Until next year Sack lunch Friday.

Back-to-School is, well, back. That means it’s time to start planning and packing your children’s lunches, or sending them with lunch money.

Since the year I started at the Credit Union 4 years ago they began Sack Lunch Fridays in the month of September as kind of a parent’s celebration for back to school. One gal makes 36 lunches for all of us very grateful studious employees. We have been given some amazing lunches over the last 4 years, anything from salad, to pasta, wraps, down to PBJ. The chocolate lover that she is usually we get some sort of chocolate or sweet and a fruit to meet most of the food groups.

I’m about to show you inside of the break room fridge.
Look at all those lunches!!!!

Here is what we get today.

Until next year Sack lunch Friday.

Meet my lunch date

I would like you to meet my adorable little lunch date, my daughter Maci.

Today is a half day for kids in our school district…I don’t know why but it is. Due to my always flexible work schedule I was able to arrange lunch with a very special date today. We indulged in Wendy’s before I took her to boys and girls club. Of course the place was packed with kids and a lot of grandparents it seemed, along with a few labor working men. Maci had kids she knew on both sides of us so giggled her way through lunch looking at her friends.

I sure enjoyed lunch with my date!!!

Somethng about an Autumnal Equinox...Happy Fall!!

When the calendar said September, football was on the television, we made chili and my allergies were in full force it was fall to me ... but today is the real first day of autumn. Today, September 22, marks the first day of fall 2010.

Did you know that fall is technically known as the Autumnal Equinox, the first day of Fall is symbolic in many ways. It is during this time that the sun is directly above the Earth’s equator, resulting in an exactly equal time period for day and night. So if you still have stuff you wanted to accomplish this summer you have half of day still to do so…really. That is why many calendars say the first day of autumn is on the 23rd because really it is the first FULL day of autumn. There I taught you something today too.

Fall is one of my most favorite seasons. It is during the fall that we begin to see the weather patterns shifting and the days gradually shorten. I love watching the trees change colors and that crunch of the leaves under your feet. It is apple picking season (not that we have an apple tree) but there is nothing like homemade apple pie. Our family usually takes a trip to the pumpkin patch each October. I also like digging out my comfy hoodies and jeans for fall. There are certain books, movies and foods that I love dusting off and enjoying this time of the year. NFL Sunday’s start in our house, that usually means you don’t have to change out of your jammies!!! Go Broncos!!

Best of all the pumpkin latte is back; with a little white chocolate that thing is heavenly!

I even brought cinnamon rolls to work today in celebration of fall! I was a bit offended that someone would ask where I got them. What would make them think I didn’t make them?? I just went to Albertsons and asked for the packaging is all.

Enjoy your fall season.

A few $2 bets

A few weeks ago my sister and her girls came to visit. We took the kids to the horse races. It was fun to look at the horses and jockeys and see if we could pick the winners. Chrissy and dad even placed a few bets but didn’t win. Better luck next time! They didn’t make big bets, only a few $2 ones. After a couple races we decided to just bet among ourselves often betting by our favorite color the jockey was wearing. We left after about 6 races because waiting 20 minutes in-between races sure is hard on little ones. We were going broke buying them snacks to keep them occupied.

I would love to go to a big race someday just to wear a big fancy hat that matched my outfit and of course my shoes and let’s not forget the handbag. How fun would that be?

This was a short post today but I just wanted you to see the pictures of my adorable nieces and how much fun they had at the races.

This weekend we spent some time touring the; I will call them mansions; in the Fall Parade of Homes put on by our local Home Builders Association. One of the houses was in our neighborhood so of course you have to go and see it you may never get to peek in it otherwise. It was fun for Maci as she raced through picking out in each of the 6 homes what room would be hers if we lived in that house. The homes were $350,000 on up to $550,000 so I don’t think ANY of them would be ours any time soon. But trust me; I was like a kid imagining my room too. AAHH the bliss of your feet hitting the floor in the morning to heated carpet…WHAT??? Really??? How about stepping out of the shower (by the way is the size of my entire bathroom) to warm tile only to grab a towel out of the towel warmer…now that’s what I’m talking about. The greatest of all...walk in closets for HIM and HER Woooo hoooo that l’ be the day!

All in all it was a successful venture for us, getting oodles of ideas for how to finish up our basement just the way we want. I fell in love with numerous laundry rooms (I know it’s just a laundry room, but really some of them were amazing). Of course we found some fabulous ideas for our theater room too. Best off all we will do a mass re-decor in our Master Bedroom and bath…of which will begin this evening. These ideas came from two separate homes. This is the bedroom... Keep in mind this photo I stole was taken before some of the acessories were added so they are missing and they are what really make the room.

