Because Chocolate Can't Get You Pregnant!!!!

2012-02-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

The Melt

2012-02-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever heard of The Melt? A grilled cheese sandwich place. They have a location 2 blocks from work. I am not sure if I can wait a week to try this place out. Grilled cheese is one of the best comfort food ever!

I will report back after I visit!

Bart Happenings Week 4

2012-02-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

How cute! This guy had a teddy bear half the size of him, 2 gift bags and a dozen roses. I guess he was going to visit his girlfriend at 6:30am. When I saw him with the teddy bear I just cracked up laughing. It struck me funny to see him carrying this LARGE stuffed animal through Bart. The picture is super blurry, but I couldn't get closer to get a picture.

God Gave Me You!

2012-02-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

When I started dating I always looked for someone who would one day be a great husband. If they weren't a good boyfriend there was no way he would be a good husband. When I started dating Art I felt I hit the jackpot.

I wanted a husband through the ups & downs, the good & the bad, the pretty & the ugly. I wanted a mate where we both needed each other because life was so much better with them in your life. I was lucky to find the right man for me!

I found a man who is a rock during difficult times. We have been through a lot during our journey to start a family. He has been there beside me each step of the way. Through every doctor appointment, hundreds of tests, positive pregnancy tests, and miscarriages.

My husband is most importantly my rock. He stands by my side, leads our family, loves me unconditionally, and my best friend. He is the one I run to first with news, talks me off a ledge, let's me cry on his shoulder, laughs with me, and tries to be the voice of reasons.

As his wife I still feel I hit the jackpots of husbands. God gave me just the man I needed!

Six years ago today I met Art for the first time. It was a Thursday night when we met for dinner. We talked on the phone while I drove there. When I arrive I got out of the car, gave him a hug and I felt I was seeing an old friend. I don't ever remember feeling awkward or scared. I can't believe where a dinner six years ago has led us down an amazing journey.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Valentines Date?

2012-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:00

When you think of going out for valentines a romantic evening out usually comes to mind. Going on a tour of the New York sewage plant doesn't even sound like a fun tour and is definantely not a romatic evening. If you are running short on an idea for a date maybe consider the NYC sewage plant tour.

Could you imagine if you had a first date and the guy tells you that you are going on the sewage tour? bahahaha Would you go on the date or run away as fast as you could?

NYC sewage plant to offer Valentine's Day tours

Published: Feb 10, 2012

NEW YORK (AP) - It may not smell like a rose but a New York City sewage plant is offering tours for lovers on Valentine's Day.

The tour host and superintendent of the Newtown Creek Wastewater treatment plant in Brooklyn tells the Daily News (http://nydn.us/xEFu6I ) it'll be a unique date, and one that special someone will never forget.

Jim Pynn says the highlight of the tour will be the plant's giant egg-shaped digesters, which break down the noxious waste into harmless sludge and gas.

Pynn says each Valentine's Day visitor will get a Hershey kiss - and at least something to talk about.

Happy Valentines Day!!!!

2012-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

What do you have planned to do with your love today?

Art and I don't really celebrate valentines. We celebrate February 16 when we had our first day. Yes, 6 years later we still celebrate our first date. Yes, we can be corny like that! Art said he isn't going to celebrate valentines, since I refused to go out with him 6 yrs ago on valentines. I had no desire to go on a first date with a guy on valentines. I am actually glad I waited 2 days....it has turned into 6 years!

Pranks

2012-02-13T07:56:00.000-08:00

Art and I like to play pranks on each other. Art likes to play them a lot more than I do. I know if I pull a prank that I am going to get paid back and it might be worse than what I did. Art has been watching youtube videos of people pulling pranks. He keeps threatening he is going to pull stuff on me....well this past weekend he tried to pull 2 pranks.

1. Art & Sammy know don't mess with me when I come in the door because I have to run to the bathroom. Friday night Art followed me & was telling me about the shooting down the street from his parents. I thought it was weird he was following along.
All of a sudden I screamed & jumped. He had put plastic wrap across the toilet. Oh he thought it was the funniest thing EVER! He was laughing so hard. Luckily I realized there was plastic before I peed.

2. Sunday morning Art asked me if he could drink some of the milk in the fridge or if it was just for cooking. I told him he could drink the milk. All of a sudden I see him get in bed in a glass of milk. He tried to hide it as I poked my head out of the bathroom door. I asked why he was in bed with milk and he better NOT be giving any milk to Sammy. He walked out of the bedroom with his head down.

I get in the shower...all of a sudden I see a hand coming over the shower and I jump to the side. I thought a glass of water was going to come splashing all over...NOPE. He threw a cup of FLOUR...not milk. He missed me! There was dough all over the shower floor. FAIL!

He better be on the look out because there are some pranks that are going to be coming his way!

Menu Monday

2012-02-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am starting to plan my menus for 2 weeks. I will still post the weekly menu on Monday's. This week I am going to make some recipes from my The Biggest Loser Simple Swaps book. I am learning a lot from the book and really enjoying it. I f there is anything worth reporting on I will post about it next week.

On Monday's I am trying to avoid eating any meat. On Sunday I have been eating what I want for the most part. Monday's are the day to get back on track and have a day without meat.

Monday - Vegetarian Curry

Tuesday - Pork Chops and Spicy Crunch Chickpeas

Wednesday - Chicken and Quinoa with Spinach and Cheese

Thursday - Pizza and Arugula Salad

On Sunday I am going to make Mac & Cheese that Krystal made on her blog. I had a bite of it while I was at her house a couple weeks back. It was A-MAZING!!!!

In the Biggest Loser book I found a recipe for Nutty Waldorf Salad I am also going to make for our lunch.

Saturday Pinterest

2012-02-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Bestie, Food Trucks and Sewing...all in one night!

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I was able to spend the evening with my bestie Krystal. We had such a fun night. When I arrived she was making a lemon blueberry tart. A-mazing! Krystal asked if I would rather go out to Kogi's or she would make dinner. That was a very hard decision. I <3 Krystal's cooking and I <3 Kogi's. I asked her what would be easiest for her and did she feel like going out? We agreed to to find Kogi's. Kogi's is one of my FAVORITE food trucks ever! I haven't been able to find a truck that even compares to them in Nor Cal.

Krystal and I at Kogi's waiting for our delish food!

I got the Pacman Quesadilla. DELISH! It had every type of meat with super spicy sauce over the top.

After dinner we headed back to Krystal's. She needed help with making a pillow case for her extremely large pillow. I think it is a called a snoogle or something like that. She had bought fleece material and cut most of the pillow case out. I helped her finish cutting it out, showed her how to thread her machine and then I got to work sewing away. The pillow case turned out super cute! I love the fun fabric Krystal picked out!

Getting to see my friends in So Cal is a great perk of traveling for work.

Bart Thursday- Week 3

2012-02-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

When you enter a Bart train it is a scurry to find a seat. Everyone runs in and grabs the first seat they can find. I was all excited to find a seat near the door the other day. I soon realized why the seat was empty. Right next to my seat was a guy laying across two seats sleeping. The guy was all beat up. One of his eyes was completely swollen shut. His face was purple, blue, red with some dried blood and swollen up. He was thrashing around and kept moving his legs.

I tried not to look at this guy or let him see me looking at him from the corner of my eye. He looked scary! I kept a watch on his every move. Let me just say I didn't feel in danger on the train. It was packed full of people and I was with my regulars. Out of the corner of my eye I see him pull something from his pocket. It was a little bottle of booze. He drank it and then conked out.

Just another day on Bart.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

My Cousin Amy

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

A couple people have asked me about last weeks Wordless Wednesday post. I thought the pictures deserved an explanation. If you didn't see the original post click HERE for all the pictures.

