LOOK WHAT I FOUND!

In my very own yard! I wasn't even looking!!!

Shopping, talking, posing!!!

Can you believe that I have been posting so often? I am averaging one post per day! WOO HOO!!! I think because Joel has been super busy, and hasn't been home since Saturday. Tomorrow we are reuniting with him at the Ann Arbor Art Fair. Always a fun freaky place to be!

So, today while Nora and I were doing some grocery shopping, I was talking to "Dada" on the phone, and "Nona" wanted to say "HI" too. It was so funny! He was talking... she was saying, "Yeah... yeah... yeah...". It was a great distraction for her while I was able to get some shopping done. This went on for about 5 minutes. I had no idea what they were talking about. Then I remembered I had my camera in my purse. So, I snapped a picture, then started to record it. She saw the camera in her face, and said, "CHEESE!". It was truly a classical moment. Then I ran out of memory. So I switched memory cards, and then she was all done. So here is what I got. Short, but funny! I can't stop watching them. My little girl is such the socialite! Hmmm? Maybe I shouldn't be proud of that?

Summer Lovin!

The story on the allergy outbreak, has been great! I have been able to play outside, and even breathe and see while doing it! Which leads me to believe, maybe it was all in my head? I have been getting my allergy shot regularly, but they specifically told me, that it would not help my allergies for the first 40 treatments. I would like to think it was all in my head, but that doesn't explain why my face looked like it was ready to explode, and why I broke out, and why this happened...

Either way, I just keep pluggin along with getting my shot every week, and in the mean time, play outside as much as I can with Nora. She loves being in the water. When she plays in her sprinkler, she makes faces that I have never seen her make before. It is hystarical, but a treasured moment. The young life she has, makes me really appreciate the newness, and freshness life offers. I love exposing her to new things, but then I realize, that the next time she sees it, it won't be as exciting. So as she gets older every day, I grow more and more appreciative of her example of fun, and happieness! I think all moms should take a moment, and let the load of laundry go a little longer, and just have fun. The amount of time that they are kids, it a lot shorter then the amount of time they are adults.

Great Geeky Sleeky Hair Care!

I know that if anyone reads this, they are going to think I am a total geek! Heck, even I think I am a HUGE GEEK!!! Whatever! I don't care! Sometimes I see things on Blogs that say, "Things I love" or "My favorite things". Everyone knows how bad I want to "fit in" in the blogging community, so here is my attempt. On occasion, I am sitting in a coffee shop, eating a scone, and I think... "I love this! This scone would go on the "Things I Love" list." Then I sit down to make a list, and all I can come up with is that dang orange scone! (From Panera Bread by the way!) I am starting my own thing, and I am telling you right NOW, I am a Freakin' GEEK! GET OVER IT!

So, here is my first item on my posts of things I love...




This is my favorite hair care product ever! I have tried A LOT of products that range in price from $.98/bottle to $35.00/bottle (I am so glad Joel doesn't ever read my blog!) This is the only product that makes my HAIR SOOOOO Happy!!! The first time I tried it was two weeks ago. My AWESOMEST sister-in-law Alie, got this set for me for my birthday. Honestly, I didn't know if I should be offended or not. Then she told me what a great thing it was, and everyone in her family uses it, and I will love it. I said, sure, great, thanks... on with life... So a few days later, I saw it sitting there on the bathroom shelf, waiting till the current bottle of same old, same old poo was all gone. Joel didn't like the current product because it smelled too "girly", so he put it in the shower to try out. He probably used it on his legs, and arms too, such a GUY! Then I tried it! I have been in love ever since! Instead of having to blow dry my hair right when I get out of the shower, I can let it air dry, and my hair dries so soft, straight, and silky smooth! I have never had that before! It is great! I am not sure where she got it, so as my personal shopper, Alie, would you share the secret? And the next time you are in the market for a new and FABulous poo, give it a try. Your hair will thank you!

"Taste" Chicago!

