So this morning as I turned on the news and heard the area was covered in ice, I was hoping there would be no school today! Not the case! So, got Jimmy and Alex out the door and was waiting to hear how the roads were. Since Olivia didn't have class today, there was no need for us to hurry. Jimmy called at 7:58 a.m. to say all was well and roads weren't bad. Guess I better get into gear. Got me and Olivia ready to go. I thought I'd wear my tennis shoes to work and bring my heels so I don't slip. Sounded like a good plan. So, I let Maggie outside, made breakfast and packed our lunches. Time to go. Go to the door with my hands full...purse, work bag, lunch, Olivia's backpack, keys...to find that Maggie can't get back up the steps because they are covered in ice. I step out ever so carefully and slide just a bit. Nice, porch and stairs covered in ice. I manage to get Maggie back up without a mishap. Go back up the stairs to lock the door. Warn Olivia a million times that the porch and steps are icy and to be careful. She makes it no problem. Then I make it. OK...we are good. Fast forward to arriving at Olivia's school. There's a funeral so no parking in front of the school. I have to park across the street. No problem. Get out of my car and walk around to get Olivia out but before I can get there...ssshhhbooomp! I totally hit the pavement!! Landed square on my butt! This probably looked like a scene in a movie with my legs flying in front of me!! Of course this had to be witnessed by 2 other people who were standing nearby! They did express concern but I just couldn't bear to look at them. I landed right on my tailbone...ouch! Of course, the entire area near Olivia's door was covered in ice. I stepped carefully to her door and managed to get her out of her car seat. I told her to go to Alex's door and wait for me. I didn't want to risk her falling. My bum is throbbing!! I guess that's what I get for thinking if I waited a little everything would be fine. Just hope my bodycast goes with my bridesmaid dress! ;)
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Happy Ending!
The end of my two week vacation draws to a close. I have been so busy these last 2 weeks that I might need a vaction from this vacation! Nah, it was fabulous -- we enjoyed Christmas with my family (and are looking forward to Christmas with the Morgan's in a few weeks), we went to the park and the zoo with our wonderful friends JJ and Brendon when we had such amazing weather, celebrated New Years Eve at Chuck E Cheese, went to the dr. for a check up, helped address 180 invitations for Lizzie's wedding and went to Houlihan's for lunch with sis and Amanda today. Who could ask for so many blessings in just 2 short weeks. I didn't get all the "projects" I had planned to be completed during my vacation, didn't get the laundry done, didn't get my house all spic and span but what I did do was enjoy my kids and enjoy my time off! Me and the kids had a fantastic vacation together. However, I'll be sorry when tomorrow morning comes and I have to wake each one up -- routine shmoutine -- who needs a routine when you are on vacation? Hopefully all will go smoothly. For now, baths have been given, lunches made and hopefully kiddos are asleep. Guess I better get to bed now too...Goodnight!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year!
I am so envious of those who have the energy to blog almost daily or weekly, even. For I have had no energy to put down my thoughts in the last few weeks. Lots have happened - emotionally spent - hoping the New Year brings forth joy, happiness and peace to my life. I am working on feeling worthy enough to receive such gifts. I am also looking forward to the new beginnings that will occur in my life and the lives of those I love this year -- my sister's wedding and the birth of my nephew.
So for now, I would just like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year! May 2009 bring all that you ask and deserve!
Lots of love!
So for now, I would just like to wish all of you a very Happy New Year! May 2009 bring all that you ask and deserve!
Lots of love!
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Fantastic!!
That is how I am describing my weekend! For once, we did not have a ton of places to be this weekend. Saturday was St. Nick Day and once the kids got up, they went and got everyone's stocking and brought them our bed. I love it when we all gather on our bed. Alex got a Tech Deck guy, a Bakugan guy and a reindeer that poops candy (he has been begging me for one of these!) Olivia got a Scooby Doo Christmas DVD, Micky Mouse painting book, gloves and lip gloss. I gave myself the Steel Magnolia movie. Jimmy got a movie and a hat. Of course, we all got some candy...not much but some since it wouldn't be St. Nick Day without candy. Soon, my bed looked as though a tornado hit it. Time to get the day started. I ran a few errands but once those were done, home was where my heart was!! Jimmy and Alex went up to the Y for some swim time and me and Liv stayed home and did some laundry. One of my errands this mornig was to the grocery store. We decided to make meals this week that would give us plenty of leftovers and meals that could be prepared ahead of time. But first, Saturday night's dinner. Jimmy and I made our first roux! He has been asking me to make gumbo since the weather turned cold. I prefer jambalaya and that's usually what I make but decided I would make him his gumbo. We usually cheat and use a pre-made roux but we were all out. So, we did it ourself. It turned out excellent!! Emeril's recipe - highly recommend. Of course, dinner wasn't ready until 9 p.m. but that was ok, it's the weekend. I also started working on a Christmas present that I am making for someone. Actually, Alex wanted to help so he worked on it. Jimmy and I also played a few rounds of Tetris. Seriously, we love that game and it's addicting! I was exhausted...I couldn't wait for bed.
