Black Friday

Before Black Friday Shopping:

After Black Friday Shopping:
Enough said!

Love,

Chris & Katie

Thanks!

Over the years I personally believe people have loss the true meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sure the food is delicious, the gifts are fun and appreciated but what really matters is the time spent together and the memories being made.

This past year has literally been the most amazing year of my life. October 30th 2010 I married my best friend, we went on a fabulous honeymoon and spent our first thanksgiving as a married couple with our loved ones. Less then two weeks later, On December 2nd 2010 (I remember it like it was yesterday) I found out that we were going to be parents! God had blessed us in the best way possible. My pregnancy was amazing, sure I had my share of morning sickness, fatigue, swelling and cravings but what mattered most is little man and I were healthy, happy and very eager to meet one another. The birth as you all know wasn’t what I had hoped it would be, but again I’m thankful that my baby boy is here and healthy! Marcus is such a blessing, I truly cant express the love I have for my child. Watching the nightly news and hearing about these awful people that hurt their children and even worse take their lives make my blood boil! I would walk through fire for my little guy, I would take my life to save his if I had too. Its truly unreal what I would do for him.

On my list of people/things I am thankful for Marcus is #1! Son, thank you for bringing so much joy into my life, thank you for giving my life more purpose and worth. Mommy loves you baby boy, I hope you have the best “first” thanksgiving!

Chris; my husband, my protector, my lover, my best friend! These past 6 years have been incredible. I’m so extremely happy with our life, as our first dance song says “ I have all I’ve waited for, and I could not ask for more!”. Thank you for making all my dreams come true. I love you more with each and every day that passes and I’m SO thankful to fall asleep and wake up next to your each and every day.

My parents; I know I don’t typically put you two in the same category, not just because of the divorce and your history with each other but because you are two very different people. Lets be honest though, without you two being in the same “category” at one point I wouldn’t be here. I’m so thankful that you two came together and gave me the life that I live. Marcus is very blessed baby to have grandparents like you two that love him very much. I am also very lucky to have parents whom love ME as much as you do. Mom, dad I am very thankful for both of you!

Grandma; I’ve learned SO much from your over the years, your love for this family, your morals/values and your creative mind have had such an impact on my life. I can say that you are one of my best friends, and my idol! I miss you. I know since Marcus came our time together has been affected but I promise that will change!

My cousins, aunts/uncles and in-laws; Thank you for being you! Thank you for all the love and support this last year. Thank you for being a huge part in our lives, this year has been incredible and I couldn’t imagine it without you all. I love you and I’m thankful for each and every one of you!

Our friends; I classify most of you as family as it is. The love and support Chris and I have been shown is more then we could ever ask for. We may not have the “quantity” that others have but all our friends are quality friends! I know that if we ever needed anything you would be here for us and we would be there for you as well. We are thankful for the friends that we have and we love you all.

Kathleen; I wasn’t going to do single out any friends because like I said Chris and I are so extremely thankful for each and every one of them. I am SO thankful for you, and everything you have done for us. I am so thankful that I can always call/text when I have a baby related question. I’m so thankful for our weekly playdates and your beautiful baby girl, Ava. Your friendship is appreciated more then you know. We love you! Thank you for capturing so many wonderful memories for us.

I’m thankful for; my boys, my family, my friends, my health, my happiness..my life! Thank you all for being a part of it!

We want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving!!

Love,

Chris, Katie and Marcus

Cookies for Santa!

Growing up we had several Christmas traditions, one of which was always leaving milk & cookies out for Santa and carrot sticks for the reindeer. This tradition is one I have chosen to carry on with our children. This past week Kathleen and I went to one of my favorite ceramic lounges to create the perfect plate! Kathleen (whom I have spoke about in several blogs) has the most adorable little girl, Ava! Marcus absolutely loves her, the 4 of us have weekly playdates, it gives us some fun mommies and babies time. Here are a few photos from the day.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Fall Bread...

