Top 12 of 2012

Here are my top favorite 12 things that happened during 2012!

1. We welcomed our 2nd beautiful baby girl into the world!  Krissy Alexandra was born September 20th!  It's kind of wild to think I spent 3/4ths of the year pregnant!
2. We decided to adopt a very hyper, destructive, but lovable pup - TJ.  It took a few months for him to grow on me but I just love his big furry face now.  It has been fun to watch him have "firsts" - like playing in the snow for the first time :) 
3. We took our 1st big family vacation to Destin, Florida.  We are hoping to continue traveling once a year with the kids.  It gives us parents something to look forward to, and the kids absolutely LOVE it!  
4. I taught myself how to sew.  It's obviously not rocket science, but it's a skill I'm looking forward to building on, and I simply can not wait to make the girls matching Easter outfits this year!  So far I've made:  burp cloths, pj pants, pennants, plastic bag holders, scarves, diaper changer covers, and a car seat blanket.  I may try to make our family new stockings for next Christmas... we shall see!
5. We took a mini vaca to the Ozark Mountains.  The vacation was planned before I knew I was pregnant, but we went anyway, nauseous and all, and had a blast!  Looking forward to going back in the warm season when we can do some fishing!
6. We celebrated 5 years of marriage this year.  I know it's a small milestone, but I can't believe how fast 5 years has gone!
7. I started my "mommy books".  My mom gave me 3 blank books (one for each kiddo) this past Mother's Day.  The kids are supposed to draw or write or color in the book.  Hayden has just taken an interest to drawing and writing, so I'm gluing things in the book, writing down little stories about every day life, and I'm excited I'll have these little memories in a book.  One day the kids will love to read them!
8. I got my first gun.  It's a cute little gun I can conceal if I ever feel the need to. After the CT shooting, you just never know what kinda crazy person will have a gun and decide to use it, so this mama bear wants to be ready to protect her cubs!
9. We finally got some descent snow!!! Since Hayden has been old enough to play in snow, we hadn't had a big/wet/significant snow.  The last few days he's loved having sbowball fights and building "Frosty".  Allie liked the snow, but didnt love being cold.
10. Hayden and Allie got to be roommates.  They seem to love sharing a room together and I think that will be the case for several more years!
11. I got a new niece last July. Eleanor Rose.  I just have a feeling Krissy and Eleanor will be best buds since they are so close in age! 
12. Watching the kiddos grow has probably been my favorite thing of 2012.  Hayden is the best helper and big brother.  He can do anything as long as I am encouraging him.  He can be so thoughtful and is usually very giving.  He loves little babies and I think its the sweetest thing ever!  Allie's attitude has changed for the better this year!  She use to be so defiant, but now she minds pretty well these days.  Her nurturing instinct has been in full gear since I brought Krissy home.  She loves taking care of her baby dolls.  She told Hayden a few days ago, "I love you so much Bubba," and she constantly walks up and hugs him.  Krissy is a smiley little baby.  She's very easy going, the best sleeper of the 3 (11 hours at night is normal for her) but when she gets hungry, she uses every ounce of her being to scream and let us know she's not happy!

Overall, this past year has been great!  We spent lots of time with family, watched lots of good movies, ate lots of good food, grew several friendships, shopped when we needed to, vacationed when we wanted to, and enjoyed (almost) every second of the time our family of 5 got to spend together!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Love, The Devines

My Ornaments Dec 24

And last but not least......
December 24 - Christmas kitties
I don't remember what year we got these ornaments, and I wish I did!  They came from either Elder Beerman or Lazarus - I can't remember.  I remember not being able to choose at the store which I liked best, so I got all three.  Actually they were a birthday or Christmas present that year I got them.  If I had to choose only one now, I'd pick they grey stripey one :)

