tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46981277721123801882012-02-16T12:36:45.617-05:00[häj-päj]- A heterogenous mixture: JumbleHeather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.comBlogger2091100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-18962093937889010822012-02-10T22:14:00.001-05:002012-02-10T22:15:31.862-05:00

Time flies when you are having fun or when you have a toddler.  Seriously.  M is now 22 (and a 1/2) months old and I'm 22 weeks along with version 2.0.  Even this pregnancy seems like it's passing quickly and I'm already frantic with wanting to nest- which I started this past weekend.  Every now and then I try to slow the clock down and enjoy these last few months with my sweet girl as an only 

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-74183545737970731032012-02-09T16:12:00.000-05:002012-02-09T16:12:44.207-05:00

This is another book I picked up on a whim at my local library.  I've had it on my Goodreads reading list awhile and it finally became available after about a month long wait.  I was surprised when I got it that it was only a 2 week loaner at my library, but I had no problems reading it on time and even finished it early.  Once you start this book it's quite hard to put down! The author follow

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-46170909538816134442012-02-03T15:30:00.000-05:002012-02-03T15:30:43.127-05:00

I found this book by chance at my local library while I was waiting for the books for my book clubs to arrive back (I had three on hold at one time!) and thought I'd read it.  It was written by a local author and I figured it would be a quick read.  Considering I'm a birthmom myself, I thought I would be able to relate to the story and hoped I wouldn't cry too much while reading it.  The main

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-20681284001718682232012-01-30T17:19:00.000-05:002012-01-30T17:19:01.400-05:00

I really wanted to try cloth diapers with M, but A.R. was completely against it.  I did some research before she was born and while they are so very different from the days when both of our mothers cloth diapered (think wet pails, huge diaper pins, ugly rubber pants), A.R. still wasn't on board so I gave in up and Pampers became our go-to baby booty cover.  I baby sat while my younger siblings

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-20763850611244683922012-01-07T22:07:00.000-05:002012-01-07T22:07:34.752-05:00

January- Snow, snow, and yet more snow! February- My other loves you don't hear so much about these days.  My beautiful Lily and handsome Tomas.  It's a good thing Lily is so pretty as she is so pushy. Typical woman. March- A first birthday to remember. April- Easter and walking! May- Flowers in bloom and a super hot Memorial Day with a swim I'm not impressed parental units. June-

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-23918046963184709392012-01-05T16:29:00.000-05:002012-01-05T16:29:15.999-05:00

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas (or a Happy Hanukkah)!  This year was especially magical for me as I got to live the magic of Christmas through the big, brown, eyes of my daughter.  Oh to be a child again and have that innocence and wonder.  The greatest gift I received this holiday season wasn't my new Snoogle (although that pregnancy pillow goodness is pure heaven) or the jewels from

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-1039014472291084542011-12-08T17:16:00.000-05:002011-12-08T17:16:36.864-05:00

This book was the October selection for my bookclub.  I was a month behind in reading it because our library had a flood after Tropical Storm Irene and a lot of the youth books were displaced.  I can say that this selection was definitely out of my normal genre, but it was good to step outside the box.  It reminded me a lot of the books like 1984, Animal Farm, and Lord of the Flies from my

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-9158384109140093012011-12-01T17:13:00.000-05:002011-12-01T17:13:09.047-05:00

I know this post is horribly delayed considering I did Part 1 months ago and we traveled way back in August, but at long last here it is: Day 1: We visited Horseshoe Bay Beach which we heard had an excellent cove for kids to swim in.  Boy were they right!  This beach is heaven and it was so tempting to just ignore the rest of the island the whole trip and just be beach bums all three days.  This

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-90112243363774632422011-11-24T08:00:00.066-05:002011-11-24T08:00:02.108-05:00

As some of you ever observant readers have noticed on our Christmas card this year.  A.R. and I have a little something extra to be thankful for this year.  We found out the day before A.R.'s 31st birthday (on September 28th to be exact!) that M is going to be a big sister!!  Our little Beetle Bug (a reference to Jungle Junction for those of you that watch Playhouse Disney) is due to arrive on or

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-78640841781282507802011-11-22T13:21:00.000-05:002011-11-22T13:21:00.663-05:00

One of my bookclubs read this book for October and I had to wait forever for it on hold as Tropical Storm Irene flooded our library's youth section and the copies they had were put in storage (Pack Rat containers) while the clean-up took place.  I didn't realize that it was a "teen" novel when my club first selected it.  It was a quick read for me and also quite obvious what happened from the

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-88661332319828749162011-11-20T22:20:00.002-05:002011-11-20T22:28:32.656-05:00

Monogram Snowman HolidayCreate photo holiday cards this Christmas season.View the entire collection of cards. I know, I know...here I appear out of the wood work after being a horrible blogger and promising to get back on track.  I hope to get better at blogging in the coming weeks and I have lots to share with all of you including more delicious recipes, my adventures in cloth diapering, and

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-90832418720007923102011-11-07T22:05:00.000-05:002011-11-07T22:05:45.327-05:00

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.  It felt the emotions along with the characters and I ached for the animals, Walter, and Camel.  I look forward to watching the movie and comparing it to the book, although I cringe at the prospect of some of the scenes the movie might portray from the book.  I had the joy of reading most of this book by flashlight after Winter Storm Alfred knocked our power out

