Goodbye 30's...

We've had some really good times,

We've had some really bad times.

I cried a lot,

but I laughed a lot too.

I've given in to some things,

and I've fought harder for others.

I've learned that turning 40 is not old,

It's mature and can be quite sexy!

I'm learning to forgive myself,

and to be honest with myself...

I've learned to stand up,

and speak up!

I've learned that experiences hold more value,

and materialistic things fade.

I've learned that I love "giving",

but that doesn't necessarily mean that "I'll be getting".

I've learned to let go of the bad in my life,

In order to make room for the good...

I've learned that when I'm not at my best,

My family suffers...

I've learned to live intentionally,

Not to just "exist"...

I've learned that turning 40 brings me freedom,

and some things aren't as important anymore...

I've learned that it's okay to be me,

and people can either love it or leave it.

I've learned that forgiving others,

Feels so much better than holding grudges.

I've learned that no matter how nice I am,

Some people may not like me and that's okay...

I've learned that acts of kindness,

go a long way.

I've learned that failure sucks!

But not trying is worse...

I learned I have the power to BELIEVE,

and the choice to be HAPPY!

So CHEERS to me! I've reached the top of the hill...

I think it's time to make my way up a mountain!

Meal Planning

I usually have a menu planned out for the month.  I like to search for new recipes and throw in a new meal at least once or twice a week.  I write out my grocery list and go shopping.  This allows me to know exactly what I'm making, when I'm making it and I already know that I have everything for it!  Makes life sooooo much easier!

Well, usually it does....

Sometimes, my hubs and my boys have special requests (me: eyebrow raised... whadda ya mean you want pizza? I'm making green chicken enchiladas!!)  Okay, sometimes they save me from the kitchen  so I can't complain too much about it...  When this happens, I either omit a meal or scootchy them on down a day... or twooooooooo.....  okay, sometimes we are bad!   :o)

Anyway, one of the things that I like to do to make sure that we are successful at following the menu is that I take special requests from my hubs and my sons.  It gives them something to look forward to so that they aren't craving something else!

A few of my family's favs are:

Tacos

Chimis

Baked Salmon with veggies and rice

Chicken Penne Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Chicken Soup with Biscuits

Lasagna

Chili Rellenos

Enchiladas

Wiener Schnitzel

Tostadas

and Tuna Casserole which is what I made last night, which is....

Always, always, always a hit!

I'm happy to share this super easy recipe.  Sorry for the crappy measurements but I usually just throw it all together! 

 Chop up celery and green onions

Put the chopped celery and green onions in large bowl and add:

2 or 3 cans Tuna - depends on how meaty you want it.

About 4 tbls of mayo - depends on how creamy you like it (light is fine)

2 to 3 tbls of sour cream (light is fine)

1 tbl of mustard

I would have added some thawed out peas and grated

carrots but I didn't have any... booooo :(

Mix in cooked egg noodles.

Add salt, pepper and thyme to desired taste.

Transfer the mixture to a 13x9 glass baking dish

Slice up a couple of zucchinis

Grate cheese, I used colby jack, sorta kinda a lot... 

Sprinkle about half (your desired) cheese over the

noodle mixture,

Lay out the zucchinis and sprinkle a little

salt and pepper on them,

Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on the zucchinis

I then bake it for about 15 minutes (just heating it and melting

cheese at this point)

Then, I change it to broil for about 5-ish minutes (just until

the cheese is golden brown)

YUM.  It's a hit.  If your kiddos like veggies, they'll love this!

Cheers my friends! :O)

Disconnected

We were about a block away from home yesterday when I realized I left my phone charging on the kitchen counter.  We were on our way to a movie and then to get some dinner so I knew that I'd be without it for quite a few hours.  My hubs offered to turn back... We were only one block away.

I had a quick flashback to when there were no cell phones.  We'd leave our home and be completely disconnected from everybody that wasn't with us.  I also thought about how that made it possible to be completely, undividedly, dedicated to the person/people you were with... no distractions, no alerts, no posts, no emails, no games nudging you to take your turn....

