12.28.2009

Christmas 2009

Christmas this year was filled with warm fuzzies. Not so much gifts, but lots of love was given. Just the way we like it. Londyn was a doll and enjoyed all the tissue paper and wrapping paper. She was spoiled by family with toys and clothes. Londyn is a lucky girl. Andrew and I enjoyed every minute of the holiday. This was our second Christmas together as a couple and our first Christmas as a family of three. It truly felt like a dream come true. Most of all, we enjoyed family time.

The Three Wise Guys
Presents

New Dress
Are we done yet?
My two favorite presents
Londie loves her new purse
Of course not, Mom. I wasn't pulling the ornaments off the tree... right. uh huh.
When will my baby grow more hair?

buckle up.

Andrew has had some saved money burning a hole in his pocket and he's been itching to buy some new tools. Tools... really? What about a new outfit? Or... maybe a new outfit? It's definitely a guy thing... because I can't even begin to understand it. But, I love the big lug... so I will support his "need" to add to his growing collection of tools. We hit the Sears sale and Andrew found "the one." The beaut is a Craftsman 4 gallon, 125 PSI, 3/4 HP air compressor (whatever that means). He got an amazing deal on the lil' sucker! What I found to be HILARIOUS is that prior to our departure, he strapped and buckled up his new air compressor as if it were our second child.

That's my big-tall-white-man.

12.14.2009

gingerbread houses + family = fun times

The Christensen's invited us to FHE at their home tonight for dinner and gingerbread house making. It was so fun and filled with the holiday spirit! There's nothing like rockin' out to Christmas tunes on the iPOD, frosting everwhere... tons of candy and a lopsided resemblance of a house made out of gingerbread. Unfortunately, Andrew missed out on the event due to work, but Londie Lou and I were fortunate to attend. I was lucky to have my nieces Megan and Jen help with our gingerbread house. Of course, we used the most candy out of all the houses!
Thank you Christensen's for a fabulous night!

late night moments.

Laughing with Daddy


Cuddling with Mommy

12.07.2009

Londie Lou and a tooth cutting through



Londyn loves the sound of her own voice these days.
She is constantly babbling, screaming, razzing and laughing!


We also discovered today that Londie Lou has her first tooth cutting through! Now we know why she has been such a grumpy girl lately. It's amazing how much she has grown over the last 5 months! We are so proud of our baby girl.

cousin lovin'


Every year, the cousins do a gift exchange for each other with a limit of $10.00 to spend. We did the exchange at family dinner last night and it was so fun to see what each child had picked out for the other. This year, we did it by age, leaving Londyn and Kyler to gift each other. We got Kyler a little tool kit and Kyler got Londie her very first baby doll. Her baby even has brown hair and brown eyes like her. Thank you Kyler!


Happy Finals Week Andrew!

There's nothing like the smell of hot cinnamon rolls in the morning!

Today, Andrew had his first of two final exams and I wanted to give him a good start to his morning by surprising him with breakfast! Some fried eggs and hot cinnamon rolls were just the ticket! One more final tomorrow and my man is done with his second term of college.
I am so proud of my big-tall-white-man! Good luck babe, you rock!

12.06.2009

Cabbage Stew Recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

· 1 pound ground beef

· 1 large onion, chopped

· 6 cups cabbage, chopped

· 3 cups red potatoes, diced

· 2 (16 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained

· 3 cups water

· 24 ounces tomato sauce

· 4 beef bouillon cubes

· 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

· 1 teaspoon salt

· 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

Heat oil in a large frying pan. Add ground beef and onion. Cook until beef is well browned and crumbled. Drain fat and transfer beef to a slow cooker.

Add cabbage, red potatoes, kidney beans, water, tomato sauce, bouillon, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir to dissolve bouillon, and cover.

Cook on high setting for 4 hours, or on low setting for 6 to 8 hours.

Stir occasionally. Enjoy!

Yields 10 Servings

12.03.2009

introducing...

our lil' cutie... the Toshiba Mini Notebook NB200

Because... Andrew payed the big bucks 3 years ago to protect his laptop, we were able to take it in to the Geek Squad. It needed a ton of work and wasn't worth it to repair. So... drum roll please... they gave us our pick at a new one! We were given lots of options that were comparable but in the end, our want was a netbook. We were able to pick one out that has everything we wanted.

round 2.

Londie Lou and a snottie nose too...

Since we mastered the cold a month or so ago, it's not so bad this time. The poor thing can hardly breathe. That's the tough part. Even though it's just a cold, it's still hard to watch my little babe suffer. She's getting plenty of snuggles in her jammies, and regular doses of baby Motrin to keep mommy's sanity in check.

