Today I'm linking up with BooMama for her DipTacular 2011. I think any guest that's ever come to my house knows that pretty much my fall-back dish is any type of dip, so when I read that she would be doing this event, I couldn't wait to read the other recipes and share some of mine. I've had a lot of success with the recipes that I'm sharing today... However, they've been SO successful that I've failed to take any pictures of the dishes before we demolish them... :)
So, first is a recipe that I made up all by myself! When we moved from Kalamazoo I got a major craving for some Kansas City Dipping Grill, and this is a pretty decently similar dip...
BBQ Chicken/Blue Cheese Dip:
Ingredients:
2 Large Chicken Breasts
1/2 Jar of Marzetti Blue Cheese dressing
1 package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 Bottle of Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 Green Onion
Directions:
Soften cream cheese and place into a large mixing bowl with about half a jar of blue cheese dressing (a little more or less if you want). Mix well, and continue to mix until whippy (like that word?!). Spread this whippy mixture on the bottom of the serving dish.
Separately, thaw chicken breasts, cut up into small pieces and cook over the stove. After fully cooked add the entire bottle of Sweet Baby Rays. Season to your liking. Once this BBQ chicken mixture has cooled enough, spread over the cream cheese mixture on the serving dish. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and top with chopped green onion (optional, obviously :).
Mmmm... it's so good, I promise.
The newest two dip recipes that I've tried I HAVE to share also.
This first one is SO easy, and SO good. I was SHOCKED that it was as good as it was, because really, when I read the recipe I thought it would either be suprisingly delish or absolutely disgusting. I'm happy to say that me, Kris and our guests have thought that it was the prior. :)
BLT Dip:
Ingredients:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup miracle whip (I use Light to feel a little healthier, or you could always us Mayo, instead).
1 pound bacon
1 diced/seeded tomato.
Directions:
Mix the sour cream and Miracle Whip. Tear the pound of bacon (after it's been cooked!) into small pieces and mix into the sour cream mixture. Right before serving add the diced/seeded tomato.
I served this with pita bread, and it tasted great because it really did taste like a BLT! Mmm. If I still had some in the fridge I would go take a bite right now just because we're talking about it and it's THAT good.
Lastly, this was my own take on a recipe that a friend had/a few I had read online.
Cowboy Caviar:
Ingredients:
1 can of black beans
1/2 can of sweet corn (drained)
1/3 a cup of fresh chopped cilantro
1/2 a cup of chopped red onion
1 medium sized jalapeno, finely chopped
1 package of Philadelphia cream cheese
1/2 a cup of sour cream
1/4 a cup of ranch dressing
1/2 a lime
Directions:
Soften cream cheese and mix with sour cream and ranch dressing. Spread evenly on serving dish. In a separate bowl mix black beans, corn, cilantro, red onion and jalapeno. Squeeze 1/2 of a lime into this mixture. Spread over the cream cheese mixture. Serve with tortilla chips and enjoy.
ANYWAY...
Keegan and I went to the Meridian Township Farmers Market this morning. He loved it. So much that when I put him in the car he continued to scream and scream. Even during the rest of our morning... :) Needless to say, he's taking a nap now. We got a few new things to try, so we'll be cooking a fun dinner tonight. I got fresh Okra, and some other goodies... We'll see how it goes!
Enjoy your Wednesday, all... We're 1/2 way to the weekend!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
FOUR MONTHS OLD!!! (And some new addictions...for me, not my 4 month old!)
Well GEEZ LOUISE, Keegan Michael! Time has not flown by so quickly any time in my life until YOU came along! And by far, the BEST 4 months of both my and Daddy's lives.
We love you so much. Here's a little update on where you're at today- your FOUR MONTH BIRTHDAY!
And you are still a tiny little peanut. You are in size 1-2 diapers (they're a half size- they only fit up to 15lbs, which is perfect for you... because you're still so teeny tiny). Our favorite diapers for you right now are the Pamper's print's diapers. They're one of the few brands that have 1/2 size diapers, and they have cute little blue and green cars on them, or Daddy's favorite: ARGYLE! They're darling and you look so cute.
I'm not sure on your weight yet. You had a doctor's appointment last week for your first sickness (Bronchitis) and they weighed you then... and exactly one week shy of 4 months you only weighed 12.8lbs. I love how little you are- I feel like we get great use out of your clothes!!! :) HA!
However, you are going through a growth spurt the past few days. You've drank your entire 5 ounce bottle almost every 1.5-2 hours for the past two days. Two nights ago you were getting up all night long to eat too (ugh) but last night you were back to sleeping like a king.
