Spring.....WHERE ARE YOU!!!!

Hello all! Good morning, as I am typing this morning the big bad wolf is outside trying to blow our house down. Okay well I never confirmed that its a wolf out there, but it sure is HOWLING! :)

I am REALLY looking forward to Spring!!! I decided today's post would be about the 11 reasons why spring is my favorite season....'

1. WINDOWS DOWN! I love this feeling, if i had a convertible it would be TOP DOWN! However, i am a practical lady and we drive a mini-van! :)

2. GREEN! I love green things, green grass, green flowers, green money....you get the idea! I love the sign of the new blooms and giving me hope that winter is NOT the only season ND has! :)

3. GRILLING! Now we could grill in the winter, but our grill in still in Linton. Note to Kameron (although he never reads this...) GET THE GRILL!!!! This lady needs some steaks and I am not talking about from the crock pot! :) Now that we actually live together, I am really looking forward to grilling almost every night!

4. WALKS! Oh how I miss my morning walks with Sadie. Last year I took a break from walking all together, I had a baby it was cute to still have the baby weight. NOT SO CUTE ANYMORE! :) I am looking forward to walking in the early am (before Kameron goes to work) with Sadie, our dog, and then during the day pushing Kynlee is the stroller and even walking as a family at night. HELLO FRESH AIR I NEED YOU!!! I know I can walk on the treadmill, however there is just something about being outside!

5. FRUIT! Yes the grocery store has fruit now, but the oranges are a little yellow and the bananas are a little green.....I am ready for some fresh fruit, not to mention the great prices that go along with not having it shipped here from Brazil! :)

6. PUDDLES! I love to splash in puddles, well not really splash as I don't like to get dirty, so I like to drive through them! :) That will work for me!

7. DRIVES! This goes along with puddle splashing! :) We always go for a Sunday drive (we call it our booze cruise, however NO DRINKING ever takes place, its just something we say!) :) And there is just something about going for a drive on a Sunday when its nice out, no heat, no air conditioner, just us and the open road! Oh and Kynlee and Sadie! :)

8. SCHOOLS OUT! Now I love the song...SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER! (Most of you are singing it right now!) But really school gets out in Spring! Its not summer until June so technically the song should be SCHOOLS OUT FOR SPRING, no never mind leave it alone! :) NO MORE PENCILS.... (got you singing again!) I just love the feeling of kids riding bike, running around... good times!

9. NO COATS! I hate coats, actually I detest them. The more layers I have to wear the more I look like the Michelin man (not an attractive sight!) and with all this baby weight (yes shes almost a year) still on me I don't need to add any more cushion! :) Plus getting Kynlee to put on a coat, hat, boots, gloves, scarf....is a chore and by the time I have the last thing on, she has the first thing off! :)

10. NO NORTH DAKOTA ROAD REPORT! I refuse to check the road report when its spring. Yes I know we will probably get a few more "big" blasts of winter just letting us know hes still there (until July most likely) however, I enjoy knowing that if it snows its melting shortly. I don't like saying, "well we might come visit, IF THE WEATHER IS NICE!" In spring, for the most part you don't have to do say that EVER! :)

11. Last but not least (and some of you thought I forgot....) FLIP FLOPS, let me say it again.... FLIP FLOPS!!!!!!!! Live it, love it! :) I will sleep in my flip flops here in a couple weeks (okay thats a bit much, but I do LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE them!)  I know they are super bad for your feet, but you know what...I DONT CARE! My toes have not seen daylight in like 10 months (not quite that long) and I am ready to paint my toenails and get out there! :)

Okay thats my 11 for today! :) Enjoy your Thursday! Feel free to let me know the reasons you love Spring (and it doesn't have to be 11!)

Until the next time, be nice to others! :)

And thanks for reading! :)

Cass :)

Saturday in the Park....

