Mission "Bluebird"

I love birds and birdwatching. Yes by saying that I probably just aged myself by 30 years. No I don't sit staring at birds all day! I do enjoy watching my bluebirds when they come around though. I make sure they are well fed most of the year. The street we live on has all farm fields behind our backyards. We get so much wildlife around here. Being able to watch the deer eat while we sit at our own table eating our dinner always amuses Justin & I. We have geese, ducks, herons, deer, and even coyotes that make themselves right at home around here. But I have a special place in my heart for these bluebirds. Some people get bluebirds mixed up with blue jays. Blue jays are aggressive and territorial, not like bluebirds. The first spring we were in our new house I saw my very first bluebird and fell in love. My brother Brian and his wife Kathy got me a bluebird house for my birthday. For the last 4 years the bluebirds come back and have babies at least twice a year in our bird house. It's the most amazing thing to watch. It's come to the point now that when we are sitting on our patio chairs they will actually sit on the back of our chairs with us. I think they like us too!

When I found a decorative toss pillow a couple days ago on Bed Bath & Beyonds website I had to have it. Why? It has bluebirds on it of course! I went online to look at it again today and I kid you not it was discontinued and put on clearance today. Great right? My excitement was dashed when they were out of stock. BOOO! I spent 2 hours tonight on the phone with Bed Bath & Beyonds. I called stores in California and Texas trying to find these darn pillows. Justin said I was a woman on a mission! Well I finally found a store with my pillow and better yet, this pillow was $29.99 2 days ago and today I paid.......$5.99 with free shipping! A little perseverance pays off when you really try! I can't wait to have my new pillows in their new home;)

  Our bluebirds are gorgeous!

Our new pillow:)

Whats For Dinner???

I've always loved to cook. Ok, maybe not always but there was one main reason...I hated dealing with raw meat. Well I've conquered that little obstacle. Thanks to my friend Mr. Clorox Wipes! Cooking has seriously become one of my loves. Now since becoming a Pinterest  addict, it has taken my interest in cooking even further. The recipes you can find on Pinterest are amazing. It's a never ending cookbook for me. Justin loves the new variety of meals coming out of our kitchen as well. I'm also going to start printing out these cute meal planners that I found also on Pinterest. Ive heard nothing but rave reviews of them from some of my friends. So what's for dinner tonight?? Go figure it's not a recipe from Pinterest. Ha!! Oh well!

Chicken Parmesan Skillet Pot Pie

Baptisms and Bonding

On Sunday February 19, 2012 our niece Lillian Rose was baptized at a local Catholic church. Not only was it a gorgeous day, it was also a beautiful day for so many other reasons. It was an uplifting expieriance not only for Lily, but for all those who attended. Lily has been blessed with her new Godfather Dave and Godmother Cindy. As I stood there watching Lily being blessed with holy water, I couldn't help but see our nephew Jordan standing right beside his new baby sister. The look on his face was priceless. Lily and Jordan already have a special bond. They both can actually make eachother laugh. When Jordan isn't home from school yet, Lily will see one of his pictures and get the biggest smile. She loves her brother and he loves her. It's the kind of a rare bond that my brothers and I still have. Believe it or not my brothers and I never faught while growing up. They took me under their wing not only as their sister, but also as their friend. When we all still lived with our parents we would go shopping together. Every Tuesday we would go to a local music store called Tracks and buy the latest CD's. We would pile into my brother Brian's brand new Beretta. I thought I was so cool;) In high school I went with my brothers and their friends to OzzFest. Yes I know what your thinking. Amanda and OzzFest???Yes it's true! They always included me in everything and by doing that their friends became my and now Justin's good friends. We've been to Vegas together twice now. Oh the memories there! I'll save that for another post! Anyways, on the day of Lily's Baptism I saw Jordan looking at  Lily like a proud big brother. I get the sense that Jordan and Lily will be lucky enough to have the same kind of bond that I continue to share with my brothers. We are all truely blessed.

Jordan and Lily with her Godfather Dave

 What a special day for Lily.

So beautiful in her gown! I think she's going to love playing dress up.

 

My brothers and I. Blessed beyong measure!

New Year, Fun Year

Even though we are almost into March, Happy New Year!! So yes I'm a little behind but its been a fun start to the year. New Years was never that big of a deal to me. Yes the parties are fun, but I never really grasped the concept. Well this year feels completely different. It feels so refreshing to have a fresh start. The last two years had some stressful moments. But with an amazing husband, family, and friends, I was able to push through. So I welcomed in 2012 with open arms.

   Our niece Lily celebrating her very first New Years!

Who can think of February and not think of the Superbowl?! Every year my brother Brad and his wife Jill host their annual Superbowl party. It's a great time getting everyone together. Of course most of my family and friends sported their Chicago Bears gear instead! One day we keep hoping, one day...

I still can't believe we celebrated our nephew Jordan's 11th Birthday this February. I had the honor of recording his birth and now he's 11? Time sure has gone by quickly! But I'll tell you what. Jordan has brought so much happiness into all of our lives. He is one of the most loving, funny, and smart kids that I know. He wanted a roller skating party this year with his friends and family. While we were there, I had flashbacks of my Corpus Christi days going to Galaxy for skating parties. How many times I requested Salt-N-Peppa's "Push It" will continue to be my secret.

   Jordan and I at his 11th Birthday Party

Happy Family 

Of course I couldn't leave out my handsome hubby! He had a great time too.