Life As A Mom

Lackadaisical Blogging

2010-01-26T14:19:00.002-06:00

My lack of blogging the last few months, isn't because I do not have anything to say. Matter of fact I have a lot to say, I just was not sure how to put them into words and it has been, to say the least, an emotional roller coaster of sorts. The last four and a half months have been busy and worrisome for us. We were told Doug had the one thing you do not ever want to hear. Then we have to wait on our insurance and the doctor to call back with an appointment set up for follow-up for everything, after a week we call back and find out the doctor is no longer there and everything was up in the air. He is then transferred to the partner, who has a major patient overload now because of everything that happened. A biopsy is scheduled and comes back negative, which we are so thankful for. In the mean time we are stressed about everything, so we focus on the boys and plan their birthday parties, soccer games on Saturdays and the fair. Right after Eli's birthday at the end of September I was baptized at the lake, Doug had his biopsy the next day. Then a couple of weeks later I realize that I am pregnant. That undeniable feeling you get and low and behold the lovely nauseousness presents itself. I begin to not feel well a few days later and realize that we were having a miscarriage. A huge emotional blow because we had been waiting for so long. The next day Doug gets the flu then Eli gets sick and we have to postpone Nic's party with all of this happening in one week. We reschedule Nic's party for the following week and then my 30th birthday follows a few days later. In the meantime Doug is going to the doctor to try and find out what is going on, it seems that no one can figure it out. He is stressed out about work because he is so sick and they were hassling him because of it. Even though we are both emotional wrecks with everything going on we push forward for us and our family knowing things will eventually be okay. We have prayed a lot, had a wonderful time with the boys during Thanksgiving and Christmas and celebrated our 9th anniversary at the end of December. Doug is working for a different company and loves being able to focus more on his customers and not how many prescriptions they can get through in one day. He has seen another doctor who sent off a ton of blood work and we are awaiting all of those results. But as of late, you can see a difference in him, his appetite is back and he isn't as stressed out and sick. We are hoping for good news to come and have gotten back to the basics of God, Prayer and Focusing of our Family.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-11T16:49:00.004-06:00

Christmas this year was memorable for all of us and definitely unforgettable with the weather, which I loved. We had an extended winter vacation, like most schools here and enjoyed every minute of it. Christmas Eve afternoon we loaded up and headed to Broken Arrow to Mimi and Papa's for pizza and gifts then we were going to go to Grannie's but those plans were postponed because of the blizzard. After having a ball at Mimi & Papa's we loaded up for our drive home, which normally takes about 40 minutes took us 2 1/2 hours with a few stops to clean wiper blades and a bathroom break we finally made it home to put too very tired boys to bed after we wrote a letter to Santa and set out cookies, milk and a coke and left reindeer food out the front door. The next morning we had so much fun watching them open their gifts and then I got started on our traditional family lunch. After Nic's nap we loaded up and went back to Mimi & Papa's and for more fun and food.

These are the gifts that Eli made at school for us, a great family treasure for years to come.

Eli & Nic playing sword fighting on the Wii with Daddy & Papa.

Our tree before the boys found their gifts.

The boys opening their gifts from Santa.

And presents from Mommy & Daddy.

Then on to their stockings and they had quite a few items in there. We had a wonderful Christmas season and hope you and your families did too.

Nicolas' 3rd Birthday

2009-12-14T16:19:00.004-06:00

The last few months have been so crazy and my blog has been put on the back burner for some time and so much has happened that I want to share. For one, Nicolas had his 3rd birthday the middle of October. We had to postpone his party for about a week due to Doug and Eli having the flu and another unforeseen circumstance that affected us, but more about that later.

So on his actual birthday, I took Nic to the doctor for a flu swap to see if he had it, which he didn't, and the doctor gave him and I both Tamiflu just in case. Then off to the bakery to get his cake and by the pharmacy to pick up a balloon for him and our medicine. Once home we gave him his presents, he got what he wanted and loved playing with them.

Little man's cake, he picked strawberry. He had a dump truck theme this year.

We rescheduled his party for the following Thursday night at Chuck E Cheese, everyone had so much fun.

Nic decided that since he could not get the ball rolled all the way up, he would take it up there and throw it in.

Cake and present time!

He is meeting Chuck E Cheese, he decided he needed to give him a high five. I can't believe our baby is three, it just does not seem possible. But for now I have him at home until preschool starts next fall.

Eli's 5th Birthday

2009-10-07T15:19:00.005-05:00

I have picture overload below with pictures from Eli's birthday little over a week ago. His birthday fell on a Friday this year so he wore his school spirit shirt to school and I picked him up we came home to open a gift from us and one from Nic before we went to lunch at Logan's Roadhouse. Our little tradition that we started on Eli's second birthday, the day Logan's opened in Owasso so now we go on all of our birthday's. After lunch we picked up his cake (from the best bakery, D's Sweet Designs) and came home to get ready for his party that evening. He had a few friends from school come and they all had such a ball. After playing in the bounce house or castle as the boys call it, they ate pizza played more, then gifts, pinata, cake and more playing. It was such and enjoyable evening with family and friends. This year's theme was all about Transformers and it was such a hit. After the party we went to the high school football game and the boys had fun there as well. Needless to say they crashed when we got home that night. It is hard to believe our little man is five it doesn't seem like it was that long ago that he was just a baby.

1st Soccer game

2009-09-19T15:06:00.006-05:00

This year Eli is playing his first season of soccer and he is loving every minute of it. Doug is his coach and I am helping out with the couple of games that he cannot be there. At this age they play three on three and their quarters are only eight minutes long. During games this is a long time for boys and girls that are all under 6, without a water break or timeout. Unlike most of the teams, who have five or six players we only have four little guys and they get tired and thirsty really fast during the games. We had our second game this morning and the boys won 7-3 and played so great. Watching the games is so much fun, there are a few that has played a season or two but most haven't played at all. These pictures are from their first game when it was still dreary and yucky but this morning it was so beautiful. We have seven games left in the season and it looks like it is going to be a really fun one.

This is one of my favorite pictures, with both teams running to the ball.

Letter to my dear friend Ragweed

2009-08-30T15:43:00.003-05:00

Dear old friend Ragweed,

Every year you rear your huge ugly head and make us all miserable. Why oh why? The runny noses and sniffling, sneezing, coughing and that horrible pressure in our heads. Please, just go away for a while. If you wouldn't mind, could you take some time off and come back again next year or better yet hibernate for a time? We would truly appreciate it.

First Day of Pre-K!!

2009-08-23T15:54:00.002-05:00

The first day of school was over a week ago and Eli is loving every minute of it! He can't wait to get to school everyday and he likes all of his new friends and his teacher. Pre-K is only for a few hours each day but it is getting him into the routine of school everyday and what to expect while there.

~ ~

Elijah,

Over the last five years (almost), we have watched you grow and learn tremendously and we are overjoyed that you love school so much! It has been so much fun being your parents and it is a little sad to see you grow up so fast, it seemed like yesterday you were born and now you are on an education adventure of a lifetime. We look forward to you sharing your daily adventures with us and what you learn each and every day.

Knowing we have guided you and taught you well, gives us great satisfaction because you are such a wonderful little man!

"Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

We love you little man, enjoy your school year!!!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Informal Book Club

2009-08-10T11:44:00.002-05:00

Okay, ladies I am participating in an informal book club. If you would like to participate, I have the information below with the instructions. If you would like to participate, send me an email confirming you would like to participate and I will send you the name and address of the person you are to send a book to.

*Instructions*

Please send a paperback book or audio book you have already enjoyed to the person whose name and address you will receive. There is no need to box the book you mail. A mailing envelope is fine. It will be interesting to see where the books come from and what books you received. You should receive 36 books.

Next, you copy this letter or post on your blog and send it to 6 different people. Do not send them a book. Put my name and address on the back of the six letters or email it to the participants.

If you can't do this within a week, please let me know so that we can be fair to the participants.

I hope you will be able to participate and it will be fun to see what books to will receive.

Thanks for Their Gifts

2009-08-04T14:50:00.006-05:00

Thinking, praying, worrying and wondering why. What is the purpose of it all and how do we navigate through it? I know I have a purpose because without my faith in the Lord, I would literally crumble into a million pieces onto the floor. Knowing the people you love and care about are hurting and not being able to make their pain and worry go away, just makes you feel helpless and hopeless sometimes. Then there are times just being there for them helps and knowing they know you are praying for them and have many others thinking and praying for them helps. The day to day life and functionality gets lost and you sometimes get lost as well, floundering around and questioning what happened. How did everything get so off track and how do you get back on track? I know these things happen to everyone you just never expect to feel yourself being the one to flounder and wonder. But I know I should be thankful for everything in my life and know there is a purpose to this path and I should learn from the journey we are taking in our lives.

"I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:10-13.

Health Happenings..

2009-07-29T15:20:00.004-05:00

Update: After I posted this earlier, we found out Doug has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease and had to go get a stat X-ray on his colon, more details will come from the doctor once it is read . We now need to change his diet and most likely go ahead and change all of ours, to gluten free. I know our grocery store carries gluten free items and am going to try and set up a tour to find all of the items that they have, so that I do not have to search when I go grocery shopping. We are asking for guidance from the Lord and we are glad we finally know for sure the self diagnosis we made earlier. It is a relief to know something for sure and how we can handle and take care of it now.

For those of you who know and those who do not, here is an update on Doug's back and shoulder. If you remember, back in January he fell at work and hurt his back and shoulder and getting hurt at work, well can be a hassle to say the least. Why? Well you have to deal with worker's compensation insurance and not your own health insurance, which would have solved everything by now. Back to treatment, at first they thought is was a pulled muscle and said it would heal on it's own, wrong. All the while, he has been hurting and nothing really being accomplished, let's just say when it comes to a company's insurance paying for something, they deny, deny and deny more until you take them to court. That's right court. So, finally a judge court ordered treatment for his back, in May, that's right nearly four months later, all the while he is at home hurting. He has a 3/4 inch tear in a ligament in his lower back, which will eventually heal on it's own, we hope. They tried physical therapy to help with the muscles around it but that just made it hurt worse. So now, this Tuesday, I will be taking him to the orthopedic specialist to get a shot in his back, right in the ligament to see if this helps. They have approved three shots, how kind of the insurance company. The lawyers will also be meeting on Tuesday to try and decide what they will do for his shoulder, a torn rotator cuff, that's right they are fighting against treating that as well and here we are six months later, with nothing accomplished. Doug is a trooper, he has been back to work under doctor's order for a month now, although he is hurting, he loves his job and his family and we truly appreciate him and love him very much. So, please keep him in your prayers and we hope that these treatments work and he stops hurting.

Praying for Stellan

2009-07-27T15:48:00.004-05:00

Many of you know MckMama and the story of Stellan. I hope that you will lift their family up in prayer, Stellan has been going through a rough few days and his little body is fighting hard to keep up. The last I read is that they will be airlifting him to Boston. Please keep him and his family in your thought and prayers.

Consequences

2009-07-20T22:42:00.005-05:00

Do you give your children consequences if they do not listen? My boys are great and they do really well but every now and then we have our moments to where the draw for them is to strong and they forget what they should be doing. Take today for example. We go to FedEx Kinko's to ship a diaper cake and before we even get out of the car I tell them to listen while we are in there and afterwards we will go to Jamba Juice if and only if they mind. When you walk in the draw must be too strong because they immediately see candy and packing peanuts. Eli proceeds to toss up a bag of peanuts after repeated requests to please stop and Nic is drawn to the candy and decides he can't hold back and opens the Mentos. I told them both since they didn't listen we would not be going next door but instead go home. After I paid for the Mentos, I heard the girl at FedEx sort of giggle as we were walking to the door and hearing me telling the boys this. Either she thought they were cute or she was wondering if I was going to follow through with what I told them. The boys did not like that I started putting them in the car and into their car seats, all the while saying, "Mommy we will listen." I tell them both they should have listened while they were in the store and we proceed to head home. Both were very unhappy and wined the whole way home. But once home, calmed down, eating lunch and talking they realized they should have stayed beside me and they would have gotten a juice drink. So what do you do when your kiddos do not follow through, continue on and ignore or follow through with the consequence?

* I found this cartoon and just thought it was too hilarious *

Busy Week

2009-07-18T16:08:00.002-05:00

We have had a busy week around here. I received quite a few orders, I need to ship one out, we delivered one and will deliver a few more in the next couple of weeks for baby showers. Doug was off on Thursday, so we made a delivery and then went and ate dinner at El Chico's @ Promenade. Nic and I went to get cookies at Great American Cookie and Doug and Eli went off looking for NASCAR shirts, they didn't have any luck though. We then heading over to Michael's for more ribbon and decided to go out to Utica Square to meet his mom and aunt and listen to the music. If you haven't been you should, it was great and the weather was perfect, the boys had a blast as well. Doug, being the sweet husband he is brings me a mocha frappuccino from Starbucks @ 7 o'clock in the evening and of course me and my will power couldn't hold back, I was up until at least two in the morning. Friday we relaxed in the morning and the boys and I were off on an adventure to Target and then the grocery store. Who knew cherries were so darn expensive? And then this morning, Eli was signed up to play soccer and he is so excited! Poor Nic doesn't understand he isn't old enough yet, he keeps thinking he is going to play as well. After sign-up the boys and I headed down to Tulsa to meet my mother-in-law at An Affair of the Heart. My very first time ever going, we thought about getting a booth and we will most likely next year. We have had a great week. I haven't taken any pictures recently and I need to save all my picture to a CD so that I can erase the ones on my Sandisk, there is nearly 500 on there. In other news, Doug and I came up with an idea the other night and we are trying to figure out ways to implement it. We think it will be a great service to our church and community. I need to get back to work, until next time.

