Our Enchanting Life

Untitled Randomness

2012-02-27T13:52:00.000-06:00

I think it's funny when you have an Open House and the host tells you that neighbors toured you home! How ballsy can you be to tour your neighbors home during an Open House? You either know them well enough to have seen their home already, or you're a damn nosey person! And to not leave your name???....ha ha..... that definitely means it was probably damn nosey people looking at our home! Hope they enjoyed the tour!
I love eating crawfish on a Saturday afternoon with a cold beer, hubby and kids in tow! Life can't get much better than that.
It was during the lovely crawfish lunch, Matt and I talked about preaching the Word and living the Word. Since you will seldom hear me preach the Word, I certainly hope that my actions and my life are living the Word. And wow, I hope that I never, ever, ever treat someone the way that we have been treated lately. I hope that I never, ever, ever act horrible towards a child. And above all else, I hope I always remember that people make mistakes, it's how we learn and that forgiveness, above all else, is essential.

Pinterest Love

2012-01-14T08:45:00.011-06:00

If you happened upon the site in the last few weeks, you probably noticed that it was an "invite" only. It was basically the easiest way I had to close the site for a short bit. The only person who was "invited" was me...ha ha...so if you're still visiting after all this time of being gone, then "wow". Ha ha ha! Still not sure how often, if and when I will post here, but I still enjoy reading some of my old posts and recipes and I hate closing the site! In the meantime, I hope I don't have to close the site again, but if I do, just know that I'm not excluding anyone in particular.

So glad to see that my Chicken Stroganoff recipe has taken off on Pinterest! I love that people are able to try some of my great recipe finds. Hopefully they will be successful for every one who tries it. The Chicken Stroganoff is one of our family favorites.Publish Post

One more to remember

2012-01-01T17:20:00.002-06:00

Family and close friend relationships need cultivating. Dig: Find the real stuff. Aerate: Expel the issues. Renew: Forgive…it enlarges the future. Keep in touch, even if it means just being there to listen. Everyone needs, and deserves, people to catch them when they fall, and to cheer them on when they’re flying high. “Treasure your relationships, not your possessions.” – Anthony J. D’Angelo

Thank You for all the memories

2011-11-19T09:14:00.000-06:00

I've been writing this blog for over two years. I started it as a way to document my little Madi and also as a place for our memories, stories, pictures, thoughts, expressions, etc.

It never occurred to me

2011-11-17T09:56:00.001-06:00

"It had never occurred to me that our lives that have been so closely interwoven, could unravel with such speed. Read more »

Big Girl Panties

2011-11-13T17:31:00.002-06:00

I put my "big girl panties" on today.
Read more »

Gratitude Challenge - What I've Learned

2011-11-10T14:12:00.001-06:00

I'm completing days 17-21 personally. A lot of it is about self recognition and love and that's just not stuff I want to write on my blog this go-around.

I have to say that I've learned quite a bit on this year's Gratitude journey. I am blessed beyond belief.
Read more »

Our Wednesdays

2011-11-09T16:02:00.000-06:00

I love our Wednesdays. Madi has ballet class in the mornings. I adore watching her through the glass window. She is soaking in all the poses, the music and the friends. Right now she is learning her 2 mins of the "party girls" for the Nutcracker. She holds her little green present close to her belly and is quite attentive at learning each move. I am forever and ever grateful for this little one being in my life.

2011 Gratitude Challenge - Days 15 & 16

2011-11-08T15:06:00.002-06:00

Day 15 - Appreciate & Give Thanks for your unique qualities

Day 16 - Look in the mirror and focus on what you love about yourself

I have given thanks for my unique qualities. Right now they are personal and I don't want to share. I did look in the mirror this morning and I appreciated the fact that my body was able to carry to term two beautiful healthy babies.
Read more »

33

2011-11-07T13:34:00.002-06:00

I turned 33 today. Last year, and in 2009 I made a list. Again, like last year, I'm updating the list and adding 1 to it! Here is my list for my 33rd birthday:

2009 Entry (include 2010 in red, and 2011 updates in blue)

I turn 31 on Saturday. In honor of my birthday, I wanted to list 31 little facts about me, things i’ve learned this last year, etc. etc.