Sunday, was even more fantastic. I only got out of my pajamas to take a shower then I put fresh one's right back on. We love pajama days at my house. Alex had basketball practice today. His first and instead of wrestling with keeping Olivia busy, her and I stayed home and Jimmy took him. While home, Olivia and I had an exciting time. She was playing in my room and apparently was playing with the locks. She shut my door and you guessed it...it's locked. I couldn't figure out how to pick the lock and my cell phone was locked in the bedroom so we had to wait until Jimmy got home. I was looking forward to watching a movie in bed but that didn't happen. So instead, I got working on making our meals for the week. I got my chicken cooking for homemade chicken and dumplings (I make bisquick dumplings for all you noodle-dumpling lovers and they rock!!) I just cooked the chicken and got all the meat off the bone. So all I have to do when ready is bring to a boil and throw in the dumplings...dinner is served. I can't wait for that night! I also made chicken spaghetti. That will be tomorrow night's dinner since Jimmy is home with Olivia all day. He can throw it in the oven before we get home. Viola...dinner is served. For lunches this week, I cooked up a fantastic WW recipe of turkey sausage and penne pasta. If you have never tried turkey sausage, I highly recommend it. This dish is very tasty and has become quite a favorite in my house. I wasn't hungry for dinner so instead portioned out containers for lunch. Easy peasy this week! I finally got my house in order and most of the laundry done. I feel like I really accomplished something this week. For those of you who may be freaking out regarding Christmas shopping. 'No, mine isn't done -- in fact, I haven't even started. But, I learned last year that the best time to hit the stores is weekday mornings. After I drop Liv off at school, I hit a few of the places before heading to work. No crowds, no kids...perfect! That will be this week.
So hopefully since my weekend went so well, my week will be just as fantastic. I am counting the days down until I am taking off for Christmas. The kids are off school for 2 weeks and I decided to take time off as well. Woo Hoo, can't wait!! Also, this Friday is my work's Holiday Party. I am looking forward to that! Alex gets to go to the Fox on Friday with his school to see The Rockette's Christmas Spectacular. This is also our last week of Y swimming until January. Now, I am off to try my hand at smocking or maybe just read a few chapters of my book and then to bed.
Sunday, was even more fantastic. I only got out of my pajamas to take a shower then I put fresh one's right back on. We love pajama days at my house. Alex had basketball practice today. His first and instead of wrestling with keeping Olivia busy, her and I stayed home and Jimmy took him. While home, Olivia and I had an exciting time. She was playing in my room and apparently was playing with the locks. She shut my door and you guessed it...it's locked. I couldn't figure out how to pick the lock and my cell phone was locked in the bedroom so we had to wait until Jimmy got home. I was looking forward to watching a movie in bed but that didn't happen. So instead, I got working on making our meals for the week. I got my chicken cooking for homemade chicken and dumplings (I make bisquick dumplings for all you noodle-dumpling lovers and they rock!!) I just cooked the chicken and got all the meat off the bone. So all I have to do when ready is bring to a boil and throw in the dumplings...dinner is served. I can't wait for that night! I also made chicken spaghetti. That will be tomorrow night's dinner since Jimmy is home with Olivia all day. He can throw it in the oven before we get home. Viola...dinner is served. For lunches this week, I cooked up a fantastic WW recipe of turkey sausage and penne pasta. If you have never tried turkey sausage, I highly recommend it. This dish is very tasty and has become quite a favorite in my house. I wasn't hungry for dinner so instead portioned out containers for lunch. Easy peasy this week! I finally got my house in order and most of the laundry done. I feel like I really accomplished something this week. For those of you who may be freaking out regarding Christmas shopping. 'No, mine isn't done -- in fact, I haven't even started. But, I learned last year that the best time to hit the stores is weekday mornings. After I drop Liv off at school, I hit a few of the places before heading to work. No crowds, no kids...perfect! That will be this week.
