It's that time of the year....

Note: It's been a while since I've blogged, this is going to be a long one, with LOTS of pictures, bare with me ;)

If you know me well, you know that I HATE cold weather. I despise the rain, the cold, the wind, the snow....I just don't like it. I would be perfectly happy living in Hawaii for the rest of my life without another day of scarfs, sweaters and Ugg boots (but that's another story).

HOWEVER, (I feel like I'm starting to sound like negative Nancy) this year seems to be different. A good different. I think it's mostly because of the fact that Reese is now at the age where she is fully engaged in everything Christmas. Here we are, fully bundled to brave the 30 degree temps with crazy winds to get the tree....

(please don't mind Kyler's Lamb hat with pink bows....it's the only cold weather hat I could find that would fit his little head. I think he rocked it well, if I do say so myself)

Screwing the tree into the base,

putting the lights on, hanging the ornaments...

Reese also helped hang the stockings and put the lights up on the house...She even kept asking me when I was going to get my snow tires on my car :) Bless her little heart, we already got stuck in the snow in November and had to hike to our house at night in the snow and high heels, well I was in heels anyways. This season has just been so much fun with her! And fun with Kyler too of course! He can't help out yet, but he happily watches as we partake in all the Christmas-y stuff. It's a good time!

Reese also had her daycare Christmas Program last night. I don't even have words to describe how cute that was. Out of all her class, she was the only one to dance and do the movements along with with the songs!!!! What can I say? She is her mother's daughter ;)

Here's the proof:

Me and Ky, watching proudly from the audience!

I could have posted a bazillion (?) more pics, but I'll spare you. Hope you're all having a fabulous Winter season, remember, Jesus is the reason!!!

I thought the Terrible Two's were over??

Naw, just kiddin! This whole "episode" (s I call them) lasted about 56 seconds! I must say, I felt a little bit bad taking pictures of my child as she was acting out, but I did capture some good photos....and she sharpened up her behavior real quick, cause she wanted to see the pictures! Go figure. Here's how it went down:

1. Anger

2. Disobedience

3. Repentence

4. Forgiveness

And this sweet little boy, just sat and watched......like usual.....

The things she says (and does)

Where do kids come up with stuff?? I swear listening to Reese talk is, like, the funniest thing. Ever.

• For instance, yesterday morning when I was getting her dressed and ready to go, "Momma, I look soooooo cute in my purple sweats, I likeeeee my purple sweats." "They're actually leggings babe, and yes they're very cute." "Oh, wuss-spees (whoopsies), I mean, I mean, I mean my legggggggings!" (This girl has been stuttering quite a bit lately. Sometimes it's cute, sometimes it's frustrating! It takes her like 10 minutes, I swear, to get a sentence out! That little mouth just can't seem to move fast enough. )
• Again yesterday morning; I told her she had to take her new moccasins off because it was raining outside, and I would prefer that she wears her rain boots. So, after a small disagreement: "but mommmmyyyyy, my moskaskinsss are soooo cozy mommy!!!" she decides to take them off and put on the boots. I tell her to stand up so she can sink her foot into the bottom of the boot, and she does so but then complains that there is something in the boot. So, I take off the boot and pour the contents into my hand, what do I find?? Three goldfish. Really?? Sigh. Oh the sweet little things about mothering a toddler ;)
• It must have been a couple weeks ago, but I haven't forgotten, because it pleased my heart so very much. Reese and I were hanging out in the living room and she says to me, "Mommyyyy, Ima go in my room! and Ima turn on my musicccc! and Ima dance!!!!! And Ima sing I love you Jesus!!!!! Okay Mommyyy????" - No explanation needed. That made my day!
• Reese and Kyler in the back seat of my car on any given day: Reese pretending to spit (more like making loud, blowing lips noises) and Kyler laughing hysterically. Or Reese baby talking to her little brother saying "Kyler, Kyler, Kyler!" so fast it starts turning into "Kyla." And then Kyler laughs hysterically.
• Back seat of my car, this morning: "Kyloooo, don't throw things and scream and cry. It makes mommy soooooo sad. And Reesie sad and Jesus soooooo sad... okay Ky????"

