A little story coming from Big Dan's kitchen. I was super excited when Shay gave me a super easy recipe for Chicken Pot Pie. I made and not only did I enjoy it, but my kids did to!! That's a big deal because quite frankly, I'll eat just about anything but my kids are a bit more picky. Of course so is the rest of the world. But honestly, it was good. I may not be a picky eater by a long shot, but I do know when something is worth eating again. My next proud moment in the kitchen was when I made another Hinson favorite and barbecued some pork chops. Again, a hit. Then the next night I pulled something out of my butt and fixed a little shrimp, pasta, and veggie dish. It was simple, true but the fact I could come up with something on the fly is where I could really pat myself on the back.
But what goes up most come down...like my confidence. So it's been a few weeks since we had chicken pot pie and because it was so easy and so good I tempted fate a second time. This time though I was running a little short on time AND the kicker, Jeremy was home for dinner and for some odd reason decided to try my dish. So,the kids were getting picked up for VBS and I had to pull my dish out a few minutes early. It smells de-lish and the kids and I are tearing it up. I know a few bites into it that I should probably say something when Jeremy beats me to it and saids: "My wife, I love her. She tries." Me: "Hun, I know the dough is a little under cooked. Can you not just eat it anyway?" Jeremy: "Hun I love you, but no." I mean, why? Why do I even try?! Well really, why does Jeremy have to eat my dinner the night it's not perfect. I swore up and down to him that I really do know how to make chicken pot pie, but needless to say he doesn't believe me and he went and got a burger!
Umph!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Early Days
Dear Friend,
I titled this one "Early Days" because these memories go pretty far back in my up bringing. Jr high, I guess is when we met. I say I guess because it's hard to pinpoint "Jr. high" when you attend the same school from grades K-8th. But those were the days! Gosh, I can't even remember what grade we actually met it anymore. You hadn't always attended Farm you, so it must have been 6th or 7th grade. I'm thinking 7th. I only remember us hanging out your house a lot on the weekends. I feel like we had so much in common back then. It was an awkward time for us both. It's hard when your no longer a girl, but not quite a woman...hahaha, gotta love when you quote some Brittany Spears. We are both the first born, coming from pretty strict backgrounds (good parents, just stick) and we were both pretty responsible for our younger siblings. Lets see, I remember listening to a lot of Boyz to Men. In fact I always think of you when I hear them. You sang alot, I always thought you had a beautiful voice. You still sing now as I understand it and I'm so glad because I know it's something that makes you happy. Oh! One of my most favorite memories was going away on some church re-treat type thing. I have no idea where we were, but we really did have a good time. You, me and your oldest of two brothers. The two of yall usually fought a good bit but on that particular trip we were all just having a really good time. It was good, clean fun and I don't remember any real details, just laughing the whole trip! Oh, another good one. You were the very first person the give me the nick name "Danny". Actually we both had nick names and yours rhymed with mine. LOL! It didn't stick then and it's funny now, my husband and his entire family call me by that name. But again, I will always think of you because your were the first person to call me that on a regular basis. I probably never told you this but what I got most out of our friendship was being true to myself. It may not seem like I did a very good job of being confident then or even later in high school, but I firmly believe if it hadn't been for you and I being friends I probably would have tried WAY harder than necessary to fit in. We were just young girls trying to get through the most awkward time of life, adolescence. We drifted apart while at Union Pines but we have re-connected over the years thanks to FB and blogging. And although we haven't seen each other face to face in long time, I feel like if we would share lunch, it would be one filled with alot of laughs and smiles. Your blog makes me smile and for whatever its worth, I'm very proud of you and just want say "Thank You" for your friendship. Thank you for great memories and truly, one of the most important lesson in life..."be true to thine self". I write this letter to you, friend. Hope you enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane.
