tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270185601485759512024-03-12T18:57:05.547-07:00The Brocks ROCKA blog about our crazy, boring, not so ORDINARY LIFE! FEATURING:
The Daddy: retired country singer turned morning show host ~
The Mommy: domestic diva wanna-be ~
Kid One: blonde hair cutie with a flair for drama ~
Kid Two: red headed freak showNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.comBlogger371125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-32934985008739420052012-02-29T16:59:00.004-08:002012-02-29T17:18:53.722-08:00Seriously Impulsive Blog SwapWhen I saw my IRL Best Friend, Shawn, from Seriously and IA from Impulsive Addict were hosting a swap, I knew I needed to jump in and sign up to participate! I LOVE a good swap and this one did NOT disappoint!! I was partnered with Carrie, from <a href="http://www.carriesrambles.com/" target="_blank">Carrie's Ramblings </a>-- HELLO -- can we talk about how CUTE she is!! I have enjoyed reading her blog and getting to know her!! <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.seriouslyshawn.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic" border="0" src="http://i976.photobucket.com/albums/ae242/analyzethisblog/swapbutton.jpg" /></a></center> <br />
Here is what the super-fabulous Carrie sent me:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFNSl31-aPY/T065hb0neoI/AAAAAAAADnI/eHIjK4qAEVw/s1600/Family.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DFNSl31-aPY/T065hb0neoI/AAAAAAAADnI/eHIjK4qAEVw/s320/Family.JPG" uda="true" width="320" /></a></div>
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An adorable "Family" frame that says "Family is a Circle of love and strength" .... she didn't know, but I just redid my master in these exact colors! A PERFECT addition! <br />
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A super-cute bracelet!! These are so pretty -- and in my favorite jewel tone colors. <br />
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My picture will not rotate to the left, but she also sent 3 picture frames that say "Love" and "Memories" and I have the perfect pictures to fill them with from my weekend in Dallas, TX with my daughter! </div>
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She also sent a couple boxes of Swedish Fish -- my FAV-O-RITE ever -- but I tossed those in my carry on and they were gone on the first flight! </div>
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Thanks Carrie for my loot! I loved it!! </div>
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And THANK YOU Shawn and IA for hosting this swap! Can't wait to do it again!! </div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-84189684980383327382012-01-04T09:15:00.001-08:002012-01-04T09:17:23.821-08:00Once a Month CookingSo .... I finally did it. I cooked 20 meals over a 3.5 hr period and it was VERY labor intensive. I have to say, next time I will break it up into 2 days. So far, so good though - the food I have cooked and frozen has tasted VERY good and it is so unbelievably delightful to know dinner is already made!! The kids enjoy picking out what's for dinner in the morning, we let it thaw in the fridge and then pop it in the oven when I get home from work! Here is what I cooked:<br />
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Chicken Tettrazini<br />
1 box thin spaghetti<br />
3 cans of cream of chicken soup (can sub low-fat)<br />
1 cup sliced mushrooms<br />
16oz container of sour cream<br />
a stick of butter (melted)<br />
Cooked chicken - cubed (approximately 1 lb)<br />
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Serve with steamed broccoli or green beans with a salad!<br />
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Cook spaghetti per instructions on box and spoon into pan. Mix all other ingredients together and spoon over spaghetti. Cook at 350 for 30 minutes.<br />
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Bowtie Fiesta (from Blue Eyed Bride's Blog)<br />
8 oz bow tie pasta<br />
1 lb ground beef (I used venison!!)<br />
1 can tomato sauce<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
1 cup salsa<br />
1/2 cup black olives<br />
1 tomato sliced<br />
1 cup shredded cheese<br />
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Cook the pasta using package directions and cook for 7 minutes. Drain. Brown the beef in a skillet, stirring until crumbly. Drain. Stir in tomato sauce. Combine pasta, ground beef mixture, sour cream, salsa, black olives, and tomato in a bowl and mix well. Spoon into 9x11 baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese and bake at 350 degrees until brown and bubbly.<br />
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Stuffed Shells<br />
http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/three-cheese-stuffed-shells/<br />
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Chicken Katherine<br />
block of cream cheese (I used fat free)<br />
a little bit of cooking wine<br />
1 packet Italian dressing mix (DRY)<br />
I can cream of chicken soup <br />
1 lb chicken breasts<br />
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Melt cream cheese and mix in rest of ingredients -- pour over chicken breasts and bake in over 350 for 45 minutes. I serve with rice or egg noodles and peas.<br />
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Poppy seed Chicken<br />
1 cup butter - melted<br />
Ritz Crackers<br />
2 tablespoons Poppy seeds<br />
2 cans cream of chicken soup<br />
4 cups chicken, cooked and cubed<br />
3 cups sour cream<br />
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Mix together: butter, crackers and poppy seeds. In a separate bowl, mix soup, chicken and sour cream. Put half the crumb mixture in a 9x13pan and pour soup mixture over the crumbs. Put the rest of the crumb mixture on top. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Serve over rice. **I put the remaining crumb mixture in a ziploc and froze separately to top chicken mixture once I'm ready to cook.<br />
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Chicken Rollups (from Jenna's Journey blog) <br />
1pkg cream cheese<br />
1 pkg crescent rolls<br />
2 shredded cooked chicken breasts<br />
1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese<br />
1 cup grated Monterey Jack<br />
1/4 t salt<br />
1/4 t pepper<br />
bread crumbs<br />
1/4 stick melted butter<br />
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Combine chicken, cheeses, salt and butter. Spoon onto crescents. Roll them up making sure they are sealed around the mixture. Brush tops with butter and sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. <br />
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King Ranch Chicken<br />
http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/king-ranch-chicken-2/<br />
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I doubled all recipes (EXCEPT CHICKEN TETTRAZINI - that makes some serious meals). I also made a lasagna, a big pot of chili and a big pot of potato cheese soup. <br />
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I prepared all meals up until the point where you would cook them (except for soup and chili). I purchased my disposable pans from Dollar Tree. Also, a friend in my neighborhood makes homemade spaghetti sauce, so my sister and I have asked her to show us how to make it. This will save a substantial amount since spaghetti sauce can get pricey! <br />
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The best part?? My sister made 20 meals also and we swapped 10/10. I'll post tomorrow the recipes she used! <br />
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I only made 20 meals because Friday night is pizza night and Thursdays are very busy, so we grab something quick and easy! Hope this encourages you!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-55268945967069732082012-01-02T04:02:00.001-08:002012-01-02T16:10:06.098-08:0052 in 52I'm linking up with my best friend, Shawn, and listing my 52 in 52. I do not make resolutions .... Why set myself up for failure?? So instead, I'll make a list of goals and things I'd like to accomplish in this new year! <br />
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1. Each month, randomly send a card to a friend - handwritten. I used to be so good about this but have fallen off. Very important to me to start this and keep this up!<br />
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2. Go to bed every night with a clean kitchen.<br />
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3. Keep my car CLEAN and clutter free (this will require help from my children)<br />
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4. Take the dogs on a good walk at least twice a week<br />
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5. OAMC cooking - every month (I have already completed this for Jan!!!)<br />
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6. Have lunch OUT with someone at work at least once/month -- preferably someone new or that I don't know well.<br />
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7. Mail bday gifts on TIME<br />
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8. Make monthly breakfast table for kids (ie: decorate table for beginning of month)<br />
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9. Keep my nails looking nice.<br />
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10. Wear what I have and shop from closet<br />
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11. Pay cash <br />
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12. Plan and book girls trip with Jenn and Amber<br />
