love to hang with them sometime........just not while looking for Bigfoot!

2. The TV character I can relate to most is . Amy Duncan on Good Luck Charlie......she is a fun loving, family centered working mom. She is sometime surprised at how "uncool" her kids think she is!

3. My life is like (fill in with TV show and why).... Not sure.... A little Good Luck Charlie.......Scrubs.........Paula Deen mixture?

4. My all time favorite TV show is ...Friends.......I didn't watch it when it was on......I think I may have been too young to really "get it". Now I think it is hysterical!

5. A TV show that is ridiculously stupid, but I continue to watch is Pawn Stars.........silly to watch a pawn shop but the characters brutal honesty with their customers and each other make me laugh.

6. My favorite TV couple is Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman......not a couple but love watching them.......like little boys in a candy shop. They make me giggle!

7. One TV episode I could watch over and over again is the Friends episode where Ross starts dating again in the LEATHER pants.........I almost fell off the treadmill!

Snuggle

2010-08-18T05:37:00.005-05:00

This is where I wish to linger. The "I am completely knocked out in your arms" kind of snuggle. The kind of snuggle I can already see you getting too BIG for. You are too big to "cozy up" in my lap as comfortably as we once could. I have to be satisfied by you sitting NEXT to me. For now I have to settle for you snuggling Daddy and I just LEAN in CLOSER.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-08-15T18:08:00.003-05:00

A week before school starts. The countdown is on. We may try to fit in another beach day on Monday. I'll have to check the weather. We also have to be back in time for the first soccer practice.

Little man is excited that it's starting. He wants to practice tonight but I am working on freezer cooking and Big Daddy is going on day 5 of low grade temp and GI symptoms. May have to force him to the Dr tomorrow. For now he is comfortable on the couch watching golf (how that is interesting I'll never know).

We made a huge grocery trip today. We hit 4 stores today and I have 3 more to visit tomorrow to get the rest of supplies. After that we should be good for the month besides a milk and egg run in 2 weeks. Got some good deals today especially on cereal . We should be set on cereal for about 2 months! Unless I start serving it for dinner :)

On the cooking note Cole and I found an old cookbook at my Mom's house. We are planning on making one recipe a week from it. The Gold Medal Alpha Bakery Cook Book. We will start with A and for the next 26 weeks make a recipe. First up is Apple Crisp! My mouth is already watering.

On the menu for this week.
Monday - BLT's (need to use some Tomatoes) and fried Zucchini (need to use some zucchini)
Tuesday - Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs (from the freezer).
Wednesday - Grilled Tilapia with Peach Sauce
Thursday - Turkey Burgers
Friday - Fish and Shrimp Taco's
Saturday - Homemade Pizza
Sunday - BBQ Chicken and Cheese, Rice and Broccoli Casserole.

I also have enough zucchini left over to make a chocolate cake.

Head over to my sister in law's blog to check out her menu. She is a teacher and heading back to school this week. She has 2 wonderful little boys (2 years and 5 months) to help keep her on track! Wish her luck!

Have a great week everyone!

Writer's Workshop

2010-08-14T03:32:00.005-05:00

A few days late but I thought I would give it a go anyhow. I chose the writing prompt of, "I miss the friend you used to be".

I miss you my extroverted friend. The friend who is always up for a good time. 867-5309. The rule breaker and party maker. The one that everyone knew they could count on for fun.

I miss the staying up til 6am friend. The jello shots in the freezer and beer on ice in the bathtub friend. The kissing random boys flirty friend. The sleep all day and cut class so you could be ready for that nights bonfire friend.

The one who knew how to charm her way out of trouble, even with the town cops. She was always able to come up with the next scheme and somehow not get busted or murdered. The type of friend who was loud and proud. Able to speak her mind and then change her mind at the drop of a hat.

Now you have turned into this overly responsible neat freak who plans her life down to the second. What no more kissing random boys? When was the last time you had a drink? What the hell are you doing up at 4:30am.......to exercise? Who turned you?

You are much more boring now! I miss you wild child! But you have a bigger problem........you have spawned a wild child of your own......Good Luck With That!

Getting Ready for the School Year

2010-08-12T19:04:00.003-05:00

We took a little jaunt today to New Buffalo, MI for some beach time. I got a little crispy on my back (may have something to do with the 6 year old in charge of putting on my sunblock on my back)

Summer is winding down. In just a few weeks we will be back in the school mode. We spent last night discussing as a family the yearly behavior chart/rule chart.

He really takes pride in coming up with his own rules. He came up with 1.) Homework (reading and math) 30m everyday 2.) Going to bed at 8pm (without fighting us) 3.) Being ready for school (he is a dwadler) 4.) No crying unless hurt (he is famous for turning on the waterworks when not getting his way) and 5.) empty the dishwasher.

We use free behavior/reward charts from online. He colors and dates them every week. Here are some of the resources where he gets his charts.

http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/
http://www.latitudes.org/behavioral_charts.html
http://www.chartjungle.com/behavior.html
http://www.freebehaviorcharts.com/category/free-behavior-charts/

As a reward he gets to go to his favorite ice cream place on Friday nights. To earn this he has to get a perfect chart. We have to place his chart where he can't reach it. We have caught him adding his own stars in the past!

Well off to bed early for this girl. The sun, surf and sand make you extra tired. TTFN.

I Did Nothing Today-----And I Lived

2010-08-10T20:28:00.002-05:00

Facebook Conversation at 9am this morning-

Me: Day off today. What to do?
Friend: I dare you to do nothing!
Me: long pause
Me: Maybe I'll scrapbook?
Friend: That's the spirit!

Why is it so hard for me to sit and do nothing? I feel wasteful, selfish and lazy! It's exactly what I did today. Nothing. Well not really nothing. I did organize my bookmarks, play on my blog, took a nap, visited with a neighbor, watched TV with son, soaked up some sunshine with son in kiddie pool, made dinner for family, and menu planned. This actually seems like a lot to most people. To me this was a totally selfish and lazy day.....but I will be a better mom, wife and friend because of it! So today I will celebrate my version of lazy.

Linked up to Tuesday's Unwrapped at Chatting at the Sky

Meal Plan Monday (on Tuesday).

2010-08-10T17:04:00.011-05:00

This is going to be a long post. Probably since I really slacked off this summer! That would be my guess anyhow!

Summer is on the downhill slide.....someone really needs to tell mother nature that. 114 heat index is really too hot! Well it is actually not the heat that bothers me, it's the humidity! My naturally frizzy hair is frizzing just wonderfully!

The new school year is starting in two weeks. We are getting super excited. Time for me to get out of my lazy summer rut and start meal planning and ME TIME planning. Not only will school be starting but so will soccer, flag football and then basketball. Oh and let's not forget Boy Scouts will start this year!

Here is my menu plan for the week

As usual Breakfast and Lunch are on you own or leftovers!

Monday - Grilled BBQ chicken and baked potatoes
Tuesday - Stuffed Zucchini Boats and BLT's
Wednesday - Tuna and Noodles and mashed potatoes
Thursday - Bean, Potato and Rice Burritos
Friday - homemade pizza night
Saturday - Sweet and Sour Chicken over fried rice
Sunday - Zucchini Pizza - from Lynn's Kitchen Adventures.

Also going to start making our treats again. We have been buying too many processed treats. Here are a few I found surfing blogland.

Raisin Bran Muffins found at Living in a (Mostly) Happy SAHM World
Whole Grain Cinnamon Rolls found at Good (Cheap) Eats
and
Chocolate Texas Sheet Cake found at Eat At Home

Go check out I'm an Organizing Junkie to see 100's of other meal plans!

I am going to start organizing my blog a little better so I can find things. What good is a place to put down your thoughts if you can't find them later?

I think I may talk someone (ahem....by that I mean hubby) into making me a new banner.

Finally Here are some pics of our summer fun! Enjoy and it's good to be back.

Ummmmmmm...Do I still know how?

2010-06-13T16:52:00.003-05:00

to blog? Sorry for the disappearing act. Summer is to nice to be indoors blogging. We started exercising again. We have gone on miles of nature hikes. The pool is open. The drive in is open. We got a Wii Fit for the rainy days......how many more excuses do you want?

My sister in law posted he weekly menu and it kicked me in the booty. So Here is mine for this week:

Breakfast is always serve yourself (cereal, eggs, frozen waffles, yogurts etc)
Lunch is always serve yourself (lunchmeats, leftovers)

Sunday: Homemade Pizza (ground turkey, turkey bacon, tomato and cheese)
Monday: BLT's
Tuesday: Fish Taco's
Wednesday: Grilled Turkey burgers
Thursday: Baked Tilapia and baked potatoes
Friday: Breakfast for Dinner
Saturday: Crockpot BBQ Turkey/sloppy joes.

So number one hubby and I have been back on the exercise wagon. We are walking anywhere from 3 to 6miles a day. We also now have a Wii Fit---so much fun even though it told me I am obese. I love the hula hoop and the step aerobics. I really like the yoga and the strength training also. Number One Son is awesome at the running ones. Hubby likes the game ones. As I am writing this he is chasing moles on a Segway!

I have been hanging out at SparkPeople. I have lost 12 pounds since the beginning of the year but recently I cranked it up and have been averaging about 2 pounds a week.

Number One Hubby has agreed to do the Couch to 5K program with me. God love him :) He is so supportive. I did it in the past and lost weight like crazy. I was in my 20's then. Hopefully it doesn't do me in :) We decided that our training days would be T, Th and Sat (my most consistent days off. I think I will make a tab here to keep a running journal so you all can watch my progress! It's supposed to take 9 weeks but I am counting on it taking 12 (it did the last time). Off to make dinner and a tab. Hope you all are having a great summer.

I Meant To Do That!

2010-05-23T17:22:00.002-05:00

I am back. I had to take a blogging break. Too many things going on with work and home right now. Summer is upon us and we are in full project mode. Landscaping started, veggie garden is in, and house projects have overrun the garage. I think the cars actually enjoy being outside. I know the birds enjoy using them as a public toilet.

Cole has 2 more weeks of school. I just worked my last week of full time work! Part time is going to be nice. I am hoping to get a lot accomplished in my days off. We will see. In the meantime It is on to menu planning for me. I'll post tomorrow so you can see what we are up to this week while I am on a staycation!

