Monday, December 1, 2014

The Thankful Project: 28-30 + WILD GINGER IS HERE!

Day 28: The Anti-Decorator a.k.a. Nathan

On this day, the Friday after Thanksgiving, all those who side with me and choose to give Thanksgiving it's rightful glory, put their Christmas decorations up today (I will not pretend and hide my bitterness for the commercial world that tries to overlook the greatness that is Thanksgiving...boo hisss!)  I am so thankful for my dear sweet, wonderful husband, a.k.a. the Anti-Decorator.  This means that anything remotely seasonal is HUGE.  The downfall, is that any small tree besides the actual Christmas tree decoratively placed around the house is TOOOO much.  I bet if I asked now, he would whip out some bag/box/large container and be ready to take any other decor resembling the shape of a Christmas tree straight to the nearest Salvation Army (He knows I would be so angry if he burned it b/c someone else wouldn't be able to enjoy the Christmas Cheer!)  I love him for this quality though, because I will never disappoint him with my decoration skills...and I love to see how irritated he gets when there's another mini Christmas tree each year.  He's so cute when he's irritated.

Day 29: Austin & Madison

These two wonderful, dear sweet children deleted all the data on my phone Friday night before bed. This taught be a few great lessons.

  1. Don't leave my phone in their reach.
  2. Back up pictures and music on your phone to your computer...especially when you have a newborn and you primarily take most of your pictures with your phone.
  3. DON'T PUT SO MUCH HEART AND SOUL INTO THAT THING THAT IS YOUR PHONE.  It can disappear at any point. Humbling really...


Day 30: WILD GINGER

It's happening!  I'm doing it!  I'm going Blog-stal....Postal + Blogger! (or should it be Pogger...) Yeah, I just made that up, but still!  Check it out!  I am combining my blog and my business, and I'm making it bigger.  I've decided that if I really want to take steps toward being a stay-at-home mom, I have to take this HUGE step!



So, this will be my last post here.
Now, click here and enter into the new world that is WILD GINGER.

No worries.  I will keep this blog here until the end of the year so you can click through, but make
www.wildgingerblog.com one of you favorites!  Make the switch!  It will be so much easier!  Well, and way more entertaining since I wont be posting here anymore... duh.

Friday, November 28, 2014

The Thankful Project: 22-27 Vacay

You know what I am very thankful for?

 Day 22: Light bulbs...
 There was one out above my kitchen sink that I changed this morning, and now the one is out at my best side table. I feel so in the dark. *ba dum chh* That was totally my father, no but really. You never really appreciate something until it's gone.

 Day 23: Wordpress and .css generators *TEASER!*
 Don't ask. But wait in severe anticipation for Dec. 1! It will be big!

 Day 24: Paychecks
 Similarly to Day 22, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

 Day 25: Food
 I know that seems so general, but my thanks is pretty general. I like cooking it...eating it, growing it, eating it, eating it...

 Day 26: Vacation 5 days! I get 5 days!

 Day 27: The Candids
 I find that some of the pictures that mean the most to me are the ones that i didn't take. Usually, I go pick up my phone and find that Rue got a hold of it...That's how I got this one...

 I still cry when I see. What a funny kid. Man!

 Today my sister-in-law was taking pictures while I was in the kitchen. Tonight when I was debriefing from the day (i.e. eating extra dessert after everyone was gone and watching endless episodes of Gilmore Girls (I'm on Season 4)), I flipped through on my camera and just sat and smiled and giggled. When did my Ruthie May become a little girl? Someone...anyone... please tell me!

 Here, you look!


 They are my dream girls! There are only two other people that are up there with this much love...the first because He kind of created all of it, and the other man was a major part in created the first two. (Too much?)

 I hope you and your fam had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving and family drama aside, it was filled with people you love surrounding you.

 Ok...yes...now Christmas can commonsense. I know the entire world was just holding her breath waiting for me to give the ok. It's ok everyone. You can now start celebrating Christmas.

Friday, November 21, 2014

The Thankful Project: Days 10-21

This is about the point we people start thinking in their head..."Well,maybe she is ungreatful!"  

This was about the time I stopped last year...BUT  I'M PUSHING THROUGH!  

Day 10: My Job!  

Not only do I get to work around some awesome people and some stellar kids, I get the summers off!  LOVE IT!


Day 11: Small Town Life


We do football and Caseys and muddin' and stuff.  We drive tractors to school and take off work and school for the first day of *insert animal that you plan to kill here* season.  Everyone knows everyone and, like 'em or not, still is there when you need help.  Yup, we're staying.  

Day 12: Diet Pepsi... nuff said.

