All Domestic Like

I've been baking and canning lately.  I told Aaron that I have been feeling like I'm in a rut with cooking so my goal is to try one new recipe a week. 

I've baked/cooked three new recipes this week.  I tried PW's Cowboy Calazone's on Monday.  (Pretty good, but missing something...  Not sure just what.  I would have put even more cheese than the extra I already put in there also.) 
I just pulled her cinnamon rolls out of the oven.
And I have a new bread going in my bread machine.  (That's mostly because we're out of bread and I don't want to run to the store today.)  Hopefully it's good!

I canned relish- green tomato relish from the "T" cookbook yesterday.

I canned some of our apples a couple weeks ago.  It takes a lot of apples and a lot of work for that.  I don't think I'll be doing that with my apple tree apples again.  They are too soft. 
But I also made homemade applesauce, not quite as much work and it feels good that we are using some of what's in our yard!

What are your favorite recipes?

Sometimes

-Sometimes it feels like I go so long without adult conversation that I become an eruption of words when I get to spend time with friends.
-Sometimes while spending time with friends, I feel like I need to get my story out right now or I will forget it and that makes me
-Sometimes interrupt others in the middle of their stories
-Sometimes I have a hard time remembering people's names
-Sometimes these are people I've known for years
-Sometimes, mostly always, it's the names that could be pronounced two different ways and I'm not sure which is right
-Sometimes I don't use names
-Sometimes I don't introduce people that don't know each other for that reason
-Sometimes I think it's more important to play with my son- and take a nap at the same time as him than to clean
-Sometimes might mean the past month for that one
-Sometimes I use words and don't know how to pronounce them
-Sometimes I find myself listening to myself sing along with the radio and I realize that I don't know half the words, so I'm mumble singing
-Sometimes I listen to a song that's been out for 20 years and I finally realize what the words are saying
-Sometimes that's not what I've been singing for 20 years

A Frugal Life

I had a discussion today about how "we can't afford to buy this, and that..."  And afterwards I started thinking about how I presented myself. 

Aaron and I are in a spot in our life where we are watching our finances pretty closely.  We somewhat follow Mary Hunt's Debt Proof Living system and it works pretty well when we stick with it. 

We are living frugally, with a baby on the way, Aaron in school and me not working, that's the best decision we can make.  Neither one of us wants to start living off of credit. 

Yet, by saying that we can't afford this or that, I'm doing myself a disservice.  The truth is- we CHOOSE not to afford name brand items.  We CHOOSE not to go out to eat.  We CHOOSE not to spend money when we go on dates.  We CHOOSE to make do with our older clothes.
And today was a day that it was getting me down.  It's hard sometimes to pass things up, hard sometimes to not just stop at the gas station for a pop or what-ever.  It's hard to feel like we don't have the money for that. 

And then I stopped to remember that we're choosing this. We're choosing to pass up these little things that don't matter in the long run.  We're choosing to use the money we spend on important items- like trips to see my family- things that make us happy and give lasting memories.  It's not that we don't have the money for the little things, it's that we are choosing what we spend our money on. 

When you live a frugal life, it's all about making the best of it! :)

16 Months

Everyday is a new adventure over here. 

-He now can reach over the tops of the counters and frequently does.

-Words: hi! (said many times a day), mom, dad, play, ball, phone (sounds very similar to ball), catch it, throw it, all done, buh-bye, 'side, cracker, no (doe)
-He nods his head instead of saying yes. 
-Everything he says lately ends in "play?"
-When we go outside he does one of three things- heads for one of our cars to climb inside, goes towards any dirt patch to play, or heads towards the tractor.
-He's not shy but takes a little bit to warm up sometimes.
-He loves to play "I'm gonna get you" and runs to either the couch giggling away, or to the stairs to stop on the bottom step.
-He's climbing on everything
-He's trying to walk up the steps instead of crawling up.  He'll wait for me, then put his hands up so I can hold them while he walks up
-He runs to the door and cries everytime Aaron leaves
-He's copying everything we do
-I took out my camera yesterday, and he made this cheese face- that was the first time he's ever done that
-Loves to play catch, I'm trying to teach him that he shouldn't throw all his toys, only balls.  It's not going too well.
-He loves to play his piano, and "conduct"
-He's very good at playing by himself as long as I'm within view
-Anytime he wants something he'll say "uhh-uhh".  I'm working on getting him to say "help"
-He sleeps with his teddybear.  Two nights ago I walked in his room to check on him and he was sitting up in bed and asked me his version of "where is it?", he was looking for his teddy.
-He's stingy with hugs and kisses but occasionally will give them without prompting
-He loves fruit.
-He usually sleeps from about 7:30-7:30.  He takes one nap a day, usually in the morning.  I'm trying to change that to the afternoon

He's just a joy and we love him more everyday.  This stage is so much fun.

I Learned Today

That you can substitute beef broth for chicken broth in chicken tortilla soup and no one will even notice. 

