Why bother!

Blake and I took a non-traditional approach to Thanksgiving this year.  Prime rib.  Yummy. Of course the kids refused to eat (nothing new), I forgot the potatoes and stuffing (how do you forget those), and the kids just wanted to eat the bacon that I was going to sprinkle on the potatoes.  *Gretchen, now you know why I was thinking of you.  Last year was so much yummier.  Needless to say I felt jipped, so tonight for dinner we had the ham, potatoes, green beans and left over pie.  Not quite the same but next year I'm going to knock it out of the park and plan it out.   
On the plus side though, we got our tree up BEFORE Thanksgiving (there is a first for everything and probably a last).  Now that I've slaughtered Thanksgiving, I'll have all the kinks worked out and we'll have a great Christmas season.  Who am I kidding, I'll probably procrastinate and forget something big for this season also.  I often wonder what kind of memories my children will have of special traditions.  Denny's dinner for Thanksgiving, anyone? Because of our compact apartment we got a new SLIM tree and decided to splurge $20 on new ornaments and put the 10 year old ones to rest in the "poor, newlywed vault". Hopefully during this next week we'll get the REST of the decorations put up.  You have to have stockings up, right?  Better not procrastinate that.

Earn your keep

Kindergarten and the Reward System is crazy.  Paige comes home with treasures from the treasure box, free ice cream cone coupons and Happy Meal coupons from McDonalds, and free pizzas from Pizza Hut.  The other day we were treating ourselves with free pizza from Paige's stash of coupons and as we were driving there she says, "It's a good thing I'm such a good girl in school so I can get us food so we don't starve".  After we got done laughing we let her continue to believe that her good behavior was feeding us.  As long as it works and she keeps being good at school she can believe what she wants (and Blake is now going to cut back on his hours at work since we no longer need to feed ourselves with his paycheck).

Milestones

As I look through my life I enjoy remembering certain milestones.  Things that alter my life and offer change.  Graduations-for myself or my husband, Marriage, Having children, etc. Sometimes I look forward to certain milestones that take on a more individual celebration like, no more diapers in the house (admit it, potty training is a huge milestone), all my kids in school, my 35th birthday (not quite a celebration, that was a hard one).  I could go on and on with a musical montage of songs that reminds me of each milestone.  But this last week we had a special milestone that would fit into multiple groups of importance for me.  Lane turned 8 and was baptized.  It was a wonderful day.  

I thought I got a serious picture of him in white but I didn't.  This is all I got. Ugh.

I've been spending this last week enjoying the growth that I see in my baby boy and try not to focus on how old it makes me feel.  Lane is such an amazing kid and I see so much potential in him.  I can only imagine that this is how our Heavenly Father feels about each of us. One of Lane's strongest qualities is his willingness to be obedient.  I need to point out here that he doesn't always listen and I still find myself repeating things more times than I care to admit but I've also noticed that when it counts and when it's between good and bad choices, I always know which way his heart will lean.  He understand what his Heavenly Father expects of him and is always willing to help others.  

I had a non-LDS friend ask me about about our big weekend and was kind of surprised about Lane being baptized, was he being made to do this?, is he ready?, etc.  I hadn't thought much about it because the gospel is so much a part of our life and is the underlining purpose to everything we do.  I explained to her about Primary and how he's been taught about Jesus since he was little.  I talked to her about the Priesthood also.  She was surprised that Blake had the priesthood.  I am grateful for her questions because it reminds me to teach my children.  I want them to obey because they have a testimony of the gospel not because I've asked them to do it but because God has asked.

Lane asked me to speak on Baptism (and shook his head when I started getting teary-eyed) but I kept it short and simple.  Grandpa Ernie spoke on the Holy Ghost and used a picture that fit in perfectly.  It was of when Lane was 2 years old and climbing a ladder to reach Blake (the father) on top of the garage.  Gpa Ernie was standing right behind Lane making sure he wouldn't slip and fall.  (See how perfect this picture was?)  It was tied in with the Holy Ghost helping us return to our Father.  Blake had to preside, perform the ordinances, and welcome Lane into the ward.  Good thing the Elders were there so we could have two witnesses.  It was a simple but wonderful day.

Simple Woman's Daybook

You're so lucky.  You get two simple daybooks today for the price of one (free).  I love reading Blake's perspective.  Hope you enjoy our simple life.

Outside my window...

it is the same as Blake's window.  But please don't close the blinds.  I love the sunshine.  Just move to a different couch.

I am thinking...

about my doctor's appointment today.  I'm a little nervous.

I am thankful...

for sunshine and music.  It's the fastest way to put me in a better mood.  Dance, even if it's only on the inside.

From the kitchen...

I'm compiling a grocery list so I can feed my family (and parents-wohoo!).

I am wearing...

trouser jeans, great boots, and a jacket. I feel good about the way I look today.  But then again I can also feel good in a pair of sweats so that says nothing about my snazzy outfit. (I dress up for the gynecologist. Lucky her.)

I am creating...

amazing kids.  I'll take credit even though I think they came down from heaven pretty awesome.

I am reading...

all my magazine subscriptions.  Too many.  

I am hoping...

that my magazine subscriptions teach me how to better organize myself, dress myself, create new crafts, cook better, be a perfect person.  It's rough being a magazine in my house.  High expectations.

I am hearing...