Every year for two weeks the city hosts a Festival just about FOOD!!!! I desperately try to save up the calories for that day I get to visit. It is great for those of us who love food, but ya gotta love lots of people as well! Of course Chicago is known for the pizza, blues, hot dogs, baseball, ect. But, The Taste of Chicago has hundreds of local restaurants all in 5 city blocks! The admission is free, but you pay $8.00 for 12 tickets. It is located in Grant Park which is also in the Financial District. Besides the food being the best, the people watching is great too. You see all walks of life, business men on lunch break, SAHM's, nannies, MISSIONARIES!!!, old, young, BIG, and little! Each restaurant has a "Sample Menu" where you can purchase a taste of something ranging from 2-10 tickets! Mostly you just get a "Taste" of something, but you can also get a HUGE something. Here are some pics of the fabulous food. I may need a TUMS after the post! It gives me heartburn just by looking at this food!!!!


Chicago does GUACAMOLE!


Chicago does frozen chocolate bananas!


Chicago does Smokin BBQ Ribs!


Chicago does Pad Thai! A couple of different ways actually!


Sittin, restin, pickin, poppin Tums!


I have been waiting for pictures from my girls, so I could post some on here, and I can't wait any longer! You are BOTH in big trouble! This post is super lame! But it is in my drafts box, and screwing up the chi in my life!

First Daring Baker Challenge (June)

Super fun for me!!!! I have been following a few blogs of cooks, chefs, and bakers, and I notice one common denominator...




There is a forum that is known throughout the world world amongst bakers, who bake the same recipe every month. They then post their results on their blog. This month was my first time, and well, I have been a little behind. Better late then never. After today, I will be working on July's Challenge!!!

For my first challenge, I was really challenged. When I first learned of the Daring Bakers, the recipes I saw seemed pretty self explanatory. Then I got the instructions for my first challenge, and I was more then perplexed! Of course! Maybe that is why it too so long for me to complete it. I was beginning to think, maybe I am not "all that" of a baker. Maybe I am in way over my head. My mom is a great cook. She has a catering business, and she always makes the food look fabulous! So together I knew we could, "Make it work". Thanks Tim Gunn!!!

This month they called for all Daring Bakers to make a Danish Braid. The filling was baked apples, or your choice. I chose Raspberry Cream Cheese. The technique is a lot of folding, rolling, folding, and rolling some more. That is how danishes get that flaky layerey effect.

I took pictures through out the whole process. I noticed some D.B. ers do just the final product, and some from start to finish. This month I will try it the hard way, and next month we'll see if I want to go the easy route. I also just started using Photoshop, why? Don't ask me! I regret using it so soon, I have NO IDEA what I am doing. I thought, "Play around with it... can't be that hard..." It is completely GREEK! Maybe after a few forums and tutorials, it will be better next month. I may have screwed up the pics even more. YIKES! Too many new things in my life! Must stop!!!

I really, 100%, want to hear the criticism of these pics. I NEED to hear it! PLEASE, don't make me beg. I am a sponge. Will listen to anything! Please post the comments, so I can reference back. Thanks and here it is....

So once you have to dough made, it has to be measured out. Since I can't eyeball things AT ALL, I used painters tape, and a tape measure. Roll out the dough,

After you have the dough measured out, you spread a layer of a butter spread over 2/3 of the dough.

Then you fold the dough over the butter, and make a poke! That means 1 fold! Then you chill it, roll it, fold it, poke it, and repeat 4 TIMES!!!

Once the dough has been rolled and folded a billion times, then you are ready to braid the bread. Each side has to have 5inch long cuts, 1 inch apart. Hence the tape measure!
Once the cuts have been made, you are ready to add the filling. This is where you get creative. Or in my case... add what you have already in the pantry. Raspberry jam, and cream cheese. I am so glad for food storage!

Then just start braiding! It was so fun, remember when you were like 7 and loved to braid your dolls hair... Memories!!! I love it!

Once the braid it complete, it must rest for 2 hours. Then it is ready to go in the oven. It bakes for 30 minutes, and honestly, you can't screw this up! It comes out beautiful. If you know me, and you know my mom, you know, she is the DOILY QUEEN! Feast your eyes on this...



This was the perfect Sunday morning treat. The reviews on the taste were... mixed. Joel doesn't like cream cheese, so he said, "Errr". My parents on the other hand thought it was great. I thought there was a weird taste, which I know now is the cardamom. I am not a fan of the spice, but I didn't know that before baking this. Other then that, I thought it tasted alright. I will definitely be baking more Danish Braid in the future. I am thinking chocolate though!

That is my debut of The Daring Bakers!!!!

