Pinterest Weekly Link-up

Hi All!

Again, this week I am linking up with AP at ILYMTC to show off one pin I did this week.  I apologize in advance, but I was so worried that I was going to forget to drop them by my mom’s house I forgot to take a picture, so any pictures are courtesy of PINTERST. I have been super absent minded lately, so I had to do what I could do to remember..ha

Next Monday is my sister Allie’s 16^th birthday, yes I can’t believe that my youngest sister is 16..ahhh it feels like just yesterday I was babysitting her and driving her around in her carseat buying her cute clothes..ha  She plays volleyball for her high school team and is having a team dinner tonight at my mom’s house so she requested I make her some Cake Mix puppy chow…I made it once at Easter time and gave it out in cute little bags to our guests and she loved it..so I made her some for her dinner tonight. It’s super easy, and super good!

Ingredients needed..

1 bag of melt able chocolate disks (white—though you can use any color)—I get mine at Michaels.

1 box of Chex Cereal (I tend to like the rice)

A small dollop of shortening

½--3/4 cup of funfetti cake mix

Sprinkles (optional)

Powdered Sugar

This is so easy, you just melt the chocolate and add the dollop of shortening stir until completely melted. Pour over cereal and coat evenly. Add half of the mixture to a bag and mix in ¼ of the cup of funfetti cake mix and ½ cup of powdered sugar..you can also add the sprinkles in..shake until fully coated. Lay on cookie sheet in single layer to dry. Repeat with second half.

*NOTE** You can add a bit more funfetti mix if you would like a stronger flavor of cake mix—though it does get sweet FAST!

It’s so easy and soooo yummy!

What does God really think?

                 I know this post is all over the place, but I have alot of thoughts on this and it's one of those topics that is extremely difficult to get out without offending someone, or having other's get the wrong message. I'm sorry in advance.

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but I was raised Catholic. My parents sent us to Catholic Schools and made sure we were at church every Sunday (or Saturday night). For awhile, they even made sure we never wore jeans or shorts to church..EVER..then when we switched parishes and there was no air conditioning that quickly changed. As we got old we chose to go to church on our own at the time that fit us each better. This mainly was because my parents wanted to go to the early masses and HELL-O kids don’t want to get up early for church. I can proudly say I did go to church and even took my little sisters with me when my mom and dad were working. I lectured in the church when I was in middle and high school and I volunteered for a lot of church and school related activities. I even attended the “optional” church services like the last supper re-enactment, Good Friday services, Holy Thursday, etc—WITHOUT my parents making me. I really loved going to church and learning things about the faith.

                I’m not going to lie when I say that today things are a little different. I still have strong beliefs in the Catholic Church, but certain things I question and I can’t see past. Maybe it’s because I married someone who wasn’t catholic, maybe it’s because I’m older and have a deeper thought process. I really don’t know. I still believe in God and I most definitely believe in prayer and that while God gives you free will, he inevitably is in control. The question I constantly am contemplating is, can you still be catholic if you don’t agree with EVERY single teaching of the church. I mean really do ALL Catholics participate in abstinence because the church teaches that pre-marital sex is a sin and we shouldn’t do it? I think premarital sex, personally is a choice an individual makes for their own feelings of self worth, for the spouse they WILL someday marry. I didn’t do it because the church tells us not to, I do it because I want to feel good about myself and my decisions.  Another thing that baffles me about the church is birth control. The church says using birth control is wrong, yet they preach about NFP (Natural family planning, which is essentially birth control-if you do it right). I thought the church teaches us that God created man and woman to pro-create and preventing that from happening is a sin. I am constantly asking myself am I a sinner because I chose to use BC when I was in college for health reasons? Am I sinner because I chose to use some sort of birth control after  my first child was born because, umm yea there was no way we, as new parents could handle or afford two babies at once… Am I a sinner because we used some sort of birth control when my husband was laid off for over a year because he wasn’t bringing in any income? I mean really, if you count all the things I’ve done wrong in this situation I’m surely going to hell, or at least taking up some poor priests entire Saturday in the confessional. These are a few of the things that baffle me with the Catholic Church. Why can’t I believe in god, pray to him, teach my children about him and continue to live my life as a good person, helping others and so forth and not be considered as constantly sinning? I do agree with the church that life is precious and that God created man and woman to pro-create, but if he did this, than why did he create some people unable to conceive? One may argue that it’s because he has a bigger plan—like adoption for all the children out there who need good parents. But really, why is there so many stipulations? The church is becoming so contradictory to me. I strongly feel like there are certain things that don’t need to play a part in the church.  Abortion, pre-marital sex, birth control, co-habitating before marriage, etc. are PERSONAL choices, and any person who was raised in the Catholic Church I feel should already have good morals and will make the decision that they feel is right for them.  It shouldn’t be considered a sin when you make a personal decision.  God gave us free will, I sometimes wonder why we are sinners for using it.  Lastly, why am I a sinner if I miss mass? Is praying at church and reading the scriptures at church the only way I can show God I’m a follower? I can do BOTH at home. This doesn’t mean we should NEVER go to church, but I think it’s kind of a stretch to say you are sinning by not giving up ONE hour of your Sunday for God.

