tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86706160254856847192024-03-21T00:16:05.288-07:00The Parsons Familyeveryday bits of magicShelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-72064341020623158382012-10-26T10:33:00.000-07:002012-10-26T10:38:44.951-07:00Two new additions!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I went into labor on July 29th 2012 at 39 weeks pregnant, on the dot! Sunday July 29th
at 9:06 pm and 9:07 pm our two beautiful girls made their grand
entrance, with loud hearty cries!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn Charlotte<br />
9:06 pm<br />
6 lbs 12 oz 19.5 inches long</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire Elizabeth<br />
9:07 pm<br />
6 lbs 14 oz 19.5 inches long<br />
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Today, our little sweet peas are only days away from being three months old! Time has flown by and our little babies are now 16 pounds each and growing each day. They are rolling over, laughing, smiling and a huge joy for mommy, daddy and big brother Owen. They continue to amaze us each day with their budding personalities. </td></tr>
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Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-61731847280860999032012-07-25T05:19:00.003-07:002012-07-25T05:20:16.270-07:0038 weeks, 3 days!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhx-4IEJmuBUHxbIp1fjUpLdCAEVCa5CONXY4_jBIS3Kb6rv-nU-jf8Sk9DBPd9E_BBUk_jFXpWZI4c8kaIvgdnXmQklNupKyV7kOWpRtoB7gKFtVCqKnXxfOvsOY7vwRcIu9aEROJzSk/s1600/DSC_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhx-4IEJmuBUHxbIp1fjUpLdCAEVCa5CONXY4_jBIS3Kb6rv-nU-jf8Sk9DBPd9E_BBUk_jFXpWZI4c8kaIvgdnXmQklNupKyV7kOWpRtoB7gKFtVCqKnXxfOvsOY7vwRcIu9aEROJzSk/s320/DSC_0494.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihhx-4IEJmuBUHxbIp1fjUpLdCAEVCa5CONXY4_jBIS3Kb6rv-nU-jf8Sk9DBPd9E_BBUk_jFXpWZI4c8kaIvgdnXmQklNupKyV7kOWpRtoB7gKFtVCqKnXxfOvsOY7vwRcIu9aEROJzSk/s1600/DSC_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iVKOgWzbB5kbSMD8jUuOqoMcOJQwirNDuJkU_dBLJDZgW1clwmHVnQ2mcOBkYxdE63Xh5tgVb8fwH7UtUW4Q9juZD8bn3Y1p9NQFscPsX6cLEz9SWSGpGMRsFIt5Kf3LN7NIwJaqiezw/s1600/img019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iVKOgWzbB5kbSMD8jUuOqoMcOJQwirNDuJkU_dBLJDZgW1clwmHVnQ2mcOBkYxdE63Xh5tgVb8fwH7UtUW4Q9juZD8bn3Y1p9NQFscPsX6cLEz9SWSGpGMRsFIt5Kf3LN7NIwJaqiezw/s320/img019.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvb7-8TVoicLa8bF8pOda7l8Qq1POn9Nx8Rov1Ae478meTt_bWrs1XCon9t8Z6tB_uNhJJJgFKio6d481u2SixkaEyOFhj4_6Kogryeau06ZBiJuzNnERFtisLvExhVoHBUtaZvnzqIO/s1600/img020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bvb7-8TVoicLa8bF8pOda7l8Qq1POn9Nx8Rov1Ae478meTt_bWrs1XCon9t8Z6tB_uNhJJJgFKio6d481u2SixkaEyOFhj4_6Kogryeau06ZBiJuzNnERFtisLvExhVoHBUtaZvnzqIO/s320/img020.jpg" width="132" /></a>There is no question about it, I have seriously neglected this blog. With good reason though! I have been busy growing my two beautiful girls, all while keeping my six year old son happy, healthy and entertained. Summer is actually difficult for Owen because he misses school so much.We signed him up for summer camp, thinking it would be a good fit... it was most certainly not (long story).<br />
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In the beginning of my pregnancy with the twins, it seemed like every person I talked to said "Ohh, twins! How wonderful!... they'll be born really early and really tiny". So, I had kind of mentally prepared myself to go into pre-term labor with the girls starting as early as 30 weeks. Each week that went by, I thought okay not this week! Now I'm at 38 weeks and 3 days (considered full term with a singleton and considered "fully cooked" by many doctors and twin moms who know how it feels to be a beached whale).<br />
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I'm just thankful to have kept them cooking to full term. The girls should be about 6 or 7 pounds each right now, which I am curious to find out. I have an OB appointment today with ultrasound, which is always amazing.<br />
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While my mom was visiting a few weeks ago, the sonographer did a 3D ultrasound for us unexpectedly. I could not believe how much detail we could see on the screen - it was like we were actually taking a peek into my belly and looking at the girls face to face! I'm going to include a few ultrasound pictures, and a belly picture from a few weeks ago (I need to take a new one, because I'm sure that I'm even bigger now!)<br />
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<br />Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-84682117119713866302012-02-03T04:41:00.000-08:002012-02-03T04:59:09.700-08:00Superbowl menuHere are a few recipes that I'm using this Sunday...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">BLT Biscuits</span><br /><br />2 cups flour<br />2 teaspoons sugar<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1 teaspoon black pepper<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1/3 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces<br />1 cup (4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese<br />3/4 cup buttermilk<br />1 package (16 oz) bacon slices, cooked<br />1 small head romaine lettuce<br />4 plum tomatoes<br />1/2 cup mayo<br /><br />1. preheat oven to 425. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.<br /><br />2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, pepper, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheese and buttermilk just until mixture forms dough.<br /><br />3. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface; knead gently several times. Pat into 8x6 inch rectangle (about 3/4 inch thick). Cut dough into 24 squares with sharp knife; place on prepared baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly on wire rack.<br /><br />4. Cut each bacon slice into 3 pieces. Tear lettuce into small pieces to fit on biscuits. Cut tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices.<br /><br />5. Split biscuts spread each half lightly with mayo. Layer each biscuit with 2 slices bacon, lettuce and 1 slice tomato.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Makes 24 mini sandwiches</span><br style="font-style: italic;"><br style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(a variation is to prepare as directed above, adding deli sliced turkey and avocado)</span><br /><br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buffalo Wedges</span><br /><br />3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes<br />3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce<br />2 tablespoons butter, melted<br />2 teaspoons smoke or sweet paprika<br />blue cheese dressing<br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 400. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Slice potatoes into 4 or 6 wedges, depending on size of potato.<br /><br />2. Combine hot pepper sauce, butter and paprika in large bowl. Add potato wedges; toss to coat well. Place wedges in single layer on prepared baking sheet.<br /><br />3. Bake 20 minutes. Flip potatoes; bake 20 minutes or until light golden brown and crisp. Serve with blue cheese dressing.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Fried Pickle Spears</span><br /><br />3 tablespoons flour<br />1 teaspoon cornstarch<br />3 eggs<br />1 cup cornflake crumbs<br />12 pickle spears, patted dry<br />1/2 cup vegetable oil<br /><br />1. Line serving dish with paper towels; set aside. Combine flour and cornstarch in small bowl. Beat eggs in another small bowl. Place cornflake crumbs in third small bowl.