The decorating in these homes is incredible. I wish I could have someone come in and do mine too. My long time friend Amy has a real thing for decorating so she is going to give me a few pointers. I found this clock that I was sure I had to have…only to find out it was $2500….FOR A CLOCK. Forget it; I have a watch on my wrist that tells me the time just fine. But really, I have a love for clocks for some reason. This was one of them unlike any I have ever seen. For now I get a lovely picture of it. That will likely be the only bit of this clock I ever own. Stunning I tell you. It has a waterfall behind the clock.

I will post pictures of our progress as we progress forward with finishing the house. First things first we need a yard. The best part about the parade was at the final house we were able to register for a landscaping package. WOW wouldn’t that be grand to win! Cross your fingers.

Oh did I stay up way too late last night; hooked on finishing this book Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope . The book features the story of Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman and their five-year-old adopted daughter’s tragic accident in 2008.

Mary Beth Chapman explains how life was not how she planned. All she ever wanted was a calm, peaceful life of stability and control. Instead god has handed her a different plan, he gave her an award winning singer/songwriter for a husband, crazy schedules, and a house full of creatively rambunctious children. And then this tragedy she never would have imagined she would face.

Maria Sue Chapman was struck by an SUV driven by one of her older brothers, in the driveway to their family home. Maria was Steven and Mary Beth Chapman's third adopted daughter and sixth child overall. That was a point where Mary Beth realized life was not where it should be, god had given her something she never expected.

Steven Curtis Chapman is an amazing an amazing song writer, a man that writes from his heart; something we can all relate to. I listen to his music a lot, not just the music but the words he sings. I was introduced to his music and K-Love by my friend Jessica. I fell in love with his song, Cinderella, in which my father and I danced to at my wedding.

Their belief in adoption led the couple to found Shaohannah's Hope, an organization aimed at helping families facing the financial burden of adopting a child.

This book if you choose to read it, and I hope you do, will make you laugh and cry — and will ultimately touch your heart at a very deep level. I especially appreciated Mary Beth’s raw honesty. She didn’t try to come across like she has it all together or has it all figured out. Instead, she shares openly about her many struggles throughout her life. Her many struggles to still trust god and still remain strong in her faith with god. Her struggles to lead a home under the wings of god. With a well balanced combination of heart-wrenching honesty and absolute grace, she shares her nightmare.

This book motivated me to make sure I am not only to make sure I am cherishing each moment with my family, but it was also inspires me to learn more about orphans and my grandmothers history. Something you may not know, my dear Grammy was an orphan so for our family, there is history. She was in the St. Thomas Orphanage in Great Falls, MT.

I was especially excited to learn about the work of the Chapman’s ministry, Show Hope, an organization dedicated to providing support and help for orphans. It made me want to learn more about the Orphanage my grandmother came from. Granny…you and I are going to lunch!

Both mom and dad....

Just a small post for today...
Yesterday I told you about the dad that will deploy today for Afghanistan. When I opended our local paper today I read about a family that both mom and dad will deploy today and leave behind 2 small childeren for about a year. My heart is breaking for them. This is when you say thank god for family. I truely didnt know they could do this to a family, but understand they are serving our country. I wish nothing but peace for this family as they begin this journey both apart and together.

A woman, her husband and their sweet little girl.

Today I had an encounter that really made me think how lucky I am. I may talk about the long hours Kyle works and how I sure wish he could make it home for dinner with us more than just a few nights a week but you know, I’m lucky to get him a few nights a week.

Today I had a real wakeup call.

I, the one who “misplaces” a lot of things left my day planner at a friend’s house yesterday. At lunch time I was going crazy without it (by the way there is nothing planned for today besides Monday night football) but I live, eat breath by that silly book. I went to her work to pick it up and that is where I stumbled upon this woman, her husband and their little girl.

This man was dressed in his service uniform and finalizing some things to help care for his adorable wife and daughter before he is deployed tomorrow; before he left the dinner table for the next 12 months. Members of the U.S. Army Reserve 592nd Ordnance Company prepare to depart for Afghanistan tomorrow. A total of 111 soldiers will leave Billings for and head to Afghanistan for about a year.

