Past, Present and Future

Well 2013, you’ve been a good year and you’ve been a hard year. 

1. Celebrated 8 years at Mylan.
2. Wedding prep
3. The Big Day – I became Mrs. Holly Riggle
4. Honeymoon to Outer Banks
5. Family vacation to Myrtle Beach
6. Sold my townhouse.
7. Lived with Keith’s sister for a few months.
8. Bought our new place.
9. Sold my beater car and my Kia.
10. Bought the Honda.
11. Went to Utah with Uncle Bob.
12. Met Keith’s friends
13. Heidi got married
14. Whitney got married.
15. Celebrated our first holidays in the new house.
16. Learned a lot about marriage, parenting, dealing with an ex-wife, and so much more.
17. My normal heath issues: back, thumb, neck, lack of immune system.
18. April got married.
19. Finally made our new house a home.
20. Struggled with trying to become pregnant.

2014 - I’m not usually big on New Year Resolutions, but I’m going to give it a whirl this year.

1. Get healthy – I need to lose weight and get in shape.  We’ve started looking at elliptical machines and the South Beach Diet is calling my name.
2. Cook more healthy meals at home – I’ve gotten a lot better at this with our huge kitchen, but I need to move toward healthier recipes simultaneously.
3. Get pregnant – I don’t have much control over this one, but darn it we’ll be giving it our best.
4. Solve my mystery aching problem – I’ve got the doctor appointment scheduled; let’s see if they can solve the mystery.
5. Pay off Debt – don’t get me wrong, we live very responsibly.  We just have student loans that stress me out.  I’m planning to hit those puppies hard.  I’d also like to get our PMI knocked off the mortgage. 

Happy New Year, Blog Friends!!

Mandatory Christmas Post

Christmas = The best kind of madness there is.

Christmas Eve

• Keith had to work so I was on my own to run 101 errands. Sams Club, last minute gift buying, last minute helping a friend buy for his wife, wedding flower ordering with my MOH, etc.  Not to mention sorting 101 gifts into piles by house.
• Hopped in our PJs and headed to Lala’s house for our annual feast and presents.
• Headed home to open one gift from each other and climb into bed. 

Christmas Day

• Heidi and Randy came to our house to exchange and watch each other open gifts.  I got spoiled by my husband.

• We went to Mackel’s house for breakfast and to open gifts.
• Went to Dad’s house to open gifts.  I unwrapped a quilt from Dad and Lisa that was made of my Mom’s “Jammies” aka Pajamas.  After quite a few tears, we went back to celebrating.

• Went to Lala’s for lunch.
• Headed to Mather, PA to see Keith’s sister, Lori and her husband Mike, who were in town.
• My Secret Santa was unveiled.  Brenda and I got each other’s names in the drawing.  She has good taste i.e. Vera Bradley sunglasses and Bazinga t-shirt.
• Dropped my brand new cell phone in the gravel and busted the screen (hence the very limited pictures on this post ugh).
• Went home to be good little elves and prepare for Perry’s arrival the next day.

Day After Christmas

• Keith went to pick up Perry in PA while I cooked breakfast for his family and mine.
• The whole gang arrived and we devoured food while torturing Perry since his gifts were under the tree from Santa and everyone else.
• Perry unwrapped gifts for a solid hour.



Can you tell he's excited even though this is super blurry?


• The family trickled out the door and we continued our toy marathon.

The rest of the weekend consisted of spending gift cards, running errands, more playing, being lazy, inviting April, Jim and Nathan over for a play date, breaking out the new board games (Fibber and HedBanz), dinner at Heidi and Randy’s house, Law and Order SVU marathon, laundry, chores and a bunch of other excitement. 

It was a great first Christmas as a family in our new home.  We made great memories and enjoyed a simple life for a few days.  We missed those who weren’t with us, but enjoyed celebrating with all those who were there.

Happy Birthday Jesus….thank you for this wonderful life you have graced me with. 