<br /><br />2. Coat pickle spears in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip pickles in eggs; roll in cornflake crumbs. Repeat with remaining pickles.<br /><br />3. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook four pickles at a time, 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove to prepared serving dish. Repeat with remaining pickles.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Makes 4 servings</span>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-1247584687897631042012-01-31T05:12:00.000-08:002012-01-31T05:30:05.392-08:00comparison belly photos<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF-uEB9fxxoAuIt5rK1jyQu2pkh2ODpab5FcIvIzOdvGsCJKw-3rt3XlUtBMe9PyXa6QxogxeXs9e_MRpNxxWpWKksszXtOAX8g9Y6xvnth2Ks74NJlX48OqWVHPBfGeGFZDYDQMw50iu/s1600/DSC_0672re.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUF-uEB9fxxoAuIt5rK1jyQu2pkh2ODpab5FcIvIzOdvGsCJKw-3rt3XlUtBMe9PyXa6QxogxeXs9e_MRpNxxWpWKksszXtOAX8g9Y6xvnth2Ks74NJlX48OqWVHPBfGeGFZDYDQMw50iu/s320/DSC_0672re.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703787587516989586" border="0" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">12 weeks 3 days with twins<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyZvi2rU59NoM09ZB2Cvp9XQ6MF1uKPxL4mREuk2wEJhYDud8o3PX0I8eH3y3AOzsVCms38sk_5lQ3r70TluJBmbqx5UBSZIylQ079CTJvGdTiyVyBTAcue7pAsya1-tAG95k8KFqrYET/s1600/n68106208_37839938_1713858.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyZvi2rU59NoM09ZB2Cvp9XQ6MF1uKPxL4mREuk2wEJhYDud8o3PX0I8eH3y3AOzsVCms38sk_5lQ3r70TluJBmbqx5UBSZIylQ079CTJvGdTiyVyBTAcue7pAsya1-tAG95k8KFqrYET/s320/n68106208_37839938_1713858.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703787693594896770" border="0" /></a>20 weeks with Owen<br /><br /><br />When my doctor said that twin pregnancies will be twice as big as singleton pregnancies, I thought she was just exaggerating. Then when she told me that the top of my uterus was at my belly button at 10 weeks, and that it was the size of a 20 week pregnancy, I started to believe her. Well, there is no denying the proof in pictures!</div>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-32293847285249233802012-01-17T05:50:00.000-08:002012-01-17T06:14:09.564-08:00Babies galoreHere are the twins during last weeks ultrasound. They were 10 weeks 3 days in the pictures below...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TdguuJglhaRvNyzKCXjkYu7HBH0OjC1abc9jhpkIVWCV5gf9j2rnSdQezDFb8_lisURXGUQGnQjtvpRzkBPN18s8KmaQAec2EtdcK9MdzVGqai-N2Fa89TmuDre0sQ3d0H0XsX5lpdA/s1600/img006+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge_TdguuJglhaRvNyzKCXjkYu7HBH0OjC1abc9jhpkIVWCV5gf9j2rnSdQezDFb8_lisURXGUQGnQjtvpRzkBPN18s8KmaQAec2EtdcK9MdzVGqai-N2Fa89TmuDre0sQ3d0H0XsX5lpdA/s320/img006+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698598511636151218" border="0" /></a><br />The technician has changed the "names" of the twins because Twin A (formerly known as Twin B) is presenting first (closest to the cervix). I could not believe how much the babies had moved since the last ultrasound 4 weeks prior. Another thing that blew my mind was that the babies had grown so much to the point where they looked like little babies!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpFHkyta6WJ5nL0uuwo0rO9NTv1RuxEUrhUUaStN03q6LsD0Eb96qjTgQqBFJ6tqiYRafwW52ttZ2cnyBhnIrypf0FAQ1PtMiVICaHWWOrhS6vs9pPOLxK3KVjmwaTbZ49HLw-HyfCMka/s1600/img005+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpFHkyta6WJ5nL0uuwo0rO9NTv1RuxEUrhUUaStN03q6LsD0Eb96qjTgQqBFJ6tqiYRafwW52ttZ2cnyBhnIrypf0FAQ1PtMiVICaHWWOrhS6vs9pPOLxK3KVjmwaTbZ49HLw-HyfCMka/s320/img005+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698599141208711586" border="0" /></a><br />I felt so lucky to have this glimpse into their private little lives, so early on. With Owen I only had two ultrasounds- one at 16 weeks (the all exciting reveal of sex) and one more at 34 weeks when the doctor thought Owen was breech (Owen was indeed head down and ready to go). So I really do enjoy each of these ultrasounds, and every moment seeing my babies on the screen. During this particular ultrasound, I saw the babies moving around for the duration of the ultrasound exam. They would arch their backs every time the technician would rub the doppler over my stomach, along with many leg kicks and hand motions that almost mimicked them rubbing their eyes or sucking their thumbs.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq6tbBIX2945WDxci9Idmd83qV-MyQ18xLVZKWTvyhfQ8UW5ELncf08tTyVwOQKP8HFETPRAqFLTKnu-hHKCungmGC5XgJqk3f_vMcO_a8jrfdUmQvCr6BEm2nBAtNac62CyDkWMSokNB/s1600/img007+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyq6tbBIX2945WDxci9Idmd83qV-MyQ18xLVZKWTvyhfQ8UW5ELncf08tTyVwOQKP8HFETPRAqFLTKnu-hHKCungmGC5XgJqk3f_vMcO_a8jrfdUmQvCr6BEm2nBAtNac62CyDkWMSokNB/s320/img007+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698600363341437522" border="0" /></a><br />The technician just kept telling me how adorable they are, and how they have cute little profiles (It was very reminiscent of my ultrasound with Owen when the ultrasound tech said those exact words and his cute profile).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8Qq-2k6XKQ8BSoewySzEKc0kQHVD84lEuBxkeA2Fho7B0pmfgkHItNs9rf4NLiL3ncNSQsidYllFEADMDEYwQeImuhSfYAStoIr1haWHWuykeKj-QIB1Xim3261m38Qkve_1sIetxn-0/s1600/img007+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8Qq-2k6XKQ8BSoewySzEKc0kQHVD84lEuBxkeA2Fho7B0pmfgkHItNs9rf4NLiL3ncNSQsidYllFEADMDEYwQeImuhSfYAStoIr1haWHWuykeKj-QIB1Xim3261m38Qkve_1sIetxn-0/s320/img007+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698600808539275666" border="0" /></a><br />The sweetest words to my ears though, were that there was a membrane (seen above, dividing the twins). Brian and I had been praying about that for weeks, ever since my last ultrasound. Four long months of hoping and praying that our babies had a separating membrane. Thank God, there is a membrane. Without a membrane, the babies can become entangled their cords, which is often deadly. The twins that share a placenta and an amniotic sac (no membrane) are called Monochorionic-Monoamniotic twins (always identical). Our twins thankfully are Monochorionic-Diamniotic, which means they share a placenta but have separate amniotic sacs (because of the membrane separating them, they are in separate thin sacs. Also, always identical. Unless there is a rare case that the placentas of fraternal twins fuse together to look like one single placenta.)<br /><br />I read a description of this that seems helpful in understanding all of this. Think of fraternal twins (from two separate eggs) as being in two hard shell eggs. They have separate hard outer layers, plus an inside thin membrane layer. With identical twins, they are essentially in one hard shell. They share the hard outer shell. My twins have separate thin inner sacs that divide them in their one "egg".<br /><br />What a learning experience this all has been. I can't believe how different it is having two babies in my womb instead of one. I know that theme will continue long after they're born, and I'm welcoming that difference as a really fulfilling and heartwarming experience. Yes, double the time and work, but double the blessings!Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-49611738614814113982012-01-09T05:09:00.000-08:002012-01-09T05:43:03.677-08:00New life, times two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6Y9oq9f7iyB5qwS9XM5S6HwX2G9oAgvyDAVZbIGdTe86cK7tdti8QRnAxgV9l_kRrZUoHQyJIhMnImoYWzCQRLdrRo7rRdWWe33N4FzSAoRXKOYfTgIweXWovSzqz01ruc3TAWwQ9pLg/s1600/6w2dx2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6Y9oq9f7iyB5qwS9XM5S6HwX2G9oAgvyDAVZbIGdTe86cK7tdti8QRnAxgV9l_kRrZUoHQyJIhMnImoYWzCQRLdrRo7rRdWWe33N4FzSAoRXKOYfTgIweXWovSzqz01ruc3TAWwQ9pLg/s320/6w2dx2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695626840085149650" border="0" /></a><br />12/14/2011<br />Lying on a table, getting an ultrasound done, I felt like I was having my first out of body experience. There on the screen were two little beans. As thoughts raced through my head "Can I actually be seeing two babies?" so many emotions swept over me as I reasoned with myself and put things into perspective. All while the ultrasound technician was continually printing out images of my full uterus. I sat there still, quiet, and in awe. Then, the confirmation came. The ultrasound tech labled those beans.... Twin A and Twin B.<br /><br />A few photos of my babies were handed to me, and I proceeded to the waiting room while my doctor looked at the information prepared by the ultrasound technician. For the next 20 minutes I could not take my eyes off of that picture. The images of my tiny babies were so beautiful that I'm sure everyone in the room noticed my smile. I then explained to Owen that there were two babies in mommy's belly, not just one. He smiled, hesitated a moment and then exclaimed "I might get a brother AND a sister!"<br /><br />Lets back up a little. On Thanksgiving eve, as Brian was preparing the turkey for our upcoming feast, I found out that I was pregnant. It was such an unexpected and welcomed joy that we were able to celebrate together, right at Brian's favorite holiday.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpJ7WTlhmfl3iSQXUaOh3gicuIx3bbcEDXUtQwINHDwx-8-qi7sL7-jHheO8YlJ3qMSV9BAUIfU8zPsnFrILvq-UGGzoEBNxjn93rnLY819pmFYfGXbPFUIMDtZ6xT8WU27pQP08pt9hc/s1600/DSC_0442.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpJ7WTlhmfl3iSQXUaOh3gicuIx3bbcEDXUtQwINHDwx-8-qi7sL7-jHheO8YlJ3qMSV9BAUIfU8zPsnFrILvq-UGGzoEBNxjn93rnLY819pmFYfGXbPFUIMDtZ6xT8WU27pQP08pt9hc/s320/DSC_0442.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695627180973946162" border="0" /></a><br />Right from the beginning, I felt that this pregnancy was entirely different from my pregnancy with Owen. I must have said that a dozen times, because all of the symptoms were much more intense. I never had morning sickness with Owen, and this time around I felt like I didn't have a moment of not feeling sick. The list of doubled pregnancy symptoms just goes on and on.<br /><br />I scheduled an early appointment with my OB/Gyn to have an ultrasound, because I was not sure how far along I was. My doctor told me that all she could see was a thick endometrium and possibly a tiny gestational sac, but that it was too early to tell. She scheduled another ultrasound for 2 weeks from then. I left the doctors office feeling really emotional. Close friends who knew of my pregnancy reassured me and prayed. Two weeks went by and it was time for my second ultrasound. December 14th. That's when I saw my twins for the first time. The whole time we had been praying for this baby and it turns out, it was two babies all along! What an awesome God, we have.<br /><br />That first ultrasound that I had, was only at 4 weeks which is why nothing was seen. My second ultrasound, where the twins were clearly visible, was at 6 weeks. So now as I approach my third ultrasound this Wednesday, at 10 weeks, I can't help but wonder how different my babies will look. Seeing that their little tails have completely vanished, and now they will have arms and legs!<br /><br />New life, so intricate and wonderfully made. Such a blessing.Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-76885799180669138392011-10-07T05:20:00.000-07:002011-10-07T05:40:59.472-07:00autumn treasures<div style="text-align: left;">Most seasons start out gradually as they work their way to their "best moments". Winter doesn't usually come barreling through (unless you live in New York). Winter starts out with a chill in the air and frost in the grass that glistens in the sunshine that is peaking through the clouds, trying to keep those mums in bloom just a little bit longer. And Spring, it makes it's entrance with tiny tips of tulips poking through traces of snow on the ground and the sound of birds flying back home from their warm winter on the beach. Summer makes the least prominent entrance. In July when the temperatures are near 100 degrees everyone always says "When did Summer arrive?".<br /><br />This past week has been one of those weather urban legends. The ones that you picture an old farmer to tell when harvesting his last crop of the year. The temperatures have been in the mid 70's to mid 80's, gorgeous blue skies, bright sunshine.... and slowly changing foliage. That slow change in color gives me the chance to take it all in, and really appreciate and recognize how sometimes the insignificant things in life truly are the most spectacular.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqXlY5glhZwM0qf4FtyDrYRHxe_Eb1-u4ZOBcaqyIvQWazh823rKrrSHYCMbtX7KT4BMs0_Bl4lQdQ428nmEg9vDwJ3RuQzcEu6yEJQHPw4hnRBUmazw_qTd1COF4mw0-CgeH3hT1CPd-/s1600/DSC_0096.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqXlY5glhZwM0qf4FtyDrYRHxe_Eb1-u4ZOBcaqyIvQWazh823rKrrSHYCMbtX7KT4BMs0_Bl4lQdQ428nmEg9vDwJ3RuQzcEu6yEJQHPw4hnRBUmazw_qTd1COF4mw0-CgeH3hT1CPd-/s320/DSC_0096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660728969940904642" border="0" /></a>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-21601924392616447692011-08-12T06:02:00.000-07:002011-08-12T06:56:22.585-07:00summer sauce<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU_sKie2kXgrRSkc8IGx3Pz0Gk15M2O4e4iW5ZwL75df-l2BtMJOpquCcyVuRz8FjcrYNMJfI0-8biHSNKHwCSqfXctsyPRTrMKkkdHMcJ-KI8kLO87hBlEhmM8DJJ1lZFRj8Uht4M_Mj/s1600/DSC_0388.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZU_sKie2kXgrRSkc8IGx3Pz0Gk15M2O4e4iW5ZwL75df-l2BtMJOpquCcyVuRz8FjcrYNMJfI0-8biHSNKHwCSqfXctsyPRTrMKkkdHMcJ-KI8kLO87hBlEhmM8DJJ1lZFRj8Uht4M_Mj/s320/DSC_0388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639967893617875042" border="0" /></a>
<br />Every August, I look forward to what I refer to as a taste of pure sunshine. The anticipation of that first taste as the aroma fills the house while the tomatoes are cooking. But there is so much more than that. There were the first chilly months of March and April, when I tucked those tomato seeds into a small peat pot of soil and cared for them in my warm home. I diligently watered those baby tomato sprouts until they were ready to be planted in my garden, that I had lovingly prepared for months.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCdiQ499_LfL0F6T8H-dd5iFYIKxHoNgbvNugkBRfn3UtVjKCw8DUYn2vFFGXLTe30thktbQduL4iMqIjuLLABWtPnvBZfXixjksrSyOuZfWi-wjoS_JfirZQUWK3fm9Cr4XGwxDNTkye/s1600/DSC_0126.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCdiQ499_LfL0F6T8H-dd5iFYIKxHoNgbvNugkBRfn3UtVjKCw8DUYn2vFFGXLTe30thktbQduL4iMqIjuLLABWtPnvBZfXixjksrSyOuZfWi-wjoS_JfirZQUWK3fm9Cr4XGwxDNTkye/s320/DSC_0126.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639965694397109474" border="0" /></a>
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<br />The first few flowers start to bloom on the tomato plants in about June, and I know there are still many weeks until the tomatoes will be ready for picking. Every day when I water them, it's a constant reminder of all that I've put in, and all that I will surely enjoy.