More nights than not you sleep anywhere from 9-10 hours straight. Now, obviously every baby has their nights, so it's not every single night, but the majority.
You have learned two new things with your voice...
#1: Earlier this month you somehow learned how to growl. And you would growl all the time, every where we went, VERY loud. It cracked me up when we were in the middle of Kroger and I'm sure people two aisles over could hear my little baby boy growling away!
#2: You have learned in the past couple weeks how to SCREAM. No, not cry scream... Scream for joy! Even the ladies at daycare have commented how you have become very vocal... only one girl has actually stated that you scream a lot, though. I think they don't want us to feel bad. Don't worry, Happy Elephant! We don't! In fact I'm so proud of how you're learning to communicate!
You are ALMOST rolling over. Your Daddy and Grammy have been working with you A LOT on rolling- so far you're getting on your side and ALMOST getting all the way over. Sometimes you work so hard at rolling you grunt and yell and sometimes even push a little toot out! Cracks us up!
You laugh ALL. THE. TIME.
You probably laugh more than you cry. I just type that and feel so blessed. Thank you for having such joy exuding from you!
Our favorite songs are...
*He's my Rock, My Sword, My Shield
*I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in my Heart
*Arky, Arky
*The Keegan Michael song Mommy made up when you were one week old
*Touchin' Daddy's Face (The song DADDY made up when he makes you touch his face and nose, and you laugh SO hard!)
Every day is a new adventure with you. Everyday I pray that you grow to be a man who loves Jesus with his whole heart; Who honors and respects his parents (and some day your wife, too) and who makes great choices in life. We pray for you SO much. We LOVE you SO much. You have taught us so much about ourselves in these past four months, that you will not ever understand until you are a Daddy yourself. I just hope that you grow up knowing how absolutely LOVED you are.
Okay, now onto a couple randoms that I'm addicted to this week...
As you all know I've been trying so hard to lose this baby weight. I've really been watching what I eat (with an exception being our anniversary weekend, duh!), and been having to find some good alternatives to satisfy my cravings...
OMG. I'm addicted. They're seriously only 60 calories, but are SO deliciously chocolatey and tastey. Even Kris loves 'em.
Second, I'm sure I'm late on this bandwagon... and I may or may not have bought them for the first time because John Stamos did the commercial...
We love you so much. Here's a little update on where you're at today- your FOUR MONTH BIRTHDAY!
YOU ARE FOUR MONTHS OLD TODAY!
And you are still a tiny little peanut. You are in size 1-2 diapers (they're a half size- they only fit up to 15lbs, which is perfect for you... because you're still so teeny tiny). Our favorite diapers for you right now are the Pamper's print's diapers. They're one of the few brands that have 1/2 size diapers, and they have cute little blue and green cars on them, or Daddy's favorite: ARGYLE! They're darling and you look so cute.
I'm not sure on your weight yet. You had a doctor's appointment last week for your first sickness (Bronchitis) and they weighed you then... and exactly one week shy of 4 months you only weighed 12.8lbs. I love how little you are- I feel like we get great use out of your clothes!!! :) HA!
However, you are going through a growth spurt the past few days. You've drank your entire 5 ounce bottle almost every 1.5-2 hours for the past two days. Two nights ago you were getting up all night long to eat too (ugh) but last night you were back to sleeping like a king.
More nights than not you sleep anywhere from 9-10 hours straight. Now, obviously every baby has their nights, so it's not every single night, but the majority.
You have learned two new things with your voice...
#1: Earlier this month you somehow learned how to growl. And you would growl all the time, every where we went, VERY loud. It cracked me up when we were in the middle of Kroger and I'm sure people two aisles over could hear my little baby boy growling away!
#2: You have learned in the past couple weeks how to SCREAM. No, not cry scream... Scream for joy! Even the ladies at daycare have commented how you have become very vocal... only one girl has actually stated that you scream a lot, though. I think they don't want us to feel bad. Don't worry, Happy Elephant! We don't! In fact I'm so proud of how you're learning to communicate!
You are ALMOST rolling over. Your Daddy and Grammy have been working with you A LOT on rolling- so far you're getting on your side and ALMOST getting all the way over. Sometimes you work so hard at rolling you grunt and yell and sometimes even push a little toot out! Cracks us up!
You laugh ALL. THE. TIME.
You probably laugh more than you cry. I just type that and feel so blessed. Thank you for having such joy exuding from you!
Our favorite songs are...
*He's my Rock, My Sword, My Shield
*I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in my Heart
*Arky, Arky
*The Keegan Michael song Mommy made up when you were one week old
*Touchin' Daddy's Face (The song DADDY made up when he makes you touch his face and nose, and you laugh SO hard!)
