30 When I’m 30 Update

Wow, it has been a long time since my last post.  Work is getting busy again and I started a 9-week class, so my time is again at a premium.  I figured it was time for an update on my 30 When I’m 30 list.  You know, keep myself accountable. 

Here goes: Thirty Things To Do When I’m Thirty

1. Grow a garden without killing everything I did it! 
2. Sew at least 3 items of clothing for myself that are wearable None yet
3. Sew at least 3 items of clothing for Gaby that are wearable None yet
4. Paint more (and I don’t mean our home) I’m working on this one
5. Catch up Gaby’s scrapbook Still behind
6. Give more handmade gifts This one’s going well, check back in after Christmas
7. Run 1/2 marathon Walked it, but done.  On the schedule for next year too 
8. Keep blog updated Clearly this one isn’t going so well
9. Send 3 items off for publication  (poems/stories/articles/etc) Nothing even written yet
10. Make time at least 4 times a week for something creative Does thinking about it count?
11. Read 10 books that aren’t work or school related I’ve got four done
12. Eat out less Small steps here, but we’re going in the right direction
13. Lose at least 15 pounds I’ve put on a couple pounds.  It’s time to get serious about losing weight
14. Organize and keep organized craft area Marginally improved
15. De-clutter house This is planned for Thanksgiving weekend
16. Teach myself to knit I’ve started
17. Make something that isn’t from a pattern by someone else Not yet, I only have some drawings
18. Put family favorite recipes into a book Still organizing them
19. Paint Christmas china I need to get going if I’m going to have it ready to use for Christmas.  Any good ideas where I can get pictures for the 12 Days of Christmas to work off of? 
20. Write business plan Still need to do this one
21. Create Etsy account and sell something Not yet
22. Get more active in the crafting community OK, I’m still lurking around other blogs.  I seriously need to make more comments on others’ blogs and post them in my blogroll
23. Sew another item for a contest After Christmas gifts are done
24. Entertain more We are doing this one.  Most recently, the annual Green Chicken and Dumplings Dinner
25. Try to figure out what I want to do when I grow up Nope
26. Then figure out how to make it happen Again, nope
27. Journal about 1/2 marathon training for writing later Since I failed to train, I’ll have to journal after the first of the year for the 2009 1/2 marathon
28. Keep a daily journal I really need to do this one
29. Take more pictures, not just of Gaby I’ve not been the greatest about this either
30. Realize I can do all of the above if I don’t get in my own way I know I can; I just need to do it

So, as you can see I’ve made some progress.  I just need to keep on myself about this stuff.  I’d like to have everything crossed off next July and a new list to work on.  Wish me luck!

 

A Tradition Begins

We’ve all agreed: same time, same place next year.  The weekend was a blast.  Jessie ran the half-marathon and finished in about 2 1/2 hours, Kristina ran/walked it in about 3 hours, I walked it in 3 1/2 hours, and Katie had to switch to the 5K but finished it in less than 23 minutes!  We all finished our events. 

Kristina and I got into KC around 3:00 Friday afternoon.  We met up with Jessie, ran some errands, picked up our race packets, and then went to Missy’s to make dinner.  I cooked pasta, red sauce, and some chicken for protein.  We also had salad and Jessie’s friend Julie brought some bread.  I love racing if I get to eat a bunch of carbs before hand. 

I am disappointed in myself for not being diligent with my training and that I had to walk the half marathon.  However, I am proud I finished the half (and ran across the finish line), and it only took me an hour longer than Jessie who ran the half.  I am going to really work next year and run the thing.  I was getting passed by people who, although didn’t look as fit, had clearly conditioned themselves better than me.  Talk about having to swallow your pride a little.  Regardless, I finished! 

This made me realize how much I miss the pain and satifaction that come with working out regularly.  I am going to get back into a regular routine.  I was a little envious of Jessie who had really trained for the event.  She was so prepared and educated about the process.  I want that to be me next year, and it will!  She and I will take this picture again next year but hopefully there will be two things different:  I will have finished in a time much closer to hers and Missy will be there with us as a participant not a spectator. 

