I am back

To all of those that missed me I would like to say.... I am back! I have had a crazy beginning to this year. I go moved to first shift, go a promotion on top of that, and am now working directly for my boss. I just have not had the time to commit to my blog but let me tell you... I missed it! Stay tune for more post to come. I am working on a summary post of the last few months!

Anniversary Hike

Back in September Brad and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary.  We spent the weekend in Ludington, MI.  We LOVE Ludington and spend as much time there as we can.  My in-laws had Mallorie so it was just the two of us.  It was a fairly cold weekend but we had a great time shopping, eating out, exploring, and hiking.  Sunday morning we planned on hiking to Big Sable Lighthouse.  It was a sprinkling a little and it was kind of chilly but we decided to go anyway.  It was a 1 1/2 mile hike tot he lighthouse from the Ludington State Park campground.  (click here for more information)  Before we even got to the trail I saw a deer run from the campground up into the woods we were heading too.  We kept an eye out for them in the woods as we walk.  A few minutes later we saw a about 6 deer in the woods eating.

Two of the deer.

 Close up

Eating!  This is how close we could get to them!

 

They just stared at us!















We continued on our hike.  You can see in the puddle that it was rainy but it was well worth the hike.  This is the top of the lighthouse over the dunes.

Big Sable Lighthouse

The lighthouse was no open so we could not tour it but during regular season (May - October) you are able to tour the lighthouse. We did not know why they were not open in September when we were there?!?!  I think it would be fun to stay in the lighthouse for a week!

The lighthouse is 112 feet tall.  You can climb the 130 steps to the top!

There is a historical marker that tells that a dozen shipwrecks in 1855 and the importance of safe transportation through area to Michigan’s then-booming lumber industry led to an 1866 Congressional appropriation of $35,000 to build the lighthouse.  Then in 1867 was placed on the National Register of historic places.

Looking out over Lake Michigan

We were getting wetter and colder so we started to head back on the mile and a half hike back to our car.  Until next time...

Cowgirl Party

For some reason the other day I got to thinking about my blog and I thought....I don't think I every posted about Mallorie's cowgirl birthday party.  I looked back and sure enough I didn't.  So here it is only four months late!!!

Mallorie loves to gallop around the house and pretend like she is a horse.  so when it can time to plan her party we thought what would be better than a cowgirl party.  I love to go all out for her birthday parties and my hubby thinks I am a little nuts but I was surprise how involved and how he jumped on board too!  We went to a western wear store about 40 minutes from our house and bought Mallorie some "real" cowgirl boots.  She LOVED them and wore them everywhere.  We invited family and friends to her party and we had a great time! I forgot to get a picture of the food but we had barnyard dogs (hot dogs), Cow chips (potato chips), Pig slop, (Pasta salad with olives, pepperoni, Italian dressing), Watermelon, Hay bales (rice krispie treats), and cow plops (no bake cookies)!

Sorry for picture overload!!!

I made a banner for her!  She also loved the cow print balloons!

 














We used hay bales as seating.

 My Hubby made troughs for the drinks!

We even had a mechanical horse for the kids (or adults) to ride on!

We had ask everyone to wear their western wear to the party.  It was fun.  Even our dog Carter dressed up!

The Birthday Girl in her Cowgirl outfit!

We had friends and family over for a cookout.

Mallorie loved opening her gifts.

One of her favorite gifts was a quiet book my Mom made for her!  

I made her cake again this year.  I cut the boot shape out of two 9x13 cakes.  It was pretty easy.  then I just piped the best I could a design on them to make them look like real boots!

Singing happy birthday!

I had goody bags for the kids to make.  Candy, little toys, and tattoos tied up in bandanas!

Mallorie was scared to ride the horse by herself so Daddy had to ride with her!

 We got pictures of all the kids on the horse but this one just makes me laugh.  (it is so Lewis)

She had so much fun at her party!  (She even got a Jeep!)