My cousin Amy is a wild adventurous one that always has great ideas to do things. One of her great ideas on NYE was to stack 2 bar stools on top of each other to climb up the Christmas tree. Her brother Justin was sitting near her unfazed by her insanity. The rest of us were telling her to get down and she was going to fall. I told her she was going to fall & break her neck.

Poor Gina (her sister) wasn't looking as she staked Gina's bar stools to get to the top of the Christmas tree. Then my aunt got nervous and decided to go hold the bar stools. This did NOT make Amy happy. She told her to get away and that she was ruining her pictures!

When Amy was about 3 or 4 she climb up on the kitchen counter. She fell off of it and bit her tongue. It wasn't just a little bite. She bit completely through the middle of her tongue. It healed but she still has a scare in the middle of her tongue.

Amy had a little white dog Skippy when she was younger that she use to dye different colors according to the holiday. One time poor Skippy was the color of the rainbow. She would cut it's hair funky ways and dye certain parts of its body with kool-aid.

Amy and I are just a few months apart. We grew up together. I was the one to usually keep us out of trouble and she would convince me to get into trouble. lol I wish we lived closer because we have so much fun together. Always laughing! Today is her 31st birthday.

Happy Birthday cousin!!!!

Menu Monday

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

This week I made my menu while I was traveling. I sent Art a text asking him what he would like for dinner. He responded with IDK. Ugh come on dear I need some help! Then he suggested that we have 2-3 nights of no meat. I had already put somethings together for our menu prior to him saying no meat. I want to use stuff in the freezer.

I would also like to start grocery shopping every 2 weeks instead of every week. I spent an hour and a half to two hours a week preparing menus, grocery lists, and shopping. That is a lot of time when you only have 2 days off week.

Monday - Meatless chili with a baked red potato

Tuesday - Breakfast eggs, sausage and waffles

Wednesday - Turkey burgers and sweet potato fries

Thursday - Food Trucks

Friday - Chicken tacos

I am going to make my chili in the crockpot. I made beans in the crockpot a couple weeks ago and they turned out amazing. I thought why not make chili in the crockpot. I bought some black beans, kidney beans and tomato sauce. I have frozen tomatoes from our garden I am going to throw in there also. I will let you know how it turns out.

Fulfilled

2012-02-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

Over the past couple weeks I have been thinking how fulfilled my life feels. I don't ever remember feeling this happy & content about life for more than a couple hours or a day.

I feel my attitude has changed after the last miscarriage. I felt after my ER visit it shook something in my core. I realized afterward how much worse things could have been. I felt more scared 2-3 days after everything happened then when it was going on.

I always try to remain positive to others, but a lot of times I dwell on the negative things inside. What is the point of doing that? When I think of people that upset me I'm going to pray for them & stop being upset. It is giving me a stomach ache worrying, stressing or dwelling on situations I can't change. Me being upset isn't going to fix things. God is the only one to fix things.

I told a friend the other day my heart just feels full. Full of happiness/contentment. I think a lot of it was changing how I look at things. The past 6 months have been full of heartbreaks and struggles at home and at work.

I don't talk about work very often on my blog. Work has been full of daily challenges! I'm thankful for a great boss who has helped me through it. I'm probably not ever going to find a place to work without issues, so I'm going to buckle in for the bumpy ride. I'm not saying I won't change jobs in the future. I just am not jumping ship right now.

Another thing that has helped is going to church. We've been visiting churches recently and I feel we found a great place. It just feels like home.

I don't have everything in life I want right now, but I'm going to be happy with the greats things I do have!

Saturday Pinterest

2012-02-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am <3 gray & yellow!!!!

How adorable are these wedding ideas?

Shopping

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have done some shopping over the past couple weeks. I have been trying to buy some items that I can wear now and in the spring/summer. Here are the bargains I found over the past 2 weeks.

Kmart

I told my mom when I wore this blouse it reminded me of my Grandma Z. She would LOVE this blouse with the bow. It was super comfy and cute with black pants. My friend Kendra bought this blouse and 2hen I saw it I HAD to have it. Kendra bought some cute things at Kmart, so I decided to go check them out. This blouse was $7.99.

Black dress - I bought this for $9.99. BARGAIN! It is super comfy!

Old Navy

I bought this shirt for $8.99

Best bargain of my shopping was this dress for $3.50

$9.99

I wore the ruffly cream top with my green pleated skirt and a black cardigan.

Marshall's

I have been wanting to add some color to my wardrobe, so why not with a pair of hot pink pants. I was soooo excited to find these. This was my largest priced item over the past couple weeks. I didn't think I could find them cheaper. $24.99

Now I saved my last 2 favorite items to last. I bought the black blazer at Kmart and the lace skirt at Sears Outlet. I was sooooo excited to find both of these pieces. I have really wanted both items. Last weekend I had actually picked up the material to make a lace skirt. I had just pinned one on Pinterest with instructions on how to make one. I put all the fabric back because I just didn't want to tackle the project right now.

Art and I went to Sears Outlet to buy him a couple dress shirts. I walked through the skirt section and imagine my surprise when I saw a black lace skirt. It wasn't in the right size, so I searched the rack. Wa-La there was one in my size for only $6.00. I wanted to just SCREAM I was soooo excited!

During my shopping trip at Kmart I found a bunch of black jackets on clearance for $12.49. I looked through the hangers and none of them had my size. I then went through each one and looked at each tag. there was one in my size with the wrong sized hanger. Eeeekkk!!!! I wore the black jacket with my red skirt from my Tuesday post.

I love shopping clearance and at the outlets, which is wear I found all these items.

Bart Thursday - Week 2

2012-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

Everyday I ride to work with a certain crew of people and a different crew on the way home. I know who these people are by the nicknames I've given them. Some of my friends and family even know the Bart riders by their nicknames. As the Bart stories continue I will be talking about each of them.

This week we will feature the woman with the cow jacket. Everyday she wears a denim shirt with these cows sewn on the back of the shirt. I've seen the material before at Walmart back in the 90s. Anyways....On the way home from work I walk to Bart & ride home with a coworker. It has become a joke of where are our people. We look for the cow woman, grandma, nose ring woman and a few others. Last week my coworker asked “where is the cow woman?” I knew exactly who she was talking about and I hadn't seen her in weeks.

I had to go into work early one morning. As I'm waiting at Bart at 5freakingam guess who walks up? The cow woman! I almost screamed! Looks like she is going to & from work at earlier times!!! The mystery has been solved!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

75

2012-01-31T08:06:00.000-08:00

As of today I have lost 75 pounds!!!

Red Pencil Skirt

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting a JCrew red pencil skirt, but I don't want to pay $100+. I have kept my eyes open at different stores to see if I can find something similar. I haven't had any luck. I decided maybe I could make myself one. I ran to the fabric store on Saturday. They had 40% off fabric and patterns for $1.99.

I was a little nervous to make the skirt because I don't have the best luck with sewing myself things. Usually they turn out too big or too small. I also haven't ever made a skirt with darts. I measured myself to see which size I should sew. Here is another thing with sewing I am 4 sizes larger according to the pattern than what I buy in the store. How does that work?

It took me about an hour to make the skirt from start to finish. The pattern was super simple. I even mastered darts! I am pleased with how great it turned out! I am going to make myself a couple more skirts with the pattern. I have cream & brown herringbone fabric I want to use next.

The picture above turned out kind of weird! The flash didn't go off and the background was super white!

Menu Monday

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

One of my weekly routines is to look through food blogs to find recipes for dinner ideas. Sometimes I come across recipes through the week and I email them to myself. Other times right before I am ready to head out the door to grocery shop I am scouring blogs like a maniac.