Nothing but Work

2010-05-03T05:00:00.002-05:00

Nothing planned for this week besides work, and that is alright with me! We have had a few thunderstorms these past few days. Managed to get the lawn mowed in between. With the warm weather and rain the yard is coming up Dandilions. The battle begins.

Now onto the menu for the week.

Breakfasts: cereal, toast, eggs, oatmeal, fend for yourself

Lunch: leftovers, fend for yourself

Sunday: Fish Tacos
Monday: Roast, carrots, potatoes - crock pot
Tuesday: Shredded beef sandwiches (left overs)
Wednesday: Turkey Burgers on the grill
Thursday: Breaded fish sandwiches
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Ham Dinner - crock pot
Sunday: Leftovers

Punctual Dog

2010-04-27T06:34:00.008-05:00

I love routine.....and so does our youngest dog! Every morning she patiently waits until I tell her to "go get up the boy" and then she runs up the stairs to do her job. She knows it is her job to get "the boy" out of bed. I love watching this production. Nothing is better than listening to early morning giggles from a half sleeping boy. She takes her job very seriously. If her internal alarm feels like I may be late she lets me know. She keeps my mornings on track. I am blessed to live with such a punctual dog :)

Head over to Chatting at the Sky for more Tuesday's Unwrapped Gifts!

Menu Plan Monday

2010-04-26T05:52:00.004-05:00

It's going to be a long week! I have the 9am to 6pm shift. Add a 40minute commute in there and you have one tired Mommy when she gets home. I worked 1/2 a shift yesterday to make a little extra money. I didn't get as much cooking done as I wanted for the week but I have a great start.

Breakfasts: Cereal, Yogurt, Toast, Oatmeal
Lunches: leftovers or salads

Sunday: Potato Tacos

Monday: Cavatini

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes and Oven Fries

Wednesday: Tilapia (potato crusted)

Thursday: Weenie Roast and Baked Beans

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Breakfast (pancakes, sausage, eggs, smoothies)

Simple Enough

2010-04-20T05:23:00.003-05:00

I have been on a quest this year to simplify my life. Out with the overfilled scheduled life and in with the simple appreciative life. One of the first places I have been trying to simplify my life has been at work. Now it is is hard to simplify work when I have no control over things like census, procedures and policies, but there are a few things I do have control over.

1. Work is work and home is home. I used to be one of those that would stay until the work is done. Guess what.....it's never really done. I could work 12 hour days and still have more to do. I get there on time and I leave on time. I rarely stay later then 30m over anymore. Guess what.......nobody cares. Well my family cares....they are happy I am home earlier.

2. The power of delegation. I am a team member not an individual worker. I ask for help and give out tasks. I don't have to do it all by myself.

3. Patience. Something I have to practice. It will get done and happen when it is supposed to. Once I delegate tasks I back off. I trusted them to make it happen now I need to let them make it happen. Practicing patience has decreased the stress in my life.

4. Gratitude towards others. Simply showing appreciation to others has opened a whole new group of people in which to ask for help from. People like to be appreciated. Letting them know how much their help has meant to you will likely get you more help in the future.

5. Organization. Taking the first 20m every morning at work to gather my tasks, supplies and thoughts is the cornerstone of my day. I stay in a quiet area until I am ready. If I get ready up in my work area I will be approached before I know what is going on. I feel more stress when I can't answer questions or produce results. So taking that time to get it together sets a calm tone to my day.

6. Commute. I unfortunately have a 40m commute into the city. I take the quickest route with the least amount of traffic. If there is construction I find a different route. I listen to music, books on cd, or my own thoughts. I am not a fan of commuting and what it does to the environment but it is my only option at this time. I am working on finding a job in my town so then maybe I could commute by bike in the future!

These are just some of the ways I have been working towards a less stressful and more simple life at work. We have been making changes at home also but now it is time for me to get ready for work. I'll chat at ya later.

Menu Plan Monday - Huge Grocery Shopping Day

2010-04-19T08:24:00.005-05:00

Yay! I have the day off. We really need to hit the grocery stores. I am working on a list right now. It's going to be a big trip today. I almost talked myself out of going and instead playing hooky. But my more level headed hubby changed my mind. He believes she should eat for the next month......so grocery shopping it is.

BTW.....I was going to play hooky to go to a Free Day at the Museum of Science and Industy......but there will be other days.

Museum of Science and Industry

Field Museum

Ok...Enough talk about playing......on to domestic duties......

Monday: Turkey Meatloaf and Mashed Taters

Tuesday: Mexican Deep Dish Pizza

Wednesday: Breakfast for Dinner (pancakes, eggs, turkey sausage links)

Thursday: Shepard's Pie

Friday: Homemade Pizza (BBQ Chicken)

Saturday: Chili (it's going to be a rainy chilly kind of day)

Tender Hearted Boy

2010-04-12T23:02:00.004-05:00

The tenderness that you have in your heart amazes me. For being a ruff and tumble kind of kid you are so gentle. Animals and babies hold a soft spot in your heart. Your sweet tender nature made me feel extra special today....you picked tulips out of the neighbors yard for me (sorry I didn't get a picture of them). The tulips were sweet enough but your reaction when they started to close and fall apart made my heart melt. There will be more tulips sweet boy. Love you.

Menu Plan Monday - From the Road

2010-04-12T05:00:00.005-05:00

Menu Planning Monday - from the road. We had a long weekend trip to see the family in Missouri. A new nephew, 2 birthday boys, and some time with the cousins. We had an excellent time. Pictures to follow the menu posting.

Monday: On the road
Tuesday: Noodles Alfredo with veggies and ham
Wednesday: Burritos
Thursday: Lemon Garlic Tilapia
Friday: Homemade pizza
Saturday: Turkey and Dumplings (freezer meal)
Sunday: Hot Turkey Melts

Just a Member of the Herd

2010-04-11T20:47:00.004-05:00

Those of you that know me know I have been feeling overwhelmed the last few years. I have had a hard time putting my finger on what has changed. I am a "mover, shaker and list maker" I thrive on chaos and crisis (just look at my job as a medical social worker). So what has been going on? At first I thought it was just getting older. Then I chalked it up to not living near my family support system. I could throw in motherhood and a full time job as a possible reason for the increasing "head barely above water" feelings. Maybe I have too many goals?

I think I am finally getting it. It being the realization that my happiness is not dependent on my success in life, job, or money. I am realizing that I have been defining my success by measuring myself and my family against other families successes. How did I get like this? I am a drivin person but I have always felt I was an individual and not a member of a "herd of sheep" living in this great country.

So I have been setting out on a personal journey this year to try to determine my goals in life for me and my family. I have been reading books and blogs researching things like, "living simply", "goal planning", "frugal living", "green living" and "faith" etc....

I thought I would share a few of the blogs that I like to lurk and take notes in order to change my life.

One of my favorites is Illuminated Mind and Body . Jonathan is one smart man. He really cuts to the chase. Asks you to question what your real goal/purpose in life is. Is it what you want or what you think you want compared to others. Are you part of the herd?

Another site that I enjoy is mnmlist: just the essentials. It’s a site by Leo Babauta of Zen Habits and it reminds us that we need to minimilize our lives. Live simply, lighter, on less. We are too overwhelmed with things, stuff, lists. I like lists......... a lot. I notice that my lits are getting much more simple or minimal. I'll share some of my list making later.

A final place that I enjoy visiting is Chatting At The Sky. It prompts me to slow it down. Enjoy the small stuff. Keep my faith. Find beauty in the everyday. Even if it is not contributing to anything on a list or obtaining a goal. Because just being in a moment is usually a better memory then a pair of new shoes.

So follow along as I try to come up with a personal manifesto for myself and my family. As we try to break out of the herd!

Fish

2010-04-09T06:21:00.002-05:00

Cole and I found these little guys. He loves to feed them (just click near them). I think I may add them to my sidebar so I don't have to go looking for them when he asks.

Writer's Workshop

2010-04-08T20:37:00.006-05:00

Lots of great prompts over at Mama Kat's Writers Workshop. I chose 2.) What book captured your heart? Write about why the first book you loved is the first book you loved.

I am a reader. Or I used to be......before career, marriage and motherhood. The full time career/commute has forced me into being a "listener" to audio books. I enjoy them but not as much as reading. A mean holding, smelling, dog earring, and hi lighting a book is one of my favorite parts of reading. Really digging into the content and journaling my thoughts and feelings brings me great joy. Remember the dreaded book reports? Well I love em.

Some of my first favorites were, To Kill A Mocking Bird, The Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and The Grapes of Wrath. All required high school reading, but still enjoyed today. I think my joy also had to do with my teachers. They taught me "how" to read, I mean really read.

As I got older and was introduced to new writers and books, I came across many others that made me think, or allowed me to lose myself. I started looking for excitement in other families saga's. I adore Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre , Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights and The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorn

My all time favorite book that I have read at least 13 times is The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough. I am not all that sure why I am so drawn to this book. This book has it all, triumph, tragedy, forbidden love, dreams, hope and sacrifice. Every time I sit down to read it I find some new passage that gets hooked all over again. I think I may go and pick it up right now........it's been awhile :)

Monday Post on Thursday?

2010-04-08T05:27:00.005-05:00

I can't believe I have been such a slacker about posting! Things have been kind of sickly here. I started last week with yet another sinus infection and throat infection. This will be either a continuation of the big one in January, or the 4th one since January! I ran to quick care at work. He thought the tonsils needed to come out! That would not be a good time at 33!

So I made an appointment with an ENT. He said I can keep my tonsils! He put me on antibiotics and steroids for a month to try to kick this nasty infection.

Easter was a blast. The bunny visited, I cooked, Steve worked on the kitchen floor, and we saw a movie. Here is my menu plan for the week. We have stuck to it really well. I am very proud of us! We will be eating leftovers or things made with leftovers all week......Hope you like turkey and ham :)

Easter Dinner - Ham, Turkey (good sales so I prepared both), scalloped potatoes, stuffing, lemon bars, italian pasta salad

Breakfast - cereals, toasts, eggs, oatmeal etc....
Lunch - Ham Salad Sandwhiches

Monday - Easter leftovers
Tuesday - BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes
Wednesday - Turkey and Dumplings
Thursday - Homemade BBQ Turkey Pizza (last of the leftovers!)
Friday - My Mom's in Missouri
Saturday - My Mom's in Missouri

Since we have an 8 hour drive on Friday to my Mom's I am planning on packing lunches instead of eating out. Deli sandwiches, carrot sticks, yogurt and chips are on the menu.

