Zucchini Squash Cakes.

I love Paula Deen ... I think you all know that by now.



The other day I was watching her cooking show and she shared a recipe for Zucchini & Squash cakes. I knew right away I had to try them.



What is better than FRIED vegetables ... right???



This recipe is a little bit time consuming ... but sooo worth the effort.



Here's Paula's recipe for Zucchini & Squash Cakes

1 egg
1 cup parmesan cheese
1/3 cup diced onion
1 1/2 teaspoon italian seasoning
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 cup bread crumbs
3 medium zucchini squash - shredded
3 medium summer squash - shredded

Mix the first 6 ingrediants together
Then add zucchini & squash
Make into 2" patty cakes and fry in butter/olive oil
Cook 3 minutes on each side

Missy's Tips:

1. I used Italian bread crumbs and did not have to add the italian seasoning

2. Make sure to squeeze as much water out of the shredded zucchini and squash as possible. I just took mine, put it all in a clean/dry dish towel and squeezed it out.

3. Her recipe says to cook it about 3 minutes on each side ... I think it takes a bit longer.

4. Also ... we added more bread crumbs to the mixture than she lists and it would have probably binded better with 2 eggs.

This is a DELICIOUS recipe and HIGHLY recommended!!!

Princess.

Another new creation I just posted to Ebay.

Rant.

Can I just say that my AOL Dial-Up Internet connection is the PITS.

We have no high speed internet options way out here in the country ... well ... we do have ONE option ... Hughes Net Satellite ... but it costs too much.

Arrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Neighbors.

Growing up my famiily lived in a really tiny little place called Eloise, right outside Winter Haven, FL. We lived in the kind of place where neighbors looked out for each other and we, as children knew if we needed someone, we could always run to a neighbor's house.

Summers were spent bar-be-quing, playing under the waterhose and picking peas in Plant City. After we picked peas all of the neighbor ladies and kids would sit under our covered carport shelling peas (don't forget the snaps mind you). I do not have alot of memories from when I was younger ... but this is one memory that is very vivid for me. I remember those shelling peas days with the rain just coming down in buckets. Mama, Rachel Garrett, Judy Brooks, Margie McKee, Mrs. Cox, Mrs. Smith and all of us kids. Wow ... what a memory.

I also remember the day in 1976 my mother took a turn for the worst when she was at Shand's Hospital in Gainesville ... my sister Joy and my mother's best friend Rachel Garrett had taken me shopping for school clothes. We came home and all of those ladies were in our house cleaning and cooking, they had gotten the message before we did. They were there for us, when we needed them most.

You know ... that's the environment that I wish Griffin to grow up in.

I am lucky to have two very close neighbors that I call my friends. I know if I was ever in a situation where I needed them ... a simple call asking for help is all it would take. The sad thing is ... I really do not know my other neighbors. Even my closest neighbor that lives right next door ... we've lived here almost four years and I've never even been on her front porch.

I wish for more neighbors that I can call my friends. The kind of neighbors that we can get together to barbeque with. The kind of neighbors that you can call on the spur of the moment, just to drop in for a quick hello.

I realized it's a much different world than when I was a kid ... but really ... I do not think I'm asking for too much.

THAT cry.

THAT cry.

You know each child has it ...

It's not the wah-wah I just want to make noise cry.

It's not the waaaaaaaaaaah I'm throwing a tantrum cry.

It's THAT cry ...
The one we as parents recognize when our child needs us.
REALLY needs us.

Griffin just had THAT cry.

He likes to turn the rocking ottoman over to rock back and forth while watching Sesame Street ... his finger got stuck in between the rocking section and the side.

He yelled THAT cry ...
I came running ...
Then a few magic Mommy kisses ...
And now all is right with the world again.

Java Jodies.

We have a cute new restaurant in Goochland ... it's called Java Jodies Coffee Cafe. Griffin and I joined Heidi, Ryan and Evan there for lunch today after the Mommy & Me Gym.

It's a really cute coffee cafe. They of course offer a wide selection of coffee, sandwiches, and desserts. The decor reminds me so much of the set of "Friends".

I'm really looking forward to going back.

Back To Normal.

Life is back to normal.
I like normal.

Mike is home, working locally.
Griffin is well, the sicknesses are gone.

Our friends Fred and Judy stopped over for an overnight stay Friday night on the way back to Florida. The picture above is of Griffin with two of our best buddies. Griffin LOVES them ... and they are SO good with him. We had a nice lunch with them on Saturday afternoon before they left. Mike grilled steaks and Judy and I made sweet potatos and green salad.

Today Griffin and I met our friends Heidi, Ryan and Evan at Short Pump Towne Center for playtime and lunch. It was really nice to go somewhere to let Griffin play. He hasn't played with any other children for two weeks. That's too long. Had to keep him away from other children as we did not want to pass our icky sickness on to others.

We are definately back to normal.
I'm loving this place we call normal.

Sweet Little One.

Just a little something I made for Ebay today ...

Mexico.

Mike returned home last night from his business trip to Mexico. He was gone a week. Seven days. We missed him very much!

He worked CRAZY hours while he was there ... honestly he probably worked 90+ hours during the week he was gone. He's upstairs sleeping now. We are trying to be as quite as possible so Daddy can get some rest.