So hopefully since my weekend went so well, my week will be just as fantastic. I am counting the days down until I am taking off for Christmas. The kids are off school for 2 weeks and I decided to take time off as well. Woo Hoo, can't wait!! Also, this Friday is my work's Holiday Party. I am looking forward to that! Alex gets to go to the Fox on Friday with his school to see The Rockette's Christmas Spectacular. This is also our last week of Y swimming until January. Now, I am off to try my hand at smocking or maybe just read a few chapters of my book and then to bed.
St. Nick Day
St. Nicholas Day will be a day that I will never forget - December 6th. Of course, St. Nick visited our house last night and left goodies in everyone's stocking but this day is also a day for us to find Joy and remember a very special woman - my mother-in-law Mary.
Mary passed away 6 years ago on Saturday from a 4-year battle with ovarian cancer. We all joke that she picked this day so none of us would forget the kids, a day that is to be joyous and happy. I know I've mentioned her before but she truly was an amazing woman. I will be forever grateful for having known this woman, for making me feel like I was a "daughter", for showing me to find a little bit of joy in everything and for all the love and joy she had for Alex. Alex really misses his Mimi and will still get teary-eyed to this day when he talks about her. Those two created a very strong bond. I just wish he could have had his Mimi as long as I had both my Grandma's. And I wish Olivia could have had the opportunity to know her as well. Mary is one person that would have always been in their corner - whether they were good or bad, distributing lots of hugs and kisses, giving them lots of laughs at their antics and someone who would be geniunely interested in whatever it was they were doing.
So we honor our Mimi. We love you and miss you terribly!
"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure!"
Mary passed away 6 years ago on Saturday from a 4-year battle with ovarian cancer. We all joke that she picked this day so none of us would forget the kids, a day that is to be joyous and happy. I know I've mentioned her before but she truly was an amazing woman. I will be forever grateful for having known this woman, for making me feel like I was a "daughter", for showing me to find a little bit of joy in everything and for all the love and joy she had for Alex. Alex really misses his Mimi and will still get teary-eyed to this day when he talks about her. Those two created a very strong bond. I just wish he could have had his Mimi as long as I had both my Grandma's. And I wish Olivia could have had the opportunity to know her as well. Mary is one person that would have always been in their corner - whether they were good or bad, distributing lots of hugs and kisses, giving them lots of laughs at their antics and someone who would be geniunely interested in whatever it was they were doing.
So we honor our Mimi. We love you and miss you terribly!
"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure!"
Rog
On Friday morning, my step-grandpa Rog passed away. Even though his death is truly a blessing since he was suffering both mentally and physically, it was hard losing him. I did not expect to take his death as hard as I did. Rog has been in my family since I was 18 months old. My Grandma dated him until they married when I was 9. Rog was seen as your typical "grumpy old man" but I do remember fun times with him. I remember when he and my Grandma took me to the VP Fair. He put me up on his shoulders so I could see Chuck Berry on the stage. I remember he came to my high school graduation. For some reason, my Grandma wasn't there but Rog came. He used to get a kick out the length of time my Grandma and I could spend talking...it used to be for hours. (How I miss those days!) After my Grandma passed, we used to pick him up whenever we had family gatherings. We always made sure there were plenty of leftovers and extra sweets for him to take home. So, even though we did not call him "Grandpa", he was a member of our family. Go and be happy Rog! We will miss you!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Blessed
Thanksgiving was a time to reflect on how truly blessed I am. I not only have my St. Louis family but my Little Rock family as well to be thankful for.
First, I am so thankful for Jimmy, Alex and Olivia. You three are my world and mean so much to me. I am truly blessed to be a wife to a great husband and the mother to the most amazing and beautiful children! Alex and Olivia, you two had my heart before you both were born and each day brings more and more joy as I watch you grow. Thank you all for choosing me!