This Weeks Menu!

2010-03-28T05:53:00.005-05:00

It is going to be a strange week here. The Troll is on spring break. I am sure Steve won't get anything done. I do have one day off of work to help. The only reason I have Tuesday off is b/c I work today Sunday. No cooking day for me this week so the menu will be somewhat easy.

Sunday: Homemade soup using frozen chicken stock
Monday: Fish Tacos and Homemade Tortillas
Tuesday:Chicken Francese
Wednesday: Spaghetti
Thursday: Breakfast for Dinner
Friday: Homemade Pizza
Saturday: Tuna and Noodles Casserole

Ok gotta get going. Going to be late for work!

Exploring a Spring Day

2010-03-27T19:21:00.005-05:00

We spent a lovely spring afternoon fossil hunting and exploring at one of the local state parks. Ok not so local. We had to drive an hour to get there. But it was worth it. Lots of sun and hiking. Found a few fossil rocks to wash up and crack open.

Here is where we went. Mazon Creek.
Links about the sites

http://mazoncreekfossils.typepad.com/mazon_creek_fossils/

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM3FKG_Pit_11_at_Mazon_Braidwood_State_Fish_Wildlife_Area_Braceville_IL

http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?showtopic=7990

Awesomely generous giveaway over at Heavenly Homemakers. Also check out FBS Books.

This Weeks Menu!

2010-03-21T15:09:00.004-05:00

It's another cooking day here. I hope I get as much done as I can. I started not feeling well this afternoon :(. Not sure what is going on......possible gallbladder attack?

Sunday: Spaghetti and Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Apples

Monday: Italian Wedding Soup and Challah Bread

Tuesday: Cola Chicken BBQ Sandwiches and Cheesy Hashbrowns

Wednesday: Spinach Enchiladas

Thursday: Tuna Melts

Friday: Homemade Pizza

Saturday: Chicken Quesadillas

I love that we are sticking to our menu's. We are eating better, not eating out, saving some money (trying to stock up the pantry is slowing the savings at the moment), and losing weight! Gotta love that. Can't wait until the morning when MPM posts so we can all link up and check out other menus. I get so inspired!

Commute

2010-03-18T06:09:00.007-05:00

She steps out the back door. She takes a deep breath and inhales the fresh air. Enjoying the promise of spring that the air has to offer she steps off the porch towards the garage. Her key opens the door and she steps inside. She takes a shallow breath because she can't stand the smell of the garage. The fertilizer mixed with sawdust and car exhaust are almost too much. She unlocks the van door and carefully arranges her work bag, lunch bag and purse on the seat next to her.

She steps into the car. She closes the door and presses the button that opens the garage door. The room is 100% brighter. She latches her safety belt and starts the car. She turns down the blaring radio playing 80's songs, right where the dial was left when she came home last night.

She puts the car in reverse and steps on the gas. She rockets down the driveway and onto the street. Her street, still clad in Victorian brick and hitching posts, wrecks havoc on her van. Its uneven path bounces her to and fro. She silently curses the road as she hears her shocks squeal in protest.

She steps on the gas, in a hurry as usual, zipping towards the interstate. The interstate, smooth and speedy. The interstate full of other commuters whizzing their way to a place the probably don't want to be. She steps on the gas and passes big trucks. She tries to guess what they may be hauling. Some are pretty obvious others are not. She reminisces about the days she saw the overturned Oreo truck, the Slim Jim truck, the onion truck or the pig hauler. Not bad wrecks. The drivers up walking around trying to figure out how to get their load off the interstate.

She steps on the gas realizing the radio just announced she only has 20 minutes left to get to work. She is never late, but the fear is still there. She steps on the gas and leaves the interstate. She is in the suburbs. Stop and go. Stop and Go. Wait for a bus, train, or a trash truck.

She steps on the brake. She is here with 15 minutes to spare. She turns off the car, gathers her bags and steps out of the van. She inhales the fresh air, a little cooler near the lake, and steps forward. By the look of the parking lot, she is stepping into the promise of a stressful day. She is already starting to count down the hours until she can step back into the car, onto the interstate, and back into her home.

*Mama Kat's Writers Workshop over at Mama's Losin' It

Half Finished

2010-03-16T06:02:00.003-05:00

It's only half finished. It's driving me crazy. How can you live with a half finished floor? The floor in the family room got finished in one night. How come the kitchen is taking 3 weeks? I try to make do with a kitchen with a half finished floor. I sigh and show my annoyance. I trip over uneven edges. I get splinters in bare feet. I sigh some more and pretend to be understanding.

Then I come home from work last night. I walk into that kitchen with the half finished floor and see perfection. A husband finishing up supper after working all day. He is carefully walking around the missing planks and trying not to trip over dogs.

I see dogs, fat and happy, enjoying the dinner preparation flat on their bellies on the coolness of the new wood. There nails tapping on the floor and their tails wagging and dusting it at the same time.

I see a small boy, pencil in hand writing a story with pictures to take to his teacher the next day. Toys and dogs at his side waiting patiently to be played with or fed. Asking his Daddy how to spell anything over three letters big.

The half finished floor has made my family closer. That half finished floor became the center of the home for that brief moment.

I join my son on the floor and we work on his story. The dogs pile on but still keeping an eye for dropped dinner bits. The hubby talks about his day. It may only be half finished and imperfect but that small space has already become "used". I will choose to be happy no matter what the circumstances. In this light it is what I have and it is perfection.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

*Linking up to Chatting at the Sky: Tuesdays Unwrapped.

Menu Plan Monday

2010-03-14T14:08:00.004-05:00

I know I am posting early, but I will be super busy tomorrow. We did the grocery shopping on Saturday. $275 for the entire month. I am going to try super hard to make it under $300 this month! I should be able to make it. I had great meals last week with bare cupboards. These next two weeks will feel like a feast!

Breakfasts this week will be: Breakfast burritos, cereal, muffins, pancakes, fruit, yogurt, juice.
Lunches this week: leftovers but I also had some extra ground turkey so I made Steve some taco meat. So if he doesn't want leftovers he can whip up a taco or some nachos.

Dinner:
Sunday: Sliders
Monday: Bourbon Chicken
Tuesday: Pizza Ziti
Wednesday: Shepards Pie
Thursday: Parmesan Tilapia
Friday: Homemade Pizza (tradition on Friday nights in this house)
Saturday: Taco Soup

*we love to try other's recipes but we always modify .we use whole wheat, organic produce, low fat, low sodium,turkey, fish and/or chicken in our meals. we rarely if ever eat red meat or pork. just not fans of them.

Communication is the Key!

2010-03-11T21:51:00.007-06:00

12 years of marriage is a long time. In that 12 years we have found many new ways of communication. We are so good that sometimes it just takes a look to get the point across. Despite all those face to face or face to phone methods we always return to our roots.....chatting on the computer.

Many people don't know that Steve and I met on the internet.....back before it was cool I might add. We are great communicators on the computer. Short sentances apparently much easier for us! Kind of like Haiku. We are the Haiku communicators!

Jennifer
he is gone!
can I buy this book?
8:44pmSteve
that didn't take long
8:45pmJennifer
he pretty much passed out
lol
8:47pmJennifer
never mind the recipes don't sound very healthy
I'll find something better
8:47pmSteve
ok
8:48pmJennifer
I can come up with something better and more healthy
really'------hotdog casserole
ick
8:48pmSteve
and then sell it as ebook
8:49pmJennifer
yep
:)
lol
actually I was more worried about saving us time and money
8:50pmSteve
save time and money while making money... love it
genius
8:51pmJennifer
google it
everyone has done an ebook on cheap menu planning
8:52pmSteve
but you do it better ... everybody has done something. How can you do it better
8:53pmJennifer
well start investigating it boss
8:54pmJennifer
maybe we should plant a few things this year
like tomatoes, jalepenos and onions to make our own salsa
8:56pmSteve
now you are talking my language.. salsa
8:57pmJennifer
I also saw a recipe on how to grind your own corn to make your own chips
just kidding
:)
8:57pmSteve
and then we can sell it
8:59pmJennifer
maybe you should go and get another job and I can stay home and write my ebook
lol
9:00pmSteve
now that is funny... write on your laptop at work on your breaks
9:01pmJennifer
now you are funny.......i don't even get to pee at work
breaks where in the hell do you think I have time for breaks
9:02pmSteve
are you printing
9:02pmJennifer
no the neighbor
yes I am printing you dork
9:02pmSteve
i am impressed
9:02pmJennifer
that I can press print
or that it worked from upstairs
9:03pmSteve
it worked from upstairs and that you can press a button
only on a mac.. gotta love them
9:03pmJennifer
keep it up and I'll show you button pressing
9:05pmSteve
hehe
9:20pmJennifer
could I go down to a .7
9:22pmSteve
sure if we win the lotto
9:28pmJennifer
plan on making pizza tomorrow night
we will make soup on saturday
9:29pmSteve
what kind of pizza.. cheese and pep
what time do you work to? 5pm
9:30pmJennifer
in theory

Reading Sessions

2010-03-09T05:17:00.003-06:00

THE------TOP-----CAN------TIP. NAN-----AND------NAT-----CAN------TAP.
You are an awesome reader. You can read well beyond your grade level (we have proof from the teacher in her own handwriting). You can sound out names of dinosaurs, and for all I know you could be doing it correctly! Signs at toy stores, on the Tivo guide for your favorite TV shows and any packaging that may look like it contains a cookie are almost flawlessly deciphered by you!

So how can I accurately describe the reading experience with you? I am sure your teacher wouldn't believe the struggles we endure to get through your readers every night. How there are tears, whining (by all of us), "breaks", promises and threats.

Your thoughts on this......"I already learned to read Mom".

I get so frustrated. You do know how to read. You are a good reader. You act like 20 minutes of reading will kill you. My impatience boils over!

Just when I get ready to ship you to Gramma and Grandad's for a month, I think of the blessings of the situation.

You have the ability to read and learn to read! Your little eyes can see the words and your little brain can compute and make sense of them. You are an independent spirit and if there was something else you would rather be doing, you will let me know about it. You are creative, you will read it backwards, with your eyes closed and standing on your head, just to make it more entertaining to you.

