Mommee and Her 3

It's Only "Stuff"

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 03:20:00 +0000

I've often been told that my life is somewhat.... how do I put it? Insane. Unstable. Wild. Unbelievable. "Unlucky." As well as various other adjectives. And while I can see how people determine this about my life, it's not necessarily how I see things (most of the time). Thankfully, I don't believe in luck or coincidence, but I believe that everything happens for a reason and I believe that it is all pre-destined. Yes, I believe that our lives our planned out before we are even created, and nothing is lucky or coincidence.

*Ok, no haters, please. It's just what I believe. You don't have to believe that. I'm cool with you, if you don't.*

Anyway-- So, this past week was a week from that place down below...that very hot and cruel place. It was a true hell-week. Just so you know, I am not really looking for sympathy; I'm just venting my frustrations and "grr-ness."

Ok- so the week:

First, I had babies starting school. One starting Kindergarten and the other starting Pre-school. (yes, this is stressful for me.)

Second, the husband takes his new shiny car (see previous postings) to work and someone decides the new shiny car needs to be broken into. Not fun. Goodbye $200 worth of goodies.

Next, My mom has surgery. Surgery went well. I spent almost every night at the hospital with my mom, after spending all day doing my normal daily duties. Mom ends up with an infection. Mom has to stay in the hospital for over a week. Not fun.

While mom is in the hospital, my step-dad comes down with a horrible infection in his intestines... Step-dad is ADMITTED into the same hospital where my mom had surgery. Two parents....one hospital. Two siblings still at home with said parents... now at my house.

Step-Dad and Mom both heal and go home. yay! :)

Meanwhile (back at the Batcave...err...My house), the husband drives his OLD car to work, because he is afraid of the new car getting broken into again. Husband wrecks OLD car. Ok... he didn't do it.... someone else did... but still. Old car is now getting a new bumper and exhaust system, tomorrow. YAY! :)

Ok.. What else? Yes, there's more.

My brother, while ALL of this is going on, decides to grow gross things on his feet and has to have them removed. Thankfully, that all went well, and he is no longer gross. Whew.

Lastly, the Mother-load, the straw that broke the camel's back... MY car gets broken into at a shopping center... Yes, that's right... MY (old...by lovely) Jeep... and what do they steal? Not my GPS, not the laptop in the car, but my Adam's (5 years old) WALLET. A child's wallet. That's right, my baby's wallet, with $8 whole dollars inside...stolen.

And as a reflection through this all... While there were times when I cried, times when I felt hopeless, and times when I just wanted it all to go away; I honestly knew that this was all happening for a reason. It was all happening to slow us down, or show us that we are not in charge, or just to humble our hearts and to be thankful for one another and for everything we have.

Adam said it best, after his wallet was stolen: "It's okay mommy, I'll be okay. It was only stuff. I can replace that."

Yes, Adam, you're right; it's only stuff. Stuff. stuff. and more stuff. And it can be replaced.

First Day(s) of School

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 13:48:00 +0000

My babies are growing up! Not sure who told them they could do that. I don't think it was me!?!? Anyway- here they are, in their new clothes and shiny shoes... ready to concur the world. :)

and on some days... I am left with this little ham... Whatever will I do?! :)

More than the Leaves are Changing

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:56:00 +0000

End of summer? Really? Don't we have another month of summer? I mean, I know that school is starting and all... but that doesn't mean summer is REALLY over. I think I'll hold onto the heat and sunshine a little longer.

Autumn might be coming, but more than the trees are changing around here. So many changes in our household. Change. Change. Change. So....much....change....

My sister lived with us, again, this summer. She left for school Sunday. She graduates college in about a year.

Adam goes to Kindergarten, this week.

Matthew starts pre-school, next week.

Chloe has been going potty, on the BIG girl potty. Daddy even bought her panties. (Have you SEEN the cute little girl panties? I want Hello Kitty on my panties.)