My Ornaments Dec 23

December 23 - Girly Snowflake
I mentioned in yesterdays post that in 1992 I fell in love with Hallmark ornaments,  One reason why I love this one so much is it's one of the first ornaments I remember buying with my own money (in 1994).  We went to the hallmark store the day after Christmas when all the ornaments were half off and my sister bought this one, so I did too.  I remember thinking "Oh, cute snowflake" but it wasn't until I looked closer and saw the snowflake was made up of cute little girls :) And there are hearts on there and I love hearts <3

My Ornaments Dec 22

December 22 - Open Heart ornament
This is a Hallmark ornament from 1992.  I think the reason why I love it so much is because when I was little and my mom gave it to me, I was so in love with the fact the heart opened AND inside was a little Christmas scene.  It's one of the first Hallmartk ornaments I actually remember getting. 

My Ornaments Dec 21

December 21 - Bama snowmen ornaments

While I can't claim to be the biggest Bama fan that has ever lived, they are my favorite team.  I caught about half of their games this season and I'm soooooo looking forward to the BCS Championship game that's quickly approaching!  I got these ornaments my freshman year of college.  Football season is usually over now for most teams, but not Bama!  These ornaments get me in game mode!  Roll Tide!

My Ornaments Dec 20

December 20 -Pregnancy ornament
Back when I worked at the bank, my BFF Amy gave me this ornament.  There are so many reasons why I love this ornament so lets get to it!  I had never seen an ornament to celebrate pregnancy before, so it never occurred to me to get one.  Amy didn't know my love for ornaments, so it just happened to be a perfect gift.  I wasn't expecting a gift from her so it was a lovely surprise!  I love that it's personalized too.  Kevin and I were only married 3 months before I got pregnant, and sometimes it feels like we've always had kids, so it reminds me of that first year that it really was just the two of us and our two cats. 

My Ornaments Dec 19

December 19 - Wedding Cake Ornament
It's no secret I made our wedding cake, so this was my favorite "1st Christmas together" ornament!  My parents gave it to me for Christmas in 2007.  I had a Lenox cake topper and cake knife and server, so it only made sense to have a Lenox cake ornament! 

My Ornaments Dec 18

December 18 - S'more ornament
My sister gave me this ornament in 2000.  It was her first year in college.  I remember opening the ornament and I said something to the effect of "oh, cute snowman!" and I was on to the next gift.  She stopped me and said, "Did you see what it was?"  I was like, "Um yea, clearly he's a snowman".  And I think she told me to look again and she had to tell me he was a s'more!  Now you see these ornaments everywhere, but it was such a unique ornament when I got it, that I still love it :)

My Ornaments Dec 17

December 17 - Mini Christmas kitty
This miniature ornament is about the size of a christmas light.  It's tiny!  My friend Shannon gave this ornament to me on my 16th birthday.  I think she knew I loved cats, but didn't know how much I loved ornaments.  It has always been a favorite!  I love it's little dangly legs, it's little pink pads on the back of it's feet, and the fact it's a cat!  It hangs at the top of my tree every year (which is why I had a hard time getting a picture of it) and my Christmas tree would be incomplete with out it!

Decembers Mid Month Update

Outside my window . . . It's dark and chilly

I am thinking . . . I should stop watching the news.  Sometimes I think I'd rather be uneducated and clueless rather than educated and disappointed/angry.

I am thankful for . . . in light of what just happened at Sandy Hook, I feel thankful for everything.  My family, my faith, that there is life after death.

In the kitchen . . . I have really been trying hard to keep my counters cleaned off.  We have this big furry pest, named TJ, that will eat anything (literally) that he can get his paws on!  i.e. bibs, spatulas, and food of any sort.

I am wearing . . . pjs, and I've maybe been wearing them all day.

I am creating . . . scrapbooks for the kids.  My mom gave me the books for mother's day this year and I just now got organized enough to start them.  It's not photo scrapbooks, just pictures they have made or hair Hayden has cut off his sister's head...... yeah, things like that.

