blueberries with love

I was so ready for this weekend! Nothing big or huge going on, but I have done nothing but spend quality time with friends and family - bliss.

We had our "big brother" day for the boys yesterday, and we also had a little send off breakfast for our neighbors who left to move to VA. They have kids the same age as ours, and we have all become good friends, so we wanted to send them off with full bellies knowing they would be missed around here. Here is my little (soon to be middle) and their middle one enjoying some Saturday AM cartoons.

These two share a birthday and are only hours apart age-wise. Jennie (mom) and I have already decided it would be the perfect arranged marriage...hehe.

I got a little daring and tried THREE new recipes for this, and I have to say they were ALL wonderful. Baked french toast, an egg casserole dish, and THESE wonderful blueberry muffins. I picked up fresh blueberries when we were out the night before and had been craving some muffins, so I whipped these together Sat morning and they didn't disappoint!

When it comes to menu planning I tend to go a little overboard, but in this case it worked out. The eggs and french toast were all but gone, and the rest (muffins and fruit) we will enjoy for ourselves this week. My perfect way to start the day.

After we said our "see ya laters" we got things cleaned up then left to celebrate the rest of the day with the boys. We took them duck pin bowing (a new favorite for the boys - and new to us southerners) and then to dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe (at the boys request). Then we surprised them with a stay at a hotel with all that comes with it - movies, jumping on beds, and of course swimming in the pool. They had a ball and it was a nice little get away. And as a bonus for me, this AM at the pool if you were sitting in the sun, it was so warm and bright in the room you could almost imagine it wasn't 20 degrees outside!! I didn't want to leave!!

We're back home now, enjoying more family time. It's pretty cold today so we did movies, more Wii Bowling, and as soon as our dough finishes rising, we're making pizza. YUM! This weekend with the people I love was truly the best thing EVER - and just what I needed! Hope you are all enjoying your weekends - and seriously, if you like muffins - give those a try!

Settling

Things are falling into place...for the most part.

Big kid started KINDERGARTEN last week, and today will be his first full day. Can't believe my little man is in school now. Crazy. But he absolutely loves it there, and the school he goes to is just wonderful. I tell you what though, not having him around is sure strange. Maybe I'll get the rest of these boxes unpacked after all...

All ready for the first day

We still have a few boxes here and there, but most of that is due to the fact that we are waiting for our "media hutch" to arrive so we have something to put our tv on and all of the various devices that go along with it into. We were spoiled in NE and had built-ins so we didn't have to worry about such things. There are some others too, but we've been having a lot of fun so they have been pushed aside! I LOVE LOVE LOVE our new neighborhood! There are TONS of kiddos everywhere, all close to the same age as our boys, and it has just been non-stop playtime outside. And it turns out that a friend of mine from when we lived in GA (her hubs was on a different boat) lives right across the street from us!! Her son is a week older than my oldest, so that has been really great, and she has been awesome and introduced us to everyone on the street I think. Not really, but it feels like a lot. I'll be sad to leave next spring.

And speaking of leaving. We do have "verbal orders". The hubs is (for now) going to be the Weps on a boat out of Norfolk. We were not expecting this location, but are happy with it none-the-less. It will be nice to be within a days drive of our family, and we've got some good friends going there as well. :) Although I'm trying not to get TOO attached because I know that things very well could change.

This weekend we spent probably 95% of both Saturday and Sunday enjoying the outdoors. We went hiking, kite flying, and got in a few trips to the beach. The weather here is absolutely beautiful and we have been exploring our new surroundings. There is so much fun stuff to do, I'm already making our list for next weekend!

Well I should wrap this up and get a move on my "to-do" list. Maybe now that I have a little "kid free" time again, I'll actually update this blog in a somewhat timely fashion...maybe. *wink*

Later folks :)

Safe and Sound

We've arrived...safe and sound and are (slowly) getting settled. Actually we've accomplished a lot, but as I look around at all the boxes, I realize there is still more to be done. We woke up to a rainy day, so I've been slow getting things together - so I figured I'd update. But I can't stay on TOO long because I am *a-hem* borrowing wireless at the moment. So bad I know...

However, I did get lots of important things done in the few days that I've been in my new residence. I got our insurance stuff switched and the boys and I are all set up with new docs. The boys have dr. apts for school physicals. Dentist appointments have been made. Cable/internet/phone is processing and will be installed on Friday. Big kid will be all set for school tonight after open house. You get the idea. We've been busy.

The hubby doesn't have to start school until middle of next month, so we have a few weeks to enjoy family time. I think we are going to take a weekend trip in the next few weeks, somewhere by train, still have to figure that one out.

Okay, well I should run. I'll be back after Friday when our internet is installed.

Catch ya later folks.

A most useless place...