(Pictures from yesterday when Kelli baby-sat Walker for Aaron and I)



August

And now I think I'm caught up on pictures for the summer! :)

July

June in Pictures

Moments

Sometimes you can close your eyes and be back in the moments that have changed your life. 
Some of these moments are hard, some are happy.  I was going to write about both in this post, but the hard ones didn't seem to have a place here.  So here are some of my favorite happy moments that changed me.

Watching Aaron's face as I told him- I'm thinking that I love you.  And seeing his eyes shine and his smile start as he responded, I love you too.  Feeling the smile on face- and the feeling of being so blessed to have that.  To have that one person that you know is it for you, and the wonder that he feels the same way.

Watching the man of my dreams get down on one knee outside his truck.  I can see the stars shining, feel the cold vibrating through me and the joy...  the joy :)

Watching the minister sweat through our wedding ceremony.  Trying to wipe my nose without being obvious about it.  Getting choked up in the middle of repeating my vows.  Walking back down the aisle with my husband.  Getting a hug and a kiss from her son in the receiving line.

Making it through the labor and delivery process and seeing my baby boy for the first time.  That tiny child that belonged to me.  Seeing my husband's tears through my own and feeling that overwhelming love.  I told people afterwards that you know you will love your child before they are born, but what you don't realize is that when this little person arrives you instantly will lay your life down for them. 

I've been thinking about that last one a lot lately.  We are going to be able to experience another moment like that in February when Walker becomes a big brother.

In the Past Month

*We planted our vegetable garden.  I'm really excited to have fresh veggies from my back yard!

*Made a trip to see my parents.

*I discovered green onions.  Where have they been my whole life?  I just use them in place of white/yellow onions and I love the flavor so much better.

*We set up our little pool.

*Summer may finally be here.

*Helped the wonderful Jennifer Skoog at a wedding.

*Probably did a lot more but that's what comes to my mind!

Moms RUN this Town

I've been reading about this group for a little while now, and they are inspiring me to get back into my running shoes. 

I'm not a fast runner.  I'm not a competitive runner.  I completed a marathon 4 years ago (4 YEARS, wow!) and my only goal was to complete the entire 26.2 miles.  I did a run/walk method, with more walking then running at the end.  I have no desire at this point to run another marathon.  I would like to do a half.  I run for fitness, I run for myself.  I'm determined to get back into running.

And to help me do this I have signed up to be a leader of a local chapter of Moms RUN this town.  I'll have more details coming, but if any locals are interested in joining, let me know.

Conditions are Ripe

For growing...

...in my lazy susan.

Summer Buzz

#18 on the Bucket List

Can be crossed off- mostly. 

I'm learning how to drive a stick shift.  It's fun, easier than I thought and someday I will get the hang of stopping on a hill and not squealing my tires as I go again. 

For now, I'll continue to drive it around the house and practice!

Me

I've been working out.  And I like it-  It's really nice to feel stronger again!

I pulled out my scrapbooking stuff last night.  It's probably been two years since I've done that.

I've been buying a lot of fabric lately.

We are planning a vegetable garden.  We bought seeds and have starts going that are actually taking off!  I'm excited and hope that we will be able to enjoy fresh vegetables this summer.

I'm sick of wearing my black skirts to church.  I'm going to try my hand at making myself a new skirt.




I feel boring cause that's all I can think of for now!

One Year Ago

My life changed forever.

I have no words lately! 

Lately

Lately, I have been keeping my computer off.  I tend to spend too much time on here and don't get anything else done.  But here are a couple pictures to keep you satisfied.

I have a new niece :)

I Get It Now

I used to think that people were crazy here.  They would go out in 35 degree weather with just a sweatshirt on.  No jacket, no hat... 

And then yesterday, I left for my baby-sitting job with just a thin zip-up hoodie on.  And the town thermometer read 37 degrees. 

And it clicked.  It's April and for my sanity, I cannot put on my winter jacket anymore.  I don't care how cold it is.  I'm rebelling against the forces and keeping myself optimistic that it is spring.

It IS spring right?  That white stuff they are saying may come this weekend won't happen...  Right?

Me and My Little Man

Reality

Some books take me so far away that I have to go outside and remind myself of what is real when I turn the last page.  This series did that:

And now I'm waiting for Aaron to finish the first book so I can read them again.  :)

Visitor

We got to see this brother two days in a row! 

Walker was a little shy yesterday, today he warmed up some more.

It was nice to visit and hear about his latest adventures.

Project 365

I'd like to start this in pictures.  We will see how far I get!

I've been feeling crafty lately.  I love that I have pulled out my sewing machine and have a couple projects going there.  I also finally printed off pictures from Walker's birth so I can start scrapbooking those.  Aaron's aunt Jennifer made a beautiful scrapbook for us so all I need to do is add pictures.  That's right up my alley today. :)

I'm researching cake decorating right now.  This little man will be one soon and I'd like to make his cake!

Loving Lasagna

Whoops

I didn't mean to be gone that long!  I took a trip and started working on a few projects around here...  Time just goes by! 