 

It’s that Time

Well, the half marathon weekend is here.  I’m waiting for my friend Kristina to pick me up and we’re driving to Kansas City.  I’m excited, nervous, and disappointed.  I’m excited for obvious reasons; nervous for obvious reasons (13.1 miles!!!); and disappointed because I didn’t follow through with my training and will be walking the half marathon.  However, this will still be a huge accomplishment and I hope will be motivation to get my butt in gear and really train for next year.  Pictures and details of the race to follow.  Wish me luck!

 

Pumpkin Festival, 2008

After our rain out last year, we went to the Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival again this year.  Honestly, I’m kind of over it now.  Yeah, we got some cute pictures of the kids, but really it’s not my thing.  There are too many people, you can’t really let the kids run around, and did I mention there are too many people.  Each year the tiny river town of Hartsburg anticipates 30,000 people for the festival. 

We went this year with Tasha, Julia, Cody (aka Little Cody); Melissa, Blake, Grant; Linda; and Jess, Cody (Big Cody), and their newborn Colton.  The parking was different this year, so we had this horrendous walk through a corn field and a gravel road with wagons and strollers. 

The white area in the middle, left of the picture is our destination. 

OK, now it’s in sight.

We got to the piles of pumpkins and let the kids out to play. 

Grant, Julia, and Blake

Gaby

One of the few where she was sitting still.

Grant, with the moms in the background snapping pictures.

Blake

Julia

Cody

Peek-a-boo in the corn maze.

Anything to keep him happy well past lunch on the ride home. 

What, I hope, will be the first of many pictures of these girls posing. 

Oh, and by the way, we didn’t buy a single pumpkin at the festival.  Next year, I’ll just add pumpkins to the list of items to plant in the garden and we’ll have our own pumpkin patch.

 

Peter Piper Picked a Peck…

We still have peppers coming out of our ears from the garden.  The jalapeno is on it’s 4th bloom, although these peppers are just a little smaller than the others have been.  The tabasco is still going nuts. 

Then what do you do with loads of habanero and tabasco peppers; more than you can ever use in salsa? 

You make homemade hot sauce (great to add into ketchup for a little extra kick).  Or,

you dry them (later uses to be determined). 

I’ve also canned some salsa.  What is great is that all the produce in the salsa, except the onion and 4 garlic cloves, came from our garden.  I’ve really enjoyed having a garden.  I already have plans to expand in size and variety next year. 

 

Eight Years of Marriage

What’s great about our anniversary is that neither of us should forget how many years we’ve been married.  A wedding in the year 2000 makes remembering the number of years a snap.  We don’t have any plans, which is kind of nice.  This month is just really, really busy for us.  So, tonight, I’m planning a quite dinner at home and some playtime with our princess-loving 2-year-old.  I love my life. 

Happy anniversary, Mitch!

 

Blessing in Disguise

This picture has no relevance to the post, I just find it peaceful.  This was taken on our recent trip to the Leinenkugel’s brewery in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. 

Two nights ago the ancient TV in our bedroom went out.  Those who know Mitch and I know that this TV has been a bone of contention in the bedroom since our marriage.  Mitch prefers to go to sleep to silence, but I got in the, admittedly, bad habit of needing to go to sleep with the TV on.  I enjoyed going to bed to shows on channels like History, Discovery, National Geographic, etc.  The noise drove Mitch crazy. 

Imagine my dismay when two nights ago the screen started rolling and to turn off the TV I had to unplug it.  My stomach sunk.  We tried it again last night, but couldn’t even get the set to turn on.  The funny thing is that a lamp doesn’t bother Mitch when going to sleep.  So I read a couple of chapters in my book, and easily went to sleep. 

This morning I woke up rested and said to Mitch, “Hey, why don’t we try no TV in the bedroom for a while.”  He was more than willing to entertain the idea.  We’ll see how tonight goes.  This will certainly help me reach my goal to read 10 books for the year.  Like I said in the title, blessing in disguise.

 

Go Tigers!!!

We are quite fortunate to have a great college football team within 30 minutes of our home.  We aren’t huge fans, don’t have season tickets, and don’t go to games.  However, I’ll gladly stop and watch an MU game when it’s on TV. 