Daddy got a new car. A sports car. A fast. little. red. car.

My niece started Kindergarten last week.

My mom and dad are having surgeries this week. (YES! Both of them. sigh.)

And me? What's changing with me? Well... nothing right now. Not sure what's going to happen with Mommee. I guess I'm just going to keep taking care of my little family... trying to keep it all together.

Want to see photos? I thought so! :)

Here are the two Kindergarten Kiddies

Matty is a budding photographer. :)

My boys are practicing their Senior Photos. I mean, why not?

The Princess is perfecting her beauty.

And I might miss the beach...just a little.

And this is the car... the cute, little, sports car....

her name is Amber. (hope I'm not being replaced...)

Growing

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 19:19:00 +0000

Ah! Adam just keeps doing bigger and better things... Now this....

And the tooth fairy EVEN brought him a DOLLAR! :) Kindergarten and losing teeth...what's next? Marriage?!

Kindergarten!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 04:24:00 +0000

Dear Adam-

My dear and sweet Adam, I am writing you this letter, to reflect on your wonderful and amazing life (thus far) and to wish you the best in your future adventures and endeavors. You never cease to amaze me, son. Five years and 9 months ago, when you entered this world, you were the most inquisitive and wide eyed newborn, I've ever met. You were a learner, from the very beginning. You wanted to see everything, know everything, and soak it all in. You impress me... every single day.

As you've grown, over the years, I've been blessed by your caring heart and endless sweetness. You're loving. You're kind. You have a heart for Jesus. You have the desire to do the right thing. You are my sweetie... my little sunshine.

Adam, you are a learner. You LOVE to know more. You ask intelligent questions and you want to know the answers-- no matter what. In fact, we were told that your teachers, in pre-school, that you were the "class brain," the one with all of the answers and the one who wanted to know MORE. From one learner to another, son-- I am proud of you. I pray that you want to learn, forever... never stop learning!

As you enter Kindergarten, Adam, I pray that you continue on your path of kindness, love, and learning. I pray that you touch the hearts of everyone you encounter and strive to do your very best, in everything you do!

Grow. Love. Learn.

I will forever be your cheerleader. I am so very proud of you.

Have a wonderful year, Adam!

Love-

Mommy

Almost August?

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:46:00 +0000

Is it really almost August? I can't believe how fast this summer is flying by! We haven't really done a lot, outside of doing fun things around our community and taking small day trips here and there. But, wow, this summer is really flying by; I can hardly believe it. HOWEVER- we have a lot of vacationing left, before our summer is officially over.

What will we be doing, you ask?

Well, this Thursday marks ten years with my amazing husband! And the first anniversary post I wrote was for our 6th Anniversary. Four more years, and two kids later, and we are celebrating ten years of (mostly) wedding bliss!

Oh-- and he's taking me to NEW YORK CITY, this week, for an adult only vacation!!! :) Not only have I never been to the Big Apple, but I've been begging Andy to take me there for years! I can't wait to spend 5 days alone with my wonderful husband. Look for us on one of the morning shows-- we are going to be one of those goons holding signs and waving our arms hysterically! :)

And then-- two weeks later, we are taking a "family vacation" (or we are tagging along with Andy on a business trip) to Raleigh, North Carolina. While daddy works all day, the kids and I will be poolside or wandering around North Carolina.

I feel so blessed. So many things for which to be thankful. So many blessings. So many unknowns, yet we are taken care of, everyday. We are truly blessed and I am truly thankful. :)

And what would a post be without photos? boring, right? :) Here are some for your viewing pleasure:

Did I mention Andrew now has his Masters degree? I am very proud of my Master (Jedi).

My girlie is now 19 months old!

My beautiful sister is doing so well, since her hospital stay in March. I'm so glad she's still here with us, to celebrate special days and spend time together!

Adam starts Kindergarten in a month. eek.

