CHRISTmas

As we prepare for this holiday season, it has become overwhelmingly evident to me each day I am on this earth just how much we are loved by God.


I have been given such a wonderful gift to be a mother to two precious boys. I cannot explain the love I have for these kids. I know they aren't mine; I am just their earthly mother. Put here to guide them in their journey through life and doing my best to show them God's love.


The longer I spend with them, the more I reflect the sacrifice made when Jesus was sent to die for us. God send His ONLY son here to be beat, ridiculed, tortured, and put to death. For my sins. Thank you Lord. I am not worthy of this sacrifice, but I suppose that is what GRACE is all about.

And while there are days when I tire of the tantrums, the boogers, the discipline... I cannot thank God for such a gift. To think I will spend eternity feeling everlasting joy and happiness...

So yes, I am thinking about CHRISTmas. Thinking about the birth of God's son and the ultimate sacrifice made for a wretch like me.

Upcoming forecast...

Is it wrong for me to be overjoyed to see rain in my weather widget?


Most of my friends in the midwest or east would be rolling their eyes right now. 70's and I am complaining. This has to be one of the mildest winters I remember... aside from that week or two where it rained non-stop. Sunny, clear skies have been the norm, and to be honest, I kind of miss having something different.

Here's to hoping our weather people don't mess up Wednesday! (As long as it isn't Tuesday when we are planning to move!)

I fail

Ok. What happened? I don't know if I attribute my lack of blogging to lack of interest or lack of feedback, but maybe I will try to pick it up again. Brenda will be my inspiration.

So what has been going on lately? Same old stuff. Struggling to pay the bills, struggling to have time to connect, struggling to parent. The search for a better life, the search for a better career... it never ends, right?

If you haven't been up to date in my life, I will do a brief catch-up. I work at home. It is a love hate relationship. When I am not watching the kids, I am working. I feel like I never have a time to just relax, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love being at home with my boys.

Matt has explored different career opportunities, but keeps coming back to Gamestop. It isn't a bad thing I guess. His boss loves him, he is now a Store Manager, and is looking forward to opportunities there. Today we came back to schooling. He still has 4 months of the GI Bill left (8 months part time) and when that goes, he has 12 months of the Post 9/11 Bill. He has his Associates, but I think he could get his Bachelors and be even more non-disposable.

The boys are great. Sam is 3, Ben is 14 months. Today I gave Ben his first haircut. He was getting a bit of a tail in the back... After the debacle with Sam (I basically buzzed his head), I decided not to go too short. Hope you are all having a great day!

One... ttoooooo... trreeeeee...

Ok so admittedly it has been a while. Life is busy, not much new. I will make a better attempt. With Facebook though, it is so much easier to spread news and day to day happenings. I will save some gems for my blog though.

Here is a little snapshot of what we are working on with Sam. Mind you, he misses one and four, but I think it is pretty good for 21 months!

Everything is better with the topping.

Sam has recently discovered the "extras" in life. The toppings on the ice cream instead of the ice cream, the whipped cream on the strawberry shortcake, and within the last week, ketchup. I remember my sister's kids going through the whole "dip" stage. I don't really know if Ryan has gotten passed it to be honest.

Well, Sam has decided to love dip. In fact, he has done the whole dip and lick without eating the actual food item. While throwing dinner on the table trying to get ready to work, I zapped some corn dog bites in the microwave (aka emergency dinner/ too lazy or tired to cook dinner), and put them in front of Sam. As soon as he saw the ketchup bottle coming I got the mmMMMMmm!

Can't wait to see him experience all the extras there are in life!

I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD

So as I sit here, working, eating chips and salsa, I am reminiscent of my favorite Mexican restaurant, Chile Peppers. I love Chile Peppers. For those of you who are familiar with my restaurant know that it has recently changed hands. I have been there since, and I was a little disappointed. But right now it is closed for remodeling, so we will see what is going on there.

I would have to say my favorite Mexican food is Flautas. In case you are also not familiar with a Flauta, it is basically a taquito, but made with a flour tortilla instead of corn. I love chicken and cheese flautas. They are the best. Now that I am thinking and blogging about it, I REALLY want one!

Anyone have any favorite dishes or restaurants? I would love to hear about them!

The Bachelor

Ok, so admittedly I got interested in this season. I don't usually watch The Bachelor series, but this time the bachelor was a single dad, and I am a sucker for anything having to do with kids. Along the way my favorites were sent home, Stephanie then Jillian, but when it came down to Melissa and Molly, I must admit I was pulling for Molly. As the final episode went on, I could sympathize with Jason's pick. Melissa seemed like she could be a stay at home mom to Ty; Molly was the one with a real career. But I just didn't like Melissa. She was so immature, too cutesy.

When he picked Melissa at the end, I felt bad for Molly, but understood Jason's pick. On the After The Rose episode though, it was incredible that he, in so many words, changed his mind. Most people are totally outraged at this. I say, who cares?! Jason obviously found out with more time that he and Melissa were never going to make it. Here's to another shot at happiness for Jason. I sincerely hope it works out, though the stats on past couples are not good. Oh, and don't bug me tonight at 10; I will be watching part 2 of After The Rose. ;)