Friendships

I had two amazing conversations today with two different, amazing people. For me, it's a pretty lucky day when I get to reconnect with an old or new friend. Life is so busy I really have to remind myself to stay in touch with old and new friends in my life. It's nice to listen to someone else tell you all about the great and not so great things that are going on their life and be able to relate on any level. I'm really greatful for the friends that have stayed in my life from the time I was in fifth grade up to the new people I've met and become dear friends with along the way....

.

.

The quote above means a lot to me. I believe people that truly want to be in your life and a part of your story will make the effort and 'find a way' to stay connected :)

Here's to friends!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDL0wKnMV-Y

::love::

Here's a dinner idea :)

...cuz they'll kill to see you fall...

Sometimes during the holidays you can catch a slight case of the 'meloncholies'. It can be the most STRESSFUL time of year so, this year I decided to make a conscious choice to not sweat the small stuff (or big) things in my life. I love the quote (above). It's so true that there are people who take enjoyment in other peoples failures or sorrow :( I have to remember to keep my chin up and let go of things that could possibly hold me back from the the positive things I want to create in my life.

.

We had our anual gingerbread house decorating party last night at my parents. It was a lot of fun :) This party has become one of my favorite family traditions. It's the best feeling being surrounded by people you love with great food and excellent conversation.

.

.

I'll post pics soon.

http://mommyimhungry.blogspot.com/2011/02/saucy-roast-beef-big-mouth-sliders.html

I took a shot at these Saucy Roast Beef Big Mouth Sliders (crock pot). They turned out SO yummy! I did make a few slight changes to the recipe. Instead of the Italian dressing mix I used Ranch and instead of the Gravy mix I used Aju gravy mix (is there really a huge difference?). I used provolone cheese instead of swiss on a supurb bun and they were delicious! I highly recommend this for dinner.

::love::

I still haven't got all my Christmas decorating done...

Not because I have a lot of Christmas decorations it's because there's been SO much going on. Thursday was the massive wind storm in Davis county that created a lot of devastation in so many peoples yards...

The neighbors tree directly behind my parents house fell onto the playhouse and crushed it :(

This is the neighbors house across the street from my parents. This tree has been here since before I moved in in the fifth grade...We were all so sad to see it blew down.

The only reason I'm smiling in these pictures is because nobody I love got hurt in this windstorm. All of my close family and friends came out of these 112mph winds unscathed.

.

I'm absolutely in LOVE with this song.
Enjoy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkOKCWDJ4iA&ob=av3e

::love::

Gratitwosday

In September Harley and I went on a couples vacation to The Dominican Republic. We had so much fun relaxing on the beach with excellent company :)

I'm pretty greatful for this guy...He puts up with A LOT!

:)

In the summertime the kids love to go to the duck pond and feed the ducks...

Kids are SO MUCH WORK. However, I'm greatful for the many things they teach me about myself every. single. day.
I've heard people say kids learn so much from adults/parents and I'd have to say the same goes for us. My kids have taught me patience I never knew I had and a selflessness that only a child can get out of you. I'm pretty greatful for that :)

::love::

Giving Thanks...

...I wish we could all be this thankful ALL year round...

.

This picture is SO funny.

I think this is what goes through womens minds when you get too many cooks in the kitchen...maybe....;)

We definitely had enough cooks in the kitchen this year!

Don't we look fabulous?

There was also plenty of wine to go around.

Judy got us all new aprons this year! I know! They're fabulous :)


These two little girls (above) were the CuTeSt cooks we could've asked for :)



I could have worn my apron all day (and almost did) it's SO cute.

The kids were getting stir crazy and hungry smelling all the

deliciousness throughout the house. mmmmmm

Harley did the honors of carving the bird this year.

Digging in!

Some after dinner football madness :)

I'm a bad mom and hadn't got the kids boots yet...I know :(

So, I wrapped plastic bags around Cash mans feet so he could get in

the football action and not get his feet soaked :)..I fastened the

bags with elastics. Getto fabulous.

I love this holiday and time of year...

...There are so many things in my life to be thankful for...

