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Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thankful Thursday 12-3-09
I am feeling very thankful. While I still have plenty of things I grump about, I'm just feeling generally all around thankful.
I am thankful for amazing friends and family.
And the prayers of many that have given me a strength I could have not imagined to get throught the last couple months.
I'm thankful that I started shopping early and am almost done. As I don't know that any would be getting anything if I had to start right now.
I'm thankful for all the amazing things we have going on in our lives. With basketball, and Cub Scouts and church and school we keep really busy but without things to keep me going I don't know that I'd have done much at all this last month.
I'm thankful for all the things we have. The cars may both need work, but at least we have them. The house may need tons of work but at least we have a home thats heated and warm for the winter. Our clothes may not be designer but we have what we need to stay clothed and warm.
I'm thankful that we make choices to take what little we have and help others in small ways when we're able.
And I'm especially thankful today for my boys and their beautiful faces. And I suppose I should include that I'm thankful to my husband for getting a up just a bit early getting himself some coffee and getting the boys going today so we didn't have our usual morning insanity which allowed me to start my day on a good note, leaving me feeling so thankful!!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Real Holiday Helpings from Hellmann's® and Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay
Ok, I have to be honest. I am not big on celebrity chefs. They only increase my feelings of inadaquacy in the kitchen. Some even creating things I wouldn't even eat if they made them for me. I'm not a fancy dancy type. Give me a meatloaf and potatos and I'm a happy girl.But the recipes that Bobby Flay and Hellmann's have come up with here are all looking pretty good to me. Especially the loaded mashed potatos. (Yeah, ok, so I have a carb addiction what can I say.)
The only thing that could make some loaded mashed potatos better? If they were made with free groceries! Hellemann's also has a contest to win Free Groceris for a Year!
And if all that isn't enough visit the site to get coupons, play a game for more chances to win or become a Facebook fan to get fan exclusives!
And thanks to Hellmann's® and MomSelect I've also been given a $25 American Express gift card to give to one of my readers to help with Real Holiday Food shopping!
In order to enter, visit Real Holiday Helpings and come back and leave me a comment with one of your favorite recipes.
AFTER you've left your first comment, you may earn additional entries by leaving seperate comments for any of the following:
- become a Facebook Fan of Hellmann's
- follow my blog (in my upper right sidebar)
- add my button to your blog (include link to your blog)
- subscribe to my blog via email
- follow me on twitter, @lisanoel03
- for 3 entries (please leave 3 separate comments,include a link to your post), blog about this giveaway, including a link to my blog post
- for 1 entry per day (leave separate comments, including links) tweet about this contest, including a link to my blog post
Contest ends 12-11-09
Open to US residents only.
Please be sure that I have a way to contact you either with a email available on your blogger account or leave your email in your comment. If I can not contact you via email, or you do not respond with in approx. 48 hours to my email, I have to pick a new winner. And I really hate doing that!
Thank you to Hellmann's® and MomSelect who've also given my a $25 gift card for helping spread the word.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Time for a rant
Ok, let me just start by saying, if you don't want to listen to me rant aimlessly just for the purpose of venting to make myself feel better...please feel free to close this blog...it's ok I'll wait....
Still here? Yeah I knew someone of you were as cynical and bitter as I am and just love a good rant! LOL Just kidding. If you're still here, thanks for loving me enough to put up with my moodiness!!
So here's the deal. I'm completely and udderly frustrated with selfishness. Its out of control!! It's every where. It's taken over every walk of life, race, creed, gender, age and belief. I can't take it anymore. Where do people get off thinking they're more important than everyone else?
Seriously, its in the car. The number of times I'm outrageously cut off seems to increase each week. Granted the construction in this area is maddening but 'hey. I've been waiting here just as long as you have! what give you the right to give me the option of a~running off the road b~slamming on the breaks or c~ have you crash into my vehicle when YOUR lane ended. yeah did you see that like 100 yards ago it merged. you've run out of lane and now you're just jamming your way into mine as if I don't even exist." Hmmm, maybe its that invisibilty bubble I've seemed to have for years that's kept me safe from the radar...maybe its REAL. Maybe they really just can't see me. Or maybe they are seriously convinced they matter that much that the extra car length is just that much more valuable to them!
It's in the stores. There were a few good deals that I'd have liked to snag this past Friday but you know there's a reason its called black Friday. Because you're risking life and limb out there. My husband was kind enough to go out 2 years ago to get the video camera I really wanted (yeah yeah I have yet to learn how to use it) and was almost trampled by a mob of deal hungry monsters.