This week I will be traveling, so I need to cook some things ahead for my darling husband. I like to leave leftovers or easy things for him to heat up. This way he has options for lunches or dinner.

I am traveling for work; however, I get to visit with some great friends Julie & Krystal.

I will be visiting my bestie in LA Krystal. She is the foodie queen and always inspires me to cook delish yumminess!

Pork chops & Quinoa

Spaghetti

Chicken Tacos

Broiled or Grilled Pollo Sabroso

Congratulations Lacey & Cliff!

2012-01-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

Exciting news....Lacey & Cliff bought a house!

While we were in ND they took us to tour the house. I didn't take one stinking picture. Ugh! I wish I had taken pictures of the outside at least. It is a really cute house with lots of space.

I am soooo excited for them! I am also so proud of my little sis. She is 22 yrs old and already bought a house. She did an amazing job getting the loan in place, dealing with the Realtor and the bank. So proud of her!

I can't wait to see how you turn your cute house into a cute home!

Congratulations!

Saturday Pinterest

2012-01-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Need some motivation to get started on a healthier you?

I <3 this idea of putting the marbles from one canister to another. I wish I had done this to see just exactly how much progress I was making each week.

Source: Hot Mess Princess

Moving?

2012-01-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

Lacey here is how you should move. Throw everything in your truck and then top it with the mattresses. Don't waste your money on a u-haul!

I happened to be driving behind this insanity near my house last week. What in the world is wrong with these people?

Bart Happening Thursday

2012-01-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

Art suggested I start writing one day a week about the crazy things that happen on Bart. I thought I would make Thursday "Bart Happening Thursday's". If I can take pictures of the insanity I will also post them also. As long as the craziness happens I will start writing about it weekly. Some weeks I don't see that many crazy things, but other weeks there is TONS that happen.

Last week I learned if you see a hottie across the train yell out to them to see if they are available for a date. Reason #439273 I am soooo happy I am married!

Almost every morning I see the same people taking the train to work. There is one woman who comes barreling into the parking lot every single day, jumps out of her car and takes off running to the train. This woman drives me a little crazy. Why doesn't she leave a few minutes earlier, so she doesn't have to stress.

Each morning a guy drops off his girlfriend/wife off at Bart. Recently they have been having some major fights. One morning she jumped out of the car, he screamed, she was crying and then she sped off.
A month or so ago I went home early in the day from work. As I got on the train I noticed a LARGE rolled of carpet on a dolly. The guy was sleeping on the train with his large roll of carpet/carpet padding. It was a little random to say the least.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Favorite Fashion Blogs

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have really been trying to wear different outfits, mixing up colors and just trying to be more stylish. I feel I lost my style in the past 3-4 years. I was in a rut where I wore just what fit and wasn't very concerned with the details. I wasn't walking around in sweats all day, but I wasnt' putting effort into my outfits.

I started reading fashion blogs this year. Here are a few of my favorites.

J's Everyday Fashion is my VERY favorite!!! I just love her style and how adventurous she is with clothes.

Veronika's Blushing is a new blog I started following in the past 2 weeks. I have read through every.single.post she has written.

The Look 4 Less is a great blog to find designer look alike at a great price. I can't afford designer clothes. I do love to find something similar to a designer that I can afford!

Style Is As Style Does I love her every day work style! She also dresses adorable on the weekends.

Here is an outfit I tried 2 weeks ago. I decided to wear my boots with a skirt. This was such a comfy outfit, but I also felt cute. Yes, my hair is in a pony. This was right after I had dyed my hair and the color was washing out. It is a rare thing to see me at work with a ponytail. I had to wear one for almost a week. I finally convinced one of my roommates to dye my hair.

Menu Monday

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Ugh making a menu can be a challenge at times. This week I didn't know what to make. I decided to use some favorites corn chowder and Taco Bell Pizza. I also didn't make the light mexican casserole last week, so that is on the menu again.

I have been following Kalyn's Kitchen blog for a couple weeks. I thought the lettuce wraps sound delish and a bonus that they are no carb. I love when I can find a non-carb dinner! I will probably give Art a tortilla to help fill him up.

Corn Chowder

Taco Bell Pizza

Quick Sriracha Beef Lettuce Wraps

Light Mexican Casserole

What is on your menu this week?

Pinterest Saturday

2012-01-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Coupon Queen

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Lacey has become the Queen of Coupons! She had a whole box of stuff at her house that she had bought for under $1 with coupons. A lot of stuff she had gotten for free. When we would go into Target, Walmart, or the grocery store she would be a bag with her. This bag held her entire binder FULL of coupons. It was like taking a diaper bag just full of coupons. lol She bought some Febreeze air fresheners for about $1 at Target. It was a whole event, pulling out the coupons, checking prices, brands, and determining which was the best deal. Finally she found what was the best deal and she bought a couple.

Happy Anniversary

2012-01-19T08:05:00.000-08:00

Today my parents are celebrating 33 year of marriage. They will be the first to tell you they have had their ups & downs. One thing they have taught me is if you fall down, get back up & try again! It wasn't just a lesson on marriage, but on life. They also taught me marriage is no fairy tale! There are times you have to put your mud boots on, chase cows as fast as you can before your pies burn in the oven!

Happy Anniversary to the Best Parents!

Ginger Bread House

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

a few years back Lacey and I started making a ginger bread house. we buy the premade houses with all the decorations at either target or walmart. this year it was on our list of things to buy the day we arrived in north dakota. that evening we all gathered around the table to decorate our ginger bread house. somehow the guys never stick around too long. maybe it is because we are very particular on how we want it decorated and we don't let anyone else put things on the house. it isn't that we are bossy we are just particular and want our house to look a certain way!!!

Lacey & Cliff getting ready to start decorating

Fausha just watching us. He closes his eyes to avoid the flash. lol

Lacey was NOT happy because the fondant was stuck to the rolling pin. this is the first year fondant was included with the kit.

Mausha getting the icing ready.

I am not sure what this picture is all about or what exactly I was holding.

YAY house decorating!

Lacey & I gave the icing job to the professional cake decorator!

Cliff & Mable hanging out on the couch.

Art & Mable

Decorated house....we did allow Cliff to make the chimney

How awful is it that this is the only picture I got of the house! UGH! I should have taken pictures of the house from every direction. It was actually a really good house this year. Until next year.....

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Shopping

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

I had a gift card to use that my parents gave me for Christmas to Old Navy. I have been saving onto it while I am studying fashion blogs for a final exam. I have actually found a lot of great blogs. It seems everyone is wearing skinny belts with skirts or around their waist. I have been contemplating whether or not I am going to try this look. I decided today to buy a skinny belt and see if I can pull this look off.

I also wanted a trench coat for this Spring. I only have one coat at the moment and I think I need a second one. Why not add a trench coat, which is a staple.

I bought a pleated skirt a week ago, but I bought the wrong size. I put it on and it almost slid right off. I don't think that will be appropriate to leave the house in. I ordered the skirt in a size smaller.

I'm too sexy for....

2012-01-16T19:56:00.000-08:00

check out this ensemble...zebra snuggie, stripped socks, leopard slippers and a sleeping dog! This is Sammy's new spot...right beside me on the recliner.

Menu Monday

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am going to try to make 3 new recipes this coming week. These meals should leave enough leftovers for either lunches or one night of various leftovers. I should be able to make all these ahead of times, so we just have to heat everything up. Myrecipes.com has a lot of light food. You should check out the website to find some great recipes. I actually found the website through Pinterest.