I am the oldest of 3 (1 sister & 1 brother) but I also have 3 step-brothers and 1 step-sister that I don’t see, really, ever. Hasn't changed. I probably should have mentioned that I have one brother-in-law too. This year I added a sister-in-law (Carey) and niece (Lily).
I have a brother who was a Marine, a brother-in-law in the Navy and a step-brother in the Coast Guard. My BIL in the navy is now a fighter pilot, that's pretty cool! Brook is serving overseas flying the very cool, Growler.
My sister is a wonderful teacher to low-income high school students who love her dearly. She gets to teach "To Kill a Mockingbird" this year. Totally cool. She is now an assistant principal, still totally cool.
I have been with my husband for 12 years. Some days I can’t believe it’s been that long and other days, it feels like a lifetime. We've now been married 9 years. We celebrate our 10 year anniversary in January. We've been together 14 years.
We waited 10 years before we decided to start trying for a family, because of that, we rarely need “date nights”. We now like to focus on our family of 3. We are a family of FOUR!
My favorite foods fall into the categories of pasta and Mexican. I can eat pretty much anything pasta or anything Mexican. This will never changed :) Still hasn't changed.
I love Margaritas and Stella beer. I could live on both. Still love both. Had a Stella today for my birthday. I've been enjoying CDN beers lately...Molson and Labatt.
I get my feelings hurt easier than I used to. For some reason, I now wear my heart on my sleeve. I'm learning to not take things so personally, still get my feelings hurt though. Yep, feelings still worn on my sleeve.
It’s ok if my house isn’t picture perfect everyday. It's never picture perfect anymore. I think I've forgotten what picture perfect is.
I can let laundry wait a few days to fold, in fact, sometimes it may be untouched for days and days on end. I have clothes that have been sitting on my ironing board for over 3 weeks. I've been working on getting the laundry put up the day it goes through the washer/dryer.
I’ve learned that sometimes friendships change as people change. And for the first time since I was in high school, friends have hurt me dearly this last year. I've been blessed to have new friends come into my life this year. (see all my posts the last few months related to friendships) Lessons learned.
I’ve also learned that I can forgive and seek forgiveness from those important in my life. I sought a lot of forgiveness this year, some reciprocated some not, but I've learned so much about myself in the process.
I would live in the islands if I could. One day, I will. Until then, I will visit the islands often. Can't wait to see the sand soon.
My favorite comedy show right now is “How I met your mother”. I just love it! I’m also digging Modern Family and Cougar Town. Still a huge fan of HIMYM and Modern Family. Gave up on Cougar Town. Still love HIMYM, Modern Family. Now loving Up All Night and American Horror Show.
I love scary movies. I love to be scared. Nothing's changed here.
I’m committing to sewing this next year. I want to learn to use my machine to make wonderful projects. I've been sewing a bit. Will be sewing Crosby's stocking soon.
I’m also committing to finding a church. Yea, haven't done it.
I can be disenchanted with people who go to church though. I often wonder how someone can go to church on Sunday but then act they way they do in their everyday lives.
I’m trying to get over #18 so I can get myself back into a church family.
I have learned that what goes around truly does come back around. It’s happened to me and I’m learning from it. I’ve seen it happen and I wonder if those people are learning from it.
I love to take pictures. I have over 100 albums on Shutterfly from the last 6 years. I have over 3,000 pictures saved in a “Little M” file on my computer. I now have 2 hard drives with pictures. Crazy, eh? This will never change!
I had to purchase a new hard drive just to save my pictures on.
My favorite band is the Counting Crows. I have seen them in concert 4 times. I have found some amazing new artists to listen to this year. Music hasn't been on my radar alot this year.
My new favorite band is Augustana. I have played one of their songs in the car everyday for the last 6 months. They are the #1 CD in my car, I can't wait for their new album this winter. I'm so sad that they broke up last month.
I have been known to get drunk and dance on coolers. Yep, still been known to do both :) No comments here.
I can fall asleep anytime and any place. I always sleep on airplanes. I just can’t help it.
I read every Danielle Steel book up until about 3 years ago when I started reading Nora Roberts and chick flicks. I haven’t picked up a Danielle Steel book since. Made the mistake of picking up a Danielle Steel book a few weeks ago. HORRIBLE. Her writing had gotten ridiculous. I've been reading a lot of diverse books lately.
I’m in the 3rd book of the Sookie Stackhouse novels. So far, I love them. Never read a book after the 3rd one. I love True Blood!
I just watched episode 1 of True Blood. Loved it more than I thought I would. I've loved all 3 seasons. I can't wait for next summer and Season 4. See above. Love this show!
I’m looking forward to the holidays and getting my Christmas decorations out. I can't wait for Christmas, although I hate that they are already playing commercials on tv. I'll be putting up decoration before Thanksgiving this year, that way we'll come home from the beach and our home will be decked out.
I’m 31 on Saturday. How is that even possible? How am I 32? Oh dear Lord, how am I 33??
I am now an aunt. I can't wait to see the relationship between Lily and Madi grow. We adore Lily-Belle, Love, love, love this little person.
I'm now the mom to two adorable little people. I love my family of 4 and I wouldn't change a thing about us.