This is a picture of Mike and Griffin right before he left for the airport for his flight to Mexico. I always take a picture of Mike and Griffin before he goes away on a business trip or takes a flying lesson. Is that weird? I don't know ... I always want to have a picture ... you know ... just in case. I do not have one picture of me and my mom together. That's sad isn't it? I think that's why it's so important of me to do this.

Anyway .. Mike/Daddy's home ... and we are going to shower him with love and kisses today.

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Applebees.

Yesterday Griffin was feeling better and we were getting a bit stir crazy so we met our friends Heidi, Ryan and Evan for lunch at Applebee's.

We settled in for what I was hoping to be a wonderfully relaxing lunch. Didn't turn out quite that way. Griffin was loud, very loud at times ... the loudest I've ever heard him be. Heidi reminded me he was acting like a normal two-year old.

After awhile the hostess came by and handed me some crackers and said to me "Here try these, I don't know what's wrong with him, is he teething or something?" ... I commented back "I dn't know what's up with him today either". She went on to say something like "Well, all of the people coming in for lunch do not want to sit back here near you all because of the noise, we do have alot of professional people that come in for lunch". I was floored. I didn't know what to say.

I realize what she was saying was more than likely true, but I was astounded she actually verbalized these comments to me.

Heidi asked to speak with a manager ... she shared what happened with the hostess and said we rarely have time to actually come to a restaurant to enjoy ourselves. We realize our children are being a little loud as children usually are, but we are controlling them, we are not letting them run around the restaurant. The manager apologized and said he would talk to the hostess. He went on to say he has young children and he totally understands. I was very upset ... pissed off really. As we were finishing up with the manager the hostess came over and said something like "if I said something that ..." I cut her off. I didn't want to hear it. She made me mad and I wasn't ready to accept an apology. Very adult of me I know.

As we were finishing our meal, enjoying the free dessert the manager so graciously gave us, this man, dressed in a very nice business suit came up to our table. He said, "is this the table with all the children making noise" ... big gulp from me ... I said, yes sir it is. He said to me ... it's such a joy to hear children enjoying themselves. If my wife were here with me she would be eating your boys up! Oh my gosh!!! He made me feel sooooooooo much better. I got teared up and thanked him for taking the time to stop by and told him how very much it meant to me.

I know he must have overheard the manager saying something to the hostess.

This man made a miserable situation almost bearable.

Anyway ... after getting Griffin in the car, I realized he was tired. So tired in fact as soon as I pulled out of the mall parking lot he was out like a light (about 1:30) and slept until almost 5:00 pm! He was cranky AND loud because he was tired.

Art.

Sometimes I'm amazed at the beauty we can find in simple things.

I happened upon this collection of blocks Griffin left on the window ledge.
Pure beauty.
Pure Art.

Tape.

Our friends Mary Ann and Chayce included a roll of tape with Griffin's birthday gift. I actually thought she had accidentally placed it in the bag and I had said to her, "Oh, I don't think you meant to give this to us". She then said ... oh yes I did ... children LOVE tape. It's a known fact around our house how much Griffin does love tape. When I'm packing orders with the packing tape, he laughs and giggles each time I stretch the tape for a package.

So ... it was quite fun to see him enjoying his very own roll of tape.


Wow ... stretch, stretch, stretch.


Ummmm ... Mommy .... HELP!


Giggle Monster.


It's amazing the things you can do with tape.


Oh sooo much fun!

Rotavirus.

I took Griffin back to the doctor this morning ... this is our FIFTH visit since January 15th. This time ... ROTAVIRUS. He's had severe diarrhea (D) since Friday ... going 7-8 times a day. He's had no appetite, but he's acting okay.

I was worried because he lost 2 pounds from January 25th until February 13th and I was really concerned he might loose more weight. He can't stand to loose anymore weight (he went from 29 pounds to 27 pounds in that short period of time). So, I went in and we were able to see Dr. Terry (we LOVE him!). He actually listened to me ... and he diagnosed rotavirus. He gave me a print out of the diet they give the children when they admit them to the hospital if they are de-hydrated ... same stuff Griffin eats anyway. And said he was pleased to see he was not de-hydrated. He suggested I continue with the Pedialyte, but wants me to give G Gatorade too.

This is a very, very contagious virus that mostly affects infants and toddlers. We are always careful to wash our hands, but now we most definately have to be super, super careful. I had to take a stool sample back to the lab this afternoon as he wants to test for more serious things such as salmenella (sp?). I'm keeping my fingers crossed that all comes back negative.

So ... we are keeping our sweet boy hydrated, fed, dry and happy.

Baby Bandaids ...

Our friends Fred and Judy are visiting from Florida. We went to Casa Grande for dinner last night in Short Pump and then decided to stop by Walmart to walk around a little bit before heading home.

The other day when I took Griffin to the doctor, he had blood drawn and they put a "baby bandaid" on it. After his nap I decided to take it off, but then discovered it was still bleeding. So, I had to put two big bandaids on it to keep it on his tiny little finger. I made a mental note to pick up some baby bandaids next time I was in Walmart.

As Judy and I were looking for them, I noticed a very well dressed lady sitting in one of Walmart's mobile carts kind of listening to our conversation, but really didn't think anything about it. I couldn't find the baby bandaids I was looking for, but did see "kid bandaids". I made the simple comment to Judy ... I will never buy those silly bandaids with the characters on them because they are twice the price and you only get 15 of them. That's it ... my simple comment. I told Judy next time I was in the pharmacy I would look for the baby bandaids and we moved on.

