One week later...

Have we already used up a whole week of the New year? Isn't it funny how Christmas is just a blink of an eye and over? My decorations are half put away. Needing to get the rest back in their boxes for next time. Its so easy to decorate but so hard to put away.
My life seems to have taken a foggy turn over the last couple of weeks. I have been dealing with some toddlerittis. My son has learned the art of talking back....ugh.....and for the last two weeks he decided to wake up almost every night and not go to sleep unless I slept with him. I am happy to report he is sleeping on his own again. However, the attitude is still kicking. It takes a lot of mental power to try and "teach" your kids doesn't it?
I also have been feeling the need for change. Yes, to clean up and out my home. But also personal change. From the first day of 2012 there has been a inner need to be a better person and Christian. I know haven't talked about it much on my blog but I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ. He has been my rock for most of my life. Yet this year I feel Him wanting to draw me closer in a new way. I want to so desperately. I pray that I will. Its time.

So, I was thinking of the list of things I want to do/see for 2012. Here it goes:

1. develop a different/stronger walk in my faith
2. clean out ALL my cabinets/cupboards/closet's...again
3. possibly paint my living room
4. visit my family (and hold my precious nephew finally!) in the mid west
5. take family pictures with my boys
6. take a family vacation
7. Cook a few new recipes for dinner
8. bake a few new desserts
9. learn to change a few bad eating habits
10. go on more walks and to the parks for my son
11. get involved the free children's reading hour for my little Mr.

So whatever this year brings. I hope to enjoy it. The good makes you happy but the bad makes your stronger. So glad I have a God who oversees it all and I can trust he has my back.

2012

Here it is...2012.

Celebrate it with Class, Style, and Grace.

May it bring you dreams and promises.

Prosperity too.

May the Lord Bless you, Keep you, and shine His favor upon you.

Happy New Year!

Sugar, flour, and Sprinkles!

Its that time of year for parties. I am such a huge fan of baking. I would rather bake than cook! Its such a pleasure to see the smile on friends and families face as they nibble...then inhale...the 'sweet" you have made. I had to laugh the other day. I asked my husband if I should make extra of something I was taking to a church party. His reply was..."babe, whatever you make is always loved and hardly anything left when its time to go." Yes, that made me feel good....OK REALLY good! LOL

So here are a few of the baking goods I have done over the last couple of weeks. Your opinions are valued!

I attended a Ladies Christmas tea. I used my StepGrandmothers recipe for Victorian Sponge Cake. She had taught me, a couple of years ago, how to turn the cake into cupcakes. Delicious! I tweaked it a little bit and well.....people now want the recipe LOL Not sure how often I will share it though!

I was privileged to be involved with the Christmas Children's skit this year. They were such Angels....Literally LOL It was all girls dressed as Angels and my little Mr. dressed as a lamb. I really wanted to make something special for them. They all worked so hard and did such a great job! I found a picture of these cute reindeer cupcakes. They looked so easy....and so I tweaked again. The kids loved them!

I always add a little more to my store bought cake mixes. So with this one I put about 2 teaspoons of Coco, a cap full of vanilla, and a couple of dashes of cinnamon.

Here are the toppings I needed. Again I always add, so this time I added about 3 teaspoons of hazelnut spread to my chocolate icing. Delsih!

and the finished product....

Lastly, I am showing the cookies I made with my Little Mr. two nights ago. It was his first baking experience. We had a blast! Yes, it was a huge mess in my tiny kitchen. But SO worth it! Even my stepson (the teenager who is too cool to do just about anything) joined in. So there I was, with two boys, decorating and laughing. Now that is what makes this the most wonderful time of the year!

If I don't get to say it later...

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS!!

Christmas through my Son's eyes....

Christmas has always been a season of excitement, beauty, and fun. I have so many wonderful childhood memories. I am realizing, now that I have my own little family, how much fun my parents would have celebrating with my brother and I.

