Friday, December 31, 2010

Violet

Violet - The New Toy

I think this is the coolest toy.  Mallorie got this from my Parents for Christmas. It is a Leap Frog My Pal Violet.  Not only is it cute but very smart.  There is a USB Cable that comes with it so you can hold her up to the computer and download your child's name (with correct spelling) and their favorite things like animal, food, and color.  Then that information is put into songs and other activites that she does.  I just can not believe how far toys have come since I was little.  I remember toys that needed batteries were so cool... now they connect to the computer. 

What was your favorite Christmas gift?  Or what was your favorite gift as a kid? 

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Menu Monday

Monday: Speghetti and Garlic Bread
Tuesday: Meatloaf
Wednesday: Cheese Broccoli Soup
Thursday:  "Must-gos" (that is what we call leftovers)
Friday: New Years Eve: we dont have plans yet but we will probably eat out. 

With the Holidays almost over we are gearing up for the new year.  I hope to get life organized again and back to "normal".  I hope you have had a great Christmas! 

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Carter checking on Mallorie.  What a good big "brother."

Monday, December 20, 2010

Menu Monday

Menu Monday

Monday : We grabbed pizza on the way home from finishing Christmas shopping.
Tuesday : Spaghetti Pizza Pie
Wednesday: Pancakes and Bacon
Thursday: Hamburger Helper and Garlic Bread
Friday: Christmas party at my in-laws

What are your plans for the holidays?

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Christmas Crafts

Christmas Crafts

I love Christmas time and I love crafting so this is the best time of the year.  I have been looking through others blogs and I found a really cool blog that is featuring 12 different Christmas craft.  Click here for the link.


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday


I found out 2 weeks ago that my aunt has stage 3 breast cancer.  She is having surgery tomorrow. Please pray!

Crazy Times

Crazy Times

Lately I feel like I can not catch with anything.  I have been working 55+ hours a week, taking care of Mallorie, cooking meals, and trying to keep the house clean (which is falling behind and driving be crazy!) 



Also I really want to make stuff for Christmas but I just can not find the time.  I am hoping that Wednesday night I will be able to tackle some of these projects.  We have Christmas parties the next two weekends and then it is already Christmas. 

We really want to start some Christmas Traditions with Mallorie even though this year she is only going to be 3 months old at Christmas.  What are some of your family traditions?

Friday, December 3, 2010

Feeling Crafty Friday

Feeling Crafty Friday

I have been so busy with work lately.  We are short one full time and one part time employees so We have all bee working overtime.  I have not had any spare time to craft.  I did get up early one day to work on a play mat that I am making for Mallorie but my sewing machine was acting up so I did not get it done.  I am hoping to get back to crafting soon!  Here are some of the crafts that are on my to do list. 


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Chocolate Cookie Bark

I hope your holiday season is off to a good start and happy crafting to you!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Mallorie with her cousins, Ruthie (6) and Lewis (4) at the pumpkin patch!


Sunday, November 28, 2010

Feelin Crafty Friday (a day late)

Feeling Crafty Friday

I have been so busy at work that I have not had anytime to keep up on my blog,  I hope everybody had a great Thanksgiving.  This past week I made someting that I have been wanting to make for a while.  I am not sure why i put it off until know.  I love how they turned out.  I made Mallorie leg warmers, or baby legs!

Here is my first attempt at a tutorial.  I followed along with this link but did it a little different with it came to the stiching.  Here is the link.

First cut the foot part of the sock off so you have just the long part of the sock.

The strech the cut end of the sock over the sewing machine.  Sew a tight zig-zag ont he edge of the sock.  Now mine did not turn out as ruffled as the tutorial I followed so I ended up just sewing it straight so that it would not fray.  Then when I put them on her I put the sewed part to the top and let the orignial finished part show.

Here they are all finished. 

