Happy Birthday to You!

I wanted to take a second and wish my lovely daughter a wonderful 2nd birthday! She had so much fun at her party on the 19th and loved her Elmo cake. We're thinking we'll start potty training soon. Wish us good luck!



We all had a wonderful Christmas and we are so blessed. There wasn't really anything I needed or wanted, except a new skillet, so I would've been happy with anything. Jason got me 3 skillets and diamond earrings. Mom & Dad got me new boots and I got money to spend on clothes. I think I did pretty well! Jason wants to start hunting, so I got him some coveralls and boots. Camo is pricey! Who knew? Ella got everything from a doll house to a Stanley tool set. She got so much, in fact, that I'm considering putting a lot of it in storage and pulling it out in the summer and she'll have "new" toys to play with. It's hard when her birthday and Christmas happen within a week of each other. As much as I enjoyed the holidays, I am glad it's over. I'm looking forward to a boring looking January. The only thing I'm "working on" is a youth trip to Nashville in the spring and that's it. Ahh...quiet. :)

Do You See Him?

From one of my favorite writers...

IT’S CHRISTMAS NIGHT. THE HOUSE IS QUIET. Even the crackle is gone from the fireplace. The last of the carolers appeared on the ten o’clock news. The last of the apple pie was eaten by my brother-in-law. And the last of the Christmas albums have been stored away having dutifully performed their annual rendition of chestnuts, white Christmases, and red-nosed reindeers.

It’s Christmas night.

The midnight hour has chimed and I should be asleep, but I’m awake. I’m kept awake by one stunning thought. The world was different this week. It was temporarily transformed.

The magical dust of Christmas glittered on the cheeks of humanity ever so briefly, reminding us of what is worth having and what we were intended to be. We forgot our compulsion with winning, wooing, and warring. We put away our ladders and ledgers, we hung up our stopwatches and weapons. We stepped off our race tracks and roller coasters and looked outward toward the star of Bethlehem.

It’s the season to be jolly because, more than at any other time, we think of him. More than in any other season, his name is on our lips.

And the result?

For a few precious hours, he is beheld. Christ the Lord. Those who pass the year without seeing him, suddenly see him. People who have been accustomed to using his name in vain, pause to use it in praise. Eyes, now free of the blinders of self, marvel at his majesty.

All of a sudden he’s everywhere.

In the grin of the policeman as he drives the paddy wagon full of presents to the orphanage.

In the twinkle in the eyes of the Taiwanese waiter as he tells of his upcoming Christmas trip to see his children.

In the emotion of the father who is too thankful to finish the dinner table prayer.

He’s in the tears of the mother as she welcomes home her son from overseas.

He’s in the heart of the man who spent Christmas morning on skid row giving away cold baloney sandwiches and warm wishes.

And he’s in the solemn silence of the crowd of shopping mall shoppers as the elementary school chorus sings “Away in a Manger.”

Emmanuel. He is with us. God came near.

It’s Christmas night. In a few hours the cleanup will begin—lights will come down, trees will be thrown out. Size 36 will be exchanged for size 40, eggnog will be on sale for half price. Soon life will be normal again. December’s generosity will become January’s payments and the magic will begin to fade.

But for the moment, the magic is still in the air. Maybe that’s why I’m still awake. I want to savor the spirit just a bit more. I want to pray that those who beheld him today will look for him next August. And I can’t help but linger on one fanciful thought: If he can do so much with such timid prayers lamely offered in December, how much more could he do if we thought of him every day?

From "God Came Near" Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 1987) Max Lucado

Santa Fe Soup (minus grass)

This is what I made that tastes so yummy, makes tons, but sometimes ends up in the front yard (see previous). I make this year-round. Hubby and picky baby loves this.

Santa Fe Soup

1 lb hamburger or turkey, browned and drained

2 cans corn (shoepeg, if you want to get fancy)

2 cans kidney beans

2 cans chili beans

2 cans black beans

2 cans Rotel (I use 1 mild & 1 original)

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 packet of dry Ranch dressing

1 packet of taco seasoning

Combine all ingredients in large pot (atleast 5 quarts). Bring to a boil and simmer for atleast 30 minutes, but we all know the longer it cooks, the better it is. Serve over corn chips and with sour cream and cheese or go wild and use sourdough bread. This freezes well too! You can thank me later (but make sure you come back and comment...I love comments).