The Cow and The Banana, (gone Frog!)

Oh, how I love to gush about my insanely adorable kiddos...

It doesn't get much cuter than this, does it? Reese was a cow for Halloween, and she was, by far, the cutest cow EVER. Every door step we made it to, instead of saying "trick or treat," she would moo. Just "Mooooooo." And would then proceed to dig her hand into the big bowl of candy. She cried when I put her in the car to go home, saying "I just want more trick or treats mommaaaa!!!! Just one moreeeee, PLEASEEEEEE"

And Kyler?? Oh Kyler, so sweet and chunky and scrumptious!! The original plan was to have Ky be a Banana. Yes, a peeled banana. Ridiculous. And it was adorable...

But because it was a "sack" at the bottom, I couldn't very well buckle him in a car seat or carry him in the Ergo, so we had a last minute costume change; my sisters', 19 year old, Frog costume. It was very tattered and old looking, but it was still so cute!!! He made a super duper cute Frog. Heck, what isn't little Kyler Cruz cute in??

We went to a couple church activities to start the evening off. First was Hillcrest Chapel's Harvest Festival, (which I highly recommend to all you Bellingham-ers.) It was tons of fun! Lots of crafts and games and candy of course. Then we headed over to Roosevelt Comm. Church and did the candy walk. Another fun time with candy stations set up on the side walk; a safer alternative to door to door trick or treating. And then we went thru a friends' neighborhood and did some hard core moo-ing at doorsteps. I think Reese walked away with 5 lbs of candy. Oh good Lord. That's going to last a long, long time.

Although Kyler slept thru most of this eventful evening, I think he thoroughly enjoyed it =) And I KNOW Reese did!! She just got done telling me that we will go trick or treating tomorrow, "K mommy??!!"

Baby Roo

I just came across this old video and I HAD to post it. It's hard to believe Reese was ever a baby! She is such a smart little person now. Ahhh...I kinda miss this....

Delicious Cookies

These cookies are nummy!! So I just have to share them with you....I got the recipe from another blog, and tweaked it a little. You can use whatever kind of chips you like, I decided to mix butterscotch and chocolate...I'm weird like that! Enjoy!

Oatmeal & Chocolate Chip Cookies

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup oatmeal (not quick)
2 1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoons vanilla
8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
4 oz. butterscotch chips
OPTIONAL: 1 cup coconut

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Put the top 4 ingredients into a food processor or blender and blend about 30 seconds until coarse. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter for 30 seconds until light in color.
Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Add the dry ingredients then add the chocolate/butterscotch chips(12 oz. total) (and coconut if desired)
Shape cookie dough into balls and place on cookie sheet.
Bake for 12-13 minutes.
Let the cookies cool slightly before removing them from the pan to a wire rack.
My batch made 30 cookies ;)

My love/hate relationship with vehicles...

UGH. Where to begin? I guess it all started when I was 16...when I got my first car. Back then I probably would have rather hitched hiked my way to school and back! (You will know why in a second...) But looking back, I do consider myself rather lucky to have my very own car the day I got my license. And a Mercedes none the less. Now, before you go thinking I'm some spoiled princess 16 year old...this Mercedes probably isn't the same as the one you have envisioned in your mind. We called it "Old yellow." Simply because it was old and yellow. Go figure. My 1985 Diesel 240D was DANGEROUSLY slow. Seriously. I would get flipped off, cursed at and sped by anytime I gave Alabama Hill a go. I'm not joking. It was miserable. I would down shift to the lowest gear and put my petal to the metal, and barely make it up the hill at 15mph. Thus my hate for this car and wanting to hitch hike. (which I did on numerous occasions, but thats another story, probably not one to be told, considering my mom reads this...) This was my very first car...