On Thursday, we went to my Aunt Debbie's to celebrate with my aunt and uncle, my mom and dad, my sister and bro-in-law, my bro and sis-in-law and my cousin and his girlfriend. The food was excellent and in abundance! I made a new appetizer...Atomic Buffalo Turds. I know, a wacko name but let me say, if you like stuffed jalopenos -- then dont even worry about the name...these are heaven!! I got the recipe from my "girlfriend" Stephen. It's a long story on why I call him my "girlfriend" so just go with it. Anyway, Stephen made these amazing ABT's on Halloween night. I had to have the recipe and since I so graciously shared my recipe for BLT Dip, he obliged my request. Thanks Stephen! So, yes, they were still amazing and I think I had about 10 of them! The one thing I love and one reason I feel so blessed being with my family is that the laughs were a plenty. We always manage to have a good time together. After a few rounds of guitar hero, we ended the day playing the dice game Left, Right, Center. It was a great time. I am so thankful for my family and friends. After losing some very important people in my life the last few years, I have really tried to let those that I love really know that I love them and am so very grateful and blessed to have them in my life! I am also grateful for all those new found family and friends. You all have offered me the opportunity to grow in ways that I didn't believe was possible! Thank you to everyone. I love you.
On Friday morning, we headed to Little Rock to spend the weekend with the Morgan family. When we left here, it was sunny and beautiful. Usually every time (and I really do mean almost every time) I go to Little Rock, it rains. Of course, that means I get blamed for the weather. So as we headed south, the weather started turning bleak. Maybe I need to trick the weather by saying I am never going to Little Rock again and then pack my bag at the last minute and jump in the car. Yeah, I don't think that will work either. Oh well, those in Little Rock just aught to be thankful I don't live there! When we got in, everyone was waiting for us. We were going to make a "family" dinner but I nixed that and asked if we couldn't go easy. Ham sandwiches, cheese dip, leftover stuffing and a store bought apple pie. The Morgan's are known for always having a house full of family and friends and Saturday night was going to be the night so why tire ourselves out 2 nights in a row. It was perfect. After dinner, Michelle, Brian, Jimmy and I played many hands of a card game called Sergeant Major. It was lots of fun! The kids just played and played. I have such great memories of times with my cousins and love when my kids see their cousins and just pick right up where they left off. So Saturday morning, I got up and decided to do some baking! I love to bake. I made my famous pumpkin muffins. Everyone seems to love them. When we left today, there was an insistance that the remaining muffins stay in Little Rock. Definite compliments to the chef! Thank you. I also made a double batch of gooey butter cookies and a batch of Mary's "Butter" cookies. There really is no butter in that recipe but, they are my father-in-laws favorite. Unfortunately, this morning when everyone came over they started to get eaten. Many growls and grumbings went on to leave his cookies alone. Another compliment to the chef! I also made a chess pie that was my father-in-law's grandmother's recipe. It didn't get time to set after cooking but I got lots of compliments on it. Woo hoo! Just call me little chef! In between all this baking and before we had a house full of company, my sis-in-law, Aunt Margaret and I snuck off for a few hours without the kids and went to a cute little sewing store. I picked up some smocking pieces while there. I am going to give this a try. While at this quaint little store, I found a pattern to make the most adorable cloth stacking rings for babies. You remember those plastic stacking rings we had as kids. Well, this one is made of cloth and 10 times cuter. I can't wait to make one!! Also, after dinner on Saturday night, Margaret gave a lesson on making hair bows for girls. I made one and let me say it is really hard. Oh, OK, so I have a Type A personality and everything has to be perfect but I did manage to get one made. Actually, it was a collaboration. Tessie (a long time friend of the Morgan's) made the bottom bow and I made the top bow. It turned out really cute. Now, I just can't wait to go to the fabric store and get some ribbon! I am thinking maybe I could do my own Etsy store...jewelry, quilts, hair bows, stacking rings, embroidery and hopefully I can add smocking to that!
We are now at the end of our long Thanksgiving weekend. I am thankful for a fun trip to Little Rock and I am thankful we made it home in one piece. I am so thankful for all my family and friends. You all mean the world to me. I am so blessed to know each and every one of you!!
Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!
First, I am so thankful for Jimmy, Alex and Olivia. You three are my world and mean so much to me. I am truly blessed to be a wife to a great husband and the mother to the most amazing and beautiful children! Alex and Olivia, you two had my heart before you both were born and each day brings more and more joy as I watch you grow. Thank you all for choosing me!
