Fina Drea

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Recipe by Dr. Ryan's Girl :-)
2008-05-22 15:34:00
The other night I went to our chiropractors house to watch a movie w/ his fiance'.Shes my age (actually a few years younger)... but we get along well and shes fun to hang out with.While there she whipped together a quick dinner for the Doc hah.She loves to cook and seems to have a gift for it. Unlike mio! (im not bad I just have a tiny kitchen.. with two kids clung to my leg.. so I dont enjoy it like she does)The recipe she made though was super yummy.. so I decided to have a go at it.Heres what it calls for...- 2 cans of diced tomatoes (the seasoned kind with oregano, basil and onion I believe - I only used 1 can but Rose said to use 2)- 1 can of the 4 cheese spaghetti sauce (I used the can kind by delmont?)- 1 box of penne' noodles (you can use any noodle but these taste better and they are easier for kids to eat hehe)- 1 lb of ground beef.. or if you are like me 98% fat free turkey burger- cheese for toppingThats what she put in hers... I went ahead and spruced mine up to make ...
More About: Recipe , Girl

Updates! I would sign up :-)
2008-05-22 14:17:00
Over at SIMPLE we are hosting a TON of fun giveaways.One of them is for these flirty aprons... I just think they are darling.. and i'm jealous of my review mama Lis ;-) who got one to review. I am waiting for her to put the coupon up ... so I can purchase one myself... because they are THAT CUTE! Plus ever mama needs a good apron... how many times do you cook or wash dishes and get dirty.ME!So check outIts really simple to win... ask Stacey who just won a giveaway this week!
More About: Updates , Sign

Dentist with Boys
2008-05-21 19:12:00
Today I ventured to the Dentist for a cleaning with BOTH BOYS. I wont get into all the details as to WHY I took them... but I did.. and honestly it was not bad.Caleb did well sitting still. I had Taite in my tiny umbrella stroller. The Dentist had sugar free lolly pops.. so that entertained them for a good part of the time. Caleb got up a few times to take a glance down my throat. Taite fussed some when he realized "hey im buckled!" but... all in all.. not to bad!I think im going to try and do this more often. Not go to the dentist that is.. but try to be more independent. I think I depend a lot on my husband.. and I dont think thats BAD ... but I do think I need to learn to do on my own and not rely on the flexibility of his work schedule.Verdict with my teeth.. I do have TWO tiny small cavities. Very small. (I blame this on the fact we've moved 3 times in 2 years as well.. birthed a baby...and havent been seen by a dentist in 2 years!) The dentist told me my back tooth though is ...
More About: Boys

Taite doesnt like hearing "no"
2008-05-20 02:30:00
I can admit when one of my children are spoiled :-)Taite ... is spoiled hahaI have babied him so much.. im not sure why.. maybe because I am holding onto that "baby" stage as long as I can... I just dont want him to grow up so fast! Caleb grew up fast enough.. but Taite is growing even faster...Recently though I have had to tell him NO a lot more...Because bless his lil' heart he just cant have things his way all the time :-)Taite learned how to say "outside." He loves to go outside... but some times I just cant let him outside... because I have things to do "inside" :-)Like get ready for a dentist apt.Seems like he wins me over a lot with his cute faces... I mean look at him!!!When I do say no to him he gives the most pathetic cry and teared up face... its so sad! I have got to get it on video some day... because its so "innocent." His heart just breaks :-)Im thankful the Lord gave me two boys with such soft hearts...They really do...The other day I had to "pop" Caleb and before I ...
More About: Hearing

I'd love to win this...
2008-05-19 21:36:00
If you look to the RIGHT you'll see a big ad. The ads that rotate around on my blog up top are by BLOGHERAD. I love being a part of the blogherad team.. its a fantastic network and easy way to bring in some money for the fam..Right now though they are having this thing where bloggers nominate their fav' bloggers for a chance to win a trip to CA later in the year for a BLOGHERAD convention.I WOULD LOVE TO GO!!So if you love me :-) or like me a little... heheplease check THIS OUT and possibly nominate me. Only do it though if im truly a fav. blogger of yours :-D
More About: Love

They sleep long because of the warm pee
2008-05-19 15:11:00
Originally uploaded by finadrea Heres an update on Taites sleep-issues.The past few mornings he has gotten up at 7:30 or 8am... That sure beats the 6:15-6:30am wakings.Then this morning he slept until almost 9am!!While talking to Kelly on the phone I was telling her how Taite was still asleep.. It was like 8:30am then.. and she told me "I bet he will wake up soaked." and I asked her what she meant.. and she said that her kids whenever they sleep REALLY late wake up with an exploding diaper basically :-)So the idea is that the warm-ness of their pee keeps them asleep HAHAHA.Taite woke up though and sure enough he was soaked right out the top of his diaper. NICE!I will take a wet diaper for 2 hours more of sleep any day!Oh and be sure to check out SIMPLE! we got lots of giveaways up! :-)
More About: Sleep , Long

