Special

My maternal grandmother was always so special to me. I like to think we had a special relationship. We have a large family with lots of grand kids but she always made sure to take time for each and every one of us. She was loved for her cooking as well. Especially her banana pudding (which she showed me how to make one day! I will take her secrets to the grave with me. :)) and her chicken and dumplings. When I had my son (8 years ago...eeekk!!) she brought me a huge pot of her famous Chicken and Dumplings. They were amazing. For some reason though I never returned her pot to her. I always felt bad for never giving it back but in my defense we moved to 700 miles away just 18 months later. She died 4 years ago. Now I'm glad I never gave it back to her. I know it's just a silly pot but to me it's so much more than that. Tonight I'm making homemade chicken noodle soup and of course will be using that pot. I always use it whenever I make any type of chicken dish. When I do, I like to think my grandmother is there, making the food extra special.




Do you have something "special" from a lost loved one that makes you smile inside?

Snow days

Snow days rock!! The kids and the mister were off today due to the snow "storm". I say storm loosely because we've certainly seen worse here in the North Country. Here are a few pictures. A lot of the snow we've actually had for about a month now.

Before mister started shoveling. I am looking out my front door when I took this picture. (the white house is not mine)


The mister exhausted after shoveling all sidewalks and driveway.


Then there's me.....I just wanted one in the snow. :)



So how did everyone else make out in this winter storm??

Oh and did you hear........the groundhog didn't see his shadow! Here's hoping he's right and we have the early Spring! That would be lovely.

Tick Tock

After talking about it several times last year, I officially started school yesterday. I'm doing online classes so we all know that means "first day of school" is a little different than physical college classes. Still, I was nervous and anxious and wanted to make sure I did my assignments perfectly. haha....yeah not so much.

I've been out of school for almost 11 years. And even when I was in school, I did the bare minimum to get by. I forgot how to take notes and how to stay focused. Then add in the fact you have no teacher telling you when to read, when to take notes, what is important and what isn't. I thought I would like online classes. 1 day into and I'm already thinking "What the heck did I get myself into?". Don't get me wrong so far it's easy reading. But still I lack self discipline. And time management. Take into count that I have 3 kids, one of which is a 18 month old very time consuming, temper tantrum throwing, always hungry for food and attention, loving little girl. Let's not forget that yesterday was my husband's birthday and between making his cake, him getting home 2 hours later than planned, going out to a late dinner with all 3 kids, presents, XGames, etc. Yeah I didn't get finished with my assignments for the day. Bright side ~ There's always today! Well...if I work on my time management. :)

For those of you who have kids, and other responsibilities that make your schedule completely full, how do you fit in school work, or even bible studies, or heck reading for pleasure even?


With my Mister Man deploying soon I realize if I already have a full plate, how am I going to manage it all and then some once he's gone. I'm already praying over my responsibilities and priorities. There will be some things that I will just have to give up. After all there is a season for everything. And right now this is my season for school. Only time will tell what else is supposed to be there.

One last note ~ I hope all my East Coast girls are staying warm during this winter storm. I know we will be getting 8-18 inches of snow tomorrow. Add that on top of the wonderful foot or more we have had for...oh... a month now. I love it though. It's a great excuse to sit and bury your face in cake!