Monday, January 18, 2010

A Rainy Day is perfect for making COOKIES!!!

Today it rained and it poured! Perfect weather for cookie making! Especially since that is the treat that Kyan wants to bring his preschool class for his birthday (a part of me was hoping that he wanted the store bought cupcakes or something, as they don't require a whole lot of time to make, but he insisted on mommy's homemade chocolate chip cookies)! So today, we baked about 8 dozen of these bad boys, 4 dozen for school, 1 dozen for auntie Candis' belated birthday present, and 3 dozen left overs to eat and bring to the birthday party on Saturday (if they make it that long)...
The recipe? That is a secret? But, if you email me, I just might give it to you!!! You will have to tell me who you are baking them for and why you must have the secret recipe! They are the most delicious cookies that you will ever taste! (Just ask my friends - there is a reason that they want that as their birthday present instead of an actual gift every year!!!).

As for a birthday cake/cupcakes? Kyan wanted none of that either - brownies please! So yes, more baking on Friday night, on the menu, brownies! Kyan's only request was that I write a big 5 on one of the pans with colored icing, easy enough (and tastier than those store bought cupcakes)! I can't believe he is going to be 5 in two days! Time flies, that is one thing I know!

Page Turners

Since getting my Kindle for Christmas, I have been a reading machine, in a genre that I don't get to touch all that often, adult fiction! It has been amazing and I have found three very wonderful books worth writing about for sure! If you get a chance to pick up any of them, I highly recommend each of them in their own special way! Nicholas Sparks has been my favorite author since I can remember, but I haven't read these last two books of his, not really sure why, but so glad that I finally did. Mitch Albom had me at Tuesday's With Morrie and I have been a fan ever since. I would say that each of these books will require tissue, as each is emotional.


Seventeen year old Veronica "Ronnie" Miller's life was turned upside-down when her parents divorced and her father moved from New York City to Wilmington, North Carolina. Three years later, she remains angry and alientated from her parents, especially her father...until her mother decides it would be in everyone's best interest if she spent the summer in Wilmington with him. Ronnie's father, a former concert pianist and teacher, is living a quiet life in the beach town, immersed in creating a work of art that will become the centerpiece of a local church.The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story of love on many levels--first love, love between parents and children -- that demonstrates, as only a Nicholas Sparks novel can, the many ways that love can break our hearts...and heal them.

This one is a tear jerker and I was crying for a good 50% of the book. It hit close to home.

In his 14th book, bestselling author Nicholas Sparks tells the unforgettable story of a man whose brushes with death lead him to the love of his life.

After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck — winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph — his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in the photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the strong attraction he feels for the woman he encounters in North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother — and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret soon threatens to tear them apart — destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

I accidentally downloaded this onto the Kindle as I wasn't sure it was going to be my cup of tea, so glad that I did, things happen for a reason I guess. Great book!


What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together?

In Have a Little Faith, Mitch Albom offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight year journey between two worlds – two men, two faiths, two communities – that will inspire readers everywhere.

Albom’s first nonfiction book since Tuesdays with Morrie was published twelve years ago, Have A Little Faith begins with an unusual request: an 82-year-old rabbi from Albom’s old hometown asks him to deliver his eulogy.

Feeling unworthy, Albom insists on understanding the man better, which throws him back into a world of faith he’d left years ago. Meanwhile, closer to his current home, Albom becomes involved with a Detroit pastor – a reformed drug dealer and convict – who preaches to the poor and homeless in a decaying church with a hole in its roof.

Moving between their worlds, Christian and Jewish, African-American and white, impoverished and well-to-do, Mitch observes how these very different men employ faith similarly in fighting for survival: the older, suburban rabbi, embracing it as death approaches; the younger, inner-city pastor relying on it to keep himself and his church afloat.

As America struggles with hard times and people turn more to their beliefs, Mitch and the two men of God explore issues that perplex modern man: how to endure when difficult things happen; what heaven is; intermarriage; forgiveness; doubting God; and the importance of faith in trying times. Although the texts, prayers and histories are different, Albom begins to realize a striking unity between the two worlds - and indeed, between beliefs everywhere.

In the end, as the rabbi nears death and a harsh winter threatens the pastor’s wobbly church, Albom sadly fulfills the last request and writes the eulogy. And he finally understands what both men had been teaching all along: the profound comfort of believing in something bigger than yourself.

