Goodbye 2011 - Hello 2012

Another year has come and gone. I am a lucky woman! I have an amazing son who is funny, smart and beautiful inside and out....I am very proud to say I am his Mama....I love him with my whole heart...he is my world. I have a husband who sticks with me through thick and thin...my soul mate, my best friend.....my love.....life wouldn't be complete without him. I have 2 amazing step children that I love with all my heart and am blessed to have them in my life:-) I have a family that I love dearly.... that are always by my side...and most of all I have my life. Life is a beautiful thing! I look forward to enjoying another year with all of these great people!!!! Life is good:-) 2012 is going to be a great year!!!

New Years Resolutions for 2012

Spend as much one on one time as you can with your family...it means everything:-)
Get more into photography/crafts/scrapping....things you enjoy!!
Get healthier! (you ain't gettin' no younger)
Become more financially secure
Don't sweat the small stuff....life is too precious:-) Don't be afraid to just "live a little"
More date nights with my hubby!!! We never seem to have the time...we need to MAKE THE TIME:-)
Read more!


Glad I don't have to put "quit smoking" on my resolutions this year!!!! I haven't smoked in forever!! WHOOOO HOOOO!

Cool X-Mas present!

I got this mug from a co-worker this year and think it's just the cutest thing ever:-) How thoughtful!!! I love it!

Weekly Menu 12/27/11

Monday - Went out with hubby:-)

Tuesday: Tacos

Wednesday: BBQ Chicken, fried potatoes, mac-n-cheese, green beans

Thursday: Joel has the kids to himself this night (pizza night)

Friday: Fettucini Alfredo, Bread, Salad

Sat: NEW YEARS EVE - Baked chicken, mashed potatoes, black eyed peas - brownies for dessert!

Sunday: BBQ Meatballs, rice, peas

Weekly Goals 12/26/11

Well, this is the last week of 2011....going to enjoy it and not make too many goals...we all know they will pile up again for the New Year Resolutions!!

1. Work on crafts/scrap page
2. Keep up with laundry
3. Eat at home...except on planned dinners

Weekly Goal Results 12/19/11

1. Workout and eat well this week (portion control) - NO
2. Drink lots of water NO soda - YES
3. Finish the Hunger Games (1st book) - 3 pages to go...couldn't stay awake last night!
4. Do something crafty...anything...get back into it...it makes you HAPPY! - Yes...worked on a few different projects!!
5. Try a new recipe! - Yes, tried a few Christmas recipes...
http://simplyum.blogspot.com/2011/12/white-chocolate-cherry-shortbread.html
http://simplyum.blogspot.com/2011/12/peppermint-popcorn-bark.html
6. Read Dave Ramsey to plan with Joel for after X-Mas! - Yep, we are working on it...and making changes to get on the right track financially!

Istanbul Grill - "review"

This has become me and my hubbies FAVORITE place to eat. It's absolutely delicious!!!! If you haven't ever had turkish food...don't be scared. It's nothing weird. They have great meats...rice...hummus...etc. There isn't one thing on the menu that we have tried and not enjoyed! You must try this place out.

Joels favorite: KARISIK IZGARA (MIXED GRILL).......................................$16.95

My favorite: ISKENDER KEBAB........................................................$12.00

http://www.istanbulgrilltx.com/

I give this place a 5 out of 5 stars by far!! ENJOY:-)

Crazy Stupid Love - "review"

My husband and I both loved this movie.

It's a realistic story about life....marriage....decisions....friendship...etc... Great acting...great story. I can't think of anything I didn't like about this movie. Oh, did I mention Ryan Goslin takes his shirt off and is TOTALLY HOT??? OMG:-)

Great "date night" movie!

I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars!

Change Up - "review"

My husband and I were pretty lazy this holiday season and enjoyed every second of it:-) We rented a few movies...one being...Change Up.

This is a movie about two friends that have completely different lives. One is single...no responsibilities....hooking up with the girls...no kiddos. The other is married, successful, children....and never anytime for himself. They are out drinking one night...and end up switching bodies. The next morning they wake up as the other...and are able to live each others lives.

The plot is great...could have been a VERY funny movie....but they totally trashed it out. It was VERY crude and just down right trashy. My husband and I were both very dissapointed.

I give this movie 2 out of 5 stars!

DIY Body Scrub....

Sooo...I am totally hooked on Pinterest. If you haven't checked out...you MUST! It's awesome...for everything:-)

I love all of the DIY projects that people post...or should I say "pin". Recently I have seen a lot of the DIY body scrubs. Not sure about you...but this whitey has really dry skin in the winter. It drives me crazy! My sister and I have always said it's because our Nana scrubbed us too hard in the tub...and that's why our skin is sooo dry...lol. We came out of the bath clean when Nana was bathing us I can promise you that:-)

Anywho.....I decided to try one of these scrubs. The stuff from the store can be so expensive...and I had all of the ingredients for this one in my kitchen:-)

If you don't mind playing a little slipin slide in the shower...cleaning up the mess...or the smell of coffee...then you will love this! It's worth the slipin slide and clean up. My skin feels AMAZING!!!!! I really, really love this...and will start doing it a few times a month in the winter.

I read up on the ingredients a little...and they "say" coffee is really good for your skin. Other then the fact that it's corse and is good for exfoliation...I am not sure if the other stuff is true......supposedly the caffeine helps harden the skin...and help cellulite...YEAH RIGHT. Regardless....it really is amazing....feels awesome...and it's FREE! If you have everything in your kitchen:-)

You really should try this out!

DIY Body Scrub:

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup raw oats

1 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons of coffee

Stir together into a paste.

