Wednesday, October 29, 2008

365 days later...

Okay so this post is about one year late oops!!!

Joe built the enclosure around our house last winter, we loving referred to it as the "man cave". He put all the cultured stone up around our front porch. Because it was freezing at night we had to keep it heated, thus the reason for the huge enclosure!

I am sure our neighbors thought we were crazy but oh well. Joe did a wonderful job!
And here is a peek inside the man cave! This really was a huge task to undertake. Joe worked all day and then would come home, and diligently go outside every night and put up stones.

I must admit the man cave was quite cozy once you got inside. Griffin of course loved to check it out but we couldn't stay outside too long because there was fire, and cement which aren't good combos for a little one.
Add ImageHope you enjoyed this little post about my darling hubby!!! Just wanted to let Joe know how much I love and appreciate him. He is the hardest worker I know and he is so talented! He can pretty much figure out how to do anything.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Cat Spider a.k.a Araneus gemmoides


While Griffin and I were taking a nature walk around the house we came across this spider. This is known as a cat faced spider, known to the scientific world as Araneus gemmoides. <----Just in case you are ever asked the scientific name of a cat faced spider, now you will know *wink*

I am sure we have all come across one of these spiders, as they are very common during this time of year, but I had to share my photo. And I wanted to let everyone know I got up real close and I was going into a cold sweat just trying to get the perfect picture. I don't like spiders especially big ones!

I am glad I got a close up because now I can take the time to examine all of its features. Why do spiders always have hairy legs, of course there a few that don't daddy long legs, but most spiders have hairy legs...why is this? Perhaps I will learn one day until then enjoy your blurfing!!!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Play time

He loves his Tonka truck that Grandma gave him. He is so good and scooting it all over the yard. This is his version of using four wheel drive. He even makes cute little noises when he is moving truck around, and he honks his horn if you get in his way. I think he is going to be a great driver!
Another favorite is to roll down from the top of the driveway. He really thinks it is funny when he is riding it backwards.
I asked him if I could take a quick picture and this was his pose. Picture perfect is what I call it!
Griffin loves, loves, loves, oh did I say loves being outside. Doesn't matter if it is super hot, or super cold he has to be out there. His favorite toys to take with him are his tonka truck or some cars. He discovered the truck doesn't work so well in the snow, but that didn't stop him from giving it a good try.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

What has been on my mind...

"Mothers who know do less. They permit less of what will not bear good fruit eternally. They allow less media in their homes, less distraction, less activity that draws their children away from their home. Mothers who know are willing to live on less and consume less of the world's goods in order to spend more time with their children—more time eating together, more time working together, more time reading together, more time talking, laughing, singing, and exemplifying. These mothers choose carefully and do not try to choose it all. Their goal is to prepare a rising generation of children who will take the gospel of Jesus Christ into the entire world. Their goal is to prepare future fathers and mothers who will be builders of the Lord's kingdom for the next 50 years. That is influence; that is power."

Talk by Julie S. Beck "Mothers Who Know"

Lately, I feel like I haven't been using my time wisely. I am trying to make a very conscience effort in regards to what I am doing with my time. So I just thought I would share this thought with all our readers.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

It's beginning to look a lot like...

CHRISTMAS!

It's been snowing all weekend. I don't think anyone really thought it would stick but it sure has!

Here is a look at what it looked like through our front door this afternoon:

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

One hundred and one things you may not know about me...

So this is a LONG post but I hope you enjoy and maybe get to know me a little better.

Cheryl tagged me a couple days ago and the tag was to put seven random things about yourself up, well rather than try and think of another seven I am just going to count this as answering her tag. Hope that is all right!

1. I have a fetish about using the same pen until it is all gone. For some reason I get great satisfaction of using every last drop of ink

2. I know if I will like, get along with someone from the very first time I met them. Haven't been wrong yet!

3. I get grumpy when I am hungry. Really I think it has to do with low blood sugar.

4. I didn't use any pain medication when I had Griffin.

5. I have owned five cars so far in my lifetime.

6. My favorite place to eat out is Taco Time. LUV it!

7. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people tell you they are going to do something and then they don't do it. Even worse when they don't call and explain what happened, or the worst they come up with some real lame excuse.

8. There is a difference between Coke and Pepsi. Pepsi is much flatter it just doesn't fizz the way Coke does. Coke is better!