A Rough Morning

Hardly ever will I have a bad enough day to blog about, but this morning will go down in the record books with a big black X next to it. It was the type of morning when you'd call everything off and go back to bed. I had gotten up a little earlier to make my Santa Fe Soup for my co-workers. While it was simmering, I was getting ready (read: showered, but skipped washing my hair, packed Christmas presents and all of Ella's "stuff" she would need for the day so Jason wouldn't forget, laid out lunches, and outfits for the day...whew!). The time came when I could finally leave (woo hoo!) and I want to transfer the soup from my large stockpot to the crockpot for work. I kiss hubby goodbye and grab my jacket since it's raining. I make it to the door of the car and crack!...the handle to the crockpot just BREAKS. My yard (and face) is now decorated in beans, corn and tomatoes. What did I do? I said "no...." and cried. Yes, cried. Jason didn't know how to handle this, but gave me a hug and his apologies. I drove to work minus the radio. I wanted to enjoy my unhappiness for awhile. I get a call that Jason is staying home. It seems he loaded stuff up in the car and went back for Ella, who had thrown up everywhere and rubbed it on her eyebrows and in her hair. WONDERFUL. I wonder who had the worse morning?

Ham & Cheese Ball

This is a quick & easy crowd-pleaser. I promise you'll be throwing this one together for years to come.

Ham & Cheese Ball

2 packages of cream cheese, softened
1 package of Carl Budding (or another thinly sliced) ham, chopped
3-4 green onions, diced
pecans

Combine the cream cheese, ham and onions. Form into a ball shape. Crush pecans (you're going for good sized chunks). My favorite way is seal them in a baggie and use a rolling pin. Pat the pecans on the ball. Serve with Ritz crackers.

P.S. Everytime we have "snack day" at work, Jason begs me to make it. It's one of his favorites!

Chaos & Christmas

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I was off for 5 days and enjoyed that extra time with Ella. Not that we were at home, but I enjoyed the time needless to say. :)

And now the Christmas season is in full swing! Our calendar is half full already, but how else are you suppose to enjoy it? We've got plans to attend the Huntsville Christmas Parade, Santa's Village, a trip to Nashville for the Opry Mills Hotel, and more. But let's not get lost in the shuffle. Under this busy time of the year lies wonderful family memories and an entire month specifically devoted to our Savior's birth. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we did that every month of the year? Not the trees and wrapping paper, but making a conscious effort to be thankful to God for sending us his Son? I wish I could say I lived like that. We get so wrapped up in our "to-do" list that we have to remember why we're here...oh yeah...what was that? We're here for His pleasure to spread the Good News.

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

Creamy Burrito Casserole

I love to cook. Most of the time it's not fancy and if I can cook it in 30 minutes or less, I love it even more. I have a lot of recipes that get asked for and I thought I'd share the tried and true ones here. I keep a book with all my favorites in it and one day it'll belong to Ella. I cooked this Thursday night and we ate every single bite! My friend Leslie made hers creamier by adding another can of cheddar cheese soup and more sour cream.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 package taco seasoning
6 flour tortillas (burrito size)
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
2-3 cups shredded cheese
1 can cheddar cheese soup
4 ounces sour cream
1/2 can of Rotel (I used mild)

1. Brown ground meat/turkey and onion; drain.
2. Add taco seasoning (don't forget the water!) and stir in refried beans and Rotel.
3. Mix soup and sour cream in a separate bowl.
4. Spread 1/2 sour cream mixture in the bottom of a casserole dish*.
5. Tear up 3 tortillas and spread over sour cream mixture.
6. Put 1/2 the meat bean mixture over that.
7. Add a layer of cheese.
8. Repeat the layers.
9. Sprinkle cheese over the top and bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.

* I used an 8x8 b/c I wanted it thick, but you could also use a 13x9.

Blessings

I was hoping to have pictures ready for my next post, but that hasn't happened and I'm feeling the urge to write.

Halloween was fun this year. There are some adorable pictures of Ella in her cowgirl costume (minus the hat, of course) that I can't wait to share. She had fun, even though she was recovering from an upper respiratory "bug" from earlier in the week. She was happy to be out of the house and score some candy (weren't we all?).