Anyways, next car, another Mercedes. This one was called "Big Blue." Even older and louder than the first one. But I liked this one much better. For one, it was fast. As fast as a 1981 400sd can be. And two, it wasn't yellow. Thank God. It was actually a really pretty silvery/blue. We still have it. It has almost 250,000 miles on it. In fact, I was driving it last week when my Jetta was broke down. None of the windows rolled down, one was actually stuck all the way down and have been duct-taped and plasticed off ;) Gotta love it. Don't even want to know how that looked with my two kiddos in the back seat. Geesh... And the drivers door made a gnarly, VERY loud cracking sound, (resembled the sound much like a pistol being shot,) everytime you opened the door half way. But whatever, beggars can't be choosers. This was my second car...(not the same color...and the car might have been just a tad bit longer.)

Third car, my least favorite by far. 1990 Red Jeep Cherokee Laredo. It was my mom's idea, why? Because it was "Raider Red" as she called it, and me, being a Bellingham High School RED Raider at the time, I guess she thought it would be great if I showed my "Raider Pride" in my choice of vehicles. Bless her heart...I HATED this car. You had to hold the key, turned down in the ignition for a good 5 seconds before the car would start up. And this made a delightfully loud, obnoxious noise =) It had a spider infestation that almost cost me my life once on Lake Whatcom Blvd. And it had a tendency to bellow smoke and overheat. Often times when both my parents were out of town. Ahhhh... here it is...I don't think I will EVER drive another Jeep. (Sorry Jeep lovers)

4th car...(are you bored yet??) I liked this one. It was cute. I felt cute when I drove it, I miss this car. 1990 Black Mercedes 190. Of course I got this one right after I graduated high school. It was "peppy" as my mom would say, grey leather, sunroof, and it was black. Black always makes cars look nicer. (Is that a word? Nicer?) Hmm....this car also had a tendency to overheat, but I didn't care, it was cute, afterall. And that was all that ever really mattered. I drove this car for a while, until I decided to make my first BIG purchase and get my own car, one of my own choice. But first, a pic...(minus the spoiler)

The parents made us kids a deal. They would help us purchase our first car. They would pay for half, we had an allowance of up to $3500, meaning we each could pay $3500 for a car up to $7000. This was awesome! I searched and searched for my perfect car! Then I found it. 1996 Audi A4, forest green, tan leather....SO CUTE. I loved this car, it was absolutely adorable, and it was FAST! Have you driven an Audi?? You should. They are quick, and smooth and wonderful. I heart Audi's. What I don't heart? Fixing Audi's...can you say $$$$$$$$$?? WOW. Thats why I ended up selling it. Basically I put my life savings into buying this car, I didn't think about how much the up-keep was going to be. So I sold it to a friend, I still see it around town, and I still miss it. Mark my words, one day, when I'm rich, (ha) I will drive another Audi.

And now I'm driving your typical Bellingham Car. I say it's typical, because I do believe about 2 out of 5 people in Bellingham drive one. Thats right... a 2001 Silver Jetta. It's a good car. I really can't complain to much, it's never done me wrong. It just isn't a good fit for me and my kids. The back seat is so stinkin' small the kids barely fit. Britax carseats?? Not a chance. I literally have my seat pulled so closely to the stearing wheel it probably isn't safe. All this because Reese's leg would be squished, or Kyler's car seat simply wouldn't fit. Ugh. Not to mention, I live on top of a HUGE, very steep hill, atop a mountain in Sudden Valley. I got snowed in three times (once for 3 1/2 days!!!) in the month of February because this car absolutely bites in the snow. People thought I had lost my mind; in town there wasn't even the slightest hint of snow, yet my driveway, my street, had 2 feet of it. Also, it's a manual. And let me tell you, trying to shift, talk on a cell phone (naughty I know...) and communicate/pass food/clean/discipline my kids while driving= NOT SAFE!

WHEW! All that to say, I need an automatic. I need 4 wheel drive. And I an SUV. Leather would be nice, considering it's much easier to clean, but it's not a must. I have a budget too. A very small bugdget. I need something that doesn't have 10 bazillion miles and is on the verge of a break down. I also would prefer something that can be fixed and maintained at an affordable rate. IE nothing Eurpean. My dream?? This baby right here...

