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29 March 2010

Heaven has another angel

My daughter became the big sister of another angel on Palm Sunday. Her father and stepmother were expecting a baby boy in late July and due to unforeseen complications, he entered our world too early Sunday, March 28th.  She asked me to write a poem for him.

Rest in peace, little Dakota. We'll all see you again some day. Save us a seat, Little One.



Things You Will Never Know
For Earl and Jamie in memory of their son Dakota Wayne Booth
Sunday, March 28, 2010



There are things you will never know

The fresh scent of the world after a rain

The sight of a rainbow peeking into view

But these things will always remind us of you

There are things you will never feel

Fear when a thunderstorm rages past

Skinned knees and bruises from things you’ve bumped into

But these pains we would have held you through

There are things you will never know

The way we planned a life with you

The little dreams we dreamed for you

But we still always think of you

There are things you will never feel

A caressing touch, drying your tears

Tickles and piggies and dirty trucks, too

But we’ll imagine these things with you

These are things we want you to know

Mommy and daddy hold an undying love

Your sister and brother will remember in dreams of you

And they’ll remind others, dear angel, of you

There are things we will never understand

Our Heavenly father chose to take you home

But you will know us, watching from His kingdom of blue

Dear Baby Boy, we will never forget you

~Anne Marie Freitas

26 March 2010

Quotes from a princess...

This little girl alternates between melting my heart, making me laugh till I cry, and driving me crazy.

Just since lunch:
  • "Mom, I love you." (no reason)
  • "You are so pretty mom." (with a towel on my wet head and mascara running down my face)
  • "I'm so proud of you, Mom." (when I put Dora on Netflix for her)
  • "And just what do you think you're doing?" (when I stole a bite of her orange)
  • "Mom. we need to pack. We are going see my sister at our maw maw's" (just now)
 Yeah, she likes to remind me I have work to do too..


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Oh faithful few!

 There were 10 entries in the note card giveaway--
  1. Jessica said...  WOOT! I am following you now :-)
  2. Kaitie said...     Following!
  3. suz said...     I'm HEEERRRREEE!!! WOO!
  4. Kaitie said...    Posted a blog about it :) I would love to put it on Facebook but I would rather not have people stalking my ttc life lol 
  5. Emi said...     I'm following you now!
  6. Christine said...     Following :)
  7. Emi said...     Now I'm not only following, but I've blogged about you too. ;)    http://emi-harper.blogspot.com/2010/03/sidetrack-from-normal-ttc-chatter.html
  8. Kelly said...    I'm a follower! (Nice to know I've been inspirational in this giveaway!)
  9. Kelly said...     I blogged about it! http://livinglifelooman.blogspot.com/2010/03/fellow-blogger-shoutout.html
  10. Ms. Polka Dottie said...     I'm following!
And the winners are:


YEP, TWO WINNERS!! I told you I might have 2 sets! Since I know you are both on TMP.. PM me your addresses and I'll get them out tomorrow :love:



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Closing the giveaway early!

I have to go out of town tonight so I'm closing early.. 2 pm is the cut off to get your entries in for the giveaway!!!

Closing early to go out of town to see my Halie <3

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Ideas Welcome

If any one has any ideas for weekly topics, I'm willing to listen. Can't say that I'll follow a pattern every week, but it will give me something to do on the drainbead days. hehe:)


Ideas Welcome

If any one has any ideas for weekly topics, I'm willing to listen. Can't say that I'll follow a pattern every week, but it will give me something to do on the drainbead days. hehe:)


Throw it in Thursday - Mexican Skillet

I don't know what else to call this.. I've made it before, but I don't think I blogged it. Bad Anne!
Anyway it is neat simple and YUMMY!!! One pot folks! That's it!

Ingredients:
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 c frozen seasoning blend
  • 2-3 cloves or 1 heaping teaspoon of minced garlic
  • 2 cups of beef broth (or 2c hot water & 2 bouillon cubes)
  • 2 cups of your favorite salsa (or 16 oz diced tomatoes)
  • 3 cups uncooked pasta ( I used wheat penne)
  • 1-2 cups fiesta/mexican blend shredded cheese

Directions:
  1. Brown burger, veggies, and seasonings.
  2. Add broth and salsa, and bring to a simmer.
  3. Stir in uncooked pasta. Add water to just reach the top of the pasta, if necessary.
  4. Simmer 7-10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  5. Stir in cheese and serve with sour cream.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Simple and YUMMY!

25 March 2010

Thoughtful Thursday

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What will my life be like when my move to North Carolina is complete?

I am leaving behind so many friends, and all the family I have, much like George did when he chose to move to Louisiana with Halie and I. I know we will survive-we always do- but we will miss our friends and family here.

