It's Fall Ya'll!

It's FALL! Fall is beautiful, but I have to be honest. I really don't like it that much. I get sick (cough cough cough all night) and it leads to winter. But if you have ever read my blog you know that. ;)
At least fall is a beautiful time for pics! (I'm taking pictures again in case you didn't know) I'm actually running a special right now! The trees are PERFECT at my house right now! I want everyone to be able to come and take advantage! So I'm doing Fall Mini Sessions! The lovely leaves do not last long here in Oklahoma! So the special only lasts until November 18th. If you have any more questions or to schedule call/text me at (405)816-6462 or email me at aprilmassad@yahoo.com!

So Brodey is Bumblebee from Transformers this year. I have to say I think his costume is pretty cool!
He really wanted to be Sonic the Hedgehog, but it was all sold out. I searched all over and I could only find it on Ebay for like $90. Sure! Like that's going to happen! So Bumblebee it was!
I pulled it on him this morning and it ripped right at the waist. We were already running late so I had to take it off of him and sew it back up. Thank goodness for my sewing machine! I don't think staples would have felt too great! ;)
If you are going to be in Tahlequah tomorrow you should come by and see me! Bring at least 2 cans of food to The Scrappin Pad's 2nd Location Open House, I'll take your little ghost or goblin's picture, and you get a free 4x6! (You can order additional prints online)

Scrappin Pod Open House
Saturday October 29
3pm - 5pm
609 W Delaware
Tahlequah, OK

Well friends! I'm off to clean the house! It has been neglected the last few days!
Have a wonderful weekend!
LOVE APRIL

Food for days!

Food for days! And it only tastes better and better!
Have you ever eaten at Chipotle? (Yes it's the restaurant with the hot stock lol) Well it's REAL good and I have found a recipe that comes pretty close to the chicken they serve there! You can totally vary it depending on what you like/dislike. I put peppers and onlions in practically every dish I make! If you don't like them don't add them! ALSO! You can sub onions for onion powder! Onion powder makes everything taste better!
This dish is made in the crockpot and only takes about 2.5 hours total. If you are workin' momma it would be great if your crockpot had a timer you could set! Dinner ready when you get home!
If you do not have a crockpot, this dish can be made on the stove in ONE dish. Takes around 15-20 minutes! I will post the directions for that version below the Crockpot one!

Crockpot Mexican Chicken

• 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts, quartered
• 1 can gold and white corn, drained (regular corn will work but this stays crunchy)
• 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 jar or 2 cups of salsa
• Sliced white onion and peppers(optional)
• Bag of Uncle Ben's Spanish Rice (Or whatever rice you have on hand)
• Lettuce and cheese or tortillas (to serve with) 

Pour the beans, corn, and 1 cup of the salsa into the crockpot. Stir together.
Lay the seasoned chicken breasts quarters on top. Lay your sliced onions and peppers on top of the chicken and pour the remaining salsa on top.
Cook on high for at least 2 hours or until chicken is done.
Take chicken breasts out of crockpot and shred with a fork. Mix the shredded chicken back in the crockpot and heat for an addional 30 minutes or until ready to eat!

Mexican Chicken Stovetop Version 

Same ingredients as above. 

Cut up chicken into cubes and cook in a larger skillet (at least 10 inches) with butter/margarine. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper OR your favorite Mexican seasonings. (Optional) Add peppers and onions and cook until chicken is done. While chicken is cooking, cook the rice. Add salsa, corn, black beans,  and rice to the skillet. Cook until bubbling and thoroughly heated! Serve over lettuce, in a burrito, or in a bowl. It's even great as a filling for Quesadillas! Top with cheese, sour cream, or guacamole!

 

 

Yes my friends it is that easy. I made this Monday night and we are still eating it! It's so good and it's even better after the flavors have mingled for a while!

We ate it on tortillas with some lime, cilantro, lettuce, sour cream, and cheese. I made Brodey a quesadilla with the meat. It would be awesome in a taco salad!
It's the perfect weeknight meal! We even thought it would be awesome at a party as a dip with chips!
Enjoy!
LOVE APRIL :)

Crop OR Shop for a Cure!

Do you scrapbook?
Do you like to shop?
Do you want to support the fight for cancer?
I'll bet you answered yes to at least one of those questions! If you did you need to come to the 12 Hour Scrapbooking Crop October 8 hosted by the Pink Pearls Relay for Life Team! It's gonna be FUN!
I was supposed to attend and do a Make 'n Take, but I'll be in Texas that day! I'm sad! I love to see everyone and there will be a TON of vendors there!

Serendipity Retreat Store from Tulsa
Scrappin Pad Retreat
31 Gifts
Close to My Heart - Doing Workshops
Lia Sophia
Creative Memories
Pampered Chef
Arbonne
Tupperware
Cookie Lee Jewelry
Chicken Creek Hen House Retreat
Scenery
Mary Kay
Stampin Up
and more!

What a list! I'm so sad I'm going to miss it!
If you aren't a scrapbooker they would love to have you stop by and shop or even make a donation!
If you are a business that is interested in attending the crop or dontaing items for the auction, please contact Bobbie at bobbie-stamps@cherokee.org! She would love to have you!
I'll be donating scrapbook goodies as well as a free photo session! FUN!
If you will be in town that weekend please stop by! Or if your hubby will be glued to the tv for the OU/TX game head on down for some fun girl time!