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-83583992995709563682011-10-13T08:00:00.001-04:002011-10-13T08:00:15.828-04:00

At long last we started painting another room downstairs in our home (okay, it was really done two months ago...) and doing a bit more decorating.  We had picked out a paint color long ago, but never gotten off our arses to actually buy it and paint.  Of course it doesn't help that I've been banned from picking up a paint brush in our home- I'm horrible at painting, I get more on me than the wall

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-79295046479563778402011-10-12T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-09T21:22:05.567-04:00

This is another summery Skinny Taste recipe that we loved over the summer.  A huge bonus was that it was also quick and easy to make and most ingredients are typically staples in your pantry and veggie drawer.  In liu of angel hair pasta, I used fettucini as it is easier for little toddler hands to pick up to self feed with.  I also added slicked up grilled chicken to add a little meat to the

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-11832126835497963272011-10-10T08:00:00.001-04:002011-10-10T08:00:02.906-04:00

I'm super late in posting this recipe as I made it month's ago in the heat of summer, but better late than never.  Right?! I found this recipe on Skinny Taste's blog and had to try it out.  I like that they were delicious even without frosting. Pink Lemonade Cupcakes

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-14817273951446844332011-10-09T20:51:00.000-04:002011-10-09T20:51:39.815-04:00

Despite the grim time in French history that this book was depicting, I thought it was well-written and hard to put down.  It was written in two voices- that of Sarah and that of Julia.  I did think that part of the plot was pretty predictable in how the author intertwined Sarah and Julia's lives, but it is still worth reading.  I had no idea to what extent the French were involved in the war and

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-73813955312595621672011-09-20T13:19:00.003-04:002011-09-20T13:19:00.479-04:00

Squashed.  My garden that is.  Completely and utterly squashed by the ugly little insects known as squash bugs.  So much for my great experiment in planting by the phases of the moon using the Farmer's Almanac!  Planting by the moon didn't help our garden out (even before the squash bug invasion) at all.  The transfer from seedling pots to the garden was too late to get a decent harvest for us. 

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-31509875200851176942011-09-19T15:19:00.000-04:002011-09-19T15:19:08.886-04:00

I didn't read the synopsis of this book before I picked it up at the library for my bookclub and had I done that, I doubt I would've read it.  Adoption hits a little too close to home for me.  I can only imagine what my parents would have gone through had they been in the same position as Ellen Gleeson in the novel.  My two younger siblings were adopted and my sister wasn't officially "ours"

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-64501292234986950642011-09-08T14:42:00.000-04:002011-09-08T14:42:43.981-04:00

I didn't read this book as part of my book club, but it was on my "to read" list and I had to wait for the book that I was supposed to read, so I snagged this one while I could.  Of course I still had a three and a half week wait for this book!  I honestly had no idea what it was about until I caught one of the movie previews on the television and then I was hooked.  I thoroughly enjoyed this

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-79576181682776736942011-09-06T17:23:00.000-04:002011-09-06T17:23:15.419-04:00

I said, "I do!"  I cannot believe it has been three years already and yet I can.  I can truly say that A.R. is my soulmate and he completes me.  He makes the good parts of me better and accepts my flaws (sometimes with gritted teeth :p).  We complete each other's thoughts and have silent all-telling smiles between us.  He is the father of my beautiful daughter, my best friend, my lover.  Not a

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-92063279473279058682011-09-01T16:38:00.000-04:002011-09-01T16:38:07.220-04:00

This post is quite delayed and I'm sure you've been sitting on the edge of your seat biting your nails in anticipation waiting for it.  Okay, maybe my life isn't that interesting, but at long last almost a month after our cruise departed I'm going to finally write about our fabulous vacation.  A.R. and I are just in love with cruising and were desperate to get away since last summer with a

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-17924135759410644332011-08-30T16:17:00.000-04:002011-08-30T16:17:41.216-04:00

Choo! Choo!  I'm on board a pretty cool train that I had never heard of a mere 4 months ago.  A group of my fellow March 2010 moms decided that we wanted to save money and start sharing coupons, but not quite to the extent of shows like Extreme Couponing found on TLC.  To be honest, watching that show kind of scares me...the people seem nice, but it's almost like they are hoarders in disguise.  I

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-67350780399647321782011-08-26T14:19:00.000-04:002011-08-26T14:19:00.537-04:00

This was scheduled to be posted yesterday, but Blogger didn't do it.  STUPID technology! Warning: cliche mom-like saying is about to be typed/read/said once again.  Squish your eyes closed and block your ears if you have to! Time flies by.  I mean it really zooms on in the blink of an eye.  One second you have a newborn and the next you have an almost 1 1/2 year old "kid".  I never really

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-36346670702892840992011-08-25T08:15:00.001-04:002011-10-26T21:37:20.388-04:00

I found this recipe on the blog, A Year of Slow Cooking, and thought I'd try it out.  It was super easy and quick to prepare (great for a work day meal) and came out tastey.  I don't like a lot of spice and was not disappointed with this recipe.  It is even A.R. approved.  I must say that I've bought a couple other flavors of the Philadelphia cooking cream to try out. Ingredients: 2 pounds

