something Big is coming...

fill in the blank friday

2012-01-27T23:08:00.002-07:00

1. My favorite place i've ever traveled to is Hanalei Bay on the island of Kauai, HI .

2. England is somewhere I'd love to go someday.

3. I pass the time on a plane (or bus, or car ride or train) by reading, watching a movie, or sleeping .

4. My three must-haves when I travel are alcoholic beverage (I am scared to death to fly, and this is the only thing that will relax me) , head phones (to play whatever movie they are showing, or listen to whatever music they are playing. anything to drown out that awful 'in flight' noise... ugh) and a blanket (they keep it icebox cold, I suppose like a hospital, to keep it all low-germ, even though I almost always get sick after a flight).

5. My favorite travel companion is the hubs .

6. The craziest thing that ever happened to me while traveling is my first time traveling with myself and two small children (Sissy was not yet 3 and Bubba was nearly 2) as if that isn't stressful enough, on my return flight, we hit some major turbulence (the flight is an hour long, CA to AZ), so the male steward comes on the intercom and says: Um... oh God, Um... if you haven't done so already, please do" followed by more turbulence. I went white as a ghost and the lady sitting across from me (we were in that front area where there are six seats, three on each side facing each other) kept asking if I was okay and got me a cold towel to wipe my beading face. I thought I was gonna die with my babies and leave the hubs all alone. I was also barely 21 (now you know why I absolutely strongly dislike, close to hate flying) .

7. The most exotic food I've ever tried while traveling is Lau Lau on my first visit to Hawai'i on the island of Oahu .

five for friday

2012-01-20T12:16:00.002-07:00

One

Source: tumblr.thedailywh.at via Maggie on Pinterest

Rest In Sweet Peace, Miss Etta James

Two

Source: google.ca via Christina on Pinterest

Dowton Abbey, my new obsession

Three

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

I so badly want to build a fort, please?

Four

Source: sweetpeaskitchen.com via Jayne on Pinterest

Red Velvet Cupcakes by The Cake Mamas to be had this weekend

Five

Source: piccsy.com via ea on Pinterest

Road Trip, starting NOW

Enjoy your week end!

fill in the blank friday

2012-01-13T13:35:00.001-07:00

1. The last thing I ate was roasted eggplant. Yum! .

2. The last song I listened to was listened to ...Fall In Love At A Coffee Shop by Landon Pigg. The last song that played was Any Way You Want It by Journey .

3. Using the letters in my name I can spell Jennifer... Jen, Fen, Fin, Fur, Fein, Jeer..

4. If I had to dress in one color for the rest of my life I would pick Gray, because it's not black or white, and it's slimming .

5. If you were to look in my bag right now you'd find my wallet, my sunglasses, chapstick, and my kindle fire .

6. When I finish filling in the blanks I'm going to wrap up my work day and hopefully head to the gym for cycle class .

7. My all time favorite song to dance to is oh geez, no clue. depends on the mood .

saturday

2012-01-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

it has been a quiet saturday around the house...

- the hubs has been hunting deer and javelina all day

- sissy went to a girlfriends house for a sleepover

- bubba is... well...

make animated gifs like this at MakeAGif

- and I'm listening to Frank Sinatra radio on Pandora while scrapbooking

Sketch Challenge - Studio Calico

and crafting

how has your saturday been?

fill in the blank friday

2012-01-06T08:31:00.002-07:00

1. One of my favorite things to do when I have free time is craft (scrapbook, art journal, paint, sew, etc.) .

2. When I have free time I tend to spend my free time debating on what to do (craft, read, watch a movie, hot bath w/glass of wine) that by the time I finally decide, I only have, like, 15 minutes left. lol .

3. If I had an entire day completely to myself I would take a drive up North and visit my favorite places, and visit friends like Danielle or Rasha .

4. I would prefer to spend my free time (alone or with others...) if I had to pick, I would say alone. I really appreciate my own personal quiet time .

5. Most of my free time happens when the hubs is hunting and the kids are at friends houses .

6. The best thing about free time is its usually very quiet and still .

7. The next time I have free time I should probably watch the long list of old movies I want to see that my family wont sit down and watch with me but instead, I'll probably craft, or read, or heaven-forbid get on Pinterest, lol.

Link Up At Lauren's!!

i need to share this

2012-01-05T16:43:00.001-07:00

So, without going into grim details, my heart has been shattered... again. (this time it had nothing to do with death.) Long story short, God had answered my diligent prayers and my family was presented an opportunity of a lifetime, my entire family. I can't disclose the details, but know that it was truly a life changing experience on the scale of winning the lottery (yeah, that is how big this is). For reasons beyond my control, I had to painfully pass on the offer.

This occurred on Tuesday.

Wednesday, I could barely function. I cried deep inside. I cried aloud hard. I was hurt and angry and mournful. And the physical pain that comes with heartache can be unbearable.

Let me preface by saying, I literally was praying for this answer, nearly every day since my father passed, and nearly double once my uncle recently passed. I knew that this opportunity was God's answer to me. I knew it. I was angry and confused. Why would God send me an answer and not allow me to receive it? Was this a joke? Was I being punk'd by God? Or my jokester uncle, now in Heaven? Did they even have those rights? Is this a test? What's the bigger picture? Where is the lesson? (I am so serious, these were actual question in my brain).

While bawling on the phone to my Mom, she reminded me of the books she gave me for Christmas. Specifically the daily devotional Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. She began comforting me with Scripture and prayer and told me to read the devotionals. To be completely honest, I was so angry I didn't want anything to do with it. (Sorry Mom). I decided to take a nap (since I had a stress headache the size of Texas and my tummy was tighter than a sailor's wet nautical knot). When I woke up it was dark, and I was alone. I decided to pick up the book.

As I read through the Introduction and caught up on the dailys I began to feel... not as angry. But still, the questioned lingered, and the pain would not subside. To make matters worse, it was my Dad's birthday. He would have been 69.

I prayed, I journaled, I cried some more, I sat (yes, just... sat). When it was bedtime of course I wasn't tired. I tried watching tv and what I call little 'reality stingers' kept pestering me until I was angry and crying again. I just wanted to go to sleep and end this day. Eventually that happened.

When I woke up this morning, I was tired, disoriented, still angry, still sick. I decided to pick up my devotional. I read it SIX times. I knew what it was saying, but I wanted it to seep in my pores, I wanted to breathe it and know it and love it.

Psalm 34:18 ... The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

The devotional goes on to say "It is through problems and failure, weakness and neediness that you learn to rely on Me."

Is this the answer? The bigger picture? I'm discussing that with God. But I can tell you that I am one of those 'everything happens for a reason' type of people, and this great heartbreak happened and has in turn make me seek God even more. Yes, I am still angry, and yes I am still in pain. I don't see those things going away anytime soon. This situation has changed my look on things in my life. Things that were once stable and solid ground don't look that way anymore. Changes can happen in the swift blink of an eye. I suppose time will tell.