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13. Dinner or lunch with Mom and Jenn once/mth<br />
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14. Light a candle on the 23 of every month<br />
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15. Do not leave the house without accessorizing (this may sound silly, but I have friends that always look so put together. I realized the other day it's because they are always accessorized)<br />
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16. Buy and wear matching socks <br />
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17. Drink more water!<br />
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18. Make appointment with dermatologist and come up with regimen for skin<br />
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19. Join gym at work and go at least 3x/week<br />
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20. Say 'yes' more when invited places<br />
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21. Leave work on TIME<br />
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22. Have lunch with the kids at school on my days off.<br />
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23. Make more phone calls and less text messages<br />
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24. Unplug on the weekends<br />
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25. Get all new fresh towels - the good ones<br />
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26. Start a gift closet<br />
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27. Blog at LEAST once/week<br />
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28. Keep my closet clean and organized (this will help with the decision to convert a bedroom into a closet/dressing room)<br />
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29. QUIT CARING WHAT PEOPLE THINK OR SAY!!!!<br />
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30. Repaint some furniture<br />
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31. Get my kids rooms decorated on a budget <br />
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32. Go to bed at a decent hour<br />
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33. Wake up and GET OUT OF THE BED when the alarm goes off (the first time)<br />
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34. Quit procrastinating<br />
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35. Focus more at work to take territory to the next level<br />
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36. Make bed every day before leaving and make sure kids beds are made every day.<br />
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37. Once a month massage (for real)<br />
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38. Plan trip to TN to visit friends <br />
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39. Come up with something super creative as a gift for our girls weekend in July. <br />
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40. Learn to sew<br />
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41. Spend more time with my brother<br />
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42. Plan trip to Tampa to visit friends<br />
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43. Get rid of clutter (this may take me all year)<br />
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44. Get fresh flowers monthly for my office (I spend a lot of time there)<br />
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45. Keep car washed and clean <br />
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46. Do laundry at least every other day, fold and put away<br />
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47. Spend more time in the Word!!<br />
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48. Keep seasonal flowers planted in front yard. <br />
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49. Read the paper and just read more in general <br />
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50. Sleep with the tv off (this is huuuuuuge for me, but I sleep so much better when I remember to turn off the tv before I go to sleep).<br />
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51. Get some cute pajamas and wear them!! <br />
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52. Love more....Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-44884919179011358162012-01-01T09:45:00.001-08:002012-01-01T09:49:17.753-08:00Happy New Year!<p><a href="http://www.satisfaction.com/codes/happy-new-year-comments-1.php"><img src="http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w56/vicki_berson/ny/ny0203.gif" border="0" alt="New Year 2012 MySpace Comments and Graphics" title="New Year 2012 MySpace Comments and Graphics"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.satisfaction.com/codes/happy-new-year-comments-1.php" title="New Year 2012 Pictures, Comments, Images, Graphics, Photos">New Year 2012 Pictures Comments</a> - <a href="http://www.satisfaction.com/photobucket-login/" title="Photobucket Login" target="_blank">Photobucket</a></p><br />
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Wishing you all the very best in 2012! I posted this in Facebook and I'll post it again here:<br />
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Forget what hurt you, but don't forget what you learned from it! <br />
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I'm not doing a year in review but I do know 2011 was a good year and it was a very difficult year. The first 2 months of the year taught me more about love and life than I ever imagined. I spent a week in Dallas, TX for work ( Super Bowl Week when it pretty much froze over). I came home to visit a very dear friend of mine that was battling cancer, only to be with my Dad as he valiantly fought cancer (8 yrs!!), but thankfully God fully healed him on 2-23 and he gracefully passed away. My sweet friend in Tampa passed away just a week later. I was able to spend a fabulous week in Tampa for Spring Break visiting my friends and taking the kids all kinda of fun places! I went to The Ritz Carlton in Naples for my annual girls trip, spent my birthday with one of my best friends ever, and then 'a bunch of other stuff'. <br />
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While I can't promise I'll blog more, I do want to. I am doing the OAMC (today!!) and I'm repainting a bunch of furniture. Throw in a bunch of cheer competitions out of town, and I think I might have some blog posts up my sleeve!<br />
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Thanks for always coming back -- Happy Happy New Year!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-50027134923418215222011-11-30T18:35:00.001-08:002013-11-14T02:29:57.574-08:00Have you ordered your HOLIDAY CARDS YET?!? TINY PRINTS TO THE RESCUE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Every year our Christmas card is one of the most exciting things I look forward to during the holiday season! I have created my own, used online card companies and I'm excited this year to use </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've always been a huge fan of their holiday cards and love having SO MANY OPTIONS! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">While browsing their site for the perfect card, I thought I'd share some of my favorite</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">so awesome -- I love the full picture and have done something like this before. It's simple and pretty much PERFECT! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the simplicity of </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">as well! Personalized folded cards are always one of my favorites to receive because you never know what's going to be on the inside!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> OH MY GOODNESS! This is so perfect for me! I never can decide on one picture, so this is a great option to really show off my pictures of Princess and Wild Child!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So head on over to </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> and check out their AWESOME selection of Holiday cards! You will not be disappointed! I would love to tell you which one I chose, but that's a surprise! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Happy Holidays, Y'all!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">**I have been compensated with free cards for this revie</span></div>
Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-62910195985370677932011-11-17T20:24:00.001-08:002011-11-17T21:02:29.622-08:00Banana Split CupcakesSo....apparently I think I'm Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart and I decided to bust out some Banana Split Cupcakes for a company dessert contest. I had my first banana split cupcake a week ago and LEMME TELL YOU - divine! I knew I wouldn't be able to recreate that particular one because it had a ganache topping and yeah, well, no. So I googled banana split cupcakes and found this recipe at www.heatovento350.net ... And they are awesome!! <br />
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Ok - so here's the recipe:<br />
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1 box yellow cake mix<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 cup banana - mashed<br />
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries<br />
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
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Frosting:<br />
One tub vanilla frosting<br />
