The Grant Life

That Time Ryon Got Deployed

Kelley — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Ryon and I met while he was active duty in the Navy and I was finishing up my last semester of college. [Read how we met here.] A few weeks into dating he told me that he was ending his active duty and going to go to school full time back in Michigan. I thought this was a great idea and told him I would follow him up there. I was fortunate enough that I landed a job before making the big move in January of 2008. We moved in together in a small town in Michigan in a cute two bedroom apartment. It was my first time living away from home, let alone in a different state and with a roommate. But we were young, in love and care free.

We got engaged in the summer of 2008 and planned a wedding for a year later. A few months before the wedding I was laid off from the company that I was working for in Michigan. I was upset but saw it as an opportunity for something better. I was able to work on the wedding more and I landed a job coaching high school softball for a few months. Ryon was in the reserves and was doing really well! He was quickly promoted a few months into his reserve duty. We were young and in love and care free.

Our wedding was everything I could have wanted and so much more. I remember thinking “Take it all in. Its going to go SO fast.” And it did. We both decided we wanted kids right away and were overjoyed when I got pregnant a few short weeks later. I found another full time job at the outlet mall nearby. Ryon ended up taking a part time job at a store in the mall during the holiday season. We would meet up for dinner on our late nights and just talk about the baby and the future. Yup, we were young and in love and care free.

One afternoon I was leaving work to go to lunch and Ryon met me at the door. He was in his uniform and didn’t look like himself. He said we needed to talk at home but I told him to tell me what was the matter now. He said he was getting deployed. I didn’t know what to do or think. My mind raced and kept coming back to the same thing, ‘I’m pregnant. You can’t leave me!’ But the Navy said jump and he had to leave in less then a month. We were young and in love, but not care free anymore.

Our lease was up on our apartment and we figured the best thing to do was move in with Ryon’s parents until the baby was born. I was so tired from working and being pregnant that all I did was sleep, worry and cry. Ryon was set to be deployed on a Sunday morning and went to the reserve center on Friday to get his shots and travel paperwork. I just kept thinking that he wouldn’t be there for his daughter’s birth or her first birthday. My heart ached to have him there for those milestones. He came home Friday evening and my world changed forever.

Ryon’s tour has been canceled! All 32 members from his reserve center were staying home! I think I cried more that Friday then when I found out he would be leaving. I don’t think I let him go that entire day. I just hugged onto him and cried. He was going to be there for Ryley’s birth! And her first birthday! And for her mama! We were young, in love and almost care free.

I honestly don’t know what I would have done if Ryon had been deployed. I think I would have started blogging sooner to help overcome the sadness that comes with deployment. It would have been a great way to share pictures and updates of Ryley. I don’t think anything can ever replace experiencing a milestone in a baby’s life but documenting it and sharing it with a loved one overseas through blogging would ease some of the sadness. Now that I do blog I try to honor Ryon’s time in the military by sharing stories like this with yall. I will never fully understand the heartache of deployment but I am forever grateful for the men and women who make the sacrifice of being away from their families. Because I know, its hard to be young, in love and part of the military.

Author information

Kelley

Kelley is a work at home mom who loves making her kids laugh. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and the everyday chaos of life.

The post That Time Ryon Got Deployed appeared first on The Grant Life.

25 Burgers to Cook on the Grill this Summer

Kelley — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0000

We bought Ryon a grill for Father’s day this weekend and man am I excited! Of course he loves it, but guess who just weaseled her way out of most of the cooking for the summer? This girl! Plus, its nice to be able to spend the evenings outside with the kids and cook dinner at the same time. And have less dishes. And not have to cook. [Did I mention that already?] I may use the grill for breakfast! In honor of summer, our new grill and not having to cook as often, I’ve rounded up 25 burgers to grill this summer. Because not cooking and hamburgers are my two of my favorite things!

And one to grow on!

Southwest Chipotle Burger :: Sparkles and a Stove

Whats your favorite hamburger to make?

Author information

Kelley

Kelley is a work at home mom who loves making her kids laugh. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and the everyday chaos of life.