The flyer is to the left! Click on it to enlarge it!
Hope you can make it!
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
LOVE APRIL

I'm so excited...and I just can't hide it!!!

Santa came early for me this year. Yes he did. I got two things I have wanted for years. That's no joke.

The first is WiFi! Yes I know! I'm jumping up and down and you probably are too because you won't have to hear me complain about HughesNet anymore! (Yes my eye still twitches when I think about them.) That means I can actually post photos on Facebook instead of having to wait until the 1am free zone! Yippee!!!

And the other is HUGE! I mean HUGE!

Do you see that!?! That's my NEW CAMERA!!! I'm so excited that I snapped this unflattering photo of me with my new baby because I just had to share! Eeeek!

I have been waiting for this for a very long time. Most of you know that back when I had Brodey I went down to less than part time taking pics. I don't regret that at all! I have been SO lucky the last 5 years to be able to stay home with Brodey!
These last 5 years I have kept going to classes, events, workshops, and stayed in the loop! A couple of years ago I attended an awesome photography workshop and I got to chitchat with the Canon guy. He wrote down the equipment I needed on the back of his business card and I've kept it up on a shelf ever since. It's all wrinkled and kind of stained from me looking at it often. Last week I finally got to take it down and USE it. I can't tell you how excited I am!
I have all sorts of fun stuff coming in! The UPS guy is like enough already!

I know many of you will be as excited as I am and I've already talked to several of you! If you are seriously interested about booking a session send me an email at aprilmassad@yahoo.com!

Besides! Bro is sick of being my model! ;) But he's such a sweet one!
Anywho! Thanks for sharing in my excitement and thanks to all of you that have stuck with my through the years!
I'm going to go off and continue my happy dance now!
Happy Monday!
LOVE APRIL

A Fish Story

I love to fish. LOVE it. I used to want my own fishing show. I wanted to be "that girl with the fishing show." I wanted my name on a reel, t-shirts, hats....okay back to reality.
As I said I love to fish so you can imagine how excited I am that Brodey loves it too! If Eric goes, he goes. It's so fun to see him getting excited about being old enough to be Eric's fishing buddy!
Last weekend he and Eric went fishing at Wetumka Lake. Brodey was SO excited about trying out his brand new fishing rod. (I have photos of this, but it's going to be a scrapbook layout haha) He got a big boy rod and reel. He is an excellent caster for his age, which Eric really appreciates. They both get to fish at the same time!
So Brodey was throwing all day and he did catch some good sized Crappies, but towards the end of the day Eric told him to "throw over there by those stumps."
He did and Eric was messing with his reel not paying attention and Brodey said "I think I have something, Dad."
Eric said he looked up and there was a huge swirl and Brodey's line started pulling out. Eric said he KNEW it was a good sized fish and Brodey got a little nervous. Eric started telling Brodey to "REEL! No! No! Don't reel! REEL REEL! You got a big fish, Bro!!" (Now this is word for word from Brodey) Eric said Brodey reeled it in all by himself, and it even did the whole cool jump out of the water bit. When he finally got it reeled to the boat Eric grabbed it with the net and he took a pic! He said Brodey was SO proud! Eric said that he thought about keeping it and mounting it, but Brodey was adamant about throwing it back. ;) He didn't weigh it but he said it was close to 6lb. This makes me laugh because it weighs more than Brodey did when he was born! Bro only weighed 4.4lb haha!
It was a good and memorable fishing day for both boys! It was so much fun for me to hear them tell the story! They were both so proud! Oh and thank goodness for camera phones!
Well I'm off to put my fisherman Brodey in the bathtub! He just read me his site reading homework. It's crazy to see him recognize words! I love it!
Have a wonderful Monday night!
LOVE APRIL :)

I "mustache" you a question...

Are you having a relaxing Labor Day weekend?

Hahahaha! This pic makes me laugh so hard! Sometimes after school we stop at the gas station down the road from his school and I let him pick out some snacks. Well Thursday he chose a Grape Crush. I yelled at him to come into the scrapbook room and as soon as I saw him I busted out laughing. He looked so funny with his grape mustache that I told him to make a goofy face as I took a pic with my phone. It's so Zoolander I love it!

So I hope your weekend has been great and I hope you got a giggle out of the mustache pic!

LOVE APRIL :)

My Lil' KINDY GARDNER

"Wake up my lil' KINDY GARDNER!!!" It hasn't been so fun waking up my little kindergarten boy the last couple of days! He's a sleeper!
Yesterday was our first day of school at Woodall! My little bitty baby boy is in Mrs Horner's kindergarten class. Wow.
After going to the meet and greet he was SO excited to get back to school and to see all of his friends! Several of the Mrs Tuck alumnae are in his class. It makes it easier to see familiar faces and to have someone to play with on the playground!

(Our traditional on the front porch before the first day of school shot)

(Bro with his best bud Cy)
We really didn't get to take too many pics! I wanted another pic in front of the Woodall school sign like we did last year, but it was raining. :( I LOVE the rain, but oh well! Maybe I'll dress him up in the same outfit and take him up after school today. Hehe
So I wanted a fun and unique gift for Brodey's new teacher. I can thank my buddy Jocelyn. She is who I have to blame for my Pinterest addiction.
As soon as I saw the crayon monogram I HAD to make it for Brodey's new teacher! It took less than an hour or two to make and I LOVE how it turned out! Mrs Horner totally loved it! It was a fun and unique gift and I enjoyed making it so much I added it to my Etsy store.