To me the biggest blessing is that I have the gift of you to teach! God gave me you and trusts me to raise you up to be able to read and understand HIS word. So no matter how impatient and tired I am I will remind myself that we will make it through. One of these days you will read on your own. No matter how painful our reading sessions are now one of these days you will be an independent reader and won't need my coaching. I know I will miss these days. No matter how frustrating!

*Inspired by Tuesdays Unwrapped at Chatting at the Sky.

Menu Planning Monday

2010-03-08T13:42:00.003-06:00

We sure got out of the habit of menu planning. This last few weeks have been so busy that we would come home and not cook. Number 1 Son always had a hot meal but Steve and I were so tired some nights it was cereal or PB&J! So I was blog hopping today and got inspired to jump back into meal planning. Here is this weeks plans:

Monday - Apple Bacon Chicken (modified)
Tuesday - Fish Tacos
Wednesday - Creamed Chicken and Biscuits
Thursday - Tuna Melts with Tomato and Mozz Salad
Friday - BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes
Saturday - Homemade Cheese Pizza
Sunday - Spinach Omelets

All this can be made for what I have on had. Eliminating the need to go to the grocery store this week. Well off to make some Banana bread. Happy menu planning.

Trading Spaces!

2010-03-08T06:42:00.012-06:00

So Mom and Dad have caught the renovation bug! They are busy this week cleaning out closets in preparation for a new family room. This room will include a new fireplace! Mom was looking for ideas so I thought I would post a few pics that may suit their taste. Rustic, outdoors, lodge, natural materials is how I would envision their new fireplace. Here are some pics.

*all pics taken from the web. They do not link up. Google images "stone fireplaces"

So the trading part comes in here! Do you know what this is? It is plans for my new outdoor space. I really want a pergola! We (ok..mostly Steve) can handle most of the work. Its the big beam work that we will need help with (I have a big head and little arms :) ) Maybe we will trade work with the folks :)

Landscape Planning

2010-03-07T19:39:00.024-06:00

March in Illinois is kind of borning. You never know how to plan your day. You have the itch to be outside and yearn for spring. You can have a little of every season all in a weeks time. This is a good time to start planning my flower beds. I have several scattered around the house. I thought my blog would be a good place to get my ideas down (since I can't draw). I'll have Steve draw out the beds later. He may have to make life sized models so I can visualize the height of the plants :)

I organized my ideas by type of light they plants would need. Up first are my shade plants. I have a wonderful shade area on the West side of my house. I have noticed in the past that hostas, ferns and primrose thrive on that side of my house. I have some hostas in back I plan on moving around to that side. Hopefully they will do better there. I am also looking for a climbing vine type of flowering plant that likes shade. I want to hide the trash cans:

Shade

Sun Gardens in the back and front of the house (both are full sun most of the day)

Some Peony's for the back corner of the house. Near the cellar door.

all images are from Spring Hill Nurseries website. Click on the pics and they will lead you to the site for purchase..

The Hardest Conversation

2010-03-05T05:55:00.005-06:00

I was prompted by Mama Kat at Mama's Losin' It! blog to do a little writing today. I was going to do it last night but I passed out on the couch, was able to sleepwalk to my bed, and then pass back out. She has a Writer's Workshop each week and gives prompts for you to explore your creative writing side. I chose to write about a difficult conversation. Now this conversation has not happened yet, but I imagine it will go something like this.

Me: "Honey we really need to update the downstairs bath to match the rest of the house"
Steve: "You're kidding me right?"
Me: "Ummm not really. It doesn't match the look we have going with the rest of the place"
Steve: "It's fine!"
Me: "Sure if we live in a lodge, which we don't! We live in a Victorian Cottage"
Steve: "And just where do you think we are going to get the money to do this?"
Me: "I am just talking about some new tile, paint and some crown moulding"
Steve: (insert exasperated sigh here and imagine him walking off)
Me: "I'll help" (yelling as he walks into the next room)
Steve: (insert mumbling here)

Maybe if I insert pictures like these on a daily basis I can wear him down?

*all pictures taken from other sources. Click them and they will link you to that source.

Nurturing Man

2010-03-03T05:06:00.006-06:00

Yes I would love to stay home with my child. I feel I miss so much. I envisioned myself going to school field trips, bake sales and volunteering in the school cafeteria. Things just didn't work out that way. Steve lost his job and decided to stay home and make his own way in the world. He has done an awesome job making a business. We decided as a couple I would go back to work and provide insurance for the two of us. We then expanded to the three of us. While I am sad that I have never gotten to stay home with my son I am happy that he has had the opportunity to be raised by a very nurturing man. A man who did not have a nurturing father to look up too. I am thankful he will have such an amazing example in which he can pull from if he becomes a father.

Proverbs 4:1 Listen my sons, to a father's instructions; pay attention and gain understanding.

This post linked to Chatting at the Sky (my first :) ) Tuesdays Unwrapped.

written on Tuesday posted on Wednesday - dang migraines!

love,
jen

Good Morning Loud Mouth

2010-03-01T07:30:00.003-06:00

He is my favorite. He is loud and kind of dumb. Looking for a lady friend. He screams outside my window all year round. When the curtains are open he sees his own reflection and tries to kick his own butt! We have to close the curtains or he will likely cause himself brain damage.....if that hasn't already happened.

I like hearing him this time of year. He is singing louder. Hoping for a new friend and warmer days. March 1 today! Already? Too bad there are snow flurries in the forecast :( I still can't help think of spring when I see him. There has been a constant stream of Canadian Geese flying overhead also. Honking and getting the dogs all worked up. The bald eagles are in the area also. I have seen them fishing in the rivers and circling over my back yard. Spring is almost here! I am thinking warmer thoughts!

Lusting

2010-02-25T11:21:00.010-06:00

I love farmhouse tables. I have one. Kind of :). It is actually a beat up old table that I painted the legs black. I did this to get me by until I find "the one". I painted the chairs black also. I then distressed them to give the well loved look. I like how they turned out but now I am ready for something new. Something really distressed or just out of the backyard feel to it. I like the legs of my current table.

They look something like this.

I guess I am just lusting for a different top! It's the top that bothers me on mine. Too modern? Probably. I think I like these a little better.

THIS one I found on Knock Off Wood. I know a certain handyman that may be able to make a new top for me....out of stuff we have in the garage already!!!!

I wonder when I can talk him into making me one? Maybe after the kitchen flooring is done, the crown moulding in the entire house is up and the spring plantings are in :) Love you My Handyman.

Your Go To People

2010-02-23T21:51:00.010-06:00

Wow. What an emotional week it has been for me, and it is only Tuesday. I have witnessed so much in my life this week. I had the bittersweet experience of participating in an adoption and the agony of watching a mother lose her child in a senseless accident. How do you prepare for losing something so precious? How do you let something so loved go?

I was reminded of this again tonight when I stumbled across something posted on Facebook by friends. It led me to the story of Layla Grace. How do parents prepare for the inevitable? What kind of faith do you have to have in order not to go crazy? Who will be there to help you work through your emotions and take on some of your grief? Who are your "go to" people.

I am so glad I get to experience the things I do. It is one of the reasons I am a social worker. Is it hard? Of course it is! Do I cry? Of course I do! There are days I want to chuck it all out the window. Those are the days my pals at work pat me on the back and remind me that I can continue and I should continue. They have their days also.

We are specialists in taking on others emotions. People vent their frustrations, anger, sadness, joy, pain and love to me all day. I would like to say that I spend most of my day wrapped in joy and love......but I work in a hospital. They are not known as being places of great joy.

The range of emotions that I encounter on a daily basis can be draining. But then seeing a transformation in a person through their acceptance, change or relief brings great reward to my heart. I know that I am doing what God wants me to do. To comfort and teach others.

I would like to say that these emotions are left at work and that I don't bring them home. I'd be lying! But when I walk in the door there are always two pairs of arms waiting for me and a good hug will help release those emotions. I am blessed. They are my reward for doing what I do. They are the gifts from God and my faith in him that carry me through. Along with God they are my "go to" people.

Career Aspirations

2010-02-23T06:23:00.005-06:00

No not for me. I am not embarking upon a 3rd career. It's the little man of the house. He is fascinated with all things creepy, crawly and just plain gross.

He is obsessed with the show Verminators. He can name the top exterminators like I can name my All My Children characters (really Greenleigh---David---come on!). He has high hopes of moving somewhere where there are "more rodents and bugs". I kid you not!

We had a mouse this winter. He became our number one trap setter and checker. The mouse was caught and has been gone for months. He will still make the weekly rounds to check the traps. This one is is favorite. He gives it two thumbs up (just as long as you don't get your fingers caught in there). I wonder if we should throw him an Isotech themed 7th birthday party? Because he wants one!

Last night we were discussing what he would need to study in school in order to become a Isotech exterminator. I figured you would need a good biology /chemistry background. People and business skills couldn't hurt either. Of course psychology and math would be very helpful. He informed me that they "already talked about math at school". Good he is set! Kindergarten was successful!

Weekday Stress Relief!

2010-02-17T18:24:00.004-06:00

Nothing beats coming home and being able to scrap. I step into my "office" and the stress just melts away. I decided to work on some blog challenges last night. Here are the results.

First I came across Design Dollies blog. They look like they have some rocking challenges! I love all the different challenges from sketch, to color, to theme. They will spark my creativity!

Design Dollies - Sketch Challenge
Supplies: MM, SC, CC, OA (alphas), PTI (buttons), AG (journal spot), ribbon from a RAK

Then Design Dollies had a color challenge. This one really pushed me- I never use lavender! I also used this challenge and combined it with Scrap and Stamp sketch challenge. They used a great Page Maps sketch. One of my favorites. I used a circle flower stamp and combined it with some embellies. That's me in the purple dress btw :)

Supplies: Crate, Kaiser, MFT stamps, MS ink, CC (I do), lace from a RAK

This next layout is for Sketchy Thursdays: A Second Chance Challenge.
Very cool sketch. I thought I would give it a whirl.

Supplies: Magic Mesh, BG, WRMK, CC

Sketchy Thursdays 2/11 Sketch. I didn't have 5 smaller photos so I did 3 large. I like how this turned out. The circles and the alphas have a feeling of movement. Perfect for a 6 year old playing soccer! I also achieved my goal of using mostly scraps! I am making way for the new releases starting to pour in.
I made this one tonight. I will probably only have time for one layout. I am getting rather sleepy!