Aging and hair color

2009-07-15T15:23:00.003-05:00

Call it genetics, environmental factors or just aging but I hate it. For the last couple of years I have been getting white hairs, not gray but white. Not a lot of them, just a few and enough to annoy you but I also go about pulling them out with tweezers. Doug at first thought it was funny and now he sees me checking my hair often to see if those pesky stinkers are back. My hair is auburn and it is not like it is noticeable to everyone else, it is to me. Being twenty-nine, I didn't expect to have white hair this early in my life. So now I deal with it the way I know how until some other way comes along.

Recalls on baby items to pass on...

2009-07-11T15:54:00.002-05:00

Here are just a couple of recalls that I received via email from the consumer product safety commission on some items you or someone you know might be using.

The first is for the Aqua-Leisure Industries, they are recalling their inflatable baby floats due to drowing hazards. The recall can be found here. If you have any of these items please call for your refund.

Sold at: Juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide, including Target, Toys “R” Us, Wal-Mart, Dollar General, Kmart, Walgreens, Ace Hardware, and Bed, Bath & Beyond from December 2002 through June 2009 for between $8 and $15.

The second is Kolcraft. Which produces these: Kolcraft, Carter’s, Sesame Street, Jeep, Contours, Care Bear and Eric Carle Play Yards. The recall information can be found here. They advise people to stop using them and call Kolcraft for a free repair kit.

Sold at: Babies R Us, Walmart, Kmart, Sears, Target and other stores nationwide and Internet retailers from January 2000 through January 2009 for between $50 and $160.

Just a few tidbits that I thought you might like to know.

4th of July

2009-07-09T14:53:00.004-05:00

Our 4th started out quite rainy just like everyone else around Oklahoma. It wasn't looking very promising to watch fireworks, but eventually the sky begin to clear and we decided we were going to Mimi & Papa's. Eli's quote of the day while we were sitting at the stop light, "Looks like we are going to Mimi & Papa's to watch fireworks after all." That boy loves watching fireworks Nic on the other hand not so much. We arrive in Tulsa and meet Doug after he gets off work then head over to his parents for some great grilling. The food was delicious and we head out to the backyard and set up the boys pool and bounce or castle as they call it. They splashed and bounced for a good 1 1/2 then dessert was strawberry pie and a patriotic trifle, absolutely delicious! The boys were off again to play and bounce for another 30-45 minutes before we got them dressed and headed down the street to the neighborhood bounce that was set up. We played down there for a bit and back to Mimi and Papa's before the neighborhood fireworks show started. We had a ball and it was a really long night, the boys crashed as soon as we got home. Can't wait until next year!!!

2009-07-06T17:38:00.001-05:00

Blue Bell's "Taste of Summer"

2009-07-06T17:24:00.006-05:00

The above pictures are from the weekend before the 4th of July. The last weekend in June is Blue Bell's "Taste of Summer" and this is our second year to go. We had an absolute ball although it was 100 outside and it was morning and earlier afternoon. After arriving we immediately ate ice cream and then headed over to get hot dogs for lunch. We went through at least eight bottles of water while there. When lunch was done we headed over to bounce, at least the boys did mom, dad and mimi roasted in the sun. The boys enjoyed three bounce houses and then more ice cream. We made our way around and the boys managed to find a fire hydrant the firefighters had turned on. They were soaked and loving every minute of it. No I did not have a change of clothes and they rode home like that but it was so hot they didn't notice. After playing in the water we went of to the putting greens and took our turn, then off to tour the facility and home we went. We had a blast and you can bet we will be back next year!

Great Awards bestowed upon me

2009-06-28T16:14:00.004-05:00

I received these two lovely blog awards from my blog friend Sandy over at One Day At A Time and I would like to thank her so much. It has taken me a while to post them because I just haven't been posting very much the last few months. I definitely need to get back on my blog wagon here and get caught up.

This blog award I would love to pass on to some truly great blogs that you can get really great inspiration from.

1.) Dana @ From chaos to Grace

2.) Kahri @ Our Peculiar Life
3.) Megan @ It's Not Megan it's Megan

This award is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to how ever many bloggers you choose and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

I would like to pass this along to a couple my blog friends.

1.) Kristen @ No Small Thing

2.) Megan @ It's Not Megan It's Megan

3.) Dana @ From chaos to Grace

4.) Melinda @ Bloggin' It From The 'Burbs

Thank you ladies, so much and I hope you enjoy!

Pictures from Father's Day

2009-06-28T14:54:00.002-05:00

I thought I would share a few pictures from Father's Day and what the boys did after we got home from church. This is exactly what all three boys do once we are done with lunch and before Nic's nap. They all change into their NASCAR shirts, wearing their respective drivers, Eli likes #9 Kasey Kahne, Nic likes #88 Dale Earnheardt Jr. and dad puts on #14 Tony Stewart. They all then lay on the couch and watch the start of the race. It was too cute to not take a picture of all of them relaxing.

This picture frame is what the boys and I made for Doug. The boys held up letters spelling Daddy individually and together, I then edited the pictures into a version of black and white from picnik.com. We then framed them into a long black frame. Dad absolutely loved it and the boys hung it up the next day.

Nine Years Ago Today...

2009-06-27T22:43:00.002-05:00

Nine years ago today, my wonderful husband ask me to marry him. It doesn't seem like it has been nine years and at the end of December we will be celebrating our ninth anniversary. Matter of fact, Doug is quite sneaky, he told me we were going to watch fireworks, knowing that I love watching them. He took me to the Rose Garden at Woodward Park in Tulsa and we were setting, talking and enjoying our time together. And the next minute, he was asking me to marry him. He jokes that I never said yes. Well obviously I did, because the next six months were a whirlwind of planning, ordering and preparing. We paid for every aspect of the wedding, not an easy task but we did it and I would do it all over in a heartbeat. Now, after almost 8 1/2 years of marriage it keeps getting better and better and I look forward to many more. Sweetheart, thank you so much for all of the joy have brought into my life and I can't wait to see what our future holds.

Happy Father's Day to a Great Dad & Husband

2009-06-21T21:26:00.003-05:00

I like to say Happy Father's Day to a great father and husband. It is hard to believe this is your fifth Father's Day since Eli has been born and it gets better every year. The boys and I love you so very much and we hope you enjoyed your day of relaxation. There is nothing like sleeping in, going to church and coming home to watch golf and NASCAR the rest of the day. We enjoyed spending time with you today and hope you were able to relax and rest. You do so much for us and take care of us beyond belief, we truly love you and look forward to many more Father's Day's. The boys really enjoyed making your gift and they could tell you really liked it and you know they want to help you hang it up, when you find the perfect spot! So, here's to you honey, hope you enjoyed your day! I love you!

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2009-06-18T14:30:00.003-05:00

It has been a little crazy around here lately and I haven't read any blogs in six days. I did get a chance to read up on them late last night, while Doug and I watched the CMT Music Awards (we recorded earlier in the week). Nic has hand foot and mouth, but his fever appears to have broken and he is starting to eat and drink again, so hopefully we are over the worst. At least he likes gatorade, but only after he has had his tylenol or motrin in him for an hour, then his throat doesn't hurt as much. I have been meaning to post this but with a cranky baby it is hard to get anything done let alone set at the computer and type. I thought I would share a couple of things we have done for Father's Day the past few years, just in case anyone doesn't know what to get, do or has waited until the last minute.

We have gotten a shirt that said "World's Greatest Dad" and I had Eli put his handprints right in the middle of the shirt and we then put the year (I was pregnant with Nic at the time). In 2007, the boys and I got a picture album and I printed select pictures of the boys from birth to right up until then. We then decorated the album with scrapbook supplies and sayings throughout, Doug loved it and he looks at it quite often, it is fun to see how much the boys have changed and grown over the last few years. Last year, Doug was out of town and the boys and I went down to Picture People and had a few poses of us taken and we ordered a couple of 5 x 7's and an 10 x 13 and had them framed for him, good deal as well when you use a 15-20% off coupon. These are just a few of the things we have done and I will let eveyone know what the boys have done for this year next week. The fun part is letting the kids help decorate or make their own projects and you know dad's love that the most.

Witness of Road Rage

2009-06-05T11:13:00.003-05:00

While riding I do not always pay attention to the road. I talk to Doug and the boys and look around, which was the case last night on the way home from taking the boys getting haircuts. Doug noticed a car and truck driving fast and cutting each other off. Why? You've got me, there is no reason for it other than to take your anger out on someone who is minding there own business until you present your attitude. I have to admit I do not experience road rage but on occasion if someone is sitting in front of me at the stoplight and talking on the phone, pretty much not paying attention, I will say, "get off the phone and drive", not mean in any way just talking to myself. That is until I heard Eli repeat it one day when we were setting and waiting for the car in front of us to go and he repeating, "Lady, get off the phone and drive". Hilarious definitely but you always have to make sure what you say and especially how you say it. Anyway, back to the road rage we observed last night. This car and truck were driving fast back and forth and they go over into the slow lane and then the truck pulled into the fast lane and stayed even with the car the whole time making very obscene gestures. The car then speeds up and moves over into the fast lane, the truck moves over into the slow lane and then speed up and stays even with them. The truck then moves over into the fast lane, sticking his arms out the window and you know what those gestures entailed this all the while pushing the car further over to the side of the road driving down the highway. Luckily the car slowed down and was able to get back on the road, otherwise the would have ran into the bridge (this happened at 106th to 116th street north). They both continued to speed up but the car was now following the truck and I am assuming on the phone with police, I would have been if it happened to me. We then noticed the truck get off the highway near Collinsville and the car turning around to possibly follow. I would have only if I were on the phone with the police and they were nearby. But these days you have to be careful because you never know what could happen, they could have a gun in the car with them or even follow you to where ever you are going. It is like I said to Doug last night, why can't people just mind there business and drive home in peace the world would be a better place if everyone wouldn't be so uptight out everything and taking their anger out on the nearest person or car beside them or driving down the road.

(photo courtesy: http://blogs.kansascity.com/photos/uncategorized/road_rage_logo.jpg)

Journey of Life

2009-06-01T14:39:00.005-05:00

Life's journey.. Where will it take you? Where have you been and where did you come from? All poignant questions in this journey we call life. Life is all about making choices, the way you choice to live, worship and how you proceed down the road. But what does it really mean? When you reflect on your life there are probably things you want to get rid of and others you wish you had experienced more of. I would love to pick and choice my journey but it is not up to me, my journey has been planned and there is only one person who knows where I am going. Do you put up a fight? You could, but would that really get you any further in life than sitting there kicking and screaming about missing out? I wish I could go back in my journey and toss out the bad and replace them with good but I have to accept that for some reason my journey is for a purpose and all will be revealed once the time comes. My journey and that of my family is on a path to someplace we know is good and we feel led to follow it. Questions, doubt, anxiety and peace all cross your mind but in your heart you know this is the right decision of you and your family. After church yesterday, Doug said to me, if that sermon wasn't talking directly to us then I don't know what is? There are Sunday's that I hear and understand the sermon and then there are those that hit right to your heart and are being directed right to you. What do you do with that? Follow, you better believe it. Whether it is something small, as volunteering or a life changing big move, follow and trust in the Lord as your guide. There is a reason for this journey and you will know what to do once you get there that is the reason they call it a journey in the first place.

Yesterday was the day of Pentecost or as many say the Birthday of the Church as read in Acts 2. There is something awe inspiring about reading Acts and how the apostles were speaking in tongue. I am a visual person and as I am reading and listening to the scripture being read I could picture Peter standing in front of the crowd delivering his message. As you go on to finish the chapter, I can also picture Peter giving the conclusion of what the people have done to Jesus and how the people ask what they can do to make it right. It is awe inspiring to read that three thousand people that very day repented and were baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins.

It does my heart good to know that our children are learning by example. If we give them their dinner and we haven't sit down yet with ours, they say prayer and grab each other's hand and wait for us to sit down and pray before they start eating. Yesterday after church, Eli said prayer in the car and he and Nic grab hands and Eli started saying a prayer in the back seat. I am not sure what he was saying but it made us smile to know that the Lord is in their lives and leading them, along with guidance from us to be little men of GOD.

Rollercoaster of emotion on tv

2009-05-26T14:54:00.003-05:00

What am I talking about? Well if you have seen all the hype over the last month on the TLC show Jon & Kate plus 8 then you know exactly what I am referring to. I had to DVR the show last night to get my monkey's in bed, then Doug and I watched it together after the news. You talk about a lot of emotion. One minute you are sitting there mad at one of them and turn around and be sad for them and their marriage but my heart goes right to all of their children. Yes, they put their life on television, what did they expect, to not get noticed when they go somewhere? When you put your life out there for everyone to see and we literally watch your children grow, people are interested. I noticed last night they talked about choices. They made the choice to do the show, write books, quit their jobs and go out all over town. But you can also quit doing the show and grow up and take care of your family as well. I mean if you can't take being at home taking care of your children, you need to look in the mirror start to focus on your family and get a job outside of the home, instead of gallivanting all over the country on a book tour or going out with a much younger single woman. All of their children do not deserve any of this, they deserve to be loved unconditionally and be their parents, regardless of what happens between them in the future.