If anyone is interested to know how I made it let me know! I'll post a how-to.
Well I'm headed to the laundry room! Today is sheet washing day! Wahoo! LOL! My Dad's birthday is tomorrow! Can't wait to see the birthday boy! :)
Have a fantastic Friday!!
LUV APRIL :)

Bye Bye Baby Tooth

Oh my. Yesterday was eventful.
First I get an angry phone call from Eric about how some lady was in the one lane toll booth with no money, he got out to give her 50 cents, and his truck was in reverse and totally bent back his door. As I type that I realize I don't really know exactly what happened there. All I know is the lady didn't even say thank you. He was mad.
Then last night Brodey pulled his tooth out. Yep. He's a BIG BOY now.
It has been hurting him for a while. Every time he eats it puts pressure on the tooth underneath it.
We even made his little Tooth Fairy box to be prepared. So cute.
Last night, though, was the last straw. I made corn on the cob and he couldn't eat it. I had to cut it off for him. Ugh he was mad.
So he wiggled on it all day and when Daddy got home he put some good prescription numbing gel on it. (Daddy is luckily a dentist) He got a paper towel and I got my iPhone.

I just could not believe my little baby just pulled his tooth out.
I mean did I NOT just take this picture!?!?! I can't believe this was 2006. Geez.

I was freaking out a little bit. I'm freaking out a little bit right now!
Eric was freaked out too, but not for the same reason. He had put the numbing gel in his own mouth to see how strong it was and both of his lips and tongue was numb lol. It was funny.
SO glad I got it on video. My wittle boy is gwowing up. It's so sad.
He was excited about the Tooth Fairy though. I told him since he takes good care of his teeth and he did such a good job on his Tooth Fairy box that she would leave him money. BUT I had to negotiate for his tooth. I mean it is his first tooth and I have to keep it.
So the Tooth Fairy was kind and left $8. Oh and a note saying how proud she was of him and that he was doing a great job taking care of his teeth! He was thrilled.
Phew what a day! So glad it's Friday. The boys are outside swimming. Tomorrow we get to see Kerry, McKennah, Will, and Lola! We are SO EXCITED!!!!!
I'm off to cook dinner!
Have a safe and wonderful weekend!
LUV APRIL :)

When you are bored...

When you are bored you do silly things.

And take silly pictures of it...

with your iphone that needs to be upgraded.

These pieces are from the Brodey collection of fine handmade jewelry.

He's opening an Etsy shop.

I have a ceramic rooster that proudly displays his collection. Next to the rooster is our fish. The fish got a new home today. Brodey picked it out. Before you tell me how eeeeeevil Spongebob is I have to tell you that I watch it. I watch it with Brodey. GASP! He even has Spongebob pajamas! Pure eeeeevil!
I'm going now. It's hot. Too hot to swim even. That's pretty hot.
April :)

Sixth Fourth and SOB's

Well this Monday marks Brodey's sixth 4th of July!
When I put all the pics together it is amazing the difference each year makes! He is still the happy boy in each pic, but he is an older happier boy year after year. Here is last years.
If you have a baby this year I BEG you to start this tradition NOW! You will be so very happy that you did! I actually wanted to get him a gray t-shirt this year, but they didn't have one in his size. Oh well! I guess the gray shirt will always mark his very first 4th!
We will be headed to the lake this weekend! I'm so ready! It is gonna be HOT! Hopefully no rain although it was kind of neat to watch the fireworks last year with lightning in the sky behind it! Destiny and Jason get to hang with us, we get homemade ice cream Monday, and hopefully I will get some sort of tan. Mine is all gone. It doesn't stick around long.
I need to tell a little story before I leave you today. Sometimes when Brodey is hanging with the guys he tends to say things like darn or dang. I guess it makes him feel all tough and guy like. Sometimes Eric will say things like SOB or spell things when he is working outside or doing whatever it is guys do.
(I'm getting to the point I promise)
So the other day I was at the Scrappin Pad helping my friend Christie's daughter, Addie, make sorority gifts. I had to take Bro with me and after a while his "good" ran out. He was messing around with Addie and he says "SOB." We are all like WHAT!?!! I've heard Eric say it but never Brodey.
He says "What? What did I say?"
I'm like "Bro you can't say SOB. It's a bad word."
Christie says "Where did you hear that?"
"My Dad." He says and after I tell him he can't say it he says it a few more times and eventually forgets about it.
We go home that afternoon and he goes straight to his room and he's all quite. (Of course you moms know that that means go see what they are up to.) I sneak into his room and I see he has his Magnadoodle.
"Hey Bro whatcha doin?"
He starts laughing. I look down and this is what he has written.

