All That is Good

All Roads Lead to Somewhere...but where?

2011-05-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

Yes.

I know...

It's been a while.

I have a story to tell you.

It's about the road that has led me to this place that I'm at right now. While the road has been rocky and the journey a little ugly at times- it has led to the most wonderful of places.

I started on this road when I was about 7 I think (while the exact age seems to have left me- I remember clearly the place and the company). I was sitting in the hall of my house where I grew up waiting to use the restroom when my father came down the hallway. I asked him to sit down and visit with me for a minute- I had some questions. Questions about Jesus and God. Questions about my salvation and where I would go when I died. There in the hallway, with my earthly father's support, waiting to use the bathroom, I chose to believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior.

Fast forward a few years to a teenager who believed in Christ but really didn't take it much further than that. Who was super quick to throw others under the bus with judgement for their "sin", but felt like since she wasn't going to the parties and doing "those" things then she must be doing right by God. Right?.

Fast Forward a few more years to college. I continued to say I loved God and believed in his Son as my Savior, but unfortunately continued to live a life that was contrary to what I professed. I made many poor decisions and followed the road of the world in a way that I'm sure made satan sing with joy. I dated and then later became engaged to a guy that was a relationship unhealthy for both parties I'm sure. Emotional damage seemed to be the base for which that relationship was built on. I prayed and prayed that God would heal our tattered and torn relationship. I was marrying this man for crying out loud! How could we ever have a successful marriage if we couldn't even date properly? I shed tears over the brokenness of it all- all the while crying out to God to fix what we seemed to tear down and break so frequently. With invitations sent out, two wedding showers under our belt, dress, flowers, and cake all purchased, and less than a month before the wedding we threw in the towel and walked away from each other.

What had gone wrong? Had I not prayed hard enough? It felt like complete failure had consumed me. Embarrassment. Shame. Hopelessness. What had started as a smooth road, had turned into pebbles, then rocks, then boulders, and had come to its end as this huge mountain that I could see no way over. Along with the ending of what I thought was supposed to be the beginning of this new life came other changes. I immediately moved home to my parents after living on my own for 3 years, changed schools (or so I thought at the time), and basically just tried to figure out where it had all gone wrong.

The next few months to follow would not be what I would describe as pretty. Without going into too much detail lets just say that rock bottom seemed to be my new address. However I had mastered the art of putting on a happy face and making it seem like all was well in the world. I was not happy with the person I had become, and I know that God was saddened by where my life had gone.

It was one of those things that in the midst of the sin and shamefulness I could hear and feel the Holy Spirit convicting me. Telling me to turn away from the ways that seemed to be consuming me, but I just kept turning from him and digging myself deeper and deeper in. I just kept turning to the world to try to put out the pain, but it only seemed to produce more pain and more trouble.

It was during this time of lowness that the future hubster came into the picture (again. Seeing as how he and I had grown up together and then dated in high school for a couple of years off and on, only to part ways when I went off to college). I'm not going to lie and say that it was all roses right from the start, because frankly drama usually follows when your heart is saying one thing and your brain is saying another. However, after a few talks, a few situations, and a few shed tears it became apparent that Nolan was God's answer to the prayer I had prayed a year earlier. The prayer where I had prayed for him to heal the brokenness of another relationship with another guy. The prayer where I thought he had abandoned me and left me hopeless. The prayer I thought he had chosen not to hear- not to listen to. It wasn't that he didn't care or had chosen to ignore me- instead like a faithful and loving parent he had just chosen to say "No."

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity." -Jeremiah 29:11-14

You see, only He knew my future. My small faith had left me feeling abandoned and alone in my time of need. I felt that God had failed me, but he had really delivered me choosing to reveal himself true and faithful on his time, not mine. Most of all he chose to show himself loving despite the lack of love I had shown him.

Nolan and our marriage was a "good and perfect gift" that could have only "come from above," but like I'll show you tomorrow when I finish this story- sinful nature is not pretty, and can unfortunately, cause hurt and pain within the most wonderful of God's gifts.

For now I'll leave you with this. My hope is that through my story you can find hope. Just know that God is faithful, and merciful, and always- ALWAYS- shows himself true. Unfortunately we have to hit rock bottom sometimes to recognize our need for him, but find joy in those moments- for it is then that God's Glory and Awesomeness can truly be realized and we can find him.

Family Snow Time...

2011-01-20T14:36:00.004-06:00

She's Flying...

Snow Angel...

Daddy's Kiddos...

Snow man and Friends...

Snow Baby...

HAPPY SNOW DAY!!!

Snow Days

2011-01-20T10:17:00.002-06:00

It's cold in my house.

I'm sitting here in a blanket with Little Miss climbing on me and giving me her sweet hugs.

It's snowing outside and the hubster and Little Man are home today too.

I love it when they get to stay home with us.

Later we will go outside with the kiddos and play in the snow and then come in for some hot chocolate (me and the hubster will add cinnamon and cayenne pepper to ours- yummy!).

Isn't it the moments like these days that we live for? The moments when our kids give us free hugs and when we get to make snow angels and build snow forts together? Or when we gather around the table to drink our hot chocolate only to get the giggles because little miss has a marshmellow mustache?

I want to be in a place where I'm always able to stop and enjoy these moments. To breath them in and enjoy every second of them.

Thank you for the snow days.

A Portrait of a Family...

2011-01-14T07:32:00.004-06:00

Just because we can...

And now the funny faces- hehe...

Aren't my babies growing like weeds!

Little Man is in Kindergarten! Holy Smolies!

Little Miss is a Sassy almost 3 year old who is daily making me want to crawl into the fetal position and suck my thumb due to all this potty training garbage. (sidenote* - Whoever said little girls are easier to potty train than little boys is full of crap. Any pointers would be much appreciated.) Anyhoo, more on this drama another time.

Sexy Man is training for marathon 2 along with his beautiful and talented and oh so wonderful wife (It's me! No he's not married to another wife on the side thank you very much.).

Me, I'm running and cooking my heart out. Trying to potty train a child that has made it her mission in life to torture me throughout the process, and dealing with the fact that my babies are no longer babies.

Life is good.

Burrrrrrrrrrrr...

2011-01-12T08:06:00.000-06:00

6 degrees...Holy Crow!

Blogging with Balance- is it possible?

2011-01-11T09:29:00.003-06:00

It's been a while.

I have no excuse other than I just didn't want to worry with it.

I have this thing that when fun things start to feel more like work- they stop being fun.

This was the case.

It's a pattern. I enjoy lots of things...cosmetology, crafting, cooking, running, aerobics- All things I love, but when done too much or for money- become more like work and then not fun anymore.

Am I alone in this?

Anyhoo- I like blogging- it's a good outlet, but can it be done with balance?

Surely.

I hope so.

I guess I can try and see.

So here I go- trying and seeing...

Vacation- Days- 4 & 5

2010-07-02T19:14:00.001-05:00

Day 4-

We woke up the morning of Day 4 in Amarillo, TX and headed to the Belmar Bakery. It wasn’t the greatest I’ve ever had but it was still good.

From there we headed to Santa Fe, NM. Along the way we expected New Mexico to have hot/dry weather- instead we spent the whole day with the rain pouring down and it was freezing.

When we got there we headed to the Plaza in Downtown Santa Fe. It was full of great jewelry, pottery, and clothing stores, and I have never seen so many art galleries in my entire life. I personally don’t really get into the whole Southwestern style but there with the desert and adobe homes it just seemed to fit.

After walking around downtown in the rain for a couple of hours we headed to eat. You can’t go to New Mexico without eating some tasty chiles- so that is of course what we did. We went to Tomasiita’s and enjoyed a dish with red and green chiles on it (Christmas style)- it was super yummy, but my tummy has never burned so much, Ever.

We went back to the hotel after dinner. We went swimming with the kids and then I exercised (my stomach burned so bad from the chiles I thought I was dying!). Then to bed we went.

Day 5-

On day 5 we woke up and ate breakfast at our hotel. We headed to Taos, NM which is a fun little ski town about 1 hour from Santa Fe. It’s up in the mountains and was super pretty there. We found a great play area there for the kids to play, and the downtown was really pretty. While there we also headed to the suspension bridge that crosses the Rio Grande Gorge. I didn’t experience a full blown anxiety attack while there (due to the heights), but I didn’t just love the feeling of being so high and being able to feel the bridge move with ever car that crossed over it either. And No I didn’t get to see Julia Roberts and her family while in Taos (she lives there). She must not have known we were there.

We left Taos and drove toLos Alamos by way of the High Road. When we got to Los Alamos we went to the Manhattan Project Museum to learn about the making of the nuclear bombs. It was so crazy to learn about how they made the town and how they kept it so secret.

About 6 miles from Los Alamos was Bandelier National Monument which is an ancient Pueblo Indian cave dwelling village. The Indians actually lived in caves in the side of the mountains. They made ladders up to their caves. The kids and the hubby had a big time climbing into the caves and we hiked. It was a big time. I only freaked once when I thought little miss was going to fall out of a cave, but no worries! She didn’t and all is well!

From Bandelier we drove around Santa Fe for a while checking out the sites. We went and ate supper at La Choza New Mexican Restaurant. Again we had our dinner smothered Christmas style with chiles, and again my belly burned like it had been lit on fire.

After dinner we swam at the hotel, exercised, and went to bed- it was a busy day 5!

Days 6 and 7 to come- and some pictures! Have a great day!

Days 2 and 3- Finding Our Kicks on Route 66

2010-06-27T20:40:00.004-05:00

We're having a great time!

Yesterday (day 2) finished off with some swimming with my sister's family and then going out for some pizza- We had 2 of the best vegetarian pizzas I've ever tasted!

We woke up this morning and after some craziness- which included a Wal-Mart run- we hit the road again- this time headed for Oklahoma City.

While there we visited the Oklahoma City National Monument. It was so sad and hard to believe what had taken place there. It was especially hard to handle when I saw the smaller markers which marked the deaths of children. It just makes you realize that life is a gift and that we should make the most of every moment that we have- especially the ones with our loved ones.

After that we drove around downtown OKCity and then headed to Stock Yard City to eat at Cattlemen's Steakhouse- being the 95% vegetarians that we are- it wouldn't have been our first choice but Nolan assured me that it was on the list of "1,000 things to see before you die" so he said we had to eat there. I ate turkey. At a famous steakhouse. I'm weird. I know.

After lunch we hit the road again this time with our sites set on Texas- and another steakhouse. And Yes!- everything is bigger in Texas- 72 oz bigger in Amarillo, TX at The Big Texan Steakhouse. No, we didn't try the challenge but we did eat, all 4 of us, for only $8. How? you ask. We ordered the Chicken Fried steak which was regular $15, we had a 50% of coupon, we all shared (yes- all 4 of us shared one dish), and Yes- we all left feeling nice and comfortably satisfied- Not stuffed and disgusting like most- I'm sure.

Now it's bed time- Day 4 is taking us into New Mexico- Can't wait! Good Night!

Road Trip 2010- Day 1:

2010-06-26T13:08:00.002-05:00

Day1- I survived it! Yay!

I think the only thing I left behind might have been my mind.

If you've ever packed for a trip- imagine that multiplied by about 35 days and then multiply that by 4 (me, 2 kiddos, and the hubby)- and I'm sure you could maybe imagine some of my stress.

We've got clothes, food- dry and cold, coolers, workout stuff, books for travel and pleasure, and pretty much the whole house crammed into our little van.

We are at my sister's house now- we will be here until Sunday morning when we will pull out and the real action will begin.

We've basically just been hanging out. We had burgers last night for supper and then this morning my sister and I went and got pedicures, looked at some gorgeous houses she and her husband are thinking of buying and made a trip to the health food store so I could stock up on some snack goodies.

We are headed, with the kids, to the pool here in a while.