I am going . . . to get a gun for Christmas.  I'm so excited to learn how to use it and it's small enough to conceal and take with me if I ever feel the need to.  Let's face it, there are way too many crazy people in this world and you really can't feel safe anywhere anymore. 

I am wondering . . . what the new year will hold.

I am reading . . . Nothing at the moment, but I'm sure that will change by the end of the week.  (I have a stack of books on my bookshelf that I want to read, just haven't had time.)

I am hoping . . .my kids stay healthy for the rest of the month!

I am looking forward to . . . seeing lots of friends in the next couple weeks!

I am hearing . . . the TV.  I have been sort of addicted to Fox News since Friday.

Around the house . . . it feels like Christmas.  I added garland to my mantle and some above my kitchen sink, and it feels really warm and cozy :)

One of my favorite things . . . is my fiestaware.  I got a new color for my birthday and it really makes me happy to open my cabinet and see all those bright happy colors!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . laundry, Christmas shopping, sewing, dinner date with some girl friends, hanging out with my sis, baking for Christmas - it will be a good week!

My Ornaments Dec 16

December 16 - Elf Yourself Ornament
Have you ever visited the JibJab website?  My kids (and I) LOVED it! You insert your face into an elf body that dances to a song - it is quite entertaining.  This year I'm not as impressed with the selection of videos to elf yourself, but the kids still are in love with it!  I bought this ornament in 2010 and it still cracks me up seeing elf Kevin on elf Hayden's back :)

My Ornaments Dec 15

December 15 - Memory Ornament
Last year on December 15th, at about 10pm, I was talking to my sister on the phone.  I had taken a positive pregnancy test earlier in the week, and as we were finishing up our conversation I felt a gush of blood.  I knew the feeling and I knew it shouldn't be happening.  Once I confirmed I was bleeding, I frantically tried calling Kevin but couldn't get ahold of him (he was at work), so I called my parents.  My dad stayed with Hayden and Allie and my mom took me to the ER.  I got a hold of Kevin and he met us at the hospital.  It wasn't till about 2 in the morning, after doing blood work, an ultrasound, exams, that they told me I had miscarried.  It was such a sad time for me, but I wanted an ornament to represent this little life that we only knew for a moment - even if it does make me sad.   

My Ornaments Dec 14

December 14 - Personalized Gingerbread ornament
Back in the day I use to take piano lessons.  I really enjoyed them for several years, but eventually stopped taking lessons.  In 1990, Mrs. Skidmoore (sp? {my piano teacher}) made all her students one of these ornaments and decorated a tree with them.  As a 7 year old, I thought that was pretty cool.  One other fun memory about Mrs. Skidmoore, I remember she had a coo coo clock.  It's funny the little details you remember about certain people/events.

My Ornaments Dec 13

December 13 - Bear and Clown ornaments
I don't have really any regrets in life, but if I could do one thing over again, I'd buy about a dozen more of these ornaments!  There was a little seasonal store in Washington Square Mall (back when it actually was a descent mall) that sold these hand painted ornaments.  My sister has two adorable cat ornaments and she got cat garland (which I stole for several years and still have at my house - remind me to give that back sis!).  These two actually were Christmas gifts that year from my sister.  I love how unique they are and I so wish I could find them again!!!

My ornaments Dec 12

December 12 - Mirror ornament
One of my favorite classes in high school was home economics.  My teacher, Mrs. Walters, had us make these ornaments for class around Christmas time.  We had to bring in a picture for the ornament.  We used steal wool and paint thinner to take a small section off the back of the mirror, which turns that little section into a spot of see through glass.  You put your picture in the little spot you created, glue a little felt to the back, and voila, you have a neat/homemade ornament!  I always loved this ornament, but even more so now that Tootise is no longer with us. 

My Ornaments Dec 11

December 11 - Caribbean Cruising Ornament
Kevin and I took a Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon and this was the ornament I bought on that trip.  We are dreaming of another cruise sometime in the future - maybe a bigger anniversary - like 10 or 15 yrs. 

