Santa Claus came to town

#30

Today I’m thankful for my heart. Not the anatomy parts, although those are handy, but how feelings, people, situations, weigh on me and change me for the better (hopefully). I’m thankful that I’ve been blessed abundantly and I hope I can pour out the blessing onto others.

#29

Today I’m thankful for the beauty of nature. The boys and I went on a pinecone hunt today (in the evergreen trees behind our back yard) and it was so peaceful and fun to be in this tiny “wooded” area with my guys. I somehow wish I could extend my fence to make a fort and play house back there for them.

#28

Today I'm thankful for Disney Junior. I rely far too much on it, but luckily, it never disappoints :-)

#27

Today I'm thankful for my moms group, MOPs.

#26

Today I’m thankful for modern medicine. We had a crazy morning of sickness and worry, but all should be fine now.

I’m thankful I can take my kids to the doctor at a moment’s notice when sick and for routine care and immunizations, I’m thankful there is amazing technology to diagnose patients and research being done to treat them.

I’m thankful that my God is the Great Physician.

#25

Today I’m thankful for talented artists like my husband who created this Christmas subway art! Usually I’m an eighteen25 girl, but we decided to make it custom this year…

#24

Today I'm thankful for flowers, big beautiful poinsettias to be specific.

#23

Today I’m thankful for extended family. Cousins are your instant friends and I’m so blessed that many of mine live near me. Today we all got together for a Black Friday Chili Cook Off and…. I WON! (kinda, I tied for first.) So besides a thankful post, I thought I’d share my winning recipe…. It’s from Melissa d’Arabian’s book Ten Dollar Dinners.

Melissa d'Arabian's White Chili with Quick-Roasted Garlic

Ingredients

For the Roasted Garlic:

• 12 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

For the Chili:

• 12 shallots, chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Anaheim chile peppers
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 15-ounce can navy beans, undrained
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 10-ounce box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated monterey jack cheese, for garnish

 

Directions

Make the roasted garlic: Toss the 12 cloves garlic with the olive oil and 1 teaspoon water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover, leaving a vent, and microwave until soft, about 90 seconds. Let cool, covered.

Prepare the chili: Preheat the broiler. Cook the shallots in the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until caramelized, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place the chiles on a foil-lined broiler pan and broil until charred on all sides, turning, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let cool. Peel the peppers with your fingers or a paring knife. Stem, seed and chop.

Add the minced garlic to the shallots and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring, until toasted, about 3 minutes. Increase the heat to high and add the wine; simmer 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add the roasted chiles, 6 cups broth, the chicken, chili powder, cayenne, beans, and salt and black pepper to taste. Return to a simmer.

Meanwhile, squeeze the soft pulp from the roasted garlic into a blender or food processor. Add the remaining 1 cup broth and process until smooth. Add to the chili and simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes, adding the spinach during the last 5 minutes. Add the paprika and cream and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with the cheese.

#22 Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

Today is a kind of a repeat, but it’s what my heart is feeling extra thankful for. I’m thankful for my husband, Robert. So much of what he does directly results in my happiness in life. He is a hard worker, provider, best friend, good counsel, and joy to me. I love him with all of my heart. (and luckily he shaved that beard after his hunting trip)

#21

Today I’m thankful for my in-laws. They have welcomed me into their family so well and I feel very special to be counted as one of their daughters.

#20

Today I’m thankful for Downton Abbey. I LOVE watching this show!

#19

Today I’m thankful for my girlfriends. Right now in my life, I have the best girlfriends that I’ve ever had. There are a handful of you, and I’m truly thankful for each and every one. From just chatting with each other, to shopping, crafting, talking walks, inviting us over for dinner, meeting for dinners, play dates, and everything I can’t think of right now. I am so thankful for it and blessed to have these wonderful women in my life.

#18

Today I'm thankful for the Green Bay Packers, GO PACK GO!

#17

Today I'm thankful for crafts and creativity.

My friend Heather and I got to attend a free craft making morning at anthropologie today.... I'll share what we made later!

#16

Today I’m thankful for the United States of America. God Bless the USA!

#15

Today I'm thankful for technology. I'm not an up to the minute, gotta have new toys kind of gal, but I am accustomed to the modern day of smartphones, and GPS. Especially when little hands lock your lap top keyboard and your techie husband won't be home for hours, I'm thankful for technology.

#14

Today I’m thankful for my sister, Christy Anne Prekop.

Here are the reasons why…

• She’s thoughtful
• She’s caring
• She’s loyal
• She’s kind
• She’s generous
• She has great style
• She’s smart
• She and I would be friends if we weren’t sisters and met randomly on the street
• She gets me
• She’s adventurous (much more than I am)
• She gives me designer jeans
• She’s the best auntie
• She’s not afraid to speak her mind
• She’s fun!

#13

Today I am thankful for the gift of life. Some dear friends had a beautiful baby girl this afternoon. I was honored to get to meet her today and am amazed at how tiny and precious a newborn baby and new life is. Congrats to Dan and Lindsey and praise God for Baby Lucy.