I also look forward to the possibilities that are open to us. I already chat with some wonderful ladies online who live in the area, some close, some a days drive away - some with children, some without - all waiting. I know that the strong friendships I have formed with them in the cyber world will only strengthen as we meet. Trust me, they have accepted and loved me at my worst or best and discussed things that would make even my husband blush. One has already volunteered to help me unpack.. and Kaitie, my dear, I AM holding you to that!

And then there is the prospect of new friends-Oh the excitement! Our apartment complex hosts soirees frequently to promote friendship within the complex, so I hope thyat we all meet friends our caliber here. Kae and Halie would benefit from having friends their age, and it would put Halie not feeling so lost when she starts school. Teenagers! I woudl love to meet a 16-17 yr old or two that could babysit once a month so we could see a movie again before I turn 40, LOL!

There is a dreaded fear that I will become a recluse, unable to find friends or venture from my apartment- guess I'll just have to prevent that!!

Notes for today:
Don't forget: the GIVEAWAY! (closes Friday at 6PM!)
I am currently reading:

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;I love it! Not everyone is a short story lover, but I am a Stephen King lover! I read his author's forward, afterword, & about the author the back page.. like that has changed in 20 years! If the man puts it to written word, I'm all in! I can't even remember my first SK book.. I read 1 and devoured so many more in rapid sequence that I cant decide which it was any more. My favorites are The Dark Tower Series (all of them),The Stand, Rose Madder, and Insomnia. If you like mystery with bits of oddball twists... go get it! You'll like it!


Things to do: Figure out a list of moving supplies I need... BAH!

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Thoughtful Thursday

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What will my life be like when my move to North Carolina is complete?

I am leaving behind so many friends, and all the family I have, much like George did when he chose to move to Louisiana with Halie and I. I know we will survive-we always do- but we will miss our friends and family here.

I also look forward to the possibilities that are open to us. I already chat with some wonderful ladies online who live in the area, some close, some a days drive away - some with children, some without - all waiting. I know that the strong friendships I have formed with them in the cyber world will only strengthen as we meet. Trust me, they have accepted and loved me at my worst or best and discussed things that would make even my husband blush. One has already volunteered to help me unpack.. and Kaitie, my dear, I AM holding you to that!

And then there is the prospect of new friends-Oh the excitement! Our apartment complex hosts soirees frequently to promote friendship within the complex, so I hope thyat we all meet friends our caliber here. Kae and Halie would benefit from having friends their age, and it would put Halie not feeling so lost when she starts school. Teenagers! I woudl love to meet a 16-17 yr old or two that could babysit once a month so we could see a movie again before I turn 40, LOL!

There is a dreaded fear that I will become a recluse, unable to find friends or venture from my apartment- guess I'll just have to prevent that!!

Notes for today:
Don't forget: the GIVEAWAY! (closes Friday at 6PM!)
I am currently reading:

I love it! Not everyone is a short story lover, but I am a Stephen King lover! I read his author's forward, afterword, & about the author the back page.. like that has changed in 20 years! If the man puts it to written word, I'm all in! I can't even remember my first SK book.. I read 1 and devoured so many more in rapid sequence that I cant decide which it was any more. My favorites are The Dark Tower Series (all of them),The Stand, Rose Madder, and Insomnia. If you like mystery with bits of oddball twists... go get it! You'll like it!


Things to do: Figure out a list of moving supplies I need... BAH!

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24 March 2010

What-a-burger Wednesday - Italian Beef & Pasta

My darling husband is somewhat against tomato based sauces. This has effectively ended my go to meal- spaghetti.  He'll eat it red sauces, but he doesn;t enjoy them. So, what's the point?

On another hand I have a friend in TN that is pregnant with twins, and tomato sauce just isn't appealing to her right now. So I asked for some ideas. Her mom had done this a few days ago, and I'm sure I didn;t do it quite right, but it came out good.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup frozenseasoning blend
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, or 1 heaping teaspoon of minced garlic
  • splash of olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 tsp Original Mrs. Dash seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp dried basil*
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme*
  • another splash of olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 lb whole grain pasta in your choice of shape. I used spaghetti.
  • 4 beef bouillon cubes
Directions
  1. Saute frozen seasoning blend and garlic in olive oil for a few minutes.
  2. Add in ground meat & brown breaking into small pieces.
  3. Drain any fat from meat if necessary and return to pot.
  4. Add dried herbs and.another splash of olive oil.
  5. Stir well to distribute herbs and oil.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to low
  7. Meanwhile prepare a pot of water for boiling pasta, add boullion cubes and 1tsp of salt.
  8. When boiling add pasta (breaking if you prefer) and cook until al dente, as per package directions.
  9. Do not pour pasta cooking broth out, but drain pasta by using a slotted pasta spoon and add to meat mixture.
  10. Toss to combine, adding a few ladles of pasta cooking broth to add moisture.
  11. Serve with garlic bread and if you prefer add more broth to individual bowls.
Carbs & Protein... perfect comfort food!!

