The things I have learned this week.

This week I have experienced, read, and seen things that can make you look at your own life and with a tear running down your face value everything about it.

I have learned that living 100 years is a huge accomplishment but to live 100 years with dignity is even better. My 100 year old great grandma passed this week but she lived her life to the fullest and lived each of those 100 years with grace.

On the flip side, I have learned that a child can touch more hearts in a short 2 years than most people ever have the chance to do. Layla Grace has touched me deeply. I have cried tears this week for a child I have never met. Cried tears for the pain her parents must be feeling, a pain that I can't begin to imagine. She has taught me to stop cleaning my house and play with my daughter. Who cares if she wakes up in the middle of the night because those cries means she's healthy. To hold and cherish each and every moment with her.

And finally, Joannie Rochette. Her story has also brought tears to my eyes this week. The strength that she has shown. To live out her dream and make it to the Olympics only to have her mother pass away while there to watch her perform, and two days later gather the strength to go out and skate and not just skate but to win a medal. I can't imagine what this week has been for her. Her strength is inspiring.

So as I sit here in tears again, I think of how sweet life can be and how life can throw some curve balls and I want to let everyone I love know how much I appreciate you, how much I love you, how much I need you in my life. Each of you are special and I truly appreciate what God has given me.

A meatloaf even your kids will love!

Preheat oven to 350

Ingredients:
1 pound of turkey
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
about 2/3 cup finely crushed pretzels
desired amounts of onion powder, salt, pepper, sage, ketchup, mustard-(I just kind of self gauge these ingredients, I prefer not to measure and just go with what looks good)

• In a bowl combine all ingredients, mix well, pat mixture into loaf pan.
• Bake at 350 for 1 hour.
• After an hour coat top with desired amount of BBQ sauce.
• Bake another ten minutes.
• Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

ICE!

Just wanted to say that I could do without ice storms. Really, spring where are you? Little Lady and I are ready to be outside during the day!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Ingredients:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup melted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 12 ounce package choco chips

Preheat oven to 375

In a large mixing bowl beat shortening and butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, and baking soda. Beat until mixture is combined. Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour. Stir in chocolate pieces.

Press dough into an ungreased 15*10*1 baking pan. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes.

*From my Better Homes and Gardens Wedding Edition Cookbook

The Olympics

I LOVE the Olympics and I'm thoroughly enjoying being home to watch them ALL day long. The amount of dedication these athletes have absolutely amazes me. So, GO TEAM USA! I'll be rooting for all of our athletes by a warm fire in my living room:)

Valentines Week

I'm really into tradition. I want Little Lady to know that from the time she was born she can count on us to do certain things. Valentines is no different. Even though she is only 8 months old we started our Valentines traditions.
We baked a homemade giant chocolate chip cookie:














We decorated:














We made "hand"made Valentines for Daddy, Grammy and Papa, Sissy, and Great Grandma:

Happy Valentines Day!

Update on the job!

Today is my third day at the part time job but my second day on the "floor". I've never worked retail so I wasn't sure what to expect. Well, its pretty fun and I do a lot of walking. I was shocked at the short bit of training I received before I was sent out to kind of be on my own but its not hard. The most difficult part is the store room and how high items are and since I'm super short I'm pretty sure the ladder is going to be my new best friend at work. Did I mention all the walking? I'm not an idle person so I circle my department as a way to pass the time when no one is shopping. And in all that walking I always find something new to look at, this store has ridiculously neat displays and the giant fish tanks aren't bad eye candy either.

Bad part of the job...I caught a shoplifter my first day but didn't know what to do so they got away! Are you kidding me, I quickly learned that my department has some hidy places that other departments don't have so people come to my department to hide the things they wish to steal...that could be interesting?!?!?!

Happy Birthday Jackson!

Happy 3rd birthday to our little Sponge Bob lovin' cousin! Hope you have a great day!

Part Time Job

Yesterday, was the first day at my new part time job. It will only be a few hours at night or possibly up to six during the day on the weekend. I've never worked retail before but I think I will be able to pick up on it and have a lot of fun at this store. I thought it would be very hard to be away from my Little Lady but I did fairly well, I didn't even cry on the two minute drive:) I did text Big A halfway through the night to check in, I just couldn't help myself.

On that note, let me give my hubs some big props, when I got home he had made dinner and rolls, fed Little Lady her dinner, given her a bath, and cleaned the jumperoo from last weeks tummy incident. GOOO Big A!

All in all I think that this is going to be a good experience for my family. I will be able to bring in some added income, I will be able to get a little more adult interaction, and Big A will have more one on one bonding time with Little Lady.

It's a new month!

Happy February!
This month we have-
Swim meets
Super Bowl
Cousin Jacksons birthday
Valentines Day
Presidents Day