Life is so thrilling!

Our Christmas Gift

2009-12-23T19:50:00.002-05:00

Luke Brian Surowiec

December 20, 2009 9:42 AM

9lbs. 12 oz. 22.75" long

The Little Hungry Patercillar on Thanksgiving

2009-11-29T09:39:00.003-05:00

After Thanksgiving dinner Adam decided he would "read" to the family from the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar (which he changes to: The Little Hungry Patercillar).

Then he gets to Saturday where the caterpillar eats a bunch of junk food and in turn he has a tummy ache. But, instead of saying what the book says he reads it as when he ate all that food he then became constipated.

It was so funny, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.

Lesson learned, don't eat too much junk food or you will get constipated!

Thankful @ 37 weeks

2009-11-26T13:20:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today I'm thankful for health and well-being. Thankful that God has graced me with a uneventful pregnancy, one that hasn't even given me so much as heartburn or a sleepless night. At 37 weeks my life may not look perfect but I'm healthy and happy and will survive the storm.
I wait patiently as we find out when this little person will grace us with their presence.

Growing

2009-09-21T18:38:00.002-04:00

27 weeks

On the brink of the third trimester

uh, I have a big baby in there!

10 Things I Learned on Vacation

2009-08-18T20:03:00.002-04:00

1. I love northern Michigan (ok, that's nothing new. It was just reaffirmed). The air is cleaner, the people are friendlier, and the water is so clear it looks tropical.
2. I don't need to wash my clothes after only one wear. I wore a few pair of shorts for up to 3 days and since I never got food or dirt on them they looked clean. Shirts are a different story, I tend to spill lots of food on the front of myself and therefore needed to change my shirt on a more frequent basis.
3. Taking a bath in a lake is refreshing but not really cleansing, especially when you have to walk in the sand afterwards.
4. I really like flushing toilets that are close by, not pit toilets that are a block away.
5. A 4 hour downpour accompanied by constant thunder & lightning is not fun in a tent from Target. It convinced me that my next tent needs to come from a outdoor store. (We learned the hard way that our fly has a leak in it and that the bottom of our tent leaks when consumed by water.)
6. My son is obsessed with becoming a Junior Ranger in all the National Parks, sounds good to me!
7. I need a family vacation that doesn't involve tents, cooking outdoors and smelling nasty the whole time. I pray that next year's vacation with a baby will not include these things.
8. I have a hard time saying goodbye to Lake Michigan.
9. The bays on Lake Michigan are MUCH more pleasant that the coastlines.
10. I could live without a computer.

A Home

2009-08-10T23:02:00.002-04:00

To say that I want to move is an understatement. I need to move to keep myself sane! I know that God has a plan and He can make the impossible possible. I've been given this "gift" (or so I like to think) of finding great deals on anything I'm looking for. Recently it's been a blessing to find a few really great real estate deals just when they come on the market.
Above is a photo of a house we looked at today and love. Get this, it was just listed on 8/7 and I found it on 8/8. It's a foreclosure, but you can't tell by the looks of it, heck it even has all it's window coverings in it in great condition. It's in a beautiful neighborhood with houses worth upwards of $350k. This house is listed for $210k. Built in 2001, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 3175 sf, finished basement, and it even has a fireplace in the master bedroom. Minor repairs are needed to the exterior wood trim and some painting needs to be done (the exterior trim around the doors & windows is purple so, um yeah, it needs some help from me).
So now, as we scramble to find an unconventional way to attain a home I ask for your prayers that God will bless us with a new home and that if it's meant to be for us no one will come and snatch it away before we can make arrangements!

New Ride

2009-07-15T22:16:00.003-04:00

I don't have a car or a bike. But, my dad works at a bike shop and he is lovingly getting me a new bike! I can't wait to see it in person, they don't even carry it in the shop yet. He just ordered it yesterday and will build it for me when it comes in. I'm very excited for my new cruiser, he said it looks much better in person. It will be especially nice for Adam who loves to ride his bike so much. It's no fun to continually wait for your walking mom when all you want to do is ride really fast.

Now Knocking

2009-07-14T20:36:00.002-04:00

Last night was the first time that I felt the baby kicking me. It was an unmistakable feeling of a little being kicking repeatedly while I watched 'The Bachelorette'. I guess this baby doesn't like my choice in television. Too bad kid, once you're born you'll have all my attention and therefore I won't be able to watch the 2 television shows I watch now.

Here are some updates:

Currently I'm 17 weeks (just over 4 months)
(prenatal appointment is next week so no physical updates for now)

We won't be finding out the sex... so stop asking me!

My first & only ultrasound should be coming up within the next few weeks.

Adam thinks I look more beautiful with a baby in my belly. He'll make one heck of a husband one day!

House update:
After much consideration, praying and discussion Brian and I have decided that our friend's house in South Lyon is not the right move for us. They want a lot more money for it than we can afford. We have another option in the works so that hopefully we will be moved before this baby arrives. It's hard living with my mother but I'm trying everyday to be thankful that I have a roof over my head and another beautiful child on the way. Today I cleaned my bathroom with much vigor simply because I'm thankful I have a bathroom to clean!

What's New?

2009-06-06T17:32:00.003-04:00

Why have I been so silent and distant with you oh blog land? Because I'm not good at keeping secrets at all, especially ones I'm VERY excited about. So, to keep myself from exploding on the internet I've ignored my blog. It was hard enough to keep my keyboard shut on Facebook!

For the past 2-1/2 years Brian and I have struggled to conceive another child. It has been a frustrating journey full of patience testing and faith building. I loved being pregnant, I loved giving birth, and being that I myself am an only child I knew I wanted Adam to have a sibling.

