Jack watching his first BYU Football game (New Mexico Bowl Game).
He was happy we won.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Mele Kalikimaka
but in Florida...instead of Hawaii.
My mom gave us Christmas (eve)dinner this year...it was awesome. It was the first meal I cooked since Jack was born.
Our Christmas Tree. Turned out pretty nice. I got in the habit of nursing in the living room during the night when my mom was staying with us and Jack LOVED looking at the lights on the tree. I don't know what we are going to do when we take it down--I almost don't have the heart to get rid of it.
Here is our traditional "Christmas Morning" picture. Oh the Pjs--no make-up--bed head glory.
Danny and Jack singing Christmas Carols at 6 in the morning.
Jack seeing all the presents...
He LOVED his new bath monsters.
Christmas nap.
Danny rocking Jack in the new-totally-awesome-craigslist-rocking chair he got me for Christmas.
Jack giving me the "good grief woman--stop with the camera already" look.
Danny taught him this look.
Just wanted to put a disclaimer on all these pictures...I promise I DO hold Jack. Most of the time actually. I just happen to also be the only one who takes pictures--thus they are of Danny holding Jack. I promise to make Danny take some of me and Jack soon.
My mom gave us Christmas (eve)dinner this year...it was awesome. It was the first meal I cooked since Jack was born.
Our Christmas Tree. Turned out pretty nice. I got in the habit of nursing in the living room during the night when my mom was staying with us and Jack LOVED looking at the lights on the tree. I don't know what we are going to do when we take it down--I almost don't have the heart to get rid of it.
Here is our traditional "Christmas Morning" picture. Oh the Pjs--no make-up--bed head glory.
Danny and Jack singing Christmas Carols at 6 in the morning.
Jack seeing all the presents...
He LOVED his new bath monsters.
Christmas nap.
Danny rocking Jack in the new-totally-awesome-craigslist-rocking chair he got me for Christmas.
Jack giving me the "good grief woman--stop with the camera already" look.
Danny taught him this look.
Just wanted to put a disclaimer on all these pictures...I promise I DO hold Jack. Most of the time actually. I just happen to also be the only one who takes pictures--thus they are of Danny holding Jack. I promise to make Danny take some of me and Jack soon.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Jackson's First Look
This photo was captured about 3 minutes ago. We thought the moment merited an immediate blog post.
Blue Steel!
Blue Steel!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
JACKSON ALAN HOFFMAN
Hello everyone!
Sorry it has taken so long to get pictures up.
I'll get my story up sometime soon, but here are a few pictures to keep you satisfied.
Our first family photo.
Day-old Jack.
Four-day-old Jack.
Smiling in his sleep.
Chillin' with dad at 2 weeks and a day.
Sorry it has taken so long to get pictures up.
I'll get my story up sometime soon, but here are a few pictures to keep you satisfied.
Our first family photo.
Day-old Jack.
Four-day-old Jack.
Smiling in his sleep.
Chillin' with dad at 2 weeks and a day.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Halloween and Visiting Friends
I can't believe how slow I am these days. I can't seem to finish anything. And if I don't get a nap--I'm worthless. This would explain the half-Halloween costumes. We had pants, hands, and feet planned to go along with this--but alas--this was all I could get done.
People still loved it.
Some kids still cowered away.
One cute little 3 year old Buzz Lightyear kept coming back to show his mom for the tenth time the scary skeleton. Danny laughed the last time he came and the Buzz backed-up a step and said to him mom: "mom, the skeleton is laughing at me."
We didn't know how to respond.
(The front and backs are painted--but we didn't get a picture of the backs)
Th trunk-or-treat was a lot of fun, Danny's 11-year-olds LOVED his costume and came back many times just to hang around their awesome teacher. And yes--the baby was a hit. It made me not-so-scary.
Nicole and Linda arrived in time for the chili cook-off and trunk-or-treat. They helped us decorate our car with pumpkins (Jack--the pumpkin king).
Saturday we headed off to Orlando. Danny and I used our Give-a-day Disney tickets and went to the Magic Kingdom. We had a wonderful time just taking it slow, riding a few rides, eating ice cream, and watching fireworks. My feet have yet to be as swollen as they were that night. My review--Disneyland is better,and yes Disneyland and Magic Kingdom are different.
(I look like I have a huge gut--promise there is a baby in there--week 35)
Nicole and Linda went to Harry Potter Land. For those who want a review: it is better at night with all the lights, it is small, had REALLY long lines (just to get into the stores), but was worth it for the one cool ride and butter beer.
Sunday we had the missionaries over for Halloween dinner. It was fun to have a little group over--first time! It was Sister Johnson's last dinner--she had p-day on Monday and then went home on Tuesday! We will miss her, but are excited to meet the new sister tomorrow.
Monday I received my first Florida sunburn. Because of my (and Danny's) very sun sensitive skin, I have been very careful to always use sunscreen and to go out later in the evenings as to not get burned. For some reason, being with college friends again (or just being pregnant)--all my wits left me and I forgot the sunscreen AND we went out at one in the afternoon. We did had a great time at the beach. I only went into the waves for a few minutes as I have no sense of balance right now--and the smallest wave knocks me over. But it was beautiful.