Sorry, but this is a hot button issue for me. My parents divorced when I was about two and you never really get over the feeling of being left out, hurt and mad. Even when you feel as if you have dealt with your feelings and have cleared the air, there are days it can all comes rolling back and the abandonment issue hits you like a ton of bricks. I know there are children, teens and even adults that know that feeling I am talking about.

But, I am thankful for some wonderful people in my life that have helped to feel that void or hurt that you can feel at times. The first and foremost is the Lord, without my faith, I wouldn't be where I am today. Yes, I have questioned my faith a time or two and no I am not proud of that, but I know I am being led to something better and the Lord will take care of me along the way. Next, is my wonderful family that I take care of every single day, all three of my boys, they keep me on my toes and make me laugh so hard that it hurts. The loves of my life, what wonderful blessings to have in my life. I love you, Doug, Eli and Nic. Then, I had a special person in my life from the time I was born until she passed away just over six years ago, and she is my Nana. The person I could always count on to be there, that is until I met Doug, then I had two. There are a few people in my life that are there from time to time but my strongest support comes from Doug and the boys. Thank you for being such a rock honey, you are the best husband and dad anyone could ask for! And we would follow you to the moon and back!

Preschool is officially over!

2009-05-19T15:07:00.002-05:00

This morning was the last morning for school, nearly three months until we start back up again. Where has the time gone? I swear it was just a couple of months ago and Eli started preschool and we were getting all teary eyed and look it has come and gone just like that. As we were leaving this morning I noticed our lovely trash can was knocked over with trash everywhere, so instead of staying at school with Eli for the morning I came back home real quick, changed Nic and fed him breakfast (he and Doug decided to sleep in this morning), then broke out my rubber gloves and proceeded to pick up all of the trash. Who knew you could have so much trash in one week? It just looks like a lot when all the bags are tore open and everything is all over the place. But when a dog from the neighborhood decides they need to check out what is in there, what can you do, and we know which dog it is but the owners just let it run around the neighborhood. Nobody seems to mind and we do live in the country but it has chased after my car quite a few time while leaving the neighborhood. I don't like that at all. If this dog runs after my car when I am driving real slow and jumps up to my window, who is to say it will not do this to my children or somebody else's child or grandchild? Granted it lives in a house that has three small children but who is to say it will not come after someone he/she doesn't know. I have even thought to myself if you run under my car too bad, maybe you shouldn't chase after it. I know horrible.. Okay, enough about that rant back to preschool. After Nic was done eating, we loaded back up and went back to school where all the kids were at the playground having a ball. The teachers had two small pools and a sand table that were filled with water and everyone was soaked. It didn't take Nic long to join Eli in all the water fun. So glad I took a change of clothes for both of them. I will post pictures as soon as I have them uploaded. At 11:30 all the kids walked back to the school and said goodbye for the final time, it was so cute. I got the boys changed and we went down to the bowling alley and bowled two games with Eli's friend Adrian and his mom. We had such a fun and busy morning, now I can't wait for Eli to start next year and for him to have fun with that.

The G Free Diet

2009-05-18T10:08:00.002-05:00

Whether you are conservative, liberal or the man on the moon you should stop by your local book store and pick up The G Free Diet by Elisabeth Hasselbeck. I am only on chapter 3 but it is so informing and interesting to read you will not want to put it down. Why am I reading this? Well, we are trying to find out why Doug is having so much trouble with food, he is having so much pain in his stomach after eating certain things. After so much research and trying to find answers with numerous doctors, we have self diagnosed him with Celiac disease. What is celiac disease? It is a digestive disorder where your body has a toxic reaction to gluten. It is also an autoimmune disorder where your body attacks itself and is hereditary but not everyone experiences the symptoms, which there is a long list of. Untreated celiac disease can cause you to have problems with your health such as intestinal cancers, infertility, Type 1 diabetes, miscarriage and osteoporosis. What is interesting so far is that some doctors believe and evidence shows that celiac and gluten sensitivity can possibly influence mood and behavior disorders like ADHD, depression and bipolar disorder. Right know doctors are studying the link between gluten and autism spectrum disorders because they believe that if you remove gluten from the diet this can improve the condition.

For Doug to get his diagnosis he will need to have a celiac panel done, which is the first step. This test for the presence of antibodies associated with celiac, these include antiendomysial antibody, antigliadin antibody, tissue transglutaminase and total serum IgA. The next step in diagnosis is a endoscopy and small tissue biopsy, you only need to go through this if your celiac panel shows your risk level as high. Step three is genetic testing and this only needs to be done if step one and two prove inconclusive. So once we get his doctor to set it up we will be one our way to hopefully prove our self diagnosis and then change his diet. And hopefully getting him to feel better and eating healthy options so that he isn't hurting after he eats anymore.

I hope this helps anyone who may be experiencing problems after eating to go out and ask there doctor for a celiac panel to go and starting living a happier, healthier life.

Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T23:23:00.004-05:00

Mother's Day was such a wonderful day! The beautiful handprints below is what the boys gave me with the help of my wonderful husband, this year and they are so great! We had a good morning and then headed off to brunch at the Hilton Southern Hills in Tulsa. This was our third year to go and we love the tradition we started and love going and having the the great food that is provided. I hope that everyone had a great Mother's Day and enjoyed this wonderful time with your families.

Beautiful handprint molds

Beautiful card Eli made at school

The outside of the card Eli made

Me, Nicolas, Grannie, Elijah & Mimi

Mom in a teenager's body

2009-05-07T16:08:00.003-05:00

Oh don't I wish! If only I could be a small as I was in high school, actually I am not that far from it, those last six pounds are being quite stubborn. But that is not the subject I am talking about. This weather has my poor skin so confused it doesn't know what to do with itself. I was using a great face wash that has been working great since last summer. Then this lovely weather goes and changes on me. Is it going to be nice, hot and humid or cold? I sure wish the weather would just stay somewhat the same around here. But with this face wash, it obviously works great during the dry air of the fall and winter but here comes spring and it makes my face so oily it is unbelievable and now I feel like a teenager. Humid=oily with this face wash, also add in those crazy hormones we have and now my face is broke out like crazy. So I switched back to Proactiv last night, works great except in the winter makes my face way too dry. Hopefully, this will help and I can get back to not having to worry about feeling like a teenager, well at least on my face anyway.

Pre-K in the Fall!

2009-05-03T15:52:00.003-05:00

Preschool is almost over, only five more classes to go before summer break! This year has gone by so fast but going to school two mornings a week for three hours each time has really broke little man out of his shell. I have been told by his teacher that he is the class clown of sorts, I have to admit he is pretty funny, it will definitely be interesting to see how the new school year will go. Next year, he will go everyday but for only 2 1/2 hours each morning. Enrolling him on Tuesday morning was a little nerve wracking to think he would be in school everyday but this is part of growing up, I don't think I will have my breakdown until he is in school all day long (which will start the following year). Knowing that this time 5 years ago I was pregnant and we were anxiously awaiting his arrival can really make you emotional. Boy time does fly by way too fast! It is so true when everyone tells you to enjoy them while they are young because they do grow up a lot quicker that you expect.

November 2004 - 2 months old

Easter 2009 - 4 1/2 years old

I am going, are you?

2009-04-29T16:40:00.003-05:00

Okay, ladies, there is only a few days left to RSVP for Mom's Nite Out and I believe only a few spots. All you need to do is be a blogger not necessarily a mom. It sounds like a lot of fun and I can't wait. I am bringing my mother-in-law with me, while Doug and the boys hang out with Papa, I believe something was said about maybe going fishing (this would be the boys first time to go). If a night out sounds like fun head over to Blogging Basics 101 and RSVP, time is running out.

Is it me or are things getting cheaper?

2009-04-23T18:56:00.003-05:00

No not price wise, everything is still going up. They still charge you for a big box of cereal when in fact you are getting a smaller box, you can even see it on the price labels, (common sense would be to change the labels, or maybe is this their way of making you mad while you are grocery shopping?)

Okay, back to my rant about cheap products. I go and buy a new roll of saran wrap, good quality, lasts forever and not really expensive. That is until I get home and use it for the first time. I open the box, they have changed where the little cutter is, instead of on the bottom it is now on the lid. Maybe this goes to show how long it has been since I have bought saran wrap. So, I proceed to put this on a bowl and low and behold it will not stick. So what has changed from the last time I bought a box? The economy? Definitely. The quality in which items are made? Most definitely. I may just have to still with aluminum foil or Glad press and seal.

Also, if you have bought a can of petite diced tomatoes lately then you have noticed the quality of them as well. They are hardly petite diced and then they look like they have been thrown into the blender before packaging. Just great instead of nice cut up tomatoes I now have blended tomatoes in the meal I made for dinner. At least they still taste like tomatoes before long the cutbacks will be hitting those too or they may become impostors. All in the name of saving money.

Accepting Advertising

2009-04-21T18:55:00.003-05:00

If you are a family company or mom owned business and would like to advertise on my blog, send me an email and I can give the specifications and advertsing prices. I look forward to working with you.

Easter Weekend

2009-04-19T19:18:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday afternoon we loaded up the boys and went to an Easter egg hunt at Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch. They had a ball and each found one of the prizes that was being given away. Then that evening we dyed eggs and luckily we didn't have any spills but the boys sure had fun.

On Easter morning they couldn't wait to see what they got in their Easter baskets. We had a little fun before we left and then loaded up and went to church. After lunch and a nap we then went to Grannie's for dessert and came home and the boys hunted eggs for a while.

Trike-a-Thon Time

2009-04-16T15:18:00.002-05:00

How do you know when you are behind on your blogging? When your husband has to ask you to update it so that he can read it and look at the pictures you post.

Last Thursday, Eli had a Trike-a-Thon at preschool and it was fun to watch. Little man raised $100 for St. Jude Children's Hospital and we are so proud of him and he had fun and knows that he is helping children that are sick. Of course, we can't forget our littlest man, he rode his Radio Rocket in the center of all the chairs. All of the kids had a great time and they did such a good job raising money!

Nic riding in the center, he didn't have a helmet.
The end of the Trike-a-Thon, they were all so tired.

Getting ready to start.

Everyone getting helmets on to start.

And they are off!

National Mom's Nite Out

2009-04-16T12:43:00.002-05:00

If you are an Oklahoma Blogger I hope that you will enjoy an evening out with other local mom bloggers and join us for a night out. I will be bring my mother-in-law with me, hey she is a mom and a mimi, otherwise I wouldn't have my wonderful husband. So, hurry and RSVP there are only 75 spots available. I can't wait to meet everyone!

Diagnosis..

2009-04-09T14:19:00.002-05:00

I have been away too long and for good reason. Too many things on my mind and in my heart to even think about posting anything. I have been trying to keep up on reading and leaving comments when I can and I will try to get back into the swing of things again.

Now back to the topic at hand. A few weeks ago I had an ultrasound done, a follow up to my mammogram. They saw something, well duh, otherwise I would not have been there. So, I go for my ultrasound and wait for those results to come in. A message was left on my cell phone and I had to call the doctor's office back and then wait for them to call me back, they were in the office but had training that day. I talked to the doctor and she tells me they for sure see something and it is.... Are you sitting down for this? A breast tumor, I can still hear the ringing in my ears from those two words. Everything begins to flash in your mind, the what ifs, my family, why is this happening and how do we deal with this. All of this while still on the phone with the doctor only half hearing everything she is saying. I do hear, in between all of my thoughts, she is referring me to a surgeon and to see what they think. Then I hear another word, but yet a little magical, benign breast tumor. Here I am on the phone, making dinner with my family right there in the kitchen with me and trying to hold back the tears, especially when you hear that specific word. Still, she wants me to go to the surgeon see what to do and weigh my options. I get off the phone and tell Doug and worry, granted they said benign but it is only natural to worry. What should I do? Aspirate, take it out completely or leave it alone for the time being and tolerate the pain? A few days later the nurse calls and has set up an appointment for me, I know who the surgeon is, he has operated on Doug and my mother-in-law has gone to him. Doug is still hurting from his fall, so he decides to stay home with the boys, it is nap time which is good. I take my films and have an exam and the surgeon suggests the three things I stated above but to continue to watch it and if it does change then we will definitely need to take it out. But for the time being I have decided to tolerate the pain, more of a throbbing pain, needles and I are not the best of friends and that just scares me to death. All of that worry and praying has turned into good news. Now if we could get Doug's back and shoulder to feeling better we would be 100% around here.

How long does it take mom to give herself a pedicure?

2009-03-27T10:15:00.002-05:00

Very good question, if I say so myself. With the weather being nice last week, of course what does that mean? Well you are right, time to break out the beloved flip flops of mine, my favorite type of shoe. And I hate to admit but the love of the flip flop has rubbed off on my boys. Comfortable, fashionable, affordable and just slipping them off anytime, oh pure bliss.