Well, I'm happy to report that many prayers have been answered and without the help of any medical interventions we are due to have our second baby in mid-December!!!! For all who prayed for us I can not thank you enough and I know that each of those prayers worked.

Now we need some prayers for our own home to magically appear! :) I will not have this baby while living with my parents!

This is Interesting..

2009-05-10T22:35:00.002-04:00

If we could shrink the earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people, with all the existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look something like the following:

There would be:
57 Asians
21 Europeans
14 from the Western Hemisphere, both north and south
8 Africans
52 would be female
48 would be male
70 would be non-white
30 would be white
70 would be non-Christian
30 would be Christian
89 would be heterosexual
11 would be homosexual
6 people would possess 59% of the entire world's wealth and all 6 would be from the United States.
80 would live in substandard housing
70 would be unable to read
50 would suffer from malnutrition
1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth
1(yes, only 1) would have a college education
1 would own a computer

New Birth Blog

2009-04-29T20:59:00.002-04:00

Check out this new blog about birth http://www.blogsmonroe.com/childbirth/

This woman attended my very first Bradley Method class way back in 2006, proceeded to give birth to her 10 lb. 8oz. son totally natural, then had a second child naturally and now teaches The Bradley Method herself! She just got approval to write this blog for Monroe County and I'm SO proud of her!
Congrats Jeanette!!

Ideal Bite

2009-03-10T14:51:00.003-04:00

Look at me getting all famous & stuff on Ideal Bite

Before & After

2009-03-09T21:41:00.003-04:00

10" of my hair donated to Locks of Love today. Time to start growing it again!

Happy Birthday!!

2009-02-24T18:18:00.004-05:00

Happy 4th Birthday to one little boy who just won't stop growing!!

Love you! Mama

Currently Cooking

2009-02-11T16:06:00.002-05:00

It's been a while but here's a new favorite I made for dinner tonight. From the Rachael Ray cookbook Brian gave me for Christmas.

Broken Florentine Lasagna Bake
serves 4

4 Tbls (1/2 stick) butter
4 Tbls all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
salt and pepper
ground nutmeg
1-1/2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano
2 Tbls EVOO
1 garlic clove, cracked away from skin
1-2 pounds fresh spinach (the recipe calls for 2, I use 1 and it's fine. I don't even take the time to chop it like the recipe calls for and it's fine)
1 box no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into large pieces. (if you have a little one at home make them do this. It keeps them busy the entire time you're making dinner. awesome)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, whisk to combine, and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk the milk into the butter-flour mixture, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg, and cook for a couple of minutes to thicken. Stir in half the Parmigiano (about 3/4 cup). Set the sauce aside.

Heat the EVOO in a large (she calls for cast iron but I don't have one and it still tastes good) skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the cracked clove of garlic and cook for a minute or two to release its aroma and flavor. Add the spinach a few handfuls at a time, wilting each batch before adding more. Season the greens with salt and pepper.

Toss the broken pasta into the greens and stir to combine. Pour the sauce in the the skillet , stirring again to incorporate them. Smooth the top down and sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 cup Parmigiano. Cover the skillet with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and finish cooking for about another 15 minutes to brown the cheese.

Enjoy!

It's all fun & games until...

2009-01-25T00:42:00.002-05:00

you run into your cousin. Since no one got hurt this was really funny.

Disneyland

2009-01-24T12:58:00.002-05:00

Just Beachy

2009-01-21T21:09:00.002-05:00

San Diego Zoo

2009-01-16T23:29:00.003-05:00

Ahh, that's better

2009-01-16T11:11:00.001-05:00

Adam and I just arrived in San Diego last night and left that bitter Michigan winter behind. We're here for 15 days to visit my uncle, cousin, and her daughter who is Adam's age. Pictures to come soon!

The Ultimate

2009-01-11T21:35:00.002-05:00

The ultimate colon cleanse is the best thing I've ever done. I used this product for 30 straight days and lost 10lbs.! It's really gentle and made me feel very good while doing it. And NO, I never had an accident in the middle of a public place. Afterall, I wasn't on Alli!

And there you have it, I've grossed you out for the day!

Goodbye Old Girl

2008-12-29T09:45:00.003-05:00

Today I found my parent's cat Maggie dead. She was such a good little kitty, we will miss her dearly. She lived a long healthy life of 13 years. My dad gave her to me for my 18th birthday. Look at how cute she was.

Bye Mags.

Cool Shot

2008-12-27T23:00:00.003-05:00

A little morbid but a cool picture I took today.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T22:56:00.000-05:00

A little late, but whatever..

Latest Creation

2008-12-20T18:42:00.001-05:00

Check out my latest creation for Etsy

Letter to Santa

2008-12-19T19:04:00.004-05:00

For some reason my son decided tonight that he wanted to write a letter to Santa (btw - he says he doesn't like Santa because he's too big, therefore the little Santa got a letter). So here it is:

Dear little Santa,

How you been? I been really good and I want you to bring me a lot of surprises. And I want you to really bring me ski's.
And when you bring me it I will open it and it will have poles. And I will ski with them just like Mati, she's a girl.
I was wondering, no wait I KNOW that you live in the North Pole. It is so cold in the North Pole. I know you have reindeer.
Bring me a space shuttle with boosters on it. Bring me Christmas decorations to decorate my room.

Thank you goodbye,

Adam

(you just got a nice glimpse into the thought process and interests my almost 4 year old son.)

Little Boy

2008-12-08T22:40:00.003-05:00

A few days ago my mom got a carton of eggs out and Adam says "Look grandma, there's a turkey on there." To which my mom explains that it is a chicken not a turkey that we get our eggs from. To which he asks "Grandma does the farmer chase the chickens around and when he catches one does he squeeze the eggs out of it?" Then grandma graciously explained about the chickens we see at the farm laying their eggs.

