Shadow Pic - a bit overdue

And my tradition of the fall shadow picture (yes, it's now winter) is finally posted!

Unfortunately, David wasn't with me when I took this. Kind of telling of 2011. It was a very busy year and many times David and I felt like two ships passing in the night.

Happy 3rd Birthday Jack!

My baby is three today!
Jack has been such joy, blessing, and gift these last three years. He has such a personality. It's been so fun watching him blossom into this wonderful preschooler. Jack reminds me a lot of my Dad. Not only does he have my Dad's stick straight hair, he has my Dad's loving side and temper!
Jack, I love you more than you will ever know little guy!

A bit about Jack these days:

• LOVES LOVES LOVES the movie Cars and Cars 2. 99% of his day, Jack is holding one of his Lightning McQueen cars in his hand, even at time night!
• One of Jack's favorite foods are Cuties. He can put them away!
• Jack has also moved from his favorite ice cream flavor of vanilla to chocolate!
• Jack continues to wear his Lightning McQueen swim trunks (cars trunks) during the majority of the day.
• Jack loves his big sister, Lily. They play so well together. We often find them at night, sleeping in the same room.
• Jack can almost dress himself. He needs a little help, but he pretty much has it down.
• No interest in potty training quite yet. He told me the other day, "I don't want underwear, I want my diaper!" Perhaps in a few months.
• Jack loves to run and be chased. He asks me "Can I run and can you get me?"
• Jack speaks so well now, he can basically get any thought across to us. He still says "Wiwwy" for "Lily" and this year is "Cwismas".
• Jack enjoys going to Mom's Morning Out (school). And his favorite toy there? Lightning McQueen!

I love you little buddy! Thank you for being born! :)

12-22-2008

 

 

 

3rd Birthday Party

Picture by Lily

Sayings

My kids crack me up with what they tell me and I overhear.

Today I noticed a very large mess, along with a torn up diaper box in our living room. I asked Lily, "Why did you make such a mess?"
Lily, "It wasn't me! It was Jack and me!"

Cracked me up

Another common saying is when one kid tells the other what to do, the response is:
"You're not the parent. You are the kid!"

Santa 2011

This is the first year both kids did "okay" with Santa. Last year was quite a disaster! Lily wouldn't look at the camera and she was face down on my chest. Yes, I had to sit with them for the picture. This year, Jack was a bit shy at first, but he warmed up to Santa once Santa asked about his Lightning McQueen car (Jack is holding it with his right hand). Happy Holidays everyone!

Testing Testing

I don't consider myself a great cook. I grew up eating a certain amount of Mexican dishes (quite tasty Mexican dishes - Thanks Dad!). I can make a mean bowl of beans and rice. However, anything outside of Mexican and a few choice breakfast meals, my dishes don't always turn out very well. I don't have a lot of patience in the kitchen. I want meals that are easy and quick to make. Watching my husband roll out pasta for 10 minutes for ravioli at Thanksgiving wore me out! When a recipe is the slightest bit complicated, I take it to David who will most likely enjoy making the dish.

Tonight, David was running errands during the normal dinner prep time. I decided to venture into the land of cooking. I felt like something warm and comforting. I decided to go for vegetarian chili. I used this Weight Watchers recipe as my inspiration.  I changed up a few things. I used real onions instead of the suggested dehydrated. I added a bay leaf and added some boca crumbles and white beans. I also added a few more spices in my cupboard. The moment came when it was time to eat and it was DELICIOUS! Yahoo!

December 2011

I hope in 2012 I will be better with blogging. I want to keep this as a diary of sorts to remember all the crazy moments being a Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend.

We remain to stay quite busy. I am going to be picking up another 4 hour shift at work in mid-December, so that will move me to 16 hours/week. I'm excited to take on more responsibilities (more pay) and yet a bit nervous with the time away from my kids and house.


For Halloween Lily was a witch and Jack was Elmo.

For Thanksgiving, we had a quiet dinner of homemade ravioli. David rolled out the pasta and made a squash filling and a spinach/ricotta cheese filling. David's Mom visited us from Las Vegas and the kids really enjoyed her. We "visited" North Carolina on Skype and "hung out" with Bonnie, Mark, Grant and my parents. My nephew, Grant is now walking all over the place! He turned 1 on November 7th.