Rub all over body....rinse off with warm water.... Pat your skin dry...and leave uncovered for a bit...so your skin soaks up the oil....then enjoy nice soft skin!!!!

Another year is almost come and gone.....

Wow...it really is true...the older you get the faster time flies by. Seems like yesterday I didn't have a care in the world...and was just a wild teenager thinking I was grown. Now, I am dealing with a teenager of my own who doesn't have a care in the world and thinks he's grown.

Every year I write New Years Resolutions.....sometime I stick to them, but mostly I don't. They are all things that I hope to accomplish one day in life....but as each years go by...so do my resolutions...there is always next year right? Not for long....life is flying by. I need to make the best of it.

Over the past few years...my resolutions were things like...get healthier (I think everyone has this on...lol), quit smoking, better relationship with my family, save money, more "me time" etc...

It's taken a while...but I have managed to actually stick with a few of them. I haven't smoked in over a year!!! My relationship with my family is wonderful:-) I make more "me time" but still not as much as I should. I have realized you just don't get as much "me time" as you want until your kids are grown and out of the house.

This year I want to focus on only a few things. Getting healthy and saving money. I have had both of these in my resolutions for years...and do ok for a while...then not so much...then I do ok again...then not soo much:-) I want being healthy and being good with our money to become part of my lifestyle...not just a resolution.

I couldn't sleep last night...all I did was think about how simple both of these things are. It drives me crazy that I have such a hard time with very simple things in life...but I manage to get through very challenging times in life as well.

I am not actually writing my resolutions yet...just talking about them. This is what I hope to accomplish this next year...along with a few other things. I hope I can look back at this blog post a year from now and say that I DID IT!

I have a good life...good family...an amazing son and husband...and I have an awesome job. I am not complaining by any means....but I want to make a few more changes to an already wonderful life! It can only get better right?

I look forward to another year of life...with family and friends:-) Whether I pull through with these few resolutions or not, I am determined to make 2012 one of the best years of my life!!!!!

Free Stuff! - Hand Lotion

I love getting free stuff! Go to think link...like their page...and they will email you a coupon to go in the store and pick out one for free! The Coconut Citris smells awesome! Sorry the pic is blurry...took it with my phone:-)

https://www.facebook.com/MinuteClinic?sk=app_133578850062126

Weekly Menu - 12/19/11

Monday: Brisket (new recipe)

Tuesday: Pork Tenderloin, potatoes, green beans

Wednesday: Brisket Tacos

Thursday: Sausage, Cabbage, beans

Friday: Not sure yet....maybe leftovers>???

Sat: Eat out with Haley and Brenden

Sunday: X-MAS SUPPER WITH JOEL - Steak, baked potatoes, salad

Weekly Goals - 12/19/11

I have been slackin' and I hope to get back on track for real this week. I know x-mas is coming up...which means bad food etc....but I can do this!!!!

1. Workout and eat well this week (portion control)
2. Drink lots of water NO soda
3. Finish the Hunger Games (1st book)
4. Do something crafty...anything...get back into it...it makes you HAPPY!
5. Try a new recipe!
6. Read Dave Ramsey to plan with Joel for after X-Mas!

That's it for the week....I am keeping things a little more simple to get me through the holidays!!!

Singer - update:-)

Now his name is Tank:-) How appropriate!! His new owners sent me a text with pictures. It made me sooooo happy!!!! He is a happy boy and they love him very much. They got my package so I am sure Singer (Tank) enjoyed his big bone!! and I hope his Mama enjoys the book. Even though I miss him terribly I know he is in a good place and that makes my heart smile! Here are the pics she sent me...what a happy boy!!

Weekly Goal Results 12/12/11

1. Focus on eating clean and working out during the week! - Getting better...but not where I want to be yet
2. More X-Mas shopping - YES, almost done...thank God...Christmas is not what it should be...:-(
3. Read every night...and get lots of sleep - Yes!
4. Drink 8 glasses of water a day...at least! - Yes!
5. Oil change in car, clean car - Not yet...will after X-mas
6. Get Tman ready for Utah trip! - Yes, I miss him already:-(
7. Night out with Tman before he leaves - Nope....wasn't able to make it happen...we will plan something when he gets back:-)
8. Make x-mas cookies and take to meet your neighbors! - Not yet...might have to wait until after X-mas....

I miss him:-)

Gosh, I can't wuit thinking about my sweet boy Singer. I miss him so much...and wish so badly that I didn't have to get rid of him. It breaks my heart:-( I know that he is probably happy as can be and doesn't miss me at all....but still!

I decided to write the owners a letter....hopefully they will get it and will keep in touch with me to let me know how he is doing:-) That would be awesome! Here is the letter...

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello,

My name is Kenzey Patterson. I am “Singer’s” (the great dane) previous owner. I was told that the daughter of the owners of this store has him. If I am correct…please give this letter to her. If not…sorry:-(

I just want you to know that I am very happy that Singer has a good home. He is my angel…and I would have done just about anything to be able to keep him. I am so grateful that he went somewhere that seems to be a great fit!!

Here is a little background on him….just thought you might want to know.

He LOVES to sleep in bed with you
He has NEVER slept one night outside…and is an inside dog from birth.
He loves to play with tennis balls and catch them
He needs work on a leash (you probably already know this) but is very smart and trainableJ
He loves all other dogs
Loves kids (but will knock them over lol)
He can sing! It’s hilarious! Tell him “sing Singer…sing to me Singer” and he might. He know’s what to do…but doesn’t always want to.
More then anything he just likes to be loved.