"Nope," I said to my hubs.... "I.don't.need.it"

My cousin's hubby told me about a fun exercise he heard about... Go out to eat with friends and everyone puts their cell phones in the middle of the table.  Whoever gives in and picks up their phone first, also picks up the tab!! LOL! I thought that was a brilliant idea!  My hubby, yeah, not so much...

Getting back to last night... The movie we picked was Jack Reacher starring Tom Cruise.  I don't love the dude but I really do enjoy his movies.  So, then, I guess that means I like him...?  Oh and I do have to make a note that I checked the parent guide in IMDb and I wish I would have read it more carefully because I really felt guilty about taking Ethan to see that. (Ethan is 10yrs old)  About half-way through the movie, I made him dim the light on his 3DS and play video games for the rest of the movie... (and no, nothing distracts him when he's playing video games so it was fine)  I thought the violence should have been scored more at an 8/10 not a 6/10.   Lesson learned... ok!  No spoiler here really, just that the character, Jack, talks about how he is completely disconnected from everyone and everything.  He lives his life, day by day with no cell phone or computer and feels that he is the one who is "free"... and the rest of us are not free at all.  I gotta say, in my opinion, he's right!

Okay so I wouldn't want to be completely disconnected like Jack Reacher.  I like my phone and I like my computer and I like feeling connected to some people on a daily basis.


Question:  Being that I was only a block away from home... if it was you, would you have turned back for your phone?  Have you ever been "disconnected"?  For how long?

Frost Bitten Brain

We have had some seriously cold weather these past couple of weeks! We Zonies are not used to our high temps being in the 40's and 50's.  I go into a frozen, coma-like state when I'm cold.  I can't move, I'm sleepy, I'm grouchy, I think too much, and strange but true fact:  My pinky finger on my left hand goes NUMB!  That there is my indicator that I've had enough of this cold weather so I am super happy and excited for this beautiful, mid 70-degree weather on this MLK, three day weekend!

So like I mentioned before... I think too much when I'm frozen.  Lots of good thoughts and lots of bad thoughts.  Lot's of mixed up thoughts and lots of contradicting thoughts.  It's all up in my head like a mush of scrambled eggs and marshmallow fluff.  Gross right? So I've been going on and on about positive this and positive that.... I'm sure I'm sounding like a broken record by now.  I'm doing a little soul searching which brings me to numero uno...


1. Church:  I'm not a super religious person.  I have my beliefs (that are barely hanging on by a thread) but I'm trying to be better about it.  I learned a lot from my cousin and her hubs while they were here over Christmas break.  Made me rethink a whole lot of things about my life and the people that are in it.  It also made me realize... that I need help.  I need guidance.  I need answers and if I can't get them, I need to be okay with that.

2. Family:  I am a very sensitive person and I feel like the people that should treat me the best, are the ones that treat me the worst.  To be clear, I'm not talking about my husband and kids here... they are amazing.  And they should be enough.  But I felt very lonely growing up and I've always felt the need to have lots of people around.  I admit I've made a few bad choices in friends who I can happily say are not in my life anymore because it's easy to cut those ties... but what do you do with family? what do you do? what do you do? WHAT.DO.U.DO?  I dunno.  Not so easy to cut ties.  See #1.Church.

3. Life:  I put my life on hold to be a SAHM (Stay-At-Home-Mom).  Yes I did.  I always knew I'd be a mom and I always knew that I would raise my own kids.  Unfortunately, people try to pressure you to go work once your kids are in school full time.  I fell into that pressure trap a little (okay I'm lying a LOT!)  But I don't feel that pressure anymore.  *BIG SMILE*  I keep myself plenty busy.  I may not make any moola but THIS, (being home with my children, cleaning my own home, gardening, laundry, cooking, errands, paying bills and keeping us on a budget), IS MY JOB.  Sorry, I get a little defensive about the whole SAHM thing.  I shouldn't have to 'splain myself but there are a lot of IDIOTS, I mean, IGNORANT okay, one more time... there are a lot of JUDGMENTAL people out there.  So now my hubs has started his own development company and is working from home.  He can do his job from anywhere. Yup.  You have no idea...  how.bad.I.want.to.move.outta.state.  Running away? Possibly.  Once again, #1.Church: I need some guidance.