Great News

Well it is official..... I will no longer be a third shift worker!!!!! In a few weeks I will transfer to first shift.  a little over a year ago one of our officers was deployed to Afghanistan.  well he is now back and with him coming back we now have an extra person so instead of having to let another officer go we talked with HR and they approved to keep the "extra" employee.  That said, I will move to first shift, and one of my officers will be promoted to my supervisor position.  I will not be on first shift until we re-train the returning officer and train my replacement.  I have been working third shift for over 7 years and very ready for the change.  I will keep you updated with my venture to first shift.  I just want to thank everyone that has supported me and  prayed for this transition.

Mallorie 2 year pictures

So I am way behind...Today I went and had Mallorie's 2 year pictures taken.  Yes she turned 2 in September but I guess better late than never.  She did AMAZING!  she usually does pretty good with me taking her picture and getting her pictures done but I was afraid all of the shots would be of her cheesy  "Cheeeeeeeese" smile.  I could put her into a pose and she would stay still and give a real smile.  Here is a link to see the proofs.  Enjoy!

Welcome Back Hazards!

    I just wanted to write and share with you a prayer request I have.  Friends of mine that are missionaries in Kenya are coming back to the states on furlough for a year!  I am so excited to be able to see them again and for them to meet Mallorie.  Last time there were here was four years ago. You can see their whole story on their blog.

 They are a family of five... Dad - Jeff, Mom - Joyellen,


Children - Megan, Lyndsey, and Ian!


I can not imagine moving a family half way around the world.  They are so amazing.  Please pray for safe travels!  It is going to be a long trip!  Pray for peace and comfort as the kids adjust to a new lifestyle here in the states, and also pray for funding for the family!
    Jeff was my Youth Leader when I was in High School.  When I think back that was a while ago but it seems like yesterday! I will not get into to many details but he helped me though a lot of harder times.  He is a joker and loves to have fun but also is easy to talk to when you have a problem.  He started at our church when I was in 8th grade and I remember a year later he told us he was going to get married.  That is when I met Joyellen!  She is the sweetest person I think I have ever met.  She would do anything for anyone! When I was in 11th grade Jeff told us that they were going to becoming missionaries in Kenya.  I was crushed (to say the least).  I know now that there were just following a calling but I did not see that then.  I remember our last mission trip to Toronto the summer before he left...I don't think I ever cried so much in my life knowing that this was the last one!  I did support them in their journey of mission and still do.  I remember mailing them anonymous letters with money in them and in the last letter I told them it was me.  I think that what they do is amazing and would love to visit them in Kenya someday but I am excited to see them soon here in the States.  Please take the time to check out their blog and say a prayer for them and their family as they adjust to a new lifestyle here.

Post # 200

I can not believe that this is my 200th post.  I feel like I just started this blog.  I love the ability to share my thought and ideas with others and it is a great way to keep in contact with friends that are not close by.  I know before I have questions continuing this blog and I think I will.  I love sharing and the connections that I have made. So I just wanted to say thank you to everyone that follows and that likes my blog. I have been trying to get some more of the crafts that I do with Mallorie on here but to be honest I forget to take pictures sometimes.  (I will try harder) Thanks again!  

WINNER

Ok, so I never win anything.  So when I entered to win a DVD from a blog that I follow I never expected to win.  But guess what.... I WON!!!!

I was going to wait to watch it until I wrote this post but to be honest I have not had time to watch it yet. An exciting part of the movie is that part of it was filmed at Hope College here in Holland, MI!  I will let you all know how it is.

New Look

I am trying to give my Blog a new look. I was looking for a cute Yellow and Gray (my newest obsession) background.  I messed around with it a little.  I was very worried that I would some how delete my entire blog.  I do not change many things on it just for that reason.  I am still trying to change the picture of Mallorie at the top because it is VERY out of date but that will be another day.  I hope you enjoy the slow changes! 

(if anyone has any tips for changing layout and backgrounds PLEASE let me know!  Thanks!)

Mommy Rules

I cam across this on Pintrest the other day and just had to share it.  I hope you enjoy!  (I added some personal pictures!)

