Gust Gab

Leaping into Something New!

2012-02-22T11:53:00.003-06:00

Well, it comes around but once every four years - Leap Year that is, but if I'm being honest, we could just as well be talking about me cooking up something delish in the kitchen too...(Cereal for dinner anyone?)

When I was invited to be a part of Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program - I knew this would be a good opportunity for me to try & change that...Maybe combine the best of both worlds, convenient ingredients and a tasty dish all in one?

I stumbled upon a recipe for Beef Fajitas on the Hormel Foods Recipe Site...

And it fit the bill of my kitchen task criteria.

What's that you ask?

Basic, run of the mill, minimal ingredients...

Ingredients that a picky eater like myself doesn't mind...

Ladies and Gentleman...I bring you ~

Beef Fajitas!

I love love love that it says 'Beginner' -

And the ingredients list? Yep! I can handle this too!

Ingredients (8 servings )

2 pounds beef flank steak
1 (16-ounce) jar CHI-CHI'S® 16 oz Thick & Chunky Salsa Medium
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 teaspoons firmly packed brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large onions, cut in half and halves thinly sliced
1 small green bell pepper, cut into quarters
1 small red bell pepper, cut into quarters
8 CHI-CHI'S® 6 inch Fajita Tortilla, heated

The directions (as taken from the Hormel Website) could not be easier...

How was I to know that Salsa went into marinade? I let this yummy dish sit in my fridge over night...

And then my hubs fired up the grill - we LOVE grilling year round...

Flank steak and experimental peppers off the grill - YUM!

I'm happy to say this meal choice was a HIT - with me and both of my boys (I've yet to get the 6 year old to try anything like this...) and we can't wait to make these again! If the first time was this good - I am excited for next time!

It was fun to try out a new recipe - to LEAP into something different. This month provides us with a whole extra day to use, how often do we find ourselves wishing for that?

How are you going to spend YOUR extra day?

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*** As a member of Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger Program, I was given a gift card to off set the cost of some of the groceries to prepare a fun meal for my family. Pictures and opinions are my own. ***

For those following along at home...Progress.

2012-02-21T21:39:00.000-06:00

Well, things are coming along...

Still not usable by any stretch of the imagination...but, coming along all the same.

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2 Birds...

2012-02-21T21:11:00.000-06:00

2 Houses...

Two Feathered Friends...

2 feathered friends in the same shot!

One of these days...I'll capture the many Blue Jays that also visit us in the mornings!

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Happy Valentine's Day ~ 2012

2012-02-21T21:00:00.000-06:00

If I've said it once I've said it a hundred times - one of my absolute favorite things about blogging is the ability to document life's little and big moments...and to easily look back at them all in one convenient place -

I can hardly believe looking back at Valentine's Days of years past...
It's crazy...that the adorable little boy in the 2008 Video Clip is heading into kindy in the fall!

Valentine's Day 2008

Valentine's Day 2009

Valentine's Day 2010

Valentine's Day 2011 - Did I not take a Valentine Video? ACK! I thought I was!! Turns out, this is all I can find! There must be one (dozen) somewhere on my computer right?

I did take one for 2012 - but only one kid was interested in being in it - I'm not sure why...as both kids love watching themselves from years past on video as much as I do! But...we'll just have to try again...St. Patty's Day is coming up...

Valentine's Day 2012

Yes, I know there are plenty of places that sell you much better tasting, better looking, heart shaped pizzas...but...we're on a pretty big budget over here...or trying to be - So...we got creative with our food we already had on hand...

Tiny Prints Valentine's Day Cards

And be still my heart...a love letter from daughter to daddy...with no help from anyone else...

My cup runneth over...and over...and over.
I hope that you will find happiness and joy in the little things in your life as well -

Happy Valentine's Day.

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Home Time with Rob Vila ~

2012-02-11T20:27:00.001-06:00

Well, it's been just over a month since we took on a fairly big home project...

If I had a nickel for every time someone has asked me how it's going - we'd have been able to pay for this project 10x over by now! HA!

The answer is...
It's going...albeit slowly.

As with any major project, timelines and budgets always get stretched out a little bit further than planned.
Right?
Right.

Because you're asking...
I'll share a few photos - but, be warned...

You aren't going to notice any massive differences just yet...

New canned lighting....LOOVE THIS!

Apparently, not only the shower leaked, but the toilet too. Greeeat.

This is mostly the view from here ~

But we know there is progress being made...

It just would be going a little better if our home wasn't made so crappy in the first place.

Stay tuned...the fun is just beginning!

