life at bird watch way

2011-10-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is winning today because this is all I want to do is sleep.

Birthday Boy

2011-09-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

Our little familia

Naomi giving her daddy kisses

yea, that just happened... =)

6 months.

2011-09-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

6 Months and a few things I'm craving all the time...mmmm

Tuttle's Orchard

2011-09-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

I love this place. We went apple picking last week and we will go again in October to get our pumpkins! It's a place for any age to have fun.

life of a stay at home mama

2011-09-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

Cohan is 15 mos old and it's taken me this long to find my place on mommy land. Having little responsibility, working and having my own schedule is what I was used too and then I had this sweet little boy. In the beginning for me it was all about figuring out how to meet the needs of Cohan and make sure he was happy and healthy so after 6 months, he was still alive which was a good sign =)
I'm a super social person and need to be around other people so I found it depressing to be at home with just a baby for such long hours. I started taking C to the neighborhood pool this summer and met a lot of other moms. Then I decided I wanted to meet more moms. We started going to MOPS and I looove it. We also go to Toddler Time at the library and C seems to really like it! It also helps that alot of our close friends are having babies now or already have them. Being more open to meeting people in "mommy world" has been a huge blessing. It's always good being around people that are in the same place of their life as you are and have the same problems and joys.
So now I happily embrace the life of play dates, being at Target at 9a.m. and planning my life around nap time.

2011-08-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

Well well...I've been a little lazy around bloggy land. I'm still too lazy to post pics but I can give you a quick update. We are welcoming a baby GIRL to our little family and we are super excited, I feel like I have the perfect family! I've been looking at paint samples for Cohan's "big boy" room which will be what is now the guest room and searching for some vintage girl bedding.

Cohan is growing and talking like crazy and I love him more everyday. He has his moments but he is a super good kid. A fetus at our baby girl's age should be 6 inches long and she is already 12 inches long so I'm measuring ahead of time and she's probably going to be tall like her brother.

The last few weeks we came back from Vacation, worked a block party for the community and went to the fair among other random odds and ends. We have been keeping busy. I cut off all my hair to please Dustin and I hated it at first but it's so much easier, it would take alot for me to grow it back out again.

I promise I will soon post some pics =)

2011-08-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

it's a... GIRL!

baby #2

2011-07-27T06:07:00.000-07:00

kayaking on Keewadyn Island

2011-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

This was my favorite part of our vacation. We traveled around to different islands on a pontoon boat and stopped to kayak. So thankful for a kid who loves the outdoors!

2011-07-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

We are off on vacation for a week!

TaTa!

County Fair.

2011-07-17T18:13:00.001-07:00

Lemons.

2011-07-11T16:49:00.000-07:00

• Create DIY furniture polish: Mix the juice from one lemon, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of water. Rub a thin coat of lemon mixture onto wood furniture, and then buff to shine.
• Renew hardened paintbrushes: Dip hardened paintbrushes into boiling lemon juice. Lower the heat and leave the brush for 15 minutes, then wash it in soapy water.
• Make your own toilet bowl cleaner: Mix one part lemon juice to two parts borax to create a paste for use as a toilet cleaner. You can get rid of toilet rings by applying this solution and letting it sit for a couple of hours before rinsing.
• Clean tarnished metals: Use lemons to remove the tarnish on brass, copper, or stainless steel. Make a paste of lemon juice and salt and coat the affected area. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash in warm water, rinse, and polish dry.
• Ward off moths: Hang a sachet of dried lemon rind in the closet to get rid of moths.
• Eliminate litter box odor: Cut up a few lemons and put near the cat litter box. The lemons will neutralize the litter odor.
• Whiten laundry: Get formerly white laundry white once again by boiling in water with a slice of lemon. For extra whitening, dry laundry in the sun. You can also add a cup of lemon juice, along with your usual detergent, to the washing machine for extra whitening.
• Get rid of roaches and fleas: Wash your floors with the juice of 4 lemons in about half a gallon of water.
• Remove soap scum and mineral buildup: Apply lemon juice directly to the soap scum or mineral buildup and let sit for an hour or so. Rinse that scum down the drain and rejoice!
• Freshen a stinky garbage disposal: Toss lemon rinds in the garbage disposal to freshen it up. (While you're at it, toss in some ice cubes to sharpen the disposal's blades, too!)
• Keep insects away: Squeeze lemon juice around windows and doors to keep insects out. Place some sliced lemon (or the juiced lemons) around the kitchen to keep insects away.
• Make DIY shoe polish: Similar to the furniture polish, add a few drops of lemon juice to olive oil. Apply to shoes and then buff with a clean rag for a perfect shine.
• Freshen the air: Drop the juiced lemons in a pot of water and simmer on low heat for a few hours. Your home will smell lemony fresh in no time.
• Remove strains from fabric: Dab salt and lemon juice onto the stain, leave for a while, then rinse well and wash as normal.

2011-07-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Festivals, farmers market, cookout, WEEKEND!

a boy and his dog.

2011-07-05T07:56:00.001-07:00

The bottom pic is from when C was little. C loves Mya, he yells her name and rolls all over her and they even play together!

Five.

2011-07-01T06:29:00.001-07:00

5 years ago I married my best friend!
Happy Anniversary D, love you!

Last night we dropped C off with Andrew and Brittani and went to Cheese Cake Factory and walked around the mall and it was really nice eating without a baby and C loves hanging out with them. It's sooo nice having family close to watch him. We exchanged gifts and talked about the past 5 years and our dreams for the future. All in all this has been a great week and it's only going to get better with festivals and fireworks this weekend!

