In a RUT

I feel like this week, my mind has been on a lot more then it usually is. I have expectations for the trip we are going on, and I hope that I am not over thinking/planning it. I am afraid it has already come and gone past that point, but none the less! I have been thinking about all the other things I want to accomplish before the end of the year, and while I am motivated TODAY, to do some of them, there are other things that need to get done, more pressing and important things. Do you ever feel like life is passing SO SLOW, then before you know it, your are saying, "That went by SO FAST"? Anticipation and surprises is not something I have ever done well with. Planning this trip has taken my mind off the baby issue, but when we get home, I know it is going right back to BABY MAKIN MODE! YIKES! At least 2 times a day you will catch me saying, "After we get home from Disney...." When we get home, what will we have to look forward to? Or should I say, What will we have to look forward tutu? We are definitely going to have to jump on the Alphabet Train, the Shapes Train, the Counting Train, am I missing any? Oh, the Spell your Name train! Double Yikes, Batman! Precious and memorable moments of my week so far...

Our friends Troy and Robi stopped by the other night. They have three kids, and they are so fun, cute and adorable! Olivia has the cutest freckles, and I pray that Nora gets them just like hers. I had to take a picture. Her and her brother Nick were doing the "STAR" in the back yard. you know, just like on the Olympics! (I had NO IDEA they did this at the Olympics! Hmph?)
Joel found this guy on a post in our yard. He was freaking me out. Literally staring at me for a long time. If I would move, he would follow me. I love living in the country. As long as he stays in his natural environment, I will be his friend. You cross my threshold, there is going to be a problem!
Seriously... this is not the first time we have caught love bugs in the "act". Seriously!
We have been testing out the tutus. It melts my heart, and her daddy's too!

Must pass...

What a blog! I have to pass on my FAVORITE blogger/chef/photographer! She is absolutely A-mazing! She is a pastry chef from France, and made her way to the USA! I found her on The Daring Bakers Blogroll. When I saw her blog, I had an epiphany! This is what I dream to be able to do! Granted, it may be 50 years till I get there, but in time! She has inspired me. I emailed her, (never have I done anything like that before), and not expecting a response, she emailed me back. She is SO real, and genuine. She gave me some great advice, that I am so excited to try out. Stop by her blog, and you will get what all my fuss is about! Thank you Tartlette! I wish there was more people in the blogging world that were as genuine, and humble as you!

Oh, yeah, check out her Eclairs! Isn't she great?

Just Peachy!

Super LAME titles! What is wrong with me? Anyways, while my grandma was in town this weekend, we canned peaches! Well, they canned, and I took pictures. What else is new? I did help peel them, and I learned alot. My mom was teaching me all the different tools that you need, and the MANY different way you can preserve peaches. Jam, Jelly, Freezer Jam, Frozen peaches, canned peaches, spiced canned peaches, peach pie, peach cobbler, peaches 'n' cream, the possibilities are endless. And knowing how to can, is a great skill! My mom... she is pretty smart! And so is her mom! Learn to can peaches! You and your kids, won't be disappointed!
It is such a joy to have grandma around. (She makes me say things like, "What a joy it is to have her around"!) We love her, and pray for her daily. She is one amazing gal. She is having her hip surgery at the end of the month, and when she does, she will be running circles around us! Isn't she so cute!

When you are in my moms kitchen, you better be serious! She has the system down, and she made sure that EVERYONE knows it! This is her chart to show everyone helping what is going on!

These are some of the most beautiful peaches! They tasted pretty dang good too! Even ask Nora. She loved them! They were so big, she could barely hang on to it!

My Squeaky Baby!

These are some of my favorite things! Sue from Baby Treads and Threads sells the cutest shoes for kids I have ever seen! Just look at these. I mean, A-dorable! Nora just grew out of her pair, and now I am debating which ones to get her. These are three of my faves. They squeak when they are walked on, so 1) you always know where they are 2) they want to learn to walk, 3) people constantly stop my on the street to ask me about her shoes. I thought for sure she needed a pair to wear at Disney! I may have to buy all three pair! Oh bother! I am in BIG trouble!!!