                I’m Catholic and I don’t care if others don’t think I should be classified as that for whatever reason. Yes, I’ve used BC, yes I lived with someone before I got married, no, I don’t go to church every Sunday, yes I’m against Abortion but will sometimes vote for a candidate for presidency if they support it because there are MORE issues than just Abortion when it comes to an election, but I will never stop believing in God, I will never stop teaching my children about God and his works. I will go to church, and I will still voice my opinion on how ANTI-abortion I am and I will use BC if I chose to for whatever reason, because the church is there for guidance and support not to make my personal decisions for me. I will continue to give to others and put others first. I will continue praying because I know God has the final say.  I will continue to lean on God and his teachings EVERYDAY not just on days I am down or feel like I need a little help.  I will continue to be a good person and isn’t that being a Christian is all about?

Not just pinning, but doing.......

Today I am linking up with AP at ILYMTC to share some ideas that I have gotten off of Pinterest and attempted to re-create! I love crafting, baking, etc but find little time these days with working, and parenting 2 little boys under 4....but when I do find the time I can't deny that I love doing it!
Here are a few things that I have PINNED and followed through on :)

I made this super easy wreath, and attached the wreath with pins so I could remove them easily to change out for the season. It took a little bit of time, but it turned out cute. The only thing I can say is I used the flat top pins, and I would recommend using the ones with the balls on top for better hold, otherwise I had little pieces of burlap falling out. I then just cut the burlap into strips, folded over and pinned; easy as can be. I then added felt flowers...those were kind of just make shift a bit..ha I folded them in circles and rolled them and pinned them down. If I took the pin out of the flower, it would come fully apart.

I also made this cake for my dad's birthday. He is a golfer and I thought it would be cute to actually try this pin I saw aw few months back. Again, not a lot of time for me so I try and keep things easy, while still being cute, so this was one box of any kind of cake mix. (I used white--even though chocolate would look more like a hole in the ground when cutting out a circle in the cake) and bank accordingly, then it says you should be able to use jar frosting, but I found out it wouldn't stay up as nicely as I would have liked it to since I was trying to make grass. I then cut a circle out of the cake and attempted to fill it with chocolate frosting so it looked like dirt, FYI--not a good idea the crumbs from the inside of the cake made this near impossible. TIP: use a chocolate cake next time. Anyways, then I piped homeemade buttercream frosting (powdered sugar, shortening or butter, milk and vanilla) dyed green all over the cake. I then took a toothpick and placed a construction paper red flag on it to indicate a hole on the golf course! I think it turned out cute!

And my PIN I will share on this link up will be my son's 3rd birthday party. He loves sports (his daddy appreciates that mucho!) and he loves the Green Bay Packers, was there any doubt?? :) So, of course his 3rd birthday was a Packer Themed Party. The dessert table came from many ideas on Pinterest. My hubby helped make the goal post out of PVC piping and I made the yummy treats to put on it, courtesy of pinterest!

Hopefully I will be having a FALL decor blog post later this week showcasing all my fall decorations, and that will definately include many pinterest ideas. I'm making it a point, like AP, DO more than just Pin! Happy Monday!

Sweet tooth?