Splash House.

2011-06-29T15:16:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Splash House. It's in Marion so we really didn't have high hopes, but it was actually REALLY fun! C wasn't too fond of all the noise and cold water so Grandpa came to the rescue while me and D stayed to enjoy the weather and water slides. My favorite part was the wave pool, and what and what a great work out when you can't touch =) Going down the water slides made me feel young again(ya know 25 is old these days;)

We picked up C at my parents house and ate dinner on the porch. Mom talked about getting chickens, even showed me the chicken coup and I had my hopes high as the sky that I could play with their chickens. Did you know they have a breed of chicken that lay light blue eggs?! Anyways, I don't think they are getting chickens BUT they really should! Now, C is taking a late nap and D is golfing so I'm blogging and watching Little House on the Prairie with Mya.

Weekend Wrap-up.

2011-06-26T19:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend Cohan went to the Dr for his 1 year wellness check up. He weighs 22lbs and 31inches and is doing well. We also spent time with our friends that are moving to Bosnia and celebrated their son, Xavier's first birthday! On Sunday we were in the nursery and then went to the church picnic and ate too much fried chicken. We came home and took a long family nap and then headed to the Fisher's Freedom Festival where me and D met 6 years ago! aawwwee =)

Thursday.

2011-06-24T05:43:00.001-07:00

Yesterday the house was cleaned and laundry was going and grocery shopping was done all before 11! I got a pedicure and Dustin went golfing and I took a nap with Cohan. It was a nice day and I forgot how nice it is to have a husband around! Mya and Ziggy cuddled on my clean sheets and Cohan decided he likes to smash his berries and smear them everywhere, this pic was taken at the beginning...it was a berry massacre!

2011-06-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

Well hello there!
I thought it was time for a little update.
Baby number 2 is growing fast and fabulous. Daddy wants a girl but I think Cohan wants a boy =) Cohan is doing great, keeping us on our toes and making sure my house is never clean and organized at the same time.
C and Mya already have a special relationship which makes me sooo happy. Cohan rolls all over her, pulls her tail and pulls her fur out and even takes dog food out of her bowl while she's eating and Mya just puts up with all of it. She's never even growled at C. I've even witnessed the mama bear come out of Mya when another dog was running and barking at C.
Dustin is currently looking for a new job and we aren't opposed to starting a new adventure out of state. I told him he could apply out of the country too but he gave me that, calm down woman, look. I'm currently a full time mommy and I do miss the salon but I've been keeping busy doing people in my kitchen ghetto style =)

TaTa, we are off to the pool!

2011-06-03T05:53:00.000-07:00

Why my poor blog has been neglected...

1 our computer sucks, really sucks and I normally just use my phone.
2 I'm pregnant and tired and have a toddler =)
3 It's FINALLY summer so we have been enjoying the great outdoors.
4 life is busy.

Baby boy's first Easter!

2011-04-25T11:40:00.001-07:00

2011-04-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well hello there dear blog. It's been awhile, I know.

We have been on vacation and just busy with every day life and alot of our friends are popping out their babies, so there's never a dull moment. Cohan has moved into his "big boy" car seat and he's going to be ONE YEAR OLD next month....didn't I just have him?? D is still happy with his job and I'm now just a full time mommy! The kitty boys are great and Mya is as sweet and clingy as ever. I can't believe it's almost Easter, I'm ready for some nice weather to come and stay. I promise I won't be so ghost like around here.

tata for now!

2011-03-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

This book is amazing! YOU should read it! It's a quick, easy read and it gave me goose bumps. It surprisingly made me rethink about alot of things from volunteering in the Children's ministry at our church to my view of heaven and death.

Sand man.

2011-03-11T18:38:00.000-08:00

We (me and Cohan) traveled to see grandma and grandpa Holloway in Florida. Cohan loved the beach, he loved it so much he ate 3 big handfuls of sand =)

2011-03-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

Today we are Spring cleaning and loading up the car with stuff to take to Goodwill. Getting laundry done and packing because me and Coksters are headed to the beach for a few days. Poor daddy has to stay home and work but don't worry we are going on vacation again in about 3 weeks and daddy gets to go with us then!

2011-03-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

We had to raise the side of little buddy's crib, and this is why =)

2011-02-28T12:20:00.000-08:00

random babbles only mom will like.

2011-02-25T18:17:00.000-08:00

This blanket is one of the treasures I took from my parents house last time I was there, even Mya likes it!

This week I thought alot about when I was little, which seems just like yesterday and then I look down at MY child and I feel old =) I have so many dreams for Coksters and I always wonder what he will be like as a teenager or if he will like sports or be smart. I wonder what he will remember most about his childhood or what kind of mom he would describe me as when he's older. These are a few of the things I remember most about growing up.