Supplies: Scribble Scrabble, SR, SEI, Crate (alphas)

Monday Finds in the Clear!

2010-02-15T05:50:00.009-06:00

Once again my friend and I were chatting on FB and browsing Etsy. We love challenging each other to come up with pretty or funky finds. Last week we were on a beige kick. This week we were on a clear kick. Here are some pretty etsy finds that I would love to own. All clear! Just click on the pic and it will take you to the artists store on Etsy

Regularly Scheduled Programming

2010-02-14T10:58:00.006-06:00

Now that my company has left (I wish they could have stayed longer) we will get back to our regularly scheduled programming.

We usually spend Valentines Day as a family working on crafts or projects. Steve and Cole spent several minutes (about 20m which is not bad for his 6 year old attention span) this morning working on drawing lessons. I baked and started working on scrap projects. I also hope to start a new embroidery project later (after a nap that is).

This card was made for Card Positioning Systems Sketch #154. I know I say it everytime....but I really do love their sketches!

Supplies: Leftovers from A Million Memories Feb Kit (I heart their kits)
Brads: Doodlebug,
Flowers: ? not sure - Prima
Alphas: AC Thickers (I heart Thickers also)

This layout was done for 2 blog/sketch sites. First the sketch itself came from Sassy Lil' Sketches Feb 7th challenge. Nice sketch. For my subject matter I was inspired by Dirty Scraps Challenge #3 keyword: Broken. Sometimes it is not all about scrapping the pretty :)

Supplies: WRMK, CC, BG, AC Thickers, ?ribbon

This card was also done for Sassy Lil Sketches: February 14 Card Challenge Sketch.
Nice sketch with lots of fun variations made by the design team.

Supplies: Crate PP, ? pearl bling, ? ribbon, SU stamp, TH ink.

I then saw this post and became obsessed with making these this morning. The goal was to make them for my company.....but I slept in until 6:30am. I made them after they left. Sorry guys they were good (even the 3 with the burnt edges). Cole licked all his cinnamon and sugar off and "HAD" to have more put on :). I love to bake.....I get that from my Daddy :)

Crafts, Basketballs and Zoos. Oh My!

2010-02-14T07:03:00.013-06:00

What a wonderful weekend it has been around here. I had Friday off and had lots of running around to get done before my company got here. Cole had a martial arts birthday to go to. He had a blast and now wants to sign up. We have to think about this. He is involved in a lot already.

Friday I started on a banner for this. I get the monthly kit from A Million Memories. Let me tell you it is always packed full of wonderful goodies. The letters I picked up from Hobby Lobby. Everything but the felt flowers and paper rosebuds are from the most recent kit. Although I probably got them from another kit in the past!!! Who knows.

covered the letters in paper and then sanded.

Saturday was basketball at the YMCA. He loves it but still really doesn't understand it. He did make a basket in the game! Yay Cole!

We then took a winter trip to the zoo with our company. It warmed up to a balmy 30 degrees and sunny. It was perfect. Not crowded and free. Who can beat that!

Lucas was very upset that his Mommy wouldn't "touch" the lion. Gotta love the mind of a 2 year old!

Lovey Dovey Day

2010-02-11T05:45:00.007-06:00

It is almost "that" day. A day that we don't really celebrate around here. Sure a card may be exchanged but we don't really go all out. If we were to go all out I may like something like this. I heart these Etsy finds. I am sure I could find a spot for them in my house.

I just had to post on what really makes my heart go pitter patter! Look at this proud little man with his first missing tooth! His grin says it all doesn't it?

Beige can be Cool!

2010-02-10T05:12:00.014-06:00

A friend challenged me to "like" beige. Those of you that know me know that I am not really a beige kind of gal. We spent hours between Etsy and Facebook posting things in the beige family. All the pics are clickable and should take you right to where I found the goodies.

Whoooo wouldn't love to snuggle him!

The caption on the page I found this on said "beige universe sometimes occurs around 4 o'clock"

what a fun way to use scraps!

found my next bag!

hysterical - window shoppers! -----snort!

I could get lots of memories in here!

Grandma Lily's carpet bag---love the big arse bow!

framed vintage feedsacks---way cool and way out of my price range!

Tuesday Night Projects

2010-02-09T20:01:00.004-06:00

I got home from work just fine tonight. Despite the 6 inches of snow. The roads weren't too bad. Just have to watch out for the big trucks! Dinner was "serve yourself" tonight. I had cereal. Nothing sounded good.....cereal works for me! I helped the little man with his readers and then we took a 15min catnap in the chair. After waking up I felt like creating something. I headed on over to Card Positioning Systems to check out their latest sketch. Cute sketch as usual!

CPS # 153
Supplies: BG, KI felt flower stickers (layered), Studio G, MS ink, ? trim, HS bling

Here is a layout for the Mission to Create blog. Those gals over there really push you to use many different elements into your projects. Sorry the pic is kind of dark. When you work all day and don't see the sun you get to take pics at night of your projects!

Mission 0010
used all 5 elements (lace trim, corrugated cardboard, 5 hearts, glimmer mist, turquoise).

Journaling reads: What a grand adventure you two are getting ready to go on. Baby #2! Some days I think you are so lucky. Other days I think you are crazy!

Supplies: MM, BG, DD, MR, Kaiser, AC Thickers, JB, ?buttons, lace and pearl pin,

Things I may need :)

2010-02-07T22:28:00.012-06:00

I love surfing the web. There are so many interesting things that try to steal my paycheck. Ebay and Etsy call my name on a daily basis. Here are a few things I am trying to talk myself out of buying! If you click on the image it should take you to the site it came from.

Cool Bredbox

Awesome chairs

Very cool piece of art

another cool piece of art

cupcake stands. how cute and little!

cute paper tape. I could do a lot with these!

Sunday Funday!

2010-02-07T10:55:00.006-06:00

So I was blog hopping today and I came across this challenge at ScrapFIT. What a fun challenge! These cards can be used for so much. Very sassy and fun!

The template came from (the wonderful) Pinky's blog. Pinky also has another place I like to visit.....Dirty Scraps. She is full of all kinds of ideas!

SEI

CC

BoBunny

For the Mojo Monday blog they had this super cute sketch!
Here is my take on it!
CC
Hero Arts Stamps
TH ink
? trims and button

Scrapping Saturday

2010-02-06T20:40:00.004-06:00

What a long day it has been here! It started with haircuts this am. We got home and I got to scrap for a few hours before we ran to basketball. This afternoon I got to do girly things. Play babies and Barbies. I had a great time at Moo and Roo's!

Blog hop over at Scrap and Stamp
Supplies:
Paper: Bazzil, MM, WP, JB, CP
Stamps: CI
Alphas: AC Thickers

This one is for Dirty Scraps challenge #2
Scrap a pivotal turning point in your life.
Supplies:
Paper: JB, MM, Bazzill
Embellies: ? ribbon, Zva, Prima, Hambly
Alphas: AC Thickers

Cards Blog: Challenge Make a lovey dovey card with no red or pink. I actually made this one earlier in the week but never put it up on here. Love the fun colors on it!

It's been awhile

2010-01-29T19:49:00.007-06:00

I haven't been able to post all week! No scrapping, no posting, no net surfing really. I am just exhausted here lately. We (Cole and I) can't seem to get over this crud we have. We are going on 3 weeks. I am planning on lounging around all weekend in order to feel better. Maybe between naps I can get some scrapping in? Sorry for the dark pics. I am not sure when we last saw the sun :)

Card Positioning Systems Sketh #151
I turned this one sideways.
Supplies
Bazzill CS
Magic Mesh
Prima Flowers
Doodlebug Brads
Luxe Paper
unknown stamp
MS Ink

I did another just for the heck of it!
Supplies:
Graphic 45
lace and buttons from RAK

Scrap and Stamp posted a challenge to use your stash! No problemo. I have a huge stash of stuff!
Supplies:
Prima Papers, Thickers, unknown stamp, Hambly, Zva, MS ink, Glitz roll stamp (the black dots)
cute kids - Sara O's :)

Mojo is a Flowin!

2010-01-18T13:26:00.007-06:00

Even not feeling well my mojo seems to be flowing! Trying to rest up so I can head back to work tomorrow. Cole is having a play day with his friend from across the street. So no nap for me today. Two six year olds in the house does not make for a quiet house! Somebody in this house also needs to hit the grocery store. You open the fridge door and moths fly out! We need a little of everything!

This first card is for Mojo Monday Blog . Such talent over there. I literally could spend the entire day visiting their blogs and their visitors blogs. Kind of reminds me of that old commercial where the guy is surfing the net and all of a sudden a message pops up, "Congratulations you have reached the end of the Internet". How cool would that be?

Sketch Week #122
Supplies: Jillibean Soup
Stamps: Hero Arts, Vap Scrap
CS: unknown
Ink: MS
Bling: ZVA
Colored Pencils: unknown

This layout was a blast. It is a layout inspired by the 1980's for Scrap Tiffany Blog. I was 6 in this picture (1982). I was a kid in the 80's. I did most of my "growing up" in the 90's. I still had a blast trying to come up with ideas. I love the checkerboard print, mesh, and bright bold colors. I may find another picture later and see if I can scrap in neon!

Scrap Tiffany #3
Supplies: Piggy Tales, Graphic 45, Magic Mesh, AC Thickers, Sass

This card was fun. I love the rustic colors of blue and brown. This card is perfect for me! My birthday is not until October and I am sure I will give it away before then. I was inspired by the challenge #52 over at The Sweetest Thing. Super cute sketch and card. Thanks for the inspiration.

Supplies: MME
Lace and twine and thread: ?
Ink: Tim Holtz
Punch: Fiskars

This last card was created for Taylored Expressions sketch #98. Sweet sketch and cards there. Adorable store with adorable prices and products. Check them out here. Excuse the dark picture of my card. Starting to lose the light!
Supplies: KI paper
Stamps: Hero Arts, VAP
Flowers: ?
Ink: Ranger

Crate Layouts

2010-01-17T17:49:00.005-06:00

Supplies: Crate Paper, AC Cardstock, Zva Crystals, Hambly CS sticker

Supplies: AC Cardstock, Crate Paper, KI lace, AC Thickers

Supplies: Bazzill CS, Crate Paper, Magic Mesh

Early Morning Cards and Other Interesting Things

2010-01-17T09:49:00.006-06:00

I love to look at other scrappers creations. I literally could spend the entire day blog hopping and being inspired by others. At the Cards Blog this week the challenge is to use trees or limbs on a card. I never have made a "tree" card. I chose to go whimsical and make a lollipop tree card.

