Renaissance Festival

We had a surprisingly good time at the Arizona Renaissance Festival. Yes, it was a surprise. I had been there before in my early 20s when I knew everything and was way too cool to participate in the fun. That's not to say that I wore a costume or got into character, but I did have fun playing along this time. Of course, it helps having two young kids that are enchanted with the happenings.

Jocelyn, especially, was mesmerized by all the happenings. The first area we saw as we walked in was devoted to Twig, the fairy. She was so cute and Jocelyn could not take her eyes off of her. Twig was totally in character and played her double flute for Joci, then gave her some sparkly fairy stones. I probably stood there for five minutes with Jocelyn, watching her watching Twig. It was hard to pry her away from her new friend.

We saw some nice ladies that let the kids wear some fun hats.

Then the rag hag (yup, I just made that up) gave the kids each a rag in their favorite colors to help me with the cleaning around the house...yeah right! Like those tiny rags could get our house clean...ha ha ha. Joe was terrified of this woman, while Joci, again, found her fascinating. We caught a show with juggling featuring a poor audience member christened "Dim Whit"...poor guy.Next we caught the Pirate show. Ok, so I wasn't very hopeful about this at first. Especially when we caught one of the stars out front of the tent trying to get folks to come in, and the over-acting just about made my eyes roll out of my head, but I hung in (not out, like the guys 'tenders' - yikes!) there and the show was a lot of fun. It was really interactive and the kids had a fun time following along the song we all sang together. The funnest part for us, though, was when Joe ran to go up on stage when they called for a volunteer from the audience. He got a special button from the show and now thinks he is a pirate, a captain actually, and would prefer that you call him that now. Oh, and he's not just a captain, he's a famous captain because he was in the show. So cute!
The Kids got their faces painted.
The kids got some Renaissance Headgear.
Joci rode the Butterfly swings. She had to have the pink one, of course.
As we were walking, we realized that Jocelyn had kind of wondered off to this little grassy area where a very nice lady was playing a small piano. Joci was quite literally enchanted with her and her music. She sat down on the ground and listened and watched. The lady had Joci come up and help her play Twinkle Little Star and commented that "This little one will need to have piano lessons". We were shocked how Joci was almost in a trance watching and listening. We sat there and watched for a good half an hour.
Joe's favorite part of the day, he told us again and again, was seeing the turtle (his favorite animal) at the petting zoo. Unfortunately, you couldn't pet the turtle, but he was still way excited.
It was time to leave, and so we had one last visit with Twig. This time Joe got in on the action and also got a special fairy stone.
The kids said goodbye to everyone, and we thought this sign was pretty funny.
The ride home was quiet with two exhausted kids in the back, and two tired parents in the front. All in all it was a great day and I am so happy that we went.

The Oscars

I REALLY loved the oscars this year. I think Hugh Jackman did a phenomenal job, the staging was amazing, and I loved how they had past winners personally present to the nominees. Whoever 'did' the oscars this year should do them every year!

Love her and her gown!

Guilty Concience?

Does anyone else ever think that maybe ‘they’ feel so guilty about what they had done in the past that they now feel compelled to repent by doing good deeds and making sure we all know about it?

Layered Breakfast Casserole

Really great Breakfast recipe thanks to:
http://www.potsandpins.com/blog/2009/02/ham-and-hashbrown-breakfast-casserole.html

Layered Breakfast Casserole
1 bag shredded simply potatoes hash browns
Meat. I used sliced lil smokies because that’s the meat I had. The original recipe calls for ham, but I think you could use already cooked sausage, or whatever else you want.
3 C cheese, I used sharp cheddar but I think Swiss would be good too.
6 eggs
1 can cream of chicken
Dijon mustard (I used mustard powder because I had run out of Dijon mustard)
Garlic Powder
Salt and pepper

In a large casserole dish spray with cooking spray.
Empty entire bag of potatoes and spread along the bottom evenly for your first layer.
Then do a layer of meat. I put a little more than the recipe calls for, so I would suggest you do however much or little you like. This is the second layer.
This is where I would probably add some veggies in the future. I think mushrooms, green onions, or green peppers would be great.
The next layer is all of the cheese, yes all of it, yes it’s a lot, and if you like cheese, heck, throw some more on there.
Whisk the last 4 ingredients together and then pour over the top.
Bake at 375 for 45 minutes.
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

I want this...