Some of my earliest memories are of the alligator in our backyard when we lived in Fl and wondering why he had to stay outside or going to dad's carpet store and thinking I would literally die if he didn't come home with us and play. I remember moving to the house I grew up in and meeting the neighbor girl and we had the same outfit on and I knew then that we would be friends.
Growing up I spent my summers swimming, playing in the woods and creek, riding my bike and then I would come home for dinner and afterwards I would sit in the yard and ALL the neighborhood dogs came over and I would brush them and give them treats and love on them for hours. (this was obviously before I could drive) I remember feeling extremely lonely. I had tons of friends and my parents were always there but I just felt so weird because I didn't have any other friends that were only children and I dreamed of having a sibling and I now know being older I have a low level of seretonin which causes depression and I'm ADHD but back then I just blamed it on not having brothers or sisters.
I remember every sunday going flying with dad and playing in the hanger. I would check the gas before we went up flying and dad let me fly the plane with the auto pilot off, there was also a really cool parrot in the office at the airport. Dad was gone alot, driving the truck but every saturday when I woke up I ran out to the dining room table to find out which candy bar awaited me, and dad never forgot. Mom would roll her eyes as I enjoyed my chocolately goodness for breakfast =) Dad was wrapped around my finger and would do anything for me. If I ever wanted anything I would ask dad. Me and dad also have the same temper so as a teenager there was alot of yelling and he "grounded" me every summer, which really makes me laugh now because I don't think it ever stuck =) Dad would have done anything for me and I realized that one night when my neighbor was sneaking around outside our house but I thought it was a robber and dad went outside with his gun and I remember feeling like nothing could ever get me when dad was there.(I still feel like that)
I always had pets. My poor parents...I brought home EVERYTHING. Stray dogs, cats, oppossums, we even nursed a duck back to health after a dog attack one winter. A mallard, his name was Slate. I ended up in the emergency room alot as a child but one of the times I remember most is when I decided to break the neighbors male 2 yr old arabian horse and if you know anything about horses, you know that's a wild one. Long story short I ended up in the E.R. but right before the horse threw me I remember seeing out of the corner of my eye my mom scream and throw her cup in the air. Mom, I would think you would have alot more gray hair ;)
My best dog ever, Missy was my partner in crime. We got her at the shelter and I remember hating her name because I thought it was too prissy. This dog was a white corgi mix and the best dog that ever lived. We went everywhere together and she would have killed anything that tried to hurt me. She swam in the pool with me and would even sleep in the bed with me when I stayed at the neighbors house because my friends mom said if she didn't let her in she would cry at the door all night. Missy was a jealous dog though and it always caused friction when I brought another critter home. One summer I went away to church camp and Missy pretended to be paralyzed. She wouldn't get off her bed to eat or go potty. Laid there like a rag and mom thought she was dying and took her to the vet and they said nothing was wrong. I came home from camp and she stood up, walked over to me and stuck her nose in the air and ignored me for days. One time I pushed her off a dock into the lake and when she came out of the water her eyes glared at me and I took off running and when she caught me, she bit me and drew blood but I knew I deserved it.
When I was 16 I saw Missy get hit by a white truck. The guy didn't even stop. Her neck was broke and she tried to get up and couldn't. I remember everything. There was a blood stain on the road for days. She died a minute or two after the accident and I wanted to die too. For months I told my friends she was just playing in the woods when they would ask about her and ignore my parents if they talked about her. I never talked about her until one night when me and Dustin were dating and I started hysterically crying and he didn't even know who Missy was. I held it all in for like 4 years. I still have her pic on my fridge and no dog will ever be better then she was.
I could go on and on about my memories but I love going to my parents house still. I love the yard and the horses and the smell of fresh country air. I like that I'm greeted by random dogs. I like the lake and the woods.I like laying in my parents bed and I like raiding the pantry although their fridge is really boring now that I don't live there. =)

...I couldn't imagine a better childhood.

2011-02-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

We've got one sick little boy. Cohan has RSV and it's awful to see him suffer. We go back to the doctor tomorrow. Don't worry Blog, we haven't forgotten you!

2011-02-15T06:03:00.001-08:00

Our day in pictures.

2011-02-07T21:40:00.000-08:00

30 years!

2011-02-07T08:20:00.001-08:00

Happy 30th Anniversary to my lovely parents!!!

2011-02-05T12:57:00.000-08:00

Blizzard, ice storm, water leaking in through the walls...you don't scare me =)

2011-02-01T08:57:00.001-08:00

Round #1 of the "epic" ice storm!

I must say besides the fact that the storm ran my family out of town, I'm enjoying have Dustin home and we are all cozy in our house!

2011-01-26T06:22:00.000-08:00

Give the dreamers room. Go easy on the "shouldn'ts and the "can'ts". Dreams are fragile things that have a hard time emerging in a cloud of negativism-reminders like "no money" and "too many problems". -The Quest for Character

For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Luke 1:37

Love Story, Almost.

2011-01-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

Today's Journal Entry

2011-01-24T18:32:00.000-08:00

This was a foward I got today from Uncle Bill

Hey Family,

Here are my observations from today.

To not surrender to the despair of “can it really change”, and to embrace hope and ambition that says, “I can make a difference. The Kingdom can advance.” This is our friend Baburam Hingmang, national leader of the Wesleyan Church in Nepal.

Yesterday and today he took us to visit four churches from Kathmandu to Pokhara. At each stop I preach and share greetings and words of encouragement.

At our first stop there was a young lady to be baptized. Since I am a dignitary from a far land, I have a higher level of honor. This honor causes the people to want me to baptize them, dedicate their babies and pray for their healing. So after a time of worship and questioning the candidate, we wound down the mountain path to the river below. The water was especially cold so we both were in quickly and I baptized her quickly. But what a glorious occasion. There was also a young man who wanted to be baptized, but Pastor Babu did not think he was ready. This step of confession is highly valued.

At the next city and church, we had service by flashlight since the electricity was out. We drove as close as we could to the house, then walked down the alley and up the stairs to an upper room, where the believers were waiting for us. In addition to the preaching, I was to dedicate a baby. We had the parents come forward with the baby girl.