I have lots of pictures of him on my facebook if you want to see him as a baby…he was SO CUTE! There are even some videos too. The other dane is Bella. She is a sweetheart and luckily we were able to keep her. She does well in an apartment…..Singer on the other hand would not….too wild for that small of a space.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Kenzey-Patterson/610838557

I would LOVE it if you would stay in touch with me to let me know how his is doingJ Of course you don’t have to…I know he is a dog…but he was like a child to me. Here is my address if you ever want to send me some picsJ That would make my day!!!

Thank you for taking him…and loving him. He really is the coolest dog ever! If anything ever happens and you need to get rid of him….please let me know. I will see what I can do to help you find a good homeJ I would like to stay in touch with his whereabouts if at all possible.

I also put a book in here for you. I am not sure if you read or not…but this is where I got his nameJ Enjoy!

If you ever have any questions or anything please feel free to call me. Again thank you for taking care of him…and giving him a good home. It means more to me then you know:-)

NO Braces!!!

A little over 2 years later and the braces are off:-) He is so handsome. I forgot what a pretty smile he had with all those peraly whites!!

Weekly Menu - 12/12/11

Monday: Turkey Taco Salad

Tuesday: Book Club Supper with the girls:-)

Wednesday: Chicken with pasta, Brussels sprouts

Thursday: (turkey)Sausage, cabbage, beans

Friday: Night out with Tman!

Sat: Date night with hubby (going out to supper and to the drive-in)

Sun: Grilled chicken, Asian Slaw

Weekly Goals 12/12/11

1. Focus on eating clean and working out during the week!
2. More X-Mas shopping
3. Read every night...and get lots of sleep
4. Drink 8 glasses of water a day...at least!
5. Oil change in car, clean car
6. Get Tman ready for Utah trip!
7. Night out with Tman before he leaves
8. Make x-mas cookies and take to meet your neighbors!

Weekly Goal Results 12/5/11

Work out 3 times - Nope....but I did workout once:-)
Drink 8 glasses of water daily YES
Stay within calorie goals every day...except Sunday (free day) - YES!
Xmas - Not finished shopping...but getting there:-) Thanks GOD!!!
Organize filing cabinet - Yes!
Send out x-mas cards if they come this week - They came in today...will send them out this week:-)
Read more - Yes, almost done with the Hunger Games...and started a new book "Book of the Dead"

I love this boy all my heart can love!!!

Thomas cracks me up. If you ever sit a camera in front of him...this is what he does. I probably have 100 random photos like this that I never even knew Thomas took lol. He is so full of himself:-) He looks mad in the picture...but he isn't...that's "a look" or something:-)

What an amazing person he is! So loving, creative, smart, funny!!!!!

Eating Clean

Today was my first day at cutting out ALL processed foods. Sound easy? Well...ugh...it's NOT....but people are telling me it will get easier. This was my supper tonight...and I must say...it was YUMMY!!! Maybe this won't be THAT bad:-)

Chicken Salad with avacado
Dressing: a sprinkle of red wine vinegar and olive oil, salt and pepper

Downsizing

In the process of downsizing from a 2600 square foot house to a 951 square foot apartment, I am learning very quickly that I have to learn to organize and make the best of smaller spaces. It hasn't been easy. As time goes by I am finding little ways to make things work:-)

Our master bath cabinets are FULL...and that's after I threw away a BUNCH of stuff. The only linen closet is out in the hallway...and I know me...I will forget to grab a towel before I get in the shower...so I came up with this. It's nothing special...but it works great! I keep two clean towels in this basket at all times...so as soon as we step out of the shower...they are there! NICE!

12 WEEK WORKOUT PROGRAM!!!

Today Joel and I started a new 12 week workout program. It focuses on nutrition as well as exercise. I am super excited to see how it works if we work it like we are supposed to. This has been something I have wanted to do for a long time and haven't found the strength and determination I need to complete it. I am ready now. The stress is gone...and my life has calmed down a bit.

Here are our before pictures. OMG...I can't believe I am really putting this on here...but oh well. That's what I look like...so there really isn't anything to hide. You just wait until you see the after picture!!!! I can't wait!!! I am pumped! The after pic will have a shirt that shows my stomach...you just wait!!!

Gosh, my boobs look huge in this picture...I guess I will miss them a little:-(

Me like! Wondra

I love reading on other blogs about things that they have tried and like or dislike....so I will start doing the same:-)

My Mom told me about this stuff....and every batch of gravy I have made since has been perfect! I always had a hard time getting the gravy just the way I wanted it...fear no more!!!!!!

This stuff ROCKS! Just sprinkle it in and whisk...keep adding until your gravy is the thickness you like...NO lumps! Whoo hoooo!

Weekly Menu - 12/5/11

Monday: BBQ meatballs, rice, salad

Tuesday: BBQ Chicken, potatoes, broccoli

Wednesday: Pasta with chicken/tomato sauce, bread, salad

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Quick supper...will be out and about doing stuff!

Sat: Eat out with kids...rent movies

Sun: Not sure yet....

Weekly Goal - 12/5/11

Try to do better this week...and to stay more motivated. The apartment is feeling more like home and we have managed to get lots done....so I should have more time this week to work out!

Work out 3 times
Drink 8 glasses of water daily
Stay within calorie goals every day...except Sunday (free day)
Xmas
Organize filing cabinet
Send out x-mas cards if they come this week
Read more

Weekly Goal Results - 11/28/11

Work out at least 3 times - No:-(
Drink 8 glasses of water a day - Yes!
Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night - Yes!
Finish cleaning out the house - Yes!
Read every night before bed:-) - No:-(
Do your nails - Yes!
No eating out during the week- No:-(

Will do better next week!

