Do the hustle (of the Christmas variety)

Oh my goodness...the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here!!  This coming Sunday is Christmas, and I have yet to wrap one gift!  Wow!! 

We did enjoy a magical weekend on the Polar Express train ride, and then an overnight stay at Big Splash waterpark!  So fun!

I highly recommend taking your kids on this, at least once.  It will be a memory that will last a lifetime for them!

I hope you and your family are enjoying your holiday preparations!

5 days until Christmas!

December Already

happy, happy, happy December everyone!

Wow, I cannot believe it is already upon us...ready or not.

it is already crazy busy, and i can't seem to stay caught up due to a cold that entered last weekend.

Ralphie, our elf made his appearance already, and the boys are in love with him! 

Gabe wakes up every morning looking around the house trying to find him and to see what craziness he has been up to.

i can tell that Ralphie is going to be extra fun this year!

welcome December!

Gratitude for Today- I am grateful for my morning drive to school with Gabe.  It seems that this is his most talkative, and with Graedon still half asleep in the back, it feels like I have Gabe all to myself.  He says some of the cutest things, and I love to hear how his mind thinks.  Today, he was going to build a house on the island in the middle of a pond we drive by.  Oh, and he is so excited to buy the "Titanic" bundle at the Book Fair. 

I love this boy!  He's growing up so fast, so these small moments are what I want to remember most about him!  He's 8, with his gappy big boy teeth smile, his creative ways, with the most caring and sensitive heart I know!  What an amazing person he is! 

Apologies

grate·ful

1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful:

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APOLOGIES

An apology can come in all sorts of shapes and styles, but the importance of one is monumental.

It is so evident when viewed from the innocence of my 5-year old.

He was purposefully kicked, and kicked hard on purpose according to witnesses at our Halloween party over the weekend.  He was upset because he was hurt, but he was more upset for the lack of an apology. All he could say through his tears was that she didn't even apologize.

Aww, break my heart that I wasn't outside to have righted that wrong.

"I'm sorry" means so much!

I am grateful that my boys know the importance of apologies, and I am lucky that my husband helps in showing the boys how important it is as well.

I am thankful for them as well as trying harder to be better at them myself!

Some Things to Be Grateful For

grate·ful

adjective

1. warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful

****

I have been seeing all sorts of "thankful" posts popping up on blogs and my Facebook Newsfeed, and I really like the idea to take them to express specifically what you are grateful for. 

I am going to try to keep up and post something daily here. 

I would love it if you would join me.

It doesn't have to be grand gestures or huge accomplishments, it can be the small and simple things that bring a smile to your face and make you appreciate what you have.

****

Dirty Dishes

Ugh, is one of the first words that comes to my mind when I see my sink full of dirty dishes.  Yes, we have a dishwasher, but I am not a fan.  I end up having to rewash so much of what comes out of that appliance, that handwashing is just easier. 

Does anyone like washing dishes?

Well, my first reaction would be, "NO!"

At second glance, I become humbled.

I have hot, running water to wash my dishes.

 They are dirty because we were able to eat off of them.  We are able to

have food and ways to prepare warm meals. 

We make it a priority to sit and have family meals together.

Wow....dirty dishes!  

Yes, I am grateful to have dirty dishes. 

Happy Halloween

I hope everyone has had a safe and fun Halloween!

I am loving my Sorcerer Mickey and Headless Horseman! 

(completely handmade this year!)

Easing back into it...

Life has been busy.
I've let it lead me, and blogging just wasn't a part of it.
I've missed it...
How are you? 
Hope you're still here!

VBS Week!

A new week has started, and it is going to be a busy one!

It is Vacation Bible School week at our church, and it is in the evening, so that means there needs to be a little bit more organization on our weekly menu. 

I am also in charge of crafts for the week at VBS, so I need to have my game face on!

Here is what I am thinking for the week!

Monday-Tacos

Tuesday-Brats on the grill, oven friend potatoes, brocolli

Wednesday-Hot ham-n-cheese sammies, veggies with dip, fruit salsa

Thursday-Grilled chicken, pasta salad, baked beans

Friday-Camping trip after VBS

Saturday-Camping trip

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

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Nothing too exciting on the menu, but things that I can make quickly, and things that can be eaten easily.

