Out with the Old, In with the New

First of all, HAPPY 2010* everyone. I hope that your Christmas and New Years were good ones. Ours was fantastic! Lots of family, fun, food and rest.

*(That's twenty ten, none of this two thousand ten junk!)

2009 wasn't a half bad year for us. Sure we had our share of ups and downs, but considering we started the new year with a tiny little man and now we have a precious little toddler and we are happy, that's all that matters. I saw my son turn 1, have two seperate ER visits, be (mostly) diagnosed with asthma, be diagnosed with allergies, start walking, and now he's a jabbering fool who can actually use a fork and likes to throw his plate on the floor. Not too shabby. Parker's a true toddler now and growing physically and mentally each day. Our saw my marriage have a bit of a bump, but now it's stronger than ever. I saw my husband get another raise and watched him grow. And I saw myself grow tremendously, get a job I adore, a car I love and new friends to last a lifetime. All in all, 2009 wasn't too bad.

BUT OUT WITH THE OLD....

AND IN WITH THE NEW....

2010....day 2 of this year and already it's been pretty darn good. My step - sister had my nephew Dalton yesterday (1-1-10) at 9:13 am (he was the first baby born in that hospital in the new year. He's currently in the NICU for some lung issues, but is doing well. He was 7lbs, 6ozs and 19 inches long. He's a cute little man! I got to see many of my friends happy when the Bucks made dinner out of the Ducks in the Rose Bowl! And today, I got to enjoy a quiet afternoon with my two men and I get to go on a date tonight to see Avatar in 3D - so that should be fun. Oh and I get Chipotle for dinner. Some of you may not be thrilled, but I am!

I am looking forward to 20-10. I am not sure what all is in store and I am sure God has some plans that I may not enjoy, but nevertheless, I am excited. My baby boy, born at only 29 weeks, will turn two in May. He's car seat will FINALLY be flipped probably in the next few days. I will celebrate my 5 year wedding anniversary on Aug. 6 with a trip to either Chi-town or NYC. I will get to see my youngest brother, Brandon graduate from high school in June. And who knows what else really. I do look forward to it.

Oh did I also mention that the first meal I made in 20-10 was a delicious slow cooker full of ham and bean soup? Without a recipe? Yah, I am that good! We had a ton of left over ham from Christmas and I wanted to use it up and do something different. I happened to have some dry navy beans so I thought...hmmmm....let's try. It was easy peasy lemon squeezy! Want me to share what I did? Well fine, you twisted my arm...yeesh.

Ham N Bean Soup A'la Deni:

1.5 cups dry Navy Beans
Ham (I would say I had probably about 1.5 - 2 cups once I chopped it up)
1/2 an onion, sliced,
1 piece of celery chopped
6 cups of water
1.5 bullion cube (beef)

****The Dry beans need prepped first. I just did mine by soaking over night in a big bowl with 5 cups of water. I leave it on the counter and vent the lid a bit.****

I mixed all the ingredients in the slow cooker, added some spices, rosemary and thyme and pepper and cooked on low for 6 hours.

That's it folks. I mean, obviously their is the prep and all, but that's it. The beans cook great in the sc** and it ends up being yummy. I started out with 4 cups of water, but once the beans expanded I added two more. It made the soup not to thin and not too thick.

**slow cooker

Well that's my first recipe of 20-10. Let's write that one down in the record books! :)

I'll update again soon!

Girls Night Out Sept 25th....

I have GOT TO SEE THIS - Seriously...it looks SOOOOOOOO it good. And the best part is my favorite dancer from SYTYCD season 4 is a main character - Kherington Payne.

So any girlies want to have a girls night with me on Sept. 25th???

Tidbits - Lots of Randomness

It's been a while since I have actually put in a decent update of a blog. I don't know how decent this will be, but I will share with you some of the things that are going on.

- Taking precautions: I have heard too much lately about pictures being stolen and used on other blogs or in other areas of the country/world. I have decided to start watermarking all pictures I put on here. Last thing I need is someone passing off my son as theirs. I am hoping to also make this blog look a lot nicer, someday when I get money, I want to get a layout made as well as a button and such. But alas - I have no money - or at least not enough to have a decent background made, so I wait.

