All I want...

All I want is an adorable, not-too-old-but-with-tons-of-character, five bedroom bungalow with a gorgeous yard on a quiet street in a perfect neighborhood.

All I want is enough extra money to go on a shopping spree to replace my sad, outdated, dwindling wardrobe.

All I want is a week to myself so I can organize and finish projects: photos (countless!), baby books (two of them!), house decor, framing, cleaning (top to bottom!), filing, packing...the list goes on.

All I want is to be able to spend three hours at the gym (that means I want the membership, too!) without feeling guilty for spending time away from my kids.

All I want is to win that illusive $5000 shopping spree that I always enter from my Target receipts.  Then I could buy groceries and diapers without feeling the pinch in my pocketbook.

All I want is to take a vacation without being pregnant or nursing...I can't remember what that is like!

All I want is a totally loaded, beautiful, brand-new charcoal gray Toyota Sienna Minivan (with auto doors and lift gate, leather, and GPS).

All I want is to win a jackpot so that my husband doesn't have to work so hard - so I can spend more time each day with my best friend.

Will I ever get anything I want?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

While I want so much, I have everything.  Some of the things I want could probably be accomplished: the gym membership (or at least 20 minutes to workout at some point during the day while the kids are napping!); the time to finish projects (I could get a babysitter sometime and take a little time for myself); or even the non-prego/non-nursing vacation in the coming months.

I may want a lot of things - don't we all?  After all, the world tells us we should do whatever it takes to have the best of everything, more than we need, and we should stop at nothing to get it.  Isn't that why credit card bills rack-up so quickly?

When I step back and look at my life, I have everything.  Even though my wardrobe is outdated and I can't afford to update it; even though my house is anything but my dream home, even though I almost never get a moment to myself because my husband is busy working two jobs, even though I would love a week or two on an exotic vacation...

Even without all that, I have everything.  I have a modest home that keeps us warm and gives me the little diy projects I enjoy.  I have a husband who works hard so that I can stay home with my kids full-time.  I have family and friends who support me no matter what.  I have a car that is safe for me to get the kids to and from playdates and music lessons.  Most of all, I have two beautiful, healthy, handsome little boys.  And that is the greatest gift.  Thinking of my boys, I realize there is really nothing I can want.  I have everything because I have them.

Spring Craft

Another super easy little springy craft:

Fill any glass jar with a little decorative grass, some decorative eggs, and adorn with spring colored ribbon!

Easter is coming...

My two year old had fun making this little Easter/Spring craft.  Foam egg shapes, bunnies, and chicks made for an easy project one rainy afternoon this week.  All supplies from Michaels!

(Un)Crafty - Stainless Steel Magnetic Board

Yep...I would consider myself "uncrafty".  But, I love a good repurposing project, do-it-yourself remake, or something easy (especially when the outcome is impressive!).  This project falls into that category.  BUT, my mom made this for me and she actually IS crafty.  She can do lots of cool stuff; she's talented (and she's tried to help me/teach me on many occasions).  It just happens that is project is easy enough for even ME to do!

The frame is a photo frame from Michael's.  You can always find a -40% or even -50% off coupon online for Michaels for a regular priced item.  Often, photo frames there are already -40% off.  I think this frame ended up costing about $12.  The sheet metal is a pre-cut piece that happens to fit beautifully in this frame.  My mom lives in the great state of Minnesota, so she found her sheet metal at Lowe's or Home Depot, but the word on the street is that Menard's also has these pre-cut pieces of metal.  I think the metal runs about $4 for a piece this size.  My crafty mom said she is covering some buttons with fabric and attaching magnets to use - how cute!  Of course, any magnets will work.

1. Buy frame on sale at Michael's
2. Buy sheet metal cut to size
3. Take glass out of frame, replace with metal
4. Hang for immediate use and adorn with magnets!

I really love this because it allows for easy switching of current photos of my kiddos, easy pin-up of cards, announcements, and other fun mail.  Find a fun place to hang this and enjoy!

Looks good, right?  Thanks, Mom!

Be My Valentine

I'm not one for baking (or cooking, for that matter), but I had fun making these cute and easy cupcakes for a Valentine's treat.  I used a rich chocolatey cake mix, store bought frosting, and Peeps.  They were a hit!

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

I have never made soup before (from scratch...I am darn good at opening a can! Ha!).  On Sunday after a morning of playing outside in the freshly fallen heavy white snow, I could think of nothing better to feed the family than some yummy, comforting, warm soup.  So...I went where I've never gone before and made a new recipe for Cream of Chicken Wild Rice soup from my cousin.  After just one touch of the soup to his lips, my husband said, "Wow, this is really good!".  Why thank you.  :)  Not so bad if I do say so myself.

1 onion chopped
1 large carrot shredded
1 celery rib chopped
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. flour
8 c. chicken broth
3 c. cooked wild rice
1 c. cubed cooked chicken
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. evaporated milk
1/4 c. chives snipped

In large saucepan, saute onion, carrot and celery in butter until tender.  Stir in flour until blended.  Gradually add broth.  Stir in the rice, chicken, salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil over medium heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.  Stir in evaporated milk; cook 3-5 minutes longer.  Garnish with chives.  Enjoy!

Visit Irvine Park!

Get to Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls this holiday season! Your kids will love cozying up in the car: pajamas and slippers are a must; and going to view the holiday lights display at Irvine. If the kids are old enough, treat them to their own little travel mug of hot chocolate or apple cider - this is a tradition they are sure to love!

Hint: December 12th is "walk through" when no cars are allowed. You can pull your kids on a sled, push a stroller, or just run in the snow!