Such a baby

My arm is achy where they drew blood... waaaaa....

Hershey Park Happy!!

So December 2nd, 2005 Jason and I had our first "official" date. I used to work with his brother and about 4 years before his brother had said "Hey, I have a brother that you would be good for"; to which I replied "Thats ok set ups are creepy". Schmoop started working with me as well and we became friends; we went to see Dave Matthews together, some movies and even up to NYC during Christmastime. I went away on Thanksgiving 2005 and realized that I missed him, it was then I kind of figured out that I liked him more than a friend. Later I found out that he was kind of figuring it out as well.
Our "first" date was at Hershey Park to see the Sweet Lights and walk around the park. I am a Christmas nut and love all things Christmas and hello throw chocolate in there and what more can you ask for?!?! Jason was living in VA and drove up to take me there. Then every weekend after that either he would come up here or I would go down there to visit. Until he finally moved up in September of 2006, we were talking about marriage by then and we were waiting till he found a job up here. Then when he did we were waiting to find a house, then we did the end of last November. So I know the proposal is coming up because we wanted to get married on St. Patricks Day and we set out to Hershey Park for our Anniversary date. Jason was the most tired I've ever seen him and we start driving in the wrong direction figure it out and turn around; we drive up right as the park was closing. We got to go through the Sweet Lights and went to get Hot Chocolate. The whole park is closing down so I start to get bummed cause I really thought it would be there, then he takes me aside and gets down on one knee and asked me to marry him in front of a whole set up of white twinkle lights. It was perfect and it has been a year and I'm so happy I said yes to the man of my dreams!
Needless to say Hershey is a special place for the two of us and we arranged for a weekend getaway for our 2 year anniversary this weekend. I CAN'T STINKING WAIT!!!!

Update on Drs Appt

So I went to the doctors and was telling him about whats going on and he thinks its some type of thyroid issue. He gave me like a bajillion blood tests so we should know on Monday in the meantime he gave me a prescription that should fix the symptom of whats going on.
I went home and went to bed at 5pm; hmm maybe he's right...

Doctors Appt

Hey Internets,
I have a doctors appointment for a problem I've been having for about 2 months. If you can keep me in your thoughts and prayers today, I'm pretty nervous about it.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Dirkey

blech

tired

Sliding in under the deadline

I signed up for an apron swap a little bit ago and got a fellow blogger who just happened to be a vegetarian. Well I was all gung ho on sewing at this point so I made a few aprons before and started on a Christmas Tree Skirt for my tree with Kitten Mom and Sweetie pants Drew

you see here I was already getting ahead of myself, I had about 10 projects at home and started a big one. But I was learning from Kitten Mom who has already made a gorgeous tree skirt for her house and is working on her second for a gift. (Girl just had a baby and is already making gifts for others, insane!!). So my ADD self got into the tree skirt big time until it was time for Thanksgiving.
Then I was all about setting a pretty table with my china and making some freaking good food!

So tonight I realized that I have to send the apron tomorrow... as in not today, tomorrow! CRAP....
But Schmoop and his twin were busy with the game so I got all domesticated and made some Snickerdoodles and the much awaited apron. I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out, I love the peas since she's a veggie too. I'm improving bit by bit with this sewing stuff and I like it!!!

Finally the Snickerdoodles


Snickerdoodles-Preheat oven to 400 degrees
1 Cup Butter
1 1/2 Cup Sugar
2 Eggs
Blend Together
Separately stir together
2 3/4 cups flour
2 Tsp Cream of Tartar
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1/4 Tsp Salt
Once blended mix in with the wet ingredients. Form walnut size balls and roll into a cinnamon and sugar mixture. Place on a baking sheet 2 inches apart and bake for 8-10 minutes. Mmmmmm :)

Poor Girl-False Alarm

No babies yet, I'll let you know.

Great Aunt

Oh my gosh so my niece Kaitlin is in labor right now with her twins!! I'm so excited, I'm going to drive to MD to go see her and hopefully give her some support!
I'm going to be a Great Aunt!!!! I can't wait to see my little great niece and nephew!!

Just a note

If one finds out they are allergic to dairy, said person shouldn't seek out all dairy that is available for consumption it probably will not make them feel good.
Not saying I did this or anything, I would never even think of ordering pizza's for the game last night or putting cheese in anything that was served on Thanksgiving or having egg nog; wouldn't even consider having some ice cream on top of my apple pie thank you very much....