Having people we know stay with us was wonderful. It was great to have familiar faces so close for a few days. I have such awesome friends!
People still loved it.
Some kids still cowered away.
One cute little 3 year old Buzz Lightyear kept coming back to show his mom for the tenth time the scary skeleton. Danny laughed the last time he came and the Buzz backed-up a step and said to him mom: "mom, the skeleton is laughing at me."
We didn't know how to respond.
(The front and backs are painted--but we didn't get a picture of the backs)
Th trunk-or-treat was a lot of fun, Danny's 11-year-olds LOVED his costume and came back many times just to hang around their awesome teacher. And yes--the baby was a hit. It made me not-so-scary.
Nicole and Linda arrived in time for the chili cook-off and trunk-or-treat. They helped us decorate our car with pumpkins (Jack--the pumpkin king).
Saturday we headed off to Orlando. Danny and I used our Give-a-day Disney tickets and went to the Magic Kingdom. We had a wonderful time just taking it slow, riding a few rides, eating ice cream, and watching fireworks. My feet have yet to be as swollen as they were that night. My review--Disneyland is better,and yes Disneyland and Magic Kingdom are different.
(I look like I have a huge gut--promise there is a baby in there--week 35)
Nicole and Linda went to Harry Potter Land. For those who want a review: it is better at night with all the lights, it is small, had REALLY long lines (just to get into the stores), but was worth it for the one cool ride and butter beer.
Sunday we had the missionaries over for Halloween dinner. It was fun to have a little group over--first time! It was Sister Johnson's last dinner--she had p-day on Monday and then went home on Tuesday! We will miss her, but are excited to meet the new sister tomorrow.
Monday I received my first Florida sunburn. Because of my (and Danny's) very sun sensitive skin, I have been very careful to always use sunscreen and to go out later in the evenings as to not get burned. For some reason, being with college friends again (or just being pregnant)--all my wits left me and I forgot the sunscreen AND we went out at one in the afternoon. We did had a great time at the beach. I only went into the waves for a few minutes as I have no sense of balance right now--and the smallest wave knocks me over. But it was beautiful.
Having people we know stay with us was wonderful. It was great to have familiar faces so close for a few days. I have such awesome friends!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Hello World
30 Weeks and Still Kicking
Danny and I have so many things to be grateful for. Conference always reminds me of just how blessed I am. We live in a wonderful place, gaining many new friends. We have such a loving and supportive family. I am having a normal pregnancy and we eagerly await Jackson's birth to meet him and become parents. We both marvel that Father in Heaven would give us this sacred responsibility. We have a friendship, companionship, and marriage like I never imagined possible. I live with such a kind, hardworking, brave man. I thank my Heavenly Father daily for letting me have him. If there ever was a marriage arranged in heaven, it was ours. I am so grateful for the gospel in our life. I know it is real, true, and simple. We continue to be strengthened by it's doctrine and principles. I try to see the hand of the Lord daily and am always amazed by how he blesses me. I know my Father in Heaven is aware of my family and that He is constantly guiding us to where he needs us--or where we need him.
If you want to comment, consider sharing your testimony.
Danny and I have so many things to be grateful for. Conference always reminds me of just how blessed I am. We live in a wonderful place, gaining many new friends. We have such a loving and supportive family. I am having a normal pregnancy and we eagerly await Jackson's birth to meet him and become parents. We both marvel that Father in Heaven would give us this sacred responsibility. We have a friendship, companionship, and marriage like I never imagined possible. I live with such a kind, hardworking, brave man. I thank my Heavenly Father daily for letting me have him. If there ever was a marriage arranged in heaven, it was ours. I am so grateful for the gospel in our life. I know it is real, true, and simple. We continue to be strengthened by it's doctrine and principles. I try to see the hand of the Lord daily and am always amazed by how he blesses me. I know my Father in Heaven is aware of my family and that He is constantly guiding us to where he needs us--or where we need him.
If you want to comment, consider sharing your testimony.
Friday, September 24, 2010
A REAL Craig's List posting
FREE PET BOOYON (STUART)
Date: 2010-09-24, 8:49PM EDT
one of them booyon constricter snakes that squeeze real tight is caught in my bafroom. Its obviously someones pet booyon, because it didnt try to bite me or give no attitude when i fount it, he must have crawld through the pipes or sumthin, . I dont want to flush it back down the toilet cuz it might crawl out someone elses toilet and scare them half to def. its around 3 feets long as maybe longer, Im not calling the extermenishion cuz all they gonna do is spray that stuff that stanks forever.If you wanna come get it out, call me, I stay in apartment 18-D
I NEED IT GONE ASAP!!!!!
Gotta luve livn n Flrda!