I was gone this evening and Adam called me just before bed to tell me a nice little story. As he was getting the toilet ready to sit down and do his business this evening he was so busy talking to his dad that he put the seat up like he was going to pee and sat down fully in the toilet bowl (which just happened to have some yellow mellowing in it). Lovely. This child can't focus enough to stop what he's doing and just use the toilet!

Tuesday 12/9
We're trying to decide what to get one of Adam's friends for his birthday on Saturday. Adam tells me we should get him something 'batman' to which I respond, "come on, just because you like him doesn't mean every kid is obsessed like you are." And then Brian tells me that Kaden actually does like batman. So Adam says "We should get him a Bright Noon batman." (get it? Batman 'Dark kNight'). Where does he come up with this stuff?

Happy Birthday Josh!

2008-11-28T13:44:00.002-05:00

We love you batman/superman/bibleman. Whoever you are we love you and wish you a very Happy 4th Birthday!! One day your present will get here and we'll be sure to get it to you!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T13:41:00.002-05:00

I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving meal as much as Adam enjoyed the whipped cream beaters!

A True Blessing Overflow

2008-11-19T13:33:00.002-05:00

I've never written this all out so I thought I would add the full story to my blog:

About 2 summers ago I was sitting outside and had this odd feeling like we were going to move. I never felt the need to put my house up for sale and search for a new home. The Holy Spirit was just moving something in me.

Last summer we went to visit friends of ours who built their own house in South Lyon. I’ve always loved their house and felt very “at home” while visiting them. The husband is a builder and while we were there they mentioned that they own a piece of land just down the road and were planning on building a new home for their family on it. Immediately I heard the words “Look around, this is your house.” To which I thought to myself “Yeah, right… do you know what our financial situation is like right now?” Like God doesn’t know what’s going on with me!!?!? Then I heard “LOOK AROUND, this WILL be your home!” So I did just that I walked through the house room by room. I saw promises and visions of my life in every single room; they were very strong and very clear. I then told Brian and our friends what had just come to me, and I’m pretty sure they all thought I was a little nuts. But I think Brian really believed what I heard.

Over the course of the past year finances were really tough but lately Brian’s business has begun to flourish and we are feeling very blessed in the current economy. This past summer our friends said their new house would be complete in November and I sort of freaked out and thought “How am I ever going to be able to sell my house and move by November!?!” (jokes on me, because it’s happened). Our friends were skeptical and contemplated putting their house up for sale but we convinced them to believe and not put it on the market. Their construction deadline grew and now they’re planning to move in late January.

This summer I started packing up pictures, books, china, and other things we don’t use everyday. I really felt the Holy Spirit telling me that when the time comes to move I would have to move fast. And since He knows me and knows that I freak out in stressful situations that listening to Him would be very advantageous. So, I was obedient and I started packing and moving stuff into the basement of the new house.

It’s August 27, 2008 and we consult Margaret Dresser and decide to put our house up for sale/lease. There was no rhyme or reason to the timing it just happened. That weekend I was writing in my blessings journal about our house going on the market when I heard the words “Look back in your journal to one year ago today.” I almost passed out when I read what happened on August 27, 2007. It was the SAME day one year prior that we were at their house and I heard those important words from the Lord!!!! I couldn’t believe it!!! I shared this with everyone who would listen to me! (Because I think that’s what this whole experience is truly all about, sharing the power of God).

Sunday, October 19th we had a couple view the house and that night they put in an offer to lease it. They don’t believe in credit so they want to sign a 1-year lease and pay for it all UP FRONT!! We were so excited because the reason we decided to offer to lease was initially to bless someone who wouldn’t otherwise be able to have a house. We accepted their offer and feel like we are blessing a really great couple with our really great home. We have to be out of our house by November 1st so we’re moving in with my parents in the meantime and storing all our stuff in the basement of the new house. I felt so incredibly blessed that the thought of moving so quickly didn't even stress me out.

November 11th I'm at a co-op meeting held at the new house in South Lyon. Afterwards a woman I'd only met once before comes up to me and says "So, I hear you're living in Redford?" and I say yes, and explain why we moved. Then she responds with "Well, I'm only asking because we have a house down the street (literally a mile away from our new house) and it's been sitting empty due to the fact that we had to move for my husband's job. Would you want to live there? We just need someone to make it look lived it, we don't want any money." I was a little taken back and just told her that I don't have anything to live with, it's all packed up and in the basement of the new house. And she says "Oh, all of our stuff is still in the house because we're living in a trailer, even all of our silverware is there."

I talked to Brian that night about the offer and he was really surprised to hear about it. We decided that if the new house would truly be ready to move into by the end of January then moving again doesn't make any sense. But, if something happens and it gets dragged out to the Spring then we may take them up on the offer.

There is an overflow of blessing in our lives right now and I'm very excited about it. I'm sure they'll be more to come so stay tuned!!

Kids

2008-11-14T12:23:00.002-05:00

Kids says the funniest things. Today I took Adam for his check-up and before the doctor started examing him he asked Adam if he likes to play games. To which Adam responds "yeah, but I didn't bring my dinosaur game."

Did you know?

2008-11-02T19:51:00.001-05:00

If you vote on Tuesday (and get your little "I voted" sticker) you will get a free donut from Krispy Kreme and a free cup of coffee from Starbucks.

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T21:31:00.001-04:00

Love,

Batman

Wedded Bliss

2008-10-27T22:53:00.004-04:00

Just Friends, 1995

Married October 27, 2001
Happy Anniversary! I love you!!!

Did you know?

2008-10-26T22:09:00.002-04:00

The eggs at the grocery store are 2-3 weeks old when you buy them....
And then think about how long they sit in your fridge on average.

It's Happening

2008-10-20T11:18:00.003-04:00

We're moving.