Please keep us in all of your prayers that God will give us traveling grace and that he will help us to continue to have joy, love, and appreciation for one another throughout our trip (35 days in a car and hotel room together can test even the happiest of families).

Keep up with us- We'll take you to some great places- Bye for now!

2 Days and Counting...

2010-06-23T11:13:00.002-05:00

2 Days until Vacation/Road Trip 2010!

35 days of hiking, National Parking it, ocean, sun, mountains, deserts, and amazing cities.

Log on and join us for the ride- It's gonna be WILD!

2nd Annual 35 Day Road Trip...

2010-06-17T11:16:00.002-05:00

Last year my husband, kids, and I went on a 35 day Road Trip- It was wild!!! You can go Here to check it out.

So here's the fabulous news: WE'RE GOIN' AGAIN!

This time DIFFERENT ROAD- NEW TRIP!!!

So come on, log on, and join us right here for Helder Family Vacation 2010!!!

The Awesomeness start June 25th 2010- Be Here- It's gonna be Great!!!

New Family Member...

2010-02-17T20:22:00.003-06:00

My sweet hubby brought us a new family member home for Valentine's Day.

It was late when he got home with him. The kiddos were so tired we couldn't even get them to wake up to see him so they got to see him the next day. They were so excited!

Also for Valentine's Day I was surprised with breakfast in bed by the hubster. It was so yummy- and heart shaped even!

Then that night for dinner I made heart shaped pizzas for everyone and for dessert we had homemade pie crust w/strawberries, vanilla ice cream, and fresh whipped cream on top! To die for! Yum!!!

It was a great Valentine's- I think we were feeling the love around here!

Why I love Christmas (yes I'm aware that it's Valentine's week)...

2010-02-10T13:47:00.000-06:00

I never got a chance to post Christmas- so I say better now- Valentine's Week- than never:

Family and friends are so great- thankfully I'm blessed with lots.

Christmas Eve we spend with family and friends playing Chinese Christmas (dirty santa) and over eating.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Blowing out the candles on his birthday cinnamon rolls...

My side of the family...

Hubby's side...

Poopop reading "The Night Before Christmas"...

Christmas Morning...

Aunt Karli's loot...

Santa came...

Thanks Nana...

Uncle Clay...

Daddy helping with the dollhouse from Santa...

My new running hat and little man's new leapster...

At my parents- my brother and his lovely wife...

nieces...

Happy, excited faces

More excited faces that make it all so worth it!...

Me and my sister taking pictures of each other taking pictures of each other...

Brother- in- laws...

Presents...

So true...

Hearing mom say "oh neato!"...

Siblings...

Homemade gifts...

4th Christmas in one day makes for a tired little girl...

I was a happy Christmas! Happy Birthday Jesus!

Bear Syndrome...

2010-02-04T06:34:00.003-06:00

This stinkin' cold weather is making me feel like this:

Am I alone?

I want to go to sleep early and and stay in bed late.

It's out of control!

Confessions- Because they're good for the soul...

2010-02-01T09:18:00.002-06:00

1) When I grocery shop I use comp ads. You're supposed to use only the comp ads that are recent and up to date. Sometimes if it is just a really great deal I use it it anyway- Like those 79 cent golden apples I found about 3 months ago- I just can't force myself to not use it. I know it's fibbing and wrong- but I figure the big grocery chain has stuck it to me enough that they'll survive.

2) It's been snowing- we've not left the house in days- I don't remember the last time I brushed my hair.

3) My husband likes to keep the heat pretty low. I freeze sometimes. So I occasionally crank it up when he's not here. I've been busted a few times. Shameful I know.

4) I'm a health nut/freak/maniac whatever word suits your fancy, but for my own sanity I buy either McDonalds or suckers before I grocery shop so that my children will sit still- in the cart and not act like crazed lunatics in the store. It makes for a nicer shopping experience, nicer children, and a nicer mommy- and it cuts down on all the stares from other shoppers when I'm wigging out on my lovely children on aisle 7.

5) Sometimes I pop a movie in for my kiddos for the sole purpose of me having a few minutes to take a nap.

6) I've taught my children how to sit on the air vents under a blanket to get warm. It makes for laziness- I'm teaching my children laziness- I should be put away.

7) Do fleece pajamas count as "Fancy Clothes"?

8) I don't have a garbage disposal but sometimes I still cram small gross stuff down the drain anyway- I mean sometimes I just don't want to touch the gross stuff and put it in the trash- sheesh!

9) I like for my son to help me bake. I have to watch him like a hawk though- I let him do stuff and then when he's not looking I fix it. I don't want him to think he's doing it wrong, but I'm just that anal.

10) I've been known to walk around with chipped toenail polish on only 4 or 5 toes while the others are completely clean for a week at a time. It does bother me, but usually when I think about it- I'm busy or tired- I'm a work in progress okay.

I feel better- I don't know about you though. Thanks for listening! Happy Monday!

Success Story on Cathe...

2010-01-31T11:21:00.003-06:00

I'm trying to win a contest on Cathe Friedrich's Site (you know- my workout idol!).

It is a Success Story Contest- the winner wins $100 in FREE Cathe stuff- yay!!!

Help me out by going over there and leaving comments on my story. I'm not sure that it matters towards the picking of the winner- but just in case- THANKS!!!

Go HERE to check it out! Have a wonderful Sunday everyone!

Birthday Wishes for a Wonderful Little Girl...

2010-01-31T10:46:00.003-06:00

This sweet and sassy little mess turns 2 today.

She's energetic and smart.

Full of attitude with her favorite thing to say being- "NO!" OR "MINE!"

Her smile warms the heart.

Her hugs and kisses can make the worst of days turn into the best.

She loves to cuddle, play with her babies, and smack her brother around if he gets out of line.

She goes to bed in a big girl bed, but always ends up in bed with her mama and daddy.

In two years she has managed to make her family super blessed!

Thank you sweet little girl! We love you- and hope you have a wonderful 2nd Birthday!

Happy Birthday!!!

Saving the world one bite at a time...

2010-01-23T17:55:00.001-06:00

In the past year my family's eating habits have changed drastically.

We have stopped buying or eating meat at home.

I don't buy white flour- white sugar- Honestly I don't buy many things that are packaged.

I buy my eggs and milk locally.

Have you ever read the things that are in your foods?

YOU CAN'T PRONOUNCE MOST OF THE THINGS IN THEM!

It's scary.

I don't know about you- but I don't want to eat things that I don't even know what they are!- and I for sure don't want my children eating them!

Did you know that cows shouldn't eat corn? Did you know that their bodies can't process it? Did you know that they cram them into stalls and have them eat- not grass- but guess what: CORN and, oh yeah, antibiotics- to help them stay alive longer in order to eat more CORN-

Why?

So that they can get bigger- faster and so that someone's wallet can get bigger- faster.

Eat Local.

Eat Fresh.

Eat in Season.

You'll be amazed at how good you'll feel.

If you want to learn more about what is going into your body do some Research.

Some Great Books are:
Fast Food Nation, The Omnivores Dilemma, In the Defense of Food

Some great Movies are:
Food, Inc. and Fresh

Go HERE to check out the trailer for Food, Inc.

Go Here to check out the trailer for Fresh.

Get Educated- Make a difference- not only at your own dinner table,
for your own family- but for the world!

Color's Day...

2010-01-23T11:45:00.002-06:00

My Sister-in-law was voted to be a Color's Day Maid for her high school (basketball homecoming).

I did her hair and makeup and she looked beautiful!

Congratulations to her!

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-18T13:32:00.003-06:00

It was super cold here two weeks ago! So we enjoyed the white, slushy stuff like most crazy people!

Here are my sweeties livin' it up...

Yes...those are wal-mart sacks on her feet- you gotta do what you
gotta do to keep those sweet toesies warm and dry- K.

Warm toes= Happy Face (although she did get pretty out of sorts when her loving brother smashed her face in the snow. Gotta love older brother, right?!)...

Little man was having a blast wacking his daddy over and over again with snow balls (and yes the mask is a little scary- or at least little miss thought so.)...

The face of a snow-eating angel- HA- don't let him fool you!...

He is cute though- don't you think?

Recipe Review and Some Core Strength...

2010-01-18T08:40:00.003-06:00

This Recipe is so good and Good For YOU!!!

We loved it! I doubled the recipe and put the leftovers in the freezer for another time!

It is great for those cold, winter nights- It will warm you right up!

Enjoy!

Ingredients

* 1 cup dry lentils
* 1 quart vegetable broth
* 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and diced
* 1 large onion, diced
* 1 carrot, sliced
* 1 medium apple - peeled, cored and diced
* 1 large sweet potato - peeled and cubed
* 1/2 cup frozen peas
* 1 large clove garlic
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup barbeque sauce (I used corky's)
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* ground red pepper to taste
* salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Place the lentils and veg broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes.

2. Stir the tomatoes, onion, s. potato, carrot, apple, peas, garlic, olive oil, barbeque sauce, and paprika into the pot. Continue to simmer 20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper to serve.

I don't eat or cook meat at home, but I'm sure if you just had to have it- some chicken might taste okay in this recipe. But I thought it was wonderful just the way it is!

I know a lot of you are working hard doing the Jillian Michael's 30 day shred. Go HERE to my other blog, Diary of a Hungry Mom, to get some great core exercises! Good Stuff!

Bye!!!

Lights on the Square...

2010-01-07T21:26:00.003-06:00

We went with the hubby's parents and brother and sister to enjoy the wonderful decorations that Christmas always brings out.

It was so fun spending time with them and while it was super cold- it was a super blessing!

3 Generations...

Before you start calling Child Services on me because my daughter was outside in super cold weather in a dress and no pants- know that it was an accident and I didn't really think about it until we were out of the car (her daddy gave up his sweatshirt for her later).

Her and her fun uncle...

All of us...

Me and my girl...

Me and my little man...

Horse-drawn sleigh (carriage ride- whatever.)...

Me and my sister-in-law...

Our family of 4...

Fun times. Fun times.

Out on the Ranch...

2009-12-18T12:09:00.004-06:00

My mom and dad own some land out in the country. We call it the ranch.

A few weeks ago my parents, my sister and her family, my brother and his family, and our family got together out there for a cookout and a day of fun (we do this every year in the fall- it's become a little tradition of ours).

We ate hamburgers and hot dogs and roasted marshmallows.

The kids played with each other and had a big time.

When we all get together there are 16 of us total- it's wild to say the least.

Playin' on Papa's tractor w/ cousin Morgan...

My nieces showing off their many talents...

Me and my sister (me- lookin' rough)...

Ruthie jumpin' with cousins Kenzie and Ashley...

My brother and sister...

All the adults except me and my dad around the fire trying to stay warm...

Me and my boy...

Mimi and Ashley and the Kanester (I love this picture)...

Goin' for a ride...

The two that started it all...

My sister, dad, and mom...

Me and the love of my life cuddling...

Jumpin' like some crazies...

All the grandkids (a couple of years ago my brother and his wife built a house on the land- in the background)...

A wild bunch...

Family is so great! I love it when we all get together!

How Twilight should have ended...

2009-12-15T06:41:00.001-06:00

Go HERE to check out this Youtube clip of how Twilight should have ended.

It is so stinkin' funny!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

2009-12-14T11:55:00.005-06:00

Some of our traditions include...

1) Each year we go to this little boutique in town and we each get to pick out one Old World Christmas Ornament that we feel suits us for that year. My hope is that one day when the kids are married I will pass their ornaments on to them to enjoy on their own trees.

2) I collect Santa Clauses to decorate the house with.

3) I don't fret about fancy wrapping- instead I let each kid pick out what wrapping they want. This year- Kane pick Transformers and Ruthie picked princesses.

4) We pick a night to put up the tree and to decorate it as a family (while we watch Christmas movies). This year Nolan unwrapped ornaments while Kane and I put them on the tree (Ruthie wandered about). It is so fun to look and talk about our ornaments from Christmas' past.