Hawaiian Meatballs & Rice

Light Mexican Casserole

Vietnamese Shaking Beef

Bacon Mac

Saturday Pinterest

2012-01-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple cute ideas for decorating for Valentines. Isn't this LOVE sign adorable?

Source: snowybliss.blogspot.com

I am LOVING the XO wreath for the front door!

Source: Etsy

Source: Pinterest

Wouldn't this beautiful red outfit be cute to go out on Valentines. Wouldn't the beautiful ring below make the outfit sparkle?

Source: Pinterest

My biggest fear became a reality

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday I went for a walk during my lunch hour. I was so proud of myself because I had kept my heart rate up, walked faster than ever and burned a ton of calories. I came back to the office to eat my salad. I text Art about my walk. I felt a little cramp and thought something felt weird. I went to stand up and all of a sudden there is blood pouring out of me. It was like I turned on the kitchen sink. The floor was covered and my chair. The building has to get professional cleaners in to clean up my floor. It looks like a murder scene.

I had worn a cute new polka dot skirt and I was so proud of my outfit. I lifted my skirt up and sat down on my chair. I called my boss and asked her to come to my office right that minute. She comes in and I told her I am not sure what is wrong, but I am bleeding super heavy. I called Art and told him to come get me ASAP. I thought it was a fluke and Art would be able to take me to the hospital.

I decided to try to clean up, so I could go to the bathroom. This is when I realized it was more than a fluke. I couldn't even get to the bathroom without blood pouring out of me. I had to sit on the toilet. My boss called the ambulance. I told her to bring my stuff to me because I was not going back to my office. I didn't want the whole office to see me get carted away.

I waited in the bathroom. The fire dept arrived first. The building called it in as 3rd trimester miscarriage. WTF! The fire dept comes in with about 20 people. Once they realized they got rid of all but 2 people. Then the ambulance people arrive. I was sitting on the toilet because the blood wouldn't stop. It was so embarrassing having all those men in the stall with me.

The ambulance hooked me up to a bunch of wires, gave me oxygen, and started an IV. The first one they started didn't work. I have a HUGE bruise on my hand. We sat in the ambulance for about 20 minutes, while they took my information. I got a tour of SF backwards. The whole way there I could feel I was bleeding super heavily.

The nurse comes into the room and told me to get undressed. I had the BEST nurse Mindy. I stood up and the floor was covered in blood. She told me sit down, you are on bedrest and take off what you can on the bed only. The doctor was coming into the room and it freaked him out a little with the amount of blood. It was a huge clot about the size of a dessert plate. Art arrived shortly thereafter. I was relieved to have him there.

The next 5 hours they would change the pads on the bed every 10-15 minutes. After I was there about 2-3 hours I started having cramps. Every time I had a cramp I would pass a big clot. Art started timing them and they were 2 minutes apart. Finally I asked for some pain beds. More doctors were coming in and pushing around on my stomach. I had 3 ultrasounds, 4 doctors checking things out. They gave me some morphine, which helped with the pain and I was able to relax.

The nurse came in to tell me I was pregnant after a urine test. I asked for a blood test to tell me what the HCG level was. She came back with the results of 10,000. I said that means I am 5-6 weeks pregnant. I was in shock. I had been having some health issues during the month of December, so I was shocked by this news.

I kept asking for water. I drink at least a gallon of water every day. I hadn't had any water for 5 hours. They gave me FOUR ice chips and said that was it until they made a decision. I thought I was going to thirst to death. The doctor made a decision finally after 5 hours they felt it was right to do a D&C. When they started setting up for the D&C I asked how much longer until I can have water. They were all laughing and said I was starting to make them thirsty. Art said I was babbling on & on from the drugs. lol

We were finally able to leave after 6.5 hours everything started we were headed home. I went home in 2 hospital gowns. I was stylin!! lol

I think I am still in shock from everything. One of my worst fears is exactly what happened yesterday. To have all that happen at work, be hauled off by an ambulance and bleed uncontrollably. It is a day I won't ever forget.

What time is it?

2012-01-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

I REALLY want a Michael Kors watch with a big face. It must be silver! I like the gold & silver mixed version. Although I think Art will say I better win the lottery before I spend $200-$300 on a watch. I just am in love with these watches!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Loaded Quinoa Veggie Burgers

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

I recently started following a blog called Can You Stay for Dinner. I really love Andie's blog!! I find her so encouraging that she has lost such an amazing amount of weight and kept it off for years. This past week I followed her lunch idea of having just salad for lunch. I would make a HUGE salad with lots of veggies. I added protein of either baked chicken or pinto beans. I saw such a difference with my weight loss and also with the way I felt. I didn't feel weighted down or that heavy full feeling after lunch.

Last week Andie posted a recipe for veggie burgers she made at home. I immediately went out to buy the ingredients for the burgers. I was really hoping they tasted good and would be something I would like to eat.

I made them this past Saturday. I chopped the carrot and then added everything else. It turned to a thick paste and it wouldn't chop the rest of the stuff on the top or incorporate the items all together. When I make them again I would chop the carrot, garlic, scallions, spices and slowly add in the other stuff. I didn't have quinoa, so I substituted couscous. I haven't ever ate quinoa, so I wasn't sure about it.

I cooked them in a cast iron frying pan. I <3 them!!!! Super delish! I thought they were full of flavor.

Art on the other hand was was NOT a fan of meatless burgers.

Loaded Quinoa Veggie Burgers

adapted from Whole Living & Can You Stay for Dinner

•1/2 cup uncooked quinoa

•1 carrot, diced

•4 scallions, sliced

•2 cloves garlic

•15 ounces can black beans, drained and rinsed

•1/4 cup Italian seasoned dried breadcrumbs

•1 large egg, lightly beaten

•1 tablespoon ground cumin

•¾ teaspoon salt

•½ teaspoon pepper

•2 tablespoons olive oil

In a small sauce pan cook your couscous or quinoa; set aside and let cool.

In a food processor, pulse carrot until finely chopped, chop sccallions, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper and egg. Add cooked couscous/quinoa, breadcrumbs, beans; pulse until combined but still slightly chunky.

Form into four patties. Cook in a nonstick or cast iorn skillet, heat oil over medium heat, for about 8 minutes per side or until browned.

serves 4

221 calories when substituting couscous instead of quinoa.

Menu Monday

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

What's is for dinner this week? A weekly challenge can be making a menu for the week.

I try to make something healthy, yummy and that both of us will eat. I also try to keep it under 500 calories.

Lamb & roasted veggies

Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll Ups

Food Trucks

Leftovers

I have leftovers in the freezer from last week. I will pull some of them out of the freezer for us to eat one evening. Probably on Friday, since that is the laziest night. I like to run my errands on Friday night and I don't like to spend a lot of time cooking.

We haven't been to the food trucks yet this year. We both have been wanting to go. I think I will just run a couple hundred miles, so I don't have to worry about the calories. =)

What is on your menu this week?

How do you make your menus?

Lazy Sunday....

2012-01-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

....doesn't get much better than this!!!!

A Year of Review

2012-01-08T04:00:00.001-08:00

January

Lots of Organizing

February

5 years together!

March

The gardening adventure begin.

April

3 years of marital bliss

May

Art celebrated another birthday and we celebrating 1 year of home ownership.

June

The never ending backyard project started.

July

My journey to lose weight began.

August

Vegas Baby Vegas!!!!

AND

April '08 GTG!!!!

September

I reached 50 pounds lost!

October

Adorable Zebra

November

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

December

Santa came to visit us twice!

Saturday Pinterest

2012-01-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

Oh I am loving these adorable outfits!!! I found all these on Pinterest. There isn't a source other than polyvore.com.