My Ornaments Dec 10

December 10 - Annalee Cat ornament

I am 100% a cat person, and I fell in love with Annalee cats several years ago.  There's just something about their painted faces that make them so loveable!  I have two Annalee Cat ornaments, but I wish I had enough to decorate a whole tree. 

My Ornaments Dec 9

December 9:  My Braces ornament
Yes, you read that right.  I loved my braces.  I didn't want to get them off, so when it came time to remove them, I asked the orthodontist if I could keep them.  That was a first for them, but they didn't have any objections!  My mom found the clear plastic ball, and they have been hanging on my tree since my freshman year in high school!  Don't judge, I'm sure you've done weird things too! :)

My Ornaments Dec 8

December 8: Panda Jingle Bell Ornament
When I was younger, I had a huge obsession with panda bears, and I still kinda do!  My Aunt Teresa, who has passed away, had this ornament on my gift for Christmas in 1989.  I don't know if she made it or not, but I'm going to guess she did because she was such a crafty lady.  It was my first panda ornament and it's still my favorite panda ornament I have!

My Ornaments Dec 7

December 7: Baby's First Christmas Ornament
Today is my birthday!  Last year in my twenties - kinda scary!  I thought a fun ornament to showcase today would be one I had to have gotten shortly after I was born.  This is a Hallmark ornament from 1983!  I actually have 3 "baby's first Christmas" ornaments and I love them all - this one just happens to be my favorite of the three :)  I've made sure that all my kids have a couple cute ornaments for their first Christmas too!

My Ornaments Dec 6

December 6:  Hayden's first Christmas hand-print ornament
My sister and mom stole Hayden for a few hours when he was 7 months old.  I thought nothing of it, but was so surprised on Christmas when I opened this sweet little ornament! I've carried on the tradition with Allie, and will do the same with Krissy this year.  I'm sure when they get older they will get a kick out of seeing how little their hand print use to be! 

My Ornaments Dec 1- Dec5

Oh boy, you're going to be so proud of me!  I've actually planned something... while I was decorating my Christmas tree (which is one of my favorite things to do all year), I kept reminiscing on the memories my favorite ornaments hold.  I decided I'd showcase an ornament each day in December until Christmas, and tell you why I love it so much, or the memory behind it.  I also wanted to highly suggest giving ornaments as gifts or getting them when you take a vacation!

Obviously I'm a few days behind so I'll get all caught up in this first post :)

December 1- Merry Merry polka dot ornament
This ornament was given to me on my birthday three years ago, by one of my favorite people, Candice!  It's been on the front of my tree since I got it, and it is the first ornament to catch your eye when you look at my tree.  I was also 4 weeks pregnant with Allie on that birthday (which I didn't know at the time).  It's just an all around happy ornament with lots of happy memories! :)

December 2:  Hand painted tree ornament
Back in 2004 when Kevin and I were dating, and he was trying to woo me, he painted this ornament for me at FiredUp!  Kevin is not into things like this (like at all), but he knew I was and he took the time to make it for me.  Ever since he gave it to me, it's been one of my favorites!  I think this is one of those ornaments when Kevin and I are dead and gone, the kids will fight over who gets it!

December 3:  Dumbo Ornament
Every vacation I've ever taken, I've bought an ornament to remember that vacation.  This one was bought (I think in 1999) when my family drove across the country to visit family in California. One of the biggest highlights of the trip was going to Disney Land.  I was so excited to ride the Dumbo ride, and that's why I bought the Dumbo ornament. 

December 4:  Sweet stuff ornament
Back in 1986, I was 3 years old, and I colored this ornament!  My mom (or sis) will have to correct me if I'm wrong (or if anyone even remembers) but I think this came in a kids meal, I want to say Long John Silvers, and you colored it, then baked it, and it shrunk.  That's the story I have in my head (who knows if it's right?!), but this ornament has been on my tree for as long as I can remember, which makes it one of my favorites!