Wow 2 reviews in one week, actually two posts in one week...what's happening to me!?

Awhile back I was on a couponing kick, I'll share more later. While I was researching couponing I came across some groups that allowed me to join and review products and share with my friends coupons, etc. One of these was Bzz agent and let me tell you I have been turned on to so many products through this group.

Recently they sent me out some coupons to try some of the UNREAL! candy for free.  UNREAL! candy has no artificals, no corn syrup and no hydrogenated oils! So, it's candy that's good for you, right? Now, there are a few different kinds, but my 3.5 year old loves what he calls "Reeses butter cups" so I decided to try the peanut butter cups. I went over to Michaels (the craft store :) ) and purchased a few of them because I knew if we liked them we'd be going to through them and I didn't want anyone upset with me if there weren't enough, and don't even think my child was going to share..

These definately passed the child test as my son LOVED them. He never knew the difference between the UNREAL! brand and the "other" brands we buy-and they are a little better for you! (Though what 3.5 year old would be able to tell the difference.) So I decided that since Bzz agent would like RELIABLE reviews I should probably taste them as well; so I did. They were super yummy! I could  buy these and not tell others the brand and no one would know they weren't Reeses. Now, that doesn't mean I won't ever buy Reeses, because let's be serious now I do only buy what's on sale and cheaper than the next. I can say that these candies are often times on sale at Walgreens so if they beat the competitors price I would snatch up in a second. I am not sure ALL the places you can buy them, though I believe that information is listed on their website.  I can tell you they are availabe at Michael's Craft Store and Walgreens by me.

Since Bzz Agent was so kind and sent me some FREE item coupons and I only handed out a few, I would be more than happy to send them out to those who would like to try them.

If you would like me to send you a coupon or 2 send me an email at loveandcoupons (at) gmail (dot) com! I will get them out tonight for you!

Hair Problems? Anyone?

I have MAJOR HAIR ISSUES LATELY...

First off, shampoo and conditioner "whoas" have been happening over here. I cannot get my hair to feel even remotely soft these days. I have VERY VERY thick, straight hair. I have to straighten it every day and I hate it becuase it never feels like it does when I leave the salon. So frustrating! But, I have been trying some new shampoos and conditioners lately and I swear to you this has been an uphill battle. I even went and chopped my hair off (not ALLLLLLLL but a good chunk) just because I was sick of feeling it. See, this is serious people! Anyways...I don't like spending alot on these things because 1) I'm a cheapskate and 2) I spend enough on my hair appts and my hubby would kill me. So I started cheap, which, yes is probably the first mistake, but you live and learn...
Garnier Fructis, which by the way Dr. Oz said once on his show was the best CHEAP shampoo you can use on your hair....well, he was wrong, for me anyways....it never made my hair soft and it was impossible to get a comb through it when I got out of the shower.
Herbal Essences, if I'm being honest here I tried this strictly because I love the scent and it always lasts forever on my hair. No, not a winner..same issues I had with Garnier, except this one smelled better.
I then went on a work related trip to Boston, with every intention of just using the hotel shampoo to get me through this 3 day trip, but the humidity did a number on my hair almost instantly when I landed so I scoped out the mall and found an Aveda store, which BTW I love Aveda, though I don't like the price tag. I broke down and bought the Smooth Infusion shampoo and conditioner and the sweet salesman loaded me up on samples of the leave in Damage Remedy (WHICH I LOVE and highly recommend!). I went back and used it that night and ahhhhh sweet softness, and it only cost me $46.00 ahhhhhhhhhhh!!! This would be fine for a normal person, with normal hair whose shampoo would last for awhile, but have I mentioned I have a TON of thick hair and I use more than normal people when I wash my hair. This shampoo seriously would last me for maybe a month IF THAT.
Then last night I was in the shower and saw all the packets of sample shampoos I have gotten in the mail recently and I decided to try the Pantene Aqua Light shampoo and conditioner...ohhh lord this stuff is amazing...I can't seriously say enough good things about this. I am actually heading to Target (with my coupons in tow) to purchase these. My hair has never felt softer, and the most amazing this is my hair doesnt look flat at the end of the day like it used to. I am not kidding people..this is like liquid gold (the other one..hehe) I am so looking forward to adding this to my regime and I'm sure my husband will like the price tag much better!!

