2 little Christmas ideas

Here are 2 last minute Christmas ideas for you. I wasn't sure how to display our Christmas cards this year so I cut a few strips of burlap and tacked them to the wall then pinned each card to the strip. I love how it turned out. It's completely full now. I've been pointing out all our friends to Walker and he gets a kick out of it. I LOVE Christmas cards!
Another idea was originally Lanie Beths. I took the Christmas picture of Walker and turned it into little gift tags. I think they are super cute and it took about 1 minute to make! I just used plain paper and taped them to our gifts. Very easy!!

Merry "virtual" Christmas 2010

Merry "virtual" Christmas to all you bloggers:). Here's our Christmas card this year. Thanks to a quick pic in front of the Christmas tree and the creative selections from shutterfly!
I've not been this excited about a Christmas and New Years in some time. This one will be FULL of family, food, 4-wheelers, friends and fun! All my shopping is complete, all sewing is done and we've just got some wrapping and packing to do. Hope your Christmas is full of all things that bring you Joy.
Anyone have any Christmas traditions that you love? We don't have many but I love hearing others!!

If you guessed oven mitts...

You win!! Stephanie and Peyton guessed oven mitts which is close enough to win! These are pot pinchers that I am making for Christmas. If you will both email me your address. I'll send you each a hand-made burp cloth for your babes!!

These were a little tricky to make but I think they turned out cute! Fortunately none of the recipients read my blog so this shouldn't spoil Christmas:)

Happy Sewing!
Michele

Nursing Covers for Sale!

I have made a few nursing covers and have them for sale if you're interested for yourself or as a gift to a friend. These are AWESOME to have if you're nursing a baby. They are lightweight, and are made with boning around the neck so you can easily see your baby while nursing and still have your privacy. The apron neck is adjustable for max convenience and coverage. I am selling these for $30 each and have 2 pink and one brown. If you're interested just let me know and we will work out the details!

I have a few burp cloths too I'll post those later!

Michele

Handmade Christmas!

This Christmas I'm continuing in tradition of making a few of our gifts. Last year it was a lot of fun and made me appreciate the whole gift-giving process even more.
Anyone wanna guess what these are going to be??
I can't promise any reward for the first correct guesser but then again you never know!

Baking Day!

Today was baking day at my aunts house. Each year before her Christmas party my mom, grandmother and 2 aunts bake all the desserts that are served at the party.
Every year up until now I have worked outside home so I missed baking day. But not this time! Me and "the boss" headed up to Roswell and let the fun begin!
We baked vanilla wafer cake, red velvet cake, strawberry cake, toffee, all kinds of cookies, butterscotch bits, fudge and cranberry bliss bars. Let me tell you they are ALL delicious!!
It was such a fun day. It's not that often that I get to spend the day with the gals. Walker was an angel all day and a great help I'm sampling all the treats too! Now if I can just fin something to wear Saturday...it's the one time I dress up all year!

I am not

I am not pregnant anymore. According to the doc I had an early miscarriage.
It's a bummer especially because I get excited over things VERY quickly!

However I AM thankful for this little man today! He's been a little sick and is finally making a comeback!!

On Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving was really great. All THREE meals! We spent a day in Monticello, a day in Locust Grove and a day in Dacula. It was a sweet time with family, beautiful weather and great food. I posted pictures on facebook to document the fun times!!
I was shocked at how beautiful it was on Thursday. I was totally expecting rain and cold! I'll take a beautiful thanksgiving anytime!

Hope yours was great too! I sure do wish that I was this thankful ALL year!!!

Thanksgiving Menu 2010

So I am cooking a semi-complete Thanksgiving meal this year - the day after Thanksgiving. The only thing I'm not responsible for is the meat!! I thought I would share some fun recipes that I'm using for the meal. Most are from AllRecipes.com which is my favorite recipe site.

1. please don't count the calories

2. please don't pass judgement on the boxed stuffing!

So here goes (links to recipes are in title)

Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole:

Sweet Potato Souffle:

Savory Stuffing:

Creamy Corn Casserole:

Tart & Tangy Cranberry Salad:

Carmel Crack Corn:

Choosing Christmas Cards...

Anyone else look forward to making and picking out Christmas Cards?

I love to look back at mine and Aaron's from the past few years - the first year was a whirlwind so we didn't send our cards. Year 2 we send a pic with our first dog Nala, the next year was a crazy picture of us at my Aunt's Christmas party which was the best one yet! The third year was a picture of Aaron and I paired with an ultrasound pic of Walker, 4th year was a picture of Walker surrounded by Christmas lights and this year...we are still working on!!

Last year we made out own which turned out really fun but this year Shutterfly has a great deal on some awesome Christmas cards for any family! They have so many designs to choose from - a lot more creative than I could be!

Here are 2 of my favorites...but will they make the cut?

What are you doing for Christmas cards? Any tips or fun ideas from you and your family? Check-out ShutterFly to see if there are any cards you love! They make great memories!!

Happy 5th Anniversary Baby!