I asked, “What is the baby’s name?” Babu responded, “That’s up to you. Any Bible name will do.” I was taken back by this bit of last minute news and wished I could have given it some thought. Several names raced through my head; Rachel, Sarah, Abigail. I chose Bethel and told the parents that it meant “house of God”.

At the close of the service, Babu asked me to pray for Santos, my translator, and his wife, Lilly. She is pregnant with their first child and was told that day that the baby was dead. Donna and I both immediately identified with this tragedy. Santos said they were believing for God to restore life to the little one inside Lilly. Again Donna and I both identified with this desire. I prayed earnestly for this couple and their child.After the service Santos walked us back through the dark to our car, sharing his heart for ministry in Nepal. I note that there are many young people here who are sold out to God. Oh how I love the next generation of believers.

It is now late and we have not had supper, but Donna and I opt for bed. We are very tired. There is no heat in our room, but they offer us an extra blanket.In the morning there is no electricity, so we began our day by candlelight.We travel on to another town and another church. This is a remote town where the people depend on divine healing. I prayed for an asthmatic man, a week old baby who is seeping in her eye, and an arthritic man. Again, as a dignitary from a far land, my prayers are highly valued. I realize that I have become a means of grace, so I step boldly into that role for the sake of their faith. Babu tells us that divine healing is a major part of conversions from Hindu to Christianity.

Baaa

2011-01-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness, did your heart just melt? Mine did =)

Season of the babies.

2011-01-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

There must be something in the water. I probably know more pregnant people then non pregnant people right now. I looove babies, I love labor and delivery and each person's story. I LOOVE that we are suddenly surrounded by friends that are soon to be a little family like ours and it's all so exciting! This month has been full of baby showers and baby talk and I can't tell you how happy I am not to have a newborn. Don't get me wrong they are super cute and cuddly but what's even more sweet is a 7 mos old that has a personality and sleeps through the night =)

I had my share of discomfort when I was pregnant with Cohan but nothing life threatening and for that I am soo thankful. I realize more everyday what a blessing that was. Yesterday a couple in our small group went for an ultrasound to find out the sex of their baby and found out that there is no fluid in the amniotic sack because the baby doesn't have kidney's which also means it's lungs won't develop. Another couple in our small group have been trying for quite some time to get pregnant and have had a few miscarriages and two Thursday's ago they found out they were pregnant and then a week later her blood work came back that she was miscarrying. That was 5 days ago and that still hasn't happened so we are hoping God performed a miracle.

I'm so thankful for Cohan.

Payne's.

2011-01-10T08:21:00.000-08:00

The story of Payne's:

If you drive down state Route 22 in Gas City, Ind., chances are you will stumble upon a small restaurant that welcomes you with an old fashioned “Eat” sign. If you walk inside, you will be greeted by wooden benches and tables, the smell of home-cooked food, a friendly staff, and maybe, if you are lucky, a tall, thin man in a white jacket with a British accent. This will be the owner and operator of Payne’s Custard & Coffee, Stephen Payne.

Stephen Payne, 37, grew up in the United Kingdom and moved around with his family to numerous places in England and Scotland. At the age of 21, Payne left his family on a one-way flight to the United States with $1,000 in his pocket and a plan to visit the hometowns of James Dean and Muhammad Ali.

“I [felt] very apprehensive on the plane over,” Payne recalled, “[I thought], ‘What am I doing, I should just get a 9-5 job in an insurance office like everyone else.’ The thought of that insurance job before was my worst nightmare, but on that flight over it didn’t seem bad.”

Payne made his way across the country traveling down the East Coast through Florida and New Orleans, La. Along his journey, Payne hitchhiked, rode in trains, Greyhound buses and rental cars. He slept in cars and youth hostels before ending up in Fairmount, Ind., over the week of Thanksgiving. Not knowing what he would find in Fairmount, Payne stumbled across the James Dean Gallery. When the owners offered him hospitality and a place to sleep, a chain of events was set in motion that would result in the grand opening of Payne’s Custard & Coffee.

After a brief stay, Payne moved back to the U.K. to help his parents while they opened a hotel. A year later he found himself back in the U.S. selling rock ‘n’ roll artifacts on eBay in New York City for the owners of the James Dean Gallery.

The experience he gained led him, again with empty pockets, to Los Angeles where he slept on floors and couches until he opened his own online business selling T-shirts. The business’ success allowed him to save funds that would soon be used in the development of his new enterprise.

Payne’s original idea for the restaurant formulated when his friends decided to open a James Dean Gallery at Exit 59 in Gas City, Ind.

“I was on the phone to them talking about it and I said, ‘James Dean Ice Cream.’ I thought an ice cream and pie place would be neat beside a tourist attraction — like the gallery was supposed to be,” Payne said.

He decided to buy a piece of land at the same exit as his friends, but was unable to secure a loan to construct the building. However, Dr. B.D. Patel, the building developer, agreed to loan Payne the funds needed in order to establish the vision he had. Payne seized the opportunity and opened the shop but then decided to return to LA where his online business was in operation.

Before his move back to LA, he quickly realized that Payne’s Coffee & Custard needed to undergo a transformation to become and remain successful. Due to the substantial investment he made in the restaurant and his hope for success, Payne remained in Gas City to manage the new shop.