Man, its hard maintaining a blog with a 3 month old! Cluster blogging once again!


My most favorite fall recipe! Ive tried different types of fruit but pears are my fave.


Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake time: 1hr
Preheat oven to 350

Mix dry/wet ingredients separate and then add them, together before baking.

1/4 cup oil

1/2 cup low-fat/fat-free vanilla yogurt

1 & 3/4 cups sugar

1 egg (white and yolk)

3 egg whites (in addition to the 1 whole egg)

1 tablespoon Vanilla

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 cups chopped fresh pears (or whatever fruit your desire)

2/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Love,

Chris and Katie

Bitter/Sweet day

Well the verdicts in! I didn’t reach this decision the way I had hoped but as of right now Ill be a stay at home mom. This has always been my dream but financial it wasn’t going to be our best move, not yet at least. As most of you know I had been in a long term substitute position at Sylvan Middle school for two years, during this time I fell in love with the staff and most importantly the students. May of last year I got my pink slip notifying be that the position had been cut and that I would need to look elsewhere for work. At the time I received my notice it wasn’t a huge deal since I was due in a few short months. Since little man has arrived a position was added, I applied about a month ago but it was immediately filled by a bumped employee. That applicant/employee turned the job down which then opened it back up. I was beyond excited, I’ve been dreading going back to work but returning to sylvan would make it a lot more manageable. SO I applied and interviewed and didn’t want to get my hopes up but I thought there was a very good chance that I would land the job since I knew the campus, staff, students and the job itself. Boy, was I wrong! I got the call this morning, they choose another candidate with more education and experience then I. This hurts, I felt like I went above and beyond while I was there, I did my job plus I would always volunteer for dances, drove on a field trip, planned and organized our Christmas food baskets and countless other “extras”. I just feel a little unappreciated right now. Chris said something to me this morning after I got the call and he has a point, he said that they actually did me a favor and now I can stay home with Marcus. I agree but it still hurts. If only being a stay at home mom paid I wouldn't feel so much pressure and stress.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Coming up:

My favorite fall recipe (with pictures!)

Monkey Boy!

Chris has called little man Money since the day he was born so when the topic came up of what he should be for Halloween we didn't even think twice! He was such a trooper in his costume. We are looking forward to next year when he can participate a little bit more in the festivities.

Love,

Chris and Katie

October 30, 2010.....

.....I married my best friend. Holy smokes, I cant even believe its been a year already. Some people may think we rushed into having a baby (we conceived on our honeymoon) but after six years together we wanted nothing more then to start a family. Our wedding was everything we wanted and so much more, it exceeded our expectations. Truly a dream come true for multiple reasons. Chris I'll love you today, tomorrow and always!

Love,

Chris and Katie

Apple Hill

A couple weekends ago my mom and I took Marcus on his first annual trip to Apple Hill. This trip was pretty special seeings how my mom took me to Apple Hill every year while I was growing up. As an adult this is a tradition I have continued to keep, and for the last 6 years Chris and I have made the trip together. No trip to Apple Hill would be complete without our pumpkins, cider, caramel apples, a slice of pie and a picnic lunch. Here are a few photos from our day.

Love,

Chris and Katie

Balance

Please forgive me friends and family if I’ve been MIA lately. Learning to balance having a newborn, taking care of the house, shopping/preparing meals, paying bills, attempting to take care of myself and maintaining relationships has proven to be difficult, Not to mention that Marcus has also been dealing with a cold for the last week and half. Thankfully Marcus is feeling much better and his cough/congestion has almost completely disappeared. I often feel like I’m letting people down. I know eventually I’ll be able to balance everything without issues but right now I have so much going on and my main focus is Marcus, Chris and myself. Please forgive me.

Blogs coming soon:

Marcus meets Apple Hill/The pumpkin Patch
Our 1 year wedding anniversary
Halloween
Favorite fall recipe

Love,

Chris & Katie