Goal: Update

The area we live in was hit with a nasty blizzard. This has killed my training. Since I haven't been able to run outside, I had to hit the gym. Normally I only go to the gym for Zumba so the thought of going to get on treadmill was exasperating. I LOATHE the treadmill. It makes me feel like a hamster running a wheel. You don't go anywhere, and the scenery stays the same.
B-O-R-I-N-G!!! My attitude was horrible about starting, but I remembered the whole reason why I started this goal of running a half marathon...to get my mental toughness back. I set that treadmill for an hour. I ran, and ran, and ran. It felt so good to get over the hump of doing more than my mind wanted to do. I'm definitely sore today, but I'm way ahead of where I wanted to be at this point in my training. Originally I wanted to be able to run for an hour by the end of January. Here it is not even January, and I've already accomplished my January goal. So here's the new goal...keep on, keeping on!

I sure hope you have set a goal for your life in some way. I loved reading a fellow blogger's post on her goals for the future. You can read about it here!
Happy New Year!

Not Too Many Sides of Mason

I would have to say out of the two kids, Mase is way easier these days. That's not to say he doesn't have his days, but he's learning the boundaries quickly. He is my biggest helper. When he's not helping, you can find him doing one of two things. Playing with his cars/trucks, or with his guns.

Forget shooting his eye out. He's going to shoot YOUR eye out.

The Many Sides of Addie

For the most part, Addie is such a happy little girl. She likes music and LOVES to dance. She likes to play with Mason and gets all of the games he plays with her. By far, chase is her favorite. However, she can change her tune on a dime. Christmas morning was the perfect example...

Here she is so happy to play with her brand new baby doll and stroller.

Not even a second later, Mason got too close to her baby.

I wish I had this on video so you could hear her scream.

Both Daddy and Mommy got onto her for screaming at her brother.

The pout begins.
Even with her playing, screaming, and pouting I still love her to pieces. Below are two pictures that capture even more of her personality. She is really loving and will snuggle into you with such ease. Such a sweetheart...

On the other hand, she thinks she is just as big as Mason. Therefore, she wants to do everything he does. So of course, she had to try out Mase's new gun holster and pistol. If anybody got near it, in attempt to take it off she'd throw a fit.

Annie Oakley

Homemade Crescents

This recipe is from my Aunt Pam. She makes these every Thanksgiving and everyone eats them up. You would think she spends all day preparing the dough, but it's very simple.

Aunt Pam's Homemade Crescents

1 pkg yeast
1 cup very warm water
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs, beaten well
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tsp salt
4 1/2 cups flour

• Dissolve yeast in 1 cup of very warm water
• Add sugar and all other ingredients at once
• Mix well
• Place in a greased bowl overnight in the refrigerator

• Separate dough into 3 sections
• Roll out on a floured board 1/4 inch thick. Cut 6-8 pizza slices
• Roll large end to small end and curve into the shape of a crescent
• Place on greased baking sheet. (Each crescent can touch)
• Let rise for hours
• Bake @ 400 degrees fro 8-10 minutes

Happy Cooking!

Dump Truck

What do you do with the brand new dump truck you got from your Papa?

You ask your sister if she wants a ride.

A New Goal

Steven and I have always been goal oriented people. At least once a year, we evaluate where we are in all aspects of our lives and discuss where we want to be in the future. However, there has been one area in my life that has lagged behind, or just been plain forgotten. And that area my friend, is mental toughness.

I didn't even realize I had a problem in this area until I was watching The Biggest Loser (love, love, love this show). I was sitting on the couch (probably eating cookies) watching these once obese, and still overweight individuals run a MARATHON! I mean, really? What kind of psycho chooses to run a marathon. Then it dawned on me. These contestants never saw themselves doing this either. This was a real challenge for them.

After the show was over, I started reflecting on the last time I really challenged myself beyond my physical limits. The answer to that was back in high school! I do work out regularly, but it's the typical workout. Nothing too much. So I began entertaining the idea of running a half-marathon. Now, I loathe running, but this is one area that would take major endurance and training on my part. I have purchased some new (and very flashy) running shoes, and recently started training. I'm up to 3 miles, but need to get to 13.1 miles by May. I'll keep you updated as the training continues.

There are two reasons why I posted this (I was planning on keeping this private until I accomplished my goal).

Reason #1-You now know what I'm going to do so it keeps me accountable.
Reason #2-I'm super curious what kind of goals you have for yourself. Tell me, tell me, tell me (which means you are required to LEAVE A COMMENT, you lovely blog lurkers :))

Peanut Butter Clusters

Parties, luncheons, parties, kids getting ready to be home for Christmas Break, more parties...What do all these have in common? An event where you need some snacks! Here's a delicious, and easy snack that can be made and ready to go in 20 minutes.

Peanut Butter Clusters*

2 cups peanut butter chips
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1-1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
1 cup crushed ridged potato chips

• In a microwave safe bowl, melt peanut butter cips and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
• Add peanuts and chips. Stir until coated.
• Drop level tablespoonsfuls onto waxed paper lined baking sheets.
• Refrigerate until firm.
• Store in air tight container.

Happy Cooking!

*If you are planning on using this recipe for your child's school Christmas Party, please check with the school/teacher for any Peanut Allergies. These delictable treats could be deadly to a child with an allergy.

A Total Mess

Addie is a mess. A complete mess. From her hair to her little toes; she is a mess! Every night we make sure her hair is smooth and combed, but by the time she wakes up in the morning it looks like an owl made a nest on her head. If you know anything about owls, you know they don't make neat nests. They grab a couple of things here and there, and throw it together. It takes forever to get it tamed, and it will stay that way for a total of 5 seconds.

Now for her behaviors. She finally has started walking. She's been crawling, climbing, and standing for a while, but has refused to walk. She's still a little unsure of herself, but is doing well. Below is Addie practicing her climbing skills. She has figured out that she is tiny, and can fit in compact spaces. So while I was cooking dinner, she emptied out all the drawers so she could squeeze herself in. She was sitting in there for the longest time and then stood so she could reach the top drawer.
One reason why Addie is such a mess is because of her Daddy. He treats her like a princess (and I really don't mind). It is so neat to see their relationship. She adores her Daddy, and he adores her. Steven dresses her up. Mostly in my accessories. Here he took my lovely scarf and made her the little fashionist that she is!

I never thought I would enjoy having a little girl as much as I do. For a long time, I thought I would be a mom to 3 boys. Whew...glad I got my girl because I could not imagine my life without her now.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

So I had some of this and that in the cupboard and I didn't want to go to the store so out came this recipe. It turned out well. If you're brave enough, try it and let me know what your family thought. My kids ate it up!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
1 cup cooked rice
2 cup cubed Velveeta cheese
1 can cream of mushroom soup
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
16 oz frozen broccoli, thawed
1/2 medium onion diced
1/4 cup milk
1 cup fried onions

• Add Velveeta, soup, and milk to rice until cheese is melted.
• Add remaining ingredients to rice mixture.
• Pour into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.
• Bake @ 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Super easy, and really delicious! Happy Cooking!