Six years later, Payne’s is a successful business that prides itself in the quality of its food and in the fact that it is privately owned. Payne’s welcomes customers from all walks of life and seeks to be a “big-city experience” in Grant County. The restaurant offers products such as espresso, frozen custard, smoothies and home-cooked restaurant foods. All ingredients are mixed individually and prepackaged food is not used in preparation. Payne said that the restaurant is close to the finished product and that he is very proud of the organization’s success.

“I know what I want Payne’s to be, I know how I want my life and my life’s work to be and am not afraid to change it and take ideas and see faults and improve them,” Payne said.

He continued: “I put everything I had financially into Payne’s and then a lot more. … I put everything I had emotionally into Payne’s and then a lot more. [Payne’s] should be seen for what it is by everyone in Grant County, there is no place like it anywhere around.”

Payne currently resides in Upland, Ind., with his wife, Jenny, and his four children: Jake, Charlie, Willy and Luke. Payne is happy for the difficulties that led to his business and the success that followed.

He offers this insight to his value of success:

“We want our lives to be beautiful and filled with life, love and happiness,” Payne said. “I think if we can all leave the world a better place than when we found it then we have had a successful life.".

2011-01-07T15:12:00.000-08:00

Hola everyone,

We have a prayer request, this morning Cohan went to the Dr for his wellness check up and shots. He is thriving in height and weight which we are thankful for but after examining him the Dr hesitated and then looked at me and started with, "I don't want to alarm you..." Long story short that cute little wrinkle, crease thing C gets on his forehead when he looks up is caused because his bone is sticking out a little further then normal. The Dr is concerned his frontal bones are fusing together already and the solution to that is surgery that breaks the bones in his forehead.

The thought of that obviously makes me want to vomit. He said we can get a cat scan now but we decided not too because at this point it wouldn't benefit Cohan and we don't want to expose him to the radiation. In a few months Cohan will go to a peds neurosurgeon and we will know more then. We are hopeful that this is just a false alarm and our little coco bean will be ok! Thanks for the prayers.

Homemade Nutella!

2010-12-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

Here ya go, Misti(my fellow nutella lover)

Grown-up Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (Nutella) (adapted from David Lebovitz and Su Good Sweets)
Makes about 14 ounces

10 oz/ 300 grams hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
2 oz/ 60 grams cocoa nibs
1/2 to 2/3 cup/ 60-70 grams powdered sugar
7 teaspoons unrefined hazelnut oil
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder

To toast the hazelnuts, preheat your oven to 300F and spread the nuts on one layer on a large baking sheet. Toast the nuts for about 15 minutes until golden brown, then rub their skins off with a clean cloth. Set aside.

Toast the cocoa nibs by placing them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they darken and are slightly shiny. Remove from heat and set aside.

Place the nuts and cocoa nibs in a food processor and chop them until they liquefy. Your processor will sound as if it’s throwing a hissy fit and about to implode, but keep your finger on the pulse button until you get a thick, lovely dark chocolate hazelnut butter. The nuts and nibs will first gather into a ball before turning into butter. To help move things along, you may need to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl to ensure that everything is pulverized.

Add the sugar, oil and espresso powder and pulse again, scraping down as needed until everything is well incorporated into a lusciously thick sauce. There will still be chunks of nibs remaining which will give a slight crunch to each spoonful.

Store the spread in clean and dry airtight containers/jars and refrigerate. Bring the spread to room temperature before using.

2010-12-22T07:40:00.000-08:00

Here's a little trick for when you're cooking dinner this holiday: To keep your eyes from stinging while you're chopping onions, put a piece of bread in your mouth and let it hang out. Apparently, it really works! Who would have thought?

(Photo and tip from Faith Durand/Apartment Therapy)

Betty White- Entertainer of the year!

2010-12-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

What has Betty White not been in this year? From hosting SNL, a guest part on Community, Ryan Reynolds' Grandmother on The Proposal, to many more. The 88 year old actress has been named Entertainer of the Year by the Associated Press and is at the top of my list as well. Go Betty!

2010-12-18T07:59:00.000-08:00

Great minds think alike because Dustin and I unknowingly bought each other the same gift! Now that I'm a grown up, we get to make our own rules and that means I can open gifts whenever I want so we have both already worn ours =)

Pinterest.

2010-12-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of Pinterest?
Well it's the reason I've been somewhat ignoring my blog. It's like online bulletin boards and if you find a pic you like or something you want to buy, you can put it on your board instead of saving it on the computer. It's a great idea during the holiday's if you need to make a gift list for a spouse because they can just click the pic and go to the website, and you know husbands need all the help they can get!

http://pinterest.com/kaylar/

2010-12-07T08:18:00.000-08:00

You know you are a mom when.... you put the booger sucker on your breakfast plate and don't think twice about it!

2010-12-03T09:48:00.000-08:00

Get your tissue out!

2010-12-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

25 Christmas challenges...

go out of your way-- befriend someone today that needs a friend and follow through to christmas
tell someone you love them
make a tree decoration that will remind you of your childhood
in your prayers today, give thanks for every blessing without asking for anything
try to be as kind as possible to others today
try not to quarrel with family members today
do a good deed anonymously
make goals for yourself and your family
visit someone sick or lonely or sad
do volunteer work for some worthy cause
do something fun for a child or younger sibling
try to forgive someone who has wronged you, be reconciled
make a "give list" instead of a list of gifts you'd like
improve yourself in some way
quietly reflect and choose uplifting activities vs shopping
phone or send a card to an old friend or family member
always remember how blessed you are
make a christmas treat for someone else
be a calming influence today and control your temper
accept the gift of forgiveness
look at christmas lights... where does all light come from?
sing carols
do something nice for someone without their knowing it was you
be the first to say hello to people all day
ask someone to tell you about a past christmas

2010-11-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

My future adventurer

Can you imagine camping out in this tent, hanging off a mountain?!?