So I'm laughing now.
"What in the world is that, Bro?"
He turns all serious.
"It's my naughty list. I wrote it down so I would know not to say it."
Oh man. It's sweet unless you know what a smart alec my kid is. ;)
Have a safe and fabulous fourth!
LUV APRIL :)

No One Can Tell Us What to Dream

"No one can tell us what to dream, Mom." Brodey said to me in the car this morning on the way to school.
"That's right. We can dream whatever we want."
"I like to dream about you."
"Aw Bro I like to dream about you too!" As I get all teary-eyed.
"Last night I dreamed that me and you were playing in the snow. It was a really good dream."
And I melt.
Yesterday I showed up a little bit early to pick Bro up from school. Mrs Tuck was reading them a book and in the book a baby tiger was dreaming. "No one can tell us what to dream" she told everyone. Brodey looked over at me and smiled. That must have meant something to him because I could see the wheels turning. It's like magic.
It's like when they are babies and they are learning to crawl. You are so proud that your heart is going to burst out of your chest, but at the same time it's sad because you know it's one step more to them growing up. Then they learn how to walk and it's the same feeling all over again...but you start putting the breakables away. ;)

I told Erin last night that it's the exact same feeling all over again when they start to learn letters and are on the edge of learning to read.
"Hey Mom. Your name starts with A."
"Yes Bro my name starts with A." I'm so proud my heart swells.
"Oh your name starts with an A like Arianna's name starts with an A!" And my heart explodes into a million pieces.
But you know what? I didn't teach him that. I helped along the way, but Mrs Tuck is the one that taught him that. And she also taught him that no one can tell us what to dream.

On the edge of Brodey's first year of PreK being over, I sit here and think of how thankful and appreciative I am. Sending your child off into the unknown for 7 hours every day is scary. I couldn't have done it if it weren't for an awesome teacher that I trust and I know that cares for Brodey as much as anyone besides his Mom could.
No gift I could give and no words I could type would express how thankful I am. I'm thankful for patience, empathy, humor, and caring. I'm mostly thankful for putting up with a neurotic Mom who freaks out if she sends her kid to school in shorts and it turns cold. ;)
WE LOVE YOU MRS TUCK!!! We couldn't have asked for a better teacher! Your future students are very lucky to have you! (Don't worry we'll make sure they appreciate! We'll be next door! Ha!)
Okay off to fix my nonwaterproof mascara! ;)
LUV APRIL

The Simple Things...

Hi folks! I took a little break from the blogging world, but you know I'll always be back. ;)
Today I'm reminded that it's the simple things in life that make me happy.

My cat who is always happy to see me.

The coffee that Eric brings me home from the Amish store.

The handwritten notes Doc sends.

The green grass in my yard and the beautiful flowers on my back porch.

Showing up a little early to pic Bro up so I can watch him play on the playground.

Good parking spaces. FRONT ROW at Woodland Hills Mall. I mean the FIRST parking spot. Can't beat that! Even Brodey was impressed!

And my boys goofing off in the backyard.
Because it's also the simple things that our kiddos will remember. Ya sure they remember the vacations and birthdays, but it's the happy simple things that make LIFE.
I hope you have a simply happy Thursday.
LUV APRIL :)

Angry Birds and a Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Elizabeth Taylor in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. I have always thought she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in that movie. Love that movie. I have also always been in love with the necklace she wears in it. If you have ever heard me say "I would like to have a diamond necklace with the diamond ON the chain. Not hanging on a pendant, but ON the chain" well...that's where I got that idea. I'll have one someday if I ever find one!
I was so sad when I heard she had passed away. I have always loved how she talked, moved, and I have always thought she was just the most beautiful woman. Giant, Father of the Bride, National Velvet. They are all some of my most favorite movies of all time. She is a legend.
I've been busy lately. Scrapbooking and cardmaking take over my brain. I can't do both at the same time. It's like I have a scrapbooking side and a cardmaking side. It's weird.
I taught the last run of my March Stamper's Night Out class last night! Fun times! I'll be posting the cards on my card blog soon!
Spring is finally here!!! You have NO idea how happy this makes me! These beautiful flowers are my most favorite flower of all time! They may not be the most beautiful, but to me they signify change and the end of winter! You know how much I dislike winter! The yard guys even mowed this week! Yeah for spring!
Oh before I go I must post this Public Service Announcement: My son has discovered Angry Birds on my phone.
What does this mean for me? A dead phone and ignored texts and phone calls.
What does this mean for you? You could have been one of the many ignored texts or phone calls.
If you have been ignored please send another text or give me another call! Oh and I apologize on behalf of my 5 year old. He has been instructed to quit ignoring texts and calls or no more Angry Birds! :)
And why are the birds so angry anyway?
Have a wonderful springy Friday!
LUV APRIL