One tub Fluff <br />
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Preheat oven to 350. Set aside 2 tbs cake mix. Mix remaining cake mix, eggs, banana and water until smooth. In separate bowl, drain and chop cherries. I laid mine out on a paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. Mix reserved cake mix into cherries. Add chocolate chips and slowly add to batter.<br />
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This truly makes 30 regular size cupcakes. Spoon batter into cupcake liners and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove once fork/toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. <br />
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For frosting: mix one tub vanilla frosting and one tub Fluff. I put mine in a ziplock bag and snipped off the end and piped on to the cooled cupcake. Then I topped with a maraschino cherry - with a stem!<br />
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Enjoy!! These are fantastic! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UYR1vqZLL4M/TsXm4FBQmCI/AAAAAAAADks/evildZQlmlQ/s640/blogger-image-588028140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UYR1vqZLL4M/TsXm4FBQmCI/AAAAAAAADks/evildZQlmlQ/s640/blogger-image-588028140.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xws0WwvD5RA/TsXm5KlnHSI/AAAAAAAADk0/wa9jBTZ35k8/s640/blogger-image-669911993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xws0WwvD5RA/TsXm5KlnHSI/AAAAAAAADk0/wa9jBTZ35k8/s640/blogger-image-669911993.jpg" /></a></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-26577553551352380942011-11-17T09:39:00.001-08:002011-11-17T09:39:04.130-08:00Once a Month Cooking - Freezer MealsSo I've decided (and convinced my sister) to jump on the OAMC bandwagon....I cooked about 5 meals yesterday and they are packed away in the freezer for the rest of the week. My plan is to do an all day cooking and get about 20-25 meals prepared. I work so much and don't get home until 7:00 most days - so this will make my life easier! I will post recipes soon - want to test these that I made first. OH and you can even prepare crockpot meals for OAMC....just put all your ingredients in a freezer bag and thaw the night before. Throw it all I the crockpot the next day and VOILA! <br />
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Anyone do this or have any tips you can offer?? Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-25850359827517977102011-09-11T17:11:00.000-07:002011-09-11T17:11:07.636-07:00Menu Monday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yeah -- I blew off the dust on my MAC and decided to get back at it. We'll start off with Menu Monday.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Monday:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beef Tips in crock pot </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Beef tips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pack of Lipton Onion Soup Mix</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup of milk</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Put all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low for 8hrs. Can serve over rice or egg noodles (I prefer egg noodles)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Tuesday:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Polynesian Chicken</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 lb of chicken breast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cream of Mushroom soup</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 block of cream cheese (added about 30 min before ready to serve)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Put all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low for 8 hrs. Best served over rice, topped with sour cream and crushed pineapple. Trust me -- it's GOOD!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Wednesday:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Apricot-Glazed Pork Loin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 can chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 jar apricot preserves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 lg chopped onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 tblsp dijon mustard</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4 lb boneless pork loin roast</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mix broth, preserves, onion and mustard in a slow cooker. Add pork and turn to coat. Cover and cook on low for 8 hrs. I will serve with mashed potatoes and peas. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Thursday:</u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">PIZZA (Cheer night!!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><u>Friday:</u></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.puttinonthegrits.com/2011/09/recipe-crock-pot-bbq-pulled-pork-and.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Crock Pot Pork BBQ</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am cooking a recipe from one of my IRL besties, </span><a href="http://www.puttinonthegrits.com/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">GRITS</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. I can't WAIT to try this .... and I am purposely am making this on the Friday to have left overs for the weekend! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes, I am using my crock pot 4 out of 5 days! Whatever works!! I work 8hrs a day and have a 45 min commute to/from work ... if I don't use my crock pot, we'd eat at 9:00!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hope y'all can use any of these recipes! Enjoy!</span>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-5578968486982050182011-06-22T13:07:00.000-07:002011-06-22T13:15:41.041-07:00We Want to Know WednesdaySo yeah ... don't freak out ... but I'm joining in over on my bestie's blog and linking up to We Want to Know Wednesday. Here are the questions:<br /><br />1.} What is the best, or worst, pick up line you have ever been given?<br />2.} What is your most and least favorite day of the week?<br />3.} How many hours of sleep do you require each night?<br />4.} Is there a song that takes you back in time? What is it and what memory is it attached to?<br />5.} What is your biggest guilty pleasure?<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Best or Worst Pick up Line:</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>I must confess, I think the best pick up line was one that came out of my own mouth. On the very first day I met my husband, I heard him conversing with a friend about my behind - yes, my butt - and he was actually admiring it! I turned around and quickly said "Well, I AM wearing my space pants" and he looked at me, cocked his head to the side and said "Space pants?" and I smiled and said "Yeah, they make my a$$ look out of this world" ... spun around on my heel and walked to my office. (Clearly it worked)</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Most Favorite Day of the Week:</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Monday -- because in the words of my great friend, Clemson Jenn, it's a fresh, clean, slate. Monday could be the start of the BEST WEEK OF YOUR LIFE! Ever since I have changed my way of thinking to that ...well, it sure does change my Mondays! </strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Least Favorite Day of the Week:</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>I would say Wednesday - because in my industry, it is typically the SLOWEST day of the week - which means the day DRAGS (unless I am off work - like today!)</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>How many hours of sleep do I require in a night?</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>I can function off 4 - but I prefer at least 6.</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Song that takes me back in time:</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Love Shack by the B52's -- takes me back to the early 90's and one of the funnest summers I ever had w/my sister and my BFF Amber. </strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>Guilty Pleasure:</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>I really have a bunch: peanut butter & apple jelly sandwiches on fresh WHITE bread, bubble baths, tortilla strips and mango salsa (from Costco), why is everything food related??</strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>So that's it! This was fun - think I'll do it again next week! </strong></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-40772703308134789442011-06-08T18:50:00.000-07:002011-06-08T19:21:52.097-07:00Untie the RopeHi there -- me again! I really am wishing I could blog more, but darn it if life just keeps me busy-- BUT -- I was sent this email and after reading it several times and almost nearly brought to tears, realized I probably need to just put in on the blog. It's deep. It will make you think. This is an email Tyler Perry sends out and my friend is on the list. ANNNNNYWAY, here is the email - ENJOY!