Find Your Happiness

Whenever Nathaniel sees me pull out my camera, he purposely looks away. He started doing this when he turned a year old and ever since, it has been a task getting him to look at the camera. I'm guessing it's because I've been taking his picture since he was born and he is just over it. The following pictures really depict what I'm trying to say. We were at Lowes and Nathaniel insisted upon wearing his Dada's hat while driving the car cart. It's a memory I want to preserve so I took my camera out to snap a picture. He sees me pull out the camera and he gave me this look. Then I asked him to give me a smile and he looked at me like I asked him to do something silly. I continued to call his name and asked for a smile and he pretended not to hear me. I put the camera away for a second so he resumed playing. I'm pretty sure this is considered as reckless driving. He fixed his hat and I managed to get a little grin. I realized that's...

My 2011 Project 365 photobook came in the mail a couple days ago and I am beyond ecstatic. I have thought many times about quitting but now I am so glad and thankful that I didn't. It is such a blessing to look at these photos and be reminded of all the memories that 2011 brought us. I decided to continue the tradition but this time, I am calling it 2012 in 366 Photos. I will still continue to take pictures everyday but it's ok if I miss a day or two.

Meet the newest addition to our family! Over the weekend, we purchased a 2012 Hyundai Tucson Limited in black. We decided to just trade-in my husband's truck instead of fixing the problems . We received a lot more in return and then there was also his military discount. You factor in Hyundai's warranty (10-year/100,000 miles powertrain protection, 5-year/unlimited mile 24-hour roadside assistance, etc.) and this really is the best choice and deal for us. I apologize in advance about the picture overload. This is mostly for our family and friends in Indiana who have been asking for pictures :) We chose the limited edition because it automatically comes with leather seats. That was our main #1 request; everything else would be "extra." I know many people do not like leather seats because they get really hot in the summer. But with children (and pets), leather seats are just the easiest way to keep and maintain the interior of the vehicle clean. We chose to ...

For Today (January 17, 2012) Outside my window... Cloudy and 56 degrees I am thinking... and debating whether I should apply for my Georgia nursing license. I am thankful for... marrying my high school sweetheart. It's great growing up and old with my best friend. From the kitchen... Blueberry-Peach Frozen Yogurt in the making. I am wearing... my high school Academic Giants t-shirt and pajamas; it's a lounging-type of day. I am going... to take photos of the household goods that were damaged during the move. I am reading... Graceling by Kristin Cashore. I am hoping... to purchase my dream big girl camera soon. I am hearing... Nathaniel playing with his drum. Around the house In the garage... Our brand new vehicle! Over the weekend, we purchased a 2012 Hyundai Tucson Limited in black. One of my favorite things... Nutella. Yum. Inspired by the church song... I Know Who Holds Tomorrow "I don't know about tomorrow, I just live from day to d...

Whenever the temperature drops, my stomach craves soup. Thankfully, this soup is easy to prepare with the ingredients you most likely already have in the kitchen. We found that this is even better the next day when the flavors have had time to marry. You can add more broth or just plain water and adjust the seasonings based on how flavorful and spicy you like your chili soup. It is versatile, delicious and just warms your soul and toes :) Adapted from Picky Plate Serves 4 Ingredients: 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil 1 small onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I used rotisserie chicken for extra flavor) 2 tbsps chili powder 2 tbsps cumin 2 tsps dry Ranch seasoning from packet 1 can (10 oz) Rotel diced tomatoes, mild 2 cans (14.5 oz) chicken broth 1 can (8 oz) corn 1 can (16 oz) navy beans, drain and rinse 3/4 cup uncooked pasta*** Toppings: cilantro, cheese, sour cream (optional) ***If using a larger size pasta, pre-cook it acc...

My husband's truck started having issues late last month and after spending $1200+, they are now telling us the engine needs to be replaced. A used one costs $3000 and a new one is $5000+. At this point, we might as well use that money as a down payment towards a new vehicle. The truck is a 2002 Ford Ranger so it is fairly odd. We were hoping to wait to upgrade to a larger vehicle for a few more years so now we're not really sure what to do. Do we buy a new vehicle or a newly used one? Or should we just suck it up for a while and just become a one car family? It will work but it will be tough on me and Nathaniel. I would have to drop Dean off to work on the days that we need the car, which means I would have to wake up the little one reeeeeally early. We're not really sure what to do at the moment so prayers would be greatly appreciated. ***About the pictures: there was a strong snow storm on our drive down to Georgia so we were forced to stop multiple times ...

Week 52: December 24th to December 31st 358  Christmas Eve with my side of the family. And I got a tripod and a wireless remote for Christmas :) 359  Christmas pajamas and Thomas. Nathaniel opening his gifts from Santa. 360  We were at Menards (hardware store) for two hours! I was beyond bored. 361  Snow! 362  Another favorite place to eat in college and pre-baby: Petite Chou (French Bistro). May be the last date with Hubby for a while since we're heading to Georgia soon. 363  Best friends yet rivals in football 364  All of the St. Louis boys played Nerf guns; Nathaniel included. 365  Heart-shaped post-it letter wall.