Okay its definitely not a Saturday in the park... or the 4th of July, but it is the 12th of February and Abraham Lincoln's birthday for those of you who care! :) Not to mention the big V-day is only two days away, get to the Hallmark store and get your cards and chocolate! :)

We had an awesome "date" day yesterday, celebrating our 4th Anniversary and Valentine's day! :) Well actually since our anniversary was the 10th I was just getting ready to cook up some chicken for supper and Kameron surprised us by coming home early! IT WAS AWESOME! I love surprises! We exchanged cards and headed to the Grandview for some supper, I even had lobster! :) LOVE IT! :) Then Friday am we dropped Kynlee off at daycare super early and headed to the big city (Bismarck!) We had a morning of appointments to take care of then we had a couples massage at In Touch (the best place ever!) and headed to Red Lobster for a late lunch. We had a gift card from my dad and Frannie so we spoiled ourselves and I had lobster again! :) We made it home later than planned and completely exhausted!!! I was supposed to go play bingo last night with the girls but I was just REALLY tired and so we threw in a party pizza, gave Kynlee an early bath and sent her to bed. By this time it was about 7 (yes we are old!) We put in Despicable Me and cuddled on the couch, we LOVED the movie but I was almost sleeping a dozen times during it! I didn't sleep very well the night before, this is normal since we were sick. NO FUN!

This morning I was surfing fb on my phone at 5am, YES 5AM, TOOOOOOOOOOO early! I finally got up, made myself a cappuccino, and came down stairs to catch up on DVR's. Well I had watched all the shows I needed to catch up on already so I just started surfing around. I found Maid in Manhattan and watched that and then about 25 minutes into Sweet Home Alabama Kameron joined me on the couch. Sadie who got a much needed haircut yesterday cuddled up too! :) We decided we needed breakfast so we headed upstairs for Dakota Maid pancakes and turkey bacon!!! :) YUM! We haven't done that for a while and it was delicious! Kynlee LOVES pancakes and got a new plate and silverware from my parents for Valentine's day and was excited to eat it up.

We are working on her using a fork and spoon, but not much luck yet.....sad I know! I really wish she would grasp the concept but I know it will come in time, to her its easier to use your fingers to get the food. (Trust my Kynlee I feel the same!) :)

Then I got in a quick cat nap while Kameron & Kynlee went downstairs to watch qualifying for an upcoming Nascar race and Sadie barked outside (peaceful....NOT SO MUCH!) So I came down to join them and before we knew it, it was 11 and I had to jump on the computer and get Elton John tickets for Billings with Leslie! We had 4 computers and 3 phones going and FINALLY got in using our house phone~ I have no idea what seats we got but they will be mailed Monday.

Now Kynlee is napping (thanks Kam for putting her down!) and I am blogging and thinking I should finish laundry (DOES IT EVER END!!!!!!)

We are celebrating Valentine's Day by exchanging cards and Kam goes to the dentist and he and Kynlee go to the eye doctor, romantic I know! :)

Whatever you do for the special day of love, make it worth it! Even if its just the dentist and a card! :)

Have a super weekend! :)

PS. This post makes more for 2011 than I ever did in 2010! :) I AM PROUD OF ME! :)

11 things in 4 years!

Well for those of you who don't know....TODAY IS MY ANNIVERSARY! OOPS! OUR Anniversary! :) Kameron & I are celebrating 4 years of wedded bliss....TODAY!

It may not seem like a long time to some of you, but considering that half of today's marriages end in the "d" word, every day longer that someone is married is an accomplishment! :)

So I decided to write a list of 11 things that I have learned in 4 years! :) ENJOY!

1. Its so awesome always having your best friend by your side! I am the first to admit I have a lot of best friends and I love each of them dearly! However, Kameron is a best friend too! He is the best friend I never knew I was missing! This is not a slam to my other best friends, but instead a praise to Kameron! :)

2. Pick your battles. Honestly we don't fight alot, really its rare, to be truthful I couldn't remember the last time we had a major disagreement. Anyhow, in any relationship you need to pick your battles. This is true with your kids, boss, dogs....you get the idea! :) So I pick my battles with my husband also, I choose what I am going to nag on him about or what I am going to whine about....no one enjoys constant nagging or whining. We all pick our battles everyday, be wise about the ones you choose! :)

3. Talk about it. This is simple, if something is wrong or bothering you....TALK ABOUT IT! You might have noticed, I am a bit of a chatterbox, my husband is not, but sometimes its good to get it out in the open.  We both agree on this simple principle. And the sooner I realized Kameron is not a mind reader and I needed to talk about things, the better off we were! :)

4. Men are like waffles, women are like spaghetti. The sooner I learned this, the better we were. Honestly, its a book. READ IT! :) Kameron and I both read it and both laughed and loved it. Its fascinating how to understand how eachother's brains work. VERY GOOD READ and really helped me understand that when Kameron is doing something, THAT IS WHAT HE IS DOING. Example, when he is driving, HE IS DRIVING! Hello just like a waffle.... When I am driving, I am singing, talking on my phone, planning the meals, talking to Kynlee, waving, looking at my nails, wondering if I took the clothes out of the dryer, remembering that I need to make an eye appointment....okay you get the idea. I am spaghetti! :) I know you understand.

