Just invented a new fav snack.
Vanilla wafer + nutella + banana slice = YUM
this is a variation of another favorite
Vanilla wafer + cream cheese frosting + strawberry slice or
Vanilla wafer + fruit dip + fruit
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
I WANT SPRING
Spring is technically here, but not really. But I have Spring Fever bad. I want to play outside. I want to finish the landscaping that we didn't get to last year (without any money this year... yup, it will be fun).
Most of all, I want to get my gardens going. I really messed up my veggie garden last year, so I've got a lot of work ahead of me this year. Changing sites, raising beds, adding compost, etc. At least most of my herb garden worked. Can't wait to pick my own herbs outside instead of relying on dried from last summer (almost gone) or expensive/poor quality ones from the store.
I want to soak in the sunshine and play in the sprinkler with my boys while wearing off massive amounts of energy they have stored up and maybe a few pounds off of me.
I've got plans. Now I just need the weather to cooperate and to see the project through from start to finish.
Most of all, I want to get my gardens going. I really messed up my veggie garden last year, so I've got a lot of work ahead of me this year. Changing sites, raising beds, adding compost, etc. At least most of my herb garden worked. Can't wait to pick my own herbs outside instead of relying on dried from last summer (almost gone) or expensive/poor quality ones from the store.
I want to soak in the sunshine and play in the sprinkler with my boys while wearing off massive amounts of energy they have stored up and maybe a few pounds off of me.
I've got plans. Now I just need the weather to cooperate and to see the project through from start to finish.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Conspiracy
My boys saved up all the naughtiness that they didn't use yesterday for today. As good as yesterday was, today went the opposite direction. On top of totally not listening, disobeying, and making big messes... they were clumsy and abundant of the childhood silliness.
By the end of the day, I'm having a tough time distinguishing between disobedience and simple childish behavior. I know the strain of the day is leaving me short tempered and I now add to the issue. Here's praying for a good restful night for all of us and better attitudes tomorrow.
Anyone relate to this?
By the end of the day, I'm having a tough time distinguishing between disobedience and simple childish behavior. I know the strain of the day is leaving me short tempered and I now add to the issue. Here's praying for a good restful night for all of us and better attitudes tomorrow.
Anyone relate to this?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Mornings Like This
What a way to start the day...
My boys slept in to 8:45! That NEVER happens. I got to get a full 8 hours of sleep, wake up at my own speed (known to be slow), drink a fresh cup of coffee while reading my Bible, and snuggle with my boys as they woke up.
After that we played dominoes and did a big puzzle together. They played with legos and cars while I made my favorite pumpkin pancakes for breakfast. We used our cookie cutters to make shapes out of our pancakes.
What a blissful morning. Sigh.
Then the bickering started and fighting over toys. I'm back to reality, but the morning is still awesome and it's only 10:30.
My boys slept in to 8:45! That NEVER happens. I got to get a full 8 hours of sleep, wake up at my own speed (known to be slow), drink a fresh cup of coffee while reading my Bible, and snuggle with my boys as they woke up.
After that we played dominoes and did a big puzzle together. They played with legos and cars while I made my favorite pumpkin pancakes for breakfast. We used our cookie cutters to make shapes out of our pancakes.
What a blissful morning. Sigh.
Then the bickering started and fighting over toys. I'm back to reality, but the morning is still awesome and it's only 10:30.
Monday, March 23, 2009
New Day
Welcome to Monday.
It's a new day, a new week. You get to start from scratch. Today has no mistakes and disappointments in it (yet). I'm choosing to make the most of my day, my fresh start, this new week. What is done is done, and what is yet to be has not come. It's a beautiful spot to be in.
My Plans:
To Laugh
To Play
To do laundry (it will wait another day)
To wrestle little boys
To clean my cluttered house
To enjoy the sunshine
To savor naptime (if it happens)
To have a brief moment when the dishes are done
To spend time with Jesus
To be thankful for the gift of today...
**update on how I did today -- every monday should be like this.
It's a new day, a new week. You get to start from scratch. Today has no mistakes and disappointments in it (yet). I'm choosing to make the most of my day, my fresh start, this new week. What is done is done, and what is yet to be has not come. It's a beautiful spot to be in.