Last night was the first time we had been home this week. We stay so busy with church/youth and visiting family, but those are two very important things in our life. Some weeks are a little slower but normally we are on the go. You start missing home cooked meals and being able to do cleaning through the week so it is nice to be home and just have a night in. I made a burrito bake last night and we ate every single bite of it (I'll post it later). It's easy and filling. Thanks for the recipe, Leslie!

Another tidbit of news is that we got another car to replace the convertible. As most of you know, we've been needing another car for awhile now and we've been blessed enough to finally afford it. We bought a used VW Passat and we could not be happier. It makes all those years of driving a crappy car seem not so bad now. :)

If you're not busy November 15th, head out to our church, Cornerstone Baptist, and check out our cantata. You might here a couple of familiar voices and we'd love to see you. It's 10:00 that morning.

Where to go from here?

I've had this drive lately. I'm not quite sure how to explain it, but I need to do something. "I" as in not Ella's Mommy or Jason's wife. I think I need to do something that I enjoy solely. I think you slowly lose this when you become married and most definitely when you have children. Don't get me wrong, my most important and happy jobs in life are a wife and a mother. I am blessed beyond reason that God has given me these wonderful people in my life. But I think women get lost in the shuffle sometimes. We're guilty of forgetting about ourselves and because of that we're not as good as taking care of our hubbies and children. I'm not talking about completely handing over your wifely and motherly duties, but just creating a good balance. I've ran into this crossroads lately. In fact, it's hit me square between the eyes today. I want to do something. Maybe I want to create? Maybe I want to do something just for me that sounds completely boring to someone else? And why not...don't women deserve it? Definitely so. In fact, I know that my mother and mother-in-law still deserve it. Women sacrifice for years and years for their families and you understand that even more when you have children. People tell you that, but until you live it, you just can't comprehend it fully.

So, you might ask (or you might not-haha), what have I been thinking about? Well, I obviously spend A LOT of time on etsy shopping and browsing and I find myself favoriting hand stamped jewelry. I think it's completely unique and personal. I even discovered that they make kits for beginners just like me or you can spend literally hundreds and hundreds of dollars. I think I'll make sure I like it first before spending big bucks. Jason's question was, "When will you have time for this?" and it was a valid question. The only answer I had was, "I guess I'll have to make time". We'll see where this goes from here.

**I bought my stamps yesterday (12/3) and can't wait for them to arrive!

Gulf Shores & Cowgirls

It's been a week and a half since we returned from our vacation to Gulf Shores and we're still adjusting. It's just something about sleeping in until 8 or 8:30 every morning, lying around thinking about what you'll eat for lunch and then heading to the beach that just makes you go in slow motion when you return to your "life". We stayed in an amazing condo across the street from the beach and had an amazing 18th story view. It was roomy for all 5 of us (Beth and Jamie stayed with us). The entire wall that faced the ocean was floor to ceiling glass and I found it hard to pull myself away from it (so did Ella). Thursday we made the trek down and stopping while we could (the Peach Park was a hit) made it easy for Ella to travel in the car for that long. Friday we ate lunch at Lulu's while Ella played in the sand. We spent every afternoon at the beach. Even though it was mid-October, Friday's high was 92! We weren't expecting that. Saturday Beth and I took Ella to the local zoo and it was much better than we expected. We got some great family pics on the beach and I can't wait to put them on here. So everyone (all three of you-haha)...you will just have to be patient. It is a virtue, you know!

And, changing subjects, after trying to figure out what to dress Ella up for Halloween, I found this great deal on this costume ($8.99!) with free shipping, so we all know which one we decided on. I can't pass up a great deal like that. I think she'll make an adorable cowgirl. But we all know that hat will last...oh...about 2 seconds on her head.

My new favorite shopping place

There is this wonderful website where very crafty people sell their stuff and I will warn you that once you check it out (http://www.etsy.com/) it is addictive. There! Don't say I didn't warn you! You should see my favorites list on here...all kinds of stuff to get me in trouble. Besides the adorable bunny (see a few posts below), here's the other stuff I've gotten there. You can practically buy anything: soap, desserts, clothes, shoes, purses, furniture, jewelry...blah, blah, blah. Beth said she was going to start making wreaths to sell on there. Any takers?

Here's a bow I got for Ella ($2)

GO BAMA!

Sippy cup/snack holder labels for all of Ella's stuff

Ella could be super cute sushi for Halloween??? whaddya think?