5. Date Night. We found this one to be even MORE important after having Kynlee, it was easy before to "date" each other, however now it is more difficult. But we are trying hard to get it figured out and make sure we take time for eachother. Even if its just putting Kynlee to bed early and watching a movie. Simple, but very meaningful for both of us.

6. Doing something each day that makes their life easier. Even if its just starting Kameron's toast for him while he goes and gets the paper and starts his car. I am up anyhow, it takes no additional effort to start his breakfast for him. I try to think of at least one thing that can help him out each day. He does the same for me a million times a day, so I can repay the favor at least once!

7. Be honest about money. I love to spend, thats no secret. I LOVE TO SPEND! But its important to be honest about what I am spending money on. I haven't always been the best at this, but I am working hard to be more honest. When we finally decided we would go from a two income family to a one income family I had to be REAL honest at where our money was going. I still handle the bill paying, but knowing that we are budgeting things more, I need to be honest. Its a challenge some days! :)

8. Do things we are good at. Okay this probably displays my OCD more than I would like, however, its the truth. Kameron knows that I am not good at shoveling, raking, fixing cars or other things like that, so he does them. I know that Kameron is not rockstar (he will admit this!!!) at cleaning the bathroom, planning, organizing and other things like this, so I do them. Part of that is my OCD, I am the first to admit it, but I LIKE doing those things. Yes probably a little gender stereotypical, which I typically despise, but it works for us. We like to stick to things we are good at, which so far has worked pretty well. Kameron & I know that if I tried to change the oil, the car would never start again, or if he cleaned the toilet, I would go back and do it my way (yes THAT is my OCD!) :) Do what works, its a happier house! :)

9. Bite your tongue. I am sure he and I could back talk each other in the heat of a disagreement, but we choose not to. Part of that is now that we have Kynlee we are choosing to set an example for her. I saw plenty of marital fights in my first 10 years of life and have chosen to not have my child see that. It really stresses a child out (trust me on this one!) We try to live by the "Children live what they learn...." philosophy. My mom had that hanging in our home growing up and it really struck a cord to me...I searched on line and found something similar to what we had hanging up....if you haven't seen it...enjoy, it makes you think...CLICK HERE! :)

10. Know when to be honest. Now I know that everytime I ask Kameron how an outfit looks on me and he says, "great" he probably doesn't think that I look like I am ready for the prom. However I look great in his eyes. Its a rare occasion that he tells me, that maybe i should change. However when it comes to clothes, I am VERY honest with him. For example, no brown shoes with a black outfit. I am just playing on a strength of mine and a "not-so" strength of his! :) Trust me, he will admit it. But the one time I have to thank Kameron hands-down for the most honesty a person has ever given me. Shortly before we got married, we were living in the "ice box" rental house (NOT EVEN KIDDING! IT WAS COLD!!!) And it was about 6 weeks after Peanut had passed and I was having a VERY emotional night. Not that this was a shock, as to be expected I had many emotional nights, mornings, afternoons...DAYS! Anyhow back to the story, Kameron looked at me and grabbed my hand and said....(and I remember this exactly as it happened!) "I love you, and I will listen whenever you want to talk, but I think you might need some professional help" I was a little put off at first. I mean really, what was he saying? I was crazy in the head? Professional help? He is the one who needs help! However, after a minute, I agreed! I did need help, I needed someone to talk to. Someone who would help me sort out what was going on in my head. This January marked 4 years since I started seeing my Crazy Doctor (yes she knows I call her this!) and it has changed my life for the better. I owe Kameron everyday for helping me realize I needed to talk to someone. I see her about once a month to every six weeks and I can tell when its been too long and I can tell how much better I am afterwards. I honestly think she saved my marriage AND my life. Some people might be embarrassed to say they have spoke with a professional and I am not saying that everyone should. However, I was dealt some sour lemons in life and am really happy to have someone to talk to about it and sort it all out. We realized I have a fast brain, that doesn't slow down...EVER and so knowing this I have learned things to do to cope and things to do to help Kameron cope. One day I was running around the house like a crazy lady (honestly, it was a sight!) and Kameron grabbed my shoulders and said, "Hey fast brain, lets take a minute and slow down!" Its wonderful that with his honesty I was able to get the help I needed. :) Thanks hun, you are a gem! :)