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<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mSxrZx65OOxAdhUoR9uYCG_5NnSGyCpxnuggFstZnnhj1twRfXPMGO3YIiKlMXaLST89Ypi-FBz7y_KcCFZnGngL0mEplQgv3hKdinj7Ovt11_sxE4dT91uQOTUWdDy94-PS-rR25xoq/s1600/DSC_0127.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mSxrZx65OOxAdhUoR9uYCG_5NnSGyCpxnuggFstZnnhj1twRfXPMGO3YIiKlMXaLST89Ypi-FBz7y_KcCFZnGngL0mEplQgv3hKdinj7Ovt11_sxE4dT91uQOTUWdDy94-PS-rR25xoq/s320/DSC_0127.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639966278815181682" border="0" /></a>When those tomatoes start to turn yellow, then orange, and finally red I grab the closest basket, bucket, apron (or dress), and gently twist the tomatoes off of the vine and gather all of the ripe ones. Most recently, 18 ripe ones. My first batch of summer sauce, of the year.
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<br />Preparing, planting, watering, picking, chopping, cookin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXdeu-saf2iOAlnn2n_06Kl8QcOSdJpKynk8gjjRVimhoE4huBCJNbXUVCrfOprxRAKtRIVFqEE2Zv0AZzcHO8DIegp4XYSMhnbR7fFb8dCl-dvZiUd-fyg5Q60rQ28N4ovUZIqgFT4sN/s1600/DSC_0119.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXdeu-saf2iOAlnn2n_06Kl8QcOSdJpKynk8gjjRVimhoE4huBCJNbXUVCrfOprxRAKtRIVFqEE2Zv0AZzcHO8DIegp4XYSMhnbR7fFb8dCl-dvZiUd-fyg5Q60rQ28N4ovUZIqgFT4sN/s320/DSC_0119.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639966604486893058" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkSrC8xWYL-kW6DYEQntuc0B3dPcIUCqVJ9k2-4Ts8YXlx9_qfJygMlL4yz_3JlSLTR2TOxd_kKnVwV2YOiTePvsepCrrOkX98CrAMl71q9xiGP6fJLNVlll6T0dDNEd-m4SL3kid7QYX/s1600/DSC_0123.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkSrC8xWYL-kW6DYEQntuc0B3dPcIUCqVJ9k2-4Ts8YXlx9_qfJygMlL4yz_3JlSLTR2TOxd_kKnVwV2YOiTePvsepCrrOkX98CrAMl71q9xiGP6fJLNVlll6T0dDNEd-m4SL3kid7QYX/s320/DSC_0123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639966961772463538" border="0" /></a>g. The brief time line of the journey... all the while dreaming of this very moment. The first bite, of summer.
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<br />While all of my other tomatoes hang out in the garden and ripen, I can only imagine how they'll end up.... salsa, sandwiches, bruchetta .... and my mouth waters with anticipation.
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<br /><- what was left over after dinner! Head over to my cooking blog to get the recipe.
<br />Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-35719274031532350152011-07-30T09:43:00.000-07:002011-07-30T12:53:10.776-07:00New look<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf6O7BSBC9lrRGL8io1TvOExJznIHOQnLawSI9GtWutP_mLIeZJoZKc5bZHi8z1OtymDONbL3qSzrbR4wfi5ZGS9RJizKZEHmLQgeMDGfB9FietzGXA1QWVk4fTkzGaXWRy40U0RGmciW/s1600/DSC_0659.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf6O7BSBC9lrRGL8io1TvOExJznIHOQnLawSI9GtWutP_mLIeZJoZKc5bZHi8z1OtymDONbL3qSzrbR4wfi5ZGS9RJizKZEHmLQgeMDGfB9FietzGXA1QWVk4fTkzGaXWRy40U0RGmciW/s320/DSC_0659.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635193817611042882" /></a><br />It's hard to believe that it will be August in a few days! Where did the summer go? It's almost time for Owen to go back to school, and the days to get shorter. Before we know it, we will be picking apples and pumpkins, and going for hayrides. Sometimes when life gets crazy, we have to tell ourselves to slow down and enjoy the ride.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskJUVpuBFz2JKooZfDMb-OcjJELbtlUE4zxyYVBfdaB503mG6bEeYPos92ebgyFOw-e8KJ2mSZpZGE5HnwG9f3oXpn9mdZVxDFqgyIWZfdwbToYqgnFq_qRHFnjm6a4QiVjrnWXGiMe9s/s1600/DSC_0638.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskJUVpuBFz2JKooZfDMb-OcjJELbtlUE4zxyYVBfdaB503mG6bEeYPos92ebgyFOw-e8KJ2mSZpZGE5HnwG9f3oXpn9mdZVxDFqgyIWZfdwbToYqgnFq_qRHFnjm6a4QiVjrnWXGiMe9s/s320/DSC_0638.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635194161062377986" /></a><br /><br />I have just begun a new ride, that at the moment, I wish wouldn't be going so slow. I finally took the plunge and got braces! It is something I had wanted to do for more than five years, so it's hard to believe it's actually my current self. There is the whole surprise factor when I look into the mirror. If I'm just sitting still for a little while, I almost forget that the braces are even there. That is, until I open my mouth and feel the brackets inch painfully past my cheeks. It is without a doubt the most painful decision I have made, but what will most certainly be one of the most rewarding in the end, as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtwUM9BDcESJ61wcoIJ0zgE_n38eeNMhfIBcq_KaixGHhj-ADNgSXKfQVwIxR7veLAW_-arJzos_M_F3K5fhGY1tTMra8AjCLGPYUw0mSHi-qq_GEOwHjqpj_k3mkg2bQ882GW8JTa0Q9/s1600/DSC_0651.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtwUM9BDcESJ61wcoIJ0zgE_n38eeNMhfIBcq_KaixGHhj-ADNgSXKfQVwIxR7veLAW_-arJzos_M_F3K5fhGY1tTMra8AjCLGPYUw0mSHi-qq_GEOwHjqpj_k3mkg2bQ882GW8JTa0Q9/s320/DSC_0651.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635194817785723602" /></a><br /><br />One thing that I have found very therapeutic through these rough couple of days has been my gardening. I can get lost in something so natural and organic, while I have all of these metal and ceramic contraptions in my head. It's comforting to me. Our garden has been rapidly producing what is sure to be an abundant supply of tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, carrots and peppers. There is even a huge toad (which, unfortunately I haven't been able to snap a picture of yet) that Owen refers to as Beans (ironically, because he hangs out by the beans AND beans is a lizard character in the movie Rango). I consider beans to be the guardian of our veggies because he is always there, eating potentially harmful bugs from within the wooden walls of the garden.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqge4iv6kYy-ll3O3twureRZw8uzUjTz0S0janU9zmltwXgWmP-4c85toov0R8aSpcY9h7P5Jf1txaJBGQ3cqo_yJ6g0F1r7NWrrqOM3WZmTvOtVzOY0ap7-jUJoVp2pTnQv4ef0ufPwgQ/s1600/DSC_0767.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqge4iv6kYy-ll3O3twureRZw8uzUjTz0S0janU9zmltwXgWmP-4c85toov0R8aSpcY9h7P5Jf1txaJBGQ3cqo_yJ6g0F1r7NWrrqOM3WZmTvOtVzOY0ap7-jUJoVp2pTnQv4ef0ufPwgQ/s320/DSC_0767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635193284602538418" /></a><br /><br />I am planning on starting a blog of just recipes, and post one recipe a month. I also intend to post at least one "family" update on this blog per week. Especially when I get back into my routine this fall when Owen goes back to school. My most recent blog exclusively follows my journey through braces, and you can find that <a href="http://confessionsofabraceface.blogspot.com">here</a> which I plan on updating at least once a week as well.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRTBho-6YFivLCEed08mlQSUJjJvcEJilxiYcQYctiQa4-YaDiJlnfNKmdXkYBoWg9v8qoRcsUBKB0j2LSSZeX2T9Qidf9CCzCmuDakT1c6odWihW9LGVyplRp-D5bwTSRFOEl4BobePt/s1600/DSC_0648.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRTBho-6YFivLCEed08mlQSUJjJvcEJilxiYcQYctiQa4-YaDiJlnfNKmdXkYBoWg9v8qoRcsUBKB0j2LSSZeX2T9Qidf9CCzCmuDakT1c6odWihW9LGVyplRp-D5bwTSRFOEl4BobePt/s320/DSC_0648.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635195787001440914" /></a><br /><br />Now, I'm going to spend time with my family and enjoy the rest of the weekend before we get packed up and head to New York on another kind of a journey. The one that ends with the last of my siblings getting married. Cheers!Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-25792612147929919782011-03-18T08:31:00.000-07:002011-03-18T08:38:31.530-07:00Owen loves Jesus Is A RockSonrise Christian Preschool - Singing 'Jesus Is A Rock' at chapel<br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/l8NSLNCsSlI?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/l8NSLNCsSlI?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></span>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-70517890403355180962011-03-03T07:38:00.001-08:002011-03-03T07:39:12.268-08:00On the brink<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D6gQ4aVa5ezKajiHFYk1K0SRIi6h3__E2OP-GOH2QNzIYnBgUH49EFqPrIUaAWLVgsqo4hbLwcgSin-vL_kUX-vOGyRF8NajKOrCo6JRaa1TCQXAsFunES7ZGaQTUHzCoAc44T-VzOIC/s1600/sparkle.