Things I love

I love how happy a donut hole makes my daughter Reese.

I love how confident my son Parker gets when he puts on his work boots, he becomes an invinsible little man.

I love fall (especially after a very hot summer).

I love my new laptop (fast, fast, fast).

I love that my husband has a true best friend in Dan D. I love that he is teaching him all he loves about hunting. 

I love football season and  Friday night bonfires at our house.

I love brand new fall TV shows.

I love that I learned to drive our riding lawn mower and can now help take care of the lawn.

I love that our first pass at a garden was very fruitful - sunflowers, pumpkins, peppers, squash.

I love that I have a blog and that I can write down whatever is on my mind. 

Happy Fall! 

July flies by.....

July is always so fun and so busy.  And this year SO HOT.  We have been enjoying boat rides (oh, I love being on the blue, blue water that we are so close by).   My old (not old),  but dear friend Rachael comes home every July for the whole month.  I love catching up with her and her children and sitting by her parents pool.  Reese is going to be a great swimmer, Parker is still pretty timid around the water. 

My mother in law - the other Jenny Atkinson and my sister in law Stephanie and my nephews Cooper and Carson came to visit for 5 days.   We had fun, fun, fun.  We celebrated Reese's 3rd birthday, went to the beach and splash pad, played in the pool and with the slip and slide in the back yard.    4 kids in the house was loud and the big boys gained up on the little ones - but that is what kids do!! 

REESE'S 3RD BIRTHDAY CAKE

I haven't read much this month.  I did thumb thru the very first issue of the Oprah magazine when I was cleaning up a pile of stuff and an article I read really struck a cord.   It was about Jackie O and how she sometimes had a bad rap because she didn't talk much.  But in all reality, it wasn't because she was unsocial or a bitch, it was because she had a skill that many of us - especially me - don't have.   And that is the skill of listening.  I have always known that one of my flaws is that I interrupt and don't listen without cutting in with my opinion or thoughts.  So, I am trying to be more Jackie O like.  I am trying to listen and not talk as much.  I will keep you posted.    And I guess I need to get to the library!!

Studying

How come I could read 24 hours a day for pleasure about any topic under the sun, but when I have to read and learn something to be able to pass an exam, I have no interest at all?   I hate taking tests, so I hate studying.    I have to obtain my PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification by the end of the year and I have the biggest mental block when it comes to sitting down and studying.    I try highlighting and note cards and taking notes....nothing works.    I have to do get it done though,  it will help me get future raises and promotions.  I will keep you posted.

I would much rather help Parker with his summer homework!  I love watching him and Reese learn!   

Burp Bubbles

Well last night was a parenting milestone.  I leave bathtub scene for 30 seconds to retrieve Parker and Reese's pjs, only to return to the bathroom to Reese coughing, choking and gagging.  Panic stricken, I ask Parker what happened as Reese is crying hysterically and I am trying to wrap her up in a towel.  She apparently squirted out the whole bottle of shampoo and then fill bottle with water and then squirted it in her mouth.    I could tell it burned and I was just waiting for a huge bubble to come out of her everytime she let out an enormous belch!  We have her some milk and calmed her down, she had a raspy voice for about an hour.  Poor girl.  Note to self: do not leave bathroom. 

Travel and Jason Bateman

I don't always remember my dreams, but for some reason I had a dream with Jason Bateman in it last night.  Nothing scandelous, just him on the backseat of the car that I was in and we were on the way to the airport - he just caught a ride with us!   I do think he is amazingly handsome and love his movies - just not sure how he popped into my slumber last night?   

Speaking of heading to the airport....  For the last year I have been receiving Travel & Leisure magazine( free with some air miles I traded in or would have lost them).  At first I thought it was an obnoxious travel mag for the rich and famous.   But, over time I have really enjoyed getting a glimpse into regions around the globe and I have decided that if I ever get unlimited money handed to me, I think that I really would like to travel the globe and eat the food and see how the locals live.    I have never really had a yearning to travel abroad, but this magazine as seduced me.   I know that I likely will never be able to do a world tour, so I will have to reduce my dream to a more narrow scope..... it will absolutely have to be someplace with AWESOME food and weather that is not to hot and not to cold!    

I am anxious to start discovering everything in the U.S first with my husband and children, so I need to get a travel magazine that is just for the U.S. and all this country has to offer.    Maybe we can go on a BBQ tour!  (more on BBQ later)!

Have a great day all of you wunderlusts! 