<br /><br />So, I just finished filming a really good movie called GOOD DEEDS. It's me like you've never seen me before. It comes out in February, brace yourself. :-) There were a lot of long days on this shoot, so I wanted to take a break. I decided to do some traveling and since I still have 20 more pounds to lose before I start my next movie, ALEX CROSS, I thought I would go to the Grand Canyon and do some hiking, climbing and so on. At one point in the climbing, I was over a steep drop and was tied to a safety rope, while a buddy's safety rope was tied to me. It was my responsibility to help him up, since I was bigger and weighed more. I told him, "I'll hold on to you to help you up but if you start to pull me over with you, I'm going to untie this rope." We had a good laugh about it, but I was serious... :-)<br /><br />I started thinking about that moment a few days ago. How many times are we tied to a person, people or things that are pulling us down and we won't untie the rope? For whatever reason, be it family, friends, society, or just the feeling of being obligated, trapped or that if you don't, no one else will. I have watched so many people go over a cliff with a person that they are trying to help up, it's sad. YOU MUST UNTIE THE ROPE!!! This is your life and you are wasting it being tied to someone who is destroying his or her opportunities and yours. If the person that you are trying to help does not know that they are worth being saved, how do you expect them to put any value on you saving them? You're not worth it to them. They can't get it! SO YOU NEED TO! Listen to me, untie the rope and don't lose yourself trying to hold on to someone who can't survive on your level. You hear me? Maybe they have gone as high as they can go. Just because you can survive on that level doesn't mean that everyone else can. Stop trying to help them, UNTIE THE ROPE! I know you may feel this is cruel, but what is more cruel is dying a death that's not your own. Letting your destiny go to hell because someone else pulled you there. Are you kidding me? That isn't God!<br /><br />Here is what I have learned over the almost 20 years that I have been in this business. Let me tell you, I have seen and worked with some of the most talented people you can imagine and I used to wonder why they never got any higher than they are. You know, the kind of people who always seem to be at the door, but never can go in. It used to blow my mind until I got a revelation from God.For many years I was the same way, I would get close and things would fall apart. I couldn't get any traction, not in my career, not in my personal life and not in the pursuit of happiness. I just couldn't move forward. Through much prayer and self-discovery, I found out that I used to be, notice I said "USED TO BE," a self-saboteur. I would find a way to subconsciously destroy every good thing that was in my life and I didn't even know I was doing it. Most self-sabotaging people don't know that they are doing it. I don't think there is anyone sadder than a person who blames everyone else, but themselves for their situation. <br /><br />The very revelation that I was causing my own problems was one of the greatest blessings God could have allowed me to see. Once I realized the behavior, I was able to change it. That is why my life is in such a great place right now. I realized that my very thoughts were keeping me from being successful at everything. "So, as a man thinketh, so is he."Many times a lot of us sabotage subconsciously because of what mamma or daddy said, traumatic childhoods or any number of things that happened growing up that made us feel that we shouldn't have or that we didn't deserve it. I'm here to tell you all, that misinformation was wrong. You do deserve it! You are worthy of it! For me, knowing that Jesus died and rose again makes me know we are all worthy. Why am I saying this? I'm just tired of people being upset with people who have realized their dreams. The only difference in someone who is living their dream and someone who can't get it to come to pass is they don't feel they deserve it. They don't feel they are worthy of it. So many of us have dreams, dreams that the world is waiting for, talents that will help heal and change nations, but we keep destroying our own successes. I know for a fact that if I had not figured this out, you wouldn't be reading this email right now. Nor would I be a happy soul.The world is waiting for your gift. Give it to yourself and you will give it to them, but first you have to UNTIE THE ROPE. TylerNataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-8555055411900859732011-04-27T18:23:00.000-07:002011-04-27T18:23:00.278-07:00What I've learned ....During the time after my father passed, I told my sister I could write a book on what NOT to say to someone who's parent has died. Thing is, I've been guilty of saying everything I heard, but when you hear it 1567 times, it just gets ... well, old. <br /><br />- He's in a better place (yes, I know)<br />- He's not suffering anymore (yes, I know)<br />- Well, he's fought it for so long - you had so much time to prepare (yes ... but you are still NEVER prepared).<br /><br />Our situation was so very different. Dad was given 8 weeks and he died 5 days later. Quite honestly, it was a very difficult death - the 2 days he was in hospice. His body was so used to fighting that it didn't know how NOT to fight. Seeing your Daddy, the man who would do anything for you, protect you, fight for you, encourage you, and love you -- seeing that man weighing 120something lbs (less than me and he was 6ft tall) and like clockwork, every 15 minutes, sit up and beg for help. It was heart wrenching and I honestly pray you never have to see your parent go through that and for those of you that have, I hate that we are part of that 'club'. I could go the REST of my life never seeing that again and I would give anything to erase that memory from my head, but that's life and it is what it is and it's changed me. I'm more tolerant, I guess.<br /><br />I never really took things for granted, but now, if something is important to me, I make it a priority. For instance, I had a friend in town from Lousiana. The ONLY time we could get together was for breakfast on a day that I didn't have to be at work until 11:00. I got up at 5:30 in the morning and drove to meet her for breakfast because I love her and haven't seen her in 13 yrs. I don't know when I will see her again and it was important to me to see her, so it was WORTH it. We had a wonderful time and I was so thankful to be able to spend a few hours with her. <br /><br />Another thing I learned is you will be SHOCKED who will be there for you and who will not be there for you. People that I would never have expected to do anything for me were doing more than I ever imagined .... and well, you know the rest. It's ok - people are busy. I get it. <br /><br />I also learned that it's ok to LAUGH! OH MY GOODNESS, my brother, sister and I have bonded so incredibly more over this whole thing. When Dad was in the hospice, we made a pact "All for One, One for All" -- and if one went to Wendy's, we all went. The 3 of us didn't leave each other's side for nearly 4 days. It is something beautiful that has come out of something so devastating -- we were close before, but now we are just so. close. I can't explain it. <br /><br />Now is the quiet. It's been a little over 8 weeks and last week was probably the worst so far. I miss my Dad. A lot. I was driving home Sat night and saw a shooting star and I said out loud "HEY DAD!" -- corny, I know, but I immediately thought of him.<br /><br />Please don't think this post is sad -- it's really not. I'm not sad about my Dad's death. I'm sad he's gone, but I know he was in SO much pain, every day was difficult for him. I'm sad about the way he died and although I wish for just one more day with him, I wouldn't have him back for nothing -- to live another day in pain and suffering. On Easter Sunday, I celebrated knowing I would see my Dad again -- I know I have that promise. <br /><br />You've made it this far and I appreciate you hanging in there! I promise not all my blog posts will be like this - actually I don't plan on blogging on my Dad's death again (for a while at least). I've got SO much to talk about, blog about, etc etc etc. Thanks for hanging in there with me!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-78810778528911479862011-04-26T18:07:00.000-07:002011-04-26T18:22:12.206-07:00New DigsSO ... I knew the first thing I needed to do if I was jumping back into blogging was get a little facelift! I contacted my IRL friend, Danielle over at <a href="http://www.justdandy.org/">Just Dandy</a>! I gave her free reign and wanted SIMPLE.....I think she did a GREAT job and love my clean, new look!! <br /><br />Hop on over and visit Just Dandy ~ you'll love what you see!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-74319249916901652492011-04-19T04:57:00.000-07:002011-04-19T06:52:14.757-07:00Here Comes the Sun....<div><div>What do you do when you spend the day at a gorgeous Florida beach, slather up with sunscreen - and STILL GET BURNED??! You rummage through your <a href="http://seriously-shawn.blogspot.com">BFFs</a> cabinets until you find something to take away the BURN! </div><div> </div><div>Actually, first my kids came downstairs and I snatched them up because they smelled like a fresh peeled orange. OH my .... they smelled SO good (and I mean really, doesn't your child always smell good after a fresh bath ...) but anyway, I went on the search for whateveritwas they had gotten into and discovered this gem:</div><div> </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbQ4ZLApnWU/Ta142HmvWEI/AAAAAAAADeg/TTW-54tAkMk/s1600/OCEANPOTION.