Inspired by: Cards Blog
Supplies: WRMK, FP, MM, ZVA, Fiskars Punch, MS Ink, ? Rub On and Ribbons/Lace

A friend gave me this great martini glass stamp about a year ago. This is the first time I pulled it out. Such a cute little stamp. I may go back and glitter the olives :) Super cute Sketch for challenge #150 over at CPS - Card Sketches

Created for: Card Positioning Systems #150 (I just love their sketches!)
Supplies: Cosmo Cricket, Zva, ?Ribbon, Tim Holtz ink,
Stamp: Glass (Vap Scrap), Words (B&B Stamps)

Created for: fun :)
Supplies: Prima, Making Memories, Webster's Pages, Crafty Secrets, Crate, Jenni Bowlin, Tim Holts

So after making cards I was messing around on Stumble Upon and I came upon a great site/article instructing you how to take a nap. What a wonderful site full of useful information. Maybe I will go and practice my napping skills this afternoon :)

Lazy Saturday

2010-01-16T13:43:00.006-06:00

I love Saturdays! I have no plans to get out of my pj's. Cole loves these days also. He begged to put on clean jammies after his bath instead of getting dressed. I have spent the day cleaning, munching and scrapping. After this post I am going to add napping to that list :)

Created for: Fun :)
Supplies: MM,RM, Bazzill, AC, Zva, Glitz, SU

Created For: Fun :)
Supplies: PP, Hambly, MM, Thickers

Created For: Card Patterns
Supplies: Graphic 45, SEI,
Stamps: Hot Potato and Printworks

Scrapping Sick

2010-01-15T05:05:00.004-06:00

I am pretty sure that I will never be getting the H1N1 shot ever again! I have been sick all winter long. Cold after cold and and sinus problem after sinus problem. I am sick yet again! It doesn't seem to matter how many vitamins, how much water and rest I get. One day good the next day BAM! One good thing about being sick all the time this winter is that my scrapping time has increased (I dont' feel like going anywhere). Here are two more layouts I did this week.

This one is for a challenge at Dirty Scraps. Dirty Scraps is a challenge blog where you scrap the good, bad and ugly. The first challenge is to scrap a pet peeve or annoyance. I scrapped my son having a "moment" on an other wise glorious summer day and my annoyance with him.

The journaling reads: As I remember this was a great day. Beautiful weather, TBall game, park visit and frozen treats. All it took was me saying that one word, NO, to turn you sour. Then the pouting and whining started. Seriously I love you and would do anything for you but at this moment I am NOT liking you too much. I can see the feeling is mutual! I will attempt to be the grown up and not stoop to your 5 year old level but ...pbttttttttttt.........

This was just for fun :)

I love me some cards! This one was inspired by CardPatterns: Sketch 46 Challenge. There is some great work over there!
Supplies:
Inkadinkado Stamp
the pps are from my scrap pile (? OA, MM?)

This card was made for Rose-D's Challenge #62. I think I will give this one to Cole for Valentine's Day. It has a certain little boy feel to it.
Supplies:
Crate Paper
October Afternoon
Rubber Stampede

Haiti Earthquake Disaster Response

2010-01-13T19:03:00.003-06:00

Donate now to help. I am not in any way connected to any of these agencies, but I know they are seeking our assistance to help with the Haiti Earthquake victims. Please be generous in your contribution so that the agencies may assist in restoring safety, hope, and basic needs for our fellow human beings and our animal friends.

Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/

Unicef
http://www.unicef.org/

World Concern
http://www.worldconcern.org/disasters/haiti-flooding.htm

Doctors Without Borders
https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=197&hbc=1&source=ADR1001E1D01

The Salvation Army
http://www.salvationarmy.com/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

The Humane Society
http://www.humanesociety.org

The Kennedy Family
Steve, Jennifer, Cole, Betsy and Alice

Milestone

2010-01-12T21:10:00.003-06:00

You can't tell from this picture. This is a before picture. This is the picture of a first loose tooth. A very excited little boy working like the dickens to get it out! I am sure that soon we will have an after picture.

Excitement was not his first reaction this morning. Fear and worry were the first. That first pain after biting into his morning cinnamon toast about shot him through the roof. Once I figured out what was going on and we explained the "rules" he was all about losing it! I have a feeling it is all for the $$$$.

I remember losing my first tooth. It was barely hanging there and my folks were tired of messing with it. My Uncle Terry took care of it for me. Despite all the kidding I have finally forgiven the man :) Maybe I will send Cole to him! Stay tuned for the after picture.

Cards for Challenge Blogs

2010-01-11T22:06:00.005-06:00

I got an invite from Sandra Farrell over at Stampin' Royalty to try out their new challenge blog. The theme was Happy Birthday. I have a friend who has a son having a birthday so I thought I would give a try at making a card for a teen boy. Something that proved to be difficult for this girly girl! I kept wanting to add ribbon, lace and buttons. I held myself back :)

I used this weeks sketch from Card Positioning Systems for my card. I love this sketch. It can be very simple or you can layers. I see me using it many times in the future!

Supplies: Cosmo Cricket - The Boyfriend: Art Appreciation
Stamp: Stamp Craft
Ink: Ranger (Nick Bantock Prussian Blue)
Sketch: CPS Card Sketches #149

This card was made for Mojo Monday Week 121 challenge. I loved this sketch. I really loved getting out my chalks. I bet I haven't used them in a year! I forgot how messy they are. I had to grab more white cardstock after smudging up my first pieces :)

Supplies:
American Crafts - Craft Fair
Ribbon/lace - unknown
Ink: Tim Holtz
Flower Stamp: KI Memories
Sentiment Stamp: unknown (? Stamping Up)
Chalks: Pebbles Inc
Bling: Zva Creative

Mojo Monday

2010-01-10T18:42:00.003-06:00

Sorry for the dark pic. I was ........taking the picture in the dark :). I stumbled across the Mojo Monday Blog and thought I would give this sketch by Teresa Kline a go.

Supplies:
MM, Bazzill, TC, TH, SG, PC

Sick Day

2010-01-10T14:02:00.008-06:00

Not feeling 100% these last two days. Nothing worse than waking up with a headache. Hopefully this, whatever it is, passes quickly. I spent most of the weekend taking down Christmas. How sad and depressed that makes me feel. I have never really decorated for Valentines day but I think I may start. I will have to search the web for some ideas. If you find any post me the links! Thanks.

Here is what else I have done with the weekend.

Love Card: PC, JB, Crate, SEI - created for
Cards Blog

Friend Card: Crate, AC, MM, ME

Love Card: CI, BG,7G

Layout: BG, Crate, HS, PP, CI, KC, TC - Created for
Mission Create

Layout: Hambly, BB, LYB - Created for
Amy's Creative Treasures - sketch challenge

2010-01-08T20:53:00.002-06:00

Is it weird that I associate people with colors? When I meet a person for the first time I imagine them as a color. I love color. One look at the inside of my house and you would realize that I am not a beige type of gal! I am not sure when I realized that my peeps were colors. As I have looked back over my scrapbook pages I have noticed that I scrap my peeps in the colors that I associate with them.

I associate my son with green - natural, full of energy and life. My hubby is brown. Like a comforting teddy bear or a tempting piece of chocolate ;). I see my Best Girl as burgandy and that symbolizes tradition and steadfastness. My Mom is Bearcat green and it signifies home to me. My Dad is blue, a safe and comforting color.

It has been cool to look back and realize what colors and emotions I associate with who. Hey! I think I feel a scrap page coming on!

Hi Ho Hi Ho. It's Back to Work I Go

2010-01-06T06:41:00.003-06:00

Good morning! It has been a busy am around here. Up and at em. 2 loads of laundry done and the downstairs bathroom cleaned. I have to clean that one daily (those of you with little boys will understand). We are supposed to get some snow sometime later this week. I would rather not. I was posting on The Last Call site that I was hoping that I would wake up tomorrow and it would be 80 and tropical! A girl can dream can't she. Well off to see what is going on in the blogging world. Did you see my scrapping mojo returned!!!!! I have some new kits coming and like a kid a Christmas I will be waiting impatiently for the postman to arrive :)

On the diet front. I am gagging down some low sugar oatmeal (I don't think I will ever love the stuff) and an apple for breakfast. I took a salad with turkey and some fruit for lunch, crackers and cheese and yogurt for snack. That should save me some money and some points! Back to my wonderful oatmeal :( Have a good day folks.

I Made More Pretties!

2010-01-06T05:51:00.002-06:00

Mostly CC

MME, PP, CC, BG, AC

I Made Something Scrappy!

2010-01-05T11:10:00.004-06:00

I got inspired today to make something pretty! Here is the site that inspired me. I made my album out of this years Christmas cards. I filled it with the pictures of friends and family that I received in the mail. Very cool project.

I used acrylic sheets and cut them down to fit my largest card. My Big Bite easily punched through the holes. I then used a hodge podge of Christmas goodies in my stash. Viola. I quick and easy album.

Well That's a Smack in the Face!

2010-01-05T06:50:00.004-06:00

No I am not talking about the sub zero wind chill (though that is pretty brutal this morning). I am once again talking about my weight. I stepped on the scale this morning and wasn't shocked. I could tell by my favorite jeans that things were not going to be pretty. I am at my heaviest since I was pregnant with Cole. Notice I didn't say after I was pregnant with Cole. I said SINCE I WAS pregnant with Cole. So what should I blame? Mom's good cooking, work stress, Mommy stress, financial stress, winter weight.............myself.

I know that the problem lies within. Some has to do with stress and stress eating but the rest doesn't. The rest has to do with complete boredom and being lazy. We were concentrating so hard on financial freedom that we strived to eat cheap! Eating cheap is not always healthy. Dieting is not cheap! Fresh fruits and Veggies this time of year where I live is $$$$$. There has to be a way to eat healthy, yummy (choking down yogurt and oatmeal is not my idea of yummy) and at a low cost.