Cast Iron Pot from the Martha Stewart Collection at Macys.

I think my soups would taste so much better being
made in one of these…
Can I have one for my Birthday? Please?

Feeling a Little Anxious this Week

My feelings this week…

I’m tired. Aren’t I always tired? It seems like it. I’m sure there are many reasons for it, including being overweight, but, sometimes I also think it’s just how much I work and worry my brain about everything. In truth, it’s not really my body that feels worn down, just my brain. I’ve got to stop worrying about so many things and look at the positive outlook of most of the situations.

I’m worried about Joci’s teeth. Why? We have a plan, she has an appt, and they are going to be fixed on the 23rd, so why do I worry about it? Well, for one, I’ve always had horrible teeth. I had Bucky beaver teeth as a child, and have had crooked teeth for all my life. I even had braces, but was such a punk kid, that I had them taken off early. I was teased horribly, and it is still something that I am very self conscious of within myself. I’m sure that I am projecting my own experiences onto Jocelyn’s, but I desperately don’t want her to have to go through all that I have with my teeth. So, when they are all fixed, I’m sure I will feel much better.

I’m really scared about Jon’s job. His company put all the sales people on notice that unless they upped their numbers within 60 days they would have to start letting them go. Ok, I understand it’s partly the economy, but what do they expect. It’s the economy that is hurting all the sales people’s numbers. Or, how about you put the really low performers on notice, but everyone???? They even made them all sign corrective actions statements. So, while I’m trying to put this is God’s hands and not worry about it, it’s still there. That nagging feeling at the back of my brain, upping the anxiety just ever so much, it’s scary.

Joci starts her ‘Fairy Tale Ballet Class’ next week. I’m excited for her. She has never had anything for herself yet, and so I’m happy that this will be just for her. Of course, it’s during the day, why don’t they do more classes like that at night(!?) so my Dad is going take her. How cute is that? I am probably going to go to one or two, pretty much just so I can get some pictures of her being a ballerina.

This Saturday I get to get some scrapbooking done at my friend Sharryl’s house. I need the time away from everything else. A little time to escape my reality. I love spending time with other Moms. Their stories of their families and children make me feel much more normal. It takes the pressure off of my tendencies to want to be perfect and keep up with the Jone’s (why I do this to myself I don’t know), seeing other people that are normal and struggling with the same things in life.

I’ve come to realize that Joe’s sweet, sweet nature is very helpful to me. I love his hugs and kisses, and insights on life. Just getting to talk to him and love on him probably drops my blood pressure a good ten points. I’m so lucky that my son has such a beautiful, caring soul. I hope that it stays with him throughout his life.

We are finally on a break from flag football, between seasons. I am so happy that Jon decided to really use the break and not continue practice between seasons. I am starting to get burnt out on it all. So this break will do us all good, I think.

Joci has started the potty training process. Can we all jump up and down and holler Woo Hoo? She really wants to wear her ballerina pull ups and seems really intent on not going peepee or poopy in them. Cross your fingers for me!

All in all, I know that I have a good life. Compared to many people, I am very, very fortunate and I know it. I just need to remind myself of it sometimes and count my blessings. Maybe that will be my next post…counting my blessings.

Some random pictures before bed...

A few pictures of the kids before bed...

Who Loves Mommy?

I Love Martha Stewart

What do I love about Martha Stewart?

I love that she is herself. I love that she can have Ludicris on one episode and Eric Ripert on the next. I love that when she was in trouble, she stood up and took it on the chin and took it like a champ, and I like that she can talk about and even joke about her time away. I love that she is a very significant business woman, getting there on her own, but still likes to craft. I love that she caters to viewers across the spectrum, from Kmart to Macys. I record Martha's show daily and watch it all the time. I have used countless recipes, projects, and decorating ideas from her show and magazines. Thank you, Martha Stewart!
Oh, and one more thing...her circle cutter is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

One of Those Pass it Around Quizzes...