Weekly Menu - 11/28/11

Monday: *NEW RECIPE* Grilled chicken and penne pasta

Tuesday: whatever...easy supper

Wednesday: Parmesan Chicken, rice, peas

Thursday: Tuna Melts, veggies

Friday: Meatloaf, mac-n-cheese, green beans

Sat: Out to eat with family!

Sun: Not sure yet....will probably need to go to the store by now:-)

Weekly Goals - 11/28/11

I am getting back into a routine...and enjoy doing my weekly goals and menu:-)

These are my goals for the week.

Work out at least 3 times
Drink 8 glasses of water a day
Get at least 8 hours of sleep a night
Finish cleaning out the house
Read every night before bed:-)
Do your nails
No eating out during the week

Happy Turkey Day!

My Mom and step Dad went to Utah this year for Thanksgiving and left all of us kids at home:-( Britney and her family went to Chicago...so that left me, Evy and Jason. Joel took his kids to Oklahoma to spend the holiday with his younger brother John. I am really glad he went. He needs to spend more time with his brothers!! It also gave me and Thomas some time alone...and with my sister and brother. Evy cooked her first Thanksgiving this year and it was AWESOME!!! Here is a pic of me and Thomas at dinner:-) Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I was hoping to host Thanksgiving at my house this year...but things changed:-( Maybe next year!!!

"MY" idea of a perfect day

These are the days that I want to have. I know that things change and other elements will be thrown in...but for the most part this is how I want me week days to go!

Get up early - go for a jog
or
Go to Yoga in the evening

Have a healthy breakfast...get ready for work....get a cup of coffee to get my brain working

Focus on work...and get as much done as possible....then stop for a lunch break

Enjoy a healthy lunch - get up and walk around...

Finish the work day while snacking healthy throughout the day

Home - help Tman with school work while I cook supper

Get some chores done around the house - laundry...clean up kitchen...etc...

Walk dogs with Joel

Me time

Bath - Book - hot tea - bed!

To me...this is a perfect day. I work for this day really hard...sometimes I get everything done...and sometimes I don't. That is ok...but I will work harder to make "This day" more of the norm:-)

LIFE IS GOOD...Make the best of it!

Joel - Dirt Bike Accident #2

Well, it's happened again. Joel wrecked his bike this weekend and broke 3 of his ribs. The hospital thought he had also torn his aorta...thank Gos he didn't...that would have been really bad news. You add up the money this will cost us...the pain Joel has to go through....the time off work....etc...it's NOT worth it. I hope he will seriously rethink his hobby. Maybe it's time for a new, less dangerous, less expensive hobby:-) You think????

Happy Halloween 2011

Thomas is now 15 years old. He LOVES Halloween...but is a little old to trick-or-treat. I am so glad that he worked the haunted house this year. What an awesome way to spend his Halloween. When kids get to this age things get weird. They are too old to trick-or-treat...they don't want to hang out at home with Mom and Dad...but they are still too young to roam the streets with friends....so this worked out great. This was Thomas's first year to work it and I can bet he will do it again next year. The haunted house is volunteers only. None of the actors get paid. All of the money that the haunted house makes goes to charity!

This is what Thomas looked like after he got home late that evening...and he was starving...so of course. I hooked him up:-) Love this kid to death! Happy Halloween!!!

10 for 10 (Nov 10, 2011)

Love this....but wish it wasn't on a workday:-( Every 10th day of each month you take a picture every hour on the hour for 10 hours. It's cool to look back at these to see what you were doing that day:-)

Nov, 10, 2011

11am
Work...fun fun. I work from home on M,W,F...but today was one of my "in the office" days:-)

12 noon
I spent most of my lunch filling out these darn papers for the house we are buying. It's amazing the amount of trees that are killed just so you can buy a house...or sell a house. Geeez Louise.

1pm
Trying really hard to drink at least 8 cups of water a day...that's about 3 of these:-)
2pm
Snack Time - My friend Stacey brought this dip and crackers....The dip is an artichoke and jalapeno...YUMMY!3pm
Time for a cup of hot green tea as I wind down my work day:-)
5pm
Headed home - this is the only part about the days I have to drive to the office. Traffis sucks....it takes me at least an hour to get home:-(6pm
Time to catch up on facebook to see what everyone is up to:-) Sorry for the crappy pics....all I had today was my cell phone to take pics:-(7pm
Dinner with my hubby - not sure what's up with this crazy face...lol...he was wondering why in the heck I was even taking the picture:-)
8pm
Time to pick up Tman from youth group. He goes every Thursday evening and seems to really have a good time:-)9pm
It's time to hit the sack....and I try to have one last glass of water for the day right before I go to bed:-)That's my 10 for 10 this month:-) A pretty typical Tues or Thurs.

Worst Grocery Trip EVER!!

OMG....ok...to start things out I went to Wal-Mart to do my grocery shopping today. I HATE wal-mart...and avoid it for the most part...but...you can save money shopping there for groceries...so I do every once in a while when I need to go all out shopping!

The trip itself was ok...it wasn't too busy...and they weren't out of anything I needed (which happens often).

