Sunflowers and Clovers

Eloise Has Arrived

2012-01-12T16:30:00.000-06:00

Announcing the birth of our daughter, Eloise Diane. She was born on December 17th at 9:21a weighing 7lbs 4 oz and 18in long. She's a beauty and we love her to pieces.

Life has been fun so far and not so bad balancing 2 kids. Keep in mind my mother in law stayed with us until January 6th and my dad has been here the last week. I haven't really been alone yet but I'm lovin on all the company. Keep 'em comin!!

Harrison, Grandma Pat, & Eloise

Our darling girl, little miss Eloise

Gotta get back to the kiddos.

XoXo

Reindeer Munch

2011-12-11T09:05:00.001-06:00

I put together this Reindeer Munch last night for the family & I to snack on & it was YUMMY!

I found the recipe in my December Parents magazine.

Reindeer Munch

active cooking time - 20 minutes

total time - 50 minutes

Ingredients

2 cups Chex cereal

2 cups thin pretzel sticks

1 cup salted peanuts

1 cup dried cranberries

1 cup M&M's

12 oz white chocolate chips

Make It

1. In a very large bowl combine the cereal, pretzels, peanuts, cranberries, and M&M's; set aside.

2. Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Follow package instructions for microwave times. Pour over cereal mixture; toss to coat.

3. Spread mixture on a large piece of foil. Let stand until set (about 30 minutes). Break into bite-size pieces. Makes 12 cups.

Enjoy!

XoXo

Santa 2011

2011-12-04T14:17:00.000-06:00

Well we got Harrison in to see Santa. What an ordeal! It was one of those constructed Santa houses put up between 2 shops in an outdoor shopping mall. It was nice but man you can get crowded in there. It was quite the painful experience & as you can tell by Harrison's picture with Santa, it was painful for everyone.

With keeping the Christmas spirit alive, here's a happy Ho Ho Ho to everyone plus an extra giggle for the picture. Chris & I got a good kick out of it. :)

You'd think this Santa has never held a child before.

Happy December friends!

XoXo

Trick-or-Treat

2011-11-13T16:17:00.000-06:00

Well this year the Miller Family enjoyed trick-or-treating with our friends, the Slocum's. We drove to Gretna which is about 45 min from our home and went trick-or-treating with Addie and her many cousins. Harrison dressed up as a Blue Monster this year. We only made it to a few homes before we could tell Harrison was done with the whole door to door thing even though daddy held him most of the time. He was a bit unsure of this Halloween/Candy thing. He mainly wanted to get back to Addie's house so he could play with all of her toys especially her kitchen set. I bet you don't know what we want to get Harrison for Christmas this year. :)

Here are pictures from this years Halloween-o-Fun!

Thanks again Slocum's for having us. We had a great time and maybe next year Harrison will make it a bit farther down the street.

XoXo

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-19T11:23:00.000-05:00

The family and I headed to the pumpkin patch yesterday and had a great time. We went with some friends, the Slocum's, and they definitely showed us a great place to visit time & time again. Really hoping my sister and her family come around this time next year so we can take the kids to Vala's Pumpkin Patch.

We got there around 4:30p and stayed until around 8p. We went through a kid-friendly Haunted House, Harrison went on his first tractor and train ride, played in some of their fun play areas, daddy took Harrison down the BIG slide, and then we finished the evening off with a Hayrack ride and picked out some pumpkins.

Hayrack ride was at the end of the night and by that point Harrison was tired and cold. Once we got off the tractor Harrison took a finy fall (no injuries) which led him to cry uncontrollably. But nothing mommy wasn't able to help calm him down from once we got back to the main park area and were able to head back to the Slocum's home where Harrison was able to play with Addie and all of her fun toys. He especially loves her kitchen stuff.

We had some yummy pizza and took off for home around 9:30p. The Slocum's live about 40-45 min from us and with it already being 1.5 hrs past Harrison's bed time, IT WAS LATE! But Ang let us borrow some of Addie's not-so-girly pj's so we got Harrison changed, loaded him up for home, and he slept the entire way home and by the time we got there, around 10:30p, he was put into his bed & was out for the count.

We had a great time and I will definitely be making this the kids yearly pumpkin patch treat and it's not too far of a distance away. Really great set-up!

Here are some fun pics from the night. Enjoy, we sure did!

We're all definitely looking forward to Halloween now.

XoXo
me

Stop Chipping!

2011-10-16T14:29:00.002-05:00

***Update 10/20/11***

I ended up taking my polish off last night. I was sitting on the couch last night watching TV with the husband and I started peeling off my polish. Good thing about this, I didn't have to use much polish remover since a majority of the polish came off in 1 piece. Bad news, I think I'll eventually go back to shellacking. It's offered in about every nail salon now so I know that I'll be paying about half the price than what I was back in 2009. I'll just have to keep them up. Every 2-3 weeks up.

***Update 10/19/11***

I have had to fix 3 nails. Fix in a good way that I feel the polish is doing it's job. It's the kind-of fix where I think there's too much top coat being applied & I've been able to literally peel the entire polish surface off of my nail without using any nail polish remover. So I still feel that we're doing good here. On day 4. Yay!

I have been on a mission lately to have nice nails again. The only problem is they start chipping within a few days & it's driving me bonkers! So I've been trying to do my research on finding a great base & top coat. I've been to Beauty First and they recommended OPI's start-to-finish and I've been using that & it's been working relatively well. The polish will last 3-4 days before you really see some good chips.

Next I was on one of the many blogs I follow, The Small Things Blog, and I read all the comments and decided to try Sally Hansen's products. Here is a picture of my nails after less than 1 day.

All I did that day before I looked down and saw how chipped my nails were getting was go & get my brows waxed and went to the library. Besides getting Harrison in & out of his carseat, didn't do too much else. Now my nails are in water a lot during the day with cleaning cups and such but these did not last long at all. I will not be using these products again!

Products used here: Sally Hansen Hard as Wraps Powerful Acrylic Gel base coat, Chanel Peridot, then finished with Sally Hansen No Chip Acrylic top coat.

Now I'm on to my next plan of attack. After the whole Sally Hansen failure I went to Sally Beauty Supply. The woman recommended Orly for my base coat and then Seche Vite for my top coat (the entire name of the products are listed below). So far so good as you can tell by the picture below. I will be applying the top coat every night as a preventative and even an oil for nail beds so I can keep my nails and fingers from drying out from the dish washing and such.

Day 1

Products used here are: Orly Bonder Gel base coat, OPI You Don't Know Jacques, then finished with Seche Vite fast drying top coat.

I will keep you posted on how well these new products from Sally Beauty Supply last. If these don't work I may just have to bite the bullet and start doing shellacking again. Not that I didn't like the gel shellacking before, it's just a lot of upkeep outside of the house with having to get them done every 2 weeks and once baby girl get's here, I just won't have as much time for that as I would with being able to do my nails at night from the comfort of my own bed.

Family Photos

2011-10-11T15:16:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago McKenzie and I decided to get our 2 little families together to get some photos taken. So we got Andie over at Andie Albers Photography to take our pictures for us.

I'm looking forward to getting the CD in the mail from her with all of the images but until then she did post some sneak peek's on her facebook page.

If you didn't know, Andie is also the one who captured Harrison's 7.5 mos pictures. Still such great photos and I love looking at them because he just looks so little & baby-like in them. You know because he's so old now (15.5 mos!!)!!

The Charlton/Miller/Ek Family

Sisters & our gorgeous babes

The Ek Family

The Miller Family

The Charlton/Ek Family

My boy! (what a weekend we had with this one!)

Mr. Greyson - Love you buddy!

Yarn and Felt Wreath

2011-09-12T20:51:00.000-05:00

Well followers I to have hopped onto the yarn wreath band wagon. Unsure of what it is but this pregnancy has gotten me all sorts of crafty.

I found some great ideas for some yarn wreaths on the blog, Tatertots and Jello and went with this great Fall felt wreath from Home Stories A to Z.

Cute, huh?

So yesterday I ventured out to my local Michael's and bought the supplies I needed. That included a glue gun, glue sticks, foam wreath, yarn, felt pieces and then some embellishments. My total came out to be $47. and change. I am however taking back some of the yarn, some felt pieces and I decided against using the embellishments so my total will be less. Somewhere in the $37. range (I would guess).