I thought this one was pretty good...


-What is the moment in your life where you are the most proud of yourself? Controlling my fear during my children’s births.
-Which Super-power would you choose? What would your Superhero name be? Be able to move super fast, Super Mama. Able to clean the house in 5 seconds flat!
-Name your top 3 crushes – real, fictional, past, or present. C. Thomas Howell, the old IT guy…Mark?, Airforce pilot an old friend tried to set me up with.
-Who is your favorite band? I’m old school, I like Billy Joel, mostly because I know most of the lyrics.
-What is your talent – everyone has one. I can take someone else’s idea and roll with it.
-What is your favorite flower? Carnation. They smell so good and last a long time.
-What is your hobby? Scrapbooking and photography.
-How would you spend a day alone if money were no object? I would wake up in a luxury hotel, and then spend the day having spa services and order lots of movies and room service.
-Besides the US, what other country would you like to live in? I’m really attracted to Germany or the UK.
-Are you ‘Green’? I’m trying hard to be. I’m much more than I used to be.
-What is your favorite restaurant? Temari and Frashers.
-What is your favorite color? Green.
-Name your 3 favorite meals, for breakfast, for lunch, for dinner. Eggs Benedict, Steak Sandwich, Sushi.
-What is your favorite alcoholic beverage? I want to try that upside down pineapple shot Micheal was talking about, it sounds very yummy!
-What is your favorite non-alcoholic beverage? Dr. pepper or really strong iced tea, no lemon, no sweetner.
-Who is your most inspiring historical figure? Abraham Lincoln.
-Do you have a bucket list? Yes, and I still have a ton left to do on it.
-What is your hair color? Mousy Brown.
-What is your eye color? Blue/Green.
-What is your fondest memory from childhood? Riding my bike or roller skates around and around and around the block.
-Are you Hip or Square? Very, very square.
-Where is your favorite place to be? At home, snuggling in bed, or in my home office.
-What did you want to be (when you grew up) when you were a child? A ballerina.
-What kind of car do you drive? Dodge Charger.
-What kind of car would you like to drive? A Mini Van.
-Who is your favorite cartoon character? Sponge Bob
-What are some of your favorite movies? Simon Birch, October Sky, Superbad, Signs
-Who is your favorite actress? Kate Winslet
-Who is your favorite actor? I really liked Christian Bale until it’s been coming out recently that he’s an a-hole!
-What is the movie you’ve seen the most # of times in the movie theatre. The Green Mile.
-If you could be any animal, rather than human, what would you be? A bird.
-Do you wet your toothbrush before you brush? Yes.
-Do you like your handwriting? It’s ok.
-What is your favorite hot sandwich? Steak sandwich from Frashers.
-What is your favorite cold sandwich? Chicken salad.
-What is your favorite cereal? Corn Pops.
-What is the first thing that you notice about people? Their eyes, if they are genuine.
-Favorite smells? Apples and cinnamon.
-On your way to the electric chair, what would your last meal be? Cocquiel St. Jacques, Veal Picatta, Crème Brule. Oh, and can I have Eric Ripert prepare it all for me?
-Is flirting cheating? Absolutely, Yes. And so is kissing, and anything else that you feel you need to hide from your significant other.
-Is toilet paper hung over or under? Over. This is a silly question, as Over is the only right way! -How do you feel about tanning booths? I don’t tan. I want to prevent skin cancer, and that is the easiest way to do it.
-What colors look best on you? Black, others have told me green.
-Are you a jealous person? Yes, very.
-What’s your sign? What is your strongest characteristic of that sign? Aries, “I’m a good leader, but anything that comes out of my mouth is insulting, so lead, but don’t say anything.”
-If you could own a non-traditional pet, what would it be? A Tiger or a lemur.
-Would you date (if you were/are single) and already attached man/woman? Absolutely not. There is nothing more intentionally cruel.
-Do you like your siblings significant others? Is this a trick question? No, and I’ll just leave it at that.
-What do you think about gay marriage? Why shouldn’t they be as miserable as the rest of us?
-What is your favorite tv show? Lie to Me and Survivor