Great Flickr Photographer
2008-05-19 02:14:00
Luvvy parrots Originally uploaded by Nikonsnapper I look through flickr every now and then to check out other peoples photographs. I found this guy a while back and LOVED his pictures...He just got back from a trip to Australia... and got this incredible shot!!Check out more of his album HERE
More About: Great , Flickr , Photographer

Weekly Winners - May 12-17
2008-05-18 15:59:00
Rose in the skyCute Dish Washer1 Covered 1 CleanCloudy BallMore weekly winners
More About: Winners , Weekly

We arent promised an easy life.. but a home!
2008-05-18 05:42:00
Last year my husband lost a dear friend of his Rob. Rob was in his early 30's.. had a beautiful daughter Kara who was 8 I believe.. and a gorgeous and loving wife Joy.. One second Rob is running around playing football with teenagers (he was a youth pastor and high school football coach).. the next minute he is gone. I met Rob a few times and each time was just blessed by his loving spirit... I hate I didnt get to know him better... but because we lived in Ohio I never had the chance.When we got the call about Rob we didnt believe it. We thought someone got the names wrong... so we called his house.. and Robs Pastor answered... and assured us it was true.The reason this was such a shock was because Rob was so healthy! He was an OX (Travis' words)... strong.. always active... young... He was in his prime.. and such a wonderful man of God! Why he was taken so early we don't know.Now here less than a year after Robs death we are faced with what may be another.My friend Jaymi (a fell...
More About: Life , Home , Easy

He pooped on her floor...
2008-05-18 03:01:00
Nothing breaks in a new friendship better than your baby having a massive blow out in a cloth diaper.. and unknowingly prancing around the house squatting on things putting skid marks on their nice rugs.Nice...And the only reason we found out he was "messy" when we did was because our talkative 3 year old said Taite was "poopie!"Thankfully it came up without any trouble.. but gross...That seriously was the 1st time EVER Taite had busted out of a cloth diaper like that. SO GROSS!!On a side note I got this cute pic of their lil' girl Eden!Speaking of Taite though...I think Taite is going to be prone to boo boos. He hasnt even turned 2 and hes already had a 1 inch gash on his head glued shut... and his current issue now are scrapes and boo boos on the legs. Bless his heart!!This is why I keep him in quarter length shorts if he must wear shorts... because if he wears NORMAL shorts he ends up busting his knees up.Today he had no pants on at our friends.. due to a wet diaper/pants.. so h...
More About: Floor

"They were very good, really!"
2008-05-17 18:34:00
A guy came up to us yesterday after finishing his meal (the booth behind ours) and said "They were very good!" and I know we probably looked stunned and we said "Oh well thank you!" and he then said "No really, they were good. You may not think so. But they were."HAHAI dont think they were BAD but I wouldnt of said they were GOOD :-) I would of said they were tolerable HAHAHA.This gentleman must of had his share of "boys" growing up. Id say he was in his 50's or 60's. Or maybe he has boy grandkids and his are really rowdy 2 :-)Last night we did enjoy a nice meal out though.. despite a few fussy outburst and dropped forks. We had a gift card for Olive Garden. I had the Tuscan Chicken... Its so yummy. Has spinach, garlic and red peppers. An Olive Garden MUST!! I can never finish a full plate either.. so I got enough left overs for dinner tonight. Which means.. nooooo cooking! :-DWhile out I grabbed some organizational bins for the boys room. I had some cheapo plastic baskets I was u...
More About: Good

New Birth brought Death..
2008-05-16 18:36:00
Our black mollie fish had babies a few days go (or maybe yesterday) honestly we arent sure when they had the babies.. but there are lots of them!Today though.. I go to check things out and sadly..The mama black molly (I think its the mom...) is dead.. shes actually not entirely dead yet.. but shes laying upside down at the bottom of the tank with cuts on her.. almost looks like something attacked her.. we saw our algae eater SPAZ nipping at her.. but we arent sure if he did it or not.. Id find it unusual why a algae eater would kill a black mollie like that...None the less no more babies for a while since mama is gone... but we plan to keep a baby or two if they live...*Photo of the babies...*
More About: Death , Birth