We plan to have a quiet Christmas here in Colorado Springs. My hope was we could go to Indiana, but finances won't allow it this year. We still own the condo David had before we got married. We are now talking with a property manager and are hoping to have it rented by end of year.

Some pictures....

A few months ago the kids and I went to Helen Hunt Falls and then to ice cream. Our favorite ice cream shop has a chalk board and Lily showed us her drawings...

The final masterpiece. This is Lily and Jack by the way.

I always look forward to playgroups. Unfortunately, with our school and nap schedules our playgroups are few and far between. This is Zoey and Zach. We've known them since the older kids were just tiny babies!

Jack became much more mobile and daring in 2011. Many headstands and lots of running around occurred.

We have some awesome parks in Colorado Springs. This park has an awesome running hill.

Jack's obsession: Lightning McQueen

Note Jack's trunks and slippers. These are a constant. If he is home, he is wearing at least his Cars trunks. I'm digging Lily's eye mask as well.

Had my fair share of ear aches/infections this year. This was my latest one. Feeling better finally!

And the eye mask again

Visit from Grandma D

Save Suz

Just as I am feeling down about my life situation (David working a lot, condo still not sold, money very tight, cholesterol too high), I got onto my Facebook and was reminded how much I really do have. A good friend of mine from college, Suz is going through quite an ordeal lately. She has recently had surgery for Stage 4 endometriosis. Around the time of her surgery, she was "fired" from her job. They told her it was due to poor performance, but we all know it's from her medical issues as Suz has never been given any warnings, verbal nor written about performance. So, she is now jobless and insurance-less. (This is why we need Universal Healthcare, but I digress) She is out of cash and needs help with her December rent. I donated some money and supplies for her. Some of you know Suz, most of you don't. If you feel like donating a few bucks towards her rent, please contact me and I will pass along her information. Suz is a sweet natured, kind, talented, beautiful soul.  I have attached a picture of an Ebay auction to help out Suz in mid-November should you be interested.  Thank you friends!

Thank you Suz for putting my life into perspective. We have to focus on the things we have and what is going right instead of the not so great things. Love you Suz!!

And the leaves that were green, turn to brown

(The title is from one of my favorite Simon and Garfunkel songs)

While raking leaves yesterday, Lily told me "When the leaves fall, they look like people running. Or maybe dogs. Or anything that can run." Caught me funny and I had a big smile of my face afterwards.

The only thing constant is change

So my dream of blogging at least once a week to keep up with our lives has fallen very short. Life is so busy. I have the kids to watch, the house to keep up, my part time job and I have started back up with Lemongrass Spa (I have two parties this month!). My apologies to the two readers out there. I will blog when I can. David has been working a lot at work and at our condo (no renters right now, trying to sell). So, I have been a bit more stressed out than normal. However, life overall is good. Here are a few pics of the kiddos.

Feeling Like a Twelve Year Old

So, I am currently 37 years old and inside I am feeling like I'm 12. It's not just my new favorite actor Jon Hamm. Yes, I started watching Mad Men (thank you Amy, one of the best shows ever!) and found Jon quite the handsome man. I even bought the movie "Bridesmaids" because I thought it hilarious and Jon Hamm is in the movie. I don't buy movies! I rarely watch movies over and over again. Silly me.

But other than this, I sometimes struggle with the same feelings I had when I was 12. I thought I would have outgrown these by now. I was on Facebook and I saw that a high school acquaintance "friended" a friend of mine. This person has common friends with me and I thought "Well, why hasn't she asked to friend me too?" Bam, all kind of high school feelings came back to me. I felt on the outskirts of this group of friends. I had two friends in the group and just felt the others didn't like me. There was a party once and a member of this group was passing out the flyers with information about the party. I was sitting at lunch with them and she looked at me with a not so nice look on her face and said, "Well, I guess I should give one to you too." I felt oh so welcome to attend! I really liked this group of gals and wanted to join in their group of friends, but just never felt like I was a part of their friendships. Like I said two of them were very nice to me and I hung out with just them and am grateful for their friendships.

Some say the best years of their life was high school. I struggled with junior high and high school. I wanted everyone to like me to a fault. I think I still can be that way. So, needless to say, I didn't really enjoy junior high and high school. College was better. 