Last night the hubs and I took the boys to the bike shop to get the big kid his brand new bike. He had been riding around on a pretty piece-tacular bike that was falling apart and was too small, but we figured it would be perfect for him to learn on. We had told him once he decided to do it without the training wheels, he could go get a nice new one. Anyway, while we were driving to the shop, I realized something...I'm in the Waiting Place. I'm sure you've all read the Dr Seuss book "Oh the Places You'll Go". It's one of my favorite ones to read my little ones. And it dawned on me today - we are very much in that place - a most useless place...

The Waiting Place…for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come, or a plane to go or the mail to come, or the rain to go or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow or waiting around for a Yes or No or waiting for their hair to grow. Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite or waiting for wind to fly a kite or waiting around for Friday night or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake or a pot to boil, or a Better Break or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants or a wig with curls, or Another Chance. Everyone is just waiting.

In our case we are waiting for all sorts of things. Phone calls from detailers and landlords, doctor appointments, moving day, etc. I just feel like we are in a holding pattern this week. It's still too soon to do a lot of the packing prep (that hasn't already been done) and my "to do" list for when we do arrive in the northeast keeps growing, but I can't do anything on that until I'm there. I'm trying to remind myself to just take it easy this week and enjoy my last "quiet" week before next week comes and I'm running around like a crazy lady. But the anxiety is really getting to me. And I can't even bake because I don't want to go buy stuff that I won't use up before next week! :)

{deep breath}

Okay, I feel better. I'm just going to focus on the fun stuff that is going on this week. We have baseball for the big kid, a trip to the children's museum with friends, more baseball this weekend, and maybe a day trip one day to KC for one last visit to my favorite place on earth. I have so much to be thankful for!! So while I am indeed in the "waiting place" I know it's only temporary and I can move on because...

No! That’s not for you!
Somehow you’ll escape all that waiting and staying. You’ll find the bright places where Boom Bands are playing. With banner flip-flapping, once more you’ll ride high! Ready for anything under the sky. Ready because you’re that kind of a guy!

Well...that kind of a girl rather...and yes, I am that girl indeed...ready for anything under the sky!

This and That

Is the weekend almost over already?? Eeesh, where does the time go? And it's AUGUST - wowza.

So, in-case you aren't crossing off the days until my move on your calendar (although I can't see why you wouldn't be - hehe) we are down to 13 days!! WOAH!! We officially have an address now for when we get to our new location, so that is always a plus, and I've taken care of stopping all our services here minus one more that I have to call about tomorrow.

THANK YOU THANK YOU folks who gave me such awesome moving tips!! I will make sure to have my video camera charged, sharpies ready, and my best "I'm the boss - but a nice one" attitude in check!

This morning we went to church, then home to get some stuff done around the house. The hubby cleaned out the garage, and I've been working on getting together all those things that DON'T go with the packers because I would be heartbroken if they were damaged or lost (mainly my pictures, a few letters, etc.) I also have yet another bag of stuff going for Goodwill - this will be trip number 4 I believe!

Yesterday the hubs and the munchkin went to a bbq at a co-workers house. Big kid and I stayed behind because he woke up all snotty and coughing and we didn't want to share the love. BUT I did take full advantage of the "bring a side or dessert" to unload a bunch of stuff in the pantry! I sent brownies, blondies, a unopened bag of tortilla chips, and some fresh salsa. I got major "points" in the clean-out process for all that!

I tried a new recipe for the brownies - it's one I've had on my "to bake" list for awhile, but always seem to fall back on my favorite Ina recipe. But because I didn't have everything for that one, and I DID have everything for this one, I took a chance. The recipe is from the back of the King Arther bag of AP flour and it's labeled "The Best Fudge Brownie Ever" (click on that for the recipe). I was skeptical because I've had some amazing brownies - so to claim these were the BEST ever...well I just wasn't so sure. Sorry for the bad picture...I was in a hurry and it shows.

My review. They were quite tasty - very moist and fudge-y and the chocolate chips in the batter really do add a little something, but I think I still would chose my Ina recipe over this one. But the hubby said they, and the blondies both went over well.

Today we also had a big moment in "kid world". The big kid learned how to ride his bike without training wheels!! We are very proud. He must have been ready because he picked it up like a pro. Well folks - I need to run. The hubs just informed me he is due for a haircut, so I'm going to go help get the little ones to bed, then do that, then curl up with my book. Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

Use it or lose it...

That's what I'm calling our current moving phase. I've been going through our house, room by room, closet by closet deciding what stays and what really just needs to go. We've already dropped off numerous boxes at the Goodwill and I have the back of my car loaded up with more to go tomorrow. Not to mention multiple boxes of baby clothes to be sent to my sister-in-law for my cutie nephews. I am also trying to use up goods in our pantry that need to go, so I made some banana bread. I tried a new recipe, and the jury is still out because it's cooling, but it sank a little after coming out of the oven, so I'm not sure what to expect. If it's good, I'll post pictures and the recipe soon - if not we will just forget I made it and I'll post something else!!