I titled this one "Early Days" because these memories go pretty far back in my up bringing. Jr high, I guess is when we met. I say I guess because it's hard to pinpoint "Jr. high" when you attend the same school from grades K-8th. But those were the days! Gosh, I can't even remember what grade we actually met it anymore. You hadn't always attended Farm you, so it must have been 6th or 7th grade. I'm thinking 7th. I only remember us hanging out your house a lot on the weekends. I feel like we had so much in common back then. It was an awkward time for us both. It's hard when your no longer a girl, but not quite a woman...hahaha, gotta love when you quote some Brittany Spears. We are both the first born, coming from pretty strict backgrounds (good parents, just stick) and we were both pretty responsible for our younger siblings. Lets see, I remember listening to a lot of Boyz to Men. In fact I always think of you when I hear them. You sang alot, I always thought you had a beautiful voice. You still sing now as I understand it and I'm so glad because I know it's something that makes you happy. Oh! One of my most favorite memories was going away on some church re-treat type thing. I have no idea where we were, but we really did have a good time. You, me and your oldest of two brothers. The two of yall usually fought a good bit but on that particular trip we were all just having a really good time. It was good, clean fun and I don't remember any real details, just laughing the whole trip! Oh, another good one. You were the very first person the give me the nick name "Danny". Actually we both had nick names and yours rhymed with mine. LOL! It didn't stick then and it's funny now, my husband and his entire family call me by that name. But again, I will always think of you because your were the first person to call me that on a regular basis. I probably never told you this but what I got most out of our friendship was being true to myself. It may not seem like I did a very good job of being confident then or even later in high school, but I firmly believe if it hadn't been for you and I being friends I probably would have tried WAY harder than necessary to fit in. We were just young girls trying to get through the most awkward time of life, adolescence. We drifted apart while at Union Pines but we have re-connected over the years thanks to FB and blogging. And although we haven't seen each other face to face in long time, I feel like if we would share lunch, it would be one filled with alot of laughs and smiles. Your blog makes me smile and for whatever its worth, I'm very proud of you and just want say "Thank You" for your friendship. Thank you for great memories and truly, one of the most important lesson in life..."be true to thine self". I write this letter to you, friend. Hope you enjoyed taking a trip down memory lane.
My new blog theme
My sister in law comes up with the cutest little "themes" from time to time to blog about. She's done "blast from the past" where she post pictures from way back and blog about them and now she's doing "funny stories from her marriage" Although that last funny story I knew about because I'm the sis in law and we're tight, let me just forwarn...viewer discretion is advised!
The point, I wanted to come up with a cute theme as well. Blogging about my day to day life is fun, but I feel as though it can be a little boring for others. So my idea, "Dear Friend". Here's the pitch, from time to time I will be blogging about a dear friend, maybe a close family member and our relationship. I will probably write up a story that is funny or very touching from our past. But the catch is I will only address it as "Dear Friend". I wont actually publicize the name, this is to protect the names of the innocent...hahahaha. It's just a fun way to hopefully bring in the attention of my followers. A neat story about me and everyone of my friends. You have all impacted my life is such a beautiful way. I can't wait for yall to read each story and hopefully you'll be tuning in to see which story I pick to blog about of you and me!!
The point, I wanted to come up with a cute theme as well. Blogging about my day to day life is fun, but I feel as though it can be a little boring for others. So my idea, "Dear Friend". Here's the pitch, from time to time I will be blogging about a dear friend, maybe a close family member and our relationship. I will probably write up a story that is funny or very touching from our past. But the catch is I will only address it as "Dear Friend". I wont actually publicize the name, this is to protect the names of the innocent...hahahaha. It's just a fun way to hopefully bring in the attention of my followers. A neat story about me and everyone of my friends. You have all impacted my life is such a beautiful way. I can't wait for yall to read each story and hopefully you'll be tuning in to see which story I pick to blog about of you and me!!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Jax's early Days
My Grandmother Sylvia. We call her "M'Sylvia". She has held everyone of her great grands shortly after birth
Big sissy Brooke
All of her great grands have been rocked in this very chair by M'Sylvia
It may not look like it now, but I have a strong suspension that these two will be trouble later.
Well, we all know Brooke already is...
I thought this was cute that Big Brother Logan feel asleep wrapped in Little Brother's blanket
Miss Reese having some one on one time with Great Grandmother :)
Extreme Couponing
Maybe I should have titled this "E-bay for Dummies/Danielle"
Here's where this "only Danielle" story begins. So my sister-in-law Nichole has been giving me some tips on collecting coupons. The first (which I have yet to do) is write a letter to the company in which you're wanting the coupon for. So far Nichole has had good results from doing this. I was just getting myself prepared to write letters when Cole calls me in her most excited voice and tells me that you can purchase grocery coupons on e-bay!!! I was slightly skeptical about it and waited for her to get her first purchases in.
It didn't take long to get me on board. So tonight I get on e-bay, mind you for the first time in probably a year, to start shopping. "Wow! This is awesome! People really cut out coupons and are selling them cheap and often times the shipping is free" So, I start bidding. There are several "lots" for sale starting at $0.99 for 100 coupons. "Sweet!" And away I go!! I start bidding and of course bid on the ones ending in like 5 mins or less. I win 4 when I realize I just bid on one lot for $60.00!!!!!!!!!!!!! I totally meant to type in $0.60!