Here are my pics before, some during and then the after. Not too bad for someone who doesn't consider herself very crafty.

Products purchased

After I wrapped the grey yarn all around the wreath.

After I criss-crossed white yarn and then orange yarn

My finished wreath

Next up on my DIY list, chalkboard making. Post soon to follow.

Happy Fall!

XoXo

Peanut Butter Pie

2011-09-03T16:24:00.000-05:00

This afternoon I was just playing around on one of my many blog sites, The Happiest Mom, and came across the story of a woman, Jennie, who writes what looks to be an amazing food blog. Jennie has just lost her husband of 18 years and I just had a huge WOW moment of, this can't ever happen to me! Please read her blog, In Jennie's Kitchen, and check out her story. Tears, a la, lots and lots of tears!

Here was her request though, to make a Peanut Butter Pie. Her husband Mikey's favorite. So if I can do this little thing for someone who lives in Brooklyn, NY, I will. Now I've never made a Peanut Butter Pie before or very many pies for that matter. But I'm going to give this a go. I know that when I lost my mom people were always wanting to know what they could do for me and for my family. You never truly know what to say to them. You're in such a haze that you don't even know what to do yourself. Food is always such a comforting thing and it helps fuel your heart even when your heart is broken. So here is my Peanut Butter Pie in memory of a man who left this earth too early and in memory of all of our loved ones who have gone before us.

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie from In Jennie's Kitchen

Serves 10 to 12

8 ounces chocolate cookies
4 tablespoons butter, melted
4 ounces finely chopped chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup creamy-style peanut butter
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 – 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Add the cookies to the bowl of a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Combine melted butter and cookie crumbs in a small bowl, and stir with a fork to mix well. Press mixture into the bottom and 1-inch up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan.

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. Pour over bottom of cookie crust and spread to the edges using an off-set spatula. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the melted chocolate. Place pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

Pour the heavy cream into a bowl and beat using a stand mixer or hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a small bowl and store in refrigerator until ready to use. Place the cream cheese and peanut butter in a deep bowl. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and gradually beat in the confectioner's sugar. Add the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract and lemon juice. Increase speed to medium and beat until all the ingredients are combined and filling is smooth.

Stir in 1/3 of the whipped cream into the filling mixture (helps lighten the batter, making it easier to fold in the remaining whipped cream). Fold in the remaining whipped cream. Pour the filling into the prepared springform pan. Drizzle the melted chocolate on top, if using, and refrigerate for three hours or overnight before serving.

Here are the pictures of my Creamy Peanut Butter Pie creation & the outcome was amazing. So very very yummy and amazing!

The mess that comes with making the pie

Had to showcase this yummy treat

Ahhhh... so good!

So if you have the time some day please take the time & make this yummy treat & in doing so, think of Mikey.

XoXo

A New Arrival

2011-08-14T14:00:00.000-05:00

Oh dear, oh dear, my heart is in love again.

My little baby sister (yes, she's almost 29 but will always & forever be this white haired, bucked teeth little sister who followed me everywhere) had a baby. Greyson Donald Ek arrived July 24th weighing 6 lbs 10 oz and 18 in long.

He's got some very proud parents. Grandparents. Aunts. Uncles. OK, everyone is proud!

Here are a few pictures of the new little stinker. I just can't wait for Harrison to meet his new little cousin at the end of September at a family wedding. Enjoy the love!

XoXo
me

Our Boy Turns 1!

2011-07-03T22:00:00.001-05:00

The family loaded up our car & headed to Kansas City for the big weekend & we all had a great time & it was just wonderful being home. Our dear sweet Harrison Louis turned 1 on June 24th & at 6:54p we all cheered & sang a sweet Happy Birthday to him. It was lovely & of course I teared up. Who wouldn't?

On Saturday, I helped host a baby shower for my little sister, McKenzie. She's due with her first baby on August 9th & I couldn't be more happy and excited for her & Andy. I especially can't wait to find out what they're going to have. I'm thinking girl but we'll see.

Sunday we had a family and friends birthday party for Harrison over at our Kansas City home of Alan and LoLeeta Cordel. Harrison had his own cake made especially for him by Grandma Leeta and he loved it! It was such a special day and I was so thrilled at everyone who was able to make his big party. I can't believe my baby boy is 1. It truly feels like yesterday when he was born. Pretty soon he'll be having kids of his own & I'll wonder where the time went.

Since I haven't blogged in a while, I haven't announced my happy news on here yet. We're pregnant again and due December 20th. Our babes will only be 18 months apart. This little one is coming a bit sooner than I had thought but obviously, truly meant to be. It is fun being pregnant with my sister at the same time but it's just too bad we're no longer in the same city anymore. Always only a phone call away though.

Well, it's getting late (for me) so I'll leave you with a few pics of the fun weekend we had. It is about time though that I updated my few followers. Goodnight & sweet dreams.

XoXo
me

Singing Happy Birthday to our boy

Gimme, gimme, gimme!!!

Now this is some good stuff!

Grandma Leeta with Harrison's cookie cake

McKenzie, LoLeeta & myself

Dad & his girls

Sisters pregnant together

Leah, Kellie, McKenzie & myself at her baby shower

Visit!

2011-04-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend we had! So great that Chris is still recovering & it's Tuesday. Feel better babe!

McK, Andy & Eddie came into town to visit us at our new home. They got in Friday night & left on Sunday afternoon. The boys golfed on Saturday while McK, Harry & myself went to Target. Then we frequented my favorite wing spot here in town called The Watering Hole. Grilled wings = awesome! Then Saturday night we met at our friends Gary & Stefanie's home & also met up with Tim & Ang. We grilled cabobs & had some cocktails before we headed to a country concert at Uncle Ron's. Got home around midnight & the babysitter (our 2nd now while in Lincoln & she was super sweet, thanks Laura!) was fabulous! We all woke up Sunday, slowly woke-up, & then we went to brunch then the Ek's headed back to Andover.

All in all, we had a wonderful time! See you soon McK at your family shower back in KC in just a few short days. Baby E is on his/her way!

Chris, myself, Harrison, McKenzie & Andy (right before we left for our Saturday night concert)

............

Cake cookes! I made these this past weekend & they are super yummy so as promised if they were good & turned out well, I'd share.

Cake cookes

1 - 8 oz bar of cream cheese, softened

1 stick of unsalted butter, softened

1 egg, room temp
1 tsp vanilla extract
Add all ingredients to 1 box of Butter Golden Cake Mix

Mix about 1.5 cups of powdered sugar & 1 TBSP cinn. Roll dough into balls & roll them into powdered sugar mixture. Bake on greased cookie sheeet at 350 degrees for 15-17 min. Could be less, could be more depending on your oven. Let cookies cool for about 10 minutes. Then place tops of cooled cookies back into powdered sugar mixture & enjoy. Makes about 2 dozen cookies depending on the size of cookies you make.

Talk soon,

Weekends-a-Plenty

2011-04-10T17:43:00.000-05:00

What a fun weekend!

Friday night we just hung out at home with just each other. Now we were drinking of course but when is that ever a bad thing? Saturday night Chris had some friends of his over from his home town of Ravenna, NE. They brought their 1 year old son Aaron who had just turned 1 the day before. So here is Aaron's big shout out - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!. We had some beers along with some spinach, artichoke & crab dip, then we oven cooked our filets. That's the way to go when cooking nice small filets. Sear them in a cast iron skillet with just a small amount of olive oil then you put them into a 425 degree oven for about 8 minutes depending on how well you want them cooked. We like ours a bit red. All you put on the steaks is some cracked peppercorn & sea salt. Yumm-mmy! Then today, well we went to our first Nebraska women's softball game then Chris's brother Myron, his wife Jenny, their 2 boys Jake & Sam, their good friend Jill and Chris & Myron's cousin Olga all come over after the game for some burgers and hot dogs. Now Chris and I are sitting in a very quiet home watching the Masters while Harry sleeps. Not a bad end to what was a wonderful weekend.