So back to my question of how long does it take mom to give herself a pedicure? Well, in my case, 4 hours total. That's right 4 hours. Why you ask? Let's see, you start, then hubby needs to ask you something and you discuss that, one of your children needs to go to the bathroom and then it is time for lunch. Clean up after lunch, occupy 4 year old with an activity, put 2 year old down for a nap and try to pick up where you left off. Then phone rings about changing an appointment, business call and then need to check something on the computer, and 4 year old needs to go to bathroom again. Back to pedicure, start talking to husband about things he is doing and slowly finish up just in time for 2 year old to get up from nap. Next time, I will leave and go for a relaxing hour instead of doing it myself, it will make life much more simple to relax and then come back and focus on everything else.

Local 918 area code moms...

2009-03-25T11:27:00.004-05:00

Ladies,

If you have seen the news lately, Channel 8 to be exact, then you know about 918moms.com and the Coupon Queen. But if you haven't then you definitely need to check out their website. It is so informative and gives you a ton of ideas on things to do with your family and how to save money on shopping. I had the honor of meeting these wonderful ladies at BabyFest and for a company that just launched their website last September they are awesome. So please stop by their website, register, start saving money, come up with things to do with your family and meet some other amazing moms in the 918 area code.

Still praying...

2009-03-25T09:35:00.003-05:00

If you read my last post little Stellan is still in SVT (Supra Ventricular Tachycardia) and they are trying a lot of different drugs to help his little body get back to a normal heart rate. He is fighting hard but the doctors are trying their hardest to get the normal heart rate with medicine before they explore other options. Please keep this family in your prayers as they go through this hard time. We pray that little Stellan has a speeding recovery and his heart heals itself as it did before.

Please Pray for STELLAN.....

2009-03-23T11:00:00.003-05:00

I am sending out a prayer request for baby Stellan, he is in the hospital and very sick right now and can use all the help he can get. If you have been following MckMama you know exactly who I am talking about. This little man is a miracle and now he is very sick and needs prayers to help get him better. So, please send out a prayer fro Stellan and stop by MckMama's blog to check on updates.

Our evening at Centennial Park

2009-03-22T15:16:00.002-05:00

Last week on one of our many nice days we decided to go over to Centennial Park in Owasso to take a few pictures. There isn't very much play equipment but a lot of trails and bridges to cross and the boys loved that. Next time, I believe dad and the boys are going to take their fishing poles which will make for some really great pictures. The water was pretty and I loved the fountain, I can't wait for everything to get green then you know pictures will be pretty.

Introducing.....

2009-03-19T15:01:00.003-05:00

Elijah and Nicolas would like to introduce you to their new cousin Dalton. Little man is now seven weeks old and he is a cutie, so I thought I would share some pictures from last Friday night over at Mimi and Papa's.

Mimi with all three grandsons.

Eli loved holding him and kept checking on him the whole night.

After a minute of holding him, Nic stated "done" and was off to play.

And of course we can't forget Uncle Doug.

Lastly, Aunt Daniele and you know we love babies around here and this little one is an eating machine.

By Christmas this little man will be on the move and what in the world are we going to do with three little boys running around the house. I have a feeling it will be quite noisy and busy, these boys are going to keep us on our toes.

INTRODUCING...DIAPER CAKE DESIGNZ

2009-03-11T16:24:00.004-05:00

Time for the big reveal. As previously posted I have started my own business, it gives me something to do in what little spare time I have and I get to stay home with the boys in the process. So without further ado I am introducing Diaper Cake Designz. It all came about with an idea for a baby shower I was hosting for the boys godmother/Doug's cousin. With Doug's encouragement to start my own business and help from many other valuable family and friends we are launched on the web and all over town. This past Saturday, we had a booth at Baby Fest at the UMAC and it was such a success. I would love to thank my wonderful husband for his support and encouragement and everyone else who has been very supportive and extremely helpful during this process. Without your involvement this could not have happened. So keep us in mind for your next baby shower or baby gift. Our motto is, "affordable, elegant and practical." We do offer free delivery to the Tulsa area and most orders can be delivered the same day if placed by 11 a.m. Outside of the Tulsa area at least five days notice to ensure a timely delivery. If you click on the tab to the right it will take you to our website. Thank you for looking and hope to help you with your baby shower/new baby gift in the future.

Share one must share the other..

2009-03-03T16:43:00.003-06:00

After posting a photo of Nicolas being messing I am posting a picture of Elijah being messy. You just can't post one without sharing about the other. Now both boys reactions to peas were completely different. Eli absolutely hated them, he only ate sweet potatoes and loved fruits and still does to this day. Although on occasion if we get creative we can get him to eat a few vegetables. If you notice the towel behind him in his high chair I was a little protective of that lovely high chair and hated washing the cover all of the time. It got plenty of use with both boys and then they think they are big enough to sit in big boy chairs.

iHeartFaces week 8 - Messy

2009-03-03T16:16:00.003-06:00

This week's category over at iHeartFaces is Messy and as you can see there has never been any way of keeping this boy clean. Nicolas doesn't care if he gets dirty and has never had a problem about dumping his food or drink all over him and anything else surrounding him. This is a picture of him when he was 9 months old eating one of his favorites, Peas. I guess you would call it eating he mainly wore it, so much for clothes without stains we finally started just letting him eat in just his diaper, a lot less laundry that way. Go check out iHeartFaces and enter the contest or just look around at everyone else's adorable photos.

Letter of confusion????

2009-02-25T10:48:00.003-06:00

On Tuesday I received a letter from our Life Insurance Company, this is what it said.

Dear Mrs. .........

Please allow me this opportunity to apologize for the claim letter that was mailed to Mr. ...... This letter was mailed in error and we have corrected our records.

If you have any questions or need additional assistance, please contact our office.

Sincerely,
Diana
Claims Department

Now understand my confusion while reading this knowing who this letter is coming from. We carry life insurance on both of us and with this insurance if something were to happen to either one of us or both then the house would be paid off. So, I set it aside and think nothing more of it until Doug gets home and then ask him about it. Well apparently, when he went to pay the premium the computer was showing no payment and sent to claims. He calls confused and finds out that apparently the insurance company received a death certificate for me and a claim was sent off so that our house would be paid off. So image my surprise when he tells me this. Last I checked I was alive and breathing at least I think I am, there are days that is debatable. Come to find out someone at the insurance office accidentally entered someone else's death certificate under my insurance and Bam, that is the end of me. You would think people would pay closer attention to important things like this. It makes you wonder what are people really doing at work and not paying attention to very important items such as this.

iHeartFaces- week 7

2009-02-25T10:07:00.003-06:00

This is my photo entry for this weeks iHeartFaces contest (iheartfaces.com). I took this picture of Mr. Nicolas on his 2nd birthday, he was showing off his new NASCAR hat big brother Elijah got him. Go on over and look at the great entries that everyone is submitting and even submit one yourself, hurry though the contest entries ends this evening.>

Check yourself..please..

2009-02-23T15:17:00.003-06:00

There is a plethora of information that can be found on the Internet, through your doctor or even at your local library on breast health. I have found a great website called Breathealth.com that can give you a lot of information. I suggest reading the material regardless of how old or healthy you are. Look at me, 29 and having to go to the doctor because of what we hope is benign cysts, this we will hope to find out after my ultrasound. First of, check yourself regularly and if you find something suspicious go to the doctor. Mine sent me for a mammogram, more so uncomfortable than painful, if you can give birth you can handle this with ease. If the mammogram looks fine then you are good to go. In my case they found something (which we already knew) and now I go for an ultrasound to hopefully make sure it is benign, at least that is what the doctor is telling me. If you have had cysts or know someone who has then you know that can be painful, Tylenol does not always work for me. Next, you will go to a surgeon, to have the cysts aspirated and tested to be sure, this can relieve the pressure and pain immediately as well. So, stay on top of it and keep you health in check. We will find out what my next step is after the ultrasound and go from there. Which is going to be enjoying my family and continue to take care of myself and my family.

Need a new Stylist..

2009-02-23T14:31:00.003-06:00

Thursday afternoon I decided it was time for a trim, it had been four months. Who has the time with two little monkeys running circles around me? So, I call my stylist and make an appointment for Friday afternoon. Let's just say don't make a grocery list and not pay attention to what your stylist is doing to your hair. Not only did she trim off more that I wanted her too but she also trimmed my bangs which I loved by the way and had them the length I wanted them to be. So, when I got to the car and looked in the mirror more closely I just cried and vowed to never go there again. This is the second time in a row she has done this and after 4 years of being my stylist, she is FIRED!!! Hubby says my hair looks fine but I know better and will continue to not like it until these stupid short bangs grow back out. So, if anyone out there has a great stylist in Owasso that they wouldn't mind sharing please let me know. I cannot take another bad haircut and need someone good, I don't care what they charge, mine was $50 and that was fine and dandy because I only go every three to four months. Thank goodness for my flat iron otherwise I would not be leaving this house.

Mommy's new item

2009-02-21T13:45:00.003-06:00

That's right ladies and gentlemen, mom can now be on the go and not have to set in the office all day and still get her work done or update her blog. A belated Christmas gift from the most wonderful husband in the world, it was out of stock at Christmas so I opted to wait and found and even better deal somewhere else. My favorite color is red but I chose this beautiful pink and you have got to love all of its features. Now if I could only figure out how to network this one with my home computer and not have to call geek squad, that would just make my day.

Off the face of the planet and back again...

2009-02-15T15:49:00.002-06:00

Things over the past week have been unbelievably crazy. I am in charge the parent in charge of organizing the other parents and getting some donations for Eli's class basket for their auction they will be having at school in less than three weeks. The problem I am having is that only one mom is helping and this is causing me some major stress, to top it off not alot of companies are not really interested in donating items for the auction basket. We are waiting on results from my mammogram. I got a letter saying it was normal but then the nurse called and left a message Friday evening to call first thing Monday morning to talk to the Doctor about something important. Do you worry? Absolutely, I know I have a lot of cysts but now what? Do you aspirate for testing just to make sure or just monitor. This hanging around in the back of your mind in very un-nerving to say the least. To top it off Doug got hurt at work a couple of weeks ago and has been home, he starts physical therapy next week on his back and shoulder. And we think Eli might have a kidney stone, he has all the symptoms that go with it. So things have been just peachy around here and hopefully will get back to normal before to long. I have been working on paperwork and getting things in order for my business and getting things ready for my website, which needs to been done today. And what am I doing? Typing on my blog of course. Better start getting that done so I can start dinner in a little bit. More updates on the last week to come.

Daddy's Birthday

2009-02-05T14:51:00.003-06:00

Last Friday was Doug's birthday and the boys and I decided to take him out to dinner. Our favorite steak place was packed (Logan's Roadhouse), so we decided to head over to Lonestar Steakhouse and it was busy but we had a table in twenty minutes, not too bad. Dinner was good and fast. I am pretty particular about my meat and it has to be burnt for me to even touch it, needless to say I always cut into burgers or steaks to make sure. Well mine as Doug put it was just out of the freezer and still mooing. So I snacked on some fries and the blooming onion we ordered and just told them to box it up so we could take it home. The boys loved their chicken and Doug always gets a filet. We had fun evening and came home and had a great cake (no I did not make it), Italian cream, oh so very delicous.

Opening the picture paintings the boys made him.

Melt in your mouth cake.

When mom is on the computer...

2009-02-05T14:34:00.002-06:00

This is what occurs in my kitchen. All three 'boys' decide to race through my kitchen, dining room and living room back through the other entrance to the kitchen and around the the table in the kitchen to see who is fastest. The little ones can maneuver pretty fast and Dad needs to speed up some more. I am not sure what this means for their future, not sure if I can be a race mom that would be to nerve racking watching them at such I rates of speed. But I can take if for now at least it is in the house and not down the steep hill of a driveway.

After snapping a picture of their racing I decide to get back to my computer, very important I was catching up on reading blogs, my priorities are straight. Anyway, I hear laughing coming from the living room. What do I do? Go in there to look no, I grab my camera first and walk down the hall. This is what I find. Yes that is what you see.. Nic and Daddy standing on the coffee table getting ready to jump onto the couch and Eli landing. Now maybe it is me but I always tell them not to stand on the furniture but I guess the rules don't apply when Daddy is playing too.

Photo Tag...

2009-02-02T11:18:00.004-06:00

I have a photo tag from Melinda where you are supposed to share the fourth picture out of the fourth folder on your computer. And I found this picture of Eli just a few weeks old, yes that is a full head of hair, he needed a haircut the moment he was born. No it did not ever fall out and yes I did have heartburn so very bad, Tums was my best friend during his pregnancy. This explains why we have to get a haircut about every two weeks with him. He has always been so alert and would hardly ever take a nap but he is like me, he is ready to go as soon as he wakes up. Nic on the other hand is like Doug, they could sleep all day and it takes them forever to get around.

So now I am suppose to tag four other people and I choose:

6 Happy Hearts
It's not Megan it's Megan
Mom 4 Him
From Chaos to Grace...

I look forward to seeing your picture ladies!!

Love these awards!!

2009-02-02T10:41:00.002-06:00

I received this award from 6 Happy Hearts she shares her love of the Lord and I love reading the scriptures and lovely thoughts she shares. So stop on by and say "Hi".

There is a "rule" with this award. What's that saying, "rules are made to be broken"?!I'll stick w/this rule I guess??I'm supposed to tell you 7 things about myself.I'm going for random here people...

