Amber Waves of Grain

Thanks to Nancy, I was able to find limited edition FUDGE COVERED RITZ CRACKERS. She bought hers at Meijer and today I was able to find them at Kroger (but not Target or Walmart). Let me just say that they are a WINNER. You take a buttery, salty cracker and you COVER it with fudge chocolate. Really, how can you go wrong!? I could probably eat the whole box, but I won't. Well, maybe I will later so someone please hold me accountable! Two thumbs up on these Ritz!! Buy a box!!

My regular blog readers know that I'm nuts for ' limited edition ' flavored foods. So, I was excited that Nathan would be in Japan where they are known for their different flavor Kit-Kat bars (I also happen to love Kit Kats)! Nathan hit the jackpot! Just look at what he brought me! Some of these flavors include corn (that's right, Hoosiers-- I said CORN!), mango, blueberry cheesecake, regular cheesecake, strawberry, soy (soy sauce, not soybean), green tea, tea, ginger ale, sweet potato, and more. And, anything without an obvious picture will remain a mystery flavor until we try it. In an effort not to gain 500 lbs this week, I'll be trying them over time. Can't wait to report back!! Break me off a piece of that KIT KAT BAR!

Happy Thanksgiving, blog readers!! For those of you who didn't know this, Nathan has been in Japan the past 10 days and returns Thanksgiving afternoon. So, I'm definitely thankful for his return! Reflecting over the past year, here are some other things I'm thankful for, in no particular order (except for number 1, obviously it was meant to be there): 1. Bacon - enough said. 2. The State Fair ran longer which meant more deep fried days of fun 3. Our health - sure, we've had swine flu and I threw my back out like an old woman. But, that was hardly anything and God got us through both. 4. Keegan's food progress -- While we continue to struggle with his sensory-related food issues, he has made a lot of progress over the past year. He has tasted so many new foods and gradually improves one day at a time 5. Keegan's preschool - Keegan started preschool this year and he loves it. He has grown so much socially and I'm very thankful for his teachers an...

I just realized tonight that Kennedy turned 11 months today ! Where has the time gone?! Here's her update! Kennedy has 8 teeth now (4 top, 4 bottom). She is a great eater and will taste anything. She loves meatballs, pizza, and cheese the best. She is also a climber which is something I'm adjusting to since Keegan never really did that. She likes to perch on whatever is highest in the room that she can get on (maybe she's part cat?). Kennedy is also a mover; she does not sit still and does not like to be held long. She doesn't care for being in the stroller either unless it keeps moving. She's not walking unassisted yet but she's taken a step here or there and she can stand pretty well without holding onto anything. I finally had to buy a gate this week to contain her! She loves to babble and is usually saying ma-ma-ma-ma or ba-ba-ba-ba or da-da-da-da. She is also a big smiler. She smiles at anyone that looks her way. She has a really sweet d...

Today I got to take senior pictures for Philip. This was my first time ever attempting senior pictures so it was a lot of fun and I learned a lot, as usual! The best part was that his mom, Nancy, babysat the kids so I got some time away from the house. Whoo-hoo! Philip was a great sport and never batted an eye when I asked him to do things like climb a wall, sit on an active railroad track, or go to the ghetto with me. His girlfriend, Cecilia, went along too and she is so photogenic... we put her in some too! Congrats to Philip on his upcoming graduation! Here's a sample of pics! And, Nancy, thanks for letting me practice on your son! He's way more cooperative than mine! :)

I love that God uses day to day situations and people to reveal His attributes to me. This week, what I saw most was His mercy . I like how one writer describes mercy: Mercy has to do specifically with God's characteristic attitude toward people who are in trouble. It is God's pity for those who are miserable or suffering or needy, and helpless in their situation; but it includes more than just a feeling of pity, for his mercy has his rescuing power behind it. Out of God's mercy he rescues from difficulty; out of his mercy he saves the powerless; out of his mercy he heals the sick. I have been planning on re-doing the first floor of my house. By re-doing, I'm taking about everything from new paint colors, some new furniture, new carpet, new wall decor, curtains, bamboo shades, matching accessories like kitchen towels, and so forth. It's no small matter and won't be cheap. Through the course of planning, I caused friction in my home where it didn't be...

Just sharing some weekend photos! The gang in their Colts stuff today: Before a wedding reception yesterday..... Kennedy's eyes are shut but at least we're all in it!: Another attempt. We couldn't get Keegan to look at the camera: Kennedy is a climber. She loves to climb Keegan's car ramp:

On Friday I attempted to go across town to JoAnn Fabrics with both kids. I say 'attempted' because if you've never shopped with 2 kids, you should know that there's a good chance you will have to abort your mission halfway through. I suppose it was because it was Friday the 13th that I had to abort this particular day. We spent 2 hours trying to get there and back. There were countless potty trips along with feeding both kids while in the car shopping, breaking a Christmas ornament, dealing with some meltdowns, and so forth. We went to look at fabric. I never actually made it to the fabric part of the store. That's right- it was a fabric store and we never got to the fabric. We left as I was near mental-breakdown. So, I got online and found the fabric I was interested in through their website. Nathan was gracious enough to watch the kids today for me to go back to JoAnn's alone. I drove across town. I found the fabric section, and began looking. ...

I had the special privilege of taking engagement photos of my friends, Sarah & Chris ( link ) today! Keep in mind that A) I am not a photographer , B) I do not have professional equipment , and C) I have never taken engagement photos before in my life . So, I very much appreciated that they were willing to let me 'practice' on them! I learned a lot and had so much fun in the process. It was a beautiful day and they are a fun couple to work with. It also helped that both of them are adorable and look good no matter what kind of picture you take! Here is a sample! Many congrats to Sarah & Chris!!! Talk about trust. "Hey, guys-- stand in the middle of the road and kiss-- I promise to tell you if cars are coming!". :).... How many couples do you know would go to the ghetto with me for these warehouse pics?! Isn't her ring just gorgeous? This is at the Museum of Art: They are so stinkin' cute together: I couldn't seem to get the lighting right but I ...