Time Flies when you are living life

I haven't blogged in soooo long, but that doesn't mean that I have been reading and learning and going it all over again.    Something about this new year, has given me the desire to start writing again.   Maybe it is because my children are pretty self sufficient and I have more time.   Maybe I am more organized, maybe I have a lot to say.   I don't really know, but I have realized that our lives are fun and busy and crazy and I want to capture it.  

Yesterday was Aaron's 39th birthday. And goose decoy's were his gift and some new waders.   My hobby is reading, cheap & simple.   Where as Aaron's are an every season revolving new adventure.   His latest is goose hunting.  I do give him credit, because he does the research, puts in the time, involves Parker and then with everything he brings home, he always has a delicious way to cook and eat it.   The cooking part is where I generally getting pulled into all of these adventures and I believe I am a pretty good sport.   Like when Aaron made goose jerky recently and under-estimated the time on the smoker and headed off to bed, leaving me in charge to ensure they were the right "jerky" texture and remove them from the smoker on the dark, foggy, drizzly night.    But, I put on my red-neck wife pants and it was the best jerky I have ever had!!

So, we will write down that recipe, the time it took and we will repeat it again in the very near future!
Yum.

Flannel Sheets

I have discovered at 40 years of age - Flannel Sheets and I love them.   They are warm and soft and perfect for a wonderful winters sleep. I especially love the flannel pillow case.

New Year

The new year is off and running, can hardly believe it is 2012.   The holidays were great and I always hate putting away the decorations.   This January has been very odd - NO Snow here in Michigan, just rain.    We kicked off the new year with a Hunt and Wild Game dinner.  Squirrel, Pheasant and Rabbit - I took it but I don't eat it. 




I have read a few books this year already and in one of them it outlined the how everyone has a Life Book full of chapters.  I thought that was interesting because I never thought my Life Book would have a chapter on being the wife of a hunter/fisherman and all that goes with it, but it does and I love it.     I can't wait to see what my next life chapter will be. 

My grandparents are starting a new chapter in their Life book today.   Our grandfather is moving into a nursing home.    Our grandparents have been married for almost 64 years and moving them apart is heart breaking.   The love and care that that my grandmother has given him for 64 years is truly enlightening.    I pray for a easy transition for both of them as they start this new Life Chapter.

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.