My Plans:
To do laundry (it will wait another day)
**update on how I did today -- every monday should be like this.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Frustration
Since Andy is going back to school, we are losing our insurance. I spent a couple of hours this morning carefully filling out an on-line application for personal health care insurance (HSA). We had met with a local guy specializing in HSAs and were pretty happy with what we found out as far as coverage.
Now here is the thing, unlike group coverage, the insurance companies can deny you coverage as an individual. And they did. I just got an automated email reply saying that the underwriter review has declined both me and Ryan for coverage. I'm guessing it has to do with last year's pulmonary embolism and Ryan's peanut allergy.
SO there is a couple of hours I can't get back. There are other companies that we can still look at, but price/coverage isn't as good. Bummer and back to the drawing board. Wish things would just go right the first time. It would save me a lot of time and frustration.
Got to love the health care/insurance system. According to friends in Italy, it could be worse... It could be socialized/national health care... moving at the speed of a snail.
Always a bright side I guess.
Now here is the thing, unlike group coverage, the insurance companies can deny you coverage as an individual. And they did. I just got an automated email reply saying that the underwriter review has declined both me and Ryan for coverage. I'm guessing it has to do with last year's pulmonary embolism and Ryan's peanut allergy.
SO there is a couple of hours I can't get back. There are other companies that we can still look at, but price/coverage isn't as good. Bummer and back to the drawing board. Wish things would just go right the first time. It would save me a lot of time and frustration.
Got to love the health care/insurance system. According to friends in Italy, it could be worse... It could be socialized/national health care... moving at the speed of a snail.
Always a bright side I guess.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Blah, Blah, Blah
That's what most days feel like for me lately. Blah. Get up, get stuff done, stay up too late getting stuff done, go to bed, get too little sleep, repeat...
That's part of the lack of blogging. Nothing blog worthy. I'm so tired that it seems like so much work to think of something to post. I'm tired enough I've taken a couple of naps lately. I NEVER NAP. It's just not in my skill set.
Still looking for more part-time work, trying to balance what is already on my plate, and find time to play in the sunshine while it lasts. Today was in the 60s and sunny. Wish it would stay, know that it won't. This is MI and it is only March. We've got a while to go still.
Got the boys outside, reconnecting with neighbors that we haven't seen much since the snow started flying (yes that is last year)...
Hope all is well for you. Miss interacting with you all, but it is what it is.
That's part of the lack of blogging. Nothing blog worthy. I'm so tired that it seems like so much work to think of something to post. I'm tired enough I've taken a couple of naps lately. I NEVER NAP. It's just not in my skill set.
Still looking for more part-time work, trying to balance what is already on my plate, and find time to play in the sunshine while it lasts. Today was in the 60s and sunny. Wish it would stay, know that it won't. This is MI and it is only March. We've got a while to go still.
Got the boys outside, reconnecting with neighbors that we haven't seen much since the snow started flying (yes that is last year)...
Hope all is well for you. Miss interacting with you all, but it is what it is.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Interview
Andy had his interview for the police academy today and all went well. I'm not surprised, but definitely pleased. He has worked hard to get here. A letter confirming his acceptance should be here in the next week.
This is really happening.
Over the weekend we got our new ride - a 1997 Suburban. It's a big, load diesel truck - and a purplish burgundy at that. Our friends generously sold it to us a wonderful price. We now have transportation for school as well. Pieces are falling together.
I'm really tired. I've been working early mornings, late nights, and entertaining lots lately. I enjoy it, but by-golly, I could use a nap. Andy and I are joining friends for the Big Ten tournament this weekend and I am REALLY looking forward to down time. This tourney last year was the weekend before the pink eye/blood clots/moving week... ah the memories. Hoping for a better week next week following the tourney.
This is really happening.
Over the weekend we got our new ride - a 1997 Suburban. It's a big, load diesel truck - and a purplish burgundy at that. Our friends generously sold it to us a wonderful price. We now have transportation for school as well. Pieces are falling together.
I'm really tired. I've been working early mornings, late nights, and entertaining lots lately. I enjoy it, but by-golly, I could use a nap. Andy and I are joining friends for the Big Ten tournament this weekend and I am REALLY looking forward to down time. This tourney last year was the weekend before the pink eye/blood clots/moving week... ah the memories. Hoping for a better week next week following the tourney.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
For the Love of It
Tonight we watched my brother's little girl and not-so-little boy. My nephew Alex isn't even a year old yet and is in 24 month clothing. He's big, and ADORABLE. This child gives the world's best hugs. He raps his little pudgy hand and arm around your next and squeezes while burying his head into your shoulder. I could hug that kid all day long.