5) Christmas Eve we celebrate with our families and 2 other families from our hometown. We play Chinese Christmas (or dirty Santa) and over eat on finger foods. It's great!

6) On Christmas Day we visit 4 houses (we sleep and wake up at Nolan's parents', my parents next, then his grandparents', and then his other grandparents'), open lots of presents, over eat, and enjoy our time celebrating w/ loved ones the joyous birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7) My mom has an awesome recipe for homemade hot chocolate mix that she makes each year. We drink it until we are floating with it while we are all home for the holiday. My sister and I always make a cup of it before we start opening presents- we just can't open without it.

8) My sister always plays Santa handing out presents for us to open at my parents. She's 40, I'm 29, and my brother is 37, but some traditions die hard.

What are some of your traditions?

Our Family Tree full of our Old World Christmas Ornaments that we each get to pick one of each year...

My new dining room table and chandelier all decorated up (my favorite Santa)...

Some of my Santa's on our entertainment center...

The Kanester's tree in his room w/ all of mine and Nolan's ornaments from when we were little...

My ornament that really doesn't symbolize anything but he's pretty...

Kane loves Pirates...

Nolan is a coach and the mascot is the Scottish Highlanders...

I apologize, I forgot to take a picture of Ruthie's, but it was a Hippo in a tutu.

Ruthie's tree in her bedroom...

Whimsical ornaments for Little Misses tree...

Playroom Tree with Santa looking over it...

Merry Christmas...

2009-12-13T16:10:00.002-06:00

For a Woman the Love of Chocolate begins at a Young Age...

2009-12-11T14:16:00.003-06:00

I gave Little Miss some Nutella (cocoa and hazelnut spread) today to dip her banana in. She enjoyed it so much that she thought it would be nice to share it with her babies. She was so proud of herself. She ran into the kitchen where I was- yelling "Babies- Babies". She grabbed my hand and led me into the playroom with her where I found this:

She ate most of it but she saved just enough...

...to share with her baby.

Here's some milk to wash down that chocolate baby...

Yum...

"Hey I think I want that chocolate back!"

So yummy!

Coming Soon...

2009-12-05T11:11:00.002-06:00

Refurbished Cabinets

Christmas Decorating

Shopping Goodies

Gift Ideas

Weekend getaway

Sewing

I've been busy- and I plan to share it all!

Thankful Moments from Thanksgiving...

2009-11-27T15:53:00.004-06:00

I thought this was funny...
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Full of wonderful things to be thankful for- like family, friends, food, and faith. I know I did!

We always spend Thanksgiving at my husband's grandparents. My parents come too so it is so nice to be able to share the day with lots of family from all sides of the tree.

Nolan's grandpa Rex carving the deep fried turkey...

The Apple and Pecan Pie w/ homemade crusts I made ( I also made homemade cinnamon ice cream and it was so good!)...

So thankful for this guy...

My sweet sister-in-law (Nolan's sister)...

My wonderful mom and dad...

Sweet little man...

The Spread...

Family and Friends...

Getting his yummy food with the help of Nana...

Visiting after dinner...

Playing outside...

Ruthie's turkey shirt and skirt I made...

Nolan's brother Clay, his sister Karli, Me and Nolan...

Me and my mother-in-law Holly...

Me and Clay waiting to play cards...

I love Thanksgiving! It helps me to remember all of the wonderful things I have to be thankful for! I hope you all had a wonderful Turkey Day!

New Moon- Hello Lover...

2009-11-20T20:08:00.003-06:00

All I can say is "WOW" - I mean "Freakin' WOW!"

That movie made my year.

Robert Pattinson- thank you! (and way better than Twilight I have to say!) - BRAVO!- and you ain't to bad on the ole eyes either:

While I've always been Team Edward. I have to say Jacob (Taylor)- "Well done on the six pack- even if the movie had been crap they made the $9 so worth it.- thank you!"

Can I get a WOOt, WooT for this:

I picked up my sweet sister-in-law around 8:30 pm and we headed to our favorite restaurant for some sushi to go.

We had our food, I had a cup and a thermas of hot coffee (which I drank almost all of!- I'd been up since 5:30 am and I usually am in bed at 9 pm- that and Taylor Lautner's abs are the only things that kept me going), our tickets, and good company- we were set!

Once at the movies it was a mad house. 3.5 hours early and we were still outside because the line was already so long. CRAZY!!!

But we had the best time. We saw lots of people we knew. Took lots of pictures. Ate our sushi on the sidewalk, and talked and talked.

Me and Karli- my sister-in-law- and my coffee (second cup)

Sushi Rolls - YUM!!!

Me, Karli, and my sweet friend- Rachel

Us again- waiting in line this time

Rachel, Amanda, and me

I'm the only loser that didn't wear her Twilight shirt. Oh well.

I love you Karli! 
Thank you for choosing to watch the best movie ever with me!
You're the best!

NEW MOON- I am so coming to see you again!

So Many Projects- So Little Time...

2009-11-19T08:09:00.006-06:00

I've been away trying to get some projects completed.

It seems like between raising children, taking care of a husband, projects, running, cooking, ballgames (hubs is a coach), teaching aerobics, house cleaning, and blogging there just isn't enough time in the day. So unfortunately blogging has taken a back seat for the last few days.

Good news though: I'm back with projects to share!

Yay!

insert clapping

I know you're stoked- try to control yourselves please.

One of my many projects was a cabinet I bought over a year ago. It's just been sitting in my kitchen with no backing and no shelves with my dishes just sitting in the bottom of it sadly hoping that one day I would give them a nicer cabinet to live in.

Well- Today is that day little red dishes!

I started by nailing and gluing on a back (I had it cut to size at Meeks Lumber), and then nailing and gluing in the shelves. I then decided on a nice, pretty green for my paint color (the outside was already perfect:

All painted:
With my dishes in it:

Complete:

I love it! Yay!

We've also been super busy with family stuff:

A birthday party for Nana. It was my wonderful father's birthday too (we had a party for him too but I forgot to pull out the camera):

Happy Birthday you guys: WE LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH!!!

Nana and Little Miss

I made homemade Carrot Cake Cupcakes w/ real cream cheese frosting and candied pecans- and they were awesome- for the party. For my dad's party I made a Pumpkin Cheesecake w/ a caramel glaze and candied pecans- can I get a YUM-YUM?!!

Nana and her little man

I decided I wanted to teach myself how to sew clothes for my sweet little ones. So this is what I've got so far:

Christmas Shirt and matching skirt/socks/bow:

This was my very first cloths sewing project ever! I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Thanksgiving shirt (I'm in the process of making a matching skirt):

What do you think: Could this stuff be sold?

So that's where I've been and what I've been doing while I was there.

I've got my 1/2 marathon coming up this Sunday. Wish me luck!

Head over to my other blog Diary of a Hungry Mom and check out my sweet new blog design- she's a beaut!

Happy Thursday!

Top 10 Thankfuls...

2009-11-05T13:53:00.003-06:00

I'm thankful for (no particular order):

1) A husband that makes me happy- he ain't bad on the ole eyes either!

2) Children that are healthy- and stinkin' funny!

3) My mom and dad who rock

4) In-laws who thankfully are not out-laws

5) Siblings that are cool enough that I own up to them

6) Ice cream- for the special moments it brings me

7) Running- for the tight butt it's so graciously begun to give me

8) Friends that listen to my crap and still continue to hang around with me even though I'm sure they think I'm out there

9) Blogging friends- surely you all know how great you are!

10) GOD- because he blessed me with all these other totally cool things and people!

It feels great to be thankful! You should give it a try!

I'm also thankful for giveaways! Go check Shawn's out over at SERIOUSLY!
She's got a holiday giveaway going and I'm sure it's fab!

Vacation '09 Flashbacks...

2009-11-04T14:12:00.007-06:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about our vacation this past summer.

It was such a great time.

We visited so many amazing things.

We saw so many amazing things.

We ate so much amazing food.

Nolan and I have talked and we want for vacations to be a huge part of our summers.

We plan to go on lots of family trips so that we can experience things together, and teach our kids things first hand.

These are some of the things I miss about our month away together as a family...

Togetherness- without anyone or anything to distract us.

Beautiful scenery...

Beautiful hikes where we could teach the kids about nature and the importance of taking care of our wonderful world...

Things built by man that are super impressive and make you marvel at how smart some people are...

Visiting 12 of the most beautiful National Parks and watching little man become a Jr. Ranger at 6 of them...

We saw lakes...

The Grand Canyon- Arches- Mountains- All breathtaking.

Sharing with our children the amazing handy work of God...

I miss it...

From nature to the Big lights of the city (literally- we drove into Las Vegas from camping at the Grand Canyon the night before)...

Paris (sort of)...

New York City (sort of)...

Hoover Dam...

We even got to visit the set of the hit tv show The Office. Micheal Scott's Office...

Me pretending I'm Pam and Nolan pretending he's Jim...

The Camaro...

We made it all the way to the ocean. The Santa Monica Pier...

Lots of fun...

The Giant Sequoias...

Wow...

We even survived some serious craziness and came out stronger because of it...

Yummy Food...

And even some good runs...

and of course lots of beautiful pictures (here at the Salt Lakes)...

I'm ready to go again!

Why did the chicken cross the road?...

2009-11-02T16:02:00.007-06:00

For some Tasty Candy on Halloween of Course!

For Halloween we went with my parents and headed over to stay with my sister and her sweet family for the weekend. We got there early Saturday morning and went to my nephew's football game and then out to lunch, and then to my niece's soccer game.

They both played great and Won!!!

Here's some of the goofballs riding a bull in front of the restaurant (I kept thinking: I hope they don't break off one of those horns. I'd hate to find out it's break it you buy it. I don't think that would look so great in my living room! HA!)...

Me and my beautiful sister...

Mom, Tori, and me waiting to be seated at lunch...
That night we got the kids all dressed up and headed out to do some trick or treating in my sister's neighborhood.

My little chicken that crossed the road for lots of candy that I only let her have one sucker of...

Bumblebee the Transformer (look at those eyelashes!). Kane was so funny while we trick or treated. He would beat everyone to the doors and then not get out of the way for the others to get their candy. He did super good saying thank you, but at this one house the lady didn't recognize that he had said it so he yelled at her "I SAID THANK YOU!"...

What a silly pair!...

The crew (minus my nephew who went with some friends)...

Taylor, Ruthie, and Ashley headed up the street to hit the first houses...

Instead of saying "Trick or Treat" we taught her to say "Bock, Bock" like a chicken- it was so sweet! She would also say "Tank To"- translated: "thank you".

My sister leading the troops...

What a cute little chicken waddle!...

After trick or treating we headed back to my sister's and gorged ourselves on candy and put the kids to bed.

Early Sunday morning the hubs and I went on a nice 12 mile run. It was so great to spend the time with him just talking and running. I love that guy!...

After our run we got ready for church. My nephew got baptized that day. What a blessing! We left church and headed back to my sister's for lunch and some chillin'.

Ruthie had a fabuloso time playing with Polly Pockets (she did nothing but for the 2 days we were there)...I think I know what to get her for Christmas!...

Nolan watched some football and relaxed his post run-sore body!...

We headed home that afternoon and went straight to bed! We had a great time! It was a wonderful way to spend our weekend! I hope everyone else's was just as great!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T01:00:00.000-05:00

Be my Ginny Pigs and try my Recipes!

2009-10-30T12:25:00.003-05:00

Thought this was so funny and cute I had to add it! She fell asleep with a full plate of food. Just too tired to go on! HA!

I've got some more yummy recipes up on my other blog!

Try 'em out and let me know what you think!

Diary of a Hungry Mom:
Vegetarian Fruity Curry Chicken Salad
and a Tasty Smoothie

Brothers From Another Mother...

2009-10-28T12:53:00.003-05:00

Check out these two...aren't they so stinkin' cute?

Don't they look just like twins?

I know right?!