So ... all of us were walking through the food section and we came upon this same lady. And she said to me ... "Oh good, it's you ... my husband has the bandaids in his cart and I want to give you the money to pay for them, I couldn't stand it if a baby needed something and couldn't have it". I was mortified!! She thought I couldn't afford bandaids. I explained to her that we had plenty of band aids at home, I was just looking for a particular kind. She was very kind and very sweet to think about us and make this offer ... but I was sooooooo embarrassed.

Anyway ... I can't believe I shared this story, but thought I should. I guess the lesson is before we jump to conclusions about something ... get all the facts.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

The Ice Storm ...

We experienced an ice storm Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning ... Wednesday about 1:30 am our power went out ... the house went completely quite. Mike went to look outside and the trees were drooping over, almost to the ground. His exact words were "this is going to be serious" ... and it was. The first thing we heard sounded like a gunshot ... it was a tree falling. It continued all night long. It was pretty scary. We continued hearing trees and limbs falling all night long. I don't think either one of us got much sleep.

The pictures below show what we woke up to. If you have time, please make sure to click on each picture to view it in a larger window ... they are pretty incredible. Especially the last picture ... you can see just how thick the ice was.

Everything was grey outside ... grey and omninous ... and yet beautiful.

Our power was off all day, until 8:00 pm Wednesday. We had the fireplace going so it stayed pretty warm. We have a generator so we were able to keep our freezer, refrigerator and other necessary items on throughout the day. When things like this happen we really appreciate those things we take for granted.


This is NOT snow ... it's all ice.


The trees in our yard are huge and tall ... and when they get top heavy with ice, they can get pretty dangerous


This is a view of our side yard, yet more trees


And then a view of our front yard ... right after I took these pictures I came into the house and then just a little bit later my neighbor Tony came to our front door to make sure I was okay. He saw me outside taking pictures when he drove down the road on his four-wheeler. Apparently when he got back to his drive-way he heard one of these trees in the front yard snap and the top fell right by the van, narrowly missing it. Tony wanted to check on me to make sure I was okay ... nice guy huh?


This is a view looking down our road ... we had 5 huge trees fall across the road. Mike, Tony and our other neighbor Mike cleared the road so we could get out if necessary.


It's just a winter wonderland ... all white, icy and grey


And this is the picture I encourage you to look at larger by clicking on it ... you can see just how thick the snow actually was

Touching Base ...

Hey everybody ... we made it through the ice storm. I have some great photos I would like to share, along with our "ice storm story". I keep trying to load them today, but it keeps timing out. I will try again tonight. Until later ... Missy

The VIRUS ...

C'mon everybody ... let's sing ...
The VIRUS in the house goes round and round, round and round, round and round ...

Oh my gosh ya'll ... we have been so, so sick ... CRAZY sick.

This is a bit graphic ... so if you have a weak stomach STOP READING!!

Thursday night Griffin got throw-up sick for the first time. He started about 11 pm and he continued throwing up until about 4 am. He was so scared ... and I felt so sorry for him.

Friday it turned into diarrhea (from here on out this will be referred to as D) and we thought YEAH ... at least he's not throwing up anymore. Friday night, once again he started throwing up about 2 am. He only had one really good throw-up and we got him settled back down.

Saturday I called the nurse on call at the pediatriacs office and she encouraged us to bring him in. We get there, didn't have to wait long and our doctor said that it was a very CONTAGIOUS stomach virus that was going around. So, we should limit what he ate to carbs only (crackers, bread and noodles) and no milk for 3-4 days. After the doctor we stopped by Walmart and as we were leaving I told Mike that I didn't feel well. Right after getting home ... it hit me like a ton of bricks. Throwing up and D ... oh my gosh, I have never been so sick in my entire life. I was literally crying I felt so bad. So ... Mike had to take care of both me and Griffin. Then about 9 pm on Saturday ... it hit Mike. Our entire family was sick. Griffin didn't throw-up at all Saturday night and we are greatful because Mike and I were so sick ourselves.

Sunday brought a day of rest for the entire family. We took it easy and ate only the minimum and drank our Diet Sierra Mist. By Sunday night Mike and I were feeling some better ... Griffin seemed fine too. Come 2 am ... he started throwing up again.

Monday ... I still have D and so does G. Mike is well enough to go work. I really kept our food to a minimum on Monday. All of actually ate plain spaghetti noodles with a little parmesan cheese sprinkled on it for dinner, no butter mind you.

And today ... we are all feeling better.

I do not wish this virus on my worse enemy. It is BAD ... bad, bad, bad.

I've missed visiting all of my blogging friends ... but I just haven't felt like it. I will try to visit as soon as I can. I am just catching up on emails and housework. I've missed you all!!!

Birthday Pictures ...

On Wednesday we had Griffin's birthday party at Short Pump Towne Center. It's so cold outside, we decided to have the party somewhere the kids could run around.

So ... we invited everyone to the play area at SPTC to play. Then the kids enjoyed lunch from Chick-Fil-A. After that we had a wonderful Sesame Street Cake with whipped cream icing (yum!) and finally presents. This is the first children's party I've ever thrown, and I really think it turned out well.