The Weekend

Well HELLO SPRING! Last weekend Brodey and I took a trip to Arkansas to stay with my awesome cousins! I was beyond excited driving there and back because the Daffodils were EVERYWHERE! If you don't know Daffodils are my most favor tie flower of all time! It might not be the most beautiful, but to me it signifies the end of yucky winter! LOVE them!
This weekend was Eric's birthday! We celebrated by heading down to Dallas to stay with our besties Destiny and Jason! We had an awesome time! Eric declared it as one of his best birthdays ever. We went to Al-Amir which was SO good! (Almost as good as my Lebanese dishes! Hehe!) They had belly dancers and a girl that hula hooped with about 30 at once! I can't even do one!!
Sunday I ate at one of my favorite places of all time...TACO DELITE!!! It was DELIGHTful. I even got a t-shirt. Don't be jealous Erin and Kerry! I'll let you borrow it! ;)
After Taco Delite we headed home. Our original plans were to meet Eric's parents in McAlester to pick up Brodey and head home. At the last second we changed our minds and headed towards Holdenville on highway 48.
I was driving and as we got just South of Tupelo I saw a mini van swerving in front of us. I was like "Look at this idiot."
Eric glanced up and then looked back down at his phone.
I'm watching the mini van and if you haven't driven on 48 it has NO shoulder. It's just dirt. So the mini van swerves off into the ditch, he jerks it back onto the highway and when he does he loses control. He goes back off the road once more and it comes across the highway and flips three times out of the ditch and lands in a dirt road perpendicular to the highway.
I'm smacking Eric "Call 911!!!" as I pull over onto the dirt.
We were literally so close that as I run up to the van it's still rocking a little bit. I could see feet on the ground out the driver back window but I don't hear anyone at first so I start yelling "Are you okay!?!?! Are you okay?" I'm praying please don't let anyone be in pieces or dead.
I run over to the front and see a woman hanging face down in the front passenger seat by the seat belt. She wasn't moving or talking and I'm like oh crap.
Finally I hear a man in the back freaking out. He pops up out of the window of the sliding door and I'm like "Are you okay!?!? Are there kids in here!?! Calm down!"
He's like "My wife my wife!"
I'm like "ARE THERE KIDS IN HERE!?!?!"
"Yes my son!"
"Is he okay? Can you hand him to me."
He goes back in and hands me his son over the side. The poor boy's face is covered in blood and of course he's shaking and crying. His poor eyes, mouth, and nose are filled with dirt from the dirt road. I'm telling him it's okay you're okay thinking please let him be okay. I'm asking him questions and he's answering me so I thought well okay. He could tell me his name, he was 4, how many fingers I was holding up and where he lives. I got him back to my car where I had water and wipes and LUCKILY a little McDonald's car still in the packaging. I'm not sure where all the blood came from because he was fine. He had a tiny bruise on his forehead and a couple of scratches on his arm. I couldn't believe it. I thought of all the kids I see that aren't in car seats or even seat belts and can't even imagine if he hadn't been in his.
Eric and the guy managed to kick the front windshield out of the car to get the lady out. She wasn't coming out any other way. She was epileptic and had come to when they got her out.
Within about 10 minutes of everyone getting out some medics arrived. Once the man calmed down he realized he was pretty hurt. He hadn't had his seat belt on. Guess that's why he was in the back when I ran up to the car. It took a long time for the ambulance and fire trucks to get there. Luckily it distracted the little boy from his hurt parents.
About 50 minutes after it all happened they finally took the little boy and the dad in ambulance. We left once I knew the little boy would be okay. They had to send the helicopter from Seminole to get the lady. I wish I could find out if everyone was okay! What an ordeal.
Literally about 5 miles passed them it started raining on us. Thank goodness it held out that long!
I had blood all over my neck, face, arms, and shirt. I just kept thinking thank God he was okay. Now that I think about it I think maybe his nose bled. Poor boy.
We finally make it to Holdenville and we leave for home that night. I had to give Bro lots of hugs.
Eric was too tired to drive so I told him if I was going to drive I would have to stop and get something to drink. I stopped at Okemah Love's right off I-40. When I went to get out of the car it was raining and I noticed a CUTE little girl about 2 in her car seat alone with the car running and lights on. Geez.
"Hey Eric this little girl is in the car by herself. Watch her."
I run in, get my drink, and get in line. I notice the girl in front of me with "Cassie" on her sweatshirt. "Hold on let me check on my kid." and she runs out of the store. I'm pointing to her to Eric out the window and I just knew he would say something to her.
NOW I have to say that I have left Bro in the car before and I'm sure several moms have too. BUT I would NEVER leave my 2 year old in a running car at a sketchy Love's right off I-40.
So I turn around and a clean cut Samuel L Jackson look alike (complete with beret I'm not kidding) gets in line behind me. He looks down at my toes and says "Little girl your toes look GOOD!"
I'm like "Aw thanks!! I just got a pedicure yesterday!"
"That color looks good!"
"Thanks! I tried to get my husband to get one with me but he wouldn't do it!"
"Why not? I get mine done! You know women don't take care of their toes anymore! It's a shame! They look like they've been playing floor hockey!"
I busted out laughing "Oh my gosh that's the funniest thing I've ever heard!"
"It's true!"
How can you argue with that!?! I don't even know what floor hockey is but after the day I'd had it was pretty darn funny!
So I go back out to the car and leave. By this time it's pouring and I'm only able to go 60. As I'm driving a car passes me like I'm sitting still. It's THE CAR FROM LOVE'S!!! I knew because she had a vanity plate from Texas. I couldn't even believe it.
"Hey Eric look it's that chick with the baby from Love's. Cassie."
"Wow she's going way too fast. Especially with that baby in the front seat."
"WHAT!?!?!! She was in the front seat." After the day I'd had I couldn't even believe it.
The moral to the story people is BUCKLE your KIDS UP!!! Be an idiot and don't buckle yourself. You'll end up in the back seat, but PLEASE buckle your kids up. It's annoying and takes time but just do it. Please.
Phew! My hands are cramping! I'm off to get ready! Brodey is beyond excited. We are meeting my parents and sister in Tulsa and my dad's taking him to Chuck E Cheese. "Mom won't let me go so I'm glad you are taking me Papa." Ha! ;) So am I Bro!
Have a fantastic Wednesday!
LUV YA!
April

Am I Crazy?