Day 13:  Hairbands

I'm at that point in life where I can count on one hand the day withing the last month that my hair as stayed down all day.  It's a mom thing I think...Tess has some grabby hands. 

Day 14: Bacon...again nuff said. 

Day 15: eMeals  

I'll blog more about this one later with LOTS of details, but on the night of the 15th, I sat down at the kitchen table with my meal plans from emails and my thanksgiving plans, wrote out my shopping list for the rest of the month, and now, I know exactly what food is and that we have what we need for every night until Dec. 1!

Day 16: Bedtimes

Within these last few weeks, I have gotten sooo much done after 8:30p and it's crazy!  I forgot what it was like to have an evening to myself.  It's been a long time!

Day 17: Photoshop...it makes dreams reality. (At least on paper :)

Day 18: Chocolate

Dove Chocolate particularly, and if there's caramel in it, extra points!

Day 19: Guatemala

It has been decided!  This summer, I am headed to Guatemala City for a mission trip!  There will be twelve of us going.  I'm pumped!

Day 20: Red hair
I'm of the 2%!  If I didn't think I was special, I do now! And I'm even luckier that I past it on to my sweet peas. 


Day 21: IT'S FRIDAY!  
Some weeks it's like, "Oh yeah! It's friday! I forgot."  But today it was, "Praise the good and sweet Heavenly Father Above, IT'S FRIDAY!!"

BOOM! Caught up!





Sunday, November 9, 2014

The Thankful Project: Weekend Edition 6-9

Day 1: End of Football
Day 2: Gilmore Girls
Day 3: Mascara
Day 4: The Smiles
Day 5: Coffee

The Thankful Project: Day 6-9

Day 6: Sleep
 ... no explanation required.

Day 7: Chalkboard Paint

Yes, i am thankful for chalkboard paint.  It's easy artwork for the walls that can change...and i love change...i thrive off of change...



I make this Thursday night.  Ruthie already is in the habit of taking her shoes off and hanging her coat up right when she walks in.  AWESOME!

Day 8: No pants Saturdays

Shortly after Nathan and I got married, I was introduced to this...and it's everything it's cracked up to be (no pun intended).  It is sometimes literal, yes...(if it's T.M.I. sorry), but it's more so the idea that we got nothin' to do and MAN am i thankful for THOSE Saturdays.  I don't believe one is in our future again for a very long time.

Day 9: Mom

It's Mom's birthday today!  She's turning.....drum roll please.....into an even younger looking person than she looked last year!  *psh...I'm no dumbie.*

10 Reason's I'm Thankful for my mom in just this Past Month

  1. She came over and helped me clean up my house.
  2. She helps watch the girls every Wednesday so I can be a part of the church Christmas Choir.
  3. She offered to take the girls while Nathan and I go on vacation in December.
  4. She made a valiant effort along with Dad to come to Nathan's football games.
  5. She went on the Spoon River Drive with Brittany and I ...and Tes and Bells.
  6. She encouraged me on my Apple week blog post.
  7. She watched the girls last weekend and church while I had to be at a meeting and so Nathan could hunt. 
  8. She's committed to helping paint my kitchen cabinets when I finally get the go ahead from my darling husband to do so.
  9. She is letting me host Thanksgiving.
  10. She still gives me hugs and kisses everything I see her!

Happy **muffle**th Birthday Mom!  Love you to the moon!

Ruthie put on a birthday hat and starting singing Happy Brif - day!  I'll see if I can snag a recording!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

The Thankful Project: Days 3-5

Day 3: Mascara

I'm not sure if anyone really appreciates mascara more than a blond-eyelashes girl.  Yes, yes...this may seem silly to a brunette or one with dark features, but to a ginger or toe blonde, MAN the power of mascara is almost a crutch.
Wow, I didnt realize the creepy-ness of this photo until now, but it solidifies my point.  POP!

Day 4: The Smiles...

Oh, sweet cheese, the SMILES!  
Cue bad day...
"Ruthie, will you take your passie out and smile for mommy?  I'm having a bad day."
*muffled* "Otay, Mommy." *takes passie out...* "Cheeeeeeese."
"Oh, thank you, sweet girl.  That was wonderful."
"Yous we-come, mommy."  *puts passie back in*

With Tess, you just have to look at her with a side eye and she thinks that's funny.  

Sigh...I'm printing this picture out for my office.  It can really make and day better. 

Day 5: Coffee

The smell, the taste, the effects...COFFEE...

Favorite brand, you ask?  INTELLIGENTSIA
And, where might you find that?  Cyds!  (Hey cool kats!  Miss you!) You can drink and buy it there...they also sell it at Fresh Market here in town, but please try it!  