I think this week I'm going to make some Cake Cookies that my sister's friend Leah posted on her blog. I'll post the recipe if I'm able to get them to come out tasting good. They're her husbands favorite so hopefully they'll come out tasting scrumptious. May sign Harry up for some swim lessons at the local YMCA and then just get ready for a visit from my sister McKenzie & brother-in-law Andy.

Another great weekend ahead? I think so!

XoXo
me

Time Flies When You're Moving Around

2011-04-04T12:23:00.000-05:00

It's been a few months since my last post and lots has happened. Let's see, Harrison turned 7 months, 8 months & is now 9 months old. He's getting bigger by the minute & his personality is truly starting to shine through. We've moved out of our home in Kansas City & to Lincoln, NE. Yes you heard me right, Lincoln, NE. It's actually a very friendly city & the area is real nice too. I love our new home and man, my honey-do list is building every day. I want to paint EVERYTHING, change out some of the flooring, and many accessories around the home like light fixtures and knobs. All in time though, all in time. My little sister is pregnant & due August 9th & I can't wait to meet my little niece or nephew. I do think she's having a girl. Hair bows a plenty as well as pink tutus. I can't wait so Harrison & I will be traveling to Andover, KS come August for the birth of his 8th cousin and for my new little niece/nephew whom I'm going to spoil, spoil, spoil. Yippee!!

9 months old

Will do my best to post more often & to add more pics of my little man as they come but to end this post here is a picture of Harrison's photo shoot at 7.5 months. I used a friend of McKenzie's & Andy's. Her name is Andie Albers and she does great work. Check out her website!

7.5 months old

Take care everyone & we'll chat soon!

XoXo

The Joys of the Season

2011-01-03T17:20:00.000-06:00

We had a wonderful 1st Christmas with our baby boy Harrison "Harry". We traveled to Fairbury, NE to spend Christmas with Chris's family. Harrison was with all 7 of his cousins & his aunts & uncle's. Then the Sunday after Christmas we traveled to Kearney, NE to meet Harrison's great-grandma Dorothy. It was a great time seeing Chris's dad, Dale's family. After Kearney we traveled the very short trip to Ravenna, NE (daddy's home town) to visit with Harrison's great-grandma June as well as more cousins, aunts & uncle's. All-in-all, Christmas was a fun trip and we had a great time seeing old friends, new friends, and family members galore. It's always nice getting home though after such a long trip (5 hours there & then back with a 6-month old, 6 days gone, & 1 baby cold).

Opening some presents....

.... then eating the gift wrap.

Having fun riding Ben & Samantha's little horse.

Grandma Pat, Great-Grandma June, Chris, & Harry (snoozing, of course!)

Harry with all of his cousins on Chris's side. What a group!

I thought of a great tradition to bring in Grandma Diane to our holiday events. Now we didn't get to it but it was thought of & will be done next Christmas. And who says we can't do it now. Watching the 1951 A Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim as Scrooge. My mom loved this Christmas movie & what a better way to feel her presence. Harrison & I also made a Christmas ornament. My sister McKenzie bought us this clay kit to imprint Harry's hand into & then make it into a Chrismtas ornament. It's cute don't ya think?!

Harry & mommy's craft project. Thanks Aunty McKenzie!

This holiday season Harry was also baptised. He was baptised on December 19th. Chris's parents & brother Myron & his family all came in for the big event. We had great friends, almost my entire side & some of Chris's & what a better way to start off Christmas then getting Harrison baptised. He was a wonderful little boy during the event & didn't even shed a tear. Maybe getting him baptised at 6 months has it's perks compared to say a 1 month old. Who knows though. Maybe we'll wait that long for our 2nd to be baptised and he/she will be a terror (I hope I didn't just jinx myself!).

Father Cook, myself, Chris & of course the baby of the hour.
Hope you all had blessed holidays. Here's to 2011 and to all the joys it will bring our family.

XoXo

*Here's a pic from my phone (sorry for the roughness) of Harrison loving what his Grandpa Mike gave him for his baptism/Christmas. It's a hit!

Questions & Traditions

2010-11-29T13:21:00.000-06:00

I'm at a place... this can mean so many things & so many different things to anyone. Today, I'm at a place & I miss my mom. What would she teach me about being a mom? Everything! Like am I doing this right? Should I start this now? What would you suggest? Just tell me already! & the ever important, MOM, I NEED YOU MORE THAN EVER! So am I doing this right? I think so. I think however we decide to raise Harrison, is the correct way. Flaws & all. I'm at the ever constant place of wondering, how will I know. Like how will I know when he's sick & how to help him. Google has become my saving grace. I type in so many questions & I get some pretty good feedback. So here is my new one, what traditions should my husband & myself start for our family. Is it putting up the tree together? Starting a 12 days of X-mas tradition of some sort? Should we always give Harrison new pj's every year? I do like this one!! All of these questions have been weighing on my thoughts quite a bit lately. Maybe it's because the other night I decided to have some "me" time so I went upstairs and took a bath. Then about 5 minutes later the husband, baby & dog all decide to come up and my husband surprises me with a nice glass of red wine, then leaves. That's when it all hit me. BAM, I MISS MY MOM! I know that she would of loved Chris especially for the way he treats and loves me, and she would of loved Charlie and she would of ADORED Harrison. I then felt like I had been cheated, like they had been cheated for not ever meeting her. No Megan, she was cheated! So I need to find a way to bring in not only a tradition every X-mas, holiday what have you, but a fun tradition of bringing my mom to life so my son grows up knowing his grandma. So I may just do pj's for us, but something in the form of a gift that I can give my children every year that can help them "know" their grandma Diane. Something to help me feel my moms presence and hopefully a genuine peace of coming to terms with the fact that she's gone. The holidays are always the hardest and man oh man, she loved the holidays. Decorating, shopping, gift giving, being with friends and family.... so what can I come up with? This is one question that I'm asking and will find the correct answer on my own. I will let you know what I come up with too. I'll let you know what tradition that I've started with my family and how I was able to bring my mom to life this X-mas and next.

Sorry this post just kind-of rambled on and may not of fully made sense but it made sense in my head and heart. So it may be jumbled but I'm a jumbled kind-of gal.

Now I'm off to tend to my boys. I sure do hope everyone had happy Thanksgivings. We sure did!

XoXo
me

Pumpkin Chili

2010-10-20T14:14:00.000-05:00

Now this is definitely a first for me. Chili. I've never been a fan of the stuff because of the beans but last Sunday night I became a semi-fan. I had my monthly book club to attend and one of the girls had made pumpkin chili and I really enjoyed it. I don't know if it was the wine we were having or the great Sunday it had turned out to be weather wise & family/friend wise but I enjoyed it. So I made it last night for Chris & myself and again, it was good. Now I may add more pumpkin next time but nonetheless, it was yummy.

So I figured why not share with my blogging community.

Enjoy! :P

Pumpkin Chili

2 cups canned pumpkin
3 lbs ground beef
2 - 16 oz cans red kidney beans
2 med. onions, chopped
3 - 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
2 TBSP chili powder
1/4 tsp red peppers
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
2 bay leaves

1. Brown ground beef and pour off grease.
2. Add rest of ingredients to pot, stirring well. Simmer 1 - 2 hours.
3. Serve with crackers, cornbread, cheese, sour cream, whatever your heart craves.
4. Enjoy!

Those LOVEly Milestones

2010-09-30T11:19:00.001-05:00

LOVE. There is a new meaning to this word now & it doesn't come in the form of words. It comes with every new glance I take looking at Harry. My little monkey. I love this little baby boy so much! I never honestly thought it would ever happen. You know, this mom thing. It still doesn't feel entirely real to me. I look at him, hold him, feed him, kiss him, hug him, tickle him & I still have to remind myself that he's MY baby. I'm not just babysitting for a friend or relative. Of which all friends & relatives never asked me to babysit considering I never truly ever enjoyed that job. Now who didn't babysit growing up? I did & yeah, it was ok. I was able to go on fun vacations & buy things that my parents wouldn't otherwise buy for me. But I didn't advertise for the chance to wipe any slobber or change dirty diapers. Now this is my full-time job. I enjoy wiping my baby's slobber & changing those dirty diapers. I love being able to witness all of his milestones. Like sitting up in his bumbo & rolling over for the first time. These milestones, they are worth the blood, sweat & tears. *No blood was shed in the typing of this post.

