Ketchup

I thought I 'd take a minute to catch you up on all the things happening around here!

The kids are doing great! Last night was bath night so they are both very soft and fluffy! Chipper has put on a pound or two this winter due to his surgery and our switch to puppy chow. Now that he is healthy,happy and back to his Chipper self, I assume he will quickly run and play it off this summer. Maxine is still the most beautiful little girl ever! She has grown a little but her hair still grows the fastest !ha ha Her next grooming appointment is April 8th and she will be getting a shorter cut this time. I have learned that until she grows up a little it is best we keep her hair fairly low maintenance. She is a wild and crazy fun loving puppy,running the halls one minute and napping the next. At times we feel like we really do have a toddler...and we love every minute of it :)

We are still waiting on "most" of the cheese to rest before we can give it a final taste test. We have been sampling and sharing with friends and family and so far the reviews are good! Looks like we might have lots of potential customers! We have already learned that we don't like the mesquite smoke as well as we did the apple smoke but both were good..:)

The garden and flower beds are all weeded and tilled up. Then it rained and rained and looks like a giant mud pit.Gotta love spring ;P Soooo,until I dig out my compost and buy some fresh dirt..I sit her planning and dreaming of this summer's gardens *exaggerated sigh*
All good plans start with good lists right?
So far this is what I've got-
Front flower beds possibilities,shade friendly plants and flowers
Japanese Painted Fern                                      Hosta
Astilbe                                                             Columbine
Viola                                                                Cobra Lily
Lily Of The Valley                                           Impatiens
Begonia                                                            St John's Wort
Wax Flower                                                     Spotted Horsemint
Hydrangea                                                        Sweet Pepperbush
Geranium                                                          Heuchera

You may be wondering where some of the odd sounding ones came from ..they were chosen because they were either very fragrant (for outside my bedroom window) or shade and drought tolerant. No sun AND no watering,now THAT'S my kind of plant! lol I will attempt to find them while feeding my addiction to garden nurseries :)

Yesterday I survived a busy day with my 4 year old mini BFF Maddison. We had a great time! We ran errands,made cupcakes and a cake,played with the dogs and watched a movie. I was ready for bed early last night and I hear Maddison fell asleep on the way home :)
OK I think that's it...? Tomorrow is my Friday and then I have TWO WHOLE days off in a row with my sweetheart! Yay!
Have a great weekend !
:)

I Love These Kind Of Recipes...

I have been following a new food blog written by a lady I met and I have been really loving it!
Practical recipes for busy women.
Simple recipes using common ingredients.
This particular recipe looks too good not to share the link!
You're welcome :)
http://onecrazycookie.blogspot.com/2011/03/tried-and-true-simple-fudge-bars.html

Victory!

I am feeling victorious! Vern and I finished weeding and prepping the flower beds and garden for planting! Woohoo!

Rainy spring almost got the jump on me! There is still much work to be done..new soil to add,starts to buy,planning,planting and than many many months of fertilizer and TLC..Oh and must I not forget the daily prayers for more sunshine and less rain. I forget that "summer" is not guaranteed when you live in Washington :P
 Vern and I had a fantastic time celebrating our anniversary. Mexican dinner,salted caramels and watching movies while snuggled up in bed with our kids. On Saturday Vern humored me while I shopped at Ben Franklin for supplies to make hair accessories for Maxi. I found the cutest beads and charms! This daughter of ours is going to have enough hair ties and barrettes to last a lifetime :)
Vern had purchased a new cold smoking tray we were anxious to try. He used apple wood sawdust to smoke cheddar,sharp white cheddar,Gouda and Havarti cheese. 4 hours later it looked and tasted de-lish! He also figured out a way to seal the pieces into small packages with the Food saver .Now we wait impatiently as we let them set for one week. One very long week. Again,I find myself bragging but wow..he's such an awesome boyfriend!

  Do you all remember when we went to Sekiu last? Mid February I think. The when we got home and I got the flu and took another day and a half off. Since then,my work schedule has been completely booked with no end in sight! Finally this week I am feeling caught up and beginning to have some free time and a lighter load. I am so grateful to have so many loyal clients but at times I admit the numbers are overwhelming! Perhaps the day will come when I feel well enough to work 5 days a week..until then I love my bonus Tuesdays off. This Tuesday I am hanging out with my 4 year old friend Maddison. We have big plans to make cupcakes and a giant cookie cake with my new cake pans! I am also hoping she and Maxine have lots of play time.That daughter of our is so full of love and energy! Perhaps by the end of the day both girls will be worn out? Two Mamas can only hope!
Off to bed,my Monfriday alarm will be sounding early enough. I pray Monday is gentle on the rest of you :)

3

3 years ago....