One of the things we learned at Church last week is that you should allow yourself to be known.  The GOOD. The Bad. The ugly..... I think I tip the scale a bit on the ugly.  But this, I guess, filters out the people that could be a positive or negative influence in your life.  I'm just not sure if I'm ready for that.

What helps you keep the faith and keep moving forward when you're feeling down?

Happy New Year!

I know, I know... I'm fifteen days late!

My New Year is kinda funky right now.  It has started off good... and bad.

Good news...
I got to ring in the New Year with my uncle and my wonderful, out-of-town cousins.  It was a nice, cozy celebration.  I don't like to go out on New Year's... not yet anyway.  I'm terrified of something bad happening and leaving my boys with no parents.  What else is good? Well, we lived to see the year 2013!  Woohoo! No seriously, I never believed that nonsense!  Let's see... I'm eating healthier and working out again.   And most importantly, we started going to church again!  Looking to take their introduction classes and signing up for some of their study sessions as well as they are very needed and so overdue...

........whiiiiiiiich brings me to the bad news.  ........whiiiiiiiich I realize now that I don't feel comfortable putting it out there so let me just say this.

Family is number one.

FOR YOUR SPOUSE:
Your spouse is your best friend, treat them that way.
Have date night with you spouse.
Compliment your spouse.
Be spontaneous.
Always support their dreams.
Listen to them, don't just "hear" their words.
Be playful :O)
and most importantly...
LET GO OF THE PAST.

FOR YOUR KIDS:
Cherish your children, they are miracles.
Tell your children you love them daily even if they've upset you earlier in the day.
Hug your children, OFTEN.
Respect your children, demonstrating respect is how THEY learn!
Use kind words with your children.
Teach your children compassion, by demonstrating it.
Say sorry to your children when you are at fault.
Always kiss your children goodnight.

FOR YOU:
Love yourself.
Give yourself.
Respect yourself.
Be true.
Be loving.
Learn.
Surround yourself with positives!


Letting people treat you badly over and over again, whether it's verbally, or physically, or mentally is no way to treat yourself.  And yes, if you are allowing it to happen then YOU are basically treating yourself poorly.  I have to add, that sadly, you have to purge your life of those negative things even if it means losing family members.  Some people never change.  Learn from other's mistakes and break the cycle.

This is how I plan on having a fantastic and healthy year and I hope yours is (and has been so far) just as great!

What kinds of goals do you have for the year?

Here I am with my wonderful sons and hubby

of almost 19 years! :O)

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Four more days until Christmas! I can't believe this year is nearly over... as it's a bit of a blur.  Blame it on the busy schedules or the red wine.  Both are, ahem..  correct.

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas... just a tad wee bit stressful for me.  I am a horrible Santa.  Kid you not.  I pick the crappiest gifts ever.  Even my parents think so!  When I go shopping for someone my mind goes blank as soon as I step foot in the store.  Sadly, I'm starting to feel that way about shopping for my sons!! Finding gifts for them is REALLY difficult now as they've gotten older.  Austin is all about clothes and shoes and accessories.  I actually had him circle the items in a magazine that he wants and I picked his gifts from there! Sad I know but he's so specific about what he wants!  And then of course he always puts a few games on his wish list which are easy to buy.  Ethan, my little saver, has more money in his wallet than I do.  This kid is pretty content with what he has.  He says he doesn't "need" anything.  Love that guy!  His wish list this year... 4 items.  Three video games and a new scooter.

I can only imagine that it gets tougher from here.  What do you get kids that have every techie gadget out there?  As they get older, is a measly gift card suitable?