His little friends were very, very cute and adorable. I have some great pictures of them, however I haven't asked permission from their parents to post their pictures to my blog, so I've decided I better not share those pictures. Just know ... they are cuties!!

I've had a really hard time getting these pictures loaded to Blogger. I had to load them as small images because each time I tried loading them larger, Blogger would time out. Also, they are out of order ... but again, I do not want to take a chance realigning them and them having Blogger time out again on me. These pictures are all courtesy of our dear friend Heidi. She had emailed these to me and I took advantage of already having them on my computer and not having to load them from my camera. If you would like a bigger view of any of the pictures, just click on the small pic of your choice and it will load bigger.

And one last thing ... Griffin had on a really cute camo shirt that we had to take off because the play area was so hot. The white t-shirt he is wearing is his under shirt. So ... no ... I did not dress him in a white t-shirt for his birthday ... LOL.


The birthday boy is anxious for the party to start ...


Yummmm ... this cake is GOOD!!


Griffin opening a gift with a little help from Mommy, Samuel and Zachary



Daddy & Grandma (Mike & Bett)


His really cute Sesame Street cake ...


I wanted to share this picture ... just look at those lashes ...


Mommy helping Griffin with his cake ...

Ugggh ....

So I just signed on to load pictures and a post about Griffin's birthday party and Blogger keeps timing out when I tried to load a picture. So ... it will have to wait until tomorrow.

We had sooooooooo much fun at the party yesterday, I can not wait to share it with all of you ... but I *will* wait until tomorrow.

I wanted to say THANK YOU to my blogging friend Teresa ... she was soooooo sweet to send me some very cute and festive Cow Mardi Gras beads ... thank you, thank you, thank you.

Also ... Cassandra ... I am soooooooo happy you started a blog. When Blogger is more willing to allow me to do what I want to do, I will be adding your link to My Favorite Blogs.

Griffin and I just returned home from taking my mother-in-law to the airport. We miss her already ... but we understand, she has a life in Florida to get back to.

Well ... better get my house back in order ... hope everyone has a GREAT evening. I hope to be back to daily blogging now.

Happy 2nd Birthday Griffin!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Griffin ... he's 2.
Can you believe he's 2?
Seems like yesterday this little guy entered our lives ... and changed it forever.

We love you Griffin ... Happy Birthday!!!

Quicky Update ...

Hey Ya'll ... I'm still alive ... just haven't had much time to update the past couple of days as my mother-in-law is visiting. We are having a great time. She arrived late on Saturday, so we went to the outlets in Williamsburg on Sunday instead. Honestly, I'm not much of a shopper, but we had a good time.

Yesterday I was finally able to get my hair cut. Really, the only chance I get to get my hair cut is when family visits. So, it's nice having a shorter new do right now. We also made a stop at Walmart to stock up on birthday party stuff and went to my favorite Chinese buffet for lunch.

This morning it's 3 degrees outside ... can you even believe that? It's been ALOOONG time since it's been that cold here. We do plan to go out today. Beginning this week the Mommy & Me Gym time will now be available on Tuesdays AND Wednesdays. How great is that?? So ... I thought it would be great fun for Grandma to enjoy some time with Griffin at the gym. Hopefully it will warm up at least a little.

I've took some time to visit most of my blogging buddies yesterday, but didn't have a chance to leave comments (dial up sucks ... sorry but it does). Anyway, when we get home today from the gym and G goes down for a nap, I'm going to try to visit and let you know I was there. I did want to give a "shout out" to a couple of people. Terri (TK Angels) ... thank you for being a new visitor to my blog. I've visited your blog many times since you've visited mine, but Blogger will not allow me to leave comments. I just don't understand why. Anyway ... hi there and thank you for visiting. And Cassandra ... did you ever start your blog? If so ... make sure to leave your blog link in my comments section ... I'd love to visit yours!

Well ... tomorrow is Griffin's 2nd birthday and we will be having his party. I'm sooo excited. The weather forecast is SNOW ... but hopefully our friends will still be able to make the party.

Until next time .... hope ya'll have a great day!

TGIF ...

I'm really happy it's Friday! My mother-in-law Bett is flying in tomorrow and will be visiting us until Thursday. You do not know how happy this makes me. I really miss her so much and love when we are together. She will be here for Griffin's birthday, so it will be extra special.

She will be flying into Richmond tomorrow afternoon. We plan to pick her up from the airport and then head to Williamsburg. Mike needs some new shoes, so we will be going to the Timberland outlet over there. I'm really hoping we can pop into Williamsburg Pottery so I can go to the ribbon building. I do not have to go to any other buildings ... just the ribbon building. They have the 3/8" gingham ribbon that I love to use for only $2.50 a roll ... that's 25 yards ya'll ... for only $2.50!

Sunday we will all be going with Mike to his flight lesson. Bett has never seen Mike fly and we think she would enjoy going. Other than that we have no real set plans except for Griffin's birthday party on Wednesday ... which we are really looking forward to.

The little Easter Bunny that you see above is a new creation of mine. Just thought I would share it.

I hope you all have a lovely (and warm!) weekend.

Just a little fun ...

Andi, Susie Q, and several other blogging friends had the cutest "Just For Fun List" on their blogs.

You have to give an answer that begins with the first letter of your name!

I'm Missy and I will use "M" ... Here's my list.
I'll be looking forward to reading yours.

1. Famous athlete: Montana, Joe (is that cheating?)
2. Four letter word: Must ... as in ... I must actually think to do this quiz
3. Street name: Mulberry Lane
4. Color: Mauve
5. Gift: More time ... as in ... more time for anything would be a gift
6. Vehicle: Mustang!
7. Tropical Location: Moracco
8. College Major: Music
9. Dairy Product: Milk ... so easy!
10. Something in a Souvenir Shop: Map
11. Boy Name: Michael ... my husband's first and my son's middle name
12. Girl Name: Melissa ... my "given" name
13. Movie Title: Mr. Mom
14. Alcohol: Mai Tai
15. Occupation: Medical Doctor
16. Flower: Magnolia
17. Celebrity: Michael J. Fox
18. Magazine: Mode ... hey ... it's on Ugly Betty ... didn't say it had to be real
19. US City: Montgomery
20. Sports Team: Miami Dolphins
21. Something Found in a Kitchen: Mayonnaise
22. Reason for being late: Mike (lol!)
23. Something you throw away: matchbook
24. Things you shout: Mommy's here ... it's okay (to G)
25. Cartoon Character: Madge

Your Turn!!!

Happy Birthday Jerome & Harley

Today is my big brother's birthday ...

Happy Birthday Jerome ... I love you very much!

And yesterday was my niece Harley's 14th birthday ...

Happy belated (on the blog) birthday to you too Harley!!

Sick House ...

We have one big old sick house going on here.

Mike - cold symptoms
Griffin - cold symptoms and lots of coughing
Me - cold symptoms and diarrhea

We have to get better soon. Mike's mother is flying in on Saturday for Griffin's birthday and we can not have a sick house when she arrives.

We are going to get lots of rest, fluids and chicken soup.

Scrappin' For Friends ...

The other day my blogging friend Wendy placed an order with me. In the past she has suggested I make a Scrapbooking Tear Bear ... so ... I was packing her order on Thursday while Griffin was napping and realized I had a little extra time on my hands. I created this little Scrapbooking Tear Bear just for her. I literally put this together in about 30 minutes (a first for me!) ... but I really wanted to send a little surprise gift to her with her order.

I need some Mommy advice ...

On January 15th I took Griffin to the doctor and he was diagnosed with strep throat. They prescribed Amoxicillin. I took him back 10 days later on the 25th because of the cough he still has. The doctor I saw that day made me feel really funny about bringing him back ... she made me feel like I shouldn't have brought him back in. He tested negative this time for strep. She said "it's a cold" and will run it's course. Well ... our little guy is coughing, coughing, coughing. I'm really worried about this and do not know what to do. He has an icky, runny nose but no fever. Any suggestions?

Saturday ...

It's 6:15 and Griffin is still sleeping ... yeah!

Mike is deep sea fishing today off the coast of Virginia Beach with some friends. I think G and I will head to town. Our goal? Party favors! I think we will hit the Dollar Spot at Target, then Dollar Tree and finally Walmart. I really want to head out when he wakes up, so I may have to do the Walmart stop first. Maybe have breakfast at the McDonald's inside Walmart, print some pictures out at the Kodak machine and then pick up groceries. I have those nifty silver hot/cold bags to put my groceries in so I do not have to worry about my cold stuff thawing or getting warm while they are in the car. If you do not have one of these bags, I highly recommend them. They are awesome! Really ... I probably do not even need them as the temperature is in the 20s, but hey ... I have them and I use them all the time.

Yesterday we had a playdate at Short Pump Town Center ... again fun!! We met Heidi and the boys there ... let the kids play, ate lunch and played some more. We did not get home until after 3:00. Griffin never took a nap and he didn't even go down early for the evening as I had expected him too. Oh well ... maybe that's why he's sleeping in this morning. I am hoping to be home by noon today though ... that way G can have his normal nap and I can have a bit of time to do some house cleaning. Ever since he was a tiny baby we've had him on a pretty good schedule and it works out really well for us.

Anyway ... hope you all have a GREAT weekend!!

Just an ordinary day ...

Isn't this is couple of cuties? This is a picture of Griffin with his buddy Samuel, taken at Samuel's birthday party the other day. These two ... well ... I can say I think they will be future little heartbreakers.

I've lived in Virginia almost four years now ... hard to believe. Still, each time it snows, I am astounded that I live somewhere it actually snows. It just started snowing ... the flakes look like they are about dime size and they are dancing down from the sky ... what a spectacular sight! This is coming from a girl that lived her first 36 years in Central Florida ... it snowed only one time that I can remember when I lived there and I think I was about 9 years old. Anyone else from the Winter Haven area that remembers that?

I took Griffin back to the doctor this morning. We were there 10 days ago and he still has that deep cough. He tested negative for strep (thank God!) and the doctor said it was "just a cold". That's good to hear, but still ... the cough sounds horrible.

After the doctor I stopped by Michael's ... I had a gift card burning a hole in my pocket and wanted to spend it. I've always wanted one of those huge 3-D stars for my wall ... I love everything Americana and stars. They had one, so I got it. Once I get it hung up, I will take a picture of it. And I found a few things for Griffin's birthday party goodie bags.

Griffin is down for a nap ... so now it's time for a little island scrapbooking.

Fun ...