Plan for peace

Interesting Night

So Schmoop and I decided we needed a new tv. His tv made this horrible high pitch noise that drove me madd, so we decided to partake in the Black Friday Craziness. After having Thanksgiving Dinner at our house (turned out very lovely with tons of leftovers) we went over to Best Buy at about 6:30, much to our suprise there were about 50 people ahead of us. We stayed despite the bleak outlook and much to our suprise 11.5 hours later we walked out of Best Buy with a 42" Panasonic Plasma, overkill much?
Anyway I'm dying, I didn't sleep last night and Dirkey NEEDS her sleep!!!
So thats about it.

So tired

gobble gobble thats it, stupid NABLOPOMO
very thankful though, talk tomorrow.

Turkey Lurkey Do and Turkey Lurkey Dickle

So tomorrow's Turkey Day, Schmoop and I are spending our first Thanksgiving together at our house with his family. Its been interesting planning as my SIL is making the turkey and some of the other things and bringing them over. I'm making a majority of the other stuff, mashed potatoes, stuffing, Trace's pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies , Michelle's Corn Pudding Bake , Green Bean Casserole , apple-cranberry-crisp-with-pecan-topping- , Caramel Chocolate Walnut Torte, Pumpkin Pie. And all the fun little treats the celery and cheese appetizers my family loves, the olives, pickles, the stuff to serve with desserts mints, little chocolates, etc.
Its another learning lesson about being a part of another family. I come from a large family and we have traditions for EVERYTHING and every holiday. I am used to helping my mom with a house full of people way before dinner even happens. Schmoops family is very small, much quieter and they really don't do anything for any holiday. Its hard for me because I love holiday's, its so fun being together and spending time getting things all set and pretty. I've spent other holiday's away from my family but it is usually with like minded people so it felt like I was with my family. Just another learning lesson, blending in with one family without losing sight of the things that make the holidays special to me. In that respect I'm glad we are having dinner at our house as I can still do a few of the elements that are special to me, saying a prayer that my grandmother wrote before dinner, having the little touches that will make it more like home. We shall see, one things for sure I will miss the skeet shooting after dinner!!
This afternoon Schmoop and I are going over to Center City to give out lunches to the homeless with my church. A new tradition for our new family.

Beyotch Medicine

So I've been ordering from Frontier coop with some ladies near me. This months order seemed to have a theme for me. I got some Bach's Rescue Remedy which is a stress reducer, you're supposed to put a few drops on your tongue when you feel a stressful situation coming up (PMS, or Helloooo THANKSGIVING!). Also I got some Red Rasberry Leaf which is also supposed to help with those crazy hormones us girls are proned too. So I should be a much happier Dirkey, I'll let you know how it goes after Thanksgiving!!!

Mmmmm Vacation

So Schmoop and I took off the few days before Thanksgiving to just relax together. We woke up late this morning and lounged around the house for a little bit. Then we took off over to Philly and walked around South Street, this is where we realized how truly old we were. :) There are alot of really trendy stores on South Street, Schmoop found some fun superhero tshirts but didn't buy any because of his already full superhero tshirt closet. From there we went to Reading Terminal Market and walked around. It has a ton of fresh vegetables, cheeses, meats, etc. Its a neat place to just walk around and window shop, we did end up buying some apple wine to do the mulled apple wine again that we had before (it was soo yummie!!). From there we went to a Thai-French Restaurant for dinner, that was just amazing. Then topped off the whole day at the Christmas Tree Store, picked up a couple of Christmas gifts then headed home.
I love spending time with my wonderful Schmoop. He has the best heart of anyone I have ever met. I've never met anyone so kind-hearted, he really desires for everyone to get along and sees the best in people. Just having him next to me sooths me and reminds me that God has a plan for me and for our life together. Life is really better than I ever could have imagined, I'm very blessed. Oh yeah, and Thankful!

Pet Pieve #26 Dogs in public

One of my big pet pieves are the people who use dogs as "accessories". People who get dogs and then bring them around with them say to the grocery store, mall, movie theater. Seriously these are all places that I have seen people bring their dogs and I don't get it. I love me some puppies but I don't understand what motivates people to bring them EVERYWHERE!! There are places that are puppy friendly like Pet Smart, Parks, your backyard; why do people feel the need to bring them places where they just don't belong. Seems like its a blatant disrespect for people who are allergic or have fears of dogs not to mention sanitary reasons (grocery stores!!! blech). Not to mention just doesn't seem so nice to the puppy do they really want to be held the whole time you are out?
What do you think? Do they belong or should you spend more time in puppy friendly places with your pooch?

Photo Hunters-I Love...

Come on this one was EASY!!!