So here's to my little monkey man & for loving me. Here's to sitting in your bumbo & for flipping for mommy. These are the days that will make us who we are. The days filled with love. I look forward to loving on you for the rest of my life. I look forward to the day you have children of your own & me still looking at you & seeing my little baby boy.

Why All The Beef?

2010-09-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

I just read that many moms are boycotting Old Navy because of this onesie. I actually bought this onesie thinking how absolutely adorable it is & still do. I plan on having Harry wear this & to wear it proudly. He's breastfed & formula fed. There are so many onesie's out there that are bf powered so why not be happy to shout out formula powered. Harry has a onesie proudly announcing both. So why all the beef? We have to do what we can to make sure our munchkin's are fed so as a new mom, I'll do whatever I can to make sure mine is fed & grows & is happy to boot.

What To Write About

2010-09-17T18:57:00.003-05:00

I can't seem to think of other things to blog about except for blogging about my life these days. I didn't want my blog to be about that in the beginning so I tried to find other things to blog about. I've noticed that all of my recent blog posts have all been about whats been going on in my life. Not only will I post about things I'm truly interested IN, LIKE, WANT, NEED, CRAVE... but also the every day goings on in my life. My family is: Chris, Charlie, and Harrison (Harry) & that is the most interesting thing about ME. I find there are so many blogs out there that are so interesting & I wonder why I feel mine isn't. There are blogs I belong to that are about food, design, fashion & I love them all! I mean to me a blog is an online diary after all so why not write in her. Yes, my diary is a she. I'm surrounded by boys in my house so why not try & bring about another girl. So here is to the birth of my 'she blog' and to all of what's interesting about US.

So here we go...

Harry is getting so big! He was 12 weeks yesterday and will be 3 months old a week from today. I dressed him in the same outfit today that I had him in when he turned 1 week old. Look at the size difference.

He's getting much better rather than the non-stop fussing/crying/gassy/refluxy baby I had in the beginning. Praise our pediatrician for the medicine Harry is taking because in my mind, it's working. Now I still have some things I need to work on with Harry and the number 1 is tummy time. I just can't seem to get him too interested in it except for a minute a day. But I guess a minute a day is better than doing none a day. I also want to get him interested in his baby sling and/or Baby Bjorn. It would be much easier during the day when he wants to be held for me to place him in there & to still be able to do other things around the house. All a work in process though.

I'm still buying about every book out there and asking all of my friends who were moms before me on advice. I just want to do good by him and I'm so worried of screwing him up. Like many say though, however you end up parenting him turns out was the best way for him because he is your son. So I need to stop putting so much pressure on myself.

Charlie is still hanging in there and still sharing his time with me with Harrison. I know he's still a bit jealous over the whole thing but he's been a superchamp ever since Harry came home and I am so lucky to have such a wonderful first born in Charlie. Love ya booger butt!

Well I'm going to sign off for now but I just had to write this. It's been weighing on me that I don't spend enough time writing down my thoughts and I need to spend more time doing so. What would be the point of having a blog if I didn't write at least 1 post a month.

Harrison Louis

2010-08-03T20:32:00.000-05:00

It has been too too long since I posted as we've been a bit busy around our house. We welcomed our son Harrison Louis on June 24th at 6:54pm. He weighed 7 lbs. 1 oz & was 19 inches long. As of July 13th he weighed 8 lbs & was 21.5 inches long. He's getting bigger each day & changing each day. It's definitely been an adventure so far & I'm looking forward to sleeping a nice long night in about 18 years. Ha!

Once I get more used to this mom stuff I'll try to start posting more soon but until then here's just something I made last night & tonight that were really yummy for this tired mommy.

Beer Bread:
3 cups self rising flour
3 TBSP of sugar
1 can/bottle of beer

Mix all ingredients together & bake at 350* for 50 minutes. Let cool & then just enjoy. I sure did!

Banana Cake:
1 box of Pillsbury White Cake Mix
2-3 ripe bananas

Follow directions on back of cake mix except when it calls for 1 cup of water I used 2/3 cup. Once you've mixed all the ingredients used for your cake then add in your mushed up bananas. Then bake as required for whichever pan size you decide to use.

Once your cake is done let cool then slather on some icing. I got my icing recipe off of Rachel Ray's website for Vanilla Frosting.

I would have posted pics of the finished products but I've already cut into each & have devoured almost all of each. Whoops! : P

So instead I'm ending this quick post with a pic of my 2 boys, Harrison & Charlie.

Night all!

XoXo
me

Nursery = Done!

2010-06-21T12:58:00.000-05:00

Well I think the nursery is finally finished. Yay! Here are a few updated pictures & I can just breathe that sigh of relief that I feel that I'm prepared and now ready for my little man's arrival.

Wish us luck as I'm hoping that he'll be here very very soon :)

Nursery Progress

2010-04-23T10:13:00.000-05:00

I have finally taken some pictures of the nursery. I was waiting for the chair to be delivered & it was, today! We still have some small projects to complete like hanging the curtains, picture & raising up my side table so it's about 2.5 inches taller. Gotta make easier access for the husband to be able to help change poopy diapers. But... we are almost done! I can't wait to just sit in there & just glide away. Maybe even take a nap or 2 :)

We're Making Progress

2010-04-07T14:05:00.001-05:00

Well I don't have much to report but it has been a while so I thought that I would update you.

The hubster & I finally started on the nursery. We cleared out almost everything except for the furniture we're planning on using, i.e. armoire, side table - a.k.a. changing table & then my queen size bed. Yes, my queen size bed. We can't get the dang box mattess down our basement stairs so we're trying to pawn them off on a relative & I think my sister and her husband are biting.

The painter is coming out early next week to paint the room and we decided to go with the color sand pearl by Behr. We ordered the chair last week from Nebraska Furniture Mart in a chocolate brown color. The chair is a glider & armchair. No rockers for this chick! Then I went on a shopping spree to Target and got an ivory shag rug, side table, then some brown curtains and a white lamp. If you don't remember the bedding then please take a look here.

All in all I think we're on a roll & I'm bound and determined to get my little wee man's room done by April 18th since that is the date of my first baby shower & I'm not one to put up with too much clutter. Now the chair won't be delivered until May 7th but other than that I'll be one happy mommy-to-be.

Cheers,

It Has Begun

2010-02-24T15:09:00.000-06:00

Well the hubby and I have officially begun the process of getting our little tyke's room together. We got his crib last week at Nebraska Furniture Mart. I can't quite remember the name of our crib but it looks an awful lot like this one except we got it in the honey oak color to match my old bedroom armoire and side table.

Today my little sister McKenzie found the perfect bedding for what will be the perfect bedroom. I just love it! You can check it out online here.

Now I just need to pick out the paint color which I'm thinking will be a soft off-white color. Our woodwork in the room is already painted white & we have white wooden blinds in there & once I get the bedding in I'll take the little quilt with me to pick out some curtains, a rug & whatever little items I feel will be needed.

Can't wait for the finished product & for Baby Boy Miller to be sleeping soundly (I hope) in his little haven.

Happy 101 Award

2010-02-16T12:53:00.003-06:00

I have been awarded the Happy 101 Award from a new friend of mine, Suzanne, over at Sunshine and Wine. I can't remember the last time I was given an award so I hope I don't let her down.

So here goes my Top 10 things that make me Happy:

1. My darling, can't get enough of, Husband. We met 4 years ago and we had a very quick courtship. Moved in at 4 months, engaged at 5 months & then married 10 months later. What can I say? When you know it's right, it's right!

2. My darling babies, Charlie & Callie. I have been the proud mama to Charlie our Golden Retriever since he was 9 weeks old & he'll be 3 on May 29th. Chris got him for me for my 29th birthday & he has made me love his ever growing fluff of a body ever since. My baby girl Callie our Boxer was adopted on May 3, 2009. She was rescued from a bad breeder. Now we've had some ups & down with Callie since October 24th when she had a FEC occur on her spine causing her to be paralized for 3 weeks. She has since been able to walk & run (hop) on her own but she never did get control of her bowels back so my darling baby girl had to go to a home that can make life easier on her & us. It's called Second Chance Barnyard and until she can get control back, that will be her new home but in the meantime I call every week, will send gifts-a-plenty, make trips to see her, & have her stay with us on weekends when we can go & get her & bring her back to KC. *If you'd like more information on Second Chance Barnyard, please feel free to ask. It's a great organization & the woman in charge there, Shawn, is an angel.