He's HOT...and he's MINE! mwhahahaha.

Marshmallow eating, in our backyard, is very common in the summertime!

My Matty turned 4. He loves his cousin VERY much!

My sister has stayed with us, while home from college, this summer. We will all miss her VERY much, when she goes back to school.

Well, that's what we're up to! What about you?

Happy Birthday, Matty!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:36:00 +0000

Dear Matthew-

Oh dearest Matty, four years ago today God blessed our family with you. You entered this world, after one heck of a journey. We endured months of sickness together. Months of sickness that didn't matter the moment I held you in my arms.

Over the last four years we have had many challenges, illness, and moments where I thought they were our last. But God has blessed us with another day with you. Today, your Birthday.

I pray for you, sweet Matthew, daily. I pray that the Lord will help your lungs breathe, help your mind flourish, and help your heart love Him.

You are turning into quite the young man, Matty. You ask intelligent questions. You are witty. You are charismatic. You are funny, without knowing it. You are sweet. You have a tiny temper. You love to build legos. You love to watch Star Wars. You love playing outside. You love your brother and sister. You still tell me you love me and want hugs, daily. I am blessed by you.

Matty, may this year help you grow and become and even better young man.

I love you, Buddy! Have a happy day and a wonderful year!

Meet Kronk

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:25:00 +0000

The month before Adam was born we welcomed Kronk into our home, because our previous model had seen better days. With a child on the way, I needed to be practical about my surroundings and I certainly needed a change. I needed a strong, charismatic and reliable companion to aid me throughout my adventures. Little did I know what I was getting myself into. Little did I know that my new companion Kronk, would become such a vital member of our family.

He has spent the last 5 years and 9 months, putting up with a lot from our family. He has traveled many miles with us, he has endured being slobbered on, thrown up on, soiled by milk/juice sippies, kicked, mud filled, mud covered, being pushed beyond limits, and other stressful acts. However, no matter how rude or harsh we are to Him, he remains faithful and true. However, we do love him so. He is bathed regularly, and we even freshen him up, after he has been soiled by one of the children. We give him the yummiest of liquids, to fuel his need for speed. We truly DO love him.

Little does my buddy know, that we are contemplating his replacement.

I know that it doesn't seem fair to replace something so important and loved by our family. But the time has come. His old age is debilitating and is leaving us with bills that are unacceptable. It's not uncommon for others to kick their loved ones to the curb MUCH sooner than we are with our dear Kronk. I am sure there are others out there who would agree.

So, with that being said, I introduce you to Kronk:

I'm not sure what I'll do without him.

We brought home all three kids in Kronk.

He has taken us on many family trips.

He has made it through many hard times.

He is a fighter.

But he's also a teenager, and well... teenagers are trouble.... we have spent far too many nights scolding Kronk for acting up, than I care to count.

Therefore- It's time. It's time to say goodbye.

Time to upgrade to a newer and shiner model.

Farewell, ol' friend! Farewell!

OH, where, OH, where, have I Been?

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 03:48:00 +0000

Blogging has really taken the back burner around here, lately. I didn't plan for it to, but it really just happened. So you wanna see what we've been up to? Of course you do! :) And you want to see photos, right? OF COURSE you do!

Daddy had a Birthday! :) Happy Birthday, Daddy--- your babies CLEARLY love you!

Mommy and Daddy went on a HOT date. :) Much needed night out alone.

Matthew joined gymnastics. He's a natural. Seriously. VERY good!

And, he LOVES it.

We went to a baseball game.

Chloe was clearly the biggest Diva at the game.

And Adam was clearly the biggest Stud, at the game.

I had the honor and privilege to help organize the (Columbus)

Air Walk, for the Lung Association.

And of course there were familiar faces walking.

And SO many people showed up!

And here are more of my favorite walkers.

