Bake your fears away

 

I never thought there would be a time in my life when I stayed awake at night, listening to another human being breathing. Maternal Instinct; an innate knowledge of how to take care of a child without having prior experience or teaching. They say most of the thoughts you think on a daily basis are things that will never happen. It's just dreaming of the Worst case Scenario.

On the outside, I am a very relaxed Mom. My kids eat things off the floor, They lick the shopping cart at the grocery store (gross, I know), and they have no qualm about sharing germs. On the inside, I've been in Panic Mode since Day 1. Will they stop breathing when they are sleeping or how many falls can they take til it actually hurts.

I've looked a lot of these fears straight in the face.

A few months ago heading home from vacation we were in a 3-car accident. My maternal instinct told me to go give the Driver who caused the accident a piece of my mind and to rip Liam out of his car seat just to hold him. Both bad ideas. This woman hit two cars filled to the brim with kids and their parents. I bawled the entire way home thinking of the What-Ifs. I didn't want to drive ever again. I rotated leaving one or both of my kids at a sitters if I had to run errands. My instinct told me to protect my kids, even if it meant living my life in fear. I fear that Leah's CF will take her. I fear that people will make fun of my kids differences. So in the face of a Hurricane last night, in between Liam's 20 minute naps he calls sleeping, I listened to him breathing. Here I was worried about Flooding, and Power outages, or if we will have heat and he's probably wondering what he'll have for breakfast. So today I'm baking. Some people think while in the shower, I ponder life over a bowl of cookie dough. I will bake my fears away and simply enjoy the look on my kids faces when they know I've made cookies.

....And if anyone is wondering how our weekend went, it was great.

 

(Liam ready to go to Pap and Gram's)

 

Friday Night was date night. As promised I got something new at the restaurant. Bill and I always end up at the Local BBQ place and I always get the Pulled Pork. Now because it's a BBQ place there weren't tons of new things to try, but I got the ribs. The only thing I've ever had to compare it to were the ribs they gave us in our High School Cafeteria. Needless to say these were much better. After that we went to see Taken 2. Poor Bill said jokingly one time, " If I would have known you talk during movies, I probably wouldn't have married you". After 30 seconds of the movie and I had already asked 3 questions, I knew I was bad.

BUT the real fun came on Saturday; Conquering 3 new meals/appetizers and countless new techniques.

The Red Lobster Biscuits were so delicious and So easy!
I don't know why I've never tried something like this before!

 

This is my Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus. I have never had Asparagus, let alone tried to cook it. So simple and it was delicious. There are tiny pieces of Garlic mixed in as well. I usually just skip right for the garlic salt if I want Garlic, but crushing a bulb and cutting the cloves was totally worth the freshness.

And Finally my Jalapeno Popper Chicken. This was beyone Amazing! I have been seriously missing out on how great food can be. I butterflied the chicken and stuffed it with cream cheese????? and Jalapenos. Never would have thought cream cheese and chicken went together. I had enough Jalapenos to put some on top. Can't wait to make all of these again, and I'm sure Bill can't either! 

 



Let's Get on the Ball Here...

I tend to think of myself as a very organized person. I like charts an lists and the facts right where I can seem them. I am an over preparer and over packer. Yes, I am that woman who packs the entire house for a weekend trip. Bill always says that I pack too much. I reply with Well than Next time you can pack...we all know my OCD will never let that happen.
Lately, Ive been coming across a lot of pins that deal with "Household Binders". I was intrigued and realized these women has found a way to become more organized.
And I'll be honest that ever since I've become an avid "doer" other aspects of my life have been put on the back burner. So I've jumped on this task to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
Be a doer...and not slack in other places.
Here is what I cam up with :

 

The First section is for things you want to remind yourself of Daily. I have 3 months of Calendars for scheduling. Maybe you have something like Devotionals to put in or what not.