Griffin went to a birthday party today ... it was such fun. His friend Samuel turned 3 and we celebrated at Short Pump Town Center with playtime, lunch and cupcakes. Of course I forgot my camera, so I have no pictures to share. I'm going to borrow his mommy's idea and have Griffin's party at SP Town Center too ... it was easy, relaxed and the kids had somewhere to play. With a winter birthday it's so hard because it's freezing outside and the kids have no where here at home to run around. Great idea Carol!!

Snow & Blogger Stuff

Sunday we had a light snow ... I love when it snows like this. It's just enough to say "it snowed", but not really enough to cause any interuptions in our everyday life. Although I chose not to go out today due to a bit of ice on the ground. I didn't really need to go out anyway. Griffin has a birthday party to attend tomorrow, so I can make my normal Monday Post Office run on Tuesday instead.

I'm having some issues with Blogger. The first one ... I can not go to blogger.com and sign in. I have to go to the Blogger Help Page click on "write us" and then sign in that way. Then, I have to minimize that screen, type blogger.com into my browser and it brings me to the Blogger Dashboard ... now is that crazy or what?

And then ... leaving comments. I can leave comments only on a few blogs. Say for instance, Andi's, Sue's and Jen's ... I can leave comments. But then on Jolene's, Teresa's and Susie Q's ... I can't leave commetns. I just don't get it.

I'm still sick and honestly I don't even WANT to try to figure it out right now. Griffin is down for his nap ... so ... I'm going down for a nap myself. Bye for now.

Saturday

Mike is home from his business trip to Ohio ... yaaaaa ... we missed him so much!

Yesterday we had the first official playdate at our house. Heidi, Ryan and Evan came over. It really was alot of fun. The boys played well together, we had lunch and then they played some more. I was able to hold Evan for awhile ... you really forget how tiny babies are until you hold them again. Almost makes me want another one (that WAS an almost!).

We have no big plans for this weekend. We will be making a run to Sam's today and more than likely getting a load of firewood. The weather has turned cold and we may be getting a real snow on Sunday.

Hope everyone has a GREAT weekend!

Snow Flurries ... Finally!

I woke up this morning with a sore throat, headache, congestion and feeling pretty yucky. We are supposed to have friends over today for a playdate. (Update: I called Heidi and we are most definately still on for the playdate ... yaaaa!)

Yesterday we drove to the Party Store at Short Pump. I am planning Griffin's 2nd birthday party (February 7th) and needed to get some invitations. I've already pre-ordered his birthday cake ... Elmo of course. So, I went looking for Elmo invitations and party supplies. They really had a limited supply of Elmo stuff, so I started looking around and saw the Bob the Builder collection. Oh my gosh ... it's so cute. I could get little yellow hard hats and plastic hammers. MMMMMMM ... should I change the theme? I decided not to since I've already pre-ordered the cake. Maybe we'll use the Bob theme next year.

When we were getting in the car, the snow flurries began. I really want it to snow ... just a little bit. Not too much. The snow flurries were barely coming down, but you could definately tell it was snow and not just rain.

We then went to Short Pump to meet Cyndi and her boys for lunch ... it was her birthday. She decided on a Chopped Salad from Maggiano's, so I went by there first to pick it up and then we headed to the Food Court to meet up with them so the boys could play and then we could have lunch together. We had a nice time.

Short Pump Towne Center is an outdoor mall, and it was absolutely FREEZING outside!! As I was trying to find Maggiano's Griffin started to scream and I could not figure out why. He was in his stroller and as far as I could tell nothing was wrong. I had him all bundled up with a hat on. Then I saw him hands. I had forgotten his mittens ... and his hands were so red and cold. I stepped into the vestibule at Dillards to warm them up. I felt sooooo bad. I really think it was painful for him. I will now remember to put mittens in my purse for an emergency situation.

Anyway ... I hope this "whatever" I have goes away soon. I so do not like being sick.

This is Griffin's new trick ... climbing up on the kitchen chair and watching the microwave spin round and round when I have something inside heating up. Normally he isn't this close to it. Most times he is stretched as far as he can from the edge of the chair to the microwave stand ... teetering and tottering ... of course I am constantly telling him to get down ... he's yet to listen.

Anyway ... just thought I would share his latest trick.

Blogging Buddies ...

Teresa
Yesterday I had the absolute pleasure of talking to my blogging friend Teresa on the telephone for the first time. It's so nice to be able to put a voice to the face and words we see!

Wendy
And ... another of my blogging friends Wendy has some absolutely beautiful pages listed on her blog. They are available for purchase if you are interested. Please take a moment to check them out.

Griffin is feeling better this morning. The amoxicillin seems to be working it's magic.

Now, I'm a little worried about something else. Mike has had a headache since Saturday morning. He says it comes and goes, but is pretty much constant. He's not sure if it's due to the low/high weather pressures we've been having. I tried to get him to go to the doctor ... but he says no. I made him promise if it's still there in the next couple of days he will go to the doctor. I hope it's just atmospheric related.

Meet The Box Top Girl ...

I would like to introduce everyone to Kellie ... The Box Top Girl.

Kellie collects Box Tops for Education labels from participating food/grocery items. She then turns them into her school to help raise money for things to help her school be the best it can be. She is working with Scrapbook for Box Tops where you can send her and her grandma Cheri box tops and they will send you FREE scrapbooking supplies. So start collecting box tops and then go on over to Scrapbook for Box Tops and do some shopping!

