Totally Random Friday...

I've decided I have the cutest kids, well, ever. :) I understand that this may sound a bit silly, considering there are billions of children in the world... BUT I guess I'm just cocky like that! haha, but on a serious note, I think my kids could be in commercials or ads or BILLBOARDS! (I hope you are aware of my totally un-stage momness. I actually have friends who put their kids in pageants and another friend who's kids have an agent. That's not me. Not that there is anything wrong with doing that, but I'm content bragging about my kids awesomeness on here.) For instance, I think my kids could sell Pringles...




OR, they could sell Dryer's / Edy's Ice Cream!




OR, my other kiddo (aka the puppers) could totally sell some Purina! :)



I will leave you with one more random side note... I am SO glad that I was able to go spend time with my grandpa. He truly is an amazing man who has led an equally amazing life! I feel totally blessed that my girls will have warm memories of their great-grandfather!

I'm Back!

Well, it has been awhile since my last post because I went on a trip up to Northern California. My family normally does an annual 'mini-reunion' over the summer. However this year, with my grandpa's cancer he couldn't handle the traveling. So instead of heading to Lake Tahoe we all just rallied around him. :) We didn't get to go anywhere exciting, and it wasn't our typical vacation, but it was wonderful. I LOVE my family. And it is so nice to simply sit around a table laughing and talking with the people who know you the best. Our tradition on these mini reunions is that each couple has a day to cook and do dishes. So no one has to cook or wash more than once and once your day is over you are free to enjoy everyone else's delicious specialties. It may sound silly but it is SO much fun planning a menu for 14 people. On my day I did a typical breakfast that consisted of waffles, fruit, eggs and bacon. For lunch I went simple and made a variety platter of pita sandwiches; turkey, chicken salad, roast beef and ham with a bread bowl of spinach and artichoke dip and watermelon. For dinner I decided on making a few roasted lemon and herb chickens (that turned out WAY BETTER than I have ever made before), home-made herb and dill potato salad, and home-made macaroni and cheese. It came out great and everyone enjoyed. I was so happy because the year before I felt like a total flop when I made this spinach pasta dish that was delicious BUT my uncle couldn't eat due to an allergy I was unaware of! (that particular uncle couldn't make it this year so my dip at lunch didn't threaten any lives!)
Anywho, it's the simple things in life that make me tick. And spending a week and a half with all those people has left me with a permanent smile. In addition the chemo has done it's job and my grandpa's cancer has shrunk by half! PRAISE THE LORD! All in all, a pretty good trip. Other than the fact that it once again reminded me of how much I love the foothills and long for the day that the hubby, kiddos and I can move back! (P.S. I still adore Southern California, was even born down here, I just miss being close to our parents!)

Wondering Wednesday

Today while at the gym I wondered this...
WHY on EARTH... was this 40 something year old man wearing camouflage shorts (torn and faded, definite high school kid shorts) with a... wait for it... Justin Bieber T-shirt and Birkenstock sandals with tube socks!?!?!? Man o man, I know it takes all kinds to make the world go round. But come on people, there is something creepy about wearing a teen pop idol t-shirt if you are over the age of 18. Period. And the rest of the ensemble left me equally as speechless. hmmm. I wonder.

Happy Memorial Day?

I don't exactly know why people say "Happy" Memorial day. Today I remember. And remembering those that have fought and passed for my freedom, does not leave me feeling happy. It leaves me somber and thankful. Today I hope you remember, and not only those who have fallen but those families who have been left behind.

Rest In Peace Lance Corporal Brad Shuder. You are loved and missed.

Thankful Thursday

Well tonight was Military Appretiation Night at Chick-fil-a. Our entire family ate for free. So tonight, I am super thankful for our free dinner! And the fact that my girls played so hard that they instantly fell asleep when their heads hit the pillows! But more than any of that, I am SO stinking thankful that we live in a place where people get it. People understand what our troops are doing and sacraficing. I love knowing that when I have to be away from my husband, others appreciate what we endure so that they don't have to. Lastly, I am thankful that I get to celebrate this memorial day with my husband this year!

Wondering Wednesday

Today I wonder how I could possibly be this grumpy and this sleepy at the same time. I wonder. :)

Awww

I was sitting on the couch earlier watching the Boston v. Orlando game, when I realize that I am watching by myself. Strange, right? (mainly because it's not what I would typically choose to watch) Then I realize that J went upstairs to say prayers with Big Sissy before bed, HALF an hour ago! So I go up there to see what's going on and low and behold he feel asleep in her top bunk with her. It was so sweet! One of those awww moments.

And looking at this picture reminded me of an equally sweet photo from the day Big Sissy was born!

Simply Blessed.