Date: 2010-09-24, 8:49PM EDT
one of them booyon constricter snakes that squeeze real tight is caught in my bafroom. Its obviously someones pet booyon, because it didnt try to bite me or give no attitude when i fount it, he must have crawld through the pipes or sumthin, . I dont want to flush it back down the toilet cuz it might crawl out someone elses toilet and scare them half to def. its around 3 feets long as maybe longer, Im not calling the extermenishion cuz all they gonna do is spray that stuff that stanks forever.If you wanna come get it out, call me, I stay in apartment 18-D
I NEED IT GONE ASAP!!!!!
Gotta luve livn n Flrda!
Homemaking with Danny
(No, he didn't crash an actual homemaking evening like his Dad...)
It always feels good to have new things. New things doesn't necessarily mean from the store--but new to me. For example, Danny and I went to Verizon to do a little change-up. I was getting a cheap little $30 dollar thing to just have pay-as-you-go for emergencies and perhaps a new phone for Danny. Instead (because both of our phones are GOOD phones worth way over $30--we didn't want to spend money on a lame phone when we had good ones) we swapped phones. Mine wasn't compatible with the PAYG option, but his was. So, we left Verizon with "new phones" without paying a dime. Sure, now we have major identity crisis when a phone in our house rings--but it is kinda fun to have a new thing in my purse. And now Danny has to turn off the 7:00 alarm.
Second, I got a new couch. THANK YOU!!!! For all the contributors! Danny got it off Craig's List. It is only a year old and is in very good condition. Apparently, the couple was moving soon and needed it gone. On top of that, she mistakenly posted if for a hundred less than they talked about. Steal. I wasn't sure it was going to fit with room for me and my enlarging mid-section to walk around it--but it is AWESOME! Very comfy, clean, BIG, and MINE. Again...thanks--I LOVE the gift.
Third, after having the sister missionaries over every week since we got here, we decided we really needed to get some kitchen chairs. We gave them the two chairs our landlord left us (small desk-like chairs), I sat in our computer chair, and Danny sat on an end table. It worked--but we have been watching online for some amazing deal to pop-up. Again Craig's list came through. A dining set for $30 complete with 5 chairs and a table with an expando leaf. Perfect. We picked the piece of junk up and drove it home. Last summer (two summer's ago I guess--summer never ends here), if you remember--I bought some yellow striped fabric at a yard sale. Danny and I spent the better part of yesterday recovering the chair seats (we threw one of the chairs away--too dog chewed), Danny tightened all the joints, and using wood markers to touch-up the scratches (Bed Bath and Beyond for the markers...they work like a charm--thanks for showing them to me years ago mom). Now we have chairs and a table that matches--and it looks pretty good!
BEFORE
AFTER
This is pre-touch-up markers...
I'm going to miss Danny when he goes to work. Who is going to help me with my crazy ideas???!!!
It always feels good to have new things. New things doesn't necessarily mean from the store--but new to me. For example, Danny and I went to Verizon to do a little change-up. I was getting a cheap little $30 dollar thing to just have pay-as-you-go for emergencies and perhaps a new phone for Danny. Instead (because both of our phones are GOOD phones worth way over $30--we didn't want to spend money on a lame phone when we had good ones) we swapped phones. Mine wasn't compatible with the PAYG option, but his was. So, we left Verizon with "new phones" without paying a dime. Sure, now we have major identity crisis when a phone in our house rings--but it is kinda fun to have a new thing in my purse. And now Danny has to turn off the 7:00 alarm.
Second, I got a new couch. THANK YOU!!!! For all the contributors! Danny got it off Craig's List. It is only a year old and is in very good condition. Apparently, the couple was moving soon and needed it gone. On top of that, she mistakenly posted if for a hundred less than they talked about. Steal. I wasn't sure it was going to fit with room for me and my enlarging mid-section to walk around it--but it is AWESOME! Very comfy, clean, BIG, and MINE. Again...thanks--I LOVE the gift.
Third, after having the sister missionaries over every week since we got here, we decided we really needed to get some kitchen chairs. We gave them the two chairs our landlord left us (small desk-like chairs), I sat in our computer chair, and Danny sat on an end table. It worked--but we have been watching online for some amazing deal to pop-up. Again Craig's list came through. A dining set for $30 complete with 5 chairs and a table with an expando leaf. Perfect. We picked the piece of junk up and drove it home. Last summer (two summer's ago I guess--summer never ends here), if you remember--I bought some yellow striped fabric at a yard sale. Danny and I spent the better part of yesterday recovering the chair seats (we threw one of the chairs away--too dog chewed), Danny tightened all the joints, and using wood markers to touch-up the scratches (Bed Bath and Beyond for the markers...they work like a charm--thanks for showing them to me years ago mom). Now we have chairs and a table that matches--and it looks pretty good!
BEFORE
AFTER
This is pre-touch-up markers...
I'm going to miss Danny when he goes to work. Who is going to help me with my crazy ideas???!!!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Food Storage
Yes people.
The reason most of us have guilt.
We know the importance.
Some of us have benefited from being prepared with it.
But come-on...who REALLY knows how to make things from non-processed wheat!
...Oh...you do.
That's great!