Ian's Fiesta!

Little Ian turned one on April 25th and on the 28th we had a little fiesta party for him. My original plan was to do a Dr. Seuss themed party because, well I love all the colors associated with Dr. Seuss..ha plus my pinterest wall was bombarded with cutesy Dr. Seuss stuff. We decided we wanted to serve tacos at the party, and being the OCD person I am I could not have tacos at a Dr. Seuss themed party...you know we needed things like Sneetch Treats and Green Eggs and Ham. So we thought for awhile and decided to do a little fiesta for him.

The menu consisted of Chicken and beef tacos, a salsa and guacamole bar, mexican rice, fresh fruit, chicken enchiladas (courtesy of the hubby's dad's girlfriend) and refried beans and black beans. Everything was super yummy, especially the 18lbs of chicken my husband smoked and shredded all by himself! Extremely Grateful!

Here are some pics of the food...

We ordered a cake from a local (small) bakery...this was the first time ordering from her and man it was amazing. We have vanilla bean cake on the bottom tier and apple spice (to die for!) on the top....She frosted it in buttercream for us because we aren't too fond of fondant....It turned out absolutely adorable!

I also made up some super yummy desserts for everyone to try...and chili pepper cookies were the favors everyone got to take home as a special thank you!

And last but not least...the cutest little 1 year old ever ( I know it's a little blurry..the little stinker never slows down!) T-shirt was courtesy of Bebe Boutiques on Etsy. We loved it and we got it SUPER FAST!

We are so thankful to such a wonderful family who came to celebrate with us!

Menu Monday

This week is my first week without any school. I usually have school two nights a week so this is super nice, and my summer classes are both online so I'm excited! I can finally get back into the kitchen!

Monday: Leftovers---we had a cookout yesterday, so today will be leftovers!
Tuesday: Mini Stuffed Peppers (I made this recipe up using mini sweet peppers in the crock pot--if it works out I will most certainly share the recipe!)
Wednesday--Pot Roast and Potatoes and Carrots
Thursday--My sisters 27th birthday! I will be making hot beef and my mom is making homemade mac and cheese and we are taking it over to her!
Friday--Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce and Salad (This recipe was found in my ALL YOU magazine for May)

Hope everyone has a week filled with wonderful recipes..and please feel free to share your favorites! I always like new things and my husband loves trying them! :)

My little baby is 1 today..I am so sad and I'm not quite sure why. With my first son I was so happy with each milestone and couldn't wait till he was older and I could communicate better with him. This time I'm so sad. I don't know if it's because Ian is such a fun, easy baby or what, but I am kind of glad he's such a peanut, because he doesn't feel like 1 just yet though..ha His personality and actions prove differently.

Here are some stats for him:
Born 4/25/2011
1 year old--19 lbs 14 ounces
                     28 1/2inches long  (in 5% for both weight and height)

Loves to run around, climb and laugh at anything and everything. You seriously are the cutest, happiest baby. You love to play ball and one of the few words you can say now is BALL...who would have thought that would have been your 1st word! You say car, mama, dada, nana, and "KEY" which you say when you point at Kili, our dog. You are so smart. You love picking up the phone and saying hello, (only it doesn't sound like hello, but you are consistent with what you say, so we think that's what you are trying to say) you take shoes you find and try putting them on your feet, and you try everything out as a hat by putting it on your head.

You love your big brother and he loves you so much too, and he never fails to tell you that! You guys play so well together (most times) and you are such a tough little guy when Logan forgets you aren't able to "tackle" when playing "touchdown." You just get right back up and have a good time!


You are starting to not like it when I leave you at daycare in the morning. It breaks my heart to hear you crying and gripping onto me when I try and leave--this is definitely new, but I hear it only lasts about 5 minutes and then you forget about me. You love your mommy and daddy and nana's and papa's so much! We also can't believe what a good listener you are. We say no and majority of the time you turn away and go on your way and it's amazing to us since Logan's ears didn't always work so well! :)

We love you so much and can't believe this year has already passed. It has been an amazing year with you and your brother and I know that it can only get better!