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-49685960976693195302011-08-23T08:11:00.001-04:002011-08-23T08:11:00.222-04:00

Um?!  Who doesn't love a delicious potato salad in the summer time?  This recipe is both delicious and also a healthier version of a picnic time favorite.  Thank you to Gina on Skinnytaste.com for this recipe. Ingredients: 4 cups baby red potatoes, cut in small pieces 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely diced 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced 3 scallions, diced 1 tsp dijon mustard 1 tbsp

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-50743402512178338202011-08-21T22:09:00.000-04:002011-08-21T22:09:48.248-04:00

I got this recipe from a Diabetic Holiday cook book gifted to me from a friend and I've been delighted with the number of delishous recipes I've made from this book.  A.R. has been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, so I've been slowly altering our eating habits and trying out new healthier recipes.  This cook book was a good start for us both to get back on track with our diets and we have been

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-62409162670190575152011-08-16T08:00:00.001-04:002011-08-16T08:00:10.878-04:00

Looky what A.R. put up in our family room just before we left on our trip!  Me likey a lot.  We still have to paint that wall, so this isn't the final snapshot (it's taken at night BTW- hence the glare from the flash), but you get the idea.  The only photo that isn't ours is the 5x5 on the left side, I'll be putting a picture from our cruise in there.

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-70628053940206085942011-08-15T16:20:00.000-04:002011-08-15T16:20:21.650-04:00

This book wasn't actually a bookclub selection, but I read it anyway after reading the first book, Something Borrowed.  I hate to admit it, but I love me a juicy chick lit book every now and then and this one filled that craving as anticipated.  The first book in the series was from the point of view of best friend, Rachel, while the second book was from the point of view of best friend, Darcy. 

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-48338252217129135512011-08-05T13:48:00.000-04:002011-08-05T13:48:00.432-04:00

It's that time again folks. Cruise time.  It's been almost two years since our last cruise and boy are we long overdue for another vacation.  As you read this post, I'll probably be on board with a mojito in one hand and my daughter in the other.  Relax.  I'm far from a lush (in fact I can't even remember my last drink) and we aren't cruising alone this time.  My parents-in-law are coming along

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-22774498202545960062011-08-04T13:48:00.000-04:002011-08-04T13:48:23.435-04:00

My friend never boils her lasagna noodles before making a lasagna and I wanted to try this fabulous time saver myself.  My grandmother wasn't feeling good a month ago (she had Lyme Disease and a muscle disease with some long complicated name on top of a clogged carotid artery that required surgery) and I wanted to make some meals for her to freeze and reheat and I thought I would use her as my

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-44089853451641817802011-08-02T17:20:00.000-04:002011-08-02T17:20:00.550-04:00

A.R. and I have slowly been getting the itch to paint and finalize the rooms in our home ever since we painted M's nursery over a year ago.  That's probably a good thing since all white walls is getting rather boring and we have lived in our home now for almost 2 3/4 years (yes, I just actually counted that out...).  I'm sure our neighbor wouldn't mind us putting up the remaining curtains in the

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-38172198775356723332011-08-01T11:49:00.000-04:002011-08-01T11:49:31.758-04:00

This is the first novel in a long time that left me wanting something more.  I wanted to identify with one of the main characters in the book, but I found myself just getting angry with them.  The story line itself was interesting and captivating and I couldn't put the book down after reading through the first chapter.  I think the setting itself and the history of what our culture used to be

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-82655909468677907752011-07-26T17:00:00.000-04:002011-07-26T17:00:02.576-04:00

What/who do you spy in this picture?!  That's right!  Tomas curled up in the aftermath of M's play things one night.  I think he was exhausted from a day of playing protective guard dog over her. :)

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-48420187539516464062011-07-25T11:59:00.000-04:002011-07-25T11:59:54.405-04:00

M was starting to show interest in "cooking" and everything that has to do with the kitchen a few months ago and I've been dying to get her a kitchen set. I was going to wait until Christmas to get her one, but with her interest and a casual visit to a store that had a half dozen Stage 2 kitchen sets on display we both caved.  She was in love with them from the minute she saw them.  When she saw

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-25049095351146621122011-07-13T14:01:00.001-04:002011-07-13T14:01:00.226-04:00

I have to say that I absolutely LOVED this book!  It was set back in Biblical times and is supposed to be the story of Dinah from the Book of Genesis Chapter 34.  The story is from Dinah's perspective and depicts the life of women in that era.  I found it completely fascinating how the author protrayed what biblical times were like for women in Dinah's era.  Some of her writing is based off

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-48107683726529325292011-07-12T18:21:00.000-04:002011-07-12T18:21:01.855-04:00

I know this post is late in the game by over a week, but life is busy these days with a toddler on the loose and gorgeous summer days to revel in.  I wanted to wish all of my readers a very happy (belated) Independence Day.  I hope you all enjoyed the cookouts, swimming, family time, an extra day off of work- if you were so lucky, and I hope you took a moment to remember what Independence Day is

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-47275727032473208232011-07-12T13:55:00.001-04:002011-07-12T13:58:49.674-04:00