Wow - what a fast 5 years it's been! We were married in 2005, you started seminary and we moved into our very first apartment! Oh the simplicity of life then:)

in 2006 we moved into a small cabin on a family lake and acquired our first dog Nala!

in 2007 we moved to Birmingham where you took a job in recreation ministry with Hunter Street. What an adventure. We cried our first night there but what a blessing that season was!

in 2008 we found out we were expecting our first little babe - we also lost Papa which was very devastating.

in 2009 Walker born! What a joy!

in 2010 you graduated from NOBTS, got a job in McDonough, GA and here we are, embarking on a new adventure!

I'm so thankful to be married to the man of my prayers, the man that God sent to me in college when I was convinced that there wasn't a guy out there! Thank you for being faithful to me always and uplifting me in every way imaginable.

It's an honor to be married to such an amazing man!

You MUST make this!! Crack Corn

Caramel "Crack Corn" Snack Mix

 

8 cups popped popcorn

4 cups rice chex cereal

2 cups mini pretzels

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. baking soda

 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Combine first 4 ingredients in foil roasting pan. (east to clean because you can just throw away!!)

Combine brown sugar, butter, and corn syrup in saucepan.  Cook and stir until boiling over entire surface.  Reduce heat to medium-low.  Cook without stirring for 5 minutes.  Remove saucepan from heat, then quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda.  Pour over popcorn mixture and coat well. 

Bake 10 minutes and stir. 

Bake another 5-10 minutes.  Cool completely on parchment paper.  Enjoy and share!!  It's called crack corn for a reason. You just can't stop eating it!!

Modification. I made a double batch and added some extra pecans just because they are soooo delicious in the recipe. 

Michele

Great Friends. Great Food.

Last weekend Aaron, Walker and I headed over to Birmingham to pick up a few items we left behind and to see our long lost pals!!
We had a date at Edgars with Peyton, Mary Glynn and Becky. It was so delicious!
Becky and I did a little shopping-well-all we bought were 44oz cherry limeades and a shirt for Aaron but it was a great time.
I also got to eat my favorite meal at Zoes!! Hummus Salad Plate! We tried Flip Burger for the first time and finished of the evening with none other than Yogurt Mountain!! It was an awesome trip! Thankful to see my dear neighbors and friends that we miss so much!

#cat10 - Catalyst Conference 2010

Thursday and Friday I got to experience the catalyst conference with Aaron and some friends from church. It was really a great time to hear from different speakers from all different walks of life and backgrounds. I loved hearing Beth Moore, Francis Chan and Perry Noble. Though each speaker said something that resonated with me I will tell you that what they said is not the greatest thing that I took away.
The pivotal moment in the conference for me was during worship - a moment when 12,000+ people were singing "He loves us, oh how He loves us so..." in that moment we were all singing in one voice to one Savior that gave His life for us. He loves us though we are filthy and undeserving of his love and grace.
He loves us unconditionally when our love for him is conditional, he truly does love us and calls me and you to that same love for Him and others.
I was encouraged by the godly men and women at Catalyst but more than that I was overwhelmed by the presence of a loving Savior.
He loves us
Oh how he loves us so

Sweet Weather

Have you been enjoying this cooler weather as much as we have? It's so nice to play outside without all the bugs and blazing sun! We spent some time at my moms this weekend as she recovered from some surgery.

It's always nice to be at her place because it's all open space! Walker and Aaron went on several walks, shot some hoops, rode in the wagon and played in the yard. Walker even learned that a pink girls basketball can double as a soccer ball! Love my family and am so thankful for the time I can spend with them!

What have you been doing to soak up this sweet weather?

All about Cake Class

So last night was the last night of the first Wilton Cake Course. Honestly, cakes aren't my thing. I don't even like birthday cake. I prefer brownies and ice cream!! BUT this class was so much fun! It was a great time to spend with Dana, good to be out of the house, and fun to learn a new skill

We learned about making icing, coloring icing, decorating with different tips and designing cakes and cupcakes Now Dana is like a pro! She even has the much coveted Wilton Ultimate Cake Kit!!

The class was held at Hobby Lobby in McDonough, GA. We met every Thursday night in September from 5:30-7:30. Classes are 1/2 off for the rest of 2010 and you can use 40% coupons to buy any supplies you need!

So here's to Cake Class! If there's one in your area you should check it out!

Fall Harvest Baked Apples

Yummy!!

Here's an easy recipe for Fall Harvest Baked Apples. Thanks to my digital cookbook - AllRecipes!

It'll make your house smell good AND you can eat it! That's more than I can say for any candle or broom:)

I actually used Granny Smith Apples, cooked mine for about 40 minutes and omitted the Walnuts just because Walker can't chew those yet. Also - make sure that when you're mixing your recipe that you don't dump dill seasoning into the mix instead of ginger - not that I would ever do that - but YOU might:)

Now hopefully I won't eat them all before he wakes from his nap!

Ingredients

• 8 red apples, cored (i used Granny Smith)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (i used bottled lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place apples in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, lemon juice and vanilla. Bring to a boil, and drizzle equally over apples.
3. Cover with foil, and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove cover, and continue to bake for 10 minutes, or until apples are tender. Serve warm.