On my way out I was walking through the parking lot. Let me inform you that I had a 40lb bag of dog food, a 20lb bag of dog food, a case of water, and a case of soda...plus a FULL cart of groceries...so needless to say my cart was really heavy...oh...and I had to bags of groceries on my arm because they wouldn't all fit in the cart. Ok...so I am walking through the parking lot and realize that I am in the wrong row of cars...I start looking for a gap to cut through to get over to the other side where my car is. I find a gap...start going through and then THUMP....my cart hits a HUGE pot hole...and won't move forward anymore...it's stuck:-( I push a few times and it's not going anywhere. I walk around the front of the cart to try and lift it out of the pot hole (mind you...there are people in the car RIGHT NEXT TO ME...and they don't even think to offer to help or anything...ugh...the nerve) I lift....and lift....and lift...and finally it comes out of the hole...RIGHT ON TOP OF MY LEFT BIG TOE...OOOOOUUUUCCCHHH!!!!!!!!!! That freaking hurt...I scream....and then proceed to pull the cart out of the hole. The people in the car next to me never even think of helping. There are really people out there like that. I am glad I am not one of them.

So now I think I am in the clear....heading to my car...I am good to go right?? Oh no...of course not. My wrist slips off the cart handle and the 2 bags of groceries I have fall into the middle of the parking lot and roll everywhere! Again...NO ONE EVEN LOOKS MY WAY as they walk by. UGH! I was so close to saying " oh..no thanks...I don't need any help...I am good" but whatever. So I manage to pick up everything...nothing was broken.

I make it to my car...load everything up...and headed home. Whew....

I must say that was the worst grocery shopping experience EVER!

Thanksgiving at my house this year!

I am sooooo excited:-) Thanksgiving is going to be at my house this year:-) I LOVE cooking...and Thanksgiving is one of my fave holidays! I am not sure if we will be in this house or a new house....but I am already preparing anyhow!

Snacking:
Veggies/Ranch
Chips/Queso
Nut/Cheese

Supper:
Roasted Turkey with Rosemary-Garlic Butter Rub and Pan Gravy
Cornbread Stuffing
Fresh Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes
Green Beans Casserole
Mac-n-Cheese

Dessert:
Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Fudge Pie

Goals...changing

Well, I am not going to do the weekly goals anymore...but I am still going to post things that I want to work on in the upcoming week....it will include suppers...etc... I will call it my weekly overview:-) Figure it would be easier to put it all in one blog:-)

This week 10/24/11 - 10/30/11

We have so much going on...trying to sell our home...and find a new one. Man it's stressfull! I wish everything else could just stop long enough for us to take care of this...but life goes on. Bills, dinner, family, work, dogs, etc!!! It will be over before too long and we will be so much more comfirtable! I can't wait:-) I have big plans for our future. I am just not a very patient person...and yes...I have control issues. When I want something done...I want it done NOW. That can be a good thing and a bad thing:-)

This week I want to focus on getting our routine back in place...even though we are trying to sell the house etc... I will focus on eating supper at home with family....spend quality time with my husband and son. I will take a step back...and let this house thing just do what it's going to do. I have no CONTROL over it....whew...that's hard for me to say:-) I know that everything will work out just the way it is supposed to:-)

I also want to start working on Joel and I BOTH getting in better shape....start with small steps...then we can work harder down the road once things are settled. We need to walk the dogs every night. That's good exercise for all of us! Also, watching our portions and eating healthier suppers.

I am also going to slowly work on cleaning things out of the house so that when we move we don't take anything with us that we don't need. Clothes to goodwill...books to half price....start packing up things that we don't need now:-) This will make the actual move itself much easier!

It's going to be a great week!!!!!!

Life Lessons 101

Wow...Joel and I could write a book of life lessons...lol...can't we all. The more we grow and mature in life the more we look back and wish we knew then what we know now:-)
As you all know...we are in the process of selling our home and moving to a new home that is more affordable for us. We found a new home...and are under contract to move in as soon as we sell our house! Well....change of plans! After much thought...Joel and i decided...that being able to enjoy life with our kids and each other means more to us then having a big home...and land. We have backed out of the contract and are now back at square one. We are planning on finding a cute little house in a cute little area that is very affordable and will allow us to have fun...take vacations...go out out to eat if we want....have a savings account again...etc...!
It's a big decision...and we lost some money when backing out of the contract...but KNOW that we are making the right decision. I am so excited!!!!! We are going to take our time looking at houses while we wait for ours to sell....and know that we will find the PERFECT house for us:-)
If we would have seen this over a year ago we would be in a whole different situation...but I guess you just have to live and learn right?? This will be yeat another thing that brings us together in our marriage...and in our family...and will only make us stronger:-)

LIFE IS GOOD!!!!

Footloose!

Have you seen Footloose?? OMG...great movie! If you have seen the original I think you might agree it's almost exactly the same...but made to fit today's time. I really really enjoyed it. My husband said he thinks it was the best move he has seen all year. I give it a 4 1/2 star out of 5!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtjI6OHVk00

Weekly Goal Results 10/10/11

1. Eat good, take pills and workout - I did NOT eat good...and only worked out once
2. No eating out...easy on extra spending - Did ok on this.
3. Project/scraping - YES
4. Get up early - YES
5. Keep house show ready - YES
6. Kennedale Court - no
7. Work with Thomas - YES
8. Don't stress....the house will sell soon...think positive:-) - Trying...I am ready to move!!!!
That's all for the week!

Sis

My sister and I years ago!! Look how small my hips were....lol!! I am so lucky to have had a sister like her in my life!!

Weekly Menu

Monday: Pork Chops, garlic potatoes, broccoli

Tuesday: Spaghetti, rolls, salad

Wednesday: Tilapia, rice, peas

Thursday: Grilled Cheese sandwiches, tomato soup

Friday: Chicken Alfredo, salad

Sat: Movie/Pizza night with kids:-)

Sun: Chicken Cordon Bleu, green beans, salad

Weekly Goals 10/10/11

1. Eat good, take pills and workout
2. No eating out...easy on extra spending
3. Project/scraping
4. Get up early
5. Keep house show ready
6. Kennedale Court
7. Work with Thomas
8. Don't stress....the house will sell soon...think positive:-)
That's all for the week!