Lastly, I wanted to thank those who have supported me. Those who sent me messages of love, I greatly appreciate it. I have been through rougher times and have survived those. With the love and support of my friends and family, and above all, God I will get through this heartbreak too.

like Bill Cosby and a pudding pop

2012-01-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Source: zupas.com via Leticia on Pinterest

"My life is like taking a picture through jello with a fish eye lens camera." ~ Me

This is what I said to my Mom when she (basically) asked how I was doing. lol. I know, I know... makes absolutely no sense in the world. Just count it as another Jen-ism! lol

Not even trying to be a Debbie Downer... more like a Realistic Rosie. Things feel so disproportionate. Death during a holiday season will do that to you. I feel as though I am constantly fighting against the pushing and poking, trying not to let it pierce me, trying to hold together... like Jello. I'm trying to stay upbeat and colorful and refreshing... like Jello. I'm trying to look at the good in every day... like Jello, if Jelly had eyes. lol. And while this is all time consuming with having to pay attention to detail...(like making beautiful rainbow Jello)... I know that when all is said and done, life will taste just fine and delicious... like Jello.

Who's hungry?

PS. I noticed that I rep a whole lotta 'lol's in my blogging. This is where you, the studio audience, laugh out loud. Just picture me holding up a cardboard sign with the word 'Applause' bolded out on it. Perhaps I'm in the bunny suit from A Christmas Story. You're welcome for the visual. lol.

thankful

2012-01-01T16:48:00.001-07:00

Happy New Year Y'all!

I hope that 2011 was good to you and that 2012 will be better. I know it's totally 'all the rage' to do a 2011 recap, and while I have enjoyed reading through my favorite blogs recaps, I'm not gonna do one here. Mainly because I wasn't prepared for it. My uncle's passing kinda thew things into a bit of a tailspin (actually I'm still there, but moving forward).

I don't typically like to make 'resolutions' although I am all for making a list of 'intentions'... can you smell my recent fear of commitment, lol. Anyway, atop that list is a fantastic 365 project (again, not making any promises, but have the ultimate best intentions). Over at InspiredRD Alysa is starting this truly heartwarming and inspiring project called Project 365 Thanks. Whats absolutely perfect about this 365 (versus the photo of yourself for 365 days challenge) is that I have been talking to God a lot about this recently. My heart gets so heavy when I think about all the things that we have and how we don't truly appreciate them. The big things, the little things... some people don't have any things. We just take them for granted. I've been asking God to make me mindful of all the blessing in my life. The things, yes, but also the people, the experiences, the days, the nights, the moments... you see what I mean. When I read about this project I knew this was God answering me. So, with that long explanation, I am going to be participating in this project. More than likely I'll be tweeting my daily thanks, so feel free to follow me on Twitter... @JenCoen. As for today, I've already tweeted (ps, I seriously LOVE Twitter) but I'll share here as well.

Day One. I am thankful for the beautiful Arizona weather! #365thanks

(The photo was actually taken by the hubs while out hunting pigs this morning and texted to me)(Sharing is Caring, lol)

If you're feeling inspired as well, please join us!

Additionally on my list of intentions... I recently acquired the Project Life products and I am really so excited to try this new way of scrapbooking / documenting our family life. Yay!

So what is on your list on intentions??? What are you thankful for today???

fill in the blank friday

2012-01-01T13:50:00.001-07:00

1. New Years is a fresh start .

2. One of my New Year's resolutions will be to stay in the moment .

3. A New Year's resolution I've made in the past was to quit smoking, done (like years ago) .

4. The most time consuming resolution I ever made was to eat clean and live healthy. It is more a lifestyle, really .

5. This year I will be spending New Year's Eve at my Mom's eating finger foods and playing board games and watching the ball drop.

6. If I could wish one thing for my new year it would be to win the lottery! lol.

7. 2012 is going to be the end of the world, haha. j/k, j/k, it actually won't because God says in the Bible that no man knows the hour, so take that Mayan calendar! lol .

On the Eve of Christmas...

2011-12-27T18:26:00.000-07:00

Christmas Eve is always a big event around Mom's house. Friends and Family come and gather for good food and to celebrate Jesus' birthday!

After eating glazed ham, homemade tamales, beans and rice, and other yummy foods we get together to read the story of the birth of Christ, and sing Christmas carols... when suddenly, we hear bells ringing...

It's Santa! Come to bring each kid a gift before he goes out and gets started on his busy night! (We have had this tradition as long as I've been alive!)

Once Santa leaves the party, most of the guests follow... the kids gotta get home and in bed so that Santa can come visit their home and leave gifts for them.

Which brings us to Christmas Morning...

up next!

(not so) happy holidays

2011-12-23T11:00:00.001-07:00

deep sigh.

This Christmas was going to be difficult. It is the second Christmas that Daddy is in Heaven, although in so many ways it feels like the first. No matter, we were all doing so well, not to stress or overwork ourselves. The gifts were well thought out and purchased, the wrapping nearly done, the baking completed. It looked to be the promise of a very peaceful Christmas.

Moday, my uncle (my mother's brother) had a massive stroke, and yesterday, he went home to be with the Lord, and to sit next to my Daddy at God's Christmas table.

Uncle Arthur (Turtie) Alvarado

April 3, 1950 - December 22, 20111

Our hearts are ripped wide open again, our sadness is deep, but we are all so thankful for the time that we were able to have with him, and so thankful that he is without pain and spending his first Christmas with God himself. Of course we will miss him, and of course we still miss Daddy. And yes, it will be a very difficult Christmas time. But Glory to God in the highest that he sent his beloved son, Jesus Christ, to take on each and every one of our sins so that we may be reunited again in Heaven.

Rest in sweet peace Uncle Turtie, and Merry CHRISTmas!

fill in the blank friday

2011-12-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

1. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear .

2. The thing I love most about Christmas is the spirit of Christmas... you know, that warm, loving, and joyful feeling in the air .

3. The holiday season is a time for family and friends to come together and give thanks to the Lord our God for his most precious gift, Jesus .

4. My favorite thing to eat at the holidays is tamales! Followed closely by Christmas cookies .

5. I will be spending Christmas at my Moms house with friends and family. We always have a big Christmas Eve party with friends and family, then wake up Christmas morning with our family, and head over to Grandmas to meet up with my sister and her family. Most families have a big Christmas dinner, we always have a big Christmas brunch. Yum .

6. Tis better to (give or receive?) Give, for sure. I love seeing the faces of joy and thanks, but most of all the heartfelt tears of homemade gifts. Those are the favorite ones I (personally) love to receive .

7. I'm dreaming of a joyful and thankful Christmas.

Link up at Lauren's!!

christmas quiz

2011-12-20T11:51:00.000-07:00

Source: themeadowbrookblog.blogspot.com via [maisontwenty3} on Pinterest

CHRISTMAS QUIZ (idea found here) (taken from here)

1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? When I was a kid he used to wrap them, and only in Santa paper. Now, he just sits them under the tree.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored on the house, colored on the family tree, white on the tree in my bedroom.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Not really, I did one time.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year, we had to put them up the weekend after Halloween (we weren't home, vacations, etc.)

