Musings by T

Escape

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 17:00:00 +0000

How many people out there enjoy reading?

I sure do.

I love to escape into another world,

that is much different

from the one that I am living in.

A little while ago I read a book,

that I absolutely loved.

It is called "The Book Thief"by Markus Zusak.

It is set at the time right before, and during WWII

in Nazi Germany.

It is about a little girl who is sent to live

with foster parents,

who manages to escape death

three times.

The foster family is German, but is the

type of German family that

only does what they have

to do to follow the Nazi ways.

They don't believe in the

Germans being the

"one true, and pure race."

They help the Jews, and those who are

hiding from the police.

One thing that I found extremely interesting was

that it was told from the point of view of Death

(ya know, the Grim Reaper)

Some of the passages in this book

were amazingly beautiful and

extremely disturbing at the same time.

The way the author described

the sky during

different parts of the story was

simply amazing.

Read this book!

You won't regret it!

I know you won't

Have you read a book that you are

sure to remember for a long time to come?

What is it?

Please share!

I'm in need of another amazing story!

Caramels

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 03:42:00 +0000

This year, i got a recipe for the most delicious caramels

from a lady in my neighborhood.

They were super easy to make, especially for

someone who has never had candy making experience before.

A lot of people have asked for

the recipe.

So I decided to share!

Caramels

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cup Dark Karo Syrup
2 Squares Butter
2 cups Heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, karo, butter and 1 cup cream. Stir and bring to a fast boil for about 5 minutes. Add another cup of cream, slowly, one tbs at a time stirring in between. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reached *soft ball stage. Add Vanilla. Pour in buttered 8x8 inch metal pan. Cool in refrigerator. When cold, go around edges of candy with a sharp knife. Turn upside down (hard) until candy falls out. Cut into strips and then into pieces. Wrap in wax paper and enjoy!

*Soft ball stage- after the caramel has been boiling for awhile and you can feel it start to thicken, but it in a bowl of cold water (to cool it down) and you can roll it into a ball and it will kind of hold the form.

You don't want to cook it too long, or it won't be soft chewy caramel!

If you have any questions feel free to email me!

If you liked it, let me know by commenting and leaving some love!

sugar cinnamon almonds

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 +0000

so i'm finally getting around to doing a

pinterest review.

the first item up come from detrimental beauty and is a recipe for

crock pot sugar cinnamon almonds.

the original link came from

here.

here is the recipe:

1 1/2 C. Brown Sugar

1 1/2 C Sugar

3 Tbsp. Cinnamon

1/8 tsp. Salt

1 Egg White

2 tsp. vanilla

3 Cups Almonds

1/4 C water

In a medium sized bowl, mix together sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. In another medium sized bowl, whisk the egg white and vanilla until it’s a little frothy. Add almonds. Make sure the almonds are thoroughly coated in the egg white mixture. Add cinnamon mixture to the almonds and toss until coated.

Thoroughly spray with Pam, or whatever, the stoneware of your large crock pot. Add the divine mixture of almonds and sugars to the crock pot and turn it to low.

Cook ( with the lid on) 3-4 hours stirring every 20 minutes (I only did 3 hours). In the last hour, add the 1/4 C. of water and stir well. This ensures a crunchy yummy coating. (*make sure after you’ve added the water that you continue to cook the nuts for another 45min to an hour.)

You have to stir really well, especially as it gets later in the cooking process.

Line a baking sheet with parchment and spread the almonds flat to cool. The almonds will be sticky at this point, so make sure you separate them a little and have no large mounds.

here is a picture of my finished product.

i am giving it an A+ rating.

these are so incredibly delicious!

i made them to give out as neighbor christmas gifts.

i did make one little change to the recipe, i just added a few more

almonds to the mixture, because there seemed to be a whole lot

of leftover sugar, and i was giving quite a bit out so it worked out better

that way for me.

thanks again to detrimental beauty for the absolutely delicious almonds!

2013

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:30:00 +0000

at the beginning of every year, it is customary to write "resolutions"

things you want to change about yourself. most of these consist of

"go to the gym" "quit drinking soda," you know the usual. i don't love

all the cliche resolutions because, at least for me, it is not doable.

so these are my goals for the beginning of a new year.

not really things that i want to change about myself, but things i hope

to expound on to make myself a better wife, mother, friend, and person.

2013

i hope to become a more

patient person.

to teach love and

understanding to my

children.

read to my children

each night.

spend more time

as a family,

and less time with

electronics.

become more spiritual.

be more

genuine and

loving to all

those around me.

what do you hope to do with the new year?