 

The Last part of my Daily Section is my cleaning list. Sounds crazy, but it helps me remind my self of the little things to do and what to do on a monthly basis.
I read on a another blog that you if you are busy or running late, devote 3 minutes to each room in your house. Quickly sweep the kitchen, make your bed, or pick up toys.
It instantly changes the look of each room and the feel of your house.

Section 2: Emergency Numbers and Addresses
I probably send everyone in my family a text or email once a month asking for their address. I never write them down, I just ask all over again. So I finally put an end to that.

 

 

I didn't include my Address pages on here for Obvious reasons but here is my Emergency Number Page.

Why didn't I have one of these before?! Sure I know 911, but Poison Control isn't exactly something I want to be googling at the last second.

There are also phone numbers of who should be contacted in case of an emergency. A good thing to have if you have babysitters in your home.

 

 

Also in other Household Binders, a few women included Medical Information about their children and themselves. Photographs, fingerprints, and Insurance Information.

 

Our next section is a given: Finance

The number 1 fight between spouses is MONEY

Bill and I are no different. This section was a must

 

 
Starting November 1st we are writing down every penny we spend. You mark which catergory it goes in to see where you can afford to cut back.

This is our "Financial Goal" Sheet. Goals for 0-6 months 6-12 and over a year.
For example; I want a new kitchen table. One that preferably fits the 4 of us. We write down our Goal, how much it cost, when we want to have it by, and how much we need to put back each week/month. Other things also going on our list; a 2nd car and a down payment for our house.

The Last thing in my Financial Section is a Bill and Budget Sheet (not pictured)
I made a list of our Bills. I budged for Gas, Groceries, and Misc. This way I could have a visual of just how much money we have to work with at the end of a month.

 

And Finally, My last and favorite Section: Meal Planning

I'll be the first to admit that I've tried to defrost frozen food at the last second. And Bill and I are not strangers at the OIP down the street. Our Solution has arrived.

 

The First Page is a blank Calendar. This is where you take the time to write down EVERY MEAL YOU'LL MAKE THIS MONTH. I made a list (still working on it) of 35-40 meals. When I get a better idea of Bill's work schedule, I'll fill in the days. My goal is to not repeat a meal.

Which leads me to my next page. The weekly list. When you have your month filled out, or maybe it's easier for you to do it weekly, you can make a grocery list. It's a good way to stick to a budget. When I have my meals planned out I could probably within $5 tell you how much I need to spend.

The last page is my "Master Shopping List"
I simply wrote down everything I know we eat in our house. Ingredients we use, snacks for the kids, or our drinks. Simple way to make up your grocery list.

 

This. Section is also a good place to store your recipes!

I hope it helped everyone! Let's get organized!
Click here to see a few sites where I got my Printables

Trying New Things

 

Part of getting into a new habit means investigating your old ones.

I love to try new things! I however do NOT like to try new foods!

I've always been a Meat, Cheese, and Potato kinda girl. What's wrong with a Burger and wings. NO SALAD FOR THIS GIRL! I remember trying a few things growing up but I generally stick to the basics. When I met Bill he made me try everything...EVERYTHING. After a while, It was obvious I needed to try almost everything.

My short list would be; Ranch Dressing, Blue cheese dressing, pickles, french onion dip, any kind of beer he bought, basically any vegetable, and the list goes on and on.

Why I don't like these things, I don't know? I'm not allergic so I know it wouldn't literally kill me to try it. But at a restaurant, I won't order something I've never had because who wants to waste money. And same goes for the Grocery store.

So since I now have no logical reason not to try these things, I had to expand my menu options. Within a few months of Bill and I being married he would tell people on Monday I made Chicken and Noodles. Tuesday I made Noodles and Chicken. He'd say, "See, she thinks it's a whole different meal if you switch the words around" I know he loves me so I usually just laughed it off. It's true though. Bland Boring Meals. Food should be fun!