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 220px; height: 220px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597262783041198146" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UbQ4ZLApnWU/Ta142HmvWEI/AAAAAAAADeg/TTW-54tAkMk/s400/OCEANPOTION.jpg" /></a></div><div>Seriously -- go now to your closest <a href="mailto:W@l-Mart">W@l-Mart</a> and buy stock. This will be your summer lotion. I actually looked at Shawn in a panic and said 'WHAT IF THEY DON'T HAVE THIS IN GEORGIA?" because that would be my luck. Shawn, being the sweet person she is, offered to let me take her nearly brand new (almost now half empty because of me and my kids) bottle of lotion with me, just in case. I knew I had a few more days in Florida and was planning on making a stop at <a href="mailto:W@l-Mart">W@l-Mart</a> anyway --- and this was on my LIST! </div><div> </div><div>When I got there -- I tripped up on this lotion called Ever-Glow. It's a gradual self-tanner that SMELLS JUST LIKE THE ALOE LOTION!! AND IT WORKS!! I switched to this and would use the Aloe lotion and then layer the Ever Glow on top. Perfection.<br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jr9pF-eSJIk/Ta1411ArryI/AAAAAAAADeY/Pa0qrHLsBKg/s1600/ocean-potion-suncare-everglow-daily-moisturizer-20-5-fl-oz_4576054_175.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 175px; height: 175px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597262778049736482" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jr9pF-eSJIk/Ta1411ArryI/AAAAAAAADeY/Pa0qrHLsBKg/s400/ocean-potion-suncare-everglow-daily-moisturizer-20-5-fl-oz_4576054_175.jpg" /></a>and guess what?? $4 .... yes. $4 for each bottle of lotion.</div><div> </div><div>I know, RIGHT??<br /><div></div></div></div><div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-85150363724540133802011-04-06T05:00:00.001-07:002011-04-06T05:00:59.819-07:00Taking a break....<p><a href='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TZxV-NukCSI/AAAAAAAADd8/sdunMPsIb0I/2011-04-03_15-27-10_48.jpg'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TZxV-NukCSI/AAAAAAAADd8/sdunMPsIb0I/s400/2011-04-03_15-27-10_48.jpg' /></a></p>No...not from blogging! The kids and I headed to Tampa on Saturday to have a mini vacation during Spring Break. Nothing extravagant, just hanging out with friends, swimming, beach and a surprise trip to Disney {thanks to our sweet friend, Kali, the kids were so surprised and we had a GREAT time}. <br/> <br/> We arrived Saturday, with a 'um, we're 2 hrs away ...but I know you were expecting us much later, but I was excited and we're almost there!' phone call to my BFF Shawn. The kids swam and I tried not to fall asleep standing up. <br/> <br/> Had a great dinner Monday night w/some of my best girls - but that is a post in itself. <br/> <br/> Today is our last 'official' day here. We are spending the day hanging out poolside w/one of my dear friends. The weather appears to be gorgeous as I see the sun peeking through the blinds! <br/> <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-86041777287999084152011-03-24T11:44:00.001-07:002011-03-24T11:44:06.748-07:00Where I've been.....<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TYuQ9HWuKCI/AAAAAAAADdo/el_NrN2xNj4/1298382920628-1.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TYuQ9HWuKCI/AAAAAAAADdo/el_NrN2xNj4/s400/1298382920628-1.jpg' /></a></p>So I really thought I was about to jump back in to blogging....but God had other ideas. January & February were busy. Trip to New Orleans for wedding and see my best girls, business trip to Dallas, quick trip to Tampa to visit a friend in what we were sure were her final days ....and sadly, dealing with my Father's passing. Towards the middle of February, my Dad was still not feeling well and on Feb 17th, while he was in the hospital, his oncologist gave us the news we have been dreading for 8 yrs. There are no further treatment options. We will set you up with hospice and keep you comfortable. The dr said we had anywhere from 8 days to 8 weeks. God blessed us with 5 more beautiful days with Dad until, as my Mom said at Dad's service, Jesus slipped in quietly at 2:30 pm on 2/23 and performed the miracle only He can do, and took my Dad home. <br/> <br/> The day and a half we were in the hospice facility were clearly the best and worst of my life. I don't know that I can fully put in writing how I felt - but I know it sucked. Watching my Dad go through 'actively dying' as our nurse put it was, not going to lie, horrible and agonizing. I wouldn't trade it for anything though. My Mom is the strongest, most incredibly amazing woman I know. She never left Dad's side and my brother, sister and I would rotate in on the couch that was in Dad's room. There are so many precious and sweet memories I have from those days as well - and I'll keep them forever. Not a single day goes by that I don't think about my Dad and I miss him so much. <br/> <br/> Dad's service was unreal. I could not believe the people that showed up! We had lots of friends and family come to spend a beautiful day with us - we actually had the service on Dad's 65th birthday! Mom, my sister, my brother and I did Dad's service. It's what he would've wanted and I know, without a doubt, he would have loved it and LOVED seeing all the people that came to honor him. We showed an awesome video slideshow and my brother pointed out in his eulogy that in every picture of Dad with his grandchildren, he has cancer. He also pointed out that Dad NEVER complained of being sick - ever. <br/> <br/> Now is the quiet - when people quit checking on you, talking about it and get on with life. I have not grieved....well, properly. I took only the rest of the week off from work the week he died and was back at work on Monday - ready to close out the month. I am blessed with an amazing team of coworkers that help keep me occupied and great friends that make sure we stay busy. I also have an upcoming trip to Tampa to visit friends and RELAX - key word: relax and I am aiming for it to be as stress-free as possible. I have become a bit unbearable at home at times and I'm sure some time away with the kids is just what we all need! <br/> <br/> Today marks one month since my Dad's passing. We take every day for what it is. My family is stronger than ever. I talk to my Mom every.single.day. It is good for both of us {I think}. I never really took things for granted, but now even the smallest things hold more signifigance. <br/> <br/> **Edited to add: I was supposed to post this 3/23 - but couldn't quite finish it. <div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.7</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-34233524885979508562011-01-15T16:59:00.000-08:002011-01-15T16:59:00.287-08:00SnOMG 2011On Sunday, Jan 9 - we got a warning that SEVERE weather was coming our way. Now, I was hoping and praying that it wasn't really coming, but well, this time the weatherman was CORRECT! It started snowing around 6:30 and didn't stop until early that morning. At one point I heard thunder and our local weatherman tweeted "Yes, you may hear thunder! It's called Thundersnow" - which I thought was pretty neat!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-gJS89w2I/AAAAAAAADcc/ResZiTOyFRk/s1600/DSC_0099.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-gJS89w2I/AAAAAAAADcc/ResZiTOyFRk/s400/DSC_0099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561840146392662882" border="0" /></a><br />We woke up to this - now - my friends that read this blog that live up North. I am SURE you are rolling your eyes. Really. However, the wonderful state of GA was equipped with 8 snowplows/salt trucks.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">EIGHT trucks<br /><br />Population: 5 million<br /></div><br />Yeah, do the math. Needless to say, our state was deemed a state of emergency and we were told to STAY HOME. I work in the auto industry and needless to say, we were closed as well. For 3 solid days. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-gJDnFj1I/AAAAAAAADcU/F-a52G2BV7k/s1600/IMG_0090.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-gJDnFj1I/AAAAAAAADcU/F-a52G2BV7k/s400/IMG_0090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561840142274367314" border="0" /></a><br />Watching the news got depressing. They showed clip after clip of highways shut down, people stuck in their cars on 285, people stuck at the airport, etc. It was a disaster. We made the best of it and watched movies, cleaned the house (ha ha ha .. yeah right), got organized (again, ha ha) and pretty much ate every ounce of food we had in the house. I finally got out on Tuesday for a quick trip to the store, only to find out they were out of EVERYTHING and closing at 4:00 (it was 2:30). Didn't matter b/c I was only going to pick up my girlfriend Little Debbie and her friends Chips and Salsa. I was the ONLY woman in the entire store. My husband was in PA, but since the storm was moving that way, he was able to get out and get home by Wed morning. <br /><br />So the kids have been out of school for a week and they are out on Monday MLK holiday. AWESOME! I finally made it back to work today on a reduced schedule but we are business as usual tomorrow. I couldn't be happier. This working mom LOVES being a working mom. Yes, the roads were ridiculous, and everything the weatherman said they would be. Took me over 1 1/2 hrs to go 35 miles ... but I made it safe and sound! <br /><br />It is all supposed to melt tomorrow and start getting back to normal! Thank goodness and yes, I know if it ever calls for the same weather again, we'll still be just as unprepared!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-58749979943530656472011-01-13T16:42:00.000-08:002011-01-13T16:58:35.324-08:00Wild Child turns 6!Dear Wild Child:<br /><br />Wow -- Mommy is late, late, late! I guess we were having too much fun in the SNOW! You turned 6 on a VERY cool day - 1/11/11. We spent the day cooped up inside because the entire city of Atlanta was pretty much shut down to snOMG2011, Snowpocalypse, Snomageddon, whatever you want to call it. We were able to make funfetti cupcakes and you were perfectly fine with that.