Turning 40

This month I turned 40.  I have to admit that from the minute I turned 39, I thought about turning 40.   I never got depressed or anything; just more reflective.  I made a few goals that I wanted to meet (amazingly, most of them I did) and I looked back at all the different phases of my 40 years.   As cliche' as it may sound I have a very strong feeling that things will only get better and I look forward to the next 40 years and the adventures they will bring.  

Now on to the fun stuff - can you say SURPRISE?   My wonderful husband pulled off the parties of all parties to celebrate my birthday.   My mom picked me up for lunch and the movies with my 2 sister in laws and when she pulled in the yard to drop me off I was greeted by over 100 family and friends - big white tents, a band, a barn full of food, kids running around everywhere, and coolers of drinks.    It was an amazing party with friends old and new and family old and new.   I felt truly blessed to be surrounded by so much love and fun.    Aaron (husband) recruited my mom and sister in laws and great friend Tiff to help with all the planning and execution of the party from a souvenior can coozy for each guest , a pinata for the kids, food, banner, etc.  I owe each of them a huge thank you and will probably spend the next 40 years trying to show them how grateful I am. 

One of the gifts I received for my 40th birthday was gift card to Amazon - one of my favorite stores - especially for books.  So, I ordered and received 2 books that I thought would be perfect for the summer. 
I am a huge follower of the blogger The Pioneer Woman.   She wrote a book about how she want from big city life to marrying a cowboy and living on a ranch.  She has amazing recipes, taste and sense of humor.  I am a huge fan.   Well the book arrived on Sat. and I finished it Sunday night!!  Yeah, I am a fan.    The second book is also a based on something I have been a huge fan of for years - Sex and the City.  I have seen every episode and both movies and read the book it was all based on.   Candace Bushnell the author has started a series of books that are prequels to the Sex and the City story.   So, I am now reading Summer and the City  - part of the Carrie Diaries.    I haven't thru it as fast, but it is definitely a great summer read. 

Flying Pool

It has been very hot here the last few days, it seems as though we went from snow to rain to 90 degrees.  So, on Sunday I went to Kmart (the closest store in these parts) and got a plastic pool for the kiddies.  It is exactly what a 2.5 yr. old and 5yr. old need - because they don't swim - they just hop in and out!   More sand and grass ends up in this pool than water - but they love it and I love hearing them laugh. 
Last night after cooling off after dinner - I emptied the pool and left it upside down up against the sandbox - this morning it is in our neighbors backyard.    That must have been some wind last night - I would have loved to see the pool flying thru the air. 

On a seperate note, I lacking creativity in the "what to have for dinner" department.  Parker had a 5 yr Dr. appt. this week - so I (admits with shame), brought home with me a few summer magazines, that had grilling /summer recipes on the cover.  Maybe that will give me some inspiration.   I love reading and looking at cookbooks, but the excecution is where I fail.  

Catch Up

Next Monday I turn 40.  One of my goals was to start a blog and though I did that - I haven't been diligent on updating it in the last 2 months.   Life is just busy.   But, a great friend prompted me to get back at it..... so hear is a quick catch up.

 - Swapped my office with Toy Room - painted and made a Pirate theme.  Now have to finish my new office! (more lovely wallpaper to finish).
 - it rained and rained.
- T-Ball Started - love it!
- Jonathan and Kristina Wedding weekend - kids were in the wedding and everything was so fun and perfect!  
- Trip to Iowa for Grandma Jenny's 60th Birthday and Mother's Day.  We gave her a ipod nano - can't wait to hear her playlist!
- Lost some much needed weight and went tanning - feel really great!
- Starting cutting Grandma's grass, love the exercise and the time my kids get to hang out with their Great-Grandparents.
 - Brother Andy and family moved to Dexter Twp.  I already miss them. 
- Finally stopped raining and did some major yard work!  Landscaped out new bonfire pit area-  LOVE IT.
- My day job has been crazy.  Most days I don't even step away from my computer. 
- Aaron completed his new Smoker - we tested it with ribs/pork butt over the weekend. Yummy.

Lastly, because I have been working after everyone goes to bed, I haven't been reading much.  I had an overdue fine at the library for the book Freedom.   That sucker is like 900 pages and not the easiest read, but I got thru it.   I am looking forward to seeing the movie The Help and re-reading that book this summer.   I have been cutting suggested reading out of magazines and am ready for some light-hearted summer fare.

Summer is going to be great.  My in-laws are coming in July.  Dear Friend is coming home from Mexico for a visit.  Swimming in the river at the Beach and Aunt Joanne's.  Parades. Fair. Splash Pad.  And our family favorite - POPSICLES!