I guess one week is my limit. I left my house today for the first time in a week. I wanted to do cartwheels and bust into song at Wal-Mart. I'll bet no one would have cared. You know...I wouldn't have been surprised if shoppers had pushed their carts away and broke into song with me. We could have done a musical dance number in the aisle at Wal-Mart. All Glee style. That would be awesome.
So back to reality. I just took that pic from my front porch. We still have snow, but the roads are mostly cleared off. Side roads aren't so good, but luckily my driveway faces the South and what little sun we have had has cleared it off.
Brodey went back to school today. He was excited to see his friends and Mrs Tuck. Last night I said "You get to go to school tomorrow! Are you excited?"
He said "Yes I'm ready to see my friends."
"I'm sure you are! You haven't had school in a long time!"
"Yes I know. Mrs Tuck knows how much kids like to play in the snow so she let us stay home."
Hahaha! "Yep that's exactly right, Bro!" ;)
His Valentine's Party is next week so I went ahead and bought what we need to make his little bags for his friends. He also signed me up to make the Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes. YUM!!! I think since we will likely be out another couple of days of school this week I'll let him make his Valentine's. I'm going to see if I can find some of the ones Eric made me when we were little to post next week. Hehe! Eric was an expert heart artist! ;)
Well I'm off to do laundry and clean up. This is the first day in a week that the house will actually STAY clean for 4 hours straight!
I'm not looking forward to more snow, but at least I can think about the grass starting to turn green next month! THAT makes me happy!
LUV APRIL

Hittin' the Slops

So I'm grabbing my skis to hit the slopes...wait...I don't live in Colorado. Or do I? Whoa I thought I lived in Oklahoma. Is someone playing a trick on me!?! Cause I'm pretty sure we got about A FOOT OF SNOW AGAIN TODAY!!!
Any and all areas of snow that the boys tore up is now filled back in. It's like someone took a great big tub of frosting and spread another layer in my yard. That statement just made me really want some Red Velvet Cake. SEE what being stuck in the house all week will do to you!!! FOOD FOOD FOOD! That's all you think about! Well that and the little wet muddy footprints in the floor.
I'm over the snow, but there is nothing I can do about it so I give up. We aren't out of food yet but we are out of PPV movies to watch. Thank goodness I'm not out of scrapbook supplies!
Brodey is enjoying his break. He says he misses his friends and I think his mind gets bored, but he's great at keeping himself entertained.

It has warmed up a little so if it stops snowing he might get to go out and play! I hope Eric can make it home! He had to go 30mph just to get to work this morning! I can see vehicles driving on the highway, but they are creeping by. It might just take him a while to get here! The challenge will be making it up our driveway! He slid down it this morning!
Well I hope you have a safe and warm Friday!
Signing off from snowy Colorado...oops I mean Oklahoma!
LUV APRIL ;)

Lucky

Well we lucked out! We got a TON of snow and sleet but hardly any ice! Wahoo!!! That means the odds of us losing power goes way down!
My parents lost power briefly yesterday, but it came back on last night. They were VERY relieved!
Tomorrow will be day 3 of no school for Brodey. It's been so difficult to keep him indoors. We have let him go out a few times, but only briefly. It's just WAY too cold. When he went out today he had his face totally covered up by a thick little Gap knit/fleece scarf. It still took his cheeks 30+ minutes for the redness to go away! It's just too cold! It's like a cruel joke to have all this snow outside and it's too cold to play!
We did make snow ice cream! It was Brodey AND Eric's very first time to eat it! I can't even remember when I first had it. It was before I was Brodey's age. They LOVED it.
We have an outside cat named Kitty. Eric rigged her little house up out on the back porch to block the wind, but since our back porch faces the North I decided to put her in the garage overnight. I opened the door this morning to get her and when I called for her she scared the you know what out of me! She popped up out of a cardboard box on top of our saferoom like a Jack in the Box. (If you know me you know I'm not a big fan of Jack in the Boxes...OR surprises for that matter) I jumped out of my skin and then I laughed because it was pretty funny. Wish I had it on video.
Oh my haha I just realized that Bro is wearing the same thing in this photo and in the photo I posted the other day. Apparently Eric likes to put him in that fleece top and Carharts. I took this pic right before he went out today.
Well I'm signing off for tonight. Eric and I watched Red last night on PPV. It was really good! Tonight we are watching Dinner for Schmucks. Fun times on the couch!
Stay warm and have a good night!
LUV APRIL :)

Rain and Snow and ICE OH MY!

Well it's coming. Every local channel and even national channels are talking about this storm that is headed our way. Rain, freezing rain, ice, sleet and snow. The whole shebang. Sounds like fun....HA!!! I'm not even interested! If I didn't have dogs, a cat, and a fish to take care of I would already be on an airplane to somewhere WARM!
The pic is from this last snow we had. Doesn't the snowman have a sweet face? He loved us SO much that he just finally melted into snowman heaven on Saturday.
Josh the friendly electrician just left. He added a plug in so that we can just hook the generator up right to our house if we lose power. I am VERY thankful for this. He has probably saved my neck from the bazillion extension cords we had to use in 2009 and previous ice storms. We haven't lost power since that storm (I type as I am BANGING on wood)
This was a layout I did about the ice storm in January of 2009. It was in the January 2010 issue of Creating Keepsakes.
This is the first version before I made changes to it. If you click on the photo on the second layout you can read the journaling. The layout on top was taken in a hurry for deadline so that lighting isn't the best and it's kinda blurry.
So I made the dreaded trip to Wal-Mart this morning. I should have taken a pic of the produce aisle. It was wiped out. Thankfully they had what I needed, though, and I got outta there. I was dreading it, but I got everything we need! If it ends up as bad as they predict it will, I will be feeding the boys three meals a day for a while. That's a lot of groceries!
I'm a tiny bit freaked because I'm not feeling too good. My body feels like it won't wake up and my throat hurts. So add not getting sick to my list of prayers. Okay I'm finished whining. :)
I guess by morning we will have some idea of how bad this storm will be. I keep thinking how very lucky we are to have weathermen to warn us. I can't imagine being back in the day when storms like this just showed up. Makes me think of reading all the Little House on the Prairie books!
Well have a great Monday!
LUV APRIL :)

I Need an Intervention...

