2 days left in 2009

Technically there is about 27 hours left in 2009. I feel like 2009 was one of the longest years and most eventful years of my life. I also feel like 2009 just started! It feels like yesterday my family was here packing to head home. Today they are packing and ready to head home tomorrow. Sad day! I love it when my family is here! I wish they lived closer!!!!!

Here are a few things that happened in 2009.

1. Art was promoted to store manager with his job
2. I quit my job the day he was promoted - what timing!
3. Celebrating ONE year of marriage!!!!
4. I went to visit my family in ND for my moms 50th birthday
5. Sent my resume to about 600 businesses
6. Art turned 41
7. I got a job
8. Art opened his new store
9. I got job #2
10. Brett Favre went to play for the Vikings the one team I have always hated!
11. Found out we were pregnant
12. Had a miscarriage
13. I turned 29
14. We were approved for a home loan
15. We started house hunting!!!

Here are a few things I hope 2010 brings:

1. We find our home
2. Our job's stay secure
3. The economy starts to get better & grow
4. A chubby little baby

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!! What a wonderful Christmas this has been!

Look at all my gifts! I had the biggest pile. I got everything off my list! :)

House #2

This morning we received an email that another offer bid was accepted. We were outbid ONCE AGAIN! We will go look at houses again on Decemebr 27. Our house is out there. I knew going into this that it would take us awhile.

Corn Chowder

I got this delish recipe from Samsters Mommy. I made it last night. It's sooooo yummy. I had to substitute a few things, since I didn't have everything the recipe called for. It still tasted GREAT! I will make this again!!!!


Ingredients:
2 cans corn
3 cu chicken broth
1/2 half & half (I used 8 oz of milk)
6 slices bacon ( I used turkey bacon)
1 onion- chopped
3 yellow potatoes- peeled, cut into 1" cubes
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese (didn't have cheddar cheese, so used monterey cheese)
1/4 cu flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp thyme (I used Italian Seasoning)
In your large pot cook bacon over med-low until crispy. Some Once crispy remove from pot. Add onions & saute until translucent. If they start to stick than go ahead and add a drizzle of olive oil. Next add your flour, salt, pepper & thyme. Cook the flour/onion mixture for 3 minutes stirring well. Add chicken stock & potatoes. Simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Add corn, half & half, cheese & season with additional s & p if necessary. Heat through for another 3 minutes & serve hot with bacon bits as topping.

Pantries!!!!

You know you are getting elderly when you dream of a pantry!!!! There are only 2 requirements for a house. 1. 2 bathrooms 2. pantry!!!!!!!!!!!

Isn't this pantry a beauty!!!!

House Hunting Outing #2

The house hunting continues.......
Sunday we went out and looked at 5 houses. Out of the 5 we found 3 we liked. Sunday was an experience. House #3 that we looked at was the BIGGEST mess I have ever experienced. I didn't feel I could breath while walking through the place. There were 2 or 3 families living in this house with boxes EVERYWHERE! The bedrooms had so much stuff in there I don't think anyone slept in the beds. They had converted the garage into a bedroom and another storage room. BOXES everywhere in this garage. It was horrendous!

House #1 we liked needed no work, but was under priced. We felt we would get outbid on it again.
House #2 - I liked the house, Art wasn't sure. Huge backyard.
House #3 - Art liked the house, I was blah.

Guess which house we put a bid in? DING DING DING House #3!!!!!

We took a trip to Home Depot priced items that would need to be replaced. It wasn't as scary as I thought it would be pricing things. When we got home we looked at Megan's Law and crime reports. That pretty much sealed the deal on which house we put an offer on. The house needs to be upgrade, but it's in good condition. The best part of the house is the Christmas red living room carpet!

Now the waiting game starts again.......

House Hunting Continues

Well looks like we won't be getting the house. Someone offered them cash plus $30K over asking price.....so we will continue to look. We are meeting with the realtor tomorrow to look at 3 homes.

And now we wait.....