<br /><br />This is my all-time favorite picture of you and Pappy -- actually, probably one of my all time favorite pictures ever. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-csziFiuI/AAAAAAAADcM/PwvVf1o2rIg/s1600/DSC00948.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-csziFiuI/AAAAAAAADcM/PwvVf1o2rIg/s400/DSC00948.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561836358387206882" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You have adapted SO well in all the changes Mommy and Daddy have thrown at you this year. You love our new home in Georgia, but still ask about Florida, specifically Jack (who you decided is your name sake and on occasion, will ask me to call you Jack), Brody (who you think is your step-brother and have told complete strangers and your teacher that you have a step-brother named Bwody), and if we are ever going to go back and visit your friends (that would be a YES!).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-csncyF5I/AAAAAAAADcE/I38qTuliuJ0/s1600/DSC_0007.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-csncyF5I/AAAAAAAADcE/I38qTuliuJ0/s400/DSC_0007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561836355143735186" border="0" /></a><br />In the past year, you have become an AWESOME swimmer, with not one lesson. You learned to ride a bike, you learned to write your name and all your letters, can count to 100, and can beat every level on pretty much any xBox 360 game. You LOVE video games and while we tend to get SOME slack from people for letting you play them, it doesn't matter at all to us and you continue to be a loving, tender-hearted little boy. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-csTPWLeI/AAAAAAAADb8/rsAu2kmMyeI/s1600/Brocks%2BParty-45.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-csTPWLeI/AAAAAAAADb8/rsAu2kmMyeI/s400/Brocks%2BParty-45.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561836349718670818" border="0" /></a>You care deeply for people that you know are special to our family and have no qualms letting them know. You are so sweet to all the Moms in the neighborhood and always tell them you missed them, you love them, and the occasional "DID YOU MISS ME?"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-cr8wRBdI/AAAAAAAADb0/QtjPiWqeQes/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TS-cr8wRBdI/AAAAAAAADb0/QtjPiWqeQes/s400/IMG_0067.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561836343682729426" border="0" /></a>You constantly have us cracking up! I have never met a funnier little boy than you - your facial expressions alone can get anyone laughing. I love your 'speech impediment' and that you still can't say your 'r's correctly. I know it's going to correct itself one day, but don't worry, I have LOTS of video.<br /><br />Speaking of video, you are quite the mover and shaker and are always willing to put on a show if we're filming! You definitely got Daddy's dance moves (and maybe a little bit of Mommy's - what can I say, we both like to dance). <br /><br />Your teachers love you. You are mastering kindergarten beautifully and LOVE going to school! It amazes me how quickly you pick up things. You LOVE going to church and that pleases us so much. <br /><br />I can't wait to see what the next year brings for you! Daddy and I love you more than you will ever know and are so lucky we were chosen to be YOUR parents. I hope you keep your red hair - it fits you so well .. and the freckles .. you are our own red-headed Dennis the Menace for sure! <br /><br />Happy Birthday to you!! Can't wait for laser tag and bumper cars in a couple weeks! Going to be lots of fun!!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-11006680323827353532011-01-10T10:12:00.000-08:002011-01-10T10:45:36.246-08:00Menu Monday - week of Jan 10-16So I'm back with Menu Monday! Yay!! We are snowed in today and Wild Child is sledding on the golf course with his best friend (yes, there is a Daddy with them, I am an inside cat) and Princess is playing Barbies next door. Life is good!! <br /><br />Monday: Spinach-Cheese Manicotti<br /><br />8 oz shredded mozzarella<br />16 oz cottage cheese or ricotta cheese<br />10 oz frozen chopped spinach - thawed and drained<br />1/4 cup Parmesan cheese<br />1 1/2 dried oregano, 1/4 t salt, 1/4 t pepper<br />8 oz package Manicotti<br />26 oz jar tomato basil pasta sauce<br /><br />combine 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, cottage cheese, and next 5 ingredients in med bowl. Spoon about 3 T cheese mixture into each uncooked Manicotti. Pour 1/2 of sauce into 13x9 baking dish coated w/cooking spray. Arrange stuffed shells in single layer over sauce. Top w/remaining sauce. Pour 1 cup water into dish and sprinkle evenly w/remaining mozzarella. Cover tightly w/foil. Bake at 375 for one hour until tender.<br /><br />****I am shredding 2 chicken breasts in the food processor and adding to spinach mix. Serving with salad and five-cheese bread****<br /><br />Tuesday: HAPPY BIRTHDAY WILD-CHILD<br /><br />We will be eating his favorite place: Chick-fil-A<br /><br />Wednesday: Beef Burgandy (crock-pot meal)<br /><br />1 3/4 top round, cubes (I bought stew meat)<br />1/3 cup flour, 2 minced garlic cloves<br />10 1/2 oz can beef broth<br />1/2 cup red wine, 1/2 t dried thyme<br />1/2 t salt and 1/4 t pepper<br />2 T tomato paste<br />16 oz frozen small onions<br />8 oz pkg fresh sliced mushrooms<br /><br />Heat a lightly greased non-stick skillet on high heat. Add steak, sauté 2 min. Reduce heat and cook steak 5 more minutes until brown. Drain. Whisk together flour and next 7 ingredients in crock pot, stirring until smooth. Add steak, onions, and mushrooms, stirring well. Cover and cook on high for one hour and then reduce to low for 5 hrs. <br /><br />Serve over egg noodles. We will eat with steamed green beans.<br /><br />Thursday: Taco Soup<br /><br />1 lb ground beef<br />2 cups water<br />1/2 c diced green bell paper<br />16 oz jar salsa<br />16 oz can pinto beans<br />15 oz tomato sauce<br />7 oz mexicorn, undrained<br />14 1/2 oz can stewed tomatoes, undrained<br /><br />Brown meat in large pot and drain. Add water and remaining ingredients; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 12 min, stirring occasionally. Serve with tortilla chips and garnish with sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.<br /><br />Friday: dinner with family<br /><br />Saturday: individual chicken pot pies<br /><br />1 lb chicken breasts, cubed and cooked<br />1 1/2 cups milk, 1 cube chicken bouillon - crumbled<br />10 oz cream of chicken soup<br />3/4 of 16 oz bag frozen peas and carrots<br />1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough<br /><br />In large saucepan, combine cooked chicken w/remaining ingredients - except crescents. Cook filling on medium heat for 10-15 min, stirring often. Add more milk if needed. Cut each rectangle of crescent roll dough in half to form 2 squares. Bake flat dough squares on sprayed sheet @ 375 for 10 min. Spoon chicken mixture into 4-6 soup bowls and top with crescent square. <br /><br />Enjoy!!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-57240710879712120622011-01-06T18:14:00.001-08:002011-01-06T18:14:42.275-08:002011 - New Year / New Outlook<p><a href='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSZ3Cb1e1hI/AAAAAAAADbs/ntTKpLZNsUw/2010-12-31_22-58-59_231.jpg'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSZ3Cb1e1hI/AAAAAAAADbs/ntTKpLZNsUw/s400/2010-12-31_22-58-59_231.jpg' /></a></p><p><a href='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSZ3ELkAzsI/AAAAAAAADbw/a1E967HxRW0/2011-01-01_00-06-43_989.jpg'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSZ3ELkAzsI/AAAAAAAADbw/a1E967HxRW0/s400/2011-01-01_00-06-43_989.jpg' /></a></p>We rang in the new year with our new neighbors and had an absolute blast! It was a great time and Big Daddy got to show off his pop n' lock moves - a sure sign of a good time! <br/> <br/> We spent New Year's Day using the gift cards that were burning a hole in my pocket (new Uggs for me) and returning Christmas gifts. I went with my sister and we had an absolute BLAST! <br/> <br/> We had our dinner of ham, collared, black eyed peas and mac n' cheese. It was SO GOOD! After that, we settled in and watched 'Step Up 3' and 'Easy A' - both great movies!! <br/> <br/> We ended the weekend playing Just Dance 2 at my sisters. Loads of fun. Seriously. I think I could play this every couple days and use this as a workout! I attached a video of my neice and my daughter playing it ... and now and then you can catch a peek of my sister! Ha! <br/> <br/> Got lots more updates coming - kitchen is almost finished - can't wait to post what we've done!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-2741905462209639742010-12-29T15:28:00.000-08:002011-01-03T19:37:48.864-08:002010 Year End Wrap UpI guess this could also be "where the heck have you been the last 6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mths</span>?" -- life has just been so crazy, fun, sad, worrisome, you name it, I guarantee I've experienced every emotion over the past 6 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">mths</span>. So I thought I would highlight some of the things that stuck out most to me in 2010:<br /><br /><ul><li>Surprised my sister on New Years</li><li>Wild Child turned 5</li><li>Trip to NOLA with my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">TBM</span> (you will only know what this means if you follow me on Twitter)<br /></li><li>Terrible car accident (DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE!!)