The hubs and I have been working really hard getting the house ready to turn over to new tenants. We also started P90X last week which means that I've now been sore for a week straight. With all this hard work we decided it was time to put to use our couples massage gift certificate! Ahhhhh...that's that sound of my relaxed and well massaged muscles. Back in November two of my best friends were out here to celebrate our anniversary and they gave us a gift certificate for a couples massage. Well, months later we finally got around to using it and it was FABULOUS!!! It was an hour of pure wonderfulness - THANKS AMANDA AND NAT for the great gift!!! We are very lucky to have such wonderful friends and it was much needed!

After that we went to a nice dinner, walked around and did a little window shopping, shared ice cream, and then home to send the babysitter off, and watch a movie. It was a great way to spend the afternoon together. Date nights are a treat for us, so we really enjoy our time out together. I think I'm going to call our sitter and arrange another here soon before the big move.

The move is coming soon...very soon. 27 days to be exact!! Can't believe we are below 30 days now. I had a minor freak out this morning about all that we still needed to do, but was over it pretty quick after getting out my planner and going over my to-do list. We're in good shape. I hired a cleaning company to take care of the cleaning after the movers load up, the moving company is coming out this week to do our house estimate, and I'm just about done going through our stuff to find donations. Things are moving right along.

Okay folks well that's it for me. OH...thanks for all the well-wishes on my ankle. It's doing much better and I've even been able to go on a few runs. My pace is a little slower, and I can't go as long because my shoe starts to rub on the part that is cut, but overall I'm recovering very well!! So thank you. Hope you all enjoyed your weekend!!

Hugs.

Big Threes!!!!

Hello folks, how's it going??

It is a beautiful morning here, just one of those days that makes you want to get out there and do stuff. Which is good because later we have a picnic for the hubby's work that we are going to. This morning I have dedicated to getting things done. So far I've done my bible study, had breakfast, folded the last of my laundry, and loved on my kiddos. Now they are watching a show before breakfast, so I figured I would use this un-disturbed time to do some bloggin'. :)

How was everyone's Independence Day weekend?? What did you do to celebrate our country's independence?? We had a FABULOUS weekend. My mom and dad came up for one last visit before we move on to celebrate both the 4th and then our little munchkin's THIRD birthday!! I can't believe my "baby" is three. He is doing fabulous, and just such the little man now. It seems that overnight he went from my little guy, to full fledged "big kid" that no longer needs much help from Mama and Daddy. He's 100% potty trained (has been for about a month now) and into everything that big brother does. So here's a big birthday shout out to my little man - Happy Birthday Sweetie...Mama LOVES you bunches!!! Here he is with his Lightning McQueen cake that yours truly made. It's a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and Lightning McQueen of course. The recipe was wonderful and I'll post it at the end.

Three years ago...

My sweet boy

Here are some more pictures from our weekend. For the 4th we went to see fireworks, and the next night we did lots of fun fireworks here at the house. The boys had a blast, and really got into it this weekend.



The hubs and I even got a date night which was awesome. I dragged him to see Eclipse so I could get my vampire fix (I know...me and all the other little teenagers). It was much better than New Moon, but I really can't wait for the last one. That was my favorite of all the books...but waiting is something I will have to do because it's like 500 days until it comes out or something like that...hmmmm.

So, we are at 5 weeks until our moving day! I can't believe it's so close - CRAZINESS!! It's hard to believe that our time here is just about up. I'll be sad to leave, but am also really looking forward to our new adventure. I just wish I knew where we would be AFTER SOAC, but I'm going to have to be patient on that one (yet again just like above) because we still have awhile before we know anything that is "final". However, I'm not so much looking forward to the whole "going out to sea" bit again, but I'm sure I'll get into the swing of it again...sooner or later. :)

In-case you missed it on my FB, check out Matt's claim to fame. Okay maybe not "fame" but he's in a recruiting video for the Navy.



Hehe...

So, I think that is about it for our updates. We are still making the most of our summer. Lots of time at the pool and the parks, and playing with friends. Okay, well here is that recipe I promised. My mom found this recipe and brought it with her, it was the one my grandma used and she always made the BEST stuff so I was excited to try it. She didn't let me down, it was AWESOME! I'm a big fan of carrot cake, but I'm kind of picky about it. I don't like it to have a bunch of extra "stuff" in it, I just want the wonderful carrot-y cake-ness. For our cake I did omit the nuts, because both my hubby and daddy are not a fan of nuts in baked goods, so I left those out, but everything else I kept the same.

Grandma's Carrot Cake

Ingredients and directions

- 1 1/2 cups oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs

Mix the above together. Combine the following separately then add to the above.

- 2 c. sifted flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 3 tsp cinnamon

Stir in the following:

- 3 c. shredded carrots
- 1/2 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Cook @ 350F for 30 min in (3) 8 inch cake pans. Let cool on rack then frost with cream cheese icing. * Note: this recipe makes three very thin layers, if you want two thicker layers you will need to increase the baking time.

Enjoy!!

Okay, well that's it for me folks. I really will try to be better about posting, but I can make no promises! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend - I know we plan to!!