Calling RALPH to the porcelain telephone!

We all made it through the Cedar Point trip! It was a blast, even though... well, I am not 16 anymore!

We left for our trip Thursday when the dads came home from work. We drove for about 10 minutes, then needed to stop for dinner, and while we were in the area, a Super Hero movie!

Then alas... on our way out of dodge! Because we were going to stay the night in a hotel for only about 8 hours, we didn't want to spend a ton of money on a room. We stayed in the Travelodge 10 minutes from the park. Against my better judgment, and the HORRIBLE reviews! Joel and I got to our room, while Mr. and Mrs. Smith went to theirs. There was a knock at the door, where Mr & Mrs asked, "Is your room cleaned?" Theirs was not! No sheets on the bed, dirty towels, etc. Se we called the front desk, and they had keys to a new room, a suite room! HOT TUB, and Mirrors on the ceiling! (Bount chicka bount bount!!!) Come to find out, they had a night of laughing hysterically at themselves in the circus mirror!

The next morning we headed out, taking the scenic Lake Erie route there. I love the Great Lakes! Our God is truly amazing, and when I see the HUGE lakes, I am reminded how amazing He really is!

In the park, ready, set, GO!!! 1st ride- The Cork Screw!!! Never one of my favorite rides, but good way to start the morning! It was great to see The Smiths, and their 10 year old excitement! It was followed by slight disappointment when The Dragster was not open. No race cars going up 420 feet today! Bummer, or alright with me?


Next up-The Magnum. Has been my favorite ride, since it opened, well, the year after it opened. The year it opened, my dad brided me with ANYTHING in the whole park, for me to go on it. I refused. The next year, I was trying to impress a boy, so I HAD to go! This year, when we got in line to go on it, I saw a 12 year old girl crying, and her dad, pushing her to go! Ahhh, the memories. After The Magnum, we all felt great. Short lines, great weather. Life was fantastic!

The third ride was, The Gemini. This ride has been around way longer then I have. It is a sissy ride compared to The Magnum. No problem, right? Um... problem... I got off this ride, ready to "toss my cookies". I was with three people who were all having a great time, and I didn't want to spoil anything. I just kept going, like I would be fine. No big deal.

The fourth ride (and final in my book, for a few hours) was The Mean Streak. It was literally MEAN! After the longest and tallest wooden roller coaster, my insides needed a break! The Mister and I went for a much needed lunch break. Mr and Mrs Smith kept pushing on. They went right for The Millennium (A$25 Million ride!). Joel and I rode that one in 2005, so we didn't need to go again.

After lunch we waited to see the Smiths come off what happened to be their favorite ride. They loved it, and thought that I was right... you look down when you are at the top, and everyone looks like little dots!

I was feeling a little better, so we took a ride, standing position, on The Mantis. Standing didn't make me feel any better then sitting. It was all the same no matter how I was tossed around. So, Joel and I hit the arcades, the sky cap, the baby swings, the train, and then a shady grassy spot for a little nap! In the meantime, The Smiths went right for The Power Tower.

We met up once again, chatted about how the rest of the day should play out. Then in the corner of my eye, I saw it... at 120MPH and 420 feet in the air, not a bird, not a plane, not a super hero, a RACE CAR! It was empty, but being tested!!! So we rushed over to the frightful, and dare devil ridden, THE DRAGSTER. Let me first tell you, Joel was really looking forward to going on this ride. We saw it the last time we were here, and weren't able to ride, because it was too windy. So we talked about riding this for quite some time. Then he saw it going up, and down, and he opted to take pictures, rather then ride. Isn't he sweet? Girly, but sweet! The ride is only 17 seconds long, so I thought, I would do it. It can't be that bad right? Joel took a video of the ride in action. He then took several pictures of me before the take off, during, and after. After I rode, he videoed Mr and Mrs Smith before the take off. Right before they left, the battery in the camera died, and he missed it. It is quite hilarious to see them in the waiting tank. The way it works, is you hear the hydraulics start to pump, you hear the gate fall, then you wait. There is a traffic light, that goes from Red light, to Green Light. This ride goes from 0-120 MPH in 3 seconds. It is unlike anything you can experience anywhere else.

