10 Things Thursday

10 Things to do in 2010

1. Get back on the track. Not to be confused with getting back on track. The track. Running track. Get on it.
2. Get pregnant.
3. Read at least a book a month.
4. Get my yoga body back. Preferably pre-pregnancy.
5. Try one new recipe a week.
6. Save money. Save money. Save money. (I'm saying it over & over so maybe it will stick.)
7. Try something new each month.
8. Put house in order from top to bottom.
9. Take waaaaay more pictures.
10. Volunteer.

What's on your list?

Reminder

Life can change in the blink of an eye.

Life that you think is perfect and happy can be turned upside down and have you questioning everything.

Life that you have invested in, nurtured and loved can be a total disaster in the next moment.

Sometimes it feels like you have been hit by a bus. Sometimes it feels like it will never end. You have to fight through it. You have to believe that it will get better. That that which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. This is survival. And sometimes it is terrifying and more difficult than you think you can handle.

This is when you call in reinforcements. This is when your girls stay up all night with you and a bottle of wine and a few games of hearts. This is when you share tears and hopefully some giggles. This is where the healing begins.

The crisis isn't mine. This time. This time I'm the one trying my best to help. But it has reminded me to be thankful for what I do have. It has reminded me to not take things for granted because things may not be the same tomorrow.

And that is a reminder that I think we can all use.

Not Me Monday

I did not have a bigger reaction to my pink fishing pole Christmas gift than to my new laptop. That would be ridiculous. Laptops are amazing gifts. As are fishing poles, apparently.

I did not almost hyperventilate during the Christmas Eve church service. I did however recover quite quickly and then sing my heart out. Silly story that only a few know.

We got a Wii for the family this year. I was playing baseball home run derby with my son. While playing I most certainly did not hit him in the head with the Wii bat. I also did not find that I am a wicked good tennis player, the equivalent to a professional bowler, and an amazing archer.

Christmas Surprise

There might be a new member of our family. It just might be a sweet little pink laptop that is only for mama. The sweet husband once again showed me how amazing he is. I was speechless and that my friends is very very rare. So, I'm testing it out. Can you tell the difference? Don't you like it better? Me too.

I will have to put some photos up once I get them on my new little friend. Hmmm, my new little friend definitely needs a name. Any suggestions?

Merry Christmas friends.

Hope you have a lovely day.

10 Things I got for my hey shorty it's your birthday we're gonna party like it's your birthday Birthday.



1. Airplane ticket to Ptown to visit the bestie...much needed & greatly appreciated.

2. Finger painting done by my bestie, KT...loved for months.

3. Panini pan...can't wait to use that.

4. Black rain boots with pink dots...always wanted a pair and they are comfy.

5. Hot stone massage...bring it on.

6. Rachel Ray cookbook...mouth watering.

7. Lord is my Shepherd necklace...might have picked it out myself.

8. Lovely Anthropologie apron, lip gloss and measuring spoons...all incredible.

9. Digital frame...where oh where to put it.

10. Carrie Underwood cd...dang, she is cute and her voice is like an angel.

10 Things Thursday

The next 10 days and the fun I will be having

Thursday: Christmas program for my cute nephews
Friday: A little beauty treatment and a delightful visit with girls I adore. Also, a big date with my sweet husband for my birthday.
Saturday: A trip to the airport to pick up my twin.
Sunday: My family birthday party at my parents with cake and prezzies.
Monday: Happy Birthday to me! It will include breakfast with my bestie, dinner with the family and a cruise to the North Pole to see the lights and Santa.
Tuesday: A day spent with my bebes hopefully out in the snow.
Wednesday: Christmas Eve Eve...cooking and crafting and last minute prep.
Thursday: Christmas Eve church service, West Virginia sammies and new jammies.
Friday: Merry Christmas! Busy day of family and photos and fun, fun, fun.
Saturday: A girl night with all my lovely brunettes to celebrate each other.

Ramblies on the sleepy side

I should really be in bed. The sweet husband is in bed already. We very rarely do not go to bed together...feels weird without him. It is late and my left eye is hurting. Just hurting. Weird, right? I just touched it and it hurts. Stop touching it...I know. It still hurts. Do you think it is from sleep deprivation. Very well could be. Know why????

I'll tell you...the almost one year old for some reason thinks that the cure all for teething is sleeping side ways in my bed in between me and the sweet husband. Side ways. Little tiny feet in my ribs. All. Night. Long. You would think that little tiny feet wouldn't be so bad. But on those little tiny feet are even littler tinier toes that feel like little tiny pokies. Little tiny sword toes. Tylenol, no. Teething tablets, no. Sideways sword toe sleeping, apparently yes. I love her but, COME ON.

I'm not sure how it got so late but it might be because I just spent waaaaayyy too much time on Walgreen's website. I was ordering some photos for some Christmas crafts I am doing and when I hit the button "to order" the lovely Walgreens computer people had so sweetly and conveniently placed all my photos in a nice little collage that I could play with until I double loved it and had to buy it. And I did. And then I went back in and made another one. Hee hee. Sooo much fun. I'm doing it tomorrow too. Just for kicks. $4 kicks. Cheeeeaaaaap. Want one? Just let me know...I'm a pro.