Have a Little Faith is a book about a life’s purpose; about losing belief and finding it again; about the divine spark inside us all. It is one man’s journey, but it is everyone’s story.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

A 75th Birthday to Remember!!!

Grandpa Shipe, Chad's grandpa, turned 75 this month and we went to celebrate his birthday over at Donna's house, Chad's mom, on Saturday. We saw cousins and aunts and uncles that we haven't seen in years! I was sad that Chad had to work, I didn't realize how many people were going to be there until we showed up to a full house!

Lola, as well as all the kids, love grandma's toy bin - drive thru specials!!! There wasn't a thing in there that didn't make some kind of noise!

The birthday boy!

Makin' a wish!




Grandpa with all of the great-grandchildren that were able to make it!

Those things kept the kids entertained for at least an hour!


Opening presents and his favorite card below!


My princess!

Grandpa and Grandma wanted a shot with each family that was able to make it out - here is ours (and no, I don't take my UGGS off! I love them, Chad asked me if I was going to wear EVERY outfit that I had with them! HA! He made me wait 5 years for these bad boys, I have some time to make up!!!)

I love this picture, after our family picture was over, Kyan stayed cuddled up to Grandpa!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Grandpa Shipe - we love you and hope that you had a very special day!

We're Back...



...at the Little Gym! We signed Lola back up for classes on Saturday mornings at 8:45! She was so excited to start this weekend! Kyan took classes at the Little Gym until he was almost 4, he occasionally still goes to a camp day here or there, but it gave him so much confidence, we decided that it would be good for Lola too! Kyan patiently waited in the lobby, filled with lots and lots of toys to keep him busy for 45 minutes, while mommy and Lola went into class! When it came time to play with the balls, she wanted Kyan to come in and play with her, so we grabbed him from outside and he was so good about only doing a small part~even though I am sure he was tempted to play on everything, but who wouldn't be, the place is awesome!

While Lola will be playing at the Little Gym Saturday mornings, Kyan has elected to do baseball, so now it is off to find a league for him to play in on Saturdays as well. Good thing Chad works on an occasional Saturday, so I will only have to split myself into two people every six weeks or so!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

Meeting New Friends...

...in this blog world, yes, it can happen, and it did to me.

Come on - how many of you blog hop? You know, someone you don't know leaves a sweet comment on your friend's blog, and you wonder who they are and why you don't know them so you sneak on to their blog and look at what they are up to, find out that you might have lots in common (or not), but NEVER leave a comment! OR you are crazy obsessed about buying Mia Joie shoes and you check her blog all the time to see if she is offering anything new coming up or any great deals via the blog instead of the etsy shop and she writes amazing posts, but what is more amazing is that there are incredible woman and mommies on there that leave just as amazing comments, and you want to know who they are, so you blog hop to their blog, but again, usually don't leave a comment!

Well, Amy must have been doing that one day, because I got a comment from her and I had no clue who she was other than I had seen her name on MJ every once in a while (and I think I might have went to her blog a time or two)! I have to give her credit for starting our friendship, and I really do consider her a friend even though I have never personally talked to her - just comments, emails, and mail!

She is doing a giveaway on her blog and I wanted to let my blog friends know about it! She is getting ready to start her own etsy shop and wants feedback! So if you skip on over to her blog and leave her some feedback, you are entered in to win one of her cute sweatshirts!

This one is my favorite!




This one too!



I love them all, but have my two favorites picked out! Lola and I are going to be sporting one soon, fingers crossed! If you don't want to leave feedback, just comment and say that you are a friend of mine and that you would love to win one of her cute designs! She is one of the sweetest ladies I know!

Last thing...do you blog hop? If so, I would love to hear that I am not the only one. Or, if you are guilty of it right now, be brave and leave a comment!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Hanging at Home with Jayla and Sue!

Lola's First Piggies!!!


I was holding the camera at a weird angle -
so I guess she felt the need to pose all sideways -silly girl!
Jayla and Susie were surprised when Lola answered the door and her hair was looking like something that Jayla could pull off with her beautiful, long hair!

Jayla was NOT a fan of Monty Rex - Kyan's pet dinosaur that Santa delivered! He is actually really cute, but she was so afraid and shaking in mommies arms.