We submitted our offer this morning. I think the longest of the process so far was sending a large email with all the paperwork. Now we have to wait to see if they accept our offer. If they accept then we will pay to have an inspector check out the house. Our realtor asked the bank how many offers were coming in. I hope they answer us today. :)
I am ANXIOUS!!!!! It's no fun to keep people waiting when they feel this is their house!

House Hunting

Today Art and I went house hunting for the first time. Our morgage was approved last week. I didn't think we would find anything today, since it was our first time. The first house we looked at I was so discouraged because of all the work that is needed. The realtor took us next door to a house that was update with the same floor plan. AMAZING!!!! Although they wanted $125K more for that house. It gave me hope that the crummy house could be fixed up.

Off to house #2. House #2 was NICE! It needs minimal work. The master bathroom needs new flooring and the shower redone and new molding through the house. It was new paint, nice carpet, hardwood floors, a nice backyard. The garage needs to be painted and cleaned. Overall nothing major needs to be done.

We looked at a few more houses after that. One of the houses had dark panelling on the walls. GROSS!!!! One of the rooms had a 1/2 bath. It looked like someone had smacked up a wall and threw in a toilet & sink. It was just a gross house! Aw no thanks!

We decided tonight to put an offer in house #2. I have a feeling we will be one of many offers that will be put in on the house. I contact our realtor and she is in the process of getting all the paperwork ready. Tomorrow morning we will sign the papers and submit them. Craziness!!!!

If this is the house for us it will all work out!!!!

Cute Wreath Idea

Felt Wreath

Isn't this wreath super cute! I think I might do a red and white one for valentines day.


Link to instructions
http://www.domestifluff.com/2009/11/how-to-make-a-ruffly-felt-rosette-wreath/

Bittersweet

Today I had a check up with my doctor. I have been dreading my appointment all weekend. Today at 9am Art and I were suppose to hear a heartbeat. I was crying last night as I went to bed. I was so sad because I feel like life can be so unfair at times.

I arrived at the doctors office and the nurse called me back. She was so sweet!!!! She asked me how I was doing, was so caring and concerned. We were talking about Thanksgiving etc. She said her whole family came over and her niece just had a baby. She said my niece had a miscarriage and 3 months later found out she was pregnant. Now her niece has a beautiful little boy. She told me a couple other funny family stories and I was cracking up at her.

The doctor came in and was just so incredibly caring! He sat and talked with me. Check to make sure I was doing ok physically and emotionally. He reminded me a few times it's ok to feel sad. He said you have been through a lot physically and emotionally. He talked to me how this is how things should happen with nature. If things aren't right nature will take care of things. Just the way he talked to me was so touching!

I honestly wasn't sure about him the first time I met him. I almost changed doctors. I am so glad I didn't. Him and his nurse are just the best! I felt I was able to get through the appointment with a positive outlook.

Good news is I lost 5 pounds since I was there on November 19. Wooo hooooo....now I just need to lose 3 more and I am down 10 pounds since October 19.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I am officially 29 on the 29th. Today has been a wonderful day. Art got up and made me french toast for breakfast. It was seriously some of the BEST french toast ever! Around 12:30 we went over to his parents for pizza, cake and presents.

When Art turned 40 I bought him stuff he would need for his elderly age. Well today he informed me I am getting old, so he wrapped up some of the same items. Epsom salt, pill dispenser, denture cleaner, mouse traps to trim my toe nails, paint brush to put on my make up and some old mirrors I had put in the trash. All these items were in a box. I kept looking for a gift hidden in the box. There was not gift.

The next box I opened I wasn't expecting much. There was a little blue bag with a diamond necklace!!!!! Whooooo hooooooo!!!! It's sooo beautiful! I have to get a new chain for it because the chain that came with it is to short.

Art's parents gave me money and Amber bought me a cd. I received my gifts from my parents last week. My parents sent me some clothes, gift cards and various other things. Lacey sent me a cd, meat hammer (I requested the meat hammer) and I don't remember what else was in the box. Elderly age is setting in!

It was a great day! Now I am just going to relax!

Christmas List

Here are a few items for my Christmas list.