The post 25 Burgers to Cook on the Grill this Summer appeared first on The Grant Life.

Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs

Michaela — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:00:35 +0000

Hey Grant Life friends! It’s Michaela from Covered in Mod Podge again. I’m excited to be here today to share a delicious recipe with you all.

I love to cook. But I also am pressed for time. So I love recipes that do double duty {hehe…I said duty. Sounds like dooty. Yes, my humor is as sophisticated as a 12 year old boy’s.} or that freeze beautifully. This delicious Baked Italian Chicken Meatball Recipe comes together quickly, freezes like a dream, is a healthier alternative to traditional meatballs, and is tasty to boot!

These meatballs use ground chicken. You could also use ground turkey or even ground beef. I HIGHLY prefer ground chicken to turkey. Ground chicken is moist, and has a more mellow flavor. Ground chicken is also easy to find these days. I picked mine up at Target! Also, these little gems are baked. Frying them in the pan is an option. But to me, baking them is fool-proof. Its so much easier and healthier {no oil}.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground chicken

1/3 cup Panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup parmesan

1 tbsp. basil

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes {or more to taste}

1 egg

All all ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix together with your hand.

Shape into balls and place on a greased baking sheet or a silicone baking mat. {I like to use my silicone baking mat so the cheese that oozes out gets all crispy and yummy.} One pound of ground chicken will get you 12 golf ball sized meatballs.

Bake in an oven pre-heated to 400 degrees for about 25 minutes. You can either split one open to make sure its cooked through or use a meat thermometer to check that its at an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees.

If I really have things together, I like to bake these guys during nap time. Then, I throw the meatballs I want to use that night for dinner into a pan with spaghetti sauce {jarred…shhh don’t tell}. Then, I simmer them on low until dinner time. If I don’t have it together, I just throw them on the plate straight from the oven. They still taste great.

To freeze these guys let them cool on the counter for about 30 minutes. Then wrap them up in tin foil and store in a freezer bag. When I’m looking to use them {meatball subs anyone?}, I let them defrost in the fridge. You can throw them in the sauce to warm up/simmer.

What’s your favorite recipe that you freeze? I’m always on a look out for a good recipe that I can freeze leftovers!

Author information

Michaela

Michaela is a California girl living in Texas with her husband and nineteen month old daughter. She is a MSW student currently interning with a large, urban school district. Between interning, school work, and a ball of energy toddler, she tries to find a little time to sew and craft. You can find her exploits in crafting, sewing, cooking, and being a mom at coveredinmodpodge.blogspot.com.

The post Baked Italian Chicken Meatballs appeared first on The Grant Life.

DIY Bird Feeder

Michaela — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:00:00 +0000

My husband has started to rub off on me lately. He is really into plants and birds and I have started to pick up a few things from him. Its fun to watch the birds outside the window that hang out in our trees. The kids and the cats love it too! We created this diy bird feeders last week to attract some new bird friends and keep the old ones happy. It was such a fun craft to do with the kids.

Oh, and they were super easy to make too! All you need is:

Pectin or Unflavored Gelatin
Cookie Cutters
Twine
Straw or Stick
Cooking Spray
Foil

We made a big batch of them and used a bunch of different shapes. [Yes, that is a skull shaped cookie cutter! When they are on sale for 25 cents you just buy it.]

Combine your gelatin with boiling water according to the package you use.
Then add your birdseed.
Wait until it starts to clump together.
Spray your cookie cutters with cooking spray.
Put your cookie cutters on a piece of foil.
Smush your birdseed mixture into the cutter.
Add a straw or stick to the center to create a hole.
Wait until it hardens. [We added ours to the freezer to speed up the process.]
Add your string and hang it outside.

Enjoy your new bird feeder and the birds that come by to check it out!

A fun and easy craft that will make even the birds happy!