What if you die and your husband is left to feed the little ones.
I know my "kids" would be eating a lot of wheat patties.
(And I'm not dissing on men here because I have no idea how to use wheat either. Danny and I guessed that you grind it and make flour. But if you don't have a grinder...use two rocks?).
We have a solution. Danny and I have been agonizing over our food storage since we got married (ultimate procrastinators) and have tried to come up with ways to be prepared--but none seemed totally adequate. Then--like all Hoffman's like to do--we came up with some crazy ideas that we think somehow, somewhere, sometime would work really well. One, consisted of meals like MREs that they use in the military. But ideas is as far as it got.
I received an awesome little book in the mail from my inspired mother that put all my insane ideas into an organized, rational, doable, tasty, one-day-at-a-time, husband/children proof, way of food storage.
Phew.
It is called:
It's In the Bag
by Michelle and Trent Snow
The reason most of us have guilt.
We know the importance.
Some of us have benefited from being prepared with it.
But come-on...who REALLY knows how to make things from non-processed wheat!
...Oh...you do.
That's great!
What if you die and your husband is left to feed the little ones.
I know my "kids" would be eating a lot of wheat patties.
(And I'm not dissing on men here because I have no idea how to use wheat either. Danny and I guessed that you grind it and make flour. But if you don't have a grinder...use two rocks?).
We have a solution. Danny and I have been agonizing over our food storage since we got married (ultimate procrastinators) and have tried to come up with ways to be prepared--but none seemed totally adequate. Then--like all Hoffman's like to do--we came up with some crazy ideas that we think somehow, somewhere, sometime would work really well. One, consisted of meals like MREs that they use in the military. But ideas is as far as it got.
I received an awesome little book in the mail from my inspired mother that put all my insane ideas into an organized, rational, doable, tasty, one-day-at-a-time, husband/children proof, way of food storage.
Phew.
It is called:
It's In the Bag
by Michelle and Trent Snow
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Long awaited debut...
We made a video a few days after we got here in Florida for everyone to see our new place--but alas it was too big for the site (or even email for that matter). I did take some pictures, but was so sad about the movie not loading that I forgot to put them up. Here they are. Still needs some work at this point. Apparently I still don't have any of the living room. I would take pictures right now, but...it is a little messy. Danny is organizing his tools. Tough guy. I will have to add pictures as we get rooms done. We just kind-of threw things here and there to create sanity.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Tobacco
Our house smells like it.
No we didn't take-up smoking, and no it isn't the apartment's fault. Our neighbors smoke--but alas, that isn't the issue either.
It is our fault. Choice, actually.
Danny and I love the "free" section on Craigs list. For a couple of reasons:
1. We get free stuff we need and want.
2. We get free stuff that we sell on E-bay.
This was the latter.
5 boxes of 200+ books. From a smoking home. Once we were there however and the old man was so eager to help us out--we couldn't resist. Now there are dryer sheets in-between book pages, books in ziplock bags, and ziplock bags inside of scented trash bags (all dollar store items), and scented trash bags stacked in the bathroom.
I sure hope Ebay-ers like westerns.
No we didn't take-up smoking, and no it isn't the apartment's fault. Our neighbors smoke--but alas, that isn't the issue either.
It is our fault. Choice, actually.
Danny and I love the "free" section on Craigs list. For a couple of reasons:
1. We get free stuff we need and want.
2. We get free stuff that we sell on E-bay.
This was the latter.
5 boxes of 200+ books. From a smoking home. Once we were there however and the old man was so eager to help us out--we couldn't resist. Now there are dryer sheets in-between book pages, books in ziplock bags, and ziplock bags inside of scented trash bags (all dollar store items), and scented trash bags stacked in the bathroom.
I sure hope Ebay-ers like westerns.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Potential and Pregnancy
This was going to be a really fun post.
POTENTIAL:
Perfect day.
Surfing beaches.
New suits (well--Goodwill new).
Goggles.
Sun hat.
Boogy Board.
Danny excited.
Camera.
PREGNANCY:
No memory Card.
Aside from being clumsy of late--I am also quite forgetful. I am pretty good about writing lists--but please don't expect them to be detailed. I have a hard time now expressing what I am thinking if I am even a little bit tired. Alas, my memory card was still in the computer from the last time I took pictures.
We decided to find the nearest Costco to see how bad the drive was going to be and headed an hour south. But why waste a day trip without visiting a new beach? So, we went to Juno beach in Jupiter--which apparently has surfing. I have literally never seen waves this big in real life (I have never been to Hawaii--hint hint...my birthday is coming up). Every wave made me lose my balance (remember "clumsy"). After a few nasty ones really knocked me down and I was having a hard time even standing up straight, I let the waves to Danny and his boogy board. After a few runs he was better than I ever was. Don't get me wrong--he got wiped out plenty of times where he came up sputtering and walking like a drunkard--but he did quite well. It was a lot of fun. We played for a few hours and then went to Joann's and Costco.