Birchbox Bust

Well, Birchbox was a big ole Scrooge this month.  I am hoping this is not the new norm.  The box was small and pretty dull.  I would normally post a picture of the goods, but I got a new phone (I won’t miss an announcement again, Jenni) and the picture I snapped is stuck on the old one, so you will have to use your imagination. 

Camille Beckman Glycerine Hand Therapy:  First off, it has made me sing a song by my beloved Bush.  This stuff smells and feels amazing.  I’ve coated up my hands and elbows (they’re close enough to my hands) several times and then sniff myself continuously.   My hands are a little less dry, but it hasn’t saved me from the winter cracked cuticles. 

Harvey Prince Hello Perfume:  Smells great and seems to last throughout the day.  Will definitely use up the tube, but won’t be rushing out to purchase.

Jouer Lip Gloss: Again, I will wear lip stick or lip gloss at my funeral, not before then.  This will be passed along to my family members.  Note:  Dear Birchbox, PLEASE give an opt out option for certain categories aka don’t send me lip junk!!

Klorane Dry Shampoo:  When I saw this, I instantly said ugh.  I’ve had horrible luck with dry shampoo in the past.  It usually makes my hair greasier and oilier.  This one on the other hand seemed to help.  I managed to leave the house with Day 3 hair (just to run an errand) and at no point did I see my reflection and wince. 

Fatty Sundays Toasted Coconut Pretzel Sample:  First off, my pinky finger is bigger than this thing and second off it was dry.  Please note I normally don’t whine about food, but after the huge candy bar last month, this was a bit of a letdown. 

So there you have it, the mini box for Christmas.  Maybe the Grinch got the good stuff, because Holly surely didn’t.  You better step it up Birchbox, or I will be adding “Cancel unnecessary memberships” to my New Years Resolution list. 

You Always Want What You Don't Have

Today someone peed in my Wheaties…shocking, I know.  I got my feathers all ruffled and growled at Facebook and just wanted to smack someone.  As the day has gone on, I keep dwelling on it and really don’t know what to feel. 

Let’s back up.

Facebook post from an acquaintance: “Why do people think it’s okay to say things like ‘you look like you’re going to pop to a pregnant woman?’”  Simple enough statement, right?  Well then why does it evoke such anger in me?!?  Quite simply: Jealousy.

Let’s back up again.  I don’t doubt that pregnancy is hard, scary, miserable, overwhelming, emotional, etc.  I don’t doubt that growing a human is hard hard work.  I’m not naive.  I do, however, think you have to be ready for some of those basic “things people say” and roll with the punches. 

Back to topic:  Sweetheart, I would love for someone to say something like that to me.  I’d love to have carried a baby to term and my body be showing it.  I’d love to know that the little baby I have prayed for was so close to be being born.  My cousin who just had a miscarriage surely would say the same thing. 

Which brings me to my thoughts after I calmed down; we all want what we don’t have.  The pregnant girl wants to feel thin again, the girl who wants to be a mother wants a belly.  It’s easy to get mad when you read others complain about something you want so badly. 

Please don’t think I am playing innocent here.  I am as guilty as the next person.  I complain about my husband; I complain about my job; I complain about a lot of stuff.  Some single girls would love to find a man as good as the one I married; some unemployed people would love to have my job.  It’s something I need to work on myself. 

In the meantime, I’ve added “You look like you’re ready to pop” to my list of things not to say.  It’s not quite as high up as “When are you guys going to have kids,” but it is on there.  I think I’ve calmed down, but just wish people would look at things from both sides of the story and realize that someone wants what they’re complaining about….

Endangered Gift Cards

I know I shouldn’t bring up such a controversial topic this close to Christmas, but I’m a rebel like that.  Please tell me this….when did gift cards get such a bad rep?!?!  I blame Scrooge and the retail world. 

To do my part to help kill the lies, rumors and fibs, here is my list of 10 reasons thoughtful gift cards make the ultimate gift (in no particular order).