Source: Pinterest- meggielynne.tumblr.com

1. Paint her nails. Then let her scratch it off and dirty them up. Teach her to care about her appearance, and then quickly remind her that living and having fun is most important.

Source: Pinterest:  art-e-zine.co.uk

2. Let her put on your makeup, even if it means bright-red-smudged lips and streaked-blue eyes. Let her experiment in her attempts to be like you…then let her be herself.

Source: Pinterest: sp2.fotolog.com

3. Let her be wild. She may want to stay home and read books on the couch, or she may want to hop on the back of a motorcycle-gasp. She may be a homebody or a traveler. She may fall in love with the wrong boy, or meet mr. right at age 5. Try to remember that you were her age once. Everyone makes mistakes, let her make her own.

4. Be present. Be there for her at her Kindergarten performances, her dance recitals, her soccer games…her everyday-little-moments. When she looks through the crowds of people, she will be looking for your smile and pride. Show it to her as often as possible.

Source: Pinterest: crazycraftycousins.blogspot.com

5. Encourage her to try on your shoes and play dress-up. If she would rather wear her brother’s superman cape with high heals, allow it. If she wants to wear a tutu or dinosaur costume to the grocery store, why stop her? She needs to decide who she is and be confident in her decision.


6. Teach her to be independent. Show her by example that woman can be strong. Find and follow your own passions. Search for outlets of expression and enjoyment for yourself- not just your husband or children.  Define yourself by your own attributes, not by what others expect you to be. Know who you are as a person, and help your daughter find out who she is.

Source: Pinterest: flickr.com

 7. Pick flowers with her. Put them in her hair. There is nothing more beautiful than a girl and a flower.

Source: Pinterest- 500px.com

8. Let her get messy. Get messy with her, no matter how much it makes you cringe inside. Splash in the puddles, throw snowballs, make mud pies, finger paint the walls: just let it happen. The most wonderful of memories are often the messy ones.

9. Give her good role models- you being one of them. Introduce her to successful woman- friends, co-workers, doctors, astronauts, or authors.  Read to her about influential woman- Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie. Read her the words of inspirational woman- Jane Austen, Sylvia Plath, Emily Dickinson. She should know that anything is possible.

 Source: Pinterest- google.com

10. Show her affection. Daughters will mimic the compassion of their mother. “I love yous” and Eskimo kisses go a long way.

11. Hold her hand. Whether she is 3 years-old in the parking lot or sixteen years old in the mall, hold on to her always- this will teach her to be confident in herself and proud of her family.

Source: Pinterest- weheartit.com

12. Believe in her. It is the moments that she does not believe in herself that she will need you to believe enough for both of you. Whether it is a spelling test in the first grade, a big game or recital, a first date, or the first day of college…remind her of the independent and capable woman you have taught her to be.

Source: Pinterest-  weddings.halbergphotographers.com

13. Tell her how beautiful she is. Whether it is her first day of Kindergarten, immediately after a soccer game where she is grass-stained and sweaty, or her wedding day. She needs your reminders. She needs your pride. She needs your reassurance. She is only human.

14. Love her father. Teach her to love a good man, like him. One who lets her be herself…she is after all wonderful.

Source: Pinterest- blog.hgtv.com

15. Make forts with boxes and blankets. Help her to find magic in the ordinary, to imagine, to create and to believe in fairy tales. Someday she will make her 5 by 5 dorm-room her home with magic touches and inspiration. And she will fall in love with a boy and believe him to be Prince Charming.

16. Read to her. Read her Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle. But also remember the power of Sylvia Plath and Robert Frost. Show her the beauty of words on a page and let her see you enjoy them. Words can be simply written and simply spoken, yet can harvest so much meaning. Help her to find their meaning.

Source: Pinterest-  instagr.am

17. Teach her how to love- with passion and kisses. Love her passionately. Love her father passionately and her siblings passionately. Express your love. Show her how to love with no restraint. Let her get her heart broken and try again. Let her cry, and gush, giggle and scream. She will love like you love or hate like you hate. So, choose love for both you and her.