1. Houndstooth Bag - Target

I had the above bag in my cart tonight at Target. I took it out when I found 2 shirts I wanted to buy with my gift card. I couldn't justify buying 2 shirts and a new bag. I LOVE this bag! It would be sooo cute to carry to work!

2. Brown Riding Boots - Avenue

I went and tried these boots on today. They looked super cute! I took Art with me to see where the store was and what size to buy.

3. Itunes gift card - I need some new music for my ipod. I listen to my ipod to and from work every day.

4. Black Sweater - Lands End

5. Bath & Body Works shower gel - Sweat Pea, Coconut Lime Verbena and Cucumber Melon

6. Julie & Julia Book

7. Microfiber blanket - brown

8. Rachael Ray - orange ladle & spoon

I even made a Stocking list. lol

1. shaver - I use Art's shaver and he gets so mad. He says it dulls the blades. I told him for Christmas he could get me one like his for my stocking. He has the mach 3. I couldn't find them at the store. He claims he found the "girl" version. I would be perfectly happy with the "boy" version. That thing works so great!

2. Paul Mitchell Strength shampoo & conditioner - LOVE this stuff!

I think for stockings this year I am going to buy practical things instead of little knick knacks. I am trying to stop buying gifts that people won't use. My list of items above are all practical and I will use every single item. :)

Surprise

Last night Art took me to the first hotel we ever stayed at. It was so sweet! We went out to eat and watched a movie in our room. How romantic is my husband. :)

And we're off

Art is taking me some place for the night....I have no idea where. SO EXCITED!!!! He said pack a bag.

Tomorrow we are coming home to put up our tree. =)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!! I am so very thankful for my wonderful husband!

This morning we slept in and then I went to the couch to watch the Macy's Day Parade. It didn't hold my attention for very long. I was up making food to take to my IL's. We spent Thanksgiving with Art's parents. I feel like the stuffed turkey!!! It was so yummy!

This is the second Thanksgiving that I have been away from my sister. So sad! My side of the family was all split up this year. Billy called me earlier today. He asked what time we were eating today. I told him 2pm. He said who came up with eating at 2pm? What's wrong with eating at noon? Ummm I am not sure. I asked him what time they were eating....he replied 2pm. LOL No wonder he isn't happy about the 2pm start time.

Tomorrow the Christmas decorating begins! I am soooo excited!

My Great Husband!

Here is my husband who has been taking care of me for 2 days. He has gotten up with me in the middle of the night, brought me drinks, ran to the store, whatever I have needed he has been right there. What a great husband I have!

Family Pictures

We had family pictures taken last Sunday. These are the 2 that I like.

Excitement & Saddness

The past month has been filled with excitement and saddness. On October 27 I took a pregnancy test and it was positive!!! We were soooo excited! Our first appointment was on November 6. I had calculated everything and knew I should be 4-5 weeks at this point. At the dr appoinment the dr could only find a small sack about 1 cm. I felt in my gut at this point something wasn't right. The dr told us I wasn't as far along as I thought I was and he felt everything was on track.

On October 28 my Beta count was 808, November 6 Beta 8,000 and November 8 Beta 10,000. I was concerned because the number didn't double within 48 hours. The dr said to come back on Nov 30 and we should hear a heartbeat.

On November 19 I was at work. I went to the bathroom and noticed I was bleeding. I called the advice nurse, she set up a time for the dr to call me within 30 minutes. The dr called and said for me to come in at 1:30pm. I called Art at work crying because I knew I was in the process of a miscarriage. He said he would meet me at the house at 1pm and we could drive together. I left work and headed home.

We met with the dr for an ultrasound. The dr could only find an empty sack. My heart was so heavy! I had been so excited because finally my dream to be a mom was coming true. We had told our parents, Billy & Mandy, Lacey and Amber we were having a baby. Everyone was sooo excited. I knew these phone calls were going to be so hard. The grandma's were just bouncing off the walls with excitement. My poor mom and mother in law have taken this loss the hardest! I feel so bad for them.