In college I did a little climbing and I would love to get into it again, although if I tried to climb right now I would probably just fall right off =) In fact, when Dustin and I were dating I skipped a climbing trip to the Gorge to stay home at decorate Easter eggs with Dustin...hahaha. Love makes you dumb. Come to think of it, I also skipped a kayaking trip in Florida to go visit SWU with Dustin.....wow.haha. When Cohan is old enough one thing I can't wait to do with him is white water rafting!! It's soo fun and exciting. Maybe by the time Cohan is a little older, we can have a house with a little land and he can have a horse. Can't you just see it now, they will be best friend (and mya too, of course) and when I can't find Cohan I will already know he's off somewhere riding or playing in the woods.

2010-11-25T17:59:00.000-08:00

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

...-Ralph Waldo Emerson

2010-11-23T19:53:00.000-08:00

2010-11-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

I could just kiss that little face all day!

...and I do =)

Hitchcock Love.

2010-11-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

The ultimate of grace, style, and class, it’s fun to watch Grace Kelly change gears in Hitchcock’s “To Catch a Thief.” She plays Francie, an American heiress with a sense of adventure who meets Robie, a suspected jewel thief played by Cary Grant.

Like a Formula 1 racer, Francie tears through the French Riviera to shake off the cops while on their way to have a picnic. When they get to the top of the hill, she opens a picnic basket and unexpectedly pulls out some fried chicken and beer. With her magnetic allure she looks at Robie and asks, “Do you want a leg or a breast?” He responds, “You make the choice.”

2010-11-15T12:05:00.001-08:00

2010-11-12T09:39:00.001-08:00

Even if you don't like kittens (but really, who doesn't?!) You can't deny their cuteness!

Dreamer.

2010-11-09T14:52:00.001-08:00

Melbourne

Auckland

Paris

I've always been a dreamer, ever since I was little. I'm really not very good at many things but I have a great imagination and can out dream anyone ;) I credit part of this to being an only child and really having no other choice since most my summer days were spent with 4 legged friends when I was little(which I wouldn't have any other way).
You grow up and your dreams change but one dream I think I've always had and will until the day I die is to travel! Doesn't everyone dream of that? If you won the lottery where would you go? Dustin and I talk about this every night. I even have the weather of our top 3 places on my phone and every night we look at them and dream about being in those places. I look at ticket prices and then realize my dreams will probably stay dreams haha!
Dustin and I have been to Florida and Hawaii together but those are really the only 2 places. The only places outside the country we have been to are Africa, Honduras and Jamaica and St. Croix..but that's a U.S. territory so it doesn't really count. When I was thinking about Cohan's vaccines and if I wanted him to get them this young, one of the main reasons I decided too was because it hit me, if he didn't get them he could never travel. What kind of a mother would I be to not give him those experiences?!
Anyways, enough rambling. These are the top three places D and I dream about: Auckland, New Zealand, Melbourne Australia and lastly Paris France!

Giggles.

2010-11-07T14:25:00.001-08:00

Last night when I went to put Cohan in his bed, Marley was already sleeping in it and for some reason C thought it was hilarious. He would look at Marley and look at me and giggle over and over again. Marley was angry when I made him leave and Cohan was still laughing. I heard a few noises over the monitor and about 10 minutes later, he was sound asleep.

style inspiration

2010-11-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

I looooooooove everything about this room!

Little Buddies.

2010-11-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my friend Christy brought her little boy, Benjamin over for a playdate, as you can tell the playdate was really for the mommies =) Benjamin was born May 7th and Cohan was born May 25th and Christi and I actually got married within 2 weeks of eachother! We went to Highschool together but never really hung out but reconnected through facebook. We have soo much in common and it's so fun to hang out with another mommy. We met at our house and then headed to the mall and the boys were on there best behavior.

2010-11-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

"If I had my child to raise all over again,

I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later.

I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less.

I would do less correcting and more connecting.

I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes.

I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.

I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.

I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars.

I'd do more hugging and less tugging."

— Diane Loomans

I hope I never take one second with Cohan for granted.

2010-11-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

"Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain!"

2010-11-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

While I was getting the baby pies out of the oven, I hit the top of it with my arm. I've been burned before when it turns red and blisters but this time my skin literally melted! It smelled awful and my reaction without even thinking was a loud short scream. This is just a little burn, I can't imagine how painful it would be to be burned all over. Good thing the pies are good =)

My pumpkin pie had babies!
Actually, I made these mini ones for Dustin's lunches and he likes them better then a regular slice out of the big one. I also made the pie to send some home with my dad since he is coming down for the 3rd day in a row to watch Cohan while I go to the dentist.

This week I got a picture txt from Keri. It made me wonder where my Little House books were so when my parents visited this weekend, my mom brought mine and I can't get enough of them. I think I have it rough sometimes if our power goes out during a storm and to think the way the pioneers lived. I can't wait to read these books to Cohan!

Happy Weekend!

2010-10-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Cuddle time with Daddy!

Christian the Lion.

2010-10-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have seen this before but it seriously makes me cry everytime.

5 months.

2010-10-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

How can this be? My little bean is 5 months old today!! I love you Cohan, now just sleep through the night k?! =)

ahhhh!

2010-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

How comfortable would you be using one of these?

