Sunday, December 14, 2014

Mother's Day: Count Your Blessings!

May 11, 2014

Mother's Day.  One of the most important days of the year, if not the most important.  There comes a time in all of our lives when we weigh the things we are blessed with and the things we wish were different.  Well, while we rack our brains trying to figure out why the bad things in life that happen to us happen....I can honestly say that I don't do that.  Because, if I did that....then I'd have to wonder what impossibly wonderful and amazing thing that I did in this life to deserve such an incredible mother.  There's nothing that can compare to how blessed I am to have her as my mom.  She's my best friend...my hero...my everything.  Life comes with the good and bad and I can't imagine my life any other way.  I'm forever thankful for my wonderful parents and family and wouldn't trade any of the bad days I've been dealt if it meant losing any of the good.   

Mother's Day this year was so special.  Even though I long to have children of my own...Mother's Day isn't a sad day at all.  It's filled with love and happiness.  I am a Godmother to my nephew, Brady and nothing feels better than seeing his little face light up when he's happy.  He gave me beautiful, bright yellow flowers and a sweet card.  It melted my heart.  I love that kid.  Even my little sister, Bri sent me Mother's Day prizes!  She's so sweet.  It was a wonderful day!






Brysen!












My Brady boy!  He gave my the sweetest Godmother gift!

Prizes from my sweet Bont! :)

Afternoon with Mom

May 17, 2014

My mom and I are always talking about time.  If we just had more time.  Time to get everything done that we want done, time to do all the things we have always wanted to do....time to ourselves.  Lately, I feel like I'm always behind.  My sister, Ginger calls it..."behind in life."  We are always behind in life!  I mean, geez...it's December 14th and I am writing this post about something that happened in May!  Simplicity has never been an aspect of my life....and now I wonder why.  I long for the simple days that are like a breath of fresh air, instead of days where I try to conquer the world with every free second I have.  All that does is make me miss out on the simple and beautiful things in life.  Lunch with mom, for example.  I consider that to be oh so simple...but oh so beautiful!  It's one of my all time favorite things to do.  I want to always be able to go to lunch with my mom and spend a nice afternoon with her.  It feeds my soul.  I want to fill my life with more things like "lunch with mom."

On this particular day, we had a fabulous lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant, La Casita.  We ate chips and salsa, chatted and enjoyed a delicious feast.  Afterwards, we went back to my mom's house for coffee and more chit chat.  She gave me a lovely candle for my house and I absolutely love it!  It smells like blueberries and sweet grapes.  Days like this are what keeps me going everyday.





Sunday, September 28, 2014

Thriftin' and lunch.....

I have really been trying to eat better.  I just love food so much.  I mean, it's the topic of any good conversation, the happiest part of my day and the main focus of any vacation.  Let's be honest....I definitely am not one of those people who eat to live....I live to eat!  Good food can make us all feel comforted and happy.  For chefs, foodies and cooks....the preparation of food and the recipes that make up a delicious meal can seem so big in a world that doesn't always focus on the good.  When something as simple as infusing hot oil with garlic, or zesting a lemon over pasta makes such a huge difference in a dish, it almost makes me forget about all the bad that exists.  Food is art.  Food is passion.  Food is love!

Nevertheless, I have been trying to eat better.  Healthy food doesn't have to be flavorless.  We can still eat delicious food, but keep in mind that moderation is key.  Before, when I've tried dieting, I've only concentrated on what NOT to eat, but this time, I'm trying to concentrate on what I SHOULD eat.  I have been preparing healthy, flavorful meals for myself and my husband that have been pretty tasty!  

Truthfully, I think we all miss the stuff that's not very good for us....the guilty pleasure food.  I think the only way to stay motivated, other than seeing results, is to have a "cheat" day to look forward to.  My sister, Ginger, and I have developed a deep love for Saturday.  It's our cheat day!  It feels like Christimas morning every Saturday.  It's like sleeping in never mattered to me.  The earlier I wake up...the more yummy, comfort food I can fit in!  That's so bad....but hey...it's cheat day!  So, every week, around Wednesday or Thursday is when we start to plan our Saturday.  Our favorite thing to do has been this: We wake up super early (5:45 am early) after having scoped out the yard sale route the night before.  We head to the nearest convenient store and pick up a chocolate covered, custard filled donut, along with coffee for me, orange juice for her...and hit the yard sales!  After a couple hours of treasure hunting at these yard sales, we call my mom and meet for a big breakfast.  We have pancakes, biscuits and gravy....just whatever we want!  After that, it's about 10:00 a.m. and we still have the whole day ahead of us!  

On this particular Saturday, Ginger and I set out to hit some thrift stores in Bisbee.  The main reason we chose Bisbee as our Saturday destination was because of a restaurant that I had heard about from a co-worker of mine.  It's called Jimmy's Hot Dogs, in Bisbee Arizona.  After I researched what all the fuss was about...I knew I had to try it!  Ginger loaded Brysen up and we headed to Bisbee.  Our first stop was our Aunt's thrift shop, the Sunshine Outlet in Bisbee.  It's full of home decor, artsy vintage finds and lots more.  I found a true treasure there!  An old, antique wood birdcage.  It's so folksy and americana and looks amazing displayed in my kitchen.  After we left there....off to lunch we went.  When we arrived at Jimmys Hot Dogs, the service was amazing.  We ordered and literally before we sat in our seats...our food had arrived, hot and fresh!  I ordered the cheeseburger....and OMG...it's the best cheeseburger I've ever eaten in my life.  If you know of a better one, I'd like to know, because this one was to die for.  It was so flavorful and not messy.  Just simple and incredibly delicious!  Ginger order the chili cheese dog and it was also extra good!  We split a chili cheese fries and both had the award winning root beer.  The meal was fantastic....even Brysen would agree (he had mac and cheese)!  When we cheat....we don't mess around!















Saturday, August 30, 2014

Once Upon an Eastertime...

Earlier in the year,  I remember telling my mom that I hope everything would be better and everyone would be healthy and happy by Easter.  Well, that goal wasn't exactly met by Easter, but it was still a fun, family filled, lovely spring day.  

For David and I, Easter Sunday started out with church.  We got dressed up, went with his mom and had a very nice time.  Then, we headed to my parent's house for the remainder of the day.  I had so much fun filling Easter baskets for Brady and Brysen.  I think everything is just more fun with those two. :)  We had delicious food and the weather was beautiful.  Grandma even scattered Easter eggs in the hallway for them to collect!  My sister, Ginger, was so nice and made Easter baskets for everyone!  Below is a picture of mine.  It was a Happy Easter!


               


My Easter gifts from David. :)