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3D6gQ4aVa5ezKajiHFYk1K0SRIi6h3__E2OP-GOH2QNzIYnBgUH49EFqPrIUaAWLVgsqo4hbLwcgSin-vL_kUX-vOGyRF8NajKOrCo6JRaa1TCQXAsFunES7ZGaQTUHzCoAc44T-VzOIC/s320/sparkle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579878642571000034" border="0" /></a><br />Facebook and I definitely have a love/hate relationship. There are times when I'm missing friends or family, and it's nice to be able to connect with them even though they are hundreds or thousands of miles away. It's comforting to log on and see new pictures posted by a friend, and those miles don't seem very long. Almost as quickly as you can view a picture, you feel like you are there with them.<br /><br />Unfortunately, lately those friendly images have been overtaken by annoyances. For the past week, every time I have logged in I have found an abundance of potent negativity that is running rampant. Like an unstoppable force it's overwhelming my news feed. If it's not someone complaining about something, or purposely trying to start drama, it's just general negativity. The kind that makes me want to just delete my account.<br /><br />But.... that tiny bit of sparkle makes me ride it out. It's the sparkle, those close friends and family, that help me see the silver lining of a negative world, as well. So, I can tough it out for them on Facebook.<br /><br />And a Facebook account on the brink of deletion lives on to see another day.Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-74822109049874526152011-01-26T06:05:00.000-08:002011-01-26T06:20:08.265-08:00Designed for the Side Sleeper<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0glkWpC30DKdnKlKuU7j1ddQKqkUznsyrrhlGcLuhK6ZdcSlrffSPGkQ6j-vI-wc3aimd-ertHsGhnhl_9R-V9w-_w4umi_bZjTT8dx4jMRUQt1aW8fuPBnb-J-8gluJbPPJYajpyQpp/s1600/pillow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 312px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0glkWpC30DKdnKlKuU7j1ddQKqkUznsyrrhlGcLuhK6ZdcSlrffSPGkQ6j-vI-wc3aimd-ertHsGhnhl_9R-V9w-_w4umi_bZjTT8dx4jMRUQt1aW8fuPBnb-J-8gluJbPPJYajpyQpp/s320/pillow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566497196614163154" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After five excruciating days AND nights of neck pain I had had enough. I knew that one night I went to sleep pain-free, and the next morning I woke up barely able to move my head completely to the side. Over the next few days that pain gradually got worse until there was so much resistance, I could not look completely to my right OR my left. This pain was at the base of my skull, and felt like someone had put a metal bolt right through my neck - very Frankenstein-esque.<br /><br />In the past, I have been no stranger to waking up with neck pain. SO, I decided to invest in a new pillow. I was quite skeptical on how something as simple as a pillow could cause or prevent so much pain. Little did I know, there were hundreds of different kinds of pillows for different kinds of sleepers. Crazy? Well, not so much. It makes sense. Brian likes a thin, soft pillow. I have always needed something of more substance.<br /><br />I went out on my adventure of pillow shopping. So many to choose from. But I must say, they do make the overwhelming white redundancy more manageable by creating a color system for different sleep positions. *cue harp* ~ a whole section of pillows designed for SIDE SLEEPERS! Has this been the cause of my random neck pain for the past 10 years? Was it really THAT simple?? Part of me wished it was a cure, and the other part wanted to stay oblivious just because it seemed so simple.<br /><br />Last night, I made the bed in fresh sheets and shoved my huge, thick, FIRM side sleeper pillow into the pillow case. It was so plump that it looked like a stuffed sausage. I climbed in bed, and immediately felt how comfortable my head and neck were. No strain, not one bit of pain. "We shall see how I feel in the morning" I thought to myself as I quickly drifted off to sleep.<br /><br />Next morning..... I woke up to Owen climbing into the bed. I looked to my left... NO PAIN! Ummmm, seriously?? I excitedly moved my head back and forth. No resistance, no pain! Hallelujah!<br /><br />Wow. This pillow was worth every penny.Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-62827691701871533372011-01-22T11:30:00.000-08:002011-01-22T12:15:57.336-08:00For the love of.... Gymboree?<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELF8lrXWD2uIqb1_Jq6YRhtd1h7M6TK2pXsARSf-3uF9omskonjuY5qaaAGhQaOkKDW4MM79x7piq95GuBMRfij8CWmWy_sQaiI2evzpfYwLwf9B7U0qYFi24VxZ0NGjNvqLOpqe8t-mA/s1600/pict0946.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELF8lrXWD2uIqb1_Jq6YRhtd1h7M6TK2pXsARSf-3uF9omskonjuY5qaaAGhQaOkKDW4MM79x7piq95GuBMRfij8CWmWy_sQaiI2evzpfYwLwf9B7U0qYFi24VxZ0NGjNvqLOpqe8t-mA/s320/pict0946.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565105511941800802" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Owen, April 2008. Wearing Gymboree, of course.</span><br /></div><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />First let me all tell you how lucky I am to have such a wonderful husband. He is so supportive of my Gymboree obsession. Whether or not he actually appreciates the fine detail in design or not, he will at least sit there and listen to my whole talk about the new line. He patiently watches while I show him every new item I just purchased. He puts up with a lot when it comes to my Gymboree obsession. So much so, that he even wants to start up a Gymboree franchise (also because he probably feels like he knows the whole company because of me). Who better to put in charge then a Gymboree addict, right? ;) </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">But see, that right there is true love. Loving every single thing about your partner. The weird quirks they have, and appreciating that person for who they are. The Gymboree side of me is something reasonably new, within the past five years. This wasn't something Brian "signed on for" when we were married almost seven years ago. But, he loves how passionate I am about Gymboree clothes, that passion is something I've always possessed. It was just expressed in different ways before I was a mom. Now being a mom has over taken me, and I am most proud of the accomplishments of my child, and general mom things that might seem dull to non-moms. My husband even says that he thinks our son is the best dressed kid whenever he takes him to the playground, or when we are out as a family. To me, that is just as sweet as him telling me I look beautiful. To me, it is sweet to hear those words because I know it's coming from his heart. He knows how happy it will make me when I hear it coming from him, knowing that he notices and cares. It's true, I respect his opinion and like to know that he thinks I'm doing a good job.... even if his positive comment is about our sons wardrobe. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I put a lot of thought into what our son wears each day. His outfit is always perfect coordinated, from head to toe... all matching. I always get compliments from teachers, other parents, and strangers. But, it will always mean the most when it's from my best critic..... my biggest fan.</span>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-22465100731968472432011-01-20T08:23:00.001-08:002011-01-20T08:26:17.911-08:00Balsamic Chicken with White Beans & Spinach<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ZVoqHkmlUdWlUAWQNSg18qcJkoMY7XR9dBqelJQOsK7PzgFnjYY4VymsDfN2oQTi_DudEpiazvADV00QfBB5NckdA9ih_DxDqk1xq6NbBckPb0SsO42vKbqsICLRHVA1QWT9X0nPMX2/s1600/xlarge_60563.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ZVoqHkmlUdWlUAWQNSg18qcJkoMY7XR9dBqelJQOsK7PzgFnjYY4VymsDfN2oQTi_DudEpiazvADV00QfBB5NckdA9ih_DxDqk1xq6NbBckPb0SsO42vKbqsICLRHVA1QWT9X0nPMX2/s320/xlarge_60563.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564304563549236642" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Ready in just 30 minutes, this entree brings the flavor of Tuscany into your home!</span><br /><br />This was a big hit in our house, Brian and I both had leftovers for lunch today. Can't beat that!<br /></div><br /><div class="Intro RecipeInfo"> <p style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">2 tablespoons olive oil </p><p style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)</p><p style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">3 cloves garlic, minced</p><p style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">1/3 cup balsamic vinegar </p><p style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Golden Mushroom Soup </p><p style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">1 can (about 15 ounces) white kidney beans (cannellini), rinsed and drained</p><p style="padding-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;">1 bag (about 7 ounces) fresh baby spinach </p> <ul><li>Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 10 minutes or until it's well browned on both sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet.<br /></li><li>Reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in the vinegar and cook, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.</li><li>Stir the soup and beans in the skillet and heat to a boil. Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the spinach. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the spinach is wilted.</li></ul> </div>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-62019015767008810852010-12-02T11:56:00.000-08:002010-12-02T12:03:37.909-08:00Crockpot recipe: Cranberry ChickenAfter nearly a year of having the crock pot MIA (packed away somewhere), I finally found it last week. I am nothing less than thrilled, my crock pot is seriously my best kitchen friend. You chop everything up, toss it in the crock pot, add some ingredients and voila.... 4-8 hours later you have a homemade meal ready to serve, while you got to enjoy the day or get errands done.<br /><br />This is my first crock pot meal in a year, and we're going to enjoy it tonight.<br /><br />ingredients:<br />- 4-6 boneless chicken breast halves, skinless or skin removed<br />- 1 can cranberry sauce<br />- 2/3 cup chili sauce (see note below)*<br />- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar<br />- 2 tablespoons brown sugar<br />- 1 pkg dry golden onion soup mix<br /><br />preparation:<br /><br />Place chicken in slow cooker/crock pot. Combine remaining ingredients; add to the slow cooker, coating chicken well. Cover and cook low 6-8 hours. Serves 4-6.<br /><br />* Chili sauce....<br />I realized that I didn't have a jar of chili sauce, so I found this recipe and it tasted just like the jarred chili sauce.<br /><br />1/2 cup tomato sauce<br />2 tablespoons brown sugar<br />1 tablespoon vinegar<br />dash cloves<br />1 minced garlic clove<br />1 tablespoon chili powder<br />simmer together for 5 minutesShelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-63121154939099085752010-11-05T18:53:00.000-07:002010-11-05T19:14:23.367-07:00Future engineer (like daddy)<div style="text-align: center;">But this engineer likes to build forts. Not your typically "built" forts of chairs and tents. But forts built with wood.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wdXGgcvmYm4itdmBBsiTZ-ZEXO-hUd4AUfNcxpluH0t9mBFtz76JcHA1godRaf3J1MJmiElTMwyIy_DBhF2NiTOVS2AO4sDZ3rAFx1R8LPn70aZUiTRZLozqMQKHq5QVCVonXMQjMQQz/s1600/DSC06373.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wdXGgcvmYm4itdmBBsiTZ-ZEXO-hUd4AUfNcxpluH0t9mBFtz76JcHA1godRaf3J1MJmiElTMwyIy_DBhF2NiTOVS2AO4sDZ3rAFx1R8LPn70aZUiTRZLozqMQKHq5QVCVonXMQjMQQz/s320/DSC06373.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536253360599661234" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Owen even said he was adding electricity so that he could watch dvd's.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fVZWJHBomYs8vbg7Y3I5S9hrrZZzI2PFRpfBWyBt-OAOQZIzOnSvv10FL27dqzSmhHt-jHtyxg6HE0dDfS988SJVXPwgUpXff5dnvepmy6bWEXf3uKXpAZ1OVI-SftjczsOGELF6_iCv/s1600/DSC06370.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5fVZWJHBomYs8vbg7Y3I5S9hrrZZzI2PFRpfBWyBt-OAOQZIzOnSvv10FL27dqzSmhHt-jHtyxg6HE0dDfS988SJVXPwgUpXff5dnvepmy6bWEXf3uKXpAZ1OVI-SftjczsOGELF6_iCv/s320/DSC06370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536253244524872770" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">He also made a "fireplace" and of course what every guy needs, a refrigerator.<br /><br />But here's where my influence comes in..... he decorated the outside so that it looked nice.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBjjJhsDAuToXvO8nT8Uh8x9oZ5DgDZiZg2w9ZNpeUQXdPagPevx6bRCE2n3NQlQ4l-zECR0VkObup9cm_N2q2sQJ5BIoTKd3EzjxvDupd6uh4r4hifZ2pwbYcnlHJJU3VxmB-y_oZQ5P/s1600/DSC06372.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBjjJhsDAuToXvO8nT8Uh8x9oZ5DgDZiZg2w9ZNpeUQXdPagPevx6bRCE2n3NQlQ4l-zECR0VkObup9cm_N2q2sQJ5BIoTKd3EzjxvDupd6uh4r4hifZ2pwbYcnlHJJU3VxmB-y_oZQ5P/s320/DSC06372.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536250077641591730" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcBCXZcFn3kopy2-5Ergo8Fz3puHv4rlOU9Cm8UtVgkWlSpIyHLMRTJosrxw01Xfr54yQaFfhoSA4mvbydzR9DIyeGhyphenhyphenw8FEIu7oO_nhJnVr1j_bBe89OTqm4az3r7TT8InRLQovwD__e/s1600/DSC06371.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcBCXZcFn3kopy2-5Ergo8Fz3puHv4rlOU9Cm8UtVgkWlSpIyHLMRTJosrxw01Xfr54yQaFfhoSA4mvbydzR9DIyeGhyphenhyphenw8FEIu7oO_nhJnVr1j_bBe89OTqm4az3r7TT8InRLQovwD__e/s320/DSC06371.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536253833358111586" border="0" /></a><br />I'd say he is a nice combination of mommy and daddy.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMBjjJhsDAuToXvO8nT8Uh8x9oZ5DgDZiZg2w9ZNpeUQXdPagPevx6bRCE2n3NQlQ4l-zECR0VkObup9cm_N2q2sQJ5BIoTKd3EzjxvDupd6uh4r4hifZ2pwbYcnlHJJU3VxmB-y_oZQ5P/s1600/DSC06372.JPG"><br /><br /></a>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-35588845158442392072010-11-01T08:50:00.000-07:002010-11-01T09:00:38.827-07:00Tornado drillGrowing up in New York, we never had Tornado drills in school. It will be something that Owen will become very familiar with, living in Indiana. Since we moved to Indiana in April, there have been over a dozen tornado warnings for Allen County; Fort Wayne, Indiana.<br /><br />Last Wednesday we had our first tornado warning in our new house, in our very own storm shelter! How mid-western! The sky grew dark and ominous, as we watched leaves blow in circular motions across the street. We grabbed some blankets and pillows and Owen's baby mattress that was handy in our garage, and headed into our storm shelter. Owen of course, loved every minute of it. He was so excited to help me gather items to take in with us. When we got in there we looked at each other and Owen smiled and said "mmmmm!!! Look at all of this delicious food in here!" and proceeded to eat scooby snacks, apple sauce and peanuts. I'd say that our first tornado drill was a complete success. There was even a verse or two of "Somewhere over the Rainbow". As we left the storm shelter Owen said "can we do this again tomorrow?" and I thought to myself, man.... I hope not!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVtNRJu70em4ztaRHxZI3l_gIkz6X95jtZ9ctayqd4yvOLth-9cZHtrTWuQPwuaLuVOgzaFQ1SEES0-1OtjF7K2CTJu_CMhImubKBk14zVmq1rjzAtJ71or4Y0UVNnaKQ6XDuXadTDNRZ/s1600/OverRainbow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVtNRJu70em4ztaRHxZI3l_gIkz6X95jtZ9ctayqd4yvOLth-9cZHtrTWuQPwuaLuVOgzaFQ1SEES0-1OtjF7K2CTJu_CMhImubKBk14zVmq1rjzAtJ71or4Y0UVNnaKQ6XDuXadTDNRZ/s320/OverRainbow.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534611405408083026" border="0" /></a>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-38420878398084854432010-09-22T05:46:00.000-07:002010-09-22T05:56:57.563-07:00Making room for LIFEThe past few blogs I've written, included words such as "hectic", "busy" or "crazy", which has prompted me to blog about a recent sermon series that has started at my church. For the past two weeks, and another week to come, our pastor has discussed how important it is for people to not cram so much into their lives that they barely have time to do normal every day tasks. I have been trying to make my life less busy. Of course there are some things that I just cannot change (ie. the house situation - but once we close on the house, we won't have that craziness anymore. Well, just the craziness of unpacking. But once that is all over, and we're settled in.... there are no more excuses!)<br /><br />Owen started preschool about two weeks ago and he is LOVING it! I don't know who loves it more, Owen, or myself. They have this drop off system where the moms line up in their cars and drop their kids off at the front door. It's great because Owen unbuckles himself and when the teacher comes to his door, he gets a huge smile on his face, grabs his back pack and hops out. Sometimes he's so excited that he forgets to wave goodbye to me! This is SUCH a relief because last year was anything but joyous. He would kick and scream and cry, and the teachers would have to pry his arms off of me. It was a nightmare. I felt like the worst mom in the world every single day when I left him (which was only 2 days a week, but it was torture for both of us) So that was the reason why I took him out of preschool last year. This year is just amazing. He goes four days a week, but always says "I wish I went to school every day!"