3. My baby boy whose due July 2nd! I am so very excited to meet my little bundle of joy & I look forward to feeling him move around & kick me (hopefully very soon). In the meantime I feel little flutters & am able to listen to his heartbeat daily thanks to some good friends who have lent us their heart moniter while we wait for his arrival.

4. My family. Now we all have days where our families can bug the ever living pooters out of us but we also have those days where we can't say it's complete until you hear from them. That's how it is with us. I chat daily with my little sister & have to keep tabs on my dad. He's Mad Mike after all and someone has got to keep him in line.

5. My girlfriends. I really don't know what all I can say about them except if I didn't have them, my life wouldn't work. We all have that special little group and I definitely have mine. They keep me sane! I love them, one and all!

6. Alcohol. Is it a bad sign when that's one of your Top 10? I hope not because I enjoy nice cold frosty mugs of Bud Light, I enjoy Red Beers, I enjoy Red Wine, I enjoy Margarita's... Now obviously I'm unable to drink any at the moment & surprisingly you don't miss it all that bad especially considering what a miracle is being made & there isn't anything I will do to mess that up.

7. Wine Country. Now this does relate to #6 but in a different way. The beauty of Napa Valley just astounds me. I have been lucky to venture that way twice now. Once for my honeymoon and the second time with some good friends and I want to go back again, and again, and again, and again. The food, the wineries, the scenery, the locals, just... EVERYTHING. It's pure and utter bliss and if I could have a dream someday of having that "Summer" home, it would be there. Sign me up year after year, please & thank you!!

8. Purses. I'm a wee bit addicted to these little wonders of joy. I have many and my taste keeps getting more and more expensive as time goes by & as the husband says 'yes' each time. I love them, can't get enough of them, little bundles of joy. So yes, I do plan on getting a lovely diaper bag. I told my husband that it is technically another purse I'm going to have to be carrying around for a while so I want it to be nice & something that I'll love. He reluctantly said Yes. So I plan on desinging myself one at 1154 Lill Studio. I should get a start on this since it is a huge decision to make & I doubt the mister will let me get a new one if I get bored.

9. Shopping. I'm truly enjoying decorating our home, buying clothes, you know it, I enjoy it! Now I'm not good at finding good deals becuase I'm the type of person that if I want it then I want it NOW. My patience is something that needs to be worked on, just a bit. I would have to say though that my favorite stores are Target, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Wal Mart, beauty stores, ... Now I'm also the type of person that only likes to shop when in the mood. I'm not always in the mood to spend, shocker! I'm also the type that likes to run in & run out. I couldn't spend all day looking. I guess that's a good thing in the grand scheme of things though, wouldn't you say?!?

10. Mom. This is definitely a last but never least item. My mom. Gotta love her! My mom unfortunately passed away at the very young age of 55 on June 30, 2005 from brain cancer. She fought a hard short battle. She was diagnosed in July 2004 and had 2 brain surgeries, one in August 2004 and the second in February 2005. She loved life! She loved her family, friends, shopping & finding that great deal, decorating, cooking, and I'm sure putting me in my place when MoMo (that is I) was being bad. Miss her everyday and I'm sad my son will never get to know his grandma but that won't stop me from putting pictures up everywhere of her & telling him stories about his wonderful & loving grandma, Lady Di.

So here's to my list. I feel I've even made myself proud with this one. I'm sure I've left some things off that could have been shared but for the time being, it's perfect!

Thanks again Suzanne for the award!! I'm truly honored to of been one of the receivers of this special gift as your blog amazes me everyday I click on it to get inspired. You're a very creative soul & I hope to be just as creative as you someday.

xoxo
me

My Own Personal Shout-Out!

2010-02-02T16:00:00.005-06:00

I figured since I mentioned my 2 friends, Megan & Jackie, who are pregnant & found out their sex I should let my small little blog audience know my news.

My husband and myself are expecting a baby boy on or around July 2nd!!!

It's crazy to think that I have the male genitalia growing inside of me but I'm ready for the ride.

My friend Jackie is super pumped! She can not wait until we have our boys sign up for swimming, softball, soccer,... together so we can become sports moms together & watch our kids play on Saturdays. Not a bad idea I say!

So here's to my son, oh my goodness I said son. I love you baby boy & I CAN NOT wait to meet you!!!

xoxo
your mom

~~ I would also like to wish my mom a very happy birthday today. Even though you are no longer with us you are never out of our thoughts. I love you mom (soon-to-be-grandma)

Congrats!!!

2010-01-25T14:54:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to my 2 dear friends, Megan K. & Jackie H. Both ladies have just found out what they are having for babies come this June. Megan found out last week that she's having a little girl & Jackie just found out today she's having a boy. Do I hear boyfriend/girlfriend in their futures?

Loves to you both!

Manicured Nails

2010-01-05T10:06:00.006-06:00

If you're anything like me then you love getting your nails done just as much as I do. It's like a SPA DAY. Man oh man I do love me spa day's! I think the last full spa day I had was right before my wedding 2.5 years ago. So sad. This should be a hint to my husband but I don't think he gets around to reading my blog very often.

The reason for my post is to let you & anyone else in on a new discovery. OPI Axxium Gels. They are amazing! I mean I've tried acrylic nails time & time again & I always just feel so... fake when I wear them. I have good strong nails but I can never get my polish to last. Chipping, breaking & never lasting longer than 2 days. I love having polish on since I think that looks so much better than plain Jane nails but lately that's what I've been doing since I get so dang frustrated just trying to keep my polish to stick.

So now we get to OPI Axxium Gels. During November one of my sister's good buds, sister was around & she was talking about this new polish technique that she gets done in Chicago where she lives. So I emailed her about this & she raved. So I did a bit of research on them & then looked up places that might actually do this technique in Kansas City since it's so new. Like 6 months new. And wa-la, I found a place. LuLu's in Overland Park. Here is their description of the nails & the technique that is used. ~~NEW!! OPI AXXIUM GELS - Strong, beautiful, all-one-length natural nails can be difficult to grow and maintain. You use your hands for so many things every day – working on the computer, crafting, digging in your purse – that nails often suffer. But you can have the nails you want – in fact, your nails, only better – with the new Axxium Gel System by OPI. Available only at professional salons, Axxium acts as an invisible layer of protection for your nails, keeping them strong so that they can grow without breaking. Plus, Axxium gives your nails incredible shine. And you won’t even know you’re wearing gels – Axxium gels are virtually weightless, and the finish is so sheer and flawless that your own nails show through.~~http://www.lulusalonandspa.com/lu_spaservices.php Jennifer Wyatt is the nail tech who has now applied this technique to me, twice. She's awesome & so fun & nice to talk to. I first had OPI Red applied to my nails & the color lasted for 2 weeks. 2 weeks I tell you! No chipping, no nothing! I just went back in on Saturday, 1/2, & she applied OPI Passion & so far, so good.

I just love this product! It's a very thin gel nail polish that's applied right over your natural nail & you would NEVER EVER even know that it wasn't just your typical polish. So if you are interested at all, check it out. In my opinion, it's well worth the money knowing that my hands look as good as I feel.

I'm attaching 2 pictures I took of my nails. Not the best quality since taken with my phone but you can see how natural they look. No thick acrylics. It's just a thicker nail polish that actually lasts.

That's the ticket!

XoXo

Bedding a'la Lovely!

2009-12-12T09:42:00.005-06:00

It's here, it's finally here! Sorry it took me a few weeks to post pictures of our new bedding. Too bad since Callie is still unable to get up the stairs on her own since her accident in October we've been sleeping downstairs. I love going upstairs & just looking at it though. Feels so... grown-up! Gotta love 400-thread count!

Christmas & Puppies in the Snow

2009-12-12T09:22:00.007-06:00

Here are just a few pictures of my Christmas decorating skills. Nothing too great but hey, it works!!