We met with the dr in her office. She gave us 3 options on how to handle the miscarriage.
1. let nature take it's course and pass everything naturally
2. take some pills to pass everything within 24 hours
or
3. D&C

My first option was a D&C. They couldn't get me in until Tuesday. I really wanted this all to be over by Monday. I wanted to start the week fresh and enjoy our holiday weekend. I opted to take the pills. The dr explained that I would insert a few pills vaginally and in 24 hours everything should pass. She said you will experience some pain, so I am giving you vicaden and motrin 800. I asked her if I would even be awake to feel anything. She said if the pain gets too bad then you need to take another vicaden.

Last night at 9:30 I took the vicaden and motrin. At around 10pm I inserted the other pills. Midnight I woke up and felt like a mack truck had run over me! I have some pretty horrendous cramps from my monthly visitor, but this was about 10 times worse. It felt like someone was ripping my insides out. I hadn't ever experienced a pain like this! I took another vicaden to help with the pain. Shortly after I started throwing up. I threw up every hour until 7am. Nothing was taking the pain away. I couldn't sleep, lay down, stand up, nothing. The heating pad didn't help, took a bath nothing.

At around 4am I was able to doze off for a little while. Art had brought me a half of a motrin. That seemed to get the pain to subside a tiny bit. 7am I woke up grabbed the bucket and headed to the bathroom. That is when everything passed and my vomiting stopped. From 7am-9am I was able to sleep a little, but the pain was still horrendous. I was at the point of telling Art to take me to the hospital to get an IV with pain medication.

At 9am the last of everything passed and the pain went down to a dull cramping. Needless to say in 12 hours I went to hell and back. I can't believe that giving birth is more pain than what I experienced. I would NEVER recommend anyone to take the pills over a D&C.

It's over thank God!!!!! I am still taking some motrin, so I am a little drugged writing this blog. I have handled everything very well emotionally. I had prayed numerous times that if something was wrong that God would take the baby now and give me strength. Everything happens for a reason.

I have a wonderful husband who stood beside! He is my rock! I am not sure I could have done this without him. Hopefully 2010 will bring us another BFP!!!!

Countdown!

There are 12 days until my birthday and 38 days until Christmas. Let the festivities begin!!!!!

Smile!

On my way to work each morning there is a little old homeless man standing in the same place every day with the biggest smile on his face. Everyone morning we greet each other with Good Morning. On my way home he is in the same place again with a big smile. We say good night. This man always looks so happy. One day he had on a hoodie sweatshirt with a bunch of bling. He looked so proud of his new hoodie. It made me laugh.

Someone gave him a banana one morning and he was soooo happy! This morning I was thinking we all need to be more like him. Smile and greet people. I can have 100 things on my mind walking to work, but I always smile after I see him. If he can be happy and homeless I should be able to be happy.

All in 2 minutes

Every single day is an adventure working in San Francisco. The first month when I started working in the city I would email my mom every morning of crazy stories. Lately I have been reading books on the train ride, so I dont notice all the craziness.

Today I went outside at work. In my building is a day care. They have a play ground a few hundred feet from the building. They were lining up to come in for lunch. One of the little boys takes off running. He runs behind a basketball hoop hiding his face. The teachers are calling him...Wesley you aren't going to get lunch if you don't come with us. I cracked up laughing watching him running away. He just wanted to stay outside.

I turn the corner and there is a 60 year old playing hacky sack. Now I didn't even know people played with those crazy balls...let alone a 60+ yr old man.

The adventures you can have in 2 minutes on a San Francisco street!

1 Month & 3 Days

I will turn 29. I can't even begin to tell you how much I am dreading turning 29. Yes, to some people I am still young...BUT I have loved my 20's. I have learned more in these past 8 years than I could have ever imagined. Some of the most exciting moments and greatest accomplishments so far have happened. I know there are lots of great moments and accomplishments ahead of me.

I remember being a little girl thinking I can't wait to be 24-27 and how great life would be. I imagined as a young girl moving to a big city and living alone...check! All these moments I imagined when I was younger have taken place....except one thing...becoming a mother. I am not sure if that will happen before the big 3-0 strikes BUT I know it will happen.