More details to come when i can catch my breath. Basically we have to be out by Nov. 1

Update: Now that I can take a few seconds from packing I'll give you the run-down. We had two people come view the house this weekend. The people on Saturday wanted to put in an offer to purchase and the people on Sunday put in an offer that night to lease.

We couldn't turn down the lease offer because it was so awesome! They are paying what we're asking and since they don't rely on credit in their life they want a 1-year lease and they want to pay for it all UP FRONT!!! We have to be moved out by Nov. 1st. Since our new house won't be ready until the end of January we are going to move all our furniture and big items into that basement and then the three of us will move in with my parents.

We're really excited and really feel blessed by the Lord that this has come to fruition!

I'll send everyone our new (temporary) address once I get a chance.

Autumn Cuteness

2008-10-18T15:38:00.003-04:00

The giant pumpkin at Eastern Market

Suddenly they're best buds

Welcome to the World!

2008-10-11T22:35:00.001-04:00

Major congrats to my students Christian and Keri who welcomed their daughter this evening after a long hard year. (pics to come soon)

Clementine Eloise Collison

October 11, 2008 7:45PM
7lbs. 5 oz. 21.5” long

Currently Cooking

2008-10-07T14:26:00.002-04:00

This is a new recipe I found from RR that is really yummy and quite easy. Tomatillos are very in season right now, I found them at my farmer's market and I got 15 for $1.50!

Mean Green Tortilla Soup

2 c chicken stock
2 c water
3 ears of corn, kernels removed (reserve the cobs)
1 pkg. corn tortillas, cut into thin strips
3 boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut up into bite size pieces
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, grated
2 t cumin
10-12 tomatillos, blended to a puree
3 t chopped fresh cilantro
zest and juice of 2 limes
2 cups shredded jack or Monterrey jack cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium pot bring chicken stock, water and corn cobs to a bubble and simmer for 10 minutes. (just a note: I didn't have corn on the cob but I did have fresh corn that I'd frozen earlier in the summer. I just put a small amount of the corn kernels in the stock/water)
Place the tortilla strips on a baking sheet, spray with oil and bake for 10 minutes or until lightly brown.
Preheat a large pot with 2T EVOO. Cook chicken until juices run clear then add onion, garlic and cumin and cook until soft, 3-4 minutes. Add the corn kernels to heat through. Add stock & pureed tomatillos to vegetables and simmer 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat, add lime and cilantro.
Serve hot with corn strips and cheese on top.

Currently Cooking

2008-10-07T13:12:00.004-04:00

Stuffed Mushrooms

1 lb. mushrooms, cleaned
1/3 c butter, softened
4-1/2 t flour
1T onion, finely chopped
1T fresh parsley, finely chopped
1T Dijon mustard
1/2 t salt
1/8 t cayenne pepper
dash of nutmeg
fresh parm cheese
1 cup heavy cream or half & half

Preheat oven to 375 degrees and grease a shallow 2 quart baking dish..
Remove stems from mushrooms and set aside, place caps in the baking dish. Finely chop mushroom stems and place in a medium mixing bowl with butter, flour, parsley, onion, mustard, salt, cayenne, & nutmeg. Mix together to combine ingredients. Fill mushrooms caps with the stem mixture. Pour cream over mushrooms and top with parm cheese. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until mushrooms are tender, basting twice.

Welcome to the World

2008-10-06T12:57:00.002-04:00

Congrats to my students Dave and Karen on the birth of their son!

Anthony John

8lbs. 13 oz. 22" long

October 6, 2008 10:15 AM

Did you know?

2008-10-05T22:10:00.001-04:00

An apple is 25% air—which gives it the ability to float on water.

I'm in awe

2008-09-29T15:36:00.002-04:00

everytime I hear more about this family. Oh, Jim Bob....
I really have no idea how they do it. He's a used-car salesman and she's at home with her gaggle of children. They must eat lots of and lots of spaghetti because I don't understand how you can afford anything else to eat. I think someone has a little addiction to being pregnant and having children. Maybe the Lord should deal with their over-production issues.

Michelle Duggar is 42. She has two sets of twins and has been pregnant for 12 years of her life. Curry asked her if 18 are enough.
“We would love more,’’ Michelle said. “We really believe that each child is a gift from God. We would love to receive more gifts if the Lord sees fit. I guess we’ll just wait and see.”

I don't think waiting is anything she knows how to do. This last baby was conceived 9 months after the birth of the last one!

Excuse me, I need to go throw up now.

The Story of Stuff

2008-09-27T15:17:00.001-04:00

It's long but worth it to watch this

Dancing

2008-09-21T22:16:00.004-04:00

Hey, kids have to be kids sometimes at least I was sitting there watching the whole time. I remember jumping on my grandma's bed all the time with my cousin.

The Apparition

2008-09-21T22:15:00.000-04:00

Cousins

2008-09-20T13:47:00.008-04:00

We spent a few days this weekend visiting with my cousin Desiree and her daughter Madelyn.

November 2006

September 2008

What the...

2008-09-15T22:11:00.002-04:00

So, I have this thing with doctors, I don't really get them and I don't really like them, well.. most of them. I have a chiropractor I adore and the doctor who delivered Adam is great.

When I was in college I went to this doctor to see if he could figure out why I get such dark circles around my eyes. First off I waited so long in the exam room that I FELL ASLEEP! Then when this guy finally came in and started talking to me about my issue he actually said: "Oh, I wouldn't worry about your dark circles, you're pretty enough that no one will even notice."
WHAT!!?!? I wasn't coming to you out of vanity but for my own health. I left there pretty quickly and never went back.

