Layouts

So... it may look like I've spent a lot of time scrapping and I do use naptimes for scrapping and some late nights (although not many anymore), but I really am a quick scrapper, normally about 1/2 hour per layout, I know some people take hours or days to complete a layout and I can understand why and how, I just happen to do it fast... (so, I'm done defending myself now) and will share some layouts!










I also ordered my Shutterfly book that I won a while back finally! I ended up redoing most of the pages to make it an even 20 page book, I've never done one before so i didn't want to pay for extra pages if they weren't going to turn out how I wanted and going back I didn't like most of the pages that I still had for him, and I found out that I LOST all of the ones from his first few months when my hard drive crashed... lovely! Those are moments that are hard to go back and scrap... it's hard to journal on those when you aren't in the moment, know what I mean????

How do you feel about mice????

I don't like them at all... they freak me out, make me very anxious and crabby and I'm scared to death that one will crawl up my leg, under my pants. So why am I talking about mice you ask... because they are fresh on my mind. Last night at church we were painting ornaments in a classroom and look out in the hall and guess what... there was a mouse crawling up the wall with people gathered around watching it. Eventually they got the mouse down so that he was scurrying across the floor. Right past our door. At the first sound of the word mouse my legs were up on the chair with the rest of my body, all instinct. Not something I even thought about. So, today I keep watching for mice wherever i go... they are on my mind, not a good thing considering how much I HATE mice!

We did not leave the house today until about 6:00, which is late for me, normally I at least go out to take the kids to school. Today I talked Matt into it for me though! (Oh, and by the way, he got his cast off yesterday, now he has to wear a splint sometimes for about 6 weeks when he goes back for more x-rays) At 6 Landon and Matt went to play basketball with a bunch of Lanodn's friends at our church, Bailey, E and I went along for a little while (the whole time I was looking for mice though and couldn't dare sit down cuz I'm sure one would crawl right up my shirt), then off to Target to do a little christmas shopping. Just a very small dent in our growing list. Call me scrooge, but I hate having so much on our list for Christmas. I hate drawing names, I hate having someone tell me what to buy them. I never end up with anything I NEED, b/c what can you get for $20? I would rather do names just for kids, Matt and I don't need to open anything at those parties on Christmas... OK, done complaining now, I just find it so far from the meaning of christmas, or any meaning for that matter.

Tomorow I'm going out for dinner with EJ and Austin and Landon, then Saturday we get to go get our Christmas tree and decorate it! Lot's of other stuff going this weekend that will make it quite busy for us, but I'm ready for a weekend! You too????

Tag...Your it...

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night.
I can't remember last night...I have a great memory, just can't remember details like that
2.What were you doing at 0800?
telling my kids for the fiftieth time (yes that's an exageration and I know I've said I hate exagerating before, but I sure felt like I said it that many times) to find thier outdoor gear and get ready to go
3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
looking at parade pics
4. What happened to you in 2006?
E was born
5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
Good night, I love you
6. How many beverages did you have today?
1 coffe, 2 1/2 diet cherry cokes
7. What color is your hairbrush?
green
8. What was the last thing you paid for?
pics at Walgreens (3.5x3.5)
9. Where were you last night?
BSF after disapointing my daughter and telling her that the parade was earlier than it really was so we ended up not being able to go
10. What color is your front door?
green
11. Where do you keep your change?
on my dresser, in my purse, in my jeep, in my pants pocket, in my coat pocket, anywhere and everywhere, just hopefully not in E's mouth!
12.What’s the weather like today?
See parade post... BRRRRRRRRRRRR
13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
Hands down - House of Flavors Tiramisu (Oh, I need to go to Ludington)
14. What excites you?
taking a picture that I love and when my kids are in good moods...
15. Do you want to cut your hair?
Absolutely NOT
16. Are you over the age of 25?
Unfortunately yes
17. Do you talk a lot?
Depends... takes a while for me to open up, but in the right situation I can go on and on and on
19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
I would think so...
20. Do you make up your own words?
Not on purpose
21. Are you a jealous person?
For sure, what a terrible quality
22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
Amy
23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’.
Kim
24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
Sarah
25. What does the last text message you received say?
Text messages are a waste of time... much to much work for me, much easier to just call
26. Do you chew on your straw?
no, but I chew my nails... another terrible quality
27. Do you have curly hair?
not really, although it get's curlier with each lovely child I have, just the back though, not the sides... (hey, another lovely quality)
28. Where’s the next place you’re going?
bed
29. Who’s the rudest person in your life?
Hmmmmmm... the employees at Walmart I'm sure
30. What was the last thing you ate?
see prevoius post for these incredible recipes
31. Will you get married in the future?
Not planning on it...happily married for life!
32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Enchanted
33. Is there anyone you like right now?
uh... yeah! Duh!!!!
34. Did you cry today?
Suprisingly no, I'm a cryer!
35. Why did you answer and post this?
Well, funny I was just thinking about doing another random things post (did one a LONG time ago), but then I saw this on three different blogs... so did this instead!

Brrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Well, our week didn't start off as planned, Landon ended up sick on Sunday night, so he didn't go to school and I didn't start babysitting until today! He was better by Monday morning, but to be safe he stayed home! So, three of the five have had it no... who's next?????

I need to share a recipe that i made tonight for dinner... actually it was a combo on two them, Asiago Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta and Mushroom and Swiss Chicken! (You can find the original recipe on Allrecipes.com if your interested!)

First the chicken...
INGREDIENTS
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 cloves crushed garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (I used Balsamic b/c that's what I had)
1 tablespoon Cajun-style seasoning
1 cup chopped green onion
1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
4 slices Swiss cheese

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Combine oil and garlic in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add chicken breasts and coat well with the oil and garlic. Sprinkle with the vinegar and Cajun seasoning.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.
Remove chicken from oven and cover with green onion and mushrooms; then add a few more sprinkles of oil and vinegar and return dish to oven for 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove from oven and immediately place 1 slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast; cheese will melt. Serve immediately.

Now for the pasta...
INGREDIENTS
2 cups heavy cream
1 cube chicken bouillon
1 cup Asiago Cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch, mixed with equal parts water
1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1 (16 ounce) package bow tie pasta
3/4 cup bacon (I used "Real" bacon bits)
1/4 cup butter (I ommitted this and used just a tiny bit of olive oil)
1/2 cup diced red onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
(The original recipe called for chicken too, but b/c I used the other recipe for my chicken I ommitted this part)

DIRECTIONS
In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook 2 cups cream until just bubbling. Watch carefully (very important, I didn't and had it all over my stove top), to ensure that it doesn't boil over. Stir in bouillon and Asiago cheese. Stir with a whisk until dissolved. Add cornstarch mixture, and simmer until sauce is thickened, stirring constantly. Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside, or cover and refrigerate for later use.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Saute red onion until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic and cooked bacon, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in green onions, and 1 cup cream. Cook, stirring, until cream is heated through. Add Asiago cream sauce, and heat through. Toss with cooked pasta until evenly coated, and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

This may look like a lot of work, but it was SOOOOOOOOOO good! I loved the thick, creamy and very very fattening sauce!!!!! Can't wait for leftovers tomorow!

After dinner we (Landon, Bailey & I) headed out in this bitter cold weather to go to the Christmas parade downtown Holland with Sarah adn her boys! Brooks talked to Santa before the parade and although I tried to get a picture, it didn't turn out... sorry Sarah!







It was definately cold, but not nearly as windy as we thoguht it would be! And the kids got lot's and lot's of candy (we seemed to have come home with a LARGE majority of the candy... ahem ahem ahem!!!) and to balance that out they also got toothbrushes!

No big plans tomorow, just church in the evening, aside from the normal daily routine! Hopefully you are keeping warm!

The post that never ends...

It's been a while since I posted so you get a long one... really there isn't that much to say, but lot's of pictures to share!

Our family thanksgiving picture! Thanksgiving was a good day after all, we had a delicious dinner, dessert and a nap! Bailey & I snuggled up and slept for over an hour! In the evening Elliot seemed to be better so we went to Matt's dad's for thanksgiving, we didn't stay to long though, Elliot needed to sleep!