This is Kane and his friend Zeke.

When Kane goes to his Meme's house he gets to play with Zeke and they have the best time together!

Too Cute!

Sweet Boys...

Silly Boys...

Lessons from a Giraffe...

2009-10-27T09:08:00.003-05:00

While studying Kane's Awana verse with him this morning we were told to look up an amimal to talk with our kiddos about. The idea being that I would talk to him about God's handiwork.

Kane decided he wanted to learn about the Giraffe.

Here's what we learned:

1) Giraffes are non territorial

2) Pleasant/social animals

3) They travel in herds that are not organized in any way- the herds may consist of any sex or age group (in other words no discrimination)

4) Young giraffes are very vulnerable and cannot defend themselves. While mothers feed, the young are kept in small nursery groups. (so they get each others backs and work together)

So I just thought that these animals, besides being super cute, are super great animals that we can learn a lot from.

I mean how much better would we be as a society if we all worked together, not worrying about sex and age, looked out for one another, and all got along spending our time concerning over the greater good and not ourselves?

This is what the giraffe taught me today...thought you might want to know.

Have a Happy Day!

BOO!- Pumpkin Carving Party...

2009-10-26T14:53:00.003-05:00

Let's Get This Party Started!

I took the kids the other day to let them pick out their own pumpkins.

We all 3 got one- today they got carved.

Once I convinced Kane that is was super fun to stick your hands into the yuckiness that is pumpkin guts and not super gross- He was good to go!

Little miss just had to watch. Sorry Sis...

Gettin' down and dirty...

Life trying to imitate his art...

Our Scary Jack-O-Lanterns...

Kane-man takin' a picture of me (lookin' good if I might add) with my punkin.

Happy Halloween!

That Fuzzy Feeling...

2009-10-23T15:13:00.001-05:00

This is me and my husband.

He's fabulous.

Just thought you should know.

Win, Win- I need a Win...

2009-10-22T15:07:00.000-05:00

I need to WIN this blog redo! And Hil is a super great blog redoer-
I should know because she so did my other blog for me twice!

Click on the super cute button to go check it out!

Not Cool Papa...

2009-10-22T11:42:00.003-05:00

Last week my sister was in with her kiddos at our parents so I went over to hang out for a couple of days.

It's always the best time.

My brother and his wife and 2 girls always come over and we just spend time laughing, joking, eating, and it's great!

The kids run around like a bunch of wild baboons on crack while we pretend we can't hear them and it's basically fun for the whole family (the hubs and my sister's hubs had to stay behind to continue bringing in the Bacon- what good hubbies!).

This is (from l to r) my sister-in-law- Johna, my sister- Tori, me, and my mom.

While we were there my little stink-bug of a niece had a loose tooth.
Here she is- still -with a full mouth of teeth...

Aunt Johna tried to pull it first, but couldn't get it out (and yes it was at
the dinner table during dinner- That's just the way we roll)...

She let my dad "wiggle" it and he was able to get it out, but it was still hanging on by just the tiniest pieces of skin. So he had to yank it and boy did she wig! She finally forgave him about an hour later, but she wasn't the happiest of campers for a while.

Here they are: The Pullie and the Puller- All was forgiven...

And for the record: The Tooth Fairy is much more giving than he was when I was little! I might have to start yanking some of my grown up teeth for a little extra cash!

New Recipe HERE.

Fashion is my Passion- Be honest...

2009-10-20T14:43:00.003-05:00

Okay, so for real- What do you think of this hat?...

Am I too old for it?

Is my hair too short for it?

Is it over the top?

Do I look like a dork?

and I need the truth. Please don't say that "yes it looks good" if it really doesn't. Please don't send me out into the world looking like my 5 year old dressed me if that's what it really looks like- K!

Now on to other goodness:

You likey? Target: $30

And they look oh so good with some Skinny Jeans, and did I mention that they are two of my favorite things?

Comfortable and stylish- What a blessed union!

Here's what they look like on with my jeans...

Here's my next question...

Do I need either of these? Because I know I really want them. But do I need them?

Think about it.

Happy Fashioning!

10k Race- Check!

2009-10-20T10:55:00.003-05:00

Ran in my 10k race, and I survived to write about it HERE! - with lot's of pictures and even a video of the big finish!

It was so much fun and I am so proud of my hubby and friend Yvonne who ran it with me!

Little DaVinci

2009-10-16T10:19:00.003-05:00

I bought this canvas at Micheal's and decided to paint it green, and to then let Kane-man paint a family picture of us on it. It was pretty sweet to watch him in action.

His audience...

The Artist with his masterpiece...

I hung it in the play room for all to enjoy!

Aren't we a beautiful family seen through the eyes of a 5 year old!...

Mama's Little Girl...

2009-10-13T05:48:00.003-05:00

This is the face of one sweet little person...

She loves to get into the kitchen cabinets and pull out this red
lunch box and lug it around like an over sized purse...

And she's addicted to tv like a little junkie! I don't let the kids watch much but on the rare occasion that I do turn it on she runs to the couch or floor in front of it like a cheetah on speed yelling "TV! TV! TV!" This is her in her zombie tv state...

She ignored me completely!

Girl's Night...

2009-10-11T21:00:00.002-05:00

I went out on a girl's night with my friend Emily the other night. We had such a great time just visiting and laughing!

We usually get together with each other and our kid's are with us. So it was super fun to hang out just us- no kiddos this time (but of course we spent most of our time talking about our kids- HA!)

This was my dessert. I think it and my coffee drink probably had more calories in it than I eat in an entire day (or week!), but it was oh so good!

Thanks Emily! I had a great, fun time! You're the Best!

Tasty Goodness

2009-10-09T05:38:00.002-05:00

Check out some of the new recipes I've been trying out HERE. They're so Yummy!

Happy Fall Everybody!!!

2009-10-08T14:28:00.005-05:00

Happy Fall!

A Few Projects...

2009-10-06T11:32:00.005-05:00

While away on hiatus I was able to get a few projects done.
I wanted to share them...

The curtains I sewed for my kitchen (super basic stuff, but for me this is a huge step!)...

I decided the best thing for the walls in our playroom was some of Kane's own artwork. I found the frames at Michael's...

This is the thing I'm the most proud of. I've never painted anything before, but I went ahead and tried my hand at it anyway. I needed a picture to go above the full sized bed in Ruthie's room. This is what I ended up with. It goes wonderful with the bedding!...

This is the entertainment center that we found on Craig's List...$500! I know we would have paid so much more than that in a store new. I'm not done decorating it, but it was a chore getting it here and putting it up!...

Right now I'm working on completely finishing the playroom and I want to do a redo on my bedroom. So when I get those done I'll let you see what I come up with!

Friend Makin' Monday...

2009-10-05T20:49:00.002-05:00

Well it's been a while but I thought I would give it a go! So here I go:

What are your hobbies? What do you wish that you knew how to do?

My Hobbies:

Run- this has been one of those things that has grown on me and I have to be
with someone for it to be enjoyable!

Bake/Cook-breads, soups, muffins, pies- you name it and I like to cook it

Decorate- Of course it would be a lot more fun if I had more money

Read a good book- and I'm not afraid to read a good one over and over again!

Things I wish I knew how to do:

Sew- I did make some curtains a few weeks ago, but they were super basic and maybe a little sad!

Plant flowers without killing them- I usually apologize to flowers as I'm carrying them out of the store.

paint- I just think it would be so wonderful to have a house full of my own artwork. I could say "why yes I painted that myself. Thank you." HA!!!

Thanks Amber for taking such good care of FMM!

Recipes

2009-10-05T19:14:00.001-05:00

I posted a few recipes on my other blog Diary of a Hungry Mom...they were all pretty tasty!

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

2009-10-05T06:42:00.002-05:00

On Sundays I always go for my long run. Yesterdays run was supposed to be 9 miles. My hubby who is also training for the same 1/2 marathon as myself runs his long run on Saturdays. So he went on his the day before me and told me about this great 9 mile path he followed. He had measured it and it was perfectly 9 miles. No guessing- No problem. Right?

So yesterday my running buds and myself head out. I tell them we are going to try this great path that my husband did the day before. HA!

I so missed the turn and we ended up out in the middle of stinkin' NO Where!!! When we finally figured out where we were we were almost to the next town over! We ended up running 10 miles and finally had to stop at a house (I knew the people) and the husband gave us a ride to our cars, which we were still about 4-5 miles away from!

I told my man I was no good with directions! Next time maybe he'll believe me!

Hungry Mom's Walking Challenge (Runners Welcome too)...

2009-10-02T08:34:00.003-05:00

I'm hosting a weekly Walking Challenge on my other blog
Diary of a Hungry Mom.

Basically if you're up to the challenge you set a goal of mileage you're willing to reach for, sign up with MckLinky, leave a comment letting us know your mileage goal,
and then come back and let us know how it's going every week for the next month.

The idea is accountability.

If you're interested go check it out HERE.

Happy Walking! Runners Welcome too!

I also posted some before and after pics of myself from the past years
journey of getting healthy HERE.

Prayers do come true...

2009-10-01T21:10:00.003-05:00

For those of you that don't know I'm kind of a stickler about the things that my kids eat. They have to eat veggies, and everything whole wheat, and not much junkie stuff. Kane has told me on more than one occasion that he would like to go live with his Nana and Mimi because (and I quote)- "Because they let me eat that tasty junk that you won't let me have."

Anyhoo, tonight while praying he says this:

"Thank you for giving me the courage to eat all that healthy food that my mom has me eat."

HA!

What a mess...He'll thank me for it later when he's older...maybe.

(carrots...YUM!)

Take That Old Man...

2009-09-30T14:03:00.003-05:00

Do you ever wonder why and what it is that makes old people get so stinkin' cranky?

I was at the library the other day with the kids, and mind you our library is probably about 2000 square feet (one big room with bookshelves and dividers), so if your kids don't talk in a whisper someone can probably hear them.

We walk back to the far back corner where the children's section is planning to pick out some new books, a movie, and we always play for a while with the legos and toys they have there (obviously they are okay with your kids playing right?).

Anyhoo, there is this man sitting back there, probably around 65ish years old, at one of the little kiddie tables with his crap all over both tables typing on his laptop. He looks up at us as we come back there like we have just walked into his private study in his house while he is trying to research a cure for cancer or something!

I ignored the rude look and we went about our business looking for books and playing (the whole time getting bad looks). Then Ruthie walks over to one of the tables and picks up a book sitting there and then drops it on the ground (she's 1)...before I can get to it he stands up grabs the book and slams it down on the table and then grabs her sippy and moves it to the far end of the table as far away from his stuff as he can get it. OKAY! Ya old fart!

Continuing on- We get ready to go and I say, "Kane stay right here with your sister while I walk to the front counter to lay our books down and then I'll come back and grab your sister" (it was about 20 ft away and a straight shot- I could see them from the counter).

On my way back to the kids Kane reaches over and takes something from Ruthie and Ruthie yells at him- well this man looks up and yells at them to be quiet and to act right! I was like: Oh No He Didn't!!!

I said, "HEY, You need to mind your own business and I'll take care of it!"

He said, "Well, if you weren't such a bad mother off wondering around doing your own thing letting your kids just wreak havoc I wouldn't have to say anything to them!"

Old man say WHAT?!!!!

I said, "What are you talking about? I walked to the counter to lay some books down, and I could see them the whole time! And News Flash: This is the kids section- what are you even doing here?!" you pervert (okay I didn't say that last part but I wanted to!).

Then he says, "Enough said!" What the crap does that mean?

I said, "You're an idiot. Come on kids."

Then I went to the counter and told on him like a mature person. They said they were uncomfortable with the fact that he was in the children's section but the reason he was there is because they had already run him out of another section!

I said (nicely- because they were on my side), "Well maybe instead of kicking him out of sections it's time to kick him out of the whole library."

They told me how sorry they were and I left wanting to kick the butt of a man about 3 times my age!