Weekly Goal Results 10/3/11

1. Eat well and take pills! Drink LOTS of water...excercise! - Yes, Yes, and no
2. Work on project and or scrap page - Yes!
3. Keep house "show" ready! - Yes!
4. Finish Hunger Games - Almost!
5. Set up Singer's appointment - Not yet...will have to wait until we move
6. Go to Kennedale court for ticket - Going this week
7. Try new recipe! - Nope...not this week.
8. No eating out (except for Tmans B-Day!) - No:-(
9. Rent lense for this weekend:-) - Nope...the kids didn't ride...rain
10. Get up earlier- yes!

"Date Night"

I saw this idea on Pinterest (my new FAVE website) and had to do it! You plan a years worth of dates...some people pre-pay for them and everything. I didn't do that...but everything is planned out for every month through the next year:-) We are going to do lots of fun stuff!!
I always heard that when you get married...after the first couple of years things change...and it can get pretty boring. Well, it's been a little over two years for me and Joel...and we still like to have fun....but are so busy...we usually put "our" time to the side. This will help us still have "our" time. I feel that is VERY important in a marriage.

Straw Dogs

Check out my review...and many other reviews on www.mungleshow.com


http://www.mungleshow.com/reviewstrawdogs.htm

Weekly Menu

Monday: BBQ Chicken, baked potatoes and broccoli

Tuesday: Fish Tacos, rice, beans

Wednesday: Salisbury Steak, potatoes, brussel sprouts

Thursday: Pork Chops, green beans, salad

Friday: Parm-Garlic Chicken, corn, rolls, roasted potatoes

Sat: T-Mans B-Day Dinner

Sunday: Chili

Weekly Goals 10/3/11

1. Eat well and take pills! Drink LOTS of water...excercise!
2. Work on project and or scrap page
3. Keep house "show" ready!
4. Finish Hunger Games
5. Set up Singer's appointment
6. Go to Kennedale court for ticket
7. Try new recipe!
8. No eating out (except for Tmans B-Day!)
9. Rent lense for this weekend:-)
10. Get up earlier

Weekly Goal Results 9/26/11

1. Get up early - YES!
2. Take pills/eat well - Yes!
3. Nails/toes - Yes!
4. Scrap Page - No worked on a wreath instead
5. No eating out for lunch - Not once!
6. Get house ready for show by Wednesday!!! - Was sick...but it was ready by Friday! It's on the market now!! Fingers crossed:-)
7. Get Singer set up to get nipped:-) - No, MUST do this week!
8. Push Thomas to stay organized! - Yes, working with him!
9. Try new recipe! - Yes!
10. Workout as much as you can this week!!! Focus on eat well the most...but still try to work out too!!! - No working out other then scrubbing the crap out of my house...but I did eat well!

New Crafts- Fall Wreath

I have always wanted to make a wreath for my home...but never have. I decided I would this year:-) I saw an idea online and went with it. I really like the way this turned out. 5794 is the new address to the house we are moving to. Hopefully we move while it's still fall...lol...or I might just have to make another wreath for winter! lol
This was super easy to make. I bought the wreath plain...bouth a few flowers, wooden letters, paint, and ribbon. I just cut off the tip of the flowers and glued them to the wreath...painted the numbers and glued them as well....then tied a bow with the ribbon and glued it down as well! I love it:-) Yes, I see the tag sticking out of the back....and yes...I will cut it off before I hang it up...lol.

Open House!!

Our house went on the market Friday...and we had an open house Sat. There was one couple that was interested...so our fingers are crossed that they will buy...but we have time to wait for the right buyers to come along...and they will!
We also had the inspection done on the new house we are buying. It went really well. The house is in great condition and has been very well taken care of. There were a few things that we want fixed...but nothing major:-)
Everything seems to be moving right along...now to play the waiting game...ugh. I hate this part. I am ready to move today! It will be worth the wait...I hope to be in the new house for Christmas this year:-)

That's all that's going on for now...I will update when changes happen on the move!!!

Weekly Menu 9/26/11

Monday: Chicken, broccoli, black eyed peas, rolls

Tuesday: BLT's, tater tots

Wednesday: Parmesean crusted Tilapia (NEW)

Thursday: Pork chops, rice, green beans

Friday: Taco Casserole

Sat: Chili cheese dogs, fries

Sun: Spaghetti, salad, bread

Weekly Goals 9/26/11

1. Get up early
2. Take pills/eat well
3. Nails/toes
4. Scrap Page
5. No eating out for lunch
6. Get house ready for show by Wednesday!!!
7. Get Singer set up to get nipped:-)
8. Push Thomas to stay organized!
9. Try new recipe!
10. Workout as much as you can this week!!! Focus on eat well the most...but still try to work out too!!!

Weekly Goal Results 9/19/11

Weekly Goals 9/19/11
It's going to be a good week. I can feel it! I hope the people take the offer we made on the house!!! FINGERS CROSSED:-)

1. Get up early! - Yes,,,felt good!
2. Workout at least 3 times this week - Nope...only once!
3. Eat well and take pills - Yes!
4. Make lunches every day for me and Joel - Yes!
5. Keep laundry up! - Almost!
6. Finish book - yes!!!!! Now I am reading Hunger Games
7. Work on project - Done...love it! Looking forward to our first date night:-)
8. Scrap page:-) - Not yet
9. Nails/toes - Not yet
10. Get paperwork together for mortgage company! - Yes! We are good to go!