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Happy Valentine's Day ~

2012-02-11T20:05:00.002-06:00

While not my most favorite holiday on the calendar ~

I will always do my best to make it special for those I love ~ Especially these two!

D got creative with our Tiny Prints Valentine's!

Notice his name in the hearts? All his idea!! ::melt my heart::

It was a little bit painstaking as he carefully addressed each and every one of these cards for his little friends at daycare, but oh my how proud he was...as am I!

Not to be outdone ~ Big Sister got in on the action when she got home from school ~

Carefully marking off the names on her class list ~

Though Valentine's are no new thing for our 6 year old heartbreaker...

Remember how I told you of her little boyfriend Markees?

Well, he's got some competition ~

The envelope that the above love note came in? Sealed & everything...aye aye aye.

I wish I could save every single one of these adorable created-by-six-year-olds love letters, but I can't, so...

I snap photos of them instead...and document them here.

May love always fill their hearts so easily.

Color Blind ~

2012-02-10T20:07:00.001-06:00

We could all learn a thing or two from our kids -

'Hey Mom! I made a new friend today!'
'You did Buddy? Good for you! What was his name?'
'I don't know. But we had a great time'

One of the greatest things you can experience in life is seeing things through the eyes of a child.

I love you Derek Robert.
May your heart always be as big as the Universe in which you live.
You are one amazing little man.

xxoo, Mama

On Pink Bracelets & Growing Up...

2012-02-09T19:15:00.001-06:00

I remember how proud I was when our kiddos earned themselves BLUE Bracelets last winter -
Such a big moment for them, and for us as parents...

In the months that followed that, we've taken swimming lessons on and off ~ and since finally springing for that membership - have been spending a little more time in the water...

I remember thinking my heart couldn't possibly hold anymore pride...for it was already bursting...
And then this happened...

That's a pink bracelet Ladies and Gentlemen...
The pink bracelet that means she is certified to swim alone - in the 8 foot deep pool at her leisure...without her mom or her dad or her swim instructor...
This is a big year for us - Kindergarten AND passing the deep water swim test? Awesome.

Be still my heart...

As you know, she's not terribly into pictures these days (and after a 40 minute swim lesson, she was pretty tired)...so she didn't really give me much to work with here - but this documents the occasion just fine I think...

Hailey Elizabeth we are so very very proud of you.
Your hard work, your perseverance, your willingness to push yourself outside of your own comfort zone...

Keep up the great work kiddo...

You are going to move mountains.

Hormel Foods - Extended Family Blogger

2012-02-06T21:51:00.000-06:00

If you aren't reading me in your reader - you may notice a new badge on my sidebar -

I am honored to be chosen as a Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger. If I'm being honest, when they first reached out ot me, I didn't immediately jump on the opportunity. I barely know my way around my own kitchen...much less someone else's.

A quick look around on the Hormel Foods Website and I realized that this is right. up. my. alley!

First of all - I'm already a big fan of many of their products...

Jennio O Turkey! We love love their freezer to oven turkey breast for holidays in our home!
Pepperoni - perfect for snacking on the go, adding to part of the cheese pizza so everyone wins, or adding a little zest to pasta salads!
And...the pantry staple Hormel Chili - No Beans (or with...whatever suits you!) DELISH Queso in minutes!

I have been hopping around on their website, searching out recipe ideas (hellooooo Chicken Wild Rice Soup!) & I am also thrilled to discover they find time each year to dedicate themselves to many different philanthropic efforts. In 2010, Hormel Foods gave $5.7 million in cash and in-kind donations toward efforts in communities where their employees live and efforts that help alleviate hunger.

Donations have been made to countless organizations including United Way of Greater Minnesota and disaster relief funds throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa.

I love that Hormel Foods makes many efforts to give to those in need. They currently run a program called “On Our Way to Ending Hunger,” where they collaborate with retailers, nonprofits and the government on hunger relief efforts to nourish the hungry in the United States and abroad.

I love when a company goes the extra mile - Does that make a difference in the companies that you support?

I am honored to be chosen for this role as a Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger & I hope you'll join me over the next few months, as I plan to share recipe ideas, product reviews and, everyone's favorite - GIVE AWAYS!
So, now tell me...

What is your favorite Hormel Product?

The Color Run - Twin Cities 2012

2012-02-01T07:49:00.007-06:00

I'm not known for my running prowess, but I do enjoy a good 5k every once and awhile...

When my SM streams became abuzz with talk of the upcoming Color Run ~ in St. Paul, MN (taking place on July 15th, 2012 at Harriet Island Park)...I knew this was something we would totally love to be a part of!
Who wouldn't?