9. Right now I am really into the color Lime Green!

10. I have two favorite songs: Israel Kamakawiwo Ole's version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and ESCAPE by Rupert Holmes These are just the perfect songs. Make me happy anytime I hear them, think of them, humm them, whistle them, or even try and sing along! I suggest you listen you will feel better! I am listening as I type this.

11. Joe calls me his little clutter bug. When he says this I know it is time to start putting stuff away, I mean hiding it, so he doesn't throw my precious things away *wink*

12. My best friend is my sister. We talk to each other every day. Thank goodness we have the same cell phone carrier or else I would be working strictly to pay my cell phone bill.

13. My favorite movie is You've Got Mail. I could watch it over and over. I love to watch it while I am scramping!

14. I see cute little knick knack's I would like to buy to decorate my house but I won't buy them because I KNOW I can make them for way cheaper and way better.

15. I like to wear SPF 50 sun screen. Its what they recommend for babies so it must be real good for me!

16. I wash my hands all the time and carry hand sanitizer in my purse. I just feel better after I've washed my hands. If I use a public restroom and they are out of soap this a major problem for me, especially if there are other woman walking out of the bathroom without washing their hands. What are they thinking!!!! They are going to infect the whole world with their waste germs. Sick!!!!! Be careful when you use a shopping cart!

17. I think the worst smell in the world is sour laundry. Oooooiiiiii makes me ill just thinking of it.

18. I am not a procrastinator. I like to work a little bit each day on things so that before the project is due I can really take my time perfecting or tweaking it. I used to write my college papers way before they were due and then let them sit and come back to them in a week so I could really mark them up.

19. I like to give more than receive.

20. I really like surprises. Just ask Joe...I usually just have to tell him what I got him b/c I just love his reactions.

21. I like to put chips in my sandwich.

22. I have to sleep with the covers on me. No matter how hot it is I must have a blanket to wrap myself up in or else I can't sleep!

23. I do my Christmas shopping all year round.

24. I love making lists. As a matter of fact I usually make one for everyday. I get great satisfaction when I look at my list and everything is crossed off.

25. I am allergic to grass, weeds, dander, dust, cats, dogs, mice, and horses.

26. My favorite place to shop is Costco.

27. I like to eat pickles straight up with nothing else.

28. My sandwich has to have mustard on it or else I am not eating it.

29. I don't like mayonnaise.

30. I like gadgets. I like to tinker with them and figure out how they work. If I could have an i- phone I would but my sensibility says I don't need one I only want it!

31. I listen to Dr. Laura Monday thru Friday. I agree with most of the things she says and I wish more women would listen to her!

32. Global warming is a hoax- I could go on and on about this issue, but I will spare you, basically if you know anything about history then you know the "human species" is not causing Global warming. Makes me laugh just thinking about it!

33. I listen to Christmas music all year round. It is just too good to only bring out once a year!

34. This election season has been very entertaining. I do have a passion for politics but at the moment I am a closet political wonk! I could talk politics for days not arguing Republican or Democrat just politics people, you know issues both foreign and domestic!

35. I do not like miniature golfing. I think it is just so silly and frankly it is not entertaining to me at all.

36. I think I currently have five calendars I keep up to date with various things.

37. I do not answer my cell phone all the time. Not because I am screening calls mostly because I am busy doing other things and I don't keep my cell phone on my person. So don't be offended if I don't pick up the first time you call *wink*

38. I was robbed at gun point when I was a bank teller.

39. I still keep in contact with my best friend from high school! Hi Jaclyne!

40. I love the mail! I love getting mail, I love sending mail! It is just so fun~

41. My clean laundry can sit on top of the dryer for days before I will fold it and put it away. I can solve this problem if I fold it right when it comes out of the dryer, but who sits around waiting for that too happen?

42. I can crack myself up.

43. Sometimes when I get laughing really hard I snort. This happens b/c I can't breath, due to laughing so hard. My close friends know this about me.

44. I have hard time eating cottage cheese. I don't like the texture it makes me want to throw up.

45. I don't have any cavities!

46. I love rainy days!

47. I have five different notebooks(these are different than the five calendars I have) I write all kinds of stuff down in. I like to keep lists, write goals, jot down funny things that happen, or just write about my family memories. You think I would be a better blogger...

