Wishin' And Hopin'

And Thinkin' and Prayin'

Plannin' and Dreamin'

A girl can dream, can't she?  This is my summer wardrobe wish list! 

1. Anthropologie: Colored Pencil Cardigan  2. Michael Kors Belt  3. Banana Republic: Embellished Tee  

4. Anthropologie: Golden Koi Sandals  5. Anthropologie: Whirl & Wind Cardigan 6. Anthropologie: Cooling Palette Dress

7. Nixon: The Kensington Watch  8. linkeldesigns: Petite Bloom Earrings

So as I sit and dream...or wish - here are a few things that have been going on around here.  FIRST- tomorrow marks exactly ONE year since Andy left.  Remember this??

 Well hopfully in about three weeks there will be a similar picture - only this time a Hello instead of a Goodbye.  I definitely don't think it has hit either of us, and probably won't hit me until he is actually here. Three more Sundays, that's what I keep telling myself.  Although with the Army, I guess you never really know for sure. 

I can't go a post without sharing some pictures of Noah.  I took these pictures last Tuesday.  He seems to have an infatuation for sitting on top of boxes or laundry baskets...don't ask me why, but it sure is cute! 

Noah's favorite things as of late??

Pancakes

Dancing

Old MacDonald

PJ Funnybunny: It's Not Easy Being a Bunny

Typing on the Keyboard

Talking on the Phone (or pretending to)

Going Up and Down the stairs (and up and down again)

Fruit Snacks

Bath Time

Being Outside

If you are looking for a good children's book, check out the one I linked above - PJ Funnybunny.  Noah is obsessed with this story.  Yesterday I think I read it to him at least 6 times.  It's his favorite!

Lastly, this has been a project I have been meaning to complete for some time.  My parents got me this antique chair when I was in high school...and since living with my parents (and re-inheriting the chair) I decided I wanted to change the upholstery on it.  I think it turned out rather nice, and now it matches my duvet perfectly!  Here's a little before and after:

ps. my mom deserves props for helping me with this one!!

Sleep When They Sleep

Back when I was pregnant with Noah, everyone (even people I didn't know) advised me to 'get all the sleep you can, cuz when they come you won't be getting any!'  Then after I had Noah people would say,  'sleep when he sleeps!'   I have to say, that is some of the best advice I have ever received...and I still sleep when he sleeps.  Not every nap mind you, but I figure why can't I lay down for a little 30 minute nap while Noah takes his.  Is that a crime?

At one of my wedding showers (which I had jointly with my BFF Chelsea) everyone went around the room and offered Chelsea and I advice about marriage.  I don't remember most of them, there were probably some like 'don't go to bed mad' or 'always put your spouse before yourself' - you know, the usual.  But one gal (I can't even recall who) said, ' If you are in an argument, argue naked.  It's hard to be mad when you are standing around with no clothes on.'  To which Chelsea's aunt replied, 'Unless you're my age, then it only makes things worse.'  Although I have never tested this advice myself, I am sure it works.

I have received many pieces of advice - some I have sought out and some I have just been given.  I likewise have given my fair share of advice.  But what good is the advice you give, if you aren't living by the things you say?  I rarely read advice columns, in fact rarely doesn't even apply - I never do.  But while reading through a religious article I ran across this letter that was written to Anne Landers (probably many years ago):

“Dear Ann Landers: A year ago our two-year-old son, Earl, had difficulty breathing, so we took him to a doctor. We learned Earl is allergic to cigarette smoke. My husband said we both had to quit smoking right then and there. He hasn’t touched a cigarette since. I went back to smoking that same night. My husband doesn’t know I smoke. I have to sneak around and smoke in the basement. And it is making a nervous wreck of me. Do you think it would be wrong if we let a nice couple adopt little Earl—a nice couple, who don’t smoke? The only problem is that my husband is crazy about the boy. I love him, too, but I am the more practical type. What do you think, Ann?” 