As for me, I have a really difficult time staying couped up inside the house... as I make sure to get out at least once a day. We got out yesterday morning but it wasn't enough. I think I'll bundle her up today and venture out into the real world... to pacify my restlessness! My favorite out-and-about place is Target. Londyn and I make a trip there at LEAST every other day, if not every day. We don't usually make any purchases, but just browse and get lost in all the fabulous things.You might think it's just Target... but to me, it's SO much more. It's my happy place. Once upon a time, I got a similar personal-high from Nordies. But times have changed as I am a frugal wife and mama now.
I wouldn't have it any other way.

12.01.2009

5 months.

Oh, how time has flown by! Londyn is 5 months old and growing into the most adorable lil' girl!

She is...
slobbering, drooling and soaking her clothes and blankies.
putting everything and anything in her mouth.
in size 3 diapers and 6-9 month clothes.
blowing razzzberries and loving it!
chatting and laughing hysterically.
eating 8 oz. of soy formula about every 4 hours.
holding our hands and standing.
enjoying more tummy time.
...and much much more!


We love you Londie Poo-Poo Pants!

11.30.2009

O Christmas Tree

Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, we spent lots of time together as a family. I never wanted it to end! On Thanksgiving day, we lazied around in jammies, listened to Christmas music, went for a drive... looking at beautiful homes in the area, and enjoyed a bountiful turkey dinner with extended family. The next day, we decorated our first Christmas tree as a family, put up the few decorations we have and then Andrew illuminated our house with beautiful Christmas lights!

I love the holidays!

giving thanks.


Thanksgiving is such a beautiful holiday. A day, dedicated solely to gratitude.

Life has thrown many curve balls my way, and 5 years ago... I would have never imagined myself in the life I live today. I am truly blessed with an amazing husband and a beautiful daughter. These two blessings fill my heart and home with so much joy.
It's a wonderful life.

11.25.2009

delish.

Wow... another recipe? I have been quite the little Asian Rachel Ray these days, wouldn't you say? I was assigned to stuffing for Thanksgiving and decided to go all gourmet on my fam. I'm hoping this recipe is a success. If not, at least it's a hit with my taste buds.

Artichoke Parmesan Sourdough Stuffing

Time: 1 1/2 hours

Serves 12 (makes 10 cups)

What you need:

1 pound mushrooms, rinsed, ends trimmed, and sliced

1 tablespoon butter

2 onions (3/4 lb. total), chopped

1 cup chopped celery

2 tablespoons minced garlic

About 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 loaf (1 lb.) sourdough bread, cut into 1/2-in. cubes

2 jars (6 oz. each) marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 1/2 teaspoons poultry seasoning

1 1/2 tablespoons minced fresh rosemary leaves or 3/4 tsp. crumbled dried rosemary

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg

Prep:

1.) In a frying pan over high heat, cook mushrooms, butter, onions, celery, and garlic, stirring often, until vegetables are lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Pour into a large bowl. Add a bit of broth to pan and stir to scrape up browned bits. Add to bowl.

2.) Pour 2 cups broth into bowl and add bread, artichoke hearts, parmesan cheese, poultry seasoning, and rosemary; mix well. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make a well in stuffing. Add egg and beat with a fork to blend; mix egg with stuffing.

3.) Preheat oven to 325° to 350°. Spoon stuffing into a shallow 3-qt. (9 x 13) casserole dish. For moist stuffing, cover with foil; for crusty stuffing, do not cover. Bake until hot or lightly browned, about 50 minutes.

4.) Thoroughly enjoy every fat-free bite! (right...)

11.22.2009

dear crock pot, you rock.

The secret to a fabulous Sunday meal is a crock pot. Sunday meals are my favorite because they are effortless! Every Saturday night, I load up my crock pot with a delish recipe and toss it in the fridge. When I wake up on Sunday morning, I turn on my crock pot and my work is done. When we get home from church a hot meal is a brewin'! Some of our staple Sunday meals are corned beef and cabbage and pot roast. Today, I tried a new recipe from Southern Living Magazine. It is definitely a new favorite! This warm meal is so amazing, I am willing to share it with you and your families!


Chicken Thighs with Carrots and Potatoes

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion
  • 4 medium-size new potatoes (about 1 lb.)
  • 2 cups baby carrots
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 6 skinned, bone-in chicken thighs

Preparation

1. Halve onion lengthwise, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Place onion in a lightly greased 6-qt. slow cooker; top with potatoes and carrots.

2. Combine broth, next 3 ingredients, 3/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Pour over vegetables.

3. Combine paprika and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper; rub over chicken. Arrange chicken on top of vegetables.

4. Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours or until chicken is done and vegetables are tender.

