Monday, December 30, 2013

Reflecting on 2013

As New Year's Eve approaches I've found myself reflecting on the past year a lot lately. I feel as if I've grown tremendously over the past year. There have been many ups and downs but those are the things that make us who we are. This year, 2013, started off rough. I lost one of my favorites on New Year's Eve. Tomorrow marks the one year anniversary of the loss of Momee. It was a tremendous loss for our entire family. I've found myself on multiple occasions wishing I could just talk to her one more time. If only she was here to listen to what was on my mind and point me in the right direction. She was the most spectacular woman I've ever known (My mother is a close second) and I only wish that one day I can be a fraction of the person she was. I firmly believe that her loss has brought me closer to God. I talk to Him often. Steve and I have finally found a church that we all love. We feel like home there and have discussed becoming members. This is a HUGE step. We have been looking for a church off and on since we got married 14 years ago and had never found that perfect fit. I FINALLY think we found it. In 2013 I became a runner. I can't believe I can actually say that. Yes, I ran track in High School...but I never considered myself a RUNNER. In High School, I only ran short distances and hurdles...and I wasn't good at it. At all. One fabulous person who I knew through my boy's school posted one day on facebook asking if anyone was interested in a Couch to 5K class. I had attempted the C25K program many times on my own and had failed miserably. I immediately called my sister to see if she would be interested in taking the class with me. This class, called Running on Faith, met on Wednesday nights for 10 weeks. On the first day of class I couldn't run longer than one minute without walking. It was sad, but I was determined. Every Wednesday night our group would meet, talk about running and that week's devotions and then we would all go out and run together. Everyone would go at their own pace, but we were all there for each other. The accountability is what I needed. At the end of the 10 weeks I ran my first 5K with my sister. It was the first time I had ever run the entire 5K without stopping. I can't tell you how proud I was of myself! I've run in a total of six 5K races since completing the C25K class and can't wait to run more! Running has become a part of my life. I think I've finally decided what I want to be when I grow up! I know, it took me long enough...but I think I've figured it out. I LOVE working at my preschool. I'm in the toddler classroom two days a week and in the office the other days. I couldn't be happier. I have continued to take Early Childhood Education classes through Stanly Community College. I'm lucky that all the courses are offered online. I can't seem to take more than one class at a time in my crazy schedule, but I'm doing it! So far, I've made an A in every EDU class I've taken. One day I will finally have my degree even if it does take me forever to get there! The boys are getting older and everyday I think of how fast this time is going by. Blake is almost 11 and in 5th grade. Davis is 8 and in 3rd grade. I've learned in the past year to slow down and enjoy them while I can. The dishes aren't as important as playing Skip Bo with your oldest (even if he beats you every time) or checking out the frog that your youngest just caught in the yard (which could happen daily). They will only be little for a short amount of time, I need to cherish every minute. I've also learned that if you don't advocate for your child, no one will. You have to be your child's voice. That is one of your main jobs as a parent. Don't worry about what toes you have to step on, just do whatever is best for your child. It will all be worth it in the end. Steve and I celebrated 14 years of marriage. I feel as if our marriage is just as strong today as it was the day we got married. I can honestly say I married my best friend. I can't wait to grow old with him and can't imagine my life without him. I can't wait to see what 2014 brings. I'm sure it will be full of ups and downs, just like any year. As long as I have my family by my side, I'm sure it will be just as awesome as 2013.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

My love for Coupons!

I really do love to shop with coupons! And I love even more that I've had the time to shop with coupons now that the boys are back in school. I really need to make it a point, one day a week, to sit down and make my shopping list. You just save so much money by shopping with coupons! Today, I went to Harris Teeter (the BEST place with coupons!) armed with my coupons and didn't stray from my list. That's the biggest rule...STICK to your list! This is what I bought today...
I spent $5.10...YES, $5.10! The bacon was $2.99 of that!!! You just can't beat it! And every single item is an item that we currently use in our house. I didn't buy things just to buy them because I had a coupon. Now, I usually don't buy the thick cut bacon but $2.99 is a deal for bacon. And I don't usually buy Turkey sausage, but with the coupon it was FREE and I can use it when I make breakfast burritos (no one in my family will know it's turkey bacon in those!). LOVE LOVE LOVE coupon shopping!!!!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Martha comes out when the kids are away...

Today is the first day of school for my boys after a long, fun summer. They were both excited to go back this morning to see their friends and start new adventures as a 3rd and 5th grader! I'm also excited for them to be back at school. I crave for our family to be on a routine, no matter how busy it is. So, every year I look forward to that first day of school and the first signs of the normal routine coming back. Here are my grown up boys all ready for school.
I have this week at home to myself to get some things done before I go back to work next Wednesday. This morning, I took advantage of a little ME time. I used a gift certificate for a much needed pedicure. It was so relaxing to sit there while I read my book while being pampered a little. Once home, a little Martha came out. ;) I decided to tackle two Pinterest recipes that I had been eyeing. The first was homemade no bake chewy granola bars. Here is the link where I found the recipe. I like the fact that you can pick your own mix ins for this recipe. HERE They were really easy to make. The recipe didn't really fill a 9x13 pan. I left about 2 inches on the end with no mix. I pressed them down with wax paper. Also, I chose to mix in peanut butter and chocolate chips. My first mistake was not waiting long enough for the mix to cool before stirring in the chocolate chips. Mine melted...but they will still taste good. ;) I individually wrapped them in plastic wrap and left out 2 for the boys to try when they get home from school. I tasted them and thought they were pretty good, but the true test will be with the boys eat them.
Next, I made these banana oat cookies. I was looking forward to making them since Steve and I are trying to eat better and it's hard to find things to curb my sweet tooth. I did add chocolate chips and I'm so glad I did. I really was disappointed with this recipe and I probably will not make them again. The chocolate chips are really what made them worth eating. But it was a super easy recipe and a lot better for you than regular cookies!
I only have about 45 minutes before it's time to find out how the boys first day at school went. Let's see how much cleaning I can get done in that time!

Sunday, January 6, 2013

My heart aches

This past week has been one of the hardest I've ever experienced. My nights are still full of tears and I'm sure they will be for a long time to come. My grandmother, Momee, finally ended her long battle with Alzheimer's. She is the most amazing woman I have ever known. I don't think there is any way I could put together the right words to explain everything that she meant to me. Those who were lucky enough to have had her in their life will all understand. She was just plain remarkable. I will forever hope and pray that I just be a fraction of the woman that she was. I feel like our family has lost their rock....the glue that holds us all together and keeps us sane. Exactly six years ago, Momee gave Papoo (my grandfather) their love story written in her own words for Christmas. I've read it many times over the past few days and cry every time. I just have to share some of her words...I feel like she is talking to me from heaven...This is definitely a gift that I will always cherish.
"It is my hope when our time to die comes that all of you will remember the good times. That you will always be the same good loving caring persons that you are. That you will do your best to continue to love each other first, and love all people. To do good in the world, to play more and work less, and to remember to celebrate our deaths as a victory. We feel sure we will be in heaven, not in a hurry but just sitting up there somewhere on a cloud - watching you!!! This old body will decay, but up there in the sky there will be our spirits watching each of you. Laughing and applauding all that each of you are doing as you get on with the rest of your lives."