1. They kill the guilt.  When someone gives me cash, I feel that I need to pay bills or save it for some unforeseen emergency.  With gift cards, poof no guilt. 
2. They save you from the return line.  Those things are a beast around the holidays so I avoid them like the plague.
3. Let’s be honest…I despise cheap candles, fleece PJs, most bath products, processed meat and any of the other “what do I buy her fill in” gifts.  If you can’t find something personal, just give me the gift card.  Sorry, I know that sounds catty.
4. The deals are always better after the holidays.  That $25 dollar sweater just got turned into 2 sweaters, a scarf and socks after the holidays when I buy it with my gift card.
5. You get fuel points folks.  Who doesn’t love saving money on gas when you buy them from the local grocery/gas conglomerate?
6. They’re much easier to wrap.  There are no weird corners, running out of tape or trying to find the perfect box.
7. They encourage date nights.  I’m not going to hold my dinner and movie gift cards hostage and exclude my husband, so they give us an excuse to go on a date.
8. They force you to try something new.  I’ve tried quite a few new restaurants and stores thanks to gift cards.
9. They allow you to fib a little.  (i.e. This conversation:

Husband: Where are you?

Wife: Starbucks

Husband: Again?

Wife: Honey, I have a gift card.

Husband: Oh, ok.  Enjoy.

*Note if anyone ever tells the husband that I have reloaded the aforementioned gift card at least 5 times since he bought it, I will block you from my blog.)

10. They make for a great surprise down the road when you discover a forgotten, misplaced card and get to go shopping!!  (not that I have done this…no no)

So there you have it, Holly Riggle’s argument to save the Endangered Gift Card.  I’m off to buy a few myself after work.  Two restaurants, Cabela’s and ITunes - The recipients will surely appreciate me not trying to pick out ammo or buy them a salami log or unwanted CD. 

Dr. Personality MD

So the big day came and went for us to visit the Reproductive Medicine clinic.  I walked in scared to death (and sick), but luckily a friendly face greeted us.  The receptionist did our basic check-in and joked on whether I was still single (per my records) or if the man standing beside me happened to be my husband.  That helped calm me down.  Then our check-in nurse took us back and continued to be very fun and welcoming.  I started to think that things wouldn’t be so bad.

Next up was a round of 101 embarrassing questions by the PA, who was also pretty friendly.  My nerves had calmed down by this point.  Enter, Dr. Personality.  He barely grunted out names, avoided eye contact and immediately made me feel stupid.  “Why are you here, you haven’t been trying for a year.”  Well, I’m here because my doctor sent me and feels that I need to be here……HELLO, do you think this is where I want to be sitting?!?! 

So next, I’m dragged into a room with 3 people for the most uncomfortable ultrasound ever and again butted heads with him when I tried to tell him about my “special ovary” that wants to live in my ribcage.  He ignored and tortured me for a while longer before we finally tried things my way.  What do ya know….he found it instantly?  Jerk. 

So we make our way back to the room to discuss options.  Basically, he thinks we are jumping the gun.  I disagree.  I ask about the male analysis.  He says the urologist isn’t in the office……um, then why did I have to bring my husband and have him “prepared” for this test?!?!  So, he volunteers to do a half analysis himself (and states we'll be charged for it....um duh) and says he will call us later.

We leave, frustrated.  A few hours later, we receive a call.  We have a male factor diagnosis added on at this point.  Suddenly, Dr. Personality agrees that trying “naturally” for another 5 months doesn’t seem like the best idea.  So, we have another analysis next week and then we start talking washing/IUI/future plans.  I’m still annoyed that they don’t want to look at my tubes like my original (sweet) doctor recommended, but then again, at least they are doing something. 

So, that’s where we are right now…..frustrated but hopeful.  We're hoping at this point that two wrong reproductive systems make a right (i.e. baby). lol

Brain Dump

Life hasn’t exactly been exciting enough to write about lately….I consider this a good thing.  December usually stresses me out….like doctors have to write prescriptions, but this year I’m just not going to get all worked up. 