My Bum needed this
2008-05-16 03:52:00
See that massive bike seat?Well my bum NEEDED IT.Last week Travis and I went on a good 30 minute bike ride... and after just a few minutes I was feeling things begin to bruise.My butt just could not handle the tiny hard seat my bike came with.. I even had a gel padding on top of the original seat. That didnt cut it.Today Travis got me this BELL Gel Seat.. its HUGE!! Its wider than my actual bottom.SO WORTH THE $20.00!! (Target has it online with free shipping for $29.99 but I got mine from walmart for 20...)Riding the bike today was actually fun.. and I felt no pain except for my legs ;-) Im obviously out of shape haha... atleast my legs are!I must add that pulling a 40 lb toddler or 25 lb baby in a bike carrier doesnt help... its hard work chugging that extra weight along. The boys love it though :-)Im off to bed.. So sleepy...Heres a few highlights from the day (I took a few photos around our yard for fun.. I added a bunch 2 flickr...) Oddly enough I didnt take hardly any of Taite...

Was it the tea? - BABIES!!!!!!!!
2008-05-15 16:17:00
A while ago my mom gave me some Organic NIGHTY NIGHT Calming tea for children. She thought Caleb would love it and it help relax him at night..I have yet to try it until last night..and both the boys LOVED IT!It did say to consult a Dr. before giving to a child under age 2.. (Taite)But I didnt feel the need for three reasons.1. Its all natural2. Taite has no allergies3. I only gave him half a cupThe back of the box recommended mixing the tea with juice for kids under 4. So I just split the cup of tea half/half between the two.. and added a few oz. of juice. The chugged it!!! and slept great.Caleb got up at 2:30am but thats because Travis was up shaving and the water running woke up (Travis had to be at a hospital surgery for a church member 3 hours away.. so he had to get up sorta early...)After Travis put him back to bed he slept until 7am (I think... thats when he came to get me). I then told him to sit on the sofa until Taite woke up. He did!So I got to sleep in until Taite star...
More About: Babies

I have to lock myself in a room some days...
2008-05-15 01:49:00
*To those who read my blog and like to call me a bad mother and tell me all I do is bad about my kids.. please just leave now HAHAHAHA! We all have our bad days and sometimes us moms just need to release those frustrations... and my way of doing that is blogging. Its either blog.. or eat cookies. I'll save my calories and blog :-)*This lack-of-sleep deal w/ my two boys is reallllyyyyy getting to us all.Not only am I tired.. but worst they are cranky!I know I keep writing about this but right now this is what Im dealing with.Today was such a struggle...I seriously would have to stop myself.. count in my head.. and then respond after calming down. They are just at each other SO BAD... Caleb is being continually disobedient.. and I feel bad that I keep having to 'pank' him but nothing is working except that... and the more I try to SHOW MERCY and let those little things slide, the worst it gets.I firmly believe the whole "you are teaching them to disobey" when you let those behavior...
More About: Days , Room , Lock

The 6:30am Solution... Warriors, Books and Shoes Off
2008-05-14 15:33:00
Many of you know we've been struggling with early wakings for some time now. Ever since the switch-a-roo happened (aka putting the boys in 1 room).After 2 weeks of cranky-ness I decided to try putting Caleb into our guest room for naps and bedtime. I figured eventually Id work it out that we put Taite to bed 1st.. then sneak Caleb in after Taites asleep. This way they at least dont stay up chatting for an hour.. resulting in one less hour of sleep.Its been about a week now and Caleb STILL gets up at 6:30am (the other day 5:40am) and refuses to go back to sleep after he wakes.Taite one day slept until 7:45am.. but today again 6:30am he was up fussy as ever. You know its going to be a rough day when your baby wakes up fussing and crying.Ive tried running a fan.. putting up dark sheets... putting them to bed earlier.. nothing is working.So... I decided if they refuse to sleep in, they at least will have quiet time in the morning. Taite normally has a morning nap any way.. so thats not...
More About: Books , Shoes , Warriors , Solution

Living in a fish bowl...
2008-05-13 14:45:00
Cloudy ball Originally uploaded by finadrea I thought this photo summed up my life well :-) in a sense.Even though its not a fish bowl it made me think of that.Im thankful that so far its been fairly easy being the Pastors wife here... but from what Ive heard from friends who have been in the ministry... that it can get hard.My prayer is for wisdom.. and a peace with things when the ride isn't so smooth. I also pray for protection for my family... Kids are napping...(yes they got up early again - even in separate rooms!!)Off to wash dishes, clothes and put a bit of make up on :-)
More About: Living , Fish , Bowl

Amigurumis
2008-05-12 16:12:00
My mom is a fantastic knitter. Im amazed at what she can make.One of her recent "knitting loves" are making Amigurumis...Im not sure what that word means.. but these AMIGURUMIS are little stuff toys that people knit!They are so cute. Heres a link to her flickr album.. you can see them there.Heres a fun video she had on her blog.Caleb enjoyed it :-) so I thought your kids may 2!Oh and... We have a post going up every day this week and TONS of fun giveaways.So don't forget to check out..

