Stuck Inside On a Snowy Day

I had a snow day which I have to admit I was happy about. We were stuck inside all day with the snow coming down outside which I was not as happy about. I have to say that I am done with the snow. It's beautiful as it falls but I really dislike the shoveling and my girls get cold so quickly they don't really even enjoy playing in it. So today we made some Valentine cards and enjoyed being inside where it was cozy while we all snuggled much later than normal in mommy's bed.

I'm looking forward to the flowers peeking and green leaves on the tress. I want to spend my days at the park and be able to be outside without a shiver. Spring hurry up and get here soon :)

Positive Thoughts

My father in law is having his surgery tomorrow at 8:00 am to remove the tumors caused by the mesothelioma. The doctors at the Cancer Institute have agreed to do the surgery and we are so grateful but I'm scared too. There are still serious risks as with any surgery and he will be under for around eight hours. I have been consumed with my thoughts and praying my father in law makes it through the surgery and a miracle happens so he can make it through this disease so I have been neglecting my blog. I'm still here and we're hanging in there. I'd love some positive thought and prayers to come his way.

I know my oldest lately has been feeling like something is going on. We all (both sides of the family) went out to dinner on Sunday and she said, "I miss Grandma Sue, who is my mom and passed away a year and a half ago." This morning at breakfast she told me, "Mommy I don't want you to die." It's so hard for me to realize that this is what my four year old thinks and worries about. I didn't loose any immediate family until I was 29. How amazing is that! I wish my daughter had been that lucky.

Healthy Valentine treats

So my weekend was super busy, but really what weekend isn't lately? We got some more snow and Gillian even helped me shovel during her sister's nap. She's becoming such a good helper and is so proud of herself when she does.

In my effort to stick to my diet I wanted to find some healthy valentine treats. Being stuck in due to the snow allowed us to try them out before I brought them to an upcoming party. I found them on on the link below. This is a great site filled with delicious recipes, fun crafts, and all kinds of family activities. It's a wonderful site. Go check it out. http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/special/specialfeature/valentines_food_ms/

See the pictures above the first one is strawberries covered in chocolate on skewers with mint leaves to look like a bouquet and the second is watermelon and orange slices. I would have posted my own pictures but I broke my camera by dropping it on the floor which I am very sad about. Both were fun but time consuming. I may have to try something else. I'd love suggestions

This last one was just for fun but it was yummy! I love a good smoothie.

Pink Banana Smoothie
1 cup apple juice or cider
2 ounces soft silken tofu (about 1/4 cup)
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 frozen very ripe medium banana

My First Baby

So my husband is away and I find the house very quiet and I can't sleep. So I am spending a little quality time with Sonny. He is my dog and definitely my first baby. I find myself getting irritated with him very easily lately. It's either he's barking too loudly or another toy is destroyed or there is hair all over the house. It makes me feel a little bad. He used to get so much more attention before kids and now he gets left out or yelled at. I could not ask for a sweeter dog and I love him and so do my girls. Sometimes they love him too much. They climb on him and hug him. They want to feed him while he waits patiently with a little drool coming out of him mouth. Although he can still be a pain, I just wanted to take a minute to put him in the spotlight. He is the best dog I could ever ask for. I know anyone with a pet would understand how they become part of the family. Come on...how can you resist that sweet face?

Stress, Stress and more Stress

It just seems like one think after another lately! I'm really trying to be good and stick to my New Years Resolution of staying healthy. I am such an emotional eater that it is very difficult. My father in law has been diagnosed with mesothelioma (cancer) and I am very worried as I should be. It's taking a toll on me and my attitude in general. I try to not let it effect me so much but I am finding it impossible. I'm worried not only about him but my husband to who is not sleeping and is going crazy trying to find hope. We may have found some from the Cancer Institute in Maryland. They were so great even just talking to them made my husband and fil feel better. They will be going there hopefully next week for some tests to see if they can offer help. It's just a sad situation that my fil got this (probably) from being a veteran and serving his country in Vietnam.

So on a happier note my daycare is closed so I have to stay home from work today and spend the day with my girls. If anything can I'm sure that they will brighten my day. I also have to say that this brings new meaning to me to living life to the fullest. I say if there's something that you want...go for it. I want to be saying less of "I'd really like to... or Someday I hope I can.... I'm going to start making more of an effort to get out there and do the things that I've been holding off on and I think you should too!

Playing Together

I love when my girls play together. This may sound silly but I am finding that they are starting to be interested in doing things together and it's so cute. The other night they were in the bath and Gillian said with a big smile, "I'm having a fun time with Alyssa and she's playing with me!" They had little foam princesses and Alyssa was sticking them to the wall right along with her. I love those moments! Then the next day they were chasing eachother like monsters and roaring and tickling eachother. There were big hugs and kisses too. Then as we were cleaning up our Christmas decorations they turned one of the rubber maid containers into a boat and then a car and entertained eachother for a quite a while. Don't get me wrong still more often then not their attempts to play together end with Gillian yelling that Alyssa is putting my toy in her mouth, she just hit me, or Alyssa crying a pointing at Gillian accusingly but we are making progress. I always wanted a sister and I am starting to see the love and bond that I always wanted and it makes my heart happy.

Snow much fun!

So...good bye 2008! There are so many good memories but there was also a lot of stress. This is going to be part of my New Years resolution. I am going to take care of myself. I am going to eat right which hopefully will lead to loosing weight. I am also going to TRY to exercise. Anyone who knows me will realize that this could be a great feat if I can stick to it. My first attempt will be at church. The choir director is doing an aerobic class Saturday at 8:00 am. I think this will be a good solution since it will take some prayers to get me going and I will certainly be at the right place.

Gillian and I also had a chance to get out an enjoy some snow on Wednesday. It was a New Year snow which I don't ever remember having before. We broke in her sled she got for Christmas and got out of the house for a while even though it was freezing. I also got some exercise pushing her on the sled and walking up to the park which goes along with my resolution. Alyssa sat this one out it was just too cold for her.

So Happy New Year to all and here's to a great 2009!