December 5:  Canadian Soldier ornament
In 1995, my family drove East to visit my cousin in New York.  It was our first big family vacation.  I still have several souvenirs from that trip, but this guy happens to be my favorite.  We were close to the Canadian border and decided to drive across and see Niagara Falls.   It was amazing, the trip was great, and this cute little ornament reminds me of that whole fun trip!  This happens to be one of my kids favorite ornaments at the moment too!

What's Been Going On...

My blog has been put on the back burner since Krissy has arrived.  Adjusting to life with three little ones has been/was quite a challenge for me!  I struggled with post partum issues as much as I did with Hayden.  Things really started to turn around, for the better, when Krissy was 7/8 weeks old.  Since the beginning of November, Krissy has slept all night (going about 11 hours between bottles).  She is the most consistent sleeper and it's been such a blessing!  Keep it up Krissy!

I'm not trying any new recipes - and to be honest - it's an accomplishment just to get a meal on the table!  I haven't sat down and really browsed Pinterest in months, so I haven't had any fun projects to post.  Those two reasons, plus having very little down time, are the biggest reasons I haven't blogged much lately. 

Here's what has been going on:

• We spent the night at Christmas Lake after Thanksgiving.  It was our first overnight trip as a family of 5.  We got to see Santa and I was able to take Christmas card pictures of the kids.   I had a really hard time choosing a picture because I had too many cute ones!
• Any spare minute I get, I'm trying to get my Christmas cards ready to mail!  I am planning on mailing them from Santa Claus, IN at the end of the week!  It seems like there is always some little task, whether it be laundry, dishes, picking up, decorating for Christmas, ect. that is keeping me from blogging. 
• For months, I have felt torn about whether or not to send Hayden to public school, a Christian school, or home school.  Just in the last couple weeks, I've really felt led to home school.  It's not written in stone, but that's the option I'm pursuing the most.  I may post more on that later since 95% of the people I know aren't supportive of the decision.  Right now, I'll leave it at I think it's the best decision for Hayden and our family. 
• We installed new blinds in our house and I LOVE them!  I need to dedicate a blog post to them because they are that wonderful :)
• Have I mentioned that we temporarily got cable back.  I am staying up later than normal and the oldest two kids are going to bed about 7pm and I was just getting bored... with that being said, one night I saw New Moon was on.  I haven't watched any movies in the Twilight saga or read any of the books, but I decided to watch the movie.  I was so into it and I never thought in a million years I'd be so hooked on vampire movies!  Twilight came on the next night and I watched that too.  Then, I rented Eclipse and Breaking Dawn part 1.  I think I got Kevin interested too!  I need to go see part 2 while it's in theaters!  Definitely on Team Edward... I agree with Bella - I love Jacob, just not as much. 
• ALAMABA won the SEC Championship (WHAT A GAME!) - which obviously I'm thrilled about - but I can not wait for the BCS Championship game!!!!  Alabama VS Notre Dame.  Any unbiased predictions (which means my sister, a huge ND fan, isn't allowed to comment!) on who will win???  Roll Tide Roll~!
• I've decided next year, and probably two more years after that, I'm not putting ornaments on my Christmas tree.  I've already had 4 ornaments broken this year, either by the kids or dog, and I just have so many favorite/irreplaceable ones that I don't want to risk them getting broken too.  
• My house stinks like beef/deer jerky.  Kevin got a dehydrator and jerky canon for his birthday and he's already made 15lbs of jerky in the last two weeks!  Everyone that has tried it, and likes jerky, thinks it is great.  I'm glad he's found something he likes to make - just wish it wasn't so stinky!

Do you feel caught up on my life now? :)  Maybe, just maybe, I can try to squeeze in a post or two every week so I don't have to do another one of these lame generic posts!  I'll leave you with the second runner up for my Christmas card picture...

Happy Thanksgiving

 Happy Thanksgiving from my wild bunch of turkeys!