I think most of you know that I had a hard time coming back to work after M was born.  I had always envisioned myself as the hardcore working mother with an amazing balance between home and work life.  Then, I looked into my daughter's face for the first time and my world (and dreams) changed.  I always think of the movie Baby Boom with Diane Keaton for some reason when I look back at my

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-47176085058818588442011-07-06T11:18:00.002-04:002011-07-06T21:36:06.087-04:00

This post is so very, very late but it's better late than never, right?!  A month ago I ran in my first 5k with my older brother in Boston, MA.  Running in a 5k was an item that both my brother and I had on our bucket lists to complete and what a better way to do it (and remain motivated) than to run for charity.  We named our little team of two the Bucket Listers and set about fundraising for

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-60716752854385939212011-06-29T17:12:00.001-04:002011-06-29T17:13:06.220-04:00

I must be crazy.  I joined a second book club with my fellow September 2008 brides when I barely have time to finish the one book a month I've commited to in my other online book club with my fellow March 2010 mommies.  This month I actually pulled it off and read two books in a month.  Incredible.  Of course it involved a few late nights and a rainy weekend of reading every chance I got, but I

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-78581570633658349632011-06-23T23:33:00.000-04:002011-06-23T23:33:53.208-04:00

YUM to the E is this recipe from my new diabetic cook book!  A.R. was recently diagnosed as prediabetic/diabetic and he has had to get serious about making changes in his diet to regulate his blood sugars.  It's been a hard adjustment for him, but he's making progress and since he now has to take his blood sugar levels 5 times a week (three nights and two mornings) it has helped to see how

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-1607618470388555942011-06-23T23:20:00.000-04:002011-06-23T23:20:09.785-04:00

This recipe was a-mazing and husband approved.  I liked it as well and there were hardly any leftovers for my lunch the next day because A.R. chowed down.  If you haven't had a chance yet, check out http://www.skinnytaste.com/ for more amazing recipes.  Thank you, Morgan, for sharing this site with me! Ground Turkey with Potatoes and Spring Peas

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-80085137393289205612011-06-16T11:31:00.000-04:002011-06-16T11:31:38.021-04:00

This year's garden is off to a slow start thanks to all the rain and thunderstorms we've been having lately. My in-laws decided not to plant this year as my father-in-law was visiting Puerto Rico during prime planting/tilling time. They did plant two little bean seeds in our garden, but he didn't even plant anything in his own yard this year. That means we have our whole HUGE garden to ourselves

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-24652035476287300862011-06-06T11:38:00.000-04:002011-06-06T11:38:35.717-04:00

I had the opportunity to take a stab at my second fondant cake as a gift to my good friend who is having a baby in July.  I helped host her baby shower recently and she was gracious (brave) enough to let me make her cake.  She picked out a cannoli cake with cannoli filling as her flavors and left the rest up to me.  I was a little nervous as it would be the first cake I made that strangers would

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-39039277665363038142011-06-04T13:54:00.000-04:002011-06-04T13:54:00.209-04:00

After 2 1/2 years in our beautiful home, we have slowly begun to make small improvements (3 rooms have paint now!  Well, really 2 rooms and a 1/4- more to come on that) and changes to make it ours.  The latest change was something I've been wanting since our first Spring in our home when it would've been wonderful to have a cross breeze from the front porch into the kitchn.  We finally ordered

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-81123203514379383512011-06-03T13:54:00.000-04:002011-06-03T13:54:01.753-04:00

I was completely surprised on Mother's Day when a special package got delivered by the USPS (on a Sunday, no less!) and A.R. helped M "carry" a small box to me.  I was even more surprised to find a new camera lens, a UV filter lens cover, and a butterfly lens hood in the box!  This is coming from the child who seemingly rolls her eyes (She would if she knew how, anyway.  I just know it.) when I

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-13643238465182317492011-05-26T16:18:00.000-04:002011-05-26T16:18:24.197-04:00

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish.  I was actually pleasantly surprised that it wasn't about what I really thought it would be...all babies and home birthing experiences cover to cover.  My favorite part of the book was that it was told from the perspective of the midwive's daughter, Connie.  How very creative to tell the story from that angle.  There was mention of births and blood

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-61974608713915730222011-05-18T14:13:00.000-04:002011-05-18T14:13:19.979-04:00

Here is a link to my most recent post on The Recipe Nest.  I made a Cannoli Cake as a test cake for my best friend's upcoming baby shower and it tasted amazing.  Here's hoping that she loves it this weekend at her shower! http://therecipenest.blogspot.com/2011/05/cannoli-cake.html

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-63337469112798202642011-05-17T14:26:00.001-04:002011-05-17T14:28:35.072-04:00

I started working out again the end of March after M turned a year old and I didn't have to be overly concerned about my milk supply anymore.  To get back in the swing of things I decided to set some goals for myself to have something to work towards and keep me motivated.  I've always wanted to run (jog) in a 5k race.  In fact, it's one of the items on my proverbial Bucket List.  What a nice way

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-78648291290805022322011-05-10T14:13:00.001-04:002011-05-10T14:16:29.229-04:00

My second Mother's Day was just as fabulous as my first.  I got to wake up hearing my two loves communicating over the baby monitor.  The "conversation" went as follows: A.R.: Good morning Baby Girl! M: MA!  ::indecipherable:: Ma MA! A.R.: Shhh, Mama is sleeping.  Let's let her sleep a little more.  Do you need a dry diaper? M: Ma! some more gibberish ::giggle:: (A.R. blowing raspberries) ::