Time

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 23:50:00 +0000

wow,

time sure flies by quickly.

i can't believe it has been so long

since i've posted something

on this here blog

i'd really like to get back

into the swing of things and

really step up

the life on this blog.

my life is great

super crazy

but mostly sweet.

life as a working mother

is sure a fun one,

but definitely

has its challenges.

i am making a

personal goal to write

at least twice a

week.

here is to 2013

and to being

a better mother

and

person in general!

pinsperation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:23:00 +0000

wow...

summer has done a number on me this year.

i feel like there are just not enough hours

in the day to accomplish everything that i want to get done.

i have way to many projects that i want to do,

and dinners that i want to try.

and activities with the family that i want to do.

dang you pinterest!!!

i love pinterest,

but i blame all this wanting on it!

my husband tells me

quite frequently,

that i need a "pintervention."

which gave me kind of a good idea.

since pinterest is the "in" thing at the moment

that everyone

wastes all their time on.

i thought it would be fun

to do a little

"segment"

on my blog

about pinterest ideas

and if they work,

or are worth you time.

if you have something

that you want me to

"test"

or something you've been wanting to try

email me

and i'd love to be the guinea pig.

it can be anything from:

cleaning tips,

crafts,

desserts (my husband would love that)

or anything you can throw at me.

And while your at it,

link up to my pinterest page and see all the projects

i've got lined up for myself!

I have done some of these already,

including a beautiful scarf i just finished last night!

so i will post my thoughts soon!

complain much?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 16:00:00 +0000

i am a big time complainer,

a lot of the time it is mostly in my head

but sometimes it gets said out loud.

this week from the writing workshop i chose to write about

what i complained about last, and how it was resolved.

this actually only goes back to a few hours ago.

i had a HUGE laundry pile that was sitting in a basket in my bathroom

right in the middle of the entryway to my closet,

in a spot where i was 100% certain my hub couldn't miss.

he knows that i hate carrying the laundry basket to the laundry room,

especially when it is so big.

he is the one that was given the big strong muscles not me,

(plus i kinda like to see how tough he really is)

so he is always the one i ask to carry the basket for me.

well, i know that he walked past it at least twice,

once last night to get ready for bed,

and again this morning to get ready for work.

as i got ready to go do my laundry i looked with dismay

at the basket still sitting in my bathroom.

somehow, the hubs figured out a way to slip past it into the closet

without knocking anything off,

and still managed to add to the pile.

but there it sat,

in all it's glory waiting for me to take it.

the resolution to the problem is this,

me complaining under my breath, and an occasional curse in my head

as i made 5 trips to the laundry room carrying armloads of clothes.

i guess that men really do have to be told what to do,

and how it needs to be done.

they definitely cannot read minds,

or not so subtle hints either.

What was your last complaint? How was it resolved?

the party

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 17:45:00 +0000

on the morning of my kids (and hubby's) birthdays

i always like them to be surprised

waking up to lots of crepe paper and balloons.

i spend hours the night before trying to get things all ready

so their day will be exciting right from the

get go.

here are a few pictures from this years

birthday morning.

walking in to see balloons and paper everywhere.

this is his "i'm still mostly asleep face."

some crepe paper decorations i made, they were super fun

and i love how different it looks then the normal.

and a "happy birthday" sign on the mantle.

there were also balloons all over, and more crepe paper,

i'm not the best photographer in the world!

we had such a fun time celebrating my little man!

Birthday Boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 17:37:00 +0000

my little man turned 4 years old this week!

it's crazy how fast time flies by.

i remember waking up feeling "funny"

going to the hospital,

and in just a few short hours i was holding my sweet baby boy.

minutes after he was born

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

i love you buddy! happy happy birthday!

if celebrities blogged

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 17:59:00 +0000

i have missed a few of the "writer's workshops"
and i am kinda sad because i think that these are some
great ideas of things to write about,
and get my mind working.

this week i decided to write about which celebrity i wish had a "mommy blog"
and why.

i would really like to read a blog from gwyneth paltrow, or jennifer garner.
my reasoning behind it is this:

1. they both seem really down to earth, and aren't always in the tabloid headlines.
don't get me wrong, i love celebrity gossip as much as the next girl. but i hate when you can tell they are just trying to increase their image and get attention.

2. they both try to keep their children out of the spotlight, and aren't flashy with them. i would be really interested to see how it would be to raise children they way they have to. that would suck to try to keep them away from the paparazzi.