Sick Kids and Sky Scrapers

Recently Parker has been asking a lot about Sky Scrapers.  I am not sure where he orginally heard, seen or read about them but he is dying to see one.   We drive pretty darn close to some pretty tall buildings in Chicago on our way to Iowa.  I guess on one of our upcoming trips we will be taking a slight detour to the John Hancock Building.  I love that he has a interest in the city and I can't wait to see his face when we sees one in the distance.  It got me thinking about what living in a really big city, a city where you can walk everywhere and have restuarants and stores at your finger tips, would be like..  I wonder why my path never took me to a big city other than for work & travel.  I wonder if I would really like it or if I just love the glamour of it.   Since I am still obessed with Sex and the City (yes, I have all the episodes on DVD and watch the re-runs on E! and have both movies), I wonder if it is how they make NYC out to be heaven on earth that makes me wonder if I could really live somewhere without a yard and with millions of neighbors.   I don't know if I will ever have my curiosity resovled, which is ok, because not knowing makes for wonderful DAYDREAMING. 

Reese got very sick this week - Diagnosis  Pneumonia.  She is just so little and when she gets sick, she is a clinger.   She is normally a all over the place, checking everything out; but when she is sick she just wants to lay down and rest her head; it is just so precious.   Sick children make me very anxious.  I never know how to make them feel more comfortable.   All I want to do is hold them and then I worry about everything else I should be doing, so the whole time they are sick I am full with anxiety.   She is on the mend and everything manages to get done one way or another.  Most importantly is that she is happy and healthly - the dirty dishes will wait.

The winter that will not end.

We had a snow storm yesterday April 3rd!  I really feel like this has been the longest winter ever.   This week is spring break and I am very happy and jealous of all of those people that made the exodus out of Michigan for warmer destinations. 

We need it to be spring because there are so many things we are looking forward to:  Easter Egg Hunts, Easter, Parker's 5th Birthday, Open Day for Little League, watching Reese master the art of riding the tri-cycle,  our trip to Iowa for Grandma Jenny's 60th birthday and Mother's Day and Jon/Kristina's wedding.    There are also a zillion other birthday's peppered in there!   

I have been reading some really great books lately - Twelve Rooms with a View, was an unexpected gem that I just pulled from a shelf and I loved it - my need for sun, warm weather and opening the windows has only one down side - I won't be able to curl up with a good book under a warm blanket. 

World Premiere

Friday night we went to the World Premiere of the movie Being From Another Planet.   It was my first premiere! 

Last summer my dad was approached by the Producer of the movie, to fly a camera man around East China and Marine City to film footage for a independent film they were making in the area.  Knowing my dad, you know that he didn't even hesitate - this is right up his alley!  So, when they decided to premiere the movie in Marine City dad was given tickets to attend and we all decided to support his movie making debut. 

Nine of us joined my parents for 2 hours and twenty minutes of popcorn and movie viewing.   I am not going to say much about the film (as I am hardly a critic).  But, the atmosphere and excitement at the theatre were awesome.  Everyone was so thrilled to see the sites and locations of Marine City on the big screen.  Aaron and I were especially tickled, because a lot of the film was shoot right next door to our home at the East China Stadium and Performing Arts Center.   I hope the movie does well as the Producer takes it around to the Independent Film Festivals this summer. 

I love that such cool adventures can happen right in our small town.

Life, showers, decorating and food.

My plan to write frequently flew out this window the last week.  It doesn't mean that I have been just watching the snow melt in the yard though.   Besides my day job, I made a huge push last week to put the finishing touches on Reese's bedroom.  After I took her crib down, I started a 3 month effort to peel the wallpaper in her room and then spackle, sand, paint and etc.  Last week I finished up with painting her dresser.   I think the whole project turned out great and she seems to love it.  She loves our new routine of going up stairs to read before bed, she turns on the night light and her room glows a calming pink. 
So, with that room behind me, I immediately started peeling wallpaper in the current "toy room".   We were so lucky to get a desk from my wonderful Aunt Donna and Uncle Glenn, so my plan is to create a toy room/tv room for the kids and then put my office where their toy room used to be.  So, that will be my spring project.   I have been saving decorating ideas that I cut of of magazines into a binder for years and I am so excited to be putting those ideas to use. 