 

This summer I went to our local Farmers market and came across great deals for Zucchini, Squash, and Eggplant. I had no idea what I was going to do with this. No Idea at all. I went home, jumped on the Internet and found an awesome recipe. For starters I had no idea how to even cut an Eggplant??? Or Squash??? You know that saying "fake it til you make it" Yeah that's me. I ended up making an Eggplant Lasagna. With all the above ingredients. I think all It needed after that was Tomato sauce and seasoning. I was leery about trying it but It was delicious. I had been hiding from these ingredients for no reason at all and better yet, they are great for you!

 

So in light of all that (and my new menu planning) our Menu for this weekend:

 

Last Night: Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread and Potato Skin Sliders

I realize there are no vegetables here, but both of these I've never made and I had never tried Sour Cream...it was a must.

 

Click HERE for the Garbage Bread Recipe

Click HERE for the Potato Sliders

 

Tonight: Tonight is date night so no Dinner at home. I promise I'm going to try something new at the restaurant! I promise! But this is what I had for Break fast.

I made these last night because it specifically says that this is a breakfast on the go.

Egg Muffins: Breakfast meat of choice (I chose ham) Vegetables of choice (I used onions)

Cheese and 12 eggs. Layer the ham, onions, and cheese and pour the eggs around it. Cook 25-30 minutes on 375. Store in the fridge and reheat as needed. It was Lightner family approved!

 

 

Saturday: I'm excited about this meal! Jalapeno Popper Chicken, roasted asparagus, and I found a copy cat recipe for Red Lobster Biscuits. If all goes well, I'll post the links!

 

Happy Eating!

 

 



Blizzard Vs. Earthquake

 

Over the past two years Bill and I have been married, I've looked back and thought, how did we ever happen? We are two very opposite people. Within the first few days of knowing each other we made a lot of plans and to my surprise he kept inviting me places. I honestly thought, "Is this some kind of sick joke?" Seriously! The very night I met him I was wearing a pair of Cargo Capris a homemade Tye-dye t-shirt, my hair was in a pony tail and I could bet my life on it that I didn't have a drop of makeup on. Then there was him. Honestly all I remember was that he didn't have a shirt on....that was enough for me.

We had the same taste in goofy Irish songs and we both enjoyed listening to comedians in the car.

I still remember the day we heard Dane Cook's "Nothing Fight"

He sets up the scene of a couple at a grocery store and he was listening from an isle over. They were bickering over Jelly.  The man would simply ask if they had Jelly in their cupboards and she would reply with "Well, I don't even like Jelly" You get the picture, it's a nothing fight. Not a life or death situation and it's probably the reason 50% of marriages end in divorce. Meaningless fights.

We loved this sketch and laughed at these people. Then it happend to us. I was 6 months pregnant and we had been married for 9. Looking back this wasn't a significant amount of time for Bill to get used to my non-hormonal side.

Just an FYI I was born with an overwhelming love of sweets. Multiply that 1000x when I'm pregnant. Hence why I look like an elephant in my maternity photos. It's not pretty. I've actually cried over Junk food before. Bill wanted to do something nice for me by taking me to DQ. I had been asking for a Brownie Earthquake for a while now. We drive up the screen to place our order and Bill says he'd like a brownie blizzard....and that's when Hell froze over. In his recap he says I sounded something like Linda Blair saying " I said I want a brownie Earthquake NOT a Blizzard". He made some joke about them both being weather related and I didn't find it funny. It spiraled out of control from there. This was a nothing fight. I was literally arguing whether I wanted a Brownie topped with Ice Cream or Ice cream with brownie chunks. We rode home in silence. Watched TV in Silence. It's one of those moments where you don't even want to crack a smile at the TV. Do not show one bit of Joy in a nothing fight.

I can't even remember what happened next. Who gave in first and who apologized. These nothing fights lead to nothing but unnecessary silence and wasted time.

My big joke is that I say there are times that I want to rip Bills brains out, but them I'd miss him too much the next day. He says if he has to put up with me for the next 50 years there will probably be years where he doesn't like me very much. But he'll always love me. And if all we really have to fight about is Ice Cream, then I'd say I'm pretty lucky.