3. i think they are both amazing actresses, and have been in some great movies!

4. both have hunky husbands, especially jennifer, come on ben affleck (dream boat!) and actually gwyneth dated him for awhile too. (quick google search)

5. they are both stunning and absolutely gorgeous!

6. they seem like they would both have a great sense of humor, and would give good perspective to us fellow mommies.

come on gwyneth and jennifer, start a mommy blog! i bet you'll have 2 million followers within a day!

upon further research gwyneth does have a blog, that i was totally unaware of,

so i guess that she has already made my dreams a reality.

now jennifer just needs to step up to the plate, and i'll have to check out this blog to see if

its as amazing as i pictured it would be!

Busy!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 22:05:00 +0000

I am slacking in the posting department,

BIG TIME!

I do have a good excuse.

I have been redoing my office in my house!

It's coming along slowly,

but I am done with the painting!

It's awesome!

Don't ya think?

I used a stencil from Royal Design Studio

It's called "endless moorish circles"

I still have a lot of work to do in here,

including:

Finding an awesome HUGE bookshelf,

Refinishing a desk,

and hopefully convincing my sweet hub to paint the other wall the solid green color.

I can't wait till it is all put together!

My Husband

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 16:19:00 +0000

You know how when you see a cute couple getting married,

sometimes the natural thought comes to mind

that, wow he definitely married up,

or yeah, he settled, or she could have done so much better.

Well,

I'm pretty sure that I married up, and my husband settled.

And I think that it is ok for me to admit that.

I married the most amazing man,

and I am so lucky to call him mine!

This week, I chose:

Share something you’ve learned from your husband about parenting. What makes him good at what he does?

Pretty much, I could go on and on about what makes him good at what he does.

He is such a hard worker, and it shows.

He works long days,

and usually comes home and does work around the house.

He is always so happy and positive,

he is a human playground for the kids,

and doesn't get easily flustered or upset.

One huge thing that my husband is always trying to teach me about parenting

is the concept of Patience.

I guess I am a stubborn learner,

because I can't seem to grasp the concept of that

silly, but important word!

I'm the type of person that wants things done right when I say,

not in "just a minute" or "later"

I mean NOW!

He is the most patient person I know.

He will wait ten minutes for my 3 year old to put on his shoes,

and within about 10 seconds I give up and put them on for him.

He is also very patient when dealing with me and all my quirkyness,

and I have a whole lot more to learn from him.

And I'm glad that I snagged him,

and he was willing to settle for me

and all the craziness that is me!

Plus, he is incredibly handsome

and funny, and smart, and just all around awesome!

What makes your hubby so special?

Day at the pool!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:00:00 +0000

I was so excited last week,

One of my sweet friends called me up

and asked if me and the kiddos wanted to go to the pool with her

I loaded all of our stuff up and headed to the pool to meet her.

The kids had such a fun time with their friend,

and I had fun spending time with mine!

Of course it's almost impossible to get a 3 year old to look at the camera

for any length of time.

Miss Gweny and her itsy bitsy teeny weeny

purple polka-dot

tankini!

Enjoying the sunshine!

The fun little "baby swings"

Miss Gwen loved it!

Why is it?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 18:04:00 +0000

Why is it

that a child's first word is always

"Da-Da?"

Don't get me wrong

I chose my husband for many reasons

one of them being the fact that I knew he would make

an amazing father.

He has always had this thing with kids,

they love him and he loves them right back.

And we aren't in the mindset that a woman has responsibilites

such as cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the kids

while the husband is the "breadwinner."

Because I work

part time.

But I also do all the other things too.

But,

My hubbs works

ALOT!

Alot more than I do,

Usually 60+ hours a week.

Sometimes there are days when we don't get to see him at all,

because he leaves for work

before we wake up in the morning

and if it's a night he works his second job,

then he gets home long before the kids go to sleep.

But why is it that my babes first word is Da-da

I feed her, and bathe her.

I wake up with her in the night,

which lately has been for hours at a time!

It must be because they know what kind of a man they

get to have as a daddy!

They know that he is so special,

and works so hard for us.

And they must know how much he misses them

while he is gone working.

And if this doesn't make your heart melt,

then I don't know what does.

I guess that it is a good thing,

that "da-da" is the first word that comes out of those sweet mouths.

He deserves it!

Park Mommies

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 03:41:00 +0000

June's to do

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:00:00 +0000

I have found this awesome blog that gives a great idea each week to inspire us to write something.

This week, the topic I chose is:

What 10 things do you want to do in June?