Of course we've been doing other things too, but these are the big things. Summer is going too fast, already. I am not sure I am ready to send Adam to Kindergarten and Matty to Pre-School, this fall. I am enjoying our family fun summer, and I hope it slows down a little!

What have YOU been up to?

I DID IT! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 09 May 2011 11:42:00 +0000

I GRADUATED!!!!! :)

I finally have my B.S. in Public Relations--- or a B.S. in BSing as I like to call it!

Here are some facts about this journey:

* It took me ten years to complete my degree, due to changing majors three times and taking time "off" for various reasons

* I went to class pregnant, during two different pregnancies

* I took a total of one year off, just to have those babies

* I spent endless nights awake until 2 am, just to finish homework, because of taking care of my family, during the day.

* I have no idea what I am really going to do with my degree

* I graduated with a 3.82 GPA

* I enjoyed turning my tassel to the left side, more than actually receiving my degree

* I am the first of my 5 siblings to graduate college-- more are going to, I just know it! :)

* I am taking the summer to RELAX and take a vacation from "working" outside of my family and home

and last but not least....

I am SO thankful to my ENTIRE family, and friends for supporting me through this journey. Numerous family members who watched the kids, so I could study, and my husband who sacrificed so much, just so I could better myself. I am TRULY thankful. I love you all! :)

This is it.....

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 01 May 2011 15:34:00 +0000

THE LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL!

FOREVERRRRRRRRRRR! :)

Not that I am excited or anything...

A Night Out with My Boys!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 16:12:00 +0000

After everything we've been through this last month, we have had NO family time... what-so-ever. And honestly, it's been very apparent that we haven't. We tried having a family night, this past week, and it was a complete disaster. Everything went wrong. There was fighting, crying, and the entire night was ruined. So, the next day, when I saw a local radio station was having a contest to go see the Imagination Movers live, I had to at least TRY to win the tickets. So, I entered the contest. I wrote to them and told them about all of the trials, the lack of family time, and how we had a disastrous night, the night before. Apparently... it worked! And WE WON! :)

We didn't tell the kids where we were going... they made their guesses. Matthew guessed we were going "to see Jesus," and Adam guessed we were "going to see a really good movie." My sweet boys.

When we arrived at the theater, Adam read the sign, as we drove by. I looked in the backseat, to see the largest smile on his face, as he said "The Imagination Movers?! Like what we watched on TV?"

From that moment on, they were on hyper speed. I can't even describe their excitement!

And we had an amazing evening. We sang, we danced, we jumped, we rocked... it was awesome. It was JUST what we needed. We needed time as a family. We are SO blessed.

The Beginning of the End

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

That phrase instantly makes me think of the Black Eyed Peas... You know, they have one album called "The End," and they recently came out with one called "The Beginning." Stellar music, but not why I've titled this blog post "The Beginning of the End."

I'll give you ONE guess as to why this is the title of my post....

Guess....

C'mon, you can do it....

Keep thinking....

Got it?

I thought you would....

That's right....

6 WEEKS.

Today I start my VERY last college class.....

E

V

E

R

Now.... Let's Dance. Dirty Bit.

My Sister is Amazing Pt. 2

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 03:36:00 +0000

Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart!

We were not accidents. You, me, and everyone- we were all born in response to God’s plan, not as reconsideration. Before we were conceived, before we took our very first breath, everything about our lives was planned. God uses everything about us (whether that be our weaknesses or our strengths) in order to carry out His plan for ALL of us. We have triumphs and sorrows. Everything that happens in our lives is essential to this plan.

Psalm 139: 16 You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book!

The past few weeks have been some of the scariest weeks in my life. Scarier and more uncertain than anything I’ve ever experienced. As many of you know my amazing sister Michelle was hospitalized with H1N1 and a severe case of double pneumonia. And praise God, she is HOME tonight! That’s right, I said she is HOME!