Sunday, November 2, 2014

Thankful Project & InstaFunday Sunday

It's November which means..... TIME FOR THE "THANKFUL PROJECT!"  My theme this year is, "The Little Things."  

I want you to know that I purposefully didn't post yesterday, because I was waiting for the outcome of Nathan's football game.  So, now that I know they lost, I can say for November 1, I'm so thankful football is OVER!  I'm so grateful for football and we love the games and the coaches and families....BUT THANK YOU SWEET JESUS we are done!

November 2:  I am thankful for the Gilmore Girls.  With normal television shows you go comatose and just stare.  With GG, you have to concentrate sooo hard...they talk sooooo fast.  I've started Season One and Ashley has them all.  Trying to guess how long this will take me.  

Insta-Funday Sunday: My weekly review in pictures... here goes...

Cheap wall art...string, spray paint, and sharpies...love it.  

Nathan's birthday was Wednesday.  He's 27.  Look at how little him and Josh were!!!

At Nana's retirement party.  She snagged 5 cupcakes...

#tbt  Comparing Ruthie's Sushi costume to Tess's Deviled Egg Costume.

I'm pretty sure I wore the ears longer than Ruthie.  

Last night, while Nathan was at his play off game, I made dinner with all things he doesn't like...
Three Cheese Leek & Potato Pizza  soooooo tasty.

EVERYONE HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK!  

Friday, October 31, 2014

Favorite Things Friday: Happy Halloween!

When it comes to Halloween decor, I'm not one for cheesy stuff, and I'm not one for over the top scary stuff either.  I like subtle ideas that you almost have to do a double-take before you realize it's Halloween.

I also have to be able to do them, so they have to be fairly simple.  Now, did I do any of these this year?  Ummm... no.  I handed my trick-or-treaters fruit snacks, granola bars and bags of chips last night because i forgot candy for that whole day-before thing is our small towns.

So, here goes....

1. Window Spider Web
...that's electrical tape...awesome. 


2. "Watch your back..."
...now I just think this is funny! 

3. Swarm of Bats
I think this just looks brilliant.  Construction paper and tape. 

4. Aged/Bloody Mirror
I would probably avoid the blood.  That's saran wrap and black paint. 


5. Pumpkin Mouse House
Now, If I saw this, I would probably need to go change my pants.  Thus the reason I feel it would be an ideal Halloween Pumpkin on my porch. 

6. Mummy Door
4 rolls of crepe paper.  Easy Peezy...

7. Patterned Pumpkins
Yup, you guessed it...those are knee highs.


8. Painted Pumpkins
I like the idea of getting those fake pumpkins and painting them.
That way you have them every year. 

9. Snake Wreath
I'm a big fan of this one too.  You dont really realize that it's snakes until you look at if for a while.  

10. Witches Parking
AND you can get those cinnamon brooms and it can SMELL good too! 

Sunday, October 26, 2014

InstaFunday Sunday

Nothin' too crazy this week...

InstaFunday Sunday is just a way I post my past week at a glance...and to motivate myself to take more pictures.




A new fav picture of Ruthie...sooo happy.


Tessa Faces...She's a talking fool.  


APPLESAUCE!  So yummy...yummy in my belly.


Mommy's quiet time yesterday afternoon.  

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Wecipe Wednesday: Apple Week Edition

Part One:  "I Declare this APPLE WEEK!"

So I've been feeling realllly discourages...like boarder line depressed.  (Yeah, I'll be transparent.) Ruthie is all in on the "terrible twos."  There's nothing stopping her.  Tess is officially out of the newborn "sleep all the time" stage and is in the coo-ing and "look how cute I am/talk to me" stage.

Those two stages mixed together + dirty house + football coach husband + LOTS o' laundry + work + *enter whatever else you want here* = the guilty failure feeling of a mother that I have become.

Now I know I'm not a failure, but the guilt that I was feeling of being a working mom and not taking care of my own children (Julie, I love you...I couldn't ask for a better sitter) was laid on thick.  AND, I was getting anxious and upset about my dirty house, so I hired a cleaning lady (Heather, you're my hero).  Those combined have been tearing me apart.  Like I was incapable of being a mom/wife.  And icing on the cake was that Nathan hasn't really been home at all with football practices and games.  We agreed to it, so I'm not upset with him, but it adds, ya know...

So, Ashley (aka Ashes aka Sister in Law) asked if we wanted to go to Tanners Apple Orchard here near us and I thought it was perfect.  Ruthie is at the perfect age where she will enjoy the animals and Tess is still at the "take me anywhere as long as I'm strapped into the Moby and warm" stage...(wow, I didn't know until I starting typing how many stages there are:).