Even Mr. Picky loved this and Kaelyn ate two servings. I also meant to add some peas into the dish and forgot.. NEXT TIME!!



*Note: If you use fresh instead of dried herbs, use 3-4x more and add them at the end of thge cooking process.

Simple Woman's Daybook

I was surfing around a blog I usually follow, but have been slacking on Chronicles Of a Country Girl and saw a post in her side bar for The Simple Woman's Daybook, In this blog she notes the simplicity of life and the beauty of "everyday moments". Anyone participating can link in her blog every Tuesday.

FOR TODAY (Tuesday, March 23, 2010)

Outside my window... is a dreary winter yard longing for spring, but that is ok. Spring blooms soon.

I am thinking... that this blog topic idea is a great way to remind me of my blessings.

I am thankful for...
my beautiful children and husband.

From the kitchen...
a new recipe from Vanessa and her mom. Simple and delicious!!

I am wearing...
PJs!!!!

I am creating...
a new blog to release me thoughts upon.

I am going...
to bed soon to snuggle with the hubs.

I am reading... Just after Sunset by Stephen King.

I am hoping...
for something positive :)

I am hearing... my dreams flutter in my head, begging to be put to word.
Around the house... is a mess, but we live here. It is a home and protects us.. even if teh laundry isn't done.

One of my favorite things... is the slience that comes when my family is at rest for the night.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
  • laundry :)
  • writing
  • mailing packages
  • more preschool workbook with Kaelyn - SHE LOVES IT!!

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...

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23 March 2010

Starting with a give away!!!!!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED! Congrats to my winners! Check back often for more giveaways!

I have been inspired by my friend Kelly. She has an awesome blog, and I missed her dog collar giveaway, but I am giving her a shout out anyway!! BTW, I could stomp myself for missing that... I'll have to walk my dog on leash every time the snot has to go potty at the new apartment rather than just let her out the door like I can here at the house...

Anyway, Kelly unknowingly inspired me to start over with my "daily" blog that has been sitting around hopeless for YEARS. So today I broke out the PSP, pics of the fam, and some awesome graphics I got at March's Blog Train and woke this site up with some freshness!

I'll use the blog to post random thoughts, dreams, and ideas and most likely x-post my other blogs a bit (kids and food.. can't get much better than that!) I'm sure my TMP girls will be here and they'll get tired of hearing the same rants I have on teh board, but hey.. you love me, right?

I'm not sure where it will take us, but I am starting off with a giveaway!

I will soon be moving to North Carolina and during my trip there I got a set of note cards based on paintings from ArtWithHearts Duke Collection that shares the beauty I am to behold once there.

Disclaimer: The cute blue-eyed blond who demanded to be in the picture is not part of THIS particular give away :)

These 4 cards are reproductions of paintings by 1973 Duke graduate, and Art with Hearts founder, Steven R Miller: The Inn, the golf course, the Sarah P. Duke Memorial Gardens, and Duke Chapel - They come in a vellum envelope with a card about the artist and mailing envelopes.

Now, Kelly left her dog collar giveaway open for 3 days, but I'm going to leave mine open for 3 days or 20 followers. That means get your rear ends out there and give me some shout outs!!!!!!!!


Enter by:
  1. Becoming a follower of my blog (and leave a comment saying you did)- 1 entry
  2. Give me a shoutout on your blog (leave me a seperate comment with the link to your blogpost!) - 1 entry
  3. Facebook/Twitter about this giveaway with a link to my blog (leave a seperate comment telling me you did). - 1 entry
I'll pick a random winner with an online gadget as soon as it's over! And I might just have 2 sets ;)

Don't forget to leave the comments!!

Go out and shout, Baby!

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2 Tips for Tuesday

Today's tips will be ways to entice children to eat new foods:
  1. Don't assume they won't eat something- The might like it and not know it. Just explain that it is something new and they need to TRY it. And if they don't like it, wait a while and give it a try again.
  2. Include them- Even the smallest children can help in the kitchen.. washing fruits ^ veggies, carrying boxes of pasta or canned/frozen foods to the counter. Find something age appropriate they can do. they will be proud and have a sense of accomplishment and WANT to try their meal!
...
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