I’ve never been more aware of God’s plan, until these past days. I’ve spent more time on my knees and with my nose in the Bible, than I ever have. I spent most of the day praying. Praying for healing, praying for strength (for my family), and praying that God’s plan included my sister to live. I sometimes even found myself begging God to heal her. I selfishly asked Him to let her LIVE, more than once. I am glad He loves me enough to overlook my selfishness…. Thank you, God.

The doctors were uncertain of Michelle’s recovery. They told us that they had no reason to believe that she would not survive. We were told that many times. However, I am not sure how much of that was so we wouldn’t worry—or give up hope.

I never gave up hope. I knew that there was a plan. I couldn’t imagine the rest of my life’s plan, without my sister in it. I didn’t want to. And I have never been MORE thankful for answered prayers.God’s plan includes sorrow and sometimes a lack of understanding, on our part. However, God knows what it feels like to grieve and to lose. He knows what it’s like to have emotions. He sent His son Jesus to live and breathe, just as we do. He came, He lived, and then he sacrificed His life, so that you and I may live for eternity. The plan for Jesus was to leave this World at the age of 33…. the same age as Michelle.

Michelle, my beautiful and wonderful sister, I am amazed by your will power. I believe that with all of the praying, God has spared your life. Your plan is not complete. I pray that you know how blessed you are, how much we all love you, and how THANKFUL we are you are still with us. Thank you for coming back to us! I love you BIG!

Thank you all for praying. Please continue to pray. She has a very long recovery ahead of her. I know she can do it. She has amazing inner strength that is bound to make her body stronger!

My Sister is Amazing

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 01:57:00 +0000

(I'm going to ramble, be forewarned)

I have this amazing sister. She's about five years older than me. When she met me, apparently she wanted to throw me in the trash. We were not the kindest to each other, growing up.

I pestered her.

I knew how to push her buttons.

I would get her in trouble, by saying she did things... when really, I was the one who started it...

She would push me,

punch me,

bite me...

However, one day. One day we realized we had differences. We realized that we had different personalities, different ideas, different strengths and different weaknesses. On that day, we became friends. I can't tell you the exact time it happened or why, but on that day, we realized that we needed each other.

I realized she was: funny, loving, caring, crazy, spontaneous, daring, fearless, brave... special...

I have a million stories I could tell about my sister. Some of them are funny. Some are sad. Some are personal. Some are secrets. Some are embarrassing. But that's what sisters are. Story keepers. Story sharers. Story tellers.

This same person has been fighting for her life, for the last week. Since last Wednesday my big sister has been in the hospital, fighting to live. She entered the hospital last week with double pneumonia and H1N1. She's been on a respirator, paralyzed, sedated, and fighting to live.

I've spent the last week, trying to be some of what she is: fearless, loving, caring, brave... I feel as though she is much better at these attributes. Instead I stand by her bed sad and fearful. I cry. I sob. I beg her to breathe. I ask her not to leave me. I am selfish. I realize that. But I need her still. I have so much to learn from her. I want her to teach me to be a better mom, a better person, more daring... more fearless. We have too much to do.

As of today, she is improving some. We are hopeful she will be weening off of the vent soon and she will be able to live a wonderful and FEARLESS life.

I am hopeful. She is a fighter. The best fighter I know.

I can't wait to talk to her and tell her all of these things. I can't wait to tell her how I feel about her. That I admire her more than she knows.

I love you, Michelle. Forever.

It's my Birthday...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:58:00 +0000

Today I'm 28 years old. Before you all send me messages telling me what a "spring chicken" I am, please remember that when you use a phrase like "spring chicken," you clearly look older than I am... So... Go ahead... use that phrase.

Anyway- to celebrate my 28th Birthday, I give you 28 things about ME:

1) In exactly TWO months I will finally graduate college...after 10 years of changing my mind and having babies keeping me from graduating. I am pumped. Can't wait to finally be DONE!

2) I love candy. No, you don't understand. I L-O-V-E candy. I hide it. Not well enough, though, because everyone knows where I "hide" it.