48. I collect quotes. All kinds. In fact I have a notebook just for all my quotes!

49. If I don't have a notebook and pen I feel extremely naked!


50. I have a degree in Political Science/Pre Law with a minor in Philosophy.


51. Pineapples are my all time favorite fruit and Joe is really good at cutting them up for me!


52. I like the toilets in my house to be clean! I clean them like twice a week, okay sometimes only once but it freaks me out if they aren't clean.


53. I love taking baths!


54. I like chewing gum.


55. Currently I am the beehive advisor and I totally love it. Beehives are just the best b/c they are so happy.


56. I always go through this internal battle with myself about whether or not to grow my hair out. Currently it is short but I am growing it out. I am sure I will cut it again before it gets too long. Really I haven't had long hair since early high school.


57. I have really thick hair. Thus a reason not to have long hair it gets too hot!


58. I enjoy reading but don't get to do it as often as I would like.

59. I love the smell of wassail.

60. I have an extreme fascination with New York. Some day I am going for a visit and of course I've got a huge list of things to do and see!

61. I like make up and I only like good quality make up.

62. I don't like camping but Joe does so I go to appease him.

63. In my free time I enjoy scrap booking and creating things with paper.

64. Usually I can't find my keys. I did get a special key ring thing that goes over your purse and it seems to help as long as I put it in there.

65. I am notorious at locking my keys and Griffin in the car. Good thing Joe has a spare. One time I even locked my cell phone, keys, and Griffin in the car. Talk about embarrassing. I had to hunt someone down to use their cell phone. It happens more than I would like to admit. But Joe has solved the problem for me.

66. When I talk on the phone I usually only will talk on my Bluetooth. If it isn't connected I will usually connect it and then make a quick call back.

67. I am slowly learning html code.

68. I love learning. I enjoy reading text books about all kinds of subjects.


69. I have a very strong sense of smell. I smell most things before anyone else will!

70. I like trying new recipes. I should share a few that have turned out good. Rachael Ray has some of my favorite.

71. I make really excellent chocolate chip cookies.

72. I am loyal.

73. The fall is my favorite season. I love being able to wear a warm sweater, I love taking walks in the cool crisp air, I like the leaves changing color, I like pumpkins and corn husks on the porch, Halloween, back to school. I just really like the fall!

74. I am pretty good about figuring things out on the computer. If I don't know how to do something I will learn how to do it.

75. I have a lot of patience. I think I've realized this for myself since becoming a mom, before I think I just took it for granted.

76. I love book marks. I don't think I could ever have enough!

77. Someday I am going to graduate from law school, practice law, and then run for a judgeship!

78. I would like to run for public office at the appropriate time in my life.

79. I like to decorate my house for all the holidays but I don't usually do it. I decorate a tree for Christmas and that is it.

80. When we go out to eat I usually order the same thing from that particular restaurant's menu. Sometimes I just know what I like and I don't want to branch out.

81. I have a lot of nice smelling lotions and potions, that I don't use nearly enough+because I am afraid I will run out and then I won't be able to get that particular scent again!

82. I reuse my zip lock baggies.

83. I will be voting YES for the McCain/Palin ticket! I could expand upon my reasons but my blog isn't about politics. I think everyone should vote and be intelligent about it, however most people aren't. Obama has some very scary ideas so just make sure you vote for what is most important to you!

84. I drink 64 ounces of water each day.

85. I am working on giving up caffeine. Joe says I am addicted, I don't think I am, I just really like the taste of coke. Well coke zero! My goal is to be caffeine free by January 1, 2009. I am slowly weening myself off!

86. I think big hair is cool!

87. I love doing word search puzzles.

88. I don't run the dishwasher unless it is completely full to the brim!

89. I like to take a shower before I go to bed. Who wants to go to bed dirty?

90. I don't like shaving my legs. In fact sometimes in the winter I won't shave all week. Have to shave for Sunday so my nylons don't look like they got snagged up by a cat.