"Dear Mrs. ____: I think a lot of people who read this letter are going to say I made it up. It’s utterly fantastic that a mother would put cigarettes ahead of her own child. Don’t present your wild idea to your husband. I wouldn’t blame him if he decided to keep little Earl and unload you.” Taken from: Thomas S. Monson, “Only a Teacher,” Ensign, Jan 1990

I couldn't believe my eyes.  How selfish could one woman be, to even feel the need to write a letter and ask Ann Landers a question where the answer seems clear.  Sometimes that's what advice is I guess...asking someone for answers that we may already have ourselves!   So tell me, what is some of the best advice you have been given- no matter how cliche' it may be.

My source for great advice:  www.lds.org

JAMBA!

Noah's first Jamba Juice.....

Can you tell he loved it?

Shortcake

Ok, ok...I know I am on a month long hiatus from any sweets!  And things have been going remarkably well!  But I have one confession......

Does strawberry shortcake count?  Ok, stupid question.  Anyway, I had to make one exception, obviously.  I found this recipe on Allrecipes (so it's not a family secret).  If you are smart, you will give it a try- because trust me, it was delish! 

Strawberry Shortcake

2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour

4 tea baking powder

2 Tbsp white sugar

1/4 tea salt

1/3 cup shortening

1 egg

2/3 cup milk

Prepared strawberries

Whipping cream

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Grease and flour one 8 inch round cake pan.  In a medium bowl combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.  With a pastry blender cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Make a well in the center and add the beaten egg and milk.  Stir until just combined.  Spread batter into the prepared pan.  Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Let cool partially in pan.  Cut and serve with strawberries and whipping cream. YUM! 

I love to bake.  I don't do it often, but when I get the chance I always enjoy myself.  I follow a great blog called 'I Am Baker' and Amanda (the genius) is amazing.  I am sure I can't replicate any of them myself, but I love to look.  I may, however, attempt this beauty ....

{Pictures property of Amanda @ I am Baker}

It was love at first sight when I saw this on Amanda's blog.  Isn't it awesome??  If you want to see her original post look no further...follow the link here:  I am Baker: Mother's Day Garden Party    You may even try it yourself, and become a follower - her stuff is great!

As a side note, some of you know that I have a little craft blog that I update occasionally called CinderellaSews  I really enjoy putting my projects up for everyone to enjoy, but have realized that I am not even sure how many people even read it!  So after a long discussion (probably a little too long) with my wonderful husband Andy- about my priorities, I have decided to take a break from CinderellaSews and focus only on the family blog.  I won't be deleting it, just not updating it for a while.  If you do check it, I will still post some fun projects here, on my family blog, from time to time.   If I run across any great projects or free patterns I will still pass them along to you, and I hope you will return the favor (I love free stuff!).  

PS. Let me know if you are going to make Amanda's cake!! 

Getting Inspired

My girlfriend Brittany recently posted something on her facebook that read- '14 Things You Never Say to a Military Wife'  the following are my favorite from the list....

2. "I don't know how you manage. I don't think I could do it."

-This is intended to be a compliment. Though, its just a little annoying. Here's why: it's not like all of us military wives have been dreaming since childhood of the day we'd get to be anxious single moms who carry cell phones with us to the bathroom and in the shower. We're not made of some mysterious matter that makes us more capable, we just got asked to take on a challenging job. So we rose to the challenge and found the strength to make sacrifices.

8. "My husband had to go to Europe for business once for three weeks. I totally know what you're going through."
-This one is similar to number two. Do not equate your husband's three week trip to London/Omaha/Tokyo/etc. with a 12-15 month or more deployment to a war zone. Aside from the obvious time difference, nobody shot at your husband or tried to blow him up with an I.E.D., your husband could call home pretty much any time he wanted to, he flew comfortably on a commercial plane, slept between crisp white sheets and ate well, paying for everything with an expense account. There is no comparison. We do not feel bonded to you in the slightest because of this comment and, if anything, we probably resent you a bit for it. Comparing a 12 month combat deployment to a few weeks business trip is like comparing a Ford Taurus with a Mercedes convertible. 