As taken from their website:
The Color Run is a one of a kind experience that is less about speed and more about enjoying a color crazy day with your friends and family. For our events, it is all about participants of all different speeds, ages, shapes, and sizes toeing the start line. Whether you are a casual morning walker or an Olympic athlete, the 3 miles of the Color Run course will be the most enjoyable real estate you’ve traveled in a VERY long time.

The race rules?
Rule #1 All participants are welcome… fast, slow, runner, walker, old, and young.

Rule #2 White shirt dress code at the official start line and ready to roll no later than 9am sharp!
Rule #3 Completely colored Willy Wonka goodness at the finish.

And for those of you who are worried you'll be running for your life while someone shoots at you with a paintball gun...
As taken from the Color Run Faq page:
How is the color administered? Will I be hurt, maimed, or killed?

Ha ha ha! we love this one. No, it doesn’t hurt at all. It is like getting into a powdered sugar food fight.
You are sure??? Teenagers with paint ball guns are not involved at any point?

Yes. We are 100% sure.

I can handle that!
Check out some of the photos from their gallery online!

So, I jumped in with both feet and signed up the hubs and I...
Of course, he's a runner, I am not...but I've got time to convert...and even if I don't - it looks to be fun for people of all ages, shapes, sizes and skill levels...

So...Who is joining us?
You can register for The Color Run - and, if you sign up under our team 'Gust Gab' - you'll save $5 on registration!
WIN WIN!
(And just so you know...'team' means, in this case - having fun together - we are all wearing our own white tshirts, and walking, running, jogging, crawling, laughing along at our own pace...but how FUN to do it together!!)

AND...kids are welcome! Make it a family affair! What a fun way to get some exercise as a family right?

JOIN US!
YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO!
So...who's in?

Learn to Skate - Making the News

2012-01-31T21:50:00.004-06:00

Even though we've been skating before, we decided to officially sign up for lessons this season - I figure as much as they have fun with me at the outdoor or local public skating (that isn't cheap!) Perhaps they would pick things up a little quicker with a different teacher other than Mom...

As per usual - we found a better option for lessons in the neighboring suburb (more convenient schedule & less expensive)...and the kids are having a blast...

This Monday night was the halfway point...4 lessons down, 4 to go...

They are getting it...and having fun while they do...

We've finally got a rhythm down...getting to the arena on time (but not too early), getting on the snowpants, skates, helmet...making sure everyone is fed because we don't get home until after bedtime...

You feel good about things...they are clicking along...

And then, you open the news to this...

As reported in our local news this week:

Zamboni driver in Apple Valley accused of being drunk while resurfacing ice

Apple Valley police arrested a 34-year-old man Monday night for driving while intoxicated. His vehicle of choice? A Zamboni.

Officers were called to the Hayes ice arena shortly after 8 p.m. after people there noticed that a part-time employee who was grooming the ice with a Zamboni was driving erratically. When police arrived, the man was struggling to maneuver the ice-grooming machine off the ice. The man was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol, according to a news release.

He failed field sobriety tests and was arrested and taken to police headquarters for a blood-alcohol test. Test results have been sent to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis, the news release said.

The man, who has not yet been charged, was convicted of drunken driving once in 2002 and twice in 1999, according to state records.
called 911 as the usually 10-minute ice resurfacing job took upwards of a half-hour.

The 34-year-old Zamboni driver failed a field sobriety test. A blood alcohol test taken at the police station was sent to the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for analysis.

I'm not exactly sure how all of this went down under our noses without us seeing it...as the kiddos have ice time until 8:15...but YIKES!
This is something you don't see every day!

And thank God no one was hurt...Can you imagine a Learn to Skater being run down by the Zamboni?
Aye Aye Aye...
What is this world coming to?

Let them be Little...Her first dance...

2012-01-27T15:12:00.001-06:00

Last fall there was a school dance that I didn't make it a priority to attend...We weren't told about it with too much notice (I don't know about you but I need a couple/few weeks of notice for most everything around here...we are always penciling things in on our calendars and the sooner, the better if we have any hope of attending!)

Anyhoo -
Our kindergartender was pretty disappointed we didn't make the fall dance, so I hunted up the dates for the 'winter dance' and put it on the calendar...
Not only was it something she really wanted to do, it's also a major fundraiser for our school's PTO - Anything for a good cause right?