2009 has been a rough year and such a great year. I feel this year I took more control of my life and did what makes Becky happy. I feel I have been working on that for the past 5 years. I have always been a fighter, but this year a whole new meaning of fighting took place.

I was thinking the other day how I can't believe I resigned from my previous employer and walked out. WOW was I thinking clearly when I did that? ABSOLUTELY!!!! It was the best decision I made, but one of the hardest. I have one life to live and it's not going to be miserable working some place I don't love.

Twenty Nine is about to come in a month.....what will year 29 bring? Maybe a house? Baby? New car? Hmmmm these are the exciting moments that could come. I have to make my last year in my 20's the best year.

Christmas Countdown

Do you know it's 63 days until Christmas???? How EXCITING!!!! Tonight I went to visit my dear friend Target....I haven't been to the back aisle where all the clearance goodies are held in way too long! I spent an hour going down each back aisle searching for all those must haves. I actually came out with some great deals. I can't share them since some are for Christmas. =)

I can't wait to start decorating for Christmas. My goal is to have all my shopping done by November 15. This weekend I need to pull out everything I have and see what else I need to buy. I have already gathered most of the Christmas lists. We need to take a picture for our Christmas cards. I would say I am half ways ready for the BIG event!!!!

This is my 100th post by the way!

Libby & My New Hair

Here I am with my new hair do and introducing Little Miss Libby...isn't she a doll! Libby is modeling her very first outfit.....I bought it for her when Cindy told me she was pregnant. Green turtle sleeper.

I decided the other day I was going to cut my hair....I cut 4 inches off and added a lot of layers. Here is the new hair do! I am not sure what I think of it. I haev gotten a lot of compliment and people thought I only added layers. Oh Lord hellooooooo didn't you see my hair was down my back??? People are oblivious!

Libby in another outfit I bought her. How cute are those leggings. She is just so adorable!!!! I bought one of her Christmas presents tonight. I am not sure I will be able to not give it to her right away.

A Smart & Final just opened by our house. The above picture is just a google image. I decided to go there tonight and buy some of the sale items. When I arrived they actually had such great sales, so I did all my grocery shopping. We pack breakfast, lunch 4 days a week and go out to eat on Friday. We make dinner at home 5 nights a week. In the past 6 months we have reduced the amount of times we eat out.

I normally shop at Food Maxx and spend about $120 for 2 weeks. Tonight I used coupons and saved over $40. I spent $77 for all our food for 2 weeks. I bought a whole chicken, chicken thighs, lots of meat, veggies, fruit....I bought 1 gallon of milk for $2 bucks. DEAL!!!!!!!

As I was walking out of the store I couldn't believe the cart was PACKED full and I spent less than $80 bucks!

Eeeek

I was features on My Mama Made It. Eeeekkk how cool!!!!
http://mymamamadeit.blogspot.com/2009/10/gossamer-collar-shirt-refashion.html

Tshirt Refashioning

I bought this tshirt yesterday at Old Navy. It was actually a tshirt dress. I thought this would be perfect for a refashioned tshirt. I cut it to the legth I wanted a tshirt. I used the rest of the fabric to cut hearts. I sewed each of the hearts to the shirt.

Alexis taught us yesterday at our class how to make this tshirt. I am so in love with it! I want to make a ton more. It was so simple too! The most time consuming part of it was sewing each heart on. I think it took me an hour to make.

Jcrew is selling these tshirts for $35 bucks. I made mine for $4 bucks. What a deal!

Tshirt Refashion Class

Yesterday was my tshirt refashion class. I had so much fun. Alexis is so talented! She is incredibly sweet! Here are the tshirts I made yesterday. Pictures didn't turn out very good. The shirt don't haev spots. My camera is acting up.

I added the flower today. I am not sure about it. I want to add something else to this shirt, but I am struggling. Maybe I need to add 2 flowers.