There were others (12 others, that all rang true in some way)- you can find the link HERE. One of my favorite points made was... We learn to appreciate the important things, like simply hearing their voices, seeing their faces, being able to have dinner together every night.


Ain't that the truth?!  This morning I was talking to Andy about how excited I am to just be able to decorate our home...to dust my lamps, and vacuum my floor, to cook my family dinner, to sleep next to my husband, to watch TV late at night with Andy, or go out to dinner.  I am excited to buy new furniture and hang curtains.  I can't wait to have a BBQ and go play tennis.  Does that sound silly?  I have realized that what I appreciate the most are the little things that we can do as a family.  Living with my parents has been WONDERFUL, and life saving.  They have given me support that I could not have found anywhere else, but I am SO excited for this phase in our lives to be over.  I am ready for the end of this deployment. 


We will hit our year mark next week, and then it will still be at least another 3 weeks until we get to see Andy...but the end is in sight...and in the mean time I have become inspired by these...

... And those are just a few of the pictures I have saved.  I mean really, doesn't this just make you want to go paint your bedroom?  I've already warned Andy that he may have to lot me a portion of our savings to turn our home into the place I hope it will be...unfortunately military housing won't allow me to paint...so I will have to make up for it in other ways!  Here's to finding way's to be inspired...what inspires you? 

Tantrums At The Park

Like I mentioned previously, the weather has been beautiful...and since Noah loves to spend so much time outside...well, we have spent a lot of time outside.  Today I took the boys...Noah and E to the park.  Noah threw an awesome tantrum when it was time to leave.  Please tell me I am not the only one with this problem!?  This is definitely a new stage for Noah...and for me.

I hope it never comes to something like this...



haha, OK OK...I would never let it come to that.  Trust me.  If my child ever behaved in such a way, he would be very sorry!  Anyway, despite his tantrum...we had a great time.  It's a good thing he is so gosh darn cute!  These pictures are from our visit to the park last week...we had the place all to ourselves! It was great.

Also today, my little brother Mike found these two rocking chairs in my parents storage.  One belonged to me when I was a little girl...and Noah and E were sure enjoying them.  Don't they look like two little old men sitting on a front porch?! ha.  They sure make me smile. 

My Running Playlist...

If you are anything like me, you have to have new music every week to workout to.  Needless to say Itunes is my best friend.  If you frequent my blog, you are no stranger to my music posts...where I share some of my current favorites.  Here they are, in no particular order.

Two Door Cinema Club: Something Good Can Work
(this was a free download on Itunes and I am hooked!)





VHS or BETA:  Bring on the Comets
(ok, ok.  So I may have got this off of The Last Song soundtrack...but it's a great tune, wouldn't you agree?)




OneRepublic: Good Life
Andy got me this Album for Christmas and I have really enjoyed it.  This is my favorite song off the CD.



Shontelle: Impossible
This is kind of a random one thrown in here, seen as though the other three were more alternative, but I love it.



Lastly David Archuleta: Touch My Hand
I am sure this one is older, but it's new to me...and I think I like it!



Tell me, what songs do you love?

To My Anonymous Friends..

I failed to include a note in my previous post for my anonymous readers.  SO- for those of you who may read my blog anonymously, those who have linked to my blog...but I have not linked to yours, those who may know Andy personally, but not me...or any other similar circumstance....please send me your blog addresses as well.  If you keep up with us, we would love to keep up with you!!

OK, that's the last I will say about it! Promise :)


As a side note...have you read this story??? Unbelievable!
Father of Marine Killed in Iraq Sues Church for Cheering Death

Yes you read that correctly.  A church in Baltimore has been protesting the deaths of US soldiers killed in war...claiming they are 'Going to hell'.  It's amazing to me that anyone could protest the funeral of a soldier who died so these crazy people can maintain their right to speak so freely.  Like I said,  UNBELIEVABLE!

Is It True? Has Spring Really Sprung?!