So...
I played a little new age telephone, wrote a note on paper and gave it to my 6 year old, to give to her new 6 year old BFF from school, to give to her mom...offering to pick up said friend and bring her to the dance with us.
To our delight - she responded via email and it wasn't long before me, my kindergartener and her BFF and the soon to be kindergartener little brother were off to the school dance.
What could a school dance for kindergarten kids possibly be like I wondered....boys on one side, girls on the other?
We certainly didn't have dances when we were SIX!
Well, this school dance was for the whole school - grades K-6...
Even more awkward?

No. Not-so-much.

I cannot get over how much FUN this Friday night was!

We arrived at the school about 15 minutes after the 2 hour dance started...
It was already rocking...
The gym was a hopping, lights were turned down, disco ball on, DJ spinning tunes like Tik Tok by Ke$ha, Firework by Katy Perry and Gaga's PokerFace...(None of this my kind of music - but me oh my did the kids have a BLAST!)
They also played We're not going to take it - Twisted Sister!
WHAT?

The whole night was so much fun...Maybe it was seeing my kids enter 'the next stage' in their lives...the chapter that involves hanging out with friends while Mom hangs back...The part where for two hours, they don't need me, except for to check in with me from time to time.

I sat alone, hanging out on the sidelines, handing out money for Crazy Hair Paint ($2.00), bottled water (.50), glow in the dark items ($2.00-$3.00) and popcorn, candy and chip treats (.50)...
(Admission was $5.00 per family)
(Note to self, go early, get a table or a seat and bring along a kindle or an ipad like dozens of other parents did...another note to self: get a kindle or an ipad like other parents did!)

I wandered around, making sure the kids were doing ok, were having fun, and were being good...

I snapped some pictures and some videos - at the request of the kids...
And now, excuse me while I wipe away some tears...
The 6 year old has requested that I don't share them all with you here in my blog land.
WHAT?
I KNOW!

She's having some self esteem issues...
She isn't a big fan of compliments at all, and for that reason, chooses play clothes most days over her adorable jeans and sweaters...over her cowboy boots and hats that she previously adored. BOO!

So, I present you...
The night in pictures...but only the pictures allowed by the 6 year old residing in this house.
I guess this marks the day where I now take the kids' privacy into account before blogging...and that's ok with me. And it's not like I never have...but now comes the time when I actually ask them before using my own judgement...

We have the pictures and videos saved at home and the kids enjoy seeing them over and over - they just aren't ready to share them all just yet!
Which is too bad...cuz 6 year old jamming out to some of today's hottest hits?
Does life get any better than this?

Also, no, it wasn't snowing in the gym - please ignore the dirty filthy lens on my point and shoot -
There was too much action and it was too dark for my cell phone to take any pictures...so I had to use the crusty old point and shoot...it's better than nothing...

D and H's best boyfriend from school jammin' -

Break Dancing!

The Class of 2024 having fun on a Friday night!

The older kids (probably 3-6 grade or so, hung out at the front of the gym, near the DJ and danced and sang, the younger kids did just fine on their own with the wide open spaces that the back of the gym allowed them.

Crazy Hair Paint - $2.00

H and her BFF~ M~ in her kindy class - born just 1 day apart ~

For the days leading up to the dance, she walked around the house singing about this boy...
H and M, sitting in a tree, K.I.S.S.I.N.G

WHAT? I KNOW? Oh my heart...
She just loves him and he's the sweetest little thing...

At first, D wasn't so sure he wanted to go to a crummy old school dance. What he forgets is, he has just as many friends at school as she does - including a good buddy from daycare who is in kindy this year...

They showed off their breakdancing skills all night long!

Ah yes...I am in no hurry to have them grow up...

Let them be little I say...

But I sure am enjoying the new experiences that life is bringing their way...and seeing life through their eyes.

And helping the school to raise a few funds for the PTO?

Everyone wins...

Help Kickin' the Habit ~

2012-01-20T10:01:00.001-06:00

Sure - I know Soda/Pop (whatever you want to call it) isn't good for you -
But...I like it...

We like to keep a small variety of cans on hand for a caffeine fix or a special treat every now and again...

Turns out old man winter is helping us kick the habit!

These were in our garage overnight - temps dropped to something ridiculous below zero...

Oh well - at least I didn't leave it in my car this time...I've done THAT before!

***Using the Verizon Razr 4g to capture all of life's moments, including the above photos for this post! Lightning fast so I don't miss a thing!

Rob Vila - Alternately Titled...Demolition Man...

2012-01-17T21:21:00.001-06:00

Well, after spending countless hours applying to be on this DIY show or that one...and even managing to get a scout out to our house for an interview once...

I'm giving up...
Besides...Who needs their help anyway?

I AM married to Rob...Rob Vila.
Ladies and Gentleman...