This, my blogger friends, is something that SO many of us will never experience, we will never know that feeling. We will never understand what REALLY saying that kind of goodbye is like, nor will we know what eating dinner with daddy over skype with an 11 hour time difference is all about.

Today I’m thankful for not only these men and woman and the incredible sacrifices they make, but also our dinners even if it is just a few nights a week.

Oddly enough as I am sitting here typing this, Kyle just called to tell me he is at the grocery store grabbing a few things for dinner. Honey, how about chili dogs (remember I told you above it is Monday night football). Tonight at our low key chili dog dinner I will soak in what it will be like for some of these families eating together tonight.

(This is not the real dad and little girl...but sure gives you an idea)

The quest for skinny jeans…

I’m not talking about the new trend for seriously skinny jeans, the drainpipe ones that are in hot demand right now after being worn by models such as Kate Moss skinny; I’m talking nearly ALL the jeans sitting in my closet right now, skinny.

For the last year I have struggled with my weight. I have put on 25 pounds and 3 chins and I am at a point that I AM NOT comfortable in my own skin. I married a smoken’ hot man and gained lots of really happy weight to show all my love and here I am a year later; married 25.

So I have a confession to make…here goes:
I admit I’m guilty of buying a pair of jeans (and not a cheap pair) yesterday that are too small in hopes that I will lose the weight to be able to wear them. Ok Ok there I told you. They are only a size to small but nope as of today they don’t button, not even laying on the bed wrestling them to button (don’t tell me you haven’t tried it).

For the most part I don’t intentionally shop for things that are too small, but there has been a time or two in my rummaging through clearance racks, I occasionally find things that are just a touch to tight or just barely zip up, if they’re the right price I just can’t stand it and I think – they will fit soon! Have you ever done that?

Now I also admit that I am in a sense a pack-rat, keeping cloths that are too small in hopes they would fit again someday- for like a decade. Chances are they will ALL be well out of style by the time I am the right size to wear them again.

About these jeans; I have been eyeing the Downeast Basics Rock Star Jeans (Real Deals has the line in Billings) for a while now…months and months. I stopped in to try them on yesterday and wouldn’t you know it they were down to 1 pair in my (soon to be) size. The rest in stock were all VERY little sizes for very skinny bitches unlike me, so I thought I would check them out. I tried them on and yes I told you, they fit, but don’t fit. They were still love at first leg in! I marched up to the register and bought them before I had any time to change my mind.

I’m totally changing my perspective about this “25 pounds”, I’m going to be positive. I'm reinforcing my belief in my success by setting small goals that will allow me to have the confidence to reach them. I’m not going to glare at my hips in the mirror nor am I going to try these jeans on each and every day till they fit. My goal is realistic and I know I can do it.

Dear sexy lil jeans: I’m going to put you in my closet for just over a month. October 31st I will try you on again and you will fit. And, when you fit, I call I get one piece of candy, just one!

Labor day

Did you ever fly kites when you were young? We did but it seems like it has been a long time. I remember stepping out into the middle of the street and racing down the street to set the kite free into the air. Then before we knew it we were watching it dive into the trees we had in our yard at Ashley Court. We would have to get the broom or dad would have to get the ladder to retrieve our kite.
Yesterday while the guys were working in the garage we dug out Maci’s elephant Kite that was still in the box. With the brisk fall winds, flying a kite seemed like a natural thing to do. I learned that with kite flying, as with life, there are always lessons to be learned.

Out in the field behind our house the wind came up just enough and the kite was flying! Or not, as it made loops to the ground; deep belly laughter came out of Maci as it hit. It did that several more times but we didn’t give up. Grandma Kathie said we needed to tie the tail together. Maci held the string and grandma Kathie tossed the kite into the air. And that did the trick- the kite flew beautifully! (I of course chassed them around with the camera.) The smile on Maci’s face was worth a million dollars. We had fun running all around the field watching the kite dance in the sky.
I know there

are many more lessons to learn, for all of us, and that’s okay. I was also reminded that just about every moment we live as parents is a teaching moment, whether we know it or not. All three of us learned to fly that kite.

Happy Fall Yall'

I have a deep love for fall. Typically, August will hit and I'm pretty much done with summer. I'm the girl longing for cooler weather. For crisp mornings. For gorgeous, fresh apples and the smell of apple crisp wafting from my oven. For hoodies and jeans (it hides my fat). For the return of my absolute favorite fall beverage: the iced pumpkin spice latte.