The description from Life:

“A nanny supervising a baby suspended in a wire cage attached to the outside of a high tenement block window. The cages were distributed to members of the Chelsea Baby Club in London who have no gardens, or qualms about putting a child in a box dangling over a busy street.” [June 23, 1937]

Wow.

2010-10-22T06:18:00.001-07:00

love both the chairs, rug and light

looks so inviting

I like that the furniture matches but it's not like they went to the showroom and bought a room, and the coffee table is great.

Ive been looking for a floor lamp like this one. I dislike the coffee table and pinkish chair.

(photos: DavidOffer.com)

Pumpkin Patch.

2010-10-21T17:43:00.001-07:00

Glorious Fall.

2010-10-20T10:02:00.000-07:00

Fall is my favorite season!! If only winter lasted just a few weeks and then it could be summer again. We went to the pumpkin patch last week and Cohan picked out the little pumpkin in his picture, you should have seen him running through the field to find the perfect one =)

2010-10-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

2010-10-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

John Paul Mitchell

We did learn alot of everyday stuff but these models were from one of the more artsy shows

The tall building in the middle was our hotel, JW Marriot.

WHOA! where did last week go?

I went to Grand Rapids this weekend for a Hair Show. Such a pretty city and we stayed in a really nice hotel. I'm exhausted. We attended tons of classes and I met John Paul Mitchell! There was a big toga party Sunday night and I'm sure you can imagine what a convention center full of hairstylists looks like...stiletto's, perfect hair, ridiculous makeup; It was like a fashion show and I loved it. Besides the airport this is the best place to watch people. Don't get me wrong, I have a large amount of heels and I wore them out but I'm not about to run through a city in heels all day and night, these girls are crazy! It was a great weekend but I sure missed my boys =)

2010-10-11T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Hmong are an ancient tribe who originated from the mountain regions of China and Mongolia and migrated south to Laos, Thailand and Vietnam seeking social and political freedom. The word Hmong means “free” and this is a defining element of Hmong tribes. Following the Vietnam War many Hmong people were forced into refugee camps in Thailand or immigrated to America, Australia, Canada and France. You may remember Clint Eastwood’s film Gran Torino was based on a Hmong American community in Michigan. Hmong people are often referred to as “flower Hmong” for their vivid pa ndau embroidery, meaning “flower cloth.”

The fabrics were originally worn for celebrations such as births, weddings, and New Year, but can also be seen in everyday items like baby carriers strapped to womens’ backs. Dazzling Lanna is an Etsy shop that creates one-of-a-kind handbags from vintage, handsewn Hmong baby carriers. So much work goes into each piece, from growing and dying the hemp to hand-sewing the embroidery. Cheaper alternatives are available on eBay but keep in mind that the cheaper price points usually means cheaper, machine made textiles.

The Salon I work at should be getting these vintage handmade bags in anytime now and I can't wait to get one!

Pets.

2010-10-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

I've always had a pet and usually some sort of random stray animal I found.(sorry mom) I always knew when I had kids I wanted them to have pets so they know how to take care of them and hopefully have the kind of love for animals that I do, some of my best childhood memories consist around my dog.

When Dustin and I were engaged we adopted Mya from the shelter, when we were married Diabs randomly came into our life and at that time I did NOT want a cat and I tried everything to find a home for him but after bottle feeding him and being his mommy I got attached. Marley and Ziggy came into our lives from people knowing I can't turn away a homeless animal and giving me a guilt trip. I love them all none the less.

That being said...I've always said I would never get rid of my pets just because it wasn't convenient anymore. When I adopted them it was forever and I let that be known to Dustin. Recent events however, that we won't talk about because I'm still angry have made me rethink my decision. I've come to the conclusion that unless any of them went to a home of people I knew I would rather have them put down. We actually talked about that too, more specifically Diabs. The thought made me want to vomit, I'm seriously attached to my pets. So I guess this is a prayer request as silly as it may sound considering people are suffering all over the world. It's important to me and heavy on my heart.

2010-10-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

Isn't this kitchen lovely? I want it =)

2010-10-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love the beach!

2010-10-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

bathtub fun

2010-10-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Gma and Gpa Holloway.

2010-10-04T12:39:00.001-07:00

C went on his first big trip, to Grandma and Grandpa's house in Florida! This is a view from the balcony off our room(yeah, it's our room, until the next guest claims it ;)

Sad goodbyes

Cohan and Grandpa have special eyes for each other...little love birds =)

2010-10-04T12:34:00.000-07:00

I could watch this over and over again!

2010-10-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Michael Kors runway

i love my boys.

2010-09-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

2010-09-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

We are packing for vacation, see you next week!

Cohan goes to work with Mommy

2010-09-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

Mommy, I like pretty girls =)

Hmmmm, what do you think?

I like playing in the back room while Mommy does some computer work!

2010-09-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

There is something to be said for feminine and pretty: it works on every woman. From Sixties-style waves to, sun-kissed hair... a wedding-worthy dress and the ultimate tailored trench.
(pics from style.com)

cat village.

2010-09-17T11:51:00.000-07:00

Craig Grant didn't like cats. But that changed when his son moved out, leaving his cat, Pepper, behind. And just when Craig was getting used to having one cat, he found out Pepper was pregnant.
Five kittens later, Craig was ready to adopt them out until his son said they must stay with their mother for 8 weeks. "It wasn't long before the kittens were swinging from my curtains," he notes on his website.
The cats started to be a problem for Craig. Not only were neighbors complaining but the cats were being harassed, like being shot with B.B. guns. A newspaper advertisement led him to a tree farm 100 miles away from his Jacksonville condo.
He immediately loved the tree farm and bought 30 acres where he quickly erected an office trailer as a cat shelter. It had pet doors and padded shelving for long cat naps. The sanctuary is in the middle of 100 acres of wildlife.

