Oh, I've heard stories about that happening to people.....

My Thank You.....

I'm one of those people. You've heard stories about people like me. Many think we exist only as urban legends unless you know one of us. During this time of thanks, I'm so grateful to be one of "them". Looking at my brood, my life wouldn't be the same without everyone of my blessings.

My husband and I tried for years to get pregnant. We gave up. The money was running out, our marriage was collapsing as I tried to fill this void in my life to become a mother. Adoption was always an option. Why were we wasting all this money on a body that obviously had no desire to carry a child....it was Thanksgiving 6 years ago when we did our last fertility treatment. At that same time I was filling out applications to become adoptive parents fearing rejection. We were young and broke, did we stand a chance?

The next February, I was holding my son. He was two hours old when I first saw his beautiful brown eyes. He had me at WAAA! It was love, a love that I have never felt before but have felt twice since. The first moment when you see a child that you have been wanting and waiting for.

Fast forward 10 months - 6 pregnancy tests later and it was confirmed. I think that I am pregnant - huge shocker (this is when we become what urban legends are made of). My daughter was born - same love - overwhelming, just thinking about it makes me cry.

Now, fast forward again. I had just passed nursing boards and was moving to the night shift. Several stick tests later, confirmed I'm pregnant again.

There was a master plan. I am eternally grateful. Even when they are fighting or crying, I love the moment, remembering that this moment almost didn't happen.

50 Free 4X8 photo cards ENDS 11/30!!!

THIS IS AWESOME! Freebies4mom is offering 50 FREE 4X8 Photocards - but you must act fast - the offer expires November 30. I just ordered our cards tonight using this code - I saved over $25.00.

So - click on the link and order your Christmas cards today! You'll get the promo code on the other site!

Great Sale!!!!

As a mom of 3 with some baby weight to shed fashionista left my vocab a long, long time ago. But - here is a link to some great sales. Missoni, Tusk Ltd, and more!

There is also a link to a da-nang kids sale. The stuff was pretty cute!

Take some time and check it out! Perhaps you will find just the right gift for the to me, love me Christmas present (my personal favorite!).

Apple Walnut Salad

This salad is excellent for Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Dinner.  I have brought this to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner the last few years...so good.  Even picky eaters like the dressing.

Dressing:
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup fresh cranberries
2 Tblsp honey
1 Tblsp white sugar
1 Tblsp chopped red onion
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
3/4 cup vegetable oil

Combine all ingredients except vegetable oil in a blender or food processor.  Slowly add oil.

Salad:
2 packages Spring Mix
3 medium red delicious apples chopped - coated in lemon juice if preparing in advance
1 cup toasted chopped walnuts

In a large bowl toss salad mix, apples, & walnuts.

Add salad dressing - toss and serve.

* I think that this salad would also taste amazing with candied walnuts or pecans.

What to do with all that art?

The amount of construction paper art that crosses our threshold is overwhelming.  The thought of parting with the art work is depressing.

Solution:
I am currently using my digital camera to photograph all of my art.

I then transfer those pictures to my digital picture frame.  Now not only do I have them, but I am constantly displaying their art.

The kids love to watch it and tell me whose picture is currently displaying!

Martha Anyone?

Who doesn't want to be Martha?

Here is a free download of her Thanksgiving Cookbook!  It downloads straight to your computer - really nice too!  56 pages of recipes from great Chefs, many of which you will recognize if you watch the food network!

Free Martha Thanksgiving Cookbook Download

Stick that on your power cord!