God answered my prayer.

He gave me the precious gift of true love.

3 years ago...

I learned to live and love like I never had before.

I owe it all to Vern.

Thank you for loving me :)

Not only with your words but also with all that you do to show me.

Thank you for making me smile  so much:)

                                                  Thank you for making me a Stepmom

                                                         and bury hidden treasure...

                                           and climb through the rainforest to find mushrooms,

                                                        did I mention laugh...and smile,

                                                                      the fun of pull tabs,

                                                              beaching and boating 101,

                                                                             kite flying,

                                                            watching a boy become a man,

Thank you.

I love you,

with all my heart and soul Vern.

Happy Anniversary!

Cheers to 3 years and many many more!

Spring Quotations

It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold:  when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.  ~Charles Dickens

It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!  ~Mark Twain

I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden.  ~Ruth Stout

Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day.  ~W. Earl Hall

In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.  ~Margaret Atwood

To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.  ~George Santayana

"A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in." --Greek proverb

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."-- Abraham Lincoln

It's My Monfriday!

Monday was good to me.
I worked a light schedule and got to go home an hour early(this NEVER happens)

We threw a pan of cabbage rolls in the oven for dinner, Wah la!( I love those make ahead meals!)

With my spare time and energy I was able to catch up on dishes and floor cleaning.

2 dogs +Spring+ white linoleum= muddy paw prints

Now I can sleep in and "play" on my day off tomorrow while feeling zero guilt!

Funny thing is..I want to bake cupcakes and make soup!

IF the weather cooperates tomorrow I am going to start working in the yard.

My garden bench is a mess and my flower beds and garden need to be tilled up.

I am allowing myself to finally have Spring Fever because technically it's Spring....

somewhere out there...?

ALSO,I have wanted a carpet shampooer of my own as long as I can remember.

I was telling Vern how badly I wanted to buy one (for our 2 rooms of carpet ha ha) and he informed me that he already owns one!

Yay!
He retrieved it from his Mother's house yesterday and is getting it all fixed up for me,
I can't quite explain in words how excited this makes me!
In my defense my Mother was a frequent carpet shampooer.
I think it's hereditary.
My parents installed off white carpet when I was a teen and they still have that same perfect unstained carpet to this day.
Just sayin' ...:)
So many projects waiting to be done *sigh*
I think I will decide tomorrow after I sleep in and have some coffee
:)

Next Time It'll Be 20....

This weekend I accomplished a new personal record!

15 "Make Ahead Meals" in one day!

2 large lasagnas

3 dozen meatballs

3 meat loafs

1 large pan of cabbage rolls

3 small pans of cabbage rolls

1 large chicken enchilada casserole

1 large chicken broccoli casserole

and 1 small chicken casserole!

It was 6 hours of cooking and a TON of dishes but I admit I loved doing it :)

The pay off...

No cooking for the next month,

homemade dinner despite our busy schedules,

lots of leftovers,

no casserole dishes to clean (I used cheap aluminum pans),

saves money AND

the stress of always trying to think of what's for dinner !

I made all of this with 5 lbs of hamburger and 2 1/2 pounds of chicken,

that equals a 1/2 pound of meat per meal yet with the addition of recipe fillers like rice,beans and noodles everything had PLENTY of meat (even for these carnivores)!

:)

Blogaholic?