Craig moved there himself in 2003. By that time he had 11 cats -- he had adopted strays and abandoned cats. By 2004, he had 22 cats. As you can tell by these pictures, he now has quite a few more than 22."We [currently] have 660 cats, we have barely touched on the first 5 acres of the 30 acres of land," says Craig. But that many cats in one location comes with serious concerns. Outdoor cats definitely affect bird populations to the measure of being an invasive species.
"Whenever you host a large number of domestic animals in one place, responsibility is key," says Jenny Powers at the Natural Resources Defense Council. "You don't want to run into unexpected environmental impacts like high amounts of animal waste in waterways or negatively impacted vegetation or critters." She points out that looking for sustainable solutions before a problem begins is the best way to ensure there's no unintended consequences associated with a good deed.
Craig's website says: "Caboodle Ranch has the seal of approval from the Tallahassee Humane Society and the Tallahassee/Madison County Animal Control. Representatives from both have been to the ranch and both have liked what they've found."

The expenses for the nonprofit sanctuary come out of Craig's pocket and donations from the public. Each cat costs about $550 a year to tend to, and that is without extraneous vet bills. All the cats are spayed or neutered, and their shots are kept up to date. And while Caboodle Ranch is beyond cute, it is also hard work. Craig puts in 14-plus hours a day. The ranch's biggest challenge is finding dedicated volunteers. The novelty of the sanctuary surely attracts visitors, about 30 or so each month, but they don't always stick around.

But don't go to Caboodle Ranch looking for a pet. The cats are not up for adoption. "The reason the cats are there in the first place is that there were not enough homes [for them]. The cats at the ranch have their forever home now. We prefer people adopt cats from humane societies, animal control, etc., where those cats are on death row and are in desperate need to be saved," says Craig.

I know this may seem crazy, but I think it's fantastic! I know alot of people think it's dumb to invest in a animal to this extent but I feel like if God puts that kind of passion in your heart then there's a reason!

2010-09-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

This naughty horse bit my finger and tried to eat my phone!

This mama horse has the prettiest babies

horses at my parents house

poor little Cohan, he just never gets any attention =)

My sister, Kim and Coco

Cohan cuddling with his daddy's favorite toy when he was little, Mr Glow worm

two handsome boys hanging out

2010-09-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Cohan is starting to feel a little better, he seems the best in the morning and the worst at night.

Homemade Yogurt.

2010-09-10T07:33:00.001-07:00

I made yogurt this week.
The verdict: tastes good but too thin, probably won't make it again.

A heavy heart.

2010-09-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

I have a heavy heart tonight...

I don't know if it's because Cohan is sick and it makes me wonder about all the babies that aren't loved or the moms that don't have the resources to make their sick babies better, but the thought of any person/animal suffering in general is awful, but nothing breaks my heart more than the thought of an innocent child suffering. It makes me want to squeeze and love Cohan all day; and be the best mom I can be.
We waited what seemed like an eternity for a baby and our little Coco bean couldn't be any more perfect (we aren't biased at all). Recently, I've been in baby mode. I asked Dustin the other day if he was ready for another, and I can tell you just by the look he shot me, he's NOT! =) Even on my worst day all C has to do is smile at me and my heart melts and nothing else matters.

If you think about it, join me in saying a prayer for all the unloved babies tonight.

Church Bulletin Bloopers

2010-09-08T18:10:00.000-07:00

My cheeks hurts from laughing while I read these =)

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
--------------------------
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
--------------------------
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
--------------------------
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation...
--------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
--------------------------
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice
--------------------------
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
--------------------------
Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
--------------------------
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
-------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM.. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday:
"I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours".

A few pictures from the weekend, via iPhone

2010-09-06T17:04:00.001-07:00

a peanut buttery treat for Mya

hanging out at the park

a morning walk
our attempt at a family pic in the mirror

daddy and Cohan at the organic farm

C and D having a serious conversation at Cheese Cake Factory =)

Trader's Point Creamery

Free range chickens

Get me out of this sling!

Moo!

Strawberry Delight

The Rat Race...literally

2010-09-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

"It's a dog eat dog world and im wearing milkbone underpants."

This is how i feel about work recently. I am running in to the "cheat, lie and steal" to get ahead mentality at work for the first time. It's frustrating to watch others breaks the rules to hit numbers. I refuse to play that game. Welcome to the Jungle.

-Dustin

2010-09-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Marley, our little scientist brought us a snake skin, maybe he will bring us the whole snake tomorrow.

2010-09-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

I love my CoCo bean!

2010-08-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Artist: Dalton Ghetti
This is nuts, I can't imagine how steady of a hand he must have!

2010-08-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we went to Symphony on the Prairie with some friends for the Beatles night. We took a picnic and found a spot under some trees in the sea of people. It was really fun and I met some other stay at home moms that go to Jimi and Megan's church and they only live 10 minutes away from me!!

2010-08-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

oh my goodness, I must find this book.

2010-08-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Want to see the other blog I do? I know, I know...you're thrilled ;)

http://mghair.blogspot.com/

2010-08-24T09:55:00.001-07:00

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
-Langston Hughes

What are you dreaming about today?