Let the Sun Shine In

2011-11-06T06:35:00.001-06:00

Each morning at school, Madi's class starts the day by singing the chorus to "Let the Sun Shine In". It's a sweet song from the 50's (I believe). At home, she'll sing it about 100 times a day.

So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Smilers never lose
And frowners never win
So let the sun shine in
Face it with a grin
Open up your heart and let the sun shine in

Lyrics by Frente

After they sing the song, they continue with the following:

Hey, Hey, What Do You Say
Who's Going to Be Our Helper Today?

When she sings it at home, she will add, "Mommy is going to be our helper today!"

It just melts my little heart. She is such a sweet girl.

Gratitude Challenge 2011 - Day 14

2011-11-05T17:31:00.000-05:00

Assess how the Challenge has affected you.

I'm loving doing the challenge. Each day I'm able to take a few minutes and focus on a positive aspect of my life. It's funny how each year your gratitude is just a bit altered or changed. I'm glad to have the last couple of years to look back on and see how I've changed, my life has change and my gratitude for this time in my life is so much better than it has been in the past.

Serious & Funny way to end the week

2011-11-04T15:58:00.000-05:00

From here.

2011 Gratitude Challenge - Day 13

2011-11-04T08:17:00.000-05:00

Assume the good in people

Hmmmm....I will try this today. Lately I have seen good in people I would have least expected it. I've actually been amazed by the goodness I have seen. But I have also seen the not so good in people I would have least expected it from. So, just like in 2009, this is a hard one for me to grasp.

Recent Favs

2011-11-03T11:11:00.000-05:00

This fall has brought about a lot of new items for me to discover. Some recent favs include:

Wonderful new television shows. My favorite at the moment is "American Horror Story". I love the scariness of the house and the way the show portrays all the evil that has taken place in the home. It's a scary, spooky, sit-on-the-edge of your seat show. LOVE it! I'm also loving Revenge, this season of Survivor and of course, Top Chef Texas.
A great new book, "Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt". It's the first time I've been a part of a book club and this was our read for the month. LOVE it! The book has a great storyline that is set in Savannah, GA one of my most favorite places to visit.
Peppermint Mocha's at McDonald's. I know, odd choice. But I typically will buy a cup of coffee on my way to work from McD's, and last week decided to splurge and try their new Mocha. It was delicious. It will never top my favorite holiday drinks from Starbucks, but it was definitely a delight on a cold day.
Pumpkin cupcakes. My sister-in-law Lauren has the best recipe for them and I can't wait to start making a batch of my own. Ohhh the yumminess of the pumpkin cupcake!

I'm loving the start of November....leaves falling, cooler weather, football and of course, Thanksgiving is just around the corner!

2011 Gratitude Challenge - Day 12

2011-11-03T09:50:00.000-05:00

Today, see the glass as 1/2 full.