1. I would Love to take my kids swimming. They are both water babies and love being in the tub, so I'm sure being in the pool will bring squeals of delight. And I have the chance to get a little bit of sun on my skin, that always makes someone feel better. (don't worry I won't forget the sunscreen still!)

2. Figure out what to do with my office space at my house. When we built it, we never painted the walls so they are "virgin" and in desperate need of a makeover! Ideas are welcomed and appreciated!

3. Hit the gym. I had my baby girl 8 months ago and I feel pretty good, but am in desperate need of losing the extra bulge that she so lovingly left me. Actually I kinda did this, check out this link to a trainer that totally kicked my butt, and a few of my darling friends as well!

Kick My Butt workout!

4. Go on a date with my amazingly handsome husband! Anywhere will do, good food and a trip to the movies. Or even just movie night at home, something that isn't animated for a change.

5. Clean the windows. I know that sounds lame, like super lame actually. Kinda the thought of it makes me want to curl up in a ball. But they are in desperate need, and I really love how much clearer everything looks when they are done.

6. Read a good book. I am a lover of literature and am always looking for a good book to keep me up late at night. Any suggestions?

7. Cook dinner. I am not a huge fan of cooking, but I really wish I was. I love delicious food and would feel great if I could say that I did it all on my own. I guess I need to check out Pinterest and find some more yummy recipies. Once more suggestions are accepted!

8. Drink more water, and not so much soda.

9. Spend more time with my kids and less time worrying about what kind of tornado went through our house. The mess will still be there the next day, so I should enjoy my children while they still want to be snuggled by mom.

10. Not to be grumpy in the morning. I know that is kinda silly, but I am not a morning person at all. And my family is completely opposite as me. Both of my kids, and the hubbs, wake up all smily and giggly and I glare at the sun streaming through the windows and try to pretend that I don't hear the baby gibbering away in her crib, or my 3 year old jumping on my bed begging for breakfast.

This is my list of things I want to do in June. Actually it kind of became a list of my faults and things I need to work on, but I guess June is as good of a time as any to get started.

What kind of things do you want to do this month?

Sleeping Beauties

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Jun 2012 04:19:00 +0000

Sleeping babies.

Aren't they so sweet when they sleep?

Don't get me wrong, I love them awake

but nothing beats the sweet face of slumber.

Especially after a hard day!

She doesn't fall asleep in my arms very often,

or want to stay there if she does.

This is always really nice when it happens!

And she was so tired that she spit her binki right out,

that too is unusual.

And no,

That is not just bedhead that you see.

I was buzzing his head and he decided he was done with it.

He wouldn't let me finish,

so only the right half is done.

I'm really hoping that if I tell him enough times that it looks bad

he will let me finish it tomorrow.

If not, maybe there is going to be some bribing in order!

Hey!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Hey,
It's been awhile since I posted. I've been trying to get the hang of a few tricks in the blogging thing.
The whole making a "button" is killing me.
I can't seem to get it to look just right.
Any suggestions from anyone? I'm stumped!
And I'm losing all sorts of inspiration in the writing department!

Spiritual Thought Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 21:12:00 +0000

John 13:34

"A new commandement I give unto you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."

I love this scripture.

I think that if more people lived the words of it,

then this world would be a better place.

We wouldn't have to worry so much about ourselves

or our children,

Because there would be love surrounding us all.

This week I want to try and be more loving to those that I come across

from day to day.

From strangers I see on the street, to people I help at work.

And especially show my family how much I truly love them.

How will you try to be more loving?

What do I miss most about school...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 May 2012 14:43:00 +0000

That is an easy one.

These girls right here. I have 7 of the most beautiful best friends a girl could ever ask for.

Not only are they beautiful from the outside,

if you had the chance to meet them

you'd agree they are more amazing on the inside.

We were all Cheerleaders together. Here is just a few of us in our WAY younger days. Back in Junior High. Man, time goes by too fast.

Then a few years later, Senior year of High School.

It's not that I don't get to see these girls still. For the most part we have been lucky and only 1 has moved away, and it's still in the same state, just a few hours drive.

But we make it a point to see each other on a semi regular basis.

And we still make sure to do crazy things while we are together.

Like try to set a timer on a camera, and can't quite get the hang of it so one of us turns into a "ghost."

Or jump off random steps, making sure to pull funny faces in the process.

I just want those "sisters" of mine to know how much I am truly grateful to have them in my life.

I don't know, to this day where I would be without them.

