Living, loving and learning

Lalalalalala.....

2010-04-19T11:14:00.001-07:00

Words can not describe how completely and utterly excited I am about the next 10 days of my life. I'll throw in some hints and see if you can guess it! Here we go!........

????? Any guesses yet?????

......

.......

........

YUP! It's true! My best friend (Leah ) and I are headed back to Kona for some much needed R&R. We fly out early Wednesday morning, and arrive back in Seattle early the following Thursday morning. No children this time. And though I will miss them dearly, I am WAY ready for a vacation, a real vacation where I don't need to think about anyone but myself! Man, I sound so selfish! But you moms know what I'm talking about! This will be a REAL vacation and I feel so blessed that I get to do this (and for a very cheap cost I might add). I got to visit Leah when she was living in Kona back in June of 2009 when Kyler was just a babe, 2 months old I believe, anyway, it was an amazing trip, and I'm sure this one will be just as great, if not better!! Since Leah is moving home, she needs to gather all her belongings from Kona, so we decided to make a vacation out of it. It will be fab, I'll post pictures once I get back home! For now....ALOHA!!

Lyss

Easter Time

2010-04-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

HE HAS RISEN!!! Something I never really thought about until the last year or so was what to tell my kids when it comes to holidays. You know, Santa Claus vs. Jesus' birth, or Easter Bunny vs. Jesus' resurection. I've really been trying to teach Reese the real meaning behind holidays, but it's been a pretty tough task to accomplish when we also celebrate with the commercialized aspects of holidays as well. Reese is totally and completely freaked out by Santa. I mean she enters a screaming, crying, absolutely paranoid state of mind if she thinks she has to sit on his lap. Him coming down the chimney makes her sleep with one eye open. I ended up telling her that Santa was only pretend and she didn't need to be scared. That put her at ease, but pissed some people off. People thought I had ruined it for her, but honestly I just don't really care. She obviously doesn't like the guy, so why try and force her to believe in him when I know it scares the crap out of her?? With the Easter Bunny this year it wasn't quite as bad, though I think if there would have been an Easter Bunny at the mall to take pictures with, she probably would have done the normal freak out. I just find it hard to do both.....I told her the whole story about Jesus' death, and rolling away the rock and him being alive again, and then the next minute I find myself telling her the Easter Bunny brought her a basket of candy and hid eggs all over the yard for her. It must be so confusing. There is no corellelation between the two. Anyone have any advice?? I don't remember what my parents told me growing up. I know all the bible stories were always a big part of it, but I don't remember what they said about the "fake" stuff. Anways, I'll listen to any advice you can give :)

All in all though, we had a great Easter! It was jam-packed, like every holilday is with the kids. We always end up at five different places, I guess that's what happens when they have more than one family to be shared with. It's like a fight for time with my kids, and I HATE that. I repeat, I HATE THAT. My kids are not toys, they aren't to be fought over or used for entertainment purposes....ugh. I'm just gonna stop. This topic could have it's own blog I could write so much about it. Back to what I was saying...Easter was great. Reese spent the first half of her day with her dads family. Since I was running late (surprise surprise) Kyler and I decided to try out the new church in Sudden Valley. I have been seeing signs for 'Sudden Valley Community Church' for about a year now, and I've been wanting to try it out. So I did. And I enjoyed it, very much. It is vastly different from Christ the King where I have been attending for the last four years. It was small, held in the dance barns (where I have attended multiple weddings) and....small. Very small. I think there was probably 20 of us. But it was very good. Turns out, the Pastor there is one of the founders of Trinty Western University in B.C. Everyone was very welcoming, they stopped me after service (I must have stood out as the obvious new-comer, actually, I think it was my son's adorably handsome suit he was wearing.) Either way, we were welcomed and that was a good feeling.

Next, Kyler got to meet his other Grandpa, Grandpa Don Thomas, for the first time. Jade's father is a bit estranged from the family, he didn't even know that Jade had another son. So, we decided it would be good for him to meet Ky, at least before he turned a year old. We met him (Grandpa Don) for lunch, and I'm not gonna lie, it wasn't the best lunch date I've had, but it was decent. Decent enough. After correcting him from calling him "Tyler" and letting my ears adjust to all the "f-bombs", we settled in, ate our food and said our goodbyes. And that was that. It was weird, but Kyler is such a little blessing, I couldn't help but think that Don walked away feeling blessed. At least I hope he did. He really is a nice man, it's too bad his relationships with his family are, well, no longer. After lunch I picked up Reese from her Grandparents house and drove the three of us over to my Aunt and Uncles house for our usual big family gathering. It's always fun to spend time with the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, I think there'e about 30 of us now! We had a great big, yummy dinner and enjoyed lots of laughs. I took off early to drop Kyler off with his dad and when we got to his house there was an egg hunt set up for Reese. I should have known he would do this. She got her 4th Easter basket of the day, and thoroughly enjoying searching for hidden eggs. Ky and I lucked out too, we also got Easter baskets! Yummy!! After about an hour it was starting to get dark out. So I packed up the kids and went home and tucked them into bed!! After brushing their teeth for 10 minutes each! And THAT was our Easter!! Here are some pics from our eventful day!

3 generations; Don, Jade & Kyler

Me goofing off with some of Reese's gifts!

The kiddos enjoying some of their treats

Reese during her Egg Hunt! Isn't she beautiful?!

My oh-so-handsome baby boy in his Easter get-up! Cutest little suit ever!

Just call me Miss Uhaul....