Oh, we also watched 17 again. Sorry for all the fans out there--we weren't impressed, even with Clear Play. We did watch Emma a few days ago though--and loved it (well I loved it, Danny said it was a good chick flick).
POTENTIAL:
Perfect day.
Surfing beaches.
New suits (well--Goodwill new).
Goggles.
Sun hat.
Boogy Board.
Danny excited.
Camera.
PREGNANCY:
No memory Card.
Aside from being clumsy of late--I am also quite forgetful. I am pretty good about writing lists--but please don't expect them to be detailed. I have a hard time now expressing what I am thinking if I am even a little bit tired. Alas, my memory card was still in the computer from the last time I took pictures.
We decided to find the nearest Costco to see how bad the drive was going to be and headed an hour south. But why waste a day trip without visiting a new beach? So, we went to Juno beach in Jupiter--which apparently has surfing. I have literally never seen waves this big in real life (I have never been to Hawaii--hint hint...my birthday is coming up). Every wave made me lose my balance (remember "clumsy"). After a few nasty ones really knocked me down and I was having a hard time even standing up straight, I let the waves to Danny and his boogy board. After a few runs he was better than I ever was. Don't get me wrong--he got wiped out plenty of times where he came up sputtering and walking like a drunkard--but he did quite well. It was a lot of fun. We played for a few hours and then went to Joann's and Costco.
Oh, we also watched 17 again. Sorry for all the fans out there--we weren't impressed, even with Clear Play. We did watch Emma a few days ago though--and loved it (well I loved it, Danny said it was a good chick flick).
Thursday, September 2, 2010
There is one thing more exasperating than a wife who can cook and won't, and that's a wife who can't cook and will. ~Robert Frost
I have seriously had my doubts the last few weeks. I have baked all my life, but I have burned almost everything in the oven since moving here.
1. Ah! Altitude change, you might say. Wrong--I made those changes (I impressed myself knowing that I had to change ingredients per altitude--learned that by exploding bread in Denver a few years back--never make THAT mistake again).
2. Burners aren't working properly. WRONG. I noticed that the top burner didn't get hot--obviously that is the problem. I called my landlord and asked if he could come and change it. He called me back and said he looked up my oven model and the top only comes on for the broiler. Some baker I am. I had no idea.
3. Dark pans hold in more heat. True. But not the problem. I also adjusted for dark pans.
EVERYTHING IS BURNING!!!
4. You live in Florida--your apartment must be adding to the heat in the oven. Wrong. We blast the AC. Nuf said.
5. Something is wrong with the oven. CORRECT! I actually thought this at the beginning and tried to adjust the temperature a little--but it made no difference. So I ruled it out--an oven can't be THAT far off right. WRONG. We bought a little thermometer for the oven today at Target (no I didn't have a coupon--but I felt this was a necessity. I was going insane.)
Try 100 freaking degrees TOO HOT!
I'm impressed things turned out as well as they did.
1. Ah! Altitude change, you might say. Wrong--I made those changes (I impressed myself knowing that I had to change ingredients per altitude--learned that by exploding bread in Denver a few years back--never make THAT mistake again).
2. Burners aren't working properly. WRONG. I noticed that the top burner didn't get hot--obviously that is the problem. I called my landlord and asked if he could come and change it. He called me back and said he looked up my oven model and the top only comes on for the broiler. Some baker I am. I had no idea.
3. Dark pans hold in more heat. True. But not the problem. I also adjusted for dark pans.
EVERYTHING IS BURNING!!!
4. You live in Florida--your apartment must be adding to the heat in the oven. Wrong. We blast the AC. Nuf said.
5. Something is wrong with the oven. CORRECT! I actually thought this at the beginning and tried to adjust the temperature a little--but it made no difference. So I ruled it out--an oven can't be THAT far off right. WRONG. We bought a little thermometer for the oven today at Target (no I didn't have a coupon--but I felt this was a necessity. I was going insane.)
Try 100 freaking degrees TOO HOT!
I'm impressed things turned out as well as they did.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Couponing
Our new hobby.
If I was excited--Danny was ecstatic.
The expression he got when he handed two packages of Oreos to the cashier along with a follow-up coupon--and didn't have to pay a dime--was priceless.
Cashier: "guess you don't owe nothin!"
Danny: big grin. I worked the system.
And we all know how much Danny likes to work the system.
We decided to keep a running total of all we save using coupons, sales, or deals (these are on things we would have bought anyway--unless they were free, like the Oreos).
Currently, since we moved here, we have saved $121.38 on all purchases. Which comes to 40.23% of what we actually paid.
Want ideas? Go here www.savingmyfamilymoney.com (or any other site like it). BUT...it does take a little work.
If I was excited--Danny was ecstatic.
The expression he got when he handed two packages of Oreos to the cashier along with a follow-up coupon--and didn't have to pay a dime--was priceless.
Cashier: "guess you don't owe nothin!"
Danny: big grin. I worked the system.
And we all know how much Danny likes to work the system.
We decided to keep a running total of all we save using coupons, sales, or deals (these are on things we would have bought anyway--unless they were free, like the Oreos).