And just because I think this is hilarious and totally shows your personality I have to share!
Crazy Hair day at school!

Menu Monday

Menu Monday!

I am linking up with Meredith and sharing our menu for the week. I am hoping that this helps me stick a little more to my meal plans and actually FIND the time to do them on Saturday or Sunday for the following week! I love to cook so this shouldn’t be a problem, but we are just so darn busy that I can’t always find the time…but no excuses anymore! Ha!

Monday: Bow-Tie Pasta with Roasted vegetables(I added some grilled chicken)(courtesy of Blue Eyed Bride) 

Tuesday: Tailgate Food--we are heading to the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game!

Wednesday: Navy Bean Soup and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (with Avocado and Bacon)

Thursday: Cafe Rio Chicken over Rice and Black Beans

Friday: Home made Pizzas

Saturday: Beer and Cheese Tasting event

Sunday: Smoked Sausage Bake 

If anyone is interested in any recipes not posted here or linked to here, just comment with an email address and I would be more than happy to send them, or email me at Loveandcoupons@gmail.com

Boy Mom Alert!

I would be lying if I said I don’t dream about and have dreamt about dressing up a little girl and doing girly things with them like baking (my favorite thing to do!) and crafting! But I love my boys and love all the fun things they (let) me do with them!

We suffered a miscarriage a few months after we were married and when the genetic testing was done (we were young and wanted to make sure nothing was wrong with us—even though miscarriages are very normal) we found out the baby was a little boy. We then got pregnant a few months later and found out around Labor Day of 2008 that he was a boy…..and HEALTHY…so excited. We didn’t disagree as much on names with him as we thought but after a few back and forth talks we agreed on Logan…he looks just like his daddy and his personality is the spittin’ image of him as well! Love him and his quirkiness and the crazy funny things he says…

After about a year of my husband being laid off (when Logan was 6 months old) we waited patiently for him to get a job so we could give Logan a brother or a sister. After finally landing a job (ANYTHING IS PERFECT when you aren’t working for a year) we got pregnant right away and at Christmas time 2010 we found out it was another little boy…I won’t lie I was at the ultrasound alone and cried my eyes out the whole way to my husband’s office to tell him the news. I realized how stupid that was because we already had a super healthy little boy and another healthy one on the way..how awful to be sad about this…but I wasn’t sad..I think I just like the idea of thinking IT MAY BE A GIRL…then in a matter of seconds on the ultrasound it was over..ha…so I happily went over and told the hubby he was going to get TWO sons now!

My boys are the world to me and I love watching them grow so much. Ian is such a little peanut and soo happy all the time. Logan keeps me on my toes with his super funny comments and personality, and she sure is a sweetheart who loves to cuddle.

                                    I am so lucky and blessed and guess I am a boy mom! 

Let It go.....

Lately I’ve been dealing with this horrible anxiety because of a situation I would prefer to put behind me and never think of again. Then again, I never thought I would have to ever think about a situation like this before either…

Before I explain let me just say I do believe a portion of this is my fault. It’s my own problem that I am creating a situation out of this, but nonetheless its annoying.

My husband works for a company with very few if anyone his age. He can’t really relate to a lot of the people, but back in January he started texting some girl from work (she is in a different state). He said he has to talk to her during the day for work related stuff and they just basically started talking about movies, etc because they are closer in age then anyone else in the company and both are in the same boat at work…now don’t get me wrong I have no problem with him talking to people at work, making new friends, etc, but the texting outside of work—not appropriate, and it wasn’t just a few texts here or there it was A LOT. He never denied talking to her, he never hid the text messages, he has always been straightforward with me and tells me everything, but it’s still weird to me. Why do you have to text a SINGLE twenty something girl outside of work when you have your family? He swears they are just friends and I believe him, but it’s still weird to me that they talk so much. He did stop the texting with her. He said he would tell her no texting outside of work and it did stop. I still don’t know her and I think it’s weird to be that close with a person from work when you are married, she’s single and she doesn’t know your wife at all. I have issues trusting people right off the bat anyway, but I don’t know her, never talked to her and her actions (even considering texting him outside of work, and doing it occasionally after he asked her not to) does not help the situation and certainly doesn’t make me trust her any. I have no idea what her intentions are, though my husband says she is 100% NOT interested in anything more than friends.