What am I going to do?!! So, I just e-mailed the lady and explained. I hoped for the best and apologized and just explained that I wasn't paying attention. I really had no idea what I had done. But to make matters worse I did it again...and again. Three times I typed in way over the amount intended. I ended up buying the one item at a little over $5, which wasn't bad for the amount of coupons I'm getting but more than I wanted to spend. And then I had to write another e-mail apologizing for the same thing only this time I added the fact that I'm good Christian woman who made a mistake and please don't send me hate mail. Like I said, "E-bay for Dummies" Nichole, by the way was on the phone with me and just kept saying "I don't what you would do, I don't have these kind of problems. Maybe you shouldn't e-bay anymore. Or, maybe you should pay more attention" Thanks, huzzie!
Here's where this "only Danielle" story begins. So my sister-in-law Nichole has been giving me some tips on collecting coupons. The first (which I have yet to do) is write a letter to the company in which you're wanting the coupon for. So far Nichole has had good results from doing this. I was just getting myself prepared to write letters when Cole calls me in her most excited voice and tells me that you can purchase grocery coupons on e-bay!!! I was slightly skeptical about it and waited for her to get her first purchases in.
It didn't take long to get me on board. So tonight I get on e-bay, mind you for the first time in probably a year, to start shopping. "Wow! This is awesome! People really cut out coupons and are selling them cheap and often times the shipping is free" So, I start bidding. There are several "lots" for sale starting at $0.99 for 100 coupons. "Sweet!" And away I go!! I start bidding and of course bid on the ones ending in like 5 mins or less. I win 4 when I realize I just bid on one lot for $60.00!!!!!!!!!!!!! I totally meant to type in $0.60!
What am I going to do?!! So, I just e-mailed the lady and explained. I hoped for the best and apologized and just explained that I wasn't paying attention. I really had no idea what I had done. But to make matters worse I did it again...and again. Three times I typed in way over the amount intended. I ended up buying the one item at a little over $5, which wasn't bad for the amount of coupons I'm getting but more than I wanted to spend. And then I had to write another e-mail apologizing for the same thing only this time I added the fact that I'm good Christian woman who made a mistake and please don't send me hate mail. Like I said, "E-bay for Dummies" Nichole, by the way was on the phone with me and just kept saying "I don't what you would do, I don't have these kind of problems. Maybe you shouldn't e-bay anymore. Or, maybe you should pay more attention" Thanks, huzzie!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Back in the Saddle
Well maybe not quite, but I am pretty busy so it feels like I'm in the drivers seat of something. Even it's the bus headed towards crazy!
Jax is 5 weeks old and growing, growing...growing! I cant wait to go home so all my family and friends can meet him!! The biggest change in my life has been so more than bringing home baby and juggling all 4 children and then trying to find some time in the day for a shower. I mean honestly if I get to bathe, good for me..hahaha. And while I'm thinking about it, I'm very pleased with the our schedule. Sure eating is pretty difficult (for me) Jax always seems to be hungry as soon as I sit down with my plate, but between the hours of 1 and 3pm the house is just as silent as it always had been. Logan and Brooke are taking their naps, Reese lays down in my room with a few cartoons and usually Jax is sleeping too. It's my favorite part of the day as you can imagine. The hardest part of the day is around dinner time. Sometimes dinner making alone can be tricky, and eating is definitely a challenge but it's after that I'm lucky if I get the other kids to bed on time. It's a work in progress. Jax does a decent job through the night. Not going to lie, some nights are much better than others. Usually he sleeps between 11pm until 4ish, sometimes even until 5am. Other nights he can wake up much earlier then he wants to rock out after feeding. Not much fun for mommy, but what are ya going to do?!
The biggest change for me though has been a real lesson in life. This wasn't the always easiest pregnancy for me to accept. Even up to my last week of pregnancy I was still having some anxiety about it all. So I'm still amazed that today I feel so complete. It's not always easy, it will get easier with time and then there will be times yet to come that are more difficult than others. But I didn't realize how complete I could feel in this moment of what otherwise is complete chaos.
A cousin of mine recently got married and while going through his pictures of his and his wife's beautiful day together, I came across one with him posing with his sibling's. My cousin is one of 5 children but in this particular picture his youngest brother was sitting out. So there stood 4 of my cousins, all siblings, all happy, all healthy, all beautiful! My eyes filled slightly with tears. "Those are my kids in 20 or so years" I thought. There they all stood in great smiles, 2 boys and 2 girls. When I think about my kids years down the road, it really warms my heart. Not that they don't already, but thinking about what life is going to be like when all the kids are just a little more grown up just gives me great pleasure. I'm excited about today, tomorrow and much further down the road. I'm excited for them especially. Seeing the Brooker family all grown up and still as close as ever makes me excited that my kids too will always be close and happy. It's makes nursing a baby while cooking or bathing or helping 3 other children and trying to listen to the message on the answering machine about an upcoming doctors visit and the door bell ringing thanks to guest that came over unexpected totally worth it!