- Ouch: So yesterday I am getting out of the shower, I am rushing and slip and fall, hit my back on the tub and come down hard on my tailbone - needless to say I have been in PAIN!

- So our apartment complex was being repaved last week - and they still ARE NOT DONE! I mean seriously! The paving itself is done, however - they haven't lined the area by my building...and we don't know when they will and it's sectioned off - can you say annoying.

- I went to garage sales on Saturday and I was horribly disappointed. They were in these two HUGE neighborhoods that are near my apartments. Well the one, I was like, oooh, young families, lots of stuff - WRONG. Only maybe 1/4 or less of the houses were actually selling anything. I did, however, find 2 Melissa and Doug puzzles and a purse at one and they were each a dollar a piece! After that neighborhood Parker and I headed to another - where we met up with Tabatha and Logan. Logan is Parker's NICU buddy - born the same day and same gestation. We were able to score some clothes for Parker and Logan, but other than that, Nadda. Oh and for people who have one - I will not go to a garage sale if you are standing outside smoking by all the stuff you are selling. Last thing I need is my stuff to smell like smoke. So just a suggestion - maybe go behind your house or in it - especially if you have other people helping. Also, if you are selling posters of mostly naked women - I will not be purchasing from you!

- Today, Drew and I had a date day. We got up and rearranged our living room again. I like the set up, but need to finish getting stuff moved to other places. My house is a mess - which is annoying. After that, we dropped Parker off at our friends and Drew and I went to see Night at the Museum 2 - I looooooved it. So much better than the first if you ask me! It was nice to have that time with Parker.

- I should note, I do not at all appreciate know-it-alls. (I REALLY wanted to go off on someone last night for being rude and acting like a know it all. It annoyed me!)

- Hmmmm - I think that is all I have for today! Have a good one and be blessed!

A Big 'Ol Update

Hello Friends,

I feel like I have not been around much to update this blog. I apologize, things have been a little crazy in my life recently! But I am happy to report that today, I have an update for all of you - and a good one at that!

PARKER

The Critter is doing awesome! He is a little ball of energy that keeps us very busy now-a-days. He is 9 months old now. Just typing that is strange. I can not believe he is just 3 months away from being a year old. It was just about this time last year that I felt my first flutter and now, that little flutter is a beautiful baby boy. He is almost able to sit up on his own now. He does do it, but not for long - maybe a minute or two. He is rolling all over the place, scooting on the floor a little too. He is doing so well! He is such a good boy.

THIS PAST WEEKEND!

This past weekend was a great one - although it has left my insanely tired. My hubby had a 5 day weekend and so we got to enjoy lot of time together. Friday, as you all know, I got my hair chopped off and I do still love it. Yesterday, though I was ready to shave my head, the stupid wind made my hair be more poofy than normal, but I think, even with this hair cut, it looked fine! I did also burn my neck on the curling iron! Ow!

Saturday was a long day. It started with choir practice at 9 am. We are going to be singing some AWESOME songs this Easter! I love them! They are fun and so worthy of goosebumps. I had a hard time making it through practice, just because I was tired and I don't do so well being up early in the morning - and add in having to sing...yah, not a pretty picture!

After practice I headed over to Panera and got myself prepared for a meet up with some fellow bloggers from the area. I tell you what, these ladies where lovely and gave me some amazing insight into blogging and taking it to another level. I was able to meet 5 other blogging moms.
- Ali from Blessed Treehouse was one of them, I know her in real life though, we go to church together, were in a small group together and are good friends. But of course, I have to include her...because well, like the other women, she is incredible!
- Sandy from Organize with Sandy. She can come organize my horribly unorganized home anytime :)
- Lacie from Peanut Butter and Pickle Reviews. She as well as the others helped me learn a lot about making blogging more than just updates.
- Ellen from Thrifty and Chic Mom. She introduced me to the world of couponing - which I intend to start. She also gave me great insight into other things related to blogging as well.
- And finally Christina from A Mommy Story. Another lovely women, who sadly I didn't get a lot of time to know, but the talking we did do, was fun!
It was great to connect with other women who have been doing this longer or have made it a bigger part of their life. I want to learn more and not only have this blog, but another one.

