Totes McGoats

I am currently re-doing a run off 11 4foot chalk boards that go over the dairy run in my store. I will be featuring a lot of local vendors and getting to do some fun dairy-esque illustrations. Here are some fun little goats I started today. I think they have a personality all their own!

Slugs & Snails & Puppy Dog Tails

Where do some women get the energy to say "being pregnant is one of the best times of your life"? Honestly, this is some SERIOUSLY trying stuff. (Forgive me for not always being perky & bubbly, but let's be real here.) I am thankful that Jude has been really good to me so far. He is growing right where he is supposed to, I've maintained my health, and it's been an all around "easy" pregnancy. That beig said- it still completely sucks. The constant heart burn, the major back pain, the lack of sleep. Growing a little bean is hard work! I really try my hardest to celebrate in the tiny victories; I know it's good for me, my boy, and my husband to maintain a positive attitude. The first time we saw him, heard his heart beat, picked out clothes, found out his gender, the little kicks and flutters in my tummy--THESE are the moments that make all of the misery worth it. And Caleb has been a constant light & support. He has already done so much around the house in preparation for the mancub, including, but most certainly not limited to: knocking down a wall and putting up French doors, painting the nursery, catering to my needs and rubbing my aching back, sanding down and repainting old pieces for the nursery. He is honestly one of the most amazing and selfless people I have ever met and I am beyond thankful that this man is the father of my son.

He recently booked us a camping trip because he thought it would be fun to get out one more time before our whole world changed. He was right! We just got home today from our trip to Donner Lake Memorial Park. We tent camped for 3 days, brought the dogs and some friends, and it was just what my soul needed. We had three failed air mattresses, so the first night was really rough (especially since I can't sleep on my back or stomach). I think I got a solid 2 hours of sleep, and he 4. But we woke up and kept trucking because that's what you do! We went into town and got another air mattress, and the second night was a lot smoother. Full-nights-sleep. Either way, sleep or no sleep, being in the heart of nature is something that can not be replaced. There is no tv or technology to distract you from really savoring it all and truly enjoying the people you are with. I missed that. I missed the silence. We are so accustomed to a constant glowing screen or the humming background noise of a tv, that we forget to just, be. Even though my back was killing me, and I was covered in dust, and smelled like a firepit- that is one moment I will be able to look back at and say that for those few days, I actually "enjoyed being pregnant."

We came home today, and the dogs were just as plum tuckered out as we were. They immediately for comfortable and passed out on the red persian style rug in our family room. Caleb and I each took long, much needed showers and washed away any last bit of campsite from our pores. We picked our places on our overstuffed furniture and, just like the dogs, passed out, truly happy. I can not wait for my sweet boy to be at an age where he will enjoy and remember weekends like this. I hope we never forget to share these important "little thing" trips with him, and teach him of the things in life that are most important. Love, relationships, nature. I hope he makes the best of life, and takes time to appreciate the little things. I hope he isn't afraid to explore, and catch snakes, and make mud pies. These are the things that children should love, not always having to watch tv or video games.

Thinking of the wonderful little boy he is going to be, I drew up this illustration to have printed for his nursery, a true testament to little boys:

Chalkboards

Here are a few more recent chalkies!:

How Now Brown Cow

Out of all of the many chalks I have done, I think this little guy is on my top 5 list. I am so thankful to have a job where I get to do what I love. It makes "work" worth it. Also thankful to have access to awesome supplies, like my favorite Zig markers. They are hands down- THE best! I especially love the woodcraft pens with their rich earth tones, and smooth coverage. Ah, the tools of the trade. I actually got my shipment in today from markersupply.com , and whenever my orders arrive, it feels like Christmas! Seriously the best part of my day! Anyway-here is my little cow Chalkie. I will probably start posting these guys on here more, since they are such a big part of my life. I dont know why I didn't post them sooner?...anyway- Enjoy!

Chaos

21 weeks along. It's hard to believe that in 19 weeks, my boy will be here. There is still so much to do, that I am constantly trying to remind myself to enjoy being pregnant- but it's hard. Walls to patch, doors to hang, floors to lay, appointments, registries, the excitement and events surrounding 3 other babies in my family/friend unit, two weddings-one of which I'm in, a broken down car, dog sitting, not to mention getting on with my full time job. It's all a bit chaotic and overwhelming. Caleb has been so great. He's proving to be quite the Daddy already. He has stepped up to the plate in so many ways. I don't know how I would get through this without him. I am so thankful to be living this experience with my best friend, my husband, by my side.

:D

We're having a baby! We found out on our anniversary, 4/4/12, and at our appointment a month later, found out we're due 12/12/12! Eeeeep!

Green Chili & Pumpkin Soup

Everybody gets to that point once every few weeks where you're down to the bare bones of your pantry, right? Don't lie....I know you do. No no, not to worry--me too. Tonight was one of those nights in our household, so I wanted to use just what we had, but at the same time, have something comforting. Something that made us feel like it wasn't just thrown together--even though this took about 15 min to make.
So, I researched a couple of soup recipes (because what's more comforting than soup?) and compiled the things from each that I liked best...and concocted this yummieness! Please feel free to make this recipe or create your own variation, and let me know how it turns out!!


Ingredients
1 cup Fat Free, low sodium Chicken Broth
2 small zucchini-chopped, skin on
1/2 cup Chopped yellow Onion
3 cup Green Enchilada Sauce
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1-15oz can Pure Pumpkin
2 Cooked and chopped Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
1 can Corn, drained
Salt, Pepper, Garlic powder to taste-I did about 1/4 tsp of each.

Optional toppings-
Chopped green onion
Chopped cilantro


Directions
Makes 9 one cup servings

Directions:
In a large pot, bring broth to a boil, add the chopped onion and simmer for about 5 minutes, just until the onions get a little tender.

At this point you can add the taco seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, enchilada sauce and pumpkin. Once soup heats back to a low boil, add the chopped chicken, corn, and zucchini and mix well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until soup is heated throughout.....I topped it with chopped scallions and cilantro. You could add tortillas and cheese if you want too..

How to help those who just don't give a S#!*.

Man, I've gotta say, I am at a loss for words right now. Someone in my family is giving me hell and I don't know what to do. I feel like I have tried to be there for them, I have helped them when they needed it, opened my home to them, and had them over for dinner. Now that things are getting a little bit harder on them, and they are kind of getting a reality check- they have been more difficult than ever. I will not name names, because I don't want this to be a nasty, mean post....rather, a way to vent and maybe get some suggestions on how to help someone who is unwilling to be helped? Maybe you have had a similar situation?

Here's the small of it- this person is very young, and living on their own, and just got laid off because their place of business shut down. They have been (or say that they have been) looking hard for another job, but in the meantime, they have no savings and need to get by still. Myself and another family member have tried to tell them that they need to file for unemployment, because that is what it is for- to help you in an emergency- like being laid off- until you can find another job. When I told them about this they said its too much effort, and I said not to be lazy, it is there to help them, thats what it's there for. And this person said "youre annoying. stop talking to me". I know that this is just them being defensive, because maybe they know i'm right and they ARE in fact just being lazy. But I can not help wanting to help this person. I love them, and care about them and want them to be okay- but I know that if I help financially they will not learn, and will take the situation for granted.

I-am-at-a-loss....


How do you help someone who isn't willing to help themselves?......



On a brighter note-
here is a delicious recipe i found on pinterest from "For The Love Of Food Blog" --

Found it ( here )

  

Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks guys.

-K