Here's to a great week!

Last day of May

I really didn't expect to take a leave from blogging the entire month of May, but that is just how life has been this entire month!!  Filled with unexpected happenings!!  One of the major ones was the weather-Oh my!  We had some bad storms come through and knock out our power for 2 days, uprooted so many trees around our house, and take off part of our chimney.  I am just thankful that we are all okay, and that no injuries were reported here!

One of the main things happening is our countdown to Cocoa Beach!!  We leave this Friday-after Gabe is out of school.  We cannot wait, and it is a much needed break that we are all looking forward to!

So, I just wanted to update that I am still here, and still planning on blogging, but life has just taken a front seat at the moment! 

Monday already!!

Can you believe that Osama bin Laden has been found, killed and buried all within 24 hours??

I stayed up last night to watch the President's speech-loved that he ended with portions of the Pledge of Allegiance.

I am just very proud of our American soldiers and the diligence and risks they take everyday for our freedom!

History in the making is amazing!

(no matter your political point of view)

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What's on your menu this week?

Monday-Ghoulash, bread and butter, peas
Tuesday-Chili soup, cheese cubes and crackers, peanut butter and celery (It's cold here-I thought it was May!)
Wednesday-BBQ Chicken and Pineapple skewers, satueed green beans, rice
Thursday-Brother's College Graduation-Quick dinner night-Roast, potatoes and carrots in crock pot, crusty bread, salad
Friday-Gabe has a baseball game-I bet this will be a pizza night!
Saturday-Grilling out!!-haven't picked up what I want us to have, but we are grilling out, because I said so! :)
Sunday-Happy Mother's Day-not for sure of our breakfast, lunch and/or dinner plans yet!

Menu Monday

I hope everyone had open hearts yesterday, letting our Jesus enter them, while celebrating the Easter holiday!

One of my favorite days of the year!

We had an amazing day, and now we are trying to recoup from it!  :)

*************************************************

Now onto my menu plan for this week!!

Monday-Is there any question that tonight will be leftovers?!?  :)

Tuesday-Going to try out this new recipe for Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Wednesday-Herb marinated pork chops, green beans, butter noodles, crescent rolls

Thursday-Taco salad, corn on the cob, chips and salsa and all of the fixings.

Friday-Dinner at the in-laws.

Saturday-Out to eat-either with my boys or just on my own..Chad is having a guy's night. 

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

The last 2 weeks...

So, I know I have been MIA, and I apologize for that.

We have been so busy as a family of 4, that I have put my blogging on the back burner.

Want to see a peek in my life over the last couple of weeks?

Spring Break in the Windy City!

 The boys looking out on the "Ledge" at Sears/Willis Tower.

What an amazing experience!

The four of us at Fogo de Chao in Chicago.

Cheers!

Would a trip to Chicago be complete without a photo at the "Bean?"

I love this man of mine!

He's a keeper!

Returning home, we celebrated Morgan turning ONE!

I could love on her all day!

 Now, I am really old...my younger brother turned the big 3-0!

Some cropping fun at Crop for the Cure!

I have 2 of the best friends a girl could ask for!

 Baseball season has started, and Gabe is pretty excited!

 We were finally able to color some eggs this week!  Graedon loved it!

So, that is what my last couple of weeks have looked like....oh, and lots of this:

Get Your Craft On

I linked my nursery canvas art with Today's Creative Blog today!

Woohoo!

Another Menu Monday

Another fun week of menu planning!

What are you cooking this week?

Any new recipes on your grocery list?

Monday-Homemade pizza, butterned noodles, green beans

Tuesday-Dinner out after Cub Scout outing-not for sure where yet

Wednesday-Cookout at my brother's with my dad-I think it will be hamburgers and hot dogs!

Thursday-Baked chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli

Friday-Pot Roast (roast, potatoes, carrots), salad, rolls

Saturday-Leaving for a few days in Chicago

Sunday-In Chicago

Canvas Art

Amy over at Positively Splendid posted a tutorial on the cutest Nursery Wall Hanging canvases that she made for her little girl's room.

