Wordless Wednesday

the "crown" battle....

My friend has a theory that daughters compete with mothers for the "queen" crown of the house. This theory is becoming more present in my house lately. One of the main problems is that Adelle and I are a lot alike; both first-born females, "type A" personalities who fight for control. As much as I dislike how she acts....I really "get" her. She is an amazing little girl, and I love her spirit...she has a great heart and is truly a sweet person.


That being said, a comment from her this morning led to this-

Yep, I'm that Mom who takes it back to basics. Total dismantling of her room.
I'm anxiously waiting her arrival home from school, when we will have a long talk about appreciation and respect.
Uggggg. Girls.

excuse me while I gain 5 lbs...

Patti LaBelle's Mac and Cheese is the best I've ever had. EVER.
Mark made this for Thanksgiving...and we liked it so much we (*he) made it yesterday. AGAIN.
I'm eating it for lunch...and I may eat it for dinner too.
Here's the recipe and a pic of ours....before we devoured it.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter (PLUS means this ingredient in addition to the one on the next line, often with divided uses) PLUS-1 tablespoon
1/2 cup shredded Muenster cheese
1/2 cup shredded mild Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
2 cups half & half
1 cup Velveeta, cut into small cubes
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350:. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2 quart casserole. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat, add the oil then the elbow macaroni and cook until macaroni is just tender (about 7 minutes). Do not overcook. Drain well and return to the pot.
In a small saucepan, melt the first measure of butter. Stir into the macaroni. In a large bowl, mix the Muenster, mild and sharp Cheddar cheese and the Monterrey Jack cheese. To the macaroni, add the half & half, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheeses, the cubed Velveeta and the eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to the buttered casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and dot with the remaining butter.
Bake until it is bubbling around the edges, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.

o.m.g.

My favorite things 2010

Being inspired by Oprah's favorite things (Did you SEE that madness?)...I have been thinking about some of my favorite things this year. Now, I'm not giving them away or anything crazy...just a little fyi.



1. My Kindle: My favorite buy ALL year. Super handy and I have several books at my fingertips. *LOVE*

2. St. Ives Collagen Moisturizer: I saw this on a blog, and picked it up. It makes my face so soft, and I could be imagining it, but it seems by staying-up-late bags under my eyes have vanished!

3. Modern Family: Favorite show, hands DOWN. My only complaint is that it's not longer. Mark and I laugh out loud at this show.

4. Muk Luks: I wear these babies CONSTANTLY. Sometimes (almost daily) I wear them to drop off the kids at school....yes they are house shoes, but they are so comfy and they keep my feet warm!

5. My Blackberry: Yes, I'm fully aware that it's wrong to have two electronics in my fave things....but I have the Crackberry disease. I can get so much done; emails sent, pictures loaded, Facebook checked, texts...you know...all the important stuff? *insert eye roll HERE, Mom*

6. My CHI flatiron: Expensive? Yes. Burn your face off? Yes. Worth every penny to flatten my oh-so curly mane? Yes.

7. Jennifer Lopez 'Glow After Dark Perfume': Can't explain the smell...but I get compliments on it all the time.

8. Skinny Jeans: I'm one of those almost-30yr-old Moms that wear them.

9. Paramore's Final Riot CD: This has not left my CD player in months. I LOVE live music...it's like the energy of the concert is in my car. Favorite track?
#6,#8, and #14. I also adore "Feeling Sorry" off their Brand New Eyes album.

10. Hmmmm, now they are not "things" per say. But my FAVORITE things are kisses from my kids and my hubs. xoxo

Anyway

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.

-this version is credited to Mother Teresa

where does the time go?

Wasn't Max just starting to talk yesterday? Wasn't he just in diapers? Wasn't he making us laugh constantly toddling around? Time goes so fast. I gotta go hold these babies while I can.

Turkey Day 2010

We shared our Thanksgiving this year with a family friend. Akin is actually more like an Uncle to our kids...we've known him for awhile now. We are going to be stationed with him and his new family in June at Camp Lejeune. We made a HUGE feast and gorged on some plate(s) full of food. Then we proceeded to melt into the couch. I, of course, had to capture it because I'm ADDICTED to my camera.

And Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without going around the table telling what we are thankful for.

Mark- Our family
Ethan- My parents
Adelle- My clothes (?)
Amanda- Our health
Akin- Our food
Max- Bread

This continues Max's food theme this year...at preschool the kids were asked what they were thankful for- every single child mentioned someone in their family. As for Max...well....

old pics...

Today as I was looking at some old pics, I came across these FAVES of mine and had to share.

Love the new camera!