Saturday evening, Drew and I were able to go over to our friend's the B's house and have a fun night of games with them and their kiddos. We were introduced to the world of Sorry Sliders and Uno Flash! Talk about fun! We love this family and are so thankful for their friendship. They are even going to be praying over us when we dedicate Parker at church (May 10, 10:30am if you want to come!)

Sunday, yesterday, was another long day! We went to church, I didn't get to be in the actual service, I was in the nursery, but we started the 40 days before Easter stuff. I heard the sermon was great - I do know the set up was awesome...I will have to post a picture of our stage, but to give you an idea...a cross, a HUGE chain link fence in front of it and "stuff" blocking the way. It looked great! And my stroller, blanket and christmas tree were used. The creative team at our church is AWESOME! After church was a membership meeting which we went to. I think we were techinally already members (we've been with VIsta since day 1) but they were basically putting it in writing now, because have grown so much in two years! It was a good meeting.

After church we dropped Parker off at Mandi's and she watched him while Drew and I went to a movie - "He's just not that into you." Really good movie, really really good!

THE OTHER BLOG

I mentioned this some on Sat. But I am hoping, planning, thinking of, making another blog. I will keep this one of course and it will be my personal one, but I really want to do one where I can reach more people, where I can do giveaways, reviews, ect. Make it more of a specific blog (much like Ellen, which is mostly about saving money...or Lacie's which is all about reviewing). I am hoping to do one that reaches out to others who have a preemie, are going through the NICU experience, are going to go through it, went through it, brought home a preemie, ect. It's on my heart to reach out to parents who went through or who are going through what I went through. There are a lot of us out there and I want to make a place for them to come and feel like they aren't the only ones. That's really all I know. I don't want to be a huge giveaway or review site, though I certainly plan to do a little bit here and there. I just feel so stuck...I don't know how to bring it into fruition. So pray that I can really start to hunker down and figure it out. Also, if you have an idea of a name, let me know, because I am not sure what to name it either. I'd like it to be welcoming to all parents if possible, giving tips that we all can use (much like my recent discussions on mommy guilt!). I had the though of a name like "Small Miracles" but I am not at all set on it and I want the name to reflect that is more than that...I just feel stuck.

Along with this, I am planning to learn more about hosting ad's, affiliate programs, ect. My mind is a hot mess.

MOMMY GUILT ROUND UP!

I finished the book I was reading - "Motherhood, the Guilt that keeps on giving." I learned a lot and am thinking of (eventually) doing a giveaway of the book. Tomorrow, I plan to post on the things I learned and share some insight from the final chapters of the book. I tell you what, I have really learned what real vs. fake guilt looks like (although it can still be hard sometimes to not give into the fake guilt).

Check out the new book I am reading!

IN CLOSING

I want to say that I am so thankful for this blog, a place where I can share and learn and meet new people. It's great to have a community like this. You all are such a blessing to me, seriously! I am thankful for you! VERY VERY thankful! :)

Have a great day!

Writer's Workshop

It is time, once again for MamaKat's writer's workshop! Today's prompts are:
The Prompts:

1.) Describe a New Year's where you would have been better off just staying home.
2.) What do you do that drives your mother crazy?

3.) Share your favorite gluten free recipe (hey, so what if I rig the topics to suit my life...)

4.) Close out 2008 with your own TOP 10 list!

Stop by her site for all the rules!!!

Top 10 Things I Learned in 08
(these do not relate to Parker/birth/pregnancy)

10. I make one heck of a turkey!
9. I learned that I should not attempt to open a bottle of wine! (Then again, maybe it was because it was the first time I had!)
8. I am stronger than I give myself credit for.
7. I can shop on a budget!
6. Aldi's was made for me!
5. I am addicted to made for tv movies (Hallmark and Lifetime anyone!?)
4. I am in love with blogger! I should have started a blog like this forever ago. Blogger rocks...no more xanga for me (well except to read those who still have it!)
3. I am addicted to blogging, reading other blogs, and doing things like writer workshop
2. Never put your milk in the back of the fridge (it freezes - or at least it did for me!)