Please, GO TO HER "WEBSITE", and look at the MANY MANY darling styles she carries!

My LABOR Day!

I was asked to tell my Labor Day story on my blog. I am sure for entertainment value only. It wasn't even that entertaining. Maybe I have my own dramatic twist on it!

Let's see where to begin *insert harp music here*, oh yes, October 14, 2006: Joel and I were given tickets to go see "Suessical the Musical". Since the Tigers were playing in the playoffs, I don't think he was too kean on going. But, this would most likely be our last weekend as a single couple, it sounded like the best option. We went to Bennigans for dinner, and I had a "Monte Cristo". (this will come into factor later in the story). It was fabulous, super greasy, and just what the mom to be needed! I had been popping Blue Kohosh pills all day. (My former mid-wife grandma told me that helps to bring on labor). I really was doing everything I could to get something to start down there. Not too much luck! So we are at the musical... which is apx. 20 minutes from my house, and 20 minutes from the hospital, in the other direction. Before the show started, we were talking with the couple in front of us, and she was telling us that she delivered her baby in 5 minutes, and that
we should be prepared to deliver in the car on the freeway on the way to the hospital. At this point, my contractions were not regular. Well, Joel started to get a little nervous after talking to the lady. I had done my research, and knew that there was a very small chance that I would have to deliver in the car on the freeway, but he was not convinced. So half way through the first act, I started to count my contractions. How long they lasted, and how often they were. They started to pick up a little, but nothing too alarming. Joel on the other hand was FREAKING out!

So at intermission, it was no surprise that he wanted me to call the doctor. The doctor told me, that in an hour, if they are still consistent, to just come in. So we left Suessical, and went home, just to get things ready. An hour later they were still coming, so we went in. They were quite painful, and I was very uncomfortable, so I knew this was going to be it! They checked me, and I was only dilated to a 2! That is really bad! They said that I needed to go home, and wait until it was worse. I explained to them, it was impossible. This is as bad as I wanted it to get! Seeing my stress, and their limited ability to help me in my situation, they gave me 2 Ambiens. Sleeping pills. I stood at the counter and took them. At some point Joel left me to go get the car. After I took the pills, I can honestly say, I don't remember a thing. I don't remember the drive home, I don't remember taking 3 baths!, I don't remember yelling at Joel because my heating pad was the wrong temp! I do remember dreaming about little Cindy Loo Hoo's though! And I remember thinking I could feel a whole greasy sandwich in my stomach! When I would get up to use the bathroom, or take a bath, I would be so unconscious, I would run into doors, walls, etc. Joel was very concerned, and took me back to the hospital at 6 in the morning. The first thing I remember is getting my epidural. And ooohh... did it feel good! Thinking about the labor now, it was great, easy, and worth every minute. But I do remember screaming to the doctor, "I AM NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN!!!!" How embarrassing! I also remember being really mad that my mom was taking pictures of me in this mess of a situation. Now, I am glad that I have something to remind me of the pain. And that amazing feeling, will be something that I will never forget. This was our tiny little peanut on the day we left the hospital. The day that they sent 2 crazy, irresponsible, dumb, new parents out in the world, to raise a brand new human being.

As hard and long as that experience was, I hope it happens again, real soon! HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Food Storage Blessing!

You know?... Our church really has their stuff together. Last week, a few families from our ward went to the "Food Storage Center", and "Stocked UP".

Let me explain this place, first of all, it is a small warehouse that sells flour, salt, sugar, beans, rice, dry milk, ect. A good size group goes in, and places an order. Items are sold in quantities of #10 cans. Then someone tallies up the totals, and we start working. We fill the cans, seal the cans, box the cans, pack the cans, and send them home! Joel and I didn't really buy that much, but being there helping others was fun, and exciting! I was trying to be artsy with the camera, but then when I was watching people work, I thought it was necessary to shoot a couple of pics. To find out more about Family Home Storage, go here.