Mommy's little model


I also made a pink pair for her!  I love them and they are so easy! I think I have a new addiction

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

Today is Thanksgiving!  I can not believe that it is here already.  Last night I made a really cute hair bow for Mallorie's hair for today.  I got my inspiration from my friends blog.  It is a little different because I was in a hurry and I had to make it smaller.  I will post pictures soon.  Today we are going to celebrate Thanksgiving at my parents house.  We have to alternate years between families because I never get the holiday off.  The one thing that is nice is that working third shift I can still attend the parties and just sleep later.  I want to list one thing that I am thankful for every month this year:

January: We found out we were pregnant!
February: For Grandpa Peters.  He past away in February but we were given over three years after he was diagnosed with cancer.
March: Family! I realize how much our "family" (Brad, myself, and our dog Carter) is going to change. 
April:  Molly's Surgery went well and she is still her fun crazy self!
May: My town!  I love the area I live in and the fun things to do in the Spring and Summer
June: My Job! It sounds weird but I am glad to have a job in this bad economy.
July:  Air conditioning.  It has been a very hot summer
August: Vacations! we started to plan next summer's camping trips and vacation
September: Mallorie was born!!!
October:  Molly's MRI went well and there was no growth.
November: Mallorie is growing and healthy!  She is starting to sleep through the night.  I love to watch her grow and smile!

What are some of the things you are thankful for this year?

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

My Little Candy Corn!!!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Tuesday Tip

Tuesday Tip


Maybe it is just me but I HATE getting coffee filters apart.  I know it is just a small thing but I can never get them.  While working in a coffee shop for four years and now working third shift make a lot of coffee.  I have found a quick, and easy tip.  Just turn the pack of filters inside out.  Trust me it is so much easier.  Give it a try!

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thankful Thursday


Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for my parents.  Growing up we would go camping a lot.  I have so many good memories from that.  We also took some big trips.  The biggest was a three week trip to California.  We hit all of the major landmarks on the way.  They have also ways supported me in everything that I have wanted to do from sports and activites in high school to going to the Police Academy to become a Police Officer.  They have helped us out so much.  I took a loan from them when I was in college and they let me work off my payments by working for my dad.  I now have them paid off and feels great to not owe them money.  I am still cleaning with my dad and while I do my mom watches Mallorie for us.  I know as she gets older they will spoil her more and more.  They love to spend time with us and are always there if we need something.

 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Old Photos

Old Photos


(photo of my Grandparents farm in Hopkins, MI)

I love old photos and I came across a really cool blogI love to see how people lived, dressed, and lived back in the "old days".  On this blog she finds old pictures and then posts then to see if family members can find old pictures that belong to their families.  I thought that this was a great idea.  I can not wait to explore the blog even more. 

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Little Getaway

Our Little Getaway

We have been so busy lately and just felt like we needed to get away.  We too off at about 10:00 and headed up to Ludington.  We love Ludington!  I really dont know what it is about it but it is a great getaway.  First we stopped by a resort where Brad's family goes every summer.  It was a little windy and cold se still had to get some pictures.

 When we got to the dock area (where these pictures were taken.) there was one swan that swam from the group over to where we were parked and just sat in the water in front of our Jeep.  I could not help but think of the last time I was there.  It was two summers ago.  I was on the dock with Brad's Grandpa (who passed away this past February).  There was a flock of swans on the water that day as well and he just commented on how peaceful they are and how he loves to see them on the lake.  When I saw the one swan swim away from the group an come up to us I could only think of Grandpa Peters.  I did not mention it to Brad because I could tell it was hard for him to be back there for the first time since his Grandpa passed away.

We then ventured into town and went to some stores.  Brad's favorite store is Dean's 4 in 1.  I don't know why.  This store has a lot of random things and is kinda like a big garage sale but every time we are here he has to stop there. 

And if you know me you know I LOVE ice cream.  House of Flavors is the best.  (one of my Best friends, Kim drove and hour and a half for the ice cream) So I had to get a picture of Mallorie's first visit to House of Flavors.

We had a great day getaway, it is just what we needed.  I think Mallorie had a good time too!  She was so tired on the way home!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Feeling Crafty Friday

Feeling Crafty Friday

Today I looked in Mallorie's room and I found hairbows in three different places.  That is when I decided that I needed one place to put them.  So this is what I came up with.  All you need is a round keyring, large flower of your choice, and your choice of ribbon. 