Can you believe that! I'm mad now just thinking about it! Anyway, have a good day- and if you see a rude, cranky old man today, have your kids spit on him for me would ya!? HA!

My other blog: Diary of A Hungry Mom

Diary of A Hungry Mom...

2009-09-29T05:28:00.002-05:00

I have another blog called Diary of a Hungry Mom. It's a place for all things Healthy!

Recipes
Exercise Ideas
Encouragement
Tips
Exercise Fashion
Diet
Snack Ideas
Exercise Music
Victories
Struggles

Maybe even a Giveaway or 2!

I did it for a while and then stopped, but even though I stopped blogging about it I continued on with my journey to become a healthier me, but I'm at a place again where I am ready to share again. So I would love it if you headed over to my other blog. Today I'm sharing my journey to losing 40 unwanted pounds. It's a story that involved a lot of tears and sweat- literally!

Things I've Learned about Myself while away from Blogging...

2009-09-28T14:27:00.002-05:00

1) I need outlets. If I don't blog then I bombard my poor friends (the ones I see in person anyway) with all of my craziness. If I can put a little of it out into blogland then there seems to be not quite as much dumped on them. I'm sharing the love so to speak.

2) Just because I've never met majority of you in person doesn't mean that I don't depend on you. This is my version of couch time (and let's be honest, we could all use a little couch time at one time or another).

3) What the heck else am I going to do with my downtime (downtime: you know: that time at midnight when everyone else is in bed and you get a few minutes to do something for yourself)?

4) I need a place that is all mine and not another persons, because let's face it: I'm a mother and I don't even get to go to the bathroom by myself anymore.

5) Yes I feel guilty sometimes for blogging and not cleaning, cooking, taking care of the hubby, taking care of the kids, and on and on, but I miss my blogging friends and all of those things will be okay if I give myself a few minutes a day to do something that is fun and nice for me.

In Conclusion: Blogging is good stuff, good stuff!

Frownie Faces...

2009-09-28T09:46:00.003-05:00

Frownie Face: n: meaning what your child receives on his daily, preschool progress report for acting poorly while at school.

The other day I picked little man up from pre-school and his teacher basically attacked me in order to tell me about the horrible thing he had done that day. I was thinking "Oh great! He threw rocks. He spit. He cut someones hair."

Come to find out a little girl at school had gotten a hair cut. Not just any cut, but a really, super short one. My little man was kind enough to inform her that she, and I quote, "Looked like a boy!"

Okay, I'm a reasonable person and all, and yes I know that this probably hurt the little girl's feelings (which makes me sad), but he's five for crying out loud! Am I silly for thinking a lot of 5 year olds state the obvious like that? I mean I do think he should have been talked to about how he hurt her feelings and how we don't always have to say exactly what is on our minds especially if it will hurt someones feelings (even if it is true), but was it necessary to wig and to make me feel like he was this horrible kid that goes around hurting people's feelings on purpose? I mean he can be really sweet ya know! He just needs to learn to filter for cryin' out loud!

Needless to say: Frownie Face!

P.S. I'm sure everyone thinks I'm heartless now...sorry.

Back in Town...

2009-09-03T20:50:00.003-05:00

Hello Blogland!

Our vacation was wonderful! We survived it with some great stories, minimal fusses, and loads of pictures!

We got back and ran a 5k. We both (Nolan and I) are training with friends for a 1/2 marathon in Nov.

Kane started pre-school and loves it.

Ruthie has turned into a mess!

And I finally have decided to blog again! YAY!

We were gone on that vacation and I just got overwhelmed and decided that I needed a vacation from blogging for a while. The plan is to work my way back into it slowly. Because while I enjoy it I don't want for it to consume me like it has a tendency to do.

So this is me saying: "I'm Back!"

Vacation 09 - Days 10 &11

2009-07-16T10:20:00.011-05:00

Day 10: National Park #5 - Bryce Canyon

Our drive on Day 10 took us up further into the mountains which meant cooler weather and a change in scenery. It took us from desert looking surroundings to more evergreens.

Bryce Canyon National Park...

As we arrived in the park we went to the Visitor's center to get our bearings. We also found out we could enter Kane into their Jr. Park Ranger's program. So we signed him up!

From there we headed all the way up the mountain to have a picnic and to the overlook named Rainbow Point.

After lunch we headed back down and stopped at a few more overlooks...

On our way up the mountain we had noticed that there was smoke rising up through the trees. We assumed that they were burning part of the forest to prepare it for new growth (a controlled fire). However on our way down the mountain we were stopped by a Park Ranger at a road block telling us to pull into a parking lot. He said that the fire was getting ready to cross the road and we would have to wait a little while before going down. What?!!!

We ended up waiting in that parking lot for about 5 hours! Nolan wanted to head back up the mountain and go on a hike! I wanted to stay put because they kept sending park rangers to talk with us (and the 50 other cars there with us) about what was going on and their plans to get us down off the mountain (the road down was the only good, paved road for public use off the mountain.). Apparently the fire had been started by lightening a few weeks earlier and had been working it's way that direction for a while.

The Park Ranger in charge kept calling all of the drivers up so that he could inform them on the latest news and the latest on how they were going to be getting us off the mountain. At one point they told us they were going to lead us down through the fire. It was on both sides of the road with flames about 10 ft. high. on both sides and it was like this for about 2 miles of the road. We had to wait for the Ranger in charge to get the go ahead from a plane flying up above that could see the fire. We were in our car (me crying) waiting for the Ranger to give us the signal when he called all the drivers back up again.

Apparently the pilot had called and said the wind was too strong and it was blowing flames back and forth across the road and it was too dangerous for us to go down just then. He also said it was headed our way! So now there was a choice to make:

Go down a really dangerous road that was used only for rangers (dirt road, curvy, lots of ruts, straight down hill, etc.)

or

Go up even higher on the mountain (where they were making the motorcycles and RVs go because the dirt road was to bad for them) and hope they would get it under control enough for us to drive down.

The group listening to the Park Ranger...

We decided to follow the Ranger on the bad road that would take us 20 miles down and around the mountain but to safety which was what was important!

All the cars trying to escape the fire through the pasture they were leading us through.

We could see part of the fire from down below on the 20 mile road they were leading us out on (it took us 2 hours to drive this 20 mile road out)...

Once we were safe we headed back into the park to one of the overlooks on the bottom side of the mountain. This is what Bryce canyon looks like. Isn't it amazing?!

I have to be honest and tell you that by the end of day 10 I felt emotionally and physically drained! I was cranky and just wanted to go home in all honesty! My attitude was not he best and I needed to have it checked I have to say! But we went back to our campsite (yes in the park where the big fire was blazing!) made some supper and headed to bed in our 2 person tent!

Day 11: Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park - and a better attitude!

We woke up early day 11 at Bryce Canyon N.P.. We had to pack up camp and eat some breakfast before heading out. Nolan made us some yummy eggs and oatmeal. Here's our humble little campsite.

The water spout was right by our site so we were able to get drinks and wash dishes pretty easily. Ruthie was a big help while washing dishes. (she was so dirty while camping! She had dirt from one end to the other!) It was pretty cold while camping up in the mountains.

I woke up this day with a better attitude and feeling of being refreshed (an answered prayer)! So instead of heading straight out of the park we went and did one of the hikes that we were supposed to have done the day before.

The start of our 3 mile Sunrise hike at Bryce Canyon N.P. before we headed out to Zion. The beginning was way down hill and then the end was way up hill and super hard!

On our way down into the canyon. And yes those are people way down at the bottom, and yes that is where we were headed! I did pretty well I have to say. It just zig-zagged all the way to the bottom.

This is looking up from the bottom. All the way at the top of the picture is close to where we started the hike. Can you say Scary!

Finally we made it down into the canyon and of course the boys had to climb the very first big rock they came across! Silly boys!

Me and the Kane-man down in the canyon (at this point of the hike we still had about 2.5 miles left)...

Right in the middle of this canyon were these 2 random trees...

Did I mention they were huge trees!

Kane had to take a rest from walking. We had to take a few rests along the way actually.

Along the hike we came up to a Y in the road. One way was our way which was 1.5 miles left or you could go the other way and go another 5 miles. Kane wanted to go the 5! Crazy guy- he doesn't even know what miles mean! But he kept saying "I can do it!" and then he plopped down on the ground and had a whine session about not getting to go 5 more miles!

The last 3/4 mile was straight up hill! It was so hard!!! and I had to carry Ruthie on my back for a lot of it so that Nolan could carry Kane. I thought I might fall out right on the side of the mountain! But I made it and I have to say it was the best and prettiest hike we went on the whole time!

After the hike we had a quick picnic and then headed out for National Park #6 - Zion National Park.

Zion is apparently known for its river that rolls down through its canyons. It was really pretty and had some really great rock formations.

It also had a 1 mile tunnel through the mountains, and yes both boys tried to hold their breath through it. They both failed to do it the whole way in case you were wondering.

Kane became a Junior Ranger at Zion (as well as Bryce Canyon). Here he is with a Ranger excepting his badge. He was so proud! (The Junior Ranger program is this really neat program that each National Park has where they give you a book with tasks to do and worksheets to complete and you have to pick up some trash and you are awarded with a badge to let everyone know you are a Jr. Ranger!)

His badges...

We ended the day eating some Mexican food out and then swimming and heading to bed at the hotel! It was another great day!

(and yes I know I have a lot of run-on sentences in this post- thank you!)

Vacation '09 - Days 7, 8, & 9

2009-07-13T22:57:00.010-05:00

Day 7: National Park #2

I woke up about 5:45 day 7 and went for a run in Grand Junction, CO. It was hard! The air is so thin and dry in the desert! I feel like I can't get enough water and all of our lips are so chapped!

We got around and ate a really good complimentary breakfast at our hotel before hitting the road. This is what most of our drive looked like...

We got to Moab, Utah about 10:30 a.m. and headed straight to Arches National park.

We've decided the next time we cruise America we're going to do it in style! We've seen about 50 of these Cruise America RVs.

Outside the Visitors Center they had these fun guys that the kiddos had a hoot climbing on (his eye is still bothering him in the sun so he is having to wear sunglasses a lot)...

Some of the crazy stuff we're seeing here in Utah...

We hung out at Balancing Rock...

Went on a short little hike to hang out under the shade of one of the arches. Look how tiny they look. It was super HUGE!

They climbed up some of the rocks under the arch...

I just love how blue the sky is here and how it looks up against all of the rock and mountains...

The north and south Windows. We have heard some different stories about how these crazy arches were formed. We heard erosion from water and we also heard from wind. I'm going with both (how's that for riding the fence? HA!). We went up and stood under the one on the left...

One of the many arches in Arches National Park. We climbed up into this one too.

Showing me his booboo from sliding down the rocks on his hinie...

After this little hike we had a picnic lunch in the car. It was too hot to eat outside and we couldn't find any picnic tables in the shade.

All of these National parks have wonderful driving tours that you can follow that take you all over the parks and have hikes or overlooks you can stop at. We try to do at least 1 or 2 hikes (usually no more than 2 miles, but usually just around 1 or 1/2 mile).

I wasn't around when this took place. I guess they had to sneak off! (really I think I was in the car with Ruthie. She was snoozing.)

At one point Ruthie was asleep and Kane didn't want to get out so Nolan went on what he thought was a 100 yd hike to see Delicate Arch. He decided to run since it was supposed to be short. He ended up sprinting about a mile thinking it was just around the next bend. He came back soaken wet and without ever seeing it- he finally gave up!

After we saw all there was to see for a family with 2 little ones we headed to our campsite. Nolan says I'm an outdoor diva because I want to do things outside and I'll camp, but I refuse to camp with no showers and electricity. So that means we have to pay a little more for camping than what they offer in the National parks (national park $8 - our campsite $22). I'm sorry! I have to shower and see my hand in front of my face at night! But really it worked out better because our campsite had a pool and it would be miserable without that! (and did I mention it had WiFi too! Rock on!)