1. I too love wearing socks to bed as well but they never seem to be on in the morning.

2. I give myself a mini pedicure before I go get a pedicure, crazy I know!

3. I want at least one more child to add to our family.

4. I only drink water, except for the occasional mocha frappuchino, call me healthy.

5. I do not drink alcohol, it is just plain gross.

6. I am starting my own business, nerve racking but fun and everyone will know soon, I promise.

7. I always tell my family I love them, regardless if I am upset with them, they deserve to know how much they are loved.

So with that I pass this award on to some lovely ladies who also share their lives.

No Small Thing

Mom 4 Him

It's not Megan it's Megan

Our Peculiar Life

From Chaos to Grace...

Moms are for everyone!

The Heart of Life

Such a lovely award..

2009-02-02T09:45:00.002-06:00

My high school friend Megan at It's not Megan it's Megan has bestowed a wonderful award on little ol' me. And I thank her very much. I have some good pictures of us from high school but I will wait to share those another time. It is such an honor to receive this award and it means so much. Who knew sharing my thoughts about everyday life would make other people laugh sometimes. Megan shares everything in her life, her love of the Lord, family and photography. If you haven't read here blog stop on by because her posts can make you laugh and cry at the same time.

I can hear the boys laughing so I better go check on them, which usually means they are up to no good. Either climbing on furniture or making a mess with all their toys. So I am supposed to bestow this on three lovely bloggers and it is such a hard decision so here it goes:

Dana at From chaos to Grace... she shares her everyday tribulations and love of the Lord and she is such a wonderful photographer.

Melinda at Bloggin' it from the 'Burbs who shares everything about her boys, great recipes and great photographs.

Emily at The Heart of Life she is down right hilarious mixed in with a little sarcasm every now and then and her adventures with her kiddos are fun to read about.

So there you go ladies and fun and enjoy your award. Now I better go check on those monkeys before they tear everything up.

Happy Birthday to the Man I Love!!

2009-01-30T16:39:00.003-06:00

Happy Birthday Honey!! Hope you have enjoyed your day so far and know that we love you so very much! I would like to tell you a few reasons as to why I love you so much, I would be here all night if I starting typing every single reason you are such a wonderful person. Your a such a wonderful and loving husband to me and I couldn't ask for more than your love alone. Our boys have the best father in the world, you would do anything for our little monkeys and everyone knows that. You are such a great provider for our family and you are our rock whenever we need you. Your love for the Lord astounds me and we are showing our boys how great the Lord's love is by our example. When you set your mind to do something you never give up, you keep at it until it is complete and just how you want it. You care about others and will help anytime someone asks you to do something no matter what that may be. These are just a few reasons why I love you and I am so glad we have each other. So, I hope you enjoy your Birthday and always remember how much we love you.

Father's Day 2008

Our First Dance at our Wedding
"Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor." Ecclesiastes 4:9

Watching Eli at his school feast

Father/Son look- a- like contest 2006

"I am my beloveds, and my beloved is mine." Song of Solomon 6:3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER!!!!

Loving the snow

2009-01-29T19:19:00.002-06:00

The boys and I decided to go outside for a little bit yesterday morning and they loved every minute of it. They got so mad when I made them come back in even though you could tell they were freezing. No school again today, although not quite sure why not our roads were perfectly fine. We were all starting to get a little stir crazy around here, thank goodness this mess is melting.

Throwing a snowball at his bubba.

Cheesing it up in the middle of his snowball fight.

Attempting to make a snowman.

Taking a walk down the street.

The long walk up the driveway, all we needed was a sled.

iheart faces-Week 3

2009-01-28T11:18:00.003-06:00

Week 3's focus is on joy and for the life of me can not really seem to find any of the boys just laughing hysterically, they are pretty much smiling in every single on of them. But I did find this one of Nic (not eating) on Christmas morning when he is going through his stocking. Who knew life saver gummies and a Happy Feet DVD from Santa would make a two year old's day? Way to go Santa!!!! So if you are interested go over to their website and enter the contest, it ends today and look at all the other pictures everyone has posted, they are so great.

Bye Bye Crib...Hello Big Boy Bed!

2009-01-23T16:00:00.004-06:00

Little man has been climbing out of his crib for a few months and finally last night we decided to put together Eli's old toddler bed and take down the crib (who now has a Cars wooden bed). I swear I started to get all teary eyed as we carried it out of his room. This is the first time we haven't had a crib up in 4 1/2 years. We moved Eli into the toddler bed a few months before Nic was born so we could use the crib. Horrible right? He actually didn't seem to mind that much. So last night we figured it was high time to get the toddler bed out so little man doesn't get caught and possibly break his neck getting out of bed. He did surprisingly well, only got up a couple of times after being put to bed. They grow up so fast and before you know it they will be teenagers. I am not going to get all sad on you because hopefully we will be using that crib one more time, in the future. Oh yeah, I will be doing a give away in the near future. This mommy is starting her own business at home and loving it. I will let you know more details soon, I am still working out a few things to get it organized. So wish me luck and I know all of you will love it too!!!

Grape Juice Stain

2009-01-21T22:14:00.003-06:00

First of let me start off by telling you that I love The Children's Place, it is by far one of my favorite children's stores to go to. You know when those cashiers see my husband and I walk in they start salivating at the mouth. Thinking they are going to drop big bucks and you can just see the drool flowing when they see our boys with us. No joke we go in at least every season for new clothes, these boys grow so fast it is unreal and well let's just say their mommy likes to shop for them and keeps them in style. Yes, I know they are only 4 and 2 but they are going to look good at it. I by play clothes and then there are those we wear to church/school, just admit it I am not the only one out there who does it. And if I am then call me crazy and send me loony bin. Doug always thanks the Lord because if we had girls he knows he would be in trouble and working forever. I always complain about never have very many choices of places to buy things for boys or maybe I am just picky. I have often wondered out loud about opening a store just for boys because I know I am not the only one out there in this very situation. OK, even of about that and what I really wanted to post about.

On Sunday, I take the boys and drop them of in the 4 and under class at church just like I do every week. Mr. Nic is wearing a shirt just like the one I posted of Eli in the previous post (I tend to buy them some of the same dress shirts). Well after church I go in to pick the boys up and I notice Nic has purple spots all over his shirt, wondering out loud I ask him what that it. He responds, "Grape juice." I am thinking to myself, oh how lovely and I have no spot treater or stain remover at home how in the world am I going to get this out. He had multiple big and little spots down the front of his shirt and on the right sleeve. Hello, two year olds and grape juice do not mix that well! I have spill proof cups at home and they do not at church, just might have to get some for them. Anyway, I rack my brain trying to figure out how am I getting this out. Baking soda? Peroxide? No, that might fade the stripes, possibly? So, I google grape stains and peroxide was an answer but so was boiling water. I am thinking how is boiling water going to get out all of this? But low and behold 3 pans of boiling water later and we have no grape stains on that very handsome shirt and it looks good as new. You have got to love Google and everything you can find with it. Dilemma solved until next time.

iHeartFaces : Week 2 Category

2009-01-21T21:57:00.006-06:00

I just entered the week 2 category 'Anything Goes'. I took this pic of our little man at his Christmas program for school, it was just too adorable (but I am a little biased).

Working on this for a while...

2009-01-19T15:03:00.004-06:00

Have you every questioned your faith, your beliefs? During a time of tragedy or while you were in a relationship? At some point in time everyone has had a sliver of doubt or questioned to themselves, why me. What do you do? How do you handle it? Some may runaway and hide, others will question over and over what they have done wrong. What should you do in a time of doubt? Call a friend to talk or sulk alone, this is not the answer. How about picking up your Bible and reading it? There are people who would not even think about reading the Bible and why not? All you have to do is open it and you can find reference to someone doubting or questioning their faith. But do they give up? The answer is no. Why should you question yourself and what has happened? The Lord loves you no matter what, through thick and thin just don't ever stop believing in the Lord. It is human nature to have questions and doubt and it has been since the beginning of time, when Eve ate the forbidden fruit, Genesis 3:5. No I am not perfect and I have had doubt before and have even questioned my faith, but I always get pulled back to my Bible and my trust in the Lord that I will be taken care of. How about another reference from the Bible, when Thomas doubted that Jesus had appeared to the other disciples, in John 20:24-29.

Now Thomas, one on the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord."
A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among then and said, "Peace be with you!" Then he said to Thomas, "Put you finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Thomas said to him, "My Lord and My God!"
Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."

This passage just goes to show, don't ever give up or stop believing. The Lord works in mysterious ways and you will find your way.

I have been thinking about this for a while and wasn't quite sure how to share what I wanted to say. So I hope this will help someone who is feeling down or who may be questioning an occurrence in their life.

Doug and I have taken up a resolution together or we are at least reading at the same time every night together. We decided it was high time to read the Bible throughout in a year, it can be done. I have tried many times and have never gotten all the way through. Well it is day 19 and we are doing great, I know a few other moms who are also doing this and it is wonderful. We didn't go out and by a book, we have another source and we are not reading it straight through. We are actually following a plan made up by Will Rogers United Methodist Church. Doug's uncle is the Senior Pastor there and we love him, he also officiated our marriage, thank you very much Uncle David. Each day has particular chapters to read and it keeps you focused and I feel as if you actually learn more this way. It is not a huge amount to read and takes anywhere from 15-20 minutes, if that. So I encourage you to join us and it will not take long to catch up either and before long you could jump ahead because sometimes it is hard to put the Bible down when you want to keep reading and find out more.

Social Networking..Does it make you a bad parent?

2009-01-17T14:49:00.004-06:00

I just read an interesting headline on AOL so I thought I would click on it and read it. I posted it to share with everyone. I don't agree with some of the people's comments on there (a few are mean and extremely rude). I personally love my blog and have met some great moms through it and wouldn't trade it for anything. But there are always a few people out there that always like to bring someone down, well it is not working. I know I am a great mom and would do anything for my family and people being ignorant and pigheaded not to mention simpleminded need to go stick there head back in the sand. Just thought I would share with you to see if you found the article and comments interesting.

http://www.parentdish.com/2009/01/13/facebook-does-it-make-you-a-bad-mom/?icid=200100397x1217449418x1201118737

Crock pot dinners..

2009-01-15T15:29:00.004-06:00

For those of you who love using your crock pot, below is a list of many meals and even desserts. To get the recipe you just click on the link and it will take you to it. A special thank you to my mother-in-law for shooting me the email. So please enjoy!!

Crock Pot Cooking

Crock Pot - Beef
All Day Crock Pot Beef
Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
Beef and Pasta Casserole
Beef Diablo
Beef Fajitas
Beef Ragout Over Rice
Beef Tips
Beer Braised Beef in Crock Pot
Burritos Crock Pot Style
California Tamale Pie
Cattleman's Beef and Beans
Cheeseburger Sandwiches
Cheesy Meat Loaf
Chili Beer Brisket of Beef
Classic Swiss Steak
Complete Crock Pot Dinner
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Country Swiss Steak
Cowboy Casserole
Cranberry Pork Roast
Crock Pot Beef Burgundy
Crock Pot Beef 'n Peppers
Crock Pot Beef with Mushrooms
Crock Pot Beef Roast
Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls
Crock Pot Corned Beef and Cabbage
Crock Pot Creole Steak Strips
Crock Pot Delight
Crock Pot Easy Swiss Steak
Crock Pot Enchiladas
Crock Pot Fajitas
Crock Pot Fajitas II
Crock Pot Italian Beef
Crock Pot Meatballs
Crock Pot Rump Roast
Crock Pot Sauerbraten
Crock Pot Spaghetti Sauce
Crock Pot Swiss Steak
Crock Pot Taco Casserole
Fiesta Tamale Pie
Glazed Corned Beef
Glazed Corned Beef #2
Harvest Dinner
Harvest Pot Roast with Tomato-Wine Sauce
Hot-and-Spicy Sloppy Joes
Lean Crock Pot Beans
Nina's Beef and Beans
Pot Roast Dinner
Old Time Beef Stew
Pot Roast with Noodles
Ranch Style Beef
Reuben Casserole
Roast Cooked with Coke
Roast with Veggies
Sage Pot Roast
Salsa Swiss Steak
Savory Pepper Steak
Savory Stewed Beef
Slow-Cooked Beef Stifado
Slow Cooked Pepper Steak
Slow Cooked Steak Rolls
Slow Cooked Swiss Steak Supper
Slow Cooker Italian Spaghetti Sauce
Slow Cooker Lasagna
Slow Cooker Swiss Steak
Slowly Deviled Beef
Smothered Steak Strips
Spaghetti Sauce Italiano
Spicy Wine Pot Roast
Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Swiss Bliss
Swiss Steak
Teriyaki Steak
Three Pepper Steak
Three-Way Beef
Yankee Pot Roast and Vegetables