Here's their direct links ...

Scrapbooks for Box Tops:
http://www.scrapbook-for-box-tops.blogspot.com/

Kellie The Box Top Girl:
http://the-box-top-girl.blogspot.com/

Coughing ...

Griffin has had a terribly deep, bronchial cough since Saturday morning. Today we will be going to the doctor to have it checked out. Mike suggested I take him in. He's usually the "wait and see" kind of parent, but when he said to take him in, I know he's worried too. Please say a little prayer that it's only a cold and nothing more serious.

***12:25 PM AFTER DOCTOR UPDATE***
We went to the doctor and Griffin has Strep Throat ... thank goodness it is nothing more serious. He's back on the amoxicillin and will be feeling better soon. Thank you for caring about my little guy.

A few new things ...

Saturday was most definately a stay in the house kind of day.
I had time to create a few more things ...

Our Week In Review ...

After blogging about destiny yesterday ... my friend Andi suggested I repost the picture of Mike and me from our Senior Prom ... way back in 1985? Can you believe this is us? Our Prom was held at Disney World ... oh the magic!

Our "boring" life got a little more active the past few days.

Wednesday found us at the gym in the morning. Afterwards we went out to lunch with our friends at the little Chinese restaurant in Goochland. Later that day I realized I was out of gold brads and asked Mike if we could go to Michael's after we ate dinner. So ... we did. We also went to Home Depot and Lowe's looking for a heat gun for Mike, but we never found one. I suggested we try Walmart thinking they might have one ... no luck finding a heat gun there, but I was able to get groceries while we were there. Mike hardly ever goes to the grocery store with me ... so it was nice he was able to help me choose some things I normally wouldn't get.

Thursday I found I was out of navy blue paper. So, after a trip to the post office we headed to Ben Franklin. They were having a paper sale, so I loaded up on cardstock. Mike called me around lunch time and asked if I wanted to head over Northern Tools to look for the much needed heat gun (he wants to use it this weekend). I said sure. Then he suggested we go to Outback for dinner. I wasn't going to say no to that suggestion. Well, they did not have the heat gun at Northern Tools, so we decided to try one more place, and honest to goodness I can not remember the name of the store ... but it's a tool store ... and they had it. Instead of going to Outback, we decided to have dinner at Carraba's ... it's a delicious Italian restaurant, much like Olive Garden. Our meal was wonderful!

Friday we had our first official playdate with friends ... and it was so much fun. Heidi invited Griffin over to play with Ryan and Evan. She has a beautiful home ... the kind of home where you feel welcome the minute you walk in the door. She was so at ease ... I was a little on edge at first, but I feel as though I finally did relax. Griffin has not been in too many homes other than ours and his Grandmas. I really did not want him to break anything, or get into anything he shouldn't. Heidi was great about letting Griffin explore ... and explore he did. Twice I could not find him, and he did not answer me when I went looking for him. Once he was found upstairs. The second time he had closed the door to the master bedroom and decided to turn on the water faucets in her huge bath tub. I was beside myself when he did that ... I can NOT believe he actually did that. We had a nice lunch, good conversation, and it was really nice to let the boys play together.

This weekend we have no set plans. Mike has a flying lesson this morning ... he hasn't been up in 3 weeks due to the holidays and weather. It's actually supposed to rain all weekend. I think Mike has plans to put siding on the front of the addition, however if it rains that will not be possible. I think it's going to be a stay-in-the-house and make chili kind of weekend.

Destiny ...

I have nothing to blog about today ... so I've decided to blog a little about destiny.

The other night when Mike and I were pumping gas in our vehicle a scene played out in front of me that made me think about destiny.

In front of us on one side was a very old man, in a very old Ford pick-up truck moving slow as molasses and double checking things to make sure he remembered to do everything. On the other side of the pump was a very young man, wearing low slung jeans and a hoodie, driving a brand new mustang. Destiny brought these two very different men to the gas pumps at the same time. Destiny brought us there at the same time too. Never once did these two men make eye contact ... never once did they utter a word to each other. How would their lives have changed if they had made eye contact and perhaps said a simple little hello to each other? Is the older man lonely? Perhaps the younger man is lonely? Maybe the little hello would have brought some happiness to their lives. Maybe they are both happy and do not need another person invading their space ... but who knows!

Destiny ...

That's what brought Mike and me together 22 years ago. We had gone to high school together for 3 years, yet we were not friends ... we didn't even know each other. I was friends with some of his friends and he was friends with some of my friends, but we did not know each other at all. Then, we both decided to take a Data Processing class our senior year. The 2nd day of class, Mike came into the room and told me I was in his chair (I wasn't) ... and we had a little argument (just a couple words). That was our first interaction together ... a disagreement.

What if that had never happened?

Some people believe in destiny ... others not so much. I do.

I honestly believe everything happens for a reason and we should pay attention to that. I think I've suggested this before ... a book titled "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" ... it's so good ... and to me, it's all about destiny.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

My Cricut ...

I totally can not believe I haven't shared this before ... I got a Cricut Die Cutting System for Christmas. Well, it really was kind of a Christmas present even though I got it in January. A few months ago we saw them in the local scrapbook store for $259. I really wanted one then, but that was alot of money to spend on a toy. Well, in December I couldn't believe they had them in Walmart for $169! Oh my gosh! When my family members asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told them Walmart Gift Certificates so I could put it toward purchasing the Cricut. They were so sweet to do this for me.