<br /><br />We thought that once everything settled down, we would sign Owen up for hockey because he is obsessed! I can't wait to see him out there on the ice in his hockey gear.... so cute!Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-221071617963241542010-09-04T16:22:00.000-07:002010-09-04T16:34:45.629-07:00I see your promises, promises<span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">I promise I will get better at updating this at least once a week now that Owen goes back to school on Tuesday. There has been a lot going on here (when isn't there, right?) To our great disapproval we haven't moved into our new house here yet. That is a LONG story that I most certainly do not feel like getting into right now, but it looks like we will close on the house by the end of September, or early October. It's ironic because we closed on our house in NY in October of 2007. Speaking of, our house in NY didn't sell - which complicated the whole house buying issue here even more. We took our house off the market after our contract expired after five months. Several people were interested in the house, but nothing concrete ever surfaced. We felt like we would have been taking a huge hit if we had sold it, after all of the upgrades we had done to it, and the sale price which would have been what we paid for it three years ago if we were lucky, or less. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">You're probably wondering how we pulled this off. Well, a couple circumstances were in our favor and we were able to rent it out to Navy nukes stationed nearby for training (the same site Brian was at almost 8 years ago when I met him). We plan on doing that for however long it takes for the real estate market to pick back up, and then sell it. Meanwhile, we're buying another house here! We are in love with this house. It is absolutely perfect for us. It has everything we were looking for and here's the best part.... it's 10k less than what we paid for our house in NY and it has SO much more than our house in NY has. Unbelievable. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 153, 51);">We feel so blessed to have found such a wonderful city to call home. Not only is the cost of living lower here, but the quality of life is so much greater than in NY. Great schools, great hospitals, low taxes, more for your money house-wise, low home prices, friendly people, great churches.... I could go on and on. We are confident that we made the right decision in moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana. The move has been tough, and things haven't gone smoothly the whole time we have been trying to settle in here, but nothing worth it is ever 100% easy. We have learned a lot about ourselves, our family, people in general and our faith. We miss our family in friends a LOT, but look forward to seeing them whenever they can make it out here, or we can head over there. </span>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-53160636159919397542010-05-13T15:53:00.000-07:002010-05-13T16:07:36.155-07:0046804Hectic, hectic, hectic! I have barely had a spare minute to update ( as you can see, I haven't since January).<br /><br />We moved to Fort Wayne two weeks ago and aren't completely settled in yet. I forgot how difficult it is to move. It's especially difficult to move with a child. Last time we moved Owen was only a year old, and it was WAY different. Besides that, we had also moved from Virginia to NY, near my parents so they helped watch him a lot during the whole process.<br /><br />The move has been really hard on Owen and we're trying to make it as easy as possible, so I have been spending a lot of time taking him to do fun things so that he really loves this area. It's not too difficult, because this area is easy to love if you're a parent or a child. Fort Wayne really must be one of the most family friendly cities in the world. Everything you could want is so close by.<br /><br />One of the first things I did when we moved here was buy a zoo membership and Owen have already been to the zoo 5 times in the past two weeks. It is such a great thing for him and I to do together, and he is absolutely fascinated by all of the animals and their habitats. It really is very humbling to see animals and how peaceful their lives are, and how they interact with one another.<br /><br />Brian loves his job here, which is a definite plus. He comes home smelling like printer ink, office paper and magnet wire from his companies plant which is next door to the building where Brian's office is. The best part is, it only takes him 10-15 minutes to get home. He had to drive 45 minutes to get to work when we lived in NY, and that was pretty tough (factor in an extra half an hour if there is snow/ice)<br /><br />I've been trying to get our home life as stable as possible even though not everything is completely squared away. We still have boxes that need to be unpacked, and we still have another 30 or so boxes back in NY with two living room sets and a ton of other furniture. We didn't really bring any furniture with us, other than our bedroom sets, which meant we had to buy new furniture when we got here. We will be moving all of our other furniture when our house sells. Then we will store it in Indiana until our house is built because we will need it. Our new house in Indiana is going to be about 3,500 square feet (our house in NY is 1,700 square feet).<br /><br />From now on I'm going to try and update once a week, and I'm going to try really hard. Maybe I will make it a goal to update every Sunday. That's usually a pretty laid back day.Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-91121293696938154872010-01-16T18:32:00.000-08:002010-01-16T18:54:44.883-08:00New Year, New....... place to call home. Brian officially accepted the the promotion, so we're off to Fort Wayne, Indiana come Spring or early Summer.<br /><br />I was really torn with the idea for a long time but finally come to terms with everything. I found comfort in the following;<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">"</span></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><b>Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there...to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become. You never know who these people may be but you lock eyes with them, you know that very moment that they will affect your life in some profound way.<br /><br /></b></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:Verdana;font-size:100%;" ><b>And sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful and unfair, but in reflection you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would never realize your potential, strength, will power or heart.</b></span><span style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /></span><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Everything happens for a reason. Nothing happens by chance or by means of luck. Illness, love, lost moments of true greatness and sheer stupidity all occur to test limits of your soul.<br /><br /></b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless.<br /><br /></b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>The people you meet affect your life. The successes and downfalls that you experience can create who you are, and the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact they are probably the most poignant and important ones. If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them because they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of being cautious to whom you open your heart.<br /><br /></b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>If someone loves you, love them back unconditionally, not only because they love you, but also because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things. Make every day count. Appreciate everything that you possibly can, for you may never experience it again.<br /><br /></b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Talk to people whom you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high. Hold you head up because you have every right to.