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-31624967599217248092011-05-05T18:00:00.002-04:002011-05-05T18:00:00.151-04:00

In a gallant effort to save money this year on our spring yard work, I went on a mulch mission to have a truck load delivered straight to our house in lieu of buying the small bags that overloaded our car on three separate trips to Home Depot last year.  First of all, let me ask if you know how many different kinds of mulch there are?!  Holy Toledo has it become apparent that I know little about

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-30993618532533046802011-05-02T17:30:00.001-04:002011-05-02T17:30:00.605-04:00

Okay, so it probably doesn't even really count as a craft project and the only participation M played in the making of said "project" was providing her adorable hand print.  I have the guilty pleasure of watching Teen Mom on MTV (it's even set up on my DVR ::embarassing::) and I saw one of the moms take her daughter to a pottery store on her 1st birthday where she could paint some pottery and get

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-6199009220952854692011-05-02T12:23:00.000-04:002011-05-02T12:23:38.118-04:00

I just received my first blogger award!  I received "The Versatile Blogger Award" from Selina over at Urban Granola.  I was so excited when she left me a comment to tell me about the award and couldn't wait to share it with my readers.  Thank you, Selina, for the recognition and for reading my blog. Anyone receiving the Versatile Blogger Award must follow the rules to pay it forward, if you will.

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-82560532538887079242011-04-26T10:40:00.002-04:002011-04-26T10:42:42.023-04:00

My newest love is what I fondly call my new Mom Purse.  I've been wanting to retire M's diaper bag for awhile now and what better way to do that than by paying a visit to my local Coach Outlet and upgrading to a more "Mom sized" purse.  Without further adieu, I now present you with my new side kick from the Ashley line at Coach:  I must admit that I am not a fan of large purses. I don't have that

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-57626138943270447102011-04-25T14:48:00.000-04:002011-04-25T14:48:41.163-04:00

I am not only a girlfriend, woman, wife, and mommy, I am now a Personal Chef as well.  Having tasted the nastiness that is jarred baby food during a baby shower game at A.R. and my co-ed baby shower what seems like eons ago, we were both on board to make all of M's baby food.  (Yes, this post is long past due and I have since lost the photos I had taken to post with it sans a broken hard drive

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-52722869830474214162011-04-19T23:10:00.000-04:002011-04-19T23:10:59.022-04:00

Just shy of 13 months old, M started walking on her own today!  I found out when A.R. emailed me to say that his brother had called and told him she walked from couch to television while at my mother-in-law's house this morning.  (My mother-in-law watches M while we're at work and my brother-in-law has been helping her out while my father-in-law is in Puerto Rico.  She also watches two of my

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-40079386051378182402011-04-16T23:05:00.000-04:002011-04-16T23:05:53.899-04:00

The second book in my book club was Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.  The first thing I noticed was that it was almost 650 pages!!  For a working mom that doesn't have a lot of free time to begin with that was pretty intimidating.  I did jump right into reading and definitely liked the idea of the storyline; however, the author used a lot of detail including adding a lot of historical data so at

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-74115427755183888452011-04-14T16:28:00.005-04:002011-04-15T11:50:28.247-04:00

Have you ever been so proud you just can't stop smiling or maybe even gloating a little bit?  Well, that was me when it came to my first attempt at making an entire cake with fondant decor from scratch for M's first birthday party.  I had some serious doubters (including A.R!) that didn't think I could actually pull it off with everything else on my plate (including getting a house ready for 50+

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-52699828911747487942011-04-07T23:49:00.001-04:002011-04-08T11:52:46.668-04:00

I have to say that as exhausted as I was after the fact, planning M's first birthday party was an absolute joy to me.  I find party planning addictive and I could've gotten a lot more out of control with the spending than I did.  Sometimes, I think I should become a party planner just so I can keep doing it, but not go broke spending my money to do so. :)  M's 1st birthday creeped up on us oh so

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-1375547703063260442011-04-05T18:00:00.003-04:002011-04-07T13:06:40.291-04:00

I know every mother says this and I know you hear the old adage over an over (especially when pregnant), but time does fly when there are little people involved and you should cherish and revel in every second.  I don't know what makes the clock seem to tick faster and the calendar pages change sooner, but it does and in the blink of an eye your sweet newborn is an honest to God real little

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-68804496462007307652011-04-03T23:32:00.000-04:002011-04-03T23:32:39.595-04:00

How can you not love this store when you score such cute play things as these for your little one while shopping for more adult things at the same time?!  (See photos below)  M loves to "help" me in the kitchen and she even now has her own drawer that I have been filling with various children's sized pans and utensils.  I scored these adorable pots, utensils, and even a cloth cutting board with

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-10757168204479260912011-03-18T23:12:00.000-04:002011-03-18T23:12:43.706-04:00

Last weekend I decided to do another test cake to prepare for M's 1st birthday fiesta. I wanted to try to make a cake recipe from scratch, practice putting the fondant on the cake again, and try attaching some cut-outs to make sure they would adhere nicely to the cake.  I had leftover fondant from my first attempt that I had stored in the refrigerator by coating it in Crisco and then wrapping it