 

 



Pinterest Photo Blocks.

 

 

I have always thought of my self as a Clearance shopper. Spending $20 on a pair of shoes or Jeans has always been out of the question. When I lived on my own I walked everywhere that I could and cut costs if possible. If I got a gift card for Christmas I couldn't fathom using it on 1 thing. It was out of the question. I would head to the Clearance section and get 5 items instead of one. Even if it was December and I couldn't wear these shirts for another 5 months I had stretched my dollar to the max. Among being Cheap, I won't even call myself Frugal, I'm cheap...

 

So as a cheap woman trying to make a home I love to cut corners in the Decor area and Budget DIY is the perfect way to do it.

 

 

I started off with 4x4 block, perfect to work with a 4x6 photo

 

I spray painted them Black. I wasn't worried about complete coverage cause I was going for a "rustic" look

 

I'm missing a few steps in between but all it takes are some 4x6 photos and Mod Podge.

 

I tore the photos to get an edgy look and put Mod Podge on the block AND on the photo. It gives it a complete seal. It dries clear and looks something like this!

 

 

Sauerkraut Scented Victory

 

When you make the sacrifice in marriage, you're sacrificing not to each other but to unity in a relationship. - Joseph Campbell

 

When entering into a marriage, both partners generally discuss the sacrifices to be made.

Where to live, how to discipline your children, who will work, and etc.

Generally, the idea of "having to make certain meals" never comes up in the said discussion.

Another one of my "things" you should know about (Yes I have a lot of "things") is that I worry about Smells, odd I know. On a daily basis I battle the lovely scents that only multiple toddlers can make. So, it's no wonder why I have candles and warmers going all day. I would rather have the scent of "Tahitian Coconut" or "Warm Baking Spices" any day than Pork and Sauerkraut, yeah that's what I was rambling about.

 

When Bill and I first met, we spent every waking minute together. His preferred meal of choice at the time was Boiled Chicken Breast. It tastes as boring as it sounds. I however made meals consisting of Sugar, Trans Fat, Carbs, and so on. On one of the mornings I was preparing Deep fried Donuts I had run to the grocery store to buy some OJ. And let's be honest I didn't want to be reading Labels when I could have been staring at my Boyfriend.
A few hours later, when I had managed to make it home to my apartment for the first time in days, I got a call from Bill. It went something like this:

Bill, "I realized we are even more perfect for each other"
Me, "Um, really, why" (Thinking, yeah I am pretty great)
Bill, "You bought OJ with Pulp"

At this point my expression had gone blank and I probably said something along the lines of "Yeah I love Pulp". I could care less about Pulp, and if it was the one thing separating Bill and I being together for the next 40-50 years I could suck it up. Nevertheless I had made a minor sacrifice. Soon after we were married it was New Years time. Pork and Sauerkraut Time. I hate Pork and Sauerkraut and I refused to let the smell penetrate my Apple Pie scented Paradise I call home. A few days ago, during our weekly chat with his sister, she casually mentioned she was making Bills favorite meal, you guessed it, Pork and Kraut. Going strong for 2 years, I knew I had to give up on the battle. I broke down and decided to put it on the menu, if only to say that I made it.

"A good marriage is one which allows for change and growth in the individuals and in the way they express their love."

Searching for Greatness...or atleast Normality

 

So far we have discussed a few of my least favorite attributes.

I'm a worrier. I'm impatient. I'm beyond competitive. And the problem I'm battling now is being a "finisher"...is that a word?

 

I live in an instant world, and that's the way I've always liked things. I "buy it now" on ebay. I'll prepare for things months ahead of time instead of waiting (I've been Xmas shopping since May) and I'd rather leave the store with a lesser version of something than leave with nothing at all. So when I started on this journey, I wondered to myself if I could actually do this. Can I stay motivated to make myself a better person, wife, and mother? This is something I've always struggled with; being a better version of myself. I use mascara and cover up....because that's what I know how to use. I wear ponytails because hair styling is a foreign language to me. And my fashion sense has always been a little behind on the times. I settle for being comfortable, when I know I'd rather be outside of the box.