Sadly, its ALL over our kids school. Last year as we sat to watch one of the school programs. A lady stood up, in front of all the seats, apparently to take a photo of her child. But then she proceeded to take a phone call while continuing to stand there as if there weren't a hundred people (or more, I don't know I'm horrible as guessing at that stuff) politely sitting in their seats behind her. And after sitting patiently waiting our turn to speak with our son's teacher last year at Parent Teacher conferences, part of our time was taken up when another mother barged in attempting to demand her conference then and there because she had 'other things to do' even though her scheduled time was over an hour and half later! She left letting the teacher know that she didn't care she could just call her, she didn't have all night ya know.
And our poor kids get it too. You see, as crazy as they make me at home (and mind you they can be crazy selfish at home) we've actually taught them to be polite out in public. I'm begining to think this may have been a great disservice to them. They're going to spend the rest of their lives at the back of the line as other barge their way in front of them. This happens every where from Chuch E Cheese to the Wolves game we just went to. The boys stood patiently waiting as person after person got their autograph from Skates (the Wolves mascot) with people coming up after them but managing to find their way in front of them. Until finally with just a handful of people left a line formed and the boys jumped at the end of it. Thankfully either Skates or his lovely assistant must have heard us voicing our frustration as we got two great photos thanks to the patience. But it makes me crazy that despite Chuck E Cheese supposedly being so safe that we could let our kids just go and play...the few times when I've attempted to do that, (while keeping a constant visual check on them) I would walk up to find some kid essentially stealing from them as they plopped a coin in and another kids jumped in front of them and played their game. Where are the parents? Sometimes I have no clue but a lot of time they're right there....smiling away.
And I'm disappointed to say that I think it's becoming more and more prevelant in our church. There seem to be more and more excuses for not serving and not giving to the church. Yet more and more reasons to be taking. Please don't misunderstand me to say I'm perfect. I need lots of work myself. But its hard for me to continue to be motivated when I see those who claim one thing out but living another. Our wants and needs seem to have gotten all confused. As people spend money on wants and then accept help for the needs.... Is that really a need then? It doesn't take much to hear stories about the shortages of fod in food pantries. And I KNOW the need is growing. But it angers me that people who could be managing with a simple shift in priorities, don't seem to care. They'll take whatever they can and apparently not give a second thought to those who are left without that didn't have that choice. They didn't have the money and chose to spend it another way. Yeah I'd love to have a new car and my husband would like (ok its getting to be a NEED) a newer vehicle but we have to put the essentials first and there just isn't enough left.
Still here? Yeah I knew someone of you were as cynical and bitter as I am and just love a good rant! LOL Just kidding. If you're still here, thanks for loving me enough to put up with my moodiness!!
So here's the deal. I'm completely and udderly frustrated with selfishness. Its out of control!! It's every where. It's taken over every walk of life, race, creed, gender, age and belief. I can't take it anymore. Where do people get off thinking they're more important than everyone else?
Seriously, its in the car. The number of times I'm outrageously cut off seems to increase each week. Granted the construction in this area is maddening but 'hey. I've been waiting here just as long as you have! what give you the right to give me the option of a~running off the road b~slamming on the breaks or c~ have you crash into my vehicle when YOUR lane ended. yeah did you see that like 100 yards ago it merged. you've run out of lane and now you're just jamming your way into mine as if I don't even exist." Hmmm, maybe its that invisibilty bubble I've seemed to have for years that's kept me safe from the radar...maybe its REAL. Maybe they really just can't see me. Or maybe they are seriously convinced they matter that much that the extra car length is just that much more valuable to them!
It's in the stores. There were a few good deals that I'd have liked to snag this past Friday but you know there's a reason its called black Friday. Because you're risking life and limb out there. My husband was kind enough to go out 2 years ago to get the video camera I really wanted (yeah yeah I have yet to learn how to use it) and was almost trampled by a mob of deal hungry monsters.
Sadly, its ALL over our kids school. Last year as we sat to watch one of the school programs. A lady stood up, in front of all the seats, apparently to take a photo of her child. But then she proceeded to take a phone call while continuing to stand there as if there weren't a hundred people (or more, I don't know I'm horrible as guessing at that stuff) politely sitting in their seats behind her. And after sitting patiently waiting our turn to speak with our son's teacher last year at Parent Teacher conferences, part of our time was taken up when another mother barged in attempting to demand her conference then and there because she had 'other things to do' even though her scheduled time was over an hour and half later! She left letting the teacher know that she didn't care she could just call her, she didn't have all night ya know.