Currently, since we moved here, we have saved $121.38 on all purchases. Which comes to 40.23% of what we actually paid.
Want ideas? Go here www.savingmyfamilymoney.com (or any other site like it). BUT...it does take a little work.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
I have been given a gift. I can. I can WELL.
(movie quote anyone?)
There are so many things to blog about since moving--and I just haven't made the time. So here is the first of many that should be.
I tried my hand at canning. No, it didn't go perfect--but the result is rather tasty. One of my favorite treats (just ask my parents) is home canned peaches. The peaches here are from Georgia and are rosy colored, juicy, and PERFECT (hence having the peach on their license plate in Georgia). So, after acquiring some canning materials and peaches from the Saturday Farmer's Market, I made my first attempt.
And aside from some rather large air bubbles that seemed to elude me (I did think I had gotten most of them out) the jars look rather tempting. I only did a really small batch to make sure I didn't mess-up a lot of good peaches. We already opened a jar to test them to make sure they taste good--and yes...they do!
I also scored on Craig's List with mangos last week. A crazy (yes, she was)lady was selling them from her trees for super cheap. Danny and I bought $5 worth and ate four and made mango fruit leather with the other six.
I am trying to have a little fruit-fun here.
Any other fruit ideas? What are your favorite fruit recipes? How do I utilize all the goodness around me?
There are so many things to blog about since moving--and I just haven't made the time. So here is the first of many that should be.
I tried my hand at canning. No, it didn't go perfect--but the result is rather tasty. One of my favorite treats (just ask my parents) is home canned peaches. The peaches here are from Georgia and are rosy colored, juicy, and PERFECT (hence having the peach on their license plate in Georgia). So, after acquiring some canning materials and peaches from the Saturday Farmer's Market, I made my first attempt.
And aside from some rather large air bubbles that seemed to elude me (I did think I had gotten most of them out) the jars look rather tempting. I only did a really small batch to make sure I didn't mess-up a lot of good peaches. We already opened a jar to test them to make sure they taste good--and yes...they do!
I also scored on Craig's List with mangos last week. A crazy (yes, she was)lady was selling them from her trees for super cheap. Danny and I bought $5 worth and ate four and made mango fruit leather with the other six.
I am trying to have a little fruit-fun here.
Any other fruit ideas? What are your favorite fruit recipes? How do I utilize all the goodness around me?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Sunshine State...most of the time (it rains daily)
"We made it."
"Barely."
"We are never doing that trip again."
"With a cat at least.
...and possibly not with all our stuff."
"I guess that means we have to be rich enough to have someone else move it when we leave."
"Ok."
This was our conversation about Missouri.
It wasn't all that bad.
We left Hoffman base camp around eleven thirty Sunday and headed to Eric and Brianna's for lunch. On the fifteen minute trip to their apartment, the trailer decided to weave horribly and was jackknifing us into the other lane. We weren't even going that fast.
Lunch, I must say was awesome. It was the best trip-send-off-meal I may have ever gotten. Thanks so much guys.
After lunch, Danny and Eric repacked some things to try to make it a little better.
We also learned that Naughty can scale a chain-link fence in under two seconds. Remember--she doesn't have claws.
It took us over 5 hours to get to Grand Junction (usually takes just under 4) where my parents met us to help drive us over the mountains. We decided to get something to eat "real quick" at Village Inn. Real quick turned into two-ish hours. Something about cooks going on strike. Roger checked the tire pressure and the weaving problem with the trailer was fixed due to uneven tires--gotta love Uhaul.
Made it to Denver a little later than planned--due to unseen circumstances.
Spent a wonderful day with my mom, doing little things before I left, and shopping for fabric for Jackson's bed. Danny (still pretty sick at this point) watch more movies than he is willing to admit. After a nice traditional family pizza dinner with everyone (Kenny, Meggan, mom, Roger, Danny and I) we got up early the next day and took off for--somewhere.
All I remember is that we didn't get there. We blew a Uhaul tire. No, actually we SHREDDED a Uhaul tire. It was at a point in the freeway that we couldn't go anywhere...so we sat without air-conditioning on the side of the road for over two hours until the Uahul tire-fixer people decided we were important enough to rescue. In those two hours we had three other people stop to help--roadside assistance people...but unless we wanted to pay for it...you get the idea. We did get to see our first lightening-bugs--and got to hear lots of other bugs--probably ones bigger than I wanted to believe.
Motel 6 night one: good. Cool, cat only escaped once, clean shower. Success.
Another day of driving. Because nothing insanely unfortunate happened this day (aside from road construction--is there any state that is "ok" with how they look?), it was pretty successful. We ate lots of fast food, I ended up driving a lot so that Danny could read our book--time went a lot quicker when he read to us--much better than just radio.
Motel 6 night two: not-so-good. hot, ants, small browned shower, cat climbing under beds, sketchy neighbors. I was ready to leave.