I bring you deconstruction...via my very own demolition man...err, men.

A peek inside the door of our 'master bath' - I use the term Master loosely...as it's also the ONLY bath on the main level of our home...
Small vanity, pocket door leading to one of the two bedrooms on the upper level of our house...(broken for the last year or so by an overzealous child who loved opening and closing that door fifty seven hundred times a day...) and then closet...

From the closet you move over to the monstosity of a whirlpool tub...
A nice tub...a big tub...
But also a tub that takes up a ton of space - We've never really loved this tub...especially when I was 9 months pregnant leaning over it to bathe a 1 year old...oh my those were the days...

Next to the tub...the toilet...

And next to the toilet - behind the door...a shower...
Nicely hidden...so many folks never even knew we had a shower in this room - of course -we've used it as a broom closet for the last 10 years...storing the vacuum and other random junk...
It's leaked since the day we moved in.
And by leaked - I mean, water runs through the floor and into our lower level. Awesome.

We tried to fix it to no avail...so we did what any other person would do...We ignored it in hopes it would go away...It didn't. We are currently on our 11th year in this house...

Here's the skylight which I love...a person can never have enough natural light...

(But what we don't love is the cottage cheese ceiling ~)

And so...finally...after all these years of not loving this bathroom...
We finally decided to go for it...
The hubs got to work...

um...hello? Nasty.

Even though he was doing just fine without my help...I offered and he did need me to help get these gigantic mirrors off of the walls...I couldn't believe they came off in one piece...but they did! Until of course...
I set one side of the smaller one down on the garage floor too quickly...and the corner busted right off...
GRRRRR.
No matter - We weren't planning on re-using these mirrors anyway - but I did find someone to take the larger one...by large - I mean huge...60x64 inches!

Every project needs a Foreman...

With his own tools on his waistband - (tape measure)

And Hammer...

And then the real fun began...

If I'm being honest - I guess I thought we'd take turns with a sledge hammer and then we'd just sweep it all up and toss it out...
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

My husband literally worked this out of here tile by tile by tile...hammer and crowbar...

He worked sooo hard...by. himself!!
Talk about sweat equity!!

I offered to help but...he wasn't really interested in having me help...I don't know why........................

And then on to more tile on the step of the awesome whirlpool tub...

And once the step was gone...it was almost like...ok wait...this totally changes the feel in here...should we just keep it?
And...the answer is no...no thank you.

As if that tile weren't a ton of work...he then got to work getting rid of the cottage cheese...(If only it were that easy huh ladies?)

What. a. mess.

But a billion times better...

Safety Glasses!

And then...I took the kiddos out for some fun...and came home to find...A giant empty spot (and a fun little hole) where the whirlpool once sat!

And now...it sits in our garage...Anyone need a whirlpool tub? Can you even believe he busted that thing out of there while we were gone?

He had the help of our wonderful friend and neighbor Denny - for SURE this could not be done by one person ~ and how lucky are we to have friends willing to take on this project! YIKES!

They also popped out the vanity...Which now, when I look at it - seems it was alarmingly tiny. Did four people really utilize this vanity space for teeth brushing and getting ready?

Well ladies and gentlemen...
There you have it...
The before...

& you should know...this was our first major take on ever...it went a little better than we thought...or I should say...he thought...and I am so so proud of my hubs for taking on this project...(Especially with me!YIKES!)

And the after...?
Well...the reconstruction begins in about 12 hours...

Birthday Wishes...

2012-01-15T20:18:00.001-06:00

Our handsome little man celebrated the big FIVE at the end of December...
Every year, for every birthday...
we've thrown celebrations at our house that have been quaint and marvelous and wonderful - We have been so so blessed with our friends and our neighbors celebrating with us year after year - 10 parties thus far, if you add up the six we've had for the girl and the four we've had for the boy...

This little boy - he's all grown up...
Five now ya know...

And this year he wanted a party 'at the gymnastics place' ~

He's still in that 'before school age' - where you aren't quite sure who to invite...What to do for the big birthday occassion...

Our friends range in age from 6 months to 13 years old...

What to do...

What to do.

Well, because his birthday falls over what is known as the holiday break - I decided to see if I could pull together every parent's nightmare - and schedule a weekday birthday party...

Something pretty simple...yet fun.

We took advantage of open playtime at the local gymnastics place - and even though it was overrun with kids looking to burn off some steam - way more kids than we've ever seen there...

We still managed to have a great time!

D&H's buddy B came to show off his climbing skills -

And Monkey See, Monkey Do wasn't too far behind -

Little G had fun jumping...