GIVEAWAY On Make It and Love It

I love the Glam Bag!!!!! Here is a giveaway on Make It or Love it! How cute is the Boo Bag!
http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-sponsor-and-giveawayare-you-ready.html
Check out her Etsy site too.

What an Exciting Day!!!!

My very good friend Cindy had her baby today! Cindy found out in January she was pregnant and we were sooooo excited. Cindy's due date September 24. Cindy & Kurt decided not to find out the sex of the baby. Cindy and I were convinced it was a boy since day one.

Last night I called Cindy on my way home from work to find out how her doctor appointment went. She was over due by 4 days. She said they scheduled a c section for September 30. I asked her to tell Kurt to text me boy or girl afterwards.

This morning I sent her a text saying only 24 hours left. I received a text back saying Maybe not at the hospital now. WHAT?!?!?!?! So for hours I sat on pins and needles. I must have checked my phone 100 times a minute.

I received a text message a couple hours later saying It's a GIRL! Little Miss Libby has arrived. I am soooo excited!!!! I can't wait to go out this weekend and buy her a little dress. Kurt sent me a picture of her earlier today. She is beautiful! 9 pounds 2 ounces 20 inches long. She has the most ADORABLE chubby cheeks! I can't wait to meet her!!!!

When I walked into work this morning my boss was walking by the front door. I had my ipod on, so I couldn't hear a word she was saying. I turned it off and she was all excited. She said we heard from the client we sent an RFP and we are schedule to make a presentation next week. You are going with us to LA. YIPPEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! This was soooo very exciting for me. I haven't ever been involved in the process of acquiring new business. Next week I will fly to LA with my boss and the regional VP.

5K Breast Cancer Walk

Today Art and I got up at 6am to get ready for HERS Breast Cancer 5K walk. My goal was to finish the race in under and hour and NOT be last. We finished in 59 minutes. I jogged to the finish when I saw the time. I was determined for it not to say 1 hour. The walk was around Quarry Lakes in Fremont. It felt really good to finish the marathon for such a good cause. The money will help local women who are fighting breast cancer. There were so many survivors there. One lady said she is a survivor for 35 years. She was elderly and did the whole walk with a walker! AMAZING!!!!

Cancer survivors released doves
Doves circling over head

Art and I at the beginning of the race.

Tshirt Refashion Class

The first weekend in October Art always goes away with his buddies for lumber jack days. This year I was trying to plan something fun to do. I was just reading some of the blogs I subscribe too and read mymamamadeit.blogspot.com was offering a class in Santa Cruz, CA. It's a tshirt refashion class. I called the studio to see if they still had space and what I would need to bring with me. I just need to bring at least 2 tshrits. I signed up immediately! I love how "my mama made it" refashions clothes! I have been wanting to make tshirt with ruffles, so here is my chance!!!!!

http://mymamamadeit.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-mama-made-it-news.html

PINK!!!!!

Thursday night I went to see PINK!!!! It was an AMAZING show. I can't believe how much energy that girl has. She had dislocated her shoulder, but she ran around that stage all night long in high heels!

Fruits of our Labor

Remember my post on my "city garden"? Well here are some of the tomatoes that we just picked. Art also planted potato peels and 2 dime size potatoes have popped up.

Tail Light

I am happy to report my left tail light has FINALLY been replaced!!!!! I think it's been 4 yrs ago someone rear ended me and smashed my tail light. I covered it in red tape and honestly didn't think about it again. My FIL has been on my case to get it fixed. I ordered a tail light from Ebay a few months back. Accidently had it sent to "the dark place". I was told by H R that they sent it back to the company because they had no idea what to do with it. OBLIVIOUS!!!! The company never received it back.

I ordered another one last week. It arrived DH put it on and it looks AMAZING! I will no longer look like a red neck in my red mustang.

Happy Birthday Fausha!!!!

Today is my dad's birthday! I am so sad I can't be there to celebrate his birthday with him! Happy Birthday Dad!

Met Grant from Myth Busters

Today is the grand oening of Art's new store! So excited for him! They had a big open house and lunch. I left work early, so I could go. Someone mentioned the guys from Myth Busters are here. I look over and there is Grant from Myth Busters. He was standing right beside me, so I said could I take a picture with me? He was gracious enough to do so!!! 2009 is a year for me to meet celebrities!