Friday I don't do the whole shopping early thing, if you do good for you, I just can not handle the crowds and waiting in line. Granted, if there was something I needed and it was a GREAT deal (it would have to be an incredible deal) I may just go early, but so far that hasn't happened. I did venture out to the photo store to look at lenses though in the morning. I have been looking at two different ones, wtih two very different price tags. After talking to a salesperson he decided that he didn't want his anymore and was willing to sell his. He said that he had hardly used it at all and it was the one with the much lower price tag, so not only did I get the cheaper one I got a heck of a deal on it too! I wasn't planning on getting one for sure, but at the price I couldn't refuse, it was a steal! And I'm so thrilled that I did! All fo the following pictures were taken with the new lens. It's much better at the inside pics of the kids, I struggled to find the settings to use for the indoor pics with my other lens (w/o using my flash at least), but now it's perfect! (For those that have a clue what I'm talking about it's the 50mm 1.8 Canon) It's a fixed lens and that will take some getting used to for me, but it will be worth it!

So, Friday night Matt had the gym at our church for the boys to go play basketball. By boys I mean Landon & his friends. He ended up with 10 boys playing, which was a great turnout. There were a few times last year where no one showed up, but others with tons of boys, this was a happy medium! I didn't stay for very long so I didn't get a ton of great pics.
Cobe is one of the boys that went along...

Landon playing the game...

Today we did a lot of work outside, trying to get leaves picked up. We took Elliot outside with us a few times for very short amounts of time. It was SOOOO cold and he doesn't have any mittens. I tried to put some pink girly mittens on him (from Bailey) and shortly after putting them on he had them and his hat hidden in the leaves in the yard, not sure if it was because they were pink or because they were mittens! Don't you just love that face????? :)

A rare pic of Matt & Elliot, I seriously don't know when I last got one prior to this!

It was a Mojito kind of day... actually I did drink this, but I also liked the depth of field on this pic...

After our fried fish dinner which Matt made outside Elliot got put right in the tub... I love this pic of him too!

Here's another silly face!

And, after dinner Matt did some of the Christmas lights, I had done some earlier and now we are finding that half the strands don't work so we need to get some more! But for now at least we have some lights and our fall decorations are gone! (Sometimes we are slow on removing prior seasonal decorations)


One more day of relaxing and then real life starts again. The kids start school again adn I start "full time" working/babysitting. Definately ready though, a schedule almost sounds good, although I've been lucky to have E sleeping in until about 8:30 or nine most mornings! I'm done with my photo class now too, so that is one more free night in the week! That will feel really good! Matt & Landon start basketball soon, so that free night will fill right back up soon, but we will enjoy it while we have it!

Enjoy your Sunday and your week!

Excuse me while I whine...

Elliot isn't feeling well today so we are stuck at home. Not what I anticipated for Thanksgiving at all. And I know that everyone is with thier families today so no one will really read this, but I feeling bad for us... no huge dinner, no huge family... just us, our little fam of five. We are trying to make the best of it though. I have sweet potatoes made (that is what I was bringing to dinner), Matt went to Meijers to get some more groceries so we can have green bean casserole, cranberry sauce (we've never actually had that, but we decided to try it), party potatoes, chicken dip (appetizer) and maybe some pie. So when he gets home I cook, he will go get turkey from Boston Market (I don't have the time, knowledge or patience to cook one of those). I am trying to make this different than our "regular" dinners at home so I think we will use the "good" dishes (which I have to add we have NEVER used). Right now E and I are watching the parade on tv and relaxing! If there happens to be someone reading this... Happy Thanksgiving! (I really am past the whining part of this whole scenario, just trying to make the best of what is now!)
ETA: Dinner was wonderful... Boston Market does some GOOD turkey and stuffing and gravy, I did some good sweet potatoes, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce (which we really liked on the turkey and think will be even better on the leftover turkey sandwiches!). The one thing I was disappointed in was we didn't have any desserts, but Susie was reading this before going to dinner and she stopped by with some yummy desserts for us! What a wonderful friend, I was near tears b/c I just feel so blessed! Thanks Susie!

Oh, and we went to see Enchanted last night... SOOOOO good. There were a few parts that may be to intense for the younger crowd, but all in all a GREAT movie!

I'm so thankful for...

Jesus

Matt
Landon
Bailey
Elliot
Dexter (sometimes at least)
Extended family
friends
my home
my camera
food
candy
Candy Cane Hershey Kisses
a vehicle to get around town
health
doctors to restore health
colorful fall leaves
green grass
God's provision
teachers and schools
BSF
playdough
television
radio
christian radio
blog's
digi scrapping
my laptop
internet
medicine
rainbows
beds & blankets to snuggle in
friendly people (strangers)

a random smile
Target
board games
naps
good nights of sleep
a church to attend
and so much more... really the list could go on FOREVER! But you get the idea! Wishing you all a WONDERFUL thanksgiving!