I didn't need it ... I just wanted it. And I love it!

If you saw my "Be You Tear Bear" blog post the other day, I used the Cricut to cut out the letters. It is just sooooooooooo awesome!

I also wanted to say ... today I've visited all of my blogging friends blogs ... but Blogger will not allow me to leave comments. I just don't get it. I will most definately visit again tomorrow and try again. Please know ... I've been by, but just can't say hello.

Today ...

Our sweet smiling boy just makes me so happy ...

I woke up at 5:00 this morning when Mike went downstairs to put more firewood in the fireplace ... and I couldn't go back to sleep. So, here I am sitting in front of the computer with a little extra time this morning.

I took the time to switch over to the new version of Blogger ... I hope I like it. I tried to do it yesterday, but of course when I took time to do it then, Blogger.com was down. Oh well ... it's done now.

It's Wednesday ... as you might know ... it's gym day. We actually get to see and talk to people today. We went out to the Post Office yesterday and I realized we had not left the house since Friday. Gosh, we sure lead a boring life.

i've been busy ...

Creating ...


My friend (and wonderful customer!) Julie asked me to add some of my Annie's to my site. I created a new Annie with a tiny heart tag. I love when folks suggest ideas. It helps to spark a creative idea ... the possibilities are endless when others make suggestions!


And this is a new Tear Bear I just listed on Ebay.

The Addition ...

Mike continues to work on the addition ... this time adding a deck in the garage. I am so proud of all of the hard work he's doing.

Just thought I would share some before and after pictures of this particular project.

Popeyes ...

Growing up one of my favorite things was having a Popeye for breakfast. Yesterday I made Griffin one for the first time ... and he loved it! It's really easy and kids seem to really like them.


Take a piece of bread and cut a hole in the center using a biscuit cutter, or a small glass. Butter the bread on each side and place it in a pan ... then just drop the egg in the middle. I break the egg up ... who wants a runny Popeye, right? Then cook on both sides ...


Voila ... a Popeye ... serve with a little syrup and it's a delicious breakfast!

Let It Snow ...

We've had such a moderate winter so far this season.
It was in the 70's yesterday ... and it's January!!

Although we've had no snow ... I did manage to create a dozen snowmen yesterday.

For those of you that do not know what I "do" ... I'm a stay-at-home Mommy with a small online scrapbooking store called missymadeit.com. I've been in business online since 1997 ... so hard to believe it's been 10 years since I created and sold my first handmade paper piecing.

I've been blessed with this opportunity and I thank God each and everyday for it.

Thursday ...

Is this not one of the wackiest pictures you've ever seen?
LOL ... just thought it was funny and I would share.
You can click on it for a better view if you would like.

Yesterday after playtime at the gym, Griffin and I had lunch at Subway with our new friends Heidi, Ryan and Evan. Ryan is 26-months and Evan is 4-months old. Heidi is a great girl and we have alot in common. It's really nice making a new friend. I'm hoping we will all be able to get together again.

Today we are just staying home. I'm really hoping it gets warmer outside today ... I would love for G and me to be able to go for a walk and maybe play outside a bit today.

Then, I will work when he goes down for a nap ... I am having so much fun just making pre-made stuff. I'm working when I want to ... no pressure!

Pure Joy!

Driving ...

I realized something yesterday when I had to drive to downtown Richmond to pick Mike up from work. I do not enjoy driving ... yes, it gets me where I want to go ... but I still do not enjoy it.

I admit it ... I am not a good driver at all. I am not aggressive when I am behind the wheel, actually I'm a bit timid.

Mike on the other hand is a great driver (most of the time). He puts the car exactly where he wants it to be. Me ... I wait to see if the other drivers are going to let me in.

Anyway ... just thought I would share a little known fact about me today ...

I do not enjoy driving.

creative.

One of my New Year's resolutions ... be creative.


Just a little something I was inspired to make yesterday.

Happy New Year 2007 ...

Wow ... I can hardly believe 2006 is gone already ... a year that just zoomed by.

I really look forward to this new year ... it's a time of renewal ... a time for reflection ... a time to get motivated.

It's hard to believe I will be 40 years old this year ... I once thought 40 was sooo old ... yet here I am staring it in the face, and it doesn't seem nearly as old as it once was. I still have 9 months to be 39 ... I'll just wrap my happy thoughts around that!

I have thought of a few resolutions I would like to make ... so I will share them.

1. Achieve better health ... yes, I would most definately like to loose weight ... but better health is much more important to me right now.

2. I will strive to stay awake longer at night to spend more time with my husband. No more falling to sleep at 8:30 ... staying awake until 10:00 pm each night ... that's my goal.

3. Be more creative ... find that spark of creative energy I once had.

4. Be a better wife, mother, daughter-in-law, sister and friend ... listen more, spend more time with those I love, stay in touch.

5. Find the best balance in being a work-at-home Mommy and still devote the time to my son that he so deserves ... I'm working on this one daily.

6. Learn to use my left hand with the mouse on the computer. That way when Griffin wants to sit in my lap to watch Elmo, I can still read my emails.

Not that many resolutions ... and I'm sure I have more ... but there you have the things that I have on my mind.