Our campsite also had these little tent things set up to put your tents under. It gave shade and made it a little cooler. Isn't our tent sad! It's a 2 person tent. Now tell me I'm not a trooper!

Taking cover while it rained 1 of the 10 days a year it does this here! But it did help cool things down a little.

Right next to us camping we met a couple of families with little boys around Kane's age. One family was from Texas and the other was from Norway. The little boy from Norway didn't speak any English and it was so amazing to watch him and Kane play together even though they couldn't understand one another. His parents and grandparents spoke english so they would translate for us and him. We taught him how to play baseball and American football.

Kane is getting better and better at swimming. By the end of the summer he will have grown fins I think!

We swam until dark and then went and showered and hit the sack! We were pooped!!!

Day 8: National Park #3

We woke up early and got around and headed over to the huge chess set that our campsite has. Little Man had been asking to play his daddy. He dominated his dad!

We ate the best breakfast yet at a fun restaurant in Moab, Utah called EclectiCafe. We had their twist on Wavos Rancheros, which is an egg dish, it was slightly spicy, and so good (lots of chiles, and we LOVE chiles!)!

We then headed out about 30 minutes to...

Gorgeous views of the canyons (notice the death grip on the little man. I practically had a breakdown to the hubs about letting go of his hand the day before and now he is all over it!, and I feel much better. Still nervous, but better!)

A view of one of the many canyons. Doesn't it look like a 3 fingered hand?

Look at me right up against the railing! I'm getting a little better. The hubby says the best way to over come fears is to face them head on! I'm trying (you can't see it but I have a hand full of Kane's shirt here)!

This is one of the arches, the Mesa Arch. I love this picture!

It is so hot here! I bet we have gone through about 100 of these...

We went on a 1 mile hike, in the heat of the day, to the top of Whale Rock and I had to carry the baby so hubs could carry little man some. We had to rest about half way up! I was so tired! I have a new respect for my husband for how much he has lugged that sweet baby around on his back!

Headed up Whale Rock. Look how far behind I was. Isn't that sad?! I think I can, I think I can...

I made it and hubs relieved me of stink bug, YES!!!

After the Whale Rock hike we had a picnic and then headed back to the campsite to swim. We could only swim for so long and since it is so hot we couldn't just hang around so we showered and headed out for some Mexican food and a movie (Ice Age 3). When the movie let out is was getting darker and the weather was cooling down so back to the site we went and headed to bed!

Day 9: National Park #4

We woke up really early at the camp site this morning ate some breakfast and headed out. It took us about 3 hours to get to Capitol Reef National Park in Utah. It's still hot!

As we drove into the park we found these way cool holes in the side of the mountain. Kane thought it was way cool. Right in front of these was an old cabin about the size of my bedroom. It said on the little sign outside the cabin that a family of 10 lived in it at one time. It said that the parents and 2 youngest slept in the cabin, the girls slept in a wagon out front, and the boys slept in these holes...comfy huh?!

We did a 2 mile hike today. It was uphill a lot of the way and since I was pooped and my man's a stud! he carried both of our children for a while! He's the man!

This is what part of our hike looked like. We are right in the desert, and did I mention how hot it is here!

This is the arch that we stood under today at the end of our hike. Isn't it so cool! It was so much cooler in the shade of this arch! It is so amazing some of the things we've seen! God has done some amazing things!

My crew resting at the destination of the hike before we headed back to the car...

Right in the middle of the park was this little town called Fruita that had all these amazing fruit orchards that you could pick fruit for free as long as you ate it in the park. The peaches weren't quite ready yet, but they were okay. But we also found these mule deer goin' to town on these apples. After our picnic lunch we walked over to them and they let us get about 10 ft from them. It was so crazy!

After lunch we did a driving tour and part of the drive took us on some back roading. It was so fun driving through the canyons.

The kids and I fell asleep on our way out of the park and so when we got to the hotel Nolan rolled down all the windows, parked in the shade and let us all sleep for about an hour. We have been so busy that by the end of the day we are all exhausted!

Once we woke up we went swimming for a while. Kane met another little boy that does not speak english. He and his family are from Germany. I visited with his mother for a little while and they were super nice.

We then went to dinner. It was so yummy! We had a 10 veggie salad, mushroom lasagna, and bosenberry pie ala mode. We ended the night with a little workout with weights and then we found a dirt road to run on. On the run we could see the sun setting behind the mountains and it was just perfect!

It's been another great few days!

Friend Makin' Mondays...

2009-07-13T00:00:00.000-05:00

FMM is coming to ya from Utah this week! I hope everyone had a wonderful week and that you are ready for a super fun Monday!

Since I'm still vacationing it up my new friend Mamarazzi over at Dandelion Wishes has been kind enough to host FMM for me this week. So be sure to go give her and FMM your love today! I can't wait to see what she has for us! I'm sure it's fabulous because most things are over in her neck of the woods are!

If you aren't sure about the rules and such on FMM you can check it out HERE! But the number 1 rule is to have lots of fun and make lots of friends!

So have fun!!!

Vacation '09 - Day 6

2009-07-11T06:54:00.006-05:00

Day 6 we woke up early and got around. We headed into the downtown part of Frisco, CO and walked around for a while at the Historic Park and Museum. Frisco was a super cute little town in the perfect little setting right smack in the middle of the Rockies.

The Historic Park in Frisco was full of these old cabins that are all original to the little town.

After Frisco we drove on to Vail, CO. We just drove through and looked at different things (driving through it was about the only thing we could afford to do in Vail!).

Day 6 brought with it less of the Rockies that were covered with beautiful evergreens but more canyons and desert looking plants. I kept thinking I hope no rocks fall into the road!

We ate a picnic lunch next to the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon. It worked out perfect because we were able to let Kane ride his bike on the sidewalk next to our picnic table.

I'm about to go crazy because the floor board at my feet is getting out of control! I clean it and then 10 minutes later it looks like this...

We arrived at our destination Grand Junction, CO around 4 pm yesterday. We visited the Colorado National Monument. It was really pretty with tons of canyons and different looking rock structures. It even had this cool tunnel that Kane thought was super cool.

Little Man and Nolan held their breath through the tunnels...

One of the many overlooks. I wouldn't get any closer than about 3 ft to the railing. I made Nolan promise to never let go of Kane's hand. It made me feel a little better, but not 100%!

Isn't this crazy looking?! It's called Coke's Oven.

Now tell me...am I crazy for this making me nervous?...

We finished off the night sharing some wonderful pasta at a restaurant called Il Bistro. They made all their pasta fresh on site. We had a seafood pasta with a light sauce and it was super tasty! However the place was a little fancy and we rolled in with our athletic shorts on with our sweaty shirts from hiking at the Colorado National Monument, our cranky, loud kids, and I'm sure they were thinking what the heck! Oh Well!

We headed back to our very nice hotel (hubby has redeemed himself since the first night!), and headed to bed early! Tomorrow another busy day!

These next few pictures are from Day 5 in the Rocky Mountain National Park (from the other camera).

Aren't they pretty!

Vacation '09 - Day 5:

2009-07-10T08:38:00.007-05:00

Day 5 went off without a hitch. We got up early and headed out of Denver and made our way towards Boulder, CO. I loved Boulder. It was the neatest little town and it had the best vibe.

We drove through the University of Colorado.

We visited Pearl St. and its fun little shops. We also took a free ride on this little train- the kiddos loved it!

We ate lunch at Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. It was really tasty and so beautiful! Here are Ruthie and I sharing our Chai tea with sugar and milk (we let her have some through a straw and she liked her some tea!).

I drink all sorts of flavored teas and my favorite brand is Celestial Seasonings so I was super excited to go visit where it is made. We got to have free tastings and watch a movie on how it started and how it is made. They gave a free tour but children under the age of 5 are not allowed so that counted us out. So sad!

We then visited Leanin' Tree Museum. It is a museum full of Western art (cowboys and indians).

They had these sculptures outside and since I was carrying stink bug in her sling I felt like I had bonded with this chick so we had our picture taken together. (The hubs doesn't count so that is why I'm not smiling).

Little Man pretending like he's running and about to get run over by the buffalo. Run man Run!

Gorgeous views on Day 5...

We spent most of the day up in the mountains at Rocky Mountain National Park. This was a beautiful little lake in the park that we took a hike around. Isn't it so pretty!

Little man is a little too brave sometimes! If his daddy wouldn't have had the baby on his back he probably would have been right up there with him!

Gorgeous! Are you jealous?!!! lol!!!

Stink bug had the best view! I tried to get hubs to carry me on his back!

I love these next 2 pics. Isn't the way the sky meets the mountains and then the water so serene!

This trail was too hard for the kids so I walked down just a little ways to get this picture! So worth it!

This little guy was about 2 feet from our car. You can even see his buck teeth! We fed him a cracker...sshhhhh don't tell!

We took this driving tour through the park and as long as I didn't look over the cliffs on the drive up it was absolutely breath-taking! This is up at the top...On top of the world!!! (little man is mad here because I wouldn't let him go up with dad. Sorry Charlie!!!)

We found a little snow and since it was July we decided to test it out! What a rebel!!! I would have laughed so hard if he would have busted it!

All the way at the top and super cold!!! We were so not prepared for the coldness.

At the top we ran into these guys. There were about 20 of them throughout the park that we saw, and they walked right up to the road. I got alot of better pics with the other camera but I haven't uploaded those yet (later I promise- we also saw some mountain goats and Nolan saw 2 moose).

We left the park around 7 pm and ate supper out of the back of the car. Almond Butter and Banana sandwiches and veggies except for the hubs who had left over pizza. I also found some tasty green chile hummus that we snacked on! We arrived in Frisco CO around 10 pm only stopping once in Winter Park to let the kids play at a fun little park we drove by.

Day 5 was so fun and full of beauty! It was also tiring, but so worth it!

You Got Questions - We Got Answers

2009-07-09T15:10:00.002-05:00

So many of you have been asking me different questions about our trip. Saving money, where to find the deals, where to find free goodness, eating healthy, and so on that I thought it would be fun to host a question and answer post.

So if you have any questions for me or my husband then leave a comment with your questions and we will answer them them to the best of our ability in the next few days here on my blog. The hubby is great at having fun on the cheap so just let us know what you need and want to know and we'll hook you up! I love eating healthy and exercising so let me know!

Everyone have a great day!!!

Vacation '09 - Day 4:

2009-07-08T21:40:00.002-05:00

Day 4 on our vacation was a fun, but super tiring day. We spent the whole day in downtown Denver. Because of the little man's eye he had to wear these sunglasses all day. He thought he was one cool dude!

Colorado's State Capital is downtown so we visited it too while we were here. They offer a Free tour!

Stink bug got a ride from dad most of the day. There were lots of stairs at the capital.

One mile up on the front steps of the capital, and the view was amazing from here...

I want to tell you a little story that took place while visiting the wonderful capital. It goes like this (for all you that think I really have it all together you'll get a kick out of this!):

There were about 4 different levels of the capital building all of which had railings where you could look all the way down to the lowest level. I am deathly afraid of heights!!! I repeat: Deathly afraid of heights!!!

The tour takes you to all 3 top levels and most of the time everyone is standing right up against the railing, but not yours truly! No, no, I was plastered as close to the back wall as I could get! However, my dear, sweet husband who I love dearly is the complete opposite! I mean if they had been offering bungie jumping from the top level he would have been first in line, and my sweet 4 year old would have been right behind him! They also make you walk the stairs to the very top floor, and not just any stairs, but the ones where you can see all the way to the bottom!

I was a nervous wreck! Little man kept poking his head through the rails so he could see to the bottom. The closest I got to the railing was when I had to yank little man down from trying to climb up on the railing because he said he couldn't see to the bottom!