On a side note: I’ve have FOUR friends/family members give birth to baby girls in the last 10 days. I want some of the water they were drinking 39 weeks ago :)

#12

Today I'm thankful for random acts of kindness and being able to perform them. I think most would agree it blesses the giver far more than the receiver. So thankful I am blessed by these acts.

#11

Today I’m thankful for snow, it’s so beautiful, peaceful, and refreshing. We got a few inches last night and it’s chilly enough today that it’s still on the ground.

#10

Today I had a SUPER thankful moment! I’m thankful for my Phil and Teds double stroller.

I wanted to go run some errands this morning, including Gap, because I had an awesome coupon and Carter needed some shirts. I also thought I would let Cater walk instead of ride in the stroller and just brought the umbrella stroller for Ryne. Welllll, I shopped for myself at another store first and by the time I got to the Gap, Carter was fading. Of course I pushed it a little longer and loaded up my bag with goodies. When I was finally ready to go, and over trying to peacefully control my kids, the checkout line, I kid you not, was at least a 30 minute wait. There was no way I could endure the whining that long. But I found SO many great things! So I asked one of the employees to hold the whole bag for me. until tonight. at 8p.m.

I left, and was relieved that I got outta there without any major meltdowns. As we were leaving it started snowing, the roads were wet, and visibility wasn’t that great (more from the splash back from other cars than actual snow/sleet) I also thought Carter had a fever, he’s had a runny nose and congestion. And he was complaining that his throat hurt. How on earth could I make it back to the Gap before 8pm, knowing I would probably have to endure a 30 minute wait to check out and go back out in the snow. The shopping queen in me was a little disappointed- I can’t resist a deal – CAN’T.

We got home, I took Carter’s temp, totally fine thank goodness, and fed the boys lunch. Of course, magically, they are much happier. I put Ryne down for a nap and he was just pleasantly playing away in his crib. (He has been sleeping in until 9am (don’t hate me), so I wasn’t too worried about him not sleeping).

It was then I decided on the game plan; I would let them play at home a little longer, then head back out, first a close errand and then the 20 minute drive back to the Gap. (Or longer I was assuming since the roads may be slick). The boys would sleep in the car for a quick power nap and once we arrived, they would sit in the double stroller, have plenty of snacks and maybe even let Carter play on my old iPhone to entertain himself.

So we head back out, and thankfully it stopped snowing/raining and the sun even tried to come out. As I start driving to the Gap, Ryne is awake, as is Carter, but by this time I have a better attitude and think, whatever, they’re both happy and I’ll just see what happens. As I’m getting off the exit for the mall, I notice Carter is asleep. (Ryne’s still awake). I find a great parking spot (bonus!), get out my stroller, load Ryne in, and then carefully lift a sleeping Carter out of his car seat, into the stroller seat. He doesn’t wake up!!! (Mom 1, Carter 0) I  take advantage of it and go to a few other stores before the Gap. As I’m walking through the mall, Ryne falls asleep in his stroller seat!!!! SO I’ve basically JUST started shopping AND have two sleeping kids in my stroller. Let me tell you, that is the way to shop!

I hit a few more stores, and head to the Gap, where there is NO line at either check out (they didn’t have the Gap Kids registers open in the morning!) and it’s not too busy, AND they still have my bag full of stuff. Y.E.S. The boys wake up about halfway through my time at the Gap, but woke happy and content. We then  walked back to the car and on the way, came across the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the giant Christmas tree. So we listened to some Christmas music and Carter got to see Mrs. Claus. (Who I’m pretty sure Carter likes way more than Santa Claus- not just Santa, Santa Claus, I was corrected in the car!)

So, I’m SO THANKFUL today ended a lot better than it started. AND I got 40% off at the Gap! Sweet!

#9

Today I’m thankful for fruit- strawberries, kiwi, grapes, and watermelon to be specific.

#8

Today I'm thankful for my craft group, Inspired District. We LOVE getting together and crafting and chatting, it usually goes well into the night. We got together last night and made these Thanksgiving crafts: a give thanks sign and thankful tree...won't I have the advantage of filling it out? ;-)

#7

Today I am thankful rest. That doesn’t mean today’s been quiet, peaceful, or relaxing…. far from it actually, but I am thankful that every once in a while my family gets the rest they need.

#6

Today I’m thankful for lasting friendships. We had a play date this morning with one of my friends from college. After college we fell out of touch and through Facebook and the randomness of me trying to sell her a wedding gown, we connected again. Even better; she has two boys that are exactly the same ages as mine (we’re talking like two and three weeks difference!) It’s so fun to get together with them and our kids play so nicely together. It’s cool to have a friend from a totally different part of your life, turn out to be an even better friend in another part. Over the years I've found this is harder and harder to come by, so I’m thankful for my lasting friendships (you all know who you are :)).