11.  Laughter is the best medicine! I cannot take credit for this one, Kameron is the the comedian in our family, he ALWAYS makes he laugh. No matter what crazy mood I am in, he is always making me slap a smile on my face. He is amazing and I am so lucky to have someone who constantly makes me smile. He is so silly and even when I am wearing my crabbiest pants, he turns my frown upside down! I am very grateful for this ability my husband has been given, he sure lightens up our days! :)


There are my 11! :) I am not saying we have the perfect marriage. We don't, I don't even think there is such a thing that as a "Perfect Marriage!" However, its perfect for us. So do what works for you, do what makes your marriage perfect for you! :)

Thank you for reading my 11 lessons in 4 years, I know there a million more lessons to go! Thank you for everyone who has stood by us as we began this journey 4 sweet years ago in the middle of cold February (who gets married then anyhow!) and those who have been there for us every day since. You rock! Kameron and I have tons of friends and families with awesome marriages who serve as great examples for us to follow. So thank you for that! :)

If you haven't found your better half, don't lose hope....he/she is out there! :)

Until next time, HAVE A HAPPY DAY! :)

Happy February! 11 favorites! :)

Okay so I am a day late on wishing you Happy New Month! I LOVE this month for a few reasons! :) Actually 11 (go figure!)

1. Its the shortest month of the year! Which means spring is coming!

2. My great grandmas birthday is February 5, she will be 97 years young and is a CONSTANT inspiration to me on how to overcome lifes lemons. Also to be a constant prayer warrior when there isn't much help that you can give. She does rock, I love her for so many million reasons! :)

3. GROUNDHOG DAY! NOt only do I love the movie, I also just love this little holiday! I don't do anything special. (however if I was teaching I am sure I would!) But I have always looked forward to today...no reason, just because! :)

4. Our Anniversary! Kameron & I will be married for a whopping 4 years on February 10! At times it seems like such a small number other times it seems like I dont remember being without him. He is my rock, my best friend, my soul mate and I couldn't get through a day without him.

5. Leap day, okay not this year, but I love LEAP DAY! :) I always do something special for one person on that day. It only happens every 4 years, make it important! :)

6. Valentines Day! I havent always loved V-day, as sometimes it is a hallmark holiday (okay it ALWAYS is!) And we know I LOVE hallmark! :) Before I was married, I wore a shirt that said, LOVE SUCKS! on valentines day, every year! But I have taken a good attitude lately. Also my mom always makes it a special day for us year after year!

7. I look where I was last February and it was a VERY special month! Our lives were about to change, we spent our last month as "just the two of us". We won't have that empty nest again until our kiddos go to college.....WOW thats a long and expensive way down the road.

8. This February marks one year since I was baptized. Emy and I were water baptized last Feb 13. I never had been and knew it was the right time. I don't know why I waited so long, but I am SOOOOO happy I was able to share that special moment with Emy.

9. I look back 5 years ago and think of how much February changed my life. It was when I became pregnant with Peanut. Hard to believe 5 years have passed. It doesn't even seem real...THat was a life changing month for me!

10. President's day-I feel the need to honor our founding fathers! :) I always loved getting school off, I think we should get every presidents birthday off! :) LOL!

11. And this February is different, I spent most of yesterday in tears, happy and sad. I told work that I will be staying home with Kynlee full time at the end of the month.  I enjoy my job, but we know its best for me to be home with Kynlee. Beulah has an awesome SAHM community and I look forward to more time with them! :) Thank you everyone who helped us with this tough decision! :)

Well thats it for today. What do you LOVE about February?! :)

A little of this a little of that...

Oh boy! Its early, I could go back to bed, however I would rather blog! (BE THANKFUL! BE VERY THANKFUL!) ha ha ha!

What is happening in our world.....lets see....I got up real early this am as Kameron is working today so I was gonna back cookies for a family who is traveling next week to deal with some medical issues. However, I have no vanilla. WHAT?! How do I not have vanilla? I am sure when we moved I threw it out, along with most everything I am currently missing. So needless to say I have to go to the grocery store later today and stock up on things and pick up some vanilla while I am there. I am pretty proud of me for doing the "only go to the store once a week thing" I love it! I really do! I am definitely spending less, which works out well for our family!