So instead I’ll write about all of the randomness that is swimming in my head.  Note: You may want medication before you try to follow all this rambling.

1. I am finally on a treatment plan to get my thumb approved for surgery.  I’m tired of trying to operate with a dud for a left hand, so I put on my big girl panties and am working on it.  A few weeks of OT, followed by some injections (they say they won’t help anything, but the insurance requires you to try) and then we can talk about fixing the darn thing.  I try not to think about them breaking bones, drilling holes and lacing it all back together with tendons…gag!!
   
2. We’ve been entertaining in our new kitchen!!!  So far we have hosted some of my people, some of Keith’s people, our old neighbor, Lindsay, friends Dave and Tonya, my MOH, April and her fiancé, my friend from VA,  Jenni, and some other friends, Chris, Jenna and Tayton. I love having the space to cook (or cheat and order take-out) and spend time with these people that we care about…. (PS...don't judge my punctuation, I suck at commas).
3. Keith’s mom has been having mild, mini strokes.  It is scary, but also a relief to finally know what is going on with her.  I struggle not to butt in and try to “fix” it, but I keeping reminding myself that it isn’t my place (trust me, I struggle).  It hurts me to see him worry about her, even though he tries to maintain his positive thoughts plan (which can drive me plain batty sometimes). 
4. We are meeting with a doctor at the Reproductive Medicine clinic next week.  I am excited, but super nervous.  Filling out the paperwork was exhausting, but we’re hopeful that we get some answers. 
5. I am really close to being finished with Christmas shopping.  Hoping by the end of the weekend to have everything bought and wrapped!!
6. We are participating in the Hoss Foundation Gift Program again this year.  We basically get to wrap gifts for those in need and help deliver them.  Last year, seeing the relief and appreciation in a single mother’s eyes and having her hug us, was by far the best part of Christmas.  I can’t wait to participate again this year. 
7. Our friends brought us a gorgeous Christmas arrangement last night…something about it reminded me of my Mom and it felt very comforting. 
   
   
   
8. Our builders are finally fixing stuff for us.  Perfect timing considering a rack on our master closet collapsed…gggrrrr.
   
   
   
9. We’re doing Secret Santa at work…..mine is kicking butt so far.  Pampering items and candy another day, doesn’t get much better. 
   
   
   
10. My cousin announced her pregnancy a few weeks ago and then after Thanksgiving announced her miscarriage.  My heart was completely broken for her….she buried her son who was almost 2 weeks old, then had a premature daughter who is perfect in every way now, and then this.  They are going to try again, and I pray this time that everything goes well for them.
11. I have recently discovered Pentatonix and pretty much think they are fabulous…I am loving their Christmas station on Pandora. 
12. We are going to Kohl’s and Muriales tonight….life is grand!!
13. I need to stop rambling so I can accomplish something else today.  However, I am using this rambling to distract myself because I REALLY want to order Pottery Barn personalized stockings for me, Keith and Perry….no Holly, NO!!!
    
    

    

    Wouldn't Holly, Perry and Keith look nice on those?!?!
    

    
    Happy Friday!!!! 

Turkey lurkey doo and Turkey lurkey dap

It’s time for a good ole fashioned Thanksgiving Recap. 

Thursday

Rise and Shine

Stop for the annual Black Friday Sales newspaper

Lala’s house for lunch

Formulation of Operation Black Friday plan

Keith runs to pick up Perry

Meet Uncle Bob who is in town to surprise everyone (except his co-planner – me)

Dinner at Kathy’s house

Drop the boys off at home and head out to shop around 10:30pm with Heidi and Lindsey

Target, Wal-Mart, Mall, Bed Bath and Beyond, Sams, Rite Aid, Michaels….just to name a few

Somewhere along the way Thursday fades into Friday

We took a nap around 4am for about an hour and then got up and went again. 

Finally came home around 10am to shower and nap

Up again at 4pm for pedicures….this is my favorite part of Black Friday traditions….the massage makes it all melt away.

Pizzas and family time

Early bedtime

*Note: Normally this would have been tree decorating day, but I cheated this year and put it up the week before Thanksgiving.  The late Thanksgiving this year was just not acceptable….I needed some early cheer!

Please ignore the painter's tape we have in place for the Drywall Repair Appt.

Saturday

Wrapped some gifts

Game day – took Perry to his first Mountaineer Football game.  We about froze so we headed out around halftime.

Dinner with friends

Home to recover from lack of sleep

Sunday

Woke up sick….oh happy day!!  Spent the day in bed watching Bones and cuddling kittens.

Laundry

730 Days and Counting

2 years ago today (oops make that yesterday…slow to publish) I met my husband.  Some days it seems like just yesterday, other times it seems like a lifetime ago.  I figured today would be a good time to write down all I remember about our first date. 

Keith and I had texted and chatted quite a while before we met in person.  He asked me out several times, but I was so busy with a project at work, that our timing never worked out.  To add to the complexity, he was working afternoon shift while I worked day shift.  On weekends, he often had his son, so we really had to be creative about getting together.  We finally settled on a lunch date one day in the middle of November.  I remember thinking; this is going to suck like all of the other dates I had been on.  I didn’t even put effort into getting ready.  I wore clothes that I had worn before and barely did any extra prep for my hair or make-up.  I actually walked into the mall while talking to my Grandmother (we met at Garfields inside of the mall). 

When I first saw him, I thought, wow, he’s cute (and shorter than me), but he had a warm, welcoming smile that instantly calmed my nerves.  We sat down, ordered and had a good conversation over a crispy chicken salad and the lunch quesadillas.  Time seemed to fly by, but I remember it actually being fun.  We left the restaurant and went our separate ways.  When he didn’t walk me to my car, I thought, well, guess that didn’t go as well as I hoped (guess I should have bought new outfit lol). 

Later in the day, I got a text from him…things were looking up.  From there, we started talking daily.  We got together for lunches, dinners and desserts.  I could write for hours about the fun dates we went on and the times he showed up after a long shift just to bring me dessert.  He was the guy that I waited quite a long time for. 

I’ll never forget the day I fell in love with him either – February 15^th, 2012.  On the 14^th I was so mad at him for blowing off Valentines Day.  When he suggested rescheduling dinner for another night, I shot back with “Or I could just cook” to which he responded, “Ok.”  Needless to say, my blood was boiling.  We finally cancelled dinner plans completely and knowing that I was upset about something, he stopped by to see me before driving home to Pennsylvania.  We traded gifts and he headed home. 

Later that evening, I ended up in the Emergency Room with severe stomach pains which led to me being admitted.  He offered to come back down to sit with me.  On the 15^th, he came to the hospital.  He was packing flowers, a portable DVD player and DVDs to entertain me.  He showed up later with a frozen coffee and magazines.  None of the gifts were what did me in, but instead the fact that he endured meeting most of my family and friends in the matter of days.  He was a trooper and I knew he’d always be by my side no matter what. 

So there’s our story….Nicholas Sparks isn’t going to base a movie on it, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.  I love that goober, he’s been my biggest headache and my biggest answer to prayer all wrapped into one.  Happy 2 Years, Honey =)

The "You're Sweet Because..." bouquet I made him. 

You've Got Mail

It is ridiculous how excited I get over these little boxes.  Birchbox arrived a few days ago and of course I ripped into it!!  I feel like they give me a right to go for a good long soak in the tub and pamper myself. 

Beauty Protector Shampoo and Conditioner – Just another shampoo and conditioner; nothing extraordinary.  Seeing the word vegan on them made me worry, but they both smelled good and seemed to get my hair clean.  I’m not going to rush out and purchase them, but I will definitely finish off the samples. 

Color Club On The Rocks Nail Polish – Haven’t actually given myself a pedi yet, but this will be a fun color to use on the paint all nails one color and paint a random nail another color.  I’m not sure I would want all of my toes shiny silver, but at least it is a fun color to mix things up. 

