My parents took the kids last night - thanks guys- and my DH and I went out on a date, which we haven't done for months. I think our last one was October. We've talked about needing to do it more often and so tonight we went to dinner. We were trying out Paul's new toy- a Garmin navigator and were going to head to Gepetto's. There is a little pastry cafe on the corner across the street and I headed there first thinking we could get dessert to take home for later, but it looked so good we stayed there. We each had a soup and I had a salad and turkey panini and Paul had a burger. It was amazing food and I'll definatley go again. I'm actually kinda craving the french onion soup Paul had. I've wanted some for awhile but I got a butternut squash soup last night instead.
The kids talked us into not having to take naps today and we had tried it last weekend mostly because we were busy - with okay results- they are pretty old for still taking naps by most peoples standards but apparently they are used to having them and therefore still need them. It wasn't our best idea.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
superbowl stories
We're having a small superbowl party, mostly to eat junk and visit, but it's still fun. I haven't been able to follow football so much ~ funny since I the only girl in a house full of boys. My team didn't make it this year so I was planning on rooting for the Cardnials (I've never liked that other team). My DH shared a story with me about their quartback I thought I'd share with you (get a tissue). I hope they win, he deserves it!
Kurtis the Stock Boy and Brenda the Check Out Girl:
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love. Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she le ft the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible. He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us." She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome. Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't co me with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary, he had a different mindset. That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with. A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids. So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy at a grocery store in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the hunt for a possible appearance in the Super Bowl. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person. It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NLF's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player. Warner will be leading the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday's NFC Championship game
Kurtis the Stock Boy and Brenda the Check Out Girl:
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love. Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card and punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she le ft the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible. He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us." She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome. Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't co me with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary, he had a different mindset. That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brenda knew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her life with. A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids. So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy at a grocery store in Cedar Falls/Waterloo, IA and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona , where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his Cardinals in the hunt for a possible appearance in the Super Bowl. Is this a surprise ending or could you have guessed that he was not an ordinary person. It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NLF's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player. Warner will be leading the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday's NFC Championship game
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I wanted to post another picture of the kids -it was taken at our Church right around New Years so there were still Christmas decorations up. Their Grand Mica bought them the sweaters for Christmas so I wanted a picture of them in them (I still need to send her a copy).
Andrew informed me yesterday that he is going to marry Ms. Becky (his preschool teacher~ what a lucky lady) because he loves her. He says her loves her "from the ground to the sky". I asked what she does that he loves her so much and he said she is so nice, good to know he is seeking out admirable qualities.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
a little love - tutorial
I finished a Valentines project I was working on. Just like "snow" you start by lightly sanding the wood. I painted the plaque and the letters with a base coat, then sanded the edges.
Glued the letters on and then used a clear finishing spray. I didn't stain this one. The paint colors I used are all by Delta Ceramcoat and are: Rose Mist, Sachet, Rose Cloud, Ice Storm, and Dusty Plum. I've seen similar items displayed by either drilling small holes in the upper corners or attaching small hooks to the back and running ribbon through them, but I think I'm going to stand it on a small easel. 
I think maybe some polka dots would look good on it somewhere~ maybe it's not finished. :)
Glued the letters on and then used a clear finishing spray. I didn't stain this one. The paint colors I used are all by Delta Ceramcoat and are: Rose Mist, Sachet, Rose Cloud, Ice Storm, and Dusty Plum. I've seen similar items displayed by either drilling small holes in the upper corners or attaching small hooks to the back and running ribbon through them, but I think I'm going to stand it on a small easel. I think maybe some polka dots would look good on it somewhere~ maybe it's not finished. :)
Last night Nathan received his first Cub Scouts badge and activity patch. He is now a Bob-cat and earned his Amazing Games badge. This was from an activity a couple weeks ago where Paul and Nathan brought a bunch of differnt board games to the meeting and taught the kids how to play them. It was exciting to them because like usual, none of the kids had heard of any of the games we had so they really got to teach and expand the kids horizons. They took Tsuro, Blokus, and Zingo with them.
Nathan is getting dangerously close to loosing his two front teeth and is anxious for the tooth fairy to come visit.
Andrew is being his usual twerpy self. Yesterday I asked if I could have my morning kiss and he sighed as he kept walking away and said "not today mom".
Nathan is getting dangerously close to loosing his two front teeth and is anxious for the tooth fairy to come visit.
Andrew is being his usual twerpy self. Yesterday I asked if I could have my morning kiss and he sighed as he kept walking away and said "not today mom".
Monday, January 26, 2009
We had a wonderful time playing games with some of our friends last night, despite the power outages. We played Blokus, Snorta, and Bucket King ~ all wonderful board games! They brought a wonderful gingerbread dessert that I'm hoping to get the recipe for. We were also delighted this morning with almost 14 inches of snow! It's a beautiful winter wonderland outside.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
"snow" wood project
I wanted to post some pictures of a winter project I finished just after Christmas because it will be coming down soon to make way for Valentines. I actually have a few of these projects going on as you can see in the picture. I have my own saw, but I've never gotten really good at using it and right before Christmas I found a wonderful local wood store and got a little excited.
I started this project before I started the blog so I don't have pictures of every step, but I was contemplating it so I did think a bit ahead.
To start, you lightly sand the whole letter, and then just paint the front of the letter. Iused Delta Ceramcoat acrylics. I was busy talking to friends and accidentally painted the whole S rather than just the front - at least it was the first letter of the word so it doesn't seem so odd that it is different, it turned out okay. Sand the corners down a bit and then you stain the entire letter. I used Minwax Early American. Finish with a clear spray and then for a little bling, sprinkle the letter with ultrafine glitter while the clear spray is still wet. I only put glittler on the first letter.