3) I call Soda Pop, "soda." I know, this doesn't seem foreign to many of you. But you see, in Ohio they call it "pop" and if you call it "soda" you're wrong. So, for many years (ummm about 22) I called it "pop," and then one day I realized I was WRONG. So, I now call it soda.

4) I throw up a lot. Yea. Gross. I know. But I have a really weird stomach. I always have. I used to puke as a kid every time I got nervous or scared. Thunderstorms were FUN in my house-- ask my mom. But now, if I eat something too greasy or something that I am not used to... watch out... toilet here I come. At least I make it to the toilet!

5) My kids are miracles. That's right. Gifts from God. I have to remind myself that sometimes, when they are getting on my nerves. But really, I want them to be on my nerves, because it's better than them not being here!

6) I am a daddy's girl. I am. Ask him. I still sit on his lap. And I hope my girl is a daddy's girl too, because it's the best!

7) I am SO glad spring is coming. I am so over ice and snow. Goodbyeeee ice and snow!

8) I am not sure I have 28 things to tell you.

9) 9 is enough. right?

10) I really love coffee. Has to be hot. HOT coffee. I don't mean warm... but HOT. Andy bought me a special coffee pot and special cups, to help keep my coffee as hot as possible. I have a leather mouth apparently, because I can't seem to get it hot enough!

11) I also have leather hands. I can put my hands in boiling water (almost) without any pain. Maybe it's just mommy hands.

12) Chloe has been calling me "Maymeeee" instead of "mommy" I love it!

13) I can't wait until school is over and I can read a real book. I want to read a REAL book.

14) I love horror movies. Good ol' B-rated horror flicks. The bloodier the better. I know. I'm a sick woman.

15) Whipper snapper. There's another phrase you may use, in order to make yourself look older than me. :)

16) My husband took me thrifting for my birthday. That's right. I rummaged around in people's old items, for my birthday. Guess what? I LOVED IT! :) I love thrift stores!

17) I have amazing siblings. I hope we never lose sight of the importance of one another. I can't imagine my life without them.

18) I am still a Steelers fan. Thanks for asking.

19) I do own a Packers shirt now. Courtesy of my husband, the Packers fan. I wore it once.

20) I think if I am asked what my favorite food is, the first thing I'll say is: Chinese food, no salad, no soup, no baked potatoes, no soft pretzels, no bread, no bagels...no.... candy... no wait.... Can I have more than one favorite?

21) Now I want Chinese food.

22) I workout 5 days a week. To counteract the Chinese food. And because I like it. I really do.

23) Jillian Michael's is my "favorite" workout. I like to pretend I am punching her, during the boxing parts of the DVDs. It's fun.

24) I can't wait to go camping.

25) Andy and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage, this summer. TEN. TEN!

26) We are going to New York City, for our anniversary. :) I can't wait.

27) Sometimes I wonder when life will slow down.....

28) and then I remember that if it were to slow down, then I might not appreciate it as much as I should. And I do... I appreciate everything and everyone in my life.

Boy Cannot Live on Peanut Butter and Jelly ALONE!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 18:24:00 +0000

I haven't talked about Matty in awhile, so I thought I'd update you all on him. He's almost..... gulp.... FOUR. Well, in 4 months, but that's almost, right? Anyway- He's almost 4, and he thinks he's 25. He likes to drink my coffee, when I'm not looking, and he uses some of the biggest words. He's adorable, to say the least.

His asthma is doing well. We have him "under control," for the first time since his first attack in October of 2009! I am so thankful for that! We don't have to use the rescue inhaler much at all. He has his hard times, but for the most part, he is breathing much better! He is a fighter, that's for sure!

But.... our battle.... our constant battle.... FOOD!

The child still is a tiny little thing. He is still wearing 24 month pants, 24 month shirts (some 2T), and he LIVES on peanut butter and jelly and "chocolate milk" (aka, his protein shakes). Almost 4, and his 14 month old sister outweighs him! eek!