This evening I learned that one of the blogs I follow is coming to an end. It's a home interior blog with great photography.The blogger has decided to stop blogging because she feels it takes up too much of her time. Time she would rather spend with hobbies and loved ones. I think it's fantastic that she is doing what she needs to do to be a good wife,mother,friend etc but I am left feeling a little sad and confused. She started her blog 1 year ago as a simple way to share her love for refurbished antiques and whatnot..now she has a blog with a bazillion followers,give aways and all other sorts of blog extras. The obligation just became too much and blogging became a second job. How sad! I think blogging should be for fun and a way to share what you love! Somewhere she lost that and she admits she stressed over every photo and word in hopes of always creating a "perfect post". Whoa. This almost leaves me completely confused until I remembered my own confession weeks ago. Blogging honestly. I felt myself falling into the same trap. The pressure to blog regularly,include photos and tell a great story. And then I got real.My life isn't always a great story,or photo worthy or regular!So I sent the proverbial monkey on my back a packing and started blogging from the heart. Posting pics without editing,sharing what I think is worth typing and at my own pace.I know I don't have many followers and usually my blogs don't even have comments..but it doesn't really matter.
I blog for myself-there are just too many thoughts in my head not to share.
For Vern-the awesome boyfriend who reads because he loves me and cares about how I feel,smart man! For Grandma Ellen-Our new dear friend and the woman we adopted Maxine from. She gave us a precious gift to add to our family and only asked one thing in return,that I keep in touch and send photos. I was so happy to share the link to my blog with her and I know I have at lest ONE follower that is as crazy about her as we are :)
For Melody-the dear friend and my favorite blog to follow! The Jesus loving, stay at home Mom with 3 small kids and an awesome old house that her and her husband are renovating room by room. She tells the stories of her busy days in a way that always brings a smile to my face. Her faith is so strong,honest and true that is has become an important source of fellowship for me :) Thank you Melody!
For Jessica-my best friend. Many miles keep us apart and I am horrible at calling and emailing yet she understands and loves me anyway...and reads my blog :)
For anyone else out there who feels overwhelmed with creating a perfect blog-Stop it! Blog what you love,blog what you know but mostly just blog honestly :)

Almost Wordless Wednesday

The fun of growing out a puppy's hair..in pictures.

This is the clip we use once in awhile during her frustrating grow out stage..it makes me laugh,she growls at herself in the mirror LOL!

 Mommy playing with the retro camera app on her smart phone..

 At the Vet getting the last of her puppy shots "Get me outta here!"

One last photo of Maxine in her silly clip,it's worth it to see her pretty face!

I finally got to sleep in this morning. I woke up around 10am and rolled over to see Maxine begging eagerly at the side of my bed to be picked up and kissed. I hung my arm over the side of the bed and pet her as I woke up. Finally I swung my feet over the side of the bed to find she had also left me a little "surprise" on the floor. She missed the potty pad and all...that's what I get for sleeping in. I put on my robe and slippers,dealt with the morning "surprise" and headed out the back door with both dogs for our morning rituals. As I sat there on my bench and began to wake up I see that Maxine has something smeared ALL OVER her behind...what the?! Oh goodness...somehow most of that "surprise" had gotten smeared and matted into her fur! EW! It honestly took me a few minutes to wrap my head around the situation and make a plan.I began to panic..and gag a little. Once inside she begged to be held and loved and it broke my heart not to be able to. So I quickly ran for an espresso and returned to bathe my stinky little sweetheart. It is truly one of those life moments when you have to but on your big girl panties and deal with it. I shampooed out what I could but there became a point of no return...so I got out  the scissors. I cut out pieces here and there and hacked up a good portion of her $38 new hair cut.
2 hours later and some major bonding time with my daughter.... Maxine looked and smelled beautiful again.Shampooed,blown dry and brushed into a fluffy white cloud of cuteness. As for me,I was covered in dog hair and dog bath water,I hadn't showered and I still had a houseful of chores to start. I chugged down the rest of my espresso and an Aleve and got to work. 10 hours later,my house is clean and smells like bleach and 409. I finally got that shower around 4 pm only to change into clean pajamas.
No make up and no blow dryer for Mommy today.My freshly cleaned floors are quickly being covered in muddy paw prints. Poor Chipper still has to wear the "cone of shame" for a few more days. Maxine's rear looks like it got caught in the paper shredder BUT at the end of the day...it's all worth it. We are happy and healthy and able to resume snuggling both of our kids,itching Chipper's ear for him and reassuring Maxi how pretty she is.

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother."
-- Lin Yutang

Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.
Franklin P. Jones

How could something so small create so much of something so disgusting?
-Steve Guttenberg in Three Men and a Baby

---

ZZZzzzzzz

I'm tired.

I want my hour back.

One would think that by my 33rd time of changing clocks in the spring I'd be used to it.

I'm not.

Today I was a comedy of errors.

All my words came out scrambled and my hands fumbled along trying to keep up.

It wasn't necessarily a bad day but I am glad is it finally coming to an end.

I'm tired.

I want my hour back.



Tid Bits

The new fountain sits in the garage looking so happy in it's shiny cobalt blue glory.

It's a diamond in the rough of a gray cold garage,

anxiously awaiting to make it's grand appearance this summer.

After all this rain....

and perhaps a little more snow...

and then some more rain..

a new deck,

new patio furniture

and some landscaping materials (rocks)

the fountain will be unveiled!