Today I had a doc appointment with a endocrinologist (who came highly recommended btw). It took me a long time to make the appointment because our insurance doesn't cover regular doctor visits and I constantly feel guilty for spending $300 and getting basically nothing in return from a 30 minute visit.
Anyways, this doc is supposed to help me figure out why I only have 3-4 periods a year. (I know, it sounds fun and all but when you're only 31 and in your childbearing years it really sucks). After asking me all these questions about everything in my entire life he finally does a little exam, testing my reflexes, etc. While lying on my back he is looking at my legs and bare feet when he says "You need to take better care of your feet. You need to tell your husband to get you a pedicure." SERIOUSLY!?!?! I walked away from this appointment with A) more blood drawn from my body that will tell him the same thing it did in February's blood work and B) thinking I have horribly ugly mangled feet, which I DON'T!!!! Hopefully my feet improve when I see him at the end of December... oh, wait that's not the reason I went there was it....

Batman

2008-09-12T22:02:00.003-04:00

It's a part of being a child - Underoos - and we bought Adam his first pair, Batman of course, last night. He was so excited to wear them but I insisted on washing them first. This child sat in front of the washing machine watching it go round and round waiting for them to be clean!

I guess I'll be looking for a sweet Batman costume for Halloween this year.

Toiletrees

2008-09-11T20:13:00.003-04:00

While camping this weekend I showed Adam where he can pee between these two trees.
On the second morning Adam & I get out of the tent and I ask Brian where the toiletries case is in the car. To which Adam responds: "Mom.. the toilet trees are over here!" and proceeds to do his morning business on the the toilet trees.

I haven't laughed that hard in a looong time.

Family Vacation

2008-09-10T21:57:00.003-04:00

We're back from our family vacation to Bruce Peninsula, Ontario. More pics on flickr

This is Pretty Amazing

2008-09-10T20:42:00.001-04:00

A slide show of a woman's birth who was in my Bradley training in California.
You have to watch it to believe it.

Welcome to the World!

2008-09-10T20:19:00.002-04:00

Major Congrats to my girl Sarah who has been waiting what seems like forever for this baby to be here safe and healthy.

Sadie Elizabeth Ross

September 9, 2008

9:41PM

8lbs. 12oz. 20-3/4"

(Looks like mommy got her way with the name, wink wink!)

Can't wait to meet her!!!!

Welcome to the World!

2008-08-30T17:30:00.002-04:00

Congrats to my students Christian and Brittan on the birth of their daughter Meren Jaclyn early this morning!

8 pounds 5 ounces 20 inches long

august 30, 2008 3:08 am

Selling via the Kingdom

2008-08-27T14:24:00.003-04:00

I have this notebook and about every month or so I write in it. I write about blessings that happen and words of knowledge that the Lord has given to me. It was started in June 07 and I love it because I can look back and see all the great things that happen to me and it makes me feel a lot better about life when I'm feeling down.

Last night I was writing in my notebook and when I finished I set it down and started to work on my bible study. About half way through my lesson I felt like the Lord was telling me to pick up my notebook and look back at what I wrote down for the end of August 2007, right around the same time as this past weekend.

This past Saturday the for sale sign was put in our front yard. We'd talked about putting it up for sale but never really acted on it until last week when we decided that yes it is time. When I open up my notebook and look at August 2007 I realized that the same day one year ago was when we were at our friend's house in S.Lyon and I heard the Lord clearly tell me this would be my new home. I about cried it was so amazing!! I'm so excited to see what will happen in the next few months

Welcome to 516 N Elizabeth St.

2008-08-25T21:15:00.003-04:00

We finally did it, we put our sweet little house up for sale. God told me last summer that it's time to move. Most people think we're crazy because of the market, I think I'm being obedient even though it's not easy.

"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." — Saint Augustine

In the news

2008-08-17T14:01:00.003-04:00

See if you can find me in this article
Then, see if you can find the pretty obvious editing and content mistake the reporter made. After watching this woman write her notes down I'm not surprised she screwed up, it looked like pure chicken scratch.

My Garden Grows Love

2008-08-12T21:51:00.002-04:00

2 sides of the same tomato

Raise the Roof

2008-08-08T15:17:00.002-04:00

Watching the elephant raise the tent at the circus in Redford this morning. Note to self, next time don't go at 8:30AM like it's says in the paper. Wait until about 9:25 to show up and see the 5 minutes worth of elephant. Otherwise all you'll see for an hour is Mexican workers pulling a big tent around for an hour, booooring.

I also wonder if the elephant is just for show because they're using this little tractor too. hmmm, odd.

Congrats!

2008-08-08T10:57:00.001-04:00

Congratualtions to Ryan & Megan our friends and Bradley students who welcomed Ava Elizabeth this morning at 6:10AM. Ava weighed in at a whopping 9lb. 7oz. and was 22" long.

The Finishing Pieces

2008-08-06T14:01:00.002-04:00

Some more for Sarah...

Holistic Moms Network

2008-07-31T15:25:00.002-04:00

I've decided to join and help start up by becoming a co-leader of the new Holistic Moms Network in Plymouth. It's the only one in our area and it starts in one week. Check out the website here if you're interested or know someone who might be interested in joining us.

The open house is Thursday, August 7th at 6:30PM at the Plymouth Library.

Our Zoo is Worth Keeping

2008-07-30T18:27:00.002-04:00

The Detroit Zoo needs our help.

In 2006, the Zoo's lost public funding ceased when the City of Detroit turned responsibility of the Zoo over to the Detroit Zoological Society. Since then, it's been a struggle to replace that money in other ways.As you know, the Zoo has entertained, educated and thrilled every child in the tri-county area for generations. In fact, 85% of the Zoo's visitors live in Macomb, Oakland or Wayne counties - which is why the three counties have drafted a millage proposal to help our Zoo out. What's the cost? Not much. For the average home in the tri-county area, it's about $10 a year.