So anyhoo, we go through this tour, I'm a wreck, hubs is getting aggrivated with me because I keep barking at him to hold little man's hand before he trys to leap over! My hands were shaking, my knees were shaking, and I seriously thought someone was going to have to bring me a brown bag to breath in! By the time it was over and we were back on the bottom floor on our way out I was crying and having a full blown anxiety attack! Yes, in the lobby of Colorado's fine Capital Building! I mean Really!?

I just wanted to show you the inside (see all the different levels and the railing?)

Monkeying around at lunch...

Yummy macaroni and fruit...

PooPop: This one's for you:
Little man's poopop (grandpa) gave him $20 and told him to look for the big sign in the sky that would lead him to really cool souvenirs, and he has been asking everyday when we will see this amazing sign that will lead him to wonderful goodies! Here is the sign and he has his bow and arrow he bought, and he has change to spare!

Drove through Golden, CO

We were so tired that around 6 pm we went and got a pizza and headed back to the hotel. We watched a movie, played on the internet and headed to bed!!!

EM:ME - Vacation Edition..

2009-07-08T18:24:00.003-05:00

Amber at {aefilkins} started EM:ME as a way for us to support each other in our attempts at becoming healthier people. Whether it be physically, emotionally, or even spiritually we can all use support, and I love EM:ME for just that reason.

Each week she asks a question and this weeks question is:

Share with us some of your vacation survival strategies.

Since I am in the middle of a month long vacation and trying desperately to continue on with my exercising and healthy eating habits I had to get in on this question!

So here it goes:

1) Every restaurant we go to we share. Not just me and the hubs, but all 4 of us. We order one dish, no appetizers or dessert, and simply ask for 3 extra plates. If the kids don't get enough then they may have a healthy snack when we get back to the car.

2) The only snacks I brought with us are healthy: Fruit, Veggies, Natural Peanut Butter and Almond Butter, Kashi Whole Wheat crackers, granola, almonds, natural turkey, lowfat cheese stixs...you get the picture. If we have bad stuff it will get eaten by someone, so if it's not here then it can't happen! (you might be wondering how my kids and husband feel about this. My kid's don't know any different because this is how it has pretty much always been-I have gotten a little more strict here in the last few months- and the hubs prefers to be healthy too.

3) We don't eat every meal out. I brought food to eat to counter act all the not as healthy meals we do eat out. We usually eat at least one meal that is our groceries.

4) I brought hand weights, and I wake up to run and do weights early so that there is no way that it won't get done...5:45 early.

5) I normally workout with friends and since I couldn't bring them with me I enlisted the hubby to run and workout with me.

6) We only drink water (we keep a cooler in the car) or milk (occasionally coffee)- no exceptions.

7) We find fun activities to do that are active: hike, walk downtown in big cities, and swim.

8) I allow myself to eat what sounds good when we eat out that way I don't feel deprived. Misery means lots of cheating. I even stopped into a bakery today and got a yummy chocolate chip cookie!!!

I hope that maybe this will help some of you out. It has worked out pretty good for me so far. So everyone go and have a healthy vacation! It can be done!!!

You can go HERE for her site, today's question and link, and the rules and info on EM:ME.

Vacation '09 - Days 2 & 3...Mountains, Doctors, Driving Drunk?, and More

2009-07-07T23:01:00.006-05:00

Yeah, I knew that driving drunk thing would get your attention! Well just read on for more...

Day 2: I woke up at 5:45 am and worked out in the bathroom of our hotel room. It wasn't easy! We got ready and headed to the bakery we had heard about to find out it was closed for a long July 4th weekend, so instead we ate some food we had in the car and headed out of Hayes Kansas.

This was the view from my window for most of day 2. Not much going on in Kansas and the front half of Colorado I have to say.

Drunk Driving...Not really, but: This is funny. About 20 minutes into the trip on this day we get pulled over. The Kansas State Trooper comes to our window and asks the hubby if he is aware that he has been swerving. (I had just gotten on to him for not paying attention and doing other things while driving). The hubs confesses to messing with the radio and the kids behind him and tells the trooper that he knows what he's talking about.

Then the trooper makes him get out of the car and walk! HA!!! It was about 9 am! I seriously couldn't help but laugh! He convinced them that he was not drunk and at no point had been consuming any alcohol, and he convinced them that he was well rested aswell.

Apparently some car behind us had been watching the hubs swerving and called the police. All is good though and he let us off with a warning. Needless to say: Day 2 started off a little crazy!

Welcome to Colorado...

Burlington Colorado...the oldest carousel still running. It was so pretty, and loud! And it was fast! I thought I was going to be sick at one point!

I rode with little stink-bug and at first she had a death grip and wanted out of there, but she warmed up and ended up enjoying it.

Me and the wide open plains of Colorado...

Our first big stop in Colorado was Colorado Springs. We went to the Olympic training Center. FREE tours ya know! It was pretty neat to see where our Olympians train and I met Michael Phelps...

...Just kidding! but that would have been so cool!

I just love this picture...

Then we went to...

Tell me this view isn't amazing! How can people not believe in God?

Part of the beautiful red rocks in the garden...

We walked a paved trail through the garden so that Kane could ride his bike.

Nolan carried Ruthie on his back while we hiked. She pretty much hated every moment of it. She kept reaching for me with this sad look, but no worries...she survived because we gave her crackers!

There were parts where the kids (and hubbies) could climb.

That night we ate at a really good Mexican Restaurant called Amanda's Fonda. We had spinach and mushroom enchiladas and they were super yummy, but we had to dash out of there because we had to take little man to an emergency eye doctor.

*A little back story: While on vacation in Branson a week or so ago we had to take little man to a doctor for what we were worried was pink eye. Well, come to find out it was a tiny piece of metal in his eye (a speck really). The doctor then sent us to an eye doctor who had to numb his eye and then take a tiny needle and poke out the metal. Well since it had been in there for what we thought was probably a couple of days it had already started to form rust rings. So the doctor had to then take a little drill and basically drill over his eye to get out the rust. It was not fun to say the least.*

Back to present day...Day 1: Little man's eye is looking watery and light sensitive again, and he crys every time we give him drops that it hurts.

Day 2: fever and looks worse, and can't hardly open it. The emergency eye doctor says the first doctor didn't get out all of the metal and that he can't do it because stink-bug won't be still, and this doctor doesn't have the means to calm him down enough to take care of it.

Day 3: Children's eye doctor: They numb his eye and are good enough with him to get it out. They used a really tiny magnet. He was really great until the end when the doctor flipped his eye-lid inside out and put a bunch of ointment into it. He has to wear a patch for 24 hours and can't swim for 3 or 4 days. He's bummed!

Breakfast at Colorado Springs Mimi's Restaurant (Free except for tip...the hubs finds some really rockin' coupons on line!)

Just out of the doctor, and not feelin' to hot...

Focus on the Family is in Colorado Springs, Co. It was a lot of fun and had a great area for kids...

Went on a tour of the Air Force Academy. This is so funny: while there we saw these 5 academy students marching in this big rectangle outside. They were in full uniform and just kept marching in a nonstop rectangle. Come to find out they were in trouble and had to march like that for 105 hours! Crazy right!?

Air Force Academy Chapel...

After this we drove on to Denver. We went straight to the hotel and put both kids down for a nap. Nolan did some stuff on the computer while I went and ran. When the kiddos woke up we went and ate sushi at the Sushi Den (both kids were not huge fans), it was really great- except for when the little man knocked a big bottle of soy sauce off onto the ground where it shattered! We then went and drove around Red Rock Park and then headed back to the hotel for a not so great night of sleep!

We're still having fun and I am loving the time with my sweet little family!!!

Vacation '09 - Day 1:

2009-07-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we headed into Kansas from my sister's. We spent a lot of time in the car but we had quite a few fun little stops too.

Day 1 picture of the loving couple!...

What cute kiddos! And look at how loaded down our car is! Is that out of control or what?!!!

This is the restaurant that we ate lunch at in Wichita, Kansas. It was so yummy! It was a Mediterranean restaurant, and we had the most delicious hummus with chicken w/ pitas to dip into it. I love hummus so I was super excited to try it out!

The yummy dish...already been dug into it looks like!...

Speaking of hummus: Since I love it so much HERE is a link for my favorite hummus recipe. It is also good with some hot sauce in it, and we spread it on homemade bread and veggies, but I'm hoping to try it out on some homemade pitas pretty soon (it's really healthy and tasty!).

We then headed over to...

Where we went to the Ulrich Art Museum. Our goal on this trip is to visit as many fun, FREE things we can!

This millipede statue was outside the art museum, and the kids had a blast on it!

We also stopped in a little town that is known as "Little Sweden." We took the kids to a couple of parks there and visited it's downtown. It was a lot of fun.

For supper we stopped in Salina, Kansas to eat at The Cozy Inn. It was a neat place, and really just a hole in the wall. They make these mini burgers and put them into a sack. We bought 6 and had a big time eating outside at their picnic tables.

Our attempt at a family picture...

And this is the Villa Budget Inn that my sweet and wonderful husband booked for us to stay in. We pulled up and there was no one there except for 3 men sitting outside drinking. I kid you not this was in the scariest part of town ever and it was so awful! It was dirty and just plain scary! I looked at the hubby and basically refused to get out of the car! I made him take me somewhere else! He was sweet and agreed and took us somewhere better, but I have to say I'm a little worried about the others to come! (this picture is of our fast getaway! HA!!!)

Day 1 down and it was a great one!!!

Friend Makin' Mondays...

2009-07-06T00:00:00.001-05:00

Have I mentioned how much I love Mondays?

If you've never visited All That is Good on a Monday you might be thinking I'm crazy.

Like Mondays?!

Is this girl crazy?!

Well- I LOVE Mondays for a very good reason!...

Friends, Friends, and more Friends!!!

That's right! It's time once again for Friend Makin' Mondays, and it's coming to you live from Kansas today!!!

If this is your first time to visit FMM then you can go HERE for the rules and info on this fun little gathering.

After you do that you can go to visit my friend Kelli over at Outside My Kitchen Window because she has been kind enough to volunteer to host FMM for me since I'm out on the open road with my sweet little familia (yes, I know I'm typing now, but I wanted to share the FMM love ya know? and besides that I was worried with vaca taking place I would get sidetracked and forget or be busy doing something crazy like hiking down the grand canyon or something!)

So off to Kelli's you go!

I know she will have something super fun for you! She is always doing fun things over there, and I have to say that she might have one of the nicest spirits of anyone I've ever come across! See why I love Mondays? I mean I have met some of the most wonderful women through this little thing!

Have a great Monday!

Beginning of Vacation and the 4th...

2009-07-05T15:06:00.002-05:00

We have officially begun our vacation!!!

We headed out Friday and made our way to my sweet sister's house. We spent the 4th over at her neighbors' with my sister, her husband, and her little munchkins. We ate some yummy food, had some great fellowship, and then when it got dark we attempted to watch some fireworks, but alas Ruthie wigged and Kane was a bundle of crankiness so we took our kiddos over to my sister's and put them to bed.

We woke up early this morning and packed up and hit the road officially for our big family adventure! My plan is to post everyday with the events of that day and some fun pictures. We will be on the road for 35 days so I think it will be fun to see how things pan out!

Tonight we will be staying in Kansas and tomorrow we will be making our way into Colorado. 12 states in one month can you believe it?!!! I'm really excited but at the same time really nervous. We will be camping a few nigths, staying in some hotels, and staying with some family out in California. Mountains, the ocean, the flat plains...we might just see it all along the way!

I also plan to keep up with my working out. I brought some weights with me and I have to keep up with my running because me and my friends are running in our first 5k 2 days after we get back! The hubs has thankfully promised to run with me and he has already made good on that promise!

Well, don't forget to come back tomorrow for some FMM, and to see some great photos from Vacation '09!

Happy 4th of July...

2009-07-04T09:46:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful day full of family, fun, and some really great food! Enjoy the day and remember all of the wonderful men and women that make all of our freedoms possible!