Dr Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm – This helped cover my darn PCOS acne (which is the most annoying thing ever) but didn’t seem to moisturize like it promotes.  Basically just felt like another foundation product.  I did like that the color was a good match for my skin.  I’ll pack it around in my make-up bag to cover up the bumps and dark circles. 

Juicy Couture Viva la Juicy Noir Perfume – My sister has worn this for years, and I love the smell of it.  It may make its way onto my Christmas list.

Ghiradelli Toffee Crunch Bar – The husband stole this.  Somehow he thinks that he is entitled to one item out of each box.  I surely didn’t need the calories, but kudos to Birchbox for sending a full size candy bar lol

Overall, a good box.  I’ll already stalking the mailbox for the next one…..wondering if it will be something great for Christmas!!!

Bobby Flay Kind of Day

Today I’ll be Bobby Flay and Throw Down some recipes that we’ve tried lately.  I don’t know if you can even call these recipes since I never measure ANYTHING, but I'll share anyway.

BBQ Pizza (stole this idea from Cici’s Pizza)

Similar recipe: BBQ Pizza

2 store bought Flatbread crusts

Small container of pulled pork in BBQ sauce

Shredded cheddar cheese

Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce

Green Peppers – diced

Onions – diced

Brush crusts with olive oil

Spread a thin layer of BBQ sauce on shells

Microwave pulled pork and scatter on top of sauce

Add peppers and onions (I would recommend sautéing these first…unless you like super crunchy veggies on pizza)

Add another layer of BBQ sauce

Top with cheese

Bake according to crust directions

Shrimp Lo Mein

My version is so far from authentic Chinese food that I can’t even find anything close to link to. 

Sautee veggies in vegetable oil – we used mushrooms, peppers, green onions, garlic and water chestnuts. 

Whip 2 eggs and add to the side of wok to scramble.

Add tail-off shrimp after rinsing and cook until pink

Add a packet of pre-cooked lo mein noodles.

Add stir-fry sauce, soy sauce and Sriracha Sauce (depending if you like it hot)

Toss around and serve

Chicken Pot Pie

I use that recipe as my base but Hollynize it quite a bit based on reviews.

1. I cook frozen mixed veggies, two peeled and diced potatoes, onions and mushrooms in chicken broth along with 4 large chicken breasts. 
2. When cooked, drain the veggies and chicken but catch the broth in another bowl. 
3. Cube up chicken and sit those ingredients aside.
4. I double the ingredients for the sauce and reuse the chicken broth I boiled ingredients in.  (The regular recipe makes the pie very dry!)  I skip the onions because they are in the veggies.
5. I also add a ton more seasonings to the mix.  Salt, pepper, celery seed, savory seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder. 
6. Mix the sauce, chicken and veggies in a bowl. 
7. I use the premade box crusts – roll out the bottom one, brush with egg whites and fill with guts and add 2^nd crust on top.  Repeat for a second pie (doubling sauce makes plenty of guts for 2).  Seal the crusts, slit the tops and bake on bottom shelf on 375 for 45 minutes. 

The hubby has given all three a thumbs up.  I think he is tired of chopping onions for me, but seems quite content when his belly is full lol.

Standing On My Head

I’ve watched 16 and Pregnant.  I’ve watched Discovery Health’s I Didn’t Know I Was Pregnant.  I’ve seen the emotions a family goes through when their teenage daughter gets pregnant.  It seems like this society is filled with Ooops pregnancies. 

CAN SOMEONE TELL ME WHY IT IS SO DIFFICULT FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE TRYING TO GET PREGNANT ON PURPOSE?!?!

I’ve read the blogs, the websites, the discussion boards….I am one step shy of looking for Conception for Dummies on Amazon.  I think I get the gist of how it all works.  Thankfully my education in this department did not stop with my mother’s “talk” about the rooster, barn and fertilizer after an episode of Doogie Howser. 