If you live in Macomb, Oakland or Wayne county please vote YES on August 5th to keep our zoo! Click here for more info or to request, dare I say a cool looking, yard sign.

Another Knock-off Creation!

2008-07-30T14:29:00.005-04:00

Inspired by these bird artwork pieces at Pottery Barn kids I made the two 5x7 canvases for Sarah for her baby's nursery. I'm excited to make more if she wants!

Little Grown Up

2008-07-30T14:16:00.002-04:00

Yes, he really is talking on the cell phone with a coffee cup in his hand (no there's no coffee in it, just like mom, it's water). Thanks Keri and Christian for the new cup!! Adam loves it!

My Latest Creation

2008-07-29T14:31:00.004-04:00

I've gotten into this new thing where I copy paintings from pictures I like. This one came from a Pottery Barn catalog. I must say, I'm pretty impressed with myself I created this from a picture in a catalog that was only about 2"x3" in size (this final painting is 16"x20")! This one is going to my mom for her b-day and if she wants I can make her the second one in the series.

First Pick of the Season

2008-07-27T18:53:00.002-04:00

Finally, after diligently watching the garden for weeks Adam was excited to pick the first cukes of the season. And I see a few tomatoes that will be ready in a few short days!

Currently Cooking

2008-07-18T13:52:00.002-04:00

I got this recipe off the back of my yogurt container. It's REALLY yummy!

Chocolate Raspberry Frappe
serves 1

Into a blender add:
1/2 cup cold water
1/2 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
2T chocolate syrup
Mix until smooth and serve

Currently Cooking

2008-07-17T14:42:00.003-04:00

I made this the other night and it was SOOO good. If you're bored with chicken this is a great way to prepare a simple chicken breast.

Crispy Parmigiano-Crusted Chicken on Summer Lemon Pasta serves 4

4 chicken breast cutlets
3 T EVOO, divided
3 egg whites, lightly beaten
1-1/2 cups grated or shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, divided
salt and pepper to taste
1lb. spaghetti (I used Barilla Plus to add more protein)
2 bunches of scallions, thinly sliced
2-3 cloves of garlic, grated
1 cup Italian parsley, chopped
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1-9oz. box (or can) quartered artichoke hearts, defrosted or drained
1 bunch baby spinach

Cook the pasta in salted water. Reserve approx. 1 cup of starchy pasta water.
Place a large skillet over medium heat with about 2T EVOO in it. Set up one dish with egg whites in it and another with about a cup of the cheese in it. Season the chicken with s&p then dip them first in the egg white and then in the grated cheese. Cook them in the hot pan until golden brown and cooked through. When finished reserve them to a plate while you cook the veggies.
In a large skillet set to medium-high heat add approx. 1T EVOO. Toss the scallions, garlic and parsley into the pan and cook until tender, about 1 minute. Add the lemon zest and juice, artichoke hearts, remaining grated cheese and your starchy pasta water. Season with salt and pepper and cook for about 1 minute to heat everything through.
Toss drained pasta with veggies in the pan to heat up a bit before serving. Just before you're ready to serve toss spinach into the pan and it will wilt a little from the heat, no need to cook it through.
Serve sliced chicken over pasta/veggie mix.

Arrr, Matey!

2008-07-16T20:40:00.002-04:00

We visited the Detroit Science Center today for Wacky Pirate Wednesday. Josh & Adam dressed up (Sarah & Daedra did not) like pirates. Apparently they were so darn cute that the marketing department for the science center wanted a photo of them. Their picture should come out pretty cute, mine, not so much. Above is me taking a picture while the guy is taking a picture of them. They've got their toughest pirate faces on. Adam is Mr. Fancypants Pirate and Josh is a manly swashbuckling Cpt. Jack Sparrow.

The Living Room Series

2008-07-11T16:59:00.005-04:00

I'm Starting a new bible study called "No Other Gods: Confronting Our Modern-day Idols" by Kelly Minter. And it includes recipes for meals so it's right up my alley!! If you want to join in just click here and order a workbook and let me know.

Another friend and I are doing this together. I'm going to blog some discussion questions and we'll also be getting together every once and a while and discussing in person.

Week One:

1. Based on Week One, discuss what a functional god is and how an idol has functioned for you. In other words, what made it work?

Mosquito Soap

2008-07-10T22:09:00.003-04:00

I have yet to find a mosquito repellent that actually works and doesn't douse me in deet. Then I was at my local Better Health Store when my favorite sales lady was telling me about this mosquito soap. Holy cow is it AMAZING!!! The bar costs under $2 and smells awful in bar form but once you put it on the scent dissipates. I've used it and not got one bite and then I couldn't find it one night before one of B's softball games so I used my spray on repellent instead and got a ton of bites on my ankles and feet.

I highly recommend this product if, like me, you're usually a tasty dinner for your local mosquito population.

Back From the Weekend

2008-06-30T22:03:00.003-04:00

I had SO much fun this weekend and am very grateful to our friends David & Paige (thanks guys!) for taking us to Grand Haven. I also forgot how much alcohol I drink when my 3-year-old isn't around *hiccup*

More pics in my flickr account

Free At Last!!

2008-06-26T21:04:00.002-04:00

First, happy birthday tomorrow Brian. I love all 32 years of you!

Second, for his birthday we're heading to Grand Haven with some friends of ours this weekend. We'll be gone Friday-Monday with NO CHILD!!

We're both very excited. Although Brian told me tonight that just so I don't get lonesome this weekend he's going to throw himself on the floor, scream, cry and throw a fit. Oh boy, I can't wait.

Now, if I could just get the weather to turn for the better I'd be really happy.

Congratulations!