If only I had $20,000.......this is what I need a husband for ;) Just kiddin'. (though I would look good in this!) A 2003 Acura MDX. Why I love it? They are complete luxury vehicles, made by Honda, cheap parts, last forever, look good. Nothing else to say. One day, one day......

Anyways, anyone have any ideas?? Big enough for children, decent gas mileage, good in the snow??? Help me please.

lyss

I love pasta and pasta loves me

Another yummy, carb-fiilled pasta dish for y'all! Trust me, it's a good one! I'm a sucker for creamy pasta dishes, this one is different than anything I've had, I found it on this blog so once again, I can't take the credit.

Lemon Cream Pasta & Chicken

*this recipe makes a TON of food, I cut the recipe in half and the leftovers fed two more people after Reese and I had our portions.

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups shredded or cubed lemon garlic chicken (I used the pre-marinated chicken that Fred Meyer has, I think mine might have been garlic something or other, and the actual recipe calls for particiular "lemon garlic chicken" recipe. I honestly don't think it matters too much.)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (*When I make this again I will use a little less lemon juice, the pasta was a bit too zesty for my liking, although my parents, who ate the leftovers, didn't think so. I think it's just me being picky again.)

1 (16 ounce) package tube pasta (I used mezze penne. aka. Small penne noodles)

2 cups heavy cream

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (I forgot to do this step...whoops!)

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

In a large saucepan, season the chicken broth with the garlic powder and pepper.

Bring to a boil and add lemon juice and pasta.

Cook pasta over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until all liquid is absorbed, about 25 minutes (this is less when you cut the recipe, I just taste tested until pasta was al dente).

In the mean time....Cube chicken into bite size pieces.

Add oil to a skillet and cook chicken.

Once both the pasta and the chicken are thoroughly cooked, stir chicken into pasta

Add the cream, parmesan cheese and lemon zest.

Cook, stirring, over low heat for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes.

Stir thoroughly before serving. And voila!!

Life is good

Well....there's no real need to go into nasty details...let's just say there have been a LOT (and I mean a whole heck of a lot) of ups and DOWNS the last...oh....I'd say four years!!!!

HOWEVER...I am pleased to say, that I am now, with out a doubt, the happiest and most content I have ever been. Great isn't it?? Now, I know that is quite a big statement to put down in writing, but it's honestly how I feel. After a slew of unhealthy relationships with men, (or shall I say boys), leading to more unhealthy/broken relationships with friends and family, OH, and two beautiful, wonderful children later...I am now single and... (here's the kicker) HAPPY! Yay for me. Seriously, yay for me! Be excited people, this is big news!!

It's like I have been brought back to life, revived, breathing fresh air again... Now that all the "garbage" has been removed from my life I am finally getting a chance to be me again. Loving the Lord and loving my children with no distractions or interruptions. Yes, I'm extremely busy...working full time and going to school, but it's with a purpose, a purpose to provide for my children and be the best mom I can be. But these are distractions I can deal with; these are healthy distractions, and they make me feel accomplished. I like being busy, having a full schedule, but there are also times when I feel completely and utterly exhausted, like now for instance ;)

Let me fill you in...I have always hated that I was a "drop out." (haha) It just kind of bothered me that I never went back to school after getting pregnant with Reese, but I never really knew what I wanted to do. Until the last year or so when I really discovered how much I enjoyed interior design. So that's what I am currently going to school for; interior decorating to be more specific. I take all online courses which is super awesome and super convenient, however this also makes it super easy to slack :( (WOW. That was a lot of supers, sorry bout that.)