Art's company will be featured on an upcoming episode of Myth Busters. They donate a lot of different stuff to help Myth Busters. I believe the episode is something about blowing up a Christmas tree. Grant said it should be on after October 7. It's not the season premium but shortly afterward.

Stromboli

I did a lot of cooking on Sunday. I put stuff in containers for us to take to work this week. I am trying to cook enough on Sunday that we dont have to do a lot during the week. We take lunch and breakfast with us 4 days a week. This was sooo easy!!!

1 package of refrigerated Pillsbury Pizza Crust
1/2 cup freshly shredded mozzarella
2 teaspoons fresh grated parmesan (I omitted this I do not like parmesan)
1 cup pasta sauce divided
1 pound of ground turkey
2 teaspoons of milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cook ground turkey meat
3. Layer the turkey and mozzarella cheese over the sause. Cut 12 strips of the dough. Fold strips over filling, so they overlap. Brush with milk and sprinkle with parmesan.
4. Bake for 12 minutes

Jessica Simpson's Chicken & Dumplings

I made this on Sunday and it was DELISH!!!!! I will for sure make this again!

1 Rotisserie Chicken, off the bone, shredded
3 cans crescent rolls
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup chicken broth

Roll chicken into the cresent rolls, and pace seam side down in a greased 9x13 pan
I used 2 cans of the rolls and it covered the entire pan. I had a lot of chicken left over though.
Whisk together both soups with the broth and pour over the chicken rolls. I also mixed 1/2 pound of frozen veggies in the soups. Use the 3rd can to make a crust over the top of the rolls.

Bake 30 minutes at 400 degrees.

Ready to go for a bike ride!!!!

Phone & Camera Case

iPhone Case Front
iPhone case - Back

Camera case

One of the nesties sent me a picture of a case she found and wanted to know if I could make her one. I sent her a couple pictures of fabric and she picked the birds. It was super easy. I put batting in the middle of each layer and put a small pocket in the inside. This way she can put her ID in the case with her phone and head to the gym.

Crafts, Crafts & More Crafts

This weekend I was able to finish 2 throw pillows, 5 key chains, 3 hot pot holders, and 1 coaster. I was able to get some Christmas gifts done too. Oh yes, I also did 2 onesies for a friend. I need to go through the Christmas box because I think I already have a lot of the shopping done. =)

Ribbon Necklace

One of my favorite blogs Samster Mommy had the cutest tutorial for a ribbon necklace. I fell in LOVE with it and decided I was going to make it. I went to Michael's today to buy the supplies. I wanted to make it with cream ribbon and black beads. They didn't have the right size black beads, so I went with pearl. I just LOVE how it turned out. Natasha is the best at replicating fashions to help save money.

Here is the link for the tutorial.

http://samstermommy.blogspot.com/2009/08/jcrew-ribbons-necklace.html

Pillow Case

I started making this pillow case with Art and I initials 3 yrs ago when we had started dating. I found it today still uncompleted. I decided to finish it. I don't think I will even bother starting the second one. I used three different designs of brown fabric. Hand stitched all around them.

Completed Crafts

I made this necklace today. I have wanted to make this for over a year. I really like how it turned out. I might even wear it for my first day of work.

Stinkerpants Giveaway

Check out the link below and participate in the give away. How cute are these cards? I would love to send out these Holiday cards!!!! Adorable designs.

http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/2009/08/25/stinkerpants-giveaway/comment-page-3/#comment-2652

You can find stinkerpants and EAD websites below.

http://stinkerpants.com/
http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/living/

End of one chapter beginning of another

Yesterday was my last day at my job. I liked my last job, but I felt it wasn't a challenge anymore. In 3 months I felt I was able to get everything organized and running smoothly. I couldn't see myeslf there for years to come. I think they are a great company, offer a great service and have awesome employees. My boss was so incredible. I thanked her yesterday numerous times. I said I just feel worth while again by a boss. Something I haven't felt in years. My boss said I hope you don't ever take abuse in the future like you had in the past. She gave me some very encouraging and caring words before I left. She tried to convince me to stay and I thought it was very sweet. When I left she said if you ever need a job I will hire you in a second.