Crock Pot - Pork
Casserole in the Cooker
Chicken Lickin Good Crock Pot Pork Chops
Chinese Style Country Ribs
Country Pork with Mushrooms
Cranberry Pork Roast
Crockpot Apricot Pulled Pork for Sandwiches
Crock Pot Festival Sausage
Crock Pot Hawaiian Pork
Crock Pot Pork Chops Supreme
Crock Pot Sausage & Potatoes
Crock Pot Sausage and Egg Casserole
Crocked Cherry Pork Chops
Polish Kraut and Apples
Pork Chop Delight
Pork Chops and Mustard Sauce Potatoes
Pork Chops with Corn Stuffing
Pork Stew with Vegetables
Rosemary Potato Pork Chops
Sauerkraut Supper
Slow Cooking Pork Chops
Soy-Glazed Spareribs
Super Easy Pork Chops
Sweet and Spicy Kielbasa or Polish Sausage
Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs
Sweet 'N' Sour Sausage

Crock Pot - Poultry
90s Style Crockpot Coq Au Vin
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Baked Cajun Chicken
Baked Chicken Breasts in Crock Pot
Basil Chicken
Broccoli Rice & Chicken
Caf?? Chicken
Cantonese Sweet & Sour Chicken
Caribbean Chicken
Cheesy Crock Pot Chicken
Chicken & Cherries Jubilee
Chicken a la King
Chicken and Cherries Jubilee C/P
Chicken & Rice Casserole
Chicken and Artichoke Casserole
Chicken and Dumplings
Chicken Breasts Supreme
Chicken Creole
Chicken Crock Pie
Chicken Curry
Chicken Curry #2
Chicken Curry Hurry
Chicken Hearts Crockpot
Chicken in the Crock Pot
Chicken Marengo
Chicken Merlot with Mushrooms
Chicken Ol??
Chicken Paprika
Chicken Parisienne
Chicken Parmigiana
Chicken Sesame
Chicken Stew
Chicken Stroganoff in Crock Pot
Chicken Taco Filling
Creamy Chicken with Vegetables
Crockpot Buffalo Wings with Blue Cheese Dip
Crock Pot Chicken
Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore
Crock Pot Chicken Dinner
Crock Pot Chicken in Mushroom Gravy
Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla
Crock Pot Garlic Chicken
Crock Pot Lacquered Chicken
Crock Pot Robust Chicken
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Forty-clove Chicken
Garlic Lemon Chicken
Ham 'n' Swiss Chicken
International Chicken
Italian Chicken and Potatoes
Italian Chicken Breast
Lemonemonade Chicken
Lemony Roasted Chicken
Lo-Cal Crock Pot Chicken
Low-Fat Glazed Chicken in Crock Pot
Mama's Chicken Stew
Pat's Creamy Chicken
Portugese Garlic Chicken
Turkey Casserole
Turkey Rice South with Tomatoes
Working Woman's Chicken and Rice

Crock Pot - Fish & Seafood
Bayou Gumbo
Bouillabaisse
Cheese-Shrimp Chowder
Cioppino (Fisherman's Stew)
Crock Pot Bouillabaisse
Crock Pot Citrus Fish
Crock Pot Clam Chowder
Crock Pot Clam Chowder #2
Crock Pot Crab Soup
Crock Pot Fish Stew
Crock Pot Manhattan Style Clam Chowder
Crock Pot Shrimp Marinara
Jambalaya
Louisiana Gumbo
Mediterranean Fish Soup
No Clams Clam Chowder
Oyster Bisque
Seafood Naples
Shrimp Creole for the Crock Pot
Shrimp Creole
Shrimp Curry Macaroni Salad
Slow Cooker Seafood Chowder
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Swiss Crab Casserole
Tuna Casserole
Tuna Noodle Casserole

Crock Pot - Soup, Stew & Chili
Barley Soup
Bean Soup for the Crock Pot
Bean Soup Italiano
Beef-Barley Stew
Beef Chowder
Beef Ragout
Black Bean Chili with Beef
Busy Day Stew
Calico Ham and Bean Soup
Chicken and Vegetable Chowder
Chicken Vegetable Chowder
Chili
Chili con Queso
Confetti Yellow Pea Soup
Cowboy Sausage & Beans
Crock Pot Bean Soup
Crock Pot Beef Barley Soup
Crock Pot Beef Stew
Crock Pot Beef Stew #2
Crock Pot Beef Stew #3
Crock Pot Beef Vegetable Soup
Crock Pot Chicken Corn Soup
Crock Pot Chowder
Crock Pot Broccoli Soup
Crock Pot Chili
Crock Pot Chili #2
Crock Pot Cock 'n Bull Stew
Crock Pot Corn Chowder
Crock Pot Dumpling Soup
Crock Pot French Onion Soup
Crock Pot Hamburger Soup
Crock Pot Hearty Beef Stew
Crock Pot Homemade Chicken Soup
Crock Pot Onion Soup
Crock Pot Potato Soup
Crock Pot Split Pea Soup
Crock Pot Stew
Crock Pot Wild Rice Soup
Debbie's Potato Soup
Easy Crock Pot Chili
Favorite Beef Stew
Greek Beef Stew
Healthy Chili in Crock Pot
Hearty Bean Soup
Italian Bean Soup
Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup
Jolene's Chili
Lentils & Vegetable Stew
Low-Fat Potato Soup
Minestrone Soup from the Crock Pot
Navy Bean Bacon Chowder
Polish Hunter Soup
Pork Chop Stew
Possum Lodge Firehouse Chili
Potato and Mushroom Chowder
Ranch Style Stew
Red Beans, Barley & Sausage Stew
Slow Cooked Texas Stew
Slow Cooked Two Meat Chili
Slow Cooked Tex-Mex Chili
Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Soup
Slow Cooker Mexican Beef Stew
Southwest Stew
Southwestern Corn Chowder
Southwestern Chicken and Bean Stew
Spicy Black and Red Bean Soup
Spicy Cajun Gumbo
Taco Soup
Tex-Mex Chili
Tomato-Bean Stew
Tortilla Soup
Vegetable Barley Soup
Vegetable Beef Barley Soup
Vegetable Gumbo
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
Waldorf Astoria Stew

Crock Pot - Barbeque
B-B-Q Beef
BBQ Chicken in a Crock Pot
Barbecue Crockpot Meatballs
Barbecued Beef
Barbecued Beef
Barbecued Beef 'N Beans
Barbecue Beef Sandwiches
Barbecued Meat Loaf
Barbecued Pot Roast
Barbequed Spareribs
Crock Pot Barbeque
Crock Pot Barbecue Chicken
Crock Pot Barbecued Beef and Beans
Crock Pot Barbecued Pork and Beans
Crock Pot Bar-B-Que Beef
Crock Pot BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Crock Pot Pork Barbecue
Crockpot Pork Barbecue
Crockery Cooker Barbecued Ribs
Marinated Barbecue Brisket
Pulled Pork with Root Beer Barbecue Sauce

Crock Pot - Side Dishes
Aztec Black Beans
Barley with Mushrooms & Green Onions
Bean and Cornbread Casserole
Bean Pot Medley
Bean Ragout with Cilantro-Cornmeal Dumplings
Best Crock Pot Beans
Bourbon Baked Beans
California Rice
Cavatini
Cheese and Potato Casserole
Cheesy Creamed Corn
Chuck Wagon Beans
Corn, Ham and Potato Scallop
Cottage Potatoes
Cowboy Beans
Creamy Green Beans
Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
Creole Black Beans
Crock Pot Baked Beans
Crock Pot Beans
Crockpot Boston Baked Beans
Crock Pot Casserole
Crock Pot Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole
Crock Pot Cheese Potatoes
Crock Pot Corn
Crock Pot German Potato Salad
Crock Pot Mexican Dish
Crock Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Crock Pot Spanish Rice
Crock Pot Tijuana Pie
Double Squash Combo
Enchanted Beans
Frijoles (Pinto Beans)
Frijoles Borrachos
Herbed Squash AuGratin
Layered Dinner
Mexican Red Beans
Mormon Beans
No-Fuss Party Potatoes
Pineapple Baked Beans
Pizza Beans
Potatoes Au Gratin
Prysnac Serbia (Broccoli Casserole)
Rice
Risi Bisi
Saucy Green Peas with Onions
Scalloped Corn
Slow Cooker Oven Bean Salad
Spanish Rice
Spinach Souffle in a Crockpot
Sunshine Bean Casserole
Thelma's Beans
Vegetable Casserole
Vegetable Enchilada
Vegetable Spaghetti
Wild Rice Casserole
Zucchini Parmigiana

Crock Pot - Dessert
Apple Brown Betty
Apple Cranberry Dessert
Apple Granola Dessert
Apple Pecan Bread Pudding
Baked Apples
Baked Stuffed Apples
Banana Walnut Loaf - Crock Pot
Blueberry Grunt
Bread Pudding
Bumbleberry Cobbler
Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
Chocolate Pudding Cake
Crock Pot Apple Cobbler
Crock Pot Baked Apples
Crock Pot Baked Stuffed Apples
Crock Pot Bread Pudding
Crock Pot Curried Fruit Bake
Crock Pot Peach Cobbler
Dessert Delight
English Bread Pudding
Fruit & Nut Baked Apples
Home-Style Bread Pudding
Hot Fruit Dessert
Indian Pudding
Old Fashioned Rice Pudding in Crock Pot
Pina Colada Bread Pudding
Pumpkin-Date Pudding
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
Pumpkin Pudding
Raisin Bread Pudding
Rice Pudding with Bourbon
Rice Pudding with Fruit
Slow Cooked "That's Good Peaches"
Streusel Pound Cake - Crock Pot
Triple Chocolate Mess

Crock Pot - Miscellaneous
Butter Mints
Cocktail Meatballs
Crock Pot Apple Brandy Brew
Crock Pot Apple Butter
Crock Pot Apple Butter
Crock Pot Applesauce
Crock Pot Banana Bread
Crock Pot Peach or Apricot Butter
Crock Pot Pumpkin Bread
Crock Pot Spiced Rum Cider
Crock Pot Spinach Dip
Crock Pot Tropical Tea Warmer
Homemade Hot Dog Sauce
Honey Wheat Bread
Hot Buttered Punch
Hot Mulled Cider
Hot Spinach Dip
Meatless Sloppy Joes
Monterey Spaghetti
Pat's Crock Pot Apple Butter
Pumpkin Tea Bread
Slow Cooked Pizza in a Pot
Slow Cooker Rosemary or Basil Infused Oil
Spicy Sausage Pizza Dip
Tex-Mex Cheese Dip
Tuscan Pasta
Wassail

Winter Wonderland...

2009-01-15T14:46:00.002-06:00

This is the wonderful sight we woke up to this morning. I love snow but I am not about to get out in this freezing weather to let the boys play, so this is about as close as we are getting to this beautiful weather.

Making sure the dogs have plenty of water.

They had to look out every single window to make sure the snow was all over the place. It just broke their hearts when I told them it was to cold to play in it. They just do not understand that when it feels like 1 degree outside you are going to freeze your little bum off. Maybe the next time it snows it will not so darn cold because I love to play in it and can't wait let the boys go down a sled on our driveway.

Toddler Fashion Statement

2009-01-15T14:37:00.002-06:00

If you didn't get the memo, toddlers of today are now following the fashion sense of those who do not know how to keep there pants up. Apparently, Nic seems to think it is funny to run around with his little diapered butt hanging out of his pants. Regardless of how many times he is told to pull up his pants or I will fix them five minutes later his little butt makes its appearance again. All I can say at least we are not seeing his plumber's crack, for now that is.

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-01-15T10:39:00.001-06:00

The Lunch Date Blouse GIVEAWAY!!!!

Love this blouse! She has such creative talent and I sure hope I win! Check out her blog, especially if you have a little girl you will love everything she has made and now you can buy her creations from her store.

Things are on the upswing..

2009-01-15T10:11:00.003-06:00

Sorry no posts for a while, hubby has been hogging the computer, he has been off since Friday and we have been taking care of Eli and a ton of other things that need to be done. I am happy to report the surgery went well and he is slowly starting to feel better. We kept him home from school this week just to let him relax and of course his throat is hurting. At the hospital we had a little trouble getting him to take his medicine and finally had to make him, it made him relax enough they were able to pull him in a wagon to surgery (very cute idea by the way). The doctor said everything went well, except right before it started Eli got a little startled and began to realize we were not there. His adenoids were very swollen and I am glad he doesn't have to deal with those nasty things anymore. We can home later that morning and he slept for a few hours and then was up and wanting to eat, if this keeps up I don't know how we are going to keep the pantry and refrigerator stocked with food! We have had some trouble with him taking his antibiotic or even Tylenol for that matter because he is scared and doesn't understand it will help him. But who wouldn't be after all that? He looks like he is starting to feel much better and has gotten a lot of rest over the last few days and things are beginning to feel normal again. Thank you everyone for thinking about us, we really appreciate it.

Surgery in the morning

2009-01-11T22:35:00.002-06:00

Mr. Eli is having his adenoids out in the morning and getting tubes in his ears. The last few days have been a little crazy, getting things at the grocery store and making sure the house is clean and the laundry done (don't want to do this when we get home). Friday afternoon we went to the hospital for pre-op stuff and he kept asking if he was getting a shot. Poor little guy. We keep telling him the doctor is going to put little bitty tubes in his ears so that he can hear better and not have any yucky ear infections. He seems okay with this explanation, we will see how tomorrow morning goes, I think he will be fine (mom has some anxiety) we will be with him up until they walk through the door for the procedure. It only takes about thirty minutes and then recovery for a little while and we can come home. His surgery is at 7:45 and we have to be there at 6:15, so it is going to be a very long day tomorrow. I will let everyone know how it went, maybe tomorrow, if not I will on Tuesday.