Snack time! Enjoying apples together.
I had to convince Lola to share, something she is NOT very good at.


Getting down with the Gabba band! They were shakin' their booties, it was so cute!


Pausing to cheese it up for the camera in between their dancey-dance moves!




They also made a HUGE mess in the kitchen! Good thing this food is easy to clean!

Lunch was had and then it was off to home for Jay and Sue! Thanks for coming over and hanging with us this morning! It was so fun to have you girls!

***Just a little plug for Lola - today was the first day that she actually asked to go potty on the potty chair, diaper was dry, and she peed! Woohoo Lola - keeping fingers crossed that this will continue, although she does good at faking me out!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve:
Our day starts off at my aunt and uncle's house for some yummy homemade spaghetti and meatballs, a wonderful Italian meal! Then, the boys (including Kyan) go off to golf a round, while the ladies clean up, get desert ready, and watch the children play! When the boys come back it is round 1 of presents.

Off to home for another round of presents and to celebrate Christmas with everyone (and by everyone, I mean grandma and grandpa, Erin, Ava, and Brayden). But before everyone gets there , Kyan and I make a path of reindeer food (oats and glitter) outside leading up to the door, so that Santa's reindeer know exactly where to leave our presents!




Then it is time to get our jammies on and open PRESENTS! I don't know what came over me this year, but I seemed to have bought all toys for my kids this year (and if you know me, you know I am anti-toy gift giver) but I couldn't help myself!

Kyan and Lola got Zhu Zhu pets as their big present together! That seemed to be the hit present of the evening! They loved them!




Grandma and Grandpa got Kyan this really cool tent for Christmas and of course had to put it up right away!

Midnight:
Chad and I exchange our gifts. Midnight is our tradition because it was the only happy medium we could come up with that blended both of our families traditions together. You see, I celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve with my family and we always opened our presents then, while his opened presents Christmas morning after Santa. We both like our own tradition and didn't want to give it up, so this is how each of us wins! Sometimes I have to set the alarm to go off at midnight, I am not going to lie, but I don't want to miss it! This year, we decided that we weren't going to give each other presents, as our backyard is going to be a present in itself! Chad surprised me at midnight (we were still up, after putting together a kitchen set) with my very own Kindle! I love it! I felt bad that I didn't have anything quite as amazing, but gave him his new movie, Inglorious Bastards.

Christmas:
*I was the first one up and of course Santa still comes to visit the Roseland house, each of us as a matter of fact! I rushed downstairs and found the present he left me...could it be...no...the box is too small...well, umm...maybe...sort of...YES! My very first pair of UGGS, well, a picture of them anyway! Santa finally thought I was a good enough girl to have them, as I have been asking for them FOREVER! They are on their way, apparently the pair I wanted was hard to find and even Santa had a hard time~eventually having to bid on ebay for them! Santa really does love me!

*Santa left Chad a clean front entrance room and a funny note that says that I am not allowed to help him decorate or put my two cents in unless he asks for it! Going to be tough for me I already know, but I will keep my mouth shut, I promise! He also left him a new pair of classic Vans!
*For Kyan, a pet dinosaur - Monty Rex. He is so cute! (For some reason, not a lot of pictures of Kyan this Christmas season, he was too busy playing!)
*For Lola, her very own kitchen! She is in love!







I met my parents for church and then we came back to the house where my dad made us breakfast! He makes the world's best eggs! It is such a nice treat when he cooks! After breakfast, Aunt Lori, Danielle, Troy, Grandma Roseland, Aunt Heidi and Hannah all joined us for breakfast #2 at our house! We had a small gift exchange and showed everyone the house and plans for the backyard!

Later that evening, after nap times were had, we headed to my sister-in-laws for a yummy Christmas dinner and gift exchange with Chad's side of the family! It was really fun to see the kids tear into their presents this year!

We are truly blessed to be able to share the holidays with our loved ones and we wouldn't want it any other way. We were very fortunate to be with almost everyone this year, but two very special people were in our hearts, and if we could have had them here, we would have. Because that was impossible we just thought lots about them. Brion, we love and miss you and know that you are our angel watching over us. Joel, you are so brave, we love you and can't wait to see you in March.

We hope each of your families had the merriest of Christmas' and will have the happiest New Year in 2010!