I'm addicted to French Onion Dip. It's so good. Every time I eat it I feel like I'm at a party or a baby shower. It's just so good. The very best brand is Braum's and Highland is a close second. Everything else is crap. Someone help me...
So I blame French Onion Dip for the diet I have to start next week. I need a food detox. I need a sugar detox.
Monday I made this to take to Bachelor night at Marcie's.



Yes it's good. This bread is wonderful. I got this recipe out of a Paula Deen magazine several years ago. The recipe calls for 6 very ripe bananas, but I only had 3 and it was perfect. I also had just under a cup of sour cream and it didn't matter. Everyone ate it up.
This is probably one of Eric's favorite things to eat. He says it's "like potato chips." Well it MIGHT be good dipped in French Onion Dip, but....just kidding! ;)
Here's the recipe, but don't blame me if you become addicted!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
6 medium very ripe bananas
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1½ cups vegetable oil
1 cup sour cream
4 large eggs
3½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans (optional-I use walnuts)
2 cups mini semisweet chocolate morsels

Preheat the oven to 350. Grease two 6x9 inch loaf pans.

In a small bowl mash bananas together with the vanilla.

In a large bowl combine brown sugar, oil, sour cream, and eggs. Stir until combined.

In a medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.

Stir in banana mixture, ground pecans(optional), and chocolate morsels.

Pour into prepared pans and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool in pans for 15 minutes. Remove from pans and cool totally on wire racks

HERE'S the link to the recipe on my Tastebook.
So...I'm not a celebrity and I wouldn't make it on Celebrity Rehab. Do you think French Onion Dip qualifies as a Strange Addiction?!? ;)
Happy Wednesday
LUV APRIL

Another Snow Day!

Well I got the text from Mrs Tuck this morning at 5am telling us there would be no school today...enjoy! Brodey has definitely enjoyed it!
He has made many snow angels and tried to make a snowman, which didn't happen. While we got several inches of snow, it refuses to pack. It's just pretty fluffy snow. So there will be no snowmen guarding our house tonight.


The boys filled up the bird feeders and have "rescued" several stunned birds from the cat. The kamakazi birds have been smacking into the windows all day. Maybe they feel like I do and are sick of winter. Ha! ;)
Well this will be a short post. When both boys are home it keeps me pretty busy. The next time someone asks me if Brodey is "my only one" I'm going to say "no...I am married to the other one." Har har!
Stay warm!
LUV APRIL :)

Here We Go.....

Girlfriends. Boyfriends. Love. I thought all that stuff started way later! I mean isn't Pre-K too young for that? Then I think back to when I was in Preschool....nope not too young! Hahaha!
I'm pretty sure I fell in love with Eric when he told me he "didn't play with GIRLS" at our parent's 10 year high school reunion at the park. Of course I had to shout back "well it looks like you are playing with a GIRL on the merry-go-round!!!" True story and it sounds just like us 26 years later.
So when I think back on that I shouldn't be too surprised at Brodey's girlfriend/boyfriend love talk.
It started with theJoe Has a Girlfriend talk. Then the other day someone told me a secret.
"Hey Brodey's mom! Come here I want to tell you a secret." Says Layne. A SUPER cute and sweet girl in Brodey's class. Eric actually works with her grandfather.
"Oh okay tell me a secret."
"I fell in love with Brodey...but don't tell!"
"Oh my goodness really!" I say as I try not to laugh.
"Oh yes. You can't tell anyone! Pinky promise!!"
"Okay pinky promise!"
"WHAT!?!?! Tell MEEEE!!!" Yells another little girl names Brooklynn.
"Well...okay you can tell the girls I guess. You just can't tell the boys."
"Got it!" Haha!
Brodey is witness to all of this and is VERY upset that I wouldn't tell him and Layne got a big kick out of that!
I can't lie and say I'm surprised by this. I did have a head's up by Layne's mom back before Christmas.
"Layne told me the other day that Brodey is her best friend." Her mom tells me.
"Aw! That's so sweet!"
"Yes she said that Brooklynn pushed her down and Brodey came and helped her up. So he's her best friend."
LOVE that! It totally made me smile. So I kind of knew he was on Layne's radar.
Then yesterday when we got home he pulled some stuff out of his pocket.
"Hey look mom! I almost forgot!"
"Oh what's that!?!" It was a little metal thing that looked like a washer and a big blue jewel.
"Oh...the GIRLS gave me these!"
"Haha! Wow! They did?"
"Yes. Layne gave me the jewel and Miley gave me the silver. They are my treasures I have to put them up now."
He took them and put them up with his marble collection. He was most proud of them and I thought well...here we go! At least it wasn't melted lipstick! ;)
Have a terrific Tuesday!
LUV APRIL :)

One Whole Hand...