Ladies Prepare Yourself...

2009-01-07T21:34:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow apparently is National Bubble Bath Day, so why not relax after the kids are in bed? It does after all have its very own day, so take advantage of it. Bring out the great smelling candles and pour a glass of your favorite drink, whatever that may be, I love sparkling cider not really a wine or champagne person, then take a few moments for yourself. I know, not many of us have the time to take for ourselves even after the kids are in bed, there is always something to do like laundry, dishes or even getting ready for the next day. But with its own day you now have a reason. So enjoy!!!

Daddy & Papa's Little Helpers

2009-01-06T15:12:00.003-06:00

Last week the boys were Daddy and Papa's helpers in putting the wall mount up for Daddy's Christmas present. They were so excited even before it was time, they had put their toolboxes in the living room before bed so they could help the next day. The next morning about every thirty minutes the boys would ask if Mimi and Papa were on there way yet. Eli even asked if they were done brushing their teeth, because that means it is time to get the day started, wise little man for such a young age. Once all the measuring and drilling into the wall was done they were able to help Daddy use the socket wrench to tighten the bolts on the mount. They were such good little helpers.

Boys Idea of Getting Ready

2009-01-05T15:29:00.002-06:00

Doug needed to go out the other night to get a wall mount for his new Christmas present and the boys wanted to go. So I tell them to get ready to leave and what happens? Eli starts acting goofy and decides to have a little dance party because he knows that if he gets to go with daddy he will most likely get something. Sure enough he did. Nic on the other hand likes to take his clothes off throughout the day and it is so hard to keep them on him. So he decides to grab his flip flops and is ready only wearing his diaper, it was about 40 degrees outside. But hey, he gets his flip flop love from his mommy and so does Eli.

I have an addiction...

2009-01-04T14:32:00.002-06:00

Bet that title got your attention. Not really a bad addiction but an indulgent one that I must have a least once a week and sometimes two. I usually only indulge after I drop Eli off at preschool on Tuesday's and Thursday's or before depending on how much time we have. I guess you would call it an addiction although I could live without it and really don't have cravings for it, unlike my hubby who cannot live without his Dr. Pepper, I think he goes into withdraws if there is not any in the house. The great wife that I am always obliges by picking some up at the grocery store and every time Nic sees him he runs to the fridge to bring him one, now if that isn't something. Anyway, back to my addiction, depending on the weather outside I either get a Mocha frappuccino or cappuccino (with whip cream and sprinkles), I said it was indulgent. There isn't a Starbucks in Claremore anymore but there is this Cappuccino store that makes all their drinks with Starbucks items or if I am in Owasso I will go to Starbucks there, both are absolutely delicious. On New Year's Day, during Nic's naptime, Eli and I had a few things to get a Target (he wanted to use his gift card), I promised him an Icee, good mom I know, so I figure I will get my mocha frappuccino while I shop, so glad I did and Eli made sure to tell Daddy we had our coffee at Target. So while I am waiting for my drink I am looking around and notice a can of Mocha Powder where you can make your own cappuccino or hot cocoa at home. They only sell this around Christmas and I didn't indulge, I must be crazy, and the fact I have no clue as how to grind espresso beans nor the fact that I do not own an espresso machine or cappuccino machine. But like I said I only drink these one to two times a week and the rest of the time I have my trusty bottle of water, so why waste the money on all these things when I can have someone that knows how to do it for me for $4.00. So if you love anything with Mocha in it you better hurry out to your nearest Starbucks because they probably will not have them for long and enjoy!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-02T00:23:00.001-06:00

I would like to tell everyone Happy New Year and hope you celebrated safely. We stayed home, our night out was the evening before. But it is fun to watch the ball drop on T.V. and be home safe and sound in your pajamas even though you are so tired and can hardly stay awake, I had fun celebrating with my hubby, he is such a wonderful man. Who would want to be anywhere else? I must be getting old, right? So not okay, I tell Doug we are not old and I will not consider us old until we are eighty. Fair enough or at least I think so, that gives me fifty-one years before I am old, so on New Year's Eve 2059, I hope everyone can still join me in a celebration although we will all probably be asleep by 5:30 p.m.

With the new year upon us I have been thinking back at all the things that has happened over the last year. The boys are growing up and changing so fast it is completely unbelievable they are 4 and 2 now. Eli started preschool and loves it, he has been slowly breaking out of his shell. Nic loves spending alone time with mommy and daddy even if it is only for a few hours a couple of days a week. Doug has been working a lot and we love him for it, he always puts the needs of his family before himself. We have grown closer to the Lord as a family. The boys have become more involved in our prayers during meals and at bedtime, they can even recite their Bible stories to us. We are blessed to have a roof over our head, food to eat and the Lord in our hearts everyday of our life.

Blogging has become an outlet for me and I have met quite a few people and enjoy every minute of it. Thank you everyone! I am not one to really make resolutions but we know what we want and how to accomplish it. Doug and I have decided to try and go out more, we realized how much we missed it on our anniversary. Guide our boys as they grow to become even stronger "Little Men of God". Give and help those as we can even if it is something little, every little thing counts. I am going to try and read the Bible in a year, it can be done with patience and prayer. Just to live life and love every moment of it because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

So much for not really doing resolutions, huh, guess I made myself a little list anyway. I hope that everyone had a great New Year's Eve and Day and I look forward to reading your blogs this upcoming year.

Surgery in our future

2008-12-31T19:48:00.002-06:00

In less than two weeks, January 12th, Eli will be having surgery. Prayers please. After we loaded up the boys in separate cars this afternoon, I took Eli to the Ear Nose & Throat doctor, Doug brought Nic home for his nap. When you push and push your pediatrician to do something about the constant ear infections after two years it was time for a change. We decided to switch pediatricians last month and our new one immediately referred him to the ENT. When we arrived Eli had to do a few tests with the audiologists and when you are setting there watching your child take a hearing test and notice he isn't hearing some of the beeps and whistles your heart starts to sink a little. We go back out to the waiting room and I call Doug and tell him and we wait to see the doctor. Next is the doctor and he tells me what I have already figured out Eli doesn't hear very well in his right ear (because of fluid build up) and in his left he hears perfectly. We have noticed he has been talking a little louder and now we know why, he can't hear as well in one ear. The solution is to take out his adenoids and put tubes in his ears and this will fix the problem. So early on the 12th we will take Eli in for a simple surgery that is supposed to take about 30 minutes and be able to bring home later that morning. Just thinking about it makes my stomach knot up but it is the right thing to do and what he needs to get rid of these pesky ear infections. Sometimes you just have to follow your parental instincts and do what you think is best even when your doctor doesn't agree with you.

Anniversary Celebration..

2008-12-31T18:26:00.003-06:00

With our Anniversary being yesterday, my husband made plans weeks ago without including me in them, but I found out anyway. How do you ask? Well for one you have to schedule a babysitter (i.e. Mimi & Papa or Mama) to watch the boys. So I ask what time so that I can call to see if one can watch the boys and put them to bed or we go out earlier in the day so we can pick the boys up and bring them home to bed. A few weeks ago apparently this was already handled, without my knowledge. I was informed to not worry just have things ready so the boys can spend the night at their Mimi & Papa's. What did I do? When those words were uttered I felt like my heart dropped into my stomach and then my stomach started twisting and turning in knots. Let's just say I have never spent the night away from my children, except to be in the hospital two nights when Nic was born. That's right, over four years and I have only been away from Eli while he was at Mimi & Papa's (I worried the whole time). It's a mother thing, yes we have gone out before on our Anniversary and Valentine's Day but never over night. But never fear Dad had it planned out, we would stay in town at a hotel and if the boys needed us we would go over there. Easier said than done it still took me some time to get used to the idea but all is well. We loaded up the boys (Eli's mattress from his bed with his pillow and blanket & Nic with the portable crib with pillow and blanket), their pajamas, toothbrushes, nightlights, toys and a change of clothes. I stopped and got them dinner on the way, dropped them off, left my car with the car seats and we were off.

We enjoyed a great meal at Polo Grill (if you have never been you definitely need to try it), our favorite for our Anniversary and Valentine's Day that is the only time we go there, between appetizers, salad and entree it can get very expensive. I enjoyed the tomato bisque and facasia bread, Caesar salad and new york strip with Yukon gold potatoes (always take your appetite). Doug had the same except for entree and he had the surf and turf (a Filet with lobster tail), he loves it. I do not do fish, so the only time he gets it is when we go out. We had a great tea, I am thinking they said it was call a passion fruit tea, delicious. Afterwards we went and checked into the hotel and called the boys to talk to them and tell them goodnight, mommy was still doing okay. We then went to a movie (Marley & Me), it was such a great movie, be sure to take you Kleenex you will need them, there was not a dry eye in the house. I am glad to say I slept good and didn't worry as much as I thought I would. The boys ate breakfast with their Mimi & Papa and we brought them lunch and loaded everything up to come home and mom and dad decided to do this again, you need a break every now and then.

Happy 8th Anniversary Honey!!!!

2008-12-30T11:08:00.005-06:00

Who would have thought that when we went on our first date (March 2, 2000) that we would be getting married 9 1/2 months later? You walked into my life and I was completely head over heels from the start. To express how much I love you would be impossible but I try everyday and our love has grown even stronger as each day passes. Knowing that I have you to fall back on when things don't always go the way we want makes me a stronger person, your love is all I need to get me through the day. The most important thing you could have ever given me is your love and our love has brought two wonderful boys into our lives, the most precious gift we could ever receive. I have enjoyed the last eight years and I look forward to the future because without you I am not complete.

Through eight wonderful years we have experienced so much and I can't wait to see what our future together holds. As we walk hand in hand through our journey in life all we need is Faith, Hope and Love and I love this wonderful life with you.

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13

Flashback Friday.... on Monday?

2008-12-29T00:22:00.004-06:00

Because the last week has been crazy I didn't get to post my Flashback Friday pictures, the theme is still Christmas so I decided to post a few of the boys from last year. It is amazing how much they change in such a short time.

Behind on Blog..

2008-12-29T00:08:00.002-06:00

It has be one long and hectic week as I am sure with everyone else, so glad to see I am not the only one. The earlier post is pictures from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day of the boys having a blast, thought you might enjoy (to listen to the song along with the slide show you will need to pause or lower the volume of my music player at the bottom of the page). I hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoyed time with family and friends. We have had such a good time so far and are staying so busy with Daddy at home on vacation. We did go see Rhema lights last night and it was so very cold for our little walk, we warmed up with so hot chocolate then came home. Our Christmas Eve was busy, I got up early to work on some items for Christmas Day dinner for the four of us and then we went over to Doug's mom and dad's to open gifts. After that went went to Doug's Grannie's to open gifts and the boys had so much fun. Once we were home we had to write our letter to Santa and leave out cookies and milk which meant getting them to bed was not an easy task that night. The next day we opened gifts and celebrated Jesus' birthday then ate our wonderful Christmas lunch, so much food for four people. After nap time we went back over to Doug's mom and dad's to visit with everyone, eat and have a good time. We have not been home one complete day since last Tuesday and we have decided tomorrow or actually today that we are staying home to relax. I sure hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-29T00:07:00.001-06:00

Christmas Meme

2008-12-22T11:32:00.002-06:00

I was tagged a week or so ago by Dana and I am finally getting around to it between the laundry and wrapping gifts. So here it goes.

1. Eggnog or Hot chocolate? I love hot chocolate, especially mexican hot chocolate.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? It depends on how things are going that year and how many other things need to be done as well.

3. Colored lights on house/tree or white? Our are always white they are so beautiful.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? We didn't this year not quite sure where it is at.

5. When do you put your decorations up? We try to have them up by the first weekend in December.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? I love sweet potato casserole.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? I loved going to my Aunt Linda's house on Christmas Eve (mom's sister), we would always have a huge dinner and then open gifts.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Are you kidding me, no Santa!, that is horrific!

9. So do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We go over to my in-law's and exchange gifts with each other on Christmas Eve.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Right now with very minimal decorations at least until the boys get older.

11. Snow. Love it or dread it? I love snow as long as there is no sleet or ice associated with it.

12. Can you ice skate? Yes...But it has been a very long time.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Doug got my a pair of beautiful earrings for our first Christmas after we were married, I wear them every year.

14. What is the most importand thing about the holidays for you? Spending time with my family and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? It has to be pumpkin pie with cool whip. What else is there to have?

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Staying home on Christmas morning and watching the boys open their gifts.

17. What tops your Christmas tree? An very beautiful angel that Eli picked out.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I love giving presents and watching their reaction.

19. What is you favorite Christmas song? "O Holy Night"

20. Candy canes. Yum or yuck? They are ok, but we love the peppermint cake ice cream bars, they taste like Girl Scout Thin Mint cookies.

21. What do you want for Christmas? For my family to be happy and healthy as we celebrate Jesus' birth.

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas party? No we do not.

23. Do you dress up for Christmas Eve or wear PJ's? We kind of dress up it is more so casual, we go to my in-law's and then to Doug's grandmother's house as well.

24. Do you own a Santa hat? Me personally no, but the boys each have one.

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? It is just Doug and I with the boys on Christmas, my in-law's have a get together Christmas Day night as well but we are not sure if we are going or not.

