Dishes

I hated doing dishes as a kid and I hate doing them now. If fact I have a sink full now and I have finally learned that waking up to them ruins the start of my day. So nothing interesting tonight just the knowledge that some things you don't grow out of once you reach adulthood. For me it's a messy bedroom and loathing the chore of dishes. Thank goodness the girls are old enough to start taking over some of the dish doing. As for my bedroom it's a battle but an important one so I am trying to keep it nice. I think once it gets it's make over it will be even easier to keep clean. Off to do the dishes...oh how I hate doing the dishes...

My Dad

Today's blog is because I miss my Dad. I love the way he interacts with my children. I appreciate how generous he is with time and sometimes money too!! I love when he lets me see his soft side and makes me laugh when he acts all tough. I love that even though his body sometimes screams sixty something, his heart is my age. I love that even though life has been hard and unfair, he still loves Jesus as though it has been perfect. I love that thinking about him makes me smile. I love that God has given me the best Dad a kid could get. I love that because of my dad me and my family love and serve God and therefore have the best life ever. So Dad...thanks. Thanks for everything. The good times, the not so good times, the mistakes and the successes. It's because of you that I am who I am. I am blessed and grateful that you are mine. I love you...

Am I Worth It?

I have a dilemma. This summer is the Close To My Heart convention and I really want to go. I will get to see Nona whom I haven't seen in a couple of years, spend time with Tiphanie and attend classes and have a great weekend. So what's the dilemma? It's expensive. I know I can save the money but once I do it's this big chunk of change and there are so many things to "need" instead of want. I was surprised that the real issue is do I think I am worth the money it will take to go? Much like my dear husband my paychecks get eaten up by bills and needs for everyone but me. So all this pocket money I was supposed to have has not quite materialized like I had hoped. It has been awesome as Christmas, birthday's and a bunch of other things have been paid for with my little pay check. God has been good and it has stretched far. So if I have done all this for nearly a year for everyone else, why do I feel guilty spending it on myself?? Maybe it's time I blaze new trails for Mom's like me that feel like everyone else in the family is worth great things but us. In my head it really doesn't come out as such a pity party and that's not what I am trying to convey but it is there in the back of my head. Otherwise there is zero reason for me not to be excited about going. No reason I should second guess it because it will be paid for in cash. The other cool thing is I, unlike others can drive to it. So here is what I am going to do. I am going to keep this New Year's Resolution and I am going to go. I am going to take time for myself in one giant chunk and do something that is just for me and all about what I want to do. It may be selfish it may not but I will be sure to let you know how it all works out!! Secondly I will purpose in my head that I will not allow myself to feel anything but excited. As each dollar is saved I will choose to be proud of myself and excited that I have this opportunity. Plus it will give me good practice saving because Ron is turning 40 in 2011 and as we all know it will be here before we know it! I am NEVER going to be able to quit my job...lol

Then and Now

I have stuff to say but no time to say it so enjoy these then and now pictures. The years are 2007/2010.


Ryan

Too Much Garlic?

So I had a lean cuisine for dinner. I was in a hurry so I heated it up and ate it kind of fast. Initially it had like zero flavor until it was gone. I literally gagged myself with the garlic flavor in my mouth. I had to go to a meeting shortly there after so now I am trying not to speak to anyone. Good thing I had a roll of certs so I ate so many of those I am working on a stomach ache. Won't be having that particular meal any more. So you might have eaten too much garlic if your own mouth makes you ill!!!

Happy January 2!!

Because our New Year's Eve/New Year's Day was super lame the girls planned a party for January 2. I had to work 2AM on New Years Day and Ron Closed New Year's Eve so it didn't leave much time for much fun. I told the girls if they would like to celebrate then perhaps they could plan the party. They poured over recipes, selected them, made a grocery list and provided us with invitations. On Saturday morning Ron took Reagan to the grocery store and purchased her items. They spent the day cooking and cleaning up their messes and we had the BEST dinner ever.




Our first course was a white cheese pizza dip. This was so good it was insane. We dipped bread and broccoli. Yum!! Reagan got her first try at putting things in and out of the oven. It made me nervous but since she was following instructions I figured she needed to learn sometime. She did great!

The next course was this amazing Chicken roll. It was Asian inspired and consisted of chicken, carrots, broccoli and celery sauteed in Asian hot chili sauce and oyster sauce. Then it was scooped into crescent rolls and baked. Super yummy and I will be making this again!

They followed it up with a banana split like ice cream sundae. Oh and I forgot to mention that there was a banana smoothie in there some place but no one really liked it. All in all super fun. Once they got it cleaned up they had a movie picked out and we watched it as a family. It was neat watching both girls learn new skills in the kitchen. It was also encouraging to see them gain confidence as they read and followed directions as each dish turned out to perfection. We will be doing this again soon. I hear rumor of a Valentine's Day party!!

Things in the Night

So a snowman nearly took my life today. This one to be exact:

Reagan built him yesterday. However I woke up last night and didn't know where I was, thought I missed worked and after laughing at me Ron sent me back to bed. When it was finally time to get up for work I grabbed my shower, got ready and came downstairs to let the dog out. I happened to glance out the back window and saw the white figure staring at me. Thus the near life taking. This comes off me hearing someone that is not visible saying, "Mommy" super soft and it's never my children. Well that only happened twice but if you put it all together...scary stuff. After realizing it was the snowman I laughed at myself and called the dog back in the house. Should have been paying attention to what he did out there because I thought he was finished. Imagine my surprise when I went to get the oatmeal out and my sock was warm and wet. Should have just gone back to bed then. Here is a picture of the sculptress and her creation: