Heads...or tails...?

And so Nate says to Jamie tonight...

"Heads, I win...tails, you lose."

LOL!

It took this silly old blonde a minute to get it.

Nate starts that silly, contagious giggle of his and says, "GET IT?!?"

LOL!

One day...that's all they're askin'...

One snow day.

That's all the kids are asking.

Just one.

While the rest of the country has been hammered with snow storms...

We here in Michigan have had a relatively mild winter (for Michigan).

I'm sure the adults don't mind.

But "WE" kids would like a snow day!

Yes, I know I'll still have to work.

But I like havin' my babies home on an unexpected day.

Not one.

We haven't had ONE snow day this year!

It's unheard of!

So...

Mr. Weatherman...you say a big storm is coming Tuesday and Wednesday?

We say, BRING IT ON!

We want our snow day!

LOL!

Mom and my birthday celebration...

Today we had an early birthday celebration for mom and me.

Mom and dad, Jess, Ben, Raegan, and Logan came over.

I made a smothered chicken in the crockpot, loaded baked potatoes w/ butter, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and chives.  We served the chicken over pasta.  Also made a salad and some garlic cheese biscuits.

I made a cake for dessert and we had come ice cream too.

We had a great time visiting.

Always enjoy having the fam over.

Also, just wanted to share (and show) my new FREE glasses I got from Coastal Contacts give-away!  They finally came and I love them!

What a deal!

My newest cake...

Well, it's finished.

I made mom's and my birthday cake.

It's by no means perfect.

But...

The amazing thing about this cake was, that I didn't stress (too much).

I had fun.

I learned a new technique (cornelli lace).

And it is, what it is.

I think it's kinda cute.

There is much room for improvement.

But hey...for only making less that half a dozen cakes, I think it's not half bad.

I am so anxious to take my Fondant & Gum Paste Course in the spring/summer.

Maybe I will find that to be my niche?

Maybe it will be even more stressful, LOL!

Who knows.

But I'm anxious to try it!

I also made these adorable little bite size cakes.

I think they're cute.

As they say...

Practice makes perfect, right?

Someday...

Someday...

Someday...

Someday...

If I must work...

I want to have a career that I enjoy.

I want to find my passion.

I would love to open a bakery someday.

Even if I didn't have my own shop...

I'd love to have enough business,

That I could work from home and make a decent living.

JUST...

On cake decorating.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful or mean...

But I am so burnt out on my current job.

Under-paid, under-appreciated.

But that's not where I want this post to go.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY to get into baking/decorating.

I'm planning to take my second and third courses this spring/summer...
And I can't wait.

I would love for God to open some kind of door...

So that I could get out of my current situation...

And into something I enjoy.

Passion.

That's what I'm talking about.

He must really love me...

Those who know my best...know...that I have ALWAYS hated my hair.

It is fine, straight as a bored, and won't grow.

I have tried over and over again growing it out.

I know my hubby loves long hair.

But once my hair gets to about shoulder length, it just really draws out my face and accentuates how long and narrow my face and neck are.  My eyes tend to look a little sunken.

It's just not a good look for me.

Plus, my hair isn't thick and full.  It lacks volume.  And so long hair has never agreed with me.

Yet I try over and over again to grow it out.

Jamie doesn't believe me, but I do it for him.

I know he likes long hair.

But the other day, I just casually said how I have never gotten compliements on my hair EXCEPT for the two years I had it cut in an angled bob.  More people told me how cute it was, how good it looked, and how it suited my face just perfect!  It was wonderful to feel good about my hair.  It was easy to style, it looked fuller, and healthier than ever.

And so...

The other day, my dear, sweet hubby says to me, "Why don't you get your hair cut back in the angled bob?"

WHAT?!?!

I said, "Because I'm trying to grow it out?"
He says, "Why?  How are you going to style it?"

"I don't know", I say.

"Well, don't you say you don't look good with long hair?  Don't you say you get lots of compliments with your angled bob?" he says to me.

"Yes", I say.

"Well then cut it", he says.

This photo was taken Christmas of 2009.

I am going back to this style.  Though the front length will be a little longer.

The longest length in the front will be more chin length and then I'm going with the dramatic angle and stacked with lots of layers in back.

Victoria Beckham started it.

I tried it.

It worked.

It is the only style I've ever had, that I get complimented on.

And that's not WHY I'm doing it.

But that lets me know, that it looks good on me.

It lookd fuller, healthier, and has more volume.

So...

Our salon is having a sale next month.

So I'm waiting till then.

And back I'll go...

With picture in hand.

And coming home...

Feeling good again!

A lazy kind of day...

I asked for it!

I got it!

I still wouldn't mind more!

Yup!

It's been dumping (snow) on us all day long.

It's still really not that bad.

We've had much worse.

The streets are "travelable" (if that's a word, LOL!).

But I honestly wouldn't care if we got a bunch more!

As long as I don't have to go anywhere...

I'm good with it all.

As you can see...

It doesn't bother Oreo much either.

He's taken to this spot lately.

When napping...
Across the top of the sofa-sleeper.

And when awake...
Right above him on the window sill.

He's really quite unintelligent.

He'll sit there batting at the snowflakes against the window.

It's really quite comical.

Teehee!

Happiness is...

When I've had a rough week.

When I'm feeling low.

Nothing makes me more happy than my family.

My three guys.

My kitty.

What could be better?

I assure you...

Nothing.

:)

If I go missing...due to anxiety, panic, or flat out heart failure...

I'm making another cake.

Yes.

I started my cake decorating journey last summer.

It probably isn't the best hobby for someone as high-strung and dependant on perfectionism like me.

But I'm doing it none the less.

I took and completed the first Wilton Basics class.

And am waiting till this next summer to take the next two, hopefully.

Anyway...

Next week, I will be baking my first triple layer graduated heart shape cake.

I invited the whole family over for dinner and cake to celebrate mom's and my birthday.

Cleaning the house, preparing dinner...

And...

Baking and decorating a cake.

Probably NOT a good combo for me.

I stress as it is when someone is coming over because I want my house perfectly spotless.

I stress when cooking someone a meal, wanting it to taste absolutely perfect.

And now...

I've added the stress of trying something new.

A stacked cake.

I am already stressing thinking about it.

Praying it turns out beautiful.

I am trying to shake it all off...take a deep breath...and have fun with it.

But...

I am a perfectionist.

I want things perfect.

I aim to be the perfect mom.

Perfect wife.

Perfect housekeeper.

Perfect cook.

Perfect person.

I am not.

Ever.

Any of these.

And so I continue to disappoint myself daily.

But...

If we don't ever set goals or try new things...

We can never reach them, right?

When the family gets here,

I know my house will not be perfectly spotless.

I know the meal won't be gourmet.

I KNOW BEYOND THE SHADOW OF A DOUBT THAT THIS CAKE IS GOING TO BE...

Full of little mishaps.

I'm only hoping and praying...

That "I" will be the only one to know that they even happened.

That is will look beautiful...

And taste even better...
To everyone else.

So...

If I go missing...

You hear more screaming...

Slamming doors...

Crying...

Or an all out panic/anxiety attack happens...

You'll know why.

The cake was a flop.

I didn't get the house cleaned.

And dinner was either burnt or not cooked properly.

SO...
Stay tuned...

I'll give you an update at the end of the month.

And if the cake is pretty in any way, shape, or form...

I'll post a picture, LOL!

He picked me...

Not sure where I first discovered "Home Grown Mom"...but this is a blog I REALLY REALLY enjoy! 
She writes from the heart and is so open and honest.
I love it.
I came across this post today and as always...loved it.
Give it a read...it may be just what you need to hear...I know I enjoyed it!
http://homegrownmom.com/a-wife-to-rush-home-to/your-husband-picked-you/3222

Just this and that...

Not much new at the James house lately.
Just thought I'd do a general update on what we've been up to.
Which is really nothing, LOL!
I am jumping up and down excited that today is Friday.
After the short holiday weeks, these regular five day work weeks just about kill me!  LOL!

It's been a fairly mild winter for us here in the north compared to many years past.
As all the southern and eastern states are getting blasted, we're holding pretty steady.
I'd say there's probably 8-10 inches of snow on the ground but no major storms.
We haven't had a single snow day yet and the boys are NOT too happy about that!  LOL!

Nate has been "busy" as usual.

Don't even ask, LOL...
French fry "candles" in his double cheeseburger, perhaps?
I have no clue, LOL!

 
Modeling his new track pants from Geeg and Papa that he got for Christmas.
What a ham.
 
I volunteered to make cupcakes again this year for "Fun Night" at Lincoln.
This year I am actually looking forward to it because I now have one Wilton course completed and under my belt so I have some techniques down!
 
I have been browsing the web, looking for ideas.
 
Who doesn't want their cupcake to shine through at the cake walk and be picked first?!?  LOL!

 
We have also invited the entire fam over to celebrate mom's and my birthday in a couple weeks.
I've decided to make our birthday cake...and go with a "heart" theme since mom and I are both February babies!  I'm scoping out ideas...
 
 I'm toying with the idea of a trip layer heart cake (three different sizes) with little mini heart cakes all around it.

I am going to be brave and try a few new techniques.

If I'm moody, crying, banging things around, slamming doors, screaming...

You'll know it was a disaster.

So please...

Cross your fingers, say a prayer, and hope for the best, LOL!

Evan is...well, Evan is Evan, LOL!

He's just pluggin' along!

He has his Winter Concert Band program this Sunday afternoon and we are so excited to hear them!

I'm so anxious to see him in his tux!  Teehee!

Pictures and hopefully video to come!

Well, that's it in a nutshell for now!

We're pretty boring!

More later loves!

Someday you'll understand...

I went grocery shopping yesterday...
Armed as usual with probably 50 plus coupons.
I am a super couponer.

But let me say...

When I have a lot of coupons, I let people with only a few items go in front of me.

I stack my coupons neatly.

I even "fan out" the printable ones because they stick together.

I make things as easy as possible for my cashier and those in line around me.

I don't take any longer in line than the person without coupons.

I am friendly and pleasant to my cashier and those around me.

So...

I don't appreciate it when I get a teenage cashier who is so impatient with me!

Honestly, I am so neat and organized that my transaction takes no longer than anyone elses!

So dear teen cashier,

Why are you so ornery and impatient?

I guess it stems from shear laziness?

Well anyway...

My dear teen cashier...

Someday...

When you have a mortgage, car payment, bills, a wife, and babies to feed...

Maybe then...

You'll understand why I come armed with coupons.

You'll understand why we super-couponing moms feel the need to save money in any way possible that we can.

So until then...

Enjoy that roof over your head, car that daddy loans you, and spending money your parents hand out...

Because someday you'll understand.

But until then...

Please don't be so ornery and impatient with us super-couponing moms.

Sincerely,

One of them

It's hard to let go...

I think I have done well for the most part...trying to let it go.

But sometimes fear and doubt will creep back in.

I think, being human, I will always wonder.

And it will always be there.

Whether it is or isn't...

For me it is.

It always will be.

These are things that just don't go away.

Once they happen.

They're there.

The only thing we can do...

In order to function again, without letting "it" take over...

Is to just trust God.

And others...

Somewhat.

So today,

I choose to let it go.

And hope, pray, and trust...

That it won't come back to bite me in the butt for doing so.

I want to...

Things I want to do...

Serious...

And...

Silly...

-Take violin lessons.

-Finish my next few cake decorating classes...get really good at it...and...

-Quit my current job and open a bakery/sweet shop making beautiful cakes, cupcakes, and cookies all day long!

-Have a professional photo shoot done in EACH SEASON of the year of my family.

-Jump in a public fountain and splash around!

-Put a leash on my cat and take him for walks outdoors...though I think he might freak out.

-Eat at a new restaurant once a week...somewhere I've never heard of.

-Have my eyebrows professionally shaped...I don't really think they need waxing because they're so sparse...but professionally shaped would be nice.

-Hire a professional trainer...one on one...and get in INCREDIBLE shape!

-Dare to wear things I've never ventured wearing...things that make me step out of my comfort zone.

-Have a professional show me how to do my make-up.

-Have Lasik eye surgery...though I'm terrified.

-Tell people how I feel.

-Keep my fingernails and toenails painted 24/7.

-Have extensions put in my hair...because let's face it people...though I try and try to let it grow...it will never be long and beautiful.

-Have my hair chopped back into an angled bob...everyone loved it...I loved it...it was quick...easy...and cute.

-Light candles every night.

-Catch up all my scrapbooks.

-Knit more.

-Turn my huge yard into something beautiful...complete with gazebo, hammock, bubbling fountain, too many flowers to count, little rock paths, lazy swing, new deck, picket fence...and more!

-Take dance lessons...all kinds!

-Sing!

-Run a race...and then keep running more!

-Volunteer at the humane society.

I've got more...but I'll save those for another day.

What do you want to do?

For real and silly?

Don't hate me...

Don't hate me folks...
But finally...
We are getting some snow!
I'm sorry I'm so excited.
But honestly, I missed it once it melted!
It's Michigan people!
It's winter folks!
It was bound to happen!
So bundle up...
Enjoy some coffee/cocoa...
And...
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

No resolutions...just goals...2011...

No resolutions for me.

I hate the word.

Resolutions are never kept.

Instead, I have decided to set some goals for myself...

And have already started trying to apply them.

1.  To not be set in my ways when my hubby suggests something. 

(Already, I have let him take off the dust-ruffle from our bed, which he HATES!

I told him he could move the bedroom AND living room furniture around and do some rearranging.

Everyone who knows me, KNOWS that I HATE change.)

2.  Next I have decided to try to not use the word "shut-up" so loosely.  I don't say it in a mean or hurtful way.  But I say it a lot teasingly and casually throw it around.  And I decided that it isn't a good example to my boys, no matter if I'm joking or not.

3.  I have also decided that I need to try to be more grateful for my job.  Although I have never wanted anything more than to be a sahm...I have come to realize...that if I HAVE to work...I have the next best thing in being a wahm.  Therefore I need to stop whining and griping and be more grateful.  Our business provides not only the necessities for living, but many fun and extra things too.

4.  I'm also going to do my best to be faithful exercising w/ my new Wii Fit.  I will not stress if I miss a day.  But I vow to keep on keeping on!  I will not give up.  I want this to become a habit.

5.  I am also going to do better at reading the Bible and my devotions.  I have made every attempt to make it as easy and accessible at any time to do a devotion or read the Word.  I have even downloaded the entire KJV Bible on my iPod and a 365 Devotional so I have no excuse! 

These are my goals...
What are yours?