</li><li>Broke news to friends and family we were moving "home" to Atlanta</li><li>Big Daddy's contract ended and he branched out on his own</li><li>Entire family in wedding of our dear friends Bebe and Patrick<br /></li><li>Wild Child broke his arm</li><li>Wild Child got bit by dog<br /></li><li>Sisters trip to Chicago<br /></li><li>Met lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">bloggers</span> & now new friends in Atlanta<br /></li><li>We bought our dream home in Atlanta</li><li>Co-chaired a HUGE event for American Cancer Society<br /></li><li>Had an amazing 'see you later' party thrown by some of our dearest friends</li><li>WE MOVED!</li><li>Landed my dream job<br /></li><li>Had our first visitors (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BFF</span> Amber & family came to visit)<br /></li><li>Annual girls trip to the Ritz Carlton in Naples</li><li>Big Daddy turned 47!</li><li>Princess turned 8!<br /></li><li>Surprised my <a href="http://www.seriously-shawn.blogspot.com">best friend</a> for her 40<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> birthday</li><li>Went to see Jake Owen at Ga State Fair</li><li>Two of my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">BFF's</span> surprised me for my 35<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">th</span> birthday (one was surprise, one was surprise ruined by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Facebook</span>)</li><li>Ran AND COMPLETED my first 5K</li><li>Celebrated 35<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">th</span> birthday with lots of new friends</li><li>First year in 4 yrs we didn't have to travel for Thanksgiving</li><li>First Christmas at our new home and first Christmas I've celebrated with my parents in almost 10 yrs! </li></ul>We have certainly seen our share of sadness and heartache this year. Things just didn't go as planned - however - God is good and we are happier than we've ever been. It's not worth going into detail, but I know that I know that I know (yes, I meant to say that) - we are HERE because we are SUPPOSED to be. We found a wonderful church that Big Daddy and I have jumped head first into and are becoming extremely involved with - we absolutely LOVE it. My Dad has been sick, so sick that I thought we were going to lose him. By God's grace, we haven't and he is doing well.<br /><br />I would not change ONE single things about 2010 - no regrets. Our Pastor said this past weekend "The past is just a reminder of the things God CAN and WILL do for you" -- man, isn't that perfect? I remember laying in my floor this past summer, face buried in the carpet, crying, begging for mercy -- looking back now, I can see where God delivered us. We certainly walked through a desert and we are still walking, but it's OK.<br /><br />Considering blogger likes to upload pics in whatever order they want, I'm just going to label the pics instead of painstakingly putting them in order:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKTOyV2_pI/AAAAAAAADbM/9xMKqjODHnQ/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKTOyV2_pI/AAAAAAAADbM/9xMKqjODHnQ/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558166772369522322" border="0" /></a><br />Wild Child and his Pappy (October 2010)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKTO5jmDRI/AAAAAAAADbE/j0C3oA1NZ34/s1600/IMG_1685.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKTO5jmDRI/AAAAAAAADbE/j0C3oA1NZ34/s400/IMG_1685.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558166774306180370" border="0" /></a><br />Big Daddy and Brody (See You Later Party June 2010)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKTOqm7-LI/AAAAAAAADa8/ljIlDmBSrN4/s1600/DSC_0066.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKTOqm7-LI/AAAAAAAADa8/ljIlDmBSrN4/s400/DSC_0066.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558166770293668018" border="0" /></a><br />Big Daddy and Princess - Cheer Comp (Jan 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKSuH1bjNI/AAAAAAAADa0/DspNUloZ7jg/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKSuH1bjNI/AAAAAAAADa0/DspNUloZ7jg/s400/DSC_0046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558166211203402962" border="0" /></a><br />Finishing first 5K - 35<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> Birthday (October 2010)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKSt0i0WAI/AAAAAAAADas/b9kvhG8M4B4/s1600/IMG_0034.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKSt0i0WAI/AAAAAAAADas/b9kvhG8M4B4/s400/IMG_0034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558166206025062402" border="0" /></a><br />My best girls surprised me - eating at Doug's (YUM!) Shawn and Shannon (October 2010)<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKStt3oBPI/AAAAAAAADak/O4UxGbS8z_c/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKStt3oBPI/AAAAAAAADak/O4UxGbS8z_c/s400/IMG_1702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558166204233286898" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Ritz <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Chix</span> annual beach weekend (July 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKStd6OhnI/AAAAAAAADac/gT_ylevFI6Y/s1600/Brocks%2BParty-120.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKStd6OhnI/AAAAAAAADac/gT_ylevFI6Y/s400/Brocks%2BParty-120.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558166199949231730" border="0" /></a><br />See You Later Party - Best Friends a girl could have! (June 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKRl71terI/AAAAAAAADaU/p_zinE2vZdU/s1600/IMG_1591.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKRl71terI/AAAAAAAADaU/p_zinE2vZdU/s400/IMG_1591.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164971032771250" border="0" /></a><br />Celebrate Life Gala - American Cancer Society (May 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKRllafKJI/AAAAAAAADaM/GyWR3TvM52s/s1600/IMG_1559.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKRllafKJI/AAAAAAAADaM/GyWR3TvM52s/s400/IMG_1559.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164965013006482" border="0" /></a><br />Chicago (April 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKRlZTWiRI/AAAAAAAADaE/F_2vx7vABRE/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKRlZTWiRI/AAAAAAAADaE/F_2vx7vABRE/s400/IMG_0431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164961761855762" border="0" /></a><br />No explanation necessary (April 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKRlIdU56I/AAAAAAAADZ8/2w81SvwyjfI/s1600/IMG_0396.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKRlIdU56I/AAAAAAAADZ8/2w81SvwyjfI/s400/IMG_0396.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164957240289186" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">BFFs</span> Wedding (March 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKQ8RFuXHI/AAAAAAAADZ0/a8-zQf8rgMQ/s1600/IMG_1305.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKQ8RFuXHI/AAAAAAAADZ0/a8-zQf8rgMQ/s400/IMG_1305.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164255182576754" border="0" /></a><br />Taylor Swift (I can't remember 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKQ7yjom2I/AAAAAAAADZs/xHp5ZrVk18I/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKQ7yjom2I/AAAAAAAADZs/xHp5ZrVk18I/s400/IMG_1526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164246986529634" border="0" /></a><br />Chicago (April 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKQ7oZHnAI/AAAAAAAADZk/TaIBKSHX9nM/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKQ7oZHnAI/AAAAAAAADZk/TaIBKSHX9nM/s400/IMG_1239.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164244258069506" border="0" /></a><br />NOLA @ Commander's Palace - Top Chef Table (Jan 2010)<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKQ7T8oVpI/AAAAAAAADZc/ljVV4kirunk/s1600/IMG_1469.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKQ7T8oVpI/AAAAAAAADZc/ljVV4kirunk/s400/IMG_1469.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558164238769870482" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blueeyedbride.com">Erin</a> from Blue Eyed Bride and me - April 2010<br /><br />and lastly:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKTPEajcrI/AAAAAAAADbU/5CUBdux8e8I/s1600/DSC_0042.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TSKTPEajcrI/AAAAAAAADbU/5CUBdux8e8I/s400/DSC_0042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558166777221051058" border="0" /></a><br />Blooper from Christmas 2010 Family shoot<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I know I've left out stuff - but honestly, it has been fun going back through and looking at pictures - which reminds me - MUST TAKE MORE PICTURES in 2010. I am missing some though (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">BFF's</span> surprise party, more going away pics, etc) - I do believe they are uploaded on another computer - which leads me to ANOTHER 'goal' for 2011 - download all pics!!<br /><br />Anyway - I've really missed blogging. I hope I'm able to get back into it. I've found that blogging/twitter is such a great place to vent and meet people you may never have met living where you live. Can't make any promises, but I can promise that I'll try :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Rock on Y'all!<br /> Much Love, Natalie<br /></div></div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div> </div><br /><br /></div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-32424718565046071392010-12-27T05:04:00.001-08:002010-12-27T05:05:04.009-08:00Happy New Year!