My friends, Zack and Janean just welcomed their first little girl to their family, and I couldn't resist making some for little Juliet Jenaveve Johnson!

I loved how they turned out!

Here is a photo of all 3 hanging in my family room.

Loved making the catepillar and adding googly eyes.

I think the flower may be my favorite!

I couldn't resist adding a little owl.

My friend is a big fan of owls!

They were not that hard to make, and I would encourage you to give them a try.

I bought the canvases for $3 each at Big Lots, and I purchased felt and fat quarters of fabric from Joann's.

My Menu for the Week

Not for sure what is going on with Blogger, but I cannot upload photos at the moment.

Hopefully, it will be fixed soon, because I have several projects that I have worked on that I want to share with you!

I will want to share my weeks menu with you.

• Monday-Lasagna, salad and garlic bread (took to some friends to share)
• Tuesday-Hamburgers on the grill, homemade french fries, fresh cut veggies
• Wednesday-Smoked turkey sausage, sauteed green beans, parsley poatatoes
• Thursday-Beef Stroganoff, rice, bread, peas
• Friday-Breaded pork tenderloin, mashed potatoes, boccoli
• Saturday-Leftover night
• Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

Not really trying any new recipes this week, but I am already making a list of some new ones that I want to try!

Menu Plan Monday

I just found this great new site for fun recipes that I must try!

Our Best Bites

I am loving it!

So, here is my menu plan for this week!

Monday-Sloppy Joes, parsley potatoes, peas

Tuesday-Baked Ziti, garlic bread, salad

Wednesday-Crockpot BBQ Chicken, fried potatoes and onions, green beans

Thursday-Cheesesteak sandwiches, homemade french fries, salad

Friday-Tacos, corn casserole, Spanish rice

Saturday-Cropping the night away, boys are on their own.

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

Over the Rainbow Blog Hop

Welcome to the Over the Rainbow blog hop! One of the things scrappers love most is COLOR! During this journey you'll encounter all seven colors of the rainbow and some of our favorite things about those colors. In order to play along all you need to do is leave a comment on each blog saying what you love about the color featured on each blog. You can even just tell us your favorite thing (scrappy or not) that is that color! Once you reach the Pot of Gold, post ROY G. BIV!! and you're done and ready to start cropping with us!

Hi! thanks for visiting my blog! I am featuring the color INDIGO.  I live in a house full of guys, so Indigo is definitely a color of scrappiness in my world!  I mean, blue jeans are Indigo in color, and I love me some blue jeans!  I am also a big fan of blueberries and thunderstorm skies. 

**Make sure to leave a comment for a chance to win some fun scrappy supplies.  Photo to come later!

If you started with Jenny's blog with the color RED then you are almost done with your rainbow.  Your next stop is the color VIOLET at Krissy's blog.  Your Pot of Gold directions will be given once you check in there!!  Thanks for playing!

Be sure to join us at Have Your Way With Paper for our "Lucky You" Crop next weekend - fun and prizes for all!

These Girls

Make my heart happy because I have their friendship!

Wish we were back in Brown County for our annual Scrap Retreat!

Menu Plan Monday

Can't believe it is already the last day of February!

Wow!  Time is just flying by!

Time for another week of menu planning, and I won't be home this coming weekend.

I will be at my annual weekend scrap retreat some amazing girls.

I cannot wait!

Monday-Beef Stroganoff, green beans, bread and butter

Tuesday-WW Chicken Parmesan, steamed spaghetti squash, broccoli, salad, garlic bread

Wednesday-Tacos, Spanish rice, creamed corn

Thursday-WW Salisbury Steak recipe, mashed potatoes, peas

Friday-Scrappy Retreat (the boys are on their own)

Saturday-Scrappy Retreat (the boys are on their own)

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's



Layout to Share

Just thought I would share a recently completed layout.

This is Gabe after riding the Tower of Terror at MGM in Disney World.

He was very hesitant to ride it, but once he did, he was so proud!

grr...

Yes, I am growling...  :)

I woke up with a bit of a scratchy throat, and now it hurts!

I don't want to be sick!!

I just took some meds, and I hope I can kick it before it gets worse.

Moms just don't have time to be sick.

Boo!!