Ugh, just realized something.  Speaking of giving... :(

I wanted to take the boys to do some volunteer work this year for the holidays.  I started looking into it back in September but, how horrible am I?... I forgot.  I have a new lady friend from my Game Night group that does some volunteering.  I will definitely have to ask her about it.

.... and speaking of Game Night....  I joined my girlfriend's group about a week after I started my new group back in May (so yeah, I go to two a month now!)  Last night was her groups Holiday gift exchange.  We had to bring a $5 gift card and a $1 "creative" gift.  Okay.  Did I mention that I SUCK a little bit at giving gifts and even worserest if I can only spend ONE DOLLAR!?!?!  I felt like I was going out of my mind for the past 3 weeks looking for a $1 gift... oh yeah, a "creative" one.  I searched the net and even the almighty Pinterest!  Nada. Ziparoo, Nil, Zero with a capital ZEE!  My creative gift was purchased a couple of days ago... Thank you Russell Stover for my $1 box of chocolates.  That's as creative as it got.  I was relieved that the lady that got my gift was actually pretty happy to get a little box of chocolates.  These ladies are great and I look forward to seeing them every month.  We had a lot of laughs last night. The gal that hosted last night made an awesome dinner and dessert and her house is AHHH-MAZING!  I felt like I was in a winter wonderland.  She has every little nook and cranny filled with Christmas decor.  Gorgeous.

If you were limited to a $1 gift, what would you buy /make?

Last night's outfit for Bunco! :O)

I want (need) that handbag!

Did I mention I won a prize for Most Buncos!?!? Yup yup!

Red and Leopard Print by aznat73 featuring skinny jeans

Knit cardigan
$33 - ginatricot.com

H&M skinny jeans
$16 - hm.com

H m
$4.86 - hm.com

Happy 14th Austin!

Yesterday was my son's 14th birthday.  I quickly grew sad as I was looking for a baby photo of him to post on Facebook.  I just wonder where the heck did time go? Where's that little hunk of chunk that I used to cuddle with constantly and nibble on his chubby cheeks? In place of that little ball of happiness is this tall, slender, quiet, loud, shy, outgoing, musically talented, video game addict of a young man!

Here we are with our little Austin at 1week old.

Here's Austin on his 4 month bday :)

Talking it up on the phone! Austin at 9 months.

Here's Austin a couple of months ago with his little

brother, Ethan... best buds <3

It was funny, yesterday, we decided to treat him to lunch. He wanted Micky D's for lunch so I took it into the office and waited for him to come get it.  I also had his cell phone that he forgot at home even after telling him about 5 times not to forget it!  But anyhow,  there must've been about six other parents in the office... not sure why. Don't care.  But yeah, so anyway, Austin comes into the office:

Me: "hi!" (as I gave him the Micky D's bag and his phone) "How's your day son?"

Him: "um, good"

Me: "so you're enjoying today?"

Him: "yeah"

Me: "getting a lot of Happy Birthday wishes?"

Him: "some"

Me: "okay well enjoy your lunch baby, remember we'll be here to pick you up after school so we can head straight to your birthday dinner okay?"

Him: "okay, thanks"

Okay, then awkward moment.......... I know he's super shy and gets embarrassed if I try to hug or kiss him in front of people/kids at school and I totally respect that.  I know eventually he'll grow out of it so it doesn't hurt my feelings at all.  So I take a step back and he takes a step back and then forth and then we're like all weird and awkward cause I don't know if he's wanting a hug er not... so I start to walk away and he says to me, (in front of all the people!)

"I LOVE YOU MOM"...  Melt my heart away moment. :)

I just have to say that he is a pretty amazing dude!  Although I hate that he's getting older (because the means I'm getting older), I absolutely love that we can hang together and watch movies, talk about music and shop together.  Each year he changes just a little bit more... more mature, more thoughtful, more loving.  It's exciting to watch him grow into such a great young man.  I'm truly blessed to have him <3

So off to dinner we went as soon as we picked him and his brother up from school.  His choice was The Yard House.  It's a great restaurant in Scottsdale by the Fashion Square Mall.  For us it's a haul as we live about 45 minutes away but he's so worth it.