My eye is still hurting...in case you were wondering. Even when I blink. Dang. It's probably a brain tumor. Great. One week until my birthday too.

Speaking of birthdays, I have successfully ruined two birthday surprises in as many days. Apparently, the sweet husband and my bestie have been in cahoots (is that how you spell that?) about the most wonderful day of the year and every time they have something worked out I take it upon myself to do something that ends with my husband rolling his eyes and fussing about how I can't just leave well enough alone. Oopsy. Sorry you two. I love you and I love your fabulous ideas. Can't wait until Monday. Even if I do know my prezzie.

Did you know Monday is Winter Solstice. (I don't know if it is supposed to be capitalized but it does sound pretty important so I did) Winter Solstice also known as mid winter but that doesn't sound half as good. Midsummer...sounds delightful. Midwinter...blah. It is the shortest day of the year. It is also my birthday. Don't think for a moment that this goes unnoticed. Don't think for a moment that I am not thoroughly convinced that this is a little trick from above to remind me that my birthday is not as special as I make it out to be. I hear you. I get it. I fight it with all I have, but I get it. Geesh.

Ok, so snow is falling off our house and some of it just hit the three tall windows behind me and it scared the living daylights out of me, I jumped out of the chair and almost dropped the computer, so I am off to bed. Where the snow will keep falling but I will be cuddled up with the most delicious man I know. That is until the sword toes get me.

Nighty night.

10 days until Christmas.

Don't panic.

Breathe in. Breathe out. Breathe in. Breathe out.

Memorial

Went to a memorial service today for my dad's best friend. My dad did the service. This isn't the first funeral or memorial service he has done. And not the first one he has done for a close friend of his. It always amazes me how well he does. My dad is a strong but emotional man. He loves his family, friends and Jesus and isn't afraid to say it. Or preach it, whatever the occasion. He got choked up a few times but he made it through and made his old friend proud.

I always lose it during the slide shows at funerals. I might say that it is my favorite part. If you can have a favorite part of a funeral. It always shows the smiles, the friends, the family and the good memories. Today was no different. He was smiling, fishing, riding his Harley, hunting and with his family. The pictures made me smile, some made me giggle but in the end it made me cry. Knowing we won't see his face again (here on earth) is a hard realization.

It is also hard to see my parents in such pain over this. The pain is easing and they are healing but it was a hard loss. My dad told the story of the last time they saw each other and how he wished he would've hugged him longer. If he had known that it would be their final goodbye he would've said so many more things. If only.

I guess that we can all use that as a lesson. If you have something you want to say...say it. If there is someone you love...tell them. Don't let them get away without a hug. I think I have a lot of people that already know how I feel. I also think there are some people I should visit and tell them thank you. Tell them I love them. Tell them how much they mean to me and why. Not that I have any plans of leaving this earth any time soon but in the end it isn't my plan at all, but God's.

Not Me Monday

I got out of the shower and walked into my bedroom with only my towel on when I told my six year old son to go out for a minute so I could get dressed. I did not watch him walk out and then drop my towel only to see him come back in to shut the door. He did not then inform me he saw my bum.


I did not go into the big sportsman store with the sweet husband and find myself a pink fishing pole and my daughter a new pink Nalgene sippy cup (I know, right) for her stocking. I did not give it to her in the store to keep her happy. She has not been drinking out of that cup for two days. I don't know that I will get the fishing pole from Santa but if there is a pink bow and arrow out there it needs to live here with me.

I did not work a craft fair and spend too much money made on homemade jam by the sweetest adoptive grandma I have ever had. I also did not get to spend the day with my sister without our five (her three, my two) adorable children and the needs that come with them. Delightful.


It is not one week until my birthday where I will spend the day with my two precious bebes. I will not have breakfast and hopefully a pedicure with my bestie. I will not have a birthday dinner with my family. I will not have a birthday date with the sweet husband the day before and birthday drinks with my girls the next weekend.

Radical Recipe

Creamsicle

Get a small glass. Drop a couple ice cubes in it. Pour vanilla vodka over the ice. Add orange juice to top of glass.

Cheers!

The most simple, delicious cocktail that taste like your favorite summer frozen treat.


Mmmmmmm. Mmmmmmm. Mmmmmmmm.

Details, Details

Here is a little picture of our big fabulous tree. I bought all new decorations this year at the dollar store (surprise, surprise). It is my favorite tree that we've done. It is pink, purple, blue, green, silver and white with sweet little birds. It is sweet and girly and perfect for me and my precious baby girl.

But, do you see that glittery pink cone shaped ornament? Do you see anything that may perhaps be out of place?



Like, I don't know a price tag? Apparently, the sweet husband missed it when he hung the garland on the tree. I found it when I sat down later that night. And then I took it off right after I took this photo so I could blog about it. Hee hee.


*I know the price tag says $1.25 but really it was only $.75. I know, right? Found two silver and glass bead garlands while thrifting one day. They were exactly the same thing with two different prices so I got them both for the lowest price. Yeah!