While little E tried things out too -

D & P used the parallel bars...

And E checked out the ball pit -

The easy fav...is always the runway trampoline...

That drops you into a foam pit of blocks...

After spending a couple of hours running around - We headed over to our house for CAKE POPS!

And pizza - A huge huge thank you to the Hubs who had the pizza hot and ready to go when we got here! THANK YOU THANK YOU!

After pizza and cake pops...we headed downstairs to play a little Kinect...(and wait patiently for our turns)

I was worried that it wouldn't feel like a birthday party to our boy, the kind that he is used to having. but he loved every second of it and then some. Sure, he missed some of the people that he is used to having at his party...and he brought it up a few times...but I think we've officially entered the birthday party of little friends, more so than the birthday parties of mom and dad's friends...

Happy Five little man...Happy Five.

Disney Dreams...

2012-01-12T19:32:00.000-06:00

Someone is Disney Dreamin' -

Though - that happens more often than not around here...
Remember the other time I captured something similar?

Hard to believe it's been two years ago this month that we took our awesome family vacation to Disney World!
I'd been hoping to get on an every other year big kicking vacation schedule - but alas...other things are taking precedence...
So until then...we dream...

When you wish upon a star...

Practicing Penmanship ~

2012-01-10T19:50:00.001-06:00

We had one of those days around here - you know the ones -

THOSE days?

I brought a certain little six, going on sixteen year old to her room to hang out alone for a bit...

When she agreed to doing better...

She came out holding a note...

She debated about sharing it with me...

But then, she couldn't contain herself...

She shared the note with me...

quite proud of herself...

and then proceeded to quickly rip it up.

I told her to head back to her room to hang out for a bit longer...

& when I went to check on her...

I found this in pieces down the hallway.

It reads

'I do not like you'

WHAT?

It's one of those things...do you laugh?

Or do you cry? I laughed, believe it or not...

It was pretty damn cute.

She hung out in her room a few more minutes...and then returned to the kitchen with a new note ~

In case you aren't versed in kindergarten penmanship - it says

'I do not like bad attitudes'

I asked her if she was talking about mine, or hers...

She said both...

A little sleep for both of us, and all will be right in our world...

I hope.

Because I have a feeling the 'best' is yet to come!

Ah yes, six, going on sixteen!

That droid razr by verizon sure captured, (pretty clearly, considering)...the moment for me huh?
This is the reason for this here blog...capturing the moments, big and small...funny and not funny. Snippets in time that might otherwise be forgotten!

Holiday in Pictures...

2012-01-06T19:46:00.001-06:00

Easily one of my favorite parts of the holiday season...

Is the mail!

Love love LOOOVE the holiday cards -

And...we are still enjoying them and will for a few more weeks yet...

Holiday Baking Fun...

2012-01-04T20:02:00.000-06:00

When all you want to do is open a present or two or twenty...

Your mom finds things to distract you with...like making a mess in the kitchen!

Even though we made a big ol mess...and the cookies were mostly unedible afterwards...it was having fun, and being together that counted...

World's Toughest Rodeo - My Bucket List...& a Give Away!

2012-01-04T07:34:00.002-06:00

It's a New Year & I'm seeing people's New Year's Resolutions everywhere I look these days ~

I myself, didn't make any...or rather, didn't put them out there for all the world to see...

Sure, I have them - I'm just not sharing them.

What I don't mind sharing however, is my own, personal - BUCKET LIST!

Who doesn't have a Bucket List, right?

Sure, I've got things on my Bucket List that will take some extensive planning (and money),

like an Alaskan Cruise or spending a couple of weeks driving to Banff...

But...I also have other, more attainable Bucket List items...

Like...Taking in a Real. Live. Rodeo!

That's right! I've always wanted to go to a REAL Rodeo...

Is it the North Dakotan in me? I doubt it - I didn't grow up in the cowboy part of the state...But I do love watching rodeos & bull riding on television.

So do my kiddos!

That's why I'm thrilled to be taking my family to The World's Toughest Rodeo in St. Paul on February 3rd!

Event Details as taken from the website:

World’s Toughest Rodeo stampedes into Saint Paul with two thrilling shows

Friday-Saturday, Feb. 3-4 at Xcel Energy Center starting at 7:30 p.m. each night.

The toughest cowboys in the world show off their skill in action-packed events that will entertain the whole family. Before the rodeo each night, children are invited to enjoy the "Cowboy Kids' Zone" where real life cowboys teach these future cowpokes how to properly lasso a steer, barrel race and even clown around.

The first 500 children (12 and under) Friday night will also receive a free cowboy hat.