And the number 1 thing I learned in 08, not related to Parker is.........
God is and will always be good!

Top 10 Things I Learned in 08
(these ARE related to Parker/birth/pregnancy)

10. I still hate hospitals!
9. Even if you have needles stuck in you every three to four hours for 5 days....NEEDLES STILL SUCK and hurt and I still want to gag when I see them.
8. Sure, that porcelain throne in the restroom looks all shiny and fun, but it is, in fact, not fun to have to stare into the bowl of it over and over and over!
7. God gave us doctors for a reason...and they care about me and my son...that's cool.
6. I am not alone in having a preemie and I am so fortunate to have made many friends who understand this battle!
5. More comes out then what goes in...seriously....how does one kid eat SO much and still have 4 times that amount come out. Of course, that could also be related to his reflux...well no, cuz it doesn't come out the bottom end like that :/
4. I love pregnancy clothes, seriously, they are stinking comfy!
3. Babies should REALLY come with manuals. (especially when you start solids...)
2. Parker has the best daddy in the world.

And the number 1 thing I learned in 08 related to Parker

I am SO blessed. I have an amazing son who means everything to me and I can't believe the amount and kind of love I feel for him.

Now it's your turn, go on over to MamaKat's site and get started. You can pick all or one of the prompts! Enjoy!

Oh and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! 09 is looking fine!

What A Christmas

Hello Friends!

I hope that all of you had a very Merry Christmas (or Hanukah, Kwanzaa...ect)! Ours has been very interesting. I have a ton of photos, but they are in need of being dumped off the camera! So those I will work on posting later (mostly on my facebook with a few of my favs on here!)

My favorite in-laws (well my only ones!) made it on Tuesday afternoon. We were able to just relax that night and they got some great time with Parker. Wed, mom (well Drew's mom) and I went out grocery shopping to get all we needed for dinner on Christmas. We spent about 2 hours at the grocery. I think the funniest part was when we were purchasing wine for the turkey! Well anyways, neither of us drink (I only like wine in food!) so we are standing there like uhhhhh....well I knew I needed white wine and I knew my friend used white Zin, so we found one and bought it. But it was funny, take the two most unlikely people and put us in the middle of the wines...and we are lost! We got home and spent the rest of the afternoon watching Hallmark movies! That evening we went to Vista's Christmas Eve Candlelight Service! It was amazing! On the way home, me, mom and Parker were in my car and Drew and dad were in his. Well, wouldn't you know, Drew's car decides to stop working....30 minutes later AAA was there to help them and I was on my way to pick them up. It wasn't how we had planned things, but thankfully his parents are here and willing to help out in any way necessary.

Christmas morning we woke up and opened Parker's presents. He loved the paper...and actually got into tearing it off...it was so cute! He got some great gifts, books, toys, rattles, a couple of things for when he starts walking. Mommy needs to organize it all! I got some fun things too, I love the gift that Drew got me, a bunch of bath things and some warm fuzzy socks! I also really liked the shirts I got too! It was fun and Parker watch us all unwrap our gifts. I made our meal, turkey - I have never cleaned or prepped a turkey before so I wanted to take it on! Ok, how GROSS is it that you have to reach inside them and pull out the giblet packs? I felt like I was invading it's personal space and I know now that I could never be an OB/GYN!!! EWWW, but my turkey came out awesome...really tender, fall off the bone tender....mmmmmmm! We also made sweet potato pies, sugar cookies, stuffing, ect. It was a great meal. We also spent most of the day watching Hallmark movies. Can I just say I am horribly addicted to the movies!! Drew and I went out on a date to see Marley and Me....GREAT movie - the ending is so sad and I would agree with the people on good morning america that said if you have kids, take them out of the movie for the last 30 minutes! I basically cried that entire time, plus most of the way home.

Today is to be relaxed. I refuse to go out today as I am not in the mood for the busyness of the day after Christmas. Tonight is game night and tomorrow we plan to go out and do some shopping...spending some of our money and meeting Drew for lunch!

All in all, it's been a great Christmas! Hope yours was good too!