As well as some puppy fun in the snow. Love Callie's coat! I had to get her something warm to play in since her brother is so well equipped already in the fur department.

Long Overdue

2009-11-30T11:58:00.002-06:00

Well I hope everyone had a very safe & happy Gobble Gobble Turkey Day!

My husband, 2 dogs & myself all travelled to New Mexico for turkey day & we had a wonderful & very relaxing, much deserved week. We left on Tuesday, 11/24 & came back yesterday. The drive though I can definitely do without. 13 hours of pure boredom. I could do without the trek across Texas too. BORING STATE!!!

I'm going to try & get my home decorated for Christmas which usually isn't much to be desired but I'm hoping to get back into the blog world soon.

XoXo
me

My Recipe Box

2009-10-10T07:32:00.004-05:00

I have been collecting recipes now for a few years. What meals to make for the husband? You know the "I'm going to see if I'm a good cook" recipes. Well I just had them packed away on a shelf in this pink shoebox that I had gotten when I purchased a pair of shoes from Target. I never knew what I had in there & I had multiple copies of the same recipes. Honestly, it just looked really messy & just un-organized & I'm NOT an un-organized lady. So I decided to test out my DIY skills and put together a better form of storing my recipes so I knew what I had & it made it easier on the trees by not printing out the SAME EXACT RECIPE AGAIN.

So here are some pictures of my little project. I just bought a simple green 1 1/2 in. green binder from my local grocery store. I just took my pink box full of recipes to work with me yesterday & I had 3-hole punched them all & then put them in the green binder under categories... apps/dips, sides, desserts, beef recipes, chicken recipes, .... however you want to organize them. Then I printed out a cute page that said - RECIPES - & then I just placed it in the inside of the clear sheet on the outside of the binder.

Now I have an easier & so much more attractive recipe organizer for the recipes I print from my home/work computer to go alongside my recipe books.

Not too shabby for a Friday DIY project while at work.

Well everyone enjoy the rest of your weekend. I'm off to the Crawl for Cancer in Westport today. Here's to kicking cancers ass one beer at a time & to all our heavenly angels who have gone before us ~ especially you mama!

Fishing

2009-10-09T10:45:00.006-05:00

Well here is proof that the husband did indeed go fishing this past week. He caught some good sized Walleye & I tried out my cooking skills with them last night. Was pretty good. If you're ever in need of a fried Walleye recipe here you go:

Honey-Fried Walleye Recipe:

Ingredients
1 egg
1 teaspoon honey
1 cup coarsely crushed saltines (about 22 crackers)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 to 6 walleye fillets (about 1-1/2 pounds)
Canola oil
Additional honey

Directions
In a shallow bowl, beat egg and honey. In another bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, flour, salt and pepper. Dip fillets into egg mixture, then coat with crumb mixture.
In a large skillet, heat 1/4 in. of oil; fry fish over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Drizzle with honey. Yield: 4-6 servings.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Honey-Fried-Walleye

I'll leave you with my husband holding his prizes.

Have good weekends!

Update!

2009-10-03T11:30:00.001-05:00

The husband decided to go on a fishing trip for 5 days this weekend. He left this morning and he's driving with a friend to MN and they'll be fishing in Canada.

I was ALL for this trip!! Why you may ask? Well it's because he will more than likely be spending WAAAAAY more than what I would on our new bedding so I said if you go fishing (& miss my sister & her fiance's shower) then I get new bedding.

Ordering my stuff today!!! Gotta love a bargain!!! Will post pictures when I have the finished product. Won't be until November, but it's always great waiting for the sure thing!

Chow & happy weekends!!!
Xo
me

Kitchen Organization

2009-10-01T10:49:00.008-05:00

I live in a very old home in the Brookside area of Kansas City. It was built in 1926 so needless to say it's cute and very old. It's Tudor style and I do love it! My only problem right now is my galley kitchen. Oh how I would love to have a kitchen island. Next house for sure. I crave a kitchen island! Unfortunately that is not in the cards for this home. I do however need more room to store things. I have cabinets but some that are just too difficult for me to reach (I'm only 5'2"). I keep items in there that I don't use that often. I need to find some kind of buffet of some sort to be able to store more items in and that will look good.

Here are a few that have struck my fancy. They're all from Crate and Barrel. The dark wood one is called the Kipling Buffet/Hutch Top and it's priced at $1298. The red cabinet is called the Rojo Cabinet and it's priced at $999. The honey wood cabinet is called the Basque Honey Small Buffet/Hutch Top and it's priced at $1698.

We need to come up with something to do.

Below are pictures of my kitchen currently. It's a neat blue color and we have kept with the stained wood look. The rest of the wood in our home is painted white. The red could look really neat in there.

So as you can see it's long and narrow & not a whole lot of storage space. The spot that I'm thinking of wanting to put a hutch would be in the corner leading into the dining room where you can see our dog Charlie's food & water bowls. It's a pretty slim spot to put something meaning I don't want a big hutch sticking out. Who knows but what I do know is that if I want to continue with this next goal I'm going to be needing to do some measuring & searching.

Bedding Makeover

2009-09-29T11:39:00.005-05:00

I'm wanting to update our master bedroom with some new bedding. I found this lovely bedding set on Pottery Barn's website. It's called the Morgan collection. I love the simplicity and crispness of the whole look! The espresso color would tie in perfectly with our paint color. With an added touch of the powder blue quilt we'd be golden! The only problem is that after tax I would be spending over $1000. smackeroos. Ouch!!! So needless to say I'll be dreaming of this set right now. I don't think convincing the husband I need new bedding at this price would work out to well for me in the end.

Here's to counting sheep in 400 thread count sheets.

Xo
me

Hair-Do!

2009-09-21T15:31:00.004-05:00

I truly like my short and somewhat easy hairstyle. I could do without the flatiron a day but I know myself, and if I don't have it the way I like it, I won't be happy. So if I were to ever get the itch to grow it a bit, I think I'd like this style.

This style seems very carefree and easy. It looks like it's a longer version of a bob that is thinned out a bit with long layers throughout. My kind of haircut! All I would have to do is grow my hair out about 2-3 inches and grow out my bangs. I dig my bangs though. I feel I look younger than I am. (Sssshhhh, I'm 31!)

We'll see!

Callie Ann

2009-09-17T18:22:00.006-05:00

Introducing Callie Ann Miller! We adopted our baby girl on May 3, 2009. I can't believe I've waited until now to show her off. My bad! :(

She was rescued from a bad breeder. They think she was around 12mos. old when we got her. They were breeding my poor girl & at such a terribly young age. So in my opinion this is probably why she is sooo small. She's a Boxer breed and with brindle coloring. She is quite beautiful! She's only about 36 pounds and for a Boxer, she's small! Her Birthday will officially be the day she came into our lives, May 3rd. She has adapted quite well & I don't even want to begin to imagine what her life was like before she came into ours. 'scuse the French, but what Bastards!

She enjoys her brother Charlie quite well now but it has taken time. She loves her yellow squeaky bone & she definitely loves her mommy & daddy. She's a love!

Out of the Basket...

2009-09-17T18:04:00.005-05:00

... and positioned quite nicely onto our new quilt stand. Yes, after over 2 years of marriage (May 19, 2007) we are finally able to show off our 'Guest Book Quilt'. Rather than having a Guest Book that I knew I would more than likely never glance at again, Chris' mom, Pat, made us a Guest Book Quilt. Chris' sister Erin had one & I absolutely adored it! So... after 2 long years of sitting in a basket in our bedroom and never being seen or being shown off, I found the PERFECT quilt stand. I found it at Z Gallerie and it wasn't too terribly expensive ($50+ & that's with tax). I didn't want a crafty one & with being in such an old home, hanging one on the wall was definitely OUT OF THE QUESTION! So here it is & please do enjoy it. I sure am!

Here is also a picture of my new couch. Don't ya just love the blanket that's now draped on the cushion? It's going to be about 2-3 weeks before I get my new cushion covers from Nell Hill's. I'm thinking I may cover them with plastic like Marie did on Everybody Loves Raymond. What do you think?

Until next time,

Oh My Goodness!