Hunka, Hunka!

2012-01-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

We are 3 blessed women with this amazing men in our lives......

Check out the Fischer women hunks.....

New Year - New Hairdos

2012-01-05T18:50:00.000-08:00

I decided that for 2012 I would go back to my natural hair color. Well what exactly is my natural hair color? I a brunette, but a blonde at heart. lol

I bought the hair dye on December 26. Every day I would say no, let's do it tomorrow. Finally it was the last night at my parents NYE and I had to do it. So we pulled out the dye and got to work.

First I had to borrow an old shirt from my dad. The sad look is because the blonde hair was going away.

We had about a 1/3 of the bottle left. My dad says HEY do my hair next. Mom had the gloves on, so she got to work on my dads hair. He has a little gray and decided he wanted it covered up.

Then my mom tells me she wants her done too. She went to get her hair dye and I start doing hers.

By this time 50% of the household is getting their hair dyed.

Lacey & Cliff were the supervisors.

Dad tried to put on his glasses....that didn't work very well because he got dye all over them. He told us if he had known he couldn't wear his glasses for 10-15 minutes while his hair dyed. Ummmm little did he know that it was going to be 45 minutes NOT 10-15 minutes. Ugh then he really wasn't happy. He pulled up a chair right next to the tv, so he could see what was on.

Here is where I found the boys.....chilling and counting down the time until 2012.

Finally results!

I am still getting use to this brown hair. Unfortunately it is washing out rather quickly from all those years of bleaching. I think I might have the husband dye it for me this weekend. Please say a prayer for us!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

New Year Resolutions

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Did you make any new year resolutions for 2012?

Did you make resolutions in 2011 and did you complete them?

Last year I made a list of things I wanted to accomplish. Unfortunately I made the list of my cell phone and it crashed. I am going from my memory of what I think was on the list. I do know I completed the majority of the list.

2011 List

1. Work out

2. Eat well

3. Finish reading all the books I started reading

4. Learn how to use my serger

5. Work on my marriage

6. Pay off debt

Well I accomplished everything except learning how to use my serger. I still haven't used it.

I decided the books that I hadn't completed I wasn't going too. Evidently those books are boring, so why torture myself?

2012 list

1. Lose 30 pounds

2. Tone my body

3. Learn to use my serger

4. Live life a little simplier

5. Work on not stressing over everything

6. Run a 5K

Art and I are going to make a list this week of home improvements we want to accomplish in 2012. We have numerous projects we have started, but haven't finished. This is the year to get those projects completed.

What is on your list for 2012?

2012-01-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

The day before we left for my parents I went to have Christmas with Cindy and Libby. Libby LOVED her new Leap Frog cell phone. She had to take the cell phone in her purse to lunch. She turns it sideways to take pictures of us. She is just adorable!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T22:11:00.001-08:00

2011-12-31T16:32:00.001-08:00

Fun with the Fam

2011-12-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

The other night Lacey, my mom and me decided to play Dance 2 on Wii. Where were the boys? One was alseep on the couch, the other on the laptop and my dad was watching who got the highest score. I always wondered why I am so competitive....well I learned this week. My dad rubs it in the others face when someone beats the other kid. No wonder I always have to be #1. lol

I've Been Tagged.....

2011-12-28T13:17:00.000-08:00

I have been tagged by my friend Gracie over at Gracie Pie and thought how fun it would be play along!!!

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.

5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.

6. No tag backs.

7. No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this.’ You legitimately have to tag 11 people

Here goes nothin'.......

11 Random Facts about ME....

I drink close to a gallon of water every day
I was home schooled until my junior year of high school
I hate when people wear chocolate brown and black together. It is really hard for me to take them seriously when they can't even match clothing.
I gave up coffee earlier this year. I <3 coffee....I <3 the smell of it and the taste.
I LOVE going to North Dakota for vacation. There isn't any where else where I relax like I do in ND.
I have lived in California for 7 years and I still miss my family just as much as when I first moved.
I feel lost without my cell phone.
I hate snow and the cold weather that comes with it. The only reason I wouldn't consider moving to North Dakota is due to the snow and cold.
I bought my dream car at 23 and I am still driving it.
Sometimes I still feel like I am 5 yrs old. I got mad while we were traveling last week. I wanted to stop my feet and throw a fit right there. I knew if I did I would feel so much better. Instead I had to act my age and held my temper tantrum.
I have lived for a yr and a half without a dishwasher. I never thought I could do it.

Gracie's Questions for me!

1. What made you choose your career? Was it what you thought you wanted to be when you grew up?

I didn't really pick a career I just sort of fell into it. I had been working in the retail world and I am SICK of nights/weekends. Someone that had previously worked for me got a job at a third party administrators and told me about an opening. I applied and was hired. I planned to work there a couple years. 11 years later I am still in the business.

When I grew up I wanted to be a nurse and a mom. We are working on the mommy portion. lol

2. Do you have any body modifications ( tats, piercings , ect) and what is your favorite one?

Yes, I have 2 tattoos. One of my shoulder and one on my toe. The toe one is my favorite probably because I can see it.

3. What is your favorite childhood memory?

Playing Bear with my dad, brother and sister. You can read about HERE.

4. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?

The Bahamas. I have always wanted to go there and I would love to be laying on the beach right now!

5. How long does it take you to get ready for work in the morning?

30 minutes if I don't have to wash my hair and 45 minutes if I have to wash my hair. I get ready quickly in the mornings.

6. What is your biggest regret in life thus far?

I wish I had gone to college right out of high school and got a 4 year degree. My priorities were so much different back then. I wish I had known then what I know now.

7. What was the dumbest thing you have done that should have killed you, but didn't?

I don't have one specific thing I can remember that might have killed me. I was walking around the farm today and told Art I don't know how we didn't get super hurt as kids. There is a junk pile and we use to climb all over it when we were little. Amazing we didn't fall and break something.

8. What is the scariest thing you have ever had to do?

When I had to take BART to San Francisco for the very first time all alone. I was sure someone was going to try to kill me either on the train or in the parking lot. Craziest thing to be scared of because now I take BART every single day to work.

9. If you could swap places with anyone for the day, who would it be?

The President of the United States.....there isn't anyone else I would like to trade places with.

10. What is your favorite dish to cook/bake?

I don't have one thing that I like to cook/bake. I like to cook a lot of different things.

11. What is the most you have ever paid for a pair of jeans?

I paid around $40 bucks for a pair of Seven Jeans. I actually just sold them recently for the same price I bought them for 5 yrs ago. I don't spend a lot on jeans.

Here are my questions for the people I tagged below.....

1. What is your favorite holiday?

2. If you could go anywhere for a day where would you go?

3. What is your favorite meal?

4. What is your biggest pet peeve?

5. What is one goal you have for yourself in 2012?

6. What is your favorite website?

7. What store do you shop at the most?

8. What size shoe do you wear?

9. Jeans or sweats?

10. When is the last time you had your hair cut/trimmed?

11. Who do you talk/text to the most every day?

The lucky tagged people are:

Lacey, Kim, Krystal, Lil' Woman, Lindsay, Liz, Cara, Christina,

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Forever Lazy

2011-12-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have been joking around with friends about Forever Lazy. The infomercials are out of control & insane! People wearing these insane things to football games, out and about and to the bathroom. When someone mentions they are cold I would suggest a Forever Lazy.

Well wasn't I surprised when I opened a gift from my MIL and she bought me a Forever Lazy. Then Art opened one and I couldn't stop laughing. At first I wasn't sure I was going to keep the thing. Art wanted to take a picture in them together. Then he wanted to take them to ND for Christmas. I couldn't tell my family about them because he wanted to get up on Christmas morning wearing his Forever Lazy.