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Red Chile Tamales!

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Christmas Eve party and Santa coming to visit.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What truth?

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. The ones Santa brings us, and we exchange gifts with our Aunt and Uncle that come.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? The kids decorate our family Christmas tree with family ornaments. Well, the ones that didn't break last year when our tree fell down.... twice!

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? LOVE it, just don't want to live in it. lol

12. Can you ice skate? I can

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Oh geez, probably my tea table and chairs when I was a little girl... like 3. Yes, I remember getting it.

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? It's all about the kids. I make sure it is special for them.

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Peanut Butter Blossom cookies... I eat them all morning noon and night until they are gone!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Baking, Singing Christmas Carols, Santa's visit

17. What tops your tree? An angel

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Giving... especially to the kids, and my mom.

19. Candy canes: yuck or yummy? Yummy in my tummy!

20. Favorite Christmas show? White Christmas, followed closely by Elf and The Polar Express

21. Saddest Christmas song? The Christmas Shoes by Newsong

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Oh wow, either Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas by Judy Garland or White Christmas by Bing Crosby.

fill in the blank friday

2011-12-16T12:17:00.001-07:00

1. My most favorite "little thing" is handmade gifts, from the heart .

2. I give anything to visit my fabulous friends in England .

3. I can't believe that I am a Mama to a teenager... eeeeek .

4. The one thing I'd like to achieve today is getting through my teenage daughter's Coed Christmas Party tonight hosted at my house .

5. The last thing I want to do today is work, lol .

6. If I were writing my own blank today, it would say: The best meal I've had all week was... .

7. My favorite candle scent is (right now) Winter Garland AND Tis The Season by Bath and Body Works (I have different favorite scents for each season) .

Link Up At Lauren's!

100 things: part 7

2011-12-16T11:41:00.001-07:00

61. Sparkly Red Velvet Cake

(found at Carrie's blog)

62. Salvador Dali

Source: plstudioart.blogspot.com via David on Pinterest

63. Etsy

Source: etsy.com via Brooke on Pinterest

64. You Are My Sunshine

Source: etsy.com via Kate on Pinterest

65. Houseboat Vacations

Source: google.com via Merilee on Pinterest

66. Doodling

Source: amazon.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

67. Massage

Source: google.com via Beth on Pinterest

68. The Way You Look Tonight by Tony Bennet

69. Ann Taintor

Source: annetaintor.com via Melanie on Pinterest

70. Cooking (together)

Source: bitchassbidness.com via Emily on Pinterest

100 things: part 6

2011-12-15T12:41:00.000-07:00

51. Taking a hot bath

Source: flickr.com via Lisa on Pinterest

52. Bath & Body Works

Source: google.com via LaDonna on Pinterest

53. Candles (so romantic and pretty)

Source: stylemepretty.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

54. Frank Sinatra

Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Rachel on Pinterest

55. Working (having a job, especially in this economy)

Source: Uploaded by user via Stella on Pinterest

56. Can't forget to add my Family (not all pictured)

57. And my friends (not all pictured)

58. Pink & 59. 50s Style Dresses

Source: d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net via C on Pinterest

60. Dancing

Source: hipsterheaven.tumblr.com via Jen on Pinterest

100 things: part 5

2011-12-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

41. Waking Up To Hot Air Balloons

Source: flickr.com via leah shea on Pinterest

42. Tabasco

Source: kveller.com via Denise on Pinterest

43. 57 Chevy Bel Air (Convertible, of course)

Source: Uploaded by user via Bianca on Pinterest

.

44. Old Movies

Source: ca.movies.netflix.com via Kyla on Pinterest

45. Gettin' My Nails Done

Source: Uploaded by user via JenCoen on Pinterest

46. Baking

Source: sweetapolita.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

47. Reading (in bed)

Source: godmenandmoney.com via Nancy on Pinterest

48. Surprises

Source: reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com via Abbie on Pinterest

49. Records

Source: Uploaded by user via Kellie on Pinterest

50. Arizona Sunsets

Source: google.com via Janea on Pinterest

100 things: part 4

2011-12-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

31. Sophia Grace & Rosie on Ellen

32. Starbucks

Source: emilypaigeoslie.blogspot.com via Emily on Pinterest

33. My Black Sparkly Toms

Source: toms.com via Brandi on Pinterest

34. Kohls

Source: printablecouponscenter.com via Chelsie on Pinterest

35. Shutterbean

Source: shutterbean.com via Daphne on Pinterest

36. AZ Cardinals Football

Source: google.com via Laura on Pinterest

37. Mad Men

Source: technorati.com via Shannon on Pinterest

38. HGTV

Source: hgtv.com via Kathleen on Pinterest

39. The Food Network (especially Chopped)

Source: foodnetwork.com via Leigh on Pinterest

40. Words With Friends

Source: itunes.apple.com via Mandy on Pinterest

fill in the blank friday

2011-12-09T09:49:00.001-07:00

1. Love is the most important thing in life .

2. Being in love feels like you're walking on air, happiness and joy reek from your every pore, nothing in the entire world can bring you down .

3. My favorite quote about love is "Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particulary dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually IS all around." -Love Actually Quote .

4. The most important thing in a relationship is communication, and laughter... lots of laughter .

5. A "deal breaker" for me in a relationship is not having God in your life, in 'our' lives as a relationship and family .

6. The way I show love in my relationships is by small things, like leaving little notes of love or inspiration, making a favorite meal, or just spending time together .

7. I love all the people in my life!

100 things: part 3

2011-12-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

21. Yoga

(found at LacyLike)

22. Varga Girl art

Source: surrenderous.com via Jen on Pinterest

23. Butterflies

Source: ashellinyourpocket.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

24. Disney

Source: sweetlittlesnippets.tumblr.com via Rebekah on Pinterest

25. Sushi

Source: google.com via Gretchen on Pinterest

26. Twilight Saga

Source: pinterest.com via Amy on Pinterest

27. I Love Lucy

Source: gracieava.tumblr.com via Karen on Pinterest

28. Kauai

Source: google.com via Julia on Pinterest

29. Coach

Source: google.com via Jackie on Pinterest

30. Laughter

Source: avintagemuse.tumblr.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Stay Tuned for Part 4...

100 things: part 2

2011-12-08T13:32:00.000-07:00

11. Getting Flowers

Source: flickr.com via Tiziana on Pinterest

12. Chocolate

Source: google.com via Camille on Pinterest

13. Gold Stars

Source: projectwedding.com via Sara on Pinterest

14. SHOES!!!

Source: amiclubwear.com via JenCoen on Pinterest

15. Love Stories

Source: crazywithitcrazierwithout.tumblr.com via JenCoen on Pinterest

16. Still Believing in Fairytales

Source: possiblydreaming.tumblr.com via Hannah on Pinterest

17. Bling

Source: google.com via JenCoen on Pinterest

18. Quotes

Source: crazygirljournals.com via JenCoen on Pinterest

19. Photography

Source: augustteaphotography.com via Deann on Pinterest

20. Makeup

Source: bowsandcurtseys.blogspot.com via JenCoen on Pinterest

Part 3 coming next...