 

As a senior in High School, we picked adjectives to place in the yearbook that described our personality. I chose; offbeat

This describes me to a tee.

I was a Percussionist (drummer) in the Marching Band who also Played Volleyball.

I did Speech League and Drama club, yet I can bevery shy. 2 years later I'm still getting used to the fact that in Bill's family they are "Huggers". And I'm a great leader who loses motivation when I don't yeild results.

Out of all the things that I am, I refuse to add Quitter to the list.

1 day in the last 9 I didn't do a project and I didn't like the way it felt.

Improving myself will not be an "instant fix"

It's a process that I am enjoying to the fullest

 

1. I baked desserts with ingredients I usually turn my head at (Pumpkin and Apple)

 

 

2. I'm preparing my Children for the Future

 

 

 3. I spoke with Kindess and lets face it...I bit my tongue

I appreciated when I could have coveted

 

 

4. I made several new meals

and have planned for several more

 

 

 5. I've gotten this far in knitting my Scarf...or bookmark

 

 

6. I'm getting more organized

 

 

 

 

 

". . . I want it said of me by those who knew me best, that I always plucked a thistle and planted a flower where I thought a flower would grow."
-Abraham Lincoln

 



Happily Ever After

 

From the time I was a little girl, I've dreamed of my wedding day. As a photographer, I have been to countless weddings. I've seen the perfect flower arrangements, I have my soundtrack memorized, and of course know what my perfect cake would look like. I even went and found my perfect wedding dress. I know the dos and don'ts. How to handle the Dramatic family members and the Bride's having their meltdowns and even how to prepare for "wardrobe malfunctions". So when it came time for my day I knew exactly what I wanted...

But instead this happened...

 

My dress is from Gabriel Brothers, Flip Flops from Old Navy, and Bill's Tie is from Walmart.

4 weeks to the Day of meeting each other, we said I Do.

No big Ceremony and No DJ.

 Tonight I went to one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been too. It was Gorgeous down to the Tee. I walked into the reception and I jokingly said to the bride, "It's hard for me to be happy for you, because it's too amazing here".

I cried at the father daughter dance. I watched the Love between Kayla and Marc. Enjoyed the incredible food, and wondered if Bill and I would ever have our Dream Ceremony.

Heading home, exhausted from the days events, listening to my childrens screaming in the back seat. I was thankful. We didn't have tuxes or gown or perfect cake, but it was perfect for us.
We didn't have the most perfect Ceremony, but we have a great Marriage.
And it may not be the most romantic Love story, but it's our story.
It's my Favorite Story.

 

 

 



Not your average Supermom

 

 As long as I can remember I have wanted to be a mother. Whether or not I became a teacher or a Buisness woman I knew that I also wanted to have children. Take naps, color all day, and go to T-ball practice. How hard could that be? So here I am in the thick of it and my general sensus is that it's Miserable. Don't get me wrong, I love my babies, I want more babies, but I barely escape each day with my sanity. Motherhood is Messy, it's loud, and sticky. It's exhausting and emotional, and did I mention really really LOUD and really, really sticky.

 

I remember sitting in the Drs. office when my OB asked me if I was planning on breastfeeding or bottle feeding. I had no choice, my answer was breast feeding. Besides being good for your children I was forced into it by those "Supermoms". Yes, this is my honest opinion and don't pretend you don't know who I'm talking about. We all live down the street from one of "them".

She's the woman who doesn't show until 3 days before birth. I however was questioned from Month 3 if I was due anyday now...yes I was that big.

Supermom is the Mom shopping at the mall wearing her skinny jeans and stilettos with her newborn baby. I'm pretty sure I was shamed into taking my Maternity pants off when Liam turned 3 months.