Or what kind of choices during those "wonderful" teenage years I would have made without them there guiding me along the right path.

Sure, we had our rough patches.

Especially during Cheerleading practices while we were forced to choreograph a halftime routine in just two days.

Or after Camp when we were so dead tired from staying up super late partying,

and working our butts off during the day,

and then having an excruciating practice the evening we got home.

When we all left in tears because we were just so dang tired.

Then after the practice, walking out to my car only to find melted gummy bears all over the front seat.

Who knew that gummy bears melted in the sun?

Well THEY DO! And they are a pain in the butt to clean up!

That only increased the tears on my part!

But I miss those days.

I miss seeing their beautiful faces at 6 am for early morning practice... every single day.

(As beautiful as a face can be at 6am, mine not so much!)

Looking back, it was all worth it.

And I am so glad to call those girls my friends!

Golden Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 31 May 2012 04:02:00 +0000

My Mother is one of the most amazing people I know.

She is so creative, and can pretty much manage to do anything that she puts her mind to.

One of her best friends agrees with me as well.

Whenever she needs something done, or made

she immediately calls my mom, even if it is pretty outrageous.

Which it normally is!

One day my mom was getting crafty and decided to make an outfit for Miss Gwen.

She put it all together, and I was thrilled to get it on my cute girl.

Drumroll please....

Isn't it so sweet!

A darling sequined head squeezer with a huge flower.

Tutu and matching onesie.

Better view of the tutu.

She also had matching shoes but she wouldn't keep them on long enough for a picture.

My husband, of course likes to poke fun at everything I do or say

so he said that the tulle on her shirt made her look like she had a beard.

He's mean, but I love him.

At this point she had just about had it with pictures, but here is a good view of the headband.

Now I think that I need to hit up my mom about making me a matching outfit.

Wouldn't we look just great?

Two girls in gold from head to toe!

Just kidding, I wouldn't do that

I couldn't pull it off the way she does.

But I think that Miss Gwen looks pretty dang snazzy in it!

A Day to Remember

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 May 2012 20:38:00 +0000

img.

I love Memorial Day.

Some find it as just another day off work.

Or a day to go on vacation, or camping.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the paid time off work, and the extra time spent with my sweet family.

But there is more to it.

Memorial day is a day to remember those who have passed on.

Especially those whom we love, and care about.

I am glad that there is a day to celebrate the life of my ancestors.

I also think it is just one more great reminder to pay tribute to those brave men and women,

both past and present

who risk their lives each day for the sake of Freedom.

I, along with many many others, am thankful for your sacrifice!

Books

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

I have a nook,
I LOVE my nook!
I love that I literally have about a million and a half books at my fingertips.
That I can just switch from one book to whatever my heart desires.

But there is just something about a good old fashioned paperback book,
and a nice bubble bath with a huge bubbly soda
on a chilly rainy night like tonight.

That is what is on my agenda for the evening.

P.S. I've read the Hunger Games, and seen the movie.
I just felt like I needed a little bit more Peeta in my life, so one to the second reading!

My Friendly Little Monster

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:35:00 +0000

My 3 year old boy Nixon is extremely friendly.

He loves meeting new people and making new friends.

We were at the ball park watching my nephew play baseball the other day.

Nixon and my niece were off playing at the playground, where he took his shoes and socks off at.

They came wandering back to get a treat from the concession stand just as the game was getting over.

I sent Nixon back to the playground to get his shoes so we could leave.

He was taking a really long time coming back so I went looking for him.

To my horror,

I found him, sitting on some random stranger's lap.

I tried to keep from freaking out as I took him off of her lap.

I really wanted to yell at her for letting him sit on her lap.

Yeah, I know he is pretty dang cute,

But what kind of a person lets some random kid sit on their lap?

Needless to say, we have since had a "talk" about strangers and approaching them when Mom isn't around.

Oh this kid is going to be the death of me!

What have your children done that completely mortified you?

About me...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:08:00 +0000

Musings by T

Escape

Caramels

Caramels

sugar cinnamon almonds

here.

2013

Time

pinsperation

complain much?

the party

Birthday Boy!

if celebrities blogged

Busy!

My Husband

Day at the pool!

Why is it?

Park Mommies

June's to do

Sleeping Beauties

Hey!

Spiritual Thought Sunday

What do I miss most about school...

Golden Girl

A Day to Remember

Books

My Friendly Little Monster

About me...

I am:

A Wife.

A mother.

A book worm.

A believer,

in Christ.

Lover

of

all

things

Beautiful.

Musings,

by me,

T.