So I hope the title of this post doesn't jinx me (I am knocking on wood at this moment)!  The weather here has been B-E-A-utiful the last few days and is supposed to last through the weekend.  Seen as though we got four inches of snow sometime early last week, you can understand why I am so excited!  I have been able to go running, take Noah on walks and to the park and open our front door!  I love having the front door open (of course the screen door is closed and locked, I am not that trusting).  Anyway, Noah loves being outside.  If I even open the door and close it again he throws one of his tantrums (something he is getting better and better at!).

So this is what he will do.  Stand by the front door and gaze outside.

Even thought he hasn't started walking on his own yet (yes, he is taking his sweet time)...he still gets himself into everything.  He LOVES the cupboards...especially the snack cupboard and the one with the pans.  Occasionally I will find him sneaking inside...

I am sure many of you have seen a very similar picture in your own home.  This, my friends, is why I hate spending money on toys...because he always ends up playing with pots and pans!  

I recently posted a picture on my facebook in which my best friend Chelsea said, "He looks like he's five years old!!"  It's true that Noah is growing (too fast if you ask me!), and sometimes I look at him and wonder where all the time has gone.  How did my little baby get so big!! 

Doesn't he look like a little man??  I made his tie by the way, super simple...you can purchase the pattern from the designer at Little Londyn: Little Guy Ties  They even have patterns for you to make your little guy, and his daddy a matching tie!   

Speaking of DADDY.  We are getting closer and closer to Andy's homecoming! I am not going to put a definite time frame on it, because those of you who know the Army first hand, know that their schedule is never set in stone.   He recently sent me these pictures - aerial views of Afghanistan...and the town right off post. It really is beautiful from this view!

I guess I never would have expected it to be so green!  Looks like spring has sprung over seas as well!! 

Anyway, thanks to those of you who have sent me your blog addresses!  If you haven't sent it yet, please send it.  I am not sure how, but I lost all my links and am trying to recollect them! 

As a side note...my very talented sister-in-law Cami has started a cooking blog (I had to pressure her into it)...She is a really really great cook and has agreed to share recipes on her new blog!  You should check it out, and become a follower!  Here is the site  http://tastyafare.blogspot.com/ ...she just started it so keep checking back for more great recipes!! 

Hope the rest of you are enjoying spring as much as I am!!

Calling All Friends and Family

Obviously I am not as good at this blogger thing as I thought!  In changing my blog to a more 'springy' look I have lost all my friends and family's blog addresses!  SO I will slowly add the ones I know by heart- but if you wouldn't mind leaving a comment with your blog address, I would greatly appreciate it.

PS. I moderate my comments and won't post them if you don't want...

Thanks for your help!! 

A Recipe, A Video and A Resolution

First things first.  THANKS to everyone to shared their guilty pleasures with me.  I don't really think pleasures is the right word for it...but at the moment that's all I got, so that's what I am using.  Anyway, I am glad to know that I am not the only one who is guilty of so many things.  If you happen to post the guilty game on your blog please let me know, I would love to read them!

Alright...onto other things.  I rarely post recipes on my blog...an occasional one here and there.  Nothing too fancy, I like to keep it simple.  This is mostly because I am not a cook.  I don't claim to be one. I feed my family, try new recipes...burn them and then try again (not always, but sometimes).   I am more of the baking type...you know, working with precise measurements.  That stuff I can handle.  So if you are looking for some GREAT cooking blogs I will post some of my favorites, but first...here is a SIMPLE but yummy recipe.

Parmesan Knots

1 (12oz) tube refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/4 cup canola oil
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried parsley flakes

Cut each biscuit into thirds.  Roll each piece into a 3-in. rope and tie into a knot; tuck ends under.  Place 2 in. apart on a greased baking sheet.  Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.  In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; add the warm knots and gently toss to coat.  Yum.