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-50719926556475955932011-03-17T18:18:00.002-04:002011-03-17T18:18:00.755-04:00

Disclaimer: This is my opinion and mine only.  Take it with a grain of salt or a cup of coffee...however you'd prefer.  :) I recently joined an online book club with my fellow March 2010 due date Mommies.  We're all in the same boat of juggling growing toddlers, work, and home life while wanting to still make the time to persue our own interests.  Reading has always been a joy of mine, but I've

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-83547164980270252082011-03-14T23:13:00.001-04:002011-04-14T16:30:33.962-04:00

I can't believe I'm officially IN my thirties now.  It feels weird when I realize I am old enough now to have a husband, a daughter, my own house to clean and care for, my own flower and veggie gardens, a car, a job that I've been at for 5 years and counting, I've had time and money to travel the world, I'm done with school after getting a Masters degree, and I could go on.  Wasn't it just

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-37575953019665247692011-03-10T23:03:00.001-05:002011-03-10T23:08:56.352-05:00

At long last I got the all clear from A.R. to get M's ears pierced.  Thank you to the half dozen or so strangers that commented on what a cute little boy we had. :)  Of course there were stipulations in order to get said piercings...he didn't want to be there (he doesn't want her to think HE caused the pinches she'd feel in her ears), it's my job to clean them, and I should just "get it done". 

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-319489069978219582011-03-05T21:31:00.000-05:002011-03-05T21:31:15.266-05:00

M's first birthday is fast approaching and after going a little crazy with the decor for her baby Minnie Mouse themed partay I decided it was time to reel in the spending.  I priced fondant cakes for Alexi's 30th birthday back in September and was shocked at the sticker prices, but still wanted something nice for M's party.  After doing some research and talking to a few people I know that are

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-89343622135655148832011-03-04T09:58:00.000-05:002011-03-04T09:58:29.885-05:00

This chicken turned out delicious and best of all only 5 ingredients are required, so the prep time was minimal.  The apricot preserves I used definitely made the sauce complete. http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=8209672227423120695&postID=7687974473518642463

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-59128901377011544722011-03-03T19:49:00.002-05:002011-03-04T09:55:29.294-05:00

I posted this recipe today on the food blog I participate in.  I found this recipe in my January/February 2011 Food Network Magazine and it was a hit!  I will definitely be making it again soon. http://therecipenest.blogspot.com/2011/03/pork-chops-with-apples-garlic-smashed.html

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-24295960885014585452011-02-07T23:03:00.000-05:002011-02-07T23:03:20.537-05:00

I got a package today from my son and his parents (through the adoption agency), so I thought what a fitting day it would be to type up my last installment in my Adoption Diaries series on being a birthmom.  My son, N, is now 12 1/2 (I'm sure he'd add the half in- I always used to b/c you never know when that half could make a difference!).  It's hard to believe that in June of this year I'll

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-8736282930590294482011-02-05T23:37:00.001-05:002011-02-05T23:38:33.686-05:00

Have you ever watched a movie that just left you with an odd feeling afterwards?  Like a case of the Willies, a sour taste, or the Heebie Jeebies?  We watched the movie Shutter Island the other day through Netflix and it left both A.R. and I creeped out.  It starred Leonardo DiCaprio with Michelle Williams and Mark Ruffalo and was set in 1954 on an island that housed the most dangerous criminally

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-7467292425856142002011-01-23T22:27:00.001-05:002011-01-23T22:27:19.423-05:00

I got this idea from an on-line chat board I'm a member of and thought I'd do a blog about it.  It's been a decade full of changes for me and as we ring in the first month of 2011 I thought I'd take a moment to look back and reminisce.  Here is a time line of sorts of my life over the last ten years... 2001: I turned 21, quit my job in NC, moved to CT about 6 weeks after 9/11 to be closer to the

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-62110650998169413632011-01-06T22:27:00.002-05:002011-01-06T22:27:22.976-05:00

BLOG UNDER CONSTRUCTION.  Bear with me!

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-20088350874687964382010-12-27T16:44:00.006-05:002010-12-31T21:47:39.598-05:00

Despite the morning sickness (awful nausea) in the first trimester, I had a fairly easy pregnancy. I did swell towards the end of my third trimester thanks to the heat and humidity in late May in NC, but being uncomfortable towards the end was really my only complaint. I think I lived in yoga pants, tank tops, my brother's boxers, and sundresses for the last month! I spent my 18th birthday seven

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-69807695502299090222010-12-27T16:03:00.004-05:002010-12-27T16:43:22.520-05:00

My family on Christmas DayWe had a wonderful 1st Christmas with Mariela and my brother, who flew up from Florida to be with us. On Christmas Eve we drove up to MA to spend the afternoon with my Grandmother. Mariela played at her house for awhile, then we went out to dinner, and then to see the lights at La Salette. It was a great day spent with Mariela's Great Grammie.At La Salette with A.R. &

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-84168293163905937042010-12-23T18:39:00.002-05:002010-12-23T18:42:19.652-05:00

I loved these cookies! I got the idea from my cafeteria at work when they served these one day. I found this recipe on Parenting.com and made them for a cookie swap in November.Cranberry-Orange Oatmeal Cookies

