Hello again, it's been a while.....

So, as you can see it's been a while since I've last posted anything.  It's been a year in fact.  Wow, a year.  So much has happened. I feel like that year has just flown right on by.  T started school full time.  Kindergarten.  It was interesting to say the least.  At first, he had a hard time adjusting, so did I.  But by the first month we had it down pat and it was all good.  I volunteered at school (PTO but mostly in the classroom), took care of A, did work stuff for B, tried as best as I could to keep up with the house work, and all the stuff in between.  Somewhere in there, I think I lost myself a little bit.  Which is kinda sad. So, this summer, I've been trying really hard to get myself back.  I'm dedicated to start my running routine back up when school starts.  (it's easier to just push a stroller than push a stroller and try to watch T on his bike.)  I've deleted the Facebook App on my phone.  (I  still go on there, I'm just not on there constantly.)  I've pulled my camera out of hibernation.  That's something that I REALLY miss.  I want to go  take the boys pictures before school starts.  Maybe Grand Haven Beach or something but I know how to do it, so why don't I?  The other thing I've noticed, I didn't have much style.  I'm trying to get a casual but nice "mommy" look. That's slowly coming.  I lost a little bit of weight and had to buy some new clothes.  So, I had B watch  the kids and I went shopping.  I like Kohl's but I've found that unless you buy from the LCLauren Conrad or Jennifer Lopez collections, their clothes are really young. Or for the older ladies (like ladies in their 50's and beyond), there wasn't anything for the in between.  I'm in my late 30's, I don't need to dress like I'm just entering my college years or starting retirement.  I would go to Target.  They have some really cute stuff but I think I used to go there to much.  When I go clothes shopping there now, everything always looks the same.  I love boutique shopping but honestly, who wants to pay those prices!  Really!  I found a few pair of jeans at a boutique here that were (hold your breath) close to $300! $300!!!  I could not fathom paying that much for jeans.  Seriously!  So, I found a store.  It's not new, it's actually been around for quite some time.  Maurices. http://www.maurices.com/  I love that store.  They have a wide variety of stuff.  Some is on the younger end, but a lot of it isn't.  It's just one of my new faves.  My other fave while I'm talking about fashion, is an accessories store.  Charming Charlie.  I LOVE this store.  I've only been there twice, but I've found great deals and they have coupons.  Which is AWESOME!

So, in conclusion, I'm going to start writing in here more, get back into my exercise routine and all the while, I'll try to be fashionable while doing all of that!  :-)

I'll leave you now with a couple of pictures that I took the other day of my kiddos.

Peace out!

One Decision

So I was on my Facebook page the other day and I saw that on the news feed there was a video.  The headline was a heart  wrenching video of heatstroke, or something like that.  So I clicked on the link and the video that was on there was so upsetting I couldn't finish it.  I literally had to stop watching in and come back to it at a later time.  It really was disturbing to me and really made me upset.  Not angry upset but sad upset and made me want to hold my kids just that much more.  So, I went on youtube to see if it was on there.  It was.  But there was also little "behind the scenes" snipits.  So, the basis of the video is how long it takes for a child to have heatstroke if left in a locked up car.  If you decide to watch this, please know it is a re-enactment, not actual events.  The child in the video was unharmed.  In fact if you watch any of the behind the scenes stuff, he's in those and he's so cute.  But the video itself will make you cry.  You may not even be able to finish it, but it is good to be aware, which is the whole idea behind the video.  So here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=one+decision&oq=one+decision&gs_l=youtube.12...0.0.0.231363.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0...0.0...1ac..11.youtube.

summer lovin'

So, this has been a busy summer thus far but we really haven't done anything super expensive and traveled anywhere huge.

We started off the summer by traveling to our friends property in Cadillac, MI and camping over Memorial Weekend.  That was a ton of fun.  Thomas got to run wild with the kids that were there and he had a blast!

Then we had preschool graduation and summer officially started!

Our next big thing we did was we went to downtown Grand Rapids for their annual Festival of the Arts.  Soooooo much fun!  We went to the paint-in and the glue-in.  Thomas had a blast recreating what he would like to say is the Titanic at the glue-in.

He's such an imaginative child.  And he LOVES to learn.  I am planning on taking him to see the Titanic exhibit  at the Grand Rapids Public Museum (maybe when his Aunt Lora is in town?).  He's saw it when it first opened but I'd like to see it and I know he would love to see it again.