And this is on my wish list. $35 is alot to spend on a necklace (for me, anyways!)

Do any of you guys shop on there (besides Kim)? :) This is how I'm stimulating the economy...one small step at a time.

Weekend in ATL

We are dragging through work today, but it's all good. We spent the weekend with Joey and Joy (hi!) in their nice condo in Atlanta. The weather was horrible; it rained ALL weekend and even through the Braves game Saturday night and on the trip there and back...you get the idea. It went too fast, but we did get to catch up, ate some local food and got wet at the game. You guys haven't changed at all. It was nice to get away and not be "parents" for a weekend.



Now the countdown for Gulf Shores begins...October 8th! We haven't had a real vacation in 2 years...we are sooooo excited! This will be our first family vacation and I can't wait to see how Ella reacts to all that sand and never-ending waves.

The house we wanted to rent got taken, BUT we're getting this amazing penthouse at a great deal! 8 more days!

Birthday Weekend

Today I am celebrating 27 years on this earth. And because of my wonderful family, I had a great weekend with THREE birthday parties! Friday night was with Mom's extended family at a country restaurant called Grandma's Place and the food was pretty good. Ella behaved so well! Saturday was sort of an around the house/cleaning day and we finished it off with a cookout for Brian and I at Stan & Henri's (the kosher hotdogs were great, y'all!). Sunday after church we spent the afternoon with Mom for her birthday. Mom loved her new walking shoes. Beth is taking us out to Carrabba's tonight and I'm already hungry. LOL I have a few gifts from Jason and Mom that "aren't ready yet" or that I won't get until later on in the week. Hmm??? But my dear, sweet hubby did get me two of my favorite movies I've been wanting to own: Shenandoah and Casablanca. Even if you don't like Westerns, you need to see Shenandoah...it's a great story and Jimmy Stewart is it...enough said! Thanks for making this weekend memorable. :)

"Hippy barth day" to me!

*Edited to add: My big gift from Jason (I had to wait for it) is an hour long deep tissue massage from Terrame! I cannot wait to go!!!

And the home of the Braves

In about 3 weeks we're going to do something we've been meaning to do for a long time now: visit with Joey & Joy in Atlanta! They always make the pilgrimage here so we thought we'd return the favor. It'llbe nice for just the two of us to get away, soak in Atlanta, and watch a Braves game. I believe they're excited, but they're not happy that Ella's not coming. Ella+sitting for 4 hours=INSANITY. Joey got us GREAT seats down the baseline (and kinda close to the dugout)...we may catch a foul ball! Atlanta was our honeymoon a little over 5 years ago and it'll be nostalgic to go back. :)

Check out section 125...you may see us on TV!

Ella's new bunny

I ordered Ella a super cute bunny today and I hope she likes it. I did splurge a bit on this, but her poor blankies need a rest (and a wash and some stiching!). I hope this does this trick and that it doesn't drag the ground too much. I'll admit I myself am in love with it. Jason swears I'm buying this for myself. What a wild idea...I would never do such a thing.

The Queen

Why Ella loves Nana and Papa's house:

A daybed to yourself

No shoes allowed

Your favorite food at your request

Yo Gabba Gabba (because Mommy won't let you watch it at home)

B & Ella

Aunt Beth ("B") took Ella to Bridgestreet in June to play in the water...check out my little chunky watermelon! B spoiled her this summer.

You work up an appetite!

Does this two piece make my gut look big? Wait...don't answer.

B doesn't like the water.

10 Commandments (the Southern version)

Forget the "shall" and "shall not"...this is WAY easier to remember!

(1) Just one God
(2) Put nothin' before God
(3) Watch yer mouth
(4) Git yourself to Sunday meetin'
(5) Honor yer Ma & Pa
(6) No killin'
(7) No foolin' around with another fellow's gal
(8) Don't take what ain't yers
(9) No tellin' tales or gossipin'
(10) Don't be hankerin' for yer buddy's stuff

Two forward!

This past weekend we went with our church to white water raft on the Ocoee River. This was my first time and Jason's second. I was pretty nervous, since we were doing the upper part of the river, which is where they held the kayaking part of the 1996 Olympics. I didn't quite like the sound of me in a floppy raft going down waters that professionals had used, but I think I'm addicted. I had more fun that I have had in a long time. Now, we're hoping to raft the Cheoah in North Carolina with 9 miles of Class IV/IV+ rapids. We may want to get our will finalized first!