I am also up watching The Best of Trading Spaces with Paige Davis reruns. They are on early on the OWN channel, you know Oprah's station. I remember many years of watching this show on a Saturday night with my family! :) Paige is totally rocking the mom jeans and sleeveless top like no one else ever could! They actually look good on her, will fashion ever think mom jeans are cool again? I know they look dorky but sometimes I think I would rather have them then the low cut denims that show your undies and butt crack. I also was happy to hear that skinny jeans are on their way out, they only look good on skinny people who don't eat cookies and don't have hips. But if you are looking for new fashion you could always wear jeggins. Which to me are like stirrup pants with out the stirrups. I mean seriously, don't challenge me on this one. Also have you seen Pajama Jeans? I think I need a pair, not even kidding. Jeans that are comfy, that has to be a miracle product! I have yet to find the "PERFECT JEAN" I am convinced that they don't exist. Okay off my fashion soapbox, who knew you were going to get a "Project Runway" blog.... :) Heidi Klum, I am not. :)

Okay what else are we up to, oh yes Kynlee, our little sunshine with spitfire like nothing else I have ever seen! She is crawling EVERYWHERE, almost like she is in a race with someone. She is VERY busy ALL the time. I am pretty sure she gets that from Kameron, I mean really, I am so relaxed all the time. ;) Don't get me wrong, I am so happy that because Kynlee looks EXACTLY like her father she at least has a few traits from me. However, I really could have lived without the nosey, drama queen, busy body traits. Oh well, at least we know she is mine! :) She is trying to walk. She walks behind all sorts of things pushing them around the house, we know the day is coming that she will take off on her own! She tries to stand up by herself but then just sits down and crawls to her destination. She eats like a champ and makes a bigger mess with her food than I know what to do with (good thing we have Sadie!). She is always making noise (another one of my lovely traits!), she says "MAMA, MAMA, MAMA" a LOT! Also said "dadda" on command last night! It was so awesome. I know she is close to saying "bye-bye" as she waves she opens her mouth like she is gonna say it, but nothing comes out! :) Soon enough, soon enough! There are days that I wish she would just talk already, but pretty sure between her and I no one else will get a word in! :) She LOVES to Skype with Kameron's parents about 5 nights a week. We hope to get my dad & Frannie in on it too and next is my parents. Its so wonderful for Kynlee to get to see everyone! SHE LOVES IT! :)

Kameron is doing better since his little health scare. I will post all about that sometime, I just don't have the energy yet! He is working a lot, even today. He never works on Saturday's but took off Wednesday and so he adjusted his schedule. He may work tomorrow too, he will let me know on his break. Other than that he is the main snow remover in this house. We all know I would not be shoveling, its just not in me to do that. Shoveling or raking, I told Kameron before we got married almost 4 years ago that he would have to pick up my slack there. He told me that he doesn't clean bathrooms and loathes doing the dishes. So far things have worked out well between us! ;)

We are taking a mini-vacation to Las Vegas next weekend. Yup, we fly out Friday and back on Monday. We are REALLY looking forward to it! :) I bought the flight as a surprise to Kameron back in September. I figured after having a baby and moving we needed a trip. I knew if I scheduled it in January it would also work as our anniversary/Valentines Day gifts! :) Little did I know that after Kameron's "near death experience" we would REALLY REALLY REALLY (you get the idea) need a vacation! :) So Kynlee will head to my parent's house next Thursday night and then we will meet them on Monday in Minot to pick her up. We are looking forward to it and I know my parents & Emy are too. Oh and I should mention Sadie is also going with, she and Polly (my parents dog) get along really well! Neither of us have been to Vegas and we are excited to see the sights! We have a million and one good recommendations of what to see and do while there! :) I did want to get back to my pre-baby weight before we went, however that totally did NOT happen. Oh well, no big deal, Kameron loves me either way! :)

I kind of decided that 2011 was the "Clean Sweep" year for us. We are ready to "de-clutter" our lives. There are a couple ways we are doing this, actually 11. For those of you who read my 11 list a couple weeks ago you know how well this works for me. I wasn't going to post the 11, but I feel if I do, it will make me more accountable.

1. Less clutter in our house....meaning one thing....SELL SELL SELL or GIVE GIVE GIVE! We just have too much "stuff" and it needs to go! Yes I know this would have been helpful prior to moving, but either way its getting done.

2. No random shopping. I love retail therapy. Let me rephrase that, I LOVE RETAIL THERAPY. But sometimes its more expensive than real therapy and it just clutters our house. This doesn't mean no more shopping, it just means limited.

3. Only grocery shopping once a week. This will save us money and make me plan more.

4. Planning out a week of meals, this goes along with the weekly grocery shopping. Not to mention I like to be organized (why hadn't I thought of this before!)