So then I went on Pinterest and found two things.  One, a blog (www.peanutblossom.com) that had a summer schedule on it.  So, I took that and adapted it to be my own.  The second thing I found was a how-to on making an "I'm bored" jar.  This one is a work in progress, which I'm almost done with. The link for that one is here: www.shabbybeachnest.com.  Some really good ideas on this one. :-)

So then we started doing things around town (some free, some not) but we are having so much fun.  From strawberry picking, going to farmer's markets, the park, the library (which we're participating in the summer reading program), having fun in our own backyard and blueberry picking.  It's all so much fun and I'm so glad that I have the opportunity to participate in this time in both their lives.

Generally when we go out, I try to do our "stuff" in the morning and be home for lunch.  That way we can still have some fun and Andrew can take a nap.  Then we are also trying to do some learning stuff at least two times a week. This is usually done in the afternoon while Andrew is napping so I can have full attention on Thomas and we get that much needed one on one time. Or as he calls it his "mommy/Tommy time".  Anyway, here are some pictures of our adventures thus far.  Fun times.

One last note, I still can't believe that the middle of summer is almost here.  This summer is going by soooo fast and soon we'll be back on a more strict schedule and kindergarten will be here. So, for know we're trying to squeeze in as much fun and memories made as we can!  We went blueberry picking a few days ago and I forgot to take pictures.  I am planning on going either tomorrow or sometime next week and I plan on getting pictures then.  But for now, enjoy!

summer

Hi there!  It's been a while, I know.....ya'll were missing me I'm sure!  lol  Anyway, it's been a crazy, busy, beautiful summer so far.  Can't believe it's already the end of June, where did the time go?  It's been a pretty mild summer so far, which is pretty nice.  I've taken the kiddos to lots and lots of stuff.  We've been strawberry picking, Frederick Meijer Gardens children's garden (never been there before, can see it as a recurring thing), to the library a bunch of times, various farmers markets, a little camping etc.....  Still have lots to do yet.  Splash pad fun, blueberry picking, the zoo, GRCM, hopefully the beach (thinking about taking them to Grand Haven Coast Guard festival for the carnival) and we want to do a little camping yet.  So much to do, so little time to do it! I also found a zoo that's more of a petting zoo and farm environment rather than a traditional zoo.  It's out by Alto that I want to check out with the kiddos.

Been trying to remember the camera and take LOTS of pictures of our activities.  All I have to say about that is, it's a good thing my phone camera is pretty good.:-)

That being said, when did kids stop sleeping in?  You'd think with all the activities we've been doing they'd be a little more tuckered out and sleep in.  But no, every morning by 7am one or both  of them are up and ready to go for the day!  It's good I guess so far so that their schedule hasn't changed that much.  If it stays about the same, there won't be this big dramatic "Uh-Oh what are we going to do?" when it's fall and school starts.....

Anyway, to keep somewhat busy during the summer, I found a website on Pinterest. It's a blog and she has a summer schedule on it for her kids.  There's an errand day, stay home day, arts & crafts day, pool day and   field trip day.  So basically I've taken all these same concepts and made them my own.  I still need to find something for our art day, but so far, it's worked out pretty well.  Our pool day generally is me sitting by the blow up pool and Thomas in it, but hey he's having fun.  We're also trying to incorporate some school stuff (drawing, coloring, writing and reading) into our days.  We're participating in our local library's summer reading program so right there he's picking out books.  I'm generally reading them to him and he helps where he can but he's involved with books and that's the important part.  As for the other three, we're trying to keep up with those as much as we can. :-)

Well, gotta go for now.  I'll post more later and hopefully add some pictures of our adventures!

My my, it's Sheppard pie

Ok, so I made this Sheppard pie the other night for dinner.  It was absolutely delish and I wanted to share.

It is a Rachael Ray recipe (from her big orange recipe book.  The single guy (or gal) Sheppard pie). I've attached a link here if you want to use all original ingredients. http://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/236453/single-guy-or-gal-shepherds

I use most of all her ingredients but kinda make it bigger for our whole family.  So, I kinda wing it.... Sorry if you're gonna try to follow the recipe and have trouble with what to do.....

1-1 1/2 lb ground sirloin
1 small onion chopped up
1 couple of carrots chopped
1 couple of celery stalks chopped
garlic minced (1-2 cloves)
salt & pepper
mashed potatoes
steak sauce
flour
butter
beef stock
cheese (I used three cheese cheddar that that already shredded)

Brown the meat and drain the fat. (Season meat and onion celery carrot mixture with salt and pepper as you add them to your pan.)  Add the onion carrot and celery until soft.  push the meat aside in the pan.  Melt 1Tb of butter and add 1-2 tsp of flour to make a roux.  mix in beef stock and about 1-2 Tb of steak sauce to make a gravy.  (Sometimes I also  add a little Worcestershire sauce. depends on my mood.)  Then mix the gravy into the meat and heat through.  Put the meat mixture in  a casserole dish. When I make this I use leftover mashed potatoes. (I used garlic mashed potatoes when I make this.  If you don't have that, add the garlic to the meat mixture when you add the onion/celery/carrot mixture.)  If you don't have leftover mashed potatoes, then make your mashed potatoes however you normally would.  Top the meat with the potatoes and cover with cheese.  Put in a 350 degree oven until the cheese in melted and casserole is heated through.  It's really good.  When I do it, I put mine in a 2qt dish.  Just depends on how much meat you have. 9x13 might be too big unless you double the ingredients.  Enjoy!