Amazing food, family and kids :)

Happy Birthday, Leo! We love and miss you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffo4dptpBAA

Ever Wonder?

Ever wonder what would happen if we worried less?....

Not only do I love the saying in this picture I LOVE this dress and shoes!

I'm pretty sure a light bulb turned on in my head the moment I read this saying. I've been there more than I care to admit...doing things to impress someone else or not upset them or just so I felt more like I fit in....

Dumb

Lately I've been listening more to what my gut tells me and really being true to myself. Luckily, I have a very supportive husband who really thinks this 'new me' is a great idea.

:)

I'm not a fan of turquoise jewelry but, THIS is perfectly put together!

I must re-create this look....maybe I'll pair the shirt and cardigan with a skirt instead ;)

.

::fabulous::

Sugar Sunday

This post has nothing to do with sugar I just didn't know what to call it :)

.

So, I'm thinking I'm going to have to put my Christmas decor up early this year. I can't take it anymore and the more I read on facebook of others following this early trend I can't help it. I must join in the way too early holiday cheer! Maybe if I start out slowly and wait to put up the tree until after Thanksgiving I won't be too ostracised by family and friends...Avery's already been asking to listen to Christmas music and sadly it's already playing on 106.5 fm.

.

.

.

I lOVE this quote~I think it's probably one of the most motivating quotes as far as forgiving yourself for your mistakes and others. Change is completely inevitable and sometimes in the moment (that can last for days/weeks/months) it doesn't seem like for the best but, change offers growth and the opportunity for you to make decisions that affect you and everyone around you....Life is all about choice and you can choose to love yourself, forgive yourself, and know that you're enough!

.

On a lighter note I'm completely obsessed with fashion lately.

.
I'm crushing over this look pretty hard right now. The blouse is peach with grey pin dots and attached scarf!!

::love::

Avery's 1rst day of preschool 2011

Avery started her second year of pre-school today!

She loved Mrs. Kate so much last year but, this year

she has a wonderful new teacher named Mrs. Debbie

Here she is on the front porch posing :)

She's growing up so fast I can't believe it...

It's sad really :(

We're so proud of her. She still enjoys school...for now ;0

She loved her first day and is excited to go back tomorrow.

She attends 3 days a week this year for 2 hours a day....

It's a nice break for mom!!

We LOVE you Avery!

Gun Powder 'N' Lead...

I see this cropped and used as a wedding announcement...

A few weeks ago we decided to let out some pent up aggression by unloading some rounds....

I was pretty excited to be out shooting some guns :)

.

And so was Jared.

Tammy's just aweseome...and has pretty good aim ;)

Harley is pretty happy as you can see...

The SKS...My favorite...

I miss it already and dreamt about it that same night! haha

This gun is just plain bad ass.

I can't wait to go out for the next 'round' :)

A day in Huntsville...

Harleys uncles are in town from Florida helping Judy get some projects done at the house. We decided to take the kids up there to visit and hang out with the family...

Behind the house is this small pasture with four horses in it. I don't particularly care for horses but, the kids really wanted to see them and get a feel for what these horses are all about.

Turns out they're pretty tame and want you to feed them...a lot!

I get nervous around them but, the things you do for your children! It's amazing how no matter how afraid you might be of something you act strong for your children...they truly help you find strength in yourself you may otherwise never knew you had.

If you've never visited the park in Hunstville you should! It's awesome! Tennis courts, volley ball courts, soccer fields, and a huge FUN playground for kids...& adults! I got my swing on a time or two while the kids ran around :)

Kids are so fun. They help 'simplify' life for you and do you a huge favor in doing so.

Cash literally could not get high enough on these swings. He kept yelling at me to push him 'higher! higher, mom!' :) Sweet Cash. So soft spoken yet gets into much trouble! He drank some cinnamon home fragrance oil a couple of weeks ago and we treated ourselves to the ER in an ambulance ;) He's totally fine he just aspirated some of the oil and we had to stay for a 5 hour observation. He needs 4 sets of eyes on in CONSTANTLY! I don't know how I'm going to keep up with that kid...

Cherry Blossoms and Smiles...