2008-06-26T20:21:00.003-04:00

Whew, busy day in the baby making department.
Congrats to another friend (and bradley method couple) Seth and Janelle Lambert on the birth of their beautiful son!

Thaddeus James Lambert

8lb. 15oz. 21.5" long

born at home on

June 26th 1:44PM

Congratulations!

2008-06-26T14:01:00.005-04:00

Major congrats are in order for my friends (and bradley students) Andy and Nicole!

Arianna Joy Kauffman

7lbs. 13 oz. 21 inches

Born June 26th at 12:57AM

Bradley Class Reunion

2008-06-18T21:44:00.003-04:00

This is what the result of a 8 couple Bradley class produces. (and there's one baby missing!)

Most Frustrating

2008-06-18T14:31:00.005-04:00

Everytime I need to purchase a new bathing suit I become really frustrated. After one day of trying on $130 bathing suits I get really irritated. How do you fit a body that is size 38H on top and size S on the bottom into a bathing suit!?!?! I guess if I had Pam Anderson's midsection I'd find out where she buys her suits at, but I don't so there goes that option.

Everyday I wake up, hate my clothes and want a breast reduction. EVERYDAY.

My current bathing suit is about to wear out in some spots that I don't want it to so I need to find one fast. I guess it could be worse, case in point.....this just looks painful!

Update: I just found this company on a google search, and they're located in Warren!

It's Official Summer When...

2008-06-10T13:59:00.002-04:00

You finally get the kiddie pool out. Adam got this dolphin floaty last summer and has suddenly fallen in love with it this summer. He named him/her Choosie (don't ask).

Currently Cooking

2008-06-10T13:44:00.002-04:00

Just for Sarah.

Orange Salad w/ Marmalade Dressing serves 4

5-6 cups of lettuce, torn
1 orange, skin and pith removed and sliced into bite size pieces
1/2 cup almond slivers

Combine the above ingredients in a large serving bowl.

In a small bowl whisk together:
1T orange marmalade
juice of 1 lemon or lime
3T EVOO
salt and pepper to taste

Toss dressing with salad and serve.

Currently Cooking

2008-06-04T12:51:00.004-04:00

I love it when you have random ingredients in your fridge and can make something delicious!

Individual Chicken Pot Pie Pockets

2T butter

2T flour

1/2 cup chicken stock

1/4 cup milk

salt and pepper to taste

1t Dijon mustard

1 cup finely chopped cooked chicken

1/4 cup frozen baby peas

1 small carrot grated or finely chopped

1 celery stalk finely chopped

1/8t dried dill

2 sheets pie dough

1 egg, lightly beaten with a splash of water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Heat a small skillet over medium heat with the butter in it. When the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the stock and milk and season with salt and pepper. Cook the sauce, whisking often, for a couple of minutes or until it has thickened up, then stir in the Dijon mustard and remove pan from heat. Add in the chicken, carrots, celery, peas and dill and give it a good stir to combine everything. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the dough.

Grease a cookie sheet baking pan. Roll out your pie dough on a floured surface until it is about the thickness of a nickle. Cut the dough into large circles, you'll make about 10 total. Lay 5 of the circles on the cookie sheet and brush the edges with the egg wash.

Evenly divide the chicken mixture onto each of the 5 circles and top with the 5 remaining circles. Press each edge together with a fork and cut a snip in the top of each pie. Brush the tops with more egg wash and bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Jeremiah 29:11

2008-05-28T21:27:00.000-04:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Niagara Falls

2008-05-25T20:54:00.002-04:00

BoRics

2008-05-14T21:16:00.002-04:00

Nuf said. They shaved my puppy bald.

Next time, we go to Katie and that's it.

Allergies

2008-05-12T17:58:00.002-04:00

UH, I'm miserable today. Every since yesterday afternoon I've been having what appears to be a miserable allergy attack with no end in sight. My nose won't stop running, I've sneezed about 500 times today and all I want to do is sleep.
But alas, I have to take care of a three-year-old. I begged Brian to buy me some tea this morning and his response was "is it free?".
Jerk. I guess mother's day is over. I think every day should be mother's day!

Congratulations!

2008-05-04T18:42:00.002-04:00

I just assisted in a birth for the second time!
Congratulations are in order for my students Katie and Justin. They had a baby girl this morning at 10:29. Makenna Grace Hartley weighed 6lbs. 6oz. and was 20.5" long.

Katie was trooper and endured 27.5 hours of labor and delivered her baby without drugs.

I was up at 2:15 this morning and enjoyed every exhausting moment of witnessing and helping her give birth.

Hood Rat

2008-05-01T11:40:00.000-04:00

When I Grow Up

2008-04-29T11:09:00.003-04:00

I'll be a hot glass blower OR....

a woman in labor apparently. He is also good at playing doctor to a woman in labor.

I didn't teach him any of this by the way.

10 Things I Dislike

2008-04-25T14:30:00.002-04:00

a la Sarah because I'm bored

1. well-to-do people who think they're poor
2. dust bunnies
3. tuna fish
4. wal-mart
5. a dirty bathroom (especially public ones, blech, you know like the ones at wal-mart)
6. whining
7. ugly 1980's decor
8. someone putting my dishes away in all the wrong places
9. when my grandma says that my cousins are "good eaters". because obviously I'm a bad eater? wth?
10. the creepy guy at the gym who tries to strike up a convo with me EVERYTIME and I have headphones on so that I purposely can't hear him. idiot, leave me ALONE!

Go Fly a Kite

2008-04-21T15:06:00.004-04:00

What do you do when your child wakes up from his afternoon nap at 6:30PM and needs to be back in bed by 8:30 or 9? Take him to a park, give him a kite and tell him to run as fast as he can. It works! I was reminded of how awesome I am at flying a kite. Brian, not so much.

How Rude!