As you can tell- my picture quality lately has been HORRIBLE. That's because I've been taking pics with my Blackberry. I recently upgraded to a FujiFilm FinePix S1800. I am in awe. I love the quality and although its not professional grade- it's definitely a step up from the point-and-shoot cameras I've had in the past. I'm not a photographer by ANY means- but it's hard to take bad pictures of these cute subjects!
Here are a few recent photos I've snapped.

Our Anniversary

Today, 8 years ago, Mark and I took a leap of faith. We were broke- by broke, I mean not a penny to our name and in debt. We had our year old daughter. He was fresh out of bootcamp. We were moving FAR away from home; FAR away from everything familiar. We had all the odds stacked against us. The one thing we did have was our best-friend-ship. It was rough...there were many days I wanted to move back to my safe haven in Kansas. We kept on, and kept on- even when it got hard....and then when it got harder. I'm not saying we are out of the hard times yet, but looking back I have great pride knowing we made it through the tribulations of those first couple years. Mark is always real and never fakes anything. He's passionate- and when he says something he means it. He's also a loudmouth and we fight often about stupid things because we are both stubborn- but he's mine. We also have TONS of fun- we laugh every day. Knowing we made it through the crap makes me have faith that we can make it through many more years together. I love you babe!


"More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse." ~Doug Larson

Happy Halloween!

We had an awesome Halloween! We had the company of Darth Vader, Buzz Lightyear and an 80's rocker. Here are a couple pics!

hoo are you?

1. If you could add one room to our house, what would it be?

an office for SURE...i'm drowning in paperwork

2. How many pillows do you sleep with at night?

one pillowcase with 2 pillows shoved in it

3. What is the best costume you've ever worn for Halloween?

I haven't dressed up in years, but I'd say a punk rocker

4. If you could erase one item off the face of the earth, what would it be?

hmmmmm. disease.

5. Where do you do your best thinking?
shower or late at night

I did it.

I've succumbed to technology. I'm not sure it will replace the worn pages feel in my hands, or that new book smell- but I CAN'T WAIT to get my hands on this beaut. I read usually every night and have HUGE stacks of books waiting to be donated.
I've heard from several die-hard readers that it's heaven....you read faster and 1000's of books at your fingertips? I cannot WAIT!!!!!
She is on her way to me- I'll let you know how the first read goes.

(Isn't she pretty?!?!?!)

Where did I get the 16 year old?

I LOVE my daughter. I do.
But whhhhaaaaaa?
With the 9 year old attitude. It's constant drama....the eye rolls, the flipping of hair. I have NO clue where she gets it. My Mother SWEARS it comes from me- but I'm thinking her FATHER.
But it all is worth is for those (few and far between) moments where she STILL wants to be my baby girl.




Any tips for a DRAMA MAMA?!?!?!?!?!







Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Things I've learned.......

As our two years here comes to an end- I've been reflecting on the past 24 months. Things I've learned, things I didn't see coming and things I want to change. I have met some amazing people here in WV- some that have changed my life for the better. I've also had relationships come to an end. I honestly believe that every single relationship we have is to teach us a lesson about ourselves. So here are a few things I've deduced.

1)NEVER, under any circumstances try to "recreate" something out of your past. There is a reason life went on.
2)LET GO. Of all the resentment and misgivings of the past. Move forward always.
3)NEVER live more than 20 minutes from base.
4)EVALUATE schools before moving.
5)Keep evolving. When you stay the same person for too long you become stale.
6)READ the Bible. There are great lessons that can keep you from making mistakes.
7)FIND a teen Mom and spread acceptance.
8)How you deal with things define your character.
9)SAY "I'm in my 20's for AS long as possible." It makes for laughter.
10)CHERISH the friends I've made- no matter how far I am away. Many times recently I've gotten EXACTLY the right words from some of my most long-distance best friends. I only have a handful, and I keep them close.
11)TOMORROW is a new day. Just get through the climb of this one.
12) I don't need so much STUFF. It clutters my house and my mind. SIMPLIFY.
13)CONTINUE to listen to loud music with my kids.
14)Be open-minded and NEVER judge-It's the right thing to do.
15) When you don't know what to say, just smile.

some q's

Are you currently in a serious relationship?

Yes, married for almost 8 years.

What was your dream growing up?

to be a famous rockstar.

What talent do you wish you had?

to be able to sing-hence why I am not a famous rockstar.

Favorite vegetable?

garden-fresh tomatoes (blah blah blah...its not a fruit in my eyes)

What was the last book you read?

reading Harry Potter....because Adelle wants to read them, so I'm reading them first

What zodiac sign are you?

Leo

Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.