2009-09-15T14:25:00.005-05:00

You know how I posted pics of our new couch of which we just got 2 weeks ago? Well if you don't, just scroll down. Pretty pics aren't they? Well... last Friday I spilled my full glass of red wine on the cushions. You heard me correctly. I got the stain out off of the back of the couch but 2 out of the 3 cushions are ruined! I got the stains out with this Oxy dog stuff but then I decided to put the 2 cushion covers I spilled red wine on into the washing machine. I used no detergent but figured I could get the rest of the stain out by soaking & spinning. Well our machine spinned alright. It unraveled my fabric. I hear all of those gasps! So I've called Nell Hill's & have re-ordered 2 new couch cusion covers. I just can't believe my stupidity. These last 2 weeks have been brutal to say the least.

So until I get my new cushions back on my couch, my couch is unfinished & our bums are sitting on a very pretty blanket of mine until they can be covered back up.

Oh le sigh, le sigh for sure!

It's Here!

2009-09-02T17:48:00.013-05:00

Our couch has finally arrived! It is everything & more that I wanted in a new sofa. It's classic, pretty & dang it, it just makes the room soooo much bigger!!!

So here are a few pictures of our new sofa & chairs. I tried to get a bigger room shot but limited on where I can stand to try & get good view for the camera.

Next, new TV & new TV stand. I'll give you a picture of that once we get it. No need to see the old stand & TV right now.

New Furniture

2009-07-20T09:51:00.004-05:00

OK, here are just a couple of pictures of our new furniture. Keep in mind I used my phone to take these so they're not very good.

I ordered the couch in an eggshell herringbone (ivory). Along w/ the couch I got 4 pillows. 2 will be in a chocolate fabric w/ lime green piping & the remaining 2 will have a print on them. Lime green, chocolate and white. I wish I could explain the fabric but it's difficult. Again, 7 weeks to go on waiting for the couch to get in. Love it though!!

We ordered these 2 leather chairs from Nebraska Furniture Mart yesterday and we'll get them in on Friday, 7/25. We decided to go for a mismatched feel but in the same color category. The chair on the left is actually a recliner. I'll spend a majority of my time in that one.

Once we get the couch in is when we'll decide if we'll need a coffee table or not. I have it in my head for a glass table since I feel that won't make the room feel smaller. I've been wanting one for a while I just haven't found it yet. I will though!

Looking forward to the new flat screen next!

Excited!
Me

New Living Room Furniture

2009-07-15T15:57:00.005-05:00

Now this is one post I'm happy to be writing.

Yesterday I purchased a new sofa! Yay!! I got it at Nell Hill's (love that place!) http://www.nellhills.com/ & it's called the Dublin Sofa which is very fitting. I picked out an eggshell colored herringbone for the sofa and the pillows (4 of them) I got 2 of them in chocolate with lime green trim & the other two are in this lime green back splash with these chocolate leaves as the print. So hard to explain, I know! You'll have to wait 8 weeks before I can take pictures but I tell you, I'm excited! Maybe it was also because I got such a wonderful discount on them - about 45%. Now I won't divulge the price but let's just say it was a pretty darn good deal!

Chris & I will next be shopping for leather chairs. I want 2! In between the leather chairs I purchased a white ceramic garden stool from Nell Hill's. I was going to get the peridot green version from Pottery Barn but they were all sold out & plus the Nell Hill's version was quite a bit less (about 60% less). I'm just going to put a lime green candle or something on top of the stool to bring out the lime green.

Now it will be a while before I can post before and after pictures (2 months) but trust me, it'll be worth the wait.

Excited!
Me

Congrats Are In Order!

2009-05-12T16:12:00.006-05:00

I just wanted to congratulate my little sister McKenzie and her now fiance Andy. Andy proposed to my sister on Saturday (5/9) out at his grandparents lakehouse in Lake Kahola (about 20 min. outside of Emporia).

He did such a wonderful job planning everything & surprising McKenzie with not only proposing to her but having her family be there when she showed up to what she thought was a mother's day dinner.

Congrats Andy & McK!!!

I'd also like to acknowledge my mom for Mother's Day. I know I'm late in doing so but here's to you mom. I will love you always & forever & not a day goes by that I don't think about you.

Feb. 2, 1950 - June 30, 2005 Sunflowers from McK & Andy's engagement party representing mom.

They're Here!

2009-04-26T18:21:00.009-05:00

OK, so it's taken me a LONG time to take some pictures of our closet. I've had a pretty busy month and all I can say is thank gosh tax season is over!!! ENJOY, I sure do!!

Now for the garage demolition! Whew!!! I have to give some major props to my husband & our neighbor. They actually got it torn down by Friday night & completed the project on Saturday afternoon. I also have to give them props for only having me & the neighbors wife just help with the clean-up. But I can at least say I helped with the demo. Whoop, whoop!!!

Now I'm just looking forward to having the new garage in and to having an automatic garage door. I also love the fact that I won't be scared it'll come down on me at any moment. We probably have a month or two before that happens but at least I can finally believe it will now. I sure did not like that garage!

So like I promised, pictures were finally posted. Here's to me getting a bit better at this blogging thing and to enjoying this hot Summer we're about to encounter. All of that with a beautifully built walk-in closet courtesy of my dad and brother and to having a garage that you can actually park your car in.

For an ending to my weekend here are the two loves of my life, Chris and Charlie.

XoXo, Me

Yummy

2009-04-24T14:19:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've been able to post anything so here's just a little taste to get everyone ready for the weekend. It's a Twilight taste!

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/04/73163/index.html

My husband & myself will be working this weekend along with our neighbors whom we share our driveway with by tearing down our shared garage. The garage is so bad it leans & there are skylights in there big enough to fit a Tahoe through. It's a hazard! Here's to getting that eyesore out of the way & to a new garage in it's place!

Enjoy your weekends & I'll be back next week with some pictures of our new closet & of the garage demolition.

What To Read Next?

2009-03-27T11:46:00.009-05:00

Well since I am officially less than 1 chapter away from finishing the Twilight books, 'le sigh... I needed to find something new to read.

Book 1 to get:

I receive a daily report from Daily Candy. Super neat stuff if you've never gone on their website, please check it out! http://www.dailycandy.com/ One of my newest of reports was called, We've Got the Tower, & the report was about a book called "Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned" by Wells Tower. It's basically the complete opposite of my usual fiction books which usually always end in Happy Endings (nothing wrong at all with that!). The book centers around real people with whom you can identify with. It's not all happy, lovey stuff (which I fully enjoy) but there are some hilarious moments that will add some light & airy mixes to the real life guts of this book.

Book 2 to get:

The next book I'm going to check out as well is called, "Thanks for the Memories" by Cecelia Ahern. I read her book, "P.S. I Love You" and really fell in love with her. I was able to sympathize with the P.S. I Love You's main character because of my lifes realities with my mom and with her losing her battle with brain cancer. So now I'm going to check out this next one. The book is about a woman whose mourning a miscarriage and divorce. Per the magazine article I got this out of, Marie Claire~ written by Jihan Thompson, the woman in the book, Joyce Conway ends up having a blood transfusion which in turn leaves her with some of her donors memories which then introduces you to the hottie donor... I'm sure you can guess the outcome but it'll be a good "getting there" ending for me. Enter my love for happy, lovey stuff :)

Home is...

2009-03-18T09:29:00.018-05:00

Home is where the heart is...

I've been wanting to redecorate my living room for sometime now and I'm trying to find some good ideas as on what to do.

I was thinking that I would want some new drapes rather than the gathered ones that we currently have. I want some free flowing ones. Something that will make the room feel lighter & bigger!

(Cameron Cotton Drape - Pottery Barn)

Next is a coffee table. We currently don't own one because our furniture is too big for the space we live in. Here is a good idea of what I'm thinking about. I really enjoy the look of the Tanner Coffee Table because I feel it would really open the room up.

(Tanner Coffee Table - Pottery Barn)

My next venture is for a new TV stand which means a new TV. I'm still having trouble convincing the hubby to agree with me on this. But here is what I'm looking for.