Every day is a new adventure with you. Everyday I pray that you grow to be a man who loves Jesus with his whole heart; Who honors and respects his parents (and some day your wife, too) and who makes great choices in life. We pray for you SO much. We LOVE you SO much. You have taught us so much about ourselves in these past four months, that you will not ever understand until you are a Daddy yourself. I just hope that you grow up knowing how absolutely LOVED you are.
Okay, now onto a couple randoms that I'm addicted to this week...
As you all know I've been trying so hard to lose this baby weight. I've really been watching what I eat (with an exception being our anniversary weekend, duh!), and been having to find some good alternatives to satisfy my cravings...
Has anyone else ever had THESE babies?!
OMG. I'm addicted. They're seriously only 60 calories, but are SO deliciously chocolatey and tastey. Even Kris loves 'em.
Second, I'm sure I'm late on this bandwagon... and I may or may not have bought them for the first time because John Stamos did the commercial...
Mmmm! Greek yogurt! It is so filling! The Oikos one has 11 grams of protein.. but Kroger brand has 14! So I have it for breakfast and it keeps me so full until lunch time!
Anyway, life is so good. Just enjoying our time together! :)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
thumbsucker, big boy bed and earthquakes
Well, golly.
First of all, can I just say that I sucked my thumb until I was 9?! I'm sure that's why I needed braces.
Kris sucked his fingers until he was 8. I bet that's why he needed braces, too.
Part of me wants to scream because I can already feel the effect of orthodontics on our bank account just thinking about it. The other part makes me a little warm inside because he's taking after me...
Let's just say the other day in the shower I was thinking of letters that the tooth fairy could write when he loses his first teeth to let him know that any further payments for lost teeth would be contingent on him no longer sucking his thumb... Ha!
I promised myself that once Keegan's bronchitis/cough was gone we would work on him sleeping in his big kid bed in his big kid nursery (as opposed to his tiny little co-sleeper in our room).
And last night... WE DID IT! (Well, technically Keegan did it, but I think it was a bigger deal for me).
Granted, he's been sleeping in his crib during naps during the day- but the couple of times I tried him in his room at night when he'd peek in his sleep he'd start bawling because he didn't know where he was. Last night not only did he sleep straight through the night, but he slept 9+ hours, downed a bottle at 6:00 this morning, and then fell right back asleep in his crib. I actually had to wake him up for school today!
Yup, big deal.
Also, apparently there was an earthquake today and the rumbles could be felt in Michigan.
I personally didn't feel it today, but I did feel the one a couple years back in Kalamazoo.
I was asleep, cozy in my bed and I was having a dream about my Granny who had passed away a couple of years before. I woke up to her telling me something over and over again (I don't really remember what it was), but while she was repeating it to me, my bed started shaking and the shelf on the wall started rattling...
I was terrified.
I was convinced that my Granny visited me from the grave.
The next morning when my roomates all woke up I didn't say a word to them for fear that I was going crazy... Hahaha! Well later when I saw it on the news I was extremely relieved and thrilled to let everyone know that I felt an earthquake and was obviously not crazy/being haunted by my grandmother.
Anyway, today's earth quake brought back that memory and it made me laugh just thinking about it!
First of all, can I just say that I sucked my thumb until I was 9?! I'm sure that's why I needed braces.
Kris sucked his fingers until he was 8. I bet that's why he needed braces, too.
Uh-oh...
Yup...
Sucking his left thumb, just like his Momma.
Part of me wants to scream because I can already feel the effect of orthodontics on our bank account just thinking about it. The other part makes me a little warm inside because he's taking after me...
Let's just say the other day in the shower I was thinking of letters that the tooth fairy could write when he loses his first teeth to let him know that any further payments for lost teeth would be contingent on him no longer sucking his thumb... Ha!
Oh and BIG NEWS...
I promised myself that once Keegan's bronchitis/cough was gone we would work on him sleeping in his big kid bed in his big kid nursery (as opposed to his tiny little co-sleeper in our room).
And last night... WE DID IT! (Well, technically Keegan did it, but I think it was a bigger deal for me).
Granted, he's been sleeping in his crib during naps during the day- but the couple of times I tried him in his room at night when he'd peek in his sleep he'd start bawling because he didn't know where he was. Last night not only did he sleep straight through the night, but he slept 9+ hours, downed a bottle at 6:00 this morning, and then fell right back asleep in his crib. I actually had to wake him up for school today!
Yup, big deal.
Also, apparently there was an earthquake today and the rumbles could be felt in Michigan.
I personally didn't feel it today, but I did feel the one a couple years back in Kalamazoo.