God Bless America!!!

Little Stink Bug...

2009-07-03T22:59:00.003-05:00

Can you say, "Little girl with attitude!!!"

Tag: You're it!

2009-07-03T22:13:00.004-05:00

Rhonda over at Down Memory Lane has tagged me in a fun photo game. Here are the rules:

1) Go to your photo files…Select the 6th photo folder.

2) Select the 6th photo in that folder.

3) Post that photo along with the story behind it.

4) Then challenge 5 blog friends to do the same!

Here's my photo:

This was one of the many pictures that I took at Christmas to send out with our Christmas letters. This isn't the one that I picked for our letters, but aren't they so stinkin' cute!!!?

I tag:

Christie at Pop Rocks for Breakfast

Shawn at Seriously

Jolanthe at No Ordinary Moments

Jessica at This, That, and My Blog

Lins at Goodbye, Martha

Be sure to visit these girls' blogs! They are super fun and lovely places to be!

Everyone have a great 4th!

Friend Makin' Monday...

2009-06-29T08:52:00.004-05:00

Welcome to FMM! I'm sorry I'm just now getting this post up. I'm on vacation and we forgot to bring the computer so I had to track down a computer. Right now I'm at a hotel that we aren't even staying at hoping they don't figure it out and kick me out! Ha! The things I do for you girls!!!

Anyhoo...Today's FMM is being hosted by my sweet friend Shawn over at Seriously! She is so sweet and fun and always good to help you have a wonderful laugh! So please head on over there and join in her fun topic of 4th of July goodness!

I love 4th of July and I can tell this is a Fun FMM. Of course I would expect nothing but from Shawn!!!

Thank you Shawn!

Well I'm off (before they catch me!)!!! Don't forget to take a FMM button and if you're new I am so glad you are joining us! I love friends and to tell you the truth some of my best buds I have made through FMM! I love you girls!

Thanks and Have a Great and Wonderful Day!!!

(I will be getting in touch with a few of you this week about hosting FMM while I'm out of town. So be thinking of some FMM goodness in case I call upon you! Thanks!!!)

I'm sinking...

2009-06-26T09:12:00.002-05:00

That is how I feel right now! I feel so busy right now that I feel like if I take one more thing on I might lose my ever lovin' mind! Have any of you ever been there?

I am so sorry that I forgot to post a FMM post this last Monday! I hope you all will forgive me! We left last Thursday and went to my sister's until Saturday night. We brought my nephew back with us and on Sunday afternoon we left and went camping. My nephew is staying the week with us. We've been canoeing, camping, swimming, Vacation Bible Schooling it, and today we are going to pick blueberries. Frankly I'm worn out, and Sunday I just forgot to post FMM until we were out camping already- my bad ya know!!!

We leave tomorrow to go on vacation with my side of the family for 4 days and then we leave next Friday for a WHOLE Month road trip just the four of us! Can you believe it?! I'm excited but a lot nervous too! I mean 2 kids in the car driving for long hours and lots of activities could go many different ways?! California or bust Baby!!!

While we're on the road we will have internet. Hubs is getting some thing where we can have it in the car and of course some in the hotels with Wi-fi. So I will be able to keep up with all of you and my blog on the road. However we will be going non stop so I would like to ask some of you to host FMM for me while we're gone. I will set up posts to be posted directing people to your sites for FMM. So if you would be willing to help me out please let me know by leaving a comment or emailing me!

I'll post some camping pics later today. Have a great day and thanks you girls! and sorry about FMM this past Monday! I told you all I didn't have it all together! Have a great day and thank you for understanding!

I am the Champion my Frie-ends dum,dum,dum...

2009-06-17T14:12:00.003-05:00

That is supposed to be the song by Queen ya know!

Anyhoo...guess who entered a baking contest this past weekend and walked away with 1st place?!

YEAHHH!!! ME, Me, Me!!! YAY!

Guess what I won!

$250!!!

Who doesn't have to spend the grocery budget now!? Me, Me, Me!!!

The only rule was that it had to be a dessert made with some sort of berry.

My loving husband encouraged me to enter and found the perfect dessert for me to make (he found it online):

White-Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake! and it was so Yummy!!!

I had never made it before and didn't even get to taste it until after the judging! Talk about anxiety!

Here is the lovely Champion herself (the cheesecake, not me)...

Look at all the fresh raspberries, raspberry sauce, and white chocolate shavings! Yummy!!!

I garnished it with some fresh raspberries and mint from our garden on the side. Isn't she pretty!

And in case you're a hater and you don't believe...

They broke out the BIG check for me!!! Yay for sugary goodness!

Friend Makin' Mondays...

2009-06-14T21:56:00.004-05:00

Hello everyone! Sorry I've been out for a while. We've been super busy and out of town. But I made it back just in time for:

Yes! It's that time again. You can go HERE for the rules and stuff. I am so glad you're here. FMM has become so much bigger and better than I ever imagined because of all of you!

What kind of friends would we be if we didn't confide our deepest darkest secrets with each other? My sister made the comment the other day that from my blog I sound like I have it all together. Well, do I have news for you!: I am so not!

So today's task is Confessions! Spill you guts and I'll start...

1. Monday of this week I ate 2 and 3/4 regular sized Sonic Blasts. No this is not a regular thing I do, but because I try to eat so healthy all the time, sometimes I have moments of weakness, and this particular day I had a few moments!

2. Sometimes I put a movie in for my son to watch just so I can sit down and do nothing for a while!

3. Sometimes if I'm busy doing something else and the baby wakes up and is happy in her bed...I leave her there for a while so I can do what I need to do.

4. Sometimes when my husband upsets me I say hateful things and then immediately regret them but then continue to say more hateful things only to have more regret and guilt. It's a vicious cycle.

5. I am super anal about my house being clean, but I do not remember the last time I cleaned my shower. I know it's gross.

6. Sometimes I spend some of the grocery budget on fun things like clothes and stuff, and then I tell the hubby that I just don't know how we went through the budget so fast.

7. I keep up with our eating out money too, and sometimes when we go out to eat I purposely forget my wallet so that I don't have to admit that I've already spent that budget when it's only half way through the month. (honey, if you're reading this, I'm making this all up for the sake of a good read. *wink-wink*)

8. I was engaged once before the hubster. We broke up 1 month before the wedding because the thought of being married to him literally made me ill, and the fact that he was cheating on me with a 16 yr old didn't help either. Sometimes I think of eat your heart out things I would say to him if I ever ran into him again.

9. I have lived in my house for a year now and there is not a room in it that is completely finished (okay the little man's room is done but only because my mother-in-law came and finished it for me). My bedroom hasn't even been painted yet but has a nice big paint mark of blue that I just wanted to see so I could decide if I liked it or not. That was last summer.

Okay! Share your guilt here! I can't wait to read about it all!!! Don't forget to sign in with the weird Mr. Linky that I don't like as much as the old one, but whatever!

I am looking for friends that would be willing to host an FMM Monday in July. If you would be willing to help me out let me know and I will get with you. Thanks!!!

Friend Makin' Mondays...

2009-06-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

It is time again for another FMM! You can go Here to get the rules and such.

I got this idea from my friend Marci's blog.

This week's task is to tell us 10 things you love about summer!!!

So here I go:

1. I love swimming! Not laying on a raft in the pool, but actually swimming around in the pool, sometimes I even wear those big dorky goggles so I can see where I'm going. I also love to do tricks off the diving board. Love it!

2. I love how the days are longer and it just seems like you have more time to do things.

3. I love vacations!

4. I love to take jars outside and catch fireflies in them.

5. I love how it feels and looks right before the sun goes down in the summer. It's my favorite part of the day and the best time to be outside!

6. I love corn on the cob grilled on the grill!

7. I love family cookouts!

8. I love driving with all the windows down with the music turned up really loud and just cruising!

9. I love all the fresh fruit! I could eat my weight in it hourly! Watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, honey dew melon-I could go on and on! Not to mention eating fresh out of the garden tomatoes like they were an apple! Yum!!!

10. I love how the hubby has the whole summer off and just gets to be with us!

What's your favorite things about Summer?!

Mr. Linky is giving me lots of grief. If you are
participating please be sure to leave me a comment telling us.
Then we can just get to your blogs via your comments. Thanks!!!

Zucchini Muffins the Healthy Way...

2009-06-04T10:28:00.004-05:00

Here's another great, healthy muffin recipe for you!

Zucchini Muffins

Dry Ingredients:
4 c. whole wheat flour
2 T. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 c. brown sugar

Wet Ingredients:
1 1/2 c. nonfat milk
4 egg whites, slightly beaten
1/2 c. applesauce
3/4 c. honey
1 c. grated zucchini
1/2 c. raisins

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease muffin tins lightly with oil or spray with a non-stick cooking spray, or line muffin pan w/baking cups (I do this).

2. Combine dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3. Mix the wet ingredients together. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir until just barely moistened. Batter should be lumpy. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full with batter.

4. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.

Makes right around 2 dozen, and like a lot of my recipes these can separated and frozen until you want them. Most of the time I try not to buy store bought treats so these are great to snack around on or for breakfast w/ some fruit and ice cold milk!!!

This recipe is actually my revised edition. For the original you can go HERE.

Hope you enjoy!

All That is Good

All Roads Lead to Somewhere...but where?

Family Snow Time...

Snow Days

A Portrait of a Family...

Burrrrrrrrrrrr...

Blogging with Balance- is it possible?

Vacation- Days- 4 & 5

Days 2 and 3- Finding Our Kicks on Route 66

Road Trip 2010- Day 1:

2 Days and Counting...

2nd Annual 35 Day Road Trip...

New Family Member...

Why I love Christmas (yes I'm aware that it's Valentine's week)...

Bear Syndrome...

Confessions- Because they're good for the soul...

Success Story on Cathe...

Birthday Wishes for a Wonderful Little Girl...

Saving the world one bite at a time...

Color's Day...

Winter Wonderland

Recipe Review and Some Core Strength...

Lights on the Square...

Out on the Ranch...

How Twilight should have ended...

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...

Merry Christmas...

For a Woman the Love of Chocolate begins at a Young Age...

Coming Soon...

Thankful Moments from Thanksgiving...

New Moon- Hello Lover...

So Many Projects- So Little Time...

Top 10 Thankfuls...

Vacation '09 Flashbacks...

Why did the chicken cross the road?...

Happy Halloween!

Be my Ginny Pigs and try my Recipes!

Brothers From Another Mother...

Lessons from a Giraffe...

BOO!- Pumpkin Carving Party...

That Fuzzy Feeling...

Win, Win- I need a Win...

Not Cool Papa...

Fashion is my Passion- Be honest...

10k Race- Check!

Little DaVinci

Mama's Little Girl...

Girl's Night...

Tasty Goodness

Happy Fall Everybody!!!

A Few Projects...

Friend Makin' Monday...

Recipes

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

Hungry Mom's Walking Challenge (Runners Welcome too)...

Prayers do come true...

Take That Old Man...

Diary of A Hungry Mom...

Things I've Learned about Myself while away from Blogging...

Frownie Faces...

Back in Town...

Vacation 09 - Days 10 &11

Vacation '09 - Days 7, 8, & 9

Friend Makin' Mondays...

Vacation '09 - Day 6

Vacation '09 - Day 5:

You Got Questions - We Got Answers

Vacation '09 - Day 4:

EM:ME - Vacation Edition..

Vacation '09 - Days 2 & 3...Mountains, Doctors, Driving Drunk?, and More

Vacation '09 - Day 1:

Friend Makin' Mondays...

Beginning of Vacation and the 4th...

Happy 4th of July...

Little Stink Bug...

Tag: You're it!

Friend Makin' Monday...

I'm sinking...

I am the Champion my Frie-ends *dum,dum,dum*...

Friend Makin' Mondays...

I am the Champion my Frie-ends dum,dum,dum...