And of course, Supermom Breastfeeds. There is nothing appealing about being sore and leaking other than Supermom making it look so darn easy.

 

95% of the time I walk around my house covered in food, picking up a trail of toys but I'd recommend it 100% of the time. Yesterday I was playing with the kids and Liam spit in my eye. Let me say that again...he spit in my eye...I laughed because I wouldn't trade this for anything. (I would appreciate having my old body back) but until you're knee deep in this you wouldn't understand. They eat all your food, interupt your one peaceful shower and scream while you're on the phone. But then they do this...

 

 

And Life is good again. It's great again. I forget that Leah had a meltdown at Lunch. I forget that Liam spit in my eye. I can forget about the Supermom down the street. And I just enjoy the Peace...until tomorrow

 

 

Apple Crumble Bars
Ingredients:
For the base:
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature

For the filling:
4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored and coarsely diced
5 tbsp. sugar
¼ tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. lemon juice
¼ cup fruit jam (I used peach)
For the topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour
3 tbsp. sugar
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
Directions:
To prepare the filling, in a large skillet combine the apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until apples are tender but still firm. In a small cup, whisk together cornstarch and lemon juice. Add to the apple mixture and continue cooking, stirring constantly for 3 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 8×8” baking dish with foil, leaving overhang on both sides for easy removal later. Grease foil.
To make the base, in a medium bowl combine flour, sugar and salt. Mix well. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender, two forks or your hands, until it resembles breadcrumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly browned around the edges. Remove from the oven. Spread the fruit jam evenly on the base while it is still hot. Top with the cooked apple mixture.
In a medium bowl combine all ingredients for the topping. Mix well until combined and crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Using the foil, lift out of pan. Cut into squares and serve. (If desired, refrigerate before cutting to firm up a bit for easier slicing.)

Give without Sparing

 

 

As a parent of Toddlers I can barely contemplate anything further than nap time. On the rare occasion that I get a good nights sleep I wonder what my kids will be like 5, 10, or 20 years from now.

I've heard everyone say it at least once. "I'm going to give my children everything my Parents didn't do for me". As far as I'm concerned I want my kids to be happy, healthy, and a genuinely good person.

 

Now, I realize my children are too young to realize what good Character is, but that doesn't mean I don't want them to see me living it.

This photo was my desktop picture for months. Everyday I logged onto the computer I scanned over this list. Was I living like this. Did I show my children how to be a good or at least better person that day? The "Act of Love" that always stands out to me is #3; Give without Sparing.

We have all seen and heard the incredible Random acts of Strangers and we even watch it in movies. 7 pounds and Pay It Forward. Examples of the extremes strangers will go to, to make this world a better place. And even last year during Christmas Time when strangers were paying off Layaway. Is this something I could do. A meal out for my family ends up around $50. Could we skip this one time and donate it?

I've had this discussion many times. Co-workers who didn't believe that "when you give you will receive". Bill and I always donate at the register when we are asked but do we do it so we aren't thought of as "bad people" or are we doing it because of our Character.

 

I browsed lists and blogs of Simple acts of Kindness I could perform on a daily basis.

 

1. Making Baked Goods for Local volunteers... I have a feeling though Leah might think of this as a "Random Act of Torture" having to watch precious cookies slip out of her grip

 

2. Tip your waiter a generously even when the service was bad

 

or even 3. Leave dollar Bills in the Toy department for Kids to find

 

So this is what the Kids and I came up with...

 

 

The Plastic Bag Reads: Enjoy This Random Act Of Kindness

 

It contains $2.00 in quarters for someone to use.

I possibly only fueled this "Random Person's" caffeine addiction but in the long run I have no idea how this person may Pay it Forward.

But most of all, My Children watched me Give without Sparing ($2.00 or not) 

 If I want to teach my children how to Build Character. I need to work on myself first.