One of the guys Mitch works with is a pretty big fan.  He’s also got a house at the Lake and asked if I could paint a sign with the MU logo for him to hang on his property.  I thought sure, an M, a tiger head, the word “MIZZOU”, how hard could that be.  Well a 4 foot by 4 foot sheet of plywood and several moments of frustration later, this is the result. 

I’m really happy with the sign.  I included one of the pictures with the Tahoe so you can see just how big this sucker is.  The sign is HUGE. 

Now, let’s hope the Tigers have as good a year as they did last year.  Go Tigers!

 

Wedding Gift

Since the gift has been delivered and opened, I can post this.  I painted a plate for Jeanna and Brent to commemorate their wedding day.  The state flower of Wisconsin is the violet.  I love painting this flower and I really thing the plate turned out beautiful.  The pictures do not do it justice as I couldn’t get the camera to focus.  That’s probably because I took these at 2:00 in the morning when we planned to leave just three hours later at 5:00.  The plate was still warm from the kiln.  I was going to paint some bright red poppies, but I’m happy with the last minute change of plan. 

 

Wisconsin Wedding

We just got back from a very quick trip to Wisconsin for a family wedding.  The leaves were just starting to change and the weather was perfect.  The only downfall was that we only had a couple of days and I felt rushed the entire time.  Gaby didn’t nap either day we were there, so she was ready for bed by 8 or 9 each night.  However, it was great to see my grandma, uncles, aunts, cousins, and various other family members. 

Here are pictures of my cousin Jeanna, her new husband Brent, and my uncle Gary.  She is beautiful ordinarily, but she made an even more beautiful bride.  To Gaby she was “Princess Jeanna.”  Very sweet coming from girl obsessed with princesses right now. 

Every time we tried to get a posed picture with Gaby, she was less than willing to cooperate.  Here is the best four generations picture we were able to get.  Gaby is screaming in the other one. 

We got some nice pictures before the reception really got going.  It is odd how much my sisters and I resemble each other more with age. 

But the reception was the best part.  Although she was tired, Gaby transformed into Gaby Green Dance Machine.  The child never slowed down.  She even tried to get out on the floor for the first and wedding party dances.  And, once anyone got on the dance floor with her, they couldn’t leave.  She had fun finding everyone and getting them back on the floor.  “Jessie, come here.  Missy, come here.”  And on, and on, and on.  When we got back to the hotel, she looked at me and said, “Mommy, I tired.”  Enough said. 

By the way, I love Jessie’s face in this picture.

It was a great time.  Next time, I’d like to have more time and no event to attend.  That will make the trip even more enjoyable.

 

Gaby Update

This post is for anyone wanting an update on the little girl.  It amazes me how much things have changed from a year ago.  Gaby’s always been very independent and this trait only continues to get stronger.  She’s able to communicate so much more.  It’s nice that she’s able to let me know when she’d like to have some juice or milk, when she’s ready for a snack and what she’d like for said snack.  This makes the constant trial and error parenting virtually obsolete. 

The girl is a sponge.  She can recite songs from her favorite Disney movies.  She quickly repeats new things she’s learned.  It just never ceases to amaze me. 

I also think she’s destined to be a performer of some sort.  She loves to sing and dance.  I got out one of my recital costumes from when I was a little girl.  It’s just a tad big on her, but absoultely adorable!  I find myself asking, what happend to my little baby and where did this girl come from. 

Each day I’m reminded that being a mom it the best job I will ever have.  I love being a wife, my job that brings home money is great, but I wouldn’t trade my time as a mommy for anything.  Even when I hear: “No, that’s mine!”; “Go away, Mommy!”; or “Hey, Mommy!  Hey, Mommy!  Hey, Mommy!  What doing?”  Because for the last couple of nights as I lay her down for bed I hear her whisper, “Good night, Mommy.  I love you too.”

Here are some recent pictures, enjoy because I know I do! 

Don’t worry, immediately following the picture I removed the beads from her neck.  It was just too cute hearing her say “My necklace” each time she put on a new strand of beads.  I’m telling you the kid is a ham. 

 

What Else I’ve Been Up To

I’ve been pretty absent around here lately.  This has simply been one of the busiest summers we’ve had (I’m sure they’ll only get more and more packed). One of the highlights of the summer was my work trip to New Orleans in July.  I’d never been there, and I had a blast.  