I really don't know when it started other than my mom ALWAYS had a deep passion for fall, she loves every bit of fall, her wedding was in the fall, she loves fall colors, she loves the fall weather she just plain loves fall. But even as a kid I loved going back to school. School meant slowing down a bit and getting back on a semi-regular schedule. It meant I got to be a little more social and see my best friends daily instead of just a few times a week when our moms could run us around to get us all together.

Fall is also a time for celebration for Maci. She is my little pumpin girl born in October. Along with Fall is Halloween! With a young child, Halloween holds more fun, awe and anticipation. And this year I'm not just going to dress her up and take pictures and do a little trick-or-treating, Kyle and I want to partake this year too, we have been together nearly 6 years and NEVER done that together, we think its time. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. There's also Black Friday shopping as we hit the stores before the crack of dawn and start heading toward Christmas. What isn't to love about that?

When Kyle, Maci and I went for a walk last week there was something in the air... A crisp feeling even though it was still sunny and warm. And then I saw it... Along the edge of the maple leaves was a tinge of red. My heart jumped! Even though I know we still have a bit of warm weather coming fall is in the air and I couldn't be happier!

In His Hands

Having a school age child in your home, for my husband and I, mean that we are actively involved in various fundraisers for several organizations both locally and nationwide. We want our kids to see that we have a great life here in America. We want them to appreciate all they are privileged to have and know. We also want them to know that with this appreciation come responsibilities in giving back.

Kyle and I have given it our best to show Maci that giving back doesn't always mean monetary tithing.

One organization (besides K-Love) that continues to sick vividly in my mind is In His Steps International. In His Steps is passionate about transforming lives spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally, economically and socially. To see that God has had a hand in this is amazing. In His Steps insists to provide opportunity for all people to experience a renewed life and to see them liberated from affliction, deprivation and oppression. To the hungry, they offer life. To the forgotten, they provide purpose. To the outcast, they introduce dignity. To the desperate, they bring hope.

In His Steps International has 6 different ministries. The one I specifically was introduced to was Sak Saum which offers rescue, rehabilitation and restoration to at-risk and exploited Cambodian women. They teach women to sew. In the future they plan to teach other job skills to girls who may not wish to learn sewing as there are many other lines of work which can also be taught to aid more at-risk and trafficked women to provide for themselves which is the ultimate goal.
My cherished friend Jessica asked me on Friday night to go with her to a purse party…ugh I don’t need another purse, was my contemplation. But after she explained a little to me I thought sure why not. I fell in love with the product the minute we walked in. From there I gained an interest in helping in any way I can. Jessica and I hope to soon be able to host a party ourselves; unfortunately there is not anyone locally.
I continue to follow the site and particularly the Sak Saum blog. I even stole a few pictures off the blog to show you here. It is just incredible.

We will never know whose life was impacted because we bought the bag and the apron, and it doesn't matter. We gave of ourselves just a bit to help those in need. The best part was Maci was along to see it all and we have talked about it several times since then. It makes me feel so thankful for the life we live.

She’s in the Club

After a lot of thinking and analyzing if Maci was really ready to not go to daycare after school and start going to the after school program that they have for 1st grade and older, I decided that we would send her to the Boys and girls Club after school along with several of her friends.

I presume my biggest fear about sending her was if I was making a financial decision over what was best for my child. I believe I had a misconstrued perception of the Boys and Girls Club and that is unfortunate for me. I don’t desire to be that person. The other part I was uncertain about was the fact she has to walk from her school to a school just up the way. Even though they are walked up there by an adult, I still didn’t know if I was comfortable with it, particularly in the elements of Montana weather.

The night before (VERY early morning) signups I think I called my mom 10 times because I couldn’t sleep over sending her to the club. It wasn’t until about midnight that the idea popped into my head I could still send her to daycare in the mornings and the club after school. For some reason keeping her at daycare just a sliver of the day put me at peace…I finally got some ZZZZZZZ’s before the alarm went off to go stand in line. You see at the club there are limited spots and it is first come, first serve basis so you have to get there early to get your child in.
So yesterday was her first day at the club and she really liked it!
We had a little mix-up. All last year and the first week of first grade she went with the Little Rascals bus. She as she was trained to do, got lined up for Little Rascals then realized she needed to be with the club kids. She got it figured out.
When I got there to pick her up she was playing with lots of kids. We had a little instruction on how the club would work and away we went. This will be a great thing!! So much of my problem in the beginning was the fact that I truthfully was not ready for her to quit daycare. I still want her to be small.