18. Encourage her to dance and sing. Dance and sing with her- even if it sounds or looks horrible.  Let her wiggle to nursery rhymes. Let her dance on her daddy's feet and spin in your arms. Then later, let her blast noise and headbang in her bedroom with her door shut if she wants. Or karaoke to Tom Petty in the living room if she would rather. Introduce her to the classics- like The Beatles- and listen to her latest favorite- like Taylor Swift. Share the magic of music together, it will bring you closer- or at least create a soundtrack to your life together.

Source: Pinterest- thehollywoodgossip.com

19. Share secrets together. Communicate. Talk. Talk about anything. Let her tell you about boys, friends, school. Listen. Ask questions. Share dreams, hopes, concerns. She is not only your daughter, you are not only her mother. Be her friend too.

20. Teach her manners. Because sometimes you have to be her mother, not just her friend. The world is a happier place when made up of polite words and smiles.

21. Teach her when to stand-up and when to walk away. Whether she has classmates who tease her because of her glasses, or a boyfriend who tells her she is too fat- let her know she does not have to listen. Make sure she knows how to demand respect- she is worthy of it. It does not mean she has to fight back with fists or words, because sometimes you say more with silence. Also make sure she knows which battles are worth fighting. Remind her that some people can be mean and nasty because of jealousy, or other personal reasons. Help her to understand when to shut her mouth and walk-away. Teach her to be the bigger -the better- person.

22. Let her choose who she loves. Even when you see through the charming boy she thinks he is, let her love him without your disapproving words: she will anyway. When he breaks her heart, be there for her with words of support rather than I told-you-so. Let her mess up again and again until she finds the one. And when she finds the one, tell her.

Source: Pinterest- justquotes.org

23. Mother her. Being a mother—to her—is undoubtedly one of your greatest accomplishments. Share with her the joys of motherhood, so one day she will want to be a mother too. Remind her over and over again with words and kisses that no one will ever love her like you love her. No one can replace or replicate a mother’s love for their children.

Source: Pinterest- marrabelle.deviantart.com

24. Comfort her. Because sometimes you just need your mommy. When she is sick, rub her back, make her soup and cover her in blankets- no matter how old she is. Someday, if she is giving birth to her own child, push her hair out of her face, encourage her, and tell her how beautiful she is. These are the moments she will remember you for. And someday when her husband rubs her back in attempt to comfort her...she may just whisper, "I need my mommy."

25. Be home. When she is sick with a cold or broken heart, she will come to you: welcome her. When she is engaged or pregnant, she will run to you to share her news: embrace her. When she is lost or confused, she will search for you: find her. When she needs advice on boys, schools, friends or an outfit: tell her. She is your daughter and will always need a safe harbor- where she can turn a key to see comforting eyes and a familiar smile: be home.

Give Credit Were Credit is Due!

I have been working on the post for a while now because I do not want to offend anyone but I want to voice my opinion and get my point across the way I have it in my head. 

I just wish that society would give credit where credit is due.  As most of you know I am a working mother on one.  I work third shift which, in my opinion, makes things every harder.  It is not possible financially for me not to work.  So it was never an option for me to be a stay at home mom.  My hubby and I decided from day one that we would put our daughter in daycare during the day while I slept.  It was a hard decision to make for me because I could not see spending that amount of money for me to sleep.  But, the only other route to go was for me to stay up with her all day and then go to bed when my hubby got home from work.  But then I would never see my hubby and we would never have family time during the week.  Lucky for me though I get out of work at 8 am on Friday morning so I do get a whole day with Mallorie.  The only problem is that that means that I am up from around 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoon until Friday night when I go to bed. (except if I can sleep while she naps, but that is not enough!)  Because of this day with Mallorie I get to see into the life of a Stay-at-home mom and frankly... I am jealous!!! I would LOVE to be able to stay home with Mallorie everyday. 