I am glad I did it, but like The Millennium, never again, would be soon enough. After that, the day was pretty complete. Mrs Smith could have gone all night, and the next day too, but thankfully, the rest of us were all pooped!

About these two love birds. Since I have known them, all of 1 year, I have thought that they are the ultimate power couple. They are so great as husband and wife. So supportive of one another, and generous to each other. It was so fun to spend the day watching them lovingly gaze. Their sweetness had nothing to do with the fact, that I puked on the way back to their house, then again on the way to our house, and one last time when we got home. I am glad I could at least enjoy the day!

Getting to the POINT!

In case this is my last blog post! Tonight, our Smith friends, and us (minus 4 kids) are going to Sandusky, OH. and tomorrow morning we are going to ...

The last time I was there, was the year before Nora was born. When I was a teenager, I would be up all night anticipating the day of fabulous fun! The last time I was there, I thought, I AM TOO OLD FOR THIS CRAP! I guess this time we are anxious because The Smiths are so fun to hang out with, and they have never been there. So seeing their excitement is going to be worth the whole trip! Last time I checked, this park had the most roller coasters in one park, then any other park in the world. It is always competing to be the biggest, fastest, tallest, longest, longest lines, and most expensive park ever! The "Millennium Force" was the last biggest Joel and I were on. I remember getting on, thinking, this could be it. I am going to be on the news! As we were inching towards the top, I thought, "Wow, we must be almost there... OH MY!!! Not even close, look down... I can't see anything, my vision is clouded by... CLOUDS!" It was quite the thrill, and honestly, I can't believe I am doing it again. But of course this year, they are even bigger! The "Dragster" is supposed to be great, but the last time we were there, they couldn't open it, because there was a light wind, and when you have that tall of a ride, it is dangerous to ride when there is even a teenie blow of wind. What happens if someone sneezes? Maybe we will sit that ride out. Then again, what fun would that be?

"The Italian Stallion"

This story, makes me laugh every time I think of it! In December 2002, my friend, lets call her "Jennifer", and her sister "Jessica" and her friend, "Jen" and I, all went to Chicago. This was way before we had kids, and were even married. So we were living the single life in the big city for four days. We stayed at a beautiful hotel on the "Magnificent Mile" called "Inter Continental". the only thing I remember about this hotel, besides the beautiful lobby, was the doorman. His name was Giovanni! All four of us crazy, giddy girls, had a little thing for "Giovanni". Now, "Jennifer" who is never afraid to say what is on her mind, said, "Oh Giovanni! Is that Italian!? You Italian Stallion!" Giovanni was flattered, and gave us some good choices for places to see while in the city. Every time we came back to the hotel, the Italian Stallion was happy to see us! He was the talk of the entire trip. So much, that a year later, "Jennifer" and "Jessica" took their mom to Chicago, stayed in the same hotel, and of course, flirted with Giovanni again! When she came home from that trip, I heard all about how he remembered her beautiful eyes. One day about a year later, I received a call from "Jennifer" saying, "Giovanni is on TV!!! There was a commercial on coming to see Chicago, and at the very end, the doorman tipped his hat, and it was THE ITALIAN STALLION!!!" Wow, we have hit BIG TIME! We know a real true celebrity!!! Right! OK... so now that 5 years have passed, and we all have kids, and are all married, Giovanni somehow still comes up in conversation. So here is where the fun starts... In Chicago last week, me, "Jennifer", and "Katie". "Katie" has heard "Jennifer" talk about Giovanni over that last few months. Of course we are in the city, "Jennifer" insists that we at least walk by to see if he still works there. She asks one door man, "Is Giovanni here?" He tells us he isn't, and when he gets in. So that night, on our way to dinner, we pass Inter Continental of course, and there he is... her real life, Italian Stallion. Very innocently she approached him, says, "Hello". He looks at her a little blankly, she looks back blankly at his name tag. She looks at his face, it is him. That is Giovanni, why does his name tag say "Hussain"?

"Jennifer": You are Giovanni, why does your tag say Hussain?
Italian Stallion: No, I am Hussain.
"J": Yeah, but you were Giovanni?
I.S.: Oh, I lost that name tag. I am really Hussain.
"J": You're not from Italy?
I.S.: No, I am from Iraq.