I was asleep, cozy in my bed and I was having a dream about my Granny who had passed away a couple of years before. I woke up to her telling me something over and over again (I don't really remember what it was), but while she was repeating it to me, my bed started shaking and the shelf on the wall started rattling...
I was terrified.
I was convinced that my Granny visited me from the grave.
The next morning when my roomates all woke up I didn't say a word to them for fear that I was going crazy... Hahaha! Well later when I saw it on the news I was extremely relieved and thrilled to let everyone know that I felt an earthquake and was obviously not crazy/being haunted by my grandmother.
Anyway, today's earth quake brought back that memory and it made me laugh just thinking about it!
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Happy Birthversary (coined by my brother in law, Brad)!!!
Thirty-three years ago today my best friend and other half was born, and I could not be more thankful for him.
Two years ago today I got a husband.
And two years later, he is still amazing and fantastic.
Kristopher Michael, I love you. And will until I die. Thank you for the best few years of my life (so far), and for the most amazing gift I could ever get: Mr. Keegan Michael (well, I guess our other future children will be just as amazing of gifts... so thanks in advance ;)
Thank you for standing by me. Thank you for supporting me- no matter what I do. Thank you for encouraging my change of jobs/staying home more even though that means some things change. Thank you for learning how to be the most incredible Dad. Thank you for remaining an incredible husband through every change we've faced.
Here's how we celebrated this weekend:
On Friday when I got home from work, we quickly changed and went out to Dusty's Cellar on our first date since Keegan was born while my mom stayed back with baby boy. We kept it quick, but enjoyed it thoroughly none the less. Mmmm-mmmm-mmmm (If you ever are in the Okemos area and looking for a fabulous dinner, give them a try)! We still are looking for a babysitter in the Okemos area (so please keep us in mind if you hear of anyone!), but would love to start going out more at least once every couple of weeks. It's important to have a little bit of grown up time!
When we got home we sang Daddy "Happy Birthday" and did presents. Keegan and I worked hard on Keegan's present the day before, so Keegan was excited to give his Dad his gift:
Keegan made Kris a mosaic stepping stone for the garden- with his little footprint in it. Mommy helped by mixing the concrete and putting in the pieces of glass. Daddy loved it.
I found a cute gift for Kris online- nickname coffee mugs! Since we found out I was pregnant Kris' nickname became Big Daddy. I always have Keegan "call" him that when we talk :) From the beginning of our relationship, though, I was Buns. That one's just kind of stuck. And NO, if you are NOT my husband you may NOT call me that! :)
Kris got me a gift certificate to the same spa that he had gotten me a prenatal massage at... I can't wait to use it, and to be able to have a REGULAR massage without having to look out for my big ol' belly!
Saturday we really did just putz around all day. We. Did. Nothing. It was rainy and gloomy, and the most perfect day to stay inside with our family and snuggle up.
But we did get a suprise at our door:
Ha! Kris' Grandma sent us anniversary flowers. Very sweet, and fresh flowers always brighten a home!
Today, however, was OUR day.
For breakfast I made Kris his favorite: homemade sausage gravy and biscuits. This time I made it with spicy sausage, and it was DELISH! After breakfast we got ready and headed to Riv.
We love our church, and it was so nice to be able to go after a few super extra busy weekends. It was great to see some friends that we haven't seen in a while, and nice to meet some new people as well.
After church we decided it was the PERFECT day for the zoo. It was decently cool and perfectly sunny. And this time Keegan was a big enough boy to look around and enjoy the atmosphere.
Toward the end of our time at the zoo, Keegs just wanted us to hold him and carry him around. He kept trying to be funny :) He succeeded!
Tonight we had a great meal. Kind of a hodge podge- but great! We made yummy wedge salads with red onion, grape tomato, bacon, blue cheese and balsamic dressings...
AND we made home made salsa. My husband's Dad had a great recipe last year and that kind of played with to make it perfect to our taste... I think this was our best batch so far! Here's the recipe:
- Boil 10 Tomatillos until they become translucent (but do not break in the water!)
- Take the cooked Tomatillos and place in a blender with a little vidalia onion and one habenaro pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add about 3 tablespoons of sugar and blend some more.
- Cool and serve!
AH. So delicious. I think I need some more before we go to bed tonight :)
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Happenings and Happenings
Today is definitely going to be a mumbo jumbo of all of my random updates.
First of all, the past two nights sweet Keegy is finally back to sleeping 9+ hours straight a night! Loves it!
He's on antibiotics to try and kick his bronchitis- he's still coughing quite a bit, but I'm hoping maybe by the end of the day tomorrow he'll be on the upturn. Poor boy. Momma does NOT like when he's sick. What's incredible, though, is that he's still an absolute joy. How lucky am I to have a baby that really does only cry when he's hungry?!