Here's the latest project of mine:

It's not perfect by any means- but my mother-in-law had made a couple of these blankets for Walker and they still are my favorite ones to use.  So I wanted to see if I could make one.  I'm not sure what I will do with it.  Gift it, maybe?  I was thinking about a give-a-way, but wasn't sure if anyone would be interested.

Mr. Cool Dude

Has a new trick.

I don't know how to get him to stop putting his feet on the table!  This is obviously not a habit I want him to keep.  He, of course, thinks it's the greatest thing ever. 

A side note- it's been a lot of fun seeing his personality pop out.

My Sink is Shining

Thanks to this lady.  I'd heard of the flylady before, but never checked it out until last week.  (Now, be forewarned, that website is not easy to navigate.)  The mention of this method came at the perfect time because I've been feeling overwhelmed with trying to keep up with the normal cleaning of my house on top of finally getting everything organized.  But once I started with the babysteps, I feel like I can do this. 

So my sink is shiny and I'm getting things under control.  That makes me feel good.  It's been an adjustment, going from working 40-50 hour weeks and simply having time to just barely keep the surface clean, to being at home and actually having time to do more.

I didn't realize how much of an adjustment it would be.  But it was, and that threw me off a bit.  It's good now.  We have a routine down and I'm making strides with the house. 

...I'm out of words tonight. 

And so, goodnight.  (Name that quote.)

Healthy Eating

As Walker eats more and more table food I am realizing how little I actually understand what constitutes a healthy meal. 
I know the basics- the more color, the better- veggies, fruits etc.  But I don't really know how else to go about devising meals. 
I want for all of us in my household to eat a healthier diet.  (And I know I'm doing alright with Walker, but not so much with myself.)  I'm determined to lose the last of the baby weight by his first birthday.

So, I'm asking you guys- where can you direct me to help me learn more.  Meal ideas, nutrition info etc.  I've tried looking but I just get a little bit overwhelmed.  I know some of you have ideas for me!

My favorite part of the day

Is when Walker puts his little arms around my neck and squeezes- which usually happens after I pick him up from a nap. 

What's yours?

Before and After

It's a little hard to see in these pictures how this actually works- but here is a before and after of our upstairs bathroom.

 We cut off most of what used to be the bathroom- the area you can see in the bottom half of the picture.  This is now part of our hallway- and where you can see the sink in the above picture I now have a closet.  (With shelves in it as of Monday, which makes me very happy!)

 

Okay, the shower that you see in the before picture was moved 90 degrees- what you can't see in the after picture is the window that was by it.  It would be on the right here. 
And the toilet now is in the back corner that you can see in the top before picture.  We took out the window on the right- it would be where my sink is now.

As you can see, we still need trim.  It's up in some places on not others.  I don't have a doorknobs on my doors yet because they still need to be finished...  And lots of other little things that will come eventually!

Momma Spends

Most of her days following this little man up the stairs.

Finding My Passion

As you know, I left my job in January. It was a scary thing to do, a leap of faith. And no matter how much I knew that I wanted to have time with my son- time that I wasn't getting by working the retail business- I also knew that I would need to have something for myself.

I am learning just how true that is.

I want this. I want to be at home with Walker and see his growth. I want to know when he napped, how long his naps were, what and when he ate. I want to know how many dirty diapers he had and what new things he learned each day.

So I left my job in order to become a stay-at-home-mother. I also mentioned to several people in several places that I wanted to start a photography business on the side. I wanted to start a studio and really pursue photography. I have been taking the NYIP photography course for the past two years but with marriage and a baby, have yet to finish it. So my goal is to complete that. I know that I need something for myself. 

But I've been doing some deep thinking. And here is the conclusion I've come to:

I enjoy photography. I really do.

But I'm just not sure that I'm cut out to be a photographer. I love picking up my camera and capturing the stories I see around me. Capturing moments and emotions- things that could be classified as candid.

I don't like giving direction. It's not for me.

My dream job as a photographer would be to take candid photographs at events. I would love to be in the background and capture all of those feelings- the stories as I see them. That could be at birthday parties, weddings, a typical day at home...

So where does that leave me? I'm not sure.

I feel like I need to find my passion- that one thing that I love to do- something that gives me a goal to work towards. And I'm still working on that.

It seems to me that I've struggled with this issue for years. There are a lot of things that I am “good” at, but I want to find that one thing that I am “great” at. My passion.

More to come on this.

10 Months Old Today

 And 1st haircut yesterday.  We had trimmed around the ears before, but Walker got a little buzz last night!

Welcome

Welcome to my new www home. My goal with this new blog is to post more often, be more honest and share my views of the world.

I have a confession to make. It's often hard for me to post because I tend to censor my thoughts so much. I'm not going to do that anymore. Hold me to it okay?

So what have we been up to lately?

I got to visit (and babysit) "Handy Manny".

 

We were visited by a couple of Walker's aunties.

Walker found a great bed for his teddy.

And decided he could help me load the dishwasher.

We visited Walker's great grandma.

Read some books...

Went to this little guy's baptism.

(Don't you just love that hair?!)

Took a family picture.

And hung out with this little peanut.

What's new in your world?