Blake's list of music.  It's not TOO bad.  Bearable. Foot tapping.

One of my favorite things...

is spending time with my parents and in-laws.  I know, weird.  They really are some of the nicest people I know.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

is to love and enjoy the company I'm with.  Simple plans for a simple daybook.

Simple MAN'S Daybook

Outside my window...

The sun is in my freakin' eyes...close the blinds.

I am thinking...

I need to lose some weight.  Fast.

I am thankful...

For healthy kids and a great wife.

From the kitchen...

I don't need to be in the kitchen, think about the kitchen, or what I might find in the kitchen.

I am wearing...

New jeans and a new button-up shirt.  Had a wardrobe change this past week.

I am creating...

I don't create jack.

I am reading...

Anesthesia related material.  Got to keep up on the continuing education credits.

I am hoping...

For a nice relaxing weekend.

I am hearing...

Eric Clapton in HD from the flat screen (or is it the voices in my head).

Around the house...

It's noticeably cleaner.  Thanks honey.

One of my favorite things...

I no longer enjoy.  Pepsi.  Yep, that's right...I quit.

A few plans for the rest of the week...

Entertaining the in-laws.  Shouldn't be to hard.  Send the kids gma's way and sit gpa in front of the TV.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

My office view.

Patience is a virtue

It arrived today.  My birthday ring.  Not because it took a month to ship but because it took a month for Blake to order it.  It was worth the wait.  He actually put some thought into it and explained why he choose a sapphire gemstone--It's the gemstone for September.  The month that we were married.  Thank you sweetheart.  It really is the thought that counts but it doesn't hurt that it's just beautiful, too.  

Thank you!

Today we had a great opportunity to watch Lane walk in the Veteran's Day Parade.  It was his first Parade as a cub scout.  (I forgot my camera.) I was proud of him and his understanding of what Veteran's Day is about.  He gets it and is proud of his Grandpas for being "soldiers".  At the very end of the parade they had the casket that represented the Unknown Soldier.  We reminded the kids to stand quietly and respectfully.  I started to get teary-eyed thinking of the sacrifices of men, women, and families for this country.  Knowing that I have so many blessings because of sacrifices of others was very humbling. So thank you to all the veterans and those who are serving now.  I have experienced a little bit of that sacrifice because of my dad serving in the Air Force and it is appreciated by my little family.  

Saturday Happiness

We tried a new dinner tonight and we all thought it was delicious.  Of course some of the younger ones in the house didn't like the whole meal but definitely parts of it.  You be the judge.  

Spaghetti Squash w/ Turkey Meatballs

My mom will be so proud of me trying and liking spaghetti squash.  It is absolutely delicious. It's my new vegetable.  Paige isn't too fond of it but Lane is.  Our side dish was Balsamic Tomato and Mozzarella Salad.  I've had a hard time finding a salad recipe like this that is just right.  I've been comparing it to a restaurant in Syracuse, NY called the Dinosaur Bar (the best ribs too).  I've finally found it.  Paige loved this and gobbled up a lot of tomatoes.  So we'll let her slide on not eating the squash.  This is a really healthy dinner and it really filled us up.  This made me happy.  Now if only someone will do the dishes for me.  Click on the dinner title below the picture for the recipe from Rachael Ray and I'll add the Salad recipe below.  Happy eating.  So, spaghetti squash is my Saturday happiness.

Balsamic Tomato and Mozzarella Salad:

1 Tbl. balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

2 lrg. red bell peppers, halved and seeded

2 lrg. tomatoes, cut into 1/2"-thick slices

2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (I used the little balls of mozzarella)

1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, julienned

Preheat the broiler.  Coat a broiler-pan rack with cooking spray.

In a cup, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt and black pepper.  Set aside.

Place the bell peppers, skin side up, on the prepared rack.  Broil, without turning, for 10 minutes, or until the skins are blackened and blistered in spots.

Place the peppers in a paper bag and seal.  Let stand for 10 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.  Peel the skin from the peppers and discard.  Cut the peppers into 1/2"-wide strips. Put tomatoes, peppers, mozzarella, and basil in bowl and drizzle dressing over it.  Let stand for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.  Enjoy.  I have to admit that I did mine without the red peppers because I forgot to get them at the store.  It was still delicious.  

Friday Happiness

So, the day began with the potential of being disastrous.  Have you ever shopped with someone who hates shopping.  My evil shopping companion for the day was my dear husband.  He enjoys looking nice but hanging out in crowded stores trying on thousands of jeans, etc. does not a happy man make.  I love shopping when the outcomes are "unbelievable deals".  I'm usually the one who finds out about great clearance items last when there is nothing worth salvaging in the piles.  And then my thoughts lead to "no wonder these are on sale, who would by this shiny gold top that is not quite made out of real material".  You know the stuff you see people wearing on WHAT NOT TO WEAR (one of my favorite shows) before Stacy and Clinton get their hands on them.  Without further ado...  
... here are my new shoes.  They were $8 then I got a 30% off coupon.  Which came in handy considering Blake got 3 pairs of pants and multiple shirts.  (Kohl's, you rock.)  My idea was to buy them and have them for next spring but since it's been pretty warm around here I've been wearing them whenever I can.  I know this is a silly post but I just wanted to share what made me happy on Friday.  Now I'll go dance in my new shoes.