5. More fresh fruits and vegis. Not only is this helpful health-wise, but also a good practice for Kynlee to follow. When we lived apart it was hard to buy lots of fresh food because neither of us could eat it fast enough and it would go to waste.

6. Less eating out. Very healthy for our bodies and our check book. Not to mention trying to only drink water when we are out. I mean really why must a restaurant charge $3 for a fountain pop, we all know it only cost them like 3 cents to pour it in to the glass. (Don't yell at me, yes I get it...overheard, however I still want to complain!)

7. Work on a budget. So not easy for me! I hate budgets! I haven't even kept a check book register in years. We are now working hard on keeping tabs on every penny spent! :) Thanks to Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University we are trying hard to pay off some debts. Its an uphill battle, but I know we can do it.

8. Utilize resources that are right in front of us. Why would we not use online bill pay? Its free from our bank and so super easy to do. I save so much time not writing checks and using stamps.

9. Mail less. I love mail, everyone knows that. I love mailing things. Its actually what people make fun of me for most... the standing joke is "how many letters did you get from Cassie this week". So I decided after all these years of making fun of me, I am going to slow down. I didn't say stop, I just said slow down. For years (sometimes decades) I have been sending birthday cards to MANY people. Sad that I only get about 5 back each year. So if I send around 50 birthday cards a year @ .44 for a stamp and $2 for a card thats.... $122 a year. Crazy. I know people love birthday cards, but really why am I wasting my time. Not to mention the birthday gifts I do, the baby gifts, the "oh its Friday" gifts, I just have to be done. I spend a lot of money & time  each day/month/year doing this. Not that I need to be getting something back from everything I do, but at this point its a financial decision. I can utilize texting, emails, facebook and ecards to send greetings. ALL FREE SERVICES! :) This also goes along with Christmas cards. There are people I have sent to for a long time without a card back. Kind of like a slap in the face, I need to limit that list. I have been working on that and am getting the list down. This also saves money and time! :)

10. Cleaning out facebook. I am working hard on deleting people that I don't need to have on fb. I also get made fun of for the large group of "friends" I have, so I am trying to widdle my way down to a "normal" number of friends. This is really hard. Its frustrating when I see someone out in public and they don't say hi, but we are expected to be friends on fb. Its strange I know. This whole fb world is just wacky! So I am working hard on deleting people, but I don't like telling someone that "I don't want to be friends with you" its like elementary school all over again! However, I really need to clean out this list, I have some people on there who are negative ALL the time. You know the ones, " Oh I am sick again, the weather sucks, my life is horrible...." blah blah blah. Not that I am Sally Sunshine 365 days a year, but I cannot listen to negative all the time. If your life is that bad, get off the computer and do something positive. BE THE CHANGE YOU NEED! No one can make your life better, except a change in your attitude! :)

11. Less TV, more family time. Everyone knows how much I love TV, I do, I am a child of the TV generation. I love reality tv the most. I am trying to "clean sweep" my life and the shows in it. I don't want to have Kynlee growing up watching nonsense shows. We watch plenty of tv, however we have started to eliminate shows that didnt make us feel good about ourselves. I am not preaching to you about what shows you are watching. Whatever works for you, do it! :) I took out watching Desperate Housewives, I never felt good after watching it, I felt slimy, so I decided to be done. I have never watched Jersey Shore. I just don't think its a good show to be on with Kynlee around. She doesn't need to see Snookie making a fool out of herself on the beach. I have been trying to stick to the philosophy that "Is this healthy for Kynlee?" or "Is this show rotting my brain?" I still have some guilty pleasures, but I am working REALLY hard on this. We have been trying hard to shut the TV off at 8:00 each night and have quiet time until bed. Kynlee goes to bed about that time and then Kameron and I read in bed. We haven't been 100% perfect but we are sure starting to read the millions of books we have from many of my retail therapy sessions! :)

Okay thats all! Have a super duper Saturday. Kynlee and I will spend our day folding laundry, making cookies, doing more laundry and vacuuming the basement. Yes I know you are jealous, it may not be a glamorous life, but its our life! :)

Much love!

Cassie and gang! :)

Suggestions.....

Hello all! I know some of you are picking yourselves off the floor as you are getting 2 blogs from me in a week! Well on my "2011 goal" list was to blog more, so enjoy the excitement while you can!