They are actually super warm. We wore them to bed one night. The house got to be 57 and we stayed warm. Art wears his to bed almost every night and doesn't use a blanket.

My parents referred to us as smurfs. I think my dad was secretly jealous because he wanted one.

Butt Flap

Christmas in California

2011-12-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas with the Post's the week before Christmas and before leaving for the tundra!

Christmas Tree with presents

Christmas Feast!

My father in law teases me that I take pictures of everything, so I don't forget it. I told him I took a picture of our food, so next year we know what to make different.

Everyone waiting to open presents!

MIL opening her family personalized calendar

MIL decided she has to start smiling in pictures. She asked if she ever takes any serious pictures and I told her no.

ALL RIGHT!

Forever Lazy!

Victoria Secret gift pack

Sammy and Dora started fighting over a toy

Sammy got it away from Dora

Then Dora stole it back and put it with her stash under the coffee table.

2011-12-25T13:38:00.001-08:00

Saturday Pinterest - Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve

Today is my one of two FAVORITE days of the entire year besides my birthday!!!! Growing up we always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day santa brought us our stockings. Stockings are my FAVORITE part of Christmas. I would tell my mom growing up to put my biggest gift in my stocking. I just love stockings!

Source: Tiny Ginger Bread Houses

Source: Dining Room Decor

Source: Glittery Christmas

Source: Bright Christmas Decor

Source: Christmas at Sea

2011-12-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

Can someone please explain to me WHY this phone has 2 receivers? There has to be a reason, but I can't think of it. This phone was in the room at the doctors office. It was just soooo random to me!

Things I won't miss & one thing I will miss.....

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

There are a few things I will NOT be missing while I am on vacation. Just to name a few.

5am alarm
Racing to make my train
Traffic - oh glorious ND there is NO traffic!
Clients screaming
Occupy Wallstreet Protesters
Driving - I am hoping to do a lot of riding instead of driving

Here is one things I am going to miss terribly!!!

Our poor little man has to stay home. I tried to take him with us, but the airline wants $200 to put him under our seat. I can't imagine stuffing him under our seat for 5+ hours. Where would we take him to the bathroom in between stops? If we put him under the plane it would cost $400. The poor little man would be so scared by the time we got there. We will all 3 suffer and be apart for 10 days. I can't believe I am one of those dog people who is heart broken over leaving him. Yep....I am one of those now!

Hallelujah!!!!

2011-12-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hallelujah....I can hear angels singing....Today is my last day of work until next year. Hallelujah!!!!!

I am going to enjoy every.single.moment of the next 2 weeks!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

I have been on the fairly good list this year. Here are a few of my favorite things I would really like you to bring me!

1. Fur Vest

2. Cognac Boots

3. Fur Scarf

4. Leopard Slippers

I think the problem with my list is I have only disclosed to my mom that I would like the leopard slippers! Hopefully you are a mind reader and know what I wanted already! Here are some pictures, so you know exactly what I would like. I am negotiable on the leopard slippers...I just want some slippers.

Love,

Menu Monday

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Monday-Wednesday Art and I will be following the 3 day diet to prepare for Christmas.

Day 1

Breakfast: 1/2 grapefruit, 2 tbs. peanut butter, 1 slice toast

Lunch: 1/2 cup tuna, 1 slice toast, a coffee/tea

Dinner: 3 ozs. meat, 1 cup green beans, 1 cup beets, 1 small apple, 1 cup vanilla ice cream

Day 2

Breakfast: 1/2 banana, 1 egg, 1 slice toast

Lunch: 1 cup cottage cheese, 5 saltine crackers

Dinner: 2 hot dogs, 1 cup broccoli, 1/2 cup carrots, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

Day 3

Breakfast: 1 hard boiled egg, 1 slice toast

Lunch: 1 oz. cheddar cheese, 5 saltine crackers, 1 small apple

Dinner: 1 cup tuna, 1 cup beets, 1 cup cauliflower, 1/2 cantaloupe, 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

After the 3 day diet we will be eating what is leftover in the fridge, freezer and cupboard. I did this diet a week ago and lost 4 pounds in 3 days. My parents just did and my dad lost 5 pounds in 2 days. We just need to lose what we will be gaining over the holidays. lol

Time to clean the closet!

2011-12-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

May/June 2011 I started my journey that I was going to lose some weight. I have talked about this a few times on my blog. When I made 60 pounds I was sooooo excited. I made my goal in October way before the end of the year. Here are some pictures from my journey. I realized in looking at the pictures that pink appears to be my favorite color right now.

Here are 2 pictures comparing 26.5 pounds lost. I can still remember how excited I was when I lost 25 pounds. That was a huge accomplishment for me then. Little did I know I would lose another 40 pounds over the next few months.

Here is me after losing about 40-50 pounds. I can't remember exactly which milestone this picture was. I should have written down on the dates of each milestone along with a picture. Oh well 2011 was a great year!

I told Art if I lost 60 pounds by my birthday I would buy myself a North Face coat. Well my wonderful friends gave me the money to buy my coat! I was soooo excited to be able to go into the store and pick out a North Face jacket!

Here is me 68 pounds lighter! I have 5 pounds left to go for 2011. They sure are holding on for dear life too. My goal now is to tone up my body after losing so much weight.

This now leads me cleaning out my closet. I wish I had taken pictures of the inside of my closet and the HUGE pile of clothes laying on the floor. I decided it was time to clean out the closet and get rid of all those clothes way too big. One reason I didn't want to clean it out was because I knew there would be nothing left. One reason I wanted to get them out of here was because I am NOT going back to that size. I have to hold myself accountable to make sure I never gain this weight back.

I started to feel guilty as I was cleaning it out because they were such good clothes and I was just giving them away. I tried on one of my old skirts and it fell right on the floor. What good were these clothes going to do me? I looked online and found a place that accepted used clothing to help women find job. I had piles of really nice business clothing. I packed it all up and hauled it out. I took 5 garbage bags to the donation center. I took one large suitcase with non business clothing to the good will and I have one huge pile of stuff to mail my mom.

My closet is now empty. I went out on Sunday to the good will to see if I could find myself a couple items. I was able to buy 2 pair of pants and a white button of shirt for $26. It felt soooo good to be able to put on the size I have wanted to be for years and it fit. I decided I am going to try to add to my closet by shopping clearance and good will stores. I also used a gift card this past weekend and found a pair of pants at Kohl's.

I am on the hunt for a black pencil skirt, turquoise and red cardigan, and a polka dot shirt. I am hoping Santa will bring me some money or gift cards to be able to add these items to my closet.

I'm Late, I'm Late, I'm Late....

2011-12-17T20:51:00.000-08:00

.......for a very important date!

I participated in A Very Bloggy Christmas with Laura of Between the Lines and

Lil' Woman of Lil' Woman, Little Home. Our reveal date was December 13. As you can see I am late and the reason for my blog title. This past week was a little insane for me.

Ashley from Introverted Mama and I were partners. I stalked her blog to see what she might be interested in and to come up with some ideas. Her and her family were moving from Ohio to Florida. I also learned she was interested in learning how to knit and was starting to use reusable bags. I wish I had taken pictures of what I sent her. She talks about the gift on her blog HERE.

I received my gift from Ashley this past week. She bought me a candle from Bath & Body Works, Essie nail polish, Starbucks card and soup from Tastefully Simple. I love Tastefully Simple, but haven't used any of their products in a very long time. I can't wait to make the soup!

Thank you Ashely for the fabulous gift!

Pinterest Saturday

2011-12-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

Fashion Help!!!!