My Mothers Day 08
2008-05-12 04:17:00
This morning I got to sleep in :-) Woke up to my sweet 3 year old giving me a SLOPPY wet kiss.. seriously sloppy.. he drooled straight on my face.. not on purpose.. so It was pretty cute :-) despite the slobber-ness of it all.I then walk into my kitchen to find some roses...but not your typical roses in a vase of water.I had a rose bush on my stove!HAH!I told Travis one day I love getting flowers but hate how they die so quickly... so instead of a bouquet of roses he purchased me a beautiful rose bush. Just as a side note my husbands been on a total "landscaping" kick lately. He never use to care what a yard looked at.. but lately has been loving yard work. Weird....I'm not sure what kind of rose bush it is.. but from what he told me and a man at church (who got his wife the same kind); this is a really nice bush.Its suppose to be easy to manage and blooms all summer.I'll take photos once its in the ground :-)Along with the roses Travis did the dishes today! You dont know how much...
More About: Mothers Day , Mothers

Weekly Winners
2008-05-11 19:47:00
May 4th - 10th 2008Water JoysDeep ThoughtBlondieSchool WorkTummy Tub TimeThe Face...Burger ToesSee more weekly winners here
More About: Winners , Weekly

Just in time for Mothers Day :-)
2008-05-11 04:35:00
Today couldnt of gone better.Our kids traveled GREAT!They were in fairly good spirits except towards the end of the day... Caleb got a bit SNIPPY! but that was expected since he didnt get an afternoon nap.The photoshoot went great.The weather was BEAUTIFUL.We got to hang out with some dear friends of ours. Taite napped like a gem in their babies pack-n-play.. total shock to me.. because in past experience Taite doesn't nap well in other peoples homes. The Lord must of known he needed it :-)We had a great time and I look forward to doing it again.We even got the chance to go to a big mall and let the boys get soaked w/ an outdoor fountain thing... not sure what you'd call it :-) but it squirts water out ... or in todays case bubbles water out (it was kind of low on water...)The day ended with a quick trip to THE CHILDREN'S PLACE store.. where I purchased a few shirts for $2.50!! as well as a set of PJS for the boys.. After all... I couldn't let them go home in wet clothes :-)Belo...
More About: Time , Mothers Day , Mothers , Just in time

Lots better! Camera advice!
2008-05-10 03:57:00
This morning the boys both got up at the same bright and early time of 6:30am.. but! They were both in much better spirits. I guess the not chatting and giggling for an hour past their bedtime really helped out.Its just amazing what a good night of sleep will do. We had no issues at all. Both boys napped great this afternoon as well!We enjoyed an evening out in the big city nearby w/ our friends and their kiddos. Let the kids run wild in the chick-fi-la play area for an hour... then enjoyed some shopping time at Target! Love Target :-)Caleb was so good that I couldn't resist buying him this really cute sword set (that he was playing with in the store). He loves pretending to be a super hero or Goliath (yea he likes being the bad guy some days.. go figure since hes a pastors kid). The sword set came with a helmet, chest plate, sword/holster? and shield. I knew he'd get a lot of fun out of this. He had an older one but its breaking..So I treated him to a new one.. it wasn't expensi...
More About: Advice , Camera

Just a quote
2008-05-09 16:59:00
Originally uploaded by finadrea The boys got up at the same early time... 6:30am.. but thankfully both seemed much more rested...Calebs at pre-school this morning. Yesterday he didnt go due to the sleepy-ness and a cough. Today he felt better.Taites napping.. I had some alone time... I read a few quotes today while skimming through my Bible.. and thought i'd share them."Remember that nothing is small in the eyes of God. Do all that you do with love." - St Therese of Lisieux"Forgiveness can't be based on feelings. Our feelings change. Forgiveness, however; is an act of faith... Forgiveness is living free from consuming bitterness." - Gigi TchividjianHave a blessed Friday! Im off to get Caleb from school.
More About: Quote

Sleepy Wrap Demo
2008-05-09 14:37:00
I was asked again by sleepy wrap to make some demonstration videos.I look terrible in this video.. my hair was a wreck and I had my sweats on.. but it works! :-)I should shoot one outside for better light and do my hair haha.Enjoy! Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com
More About: Demo , Wrap