Keegan is belly laughing like no one's business this week. It's so fun that now he laughs really hard when you tickle him.
PLUS, he's taking his second big kid nap of the day! Normally he doesn't nap much when he's home with mommy, but this morning he took at 1 1/2 hour nap, and now he's almost at the two hour mark for his second nap! Lucky Momma.
There's been a lot to do today, because this weekend is Daddy's birthday (which just so happens to be our wedding anniversary, too!). Keegan made his daddy a present this morning- and he helped me bake a cake (Daddy requested german chocolate- yum!).
Keegan's grammy is coming tomorrow to watch Keegan, and bless her, she is going to stay after work so that Kris and I can go out on our very first date since Keegan was born! Wahoo!!! I'm sure we'll enjoy that. I cannot wait. It sure makes you appreciate the time you have alone together when you don't have much of it! :)
Oh, and we cancelled cable at our house! It's great. I realized that every night the only thing we watched was on the basic cable channels- so why spend that much money a month? It's nice to know that we still get all the same shows, but are paying SO much less. We did, however, get Hulu Plus. I'm actually watching The Hills Season 1 on it right now. So old school! But I love it!
BIG NEWS! I'm within 7 pounds of my pre baby weight! It's within reach! Personally I'd like to get about 5 pounds less than I was before I was pregnant so that after the next baby I have a lot less to work to lose! Plus I'm so paranoid about aging... I always thought I hadn't changed much in the past couple of years, but I stumbled upon some of our engagement pictures from just over two years ago... and my WORD! I look so much older now! I used to be a 22 year old who looked like an 18 year old... and now I'm a 24 going on 25 year old who looks her age! Ah.
Needless to say, I got suckered into buying a microdermabraision kit at Walmart today. I already used it :) Ha! My face looks so much younger already! HA!
Anyway, look for an update this weekend...! My baby's waking up from his two hour nap, so it's about time for this momma to get him a bots!
First of all, the past two nights sweet Keegy is finally back to sleeping 9+ hours straight a night! Loves it!
He's on antibiotics to try and kick his bronchitis- he's still coughing quite a bit, but I'm hoping maybe by the end of the day tomorrow he'll be on the upturn. Poor boy. Momma does NOT like when he's sick. What's incredible, though, is that he's still an absolute joy. How lucky am I to have a baby that really does only cry when he's hungry?!
Keegan is belly laughing like no one's business this week. It's so fun that now he laughs really hard when you tickle him.
PLUS, he's taking his second big kid nap of the day! Normally he doesn't nap much when he's home with mommy, but this morning he took at 1 1/2 hour nap, and now he's almost at the two hour mark for his second nap! Lucky Momma.
There's been a lot to do today, because this weekend is Daddy's birthday (which just so happens to be our wedding anniversary, too!). Keegan made his daddy a present this morning- and he helped me bake a cake (Daddy requested german chocolate- yum!).
Keegan's grammy is coming tomorrow to watch Keegan, and bless her, she is going to stay after work so that Kris and I can go out on our very first date since Keegan was born! Wahoo!!! I'm sure we'll enjoy that. I cannot wait. It sure makes you appreciate the time you have alone together when you don't have much of it! :)
Oh, and we cancelled cable at our house! It's great. I realized that every night the only thing we watched was on the basic cable channels- so why spend that much money a month? It's nice to know that we still get all the same shows, but are paying SO much less. We did, however, get Hulu Plus. I'm actually watching The Hills Season 1 on it right now. So old school! But I love it!
BIG NEWS! I'm within 7 pounds of my pre baby weight! It's within reach! Personally I'd like to get about 5 pounds less than I was before I was pregnant so that after the next baby I have a lot less to work to lose! Plus I'm so paranoid about aging... I always thought I hadn't changed much in the past couple of years, but I stumbled upon some of our engagement pictures from just over two years ago... and my WORD! I look so much older now! I used to be a 22 year old who looked like an 18 year old... and now I'm a 24 going on 25 year old who looks her age! Ah.
Needless to say, I got suckered into buying a microdermabraision kit at Walmart today. I already used it :) Ha! My face looks so much younger already! HA!
Anyway, look for an update this weekend...! My baby's waking up from his two hour nap, so it's about time for this momma to get him a bots!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sweet Memory and a Kind Reminder
This weekend we remembered a good man. Kris' grandpa welcomed me with open arms from the first day I met him, and I was kindly reminded of that this weekend. It's definitely not always easy being a second wife or entering a family that's already established.