On Thursday, we went to my Aunt Debbie's to celebrate with my aunt and uncle, my mom and dad, my sister and bro-in-law, my bro and sis-in-law and my cousin and his girlfriend. The food was excellent and in abundance! I made a new appetizer...Atomic Buffalo Turds. I know, a wacko name but let me say, if you like stuffed jalopenos -- then dont even worry about the name...these are heaven!! I got the recipe from my "girlfriend" Stephen. It's a long story on why I call him my "girlfriend" so just go with it. Anyway, Stephen made these amazing ABT's on Halloween night. I had to have the recipe and since I so graciously shared my recipe for BLT Dip, he obliged my request. Thanks Stephen! So, yes, they were still amazing and I think I had about 10 of them! The one thing I love and one reason I feel so blessed being with my family is that the laughs were a plenty. We always manage to have a good time together. After a few rounds of guitar hero, we ended the day playing the dice game Left, Right, Center. It was a great time. I am so thankful for my family and friends. After losing some very important people in my life the last few years, I have really tried to let those that I love really know that I love them and am so very grateful and blessed to have them in my life! I am also grateful for all those new found family and friends. You all have offered me the opportunity to grow in ways that I didn't believe was possible! Thank you to everyone. I love you.
On Friday morning, we headed to Little Rock to spend the weekend with the Morgan family. When we left here, it was sunny and beautiful. Usually every time (and I really do mean almost every time) I go to Little Rock, it rains. Of course, that means I get blamed for the weather. So as we headed south, the weather started turning bleak. Maybe I need to trick the weather by saying I am never going to Little Rock again and then pack my bag at the last minute and jump in the car. Yeah, I don't think that will work either. Oh well, those in Little Rock just aught to be thankful I don't live there! When we got in, everyone was waiting for us. We were going to make a "family" dinner but I nixed that and asked if we couldn't go easy. Ham sandwiches, cheese dip, leftover stuffing and a store bought apple pie. The Morgan's are known for always having a house full of family and friends and Saturday night was going to be the night so why tire ourselves out 2 nights in a row. It was perfect. After dinner, Michelle, Brian, Jimmy and I played many hands of a card game called Sergeant Major. It was lots of fun! The kids just played and played. I have such great memories of times with my cousins and love when my kids see their cousins and just pick right up where they left off. So Saturday morning, I got up and decided to do some baking! I love to bake. I made my famous pumpkin muffins. Everyone seems to love them. When we left today, there was an insistance that the remaining muffins stay in Little Rock. Definite compliments to the chef! Thank you. I also made a double batch of gooey butter cookies and a batch of Mary's "Butter" cookies. There really is no butter in that recipe but, they are my father-in-laws favorite. Unfortunately, this morning when everyone came over they started to get eaten. Many growls and grumbings went on to leave his cookies alone. Another compliment to the chef! I also made a chess pie that was my father-in-law's grandmother's recipe. It didn't get time to set after cooking but I got lots of compliments on it. Woo hoo! Just call me little chef! In between all this baking and before we had a house full of company, my sis-in-law, Aunt Margaret and I snuck off for a few hours without the kids and went to a cute little sewing store. I picked up some smocking pieces while there. I am going to give this a try. While at this quaint little store, I found a pattern to make the most adorable cloth stacking rings for babies. You remember those plastic stacking rings we had as kids. Well, this one is made of cloth and 10 times cuter. I can't wait to make one!! Also, after dinner on Saturday night, Margaret gave a lesson on making hair bows for girls. I made one and let me say it is really hard. Oh, OK, so I have a Type A personality and everything has to be perfect but I did manage to get one made. Actually, it was a collaboration. Tessie (a long time friend of the Morgan's) made the bottom bow and I made the top bow. It turned out really cute. Now, I just can't wait to go to the fabric store and get some ribbon! I am thinking maybe I could do my own Etsy store...jewelry, quilts, hair bows, stacking rings, embroidery and hopefully I can add smocking to that!
We are now at the end of our long Thanksgiving weekend. I am thankful for a fun trip to Little Rock and I am thankful we made it home in one piece. I am so thankful for all my family and friends. You all mean the world to me. I am so blessed to know each and every one of you!!
Hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving!
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