Love a newly done template ;-)
2008-05-09 03:52:00
I got the chance to design a template for a photographer. I'm always nervous about doing photographers blogs.. just because they are so artsy and talented... that to attempt to impress them is intimidating to me :-)The template though turned out BEAUTIFULLY... I love it. And thankfully ;-) she does 2!CLICK HERE to see a before shot...Im open for more templates now. Im only doing 1 every week though... depending on the week.. lately Ive been so busy w/ photoshoots and what not that I put Shelleys template on hold for almost 3 weeks if not more... so sometimes there are delays ;-) but I do come around in time, haha.I charge $40.00 a template... Includes the banner, buttons, background and setting up.Off to bed. Kids went to bed by 7:30pm... both are still sound asleep in SEPARATE rooms.. see below post to read the issues ;-)NIGHT!
More About: Love , Template

Owh I am trying not to wish it by..
2008-05-09 02:31:00
I know.. I know... another vent post. Well.. welcome to the life of a mom who's honest ;-) or maybe just a complainer? Id say honest. Humble 2? :-) Im totally joking. Or ammmm I. Ok can you tell Ive had a crazy day?OK! heres the dealio (I just typed dealio.. today has messed with my brain forsure).We are dealing with one snappy Toddler.. and one SCREAMING baby.It has been such a struggle going through a day without loosing it. The boys have their good and bad times.. but lately its been more good than bad. Lots of fighting. Taite bit Caleb TWICE!! resulting in one unhappy and very LOUD, SCREAMING TODDLER... as well as an unhappy baby when he had to be disciplined for the biting.. even though Caleb probably deserved the bite. :-Taite is developing that oh so familiar terrible 2 temper.. I remember this with Caleb.. not the most joyful time.. but we managed to get through it :-)I'm nipping it in the bud and hopefully since he isn't the only child in the home this will be fixed qui...

A sad sad day...
2008-05-08 02:40:00
Almost 10 years ago (I believe...) I helped my dad raise a sweet little bird named Flippy...Flippy was an interesting bird... his mother didnt want him so she plucked him bald at just a few weeks old.. resulting in one of the most ugly sights ever.After nursing him back to health Flippy developed into one of the sweetest and most beautiful birds. He never once bit anyone.His favorite thing to do by far would be to sit on your shoulder and gaze at himself in a mirror. He was very much in love with his own reflection :-) as well as us.My dad called me today and told me that Flippy along with his life long friend Spike were killed... During the summer months my dad would keep the birds outside on the back deck under a shade tree in a large cage. They did this for years with no problems...A stray cat though was lurking nearby and knocked the cage over (I must add this cage is HUGE!!!)... broke the cage... and had clear access to two very sweet birds.We are unsure if both died.. but we k...

Semi Wordless Wednesday - So So Park...
2008-05-07 21:07:00
Bad start.. 5 seconds into actual park... time outI did atleast have one willing to share... some :-)We did of course enjoy the swings & slide...Did I mention it was HOT... I melt easily
More About: Park , Semi , Wednesday

Great Magazine for us Photographers
2008-05-07 16:00:00
My new photography/fellow Pastors wife friend Angela :-) told me about a free magazine for photographers. She loaned me a few as well.Its called RANGEFINDER.It has all sorts of neat articles and photographs in it.Along with the greatness they also have a TON of ads... but I still enjoy those ;-) as long as they dont tempt me to buy to much haha.Get your own subscription free here.*Warning to those who dont like nudity.. some of these magazines have an occasional nude shot.. but it isnt playboy by any means.. its very artistic. Im the only one who looks at these in the family.. so I am not concerned at all with it making my husband stumble.*Off to the park with Angela and Kelly!
More About: Magazine , Great , Photographers

It sets my mood
2008-05-07 14:12:00
This waking up at 6:30am for over a week now is resulting in one short and ill tempered mama...I really don't like this feeling. I am just so worn out! I just feel drained. All I want to do is lock myself in a room and hire a nanny. I know its bad.The days that I get proper sleep compared with today and yesterday are evidence alone.. I need rest.I am debating what to do... and I think what may have to happen is put Caleb in our guest room for naps and bed time... and when guest come he can share a room with Taite (in his original room... and we can just deal with the less sleep for those few days). I would put Taite in the guest room.. but the guest bed doesn't have rails... so I think he'd fall off.I want them to share rooms.. I really do.. but I don't want to keep waking so tired that it sets my mood for the entire day.. I really do want to be joyful and ready to go play.I even try to get to bed earlier.. but it doesn't seem to matter. I'm still zonked at 6:30am.I need more ...
More About: Sets , Mood