100 things : part 1

2011-12-07T12:56:00.001-07:00

So, my sweet friend Rasha is hosting this blog link up about 100 things to be happy about... I thought I'd join in! You should too!! What a great time of year to remind ourselves of everything we have to be grateful for in our lives!! Just Go HERE!

1. Jesus

Source: google.com via Alexis on Pinterest

2. Christmas Tree Decorating

Source: trendytree.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

3. Coffee

Source: google.com via Chelle on Pinterest

4. Scrapbooking

Source: aliedwards.com via Melissa on Pinterest

5. Oxygen Magazine

Source: oxygenmag.com via Kerri on Pinterest

6. Songs that change our lives

7. Pinterest

Source: google.com.au via Loren on Pinterest

8. Cupcakes

Source: tumblr.com via Laura on Pinterest

9. Weddings

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

10. Sedona (especially when it snows)

Source: explorethelightphotography.com via Maria on Pinterest

Part 2 coming tomorrow....

in remembrance: pearl harbor

2011-12-07T08:30:00.001-07:00

70 Years Ago Today...

I was fortunate enough back in 2004 to visit the Pearl Harbor Memorial off the island of Oahu, HI and what a solemn reminder of one of the worst days in our history and of the lives lost.

Never forget.

Happy Holidays with Frank & Bing

2011-12-06T11:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T10:35:00.000-07:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Brad on Pinterest

to the hubs

2011-11-22T16:03:00.001-07:00

silent saturday

2011-11-19T10:30:00.000-07:00

{credit}

fill in the blank friday

2011-11-19T07:55:00.001-07:00

1. A nervous habit I have is jaw clenching. Ugh, I don't even realize I'm doing it until my jaw becomes so tight I can hardly open my mouth .

2. Something that makes me sad is hearing stories of child abuse and / or child neglect. How can anybody mistreat a child. They are precious angels from heaven, definitely gifts from God .

3. Today I am thankful for my friends and family who support me and love me through and through, for a roof over my house and food in my fridge, and for being stabily employed .

4. My favorite room in my house is probably my kitchen since I spend so much time in there, followed by my loft .

5. I can't stand being late! Huge pet peeve .

6. If I had an extra $100 to spend on whatever I wanted today I would probably go to Kohls, lol. Or go to the new Coach store that just opened up near my house... eeek .

7. The last person I hung out with was my daughter and her best friend .

5 grankids

2011-11-16T16:18:00.001-07:00

Elle's Studio Sketch

creamy avocado pesto

2011-11-15T09:22:00.000-07:00

So, I found this recipe while perusing Pinterest and the recipe comes from Oh She Glows and let me tell you... super easy, and super yum. And, super clean. Great weekday meal! Ready, here we go.

The lineup (aka, your ingredients)... salt, lemon juice, evoo, basil, avocado, garlic.

Blend, blend, blend...

Naked Noodles!!

Voila! Top with grilled chicken and dinner is served!

Creamy Avocado Pesto

-- 2 avocados

-- 4 garlic cloves

-- 1/4 cup lemon juice

-- 1/2 cup fresh basil

-- 4 tbsp evoo

-- 1tsp sea salt

-- ground pepper to taste

-- 4 to 6 servings of pasta (your choice) cooked

-- 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

1. Cook your pasta, al dente.

2. While that's going on, grill your chicken.

3. Prep your veggies... you know, slice open the avocado and take that nasty pit out, de-skin the garlic cloves, take the basil leaves off the stems.

4. Add garlic, lemon juice and evoo in blender or food processor and blend til smooth.

5. Add avocado, basil and salt. Blend (again) til smooth.

6. Add avocado pesto to naked noodles and mix.

7. Top with grilled chicken and enjoy!

Notes:

*This dinner is suuuper easy and suuuper yummy, but you gotta like avocado.

*The hubs does not care for pesto, but because he loves avocado, he really enjoyed this.

*Bubba does not care for avocado, therefore he got naked noodles with chicken. No biggie.

*I used pasta that I have on hand... I always keep a couple packs of whole grain spaghetti. I haven't tried spelt or kamut or anything else like that, but I will next time. It's just easy to keep the whole grain because my kids will cook it up and eat it. It's taken a little while (for them) to get used to No regular pasta.

*I doubled the recipe (because there are 4 of us) but this recipe made enough for lunch for 2 the next day.

*I almost always have grilled chicken already cooked and cut in the fridge. Great source of daily protein!

Try this one. It's a keeper!

silent saturday

2011-11-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

{credit}

photo play

2011-11-11T10:33:00.001-07:00

Have you notice... le' blog got herself a facelift. hehe

thanks to the genius known as Pugly Pixel I have (yet again) played with this here blog ... And... that's not all...

I did this too! Okay, I can't take credit for the photo (I gotta give it up to the sweet girl), but I did manage to lay a patterned background and flip some cool text down on it. Yeeeah buddy! So, I'm just a wee bit excited. I like learning new things. Who doesn't! hehe

Go ahead and browse around on Pugly Pixel's website... and just let the creative mind play!

All right, all right, I'll let you get on with your day.

Happy Friday!

fill in the blank friday

2011-11-11T07:36:00.001-07:00

1. My favorite new blog of the moment is Casey Wiegands .

2. Something I am thankful for is precious time. Every moment I get with the people I love is truly a gift from God. We are all on borrowed time, you never know when it's gonna be gone, so make the most of every-single-moment .

3. Something that made me laugh this week was my son. He loves to make people laugh, and this week was no exception. From his jokes, to his unintentional silliness. He always makes me chuckle .

4. An item that is currently on my wish list is Macbook Pro or iPad .

5. I am excited about going to Nascar on Sunday... I can't wait! It's gonna be so much fun .

6. If I were a color I would be pink. for sure, since I'm so girly and a pretty pretty princess. lol .

7. My favorite way to spend a chilly fall day is by cozy'd up with a warm drink, a good book or good movie .

Link Up At Lauren's!

10 things : i've learned about myself (so far) in 2011

2011-11-10T17:14:00.001-07:00

My sweet friend Carrie blogged this great idea, and I thought I'd follow suit...

1. The numbers on the scale do not define me or my progress.

2. I can be a morning person, and like it.

3. My dependency on chocolate has increased tremendously since my Daddy passed, and I am totally okay with that. (Better chocolate than alcohol or worse.)

4. My mother is truly one of my best friends, my lifelong friend.

5. Crying is NOT a sign of weakness. (This was a very difficult concept for me to grasp for a really long time. I'm glad that I'm over it.)