Until then..

just pray it doesn't get broken!

:)

This weekend we ventured to Black Diamond for some dog food.On our way home we treated ourselves to CJ's Bakery. I love this small town bakery that engulfs you in the smell of heaven when you walk in the door! Doughnuts,bread,pastry,cakes and even a coffee shop yum! We got a bit of this and that..mini turtle  chocolate cake,coconut macaroons,creme filled doughnut with frosting and coconut topping,blueberry doughnut,fresh butter top bread..it was the perfect desserts later that evening and it was fun to indulge :)

I am happy to report that as of last Friday we won't have to go back to the Vet for at least 2 more months!

YAY!

Kids are expensive these days!

Maxine has survived all of her puppy shots and is now a whopping 4.9 pounds!

Chipper endured his yearly wellness exam and shots too. He also had blood work,fecal analysis,ear medication and a small surgical procedure.

 Other than him having to wear the "cone of shame" for a few more days,

I have been assured that they are both in tip top shape!

Next visit will be to have Maxine fixed in a few months and THEN

HOPEFULLY

we'll be done for a few months..maybe even a year?!

We also have them on a new food I am very excited about called Evo.

From what I have read it is the ONLY 100% grain free dog food on the market and according to the experts that is the "ideal" doggy diet.

All I know is I want healthy kids ;)

Listen to me...I read what I wrote and I doubt my sanity. I remind myself that being a Mother of dogs is still a Mother

Just like other Mom's I talk about my kid's poop, weight,food,accessories I couldn't live without,first hair cuts,attitudes,cuteness..

and the list goes on....

And soo..

I give myself a little slack.

:)

Maxine and her pig tails!

Goin With The Flow...

1 Gorgeous new ceramic fountain for the yard this summer= $99.99

1 Box of Feminine Products= $3.99

1 Bottle of Aspirin= $1.99

Waiting 15 minutes for the elderly man in front of me to argue and haggle his way through 10 simple items= Me still smiling on cloud nine at our new fountain steal but starting to get a lil impatient

FINALLY being called by a checker in an open lane and not being able to move because before mentioned elderly man is using my box of feminine products as a check writing platform= Priceless
;)

Another First For Maxine!

Today I made the appointment for Maxine's first haircut! I am excited and nervous all at the same time. I hope she does OK and I am able to communicate what I want to the groomer. I had planned doggie baths here tomorrow and I think I still will. I laugh at myself because I feel like the lady who cleans her house before the maid comes!ha ha Plus I figure if I have her hair clean and tangle free it'll be less torture for Maxi AND the groomer.
Here are some photos I found to give to the groomer. I want her body hair mid length and I have a very specific look I want for her face and top knot. Opinions appreciated :)

In the last photo I am referring to the white dog on the top right and the bottom right. Won't she be cute with this girly look?! I am excited for it to get long enough to do pony tails! Spoken like a true hairdresser...ha ha

Today was a good day because...

*It was the 2nd day in a row that I have felt better.

*I woke up to puppy kisses and I started my day with a hot chocolate.

*I realize I have grown as a Stepmother and I can honestly say with no hesitation that I love my Stepson.I am proud of the man he has become and I actually enjoy the time Vern and I spend with him :)

*I indulged in one of my favorite splurges today. Soap. Bar soap to be exact,African Black Soap (www.nubianheritage.com of all organic vegetable ingredients and essential oils. It's literally black and smells beautiful! Mm mm It has herbs and healing properties to help acne,detoxify and heal the skin. I usually use glycerin or Tea Tree soap but once in awhile I like to spoil my skin :)

*I finally found the supplies to make hair twisties for Maxi!! "Stretch Cord" that you can decorate with beads. The stretch cord is a LOT more gentle than the plastic type hair ties and it stays in better than barrettes or clips. PLUS,they cost next to nothing to make! I made a dozen tonight while we were watching TV.Also,I found the Paul Mitchell Oatmeal Dog Conditioner I had been looking for! I am beginning to feel prepared to deal with and a little less intimidated by my daughter's long hair now ha ha! What a funny thing for a hairdresser to say huh? lol :) Let me be the FIRST to admit and educate you all that dog hair is WAY different human hair. I'm learning...

* I talked to my parents for an hour and a half tonight. My father is slowly recovering from surgery for a detached retina but gaining his sight back more and more each day. Up there in North Idaho they have had an exceptionally long cold winter. The snow is 15" deep on their deck! I hope this snow goes away soon because I would love to see them,I am so grateful to have such amazing parents :)