I guess a part of this is me feeling kind of on the outside. Feeling like I'm never quite cool enough. I've struggled with feeling like I can't find my niche in life. I like to do a lot of things and try a lot of things, but I never really master anything. I so admire ultra creative people. I used to draw all the time in hopes that one day I could be an artist. I sang in choirs, at my Spiritual Center but never really went anywhere with singing. I struggle with harmonizing with the other singers and never quite felt confident enough to put myself out there. I like to tell people "I have a good voice for choir, but not a soloist." I feel I knit okay and do enjoy that. Definitely will stick with knitting!

I feel an outsider in Colorado Springs too sometimes. It can be overwhelming with the conservative Christian groups. I'm not conservative and I am more Spiritual than religious. Sometimes I feel I get the hairy eyeball when someone finds out I'm not a conservative Christian.

Just having a down moment today. It will pass. I have many great people in my life and just need to focus on that.

Anyway...

I questioned if I should blog about this, or just keep it for my journal. I decided to place it on here in case anyone else ever feels like a 12 year old from time to time also. I know how you feel! We all struggle with something in our life. This is just mine.

Like Mother Like Daughter

I think Lily has picked up on my sweet tooth. This was a mini conversation tonight:

Lily: "My belly hurts on the inside. I think I'm hungry." Me: "Well, you ate dinner." Lily "Maybe I need dessert!"

1st Day of School 2011

The kids went back to school on September 7th (yahoo!)
Here's the obligatory 1st day picture!

The first day went off without a hitch. No tears, just pure excitement. Just how it should be!
Here's to a great school year!

My Own Words

My kids say something funny nearly every single day. I want to put them in my blog so I can remember them later on.

Many times a day I tell my kids, "Hold on. I can only do one thing at a time." As I get many requests for many things all at once.

Today Lily was watching Curious George and I asked if she could comb my hair. She said, "But I'm watching George." I told her, "You can watch George and comb my hair." Of course she comes back with, "Mommy, I can only do one thing at a time."

ha! I should have known better.

Bowl and Cup from Amy

My friend Amy (who came in July for a visit) made me a homemade bowl and cup! I have been using them almost every day. Amy, the bowl is perfect for my morning oatmeal and the cup fits my cappuccino wonderfully! Thanks again friend!

Fun with Fingerpaints

Through the summer, I have been trying to find activities to keep the kids occupied (other than just TV). The kids love to fingerpaint. I will admit, it's not my favorite since the mess can be a bit much, but I figure, it's fun for them and it really is washable, so might as well!

Superheros

The kids love to run around the house yelling superhero lines such as, "To the rescue!" It's quite hilarious!

Dishcloth for Kimberly

Many moons ago I posted on Facebook that I would create a handmade item for the 1st five people to respond to my post. This is the 1st of my handmade items to go out to my friend in Virginia, Kimberly! This was a fun pattern! I may make another one soon. It's easy, yet fancy fancy!

I have another dishcloth made that I will give to my friend, Michele at our next playgroup. I have yet to take a picture of it.

I cannot remember where I picked up this pattern. I will research it. Possibly Lion Brand??
Here are the instructions and will post it's owner as soon as I find out.

Materials
Worsted weight 100% cotton yarn, approximately 2 oz.
US size 7 knitting needles

Finished size: approximately 9" x 9"

Stitches
K=knit
P=purl
YO=yarn over
K2tog=knit 2 stitches together
PSSO=pass slipped stitch over

Cast on 39.

Rows 1–6: Knit across.
Rows 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27: K3, P33, K3.
Row 8: K5, YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K3, K2tog, K1, * YO, K1, YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K3, K2tog, K1. Repeat from * across to last 5 stitches. YO, K5.
Row 10: K6, * YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K1, K2tog, K1, YO, K3. Repeat from * across to last 3 stitches. K3.
Row 12: K7, YO, K1, slip 1, K2tog, PSSO, K1, * YO K5, YO, K1, slip 1, K2tog, PSSO, K1. Repeat from * across to last 7 stitches. YO, K7.
Row 14: K5, K2tog, K1, YO, K3, YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO, * K1, K2tog, K1, YO, K3, YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO. Repeat from * across to last 5 stitches. K5.
Row 16: K4, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K2, YO, K3, YO, K2, * slip 1, K2tog, PSSO, K2, YO, K3, YO, K2. Repeat from * across to last 6 stitches. K2tog, K4.
Row 18: K6, * K2tog, K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K3. Repeat from * across to last 3 stitches. K3.
Row 20: K5, K2tog, K1, YO, K3, YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO, * K1, K2tog, K1, YO, K3, YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO. Repeat from * across to last 5 stitches. K5.
Row 22: K4, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K1, YO, K5, YO, K1 * slip 1, K2tog, PSSO, K1, YO, K5, YO, K1. Repeat from * across to last 6 stitches. K2tog, K4.
Row 24: K6, * YO, K1, slip 1, K1, PSSO, K1, K2tog, K1, YO, K3. Repeat from * across to last 3 stitches. K3.
Row 26: K6, *YO, K2, slip 1, K2tog, PSSO, K2, YO, K3. Repeat from * across to last 3 stitches. K3.
Rows 28–47: Repeat rows 8–27.
Rows 48–53: Repeat rows 8–13.
Rows 54–59: Knit across.