It was hot!  I know Missouri in July is hot and humid, but the air was so close it was difficult to breath at times.  However, this didn’t slow us down too much.  The crew that went on the trip were great to travel with.  We stayed just off Bourbon Street and walked almost everywhere.  We stayed up way too late and had way too much fun.  Here are some of my favorite pictures.  Oh and if you’re wondering,the close up is of beignetsfrom Cafe Du Monde at 10:00 on Friday evening before we left.  They were fabulous and of course I had to buy a package of beignet mix and coffee with chicory. 

             

 

More from the Garden

These pictures were taken last week between sick days.  This summer cold business has been tough on me and Gaby.  With all the rain and moderate weather we’ve had, the tomatoes just haven’t stopped. 

The cucmbers and zucchini are pretty much done.  A note to self for next year: plant the zucchini further apart so you don’t miss fruit when picking.  The monster zucchini in this picture is the second of these we’ve had this year.  The funny thing is that they sound like a melon when you tap them. 

Now that I’m feeling better, this weekend is going to  be filled with salsa making and other canning.  I have a ton of peppers, so I want to make some pepper jelly, pickle some peppers, and I found a hot sauce recipe.  So, I’m really looking forward to this weekend to spend time cooking, with the windows open, and breating in the fresh air.  Happy weekend!

 

Baby Boys

Don’t get too excited because I’m not referring to us.  We have several friends with baby boys arriving in the next couple of months (one couple is at the hospital as I write).  I’m making some hand embroidered onesies and embellished burp cloths for the little ones.  Because, at least for my little one, I couldn’t have enough onesies and burp cloths.

For the embroidery I’m using patterns from Sublime Stitching and possibly some of my own.  For the burp cloths I picked up some cute blue fabrics to stitch to cloth diapers.  Here is a sample of the fabrics.  Wish me luck!

 

Garden

So far, so good on the garden growing.  We had an extreme amount of rain this spring so it looks like our zucchini are going to suffer, but the herbs, peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes are doing well.  We will, of course, can some salsa this year, but I think I’ll be able to make some pickles too.  This is the first tomato from the garden, an Early Girl.  She’s not that pretty and I picked her early because we have some rabbit issues.  If she tastes as good as the cucumbers do, then we’re in business!

The best things about having a garden:

1. Mitch has decided he’ll eat fresh cucumbers in vinegar since they are close to pickles that way
2. Home grown cucumbers are super sweet and are even better when sliced just off the vine
3. My daughter actually ate a couple of cucumber slices.  We think it is because she is able to watch us working in the garden, pick the vegetables, and slice them after bringing them in
4. Gardening is an activity Mitch and I can enjoy together

We are already planning on a larger garden next year with more vegetables and possibly some fruit.

 

I’m Thirty

So this post comes just over a week late, since my birthday was July 2.  I took a few days off work and just didn’t want to get on the computer at home.  I’m thirty, just got a new haircut, and am excited for what the next phase of my life will bring.  One of my coworkers was really upset last year when he hit 30, but I can’t say I feel the same.  I’m looking forward to this next decade.  Here’s the new haircut, I really like it.  I wanted a fresh cut for the new year.

We didn’t do a lot on my birthday, but we did have a shrimp boil with some friends on the 3rd.  Of course, I was too busy having fun to snap any pictures. 

I’ve seen other bloggers post similar lists, and since I am very much a list person I wanted to give it a go.  I don’t do New Year’s resolutions, but a list that I can mark items off of as I complete them is certainly more my speed. 