2008-04-21T14:59:00.004-04:00

We were at the park last night and for some odd reason a bunch of teenagers were hanging out on the playground equipment. I took a picture the picture above of them but it might be hard to see. The "kids" shall we call them, on this equipment were well into their late teens and when Adam wanted to go play on the equipment they refused to move. So, instead of dealing with them I just decided to move on to the set right next to it. After a few minutes these three younger teenage girls decided to get on this set and play a game similar to Marco Polo where one girl has her eyes closed and has to find the other two. Super fun, huh? Yeah, especially when there's a little three year old right in front of you and you're shouting out bad words like "you're so stupid!" and practically running him over.

Adam was confused as to why these big girls were playing on little kid toys. I was pissed so we left.

Earthquake?

2008-04-18T07:58:00.002-04:00

Did anyone else feel the earthquake at about 5:40 this morning?!?!?
I was awake because my alarm goes off at 5:45 to get up and go to the gym and my body will always wake me up 5 minutes or so before the alarm goes off. I felt the bed jiggle a little bit and heard the nighstand hitting the wall because it's legs are uneven. I woke Brian up to see if he felt it but he blamed it on the cat. My cat is big but he can't shake the whole bed!

Flickr

2008-04-14T22:02:00.002-04:00

I've done it, I've joined Flickr. Click here to see my photos. If you don't have a Flickr account you'll have to sign up for free to view my photos and I will approve you as a friend. It's a safety issue since there are pictures on my child on here I don't want just any weirdo checking everything out.

Weekend Buzz

2008-04-12T21:24:00.006-04:00

It was a very nice (although busy) Friday and Saturday. My cousin Desiree and her daughter Madelyn came into town for 2 short days. We had so much fun. We went to the farm at Kensington and played at the park on what turned out to be a beautiful 70 degree day on Friday!! Praise God because all week it was predicted to be rainy and 40!

The kids had sooo much fun playing together. Madelyn is 1 month older than Adam so they play well together. We'll miss them very much :(

weeeeee!

2008-04-08T21:13:00.000-04:00

Happy Spring!

Currently Cooking

2008-04-03T13:48:00.003-04:00

Homemade French Baguette. Easy and YUMMY!!!

1 cup water
1t salt
1T white sugar
2-1/2 cups bread flour
1-1/2 t yeast

1 egg yolk
1 T water

Bread machine: in your bread machine pan add water, salt, sugar, flour and yeast in that order. Set machine to dough cycle and hit start. Make sure that your dough rises in the machine or you will have to follow the non-bread machine recipe after it is mixed.

Non-bread machine: in a large bowl mix together water, salt, sugar and yeast until it is all dissolved. Mix in the flour until well combined. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a towel and set aside in a warm place to rise for about 30 minutes, or until doubled in bulk. Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.

After it has risen punch dough down and then roll out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it into a flat 16" x 20" rectangle. Cut dough in half creating two 8"x12" rectangles. Roll up each half of dough tightly, beginning at the 12" side, pushing out any air bubbles as you go. Roll gently back and forth to taper ends. Place 3 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. Make deep diagonal slashes across loaves every 2". Over and let rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix egg yolk with water and brush over the tops of loaves.

Bake for 20-25 minutes in preheated oven or until golden brown. Enjoy warm or wait til they cool all the way down, then they taste almost like bagels! mmmm. For a change try sprinkling some grated Parmesan over the tops after you brush with the egg.

It's Everywhere!

2008-04-02T15:37:00.003-04:00

This is what I'm experiencing and this is how I feel I just have to release it. Everyone around me is pregnant and it's not because I teach childbirth classes, although that doesn't help. But anyways, practically everyone can conceive a child except me apparently. I'm tired of hearing about 16 year old celebrities and transgender women that look like men getting pregnant. The pregnant "man" is the WORST it's totally absurd!!!
And every other celebrity is popping out a kid nowadays. From Angelina, JLo, Nicole Richie, Nicole Kidman, Food Network celebs, to frickin' Tracy Gold from Growing Pains! (and I'm sure I'm missing about a dozen more recent births or pregnancies.)
Are we overpopulating the earth? Or do I just need to turn off the tv and computer for a few years?

Generosity

2008-03-31T09:29:00.004-04:00

This past week I was in contact with Jocelyn from our church, I needed to get her address so that I could send her Nicole's baby shower invitation. I don't even know Jocelyn and in talking I found out some interesting things. First, she's from the same small town in Ontario where a few of my relatives live and she knows them!
Then, the Lord was just chattering away at me when I was emailing her a reply. He said that I needed to offer her the spare bedroom in our house because she's going to need it until she get married this July. I offered and it was TRUE! She does need a place to stay from April 19-July. She and Steve came over on Saturday to meet us, because like I said we don't really know each other. We got along very well and they loved our house.
The Lord is really speaking to me a lot about this situation. Hence Proverbs 11:24-26 (NLT):

Give freely and become more wealthy;
be stingy and lose everything.

The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

People curse those who hoard their grain,
but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

The funny thing is that Brian told me yesterday that in the past he felt that someone was going to be living with us but didn't know who and so he never mentioned it to me.

Very Observant

2008-03-28T16:41:00.002-04:00

UH, my 3 year old is becoming way too observant of things. Today while watching Rachael Ray she had on a low cut bright green top that had a knot right at the bottom of the v-neck, I assume to accentuate her "assets". Then Adam says "Mom, she has boobies." To which I respond "yes, I see that." 2 minutes later "Mom, she has boobies" me "OK, now please stop talking about it, that's rude."

After the commercial break "Mom look she has little boobies." me trying not to laugh "That's enough, stop talking about that ok?"

Thankfully the show ended shortly thereafter! Brother. I guess the shirt worked!

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T15:54:00.002-04:00

Love,

Snow White