First: Sew over 1/4 inch of the ribbon.
Second: Thread the keyring through the loop you just sewed
Third: Hot glue the second ribbon on to the base ribbon
Fourth: Hot glue the flower into place
Fifth: Clip bows on and hang in place.



In total this craft only took me about 10 minutes and I love the results!!

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

This Thursday I am thankful for health.  On April 19, 2010, one of my best friends daughter, Molly, was diagnosed with a lime sized brain tumor.(click the link to read the full story.) In short 5 days after she was diagnosed she underwent brain surgery.  She is an amazing little girl that has over come and is still fighting so much.  The doctors were able to get what they believe was all of the tumor but they will monitor her with MRIs every three months.  There were many side effect that comes from brain surgery at such a young age.  There was a chance that she would lose her ability to speak, which for Molly would be hard because she is so vocal.  There was also a chance that she would not walk.  But Molly has overcome all of it and it the same adorable crazy Molly she was before the surgery. 

 
It amazes me what doctors and the people in health care can do.  Although it is expensive there is no price that would not be paid for health.  Please go and read Molly's full story, it is a true Miracle!


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

This is my cousin with his son Austin.  I love this picture I think it is precious.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Menu Monday


Monday: Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots
Tuesday:  Fish sticks and Salads
Wednesday: Enchilada Casserole
Thursday:  Deli rotisserie Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and green beans
Friday:  Chicken Quesadillas (with leftover chicken)

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for my husband.  He is amazing.  He doesn't think twice about working overtime, keeping up on the yard, working around the house, and even doing laundry from time to time.  I met him when I was 19 years old and in college.  He has always been supportive of me in everything that I do and there for me if I fail.  He loves to be outside either hunting, fishing, or camping.  This past weekend he told me that he wants to take a day get-away every month.  He wants to start making traditions with Mallorie.  I can not wait to to watch him as Mallorie grows up.  He is a great daddy and she is the luckiest girl I know!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Menu Monday

This week I am going to use things that I have in house.  I did not buy grocries this week.  I tend to buy them every other week instead of everyweek.  I will buy the essentials like milk, yogurts, and lunchmeat everyweek but found I spend less if I go every other week.
Tuesday: Summer Sausage and rice
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday: Spaghetti and Garlic Bread
Friday: Pizza

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Thankful Thursday



With Thanksgiving coming up I want to focus on one thing that I am thankful for every week.  This week I am thankful for a blog.  I know it sounds funny but I love to look to it for craft ideas.  The crafts that are on this site are ones that are adorable and practical.  The site is http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/ .  Go and check it out!

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Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Wordless Wednesday


Mallorie and her Great Grandpa Koetiser - I love how they are looking at eachother!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Tuesday Tip

Tuesday Tip

Because I work third shift my schedule is a lot different than everyones I know.  When I wake up the last thing I want to do is make dinner.  That is why I love to use my Crock-Pot.  Even though I love to use my crock pot I hate to clean it.  That is why I love Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners.


I was a little worry the first time I tried them.  I did not know if the food would cook the same.  But they are amazing.  The food cooks the same way and when it comes to cleaning you do not have to soak the pot and scrub it... all you have to do is lift the liner out and throw it away. I think they are truly worth every penny.

New Friends

New Friends

I have know Heidi since I was three years old.  Her family moved in two doors down from where I lived.  We have been friends ever since.  In Janurary we went out to eat for my birthday and I was going to tell her that we were expecting.  but she beat me to the punch.  Heidi told me that her and her husband were expecting in the begining of October.  So I then told her that I was going to tell her the same thing but we were due mid September.  We were so excited to be due only weeks apart.  Heidi and her husband found out that there were having a boy.  He was born exactly one month after Mallorie.  Bryce was born 10/13/10.  the other night I went over to see him again and I brought Mallorie.  It was so cute to see them together.  I can not believe how big Mallorie looks next to him. 
Bryce was 7 lbs. 7 oz. when he was born.  So Mallorie had 2 pounds on him to start plus a month to grow. 