My husband is sick of my beeping thermometer.  I am sick of the Clomid crazies.  My best friend is tired of the whining.  I am starting to feel like this whole adventure is a part time job.  I was hoping I was seasonal help, but sheesh, seems like I am on the permanent payroll now. 

We have passed the 6 month point in our marriage.  The baby questions are flying.  The expectation is there.  I think if my family doesn’t receive a cute prego announcement at Christmas, they are going to be surprised. Today alone, my coworkers joked about my Secret Santa bringing me pregnancy tests and my friend sent a group email demanding I get pregnant.  They mean no harm and clearly have no idea that the questions make my heart hurt.  I’ve naively asked the same questions before…

I have said from day one that I will not go certain routes to be a birth mother.  I pass no judgment on women and their journeys (except maybe Michelle Duggar), but for me personally, I don’t see IVF or any other surgical methods in my future.  I’ll never say never and again, I am 100% onboard for whatever techniques people choose for their family, but right now I’m not even considering that route. 

I’ve feared for years that when I finally found Mr. Right, that my body wouldn’t cooperate.  Hopefully down the road I look back at these ramblings and giggle, but for now, I just ramble and continue standing on my head. 

The Halls

My family and I joke a lot about “being a Hall”…..sometimes I think it sounds like we have some kind of disease, “Oh that’s just the Hall in her.”  Other times, it’s more of a flying insult, “Oh she’s having a Hall fit.”  In the end though, we are a special breed of humans. 

The definition of a Hall

(noun)

1.     Someone with a stubborn streak a mile long.  We are some bullheaded people…it’s my way or the highway.  We often refer to this as determined, set in our ways, contrary, but in the end, we are just plain stubborn.

2.     Someone who is always right.  My Uncle and I like to make it clear that we are not the know-it-alls that people hate, we just simply don’t open our mouths unless we truly know the answer.  I’ll bow out gracefully if I’m clueless, but darn it if I’m telling ya I know the answer, I know the answer. 

3.     Someone who likes to fix things.  We make everyone’s problems our problems.  We mother, we take charge, we get on a mission to fix something or someone whether it is repairable or not.  I’ve been told we get a look in our eyes when we’re on this kick.

4.     We believe that all things can be fixed with food.  In happy times, in sad times, in hard times, we think that a good casserole is the perfect answer.  Someone dies, we cook. 

5.     We are bossy.  We can bark orders and make people march.  My nicknames over the years have included Chief, Bossy, Sergeant, and Hitler (didn’t say they were all nice.)

6.     We have a lead foot.  I think it relates to our impatience, but we are all notorious for pushing the gas pedal and getting in a few fender benders.

7.     We are fiercely loyal.  We have each other’s backs….some of the stories are downright comical.  Let’s just say one of the few people that divorced his way out of the family will tell you it is better to be on our good side than our bad side.

8.     And from all of the aforementioned traits, it is clear that we’re crazy.  As my Father says, we are the safe kinda nuts, you have to worry about the ones that deny their craziness. 

So there’s the Halls in a nutshell…..I wouldn’t trade my family for the world.  The whole big, loud, crazy bunch of them  =)  

Quitter

Let’s be honest, I’m tired of writing about my boring, repetitive life and people are tired of reading about it.  How in the world do people make it 31 days??!  I’m a 31 Days of Real Life dropout. 

On to more important things:

1. My sister finally got the keys to her new house and I got to organize her FiestaWare by color.  Win win.  I’m so excited for her and Randy to actually get to enjoy married life now!
2. Perry’s flag football team won the championship game!!
   
   
   
3. I got a wonderful discount on Halloween candy that none of us need…I am weak when Reese’s pumpkins are involved.
4. We got approved for our new used car loan and the old one is officially for sale.
5. I’ve decided that we’re winging it this month….no ovulation predictors, no calendar and temperature stalking, no worrying.  We’ll see how that goes. 
   
