Happy Birthday to...

ME!!!
That's right, today I turn 28.

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Braggin' On My Baby

Sorry that I've been neglecting my blog.
I've been busy.
I was in Kansas all of last week, but more on that later.

I've been meaning to post these pictures for months now, but am just getting around to it.
My sister-in-law is starting her own photography business.
My girls get to be the guinea pigs which means great pictures at a reasonable price!!!
Madison has done such a wonderful job and each time the pictures get better and more creative.

Here's a look at some of Lorelai's last sitting.
She is such a doll.
Madison really captured her cute and ornery sides!!!!

I hope they brought you a smile like they do for me.
Thanks Madison!!!

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Tired...Just Tired

I'm tired.

Tired of telling the girls NO and having them do it anyway.

Tired of picking up mess after mess yet getting nothing done.

Tired of my husband being gone all the time.

Tired of having no friends.

Tired of no one understanding me.

Tired of trying to be a good mom and failing.

Tired of a house that's too small and too many toys.

Tired of stressing about the bills because I alone run the household budget.

Tired of always being tired because of my heart medication.

Tired of trying to live like Christ and failing.

Tired of feeling like my values and beliefs are from eras long ago and that no else seems think that they apply today.

Today I'm tired. Tomorrow I'll get something done. Pay the bills on time. Play with the girls. Things will be better tomorrow, but today I'm weary.

I can't wait for tomorrow.

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Missing Daddy

The girls have been missing their Daddy lately.

Jesse has been working a lot of over time.

Kathryn told me yesterday "I miss Daddy" and the night before that she loudly stated "I want family time."

Me too.

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Macaroni Cheesy Corn

I have to share this recipe.
It's our favorite thanks to my sister-in-law, Beth.
She brought it to our annual Thanksgiving dinner more than once (by request of everyone!).

The things is it is sooooo easy.
5 ingredients.
Yes, I said 5.

So make it for dinner tonight, tomorrow, or whenever.
Chances are you've probable had a version of it.
It's popular here in Iowa.
I even made it for Kathryn's preschools Thanksgiving/Family dinner.
They ate it all.
All 8 batches (if that's the right word).

Let me know what you think.
I love comments!!
And I just might post more of our favorite recipes.

Macaroni Cheesy Corn
1 stick butter, cut up
1 c. Velveeta, cubed
1 can corn, undrained
1 can creamed corn
1 c. macaroni, uncooked

Mix all the ingredients in a 9x13 pan. Bake at 350 covered for 1 hour stirring once then uncover and bake 5 to 15 minutes more. You can even make it ahead of time and put in a crock pot to keep warm.

Enjoy!!!

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I LOOOOOVED WICKED!!!!

I got to see Wicked!!!!!
It's been awhile. September/October?
I absolutely LOVED it.

I was scared of The Wizard of Oz when I was little!!
(Had nightmares about the wicked witch.)
Wasn't so sure about this one either when it opened with some freaky flying monkey!
But with an opening line of "It's good to see me isn't it?" I'm OBSESSED.
(Heart Ga-linda!)

Anyway, here's a sneak peek if you haven't seen it or are a 'passionate' fan like me!
I really want to take my mom and sister.
And Kat and Lili when they are old enough.
Maybe someday?!!

(make sure you watch mom!!! heart you)

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That Made Up Holiday

So I obviously didn't get anything posted for Valentine's Day.
We've been busy.
Taxes. Bills. Learning to budget.
Nothing fun or interesting but busy just the same.

Jesse actually surprised me!!
He asked his mom to take the girls Sunday afternoon so we could see a movie.
This showed some planning on his part which is a HUGE deal.
This is a guy who is late for everything and plans nothing.

Well, we ended up just having lunch at Applebee's and a movie at home (with no children to interrupt!).
What movie theatre doesn't have a matinee on Sunday? Ours apparently!!
I wanted to see Valentine's Day.
We watched Four Christmases.
The Redbox was, of course, out of new couples movies and we'd seen almost everything else.

In the end I got some time with Jesse, a nap, and a kid free afternoon so it turned out okay.
Not to bad for a day that my husband refers to as "that made up holiday."

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