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

I decided it was time I need to put a little more thought into what I wear on a daily basis. I seem to grab a top and skirt/pants and run out the door each morning. I need to get back into the swing of things and work on my style. I told my friend Kendra I was going to be cleaning out my closet over the weekend and how I wish she lived closer to come help me with coordinate outfits. She sent me an email with a bunch of fashion blogs. I spent waaaay too much time Saturday night and Sunday looking through them. BUT I got a lot of great ideas. I read J's Everyday Fashion for HOURS on Saturday. She has such adorable style. It is also time to break out of soooo much black. Black is a staple in my closet. If I am in a hurry just grab something black with another item and run out the door.

I went into my closet and though oh my gosh I have no clothes. I will talk about cleaning out my closet in another post. I am down to the bare minimum with clothing. I need to work with what I have and mix it up. First I put on black tights, black ruffled shirt, black skirt and a red sweater. WAY too much black. I took off the black skirt and put on a gray skirt. Then I changed my sweater to a hot pink one. The red one is a little big and just looked frumpy.

My parents bought me the black booties last year for Christmas. How sad is it that it took a me an entire year to get up the courage to wear them. I wanted them soooo badly, but then they sat in the closet for a year. This is the second time I have worn them.

Here is what I came up with to wear to church last Sunday. I actually really liked my outfit and was pleased I mixed a few things together.

At the last minute I threw on a flower. It added a little more to the outfit.

Here I am sporting my winter hat for ND! Isn't it adorable?

Amber's Birthday!

2011-12-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

Last week Amber turned 22. She opened her gifts at the in laws and then we headed to San Francisco for lunch at Joe's Crab Shack.

I kept asking Amber what she wanted for her birthday, but she had no idea. I stopped by Vans one day and found Zebra Vans. I text her a picture of them to see if she liked them. Of course she did!!!!

Art & Amber with their Shark drinks

I think the drinks were called shark bites because you pour in red stuff to make it look like blood.

Art's bib said "Crabs better in your mouth than in your pants"

Amber's bib said "Cassie (waitress) gave me crabs for my BIRTHDAY!"

I got a plain bib, which I was COMPLETELY preferred!

All 3 of us enjoying our lunch

They have people put on a lobster outfit for their birthday or get up and dance. I wanted Amber to wear the crab outfit. Instead the waitress had her dance without shaking the salt & pepper, while the staff sang Happy Birthday.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Feeling Sick?

2011-12-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I started to feel sick. I mentioned I didn't feel well to my friend Kendra. She said she had a remedy. At first I thought it is too late I am sick. I was irritated that I was getting sick because I hadn't been sick in about two years. All of a sudden I had the urge to fight this stupid cold off. I text Kendra and asked for her remedy.

Day 1

Take Airborne every hour all day long

every 3-4 hours take ibuprofen and vitamin d

Day 2

Take Airborne and vitamin d every 3 hours

I was skeptical if this "remedy" would actually work. By the end of day 1 I didn't feel sick at all and I felt just find. I continue with the remedy on Day 2. I swear by this now! Don't take the chance of getting sick. As soon as you feel it coming on start popping Airborne!!!!

Menu Monday

2011-12-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

Art stopped by Lockford meats and brought home some more yummy sausage! We are having that one evening along with some Stove Top. I have 3 boxes of Stove Top in the cupboard and it is time to use a box. I didn't make the Vietnamese Shaking Beef this past week, so it is on the menu again.

1. Roast & carrots

2. Sausage & stuffing

3. Ham & Potato Soup

4. Vietnamese Shaking Beef

5. Frozen Pizza

I also have to bring items to work this week. I have a departmetn pot luck. I decided to try a friend recipe she talks about often. A bag of frozen meatballs, jar of grape jelly and a jar of chili sauce. Mix jelly & sauce together, pour over meatballs and cook in a crockpot. Sounds easy enough to me and they are suppose to be amazing.

The other item I am taking to work is the creamy sausage dip with tortilla chips. I love this dip and it always reminds me of Christmas. I guess we make it the most around Christmas time.

Saturday Pinterest

2011-12-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Salted Caramel Cupcakes

When I was in Seattle earlier this year I had some salted caramel ice cream. Up until that point I wasn't a fan of caramel. One taste of this amazing salted caramel ice cream and I was hooked. I love me some salted caramel anything! The Sweet Truck in the Bay area has some AMAZING salted caramel cupcakes. I get one of them every so often.

Here is a recipe of salted caramel cupcakes that I found on Pinterest. I thought I would share them with you. I think I will be making these soon!

Source: 52 Kitchen Adventures

What a Difference.....

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

What a difference two years makes. The picture below was taken in February 2010 at Alicia's Superbowl Party. This past weekend I went to Alicia's for the Tan Baby first birthday party.

I couldn't believe how much different I look. I am down 65 pounds, 4 dress sizes, 3 bra sizes and 1 ring size! Yipppppeeeee!!!!!

Me, Alicia & Krystal

Amazing what happens when you put your mind to accomplish something!

The Tan Baby Turns O-N-E

2011-12-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Look at the Tan Baby isn't she adorable with her crown! It is hard to believe the Tan Baby only weigh in at 4 pounds when she was born a year ago. Natalie has the nickname of the Tan Baby from Art. You should see the Tan Baby legs....any woman would want tan legs like hers! She was so happy and had such a great time at her party.

Alicia, Natalie and me

All the presents!

Check out that cake! It looked like a wedding cake. It tasted A-mazing!!!! I could have ate half the cake it tasted soooo good!

Tan Baby smash cake

Hey, someone give me that cake. Stop teasing me with it!

Mmmmmm

Tan Baby went to town on that cake. She LOVED it!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Menu Monday

2011-12-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have hardly cooked lately except for on Thanksgiving. Last week we ate food that I had froze previously and left over Thanksgiving food. I made shepherd's pie out of Thanksgiving leftovers that turned out AMAZING! I loved it with turkey instead of ground meat.

Here is what we will be eating this week.

1. Skinny Chicken Enchiladas

2. Cuban Pork Chops & Cilantro Rice

3. Vietnamese Shaking Beef

4. Apple Sausage and Fried Potatoes

I am using some recipes from Skinnytaste.com. I love the recipe on the blog because they have the calorie count. I then know exactly what to plan for the day calories wise. It also takes out all the manual calculating for me.

Crockpot Pumpkin Chili

2011-12-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

I made this recipe recently. I didn't catch that it was a crockpot recipe until it was almost done. I cooked it on the stove for about 45 minutes. It turned out delish!!!

The recipe makes a large batch, so I froze half of it. I ate some this past week that I had froze and it was just as yummy as the first time.

Recipe

2-3 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. ground turkey
salt and fresh ground black pepper, to season meat

1 medium onion, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 T minced garlic

1 T ground cumin

1 T chili powder
2 tsp. ground Ancho chile pepper
2 tsp. dried cilantro or 2-3 T chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

1 tsp. dried oregano

2 tsp. Spike Seasoning - I used some other seasoning salt

2-4 oz. diced green Anaheim chile peppers
3 cups homemade beef stock
1 can (15 oz. can) red kidney beans, rinsed with cold water

2 cans (15 oz. cans) black beans, rinsed with cold water

1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz. can, not pumpkin pie filling!)

2 cans petite diced tomatoes with juice (14.5 oz. cans) - I used frozen tomatoes from my garden.

grated cheese for serving if desired (I used Mexican 4 cheese blend, a mixture of low-fat cheeses)

sour cream for serving if desired (I used light sour cream)

Heat a small amount of oil in a large heavy frying pan, add ground turkey, season with salt and fresh ground black pepper, and cook until the turkey is well browned. Add browned meat to the crockpot.

