Christmas Cards

Today I went ahead and ordered my Christmas cards for 2012. My sister-in-law was the photographer for my children, which is extremely helpful to have someone they are comfortable with! Plus, she does a GREAT job! Seriously, aren't those some CUTE kids!! If you are local consider checking out Forever Photography by Jennifer Bovee on Facebook! I designed the cards through Shutterfly.com and used a Target promotion code. So after it was all said and done I ordered 25- 5x7 cards for just over $6.00 that was basically tax and shipping!! That is about $.26 a card! Here is a preview of what my 2012 Christmas cards will look like:

Photo Card

View the entire collection of cards.

Slow cooker

I have been known to use my slow cooker one and awhile a lot...I love when the house smells like I have been slaving away all day preparing a meal for my family and in reality I have spent about 5 minutes throwing a couple ingredients into the slow cooker. I have a super easy recipe similar to beef stroganoff. I throw in a large can of cream of mushroom soup,
about half of a big bag of meatballs,
a cup or a little more of sour cream,
and half a bag of shredded cheddar cheese.
Stir everything together and cook on low for about 4-6 hours.
This tends to burn on the sides a bit so stirring occasionally is recommended but not 100% necessary...about 10 minutes before serving I cook up a bag of egg noodles, drain, and stir them in. Viola, Dinner is ready... ENJOY!!

School days

Ariana started first grade this year, and Adalyn will be starting preschool. They have both grown so much just over the summer. So, I did what any rational mother would do, I called up grandma and planned a school shopping trip. I have a feeling, due to their rapid growth, I will have to do mid-year school shopping as well. OH, Shucks...Don't get me wrong, I expect growth spurts, but man these one seemed to have happened really fast...

Back to school, well the first day for Ariana was a half day. She had her outfit all picked out and ready to go the night before. I have a sneaky suspicion her little mind was going all night long, much like the night before Christmas or Easter. I woke her up and the poor kid seemed sooo exhausted, but I got her fed and she did the rest. Finally, it was time to get on the bus. Of course we had to do the annual first day of school pictures, then off she went..my big, little girl.

You maybe wondering what ever did I do with my time...well, along with taking care of two little guys, Adalyn is still at home. Her preschool is starting September 17th. We had a home visit with two of her teachers, and OH MY GOODNESS, my two children turned into wild banshees when they got there.Seriously, is this normal thing? Zane was literally running and screaming pretty much the whole time, and Adalyn was pretty much doing the same. It made for difficult conversation, but one they are probably and should be familiar with :)

End of summer happenings

Ariana Rose

Adalyn Mae

 

As we were closing in on school starting, I started getting anxious about having things ready, making appointments, and trying to fit in last minute activities/vacations. We had a blast school shopping, of course Grandma had to come with us, it just wouldn't be the same without her. :) I made the girls hair appointments to get their hair cut for 2 reasons 1) I had to apply chemicals on Ariana's head at the end of school last year and it really dried out her hair 2) Adalyn had never had real haircut and it was growing in funny and really thin, so with hopes of it getting thicker we cut it..Anyway, I think they are adorable and Veronica Gorman from Indulge Salon, in Midland, MI did an excellent job with both of them! 

Next was Jason's 35th birthday, we celebrated the night before with his family, homemade lasagna, and a bonfire. We went up to Tawas, MI the next day and hung out at the beach. My mom rented a cute, very clean little cabin right on the water at Young's Getaway Resort . The kids and I stayed, since Jason had to go back to work the next day.








The weather was gorgeous, and our time there was just what in needed before we had to get back on a school schedule.

Back to Blogging

Well it has been awhile, again..I seem to go in blogging spurts. Hopefully this time I will just keep up with it.