Lately I have been hearing a lot about stay-at-home moms in the media, blogs I run into, and just out and about and how hard they have it.  Honestly I do see how it is that hard.  You get to stay at home and play, teach and love on your child(ren) throughout the day.  I dont say all day because I understand that there is a lot of other things that stay-at-home moms do.  These activities include cooking, cleaning, teaching, laundry, shopping, errands,and picking-up and dropping-off at different kids activities.  My only point to make to everyone is imagine everything that stay-at-home moms do throughout the day and imagine also working 40+ hours a week, and only getting 5 hours of sleep a day.  I am not looking for a pat on the back or a gold star I just want credit where it is due.  I have received some harsh criticism for my decision to go back to work.  I went back to work one month after I had Mallorie.  Not because I wanted to of course but because my job would not pay for any maternity leave.  The first and worst criticism that I experienced was 3 months after I had Mallorie.  We were at a Christmas party with friends and there was a "friend of a friend" there.  She is a stay-at-home mom.  A group of us moms were sitting in the living room with the kids while they played.  She asked how old Mallorie was.  I told her 3 months. and she then asked how it was just going back to work.  I told her that I had been back to work for over 2 months now.  She looked at me like I was the devil.  She said "how could you do that to her?  You need to bond with your daughter.  I can not believe you could just leave your daughter like that!"  I tried to laugh it off and said "She is probably so sick of me after being inside of me for 9 months she is happy to get away."  Everyone else kind of laughed.  I then said "I had to go back to work so you do what you have to do."  I then went into the bathroom and cried.  I cried a lot that night and the next day.  The truth is I was (and still am) having a VERY hard time leaving her and putting her in daycare but it is what is best for her!  This might have what put a "sour taste in my mouth" about some stay-at-home moms. 

I am pretty proud that I keep up on the shopping, cleaning, laundry, and meals.  I am not saying that I am super mom.  There are definitely times that the house is messy and there are piles of clothes that need to be washed and some that need to be folded.  I am so thankful that my hubby helps out.  He will throw a load of laundry in or even cook dinner about once a week.  My life is pretty stressful at times but it works and we get through it.  I doubt I will ever be able to be a stay-at-home mom but hopefully I will get on first shift soon.  I hope that this does not often anyone.  I just want to get my opinion out there.  (and rant!)

A New Month

I can not believe that it is February!  I dont know about anybody else but the stress and whirlwind of day to day life has sucked me in.  I feel like I am just doing the same things over and over and just getting through each day.  I have so many things on my to-do list.  So many cleaning/organizing projects, recipes I want to try, workouts I want  need to do, crafts that I want to make, and fun activities I want to do with Mallorie.  As most of you know I work thrid shift.  So after working all night I get home at about 9:00am.  I am not the type of person that can just go to bed so I will usually watch a little T.V. or check email or facebook.  I am up in bed by 10:00 am.  Then I have to get up by 3:00pm to go and pick Mallorie up from daycare.  Then on Tuesday, and Thursdays I work a second job cleaning a business and those night I do not get home until 7 pm.  Other nights I try and clean, do the day to day tasks of laundry, dishes, baths, and playtime!  I dont what to sound like I am complaining because I am not.  I love it but I just wish that there was 30 hours in a day.  I just need more time.  Time for the little things that I want and need to do. 

While I was out...

I have taken a little break from the blogging world over the Holidays.  (if you have not noticed!)  We have been pretty busy with last minute shopping, multiple parties, illnesses, and fun family time! We still have one Christmas party tonight but here is what we have been up to the last few weeks!



Playing dress up with mom's head band





Live Nativity Scene - We could pet and hold many animals.  Mallorie LOVED it!


Laying low, not feeling to well


Visited Santa!  We were surprised that Mallorie did so well.





Many parities and tons of gifts were opened!


At the end of a stressful day kicking back a cold one with Dad!  (don't worry hers is not open.  She just liked the cold can on her gums!)

There are no pictures from New Years Eve because we were in bed.  We were all asleep by 9:30 pm!  Happy New Year!