Her dreams have been crushed! Not only is he not from Italy, he is much shorter, and much older then he was the last time she saw him. After we picked up our much saddened friend, we laughed about it the entire night! And even on the way home. We called "Jessica" and "Jen", and told all about our devastation. We got pictures though! And we will always remember the "Iraqi Short Old Stallion, or Camel". And will always wonder, "why was he Giovanni the first and second time "Jennifer" saw him? If you work at "INTERCONNTINENTIAL" do you have to change your heritage, and become a different international character?" We will just have to always wonder!




The names in this story have been changed to protect the innocent and broken hearted. The story has been altered to add dramatic appeal, (not really, "Jennifer" does that all on her own!)

To Grandma SUE!

My mother-in-law, spends one month each summer, volunteering at the library of a National Park. I know she loves the wilderness, and the peace and quiet, but I also know she misses her grand daughter. So, please don't mind the post and pictures just for Grandma Sue.

This is Nora telling her dolly, "OH NO" or (No, no) after she dumped all the books on the floor. That dolly is teaching her bad habbits, becuse I swear Nora dumps the books just like that! (She is actually shaking her finger at her too, I think I taught her that?)

We miss you grandma, and hope you are having a relaxing, fun time there! Lets get together as soon as you get home!

Oh, to be young again!

Nora and I are in a play group that meets every week. The first week of the month we play with the residents that live at Ashley Court assisted living. They love playing with the kids. I really want Nora to learn that we help other people even though it may be doing something we don't want to do. I spend so much of my time doing whatever she wants, and giving into her every need and sometimes want! She may not know it now, but there will be a day where she will remember her mom, making her do service. Hopefully at some point, it will be something she also wants to do. At this point, I know that the residents and I get more out of it then she does.

This is Emery. Emery doesn't talk, but he uses his hands, and eyes to communicate with us. He loves Nora, and likes to take her crackers, and her crayons! She doesn't mind at all. She gets annoyed that he won't take his hat off. They are becoming quite good buddies. He is so sweet with her, it makes my heart melt!



This is Shirley. She LOVES everyone. She may look frail, but if you hold her hand, you will learn she is one tough gal! She gets a death grip on your hand, and WON'T LET GO! Here Shirley is talking to Julie, and Julies twins, Logan and Tanner... well, who knows what they are thinking, you tell me!


This is my sister-in-law Alie, and baby MJ. Emma A is so good with all the residents there. She is the shining example of children in service!

Firework Photographer!

I love fire works. I always have! This year we saw a few shows. They were decent. I then saw a blog of a friend who is also a photographer! Her firework pictures were better then all the displays I saw this year! The pictures are amazing! So is her work... check her out! http://whitneymccoy.typepad.com/ricknwhit_and_crew/ Thanks Whitney!!!

Crib to Big Girl Bed?

Just some help from the moms I know... How and when do you transition from a crib to a toddler bed? I am not worried about her falling out of bed, but I worry about her getting out of bed. I have heard to keep her in as long as possible. Maybe I should just wait till I need to use the crib for another baby? Just leave any advice you have. I would really appreciate it!

Happy 29th

I need to explain the previous post, it by no means defends, or promotes the behavior!
As Joel mentioned, he is great at many things... he is very committed to being a hard worker for our family. He creates value in himself with his company. One of the ways he does that, is whenever there is a holiday, he works, so everyone else doesn't have to. He will take the on-call pager, because he doesn't drink, and all the guys want to party during the holiday. Anyways, he does that often. The night before my birthday, there was lots of RAIN. Lots and lots and lots!!!! When he went to work on Thursday, he learned that several of his tenants had some serious issues with flooding, and sewage backup. Because it was before the big 4th, he and only a few others were there to take care of this situation. So soon, noon turned into 6pm, and he was just then on his way home. We had planned to have a nice family dinner, get a babysitter, and make it to a concert. He got home just in time for us to make the concert. There were a few things that he had wanted to do, but because of work, he wasn't able to. So, maybe I was a little hurt, and disappointed. My love language is "Acts of Service", followed by "Receiving Gifts". Joel and I speak totally different love languages. I am ok with that. Putting a post on the blog is one way he speaks his love language. He is almost 100% "Words of Affirmation". So this weekend, we are working through some of our imperfections as a married couple. We all have em! Just keepin it real!

Happy Fourth!