Moving on...Being a "single mom" (I despise this term) is hard at times; but it is SO rewarding. Sometimes I really regret being such a BIG idiot, duh, everyone would regret that, and making so many stupid mistakes for so long. But I also can't imagine not being a mother, not having my Roo and Loo in my life, the 2 kids I love more than life itself. If you're a parent you understand what I'm saying. There is something different about loving your own flesh and blood; it's different than any kind of love I've ever experienced. It's quite simply, amazing. I feel like motherhood is my destiny, among other things I hope. But don't get me wrong, there are also days when I ask the Lord if it's all a big mistake, sometimes I feel like kids just aren't for me, I'm so impatient and unorganized, the epitome of what a good mom should NOT be. But then I see their faces, oh their faces.....they make me smile. They make my heart happy. They make everything better.

So, here I am...waiting for the next season to begin. I don't mean season as in the weather haha (I am soooo NOT funny right now) I mean season of life. I am content doing what I'm doing, and trying to accomplish the goals I have set for my life right now (I hear exam #4 calling my name....ugh.) It's good tho. Life is good. School is good. Kids are good. Family is good. Friends are good. God is good. Can I get an AMEN??!! Amen. Life is good.

lyss

PS. I apologize that this blog was so erratic and "blonde-ish" but it's late and I had a lot on my mind, so just go with it!

PPS. I thought it would be appropriate to post of picture of me being "happy." But I don't have any happy pictures of just myself, so here's a picture of me being happy with my kid. =) Now you see where he gets his big, very pinchable cheeks from!

Archives

I don't have much of an explanation. I was looking back thru old pics, and found a few that I felt like sharing.

When I look at this picture, I automatically think of Kyler. They already look so much alike (as babies anyways), and Kyler is only 6 months old, compared to here (left) where Reese is 1.

This one (below) is at midnight on her 1st birthday. Yes, I know, I know, it was very cruel of me to wake her up in the middle of the night, but look at this face!!! How cute is she?!

Or there's this one. She HATED that stupid tiara. I don't know why I made her wear it, she (nor I) was into princess-y stuff at the time. But it sure did make for a great photo opp! This was at her 1st birthday party. *tear* I can't believe that was 2 years ago....

Yummy yummy in my tummy

As much as I despise the cold weather and the change in seasons....I can't say the same for the meals that come along with it! This has got to be one of my favorite meals EVER! I got the recipe from my best friend Angie, so I can't take credit for it =( But I would love to share it with you, it's too delicious NOT to pass along!

Beef Stroganoff (which I refer to as "Stronnie")

*I tweak this everytime, mostly because I am the pickiest person on the planet! You don't have to, it's good either way

Ingredients:

1 1/2lbs top sirloin (I always use the pre-packaged stew meat)

1 yellow onion, chopped or pureed (medium size, baseball?, also I pureed my onion, I don't like big oniony chunks)

1 clove garlic, minced (I use 4 and puree it along with my onion)

1/2lb mushrooms (I don't use these)

1 1/4 t salt

1 1/2 t pepper

1 t paprika (it turns out pretty spicy, equivalent to 4 stars)

2 can consomme'

26 oz beef broth

Cube meat

Put oil in pot and heat on high

Brown meat and remove grease

Remove meat

Add onions and garlic, saute'

When brown add mushrooms, seasons and broth

Cook until tender

Add meat and bring to a boil

Cover and simmer 3 hours

Make gravy (see below), add slowly while stirring, and cook 10 minutes

Add 2T sour cream just before serving

Serve over egg noodles (I use whole wheat, can't notice the difference)

Gravy:

1/2 C flour

2 1/2 T Bisto (this is a brown gravy type thing, found near pancake mix)

Salt, several dashes

Pepper, several dashes

Garlic powder, 1 dash

Onion powder, 1 dash
1 C water.

Mix together and slowly add gravy to the stroganoff while constantly stirring, until you reach desired thickness! Enjoy!

*I use a crock pot for this entire meal, minus browning the meat.

Now I feel old...