I met Grandma and Grandpa before I met anyone else in Kris' family, and before Kris met any of my family. We had to have been dating only about a week or so, but after hearing Kris talk they insisted we come up to Grand Rapids for dinner at a nice restaurant. I wore my red dress, black peeptoe heels and my hair curled. Grandpa wore a sport coat.
After dinner we went back to Grandma and Grandpa's condo. In the kitchen Grandpa put his arm around Kris and I'll never forget what I overheard him say: "This is who you've needed all along. A little peanut for you just like Grandma is for me." Don't get me wrong- anyone that's heard us joke about Bill and Virg's relationship can't deny that at times it could be volatile. But after 64 years of marriage, through the ups and downs, there is an undeniable love there.
Those sentences touched me more than anyone could imagine. Grandpa saw what I felt from the first day I spent with Kristopher. Everytime I saw him he never stopped the flow of compliments- he was a charmer and remained that even after he passed. How could he turn on the charm from the grave, you may ask?
Through his sisters.
I'd never met them before, but SO many times during the past 3 years, Grandpa would tell me how much he wanted me to meet his sisters because would love them so much.
I met 3 of his 4 sisters at his memorial on Saturday. Right when I needed it most, one of his sisters hugged me and said, "Everytime we talked to Bill on the phone he would talk about how we needed to meet you- that we would love you. He was right."
So, Grandpa, there are a few things I am eternally grateful to you for:
1) Always seeing what Kris and I have- from the very start, and never once questioning it.
2) Never letting us wonder how very loved we were by you.
3) For passing your class and grace in every situation onto my husband.
I met Grandma and Grandpa before I met anyone else in Kris' family, and before Kris met any of my family. We had to have been dating only about a week or so, but after hearing Kris talk they insisted we come up to Grand Rapids for dinner at a nice restaurant. I wore my red dress, black peeptoe heels and my hair curled. Grandpa wore a sport coat.
After dinner we went back to Grandma and Grandpa's condo. In the kitchen Grandpa put his arm around Kris and I'll never forget what I overheard him say: "This is who you've needed all along. A little peanut for you just like Grandma is for me." Don't get me wrong- anyone that's heard us joke about Bill and Virg's relationship can't deny that at times it could be volatile. But after 64 years of marriage, through the ups and downs, there is an undeniable love there.
Those sentences touched me more than anyone could imagine. Grandpa saw what I felt from the first day I spent with Kristopher. Everytime I saw him he never stopped the flow of compliments- he was a charmer and remained that even after he passed. How could he turn on the charm from the grave, you may ask?
Through his sisters.
I'd never met them before, but SO many times during the past 3 years, Grandpa would tell me how much he wanted me to meet his sisters because would love them so much.
I met 3 of his 4 sisters at his memorial on Saturday. Right when I needed it most, one of his sisters hugged me and said, "Everytime we talked to Bill on the phone he would talk about how we needed to meet you- that we would love you. He was right."
So, Grandpa, there are a few things I am eternally grateful to you for:
1) Always seeing what Kris and I have- from the very start, and never once questioning it.
2) Never letting us wonder how very loved we were by you.
3) For passing your class and grace in every situation onto my husband.
Your legacy continues on and you will be missed tremendously by our family.
Three years ago- all snazzied up!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Can't believe I'm saying I'm ready for Monday...
This is NOT a weekend that will go down as a good weekend in the Karolkiewicz book of weekends.
You know those weeks where you just feel under attack by Satan? I'd have to say, this seems to be one of those weeks.
On Thursday of last week my mom and I went to visit my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin and her family, and her brother and his girlfriend at a cottage out in Whitehall. It was fabulous to see them all, and we had a great day... except for when Keegan and I drove home from Grammy's house in Grand Rapids. He screamed from the time we got in the car in her driveway, until we got home, had our bath and were rocking in his rocking chair. BUT, during our drive I found myself getting VERY frustrated with him.
But then it struck me...
I HAVE a screaming baby in the backseat. So many people would kill to have a screaming baby in their backseat, but for one reason or another can't. Suddenly that drive took on a whole new meaning to me. I turned to Smile FM (the BEST Christian station in mid Michigan!), blasted the music, rolled down the windows and worshipped- all the while with Keegan screaming in the back seat! :)
Keegan and I rocked to sleep and when we said our prayers at about 8:15-8:20. We had a really strong desire to pray for Kris' grandpa just then- who we knew wasn't doing too well and was just placed in hospice care. We got a call from Kris (who was at school at the time) just a few minutes later that he had just passed away. It's incredible how God places people on your heart in their time of need.