Operation Nice Assignment for Today:

I, too, love being in my bed, especially in those moments where it is time to get up, but you don’t want to. You want to stay in your warm snuggly place that perfect spot where you are toasty warm, but not hot, with your blankets and pillows and pajamas in all the right spots. I love snuggling with my kids in their beds either at bedtime or right as they are waking up all sleepy eyed and full of nuggles and dry-lip kisses for me. I love going to my parent’s house. There I am a guest, with benefits. They love and play with the kids while I can just be me, there are no pressures, only love for me, no matter what. I love being in my office at home. It is my zone. It’s supposed to be both Jon’s and my office, but it’s not, it’s mine, I have taken over, I am in charge. I love that it is full of projects to do and creative things to plan or it can also be my place to watch the dvr. It doesn’t matter, as it’s my room. I love being at my Aunt and Uncle’s house. There I am transported back to being a little girl, sheltered and watched over and loved. I love roaming their property, exploring their large vegetable garden, dreaming about snapping turtles in their little creek, and watching the squirrels eat the cobs of corn my Uncle puts out for them. I love being in my favorite restaurant, Frashers. There I feel like I am their most important patron. We are friends, as we have been going to their restaurant from the beginning and even hold our yearly fundraiser there. They are just the coolest bunch of guys that run it and they, by far, serve the absolute best filet you will ever, ever eat in your lifetime. I love sitting outside while camping, by myself, listening to the wind rustle through the tall pines high above my head. I love Washington DC. I hate to admit that I really wish I had a second home there. It was my favorite vacation that we’ve taken; I loved getting lost within all the history and majesty of our capital. There are still many things that I want to see there and can’t wait to go back.

Do yourself a favor and make a list like I did above. It gives you this amazing perspective of all the things that you love about the places that you love. What it all boils down to, at least for me, is that they all are places that I am loved and accepted as I am.

Go here for more inspiration:

http://www.operationnice.com/

Thank God for Flex Spending!

Poor baby. Joci is going to have to have some dental work done. This injury (above) is resulting in some dental work. Jocelyn had been playing on some playground equipment, fell, and hit her mouth straight on. It was pretty bad and bled a lot, she had 4 little slits in her bottom lip where her teeth had gone in. Jon got her all cleaned up, and after that she wanted to go back to play. The next few days her lips and gums were swollen and bruised and one tooth seemed a bit loose, but not too bad. Then it got better, until the other day when Jon asked me if I had noticed that her front teeth seemed a little discolored. Lo and behold, she damaged the roots of her teeth, one a bit more than the other. We now have to watch for signs of infection until her appt on the 23rd when she has to 'go under' and have a mini-rootcanal. Poor kiddo. The good news is, though, that she is going to have beautiful white teeth again.

My Funny Valentines

Happy Valentine's Day to you!

The Shack

I’ve started to read a new book that I recently heard about on my favorite morning radio show here in AZ. After listening to Kurt Warner rave about the book, ‘The Shack’, I really wanted to read it, also. So thanks to Amazon.com I got the book and started reading right away.

I’ve only gotten a few chapters in, but already I’ve cried several times. Not only that, but because I read at night before bed, I’ve had a hard time sleeping and often have to go in and hold my sleeping children for awhile to help heal the pain I feel for the people in the book.

I can’t wait to see how it all turns out.

My Baby Turns 3!

Wow. When did my little tiny baby girl turn into such a beautiful big girl. Joci's Cinderella Birthday party was so much fun. I was able to let out my inner girly-girl and enjoy Joci's princess impersonation. Jon and I bought her the gorgeous little Cinderella dress that fit her perfectly, and it was a surprise for her. Then I did her hair the best that I could to match 'Rellas'. I took a lot of pictures early on in fear that her hair wouldn't stay so neat, even with the half a can of hairspray that I put on it. When, in fact, it was her dress that she got rid of first...it was too itchy. Isn't she just precious, though? I think Cinderella would be a little jealous of her competition.