Thankful for 2012 Edition

Faith:
I am thankful for Proverbs 31 Ministry.  I have mentioned on my blog several times that I get their daily emails and it's jut a great way to start my day. 

Kevin:
I have become a very practical person since getting married and having kids, so Kevin helps bring fun into daily life.  I tend to want to do dishes or laundry or clean something (sometimes you just don't have time for fun!), but Kevin makes me stop what I'm doing and have fun with the family.  It's a good balance :)

My Little People:
Im thankful for one on one time with the kids.  Kevin and I have tried to make that important, especially since Krissy got here.  The kids love it and the parents love it.   

Things that Make me Happy:
Chocolate.  Chocolate makes me happy.  I wish it didn't; I wish I could take it or leave it.  Anything from Stephen Libs is my favorite.  I think I need to go get some chocolate Santa's now that I think about it. 

Conveniences:
We ended up getting our cable tv back.  I told Kevin I think it should be just temporary because I loved not having it.  I agreed to get it back because I was staying up late with Krissy and I was having a hard time staying awake.  I enjoy the entertainment (especially all the movies they play on the weekends).

November's Mid Month Update

Outside my window . . .It's a sunny, beautiful, fall day with temps in the high 40s

I am thinking . . . every year since I can remember, my Christmas decorations get put up the first week of November.  This year, I just realized I'm half way through the month and decorating my house wasn't even on my radar!  I'm hoping this weekend to get them up... we'll see how that goes!

I am thankful for . . .nap time.  Usually the girls will both nap at the same time in the afternoon, and I can occupy Hayden with the tv, so I have some time to read, do dishes, get dinner ready, or nap if I have to.

In the kitchen . . .we have a section on the counter designated for clean bottles and all their pieces.  We let them air dry there.  I have 10 more months of sharing my counter with the bottles, and that doesn't excite me.

I am wearing . . . jeans, uggs, a button up shirt, and a white scarf.  It's the most put together I've been in a while.  (Hayden had a Thanksgiving program today that I went to.)

I am creating . . .several little sewing projects!  I have most of the things cut and pinned and sitting on my counter ready to be sewn.... now if I could just find the time.

I am going . . .to be in birthday mode this weekend.  My sister's birthday is tomorrow and Kevin's is Saturday!

I am wondering . . .why Krissy is spitting up so much!  I've read up on the issue and I'm trying some different things, but nothing really seems to be working.  I guess she is just going to be a baby that spits up a lot?  Also, I'm considering rejoining Weight Watchers.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to stick to it without joining.  I also don't know that I'll stick with the plan if I'm still not sleeping consistently at night.  I'm ready to lose this last 20 some pounds though.

I am reading . . . Sacred Marriage - it's a great book!

I am hoping . . .Kevin gets a deer asap.  I know he is wanting the meat this year, and I'm wanting him back home on the weekends to take care of Krissy so I can sleep.  I'm selfish, I know. 

I am looking forward to . . .the month of December.  I'm excited to bake, have the kids open gifts, see family, etc.

I am hearing . . .the tv and baby's swing.  I'm extra tired today so I think I'll be taking a nap once I'm done typing! (Allie was up more than Krissy last night - apparently her sippy cup leaked all in her bed and I didn't realize that had happened until the 3rd time she woke up!)

Around the house . . .I'd love to get more pictures hung up.  I need to move several too. 

One of my favorite things . . .are pecans.. I'm really looking forward to pecan pie this thanksgiving!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . . make Kevin's birthday cake, celebrate birthdays, clean the house, decorate the house for Christmas, church, grocery shop, and sew if I get any time!

Thankful For 2012 Edition

Faith:
I'm thankful for things being temporary.  Stress, conflict, friction, heartache, newborns that keep you up all night - it doesn't last.  I have to keep reminding myself that.  Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (A verse Sarah reminded me of this week at DOK)

Kevin: 
I am thankful for Kevin's job.  It pays the bills and it isn't a horrible, demanding job.  He enjoys the people he works with.  Most importantly, he is the only financial provider for our family and he takes on that extra stress so I can be at home with our children, which is so important to both of us. 