Jax is 5 weeks old and growing, growing...growing! I cant wait to go home so all my family and friends can meet him!! The biggest change in my life has been so more than bringing home baby and juggling all 4 children and then trying to find some time in the day for a shower. I mean honestly if I get to bathe, good for me..hahaha. And while I'm thinking about it, I'm very pleased with the our schedule. Sure eating is pretty difficult (for me) Jax always seems to be hungry as soon as I sit down with my plate, but between the hours of 1 and 3pm the house is just as silent as it always had been. Logan and Brooke are taking their naps, Reese lays down in my room with a few cartoons and usually Jax is sleeping too. It's my favorite part of the day as you can imagine. The hardest part of the day is around dinner time. Sometimes dinner making alone can be tricky, and eating is definitely a challenge but it's after that I'm lucky if I get the other kids to bed on time. It's a work in progress. Jax does a decent job through the night. Not going to lie, some nights are much better than others. Usually he sleeps between 11pm until 4ish, sometimes even until 5am. Other nights he can wake up much earlier then he wants to rock out after feeding. Not much fun for mommy, but what are ya going to do?!
The biggest change for me though has been a real lesson in life. This wasn't the always easiest pregnancy for me to accept. Even up to my last week of pregnancy I was still having some anxiety about it all. So I'm still amazed that today I feel so complete. It's not always easy, it will get easier with time and then there will be times yet to come that are more difficult than others. But I didn't realize how complete I could feel in this moment of what otherwise is complete chaos.
A cousin of mine recently got married and while going through his pictures of his and his wife's beautiful day together, I came across one with him posing with his sibling's. My cousin is one of 5 children but in this particular picture his youngest brother was sitting out. So there stood 4 of my cousins, all siblings, all happy, all healthy, all beautiful! My eyes filled slightly with tears. "Those are my kids in 20 or so years" I thought. There they all stood in great smiles, 2 boys and 2 girls. When I think about my kids years down the road, it really warms my heart. Not that they don't already, but thinking about what life is going to be like when all the kids are just a little more grown up just gives me great pleasure. I'm excited about today, tomorrow and much further down the road. I'm excited for them especially. Seeing the Brooker family all grown up and still as close as ever makes me excited that my kids too will always be close and happy. It's makes nursing a baby while cooking or bathing or helping 3 other children and trying to listen to the message on the answering machine about an upcoming doctors visit and the door bell ringing thanks to guest that came over unexpected totally worth it!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Due today
So it's officially my due date. But my little man, Jax Cameron is already 5 days old. He's beautiful and healthy and I could not be happier. If I'm being honest these last 9 months have been filled with alot of "what are we going to do or how are we going to do this?" but, once I saw my son for the first time the doubts and wonders all vanished with a blink of an eye and I fell in love instantly (as I knew I would) and I no longer question Gods beautiful gift.
Labor was intense, I guess that's not much of a shocker. However, out of all 4 labors now that was the hardest to "push" through. So I called on God in the middle of labor and he got me through. Truth is before I said a silent prayer and began to focus, I even said out loud "I can't do this". In the middle of active labor mind you, I told nurses, doctor and even my husband I didn't have it in me. And I didn't, but the Lord swept right in and took care of us all.
The past 5 days have been somewhat of a blurr but I have lots of family seeing to it that I'm never alone for long, and that all the kids needs are taken care of. I appreciate it all so much! It's just amazing really, when I think back to where I was just one week ago. Ladies, no matter how many times it happens, my advise is always, always enjoy every moment of pregnancy (with respect to those that have rather unpleasant ones). It's over in a instant and although the next chapters to come are just as fun and exciting, being pregnant (in my opinion) is a thing of beauty. The reality of carrying a child never seizes to amaze me!
So here I am almost a week from my last post. Totally different look!!
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Labor was intense, I guess that's not much of a shocker. However, out of all 4 labors now that was the hardest to "push" through. So I called on God in the middle of labor and he got me through. Truth is before I said a silent prayer and began to focus, I even said out loud "I can't do this". In the middle of active labor mind you, I told nurses, doctor and even my husband I didn't have it in me. And I didn't, but the Lord swept right in and took care of us all.
The past 5 days have been somewhat of a blurr but I have lots of family seeing to it that I'm never alone for long, and that all the kids needs are taken care of. I appreciate it all so much! It's just amazing really, when I think back to where I was just one week ago. Ladies, no matter how many times it happens, my advise is always, always enjoy every moment of pregnancy (with respect to those that have rather unpleasant ones). It's over in a instant and although the next chapters to come are just as fun and exciting, being pregnant (in my opinion) is a thing of beauty. The reality of carrying a child never seizes to amaze me!
So here I am almost a week from my last post. Totally different look!!
And here is baby Jax at 5 days old
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