My style

So, I've  been doing a little shopping lately.  Trying to "shake up" my style.  I've decided that the clothes I have are kinda boring.  Or they're old. stained. have holes.  plain.  So as my Christmas present, Brett gave me some money, watched the kids and I went shopping.  It was fun.  I  got some stuff but have noticed that there's just not a lot in the stores.  There wasn't a lot of what I was looking for.  Just some fun casual stuff to wear at home.  There was either ultra casual or going out/work stuff.  No in-between.  I got a bunch of shirts at Old Navy (they were on  sale for 8.50/piece if you bought them 2 at a time.  Great deal.)  So, I have some new casual wear around the house but still look nice type of shirts.  Then I went to Charlotte Russe, yeah, I got a sweater there but they had mostly either slubby looking clothes or work/going out.  No in-between.  So I went to Younkers.  I got a fabulous pair of black up to my knees boots.  I had a coupon so they were under $40 (including tax)!  I love getting great deals.  So then I went looking around in the clothes.  They were starting to get rid of the winter stuff to bring in  the spring stuff.  Something that I will never understand as I was shopping the first weekend of January, middle/beginning of winter and they are starting to have spring stuff out.....  Anyway, a lot was picked over.  I went up to juniors and it was either clubbing/young professional clothes, formal dresses, or workout/sweats stuff.  No in-between.  I went to Maurices and had a ton of good luck.  Which made me sooooo happy.  I love that store!

Anyway, I went home and got online.  And ka-pow!  There was what I was looking for.  I found some stuff at Kohls online, a new store I found Body Central and of course, Maurices.

So, for now, I think I'm all set.  Yay!  Now on to the spring collections......Stay tuned for another story on that I'm sure! lol

Anyway, in other news, we're going to Florida!  Yay!!!!  We're renting a house in Cape Coral.  I'm so excited.  It will be nice to get out of the tundra and we in the warmth.  Yay!

So, I've attached some photos of the kiddos.  They're growing up so fast.  I can't believe that my baby is already 9 months old.  He's crawling all over the place and babbling all the time.  He's such a happy baby.  I love watching him grow into a little boy.  It's amazing everything he's accomplished so far in life and he's not even a year yet!  Anyway, enjoy!

Until next time!
xoxo Gina

New Year.....New You?

Hi all!

Well, it's 2013....What do I have to say about it......?

I have a few new goals.  I've lost a little weight over the past few months which feels great.  Now, I need to keep off the weight and get myself into some sort of fit something.  Toning, that's what I'm talking about.  I've been on Pinterest looking for a workout routine that  can fit into my schedule.  Between taking Thomas to school and picking him up 2 1/2 hours later, going to swim lessons soon going to soccer practice and games, there's just not much time for myself.  So, I think I've found a few I might try and see how they go.

Another one is my time management for Brett's business.  I need to get myself on a schedule and not let things pass by me.

I also need to declutter.  This is a big one.  We've got so much stuff and a lot of it, we don't use or don't need.  Toys, clothes, and just "stuff"......

So, not a ton of goals, but they are attainable.  Hopefully, I don't drop any of these!  I think I need to be realistic with my goals.  Realize that these goals will take time to achieve.  Things don't happen overnight, they take time.

So, stay strong, live well, laugh often and remember, everything takes time, even time needs a little time sometimes!

Happy New Year!!!!

Below is something that I found on Facebook.  I love it and so I'm sharing it with all of you!:

Written by a 90 year old... I'm going to post this on my fridg!!!!

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer Newspaper, Cleveland, Ohio.

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I've ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step..

3. Life is too short - enjoy it..

4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and
family will.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don't have to win every argument. Stay true to yourself.

7... Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.

8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9.. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11... Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it...

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye But don't worry; God never blinks.

16... Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful. Clutter weighs you down in many ways.

18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It's never too late to be happy. But it's all up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't
save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23 Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will
this matter?'

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive but don't forget.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does..

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.

35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38.. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd
grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. Accept what you already have not what you need.

42. The best is yet to come...

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."