6. My kids are my biggest achievement in life and I am proud of them every single day.

7. It is okay to let people in to my world. Some are here to visit, some are here to take residence, but all are welcome and all are loved.

8. I prefer listening to "old music" (like Singers and Standards) more than any other type of music (including the Hit List, and Country). And I don't care if other people think that is weird.

9. I spend entirely too much time on Facebook and reading my daily blogs. I need to do something about this. New Years Resolution?? :-)

10. As much as I truly enjoy helping those around me, I have found the need to put myself first sometimes. This isn't selfish, this is becoming a well-rounded individual. (aka "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy").

Thanks Carrie for letting me 'borrow' this concept, and thanks Shimelle for the inspiration and link love.

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs

2011-11-08T09:50:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I'm back with another quasi-recipe. I am adapting my recipe from Shutterbean. Ready. Lets go...

This... is a spaghetti squash. It's big and intimidating. But cut that sucker open lengthwise, scoop out the innards, sprinkle some evoo (extra virgin olive oil) and s&p (sea salt and fresh ground pepper) and roast that bad boy!

Then show it whos boss... take that fork and scrape it, scrape it good!

Make-a zee meat-a-bolls!

Top with sauce and serve!

Spaghetti Squash with Turkey Meatballs

-- Large Spaghetti Squash

-- 2 tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)

-- S&P (sea salt and fresh ground pepper) to taste

-- 1 pound ground turkey

-- 2 garlic cloves, minced

-- 1/2 cup onion, chopped

-- 2 tsp oregano

-- 1/4 cup oatmeal

-- marinara sauce (made mine homemade)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Cut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the yuck (seeds and brains) and rub it down with 1/2 tbsp evoo per side. Throw a teensy bit S&P to taste.

3. Bake squash in oven for approx 45 minutes until soft. Let cool before you handle.

4. Take a fork and start shreddin! Collect the 'spaghetti' in a strainer to let the excess water drain.

5. Meanwhile, mix ground turkey, onion, oregano, oatmeal, and some more S&P and roll up into balls.

6. Heat 1 tbsp evoo in pan and add garlic. Place meatballs in oil, and cook thoroughly. Brown side to side, up and down, left and right, back and forth... you get it.

7. Heat sauce in saucepan. Assemble spaghetti, then meatballs, then top with sauce. Enjoy!

Notes:

*I definitely wish I would have followed Shutterbean's recipe where she cooked the onions and garlic first, then added them to the meatballs. The onion was not as tender as I would have liked. But ya live and learn, right? Next time.

*The meatball cooking is triiiiicky! Let me tell ya! But for a first timer, they were not that bad. Cooked thoroughly, I was pleased as punch with that!

*I used (homemade) marinara red sauce because that is what I had on hand. It worked just fine, but I felt it kinda competed with the rest of the meal. Something simple like the sauce with mushrooms and spinach that Shutterbean made seems (in my mind) like it would work well, as far as not overpowering the stars of the meal.

*This wasn't exactly a hit with my kids (I told them spaghetti and meatballs, I just didn't specify) so I think they were more disappointed than disgusted. They both ate most of their plates, but I know my little boy was jonesin' for some real carbs mama! lol.

This is a definite must make again. I loved it, and I could probably survive on the spaghetti squash alone. Yum-me! Try it... you'll like it! :-)

this weekend i...

2011-11-07T11:25:00.001-07:00

Source: yournestdesign.blogspot.com via Anne on Pinterest

*decorated my house for christmas

(long story short, the hubs will be unavailable for the next 5 weekends, it was this weekend or December 17. plus, i kinda got jipped last year, i barely remember the holidays)

*went on a 7 mile jog/hike with the hubs and two other dudes

(Doug and Sean, who are neighbors, but also apart of the Sonoran Desert Warriors with the hubs, they are participating in the Tough Mudder in January)

*went shopping at Forever 21 with my daughter

(isn't she the cutest thing, just love shopping with her)

*the hubs and I took the kids to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the Cardinals WIN

(seriously, B'dub gets most of my money during football season! we love it there!)

What did you do this weekend?

silent saturday

2011-11-05T10:00:00.000-07:00

fill in the blank friday

2011-11-04T09:35:00.001-07:00

1. My favorite thing about this week was/is last night, going to the Arizona Broadway Theatre to see "A Chorus Line". What a great show, accompanied by a 4 star dinner! If you're in the AZ area... definitely need to make this a date night !

2. Colder weather makes me want to bundle up and eat warm soup and drink hot apple cider and dive into a really good book or a movie marathon .

3. Three things that make me terribly happy as of late are vacation coming soon (not soon enough though, another few weeks), my mother's accomplishments (there have been several), and shopping... I cannot get enough of it .

4. If I could only wear one kind of shoe for the rest of my life, I'd choose chanklas... sandals, flip-flops... whatever you'd like to call them. i know, most people think I would live and die in my stilettos, but those adorable things hurt after a while. And really, I'd be just as happy to be barefoot... reminds me of being a kid .

5. My personality type is simple but complicated. I'd say it's all about ME... and mostly it is, lol (because everybody knows I'm a pretty pretty princess, lol), but truth is, I really love helping others, being important in others lives, doing good for those around me. Hmm, maybe it is all about me after all. Hehehe

6. I have a serious problem resisting chocolate. No joke, the older I get, the more dependent I become of the stuff. At least I prefer the dark stuff... the good for you kind. Right?

7. My favorite color to wear is probably green, or brown. I'd say black, but black is a shade, not a color (can't help it... too much artsy in my head) .

stuffed bell peppers

2011-11-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

I love cooking. I truly enjoy trying new foods, and making something from beginning to end without using the microwave (hehe). I like to try new recipes, but on the flipside... I don't always measure to the exact, or I add a little this or that. And sometimes I just make up my own dinner with what I got going in the fridge.

Stuffed bell peppers is kinda a morphed recipe. I made them once (a long time ago) from a recipe and found it so complex yet so stressful that the next time I sorta 'winged it' and got lucky that it turned out edible. Now, I pretty much know what I like, what my family likes and we go with it. While my kids love the 'stuffed' part and not so much the 'bell pepper' part, this is what I do. I make a ton of the 'stuffed' part, save it for burritos or tacos, or just serve it up in a bowl. For the adults, I make 4 stuffed bell peppers (I can only eat half of one) so that we have leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day. (Smart, right? lol) Okay... onto the quote-unquote recipe...