Kris was very close to his grandpa, so it was really hard for him here in the past few months to see him deteriorating away the way he did. If anything, he was more relieved to have him pass so quickly.
Here is the link to the Obituary, and the funeral arrangements if anyone's interested:
http://www.tributes.com/show/Bill-Karolkiewicz-92058604
We both took Friday off of work and spent the day up in Grand Rapids with family. We were able to see Grandpa one last time- it's incredible how once the soul's gone all that's left really is just a shell. It was nice to be with everyone, but it was definitely exhausting for us. On the way home I started just not feeling right. We went through our bedtime routine, and were pleasantly surprised with Keegan Michael slept for NINE AND A HALF hours!!! However, I woke up at 5:00am sick as could be. I was convinced I had food poisoning because I didn't have a fever or anything. We ended up going to my Aunt's house for a pool party that we had all planned on for a couple weeks. I'd been SO looking forward to it, that there was no way I was gonna let a little food poisoning get in my way!
We hung out for a few hours, and I slowly began getting more and more sore. I got home and I just KNEW I had a fever. I took my temp and it was nearly 101 degrees. Not that high, but enough to feel junky. I felt bad that I had been near Keegan all day- and I felt bad that I didn't want to be near him anymore. That's an AWFUL feeling when he wants his momma and I just couldn't do it. Bless Kris' heart- he really helped me out last night.
We all went to bed, and Keegan slept Nine and half hours AGAIN! Luckily, I was able to sleep 8.5 of those hours straight, too, and so that helped. However, this morning, KRIS woke up at 5:00am with the same darn bug that I had! Absolutely awful. So today we've been struggling... It's so hard to act like a big baby when YOU'RE sick when you actually HAVE a baby who can't take care of himself!
I'm starting to feel a little better, so I'm praying that as Monday comes, the week can start fresh and we can put all of this behind us and enjoy our week and our family. Because we are blessed. So incredibly blessed.
I'm convinced that when you start really focusing on how blessed and contented your are with your life, and the gifts God's given you, Satan tries to attack from every angle. Whether it be trying to get on your last nerve with a screaming baby in the backseat, or bringing up your insecurities, to even wearing on your physical health... HA! All of the above this weekend for the Karolkiewicz Family! :)
Needless to say, I'm ready for Monday and fresh start to a new week. Here's to a better weekend next weekend!
Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord your God is in your midst, a might One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
You know those weeks where you just feel under attack by Satan? I'd have to say, this seems to be one of those weeks.
On Thursday of last week my mom and I went to visit my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin and her family, and her brother and his girlfriend at a cottage out in Whitehall. It was fabulous to see them all, and we had a great day... except for when Keegan and I drove home from Grammy's house in Grand Rapids. He screamed from the time we got in the car in her driveway, until we got home, had our bath and were rocking in his rocking chair. BUT, during our drive I found myself getting VERY frustrated with him.
But then it struck me...
I HAVE a screaming baby in the backseat. So many people would kill to have a screaming baby in their backseat, but for one reason or another can't. Suddenly that drive took on a whole new meaning to me. I turned to Smile FM (the BEST Christian station in mid Michigan!), blasted the music, rolled down the windows and worshipped- all the while with Keegan screaming in the back seat! :)
Keegan and I rocked to sleep and when we said our prayers at about 8:15-8:20. We had a really strong desire to pray for Kris' grandpa just then- who we knew wasn't doing too well and was just placed in hospice care. We got a call from Kris (who was at school at the time) just a few minutes later that he had just passed away. It's incredible how God places people on your heart in their time of need.
Kris was very close to his grandpa, so it was really hard for him here in the past few months to see him deteriorating away the way he did. If anything, he was more relieved to have him pass so quickly.
Here is the link to the Obituary, and the funeral arrangements if anyone's interested:
http://www.tributes.com/show/Bill-Karolkiewicz-92058604
We both took Friday off of work and spent the day up in Grand Rapids with family. We were able to see Grandpa one last time- it's incredible how once the soul's gone all that's left really is just a shell. It was nice to be with everyone, but it was definitely exhausting for us. On the way home I started just not feeling right. We went through our bedtime routine, and were pleasantly surprised with Keegan Michael slept for NINE AND A HALF hours!!! However, I woke up at 5:00am sick as could be. I was convinced I had food poisoning because I didn't have a fever or anything. We ended up going to my Aunt's house for a pool party that we had all planned on for a couple weeks. I'd been SO looking forward to it, that there was no way I was gonna let a little food poisoning get in my way!