My little "mister" is 2 1/2 and this year he is truly enjoying all the lights and decor of the season.  It really makes it so much more fun! Every where we go he is looking for "Christmas". Which usually compasses of Christmas trees and Lights decorating homes. He has learned a few songs....all by himself I might add (very proud momma). So very often when we are out shopping he will burst into "Zingle bells, zingle bells, all the way" or call out "Happy Holidays". I love it!

I decorated our little home. I have come to realize I am very much a traditionalist. I love reds and golds. So that is the base of my colors. As always, I have enjoyed decorating and creating as I go. I just wish Christmas celebrating was two months instead of one!!

Our tree. I love white and twinkling lights. The glow in the living room at night is so peaceful and festive.

Once again my fireplace is the main focal point. I love it!

Stockings hung by the chimney with care.

 

I reused this picture frame from my Fall/Harvest decor. I carefully laid red tissue paper as the background. Then I bought an adorable gift bag as the picture. It turned out great! Plus I didn't have to print out anything.  I considered cutting off the front of the bag so it would lay flatter in the frame. However I was being a bit lazy and didn't. It still looks great but if you want a more polished look, take time to cut the front of the bag off.

Did you see my little nativity set? That is only actually apart of a much bigger and magnificent decorated set that belonged to my mom. She gave it to me for my first "married" Christmas. I  have always loved it and spending the time to put it out with her. I wish I had more space for all the pieces but at least I can put the most important part out! So Thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ! He is the reason not just for the season but for every day and moment of my life.

He is here!!

Noah James Turley made his debut on Dec. 1st!!

I wish I could say I was there to have already held him and smothered him in kisses...(that's what we Aunties are supposed to do right?)....but unfortunately I live to far away to just be able to "pop" over. Thank God for Skype...text messages...and multimedia! I was able to see him and talk to him. My little Master of Destruction has been waiting anxiously to finally "meet" his first baby cousin. We have prayed for him often and he adorably calls him "his baby cousin Noah.' LOL (maybe it also helps that his two Favorite people in the world have given him his baby cousin Noah!)

I truly am happy for my brother and Sis-n-love. I remember many childhood "chats" with my brother about when we would one day have our kids. Well here it is! Its amazing and such a blessing. I am one very lucky Auntie!!

No not gone...

I am still here! I have just been very lazy in posting on my blog. I get to reading all the great ones out there. Get random new ideas and forget to blog on mine! LOL
So I am going to try harder and post updates on life, love, and ideas. It has been a blessed few days. So much going on to put a smile on my face.
Right now my whole family is anticipating the arrival of my nephew! He should be here any day. Its so exciting!! Still can't believe my baby brother is a daddy! He and my Sis-n-law are going to be great parents :-)
So I promise to be back and not get behind on keeping up the Chatter!

However I am not even sure anyone reads this thing LOL

Just one of those weeks....

 Well let me clarify it really hasn't been a terrible week. Just one when you want to get back in your pj's and drink one more cup of coffee. There have been moments of tearing my hair out to just keeling over in laughter.  Here is a list of the few:

1) I fried my laptop with milk from my cereal (sooooo stupid I know!)
2) My eldest son has been covered in hives for two days (this is a end of the world issue for a teen!)
3) I am fighting a cold AGAIN
4) My youngest decided to tattoo his body with (thank God washable) markers
5) I left for town, got were I needed to be, had to return home for my wallet
6) my youngest decides to entertain me while dancing on top of our new toilet paper rolls (hilarious!!)

Of course there are some random things that have gone on that I just have had to close my eyes and breathe. But first I am just grateful that though a weird and random week....Life is still good, we are very blessed, and God still remains to be faithful.
So one more day till Saturday. Lets see what it holds! LOL

Oh....and I love my hubby. He has ordered me a new laptop. He knows it would be TOO hard for me to not stay up with my Facebook snooping and Blog stalking ;-)