Last day! This day was good mainly because we had adrenalin enough to get us excited. The only unfortunate thing this day was the toll road. We knew there were toll roads in Florida--but we picked the worst one. $20 for one road. Don't worry family, we will give you BETTER directions than MapQuest when you decide to visit. Good thing I had a little cash.
We drove in beautiful blue sky speckled with white fluffy clouds (THE SIMPSONS) on very flat roads with lots of green to both sides.
Vero Beach ("Veeeeero" Beach) finally came. We live off of the main road--literally you get off of the freeway and drive for half an hour and we are on the right-hand side.
Yes. The building is pink with turquoise accents.
Yes. There are palm trees everywhere.
Yes. We do have air conditioning.
Yes. There is a Walmart just north of us by a few blocks.
and YES! The beach is fabulous and only ten minutes away. (We went swimming for the first time yesterday at 6:00pm. Great time to go.)
We had Family Night on the beach on Monday and saw our first turtle nest. They stake them off so you don't accidentally sit on them. We also saw a sign saying "No Shark Fishing." Apparently this means there are sharks. We didn't see any swimming the other day--so I think we are ok...
Tuesday we saw an ad on Craigs List for a free black leather couch and loveseat in GREAT condition. No picture and only an address. Even though it was like 30 minutes away--we went to check it out. Yes we got a couch and it is in good condition. Danny has now owned three leather couches. This is my first one.
The COOL thing about this trip was that we saw a bunch of crabs walking on the road. It was hilarious--and yes...I made Danny get out of the car and take pictures.
We are doing well. Most of the stuff is unpacked and in working condition. Danny is still job hunting, we has applied at a gazillion places within the last few days--so hopefully soon we will hear back on some. I am trying to adjust to not having a washer and dryer in my apartment again...and hoarding quarters.
That is all for now! We made a video of our place but it is too big to put on the Blog--I will try to email it to everyone--so you can hear Danny's angelic voice.
Love you all!!!
"Barely."
"We are never doing that trip again."
"With a cat at least.
...and possibly not with all our stuff."
"I guess that means we have to be rich enough to have someone else move it when we leave."
"Ok."
This was our conversation about Missouri.
It wasn't all that bad.
We left Hoffman base camp around eleven thirty Sunday and headed to Eric and Brianna's for lunch. On the fifteen minute trip to their apartment, the trailer decided to weave horribly and was jackknifing us into the other lane. We weren't even going that fast.
Lunch, I must say was awesome. It was the best trip-send-off-meal I may have ever gotten. Thanks so much guys.
After lunch, Danny and Eric repacked some things to try to make it a little better.
We also learned that Naughty can scale a chain-link fence in under two seconds. Remember--she doesn't have claws.
It took us over 5 hours to get to Grand Junction (usually takes just under 4) where my parents met us to help drive us over the mountains. We decided to get something to eat "real quick" at Village Inn. Real quick turned into two-ish hours. Something about cooks going on strike. Roger checked the tire pressure and the weaving problem with the trailer was fixed due to uneven tires--gotta love Uhaul.
Made it to Denver a little later than planned--due to unseen circumstances.
Spent a wonderful day with my mom, doing little things before I left, and shopping for fabric for Jackson's bed. Danny (still pretty sick at this point) watch more movies than he is willing to admit. After a nice traditional family pizza dinner with everyone (Kenny, Meggan, mom, Roger, Danny and I) we got up early the next day and took off for--somewhere.
All I remember is that we didn't get there. We blew a Uhaul tire. No, actually we SHREDDED a Uhaul tire. It was at a point in the freeway that we couldn't go anywhere...so we sat without air-conditioning on the side of the road for over two hours until the Uahul tire-fixer people decided we were important enough to rescue. In those two hours we had three other people stop to help--roadside assistance people...but unless we wanted to pay for it...you get the idea. We did get to see our first lightening-bugs--and got to hear lots of other bugs--probably ones bigger than I wanted to believe.
Motel 6 night one: good. Cool, cat only escaped once, clean shower. Success.
Another day of driving. Because nothing insanely unfortunate happened this day (aside from road construction--is there any state that is "ok" with how they look?), it was pretty successful. We ate lots of fast food, I ended up driving a lot so that Danny could read our book--time went a lot quicker when he read to us--much better than just radio.
Motel 6 night two: not-so-good. hot, ants, small browned shower, cat climbing under beds, sketchy neighbors. I was ready to leave.
Last day! This day was good mainly because we had adrenalin enough to get us excited. The only unfortunate thing this day was the toll road. We knew there were toll roads in Florida--but we picked the worst one. $20 for one road. Don't worry family, we will give you BETTER directions than MapQuest when you decide to visit. Good thing I had a little cash.
We drove in beautiful blue sky speckled with white fluffy clouds (THE SIMPSONS) on very flat roads with lots of green to both sides.
Vero Beach ("Veeeeero" Beach) finally came. We live off of the main road--literally you get off of the freeway and drive for half an hour and we are on the right-hand side.
Yes. The building is pink with turquoise accents.
Yes. There are palm trees everywhere.
Yes. We do have air conditioning.