Stuffed Bell Peppers, Jen-style

-- 1.5 pounds ground turkey (I prefer organic)

-- 2 cups cooked brown rice (I prefer long grain)

-- 1 onion, chopped

-- 2 garlic cloves, minced

-- 6 red bell peppers

--1 tbsp oil (olive or coconut)

-- 2 tsp cayenne pepper

-- 2 tsp oregano

-- 2 tsp basil

-- sea salt (to taste)

-- ground pepper

-- 1/2 cup cheese (I prefer fresh Parmesan Reggiano)

**optional add-ins**

-- sweet potatoes (chopped and roasted)

-- spinach (chopped)

-- corn (roasted and cut off the cob)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

2. Chop tops and remove seeds and veins from 4 bell peppers. Chop the other 2 bell peppers.

3. Stick 4 empty bell peppers in cooking dish and in oven (to soften).

4. Heat oil in pan, add garlic.

5. Add ground turkey and cook thoroughly.

6. Season meat with cayenne pepper, oregano, basil, salt and pepper.

7. Add onions and red bell peppers and cook down.

8. Add cooled brown rice and mix up. (Add optional ingredients at this point to).

9. Stuff bell peppers with mix. Top with cheese.

10. Bake in oven approx. 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Some notes....

*My kids don't like all the add-ins. So I make everything together until I add the rice. Then I separate it into the 'kid mix' and then add in all the yummies for the 'adult mix'.

*I always have sweet potatoes chopped and roasted on hand. (It's sort of a staple for me). Add them in for extra fiber and a lil' sweetness.

*I also always have fresh spinach in the fridge. Like mom always said, 'eat your greens'. I like the color pop of spinach, but the added vitamins and nutrients are so good for your body.

*Rice takes for-ev-er to cook, especially long grain brown rice. I usually make 2-4 cups on 'prep day' (Sunday) and keep it in the refrigerator. It's a great whole grain (the good carbs, people) and it helps to extend a meal (helping the pocketbook).

*Speaking of 'prep day'... I usually like to prep all my veggies the day I buy them. I'll post the details later.

*You can add absolutely anything to your stuffed bell peppers. If you prefer ground beef, or adding ground sausage go for it. If you want to add in crispy bacon (turkey bacon in my house) then do it to it. It's your dinner for you and your family. That's kinda what I do to recipes. Take them and specify them to me and my family (not always, but most of the time).

I hope you make these. They are yum, and a staple in our house. Thanks for letting me share!

happy halloween

2011-10-31T12:52:00.003-07:00

Source: tumblr.com via lise on Pinterest

Source: themeanestgirlsonearth.com via C.J. on Pinterest

guess who got her craft on this weekend...

2011-10-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

I DID!!

Girl Cousins

2 girls layout sketch

silent saturday

2011-10-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

fill in the blank friday

2011-10-28T09:04:00.002-07:00

Join in with Lauren's questions HERE!

1. When I was a kid I wanted to be a fashion designer when I grew up.

2. As an adult, my dream job would be travel channel host (hehe) .

3. W hen I was younger I wanted to be just like my mama... i kid that she's june cleaver, but she really did her best to raise my sister and i in a loving and safe place. she is amazing. .

4. The childhood Halloween costume that I remember most was when I was a roaring 20s flapper girl. my mom made my sister and my costumes (they were blue) and can you believe it... i STILL have the costumes (now passed down to my daughter and then my niece) !

5. My favorite childhood toy was barbies, duh (especially the sundae shoppe) .

6. The time I got into the biggest amount of trouble when I was a kid was when I brought a nail file to school (because i thought i was sooo cool, filing my nails, lol) and i got sent to the principal's office for having a 'weapon' at school (because you know, i'm hardcore. lol) !

7. I get daily inspiration from my surroundings, be it family, food, tv, smells, nature. whatev's .

you are what you eat

2011-10-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

You know the saying 'you are what you eat'?

(credit)

Well, I don't want to be a soggy bun, mayonaisse loaded 600 calorie heat lamp burger with a side of limp salt coated french fries from the high school kid in the fast food lane. I want to be a leafy green spinach salad with radiant red bell pepper slices, shreds of orange carrots, roasted bright yellow corn kernels, crisp slices of cucumber, fresh broccoli florets, topped with chopped hard boiled egg whites and drizzled with tangy basalmic vinegar and fragrant olive oil and a few slices of creamy avocado that I took the time to prepare with love and patience.

What do you wanna be?

playing on picnik

2011-10-26T13:02:00.001-07:00

Thanks to a very sweet girl... Miss Indie, I have found (and am now obsessed) with Picnik! Seriously... check out the cool stuff I've been doing today (instead of *actually working, lol).

Yep... the coolest thing since sliced bread, I tell ya! lol

(PS, pics were from this weekend's 50th Anniversary Party that the hubs and I attended. More on that later!)

Disney Love

2011-10-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Real Life Disney Princesses... swoon!

by Artist Jirka Vaatainen

i've lost 50 pounds

2011-10-24T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yep. I really have. I'm just (finally) putting it out there. In black and white, for all the world to see. You would think that this is something I'd be screaming from the rooftops, but I'm kinda blog-shy when it comes to weight and all that. I think it's funny how girls are silly about weight. It's a touchy subject. Even the skinniest of girls have body 'issues'. But this is about me. A girl far from skinny, and totally content with that fact.
So, how'd I do it? Well, to know how I got here, you gotta go back to the beginning....

Way back when... at the beginning of 2010 I made the decision to 'lose some weight' and 'get fit' for my upcoming 30th birthday that August (2010). I did all the right things. I got in with a local nutritionist, and got a personal trainer at the local gym. I'd set small goals, and one by one, I'd attain them. By the time my birthday was here, I was down to a reasonable weight, but more importantly, I felt good.

Then, of course the worst day of my entire life occured, and I gained 30 of the 45 pounds lost, and to be quite honest, there was a large period of time that I can not remember. Therefore, I have no clue what I was eating or drinking, although I do remember boxes (literally) of chocolate, and lots of Del Taco burritos (Daddy's favorite), and perhaps some vodka spiked crystal light (just keepin' it real, folks).

As the new year began, I came to the decision that I had to pick myself up out of the black hole known as grief. I knew that Daddy wouldn't want me to mope around, so I made the decision to turn it around. I took my sadness of missing my Dad into my drive to make him proud. I re-dedicated myself to living healthy, getting fit, and eating clean. But something was different for me this go-round. I didn't have a goal set, a date to meet. Instead, I just wanted to focus on learning as much as I can about clean foods and exercising the mind and body. Pretty soon, it all clicked!

Source: happilymaintaining.tumblr.com via Jamie on Pinterest

I am no longer rushing to a finish line. I'm changing my life. I'm choosing to live healthy every day, not just for the next (X) amount of days before I reach my goal weight of (Y). By choosing to eat clean and stay fit and healthy, the weight has just come off. Sometimes very noticeable, other times not so noticeable, but always healthy.
Now, please don't misunderstand. I still have goals. I think setting goals is an incredibly important step in any journey, be it weight loss or otherwise. My goals are specific and attainable, and always challenging. In fact, I just read a wonderful blog written by Tabitha over at Recipe For Fitness about Goal Setting. (Read it... totally inspiring!)