Ending the week on a high note

Jason got the job with my company and his interim clearance was approved today! He starts Monday and we are just thrilled! We've been needing a break for a long time coming and so thankful for God's grace and love that He's bestowed on us. We are definitely counting our blessings! Thank you for the prayers you've sent up for us, especially in the past 2 years when things haven't been the greatest. I can finally say without a doubt that if He brings you to it, He'll bring you through it!

Romans 15:57- But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Another month goes by...

...after Ella's famous stroll around Aunt Beth's house (see previous post) and as of Tuesday, she is finally walking independently and hasn't stopped since! Life is so much easier, but more importantly she is less frustrated and finally has that independence she's been wanting. We are so proud of her. Jason said last night that it is killing him how quickly she is growing up. He said she's officially past the baby stage now. Poor Daddy.

Jason interviewed with my company (TPED/AMTEC) out here on the arsenal and it went great. But we aren't counting our chickens yet...the ball is in corporate's court and we're waiting on the green light for them (but it's looking pretty good!). We'll keep everyone posted and we're trying NOT to get too excited at the moment. Keep us in your prayers, as always.

The horror!

The Army has blocked me from getting on Facebook at work. I am so bummed! That was my little "smoke" breaks I'd look forward to throughout the day. There are a few people upset about it. Hopefully you'll see the link to here from my FB page and see what's up. Our home pc is on the fritz (a running theme in our life currently) so I can't get on there at the moment either. I hope I can survive. haha

peace out!

So....I've been neglecting my blog...

tisk tisk! Most of you follow us on Facebook. I just can't seem to delete this blog since I've had it since '05 and there's SO much info here! I will post about some boring things that will probably bore you to tears. I started a journal (FINALLY) and feel pretty good about it. It's mostly about Ella, but will be about all our children and family adventures. I'm doing it because I wish my Mom would've done one for me and I want memories to be vivid.

So, Friday was a big milestone for Ella Bella: she finally walked on her own! She's been walking, thanks to our index fingers, for months now and she'll take a few steps on her own and plop down, but Friday was a big deal. She let go and walked all over Aunt Beth's house. Luckily for Jason, since he was at work, I captured most of it on camera. Has she decided to do that again? Nope, but that's just her. I expect nothing else. She has so much sassiness and attitude in that little 24-pound body...it's just amazing.

Life is good!

Before I expire

I keep a running list of things I want to do before I die, but have none of them on paper. I'm a big list keeper because I can't remember squat and I think goals are important. Some of these are simple and some are big, but they're all mine to do!

1. Learn how to drive a stick shift WELL. (I can drive one okay, but would get pulled over for drunkeness (SP?).

2. Spend as much time as possible in Europe, specifically Italy and Jerusalem and surrounding areas.

3. See the Wonders of the World.

4. Go on a mission trip.

5. Skydive (I go back and forth on this one, but it's a "forth" at the moment).

6. Re-learn piano.

7. Take singing lessons.

8. Make it possible for Jason to see all the major league ball fields.

9. Get my Paw Paw's stories on paper. Get one (or more) of them published in "Old Huntsville".


More to come as I think of them! Comments???

Even babies have quirks

As a parent, there are always times when you wish you could just stop and write things down so you'll never forget them. Ella is entertaining and is always doing things that surprise us (either good or bad). Here are a few things I wanted to share about her:

1. Her favorite foods: bread (of ANY kind), cheerios, practically anything on our plates.

2. She has eaten and does enjoy salsa (just mild, don't call DHR just yet).

3. The only thing that resembles me in that child is her eyes. She is 99% Jason in looks (her temper is ALL me).

4. She hates to have shirts put on or anything that goes over her head.

5. She throws a fit EVERY time she gets out of the tub. When will she learn? We've been doing this for a year already.

6. Her favorite room in the house is the bathroom, more specifically the tub (see above note).

7. She has always been very blessed in two things: health and clothing. At each stage, we have had enough clothing for atleast twins.

8. Her favorite "toys" are cell phones and remotes. Learn to lock those things so 411 isn't called repeatedly!

9. She loves crayons but not sure what to do with them besides throw them, since obviously they are not edible and taste yucky.

10. Tickling her tummy and arm pits is a favorite past-time.