All About LASIK

Last Friday was the big day for my LASIK! A lot of friends have been asking how it went - who did the surgery...and all that. So I thought I would share here!

1. Who performed your LASIK?

- Dr. Ashraf wih the Atlanta Vision Institute.

2. How did you pick your doctor?

- Well - oddly enough I bought the procedure on Atlanta Groupon at half-price! Normally you wouldn't think to buy a surgery at a discount - but I saw the offer - did my research and decided it was great timing, a great deal and a great doctor!

3. What did the surgery feel like?

- It just felt like pressure on my eye - I was a little nervous but Dr. Ashraf talked me through the entire procedure and it was over in MINUTES!

4. Did you have any side-effects ot pain?

- So far I haven't had any negative side effects! My eyes are healing well and i am keeping drop in them as directed. They are occasionally a bit dry - but hey - I just had surgery 4 days ago!

5. Was the surgery a success?

- YES! I have been in glasses since the 3rd grade! and contacts since the 8th. I was a -5.5 in both eyes which means i couldn't even see the BIG E. The morning after surgery I was 20/30 and 20/40 which will sharpen and improve to 20/20 over the next few weeks.

I feel like I have been given the gift of vision now! I can see at night, see the alarm clock, and my eyes actually look healthier since I haven't been wearing contacts for the past 2 weeks. If ever given the opportunity I would say GO FOR IT!

I have a video - but the internet is too slow to load it! Awesome:)

Mom Share - Entertaining Baby

Hello there - I'm looking for some advice, ideas and tips. How do you entertain your kids (aroung 1 yr)? I know there are things I could be doing with Walker that I just don't think about. I always want to spend time with him doing things that are fun - but that are also helping him grown and develop. Any ideas, anything that your baby loves to do, any cool toys that you have, games, activities? Can you share with a comment? Maybe other moms will benefit too!!

Walker would GREATLY appreciate it!

M

Best Advice I was given...

Some of the best advice I have been given as a mom was from a lady from England that bought our Nissan Altima while I was pregnant with Walker. She said that when her babies were able to sit-up she sat them on the potty each day just so they could become familiar with the potty. Her babes were potty trained by 18 months and earlier! So...I took her advice and when Walker was 7 months old I began putting him on the potty each night before bath time. Sometimes he would accidentally pee in the potty - but more than anything - it just made him familiar with the potty. So fast forward 5 month to my little one year old and here he is...

No I am not claiming that he's potty training - but I am claiming that I have only changed one poopy diaper in the last few days and that he only has a few wet diapers a day. Each time that I set Walker on the potty throughout the day he either pees or pees and poops. It's amazing AND hilarious! He seems so proud of himself too. So hopefully you can benefit form this by giving it a try - these little babes are so smart if we just teach and show then what they are capable of!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Michele

Walkers First Birthday

Walker turned ONE this Saturday and we celebrated with some close family and friends! He really was a lot of fun - digging onto his smash cake, shredding tissue paper and showing-off his newly found walking skills! We are so blessed to have a heatlhy growing baby boy, a wonderful family that encourages us and sweet friends that are willing to drive all the way from Alabama to celebrate this day with us! We love you guys!

Here's to another wonderful year!

Griswold Vacay part UNO

I blog to remember.
To remember that at 10am 6 ladies of my family and Walker loaded up in the Excursion and headed to Seagrove Beach.
It's currently 8pm EST and we are sitting in a minivan-taxi awaiting the wrecker to pick up the excursion which seemingly has a broken alternator. We haven't had dinner. Haven't seen the beach and I'm not sure that any of us even showered this morning. As I write this Walker is playing a tambourine that the taxi driver gave him...naturally all taxi drivers keep a tambourine on-hand...right?
So who knows what the future holds for our beach trip...I just LAUGH to keep from going crazy!!

If you like Okra...

And Corn, tomato, garlic, sausage, onion and bell pepper - then you're sure to love this recipe!

This is a delicious recipe that I found in the Southern Living July 2010 Magazine

The part that took the longest was shucking and cleaning the corn. I also substituted and used butterball turkey sausage - it's still got a lot of flavor without all the fat.

So here goes:

1 Butterball Turkey sausage diced (package comes with 2)

1/4 cup chopped sweet onion (i used vidalia)

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

2 garlic cloves minced (i used jar minced)

3 cups fresh corn kernels (6 ears of corn will yield 3 cups of corn)

1 cup fresh sliced okra

1 cup peeled, seeded and diced tomato

salt and pepper to taste

here's how i divided out the fresh ingredients:

1 saute sausage on medium-high or until slightly browned

2 add onion, bell pepper and garlic - saute 5 minutes or until tender

3 add okra, corn and tomato - continue to cook and stir often (for about 10 minutes)

4 season with salt and pepper and serve

i loved it served warm (ate it right outta the pan) - you can also serve it as a cold side if you like!

if available, be sure that you have extra help in the kitchen - it makes cooking most joyful!