After my last blog, I was overwhelmed and VERY thankful for all the messages (and comments) I got from people who had read my message! Nothin' like making a girl feel special! And I did! SOOOOO thank you to those of you who read my blog (how rare my posts may be!).

I love my blog for MANY reasons....

-I can ramble on and on and on and on and on and on and on and on..... (you get the idea!) and you don't hang up on me, or tell me to SHUT UP! (Not a nice phrase, we were never allowed to say it growing up and I will keep that tradition in my house!) 

-Sometimes I am not the quickest at getting back to people in the most timely manner, so blogging gives you an insight to my life (or our lives...since my life is really about the other important people in my life!)

-Many times I just need a sounding board....and winner, winner, chicken dinner..THATS YOU!

-Just to clear my head. Did you ever have a diary? I did and I remember recently finding one from high school when I had my first real kiss. (Shocker, I know, that I kissed someone before Kameron....trust me, hes my FAVORITE! Not to mention the first one was really sloppy!) Well back to the diary...I wrote things down to clear my head, sometimes when I unload my thoughts, frustration, excitement, anxiety and all other things going on with my feelings. So moral of the story is...if you need an outlet for feelings, feel free to write (I mean type) it out! :) 

-I connect with all sorts of folks! Although I connect with many people through FB, I also have a group of "blogging friends" that I follow. Some people I haven't even met! 

THIS IS WHERE I NEED YOUR HELP! :) 

I have MANY interesting blogs I follow, if you ever want to know for yourself, check out my list! I have a variety.....a cupcake company with about 15 posts each day about cool cupcakes, a radio host from Dallas, the Dining Diva from Denver (although shes really in Oklahoma now!) :), Some people I follow have no kids (some wish they did, others say no thank you!), many bloggers I follow have more than 1 blog (I KNOW right, who has time!), some post once a year, others every single stinking day, a few who only do pictures with minimal words, or many like me who wish they were smarter and posted more pictures!, some about sports, others about pets....anyhow, you get the idea. I LOVE READING BLOGS! :) Its like a little peak into someone's life! :) 

SOOOOOOOOOOO bloggers, what blogs to you recommend? I should rephrase that.....Maybe you aren't a blogger, but you read blogs, what are some you would recommend???

FILL ME IN PEOPLE! 

And thank you also for your blogs...for those of you who do! I am aware many of you don't, which is fine, but thank you for reading mine! :) 

Have a super duper day, I look forward to hearing what you have to say! :) 

11 for 2011!

Well I have dedicated this post to 2011....fitting isn't it! :) I will be filling it with my top 11 various lists. I wanted to do top 10's, but thats pretty overrated so I went with 11, coincidentally its 2011! :)


Top 11 Foods I haven't tried........


1. Sushi
2. Tongue
3. Quiche
4. Tuna
5. Salmon 
************this is as far as I got on this one! :) Sorry I cannot come up with another 6 that I have not tried......I am stumped! Anyhow enjoy the rest of the lists!


11 States I have not visited


1. Illinois
2. Nevada (although I will in 2 weeks)
3. Pennsylvania
4. Florida
5. Virginia
6. North Carolina
7. Indiana
8. Maine
9. New Mexico
10. South Carolina
11. Louisiana


11 Goals for 2011


I would have said resolutions, but no one ever completes them!
1. Get back to my pre-baby weight (I know everyone says that!)
2. DVR less (I am decades behind on watching what I already have recorded!)
3. Delete at least 600 people off my facebook...
4. Do some type of physical activity each day (other than getting out of bed)
5. Send less birthday cards (Seems kind of rude doesn't it....but I send a LOT and I really don't get many back so its time to stop wasting my time!) :)
6. waste less......which shouldn't take much, i waste a LOT
7. Buy more generic---There are only a few things that I have to have name-brand so I will stick to those and buy the rest generic
8. BLOG MORE!!!! ( I am honestly gonna try!!!! Remind me if I slip up....for those of you who read my blog...if you don't read it, then you don't care!)
9. Read more! I am not talking People magazine here.....I am really talking about reading more books (and not just picture books to Kynlee)
10. Use reusable bags at the grocery store (I am pretty sure I am the only one on the planet not doing this already!)
11. Spend less!!! (this will only work if I follow through with #5 and 7!)