This change didn't happen overnight, it has taken baby steps to get to where I am now. I'll share more in future posts. It is not my intention to make this a weight loss blog. This is a personal blog. I have blogged about my life, and right now, changing my lifestyle from "typical-working-mom-picking-up-fast-food-and-crashing-early-from-stress-and-exhaustion-due-to-lack-of-nutritious-foods" to "working-mom-who-loves-her-family-and-herself-so-much-that-she-chooses-to-prepare-clean-and-healthy-meals-giving-her-the-energy-to-exercise-her-mind-and-body".

Lastly, I have to give credit where credit is due. My success is always made easier with the love and support of my family and friends. Without them, this journey would not be nearly as informative or fun as it has been. Because of them, I have had to courage and the strength to make daily decisions to better myself mentally and physically. So, thank you.

And thank you, oh dear blog reader, for making it to the end of this long but personal blog post. Now that this is 'out on the table' I would anticipate more blog posts regarding my new but permanent lifestyle! :-)

silent saturday

2011-10-22T10:00:00.001-07:00

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fill in the blank friday

2011-10-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

1. Nothing says fall like pumpkins, apples, and weather below 100 degrees, lol .

2. My favorite autumnal tradition is taking the kids to pick out a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, or gathering before trick-or-treating at Mom and Dads house .

3. My favorite fall treat is spiced pumpkin lattes .

4. Fall makes me think of vacation because the weather cools down and we are able to take week-long vacations .

5. Autumn free form word association, go! pumpkin, hot apple cider, sweaters, books, crisp mornings .

6. My go-to outfit in the fall is pants, long sleeve shirt, cardi or sweater, and (as always) cute shoes .

7. My favorite fall holiday is (Halloween or Thanksgiving) Thanksgiving. Family time is most important to me. And one of our Thanksgiving traditions is tamale making .

Link Up At Lauren's!

not sweet, but...

2011-10-18T14:54:00.001-07:00

sweat!

Source: fuckkbeingfatt.tumblr.com via JenCoen on Pinterest

Source: healthy-lifestyle.most-effective-solution.com via Nadine on Pinterest

Source: pictureperfectbodywerkit.tumblr.com via Lauren on Pinterest

that's what i've been up to lately... how about you?

silent saturday

2011-10-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

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fill in the blank friday

2011-10-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

1. The most selfless thing I've ever done was become a Mama. Daddy used to always say that the day you become a parent you give up your life for theirs, you put your wants and needs after your childrens' wants and needs .

2. When it comes to working out I love it and I try and it do it all the time. I love to mix it up, try new classes as the gym, love working with a trainer (or even the hubs or my Ma), and I especially love my yoga and my cycle class .

3. A woman should always remember her voice. You need to be heard, and paid attention to, and respected. Don't be afraid of saying what you need to say .

4. I wish I could run long distances and then I'd enter a full marathon (right now we're good to get through a 5K, lol) .

5. A best friend is a necessity, not an option. You need someone(s) (I have more than one) who will love you for you, support you (even your bad decision) and still put you in your place when you need it .

6. I can't get enough of CHOCOLATE! (lol, what's too funny is that I've read a handful of FITBF and most ladies are saying chocolate, lol. that's hysterical to me) .

7. This weekend I am practicing yoga, shopping for a petticoat, going to a really fancy-schmancy business dinner, watching football, and hopefully getting some laundry done and the loft (my crafty room) clean .

Link It Up People... over at Laurens

just promoting craftyness

2011-10-14T09:43:00.001-07:00

so, just about everyone is familiar with Etsy. They have amazing craftsmen (and women) and artist who sell the goods, totally promoting all things good and whole in the world. Well, I gotta highlight Barberry and Lace!

Seriously, she has some beautiful pieces of jewelry! Her necklaces are absolutely to die for (and I want quite a few of them... hint hint. lol)

So, you can only imagine my elation when she blogged about her $100 Giveaway! I about lost it! Seriously party people, go visit her blog and enter! Or don't and just keep your fingers crossed that I win! TeeHee!

whats up with me whats up with you

2011-10-12T09:38:00.002-07:00

life has gone from super busy to slowed down enough to breathe. gotta love that.

i'm borrowing this (list) from the always-talented Elise...

developing a new workout/cardio routine

accepting the fact that I have to soon give up my trainer and go-it-alone

sending positive thoughts and prayers to some family friends who desperately need them right now

writing this email, dispute letters to insurance companies, and checks to pay the bills

wearing a zip-up sweatshirt for the first time this season

lamenting the fact that Daddy is not here for advice

enjoying the cooler weather, especially the mornings

dreaming about taking some time off of work and spending some 'Me' time up north

returning a dress I bought online (just can't buy clothes online... I'm a hands on kind of person)

celebrating the end of my 13th summer in Arizona

planning my wardrobe for our cruise to Mexico in November

embracing clean eating as a lifestyle

drinking pumpkin spice coffee, black

loving the people in my life, always

So what have you been up to lately?

cool new finds

2011-10-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

i've been stumbling around the glorious world-wide-web today and came across some pretty cool things...

Tires aren't just for cars...

Artist Yong Ho Ji

Celebrity Face Symmetry... Wow....

YouBeauty

Speaking of celebs....

Iconatomy by George Chamoun

Teal braid... yes, please...

Beautylish

Made this last year... can't wait to make it again...

Martha Stewart via The Kitchn

I like lasagna in all different shapes and sizes...

The Food In My Beard

Can You Stay For Dinner

I don't like clowns... but this (to me) was fascinating...

Creepy Crusty Crumbling

silent saturday

2011-10-08T10:10:00.000-07:00

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fill in the blank friday

2011-10-07T08:54:00.001-07:00

1. Something popular that I can't stand/just don't "get" is Lady Gaga and her 'costuming'. It was one thing growing up with Madonna who seemed to reinvent herself every few years, but this costuming (like wearing meat, really!) and Nikki Minaj trying to follow along. I'm all for being eccentric or different, not wanting to go with the crowd, but come on... arriving in an egg, (to me) stupid! I just don't get it .

2. Something unpopular that I secretly love is riding in limousines. I know for some it's totally uncool, but I still feel pretty cool sitting in a long car. lol .

3. When I've had a bad day I try to get to bed early. Otherwise I try and fit chocolate in there somewhere. lol .

4. I'd prefer quiet time to houseful of guests any day.

5. Something that makes me nervous is flying (in an airplane) .

6. Something worth fighting for is God and his infinite and wonderful Love .

7. When people think of me, I hope they think I'm nice enough to talk to, strong enough help, and silly enough to laugh with .

Link up at Laurens

silent saturday

2011-10-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

{credit}

fill in the blank friday

2011-09-30T12:14:00.001-07:00

1. My current obsession is detail cleaning my house (I vacuumed my bedroom walls, people) .

2. Chocolate makes me happy.

3. My greatest strength is my ability to multi-task and get things done (stealing this from Lauren because this is actually one of my greatest strengths) .

4. My loss of patience and understanding with those who do not have the ability to multi-task and get things done is my greatest weakness.