Dreams do come true,just not always how we want...

Have you ever just dreamed of staying in bed all day, no kids bugging ya, nothing to do, just in bed all day long? Well, I do sometimes, but this isn't what I wanted. I have a very mild form of the flu today and can hardly walk. The only symptom I really have is a very very achy body, that and occasionally a very sharp pain in my stomach. So, the kids went to Mary's for the day (thanks) and after cancelling all the plans we had for today I went to bed and really haven't moved with the exception of taking a shower and trying to eat some crackers! Hopefully I'm better by tomorow though, we have plans to do some fun stuff with the kids and I need to get to Target and get some tennis shoes for E and JoAnn's to get a few things.

So, although I hated Walmart, I was very pleased when I made my big purchase there... (see post below). Until I looked a little closer at my receipt and found that they overcharged me... A LOT! For a game and a controller. I didn't notice it when I was in the store because I was busy calling everyone I knew that wanted one and I was sooooo very excited! So, lucky for me when I returned to Walmart (with Sarah for support in case it got ugly) it took a while, but they refunded me the money. Wierd situation becaues anyone could really leave, come back and say that. But lucky for me (and them) they believed me!

So, yesterday was day one of break so the kids both had friends over. Landon & D played the Wii most of the day and Bailey & Tori played in her room, school, makeup, sisters and whatever else little girls play. Landon had a birthday party to go to in the late afternoon, so we dropped him off at Crazy Bounce, took Tori home then Bailey, Elliot and I headed downtown to Fricano's to meet the Huizenga clan for dinner. Matt met us there after picking up Landon from the party. The plan was to then go bowling, but there were no alley's with open lanes, so instead we just came back here to our house.

This morning we headed to St Joe (Mat, the kids & I) to rake leaves at my grandpas house. We weren't sure what to expect when we got there, but really it was no suprise that the yard was COVERED! Big job! Lucky for us we ended up with lot's of help from cousins and aunts and family. We were done in two hours with all the help, but it would have taken us at least 4, if not five if we were alone. We are so blessed that they were able and willing to stay and help. I didn't even ask for any help! I am so thankful for those that have nothing to gain by helping, yet do it out of the kindness of thier hearts!

So, we got home, rested for a bit, then Matt grilled some yummy steaks and we worked together to make TONS of chili for the birthday celebration tomorow, two HUGE pots of it. Who's birthday are we celebrating you ask? My dad's birthday... HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Now we are watching Night at the Museum with the kids, seems good so far, and I'm gonna sign off so I can really watch it... and cuddle with Bailey! I may be back later though to show off some leaf raking pictures!


Bailey & Elliot were exhausted from being outside for so long...

Success...

I got a Wii!!!!!! At my all time FAV (read with MUCH sarcasm) store of all time... WALMART! And suprisingly aside from how dirty I now feel after being in that store it was a pleasant experience! And I was able to call two other people who were also able to get one of them, so now Christmas shopping is over for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (for my immediate family at least!)

Lotsa Layouts...

So, it's been a while since I posted layouts... or I just have done to many layouts and it hasn't been that long, there are just a lot to share!

Not much going on in life here... not much to share! The kids have one more day of school til they have what I will call "Thanksgiving Break". A full week and one day off of school... how fun is that????? I'll let you know how fun that is after next week! I've been on the search for the famous Wii, so if you know of one available let me know! Target had 28 of them on Sunday at 8am and they were gone by 9am, Sharon went to Gamestop to check if they had them for me today and she was fifth in line... they had four of them! LOVELY! This is a Christmas gift for Matt, Landon & Bailey, so I will have all bases covered with one gift! Kate is being so kind to bring hers over this weekend so we can make sure that it is what we want... I want to make sure that Bailey is going to enjoy it! I don't want to get her a gift that she won't play with! OK, I'll let you peek at the layouts now... all credits can be seen in my galleries (links on the right).

Pictures

We made it out to take some more pics... I think I got some good ones, but the more kids the harder it is so the group ones aren't that great! E didn't want to cooperate all that well!