</b></span></p><p style="color: rgb(51, 0, 51); font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b>Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don't believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you. Create your own life and then go out and live it."</b></span></p>Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-68590306117431786502009-12-23T13:05:00.000-08:002009-12-23T13:25:30.700-08:00the Holiday's are hereIt's hard to believe it's Christmas eve eve. Silly, I know, but when I was little I would get so excited and say "Tonight is Christmas eve, eve!" As an adult, Christmas is still my favorite Holiday. Lately I've been trying to focus on enjoying the Holiday season as much as possible while getting things done, without getting too stressed out. I've always wondered why Christmas has become so stressful and this year I've realized why. Most everyone has high expectations of the holiday that only comes once a year. With those high expectations comes the need to make things perfect "it's only once a year!" I've tried to keep the stress to a minimum this year by sticking to my year long slogan 'keep it simple' you can add an extra S, to make: 'keep it simple stupid' but I prefer to not verbally bash myself.<br /><br />I probably won't have time for another post until after Christmas. I still have another 5 batches of cookies to bake. I've already baked 5, and a batch of cupcakes (with a couple ice cream cone cupcakes in there, per Owen's request!)<br /><br />Until then, everyone have a wonderful Christmas!!!Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-2038508557850239402009-12-09T05:25:00.000-08:002009-12-09T05:36:46.127-08:00Buffalo Chicken Enchilladas with Creamy Ranch SauceThis is a favorite of Brian's. I think I made this for the first time about 5 years ago, and it's been a favorite ever since!<br /><br />prep time: 25 minutes<br />(ready in 1 hour 10 minutes)<br />Servings: 6<br />(2 enchilladas each)<br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 can (10 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup<br />1 cup purchased sour cream ranch dip (I used ranch dip w/ a spoonful of sour cream)<br />2/3 cup chopped green onions (about 10 medium)<br />3 cups chopped cooked chicken<br />3/4 cup purchased buffalo wing sauce<br />1 package (10.5 oz) flour tortillas for soft tacos and fajitas (twelve 6 inch tortillas)<br />3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (12 oz)<br />~ ~ I also used a bit of cayenne pepper, some chili powder, and garlic powder because we like a little bit of a kick. <br /><br />1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13x9 inch (3quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In medium bowl mix soup, dip and 1/3 cup of the onions. In large bowl mix chicken and buffalo wing sauce until coated.<br /><br />2. Spoon 2 tablespoons soup mixture down center of each tortilla; set remaining mixture aside. Reserve 1/2 cup cheese for garnish. Top each tortilla with about 1/4 cup chicken mixture and scant 1/4 cup cheese. Fold sides of tortillas over filing; place seam side down in baking dish. Spoon remaining soup mixture over filled tortillas. Cover tightly with foil.<br /><br />3. Bake 40-45 minutes or until hot and bubbly<br /><br />4. Remove from oven. Uncover; sprinkle with reserved 1/2 cup cheese and remaining 1/3 cup onions. Return to oven; bake uncovered about 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.<br /><br />Enjoy!! We're having leftovers from last nights dinner, for lunch today!!Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-86193259346550899012009-12-03T12:45:00.000-08:002009-12-03T13:18:08.784-08:00every which wayLast month Brian, Owen and I made a trip to Fort Wayne, Indiana. A 'no strings attached' trip provided by Brian's company. It's pretty overwhelming because even though we loved so much about the area, there are still things we have here that we won't be able to have there. You have to give up some things, to get others, and that's what we're having a hard time with. We haven't made any definite plans or decisions. We have pretty much made plans for if we stay here, and plans for if we go there. We have definitely grown out of our house here in NY, so if we stayed, we would build a house. If we moved to Indiana we would most likely build there too. We did see a bunch of houses we really liked while we were there that make it tempting to not have to deal with the stress of building a house. There was a 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 3,140 square foot house that I'm in love with.... with a heated pool in the backyard and full sunlight basement (which is on our list of musts) and it's only about 10 minutes from where Brian would work in Fort Wayne.<br /><br />Other than that, we've just been enjoying how Owen hasn't had any nasty school illnesses lately (because he only went to 1 day of school in November- because he was sick for a little over a week, we were in Indiana for a week, and he had a week off for Thanksgiving) He went to school today though, so keep your fingers crossed that he didn't pink anything gross up today!<br /><br />I have all of my Christmas presents wrapped but unfortunately that isn't as good as it sounds because I'm not done shopping. Yuck. I will be doing 99.9% of my Christmas shopping online to take advantage of no lines, shop when I want, and free shipping if I can.<br /><br />All of you stay warm and have a cup of hot chocolate and stir with a candy cane!!! This is my favorite time of the year, for sure! =)Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8670616025485684719.post-3493826693329093892009-10-26T08:19:00.000-07:002009-10-26T08:44:40.450-07:00Opportunity, and escape while you canSomeone once said something about acting when opportunity strikes. Well, our family has been offered a great opportunity. One that we had been wanting last year. It's tough because now I'm in a position where I am in love with our house, community, neighborhood, and basically everything about living here. We've just gotten to the point where we have done a lot with our house and met a lot of great families in the area, and now we're probably going to move.<br /><br />Let me back up. About a year ago, we were REALLY frustrated with NY taxes (not that we aren't anymore) and we were looking for a way out. We pay almost 7k a year in taxes for our house. Brian said to me "Essex (the company he works for, Superior Essex) has a headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. And the cost of living is pretty low there" So, I started looking into it. We then discovered that we could buy our dream house for around $200,000, which is what our current house is worth here in NY. If we bought our dream house here in NY it would cost well over $450,000. And this is what started it all. Brian started finding out ways to move there and in the tight job market he knew that he would have to keep his eyes open for a position with his company, but at their Fort Wayne site.<br /><br />Six months went by, and nothing was really coming together with finding a position that was available in Indiana. We kind of gave up on the idea, and continued settling into our house here. People started getting laid off gradually at Essex, Clifton Park NY where Brian works. About a month ago everyone at Brian's work was told that the plant was closing in January. It was clear that they wanted to keep Brian and...... guess what? They want him to work for them in Fort Wayne. Just what we had wanted! Then why does it feel so sad? I know it is a wonderful opportunity for all of us. There are so many reasons to love Fort Wayne (I've done SO much research)<br /><br />With getting promoted, and living in an area where the cost of living is low, we would really be able to save a lot for retirement and that would be awesome. Buying our dream house in our mid twenties- also great. Moving away from friends and family is what makes it bittersweet. We'll probably be going out there soon to check out the area, so maybe this won't feel so wrong.<br /><br />When my mom told my grandfather about Fort Wayne, he said, "They should.... escape [from NY] while they can"<br /><br />Nothing worthwhile is ever easy.Shelby and Brianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00139529528591778420noreply@blogger.com2