My niece is 5 weeks younger than Ty. They are both highly independent. It is a love/hate relationship for sure. It's fun to see their similarities and differences. It's nice to have a girl around too. Totally don't know what to do with one, but sure is fun anyways.
Time change tonight. Always fun to see how it messes up the kids schedule for the next week or two.
Andy has his interview to get into the police academy on Tuesday. This is the last step. I'm excited, nervous, and confident -- all in one. Just one more step...
We also bought a suburban from friends this week. Their generosity is making this school transition so much easier. Andy is losing the company vehicle he's been using. This was one of the missing pieces that we were most concerned about.
It's just another example how God keeps providing every step of the way to make this all possible. I continue to be overwhelmed by God's goodness.
My niece is 5 weeks younger than Ty. They are both highly independent. It is a love/hate relationship for sure. It's fun to see their similarities and differences. It's nice to have a girl around too. Totally don't know what to do with one, but sure is fun anyways.
Time change tonight. Always fun to see how it messes up the kids schedule for the next week or two.
Andy has his interview to get into the police academy on Tuesday. This is the last step. I'm excited, nervous, and confident -- all in one. Just one more step...
We also bought a suburban from friends this week. Their generosity is making this school transition so much easier. Andy is losing the company vehicle he's been using. This was one of the missing pieces that we were most concerned about.
It's just another example how God keeps providing every step of the way to make this all possible. I continue to be overwhelmed by God's goodness.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
February in Pictures
It has been a wild and crazy February. Here's a sneak peek..
Ryan's Rescue Hero birthday cake - red velvet with Kuckie's Buttercream frosting
Present Time
Tyler fell in love with Ryan's toy chainsaw. Want to be like Dad.
Among the "interesting" presents is the dueling Western Joe... It's a target game with a toy six-shooter. Really...
My mom and nephew.
Rescue Heroes cupcakes for Ryan's first friends birthday party.
Wouldn't recommend red frosting.
Batter up - That was one tough pinata
More presents
The boys have lots of new stuff to play with and are actually playing together (that is in between fighting over the new stuff)
Time with cousins and Opa
Valentine's Day with my boys.
Love my boys.
Joining in the preschool field trip to Culvers.
Waiting for instructions.
Hangin with his girls
Ohio road trip with a stop to see my friend Carrie
Teresa packed up the whole scrapbook room for our trip to see Kuckie.
The staff couldn't believe the supply and organization.
Kuckie managed to get pages done while dreaming of Jeni's Ice Cream. Definite sweet dreams.
Kuckie and Sheri make a marvelous dinner for us. Chicken Scallopini
Sitting down for a tasty dinner.
Me, Sheri & Teresa
Getting ready to go to Trader Joe's
No one filled me in on this shot was a silly one.
Hopefully March brings a little breathing room. If you made it this far, I'm impressed.
Ryan's Rescue Hero birthday cake - red velvet with Kuckie's Buttercream frosting
Present Time
Tyler fell in love with Ryan's toy chainsaw. Want to be like Dad.
Among the "interesting" presents is the dueling Western Joe... It's a target game with a toy six-shooter. Really...
My mom and nephew.
Rescue Heroes cupcakes for Ryan's first friends birthday party.
Wouldn't recommend red frosting.
Batter up - That was one tough pinata
More presents
The boys have lots of new stuff to play with and are actually playing together (that is in between fighting over the new stuff)
Time with cousins and Opa
Valentine's Day with my boys.
Love my boys.
Joining in the preschool field trip to Culvers.
Waiting for instructions.
Hangin with his girls
Ohio road trip with a stop to see my friend Carrie
Teresa packed up the whole scrapbook room for our trip to see Kuckie.
The staff couldn't believe the supply and organization.
Kuckie managed to get pages done while dreaming of Jeni's Ice Cream. Definite sweet dreams.
Kuckie and Sheri make a marvelous dinner for us. Chicken Scallopini
Sitting down for a tasty dinner.
Me, Sheri & Teresa
Getting ready to go to Trader Joe's
No one filled me in on this shot was a silly one.Hopefully March brings a little breathing room. If you made it this far, I'm impressed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)