91. I am thinking about getting bangs. Yeah I know, Heather you are cringing, but I still am thinking about it.

92. My favorite actresses are: Reese Witherspoon and Meg Ryan

93. I really enjoy watching Judge Judy. Sometimes I just have to wonder why the heck some of the people agree to go on the show. Clearly, their law suit is just unjustified, or they are totally guilty but just won't admit it. Got to love Judge Judy's no nonsense attitude. I love when someone will speak up when she is making a point or just about to catch someone in a lie, and he says, "Do I look like I need any help from you?" Hehehe I could see myself saying that while wearing a black robe with a delicate lace color, okay maybe minus the lace?

94. I always turn off the light when I leave a room, unless of course someone is in there. It really bothers me when the lights are on and no one is in the room.

95. I still make wishes upon stars, and toss pennies into wishing wells!

96. I wish every morning I could just sit down and have a machine do my hair any way I wanted. I think it would save a lot of time. Sort of like the one on the Jetson's that Jane uses every morning! Come on you remember the Jetson's!

97. I like wearing socks that have personality! Meaning, I like color and different patterns. I only wear white when I am working out.

98. I have been working on this post for exactly ninety days! I've been making myself add one or two each day. I've been trying to think of really interesting things.

99. I still like eating Kraft macaroni and cheese with hot dogs in it!

100. I like to spend time by myself at least once a day. Somewhere quiet where I can reflect about whatever is on my mind. If I don't get quiet time I tend to get real grumpy!

101. And to end on a good note my favorite scripture is Matthew 6: 19-21. I will let you look it up!



Thursday, October 02, 2008

Ain't he a handsome little guy?

Joe cut Griffin's hair last night. Isn't he just so cute! I asked him to smile for the camera and he gave me the cutest little look.

I absolutely love that he can talk now! I love when he calls me "Mommy". I love being his mom!
And here is my baby in his new outfit! He picked the shirt out all by himself. He was so excited to wear "Queen" and he had to show everyone today!

Of course he has two cars in his hands. Does he ever go anywhere without at least one car? He even sleeps with them!!!

Pictures and Friends

Everyone always says they have a hard time getting a good picture of LJ. He doesn't like to have his picture taken...but for me he is usually okay with it. This particular picture turned out pretty good.

LJ just buzzed his hair off. He told me it was too hot and he likes it short.Griffin loves when LJ comes over. He didn't really like him at first but now he always snuggles right up close.

LJ and Griffin are both fascinated with this flying helicopter. Every time LJ comes over he says "Tabby where is the helicopter, where is the helicopter, I've got to fly it" He said he found one from somewhere and was going to buy one for himself. We will see...I told him he could come over anytime and fly ours.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Blog going Private

Our "bloggie", as Griffin would call it, is going to be open to invited readers only.

If you would like to continue reading our blog please leave me a comment with your email addy or email me at joe.tabby@gmail.com!

Thanks!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Chicken Noodle Cheese Slop

Every day it seems like it is such a struggle to come with an idea for dinner. We all seem to have our favorite standby's, but after awhile even they get old. Well tonight I whipped up this thing...I know in the picture it doesn't look very appetizing but let me tell ya it was good! Griffin ate almost a whole toddler sizer portion!

I am not sure if this has a name, but I am calling it Chicken Noodle Cheese slop?

The recipe is as follows:

3 lbs chicken breast
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
8-oz Velveeta cheese ( I know scary I've only used Velveeta one other time in my life and it was for a dip!)
2-4 chopped Roma tomatoes
mushrooms
1-small onion chopped
1 package of spaghetti (I use whole wheat pasta. It is better for you, but do as you wish)
*3-4 garlic cloves this is optional we use garlic in everything

Okay so this is real easy peasy you just dice up your chicken or if you prefer cook it up and then shred it. Cook your chicken.

While your chicken is cooking get the pasta cooking.

Chop up onions, tomatoes, garlic. I use a garlic crusher and then soak it in a little olive oil.

Add the onions to your chicken and saute a bit.

After the pasta is done cooking drain it and prepare it however you would like. I infused ours with garlic. Then add it to a bowl and add the cans of soup. Then toss around till all the pasta is coated. Then add the pasta to the meat, and onions which should be warm on the stove. Toss around. Then add in the Velveta. This takes awhile to melt so I just let it sit for a few minutes and the mixed it up real good. Add the tomatoes any salt and pepper make sure everything is heated through and then you are ready to serve!

If you use this recipe let me know what you think?

*I need to add this makes a lot. I think you could serve about 8!