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-64816985722518789162010-12-23T18:09:00.002-05:002010-12-23T18:12:04.356-05:00

I've been experimenting with crock pot recipes and this is one of the latest favorites on our "make again" list. Enjoy!Sherried Gravy Pork

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-66477046613257781652010-12-09T21:25:00.005-05:002010-12-13T23:40:34.418-05:00

I remember the weekend I got pregnant well. It was the same weekend my Great Grandmother turned 100 and the same weekend Princess Diana died in that horrible car crash. We were stupid and didn't use a condom...stupid. I always wanted to be a mother, but I envisioned that I would be married and have a good career before I took that leap. You always hear of things happening to other people and

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-6427757681991263312010-12-05T22:06:00.002-05:002010-12-05T22:08:54.918-05:00

This is one of my new favorite recipes. I can't wait to make it again.

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-33714645192021481552010-12-05T21:59:00.003-05:002010-12-05T22:06:09.855-05:00

I made this recipe on Thanksgiving and it was delicious. I found the Pomegranate Glaze in my November 2010 Food Network magazine. It's by Cat Cora (love her!). I always cook my turkeys like this as they always come out really juicy and tastey.

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-26090126289252713632010-12-03T15:52:00.008-05:002010-12-03T23:38:56.404-05:00

I've sat down to write this post several times now. A few times I even started to type and then erased what I'd written and walked away. I have so many memories and thoughts in my head that it's hard to organize them in print, so please bear with me. I'm going to break up my story into several installments as I have too much in my head for just one post. I've always said I should write a book

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-11554508755989610532010-11-20T21:18:00.006-05:002010-11-20T23:03:26.289-05:00

November is Adoption Awareness month and it is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. I've decided to share my story to help spread more awareness on adoption and how beautiful it can be. I became a big sister thanks to adoption and I am also a proud birthmother. Here is Part 1 of my story on how I became a big sister through adoption... It was a crisp February day as we wound our way

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-85180851770986512062010-11-08T22:31:00.004-05:002010-11-08T22:33:14.663-05:00

I'm going to be a sporadic contributor to this recipe blog some fellow online friends and I started up. Here's my first post on the blog which is just getting started up this week. Bookmark this site for more exciting recipes and events to come!The Recipe Nest

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-63753786651332950782010-11-04T22:24:00.003-04:002010-11-04T22:53:58.566-04:00

Halloween isn't a favorite holiday of mine, but I have to admit this year was fun since I got to dress up M. A.R. and I ended up dressing up, too. He dressed up as a hotdog to play a joke on one of his older brothers after another brother (have I mentioned he is the youngest of 4 boys??) dragged it out of our nephew what his Papa was going to be for Halloween. Turns out my nephew was wrong, but

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-74347245229340244962010-10-24T21:57:00.006-04:002010-10-24T22:40:50.229-04:00

This post is rediculously late- ah, the joys of being a working mom- but I wanted to post it now that I have M's pro photos uploaded to our computer AND considering she turns 7 months old tomorrow! Happy Belated 1/2 birthday to my baby girl! It's hard to believe that 6 months ago you were kicking my bladder from the inside and now you just kick and grab everything. You are such a happy baby and

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-52257623399272243312010-10-09T20:53:00.001-04:002010-10-09T20:53:00.074-04:00

It's hard to believe that A.R. and I have been married two years now. It's been a month since we celebrated our second wedding anniversary (September 6th) and it always amazes me to look back and see how far we've come since our wedding day. We now live in the house we built together in the middle of wedding planning, grad school, and working full time. I graduated with my MBA and A.R. will

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-26179544903335235842010-10-07T22:46:00.003-04:002010-10-07T22:52:46.154-04:00

I found this recipe in my June 2010 Better Homes & Gardens magazine and it came at just the perfect time. We had fresh blueberries from a local farm and the corn and cucumbers in our garden had just finished ripening. It's a little late in the season for it now, but bookmark it for next summer and enjoy!Prep: 25 minutes then chill overnight6 ears fresh sweet corn, husked1 cup fresh blueberries1

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-64263641800300980302010-09-29T23:03:00.004-04:002010-09-29T23:23:24.569-04:00

For this round we had gotten a little bored eating the same recipes that I did for rounds 1 and 2, so I opted to try a few new recipes from my book and ventured to the other meal plans to experiment. I even got A.R. to agree to try a fish dish with shrimp in it (he isn't a huge fish fan). I also wanted to try to make the recipes a little bit healthier, so any recipe that called for ground beef

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-26640490054642244802010-09-27T22:18:00.005-04:002010-09-27T22:40:10.055-04:00

How has it been a full month since I posted a blog post?! I promise to try and be a better blogger moving forward...I may even try to do the 30 Day Blog Diary starting on Friday (Oct. 1st!). Why have I been on a hiatus? Most of it was because I was studying to take the first exam as part of earning my ARe (said: "A", "R", "E") designation for work. It is called an Associate in Reinsurance and is

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-2072880404629852402010-08-27T22:21:00.004-04:002010-08-27T22:46:32.539-04:00