This is Joel trying to give directions. Later that evening he said, "I DO NOT SPEAK 16 year OLD girl."

I told Travis this would end up on here... and so here it is! LOVE the hair!
Here is my attempt at being "artsy"! According to my dad, I need to pay more attention to my "negitive space". Whatever!
The Mallorys ordered 40 cans of elbow maccaroni! WOW! That's a lot of mac'n'cheese

ROAD TRIP!

Super Lame Title, I KNOW! I am recovering from the LONGEST day and a half, in a LONG time! Remember how Alie, and the kids were supposed to go see Grandma last week, and things didn't work out, so we were going to see her this week? Here is the rest of the story. Grandma called me on Tuesday, and said, "Please still come, however, I was able to get an appointment with a new doctor about having my hip surgery earlier then October, and I really need to get in to see him. So I will be at your moms house till Friday, then I will see you kiddies when I get home." So us "kiddies" took 6 hours to drive 200 miles. We stopped once to do some shopping, and that was great for the other "kiddies" to burn off some energy. We got to Grandmas house around 8:30pm. Alie got her kids to bed, and I was trying to get mine. NOT happening. Since she doesn't ever sleep in her pack'n'play, I didn't bring it. I assumed she would fall asleep, and just sleep with me. After an hour of failing at that, Alie gave it a crack. Also, FAIL! Then I took her for a 20 minute drive (I know, I always make fun of moms that have to do that, but it worked!), she fell asleep in the car. I carried her inside, and put her to bed. Phew... no problem. How will I do this at Disney? Do you think Mickey makes house calls, and will taxi us around the park, till she falls asleep? Doubt it. So Alie and I stayed up talking about life, and two hours later, Nora woke up. *DRATS* Alie went to bed, and I stayed up for the next 3 hours, trying to get her to sleep. WAS NOT going to happen. Too much to see, and do at grandmas! I fell asleep around 2:30 am. Not sure what time she fell asleep, all I know is she woke up at 6am! So we were up for the day! the beach is going to be REAL fun! I called Grandma, and asked if she would bring the Pack'N'Play with her, so at least Nora would be contained, and maybe I could sleep, even if she were screaming the entire time! Then I found out, that Grandma wasn't coming home. She had an appointment for a pre-op exam, and was going to stay till Tuesday. Right then, Alie and I made an executive decision to GET OUT OF DODGE! So we came home. We first stopped by The LARGEST CHRISTMAS STORE IN THE WORLD, Bronners in Frankenmouth. And hung out in the German town for a minute.

Problem* I switched my camera to shoot in RAW, and when I loaded them on the computer, I can't open them. Come to find out, my editing software came out before my camera, and I need to upgrade it, which is not as easy as it should be. Unfortunately right now, I can't show all the great Christmas store pictures, but I was able to get a few melt down pictures, and crazy Ky pictures. Both of which are very easy to get ANYTIME!

Once again, Daring Bakers!

It is that time of the month again! Today, the August Daring Baker Challenge is due, (along with my August car payment!) I know this is only the 4th challenge I have done, but this one, by far, has been my favorite. The pictures aren't as beautiful as other DB's, but they tasted A-mazing. I actually made the recipe twice, because they were that yummy. I have already had my pics looked at by a professional, and had been given some photog advice. I am still learning, and love any feed back. Ex: These pics were taken in Straight Sunlight, and Open Shade is the best place to take pics. I did not know that, and next time, I will keep that in mind. So, lets get to the story, and the pictures. This is something that most anybody could try. It was not at all complicated like the last... 3 challenges. And, like I said, the taste alone was worth it.

The challenge was given by MeetaK at whatsforlunchhoney.blogspot. And the recipe was from her "sugar daddy" Pierre Hermé. (I am not sure if he is really her Sugar Daddy, or it was a figure of speech?) MeetaK was very generous, and let the DB's play around with the recipe. The recipe was for Chocolate filled eclairs. The first time I made them, I did use chocolate filling, and chocolate topping. Here are 2 shots, that are just "Keepin It Real!"