So- I come to ask you, dear readers... I need some kid friendly recipes that a child who LOVES peanut butter and jelly (and coffee) will eat!

I mean, just look at this sweet face!

14 Months

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:31:00 +0000

That's my little beauty.

She's 14 months old (and 2 days).

She's everything I imagined... and more!

She's a firecracker.

She's sassy.

She loves her "Matt-Matt" and "Amum" (Adam)

She loves to read books. (She looks at the books and mumbles. It's adorable!)

She can be incredibly sweet.

She is a mommy's girl.

She's given us 14 months of love and laughter.

I can't wait to experience more! :)

Right Now...

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 03:30:00 +0000

I am counting down the days until graduation....

77 Days, 14 hours, 59 minutes.....

I am sitting in a coffee shop, studying...

It's 10:30 at night....

I'm listening to Counting Crows on the Musak....

It's fabulous.

I'm looking at a bag of Chipotle Chips and Guac. It's tasty.

I'm thinking about how fast time flies. It really does.

Remembering what life was like ten years ago.

Ten years ago....
I got married.
I started my first year of college (3 majors ago).
I worked outside of the home.
I lived in the world's smallest apartment.
We were P O O R. We lived on about $500 a month.
We didn't even know of Adam, Matty, or Chloe.

Right now....

I am blessed. So blessed.

77 Days, 14 hours, 56 minutes......

Fight For Air Climb

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 16:11:00 +0000

As many of you know I have been actively working with my local American Lung Association. Recently I became the volunteer coordinator for the Columbus Fight For Air Climb (taking place on February 12th!).

Here's a little about the climb, from the ALA website:

Fight for Air Climbs are unique fundraising events for the American Lung Association. They usually happen in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve climbing multiple steps. Sometimes called a "vertical road race", teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, with you challenging yourself or you racing against other people, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends. American Lung Association Climbs are also a wonderful way to support someone who has lung disease or as a memorial to someone who has passed away.

I started volunteering because of Matthew's condition, and because I am desperate to know more about the disease that is plaguing my boy. But over the last few months, I have achieved so much more out of the work I've been doing. I feel good knowing I am helping an organization who cares for the air we breath, and those who have various lung diseases. Countless women and men give up their time and talents, to fight for air! Countless men and women work for this company-- and even thought they are receiving paychecks, their care and concern are just as great! And that, I am truly thankful!

So, what will you do? Volunteer? Climb the climb? Donate money?

HERE WE GO STEELERS!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:13:00 +0000

Going to eat us some CHEEEEEEESEEEEE in two weeks..........

Too bad we're a divided home... and BOTH of our teams are headed to Dallas..... Who will win?

This was us, yesterday.... Planted in front of the television for 6 hours. No joke. My butt hurt, when I got up. And the boys tried SO hard to stay awake... But didn't quite make it. :)

Smiling faces yesterday.... It won't be that way in two weeks. Someone will be crying!

Pumpkin Pancakes

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Do you have a can of pumpkin leftover in your pantry, like I do (did)? It seems like every holiday season there is something of which I purchase too much! This year... pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling). So I decided I would take my regular pancake recipe and pumpkin-fy it! And the results were pretty awesome-- so I am sharing the recipe with YOU! :)

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

1 tbl white sugar (I use organic, raw sugar, because it has more of a brown sugar taste)
1 1/3 cups buttermilk (Don’t have buttermilk? See * below, to make your own!)
¾ cup pumpkin puree, (canned is fine, make sure it is not pumpkin pie filling!)
1 egg
2 Tbs melted butter

*To make Buttermilk- Place 1 1/3 cup of milk into measuring cup and add 1 tbl of lemon juice or white vinegar, allow to stand for 5 minutes. Voila! You have buttermilk!*

Making the yum-EE-ness

Preheat a griddle or pan to 375 degrees (medium heat for about 5 minutes)

Combine all of the dry ingredients in a bowl.