So here are some of our favoritest pictures from the festivities.

She liked the llamas the best, but she only wanted to feed them one pellet at a time, and they weren't too happy about that.

I see one of these in her near future.  She would have done this 10 more times. 


Slides...if there was a swing set with 4 different slides on it, that would be Ruthie's.

APPLE PICKING!  I love this one, because of Tess looking at the apple.  

This was a slight issue, but we were pretty leanent.  Every time Rue would pick an apple, she would want to take a bite of out it.  I brought one or two home like that.  


She made my heart so happy with how much fun she had.  

It was the perfect antitdote for my aching heart.  Ruthie was happy...Tess was content and I got to spend quality time with my girls. 

Part Two: Wecipie Wednesday, Apple Pies

In continuation of Apple Week, I made apple pies.  We are having a potluck at school tomorrow, and I just happen to have a TON of apples from this weekend. 

I ended up making two different apple pies.  Via Facebook, I went with the peoples' choice and made a crunch top apple pie.  Then, when Nathan heard that I was making apple pie and not keeping any here at home, I decided to cut up a few extra apples and make the Pioneer Woman's Flat Apple Pie (Thanks, Ree!)

*Attempting food blogging again…

I would have to say that apple pie is one of my favorite pies to make, because of this...

God Bless this WONDERFUL tool!  I can peel and core 8 apples in 5 minutes!  I used 8 golden delicious apples, but it's recomended that you use Granny Smiths and Fujis for their tartness.  My pies will definitely not be short on sweetness.  

And it makes the PERFECT size apples!  I then added 4 T of flour, 3/4 c. brown sugar, 2 T lemon juice, 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and about 1/8 tsp of salt.  

NOTE:  Don't throw these away immediately.  You will need something to snack on after you're famished from putting the pies together, and something to feed your daughter when she comes in a million times asking, "What you do-een, Mommy?"


Yes, I cheated and used frozen pie crust.  Maybe when I have a four year old, I'll make my own again, but not happening tonight.  I dished 2/3 of the apples into the pie crust making the middle a little taller.  I cut up 3 T of real butter and randomly placed them over the apples.  Then, in another bowl, I cut together, 1/4 c. brown sugar, 1/8 c. white sugar, 1/4 c. flour, about 1/8 c. rolled oats, 1/8 c. chopped pecans and 1/4 tsp of cinnamon with 3 T of butter. 

Then I evenly distributed it across the top of the pie and placed in a preheated oven at 425 degrees for 10 min.  Then, I knocked the temp down to 350 and finished it out for another 35 minutes.  If you notice the crust getting too brown, take it out and lightly cover it with foil.  Works like a champ.


Then, I had one extra dough roll and about 3 c. of apples.  Easy solution...Ree makes these Flat Apple Pies that are soooo easy and very portable if you need them on the go.  I opened up the dough on my pizza stone (i use it for WAY more than just pizza) and rolled it out so I could get an extra few inches on each side.  


Then i put the rest of the apples in the center, put 4-5 one inch cubes of butter over the apples and starting folding up the sides over the apples.  It doesnt have to look pretty, It looks so rustic and yummy and home made looking!  

Then, I just put it in the oven.  It cooked at 375 for about 30 minutes.  Basically, you just cook it to the doneness of the color of the crust you like.  

HERE ARE MY FINAL PRODUCTS!

Um...I'm eating this right now, and beside having a burnt tongue because I cant stop, it's AMAZING.

My yummy apple pie...If I work with you, I hope you enjoy during lunch tomorrow.  If I could send you the smell in my house right now, I totally would.

Oh, how I love cooking...especially extremely yummy things.  

Enjoy,

Burnt Tongue


Sunday, October 19, 2014

Insta-Funday Sunday (is back!! )

I know...I know...  It's been a long time!  But I'm coming back with a vingence! 

We went out to help Nathan check his deer cameras and got an absolutely fabulous sunset in the process.  Country life at it's finest...that and praying he didn't pop one of my tires by driving through the corn field. 

Us doing our very best to stay warm (and entertained) at Daddy's football game.


Our trip to Tanners for the year!  We loved the llamas & slides...lots more pictures to be posted soon. 

At a Miss Rodeo Illinois trap shoot for the one and only Katie Perry! Got all the shotgun shells I could ever dream of.  My Pinterest brain is going crazy! 
(if you saw my Pinterest board you might see my obsession)

Be watching facebook... More pictures to be posted of this weekend festivities!