On the Sidelines

 

As Far as my Husband is concerned, there are 4 things that take priority in life.

1. Family (Of course)

2. Diet and Exercise

3. A good Beer

4. Sports...and in this case, Football

 

I have always loved sports. And as I mentioned earlier, I'm very competitive.

I was that kid who tried to hide my intense rage after losing a game of monopoly. I will be the first to challenge you to a rematch or round 2 if this should happen, and you don't even want to get me started on Gym Class. There was no such thing as a friendly game of Battle Ball, and I was most certainly not the girl hiding,or pretending to drop the ball. No way, no how. Now, here I am years later and all that's left to do is Watch Sports. In our House, we are Steelers Fans. But really what do you expect of us. We're from Central Pennsylvania and it's football season.

 

One thing I don't understand, competitive or not, is yelling at the TV. Now crying is a whole different subject.

Thursday night, Grey's Anatomy I will unleash all my frustrations into the world. Bawling my eyes out over the Ridiculous tradgedies that follow this hospital. But yelling at a TV, I don't get. I smile from the Kitchen, as I hear Bill cheering in approval and imagining what kind of dance he might be doing in accordance. It's his thing, whether I get it or not.

 

So Todays Project is: Team Wreath

It's as simple as Ribbon and a base

 

 

Again, it's not the prettiest. But remember, we're aiming for "doing" not "perfecting"

 



Emotional Rollercoaster

 

About 6 years ago I took a trip to Philadelphia. I went to look at the Art University and instead fell in love with the entire city. I love cities. Don't ask me why. It's a mixture of the atmosphere and a million things to see and explore. But then again I also love the long curvy roads that you can only get in the country. I'm a conundrum, yes I'm aware. While in Philly, I came across a book that still tops my favorites list. 2001 things to do before you die. It's a pretty simple book, just a very long list of everyday things to do. I needed this book, I had to see what I was missing. The entire ride home I checked off what I had done. Bake brownies, laugh til it hurts, make S'mores....Is this what I've done in life so far??? I decided then and there I needed to do more of this list.

 

I finally reached something sort of "out there" but "doable"

....Take Up Knitting....

You better believe I took up knitting.

 

Among worrying, I am also a very emotional person.

As my Husband says, an "Emotional Roller coaster"
Granted, I am a good mixture of Irish and German, and we all know these aren't the most levelheaded ethnicity's I could have on my side.

My Rosy Red cheeks light up when I'm Frustrated, Irate, or on the Verge of Tears.

Essentially every other emoticon other than :)

 

So I patiently read over the directions for New Knitters...gave it a shot

Read them again...second attempt

Gave it a final attempt before what was supposed to be a scarf turned into a headband.

It's quite possible I made up my own pattern just to say that I did it.
So I threw out my knitting needles and ditched the idea entirely.

 

So, here I am, 6 years later reading "Knitting for Beginners" @ 11:00 p.m. I do have a very hard time admitting when I'm wrong (Just ask Bill). I will not let this get the best of me, anymore. And whether or not I become a Knit Master or I just finish one darn scarf, I will finally be able to check off the hundred adorable crocheted/knitted items on Pinterest. And it's One less thing to do before I die.

 

 



Worry...Relax...Repeat

 

So as any Day 2 of a project begins (atleat for me) panic set it.

 

One thing you should know about me...I'm a worrier. And over the most irrational things. Whether or not my house is clean if someone pops by. I worry if I'll get the perfect photo of the kids with Santa this year, or if Leah will miss her nap and be cranky at the restaurant. Because of my worrying I now have memories such as "The great Bill's 30th b-day party Meltdown. These things are inevitable. I have toddlers. I saw this quote a while back that said "I want my children to be headstrong and independent...just not while I'm raising them." Story of my life. I was blessed with two very outgoing and "spunky" kids. They have minds of their own and will not bow down when things are looking rough. I wonder if they'll always be like this? Was I like this too? Because now I'm stressing over something that's supposed to be FUN!!! I've never thought of my self as someone who backs down when things are hard. I do not enjoy giving up, and my husband will tell you (I'm sure with many more innocent bystanders) that I'm am competitive....extremely.