You may have noticed the Summer Fun button on the side of the blog. I am a camp counselor over at Summer Fun Camp 2013! Its a group a bloggers that share crafty ideas to help keep your kids entertained and active during the summer. Cool, right? Kirsten from One Tough Mother put it all together and I was privileged to be part of the fun! Plus, there is a fun giveaway from the Hair Bow Company this week! [Its a win win, folks!]
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author information

Michaela

The post DIY Bird Feeder appeared first on The Grant Life.

Financial Friday 6/14

Kelley — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:54:27 +0000

Hey yall! Happy Friday! I might have forgotten about the link party last week. Eeeek! Its back, and Im happy to have yall here!

This week at our place we shared:

I shared some easy summer crafts for kids! We will be doing a bunch of these!

Delicious AND easy s’mores brownie bars!

And I got the sweetest comments when I shared why Im wearing pants this summer.

Author information

Kelley

Kelley is a work at home mom who loves making her kids laugh. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and the everyday chaos of life.

The post Financial Friday 6/14 appeared first on The Grant Life.

Wearings Pants in Summer

Kelley — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0000

No, this isn’t an outfit post. I wish it were though. I’m talking about wearing pants in summer because I’m too embarrassed to show my legs. Because I have psoriasis. Well the short answer is psoriasis. The long answer is I had strep throat about a month ago and it triggered an outbreak. All. over. my. body.

This is just a small portion of the outbreak and before it peaked. I have spots all down my legs, on my stomach, my back and my arms. I look like a cheetah. [Or is it a leopard? Ok I just goggled them. I look like both. THIS is why I can't homeschool.] And I’m embarrassed and self conscience about it. I refuse to wear shorts because of what people might think. I don’t want to be looked at funny or have someone think Im contagious. I don’t want my kids to see other people looking at us funny.

Let me back track. I found out I had psoriasis when I was 8 and I had my first massive breakout. I remember I couldn’t pronounce psoriasis so when someone would ask what was wrong with me, my friend would have to say it for me. I got stared at and made fun of because I was covered in red spots. It was triggered then [like it was now] by strep throat. Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, so when one part of my body isn’t working so well, it flares up.

I went to my primary doctor two weeks after the strep because I was breaking out all over my neck. She gave me a steroid cream and sent me on my way. My neck cleared up but everywhere else got worse. I made an appointment with my dermatologist and was given two shots in the office, an antibiotic and a spray to try and help. He also told me that it could take up to 6 months to go away.

I called my mom after and I just cried. I know this isn’t the end of the world, but it sucks. It just plain sucks. Im so self conscience and worried what other people will think that having someone tell me Im going to be covered in spots for up to 6 months made me bawl like a baby. Why? Why do I care what other people will think? And why am I going to make myself miserable this summer by wearing pants? I honestly don’t know.

Its something I need to work on. Its also something I don’t want my kids to have to worry about. I want them to be themselves no matter what anyone thinks. Maybe this is why I let Ryley take her microphone toy to the grocery store and sing ‘Twinkle Twinkle’ non stop. I want her to know its ok to be unique, even if people are staring. That standing out is not a bad thing. That she is imperfectly perfect. [I need to practice what I preach!] Now if I could only take my own advice and put on some shorts this summer!

Author information

Kelley

Kelley is a work at home mom who loves making her kids laugh. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and the everyday chaos of life.

The post Wearings Pants in Summer appeared first on The Grant Life.

S’mores Brownie Bars

Kelley — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 11:00:09 +0000

I love summer! Ok, not really. I like summer, I think its nice, but I don’t love it. What I should have said is, I love summer food! [That's more accurate.] Hot dogs, burgers, grilled veggies and the mack daddy of summer food – s’mores! When we lived in Michigan during the summer, we would have a fire and s’mores with family. I wish that we were able to have fires down here in Texas, but its too hot to even consider it most nights. So to curb my s’mores craving I created an indoor version – S’mores Brownie Bars!

Don’t they look delicious? And the best part – they are SO easy to make! I whipped up a pan during nap time and still had time to spare. But I cheated a little and used a brownie mix. [No shame in my s'mores making game!]