I will be working on finding sites that will help me organize my budget and my eating. I also need a place to be accountable for what goes in my mouth. I have a paper food journal. I carry it in my purse. I got out of the habit of tracking. I did well when I was on Weight Watchers and tracked everything I ate. Maybe I should hoot up with them again. Spark People is free and always a pretty informative place. You socialize, track and get educated at the same time. I found it hard to track on their site but love the exercise tips and food tips.

This is going to take a plan. It will be a team effort. Little does the man of the house know that he is getting ready to go on a diet! Maybe I can drag some others on the journey with me? Any takers?

New Year. New Diary/Planner

2010-01-04T07:44:00.006-06:00

One of the things I love about a new year is getting a new Diary. For those of you who know me know that I am a pretty organized person. Noting makes me happier than a place for everything and everything in its place. I am not psychotic about it. I don't have anxiety if things are out of place......it's more of a gasp and then an "oh well" reaction :)

I have been searching on and off for the last week or two for "just the one" Diary. My organization tool for my thoughts. It has a few requirement.
1.) fit in my handbag (not hard since I adore huge handbags)
2.) monthly view for event/life planning
3.) daily note pages (for the diary part)
4.) address pages (b/c I yet have figured out how to program it all in my cell phone)
5.) budget pages (to keep track of my scrapbook spending - per Steve's request)

It seems pretty simple (to me anyhow). But finding all these things in a little attractive package was difficult. So yesterday after lunch with Kim (I had a great time by the way) I hit yet another Boarders and found "the one". I did the happy dance and grabbed the last copy (I guess everyone else has the same standards as I). Nothing beats bringing it home and cracking the spine and inking it up. While it is a place for my thoughts I also record family thoughts. I secretly hope that after I am long gone my grandkids and greatgrandkids will enjoy reading about us!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T08:51:00.012-06:00

For I am about to do something new. See I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19.

Happy New Year from the Ville. For the last few years we have had Christmas in the Ville on New Years Day. It works better for everyone's schedules. This year Gramma and Grandad have a house full of little boys who like little boy toys.

So did you make New Years resolutions? I do but they never stick! Take a look at last years promises. So this year I will make almost the exact same promises.

1.) Journal more
2.) 1 Layout a week
3.) 3 Cards a week
4.) Gym 3 times a week
5.) Take my lunch to work
6.) Blog more

I saw a friend post part of this Mark Twain quote on FB. I thought it was fitting for this post!

New Year's Day--Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink, and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever. We shall also reflect pleasantly upon how we did the same old thing last year about this time. However, go in, community. New Year's is a harmless annual institution, of no particular use to anybody save as a scapegoat for promiscuous drunks, and friendly calls, and humbug resolutions, and we wish you to enjoy it with a looseness suited to the greatness of the occasion.
- Letter to Virginia City Territorial Enterprise, Jan. 1863

Here are some pictures of boys and their Christmas toys!
Sammy and his trucks.

Jon and his Nerf gun

Jeff and his spy listening device

Steve and his night vision spy glass.

Cole and his laser guns.

Lucas and his laser gun.

Here are the boys opening their gifts.

Three silly boys (dirty faces and fats lips-boys will be boys).

I Love Dirt

2009-12-30T06:34:00.003-06:00

Above is a picture of Cole exploring a tide pool in San Diego.

For Christmas I got a book from a dear friend and co worker. Well actually it was for Cole but the words have more than 3 letters in them so he can't read it. I Love Dirt by Jennifer Ward is a book with "52 activities to help you and your kids discoer the wonders of nature". It is pretty nifty the way it is divided up into seasons. Cole and I are ready for a weekend off so we can start some of those activities! Maybe when we are at Gramma and Grandad's this weekend we can take our book and spend time exploring as a family? I need to get snow boots first!

More Blogging

2009-12-29T20:52:00.009-06:00

I may have to go with less sleep (is that possible?) but I promise to blog more in 2010. I would like to get back to a post a week if possible! I am going to give it a good try anyhooo.

Since I haven't blogged since Aug (when Cole started school) a lot has gone on. I have included a few pics at the end of this post just to catch you up. In October we took a much needed trip to Arizona. We so do love it out there! It is great catching up with Denise and Arn and love their beautiful home. The are the best hosts! I didn't get to catch up with any of my AZ friends this time b/c we took a trip into California to see San Diego. The boarder patrol was a new experience and the beach and watching the surfers was fun. We will go back there for a longer vacation some day. We hit Sea World but next time I think we will try their world famous zoo.

November found us back in IL and back into the swing of things. We got into the routine of school and homework. We knew that Cole would love school. He is such a little smarty pants. He has taken to reading and was put on the Student Council! In Kindergarten!!!! Yes this means more work for Mom and Dad.

December brought winter to IL. We have had about 20in of snow when you add it all together for this month. We are ready for a tropical trip...........and soon. Christmas has just passed and Santa was good to us. You can now find us having Wii tournaments in the family room. It can get brutal!

Happy New Year....................and remind me that I promised to blog more this year!!!!!!

Sunday Project

2009-08-30T17:08:00.003-05:00

Here is our project for today. Cole and I started it after I woke up at 2pm. This is a table we found at our old house. We were thinking of making it a kitchen island but decided it was too low. Sooooooo we made it lower by chopping the legs off and turned it into a coffee table. It will look fun in my front room! Now I just need to find a neat knob for the drawer. Enjoy.

Yep We Are Married!

2009-08-28T21:04:00.003-05:00

It's your typical Friday night around the camp. Steve is grocery shopping and I have kid duty. No hanging out with friends, no dates, no movies. Just plain ol getting things done kind of Friday night.

I have made my meal plans for the next two weeks based around the sales. I handed Steve the recipe box and magazines and told him to pick out some meals. Out of the hundreds he flipped through he picked out 3 meals. Can you say picky!

I then sent him grocery shopping for the next 2 weeks. One of these days I am going to try a month at a time. I figured I better break Steve in slowly to this whole meal planning idea. You remember he is the guy that will eat tacos, pizza or burgers just about every night.

He just came home from the stores. He hit up Krogers, WalMart and Aldi. He spent $85.40 (savings 50.03!). He managed to get everything on the list plus a few more for the next 2 weeks! That boy can shop! Of course it did help that we will be back home for 3 nights. Sponging off Mom and Dad!!!!!! Maybe we will move back in? That would save $$$$$$$ for us and they get to see Cole. It's a Win /Win situation!

Here is my menu for the next two weeks.

8/30 Turkey Burgers

8/31 Spagehetti (something easy on soccer night)

9/1 Orange Salmon

9/2 Enchilada Stuffed Shells

9/3 Turkey Goulash

9/4 Bacon Wrapped BBQ Apple Chicken (crockpot)

9/5 Out of town

9/6 Out of town

9/7 Out of town

9/8 Skillet Lasgana

9/9 Homemade pizza

9/10 Ribs (crockpot)

9/11 Grilled Chicken Kabobs

9/12 Turkey & Bean Enchiladas

Well off to get ready for job number 2. TTFN

First Day of Kindergarten!

2009-08-26T10:06:00.005-05:00

This is my favorite time of day.

2009-08-24T19:58:00.003-05:00

When the world is going to sleep. My little man is worn out and wants to snuggle with his Mama. I am glad he still likes to snuggle.

When the sun is going down during the spring, summer and fall you can usually find us on our porch swing. While it is too dark for me to take a picture of it I am sure you all can imagine it. It reminds me of many a summer night on my Grandparents porches. Both sets of grandparents had porches or patios. We would run all over the yard while the grown- ups shelled peas, snapped beans, talked and relaxed. Neighbors would walk by and stop for a visit and we would watch cars pass. Then the snacks would come out. Strawberries, homemade ice cream, popcorn. They are comforting memories.

I will always have a house with a porch. A place where I can find comfort and provide comfort. A place where I can visit with my neighbors. Several of them also have porches. I have yet to figure out why they do not sit on them as often as we do ours. Cole adores our porch swing and often requests to sit out there for a "little bit" until bed time. It is a tradition that I hope he carries on into his own family.

I am working on getting my magazine pile under control. I came across a article in January 2009's SHAPE magazine (yes I am that far behind). It was about packing your lunch for work. It is not only good for your waistline but also your pocketbook. It stated that the average person spends $6.50 a day on eating out for lunch. That's like (hold on doing the math).............$1700 a year! Just one more reason to start loving leftovers!!!!!!!!!

Well off to get the little man to bed. He is practicing going to bed "early". He starts school in 2 days. We are all super excited and a little sad at the same time. He informed me that I could cry in the car :)

Weekly Menu

2009-08-23T18:33:00.007-05:00

Roar! This was his prize off the back of the cereal box. He isn't tall enough to see himself in the mirror so he had me take a picture so he could see himself!

Mr K is not a fan of a weekly menu but I am. He is going to try it my way for awhile. Especially since our little man is starting Kindergarten this week. I don't think Mr. K understands how super busy he will be.

That is not the only reason we will try it my way. We are also fans of Dave Ramsey. We budget down to our last dollar. We spend $300 a month on groceries out of our budget. We also have challenged ourselves (and our waistlines) to eat out only 4 times a month. So far so good! So here is my menu for this week.

Sunday: Nacho Bar- (our favorite night!)

Monday: Spinach and Tomato Pizza's on FlatBread

Tuesday: Minestrone and Garlic Cheese Bread

Wednesday: Tuna Melts

Thursday: Parmasan Minute Steaks

Friday: Tortellini Carbonara

Saturday: Crockpot Cranberry Chicken with Stuffing

It is so nice to have my kitchen back!

In order to stay organized I have worked my butt off in getting my recipes in order. I found this adorable metal box to hold them all. I then went through all my scrapping scraps and cut the scraps to fit the box. Of course then I had to embellish the divider cards! I still have a ton more recipes to copy and clip. I may have to look for a second box! I am also addicted to a few cooking sites. Tasty Kitchen and $5 Dinners.

I have also had to go to a dry erase board to keep track of everyone. With soccer, school, and boy scouts starting soon we will be an on the go family. I found this nice little one that fits perfectly on the fridge! If I move on of our nine million magnets that is!

We now have a little guy to pack lunch for everyday. If anyone has good lunch box ideas or know of any sites let me know! Poor guy has limited choices at the moment! Due to mom's lack of creativity!