And our poor kids get it too. You see, as crazy as they make me at home (and mind you they can be crazy selfish at home) we've actually taught them to be polite out in public. I'm begining to think this may have been a great disservice to them. They're going to spend the rest of their lives at the back of the line as other barge their way in front of them. This happens every where from Chuch E Cheese to the Wolves game we just went to. The boys stood patiently waiting as person after person got their autograph from Skates (the Wolves mascot) with people coming up after them but managing to find their way in front of them. Until finally with just a handful of people left a line formed and the boys jumped at the end of it. Thankfully either Skates or his lovely assistant must have heard us voicing our frustration as we got two great photos thanks to the patience. But it makes me crazy that despite Chuck E Cheese supposedly being so safe that we could let our kids just go and play...the few times when I've attempted to do that, (while keeping a constant visual check on them) I would walk up to find some kid essentially stealing from them as they plopped a coin in and another kids jumped in front of them and played their game. Where are the parents? Sometimes I have no clue but a lot of time they're right there....smiling away.
And I'm disappointed to say that I think it's becoming more and more prevelant in our church. There seem to be more and more excuses for not serving and not giving to the church. Yet more and more reasons to be taking. Please don't misunderstand me to say I'm perfect. I need lots of work myself. But its hard for me to continue to be motivated when I see those who claim one thing out but living another. Our wants and needs seem to have gotten all confused. As people spend money on wants and then accept help for the needs.... Is that really a need then? It doesn't take much to hear stories about the shortages of fod in food pantries. And I KNOW the need is growing. But it angers me that people who could be managing with a simple shift in priorities, don't seem to care. They'll take whatever they can and apparently not give a second thought to those who are left without that didn't have that choice. They didn't have the money and chose to spend it another way. Yeah I'd love to have a new car and my husband would like (ok its getting to be a NEED) a newer vehicle but we have to put the essentials first and there just isn't enough left.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Timmy's Thanksgiving wishes...
Thanksgiving was very fun & we ate very yummy food but at desert Johnny did not have pie he had a cookie & I had 2 pieces of pumpkin pie. I hope you had a very very good thanksgiving so happy thanksgiving.
from Timmy
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
It's a day of giving thanks and I'm pushing hard to keep focused on those things and not dwell on the sadness of today for our family.
You see yesterday marked 4 years since my Grandma passed and one moth since my mom's wake. It seems that this week has brought on a whole onslaught of emotions that I was not prepared for. I've kept very busy since the funeral and honestly hadn't really felt much of anything...that was until Monday. Then the flood gates opened and I can't seem to shut them.
I still have a peace and know that my Mom is in the best possible place. That while I do not understand why people must suffer as she did or are taken from us much too soon, I know someday I will get those answers. And I have full faith that God uses all things for his good.
However today I mourn my lose. The fact that she will not be with me or my family for another holiday. That I will never again be able to pick up the phone for her advice or simply to complain to her. That while she may always be with me, I will not be able to hug her again while her on earth. That the only memories Bryan will ever have of his amazin' Grandmother will be those we tell him.
Shortly, we'll be venturing over to our church where my husband has been slaving since literally 2 am to help prepare a Thanksgiving meal for approx 400 people (75 Naval recruits and may people from the community). This will be hard for me as this is where we've celebrated several Thanksgivings over the last 7 years, particularly when my mom was sick/in treatment. She and I spent many hours several years ago making the centerpieces for the tables for the meal.
This day is filled with thoughts and memories of her. I will do my best to honor her memory and make her proud by making it a good day for my boys!!!
Monday, November 23, 2009
BEWARE! Wolves spotted in the area.
BEWARE! Wolves spotted in the area.
This is what was on a billboard just before we reached the stadium yesterday to watch the Chicago Wolves hockey game. Timmy read it outloud and I didn't think much of it. Until much later when he said out of nowhere "I get the joke." This struck me as extremely funny because one, I always find it funny when someone's light bulb finally goes off, and two, because Timmy is a pretty sharp kid who's gotten word plays and sarcastic humor for a long time. Three hours later he was still marveling at this fantastic billboard as we headed home after a great game. The boys first hockey experience. One fight. Many penalties (or timeouts as Timmy called them). Two autographs. Three hotdogs. One win. And LOTS of smiles.
And a few photos...
This is what was on a billboard just before we reached the stadium yesterday to watch the Chicago Wolves hockey game. Timmy read it outloud and I didn't think much of it. Until much later when he said out of nowhere "I get the joke." This struck me as extremely funny because one, I always find it funny when someone's light bulb finally goes off, and two, because Timmy is a pretty sharp kid who's gotten word plays and sarcastic humor for a long time. Three hours later he was still marveling at this fantastic billboard as we headed home after a great game. The boys first hockey experience. One fight. Many penalties (or timeouts as Timmy called them). Two autographs. Three hotdogs. One win. And LOTS of smiles.
And a few photos...
why, yes, yes it is!
pregame intros
warming up before the game
the fight!
some litte guys playing
dad with his new hockey fans
me and my "big" boys
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