Because my birthday is near the fourth, I feel extra patriotic this time of year. I tear up when I hear the national anthem, or the country song, "God Bless the USA". I love the American Flags, but when they blow in the wind, I get chills. Good thing when I see fireworks, I just say, "Ooooh", and "Ahhhh".

This fourth, we went to a parade in the morning. Nora stuffed herself with sugar, and was glazed over the whole way home. (The same way she looks when she has spent the day at Lulus!) When we got home, we had some belated birthday cake. (Joel... really, I love you!) Anyways, after the belated birthday cake, we all took LONG naps, anticipating the late night ahead! After the naps, we went to our friends beach house. (PARTY PLACE! During summer). The J's always know how to throw a party, and last night was no exception. Papa brought his boat, and Nora got her first boat ride! The pictures look like she was terrified, but really, she loved it. Then we ate, played, chatted. Nora made new friends. Then we took all the boats out on the water to watch 3-5 firework displays! They were all around us. We are so lucky!!! We got home super late and because my child is perfect, she is still sleeping, and so I can post!

The plumbing company was passing out, mini plungers, toilet paper and tootsie rolls! Eeeeewww!!!



I don't like the frosting, and Nora doesn't like the cake, so together, we get enough of what we love. Good thing birthday cake doesn't come every day!



The weather on the 4th was perfect! (Another thing that made me teary eyed! We are so blessed to live in this BEAUTIFUL country!)


First boat ride together as a family! Nora will warm up to it..


"There ain't no doubt I love this land! God Bless the USA!"

Things I'm good at

There are lots of things I'm good at. I can fix anything that's broken. I can build a building. I can give a great pep talk. I can pull out a smile every time. I can wash the dishes like nobodys business. I can unconditionally love. I can see both sides. I can catch a big bass or not, and still have a great time. There are lots of things I'm good at. There are also things I want to be better at. My job, my faith, being a good friend and most of all loving my wife. I have only gone to God with all my heart twice in my life. Meeting Kirstynn was the answer the second of those two prayers. Every day with her is confirmation for me that despite myself my Heavenly Father loves me and so does my wife. Just the other day when she told me she loved me I said, "Really?" "Of course" she said. "I don't love me most of the time, how do you do it?" I asked. She just smiled and kissed my cheek. Sigh, she's the best. I don't know how it happened that the one person who can put up with the insensitive and stubborn nature I have, landed in my lap. Well, truth be told it did require a little convincing on my part. We had only been dating for a bit when after a particularly great date I caught Kirstynns eyes (my heart still pounds nervous when i think of it) and told her I was in love with her. "I'm in love with you," I said. "oh", she said and looked down. "Thank you." A quick peck and she fled into her apartment. Little over a year it took for me to sell her on the idea of spending her life with me. Another year to win eternity with her. To this day being Kirstynn's husband is on my list of things I need to do better. I am just grateful that she loves me today and will give me one more birthday to get it right. Happy Belated Birthday Baby! I love you Kirstynn.

Amazing People!

My mom has told me, I have a way of attracting GOOD friends. Since I was young, I always was drawn to the people that were really honest and true people. Joel gives me crap, because I am always making more friends. My social cup is never full. I don't have a lot of friends, but the ones I do have, I feel very close to. I value my relationships, new and old. I love that no two people are exactly the same, and what I lack in my life, I can find in my friends. The last two days I spent time with two amazing people. One who I have known for 12 years, and the other I have known for 6 months. We spent 4 hours in the car at 5:30 in the morning talking the entire time. Then we spent the next 40 hours laughing, smiling, posing, reminiscing, learning, and feasting (literally, and figuratively speaking). The last 4 hours home was a little quieter, but never uncomfortable. Never before have I felt so comfortable saying what was on my mind, politics, religion, spirituality, anything! The Lord has blessed my life in so many ways! I have never considered friends to be a gift from God, more like, one of life's great perks! I have now reevaluated, and know that our Heavenly Father knows us. I believe he places those people in our paths because he loves us. He desires for us to be happy. Besides missing my baby like crazy, this was 100% a perfect trip. Thank you guys for your amazingness! I think I should say one more time... I LOVE YOU! =)



The blog is about to see a CHICAGO FRENZY!!! I'm a little worried! Are you ready?

LOVE... new loves!

Just home from my Chicago trip. MUCH LOVE!