Mix well, until the batter is nice and smooth. There might be a few small lumps, don’t worry, they go away!

Spoon, ladle, pour (whatever) your desired amount onto your pan or griddle, and allow to heat up, until you see tiny bubbles forming on the pancake’s surface.

FLIP! (the pancake, not yourself)

Allow to cook another minute. Remove from pan.

Pile the pancakes high, and serve to your family (or eat them all yourself!)

I opted to share mine with this little princess.... :) Enjoy!

The Lack of Posting

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 20:26:00 +0000

I'm not really sure what to blame for this problem. You know, the one where I don't make a post for weeks at a time, and then just post a picture or two, and expect you all to keep reading. Yea. I don't have an excuse. I mean, I know I am "busy," but I really don't think I have an excuse. Maybe I feel like nothing exciting is going on? Maybe I don't want to seem conceited, by telling you how adorable my children are (they are, aren't they!?). Or maybe I am just a lazy fool. It must be that one! :)

Right now. Right now, we are "snowed in." Right now, my classes are done (until January 24th). Right now I am spending TOO much time cleaning (what else is there to do when you're stuck in the house?!). I would rather be blogging.

I need inspiration. Like funny kid stories. OH, here's one:

Adam comes in out the cold and snow yesterday, announcing that he "made the snow yellow!" Oh yes, that's right... my son peed in the snow. Please tell me this is normal!?!? No? You mean, you don't pee in the snow? Why not? I hear it's fun! And I hear it's even more fun to STOMP in it! AHHHHHHHH..... Really, Adam?!

Anyway- I will try to be a better poster. I'll post funny stories about peeing in the snow and wiping boogers on the walls. Because, that is how we roll in this household!

Here are some snowy photos.... The first was taken by my little sister, the second, by me....Enjoy!

Because the Steelers weren't playing today.....

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:12:00 +0000

They wore daddy's team....

I don't think they looked too excited about it!

I love the playoffs!!

Who are you rooting for?!

Another Year Down!

noreply@blogger.com (Brittany) — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:10:00 +0000

I can't believe another year is almost over! It's been one of the quickest years of my life. So much has happened, yet I feel like I accomplished very little. There have been ups and there have been downs. Lives were lost. Lives were created. If I were to sit here and try to write it all out, I would be here for another year!

I am looking forward to this coming year! There are a lot of wonderful things, already on the calendar, in which I am looking forward! Here are some things already planned, for 2011:

1) I turn 28. I am actually looking forward to this. I know, I know... 28 isn't OLD... I know I am still a youngin'.... But no matter what, it's still hard to get older. To creek and crack every time I bend, and to not move as fast as my brain wants me to. But anyway- I am looking forward to 28. It's going to be a good year.

2) I graduate on May 8th. Mother's Day. The perfect Mother's Day gift to me, and to my mom! I am the first of her five children to graduate college, and I am so excited I am doing that ON Mother's Day! :)

3) Andy will have his Master's degree, the week before I graduate. What an accomplishment! I am very proud of him! :)

4) Matty will go to pre-school. Pending his health keeps improving, he will be allowed to go to school! He is very excited about it, and I am too!

5) Adam will be starting Kindergarten. I can't believe my baby boy will be in Kindergarten!

6) Chloe and I will be ALONE! How awesome will that be? We can do girl things, all day long. I am VERY excited about that.

7) I will get to continue my work, with the American Lung Association. For those of you who don't know, I am on the district O2 Society board, and I can't wait to work on fundraiser events and awareness events!

8) I look forward to seeing my babies grow and learn. They are so amazing. Everyday I am amazed by their intelligence and personalities. I've never known a love, like that for a child.

I am looking forward to 2011. It's going to be a great year! I hope you all have a wonderful coming year, as well!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!