Reese turned 3! For some reason, now having to say, "I have a three year old" seems really crazy and makes me feel like an old woman! Now Reese is closer to being in kindergarten then being a baby. That's weird. That's freaking me out. I guess the good thing is now I can hope for the "terrible two's" to be over with! (though I HIGHLY doubt this.) Either way though, we did have a fun birthday celebration! Reese is loved by many, and I must say, she has some of the best aunties ever! She was showered with friends and gifts and yummy treats. She screamed and sobbed while we sang Happy Birthday and didn't want to blow out her candles. Pretty typical if you ask me. It was a time well had. Here is Reese licking every last speck of batter off the spoon...

Sprinkles, sprinkles EVERYWHERE!!!

Her finished product:

Man, I love her! Happy birthday my dear!

Starting a documentation

Crazy, I know....I'm starting a blog. Who would have thought?? Do I really have time for this? No. Does any mother have time for this? No. But I have seen it done, so I'm going to give it a try myself. I needed a way to, one, "scrapbook" my life and my childrens life. I thought this would be a good way to get pictures and captions down. The pictures can't get torn up, drooled, pooped, peed or spit up on, and that right there, had me convinced! Two, I needed an outlet to get my feelings out in the open! Life is crazy sometimes, and honestly, I don't have much time to talk on the phone to vent, explain or inform people of my crazy life. (You would know this is you are friends with me. It is a rarity that I EVER answer my cell phone, I hardly get around to checking messages :/) Thus, my blog. I get to it when I can, talk about what I want....its pretty much perfect!

So, that being said, allow me to introduce myself, and my children!

I am currently an employee of Robinson Hardwood & Homes. It's my parents' company, our 17th year in business and my 4th year being a part of it. I love my job. I'm learning more and more everyday about how to run a business and how to be sucessful in the business world.

One of the major perks of working here, is that I get to bring my kiddos! Well, not both at the same time, that would be WAY too much chaos. When Reese was born (3 years ago yesterday!!) she and I settled in at work one week after she was born. I have basically been full time since that point. She came here until she was 8 months old, and it was awesome. Kyler, also gets to come with me now. He is now 5 months and is getting a bit loud to be here at this point, which makes me sad, I'm not ready to part with him yet. Unfortunately though, when I have customers on the phone asking me if there 'is an animal in our showrooom' it makes it hard to keep him here! UGH. Both my babies were so loud. Sqwaking bird I think would be the best way to describe their infant sounds, some like to call it "discovering their voice,"....I'm not so sure that covers it!

Along with working, I am also a student! I am going to school, via ALL online courses, to get my certification in interior decorating. It is my newfound passion, and hopefully, I'll someday be able to put my future skills to good use! I've aced two exams so far! Yipee! In my spare time, that I don't really have, I LOVE to dance. I wish I could do more of it, but time and $$ don't really allow for it. Thats okay though, Reese and I tend to have dance parties at our house on an almost daily basis. I also enjoy reading. Any Twilighters out there?? I'm a fan.

Enough about me, on to my fabulously wonderful kiddos!

This is Reese Makena, now 3 years old. If I had to describe her in 5 words, here's what they would be: Brilliant, loving, hillarious, sassy & charming. A true mixture for trouble! I didn't know this until after she was born, but her name means enthusiastic (Reese) and beautiful (Makena). Wow. I would have used those words in the list above, because they are ABSOLUTELY dead on, but it seemed a bit cliche'. This little girl is who I turn to to get my giggles. She is SO funny! Its crazy, I don't know where she learns it, but she's got skills. I might add that she is a fabulous dancer. I love her.

My precious little Kyler Cruz. I also call him my cabbage patch doll, or doll baby, fitting dontcha think? He is quite possibly the best baby ever! He makes me want more kids, he is sooo easy! He has litterally cried 7 times since birth. AMAZING. He is easy, laid back, smiley and loves, loves his big sissy; probably as much as she loves him. Did I mention that they get along great? Ky is huge, chunky as ever and very pinchable. I love him.

Here is, what could quite possibly be my favorite picture to date, a look at my two little munchkins together

Thanks for stopping by! I can see now that this might be my new technological addiction, so you should be seeing more soon!

Lyss