We hung out for a few hours, and I slowly began getting more and more sore. I got home and I just KNEW I had a fever. I took my temp and it was nearly 101 degrees. Not that high, but enough to feel junky. I felt bad that I had been near Keegan all day- and I felt bad that I didn't want to be near him anymore. That's an AWFUL feeling when he wants his momma and I just couldn't do it. Bless Kris' heart- he really helped me out last night.
We all went to bed, and Keegan slept Nine and half hours AGAIN! Luckily, I was able to sleep 8.5 of those hours straight, too, and so that helped. However, this morning, KRIS woke up at 5:00am with the same darn bug that I had! Absolutely awful. So today we've been struggling... It's so hard to act like a big baby when YOU'RE sick when you actually HAVE a baby who can't take care of himself!
I'm starting to feel a little better, so I'm praying that as Monday comes, the week can start fresh and we can put all of this behind us and enjoy our week and our family. Because we are blessed. So incredibly blessed.
I'm convinced that when you start really focusing on how blessed and contented your are with your life, and the gifts God's given you, Satan tries to attack from every angle. Whether it be trying to get on your last nerve with a screaming baby in the backseat, or bringing up your insecurities, to even wearing on your physical health... HA! All of the above this weekend for the Karolkiewicz Family! :)
Needless to say, I'm ready for Monday and fresh start to a new week. Here's to a better weekend next weekend!
Zephaniah 3:17: The Lord your God is in your midst, a might One who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Start of the Week, Start of the job!
This has been an awesome week and half. I have been working so hard to try and pass my Life and Health and Property and Casualty licensing tests. Studying has been so much harder this time around trying to get everything down with the baby around, however, I'm pleased to be able to announce that I am DONE with studying! Last Monday I passed my Health test with an 82% and Friday I passed my Property and Casualty with an 85%... What did I learn from these tests?! I am a VERY GOOD GUESSER... :) Ha!
I'm so glad to be done and I've SO enjoyed starting at the agency. All I've done is train so far, but I have to say- it's a totally different atmosphere than anywhere I've ever worked. They're so "open-door" and want to talk about any issues that you may have. They are encouraging, understanding, and SO family oriented. Totally awesome, huh?! A girlfriend of mine put it into perspective for me, perfectly... Essentially I have two weekends every week! I work Monday and Tuesday, then have Weekend #1, then I work Friday have Weekend #2! I am LOVING it! And to top it off, Keegan's day care is RIGHT by my work, so I've been able to swing by on my lunch break and give him some snuggles and a bottle. I love it.
This past weekend we had a little family reunion in Frankenmuth (for anyone that doesn't know: Frankenmuth is called "Little Bavaria" of Michigan. It's adorable and they have the best chicken restaurants ever). We walked around downtown quite a bit, swam at the indoor waterpark at the Bavarian Inn (where we stayed), ate out with family, and the next morning visited Bronners (the largest Christmas store in the world- open 360 days a year!). Here are some pictures of our wonderful weekend:
I'm so glad to be done and I've SO enjoyed starting at the agency. All I've done is train so far, but I have to say- it's a totally different atmosphere than anywhere I've ever worked. They're so "open-door" and want to talk about any issues that you may have. They are encouraging, understanding, and SO family oriented. Totally awesome, huh?! A girlfriend of mine put it into perspective for me, perfectly... Essentially I have two weekends every week! I work Monday and Tuesday, then have Weekend #1, then I work Friday have Weekend #2! I am LOVING it! And to top it off, Keegan's day care is RIGHT by my work, so I've been able to swing by on my lunch break and give him some snuggles and a bottle. I love it.
This past weekend we had a little family reunion in Frankenmuth (for anyone that doesn't know: Frankenmuth is called "Little Bavaria" of Michigan. It's adorable and they have the best chicken restaurants ever). We walked around downtown quite a bit, swam at the indoor waterpark at the Bavarian Inn (where we stayed), ate out with family, and the next morning visited Bronners (the largest Christmas store in the world- open 360 days a year!). Here are some pictures of our wonderful weekend:
Mmm... Bavarian Inn chicken!
The guys swimming! Ha- my cousin, Ashleigh, pointed out the water coming out of Kris' head. HA!
Laughing at his Pappy...
My mom wanted to take our picture at Bronners... as soon as we started smiling, Keegan started peeing all over me... Somehow his diaper had scooted to the side. AH! That's why we're posed so goofy!
So now, Keegan Michael and I are off to enjoy Weekend #1. Probably just running errands, but we'll be enjoying each others company while we run them!
On a serious note, please keep Kris' grandpa in your prayers. He's not doing well at all and is more than likely headed to a Hospice facility. Kris is very close to his grandpa and it's definitely not an easy thing for him to be going through.
Thanks for reading- I hope everyone else enjoys the next two days as much as I will! :)
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