2 tattoos- both of which Mark has too

lower back-three intersecting circles, symbol for husband, wife and child

wrist- X1 11 MM11 which is our anniversary date

Worst Habit?

putting off laundry until no one in the house has clean clothes

What is your favorite sport?

ehhhh......football, I guess

Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?

both at different times, but overall I'm pretty positive

What would you do to pass time if you were stuck in an elevator?

would Facebook on my Blackberry...or read blogs

Worst thing to ever happen to you?

being robbed at gunpoint

Tell me one weird fact about you.

I hate and love moving all at once

Do you have any pets?

no, not a pets-in-the-house person

If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?

weight....dang having babies!

Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?

partner in crime

What color eyes do you have?
brown

Ever been arrested?

no

Bottle or can soda?

can

If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?

donate some to my non-profs, and then get my SHOP on

What's your favorite place to hang out at?

home

Do you believe in ghosts?

no

Favorite thing to do in your spare time?

read or catch up on DVR

Do you swear a lot?

no too much...

Biggest pet peeve?

slow drivers, dirty fingernails,

In one word, how would you describe yourself?

busy

Do you believe/appreciate romance?

I do

Favorite and least favorite food?

fave-chips and queso dip

lease fave- green beans w/bacon (ewwwww)

Do you believe in God?

I do

Oh the places you'll go......

A compilation of our houses we've lived in. The memories come flooding back when I see these pictures. Good times!

Woodbridge VA (the two bottom apartments) (Mar.2003- Jan.2006)


Kansas City MO (Jan.2006-Feb.2009)

Inwood, WV (Feb.2009-?)

Delly is 9!

We celebrated Adelle's 9th Birthday yesterday. I CANNOT believe she is 9. She was JUST a baby! I took her and her friend shopping at Justice over the weekend for her "event." In our house, we don't usually do big parties anymore- we have a friend stay over, go to dinner, and we do an event as a family. We had a great time! (On a side note- I did this EXACT thing when I was little- with my good friend Laura. My Mother took us shopping and I even remember what we picked out. Such great memories!)

Max goes to.........

PRESCHOOL!

He did shed a few tears- (Mommy bawled like a baby) but after the waterworks, he had a GREAT day. (first picture was Orientation, he HAD to wear his book bag- with his mini toys in the pocket)

Sept. 9th, 2010

(On the way to school Mark leans in and says "Well, now that all the kids are in school, it's about time to start adoption paperwork....right?" after I pick my jaw up off the floor I said "We will think about that for awhile." So who knows what the future holds.....)

Labor Day weekend

This past weekend was Labor Day, so I searched for some fun and inexpensive things to do in the area. First up was Cacapon State Park. It is BEAUTIFUL...and this is the perfect time of year to head to the park. It was warm, so we went to the beach and made a sandcastle.











Next up was the Air Show which was fantastic. The boys are HUGE into jets right now and they LOVED the fly-overs. It was a great day!






And the last but not least spectacular event of Family Fun Weekend was *drumroll*.......HOMEMADE cinnamon rolls. Yep. Gooey amazingness. Can you smell 'em?

August happenings.....

We have been busy busy bees.

We are back in full school mode- waking every morning to eat breakfast, brush teeth, throwing uniforms on and getting out the door in a blur. The kids are loving school- they both come home with many stories about friends, teachers and fun things they did during the day. As soon as we get home, the blur starts again with snacks, homework, dinner, lunch-packing, uniform washing, and bedtime routines. I enjoy the alone time with Max during the day- but I'm asking time to slow down, because they are growing up so quickly. Wasn't Adelle just a baby yesterday?!?!!?
I'm keeping busy too, by working for two non-profits. I am a Co-Coordinator for MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)-which has always been a haven for me; and for Young Lives, a fabulous organization, in which I am mentoring a local pregnant teen. I wasn't sure I could handle both jobs, as well as "manage" the household- (i.e. do EVERYTHING at home), but it seems to be going smoothly so far. I'm pretty sure this is the only time in my life I'll be able to work for non-profs, because as soon as Max hits kindergarten- it's back to the salon for me.

I've also been on a organizational/labeling frenzy. I'm not sure what has hit me, but I feel everything MUST have a label.....everything. However, I've found it makes playroom cleanup time more efficient.

We've also been doing very well at our eating plan- we had our first 100% organic grocery shopping expierence and it was so fun finding mostly everything we eat has an organic substitute. We are still going to the farm for beef, and *trying* to eliminate all HFCS and dyes from our diet. It's been a challenge, but we are going to keep trying.

Sorry about the rambling post...here are some latest pics. (and yes.....that's our fridge...it's was so cute and organzied so I took a picture.)

Oh, and the silly bands have TAKEN OVER THE HOUSE.