My Little People:
My kids genuinely love each other.  Of course they argue and fight like brother and sister, but they also snuggle together on the couch, the older two ask to hold the baby almost daily, and they make each other laugh all the time.  They tend to be partners in crime, which sometimes drives me bonkers (b/c I want Hayden realize what Allie is doing is wrong then tell her that instead of participating) but I'm thankful for their closeness.

Things That make me Happy:
Taking pictures.  I'm so thankful for my camera, so that I can capture these events and expressions and stages.  My kids have literally grown up in a blink of an eye and I love love love going back and looking at pictures of them. 

Conveniences:
I really am thankful for my phone.  Lame, I know, but it's how I stay in contact with so many friends and it helps keep me awake during those night feedings!  Plus I can facetime with my sis and that's pretty cool in itself!

Thankful For 2012 edition

My Facebook news feed is literally blowing up with people posting daily what they are thankful for.  It's definitely not a bad thing, but instead of following the trend, I decided once a week, every week of November, I'd write a post highlighting some things I'm thankful for in certain areas of my life.  

Spiritual Walk:
Crossroads is blessed to have an amazing senior pastor, Ken Idleman.  He is overflowing with wisdom and is able to present solid biblical truth in a loving way.  His messages every weekend are so convicting/challenging.  I truly look forward to church every weekend.  I believe behind every strong man is a wonderful wife, and Ken's wife, Kaylene, is no exception.  She teaches my bible study class on Wednesdays and her class is the highlight of my week.  She gives the entire class so much encouragement on being a wife and mother.  These two people have impacted my life so much.

Kevin:
I'm thankful for our marriage.  We have our ups and downs just like everyone else, but it's reassuring to know the "D" word will never be an option for us, and he'll always be here.  We are both 100% committed.  I know it's a little gaggy, but I like stability, and I know I've found that in our marriage.  We can give our parents credit for being good examples!

My little people:
My kids are busy, mischievous, loud, non-stop, and full of life.  I can't imagine having a child any other way.  Are there really such thing as calm, quiet kids that actually listen to their parents?  I'm thankful for them being wired this way because it's challenged me to become more patient.

Things that make me happy:
My furry babies.  I am thankful for them.  Especially Harry (aka The Best Cat in the World!).  >^..^<

Conveniences:
I am thankful for our home.  I love having a big yard the kids and dog can play in.  I like that our rooms are so close together that I don't need to use baby monitors.  I love my kitchen and the big window in it.  We have great neighbors that are always looking out for us.  I also like that I'm two minutes away from Walmart, and since I'm there daily, that's a big perk!

Mexican Lasagna

I meant to post this recipe last week, but clearly I didn't post anything last week!  I make this meal every couple months.  The recipe came out of one of my favorite cookbooks.  We get multiple meals out of it, which is always a huge plus in my book, and probably a reason I love it so much.  It also reheats great!  Don't get thrown off by the cottage cheese.  Neither of my kids eat cottage cheese (I think it's a consistency thing) but they both eat this meal. 

Ingredients:
2lbs ground beef
1/4 C taco seasoning
1 can refried beans
4+ soft tacos shells, cut in half (I only use 4, but you can use more if you want)
1 C mozzarella cheese
2 C small curd cottage cheese
1 egg
Optional Toppings:  Ortega taco sauce, lettuce, jalapenos, tomatoes

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350*
Brown ground beef.  While beef is cooking, mix the mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and egg and set aside. Drain fat off the beef.  Put beef back in the pan and add refried beans and taco seasoning.  Mix well. 
For the bottom layer, I take two taco shells and cut in half and place the straight sides along the sides of the pan.  All the curved parts of the taco shell will face the inside.  (Let me know if that doesn't make sense.. I can take a picture).  Place all of the ground beef mixture on top of the shells.  Add another layer of taco shells (cut in half just like you did on the bottom.)  Add the cheese mixture to the top of the shells.  Bake for 30 minutes. 