 

 

So I looked over my pinterest and got some idea and jumped in head first, again! Maybe you think I'm cheating by starting out easy, but I don't. I completed another project and that's good enough for me!

 

So here is my question...Have you ever ruined something, Anything, with bleach?

I promise you, I have, on multiple occasions.

So Project #2 was inspired by "ruining" not perfecting.

 

Bleach Tees

 

 

Start with any kind of  clothing. I'm really assuming anything would work here.

I went into Word and printed out my kiddos names, cut them out, and placed them on their shirts.

 

 

I filled up a spray bottle full of Bleach...sprayed over the letters and...

 

TADA!!!!

 

They are not the prettiest and maybe my kids won't even wear them. But it's one more thing I can say I did.

 

 

 



A Job Well Done

 

So without even thinking about it I jumped at the idea of starting on my Goal.

 

Project 1: Dad's Retirement Party.

 

For anyone that knows my Dad they know the one and obvious thing about him. He loves Hunting...Anything. If you can name it, he's probably tried to kill one.

Tonight is his Surprise Retirement Party. He is one of the truest definitions of "The American Dream"

 

1. Work half your life at the same job

2. Build Your Dream house and have a little Family

and Finally... 3. Do Nothing...or Whatever you please.

 

Isn't that all of our Goals at Some Point? To Earn the right to not have to work our butts of at some point?

 

So in light of the evenings events I remembered one of my casual pins from Months ago.

Reindeer Cookies??? Now when I say months ago, I mean months ago. And what the heck was I going to do with reindeer cookies in May?

 

 

 

 

So this is what I came up with...Deer Cookies

 

Chocolate Chip Cookies...Mini Pretzels...and Sixlets

I had all these ingredients in my Pantry all along.

 

It's the Simple things. Happy Retirement Dad!

 

Here Goes Nothing...

This Should Be Interesting

 

It surprises me that I'm late to the "Blogger Scene". Wait actually it doesn't. I wasn't the first to do Facebook. I definetely had no use for a Smart Phone, and I'm pretty sure Myspace was a foreign concept to me, so why should Blogging be any different.

Before I continue rambling I should let you know (If anyone is reading) that I am in no way, shape, or form a Blogger, Novelist, or maybe even someone you'd consider to have anything interesting to say. And Grammar is not my strongest subject. However I have been challenged (little does she know she challenged me ) to make a better use of my time. As if I don't have enough to do already, I feel like adding a few more. I'm a mother, photographer, wife, and the 1,000,000 hats that comes along with those three professions. On top of those I fancy my self a "pinner". You've caught me. I'm addicted to Pinterest along with the rest of the general population. I enjoy a good recipe and adore looking at the 1,000 homemade items I can make. I have folders and folders of "Stuff I should do" and "Remind me to make this". Now, in all the months I've been pinning I have maybe done 2 pins...if you could even say that. For Instance, I love the idea for a Dr. Seuss themed kids room...and instead of making the decor I opted to buy the Vinyl Stickers instead. Get the Point...


As far as my Pinterest goes. This is the one craft I have completed....sort of
Plain White Mugs from Walmart (Clearance for 50 cents a piece)
Acrylic Paint
Pottery Finish
Then Bake in the Oven 30 minutes on 450 Degrees

Simple as that... But I didn't have "finish" to "finish it"

 So I guess I haven't been the most responsible Pinner
Challenge to myself; DO SOMETHING

What do you think? Homemade Xmas gifts? 31 pins in 31 days? Use Pinterest to make our Monthly Menu?

My point is that I want to stop "Reminding myself to Make this" and Just do it.
Start Enjoying my kids while they're still young, be more thoughtful, more crafty, and just be better at what I love doing most.

So Stay Tuned and Enjoy!