(Kingston Corner Media Stand - Crate and Barrel)

The next few big pieces of furniture we would need would be a new couch and chair for our space. I really enjoy our couch but it's a sectional and I've never felt that it fit the space. Like I said, we have a small living room (sorry, no dimensions to give you). Our chair, well it's huge! I love our chair but it is just WAY TO BIG FOR OUR SPACE.

I really enjoy the Seabury Sofa. I really like the clean lines & it seems to be a bit more modern than your "average" sofa. The Greenwhich would be my 2nd choice. The name just screams Manhattan! Now for the chairs ~ I've always wanted a leather chair. I'd have to say that with the look that I feel I'm going for I would say my first choice would be the Arlington Chair. It just has this "grown up" look to it.

(Seabury Sofa - P.B.) (Greenwich Sofa - P.B.)

(Arlington Leather Armchair - P.B.) (Addin Leather Armchair - P.B.)

Well I'm off to dream of this fabulous living room I've just created. Would love to go shop & buy, buy, buy but... I have to hold off for a while. Need to save after the big walk-in closet we just had done.

I'm getting a bit creative just a little bit at a time :)

Luck 'O' The Irish

2009-03-16T15:12:00.000-05:00

Since it's almost St. Paddy's day I thought I would share a corned beef and cabbage recipe with everyone. I'll be trying this out myself so I hope it's enjoyable! Be safe tom. & have a wonderful St. Patrick's day!!

Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage

By Linda Larsen, About.com

Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 10 hours

Ingredients:

6 carrots. cut into chunks

2 onions, chopped

2-3 lb. corned beef brisket with seasoning packet

12 oz. can beer (non alcoholic is fine)

2 Tbsp. yellow mustard

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup water

8 wedges cabbage

Preparation:

In 4-6 quart crockpot, combine carrots and onions. Rinse corned beef under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Place in crockpot and sprinkle with contents of seasoning mix. Pour beer over brisket and spread mustard on brisket. In small bowl mix brown sugar with water and pour over brisket. Cover crockpot and cook on low setting for 11-12 hours. Remove corned beef from crockpot and cover with foil to keep warm. Add cabbage wedges to vegetables and liquid in crockpot. Cover crockpot and cook on high for additional 30-40 minutes or until cabbage is crisp tender.

To serve, cut beef across grain into thin slices. Remove vegetables from slow cooker with slotted spoon and serve with beef. Serve cooking juices over the food, if desired. Offer additional mustard on the side. 8 servings

Charlie

2009-03-12T17:01:00.000-05:00

For an end of the day pleaser. My husband just sent me this link and I just had to post on my blog.

http://www.divinecaroline.com/article/22063/68520-boy--world-s-ten-smartest-dogs

My husband & I adopted our special little love bug Charlie back in August 2007 and he's a Golden Retriever and most whole heartedly the love of my life (besides Chris of course). Charlie will be 2 on May 29, 2009 and I'm trying to convince Chris of having a b-day party for our son.

Check out the article above and see where your loved one ranks. If he or she isn't ranked, well then we know where he or she is in your hearts.

Pilates, Yoga & All That Jazz

2009-03-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

It has been a goal of mine and I'm sure many, many, MANY others out there to start working out ... again. Well I have found a place that I feel may actually suit my needs. I just need to get off of my rump and actually start going on a weekly basis. I've been 3 times & I've skipped 3 times. But all of my excuses are valid! I "cross my fingers" promise.

I found this studio off of a friend of mine's facebook account. The studio is called Fusion Fitness and it's located at 80th & Metcalf (of course above a Mexican restaurant ~ oh margaritas!).

I went ahead and purchased one private session to begin my journey because I honestly didn't want to walk into a room full of women and/or men (equal opportunity) and be completely humiliated by my less then expert workout mojo. My session was at 6a, gasp! And it went smoothly except for the bit where I almost passed out because of course I didn't eat anything before I went. Shandi (my workout expert who was able to do everything & more being many months pregnant) told me after my session that I did pretty well (yeah for a girl who about passed out on you & complained I'm sure for most of the hour she was there) & that I should just think about joining the beginners class, Fusion Lite. So I did & so can you!

Please check out their website and let me know if you're ever interested in joining me on a Monday night for the Fusion Lite class. I feel that maybe the more I recruit to join me the more excuses I can't get out of like leaving a friend stranded because I couldn't move my tush over into Kansas ;) http://www.fusionfitnesskc.com/

Our New Boudoir Furniture

2009-03-10T15:54:00.000-05:00

The attic has finally been completed (pictures to come) so now it was our task to find our new bedroom furniture. Chris & I went to Crate & Barrel over the weekend & found a bed we really liked called the Tate Bed but with the limited amount of space we had to work with upstairs we were unable to purchase. So I set my sites on the Archer headboard. I called our lovely helper that worked with us over the weekend to place my order. I had it all planned out: the Archer headboard, the Sloane Leaning Bookcase, and the Clairemont Pedestals for our side bed stands as well as the Hedera Rug for our downstairs bedroom that we had repainted. Then the bad news strikes, the Archer headboard is only available in the full bed size & we have a queen - bummer! The nice lady at Crate & Barrel then preceded to tell me that if I wanted to special order the Archer headboard it would cost like over $1500 & I could buy the entire bed (frame & all) for $1300. Doesn't make sense to me either. So after that let down I went ahead & ordered everything besides the headboard.

After getting off the phone with Crate & Barrel I got onto Pottery Barn's website and found our headboard. It's called the Georgetown headboard & I really like it! I just hope this bedroom comes together the way I'm picturing it.

Now comes our bedroom rug. Surprisingly enough we found it at Home Depot. It's very fun, shaggy & groovy. It's called the Balta Lane Change in the chocolate.

Hope you like our selections! (The top 3 are the Georgetown headboard, Clairemont pedestal & Sloane bookcase & the bottom 4 are the Tate Bed, Archer headboard, the Hedera rug & the Balta rug)

R-Pattz

2009-03-06T10:30:00.000-06:00

For a nice Friday ahhhh moment here is a picture of Robert Pattinson, a.k.a. Edward Cullen. I found this picture on one of my many gossip sites (Perez Hilton) today & I just had to share. Does this make me a bad person since I'm married?

If you're interested in checking out any of my daily gossip sites/style sites take a gander: http://www.perezhilton.com/, http://www.bricksandstonesgossip.com/, http://www.pinkisthenewblog.com/, http://www.people.com/, http://www.instyle.com/, www.luckymag.com. Love them all!!!

Yummy Coffee

2009-03-05T21:58:00.000-06:00

My husband (the smart man that he is) got me this great new coffee pot for Christmas and I just had to share with you what I get to exerpience every morning before heading off to the office. My lovely & 'oh so stylish' coffee maker, Mr. Keurig. We purchase our little coffee's at Bed, Bath & Beyond but you can also get them online through the Keurig site as well as other retailers. So... next time your visiting please have me make you a nice cup of coffee. Hot tea is also a must!!! Enjoy & be jealous :)

Jewelry

2009-03-05T21:34:00.000-06:00

Here is another great occasion for myself. The drawer organizer. I can now see all of the earrings I own so I can actually start wearing some of them again or for the first time. Gotta love Bed, Bath & Beyond!

One of my new favorite things... my jewelry tree. For years I just had what jewelry I had strown around pictures, door knobs, an old coffee cup holder... I think you get the picture. Well now I have my gorgeous tree. It may look cluttered to you but now I can see it all & I have a clearer picture of what I have, need, use & don't use. So my story here is that if you ever need an idea as to how you should display your jewels well ease your mind because the jewelry tree is a great way to show you what you have. I purchased the tree at Revival Home Furnishings in Overland Park, KS.

Much more organization to come. I'm working on our closets next. Stay tuned for the finished walk-in closet pictures as well. It's about time I get my butt in gear! I've only lived in our house now for 2.5 years.

Blogging

2009-03-03T16:34:00.000-06:00

I've been recently inspired to begin an "online diary" by a friend of mine. I see this as a form of therapy and a form of inspiration for me. Maybe I'll get more creative as time goes by or maybe I'll just forget this whole blogging process all together. I've never been much for writing nor have I ever been very creative at it. But... here goes nothin'. Wish me luck & enjoy the ride!

Blogging by definition: A blog (a contraction of the term weblog) is a website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.