Take note, this is Nora, eating her breakfast, and I actually made the eclairs at night! Don't judge me! I was exhausted by the time I was done, I made an executive decision, and that was to leave the mess till the morning! Because the first time I made them, it was dark, and there was NO natural light, I decided to make them a second time, with vanilla filling. I am not sure why, but the topping did not set the second time. I tried it twice that day, and could not get it to stiffen. But by all means, they tasted as good as they did the first time.





I realize that I have been really lousy at blogging lately. I am really embarrassed to hear that there are a few people spreading rumors about my "Fabulous" blog, and honestly, I suck at it! If you are looking for a "FABULOUS" blog, go here. Last week, she gave away 3 KITCHEN AID MIXERS! She has great pictures, and great recipes.

We are leaving for Disney in SIX days!!! I have so much to blog about before I go, so later today, and this week, when I take a tutu break, stay tuned!!!

Favorite Cooker Books!

After a maddening week of slaving away in the kitchen, I have to thank the ones who got me through it! These are a few of my favorite cook books. I have developed quite the collection, but I love these ones the most. "How to Cook Everything" has become my bible in the kitchen. When my little friend Maggie started to read, she read the title, and said, "Everything?" I said, "Yep, name some food, and we'll see if it is in here." "Grilled Cheese?" "YUP", "Macarroni and Cheese?", "YUP", "Spaghetti?", "YUP", "I know a really good one, Ratatouille!", "Hmmm, that is a good one, really that is a French food though, so I doubt it would be- YUP!" This book has everything from the most basic to the most fancy recipes. I love it! I have a confession, I don't know how to make rice. I know... I make fancy, funky foods all day long, but I never remember how to make rice! So, at least onces per week, I am on the rice page! I am so lame! So, if you are in the market for a MUST HAVE recipe book, these are a few to get started!

Art you can Eat!

YIKES! I went 5 days without a single post! How sad for anyone who reads this! Haha... yeah, right! I was supposed to be out of town this week, however, my silly grandma, forgot that she had guests at her house, that were going to be there at the same time we were, and because of her tiny little cottage in the woods, doesn't sleep more then... 6 people, we decided it would be best to come up next week. So on Thursday, Alie, Moi, and the kids are going over the river, and through the woods to grandmothers house WE GO! Then we come home, and GET READY FOR DISNEY! I can't believe it is two weeks from now! I have kept saying, summer won't be over till we get home from Disney. So sad to think! I really hate hate winter, and become very anti-EVERYTHING! I hate to admit, but snow makes me really crabby! Maybe this is the winter, that I will have reason to BE HAPPY! Of course there are a lot of reasons to be happy, but with 20 degree temperatures, it is harder to seek after the good. The good news is that BLOGGING is done inside my warm cozy home! The bad news, is that the posts might be LAME! Come winter, I will make it a goal, to make my posts an oasis for the crabby snow haters like me!

Anyways, nice therapy session for myself. I have been messing with Photoshop Elements. I used to think that I am a pretty quick learner, and I can figure things out by playing around. This program has really changed my mind about how smart it am! I feel super dumb, and humbled! It is fun to play around, and as long as I have my book, and my phone, I can usually figure out what I want to accomplish.

Nora has began calling her daddy, Joel! I can't get over it! I laugh every time, and it encourages her to keep going. He doesn't mind being called Joel, and even likes it. Me on the other hand, could not disagree more. (Welcome to parenting 101: when a mom and dad were not raised by the same mom and dad, there may be a time when ideas, and styles are not the same. This is the first. I am sure there will be more!) So, now I call Joel, "Daddy" all the time! I feel so stupid doing it, and I am sure I sound pretty stupid too. But after this conversation, what choice do I have?

Me: Joel, do you think we have time to ... blah blah whatever!
Joel: Huh, what?
Me: DO YOU THINK WE HAVE TIME TO.....?
Joel: What? (He was really into the Track and Field event that was on!)
Me: JOEL! Seriously?
Nora: (she puts her hand on her head) Joel, Joel, Joel!