Skipping all the other details, my husband and I have talked through this more times than I care to even think about. I know he talks to her throughout the day and I don’t know why that bothers me because I used to talk to people at my work throughout the day too. I trust that he would never let it get to the more than just friends thing, but while trying to put this whole thing behind me and get back to my normal life I can’t help but think and worry about these things.

            -Couples fight, we are no different, but in the past when we fought we would both go to work, relax and come home and things would be better. We just needed time to “cool off”. Now I worry that if I upset him he’s going to go to work and run to her..weird I know, but what if that happens and she becomes his consoling “friend?” Isn’t your spouse supposed to be your “best friend?”

            -I worry that stuff I tell my him as my husband are going to get told to her. I know he knows when to say things and when not to say things, but I’m a worrier and I’m sorry but I think the things I tell my husband that I wouldn’t tell other people should stay between us.

            -I worry that he tells her things that he doesn’t tell me and I’m his wife.

            -I know they share the same interests, most friends do, or why would they be friends, but I worry that she shares MORE interests than me and him do and that will pull him away from me. I don’t want to feel like I need to compete with her.

            -I don’t like how easy it is for him to talk to her during the day, when it used to be like that for me and him to talk during the day. I know we shouldn’t have been talking as much through email while working, but how is spending a good chunk of the day talking through messenger to coworkers much different?

I just stress about things I can’t control and this is just one of those things, but while I don’t feel like I truly have anything to worry about I don’t know why these things are in the back of my mind. I blame myself for these things, I really do I just wish sometimes I could explain better to him how I’m feeling because while I’ve shared with him a lot if it, I never seem to get it out right.

I'm every woman.....

I was never one to look in the mirror and think I was gorgeous. Infact I know I could stand to lose some weight and pay a little bit closer to the makeup I buy and try to put on. I could probably take the extra 20 minutes to do something decent to my hair every morning instead of pull it up with a hair tie. I mean seriously, do I need those extra 20 minutes of sleep? But the truth is none of these things are easy for me. Not because I’m dumb as that statement would imply, but because I’m busy. I’m caught up in more important things and I don’t have a single moment to think about anything else, but what my job is everyday. I used to care what people thought of me when I ran to the grocery store for a simple bag of powdered sugar, or when I went out with a group of friends to dinner. Don’t get me wrong I still do care about what I wear out and how I look, but now I spend more time doing the things I NEED to do, like take care of my family and work. I sit everyday at a desk for 8+ hours that definitely doesn’t call for dressy clothes and impeccable hair. I could dress up, and occasionally I will, but it’s uncalled for everyday. My life is totally different now than it was when I got married. I have two little ones I take care of, I play with, I take places….etc etc…I have school work to do, and I have a husband who I’m pretty sure married me for a reason other than the black ripped bottom yoga pants and t-shirt I wear almost daily but somehow never says anything to me about it. The best part about all of this is that I wouldn’t change a single thing about my life now and very rarely to I get jealous of other people, but I can’t deny that I don’t get frustrated and depressed with myself when I see other women who have it all….a house, a husband, kids at home, a job and STILL manage to look amazing. I can’t help but ask somedays why is my hubby still here sitting across the table eating dinner with me….did he not see the baby puke on my shoulder and the one eye that I forgot to put mascara on, not to mention the nasty mess of hair on my head that is going on 2 days of dry shampoo use!

This whole subject came up when my husband started talking about this girl he talks to at work who is younger, not married or dating anyone (I’m assuming this since he is supposedly trying to set her up with my brother) and he she lives in Indiana where he is conveniently going to visit next weekend for the Superbowl (with some guy friends).  Do I worry about my husband cheating..no, never……not at all…but as I sit at work, or lie in bed thinking about this whole scenario all I can think about is…other women who don’t have the life I do are going out to bars having a great time, “being awesome to hang out with” and looking like a million bucks. Why can’t that be me too, why can’t I be the best mom and wife I can be everyday and STILL show my husband I can have a good time and be the person he wanted to marry. Why can’t I be someone he wants to take to the Indianapolis? Am I that much of a dud to him now?