Yield: Makes 6 servings

Southern Living, OCTOBER 2009

11.21.2009

cooking with Londyn

Londyn helped me whip up a simple casserole in the kitchen a couple days ago. Of course, she's just so dang cute- I had to get a few snapshots of her fabulous culinary technique.


Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

4 cups cooked broccoli flowerets

1 1/2 cup cubed cooked chicken

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)

1/3 cup milk

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

1 tablespoon butter, melted

  • Place the broccoli and chicken into a 9-inch pie plate.
  • Stir the soup and milk in a small bowl. Pour the soup mixture over the broccoli and chicken. Sprinkle with the cheese. Stir the bread crumbs and butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the bread crumbs mixture over the cheese.
  • Bake at 450°F. for 20 minutes or until the chicken mixture is hot and bubbling.

11.18.2009

project: hot mama

I get weekly newsletters via e-mail from American Baby about Londyn's development and what kinds of things she should or will be doing. Included in the e-mails are various articles. An article on the newsletter I received today is titled, "6 Milestones That Make a Mom" I thought I would check it out. Below is the 5th milestone...American BabyGetting a mom haircutIt's the beginning of a new era: When you say you want a hairdo that requires no styling, you now mean no styling. You decide to cut it all off. So you clip a photo of Meg Ryan or some other star sporting a no-fuss style (in denial of the fact that Meg's personal stylist likely spends hours perfecting her wash-and-wear look), pack up the baby, and head to the salon.
You leave the salon looking like Laura Bush: cute, clean, but undeniably mom-like. You throw away the picture of Meg. Fortunately, the new you has no time to dwell on a disappointing haircut. Plus, everyone will say you look great because they all keep picturing you in those last bloated days of pregnancy. Believe them. You do.... click here for the rest of the article
Unfortunately, this is totally my story! When I got married my hair was longer... then I chopped it off all sassy and fun. I tried growing it out, in the attempt to look like a hot mom after Londyn was born. All too soon, I realized that I have ZERO time to put into my hair. Hence, the chopping off... once again. Although, this time... my hair turned out much more "mom"-like. Now, I read this article AFTER I already decided to grow it out... and this time, I MEAN IT. This is my 2nd attempt at "project: hot mama".
BEFORE: once upon a time
AFTER: Laura Bush

11.17.2009

movin' on up


Grandma Milne got Londyn a Jenny Jump Up today at Target. When we got home, I was so excited to put it together and try it out. Londie loves to stand up on our laps and bounce up and down. What a perfect way to get her legs even stronger and give mom and dad a little break. Unfortunately, she wasn't so thrilled when I left her sight... but loves to show off her fancy feet in her new toy.

11.13.2009

4 months


Yesterday, I took Londyn in for her 4 month checkup. Even though I have noticed how big she has grown, I wanted numbers and straight up facts! After our adorable nurse Lisa, took us back to the room, she measured and weighed Londyn. Londyn currently weighs 16.12 lbs and 25.25 inches long. She is in the 90th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for height. Our baby's got some meat!
After measuring her weight and height, the nurse gave Londyn her 4 month series of vaccines. Londyn didn't cry after the first shot but then quickly caught on to the madness and screamed for the other two. My poor baby!

After the shots, we waited to see our doc. Londyn and I see Dr. Maggie Yu, who is the best doctor ever! AND... she's one of us (Asian). I love how patient she is with me and my bazillion phone calls, when Londyn hasn't pooped for 24 hours or when she has a runny nose. Having a fabulous doctor is a huge blessing to our family. We also love the staff at Sherwood Family Medicine. They are so sweet and it doesn't hurt that they think my baby is super cute! We can't help it!

Londie Poo-Poo is right on track and is growing like a weed! (well more like a flower... because nobody likes weeds, and everybody loves Londyn) We are so grateful for a healthy and happy baby girl. She is such a joy and really... the cutest thing ever!

11.11.2009

merry veterans day

I would like to thank all American Veterans and Active Military for their sacrifice and dedication to our country. I am deeply blessed and inspired by those that have fought and are currently fighting for my families' freedom.

In celebration of Veterans Day, Applebee's Restaurant offered a free meal to all Veterans and Active Military. We LOVE free!

Londie Lou & Daddy too... waiting for our food.



11.08.2009

FSA Conference

Yesterday, my parents, Andrew, Londyn and I were able to attend the FSA conference. I had been waiting for this event and it was totally worth it! What an experience it was to be surrounded by individuals that all support adoption. There were birth mothers, adoptive parents, adoptees and many supporters in attendance. I was honored to be a part of the conference and speak on a panel of fellow adoptees.