Here goes: Thirty Things To Do When I’m Thirty

1. Grow a garden without killing everything
2. Sew at least 3 items of clothing for myself that are wearable
3. Sew at least 3 items of clothing for Gaby that are wearable
4. Paint more (and I don’t mean our home)
5. Catch up Gaby’s scrapbook
6. Give more handmade gifts
7. Run 1/2 marathon
8. Keep blog updated
9. Send 3 items off for publication  (poems/stories/articles/etc)
10. Make time at least 4 times a week for something creative
11. Read 10 books that aren’t work or school related
12. Eat out less
13. Lose at least 15 pounds
14. Organize and keep organized craft area
15. De-clutter house
16. Teach myself to knit
17. Make something that isn’t from a pattern by someone else
18. Put family favorite recipes into a book
19. Paint Christmas china
20. Write business plan
21. Create Etsy account and sell something
22. Get more active in the crafting community
23. Sew another item for a contest
24. Entertain more
25. Try to figure out what I want to do when I grow up
26. Then figure out how to make it happen
27. Journal about 1/2 marathon training for writing later
28. Keep a daily journal
29. Take more pictures, not just of Gaby
30. Realize I can do all of the above if I don’t get in my own way

 

Spoiler Alert Mom and Mitch

So, Mom and Mitch, if you are reading this quit!  Anyone else please enjoy. 

A couple of months ago, we had some studio pictures taken of Gaby, Phil and Linda, and the Rizner crew.  This pictures turned out adorable and one of Gaby is even going to be blown up for display downtown for the 4th of July festivities.  However, regardless of how cute they are, I tend to lean more toward candid shots.  Long story short, one of Jessie’s long-time friends is starting a photography business.  I checked out her work and loved it. 

On Saturday, Erin and I took Gaby to the Governor’s Gardens and Capitol grounds.  I am in love with her work.  Erin was so patient and never once got frustrated.  You can tell she has a two-year-old too.  She got some really nice shots of Gaby and I, so I am really looking forward to getting these for presents for Mitch and Mom. 

Also, there will be some crafty items posted later in the week.  We have three people having little boys in the next couple of months, so I’m going to make some baby gifts.  Stay tuned. 

 

 

Update

Well, in the past couple of months we’ve had a lot going on.  Gaby turned 2!  I can’t believe it.  Our little girl is growing so fast.  Here are some of my favorite pictures of her birthday. 

 

 

                               

This weekend one of her favorite sayings is “No, way!” 

Me: “Gaby, do you want some milk?”

Gaby: “No, way!”

Me: “Gaby, do you want to eat dinner?”

Gaby: “No, way!”

Me: “Gaby, do you want to go outside?”

Gaby: “Swing?”

Me: “Yep.”

Gaby: “Let’s go!”

 

Mitch and a couple of our neighbors got Gaby’s swing set finished a couple weeks ago.  So we go out with suncreen, water, hat and sunglasses and swing for well over an hour.  I love having a two-year-old!

 

Break

So, I’ve taken an unexpected, but necessary, blog break.  The legislative session is over.  I’m not sure if it is because this was my second session or what other reason there might be, but it seemed to fly. 

As a family, we’ve had lots of things happen, but nothing major.  I’ve signed up to run a half marathon in October with my sisters (hopefully) and some friends from work.  It’s in Kansas City, so we’re going to make a nice girls weekend out of the occasion.  We recently had Gaby’s 2nd birthday party.  This was a great party with many of our friends and family.  I’m really looking forward to this summer and fall.  We have planted a small garden, which is a satisfying feeling.  It will be nice to know some of the food we put on our plates will have been grown at home.  We are going to spend a quick weekend in Branson in June with my family.  I’m heading to New Orleans in July to attend a conference for work.  I’ve never been there, so I’m excited about this trip.  Then in September I have a cousin getting married in Wisconsin, so we’ll be traveling north for the event. 

Finally, I’m looking forward to having some time this summer for my more crafty endeavors.  I still have this nagging thought in the back of my mind that I have talents that aren’t being used by my current desk job.  Don’t get me wrong, I really like what I do now, but I just feel like I could be doing more.  So, stay tuned.  This summer, I plan on experimenting with some ideas rattling around in my head. 

Ang.

 

Who Is This Girl?

 

 

I’ve said this before, but seriously, where did this little girl come from.  I thought I had a baby.  So many days I’m amazed at the things she does or says.  This week she finally climbed out of her crib.  Mitch and I knew this was coming, but had hoped to wait a little longer.  (She’s not even 2 yet!)  Plus, she was so proud to have climbed out, she was more than happy to do it again.  I’m trying to cherish every moment, because I know there’ll soon be a day I’ll look back at her toddler years and wonder where they’ve gone.