Below you will see a Polyvore outfit that I put together inspired by the outfit I wore to dinner last night.  I'm really digging cardigans and blazers this year!!  I'm dying to get my hands on a brownish-taupe colored one.  I find myself LIVING in boots this winter as well.  LOVE them! 

What's your favorite style of boots? Do you like the ankle boots that are in style this season?

Cognac, blue and white by aznat73 featuring a quilted blazer

River Island striped tee
$13 - riverisland.com

Vero Moda quilted blazer
$65 - oliverbonas.com

Sacha leather bag
$52 - debenhams.com

Snow Day

We may not have hired a professional photographer... oh wait. I am...  No... wait...  Every mother out there with a digital camera is a freakin' pro now.  I  set up my tripod and we get what we get! I can't bring myself to spend the money on something I know how to do! I set up the tripod and run back and forth like a crazy woman... in this case... it was a nice fellow that took our family photo in exchange for me taking a photo of him with his sons.

Snow day.  I don't mind the 1.5 hr drive up north to play in the snow for a while.  We drive up, eat lunch, play, freeze and drive home.  It's just enough time for my sons to have a little fun and for this "Mama with a digital camera" to freeze some memories.

Ok.  Pathetic story. Here goes.  I actually planned my outfit on POLYVORE!  Holy yikes. I know, sad.  I almost had it to a tee 'cept I forgot to throw my scarf on for the photos.  I was freezing and in a hurry to get back in the car!  It was really snowing pretty hard.  I couldn't keep my face up or eyes open for too long without getting snow flakes in my eyes.

Okay, so here's my outfit... Did I mention I love this site? It's like playing paper dolls on your computer.  So. Addicting. So. So. So.... Darn you Polyvore... I love u! :)

Snow Day by aznat73 featuring black gloves





A few "out takes" :O)

Me and my "little" lovies

Dale was trying to take a photo

of us all together... here he is trying to hold

my ginormous Nikon!  He didn't do too bad

and we had quite the laugh!

Dale and our boys :O)

Making memories people... making memories.. that's what it's all about :O)

I Am a Hallo-Weenie!

Could it be because my parents lacked the holiday spirit that I too have little spirit when it comes to Halloween? I do remember being little, wishing I could dress up and wishing I could go trick-or-treating... but I don't remember going on very many outings for Halloween, or carving a pumpkin, or putting up decorations.

I've tried to do things different for my kids.  Since they were little, I went over and beyond on birthday parties and holidays.  I tried to buy all the spooky decor and all the orange and purple lights and decorate our home, inside and out but my boys weren't really interested.  And as they grow older, the interest in the mess of carving a pumpkin has reduced... the interest helping decorate has reduced... and so has the interest in dressing up.  Does it bother me?.............nah... not too much.  I can tell you that I have NO problem not throwing down $40+ on a Halloween costume that they'll wear for only 2 - 4 hours or breaking my back over a sewing machine for a week sewing up intricate costumes.

With that said, what I do enjoy about this month is the drop in temperature and the smell of apples and cinnamon.  Then it's NOVEMBER!  That means it's baking time!  Thanksgiving feast with loved ones! And taking a moment to be thankful for all that I have in my life!  Then it's DECEMBER!  Shopping!  Christmas trees! Going to the craft stores and looking at all the amazing new Christmas decorations! (possibly buying a few more too! LOL)  And of course Christmas day... Watching my sons with my husband and being so thankful that he has made it possible for us to provide our children with so much more than we ever had.  Not only gifts but heaping amounts of LOVE that we show them everyday!

I guess you could say that the month of October and Halloween are just a "warmer-uppers" for what's to come!

We get very little change in color in AZ until January usually.

One of my favorites... Cold M&M's!

"Jack" From Nightmare Before Christmas

My Halloween costume that I wore to a contest at a nearby

Grill and Cantina....... I won second place!! $50!

Fun Nail art that I did on myself :O)