Bind off knitwise.

Admire your beautiful new dishcloth and get scrubbing! 

UPDATE: Found the pattern- shew!
http://kelleysyarns.blogspot.com/2007/05/elvish-leaves-dishcloth.html

Juicing

My husband has been on a juice fast for the last two weeks.  He is only drinking vegetable juices and water. I'm very proud of him as this takes some discipline. His goal is one whole month. He got inspired by the movie: "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead". Good documentary - I highly recommend it. David is hoping to heal his body by allowing his body to focus on what needs to be healed vs. digestion. He's also getting all kinds of good nutrients.
I've been juicing about once a day and am hoping this will help me as well. I'm not mentally read for a juice fast at this point.
I'll check back in soon and report on David's progress. Go David!

Rain

It's been raining every afternoon this week. I love it!

Vegetarian Week Day 5: Red Enchiladas

On our last day of Vegetarian week, I went with an old classic. Something I've eaten since I was a toddler: Red Enchiladas!!

I love this meal! It's not quite as good as my Father's, but it's still yummy!
I am quite inspired by this week. I am considering eating most meals vegetarian. I have a large Mark Bittman book with oh-so-many recipes that I can keep our meals interesting for quite some time. 

Vegetarian Week Day 4: Huevos Rancheros

AKA: Ranch Eggs
These are made with fried tortillas, cheese, beans, salsa and an egg. So easy!! I make this dish a couple of times a month. One of my favorites!

One more day left in Vegetarian Week. I absolutely have not missed meat yet!

Vegetarian Week Day 3: Mozzarella Sammies

Tonight we had Mozzarella Sandwiches and a side salad. I was inspired by a Caprice sandwich at Mollica's Deli here in town. Next time I will buck up and buy some good Italian bread rolls. Wasn't quite the same on whole wheat buns. I also want to find a recipe for homemade Italian dressing to top the sandwiches. I made a red wine vinaigrette tonight and it was okay. 

 Tomatoes and basil from our garden

Troubleshooting

So, as I'm trying to change my settings to use a password for my blog, it appears that is not possible on Blogger. I would have to enter the email addresses of all those who want to view my blog. Boo! I will research some more to see if it's possible to set up a password, but for now, guess it's open! I did ensure my blog is not on Blogger's list for searching. Guess that helps a bit?
If anyone knows a work around, please let me know! Cheers!

Vegetarian Week Day 2: Polenta

Tonight we made Polenta with black beans. If you like grits, you will like this dish. I'm not a huge grits fan, so I think when I make polenta again, it will be a side dish. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I have a bag of polenta, so perhaps I will seek out some more recipes for using polenta meal. I also will add more Parmesan before eating!

 This was my afternoon snack today. I cut up an apple into cubes and stirred in some peanut butter.

Amy's Visit

My friend Amy came to visit me a week ago. It was so very nice to get to hang out with her again! It was almost like college - okay, not really, but close enough!

Amy and I went to D Bar Desserts up in Denver and had a yummy meal/dessert. The owner of D Bar Desserts is on Food Network (which I am a junkie) and I was a bit starstruck to see him there.
We also hung out at a sleepy coffeehouse and I taught (or attempted to teach) Amy how to crochet. We ate some more yummy food from Thai Basil and Colorado Mountain Brewery. It was an awesome weekend!

Owner of D Bar: Keegan Gerhard

Amy's Yummy Brownie Sundae from D Bar