My mom and I also had the pleassure of hosting a small wedding get-together for my future sister in law Kristina at my mom's house last Saturday night.  It was just the moms, sister-in laws, aunts, god mothers and grandmas.  We had wonderful little foods.  The grand introduction of CAKE POPS.  http://www.bakerella.com/  We talked about everyone's weddings, it was great fun to hear stories of all these great women's weddings and receptions.  So much planning and effort goes into one day and everyone has such special memories.  So, we are now on the countdown to the big day for Jon and Kristina - it is going to be so fun.  http://www.thomasedisoninn.com/   

Lent also started last week and I have given up my beloved Starbucks Iced Mochas.  I actually started a low-carb life style last week as well, so far so good; I will keep you posted.   I really would like to go a Wednesday night Lenten service but they do not start until 7:30 p.m. , kind of late for the Atkinson kids.   http://www.stpaulscasco.com/

The highlight of the week was a field trip with Parker's Pre-School class to the St. Clair County Main Branch Library in Port Huron.  I am sad to say this was my first visit, but happy to say it will not be my last.  The class got to decorate their own book bags and then we listened to some stories.  The children then got to wander the children's section and marvel at all the treasures - books on dvds, puppets, books, dvds, games, comfy chairs and a fish tank. 

Lastly - we made a visit to the St. Clair Library on Saturday (even dragged Aaron along) to see Scooby Doo who was making an appearance.   I really thought Parker and Reese would love seeing him, they really dig the show!  Little did I know that seeing a man in a dog costume would bring on panic attack (Parker) and murderous cries (Reese).  So instead we watched him thru the window and then left for lunch! 

Recipes and More

I frequently get in a cooking rut of making the same dinners week after week.  I know if I am sick of the lack of variety I am sure my family is too.   So then I get motivated to pull out the ol' cookbooks looking for new interesting dinners that will statisfy my meat and potatoes husband, my super picky eater son and I will try anything daughter.  Oh, and it needs to sound good to me as well, plus I have to have most of the ingredients in the house.   I am usually pretty fortunate that something catches my eye and I have in the house what I need to create this new culinary masterpiece that my family will love.  Sometimes this new dish makes it into the rotation and sometimes it is not a "keeper".  "Keeper" is a phrase my dad coined when we were little whenever my mom made something new - he would say - "That's a Keeper", if he liked it and would like to eat it again. 
What I have noticed through all my years of thumbing thru cookbooks is that I like the pictures.   I like to see the end product.  I HATE cookbooks with no pictures.  I have to see what I am cooking is supposed to look like at the end.    So gradually over the last couple of years I have been looking online for recipes and and of course those wonderful glossy magazines - because they have such great pictures of the food and for some reason that motivates me more to try them.    My favorite new site that has recipes that my husband loves is The Pioneer Woman.   http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/   We have recently tried and loved her Meatloaf, Chicken Fried Steak and Banana Bread.   I would totally recommend it if you need some inspiration. 

Today though will be some left over chili, left from my entry in our church's Annual Chili Cookoff.  I have entered probably 5-7 times and the best I ever did was 3rd place.  Chili is a great winter food and I hope that this is the last time I make it this year until the fall. 

Kindergarten Roundup

Calling all Kindergarteners!  Last night in Parker's backpack I found a packet of information to read and fill out for Kindergarten Registration.    Parker has been in some sort of structured daycare and pre-school since he was 12 weeks old, so I am an old hat at filling out the forms.  But, something about starting the BIG K is a huge milestone in a parents life.  So, I read thru all the papers last night and this morning I have been pondering the decisions we have to make, like what days should he go and should he ride the bus.  September seems so far away , but I know it will be here before we know it.    He is ready, so I guess I am ready.

Also found in Parker's backpack was a list of different types of books he should read this month and if he reads them all he gets a prize from his Pre-School Teacher.  I am going to love reading the following with him: 

• Book about Farm Animals
• Jan Brett Book
• Richard Scarry Book
• Book about Oceans
• Book about Friends
• Book about Cars, Boats, Trains or Planes
• Bible Story
• Book about Numbers
• Book about Manners
• Book of your Choice
• Book about Teeth
• Eric Carle Book
• Nursery Rhyme
• Clifford Book
• Book about Outer Space

Unexpected Treasures

I love going to the library and have become a fan of the Library Used Book Sale.   It is a great way to give a few bucks back to the library for all they do for you. 

There is a local library that is fortunate enough to have a room set aside for a continual Used Book Sale.  It constantly has new selections and the best part is you can fill a whole plastic sack (more recyling) for $3.    On Monday ,I got 5 hardcovered Children's books (practically brand new), a biography on John Adams and a few magazines for 3 bucks!  If I am going to get my children a treat - there is nothing better than a book. 

I just got the St. Clair County Library newsletter and quickly jotted down when the booksales are going to be this spring across the county.   I have gotten some wonderful books for pennies over the years.  I am always on the look out for excellent condition children's books, really, really, old books that smell musty and of course the current releases that I am too cheap to buy full price or that I never got around to checking out. 