Watch as nationally televised “Toughest Cowboy” competitor Charlie Barker from Ranger, TX tests his might and skill in the rodeo triathlon as he attempts to compete on up to six animals in a single night! See champion cowboys prove their grit in bull riding, bareback, saddle bronc and barrel racing exhibitions of power and agility. There is something for everyone – from barrel racing cowgirls to the wild antics of the rodeo clowns. The 2012 World's Toughest Rodeo will also feature Anthony Lucia, a nationally known trick and fancy roper that will be showcased at the 2011 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this December in Las Vegas.

World’s Toughest Rodeo is an exciting spectacle families won’t soon forget.

Rising country star Justin Moore will perform Saturday night, Feb. 4, for the popular “Party On The Dirt” following World’s Toughest Rodeo. K102 contest winners get access to the “dirt dance,” but all rodeo fans are welcome to stay and enjoy the live entertainment. Since releasing his debut self-titled album in 2009, Moore has toured with some of country’s hottest stars including Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert. He is currently on the road promoting his second album, “Outlaws Like Me,” which features the No. 1 single “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away.” Moore was recently nominated for an American Country Award (ACA) for Breakthrough Artist of the Year.

Tell me this doesn't sound like an AWESOME family date night?

I for one, cannot wait!

And, even better than me checking this off my Bucket List?

Winning 4 tickets for yourself! That's what!

That's right!

Thanks to the fine folks at the beautiful Xcel Energy Center & WTR,

I've got a pack of FOUR tickets to give away for Friday, February 3rd!

YAY!

What do you have to do to win?

Easy - Simply pick one or more of the following Rafflecopter options and you are all set!

(I'd love to hear what's on your bucket list...)

Winner will be announced on Monday, January 16th ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For those of you who would like to purchase tickets:

Ticket Prices: $17 / $22 / $32 / $47 / $80 (Gold Buckle Seating)*
Kids 12 and under start at $9.50**
$5 Adult Discount for Advance Friday Night Purchase***
Call 651-312-3486 for Group Ticket Information (12+)
"Like" the World’s Toughest Rodeo on Facebook for special seating and discounts.
*Prices increase $2 day of show for Saturday rodeo
**No discounts for Gold Buckle Seating
***24 hours prior to event – close of business on Thursday, Feb. 2

It's Not What is Under Your Tree...

2012-01-03T19:48:00.001-06:00

It's not what is under your tree that counts...It's who is around it...

I know this to be true...I want nothing for Christmas except to be surrounded by friends and family...

This Christmas - Our tree was surrounded by lovely family...

Of course, getting everyone to look is always a fun game in and of itself!

My Wish ~ Happy Birthday Buddy!

2011-12-29T20:57:00.001-06:00

My Wish - Rascal Flatts
I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you want to go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big

Man...You are Five.
Five. Alive.

Four seems like yesterday -
But three wasn't too long ago either...
And two? Can we really be three years past that?
Because I am pretty sure I was just planning your first birthday party...

I can hardly believe it myself...but it's true ~ Five. Years. Old.

What an amazing roller coaster we've been on...mostly up...mostly, KEEPING up, really I suppose.

From your arrival three and a half weeks early...you've just never ever really stopped...
Your days begin far earlier than they should -
It's not uncommon to hear 'Mom? Mom...When is tomorrow going to be ready?' - At about 5:30 am...
I can sometimes hold you off for an hour, and on really special occasions, you will sleep in til around 7...It's almost heaven like when that happens!

Running, digging, playing, skating, swimming,
baseball, basketball, base jumping off the couches...
Moving. Moving. Moving.

Always in a constant state of motion you are...
Even in your sleep...We hear you giggling out loud.
Lots of fitful giggles, all out belly laughs!

Oh how I wish I knew what you were dreaming about - You are never able to tell us...but from the sounds of things - it's mostly good.
How on earth you fall asleep so soundly...and dream such marvelous dreams when it's all we can do to get you asleep by 11 pm a lot of nights...and you are up by 6 or 7 most days...well, yikes!

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small...

You love playing baseball with Daddy.
You used your own money to buy an amazing set of wrenches at Menards this summer - real wrenches...and you love to help out around the house. Both WITH your tools...and without. You are my buddy in the kitchen - always helping with the recipes...tasting everything along the way...including fresh green peppers and other random stuff! You'll try anything - twice!

You....you HATE...losing. When I say HATE...I'm talking...H.A.T.E....losing.

I'm not so sure what we are going to do about this - but me oh my oh me...
Not taking first place sends you into fits...sometimes tears, sometimes just plain anger 'There is NO SECOND PLACE' aye aye aye...