Growing up, I have always been considered adopted... which is foreign to many people. Most don't know much about adoption and all that it entails. For the first time, I was surrounded by so many advocates of adoption. I have never really had a problem with being unique (quite honestly... I thrive on standing out in a crowd) but for once, I was able to belong in a positive adoption environment. What a joy it was to hear from those that spend there lives supporting and living the blessings that adoption brings to families. I am so grateful to have shared the experience with my forever family and parents because without them and our divine design, I would not be who I am today.

Happy 234th Birthday Marines

Andrew and I attended the 234th Marine Corps Birthday Ball on Friday night. Not only was it a fabulous excuse to get all gussied up and go out for a night on the town, but it was a highly inspirational experience.
The ball was held at The Governor Hotel in downtown Portland. The ballroom was gorgeous and really nicely put together. Last year was my first time attending the birthday ball. I was so excited to participate and learn more about the Marine Corps as I had only been married to a Marine for a few months. Unfortunately, the event last year was a little out of sorts and we could barely hear or see what was going on during the ceremony. This year, the most memorable part of the evening was the ceremony. They played a video message from the Commandant and Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps and it truly made me proud to be married to a Marine.

We visited with friends, enjoyed the ceremony and enjoyed yummy eats. Considering I have been dieting and gearing up for this event, I was debating on whether I would devour the entire meal or just want was diet-acceptable. Andrew told me to enjoy my meal. I deserved it. So I followed his orders and ate up! Boy, was it delish!

While at the table, we were sitting next to one of Andrew's friends that is much younger than us. Him and his girlfriend were very cute and we had lots of fun with them. I wonder if we were as fun to be around... considering we weren't drinking like everyone else and we were showing them pictures of Londyn on our camera. We are officially an old married couple.

Until next year... Happy Birthday Marines. I am grateful for all that you are and all that you do. Semper Fidelis.

11.06.2009

prayers

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and loved ones of the 13 dead and 31 wounded following a mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas. I am truly grateful for the men and women that dedicate their lives to provide our country with freedom. I am very passionate about not only the armed forces, but the families attached to those individuals. It is a sacrifice for many families and I am forever indebted to their efforts.

Related Links:


morning bliss

The 4 month old baby slept... drum roll please... 11.5 hours!!! That's right. Which gave the 23 year old mama a whole 9.5 hours of blissful sleep! Can it really be? There is light at the end of the sleepless newborn tunnel? I'm beginning to believe so! As much as I adore my precious hours with her awake... it is sheer bliss, when she is asleep.

When Londie Lou and I woke up @ 7:30 this morning, we went downstairs and noticed that daddy's uniform cover was on the coffee table. I immediately asked Londie Lou if daddy forgot this very important item? Of course, she responded in a complete sentence "yes, daddy left his cover" (okay... no she didn't, but I always carry conversations with my daughter that doesn't respond yet... because someday she will and if anything like her mama, I won't be able to shut her up). Anyway, then I instantly checked my phone and Andrew had called a bazillion times between 5:30am and 6:30am. Uh oh. So I took one look at my fab bed head hair, put chap stick on, a sweatshirt and spandex... my Target fake UGG boots... and the celebrity in me put on a pair of large sunglasses. Of course, when I go to a venue filled with military men... I want to be my man's hot Marine wife... but today, not so much. So I packed up the baby and hit the road! All I had was my GPS system which can be unpredictable at times, leading me to make a hundred wrong turns, hearing the dreaded words "recalculating route" (I hear that often). Finally, I made it and my husband was such a sweetheart. He had no clue I was coming, but made sure to tell me how much he appreciates me.

The rest of my morning consisted of a Diet Coke run to McD's... and a stop at Marshall's - my favorite bargain getaway. I found a super cute $25.00 dress on clearance for $10.00... and of course, I snatched that up, right then and there.

(Now that's an artistic photo)

11.05.2009

wiggles & giggles

Londyn gets the wiggles when...

  • she's getting her diaper changed
  • in the bath tub
  • eating her bottle
  • fighting sleep
  • she wants to get out of her car seat
  • she's done swinging
  • she's not getting attention
  • on her play mat
Londyn gets the giggles when...
  • daddy lifts her up high in the air
  • we swing her upside down
  • we kiss her ears
  • you smile at her
  • you talk to her
  • her feet are pushed up to her chest
  • she wakes up
  • bounced on your lap
  • holding her hands to sit up and down
  • you shimmy her legs, arms and belly

hello, weekend.

I am gearing up for a crazy busy weekend. It begins with Drill weekend for Andy-Roo... which is always a joyful time in our home as it is the most dreaded weekend of the month. Tomorrow, I have work and then the Marine Corps Birthday Ball at the Governor Hotel downtown. On Saturday I will be speaking at the Families Supporting Adoption Conference, which I am really excited to attend! Advocating adoption has been a new aspiration of mine and anything I can participate in- to do so, is truly wonderful!

Hello, weekend.