2010-02-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

Yup, we've moved again. *sigh* This is the 5th time since Reese was born :) *sigh, eye roll* But who's counting?? *another longgggg sigh* I guess that's why it's been 10 years since I've blogged last; I've been swamped with packing, cleaning, unpacking, organizing, cleaning, more organizing, more cleaning, and OH, taking care of my kiddos all the while. It's been busy to say the least.....to say the very least.

Anyway though, we are in our new home and we like it very much. We've been blessed to be able to find another house [with a garage, a small yard, hardwood floors and an extra room that we made a "play room" (among other things)] to live in; so much better than an apartment. I was sad to say goodbye to my old house, it was the most beautiful, perfect house EVER, we were certainly spoiled to live there; but when I couldn't find a new roommate in time, we had to get out of there and find a new place. Luckily, I know this guy who has houses all OVER the town, and he decided to take one of his homes off the market just so that we could move in!! Sweet guy huh?? Yup, that's my dad :) Our new house is also in Sudden Valley which I quite enjoy. Many of our neighbors have already introduced themselves and invited us to dinner. I feel really safe here, and I think that's most important, especially when it's just the kids and I in the house. We have yet to find a new roommate to rent out the downstairs, so if you think of it, please pray for God's provision in that area :) We'd love to share our home with someone who needs a nice, safe place to live. I'm still trying to get the last pictures on the walls and toys put away (don't see that EVER happening) but it is definitely feeling more like a home.

I'm guessing you've heard enough about our new house (that I don't even have pictures of yet!) and want to hear about the kids! So....let's see. Reese is fabulous. She is SUCH a great big sister, always helping out with Kyler, and me for that matter. She gets into cleaning mode and completely picks up her room and the play room! And I mean, spic and span! It's awesome! She also thoroughly enjoys "swiffering." Apparently she's still not sick of Beyonce, because we have a daily routine of rocking out to "Single Ladies", I guess that will never get old. She can count to ten in SPANISH! She's stinkin brilliant! Thank you Dora :)...Still hasn't had an "accident" at night which I've been very thankful for...she sticks to our rule of two movies (these are only 1/2 hour Dora shows mind you) a day, for fear of a "bad brain." Oh, and she's drinking a ton more milk and water since our last trip to the doc when he told her that juice should only be drank as a treat! Funny how she only listens to the doctor when it comes to no more juice. I'm anxious to see what she'll do when she hears the dentist tell her she can't suck her thumb anymore :/ I have a feeling all hell will break loose! I'll keep you posted, we go in a week!

I told Reese to pose and this is what she did. She's weird.

As for baby Kyler Cruz, he's just fantastic as usual! He has 4 teeth now and it's probably the cutest thing ever!!! His top two came in first, which was kind of goofy looking ;) But then the bottom two came in shortly after, and a 5th (on top) started poking through today. So cute! He likes to suck on his Binky upside down, such a weirdo....he pulls himself up on EVERYTHING, gets into EVERYTHING and eats anything he can get his hands on!! And that's what he's been up to as of lately. He also can now wave goodbye and kiss ;)

Going down the slide, I think backing away from them to take this picture scared me more than them, if you can believe that!

The kids with their BFF's, Eliza & Josiah Hamel

~EPIC~ (I really like that word)

2010-01-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

Yup, sure was....epic. Christmas was nothing short of amazing this year. We had a crazy busy present/food filled day! I woke up at 6:30, got ready, woke the kiddos up and had them open all their presents and stockings from myself and santa.

Can you tell they just woke up??

Then we rushed to my parents house, did another un-wrapping sesh, followed by brunch with the grandparents. The kids' dads came and picked their respective child up and did Christmas with them for a few hours on their own, while I went home and unloaded and organized all the loot. Then I picked up the kids and headed to my aunt's house where my entire family (mom's side) was gathering. There were 30 of us :) It was awesome. We did a Mexican theme this year, which tasted delicious.

(Here are some of my crazy cousins)

After a couple hours there we cruised to my girl friend's house and chilled out. I think my kids lasted there about 30 minutes before the physical and emotional break downs begun :) We went home, passed out and slept till noon the next morning. No, not really, but I wish we would have! And that was our Christmas!

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New Years was fun too. I had planned on doing nothing until two of my best friends convinced me (at 4:00pm New Years Eve Day) to go a formal bash held at the Best Western. So, I got a sitter, a date and a dress and headed to my girlfriends house for a yummy dinner then cruised (do I say that a lot??) over to the hotel to ring in the New Year. It was okay. A lot of old people, not very good music and over priced drinks. But whatever, it was good just to be with my bests.

Breanne Mcguire, Angela Wahlroth & myself

Also, I don't tend to make New Years Resolutions because I always forget them 2 weeks into January and they seem to be pretty pointless. I mean, come on, I'm always working on my issues! But, there are a couple things that I have really been focusing on lately. 1. Trying my very hardest to love my BD's. To remember that I can only control my own actions and when I'm discouraged because of them, give it all to the Lord. After all, he tells us to cast our burdens on to him. I gladly give Him those. 2. To be in constant conversation with the Lord. I've really been focusing on this the last few weeks and it has made SUCH a difference in my life. 3. This is going to sound really simple and kind of silly, but it's important to me: make the RIGHT decision, not the EASY decision.

(I just threw this pic in for kicks! Aren't they just the sweetest?)

So there you have it! This is my life as of now.

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

2009-12-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

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??

2009-12-02T12:10:00.001-08:00

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)

2009-11-10T10:26:00.000-08:00

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!)

2009-11-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-10-13T12:54:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-08T20:58:00.000-07:00

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!

Yummy yummy in my tummy

2009-10-03T21:43:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-09-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T10:53:00.000-07:00

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