If my bookselves at home start to bow, I sort through my collection and donate them to the library so that someone else might find a book they have wanted or one they didn't even know they wanted and plus the library makes a little extra money. 

Slight Addiction

One of my reading vices is Magazines.   Before it was trendy to sit in a bookstore and read them, I used to buy them at the checkout!  Whoa, now that can be an expensive habit.  So, when I became a coffee drinker and had more spare time on my hands than I do these days, I used to love getting a coffee at whatever bookstore (I am not picky), and a big stack of magazines and just sit and peruse the glossy pages and dream of a more glamorous life.  I love that at a book store you can find the most obscure magazines.   I love looking in to the lives of celebrities, getting decorating ideas, looking at the latest fashions, reading about travel and cooking.  Magazines get me excited and motivated.  I am always eager to try a new product, or read a book they recommend, or to paint my house or try a new recipe that looked good.  Magazines are a little drug of motivation.

Now that my life doesn't lend it self to frequent bookstore visits, I subscribe to some publications (way cheaper than the newstand price).  I love the days they arrive and can't wait to tuck everyone into bed, so I can have some ME reading time.  Some of my favorites are:  Working Mother, RedBook, Travel+Leisure, Marie Claire, Mary Janes Farm, InStyle, O, Parenting, EveryDay with Rachel Ray. 

I save a lot of them, but most I remove articles that I want to save or I scan in pages.  Then I recycle, share or donate the rest.  Tonight I am anxious to read the new Marie Claire, they do a great job of educating you about women around the world. 

A surprise in the mail

I have a wonderful friend.  We have been friends for almost 15 years.  We have the same sense of humor, the need to be creative, we both love to read and watch movies.  We met as single gals, that worked at the same company and lived pretty close to each other.  Then we moved a little further apart, then we met our guys, then we moved further apart, then we didn't work together anymore,  then we had kids ....  We went from talking daily to now once a month if we are lucky.   Proximity has really been the biggest factor, because - she doesn't know it - but if we still lived close I would be over all the time.  I miss her so much and just when I think I need to call Tiffany - I get a small gift in the mail from her.  It is like magic.

The surprise in the mail this time was the movie - Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts.  (** Tiffany's favorite actress by the way).    I was so thrilled because of course she knew that I have been wanting to see this movie.   I read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert last summer, I was probably the last gal on earth to read it - but I am glad I did.   I did not run out to read it, because I wrongly thought it was a self-help book; which I guess it could be.  But, I enjoyed it as a lovely story and an adventure. I admired that Elizabeth was empowered to take a year to travel and re-discover herself.  What 3 countries would you go to - if you could EAT, PRAY, LOVE??     I would recommend the book  if there is a soul out there, that still has not read it. 

As far as the movie goes - it was beautiful and I will cherish it because my best gal thought to send it to me; but of course the book was better! 

A Quick stop at the Library

Last Friday after I picked up Parker and Reese from Day Care we decided to make a quick stop at the St. Clair Library before we picked up our pizza and headed home.   We went straight to the children's room (the library has a great children's room that is behind closed doors!).   So, while Parker and Reese picked out some movies and books and played with the cool puppets and such, I found myself looking thru the Juniors section.  A book on Anne Frank caught my eye and I added it to our stack.  We left with 4 movies, 2 Dinosaur books, a book about going potty, a Richard Scarry book and 2 Oprah magazines. 

When it was my time to cozy up in our den with everyone else tucked into bed, I couldn't wait to dive into the Anne Frank book.  It is called Anne Frank - Her life in words and pictures.  From the Archives of the Anne Frank House.    I know the story of Anne Frank, but I have never read anything of detail on the subject.  I have read much on the Holocaust and was eager to read about this young girl's experience.   The book may have been in the Jr. Section of the Library - but it was perfect.  The bright colored pictures that accompanied the written word, transported me to Secret Annex right with her.  It is a perfect little book and I read the whole thing Friday night. 

Over the course of the rest of the weekend and the Monday snow day - we watched the movies and read the rest of the books we got.  Parker is really into Dinosaurs - especially T-Rex.   We read that a T-Rex's tooth is the size of a banana.  Those kind of comparsions are excellent learning tools! 

I have always loved to Read!

I am turning 40 this year.  One of the things I wanted to accomplish before that milestone was to create a blog.  So, here goes nothing.  When I set about researching blogs, I realized quickly that I would need a topic.  I am married, I work, I am a mom, but before I was all of those things I was a reader.   I have been reading everything I can get my hands on since I started reading.  So, what better topic to blog about than what I have read and what I have learned.  I am excited to start this little project and to navigate the blogshere - so bare with me as I  - Read and Learn and Repeat.