To make your own S’mores Brownie Bars you will need:

1 cup Graham cracker crumbs
1/2 stick of butter
Brownie mix - 1 egg, 1/3 cup oil, 2 tablespoon water
Marshmallows

To start – melt your butter in the microwave. Add your graham cracker crumbs to the melted butter and mix until all the crumbs are covered. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a pan [I used a 9x9]. I put my crust in the freezer while I worked on the brownie mix. Im not 100 percent sure why, but it seemed to help.

Add your brownie mix to the graham cracker crust and bake it for 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven. Once the brownies have set a little, remove from the oven and place your marshmallows on top. I just ripped mine in half and added them to the brownie layers. Bake for another 8 – 12 minutes.

Let them cool and cut into squares. While I was cutting them, chunks of toasted mallow fell off the side of the pan. And I ate it. And I have no shame because it was delicious.

These are hands down amazing. My husband agreed. My kids agree. I agree. [That's all that matters, right?] My only question now is – is it acceptable to have s’mores for breakfast?

Author information

Kelley

Kelley is a work at home mom who loves making her kids laugh. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and the everyday chaos of life.

The post S’mores Brownie Bars appeared first on The Grant Life.

Father’s Day Giveaway – $150 to Home Depot

Kelley — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:59:04 +0000

Are you ready to spoil your dad this Sunday? Well, we’ve got you covered! I’ve teamed up with some amazing friends to bring yall a giveaway just in time for Father’s Day! We are giving away $150 to Home Depot! The best part is the winner will be mailed an e-card on Saturday! Perfect timing to buy something special for dad.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author information

Kelley

Kelley is a work at home mom who loves making her kids laugh. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and the everyday chaos of life.

The post Father’s Day Giveaway – $150 to Home Depot appeared first on The Grant Life.

Easy Summer Crafts for Kids

Kelley — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:00:57 +0000

Its officially summer in most places and that means that the kids are home all.day.long. And if you are like us and live where it is blazing hot during the day, then inside activities are the best. Its hard to contain my kids energy so when we are stuck inside I try to have them focus on fun crafts. They both love to paint and experiment with new textures so it works out great. I’ve rounded up some easy summer crafts for kids to share today! You know, in case you want to keep your sanity this summer.

What’s your favorite thing to do indoors during the summer?

Author information

Kelley

Kelley is a work at home mom who loves making her kids laugh. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and the everyday chaos of life.

The post Easy Summer Crafts for Kids appeared first on The Grant Life.

Instax Mini Instant Camera Giveaway

Kelley — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 03:00:39 +0000

Yall, I am so excited to share this giveaway tonight! My sweet friend Kimberly did a review of an Instax mini instant camera and decided to give one away. [Because she loved it so much!] I love the old Polaroid cameras, they were the coolest back in the day. Well the Instax is the new version of that cool camera!

Be sure to read Kimberly’s review of the Instax too! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Giveaway is open to US residents ages 18 and over and ends at 11:59pm EST on June 22nd, 2013. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Approximate retail value is $99.00. One winner will be selected. This is a giveaway sponsored as a group buy, which means the bloggers pooled their money together to purchase this product for you. All liabilities and responsibilities with product is directly responsible by FujiFilm. Winner will drawn by random.org from all verified entries, contacted by email provided, and announced on this page at the end of the contest. Winner has 48 hours to respond or prize will be redrawn. Entrant is responsible for the email address they provide, whether through typing it directly or through the Facebook entry method. A Night Owl is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails. All prizes will be awarded. No prize substitutions allowed. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook and we hereby release Facebook of any liability. Information is provided to A Night Owl, not to Facebook and your information is never sold or shared. Facebook and Target are not a sponsor of this giveaway. Prize is mailed directly by Kimberly Sneed of A Night Owl and requires confirmation of delivery. Protected tweets do not count as an entry method for tweeting. Tweets must come from a public account. Bloggers in this group giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

Author information

Kelley

Kelley is a work at home mom who loves making her kids laugh. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and the everyday chaos of life.

The post Instax Mini Instant Camera Giveaway appeared first on The Grant Life.