Yes. There is a Walmart just north of us by a few blocks.
and YES! The beach is fabulous and only ten minutes away. (We went swimming for the first time yesterday at 6:00pm. Great time to go.)
We had Family Night on the beach on Monday and saw our first turtle nest. They stake them off so you don't accidentally sit on them. We also saw a sign saying "No Shark Fishing." Apparently this means there are sharks. We didn't see any swimming the other day--so I think we are ok...
Tuesday we saw an ad on Craigs List for a free black leather couch and loveseat in GREAT condition. No picture and only an address. Even though it was like 30 minutes away--we went to check it out. Yes we got a couch and it is in good condition. Danny has now owned three leather couches. This is my first one.
The COOL thing about this trip was that we saw a bunch of crabs walking on the road. It was hilarious--and yes...I made Danny get out of the car and take pictures.
We are doing well. Most of the stuff is unpacked and in working condition. Danny is still job hunting, we has applied at a gazillion places within the last few days--so hopefully soon we will hear back on some. I am trying to adjust to not having a washer and dryer in my apartment again...and hoarding quarters.
That is all for now! We made a video of our place but it is too big to put on the Blog--I will try to email it to everyone--so you can hear Danny's angelic voice.
Love you all!!!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
The News
Yes we are still alive. Very much so--in fact.
I have been wanting to post for a few months now, but felt I should wait--due to my past history. So alas I have said nothing about anything.
Today I am eleven and a half weeks pregnant.
We had our first doctors appointment this week and that was the cue I was waiting for. I wanted the "go-ahead" from my doctor that I was ok, normal, and progressing like a normal pregnant woman should.
To be honest it has been a tough few months. After going through two miscarriages together, you can imagine how difficult it might be for us to believe it can really be happening. I have been in and out of the doctor's office since January getting tests and biopsies done, figuring out medications, and fighting with insurances. All in all, the day the positive test came, we were skeptical and mentally decided to have a "go-with-the-flow" attitude. After the positive blood test a week later, it was a little more real. We told a few people, but decided not to shout it out until after the first appointment with the doctor.
I have been sick, tired, and hungry. I haven't been sleeping, all smells are overwhelming, and the bathroom is a constant companion. I have only broken down crying a few times--which I feel is an accomplishment. All of this is expected and is "good." All these things gave me a little comfort that things might be normal--but it was still hard. I felt detached--and I know Danny did too. Having been through the pain of losing a pregnancy mentally turned me off to this one. Daily, I still have my doubts--is that cramp normal? i missed my prenatal pill again. will the right body parts start producing progesterone like the doctor said they would? can I stop taking the medication?
Seeing the doctor on Tuesday was the much needed boost we needed. I don't think I have ever had a more positive doctors appointment. He said I looked good, my weight was good, all my concerns about cramps and such after talking them through seemed normal. Still, it wasn't until we heard the rushing little "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh" of the baby's heart beating that it all seemed ok. Seeing Danny's face light up with unbelief and excitement at the first audible beat brought my tears. I cried for joy for the first time in a long time. There really is a healthy baby in there, and it is doing great. It is going to make it here alright.
Just thought all of you should know.
And, yes, when we know the gender--we will let everyone know.
I have been wanting to post for a few months now, but felt I should wait--due to my past history. So alas I have said nothing about anything.
Today I am eleven and a half weeks pregnant.
We had our first doctors appointment this week and that was the cue I was waiting for. I wanted the "go-ahead" from my doctor that I was ok, normal, and progressing like a normal pregnant woman should.
To be honest it has been a tough few months. After going through two miscarriages together, you can imagine how difficult it might be for us to believe it can really be happening. I have been in and out of the doctor's office since January getting tests and biopsies done, figuring out medications, and fighting with insurances. All in all, the day the positive test came, we were skeptical and mentally decided to have a "go-with-the-flow" attitude. After the positive blood test a week later, it was a little more real. We told a few people, but decided not to shout it out until after the first appointment with the doctor.
I have been sick, tired, and hungry. I haven't been sleeping, all smells are overwhelming, and the bathroom is a constant companion. I have only broken down crying a few times--which I feel is an accomplishment. All of this is expected and is "good." All these things gave me a little comfort that things might be normal--but it was still hard. I felt detached--and I know Danny did too. Having been through the pain of losing a pregnancy mentally turned me off to this one. Daily, I still have my doubts--is that cramp normal? i missed my prenatal pill again. will the right body parts start producing progesterone like the doctor said they would? can I stop taking the medication?
Seeing the doctor on Tuesday was the much needed boost we needed. I don't think I have ever had a more positive doctors appointment. He said I looked good, my weight was good, all my concerns about cramps and such after talking them through seemed normal. Still, it wasn't until we heard the rushing little "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh" of the baby's heart beating that it all seemed ok. Seeing Danny's face light up with unbelief and excitement at the first audible beat brought my tears. I cried for joy for the first time in a long time. There really is a healthy baby in there, and it is doing great. It is going to make it here alright.
Just thought all of you should know.
And, yes, when we know the gender--we will let everyone know.
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