2009-08-17T20:54:00.005-05:00

Do you see this sweet little face. Who knew it could be so sweet yet so sour at the same time! Somebody is having a hard time since coming home from vacation with Gramma and Grandad. He forgot the entire universe doesn't revolve around him. After a major family "altercation" tonight we had an emergency family meeting discussing behavior. It was also necessary to bring out the behavior chart once again. He was doing so well without it. We have one week to shape him up for school. Boot Camp starts now!

He had his first soccer practice tonight. It was cut short due to the storms coming in but he enjoyed playing in the rain. His shin guards are his new favorite "socks". I'll have to hide them or he will wear them daily

After soccer we had a tour of his school and got to meet the principal. Let us hope that this is the one and only time we have to meet him!

Just to show you all I am not the only one with the I wants. Here is Steve's vote for the 11 drawer pulls I need!

Here are some more pics. This is looking from the stove area towards the office. Yes we will be redoing the office also Probably the same as the kitchen. We are arguing about flooring for that room!

My little laundry nook.

The stove area. Yes those are fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. The are yummy!

As you can see we still have a ton of work to do. Rome wasn't built in a day! Feel free to come up and lay some flooring or hang crown moulding!

I got the I wants

2009-08-16T17:08:00.005-05:00

www.tracyporter.com

More progress

2009-08-16T14:13:00.003-05:00

I thought I would update you on the kitchen progress. It is such slow going, but it will be worth it in the end!

We now have running water and a sink! Nothing beats running water!

The fridge will be pushed back but we have to hook up the water connections first.

Last cabinet going in! The microwave is next! Yahoo!

2009-07-26T07:56:00.004-05:00

I thought I would post some updated kitchen pics since I have been a slacker on posting. Actually we have been super busy with the kitchen, summer activities for the kiddo, and studying for my test.

This is the kitchen after we got walls about 2 weeks ago! Finally walls :)

Here are said walls painted!

Here Steve is pretty sure that my short self will be able to hold that cabinet above my head. We need to have lessons in gravity here!

got one wall in and a counter top almost installed. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

More 4th Fun

2009-07-04T22:49:00.007-05:00

Cute

cutie patootie

awwwww. I caught him for a pic!

those are some pinchable cheeks

Big Red Bus

Cole on the Big Red Bus

Mr and Mrs Kirkman

July 4th Weekend

2009-07-04T10:45:00.014-05:00

We still have a ton of stuff going on this weekend but I thought I would post at the half way mark!

Safety Town program.

TBall getting ready to bat!

Ain't he sweet?

Rocking on the porch

Hanging out on the dock

Big Red Bus

The almost Newlyweds

Ringbarers

It is going to be hard to stand up there!

Happy 4th!

First TBall Game

2009-06-20T06:35:00.006-05:00

Go Green Cardinals?????? Cole can't figure it out either but he is super happy having a new green shirt! Daddy said he got 3 good hits and only got out once. He loves to field the ball. Even if he is catcher he will chase it all the way to the outfield :). We are glad he is having a great time. Go Big Green????????

When the Cats away.................

2009-06-19T06:10:00.013-05:00

In case you ever wondered what goes on during the day at my house when I am at work...........now you know :) It's one big wrestling match.

Finished front yard

2009-06-07T21:48:00.006-05:00

I thought I would post some updates on the front yard. We now have grass growing all the way to the sidewalk (there was a hedged row there at one point). We made planting beds out front of the porch and out by the sidewalk. This weekend we finished up on the side of the porch and around the AC unit. We also trimmed the trees. It looks much more open now!

We headed to the zoo with Gramma and Grandad this weekend.

We made it..........

2009-05-29T05:46:00.005-05:00

through preschool. Kindergarten here we come!

Cole trying to catch up with his class

Outside of Opportunity School

The grad

the grad showing off :)

Big Projects

2009-05-25T21:56:00.013-05:00

I woke up this morning stiff but not in spasms. That's good. I have a lot to do. We decided to head to the flower dept and our local hardware stores and pick up the smaller plants for the yard. We had a ball. It is a lot of hard work but we are getting our landscaping done for $6000 less by doing it ourselves!

We also decided to keep our hutch and not get a new one. We are no longer fans of the country oak look. We love the shape of the hutch just not the color. Plus it means a lot to us since Steve's mom got it for us right after we were married. We decided to paint it flat black. It turned out super. I may change the hardware on it in the future. I will have to look around for new hardware. Not sure what I would want to put on there. Now all I need is my sideboard (still in the ville- ahem anyone want to deliver it?). Well off to bed. Night all!

Country oak. Not our style anymore

working hard

full of paint (Cole took this)

finished product

laying out the planting beds

A new tool. He is turning into George----and I can't believe that I own a tiller

smelling the new flowers

We started............

2009-05-24T20:03:00.006-05:00

Since my back is out we didn't get as much done. We did however start the landscaping. WE (as in Steve) got the West shady side of the house done tonight. Tomorrow we should be able to start the front. Enjoy.

Our Holiday Weekend To Do List

2009-05-23T19:21:00.005-05:00

We have a ton planned this weekend. I worked last night at Moo's. I slept until noon this morning and then it was up and at em. I finished painting the dining room. Steve just has to touch up the crown moulding (too tall for me). He is now putting up the crown moulding in the family room. I love the gray color. It turned out wonderful. We are still planning finishing up a ton of stuff this weekend. I have a cabinet to paint (have to unpack it first!). We would also like to work on the yard or the porch (needs a touch up). The cabinets are in and will be delivered on Tuesday. The kitchen is not any farther. They will have to hang in the garage until we are ready. Well off to scrap. I haven't gotten to do that for a week! Withdrawal is painful.

Busy Weekend. Let Me Catch You Up!

2009-05-18T05:55:00.010-05:00

Driveway Monsters!

Soccer and picnic in the park. It was too muddy in the grass we had to settle for the basketball court.

Temp walls are up. The roof is also. Steve must know what he is doing!!!!!!!

Painting instructions!

The results of the instructions :)

Hard to tell but it is a blue/grey on top

The ceiling fan installer (who was in trouble for starting this project at 8pm)

The super annoyed flashlight holder!

1st Annual Mother's Day WB Classic

2009-05-10T13:10:00.008-05:00

Happy Mother's Day. It is a much nicer day so we have spent most of it outside. We decided Wiffle Ball was in order.

Batter Up

Strike 9!

He's Out

Fielding may be more his style.....untill a butterfly catches his eye :)

When one runner is faster then the other you have to improvise!

He would rather watch.......maybe WB isn't his sport?

Painting takes

2009-05-08T21:21:00.004-05:00

Concentration

Threats

More Concentration

This is how the trim will look (just has primer on it now)

Rock Pet Royalty

2009-05-05T19:40:00.005-05:00

We are honored to announce that we are hosting a visit from Rock Pet Royalty. The host of the event, Cole, was excited to take pictures and show his new friends, King and Queen Rock, off to all his friends and family. He only has two questions for the visiting pair...."how and what do they eat?".................

And now we have ceilings!!!!!!

You can buy a car...........

2009-05-03T20:29:00.001-05:00

for what cabinets cost. We had to rework the plan 2 times to get it down to my comfort zone price wise!

Here they are.........but a little darker IRL

Identity Crisis

2009-05-03T12:29:00.002-05:00

My poor dining room :( One week it is a wood shop. The next week it is a mini storage :)

One layer of ceiling is down in the front room. We are guessing about 2 more to go :)

Panic

2009-05-02T16:54:00.004-05:00

For those of you who know me know that I am a type A, in order, organized kind of gal. So as you can imagine. I am having a little trouble with this ...................

the view from the office

the view from the family room

I did make it outside to enjoy my lilac. It didn't bloom last year.

worked on some planting today. Still have some to get into the ground but my allergies got to be too bad

Busy

2009-04-26T10:29:00.007-05:00

I know I haven't been here in a long time. But I have a good excuse! We are super busy on the house. Here is the proof!

Mess we ran into in the family room. They dropped the ceiling, but beams over the crown moulding. So now we have to decide what to do.

Hallway obstacle course!

Want to come for dinner?

Finally got the crown moulding up now we need to paint.

Steve did a beautiful job on the trim. Now we have to paint (it will be a long summer full of painting!)

Decorative trim work. this will be fun to paint :(

Dreams

2009-03-26T06:49:00.004-05:00

Dreams are such funny things aren't they? I believe that everyone and everything dreams.

Alice and Betsy for instance, just a few minutes after they drift off they are on some fantastic adventure. Alice, who sleeps with her eyes open (which kind of freaks me out), runs, huffs, barks and wags her tail often in her sleep. Cole and I suppose she is chasing Betsy. Betsy on the other hand whimpers in her sleep. Cole and I suppose that she is trying to get away from Alice.

Speaking of Cole. I am so happy he has wonderful dreams. He laughs his way through the night. Not just little giggles. Big belly laughs. So hard that it actually gets me and Steve laughing. It is very rare that my little man will have a bad dream, that makes me happy.

My darling husband swears he doesn't dream. I am sure he does he just doesn't pay attention! Color me surprised!

I on the other hand will have some of the strangest dreams. I get visits from long gone relatives, movie stars, and pets. I dream about work often. Which I want on the record I believe is very unfair! Work all night in my dream and then have to get up and go to work. Geesh!

Last night I dreamt that I was getting married. Don't worry it was Steve. We were at a bed and breakfast. Cole was there! I had a very ugly yellow 1950's prom gown as my dress. We were getting ready to leave for the ceremony and a white duck got into the room and pooped all over my dress. Cole thought it was hysterical, Steve was annoyed and I was relieved that I got to wear jeans!

It was so realistic that when I got up I immediately went into the bathroom and looked into the mirror to make sure I looked ok! Then I really woke up and got ready for work. Which is where I better go now!

Spring Break MO 2009

2009-03-22T21:20:00.014-05:00

A quick trip to MO this weekend. We are exhausted but we had a blast. Here are the pics to prove it!

Cole and a very cuddley pup.

One of many!

Cowboy!

Cousins

More cousins.

Moo

Taking care of the babies.

Run Gramma!

Attempting to get a picture with Gramma and Grampa Great

Farmer Dave and Farmer Cole

We'll be back this summer to dig em up!