#5

I’m thankful for sunshine. I love that I live in a place where the sun shines more than it doesn’t.

photo of the sun while watching the Venus Transit

#4

I’m thankful for my sweet son, Ryne Charles. He’s brought an entire new perspective to my life with his heart issues and I’ve been humbled time and time again through each experience we go through. I’m thankful he hasn’t needed any intervention for his heart, I’m thankful the doctors are pleased with where he’s at, I’m thankful he is growing and developing like he should, I’m thankful he has his own spunky personality, I’m thankful he has a pulse ox consistently in the 90’s, I’m thankful there is technology to diagnose and monitor his heart, I’m thankful for Dr. Schaffer, I’m thankful he grew out of his dairy intolerance, I’m thankful that right now; Ryne is healthy and that God is in control.

photo by Sarah Godby Photography

#3

I’m thankful for my firstborn, Raymond Carter. This boy holds such a special place in my heart and I can’t imagine my life without the joy he brings me (even on the sassiest of days!)

photo by Sarah Godby Photography

#2

Today I’m thankful for my husband, Robert. He works really hard for our family so I can stay home with our kids. He is also my best friend and over the years, has changed me and challenged me to be a much better wife.

In July 2006, on our honeymoon in Barbados

#1 of Thankful November

I’m sure everyone has seen the posts on giving thanks for something each day of November, since we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving in a few weeks. I’m going to try it via my blog. Some days might have more substance, other days- a more simple approach.

#1. I’m thankful for my Christian faith in Jesus Christ. I’m thankful that I have Hope in the future and that I am never alone.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Happy Halloween

Some shots from our Halloween festivities!

When did Halloween turn into more than one night??????

Gunpowder and Lead

Over the weekend Hubby and I went to the Pawnee National Grasslands for some target practice. It was a beautiful day to spend outdoors enjoying our 2nd amendment rights ;).

Proud to be an American!

My Family’s a Circus

Growing up I enjoyed reading The Family Circus comic strip. We even had books full of Bil Keane comics that my siblings and I would read though again and again.

My sweet grandma is a newspaper clipper and every so often sends me clippings of comics and different articles. A while ago I received a package from her and as always, some clippings were included. Pleasantly surprising, a few were actually funny- and relatable; so I thought I’d pass on the smile.

You’re welcome!

Sugar and Spice part two

I also made Dan and Lindsey a few other crafts as part of my gift.

I painted the walls of the nursery for baby Lucy, and wanted to give it a special touch, so I painted these letters that match her bedding.

And no baby shower would be complete without a diaper wreath, from the wreath queen herself.

So excited to meet Baby Lucy in November!

 

Side note: I’m way into making all these baby crafts you’ve seen, and I’d be more than thrilled to make some as gifts for you and your friends and family. Email me if you’re interested!

Sugar and Spice …. part one

We have some dear friends, Dan and Lindsey, who are expecting a baby girl in November. Her shower was this past weekend, and since I can’t girlie up my boys, this was a chance to make some fun girlie things for the new baby. My craft of choice; headbands. Who can resist a baby girl with a big fat bow/flower/headband on? TOO CUTE! So, I got busy and made these.

Dan is a HUGE sports fan, so I decided to make the headbands team colors to match her fan apparel. (From left; Titans, Nuggets, CU Buffs (gag), and Broncos)

 

One of my favorite bloggers says, “The bigger the bow, the better the mama.” I couldn’t agree more!

Stay tuned for Sugar and Spice part 2

But the greatest of these…

Look what I created with my free table!

Remember this guy??

Yup, the table legs went in the trash.

Ok, now a clean slate to work with. Sorry all of these “before” pictures show the BOTTOM of the table, the top was in REALLY bad condition, but perfect for a barnwood sign.

Another successful projector project! And I love up-cycling too!

First Watercolor set

Last week I bought Carter a watercolor paint set. He has yet to decide if he’s more interested in the paint or playing in the water.

Ryne’s never one to be shy in front of the camera ;)

I’ll take it… if it’s FREE

So, my thriftiness has taken a turn the past few months and I’m now into free stuff, it’s slightly embarrassing, but I’ve just become that much of a cheapskate.

I might say, I’ve had some pretty decent luck at it. Here’s what I’ve scored for free recently…

This toy box was sitting outside of a house in my neighborhood. It’s a step two! I also got that Little People castle for free, but it was from my mother in law, so not a random free find.

 

This basket and luggage rack were also outside of the neighborhood house (I painted the basket)

 

I found this Power Wheels Jeep through a craigslist ad titled: Stonegate Eviction Completed…. yikes! (Stonegate is the subdivision we live in and evictions are definitely not common around here) So of course curiosity got the best of me and I loaded the kids up in the CAR, (Robert had our SUV that day) and drove to the address to find a bunch of junk out in the front yard, I’m talking broken shelves, dirty mattresses, old TV’s, cardboard boxes full of old school books and papers, a refrigerator, and this pretty little gem on the sidewalk. I made sure it didn’t belong to any neighbors, it didn’t, and loaded it HALFWAY INTO THE TRUNK OF THE CAR. Luckily our house was only a few minutes drive away, and none of my neighbors saw this hanging out the back of our trunk Anyways sweet right? Of course the battery was gone, but you can find those easily AND I’m liking that it doesn’t have the driving capability. My boys just like sitting in it and pretending.

 

This table was sitting outside of another neighbor’s house recently- like my method of transportation?? Keep an eye out for what I did with it….