Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy 2011!!!

I am not big on new year's resolutions - I mean come on, Dec 31st you have no will power and suddenly on Jan 1 you do?? However, I get that the whole concept of 'new years resolutions' is purely symbolic. The start of the new year gives people a tangible fresh start. So with that said here is what I hope for in the new year...

LIVE
I need to learn to really live life to it's fullest. Grab the bull by the horns. Seize the day. Etc etc. I spend so much of my life planning and thinking through the consequences that I miss the opportunities to just live. I need to learn that I don't ALWAYS have to be responsible and do the 'right thing'. Part of life is taking risks and making mistakes.

LAUGH
I can't really tell you the last time I had FUN. Isn't that sad? I have a beautiful, hilarious, and amazing daughter - I should be having fun every day! I hope to find something to smile and laugh about every single day this year and every year that follows.

LOVE
If 2010 taught me anything it's that romantic love does not exist. But there are many other kinds of love that do exist. The love I have for Ava is mind-blowing. Also there is the love I have towards family and friends. What I need to start recognizing is the love of Christ. I hope that I can really grasp how much God loves me. Cause all those times when I feel alone, rejected, unwanted, God is right there whispering "I will always love you. I will never leave you or forsake you." Wow...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Warblers

OMG I am in love with the "Warblers" on GLEE. Their rendition of Teenage Dream was better than Katy's if that was possible! I'm hoping for lots more sining from the boys as the season continues.

I know it's an all boys school, but IF girls could go I would imagine they would wear something like this...

Holy Holidays!

Do I even have to tell you how crazy it is this time of year?? Like seriously, there are people every where and most of them are obviously not feeling the Christmas spirit! Is it really so hard to be kind to others during this hectic time? Everyone is just as stressed as you! Don't get me wrong, I'm no "Sally Sunshine" but I still try to be courteous of people and crap. So, when you are really ticked at some stupid idiot at the store, try to remind yourself of what Christmas is really about and try to show some love. Don't be a scrooge dude.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Crazy for Cricut!!



I am SO excited! I have been wanting a Cricut for years and could never justify spending $200+ on one. Yesterday while browing the ads in the Sunday paper I could not believe my eyes - JoAnn's had a sale on Cricuts for only $85!! I could not get to the store fast enough! I bought one and can't wait to start getting crafy with it! (Thank goodness for tax return money!)

Do you have one? I'd love to hear about the fun creative things you've made with it!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Vote for Dozer and help animals in need!

"Dozer"
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Tax Time

Stephen just filed our taxes online the other night and we found out how much we are getting back. It's a decent amount for people like us who think that $20 is a lot, you know? We are planning to stash most of our tax return money and use it for the next couple of years when Stephen is doing clinicals. During that time he will not be able to provide much, if any, income. So of course we want to save up as much as we can to help take some of the burden off me. We're cool with that - trust me, we'd love to blow it all on house repairs, stuff for Ava, maybe a date or two, some new clothes, etc. but we know the right thing to do is to save it...

BUT

we are seriously considering taking a small portion of the money and going on a vacation. We are so undecided about this because on one hand we feel guilty spending the money for something as luxurious as a vacation, considering the financial situation we are already in, not to mention the future! On the other hand, we have only been on "vacation" once together, not including our honeymoon. We would love to get away for even a long weekend together! Is that so much to ask? Also, we know that the next few years are going to be really tough on us financially, all the more reason to save. But, we also know that time is going to be stressful on us as a couple and that we won't be seeing each other much, facing money problems, etc. So why not enjoy a trip together now while we have the time and money?

We have been praying about this and will try our best to follow God's direction for how we should handle the money - but in the meantime, I'd love to hear your opinion! What would you do? Be responsible and save all the money or indulge a little and take a vacation??

Brussels Sprouts

In an effort to try new things and get a bit more iron in my diet I am making brussels sprouts for the first time. I have tried them before - just boiled w/some butter and salt - and I hated them! So I am looking for some creative and hopefully tasty recipes. If you know of any that you like, please share!! Here is one that I think I might try...

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Preheat oven to 350. Cook 2lbs brussels sprouts (halved) in boiling salted water for 6 min or until tender. Meanwhile melt 3 Tbsp butter in saucepan. Stir in 3 Tbsp flour w/wire whisk. Gradually add 3 cups milk, stirring after each addition. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer 3-5 min or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese and 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg. Drain sprouts, add to cheese sauce, mix lightly. Spoon into greased 9x13, sprinkle with 1/2 cup finely crushed Ritz crackers. Bake 35-40 min, until top is golden brown.

Hello Gorgeous!

Welcome to my third official blog! My main blog started as a way to share stories and pictures of Ava with family and friends. It has since evolved into a sort of "memory book" for Ava. There are often times that I would like to share or post something, but I don't feel it belongs on that specific blog, so I decided to create a new one. This one is a place for me to come, discuss things that are on my mind, & just be me. A place to vent, rant & rave. I hope you enjoy reading things and maybe every once in a while it will make you smile, or laugh, or really think about something. Enjoy!