I can not wait to watch them grow up together! 

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Wordless Wednesday


Wordless Wednesday

I absolutely love this picture.  She looks so sweet and peaceful!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Menu Monday

Monday - Hot Dogs on the Grill with Baked Beans and chips
Tuesday - Taco Soup
Wednesday - Chicken Lasagna
Thursday - Sloppy Tacos
Friday - Out for eat

I am going to try a weekly menu.  I have tried it once before but it did not work.  I am hoping that it will make shopping easier.  If you have any tips let me know! 

Thursday, October 14, 2010

IT'S A GIRL


IT'S A GIRL!!!!!

Mallorie May Koetsier
9 lbs 13 oz
21 inches long

On September 12 at about 1o'clock in the morning I started having contractions.  I labored at home until my husband got up for work at 4:15.  I then told him that he would not be going to work today and that it was time to call the doctor and head to the hospital.  When we got to the hospital at 5:00 they wheeled us up to my room and started to get me comfortable and hooked up the the monitors.  When they checked me they found that I was already 8 centimeters dilated.  They hurried to get the anesthesiologist in so I could have the epidural.  I labored for a while without the epidural.  Then I got the epidural and was much more comfortable and was able to relax, sleep, and "enjoy" laboring.  At about 10:00 a.m.  I was fully dialated and I started to push with the contractions.  My Doctor was at the office seeing other patients but would be up to deliver in a few hours.  I had two amazing nurses, Julie and Megan, with me and helped me with the pushing.  At about 11:00 my doctor came up and saw me and checked how far along I was and how far the baby was.  She had a meeting scheduled downstairs so she told the nurses that if they needed her they could page her otherwise she will be back in about an hour.  Just after noon my doctor came back up and they started to fill the room with all of the equiptment needed for delivery.  I saw the joy on my husband's face and I knew that it was getting close.  The scale, the warmer, and a large table full of towels, tubs, and a lot of tools were in the room too.  I pushed with every contraction.  I was so tired at this point becasuse I had not slept since the night before and I had not eaten anything since dinner the night before.  Between contraction I would keep my eyes closed and rest and I think if it was not for the next contraction I could have fallen asleep.  I did not feel any pain.  I could feel my muscles tighten at the top of my belly with every contractions but that was it.  At 1:20 p.m. the doctor told me that the baby was getting stuck on my pelvic bone and that I could keep pushing for the next 40 minutes and be the same place that we are now or she could use the forceps and get the baby out with the next contraction.  I looked at my husband and he nodded.  I told the doctor to use the forceps.  She then put the forceps into place so she was ready.  With the next contraction I started to push.  As I push she pulled on the forceps and I could feel the the presure of the baby coming out.  It was the most amazing feeling.  She put the baby up on me and asked my husband, " What do we have daddy?"  and he said, through his tears, "It's a girl!"  They then rubbed her to get her to cry.  She let out one big scream and then just laid on my chest, bright eyed, and looking around.  She was perfect!!!  They then took her to clean her better, check her over, and get her weight and length and dress her.  The doctor asked the nurse " so how big is this little girl?"  The nurse told her, "9 pounds 13 ounces."  I asked "9 pounds 3 ounces?"  and the nurse replied "No, 13!"  My husband then got to hold her for the first time.  I am so glad that I had a camera close because I never want to forget the look in his eyes when he really looked at her and held her for the first time. 
                 

Once we got her home we introduce her to our dog, Carter.  I think it was love at first sight.  Carter is very protective of her.  When she crys and we are not in the same room he will come and get one of us.  Also when we had visitors come over to see us and to meet Mallorie, Carter would lay in the middle of the living room  and look at the person holding her and would not take his eye off of them.  We are trying our best to give him the same amount of love that we did before and to keep things same for him.  He is doing really good with her.  I can not wait for her to get older and to play with him.  It will be so cute.


I recently did a one month photo shoot with her.  She was in a good mood so I thought I would take advantage of it.  She is changing so much already!