A portrait of Jon and I, very proud we survived the last birthday party.
Hannah and her Mom were so sweet. They brought Joe some new Pokemon cards.

This is Jon catching Joci just as she fell of the chair...he has amazing reflexes.

Joci opening the cute little purse that Edie made for her. It was stuffed full of great stuff and she is still carrying it around, stuffed full.

Joe helped Joci blow out her candles, just as she did for him.

A Wagie Ride Parade for Little Tuesday

Click on this button to get all the details...

The Gift of Giving

Yesterday, I gave my friend a little stone with a happy face on it and a note that explains how to pass it on. Then, when I stopped by the dollar store on the way home, they had some cute little Mylar Valentine’s day balloons, mini puzzles, and window clings that I got for the kids to get into the spirit of the holiday.
The fam went to the grocery store last night for a few essentials. So, while we were there, I scoped out the Valentine’s Day area and picked up a couple of candies, etc, that I may use for my challenge.
Later I made a great zucchini pie (recipe from the Live, Love, Eat, blog) and liked it so much that I wrote the recipe down, with a couple of modifications. So, today, I brought in 3 cute little recipe cards of the zucchini pie and gave those away to some friends at work.
I really like this challenge. The gifts you give don’t have to be huge, but they do make such a nice impact.

Go here to get inspired…
http://www.operationnice.com/

Really, Really Cute...Ode To Moms...

A good friend sent this to me via email last week. I got a great laugh out of it, and I hope you do too. Big kudos to whomever it is that did this!

10 Confessions from My Weekend

1. My kids drove me crazy this weekend. I must have brushed up against something sticky (maybe it was the lip-gloss that I found smeared across the front of the entertainment console) because I couldn’t un-stick my kids from my hip. Joci was all over me, constantly wanting to sit on my lap or help make breakfast. I put Pokemon on the TV, suggested they play in their playroom, or play v-tech, or my-gosh ANYTHING, but no, they were stuck to me.
2. I took two naps in two days and really needed them. My Mom got Joci sick, and I think I’m fighting it off as my body just feels over-exhausted. Jon was a sweetheart and let me sleep both days.
3. I didn’t get any of the scrapbooking done that I wanted to, at all. There were a few times that I wanted to go in, but that was when we had company over, and I didn’t think that would be so gracious of me.
4. I let my kids eat Doritos for dinner last night during the game. Yes, everyone gasp all at once. Tonight I am going to make a good and healthy meal, but last night I dropped the ball.
5. I wish we didn’t have guests over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I was trying to please everyone but myself by having all these people over. I would have much rather had a weekend of cuddling, and lazing around watching movies.
6. I didn’t get all the Valentine’s Day stuff put up either. I got a little here and there done, and thanks to some of the other blogs I follow for their adorable ideas, but not everything I wanted to do.
7. I did not get the office cleaned and organized the way that I wanted to. It is half-way done, which means it is currently messier than it was before I started. Ugh. I am simply not a finisher or a closer, or whatever. I have these great, brilliant comets of ideas that burst into my head and get me going and then they streak away leaving a dim light of un-done-ness.
8. Jocelyn wore the same hairstyle for three days straight until I got her into the bath yesterday afternoon with me. Oh, and I did not put conditioner in my hair, I was too lazy to do it.
9. While I was out buying more corn chips and the Doritos that the kids ate for dinner, I was seriously contemplating leaving my errand behind and going shopping at Target for awhile.
10. I think all of the super bowl commercials sucked. Why, why, why would you pay millions of dollars to run the same boring old commercial you’ve been running already? Hey you marketing people out there that decide what commercials to run for the super bowl…you RUINED the best part of the show! Thank a lot!

Go Steelers!

Gotta love this photo that was sent to me...