So, even though it is very cute now, I don't think that at 14 it would be very cute, or respectful. I really had no intention of going on and on about nothing really! Let us get to the good stuff!

Because I am lacking the ability to let lose, and let Nora get dirty! "Daddy" thought it would be a good idea to really get messy! We made edible finger paints.

It is only vanilla pudding, plus food coloring! I was in charge of taking pictures, so that way, I didn't have to worry about clean up! I think I heard a comment like, "You have to get used to mommy taking a LONG time when you have a project. She has to get the right angles! She does projects for you, only for the pictures!" OK, so maybe I do put a great project right in front of her, and don't let her touch it. But, I try to do it quickly, and I NEVER do it only for the picture. It is WAY more fun to see her enjoying herself, then it is getting the perfect shot. A lot of stuff we do, doesn't even get photographed, and therefore never makes it on THE BLOG. ANYWAYS, (there I go again, ranting!) So, we set up the paper on the picnic table.
Then we do a little demonstration on eating, and painting.

I sat and watched the entire time. Not worried at all about the gunk in the different crevices, and under the nails, etc. It was Nora herself, that freaked out about stuff being all over her hands. This next picture, is something that I NEVER want to see! I am repulsed by the very existence. But it is my step towards loosening up! Lets say that Nora drooled over the pudding while I was taking the pictures, and the drool left streaks going down her chest!

Our lesson for the day...

The fruits I have not labored!

After I planted my garden, I developed SEVERE allergies. I was able to spend a few days a week weeding, and tending, until it got so bad, that I wasn't even able to spend a minute out side to breathe! I am pleased to announce MY ALLERGIES are under control! (Until next year!) My garden... NOT SO MUCH! This was our first garden, and we learned a lot, and have already made changes to put into place for next year. Like raised beds! I am too old, and lazy to be bending over, and getting dirty. We have researched all sorts of different ways to do the beds, and wil be starting it this year, to be ready for next. I love that there are vegetables that can grow even if nobody loves and cares for them. See what I picked today? These will be for sure planted in the next garden.

HAPPY 32nd!

That's right, yesterday my MAN turned 32! I have to gush over him for only a minute. Apparently, on occasion, when he is working, and he misses his girls, he will go on THE BLOG, and catch up on what happens in our life. Lets say that only one time per year I am allowed to do this! I do it all the time at home, but for blogging sake, I think birthdays are appropriate!

Facts about Joel:

1) He has the biggest sweet tooth known to man! If I don't keep candy in the house, he will eat, chocolate chips, brown sugar, frosting, hot fudge, anything that contains sugar. He is as skinny as a rail, so it isn't too problematic! Funny story... Sunday was my turn for sharing time. My class discussed that for a hand out we would pass out York Peppermint Patties, with the saying "Jesus "MINT" for us to repent so we can live with Heavenly Father again." So, on Monday, I bought a pound of yorks. On Tuesday night, Joel came to me, with an obvious sugar buzz,

Joel: (said as he was literally bouncing on the bed) Hey, I did something, and you might be mad at me for it! BUT, I am pretty sure if I make you a bag of popcorn, you won't be mad.
Me: What did you do?
Joel: I can't tell you! (still bouncing) If you don't know, then I can't tell you. Really, I am sure you will be mad, but I know you will be better with popcorn. I can't tell you what I did.
Me: (Standing at the bed, hand on my hip, wondering what the heck he is on!) Joel, tell me, what did you do? I would rather you tell me, then me find out on my own.
Joel: That is the thing, you may not find out! So, if you don't know, I should wait because maybe you won't know!
Me: Joel, have you been eating candy-
Joel: Maybe
Me: Joel, did you eat my Jesus mints?
Joel: UH OH- Those were the Jesus mints? I didn't eat all of them I swear!

So, I made him bring me the ones that he didn't eat. He brought me 4! I am still cracking up at what a little kid he is!

2)When ever I call him, he answers the phone, "Beautiful". It doesn't matter if he is in the bathroom, in an office full of contractors, with his young mens group! Sometimes he is in a meeting with some major clients, and he will answer in a whisper, "Can't talk beautiful, call you later".