Update

So tonight is my last show of the season and I'm looking forward to a WHOLE week at home with my honey. We don't have any plans at all just relaxing and getting ready for Thanksgiving. We are having his family over (his twin brother, wife and daughter, his parents) its a very small Thanksgiving to me coming from such a large family but it should be nice. My SIL Renee is cooking with me and we are making some awesome recipes! I will miss being with my family and all the hick goodness that ensues (we usually go skeet shooting after dinner). I am also hoping that we get the Christmas decorations up too :)
HOLLY JOLLY DIRKEY!!!!

Way More Excited Than I Should Be

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Free stuff rocks my world, my very very very small world. :)

Wordless Wednesday-Daddy

Nice Night

So Kitten mom and I went out to Joanne fabrics tonight and got stuff to make tree skirts and started assembling. It was a nice night just spending time with her and seeing her little guy, being super crafty geniouses as well as watching my first Christmas movie of the year!!
Nice :)

Apron Giveaway!

So the Apronista is giving away one of my favorite all time aprons from Carolyn's Kitchen. I would love to win one of the Dorothy Apron's in Pink as its too freaking adorable for words!!!

My dear cutie

Hey All,
I'll ask if you can say some prayers for my sweet Emmie she is in the hospital and has been off and on this month. She's been throwing up and the doctors can't seem to stop it and now they think that she tore her esophagus (it took me like ten minutes to figure out how to spell that). Emmie is such a sweetie and a trooper so all your prayers and thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Dirkey

New Venture

So I've been thinking this over for awhile and I have finally taken the step. I sent away for my certification material and my recommended reading from Dona to become a Birth Doula. I'm very excited about this and can't wait to get started and dig into this material! What an amazing thing to be a support to women in this time in their life!
A few friends of mine and I went to see "The Business of Being Born" the documentary by Ricky Lake and it was to say the least, eye opening. I think all women of child bearing age should watch this. Women in this country are being faulted by our medical community, they are sent to flounder in a system set up against them and their bodies without being given the tools and the knowledge they need. Scare tactics are being used against women for doctors convenience. Our country is one of the worst developed countries in the world as far as cesarean sections and also infant mortality (its in the bottom two); yet nothing is being done to change this and to reverse this trend. According to the World Health Organization only 10-15% of women are in need of a c-section, in the US our average is more than double and rising. I know personally that I'm just learning about my body and the actual process of birth. I had know idea the chemical and physical change that your body undergoes in labor, its AMAZING how it all works together.
Well enough of this rant, I'm sure there will be more in the future.
I'm very curious of my mom readers, can you tell me your birth stories and how you felt about the whole process in general? Oh yeah, and if you live in NJ; want to have me at your birth? :) I'll bring you ice chips and cheer you on!

Photo Hunters Flexible

Princess Hanastasia contortioning her way into the cat crate, that kid is crazy flexible!!

So many levels

My job is awesome for a bunch of reasons one of them being it lets me take a bunch of cool pictures.
Here is our concert from last night; David Crowder, Phil Wickham and the Myriad

Change Change Change....

So I've been attending the same church for about 10 years and it looks like its time to change it up. Not because I'm upset over anything but just because its so far from home. Schmoop and I would like to get involved with our neighborhood and our church but it doesn't seem like we can do that when we commute so far for church. So it seems we are church hunting right now. Its a weird place to be, I've never searched before. It will be good to get to know more people in my area but it will also be hard letting go of a place and people that I love dearly. At least we can still be friends.
weird sounds like I'm breaking up with my church.
"Congregation, I just want you to know its me not you, your great, really... I'm just not ready for this type of commitment this long distance relationship is just too much for me."
We'll see how the hunt goes. :)

As threatening as a puppy

Fun Way to be Heard

I joined She-speaks awhile ago and I have to say I'm really enjoying it.
I feel like I have a say in things and my opinion matters. You don't get money for your opinions but you do get free products and if you know me you know I like free! So far I've gotten a subscription to Cottage Living, some Jonathan hair products and also a tube of 1/2 lipgloss/teeth-whitener. They send you the stuff you tell them what you think and you get to keep whatever it is they send you.
Its fun Sign up!!!

The most awesome thing on the internet

Wealthy in America

I saw this story on Yahoo about the United States and it said if you make over 40k you make more than half the people in America. Is this true do you think? This is considered household income not just one person. If so then Schmoop and I need to work at being way more frugal than we are because if so many can live on so little we are doing something wrong. I've travelled to third world countries and seen the need and devestation lack of funds can bring and it has stayed with me to my personal life. Schmoop and I believe there are some things that you just can't give enough money too but how about in our personal life. Are we being good stewards of whats been given to us? If this the below chart is true we are alot more accountable than I had originally thought. Here is the breakdown that they gave:

Income level (percentile)	Median income (rounded)
Level VI (90 to 100)	$170,000
Level V (80 to 89.9)	$99,000
Level IV (60 to 79.9)	$65,000
Level III (40 to 59.9)	$40,000
Level II (20 to 39.9)	$24,000
Level I (less than 20)	$10,000

How does it make you feel?