If you need a recipe to go with these yummy Parmesan knots then check out these sites that I visit frequently!
My friend Cari's blog  ldsbaker.blogspot.com
My friend Deborah's blog  tasteandtell.blogspot.com
Favorite Family Recipes  www.favfamilyrecipes.com
Picky Palate  picky-palate.com


If you have some favorite recipes sites share them with me!  I love new recipes.

This next gem will be the highlight of this post, I am sure.  It's official, Noah loves to dance.  Usually it's to his little musical farm...but I have caught him movin his shoulders to some other tunes as well.  I compiled this video originally for Andy to see...and thought you all might get a kick out of it as well.  Oh sigh, I sure love this little guy!  PS.  Am I the only one who hates the sound of their voice on any sort of recording?? Ugh, please forgive me for my singing/cheering.  I was only trying to encourage Noah. :)

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Lastly...my good friend Amy recently posted on her facebook that she was going a month without sweets.  She asked if anyone wanted to join her and I was immediately on board.  Back in my single days I went for almost two years without sweets...until one day I was introduced to the world of soft served frozen yogurt! ha.  I will never give up frozen yogurt....but for at least this month I am swearing off all sweets, desserts and any other tempting treat.  Leave a comment if you want to join, here's to hoping the month goes quickly!!

Guilty As Charged...

If my memory serves me correctly - I first played the guilty game with my friend Laura (do you remember this La or am I completely crazy?).  Back in my San Diego days, driving to the beach...or something like that...La and I confessed things we were guilty of.  Random things like, "I pick my nose while I drive" or "I sometimes eat frozen yogurt three times a day"  Tonight..as I found myself sneaking a little cereal...I realized all the things I am guilty of.  Call them bad habits if you will...but here are a few things I may or may not be guilty of....

1.  I am guilty of eating cereal out of a small cup so I won't eat as much.
2.  I am guilty of refilling the cup at least once, hence defeating the purpose of eating cereal out of a cup in the first place.
3.  I am guilty of blog stalking.  Don't pretend like you don't share the same guilty pleasure yourself. :)
4.  I am guilty of liking Miley Cyrus. (don't judge me)
5.  I am guilty of waiting to change Noah's diaper until it is overly full.
6.  I am guilty of asking someone to do something for me and immediately doing it myself because I want it done at that moment.
7.  I am guilty of filling up numerous glasses of water throughout the day and leaving them around the house.   
8.  I am guilty of picking my child's nose.  I can not STAND a dirty nose. Ew. 
9.  I am guilty of wearing a broken watch just because it looks good with my outfit...hoping that no one will ask me the time.


I would make it an even 10 but I think I may have said too much already.  Tell me, what are you guilty of?

Easter!

I really should be folding my laundry...but the thought of having to put it away bores me - so I decided to blog about Easter instead.  I feel a little behind, even if it is only Tuesday.  Most of you have already blogged about your Easter..so here is mine, a few days late?

We had a great weekend.  My brother Nate, his wife Cami and their two kiddos came to visit us for the weekend.  It was great...and Noah loved having his cousins here.  We hadn't seen them since September...which is FAR too long if you ask me.  We had fun and filled our time with very important things...Conference (of course), Easter egg hunts, eating candy, watching movies, going to dinner at Craigos (YUM), and spending time with all the Fam.  It was awesome, and here are pictures to prove it.

 Family Easter Egg Hunt: 

Whoo! That was a load of pics,  but I didn't want to leave one out! We had originally planned on having the hunt outside, but due to the AWESOME (said with a lot of sarcasm) Idaho weather, we had to move it indoors.  No matter though, the kids had a great time and made out like bandits!

Easter Day: 

I have never been huge on the whole Easter Bunny thing...but I had been wanting to get this little farm for Noah for a while, and decided to use this as an excuse to get it for him.  Hopefully he doesn't expect so much next year...as if he will even remember it!  

I got him this adorable little 'grandpa sweater' last weekend and couldn't wait to put it on him.  Boy is he handsome! 

I hope everyone had as wonderful a weekend as we did.  I really enjoyed conference as well...so many wonderful thoughts on Family and Love. Click HERE to listen.