<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TRiOwqlBzuI/AAAAAAAADZY/MpcRqigJjLU/downloadfile.jpeg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TRiOwqlBzuI/AAAAAAAADZY/MpcRqigJjLU/s400/downloadfile.jpeg' /></a></p>Wishing you more blessings you ever thought you could receive in 2011!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-27998224553860717122010-11-10T04:48:00.001-08:002010-11-10T08:18:56.993-08:00Supporting Local<img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TNqUsZZQqAI/AAAAAAAADYU/BoFGnJ0G3xY/s400/2010-11-07_12-11-51_48.jpg" /><p></p>Ever since we moved here, every Saturday and Sunday, I would drive by a certain intersection and see the cutest old man selling homemade dog feeders. We had been wanting one for Delilah and I just never had the opportunity to stop. This past Sunday, after church and on our way home from a delicious breakfast at Doug's, we decided to stop. My sister and I took bets on how much the handmade feeders cost.......Big Daddy went to talk to him, came back to the truck and told us $75!! WHAT!?! Noooooo it was only $30 and so we decided to buy one. It reminds me of the woodwork my grandfather used to do. The funny thing is, we had to write him a check and Big Daddy asked the man to just write his name on the check. The man held up his hand and 2 of his fingers were missing!! He laughed and told Big Daddy "Sanding is a hard job!" ....come to find out he worked at Stetson Hats for yrs and lost his fingers in a work accident.<br /><br />Happy Wednesday!<div style="clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;">Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3</div>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-66847509656264946872010-10-20T04:32:00.000-07:002010-10-27T06:05:49.382-07:00Catching up .....<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>TAP - TAP - TAP<br /><br />You still there?<br /><br />I hate that I just can't blog regularly - I'm off work today and thought I would catch up and make a dedicated effort to blog more than just once/month {or less} - BUT - this blog is a place for my family and friends to keep up with us, and especially since we've moved - I really do need to keep up with it. So now that I'm back in my blogging groove, it's time to play catch up:<br /><br />Let's start with our escapade at the North Georgia State Fair! There were several country music artists playing, but the only one we could get to was Jake Owen.<br /><br />His show was great and thanks to Big Daddy - we were able to get into the meet & greet after the show. A twitter friend was able to hook us up to tickets to the State Fair **side note: the friends I've made on twitter is BANANAS! A lot of girls are local and I'm actually having<a href="http://www.clemsongirlandthecoach.blogspot.com/"> lunch with a great friend</a> (that I met thru Twitter) TODAY!<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, here is proof I got to get 'up close and personal'</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TMgiBcHlw8I/AAAAAAAADXo/KhlsvXtD-DE/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TMgiBcHlw8I/AAAAAAAADXo/KhlsvXtD-DE/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532709550347895746" /></a><br /></div><div>My sister and I decided the night would not be complete without some fair food. She got a fried Snickers bar -- oh yeah, you read that right - a FRIED Snickers bar - and it was RIDICULOUS. SO YUMMY. I got my standard candy apple.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TMgiBv_yDxI/AAAAAAAADXw/51oRwvhGdmw/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TMgiBv_yDxI/AAAAAAAADXw/51oRwvhGdmw/s1600/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TMgiBv_yDxI/AAAAAAAADXw/51oRwvhGdmw/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5532709555683856146" /></a></div><br /><br />It was a fun night and I enjoyed the time with my sister!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-17871051960950087192010-09-21T05:39:00.000-07:002010-09-21T05:56:27.872-07:00Brain DumpI' m following suit of my dear friend, <a href="http://www.blueeyedbride.com/">Blue Eyed Bride</a> and doing a brain dump. Here goes:<br /><ul><li>I'm still loving my job ... like LOVE it. My immediate supervisor went on vacation 2 weeks after I started and then when he returned, he quit - so I've been kind of tripping through on my own. Luckily, I am not new to this business and have fell right into place, however, it's amazing when someone sees potential in you, invests time in you and wants to see you succeed - therefore, it's almost like I'm working a NEW job, only better because I actually KNOW what I'm doing!</li><li>Kids are out of school this week for fall break. I have 3 days off - in.a.row. So totally stoked to get some much needed projects done around the house - even though I've got both kids home, plus 2 extra - I plan on putting them to work and rewarding them with Maggie Moo's ice cream.</li><li>Big Daddy has been home a total of 6 days over the past 6 1/2 weeks. He is loving his job and God continues to bless us for being obediant. The job he has now is NOT the one we moved here for .... and I'll just leave it at that.</li><li>I'm grateful for my sister and niece (Big Daddy's 24 yr old niece lives with us while in school getting her SECOND degree) - I wouldn't be able to do anything without them.</li><li>My father is doing amazing -- he needs a post all on his own.</li><li>I have about 25 thank you notes to write/mail and 5 AWESOME packages to get into the mail.</li><li>I blame the above not getting done because I pretty much fell into a major funk when we moved here and threw myself into work. But I'm going to do it because I can't not do it and my friends deserve it. </li><li>I am so excited for the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate at Starbucks.</li><li>My drapes are almost done for my family room (right, Mom?) and wait until you see how I saved myself $$$ by making my own curtain rod!</li><li>I have SO many projects on the horizon and will be posting pics as I finish them - HOWEVER - I am doing one room at the time. None of this starting a project in one room, half doing it and then a yr later, finally finishing it. </li><li>I have LOTS of company coming in the next 2 mths and I'm so super excited to see them. I'm happiest when my house is FULL of people!! </li><li>I miss my friends in Tampa - still - a lot.</li><li>Finally - we found a church here. I am BEYOND excited. We went from a LARGE church in Tampa to a very SMALL church here in Georgia. We visited many churches around town and after our 3rd visit, decided we would make this church our home church. SO excited for their vision and to be a part of of the growth of the church. I always thought I needed a BIG church to be fulfilled - not at all. Even at our church in Tampa, we were so plugged in, it didn't feel like a big church. I have really felt this has been the missing piece since our move here, and now I feel completely fulfilled!</li></ul><p>That's all - and if you love fried pickles - make sure you come back TOMORROW!</p>Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-427018560148575951.post-16994209111597678572010-09-04T05:44:00.001-07:002010-09-04T05:53:05.846-07:00The Card Cubby .....While out with my sister several weeks ago, digging thru my purse to find my Am Ex, she commented that I needed to 'get organized' -- that is the story of my life, y'all -- and one I am passionately pursuing -- time just gets the best of me and I would rather sit and watch HGTV, dreaming about all the things I want to do to our home, tweet, facebook, etc etc etc -- when I really need to be organizing my life, but I digress. My purse is a plethora of cards, all kinds, but they are strewn about not in any real 'place' and it takes me a good 5 min to find whatever card I'm looking for when I need it - so much so, that I've been known to sit in my car, find the card/rewards card/coupon, whatever - before I go into the store, in order to save embarrassement at the checkout counter.<br /><br />Jenn was very excited about a 'gift' she found that was PERFECT for me -- SO SO PERFECT she exclaimed. Seriously? What could she find that I would need SO desparately. <br /><br />She literally skipped over Thursday night with a small box in hand, tearing through it as she walked through the door -PROUDLY handing me my 'gift' ....<br /><br />Enter - <a href="http://www.cardcubby.com">The Card Cubby</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TII_PQaHBVI/AAAAAAAADXY/ZCwIsA4SvBI/s1600/Pink_base.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 265px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_OwmAnyi69I0/TII_PQaHBVI/AAAAAAAADXY/ZCwIsA4SvBI/s400/Pink_base.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513038425189975378" /></a><br /><br /><br />Y'all - it was like the heavens parted and God sent a little angel in the form of a hot pink 'wallet looking thing' to organize my life. One of my BIGGEST downfalls (my highly disorganized purse) is now fixed. I dumped out my purse on the kitchen table and started organizing my cards - I have a LOT of rewards cards, a couple gift cards, a couple credit cards and a few coupons. It was so great to just put them all in there and KNOW they're organized. I do have a wallet -- a nice one -- but it never shuts right and the stuff never ended back up in there anyway. I'm proud to say, my cards have made their way back into the Card Cubby each time. <br /><br />So go out and getcha one -- Jenn found them cheaper at QVC -- but they make great gifts!! Trust me, I KNOW!!Nataliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456356922816282704noreply@blogger.com7