Absolute Fear - Lisa Jackson

Trying out my next Lisa Jackson book! The reviews aren't as good on this one as they were for Shiver...we shall see!!

Absolute Fear
Synopsis:
For the past three months, Eve Renner has struggled to remember the night she was nearly killed and her lover was tried for murder. She remembers getting the anxious call from a friend from her past: "Meet me at the cabin. I've got evidence." She remembers seeing that friend lying in a pool of blood. And she remembers a horrifying glimpse of her lover Cole Dennis's face as a gunshot plunged her into darkness. Now, her memory and emotions scarred, Eve has returned to New Orleans to forget the past. But the past will not be forgotten. Eve's shattered memory has helped Cole walk on murder charges just as a new series of killings begins.The latest murders are bizarre and baffling. The victims are killed in a ritual fashion, a series of numbers tattooed into their bodies. 212. 101. 111. 323. There is no clue to their meaning, no connection to the victims except one: Our Lady of Virtues Hospital, the crumbling old asylum that was once the scene of unspeakable madness. For Eve, it was a second home as a child. Her father was a doctor there, and she spent hours exploring its secret chambers, hidden rooms, and forbidden passageways. Somewhere in its decaying rooms lies the key to a terrible crime, a betrayal beyond imagining whose echoes are now being felt with a vengeance - a crime that seems to lead to Eve herself. And the only man she can trust with the search is Cole, her former lover and, just possibly, a cold-blooded killer. As forgotten memories begin to surface, bodies are found and each twist leads to another terrifying piece of the puzzle. Someone is watching, planning, luring her back to the ruins of Our Lady and the shocking truths hidden there - someone who has been waiting for this moment to strike. He is deadlier than she knows. For the sins of the past must be revealed, the crimes brought to justice, and the price paid - in blood.

Shiver - review

So, I FINALLY finished Shiver. It didn't take me forever because it was a bad book....I am just busy...always have something going on...and by the time I am ready to relax and read...I am so tired I can't stay awake long.

You can read my post about the book here:
http://kpattersonblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/shiver-by-lisa-jackson.html

Review:
I really liked this book. She does a good job of making you feel like you are there with them. She explains everything very well. Some books are so confusing...and it's hard to keep up. This one was easy to follow and it kept me interested. I enjoyed it!

I am going to read another book from Lisa Jackson next...called Absolute Fear!

Weekly Menu 9/19/11

Monday: (NEW) Recipe - Cheesy Chicken Baked Penne, salad, broccoli

Tuesday: Taco Salad with fresh homemade salsa

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Baked Chicken wrapped in bacon with broccoli, potatoes

Friday: Tilapia, rice, asparagus, salad

Sat: Thomas and I will eat out:-)

Sun: Spaghetti, salad, rolls

Weekly Goals 9/19/11

It's going to be a good week. I can feel it! I hope the people take the offer we made on the house!!! FINGERS CROSSED:-)

1. Get up early!
2. Workout at least 3 times this week
3. Eat well and take pills
4. Make lunches every day for me and Joel
5. Keep laundry up!
6. Finish book
7. Work on project
8. Scrap page:-)
9. Nails/toes
10. Get paperwork together for mortgage company!

Weekly Goal Results 9/12/11

Weekly Goals - 9/12/11

1. Workout 5 days this week, take pills daily! - Didn't work out 5 times....didn't take all of my pills every day either...slacker!

2. Finish Shiver - Almost...I WILL finish this book one day!

3. Thomas's room - YES!

4. Keep up laundry - YES!

5. Do at least one scrap page - No...but started a scrap project:-)

6. Try a new DIY project - Not yet....will soon

7. Nails/toes - Not yet....dang it

8. Get clothes ready for pickup on Wed for donation - Yes!

9. Go to be earlier and get up earlier - YES!

10. Make breakfast every morning - YES!

Changes aren't always a bad thing:-)

Joel and I bought our first home a little over a year ago. It's our dream home...beautiful...has a pool...4 bedroom...big open floor plan...and we LOVE IT!
After living here over a year we have realized that we didn't estimate some things correctly and didn't anticipate some things happening at all...which in the long run has made us totally house poor.

We didn't estimate all of our bills correctly...and we didn't estimate the expense of maintaining a pool correctly either. We had no idea that Joel's X would decide to take him back to court for as much as she could possible get just a few months after we bought the home (how sweet of her). It's her right....just think the timing sucked...bad:-(

What is boils down to is that NO home is worth being house poor and the stress that comes with it. We LOVE this house...but would love even more not to have to be stressed about our finances every month...and be able to do more with our kiddos....and each other...so that is where the "change" part comes in.

We have been talking about it for a month or so...and decided if we found another home that we like that will get us out of being house poor then we will move...if we don't then we will suck it up for a few more years until Thomas graduates...then move.

Every few days have been getting online and looking to see what houses are for sale. Last week I found a home that really interested Joel and I both....it's still in the same school district "for thomas" and it's a little further out (has a country feel to it) and is on a little over an acre. It also has a HUGE 30x40 shop with running water and electricity which is probably where my husband will live:-) It has a wrap around porch...which I have wanted all my life!! and all and all just a very homey feel that is more "me and Joel' then the house we are in now will ever be....and it's more affordable. The only downfall is it's 3 bedrooms which means Haley and Brenden will have to share a room...but they are only with us 4 days a month...so that shouldn't be too bad. There is also a possibility of adding another bedroom into the garage:-) Keep your fingers crossed for us!!!!