As posted here, when I did this in 2009. I am a "glass 1/2 empty" kind of gal. I can't help it, I think I'm wired that way. I have been trying very hard the last few months to really focus on the positives in my life. I'm trying to remind myself daily that God has a plan and if he "brings you to it, he'll bring you through it". And, I must admit, that I have definitely witnessed his work lately. It's funny about the old saying, "time heals all wounds", because it just might be a bit true.

I will definitely be reminding myself that the glass is 1/2 full.

2011 Gratitude Challenge - Day 11

2011-11-02T08:35:00.000-05:00

See the world through the eyes of a child.

Now that I have two children, I love witnessing life through both of their eyes. Madi adores little Crosby. She is such a kind, sweet sister. I love that she has the opportunity to be a big sister and she is relishing in every moment. Daily she sits in front of him and tries to make him laugh or smile. He looks for her voice when he hears her come into the room. As a big sister myself, she and I will always be able to relate on being the "big sister".

Although Crosby is only 3 months, I love watching him light-up when he sees or hears something new. I love that he's the "little brother" and will have a wonderful big sister to look up to.

Having children opens your eyes to a new way of looking at the world. And I just love it!

Gratitude Challenge 2011 - Day 10

2011-11-01T13:22:00.000-05:00

Give thanks for one of your sense.

Today I am thankful for the sense of smell. I love the new baby smell of sweet Crosby. I love the smell of Madi after she's had her evening bath. I love the smell of fall....baking, pumpkins, vanilla, cinnamon. I would be lost without all the wonderful smells that I'm greeted with each day!

2011 Gratitude Challenge - Day 9

2011-10-31T10:11:00.000-05:00

I skipped day 8, on to Day 9.

Enjoy the people around you. Take a moment to appreciate their unique talents, abilities and personalities.

I am definitely enjoying each person that I am around. I am thankful for their presence in my life.

2011 Gratitude Challenge - Day 7

2011-10-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

Take a picture of one thing, person, place or specific moment that makes you feel grateful.

Gratitude Challenge 2011 - Day 6

2011-10-28T10:01:00.006-05:00

Call someone you haven't talked to in a while.

I called my grandmother today. Not because we hadn't talked in a while, but to make plans to see her on Sunday. It was, as it always is, a treat to catch-up with her. Madi even got a few minutes to chat with her Meme on the phone.

2011-10-27T15:55:00.001-05:00

2011 Gratitude Challenge - Day 5

2011-10-27T14:00:00.000-05:00

Write a list of the blessings in your life.

Keeping it short and sweet this year:

1. My children.
2. My husband.
3. Our extended family.
4. Our health.
5. Our home.

2009 Gratitude Challenge - Day 5
2010 Gratitude Challenge - Day 5

Gratitude Challenge 2011 - Days 3 & 4

2011-10-26T15:05:00.001-05:00

Day 3 - Write about something your grateful for today (yesterdays post)

Today I am grateful for:

The small gesture by a friend to reach out and bridge a gap.
My moms listening ear and words of wisdom.
The sweet voice of a friend calling to check-up on me, not my kids or matt, but me.
Matt and his strength and support
A best friend who, when hearing that my sweet Madi was treated poorly by grown women, instantly replied, "those bitches"....Couldn't ask for a better BFF.
The funny texts from my brother of baby Lily.
Madi and the kisses she only wants on the forehead.
Crosby and his new found giggles.
This life, right here and now.

Day 4 - Give thanks for a negative in your life

Thank you negative in my life for the lessons you have taught me. For humbling me and putting me back on the right path. Thank you for allowing me to see the true colors and for teaching me that sometimes I cannot be blind to the truth in front of me. Thank you for allowing me to witness the good and positive in friendships; for learning to apologize and own up to my mistakes. Thank you for allowing me to seek forgiveness and witness the growth that can occur when forgiveness is accepted.

A quote from the past

2011-10-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

So glad I found this while perusing my blog today. It says it all doesn't it?

“You could be right. You could be wrong. Remember this. Especially the second part. Being wrong allows you to take responsibility for your actions. It allows you to change. Constantly needing to be right, doesn’t.”