Elliot saw ducks... dont you just love his face!?!?
Dimitri & Angela!

A Real Post...

Last night we decided not to go to the football game, to cold and it looked like rain, instead we opted for pizza and movies. First we watched Surf's Up with the kids... cute movie! Then it was our turn... Mr. Brooks was our choice. Good movie, a little wierd and a little graphic in the very end, but twisty and suspensful, I enjoyed it (I just finished watching it, I fell asleep last night).

This morning, the kids and I went to Dimitri soccer game (which they won 7-0 I think). AFter that Elliot Bailey & Brooks (Sarah's son) needed flu shots so we headed to the clinic at our doctors office. It was busy but we didn't need to wait to long! Neither Elliot nor Bailey cried one little tear. I wasn't suprised at Bailey, but elliot not crying shocked me! He just looked at me like what is going on, then it was over and he was good!

I had let Sarah talk me into trying this Super King buffet that she had been to the week or two before. I'm so not a buffet person and chinese restaurants really don't impress me all that much, but I decided that it wouldn't hurt me to try it. Yeah... I won't be returning! I'm not quite sure what I ate, some beef, some shrimp, some rice, maybe some chicken... the waitress kissed Elliot on the cheek, strangers are not supposed to kiss my kids and then i guess she tried to take Elliot's lemon away from him b/c they are sour, ummmmmm, yeah, that's why he likes to suck on them!!! Don't take food away from my kid!

Then, while Elliot slept Matt and I cleaned the house, or I should say I cleaned the kids' bedroom and Matt cleaned the house... his idea, not mine! Although I would almost say he got the better bargain on that deal! The house looks good now though. There are always things that need to be done, but in general it's good!

Mark & Meghan came over for a Salmon dinner and some delicious Apple Pie that Meghan baked! Good times visiting and watching/listening to the kids play. Now, I'm getting tired again... these early mornings that have involuntarily become habit are knocking me over... but guaranteed I'll be up at 6:30 again tomorow morning.. yippeeeeeeee! Church tomorow and then I get to take a nap! I CAN'T wait!!!!

Ya get what you ask for...

I really didn't want to bump my scary guy from top of page... but just for you...

OK, nothing to say, hence the no post lately. Although I did have some white chicken chili tonight, courtesy of Sarah! It smelled so good all day, it took restraint to hold back from an early dinner (really really really early). Good stuff, I added a bit of hot sauce for spice, cheese and tortilla chips, but still good! (Thanks Sarah!!!!!)

So, there ya have it! Like I said... nothing to say! Life is quite boring this week... busy busy busy with babysitting!

Random thoughts...

Isn't he cute????

So, I was thinking today (and no this has nothing to do with that incredibly random picture above, nothing really will have to do with that, I just needed to share) about how the devil wants us to see/hear things and how we sometimes hear or see (or even feel, with our hearts) something that isn't there. Our minds twist things, with satans help, things that don't exist or aren't there. Causting ourselves much pain, or others, so therefore, the devil wins again. We/I need to thouroughly evaluate things/sitiuations, words better so that I can better diferentiate what is actual and what is from the devil himself.

Yeah, this isn't some deep thought, just something that I was thinking about. And let me tell you that Gods presence has been pretty intense for me lately, so there are plenty more of these random thoughts floating around in my head that I'm sure I will get around to sharing more of later! Between church & BSF I've been bombarded with intense thoughts lately.

Are you prepared for snow?

I'm definately not, but that's what they are calling for tomorow! Target was out of XS and Small snow pants for girls, so everyone must be preparing. Poor Bailey will have to do without for a while, but they both have boots and a head wrap thing for thier ears, winter coats and mittens/gloves, so we are mostly prepared. There is always something though it seems.

Lot's of pics to share...
Angela is staying at our house this week while Mary enjoys some warm weather!

Brooks & Sadie were here this afternoon, Brooks DID NOT want his picture taken... this is the best I got!

Sadie was a little show off for the camera... as long as she got to see the picture afterwards!

Angela really wanted a picture with "that little boy" as she called him because she could never remember his name, but he wanted nothing to do with that, so Sadie was a stand in! Brooks and Ange actually played really well together, I think they both had fun!

Bailey & I playing around this evening before BSF!

Bailey was being a total goof, but we had fun!