I am supposed to tag someone but with it being so close to Christmas and everyone so busy if you would like to do it then I would love to read your answers.

Flashback Friday.. Two days late!

2008-12-21T16:26:00.003-06:00

I have been participating in flashback Friday's with Melinda over at Bloggin it from the Burbs, but I wasn't even near my computer on Friday, so I am participating a few days late. Hope you enjoy!

Christmas 2006 this is Eli's 3rd Christmas and yes he is sitting in the dump truck.

Mr. Nic's very first Christmas, only two months old.

Eli's 2nd Christmas, isn't he adorable.

Busy Busy Busy

2008-12-21T15:08:00.006-06:00

The last few days have left us unbelievably busy, no thanks to the lovey ice we had at the first of the week and stranded at home. The boys had fun, although Eli hated not having school on Tuesday. Late Wednesday afternoon we braved the store to pick up everything we needed for the cookies for school, that night I made 9 dozen cookies (yes you read correctly). The parents were supposed to bring two dozen cookies with them for a cookie exchange at the end of the Christmas program. Eli and I then put together a cookie container for his classmates and teachers, they each received one of each, there were two kinds that I made (Sugar & chocolate candy cane), 36 more cookies gone. The Christmas Program was adorable and the church was completely packed with barely standing room only. Our little man is growing up so fast, when they called the children up to the front of the church, they said they know what to do. Eli just took off he almost ran over us trying to get to the front of the church, nothing shy about that boy anymore. I took a ton of pictures and some even after I edited red eye the kids look like they have ghost eyes, but when you have so many parents taking pictures at the same time, you take what you can get. Afterwards was the cookie exchange and each child was supposed to be able to take home 2 dozen cookies, that is if all the parents did their job. I know we ended up with too many cookies on top of what we have left over from my baking extravaganza. On Friday, Doug was of so after Nic's nap we loaded up and headed to the mall for our final shopping of the season, mainly for both of us, you always seem to forget about yourself and remember everyone else. So we figured why not? With such good deals right now, a few new clothes for each of us would be great. The boys loved it because we went into the Disney Store and they didn't complain a bit, my boys love to go shopping or maybe they like to see all the different people, I am sure not going to complain about that. Before the mall we enjoyed dinner at Abuelo's, very good if you have not been there, at least we love it anyway. Saturday the boys and I headed to the grocery store, pure madness, the traffic was not so bad it was the waiting in line forever so we could come home to our sanctuary of peace and quiet. This morning we loaded up and headed out to church in this blustery cold weather. There were so many people there this morning, it was almost hard to find a seat but I was sure glad to see all of our church pews full. Now for dinner in a few hours and it looks like the next few days will be a wrapping marathon for me. Doug will be officially on vacation starting tomorrow at 4 p.m. We get to have him home for eleven whole days, what in the world are we going to do? Right now we are planning on relaxing, possibly going to the aquarium (we haven't been in a year), Rhema lights and taking the boys to their first movie at the movie theater (an early matinee) to see Madagascar 2. Well that is what has been happening the last few days, better get back to wrapping presents (they sure won't wrap themselves).

Writing our name with bingo markers.

Just dabbing away, in no particular order.

He had so much fun and did such a great job.

He decided to color instead.

Pajama day at school on Thursday, he loved wearing them all day. Who wouldn't?

Eli was too excited about giving us the Christmas present he made at school.

Our beautiful new ornament from Eli.

Being silly before we leave for the Christmas Program.

His class sang 'Jingle Bells' at the Program.

The two Tuesday & Thursday classes combined sang 'Three Wise Men'. These three are inseperable when together, although they are in seperate classes they share the same room at school. (eight children per teacher.)

He had so much fun and this was such a great picture.

Singing 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas' at the end of the program.

The boys made these for us at Church this morning.

Cabin Fever is over!

2008-12-18T14:51:00.003-06:00

After being iced in for 2 1/2 days I am so glad we were able to get out yesterday afternoon. My poor husband was out driving in this horrible weather, he loves helping people and regardless of weather people still need their medicine, he is such a wonderful man and I hope he knows how much his family appreciates him. We had a ton of things to get at the grocery store to make for classmates, teachers and also the cookie exchange for Eli's Christmas program tonight. Needless to say I was baking all evening and finally decided to stop at 10:30 last night. All I had left to do was package individual items and make chocolate and vanilla covered pretzels. After dropping Eli off at school, Nic and I rushed home so that I could finish the pretzels and pack everything and we got back to Eli's school 5 minutes before pick-up, just in time to pass out everything to everyone. Eli had such a ball helping me make the sugar cookies and icing them last night, he is such a good helper and a wonderful giver. He loved passing the little Christmas tins out to everyone and his teachers loved their gifts as well. I can't wait for tonight's program it is going to be fun to watch, I have my camera battery charging (I also have a completely charged backup battery) and my camcorder as well. Today was also pajama day at school and Eli got to wear his new Batman pajamas, all of the kids were so cute in their pj's. I was told Santa also came to visit but Eli would not sit on his lap (he just stood beside him) or tell him what he wanted for Christmas. He said Santa already knows what he wants, pretty brilliant if you ask me. I will be sure to post pictures it will definitely be adorable. We still have a few more little things to get and I think we decided we are always buying stuff for everyone else, why not us? Doug wants a few things for work and some new jeans and I need clothes that fit me all mine are too big, so nice to say that, although I would like to lose five more pounds but I am not going to complain.

Tasty Tuesday

2008-12-16T22:48:00.002-06:00

I forgot to share a recipe last week but I am on top of it today. So here it goes. I have only made this ham once and we loved it. Now I take the easy route and go get it from the Hamlet. I know I know but it is one less thing for me to worry about on Christmas Day. So I hope you try it over the holidays and you enjoy it.

Pineapple-Glazed Ham

Prep: 20 min. Chill: 8 hours Bake: 2 hours

1 (10lb.) smoked ham
3 Tbsp. whole cloves
1 (20oz.) can crushed pineapple, undrained
2 cups pineapple juice
1 1/2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
1 cup bourbon (that's right alcohol)
1/2 tsp. salt

Remove skin and excess fat from ham. Score ham in a diamond design and insert cloves at 1 inch intervals. Place ham in and aluminum foil-lined roasting pan. Stir together pineapple and the next 4 ingredients; pour over ham. Cover and chill 8 hours.

Bake ham at 350 for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.

This recipe is very simple and delicious and feeds a ton of people. I put the ham in the refrigerator over-night but this all depends on when you will be eating dinner. Hope you enjoy!!

Little Update..

2008-12-16T14:23:00.004-06:00

I can't believe I haven't made a post in a few days, things just need to be done and you can't always get to the computer. We tried to find tickets for Dry Gulch for this Friday and they are sold out but I was hoping to find some in the paper or on Craigslist and I am not having any luck. That's what you get for waiting until the last minute to get something. On a lighter note, Doug and I were able to go shopping on Sunday afternoon, by ourselves (hip hip hooray!), my mom came and stayed with the boys. The only down side was the weather on our way home it started getting bad and that slowed us down (sleet will do that to you), and then mom decided she needed to drive the hour home and it took her two and a half hours. We had fun and we are completely done shopping for the boys and only have a few things left to get (actually cooking supplies to make cookies for teachers and classmates). We are doing it simple this year and who doesn't love homemade goodies, homemade cards and we will also give the teachers gift cards to go out to eat. Eli is out of school today and I am hoping they have school Thursday because his Christmas program is that evening and he is so looking forward to it, actually we are too. I have been so tired the last two days, yesterday especially, I guess that's what happens once everything catches up to you and you finally have a break.

Eli loves puzzles and he does the same one everyday, the bigger pieces, and we usually do the one with 100 pieces together. Well on Friday he decided that he was going to do it without my help and sure enough he did and in record time. I am so glad he loves puzzles, they can be really relaxing at time, at least for me anyway. I am also starting to work with him on his writing skills. To teach kids to hold a pencil and write the correct way can take work but if you make it fun they can always pick it up in no time. So we do construction paper with his name (only word I have done so far) written on it and you can use bingo markers, markers or crayons and have them trace, this is supposed to help with their writing mechanics. The bingo markers is a new trick I saw on Jon & Kate plus 8 yesterday, pretty clever, we are trying this out today. So, this is an idea to make as an activity and not homework per say, I personally think you learn better when you are having fun but that is just me.

Working on his puzzle.

Flashback Friday

2008-12-12T23:54:00.002-06:00

I was able to find a picture of Eli on his very first Christmas, he was three months old on Christmas Day and what a very long day it turned out to be. As you can tell by the picture we are both very tired and we were finally opening the gifts at our house on Christmas night after being everywhere else all day. He saying, "Mommy and Daddy please feed me and put me to bed!" We now stay at home all day so we can just relax and enjoy such a wondrous day.

Oh how the blogging posts fly by......

2008-12-11T15:38:00.002-06:00

It hasn't been that long ago that I started my blog and I am loving every minute of it. There is nothing like letting it all out and feeling better in the process even if it is for something simple. I love to write and talk about what is going on and how the boys and our family is changing everyday. And there is nothing like meeting other moms via the Internet and reading about their lives as well. So thank you very much ladies, it sure has been a lot of fun and hope it continues to be. It is hard to believe that I have over 100 posts, well at least a few over by now, I am running behind on a few things. I was also tagged and I am getting to that project as well. I tell Doug all the time that there needs to be a Mommy Starbucks, just for moms and children (play area included), you know I would be there all the time. But, the Mommy Starbucks via the Internet will have to do for now. So, thank you for reading, that is if you are and if not then you are missing out. With that I better get back to finishing a few things. Happy 100 blog posts!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

2008-12-10T10:19:00.002-06:00

On Monday night we decorated our Christmas Tree. We have shatterproof ornaments a very good deal when you have children, the boys picked out the colors they wanted very beautiful red and gold. Dad and the boys did all the decorating while I took pictures. There's not a lot of decorations but until the boys get older and do not grab them off the tree this is what we will be having. A lot of the decorations are around the bottom of the tree and what tree would be complete with Disney cars and NASCAR decorations on the bottom.

Needing help from Dad

Now my turn

Reach a little higher

Our beautiful tree

Eli and Nic smiling for the camera, the picture wouldn't be complete without Nic eating in it.

This time last year....

2008-12-09T14:30:00.002-06:00

This was the lovely seen at our house this very day last year. Who doesn't like cold weather? Well then throw in quite a bit of ice and this is what you have. For those of you who remember this very day or the next know exactly what I am talking about. When we woke up this Sunday morning this was the our neighborhood and we were good until about 10:00 a.m. when our electricity went out, this stinks when your house is all electric. After about an hour and bundled up in the cold house we packed up everything (lots of clothes, diapers, wipes and lots of toys) and went to my mother and father-in-laws until our electricity came back on. Little did we know it wouldn't be for six days that our electricity would be working. All was good until Monday morning when the electricity at my in-laws went out, we then loaded up and went to a hotel for four days, man did that get old fast and very expensive. By late Thursday afternoon my in-laws electricity came back on and we stayed there for the night, ours came on late that night but we decided to stay where it was warm and loaded up the next morning to come home. During our stay in the hotel the boys and I came up to our house everyday to check on the dogs and believe it or not bring in all of the Christmas gifts I had ordered online the week before that were setting on our front porch. It was an unforgettable week and I hope everyone else made it through okay like we did and I can tell you this is something I never want to go through that again.

The scene in our neighborhood

Our neighbor's tree

Our front yard

The look from the end of our driveway

The view from our driveway

Celebrating the Sooners!

2008-12-08T11:40:00.004-06:00

On Saturday evening we did what most Oklahoma fans did, we watched the game on T.V. Yes, I did cheer for OU, I am a fan except for when they play OSU, and our boys did too, although Eli is partial to OSU. He asked me the other night when I put on his OU jersey, "Where is my Cowboys jersey?" My response, "Don't worry son you will have one soon." Isn't it grand our family is split right down the middle, if the boys went to their respected colleges when they get older our family dinners could get real interesting in the future.

After the boys where in bed, Doug and I started talking about how much fun we had eight years ago at the Big 12 Championship game. Exactly four weeks before our wedding, where were we? Not at home getting any last minute wedding plans in order, we were on the road to Kansas City to see OU play Kansas State. It was the first OU game I had been to with Doug and it was a ball. It was also very cold and we were bundled up like there was no tomorrow, I am not quite sure how many layers we had on or how much hot chocolate I drank during the game. But I can tell you this, we could see everything around us. What am I talking about? Well, we kind of got our seats at the last minute and they were at the highest point in the stadium you could go, but as I said we could see everything. We always joke about being closer to the clouds than we were to the field. If you have every been to Arrowhead Stadium you know what I am talking about, we were way up there. That was the longest walk from our car to our seats in the stadium and I will never forget it. I told Doug last night if they play like they did eight years ago OU will win the National Championship next month. So, I am willing to cheer for the Sooners because they did so great the year we got married. You better believe I will be cheering for my Cowboys when they go to the Holiday Bowl to play Oregon and of course the game is on our Anniversary. Big decision, go out with my husband or do we stay home and watch the football game (of course I am only joking we go out, I love our dinner at the Polo Grill on our Anniversary). But first we need to get a babysitter. Anyone offering?

Striking a pose in their OU apparel

The boys deciding to show their OU Christmas spirit