In other news, here is my menu for the week (made before feeling under the weather).

Meals subject to change depending on my level of yuck.

Monday-Turkey brats, parsley potatoes, corn
Tuesday-Italian baked chicken, broccoli, wild rice
Wednesday-Parmesan pork, baked potatoes, sauteed green beans
Thursday-Spaghetti with Homemade sauce, garlic bread, salad
Friday-Chicken Enchiladas, cream corn, chips and salsa
Saturday-Probably dinner out, but not for sure
Sunday-Sunday Dinner at my mom's

Happy Monday!!



Matters of the Heart

Happy Valentine's Day!!

I hope you are enjoying those that you love the most!

I especially had a day dedicated to the heart...I had a checkup appt. with my cardiologist today.

He doesn't need to see me again for a whole year!!!

Normally, I am on 6 month checkups, but he thinks I am doing so good that he has put me on the yearly schedule.  My heart is extra happy (and healthy) today!

*****

In honor of Valentine's Day, I am going to share a layout with me and my sweetie on it!

Trisha from Sketch Inspiration was so gracious, and asked me to complete a layout to showcase using one of her amazing sketches!

Wow, that girl has talent!

Sketch Inspiration posts new sketches every Sunday, and if you play along, you could win the prize of the week!

You must check it out!

my menu

Can't believe it's the start of another week, and it is February!

2011 is flying by!

Here's my plan for this week:

Monday-Fajitas (I will share my recipe later), rice, corn bread

Tuesday-Chili, grilled cheese sandwiches, apple crisp for dessert

Wednesday-Oven fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans

Thursday-Homemade pizza night, pasta salad

Friday-Sloppy Joes, peas, twiced baked potatoes, salad

Saturday-Valentine's Date night-not for sure where yet

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

My BBQ Pork Recipe

I wish I had a photo to share of this recipe...it is so good and so very easy.
I make the BBQ Sauce recipe below, pour it over a pork loin roast in the crockpot, and cook it for 6-8 hours. 
We eat it as sandwiches, or you could put in in some tortillas with veggies.  You can adjust the BBQ sauce recipe depending on how big of a roast you use.  Let me know if you give it a try!

Barbecue sauce:


1 cup catsup
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 sm. onion (1/2 cup)
3 teaspoons of brown sugar
3 teaspoons of worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Menu Plan Monday

There's "supposedly" a big winter storm heading our way in good ole' Indiana.

I say "supposedly" because our weathermen have been wrong before.

We prepare for 10inches and get a dusting if anything at all.

But, I guess I will head out to the store tomorrow to be stocked for the Blizzard '11.

What is it about a snowstorm that makes people crave eggs, bread and milk?

Monday-Marinated Baked Chicken, baked potatoes, sauteed green beans, rolls

Tuesday-Crockpot BBQ pulled pork, parsley potatoes, spinach salad

Wednesday-Cheddar Chowder, grilled cheese sandwiches

Thursday-Pork Cube Steaks, baked fries, peas, salad

Friday-Birthday dinner with friends (there are 4 celebrating bdays)

Saturday-Hot Dog night for the boys-I will be scrapping with friends

Sunday-Dinner at my mom's

So excited!!

I just received an exciting email that I am a lucky winner over at I Heart Faces!!  I am going to receive a gift certificate to Designs by Jessie, and I can't believe it!  Wow!  I am already eyeing her beautiful work, and I believe a camera strap for my new Canon D60 that I received for Christmas needs some "Stacy-ness" added to it!  Here are a few that I am loving:

 Black and White Damask

Photo by Designs by Jessie

Funky Floral

Photo by Designs by Jessie

Blue Paisley

Photo from Designs by Jessie

I am going to have a hard time deciding on what I would like to order!  She even customs the straps for you by a desired length, if you want pockets sewn on to hold extra memory cards, etc., there is also extra padding you can add! 

I can't wait to get one ordered!

Thank you, thank you!!

I love crops!

Stacey and her wonderful design team at Inspired to Scrap is hosting a fun crop this coming weekend!

I am really looking forward to some fun challenges, inspiration and chatting with some great women!

There are also some fun prizes up for grab!

Check this one out!

I hope you can check it out!