Family

Tonight I'm making my dad his birthday dinner, he cracks me up because he can have whatever he wants and I asked him what he wanted and this is what he said...
"Well hmm you know those curly noodles they look like acordians, I want those. Also some Ragu sauce (the man can have whatever he wants and he asks for Ragu). Then take some ground beef and mix it in and top it off with mozzarella."
Hey said this with his hands brought up to his face in anticipation tapping his fingers together and with a gleam in his eye like he wanted a Red Rider BB gun.
Talk about low expectations, I think he's getting bored of his retirement staple of eating at diners and bringing the leftovers home for the next day.
What really floored me though was dessert, I offered a pie or a cake and his eyes glazed over and his fingers tapped excitedly
"no I want Tapioca pudding"
I laugh whenever I think of this little exchange we had.

Little does he know the Tapioca pudding was made with coconut milk ha ha ha......
The rest of it I'm going to make as he specified but I'm going to make mine separate without the meat or cheese. Maybe I'll throw some seiton in for some texture. Since we are back on the wagon
Schmoop and I have a rule that when we eat out we can eat whatever we want (meat and dairy included). Well it seems we've been eating out alot lately with our trip to Chicago a couple of weeks ago and just not being home alot. We are really going to try and make the effort to cook alot more. I made a big batch of chili so we froze some of it and put some of it in the fridge; I'm figuring that will be a good thing to grab when we're busy or don't have time to cook.

Sunday Breakdown

I had a good weekend.
Sat we went to see my nephew kick some karate butt at his tournement. He did so good and it was so cute watching him do his kicks and break 3 boards!
I went to a party lite party later on at my Sister In Law's house. She had this awesome chicken salad, seriously the best I've ever had, yum! (yeah I know not Vegan but it was soo good!!). Then we had an extra hour sleep last night!! Dirkey loves her sleep!
Today we woke up early so we decided to go to breakfast before church and ended up missing church. Schmoop and I walked around and looked at some antique cars and then met up with his parents at the mall. It was a long day but a good one and I'm ready for my week this week :)
I was going to look on you tube for something interesting (yeah I know getting desperate in the 4th day of this NABLOPOMO. You guys are screwed if I don't start getting alot more interesting.

We have a winner!!

http://theglamboutique.blogspot.com/ is the winner of my hand made apron! I was so happy when I checked out her blog and saw that it matched the apron I made! Also poor girl was using her robe!!
This was fun, I'm thinking of maybe doing a giveaway a month so keep checking back!!!

Photo Hunters-Classic

Some classic pumpkin action
Carved by my wonderful schmoop on Halloween

Day 2-Nablopomo

so yeah I decided to do this thing too. I did it last year and it was fun, we'll see how this year goes. Its only thirty days right? Shouldn't kill me! ;)

I'm so excited for this weekend. Tonight we have a concert for work down in Deleware. Then tomorrow morning I have a Karate tournament for my nephew, then a housewarming party, then a party lite party at my R-sis's. Sunday I don't think we have anything and I definitely want to keep it that way :) Maybe spend a snuggle day!

Hey Hey its Day 1

I'm going to tell you a little story about last night. I'm whats known as a celebrator. I love to celebrate everything. Come within 5 feet of me near Christmas time and you'll get covered in tinsel. Well last night was Halloween and our first married one in our new house at that and I was so excited! I had the night planned. I had the candy in the dishes, organic lollipops and chocolate (so we wouldn't get egged). We had our pumpkins sitting on the front porch just itching to get carved and I was just waiting for the hubby to get home to carve with me. Well he gets home with some dinner and I tell him my idea and he says "Do I have to"; seriously how did a celebrator marry a fuddy duddy like that! I started questioning everything I've ever known to be true. I love this man, how can he not throw everything he is into celebrating whatever holiday, season, etc there is. Schmoop noticed my distress and begrudgingly obliged. We get outside and he's like ok how do I do it, so I turn him to the internet to look up some designs for his pumpkin. So we started carving and carving and carving and don't you know, I see a smile on my schmoops face and he starts to get pretty into it. Going inside for toothpicks to attach pumpkin teeth and such. I can just tell that this is definitely going to be a yearly tradition. My Schmoop is one of those closet celebrators, I can heave a sigh of releaf; I did marry the right man.

Schmoops ended up being better than mine! Go figure!!
Mine is the saddest looking Jack O Lantern ever!!


picture of snow white checking her reflection