It's a great Mexican meal if you are wanting to try something new!  Enjoy :)

Looking Forward To - November Edition

I really can't believe it's November.  I mean Christmas will be here in just a couple weeks and then we'll be starting a new year.  Time flies!  Here are some fun things (in no particular order) I'm looking forward to this month...

• Kevin turns 29!
• Thanksgiving!  I love the family time and food.
• Decorating for Christmas.  I usually put my Christmas tree up the first week of November, but I think I'll shoot for the second week this year!  Too many little hands like to take apart decorations...
• I'm hoping to get some sewing done this month.  Krissy needs a car seat blanket and it's on the top of my sewing list.  
• We'll have our routine even more figured out.  I feel like things have really started to settle down and my days are becoming more predictable, which I appreciate!
• I'm so excited for the election - and to watch the results come in.  I'm hoping to have nails left by the end of the night.
• I'm hoping to start blogging more regularly.  It's my biggest goal of the month! 

Halloween 2012

We had a great Halloween!  When your kids are really excited about a holiday, it makes it twice as much fun for the parents!  And when you have two kids trick-or-treating, you get twice the candy, another perk for us parents! :)  Here are some pictures from Halloween.

Allie painting her pumpkin.

Hayden painting his pumpkin.

 The end results.  Hayden thought of painting his stem all by himself!

Getting ready to trick-or-treat!  Red is Hayden's favorite color, and orange is Allie's favorite color, so they both loved their costumes!

They scored big time on our street!  Most of the neighbors said we were the only trick-or-treaters.

Nothing better than trick-or-treating with your cousins!

We have enough candy to last us till next Halloween :)

Straight Lines

I'm very particular about my lines... when I fold a paper, I want the corners to match perfectly.  When I cut something (especially a picture), it's gotta be a perfect straight line.  This summer when my sister was home and we were shopping in Huntingburg, I ran across a used paper cutter.  It was from Staples and the shop was asking $9 for it.  I know paper cutters are $25-$100, which is why I never bought one, so I jumped on it!  I hadn't had the opportunity to use it until Krissy's newborn pictures were delivered. 

The paper cutter was a great buy!  It works great and it gave me the perfect straight line I was looking for!  Ask Santa for one this year if you don't have one already :)  It will come in handy

It's a.......

I forgot to update the blog, but many of you have asked.... and Amy had a BOY - Cade Allen Foster!  I was there for the delivery and it was so exciting - maybe even more than when I gave birth!  She told me all along she knew the baby was a boy, but I thought for sure it was a girl (because I thought our bellies looked a lot alike).  He is a handsome little baby!  Congrats Foster family!!!

WWYD?

I saw this and it got me wondering..... what would I do?  Here are some things that just popped in my head...

1. Ride a roller coaster (I don't like the drops)
2. Sky dive
3. Take a hot air balloon ride
4. Travel out of the US

What would you do?

P.S. I was trying to make some adjustments to my comments on the blog to block some of the spam, and my sis informed me that it wasn't letting anyone leave comments... so I made some more adjustments and I think I got it worked out :)  Feel free to start/keep commenting!

Mayse Outing

Kevin and I decided to take the kids to Mayse this year.  We knew they had extra actives on the weekends, so we made plans to go this past Saturday.  We learned that next year, we need to plan a couple hours for this outing!  We figured it would take about 30 mins.... and we were there about 90 minutes and we didn't get to do everything we could (like the corn maze and the tractor ride to the pumpkin patch).

 

 This little girl was in hog heaven riding that pony!

 After the real ride, Hayden was still waiting to ride the big horse, so Allie rode the blow up horses!

 Hayden riding the big horse!  Allie wanted to ride it too!

 A little maze....

We got pumpkins right at the very end, but I was in the car feeding Krissy, so no pics!  Whoops!  We had an absolute blast and we are already looking forward to going back next year!