   
   
6. I’m already ready for Spring….the bare trees and gloomy weather is wearing on me. 
7. Missing Mom right now….no real reason, just would like to have her here.  Losing her ripped out a part of my heart that will never heal….
8. Please say a prayer for my HannahBug.  She’s been having a hard time lately and could use some prayers and happy days.
9. I put out my Got Turkey flag and Turkey door décor yesterday….it is my version of the crazy lady holiday sweater and I’m not one bit ashamed!!
   
   That’s my brain dump for now.  Happy Monday and holy cow where did November come from?!?!?!

Day 9

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

• Up with the alarm
• Morning routine
• The liquid gold aka coffee
• Work
• Staff meeting
• Worked through lunch
• More work
• Car appointment
• Cleaning and gassing up the car for “For Sale” pictures
• Dinner with the in-laws after they dropped off “our” new ride!!
• Quick trip to Wedgewood due to Clomid Crazy/allergic reaction fun
• Home to twitch and go to sleep. 

Day 8

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

• Up but not awake
• Morning routine in complete auto-pilot
• Eye doctor appointment – finally cleared to wear contacts again!!  Scratched cornea is healed.
• Starbucks just happened to be on the route to work – score!!

• Calls to banks about a car loan.
• Work work and more work
• Lunch with the boss
• Busy afternoon
• Home to load up a chair and meet some kids (college students) that were buying it.

Please note this is our storage area....we don't live like hoarders!!

• Husband convinced me to buy him Mexican food with some of aforementioned profits.
• Received call that my Father In Law is dropping off our new car tomorrow…..please note we haven’t got a loan, insurance or sold my old car yet so that was a little overwhelming!!
• Home to take relaxing bath.
• The Voice
• Tossing and turning and finally shutting my mind off to sleep.

Holly Hall/Rachael Ray….see a similarity there?

No, me neither, but it was worth a shot.  And hey, I have her cookware (shout out to the awesome bridesmaids who got me that for a wedding shower gift!!)

The latest things cooking in those pots:

Update on the Ham, Potato, and Broccoli Casserole that I mentioned here.

I followed some of the tips and tricks and here is my version – everyone had seconds so it must have turned our alright =)

1 - 16 oz bag of frozen crinkle cut fries

1- 16oz bag of frozen chopped broccoli - thawed

1 1/2 cups of cooked, cubed ham (I bought a bag from Aldi)

1 small can cream of mushroom soup

3/4 can of milk

1/4 cup mayo

1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garlic salt

Onion powder

Black pepper

Preheat oven to 375

Spray 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.  Layer bottom with single layer of french fries, add a layer of broccoli, then sprinkle ham evenly on top. 

In a small bowl, mix together milk, soup, parm cheese, spices and mayo.  Pour mixture evenly over ingredients. 

Bake uncovered for 40 minutes.

Add cheddar cheese to top of casserole and bake an additional 10 minutes. 

Then there was the Pinterest recipe that caught my eye.  I was mid-cooking this dinner when I remembered that we were suppose to be at my Grandma’s for dinner so we loaded this up and took it for a side item.  The bowl was licked clean and the recipe was demanded.  Will definitely make again (Only modification was I used less noodles than listed simply because I only had half a pack in the pantry.)   

Fried Cabbage

And Potato Soup – recipe from my friend Debbie Arnette.  This ain’t healthy folks, but it is amazing on a cold day. 

Wash, peel and dice 7 large potatoes

Cut up 15 baby carrots - I slice into 4 pieces

Boil in 3 parts water, 1 part milk (until veggies are covered) with a few dashes of celery seed, salt and pepper.

Mix one packet of pepper gravy mix with the water required on the package to make the rue.

Slowly add this into the veggies/broth after they become soft.  Continue to stir as added. 

Add one can of nacho cheese or pepper jack Campbell’s soup, 4 large chunks of Velveeta cheese diced (I use Jalapeno) and a few TBSPs of butter. 

Cook until thick and all ingredients melt down.