It's been 5 months since I met my beautiful daughter and my how the time has flown by. I absolutely love being your mother, Mariela. I tear up with pride at each of your new accomplishments (yes dear, your mom is a total sap!) and look forward to watching you absorb the world around you. I fear you're going to grow up too fast, so I am cherishing every moment with you. I've waited so long to be

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-53387800286063466662010-08-24T18:00:00.000-04:002010-08-24T18:00:04.287-04:00

I've been on a banana kick lately. I love them for breakfast sliced length wise on my English Muffins with some peanut butter or sliced in circles on some Cheerios. The last bunch of bananas I bought ripened a bit quicker than I could eat them, so I decided to experiment and bake some banana bread. Since I'm addicted to Food Network, I looked up some recipes on their website and chose to try one

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-26521621599011032652010-08-22T21:20:00.003-04:002010-08-22T21:41:02.060-04:00

Finally, we put some nail holes in our Family Room wall. I think both A.R. and I have been procrastinating in putting the first nail holes in the sheetrock in our Family Room. We weren't quite sure what we wanted to do as far as wall decor (besides the flat panel TV we intend to put above our fireplace) and never really found a print that we had to have. FINALLY, after a year and a half in our

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-10102206029529484112010-08-12T22:11:00.003-04:002010-08-12T22:18:41.835-04:00

Now if this doesn't make you smile...you must be having a really, really bad day.

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-30148527239942645432010-08-10T22:43:00.004-04:002010-08-10T23:11:19.565-04:00

Okay, so I have to admit despite my occasional nagging and complaints I really am blessed with an awesome husband. His speciality is cooking desserts and my specialty is eating desserts. A match made in heaven for sure, but not so good for my waistline. A few weeks ago he surprised me on a day when he was playing Mr. Mom and made us a fabulous dinner (grilled chicken, his other specialty) and

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-31066207336746691112010-08-01T19:03:00.004-04:002010-08-01T19:50:49.390-04:00

My how the time is flying by! M is now 4 months old and growing like a weed. It's amazing to see how much she's changed when I compare her recent pictures and videos with her newborn photos. I can't believe how teeny tiny she used to be. She no longer has the newborn look. She looks like an honest to God baby now. Really. A.R. and I can't believe how happy she is...there is always a smile on her

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-50364425732959414682010-07-28T19:31:00.005-04:002010-07-28T21:30:36.674-04:00

Our garden is finally in full swing after getting off to a slow start. We are starting to harvest and eat the fruits of our labor and so far it's been well worth it. Tonight for dinner we had fresh corn picked minutes before from our garden, last night we had summer squash, and we've also harvested quite a few cucumbers. I refuse to make pickles this year as I still get nauseated just thinking

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-62340433579903759972010-07-15T22:46:00.004-04:002010-07-15T22:58:27.437-04:00

This is what A.R. and I were staring at on that Wednesday evening one year ago from today. Giddy with excitement at what was to be, yet terrified of the adventure we were about to embark on. Would we be good parents? Was the baby a boy or a girl? Who would s/he be most like in looks and personality? Would s/he think we were good parents and love us? What would it be like to hold her in our arms?

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-91484828406822043082010-07-12T22:23:00.004-04:002010-09-29T23:25:38.101-04:00

This time around I was a little more seasoned and got brave and decided to come up with my own plan using the recipes in my book that we enjoyed from meal plan E and some new ones I found just browsing the other meal plans. I also opted not to cook a full 30 meals since the month of meals lasted us two months and it was absolutely exhausting to do it the first time around. Mariela was still only

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-87254714901453893102010-07-05T21:40:00.007-04:002010-07-05T22:37:32.606-04:00

Mariela was baptised on June 27th at 1pm. I was a little nervous about how the day would go, but my worry wasn't needed as it turned out to be a beautiful ceremony and a great celebration with family and close friends. Mariela was (of course) a perfect angel. Her gown and bonnet were the same ones both my little sister and I wore when we were Christened as babies and it was made by my maternal

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-77147137967985114912010-06-22T22:23:00.003-04:002010-06-22T22:44:32.434-04:00

I can't believe my little girl is going to be 3 months old on Friday! If you count the Thursdays since her birth, technically she was 3 months old this past Thursday, but by the calendar she hits that milestone on Friday. We had some 3 month photos done at JC Penny this past weekend since we won't have a chance to do them this Friday or Saturday as we set up for her baptism. This photo shoot was

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-89072983561055045972010-06-13T18:50:00.000-04:002010-06-13T18:50:00.239-04:00

Finally! Room number two is painted in our new home! After painting Mariela's room back in December, we got the urge to start painting the rest of our house. When we built our house, the builder recommended not painting for a year to allow the house to settle some more. After the final walk-through and warranty items were fixed (nail pops, touch-ups, etc.) after our first year in our home we were

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4698127772112380188.post-90617919637388089822010-06-12T22:32:00.006-04:002010-06-12T22:46:24.613-04:00

The week leading up to Memorial Day we finally got all the vegetables planted in our garden thanks to the help of my parents-in-law. My mother-in-law helped watch Mariela so I could plant and my father-in-law provided his expertise with gardening and helped me plant my rows (after consulting his Farmer's Almanac, of course!). I only took up about 1/3 of the garden space he cleared out, so I let

Heather R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/06916161691666380698noreply@blogger.com0