5. My life is blessed with so much love .

6. In high school I was a cheerleader, an average student, and Paul's girlfriend (seriously, I didn't have a name other than Paul's girlfriend, lol) .

7. When I'm super tired I try to stay on my feet as long as I can to get things done and then colapse on the couch or in bed .

Play Along at Laurens!

magazine shout out

2011-09-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

My favorite magazine (and the only one I have a subscription to) Oxygen Magazine came in the mail over a week ago, and I just barely got to sit down and read it. To my delightful surprise, I read this...

Shout Out! Yep, I tweeted, and they published. How freakin' cool is that!

Awww, it's the little things in life that make my heart skip a beat!

(PS, yes, that is my nail, my hand-painted nail. And if you're in the AZ area, you can see le'artist Becca at Salon Sanctuary... shout out!)

journal day

2011-09-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

Following the promptings of Danielle of Sometimes Sweet and Elizabeth Haley I've decided to join in the soul-diving fun! Deep breath everybody, and exhale. Okay.

Looking at all of the life you've lived so far, can you pinpoint one time frame or instance that you feel truly contributed to your growth as a person? This may be a turning point, a positive or negative experience, a moment or collection of moments that stand out in your mind...something that changed you as a whole.

In all my 31 years of life, I can pinpoint several instances or lifetime events that have changed me as a whole. I'll try to stick with the 'big' ones.

The first was when I was little, no more than 9 or 10. I (like so many other children) experienced the sheer panic and torture of being sexually offended. While this was the first, and most traumatizing time, it unfortunately was not the last. There were other men, and older neighboring boys that took advantage of being alone with a girl who didn't know how to say no, or stand up for herself. When a person's sexuality is not naturally discovered, in other words when someone 'offends their sexuality' at a young age or otherwise, it forever changes the view and direction of that person. Sex and sexuality is such a personal and important part of life. It interlaces with love. It took me a long time to understand that. It has taken me a long time to understand a lot of things. I still have a lot of unanswered questions and guilt, but I have (thankfully) come to a place where I can say what I feel on the subject and not allow it to weigh me down, or define me. That took some time, getting to that point where I was no longer defined myself as 'tainted' (you know, the bruised banana. okay, bad reference, but still, gotta keep it light here. lol) Just saying, now as an (ahem) adult, and more importantly a Mama, I am (how do you say...) overprotective, when it comes to the opportunity of children being touched or molested or worse. I look over my own children, and niece and nephew, and some of the neighbor kids, and my friends kids... okay, kids in general. It will not happen on my watch.

The second lifetime moment was when I quite seriously went through the worst depression and downward spiral of my life. I believe that everyone goes through some form of depression in their lifetime. Call it being down, being sad, in a funk, but there comes a time where you physically and emotionally feel depleted, and buried and it feels hopeless on ever getting out of that hole that you are stuck in. Sometimes it lasts for a week, a month, sometimes long enough that when you come finally come out of the darkness you barely recognize your own reflection. This is where I was. And while it was very scary, and my relationships paid dearly, I thankfully made it to the other side. Essentially what happened is I lost my mind. I had a snap, a break, no a breakdown, a nervous breakdown (aka mid-life, or rather quarter-life crisis). I didn't know which way was up or down, I tried using anything as a distraction (food, drinks, shopping, etc.) and to put it bluntly, I lost myself. I didn't know who I was or why I was here. Small step by step I was able to pull through, with the support of a therapist and some friends and family who love me dearly and stayed by my side (even when I least deserved it). In finding myself, and in finding balance in life, all that negative that I went through, all the dark... led me to the light, and positivity began streaming in my life again. Making positive choices, surrounding yourself with Gods love, and being able to speak so that you are heard are just some of the life lessons I learned in those dark years (yes, I said years... very long, painful years). Now, instead of hiding and masking my pain and problems, I stand right in front of them, accept them, deal with them, and move on.

Which leads me to the third life-changing event in my life. (C'mon, you all know what it's going to be). September 15, 2011. The day my father passed. Having a parent pass away is something that most everyone on the planet will have to experience in life. Knowing that makes me feel less like I'm the only person to know this pain. It is a pain that you can really only experience, and not exactly share or explain how it feels. Jokingly, it almost feels like a secret society, but I think it really does bring people together who have experienced it. Those newbies (like myself) are comforted by the people who have already been through it, and the cycle will be that when someone I know experiences is for their first time, I will comfort them, because I've been there. (Getting a little off track here). Having a parent die, or really having anyone that close to you die brings you closer to death that you ever had been previously. For me, the words 'die' and 'death' would send me into an instant panic attack. Truth be told, if I saw a hearse driving on the road, or a funeral procession, I would have to pull over because I would lose feeling in my hands, feet, and face and start to convulse. Seriously. Dying is such a touchy subject. It's uncomfortable, it brings up religion (which can also make people uncomfortable) and the crazy thing is, every single person WILL go through it. But when I got the call, and when we were going through the hours after, the day following, the week following, the funeral, the emails and cards and empty house and so on so forth, it was as if I were asleep. Everything, my reaction, my planning the funeral, making calls, dealing with the life insurances and utilities and everything, it was all automatic. Definite auto pilot. When the reality started to take over it wasn't a pretty site (and I will spare you the details). But now, a year later, even though it still hurts and I burn in pain, I have this very real ease about death and dying. I'm not as scared. There is almost a calm come over me about it. Like, 'see, everything is going to be okay. Daddy's on the other side waiting for you. He had to go ahead and reserve out table'. Yes, I am a Christian, and I believe that I will reunite with my Daddy (and my grandparents and other family) in Heaven. And while I am excited about that, and give all the glory to God, I'm not exactly rushing to meet up with him. lol. And one day, when it's my time to go, my children will experience this feeling as well, and they will grow from it too.

Wow. I didn't quite plan on writing a novel. Or getting so personal. But there you have it. If you've made it this far, congratulations, you get a gold star! :-)

pumpkin : recipe one

2011-09-29T07:43:00.001-07:00

Can you say, Yum! I made a batch of Chelle's Pumpkin Protein Muffins and can honestly say that they are delicious! I didn't change much from the original recipe, except that I substituted the dark chocolate chips for carob chips (because that's what I had on hand). And for the 'frosting' I made a double batch the other day and topped my kids french toast with it. Double Yum!

These are really great to grab on the go in the morning for some breakfast. (I always like to have something like this for those busy hectic mornings). And they are filled with protein and good-for-you oats and perfect-for-fall pumkin and pumpkin pie spice. Seriously, these are so good! You should definitely try them!

i'm high, i'm real high...

2011-09-27T09:16:00.003-07:00

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So much going on in life right now that I'm spinning fast like a top. But not to worry, if there is one thing I've learned, it is that finding balance within myself will make every thing and every one around me flow much more smoothly. I can only do my best, and my best is good enough. I must take care of myself as much as I need to take care of my loved ones. Taking things one task at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time. This is how I will accomplish all that needs to be done.

How do you handle stress?