I started this project before I started the blog so I don't have pictures of every step, but I was contemplating it so I did think a bit ahead.
To start, you lightly sand the whole letter, and then just paint the front of the letter. Iused Delta Ceramcoat acrylics. I was busy talking to friends and accidentally painted the whole S rather than just the front - at least it was the first letter of the word so it doesn't seem so odd that it is different, it turned out okay. Sand the corners down a bit and then you stain the entire letter. I used Minwax Early American. Finish with a clear spray and then for a little bling, sprinkle the letter with ultrafine glitter while the clear spray is still wet. I only put glittler on the first letter.
Finished project.
Up close of the Snowman.
I also have a new follower - a sweet lady named Tammy whom I've never met who encouraged me to start this thing in the first place. I really wasn't worried about followers since the main idea was to keep my family connected, but I have to admit it was a little special to see her added to my list and to have some one I've never met intrested. So you all have her to thank.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
house keeping
Blogging is harder than I thought- not actually posting everyday, but I'm afraid I'll leave someone out and hurt their feelings. I've only posted four things and I already have had pangs of guilt twice. My wonderful Aunt made us all beautiful hats as well as my SIL, I just don't have pictures of them yet, but I don't want her to feel left out because I love them just as much and I am really blessed with lots of supportive people - not just my brother and husband and I'm hopefully assuming you will all read this blog. So don't feel left out. I think about all of you all the time, which is why I thought a blog might keep us more connected, so just know that I always have *YOU* in my thoughts as well.
Now onto happier things. It's coming.
I've been searching for signs for the last week or so and I finally saw them today. Like lots of things in life, the good things are there, sometimes you just have to look harder.
Ready... Crocus blubs are poking through the ground (the blades are less than an inch tall).
As well as tulips, 
and something else I can't recall off the top of my head.
Now onto happier things. It's coming.
I've been searching for signs for the last week or so and I finally saw them today. Like lots of things in life, the good things are there, sometimes you just have to look harder.
Ready... Crocus blubs are poking through the ground (the blades are less than an inch tall).
As well as tulips, and something else I can't recall off the top of my head.
And Andrew is ready. What is is about toddlers that they can't keep their clothes on? He's been on a naked kick lately, this is pretty dressed up for him. He's standing in the mess he dubbed his obstacle course, so of course I can't "take it down". 
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I was able to catch part of the Inauguration yesterday and was so moved by it, even to tears a few times. Those of you who know me well realize that doesn't take much though. I don't know if it's because I'm older or maybe because I have children, but it is such an exciting time when you see that anyone can achieve their dreams. I look forward to seeing what Barack can achieve, it's his first day and I already like the direction he is going. As a related side note, my kids are excited as well and ran around the house exclaiming he is our President. I love how Andrew can't pronounce his name. He calls him Obac-ama.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
We tried a new recipe for dinner last night that I really liked. The rest of the family maybe not quite as enthusiast as me, agreed at least that we should make it again. I got the recipe out of a magazine one of my moms friends had with her on her last visit ~ I think it was Taste of Home, thanks Annie. I would eliminate or at least half the sugar and maybe double the oregano next time but it was good, and easy, my favorite kind.
Tomato Florentine
½ lb ground turkey
½ C finely chopped onion
1 15 oz tomato sauce
1 6 oz tomato paste
½ C. water
2 t. oregano leaves
2 t. sugar
½ t. ground cinnamon
½ t. garlic powder
¼ t. red pepper
2 C. uncooked penne pasta (6 oz)
1 pkg. 10 oz frozen spinach
1 ½ C. part skim ricotta cheese
½ C. shredded part skim mozzarella
In large skillet cook turkey and onion over med. heat. Stir in tomato sauce and paste, water and spices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 min, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed. Drain. Combine pasta and spinach until well mixed. Spread ½ of the pasta mixture in a greased 11 x 7 x 2 dish. Spread ricotta evenly over the pasta and top with remaining pasta. Top with sauce and sprinkle with grated mozzarella. Bake uncovered at 375 for 15 minutes or until heated through. Let pasta bake stand for 5 minutes before serving.
I also wanted to post a picture of the kids for our extended family. We sent sledding a couple weeks ago. The kids wore their new hats their aunt Jennifer made ~ Thanks!
Tomato Florentine
½ lb ground turkey
½ C finely chopped onion
1 15 oz tomato sauce
1 6 oz tomato paste
½ C. water
2 t. oregano leaves
2 t. sugar
½ t. ground cinnamon
½ t. garlic powder
¼ t. red pepper
2 C. uncooked penne pasta (6 oz)
1 pkg. 10 oz frozen spinach
1 ½ C. part skim ricotta cheese
½ C. shredded part skim mozzarella
In large skillet cook turkey and onion over med. heat. Stir in tomato sauce and paste, water and spices. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 10 min, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed. Drain. Combine pasta and spinach until well mixed. Spread ½ of the pasta mixture in a greased 11 x 7 x 2 dish. Spread ricotta evenly over the pasta and top with remaining pasta. Top with sauce and sprinkle with grated mozzarella. Bake uncovered at 375 for 15 minutes or until heated through. Let pasta bake stand for 5 minutes before serving.
I also wanted to post a picture of the kids for our extended family. We sent sledding a couple weeks ago. The kids wore their new hats their aunt Jennifer made ~ Thanks!
Monday, January 19, 2009
My first post is mostly a test (actually this is my second, the first didn't work:). I have a friend who introduced me to one of her friends blogs about a month ago and after hanging in the shadows reading all the wonderful blogs out there I am starting my own. It won't really have a theme - I have too many intrests, but I hope to be able to keep friends and family closer and to give back to some of you who have given me so much inspiration. Thank you!
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