3) If you ask him his hobbies, he will say, playing with my daughter, spending time with my wife in the temple, playing in the yard, physical labor and eating candy. It is true, he loves to work! It is such a blessing to have an amazing father for our baby!

4) Speaking of baby, the first time Joel ever held a baby, was minutes after Nora was born. Who knew he would end up being such a pro?


I love you babes! Happy Birthday, and sorry to embarrass you, it is all because I love you so much!!

Nora and I are heading out of town this week, to visit my grandma, and so Joel can get his budgets done before we go to Disney. Won't be posting for a few days! Have a great week all!

Movie/Theater Review

This movie came out on Friday, "Fly Me to the Moon". Ky was counting down the days. In Brighton, the theater has 20 some screens. You would think that for sure they would play this movie. WRONG! So Alie, myself, and the kids went to Novi to see it. It was in 3D. HOW FUN! Let me tell you, Nora does something at least once a day that just cracks me up. Today the theater was the place. She is so stinkin small, that her body weight can't keep the seat down. She sat in this booster seat, with a tub of popcorn the size of her entire upper body. That in itself was a sight to see. I wish I could have gotten a picture! Then she puts on the 3D glasses that are made for 4 year olds. So this alone was worth the trip! I loved the movie. I have a big beef with flies in my house right now, so this softened my heart to the nasty little annoyances! I love that the kids movies now, are even educational. Did you know that Flies have over 4,000 lenses per eye (they only have 2 eyes) but can't see worth a darn! It makes me feel a little better about taking Nora to movies. So, it was a very cute movie, and I loved it. The 3D part of it was so great. I felt like I could really reach out and touch the moon. 3D movies aren't what they used to be. Great graphics, and cute story. Now, onto my review of the theater. We went to The Emagine Entertainment Theater in Novi. They charged me for Nora's ticket, which usually children under 2 are free. Oh well, not a big deal, paid for her ticket. Well, since the 3D glasses didn't even fit her, and the movie was blurry without the glasses, the movie meant nothing to her! That was my biggest complaint. I really didn't want to make a stink of it, so I didn't. I woke up this morning, and it was still bothering me. So I called them right away, and told them my issue. The manager was very apologetic, and said she would send me a free pass. Which was nice, but since I don't go there regularly, doesn't mean a lot. I basically wanted her to know that the glasses were the problem, and that not all kids can wear them. Oh well. So that is my review. I would recommend it to anyone. Older and young. Not small though. Later today, we will see if we can recreate the scene of Nora in her movie chair. She is so funny!

Let the countdown begin!!!

We are officially preparing for one of the most anticipated family vacations ever. Of course it is the first family vacation ever. In 23 days, my family, my brother and his family, and my parents are going to DISNEY WORLD! My mom started a tradition, that when each of her grand children turns 5, they are taking the whole family to see Mickey. Pretty freakin sweet deal, I think. When I was a nanny, I went to WDW with they family I worked for. I remember thinking it was TOTALLY lame. Now that I have my own child, I couldn't be more excited. Even though it is a trip for Kyree, it will still be fun for us too. I have made Nora a tutu for every day of the week. Each one represents a different princess. We have been watching on YOU TUBE, when kids meet the characters, so that she doesn't FREAK out when she meets them. So far so good. Remember when she met the Easter Bunny, not so cool. She is way past that stage though. Since she doesn't watch TV, she has no idea who Mickey is, so last week, we went to the library, and got some Disney movies, and books. She does love Pooh, and one day we are having breakfast with him and all his friends. We are also going to a "NOT SO SCARY" Halloween Party. All the characters are dressed in costumes, and all the villains come out. Nora is going as Cruelle De'Ville. Then for the "actual" birthday dinner, we are going to Mickey Mouse, Backyard BBQ. So tonight, we tie-dyed our t-shirts that we are going to wear. The kids had fun, and I was even able to relax, and let them be creative! Papa won the award for "Most Decorative", OF COURSE! He claims that he has never done tie-dye before. Whatever!