After months and months of asking...and you promising me that you won't ever look in the barrel and you won't ever point it at anyone...We finally caved and agreed to let the nerf gun go on your Christmas list...

Probably a good thing - since your other dreams...besides the night vision goggles you so desperately wanted...which sadly, you didn't get...

was hitting school....Because when you are five, you can go to school!
Now that you are officially five - you just don't understand why you AREN'T going to school - and continually ask me how much longer...
(Why do we tell our children they will go to school when they are five?)

It's going to be a long 8 months isn't it little man?
You are soo ready for new challenges - I can't wait to watch you learn & grow in your new environment!

Here's to having fun, making memories...and all of your wishes and dreams coming true...

We love you Derek Robert.

xxoo
Your Mama...

Happy Holidays from Us to You!

2011-12-24T12:11:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays from Ours to Yours!

And yes, of course I designed two different cards! I can't help myself!

Merry Fine:Black Christmas Cards
Check out our collection of Christmas cards and holiday cards.

Santa Hat Cake Pops - Try this at Home!

2011-12-18T21:19:00.001-06:00

The little man has a birthday just a few days after Christmas -
Something I really tried to avoid...but hey - when babies are ready - babies are ready - even if it's almost a month early...

There is no daycare (or school) over his birthday - so he's been very excited to bring treats to daycare early - (We typically push his birthday celebrations out to January - but at the ripe age of five, he's now feeling a little bad about that!)
Sure, I could go to the local bakery and grab some cupcakes for the group - but, that's what so many other kids do...
The first year at this daycare, we attempted cake pops...remember how funny THAT was?

I've attempted them a time or two since then, and even had some girlfriends over for some official instructions one night...

They aren't THAT hard, well, at least not as hard as they used to be...
So, for the little man's birthday treats for daycare - we decided to make these adorable Santa Hat Cake Pops we found by searching the interwebs...

oh my oh my oh my!

the interwebs told me to make a cone shape instead of a ball ~ um, ok, easier said than done - but whatever!

Then, I read that you should stick the brim of the 'hat' in the white candy melts...so, I did...

And then, because you are supposed to add your sprinkles when the candy melts are still melty, I did!

And then, I melted up the nice red candy melts...(You'll notice I'm not using the deep glass cup that was mentioned in cake pop class, because I wasn't using sticks and making smallish hats, I thought that would be ok - and overall, it was.)

And then...this happened...Santa Hat Cake Pops turned Volcanoes? Derek of course, loved them!

Certainly not my best work, if I do say so myself! HA HA!

Perhaps, I should exercise more patience and hold them upside down longer while the red dried, so that it wouldn't run down onto my beautiful white sparkly sprinkled brim of the hat...but I was sort of squishing the brims and worried they were about to fall apart...

Instead, I scrapped the volcanoes - feeding them to my children (and possibly myself)

And created the red top off the hat first, sticking the little candy coated chocolate ball on top while the red was still drying...
And THEN, created the brim, after the red had run down and dried all it needed to...

The finished product?

Viola!

Santa Hat Cake Pops!

If you look closely, you'll see that they certainly aren't perfect, but what is really? Right?

And now they are boxed up and ready to share with our daycare friends as we celebrate two very special birthdays this month - the birth of Jesus, and the birth of our own precious little boy!

The Works!

2011-12-18T19:14:00.000-06:00

Our family is always looking for something fun and exciting to do ~
The more affordable the better...

Enter in ~

The Works!

The Works is a new place that opened up in Bloomington, Minnesota - the kiddos and I were super excited to explore this place that isn't all that far from our home...
BONUS!

I didn't bring my camera on this particular morning - I just wanted to live in the moment...
Thank God for cell phone cameras - this is easily the best picture of the two of them together I've ever gotten! AND...I took a couple dozen others as well! HA HA! I should have known!

And now - The Works - in Pictures. (And Videos!)

The laser Harp (or Harper if you ask D - ) was a huge hit!

But the most fun of all, was surely the foam bricks...we built and we built and we built...

And then they got brave, and dug out a little hole on the bottom to crawl inside with...

And then, much to D's dismay - I told them to knock it all over so we could go home...

We loved loved loved our outing to The Works and can't wait to go back...

We paid our own admission to the works - Just $6 per person, and we were not compensated in any way, shape or form for this post. We had a great time there, and I'm confident you and your kiddos will too! In fact, I hesitated even writing this post because I'd love to keep this place all to ourselves! That wouldn't be very nice now would it! HA!