So....we went to look at it...fell in love...and are now in the process of going through the steps to try and buy it. We have been pre-approved....and will look at it one last time this weekend before putting our offer in. It's an older home and needs some TLC...so we want to look over it closely before making an offer. Hopefully we will be able to come to an agreement with the sellers and make it happen!! Then all we have to do is sell this house...which I don't think will be hard. It's a beautiful house! Someone will fall in love with it just like we did:-)

Now that everything is in the works and this is really becoming a possibility I am getting sooooo excited! The more I think about it the more I know this house will be so much better for me and Joel...and the kiddos. It fits our personality better...the little things will make a big difference too....like I have wanted a garden all of my life...but never really had the room...I WILL NOW!!! Joel has always wanted a big shop to work on cars/bikes...etc...HE WILL HAVE IT NOW....the kids need room to roam and be kids...THEY WILL HAVE IT NOW....and our dogs need to be able to run and be dogs...THEY WILL NOW!!! There isn't one part of me that thinks this isn't the right move. I pray that everything goes through smoothly and that we are able to start a new "less stressful" life in our new "country feel" home!

Weekly Menu - 9/12/11

Monday - Spaghetti, garlic bread

Tuesday - "the boys will have to take care of themselves tonight...I am going to a movie screening"

Wednesday - Chicken Quesadilla's

Thursday - Stuffed peppers, salad

Friday - Pizza with the kiddos

Sat - Tacos

Sunday - Family supper - Meatloaf/mashed potatoes

Weekly Goals - 9/12/11

1. Workout 5 days this week, take pills daily!

2. Finish Shiver

3. Thomas's room

4. Keep up laundry

5. Do at least one scrap page

6. Try a new DIY project

7. Nails/toes

8. Get clothes ready for pickup on Wed for donation

9. Go to be earlier and get up earlier

10. Make breakfast every morning

Weekly Goal Results 9/5/11

Weekly Goals - 9/5/11

A new week is ahead!! I want to keep losing weight!!! Do more scrapping.....workout more....etc...

1. Exercise and pills - Pills yes...workout...not so much:-(
2. Stay within calories every day! - YES! Except my free day Sunday...I had Taco Bueno...and it was goooood
3. Do at least one scrap page - Yes!
4. Finish Shiver - Almost...this book is going to be the death of me
5. Stick to dinner menu for the week:-) - YES!
6. Thomas - hang up beads in doorway of his room...and hang up calendar board above his desk.- Not yet

September 10 on 10

This is a cool little monthly project that I am going to try out. On the 10th day of each month you take 1 picture every hour for 10 hours. I didn't stay on track with the hourly thing this time...but I managed to get most of my day. This will be neat to look back on years down the road...what a cool idea:-)

10:14am - Woke up...got to sleep in this morning...nice!
11am - Breakfast:-)

12:00pm - Put flags out front to honor all of the people involved in 9/11...what a sad day:-( Can't believe it's been 10 years.
1:00pm - Caught up on facebook...scrapfreak...email...etc...

1:30pm - Headed out to the store to get things for the potatoes salad I am making for a party this evening.

2:00pm - Ended up deciding to let Thomas dye his hair...so we stopped by CVS on the way home from the store and picked up the stuff:-) I hope I don't regret this!


3:00pm - Once I got Thomas's hair workin' I did a sink full of dishes...fun fun! Hey it's something to kill time for 25 min while waiting for Thomas's color to set:-)

4:00pm - It's done...and I love it!!! I think it's looks too cool! I wish I was a teenager again:-)

6:00pm - Finally get to wear my new boots! Headin' out to a friend end of summer BBQ! Yee Haw!
6:30pm - Potato salad is ready...let's go!

Thomas - Teenage weirdness:-)

So Thomas has been DRIVING ME CRAZY about doing his hair a little funky. I have been saying no forever...or at least maybe....but today decided...why not? He is doing awesome in school...has been very pleasant, respectful..etc. It's not a big deal right? LOL....so to save money I figured I could just do it myself. I am so glad I did...because for 10 bucks...I think it looks AWESOME!!!!

Free Stuff! - Burberry Body perfume

I got a free sample of Burberry Body perfume in the mail today...it's nice...I like it!

Cruise 2010

Last year we took our first family cruise...we went to Mexico! It was beautiful!! The food on the ship wasn't the best...but we made due...it wasn't horrible. The weather was great and the kids had lots of fun! It was a great vacation with great memories. I can't wait to do it again!!!!

Right Now Sept 2011

OUTSIDE MY WINDOW … I am playing on the computer...facebook...scrapfreak...blogging....recipe searching
I AM THINKING … about what scrap page I want to do next...and what new recipe I want to try out
I AM LEARNING … new techniques in scrapbooking
I AM THANKFUL FOR … My family...my life...and how lucky I am to have such great people surrounding me at all times:-)
FROM THE KITCHEN … Tonight I am cooking chicken strips...mashed potatoes...mac-n-cheese and green beans
I AM WEARING … A pretty strapless flowered dress that is super comfy!
I AM GOING … to enjoy the rest of my 3 day weekend!!!
I AM READING ... Shiver (by Lisa Jackson)
I AM CREATING …Ideas of what to scrap next...and ways to organize my letters
I AM HOPING ... that Thomas does well in his first year of High School!
I AM HEARING … My dogs move around on their beds trying to get comfy!
AROUND THE HOUSE ... Trying to keep this place clean...it's a lot of house! ugh!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS …enjoying a nice lifetime movie with a big ole' bowl of fresh popped popcorn with salt and metled butter...and a big glass of water!

A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK … Workout! Eat well! Keep laundry up! Scrap!
A PICTURE TO SHARE…Thomas and his first "new" friends at his new school. They are all super sweet girls:-)