I know I have the capabilities to be the best mom and wife I just need to figure out how to do both at the same time…….and not be stressed that someone has it better than I do so that makes me a lesser person. I’ve been given so much in my life that I can’t imagine what I would do without. So I need to stop worrying about things like that, I KNOW…..but I think all women are like that to an extent…maybe I can start by not wearing my husbands boxers and socks to bed..ha J I know..HOTTIE..hahaha

It's just a game....Right?

I’m from the Midwest and our family is a die hard Packer Family…we love the green and gold. That super cold NFC championship game in 2007 when the Packer’s lost to the Giant’s 23-20; yes, I was there. The same day that I woke up in my hotel room in Green Bay to the Weather Channel standing at Lambeau field stating it was the 2^nd coldest game in history, yes I was there..What a let down…and the feeling after the game walking back to our car was not a good feeling, but it was just a game and crazily women seem to understand that more so than anybody.

This past weekend when the Packers once again met the Giants at Lambeau and shocked the world by losing my husband sunk into what can only be noted as a “Man Depression.” Brought on by a crappy draft pick in his fantasy football league, an injury to one of his “key” players or, yes, his favorite football losing one game shy of the (back-to-back) Super Bowl appearance. While this little depression only last mere moments, it was comical. I mean come on, your son was crying for 15 minutes because he didn’t want to go to bed, clearly a better reason to cry than a lost football game. Am I right? I think I may have even heard him mention he was going to need to take the day off on Monday, no doubt to mourn his loss….(PUKE!)

In all seriousness now, do any of your husbands act like losing a game is the end of the world? Of course I was upset too,  but there was laundry to be folded and dishes to be done, and kids to be put back in bed. Sorry but these things weren’t going to stop just because Greg Jennings couldn’t haul in that pass and Aaron Rodgers had butter fingers and lost the ball. Yes, in this house we keep moving on after a GAME is done…..well MOST of us! J Because after all, it is just a game, right?

While I am deeply saddened that our glorious season came to a screeching halt on Sunday, I’m a little excited that we may be able to get a few things done around the house now..things that were important, but you know, not as important as football, football pre-game shows, post game shows, or mock drafts. J

But just because he’s cute (even though he prefers ESPN now to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse)…..here’s my little Packer Backer…..

A new year...a new list of dreams--ahem GOALS!

A new year is here now and I couldn’t be happier. There were so many things I was unhappy with myself about last year and I kept throwing the excuse out there, well I’ll start new in the new year..blah blah blah. Why can’t I start right now? Anyways, there are no excuses now. I’ve decided I really need to step it up this year and take control of things I lost control of last year. I need to take the extra time and enjoy my family and work harder at finding work that makes me happy, or at least happier. I need to realize that not everyone in my life is going to be around forever so I need to spend more time with them and enjoy every moment.

I’ve written down in my super cute new notebook a few goals I have for 2012. I know some may never happen because, let’s be honest do we ever lose ALL the weight we set out to, and can one really make it ONE WHOLE YEAR, 365 days without eating fast food? I surely will try!

Without further ado… here are my goals for 2012

-Organize our house---I’m on a huge kick for this right now so I’m bound to reach this goal! J

-De-Clutter our house---I’m a pack rat and that needs to stop NOW!

-Organize all pictures—and that doesn’t mean on Facebook!

-Lose the set amount of weight I want/need to lose!

-Organize the boys memory boxes---right now those big tubs are taking up way too much room in my basement!

-Have more patience with EVERYBODY!

-Keep up with household chores so I don’t feel overwhelmed certain days.

-Don’t let little/petty/things I can’t control take over my life—you know, Don’t sweat the small stuff!

-Reconnect with my church/faith---and hopefully bring Logan to church more!

-Start a bucket list.

-No fast food ALL YEAR.---should free up some cash and shed some pounds!

-No swearing---our recent experience with Logan saying DAMN explains this one.

-Find a new job---something that makes me happy and doesn’t cause me to take out my work stresses on my family after work.

There ya have it! These are things I plan to work on/blog about this year. I hope and pray that all of you are able to successfully keep your New Year’s Resolutions/Goals set forth. Oh what a wonderful world this would be if we all could! J