Monday I start at the new company. I am so very excited. I sent this new company my resume back in May. They contacted me in July and I interviewed with them 3 times. When they called to offer me the job I was jumping up and down. I am sooo very excited. I will be taking Bart to work each day. This past Saturday Art and I made a trail run. I set up my Bart ezrider card today for fare and parking fees.

I am excited to be traveling to the city. I ordered myself a wool coat. I haven't bought a new coat in about 7 yrs. I don't even have a winter coat anymore. I left my coat at my parents house in North Dakota. When I fly in I will have them bring the coat with them and I will hang it in the closet before I leave. The city is VERY cold in the winter. Wool coat and scarves here I come!!!!

Celebrity News

I am not one to usually like things celebs say about abortion, but this article is different. I have been thinking about it the past few days. I thought I would post it. It's from people.com


Kourtney Kardashian Agonized Over Whether to Keep Her Baby
By David Caplan
Originally posted Wednesday August 19, 2009 08:00 AM EDT

Kourtney Kardashian's unplanned pregnancy forced the shocked reality TV star to make one of the most difficult decisions in her life: Would she have the baby or terminate the pregnancy? "I definitely thought about it long and hard, about if I wanted to keep the baby or not, and I wasn't thinking about adoption," Kardashian, 30, who was shooting E!'s Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami at the time, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "I do think every woman should have the right to do what they want, but I don't think it's talked through enough. I can't even tell you how many people just say, 'Oh, get an abortion.' Like it's not a big deal." Scott Disick, the baby's 26-year-old father, was supportive either way. The pair had split in November after two years of dating, but reconciled shortly after finding out she was pregnant. "He wanted me to talk about it more, but I just kept to myself," she says. "He said, 'I really want you to keep it, but I will support you whatever you decide to do.'" Confused and concerned, Kardashian says, "I called my best friend crying, and I was like, 'I don't know what to do.' She said, 'Call your doctor, and at least find out the risks and stuff.' " So Kardashian discussed abortion with her physician, and then headed to the Internet to do further research. "I looked online, and I was sitting on the bed hysterically crying, reading these stories of people who felt so guilty from having an abortion," she recalls. "I was reading these things of how many people are traumatized by it afterwards." After scouring the Internet, Kardashian says she started to realize that an abortion wasn't an option for her. "I was just sitting there crying, thinking, 'I can't do that,' " she says. "And I felt in my body, this is meant to be. God does things for a reason, and I just felt like it was the right thing that was happening in my life." Kardashian says she did some intense soul-searching. "For me, all the reasons why I wouldn't keep the baby were so selfish: It wasn't like I was raped, it's not like I'm 16. I'm 30 years old, I make my own money, I support myself, I can afford to have a baby. And I am with someone who I love, and have been with for a long time." Although Kardashian sought out the advice of others, she says it was her decision – and hers alone – that was the most important. "I really wanted to think it through for myself, and not hear what my sisters were saying, or what Scott was saying. Even though I took it all in, I wanted it to be my decision," she says. "My doctor told me there is nothing you will ever regret about having the baby, but he was like, 'You may regret not having the baby.' And I was like: That is so true. And it just hit me. I got so excited, and when I told Scott he was so excited. But I think if I had said I'm not going to keep it, I really think he would have pushed me into keeping it."

I HATE SNAKES!!!!

I went to get my lunch out of the fridge today and what do I see....a snake. Back in July my employer had a picnic at the zoo. Art found this snake in the gift shop and HAD to have it. I find this snake in my purse, work bag, under my pillow, by the foot of the bed, by the front door....you name it he has put the snake around the house trying to scare me. I pick it up and throw it across the room screaming I HATE SNAKES!!!! He thinks it's hysterical. He wanted to put the snake in my car this morning, but ran out of time.