10 Things Thursday

10 things about today



1. I got to watch my niece. It has been entirely too long since she has spent the morning with me and my daughter. I tried to paint her toenails but she only let me get one done. Hee hee



2. The sweet husband and I watched The Proposal (Ryan Reynolds & Sandra Bullock) for the second time this afternoon. We laugh and laugh.



3. I did a little thrifting and found some goodies. I stopped in a few new stores; one ran by a local church and one ran by a local devil. Well maybe she wasn't a devil but she acted like it and the prices were ridiculous. $13 for an oversized Ball jar. Really?



4. I turned my room upside down looking for a black cardigan that I now think I may have been stolen in the night by a girl who now has a really fabulous black cardigan. Ugh.


5. We went to watch my son's Christmas program. It was a big group of first graders that sang their hearts out. Yes, I cried. I know, I'm a cry baby.


6. They sang snow songs and jingle bells and one called Yes, Lord. Maybe it was just me but I'm pretty sure that song got the most cheers from the crowd. Yeah!!!!


7. Had dinner with the in laws and although two of the sammies were wrong we still had a good time watching my daughter make faces and her daddy chair dance.


8. Made list of prezzies for the family and a list for the daughter' first birthday. I love myself a list.


9. Got to visit with my bestie KT. Love that girl and love a good late night visit with her.


10. Slept with my daughter kicking me in the ribs. (Ok, this hasn't actually happened yet but I'm sure it will since I can see a new tooth trying to come through.) (Ugh.)

Shhhhh

Shhhhh, don't tell the sweet husband but I spent too much at the dollar store today. I went in for ten more Christmas cards and came out with bags of goodies.

Mostly were things we needed:
aluminum foil
Christmas Cards
Wrapping paper
latex gloves (poppers are on the menu all day everyday)
paper plates
plastic containers to store son's toys in
red velvet bow for our lamp post
stickers to seal our Christmas cards (licking envelopes makes me gag)

Some were stocking stuffers:
pink sparkly unicorn on a stick (you know the kind little girls hold and ride through the house...normally it's a pony)
Toy Story coloring posters
pink bib with fat little birdie on it
fun socks
skull & cross bone pencils
clippies (to take apart to make my own flower clippies for my baby girl)
bookmarks
board books

Yeah! I love a good trip to the hollar dollar store.

Not Me Monday

I am not currently watching my daughter tear up a paper towel so I can blog for a few moments without her typing help. She adds letters to every word. Thank goodness for spell check.



I did not totally miss my daughter getting her four top teeth. I did not just find them this week, little and white and perfect. That totally explains why she has been sleeping in my bed for the last month or more. However, the last four days I have been sleeping next to my sweet husband who does not kick his feet into my ribs and it is wonderful.



After a few days of not being home for more than an hour at a time my house does not look like a tornado has been inside and bounced off all my walls like a pinball machine to destroy it from the inside out. Ugh.



Driving home from Christmas shopping on Friday the sweet husband and I passed a state lottery billboard for the weekly amount of 41 million dollars. 41 million dollars. We definitely did not spend the rest of the ride home deciding how we would spend it, give it, donate it and save it. It was a fun few moments of fantasy where I had both a country home on the land I've loved since I was sixteen and a lake house. Ahhhh...



I had three little girls under the age of three here last week. We spent the morning watching The Little Mermaid, dancing, singing, playing with dolls and sharing snacks in the floor like a picnic. The sweet husband thought this would help his cause with how many children we will have. It did not completely backfire on him when my cheeks hurt from smiling the whole time the girls and I were together. Oh, I want lots of kids and I want them all to be girls. Yeah!

10 Things Thursday

10 things on my if you win the lottery birthday/Christmas list

1. a new bigger home with land for my sweet husband & a big kitchen for me
2. a family vacation for ALL my family
3. a new car (my car is fine but my husband wants it so if I got a new one he could have mine)
4. a pink laptop all of my own for my blogging, shopping, facebooking needs
5. a second honeymoon trip
6. a shopping spree to include but not limited to Sephora, Nordstrom's, J Crew, Williams Sonoma, Restoration Hardware
7. new furniture for the whole house
8. a condo at Silver Mountain for our New Years Eve tradition
9. a weekly cleaning lady
10. a little recording studio


10 in real life things on my birthday/Christmas list

1. pedicure
2. airplane ticket to Portland to visit my bestie
3. hot stone massage
4. jeans
5. puffer vest
6. new camera
7. books books books
8. fingerless gloves
9. angel fern
10. new shoes/purse (not matching)

Radical Recipe

Glazed Apples

6 large apples, peeled, cored and in wedges
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cups sugar
1/2 packed light brown sugar
2 Tbsp flour
1 Tsp cinnamon
6 Tbsp melted butter

Drizzle lemon juice all over apple slices.

Mix all remaining ingredients except melted butter in bowl. Sprinkle over apples and stir to coat all slices.
Place apples in slow cooker and pour melted butter over top of them.

Cook on low for 3 hours.

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These apples are delicious and can be used for tons of things.

Serve warm over ice cream or use for apple pie filling.

Our favorite is caramel apple french toast. Use thick slices of french bread.

I just made turnovers using puff pastry and they were mmm mmm good too.