My boy is "one whole hand" today! I can't even believe it! It doesn't seem real.
He is the one that came up with "one whole hand." At some point someone asked him how old he was going to be and he said "5" and held up his hand. He looked at me and said "Oh my goodness mom! I'm gonna be one whole hand!" I though it was funny.
So since his bday falls on a school day we decided to bring cupcakes to school. I always loved it when my mom made me ice cream cone cupcakes so that's what we did.
We went into town yesterday and I got Funfetti cake mix, went to Braum's to get cones (I didn't want to take my chances on getting stale ones at the grocery store), and headed home. We baked them up and Brodey decorated them with sprinkles.
When I got up this morning I checked on them and the cones were soggy. Crap. So after I took Bro to school I went back into town and bought the stuff to remake them. I know that's ridiculous, but I couldn't take soggy cupcake cones to school!!! So now my house smells yummy and I discovered there are way more calories in the Funfetti mix than regular. Yikes!
I snapped that pic this morning after Mrs Tuck made him his bday crown! He looks a little pale, poor guy. He was up last night coughing his little head off and Eric gave him the GOOD cough medicine. This means he slept great, but didn't feel so great when he got up this morning. I think he had a little medicine head going on. He was a trooper, though, and was in a great mood once I sang him Happy Birthday a thousand times off key and gave him just as many kisses. ;)
I was just reading the blog post where he turned 1. It seems like it just happened!
Okay I'm going to stop before I ruin my makeup. It's just so sad how quickly time goes by.
Have a wonderful Wednesday and stay warm! Fingers and toes are good to have around!
LUV APRIL :)

Another Snow Day but You Can't Play...

Well we are home again today! I'm sure the roads were pretty messy this morning.
I went to my friend Marcie's house last night with the girls to watch The Bachelor at 8. It was snowing chunks of snow and the roads were soaked. By the time I left to go back home at around 11 the grass was covered with snow again and the temp had severely dropped. Right now the wind chill is 15. NOT fun! So even though there is snow on the ground outside poor Bro can't play in it! He would FREEZE!
This handsome boy will be "one whole hand" tomorrow...as he puts it. I just ran in there and snapped this pic. He's watching Tom and Jerry. He's still in his PJ's but he has Peter Pan pants on. Looks like he's been in his Halloween costumes LOL.
I posted a new card on my Stampin Up blog. It's one of the cards we made at our Stamper's Night Out last week. Fun times!!
Well I'm going to go get dressed. Bro isn't the only one still in his PJ's! Hehe!
Stay warm and have a terrific Tuesday!
LUV APRIL :)

Snow Day...well sort of.

We kind of had a snow day today. The snow is already gone, but Brodey had fun playing in what was left!
I'm sure the roads were bad this morning, but they seem to be fine now. I know last night they weren't! We went to Holdenville to celebrate Brodey's birthday (he turns 5 on Wednesday) and left to come back last night at 9. We didn't pull into the driveway until 11:50. It usually takes us just over an hour and a half. It was NOT fun.
Brodey actually had more snow to play with in Holdenville. We left the house without snow boots and gloves so we kind of had to improvise. Rene (Eric's mom) was VERY creative! ;)
She took plastic Wal-Mart bags and covered his tennis shoes and hands with them. Then she took socks and covered the bags with the socks. Haha! It looked hilarious, but it worked great!
He threw snowballs and dug in the snow and when he came in his hands were still warm! Fun times!
Well I'm off to make some stew! If you are a scrapbooker I posted a couple of new layouts on my paperscrafting blog HERE! If you are a cardmaker I posted a couple of new cards on my Stampin Up blog HERE!
Have a wonderful Monday!
LUV YA!
April :)

Sorry Bro

Dear Bro,
I'm sorry that you were born in January. I know that you would love to have an outside party, but it isn't going to happen. It looks like it will be another indoor pool party this year. Thank goodness for indoor pools!
Love, Your Mother


Well I'm back from my self-imposed blog hiatus. The holidays got a wittle bit crazy. Everyone got sick at least once, I was sick twice and Enstrom's almond toffee took chocolate chip cookie's place as my sworn enemy.
I just have to say THANK YOU to everyone that sent us a Christmas card! That is one of my favorite things about Christmas. That's why it's so pathetic I never get mine sent out. So please don't feel like you were forgotten. ;)
Brodey had a great Christmas. Every year is more fun than the last. He asks more questions and "gets it" now. He even made it a habit to sing Happy Birhday to Jesus about every 5 minutes. So cute!
We didn't get to party for New Year's. Eric crashed out early and Brodey and I stayed up playing Kirby's Epic Yarn until midnight. Not sure he understood why we were celebrating, but I DID get a kiss!
Brodey's 5th birthday is Wednesday. Yes I said FIFTH. I got all sad about it today. Eric put it in perspective for me. "Your little boy is growing up, April. That's what happens once they start school. Next he will be going to college and we will be old." Gee thanks, Eric. You sure know how to lift my spirits.
So I guess it will be another indoor pool party unless I can come up with a better idea.
So I was sitting here and Bro comes in here and gets in my lap.
"Joe has a girlfriend. Hehehe"
"Oh really!"
"Yes he got her lipstick. Hehehe"
"Hahaha what!?!"
"Yes he took his sister's lipstick and he had it in his pocket at school. Hehehe"
"Oh my did it melt?"
"No! He gave it to his girlfriend when we were at PE."
"Haha who's his girlfriend?"
"Well I don't know! Some girl in Mrs Key's class!"
"Do YOU have a girlfriend?"
"Hehehe NO!"
"If you had a girlfriend what would you get her?"
"I wouldn't give her someone else's lipstick...I'd give her flowers!"
Oh geez!!! He starts college next week.
Have a fantastic Friday!
LUV APRIL ;)