Add a little more oil to the frying pan, add diced onion and green bell pepper and cook 2-3 minutes, until the onion and pepper is just starting to soften. Add minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, ground Ancho chili pepper, dried cilantro, dried oregano, Spike Seasoning and diced green chiles and saute a couple minutes more. (Sauteeing the spices and chiles helps release the flavor, so don't skip this step.) Put the onion mixture into the crockpot, then deglaze the pan with the beef stock and add that to crockpot.

While onions and peppers are cooking, drain the beans into a colander placed in the sink and rinse with cold water until no more foam appears. (This removes excess starchiness and makes the beans easier to digest.) Add beans to the crockpot. Add canned pumpkin and diced tomatoes with juice.

Stir the mixture to combine ingredients, then cook on high for 4-6 hours, (or 8-10 hours on low) stirring a few times if you're home.
Serve hot, topped with grated cheese and sour cream if desired.

Riding is Serious Business!!!!

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sammy takes his roll as the passenger watch dog VERY serious!

If you are riding a bike watch out because protective Sammy will bark your ear off! He is not a fan of people riding bikes, other dogs walking or people walking down the road.

Every day he rides on the middle seat on the way to & from the inlaws. Sometimes if he gets too tired he will curl up in the passenger seat. I was in the seat, so he had to stand guard in the middle.

Yeah what do you want? I am trying to watch where were are going & you keep calling my name...hmmmm

While going around corners he leans on Art, so that he doesn't fall over. See below.....

Check it Out

2011-12-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

I am a sponsor over on Little Woman Little Home. Check out my button on bio on her blog!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was delicious!!!! I brined the turkey based on Krystal's instructions. It was the BEST turkey EVER! Brining is the way to go! I will brine all our turkeys going forward. I already told mom if we have turkey for Christmas that we have to brine it. It was so moisted and had the best flavor.

Here is our turkey in the bucket soaking overnight. I flipped it after about 3 hours before I went to bed. I was not going to get up in the middle of the night to flip the turkey. When I woke up around 7am I flipped the turkey again. Worked out pretty good.

mmmmm here is our baked turkey. Look how nice & golden it is!

Thanksgiving spread! There was not a lack of food to go around for 4 people.

Art & Meredith getting ready to go through the buffet line.

Art Sr. looking all serious! It is serious business to eat a big Thanksgiving meal!

Mmmmm homemade pumpkin pie.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

2011-11-29T15:53:00.001-08:00

Last year I dreaded the thought of turning 30. It was like an awful plaque coming. I even cried because of that stupid number. I called my dad around my 30th birthday & asked him how can you have a kid this old? Doesn't it bother you that I'm so old. He just laughed & said he doesn't feel old.

Once I was over the hump of the number, having my yard decorated with over the hill stuff and wallowing in pity of being ancient it wasn't so bad. A couple weeks after turning 30 I was fine & the number didn't bother me.

Art has tried to tease me saying that I'm going to be 31 this year. Whoopty....that is nothing. Besides he will be 50 before I have another milestone birthday. Bahahahahaha

Thirty turned out to be a pretty good year. I'm 65 pounds lighter than when I entered this age. I've had some ups & downs this past year. I was sure 30 was going to bring me a baby....but God has had other things in mine. Maybe 31 will be the magic year and maybe not.

I feel wiser in my ancient age. I've learned a lot this year. I'm excited to see what 31 will bring and the number doesn't scare me.

2011-11-29T04:00:00.000-08:00

Follow Me

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Check out my Twitter and Pinterest Follow Me buttons.

2012 I would like to add a fan Facebook page. I tried to create one, but the name was too long. I have been trying to decide if I will change the name of the blog or if I will keep it the same. I like the name, but it is so long.

A little Christmas revamp to the blog. I am planning to redo the header, but it was a start!

I'll Be Home for Christmas

2011-11-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks ago I found Christmas music on my ipod. I LOVE Christmas music!!!! I think we should play it all year! When the radio station starts playing it all day it is the happiest day!!!

I'll be home for Christmas started playing at first I was a little sad because Christmas just isn't the same when I'm not home with my family! Then I realized I WILL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS THIS YEAR!!!! I almost started dancing right there on the Bart train!

The last time I was home for Christmas was 2005. The first year I wasn't home for Christmas was 2006. I decided to stay in CA and spend Christmas with my boyfriend and 2007 & 2008 we went to my parents for Thanksgiving. My parents and sister came to visit for 2008-2010 for Christmas.

Even though they came to visit it isn't the same! I don't have the childhood stockings or our childhood ornaments. My parents house looks like a snowman threw up. Snowmen EVERYWHERE!!!!

I'm soooo excited to spend 10 days with them! Christmas Eve we will eat homemade pizza for lunch. This has been a tradition forever with just our immediate family! Christmas Eve we use to go to my dads mom & eat the big dinner. Opening presents is done in age order one by one! That way everyone knows what everyone received.

This year we might not follow all the traditions. We will have pizza on Christmas Eve. Mom and I will cook a big meal on Christmas Day. I will try to stay inside the house as much as possible with some tea. I try to avoid the cold in ND. I plan to try to convince my dad to pick me up by the door and drop me off next to a door to avoid the cold. I will pack snacks to bribe him! Dad is always asking for snicky snacks.

Every couple days I send my mom & sister a text with the count down! Part of the entire excitement is the countdown & the anticipation of seeing my family!

Only 26 More Days!!!!

Saturday Pinterest

2011-11-26T04:00:00.000-08:00

I found a few random things on Pinterest that I found really cute!

How cute are these flutes? They would be adorable for a Christmas or New Years Eve Party!!! You could make them in different colors, so people would know which one was their glass

Source - Link

I am a BIG fan of green rooms lately. I really would like to paint the craft room green. I would decorate a baby boy room in greens, but not for a girl. A girl needs a pink room. I guess I will just wait for a little longer.

Source - Link

I have wanted to put pink in my hair for a long time. I need to do it before I get much older. I might actually try this idea.

Source - Link

I love this song! I actually started writing a blog post about this song.

No Source - Link

Black Friday

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Will you be shopping on Black Friday?

I am not a fan of shopping of Black Friday and honestly I am not sure if I ever have. I have gone out in the evening on Black Friday, but I have never woke up early to head out to the sales. Last year I was SUPER close to going, but Art talked me out of it. I wanted to get the Shark Mop. The reason he talked me out of it is because his mom had bought me one for Christmas already.

Art suggested the other night that maybe we should try it this year. I am trying to talk him out of it. I just don't want to fight the crowds to save $5.

Is there anything you are going to brave the crowds to go get?

The wonderful Target Black Friday commercials have started. The other night Art said "hey look you are on tv". Every year he refers to the crazy Target as Becky. Yes, I have been known to get a little crazy over a sale! I have been known to run towards clearance racks, buy numerous items because they are on sale and not sleep because of an upcoming sale!

I might be joining my Target twin on professional help regarding sales and clearance. Since I am such a big junkie when it comes to sales and clearance it is rather strange I don't head out on Black Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

What is on your menu for today?

Are you doing the cooking or is someone else?

I will be doing all the cooking today. I am going to brine a turkey for the first time and I am really excited. I am following Krystal's recipe that you can find HERE.

Besides turkey we are going to have the following:

mashed potatoes

gravy

green bean casserole

corn salad

sweet potatoes

cranberry salad

pumpkin pie

I am going to make my moms cranberry salad. It has cranberries, apple and cool whip. It is soo yummy with turkey! I <3 sweet potatoes! I have sweet potatoes from our organic veggie box that I have been saving for a couple weeks.

I can't wait for all the delicious food!!!