Top 11 favorite restaurant foods


1. ANY Fuddrucker's Hamburger
2. Queso dip from Applebees
3. The bread from Johnny Carinos
4. Blondie Brownie from Applebeens
5. French Onion Soup from Applebees
6. Cheesy Hashbrowns from Cracker Barrel
7. French Fries from McDonalds
8. Ole's from Taco Johns
9. Kneofla Soup from Krolls
10. Popcorn from Rockin 50's
11. Anything from Joes Crab Shack


Okay that list did nothing for me health wise! :) But it was fun to make! :) And I know its cheap cheesy restaurants, but that is what we have here in this neck of the woods! :) 


11 things I am slightly obsessive about (some may say OCD..... I call it some of my quirks!)


1. Diet Mountain Dew ( I am REALLY into caffeine free right now)
2. Sharpies....honestly....I am embarrassed of my collection...its so many!
3. Using Clorox wipes.....for EVERYTHING!
4. my closet and the way the clothes are arranged (by shirt sleeve length, color....don't jump all over me on this, everyone is strange in their own way)
5. my cell phone (its even worse now that I have the internet on there!)
6. being the first one to get AND open the mail
7. Boneshaker coffee! Its been almost 5 years since I lived in Bismarck....oh how I miss it! :)
8. Lindor Truffles, have you had them??? AMAZING!
9. Reading the paper, daily the Tribune and weekly the Farmer, Record and Beacon.
10. Not letting my food touch (totally strange I know, I also eat one thing at a time)
11. my dyson! (if you dont have one....TOTALLY worth the money!) 


11 Movies I could watch over and over


1. My Girl
2. Tommy Boy
3. Marley and Me
4. Sixteen Candles
5. Toy Story (any of them)
6. Good Will Hunting
7. The Christmas Story
8. The Blind Side
9. Annie
10. Pretty Woman
11. Forest Gump


11 Favorite groups/singers I could listen to everyday (I don't know CD names so bear with me!)


1. Dixie Chicks (no I do not agree with their political ideas.....)
2. Taylor Swift
3. John Mayer
4. Joey & Rory
5. Reba
6. Garth Brooks
7. Lady A
8. Kellie Pickler
9. Carrie Underwood
10. Pink
11. Indigo Girls


Wow after typing out that list I realized how many women and country singers were on there.....Interesting. 


11 TV shows I enjoy watching


1. Parenthood
2. Bachelor or Bachelorette 
3. Minute to Win It
4. What would you do?
5. Wife Swap
6. Baggage
7. Millionaire Matchmaker
8. The Middle
9. The Locator
10. Undercover Boss
11. Big Brother


Uffda, thats alot! Not that I watch each of them EVERY week, but I do try to catch them...hello overloaded DVR! :) 


11 of my favorite foods


1. HAMBURGERS (I honestly cannot resist them!)
2. String Cheese
3. Homemade Cappuccino ( I doctored up the recipe a little, but will get it to you!)
4. Taco Soup
5. Spray whipped cream (goes well with #3)
6. Dark Chocolate
7. a glass of ICE cold water (not from the tap!)
8. Mushrooms
9. Walleye
10. Salsa (so glad I can have it now that I am done nursing!)
11. Corn on the cob


THat is REALLY random.... and I didn't even list my ABSOLUTE favorite Diet Mountain Dew!


11 things on my bucket list


1. Skydive
2. Go to a foreign country (I am not talking Canada here!)
3. Walk a marathon (this sounds crazy, but I am not a runner, so I would like to walk a 5k or 10k or 300k!) 
4. Fly first class
5. Visit all 50 states
6. Go on a cruise (on more than Sakakawea)
7. Be debt free!
8. Take Kameron to North Carolina for a full week of NASCAR, races, tours.....the whole ball of wax!
9. Take a ride in a hot air balloon
10. Have a week vacation of doing absolutely NOTHING!
11. Watch Kynlee grow up; get married, have babies.... (You may think thats simple, but my mom didn't get to see me do this, and her mom didn't get to see her do it, so I REALLY want to accomplish this!)


I have a few more...but the list is 11!


11 of my favorite things....That really aren't even things....


1. The seasons changing....(although I like some more than others)
2. Going for a Sunday drive with Kameron (we do this almost EVERY Sunday and many days in between...we call them "booze cruize" Trust me no drinking is involved, we just like the name)
3. Retail Therapy (it works!)
4. Visiting with my grandma Janice (she is one of my bff's, nothing makes me happier than visiting with her!)
5. Laughing about family vacations (for those of you who know my family....you know this to be true)
6. a clean kitchen ( I don't like the process of getting there, but I love the outcome)
7. An early morning walk (I cannot wait for it to get warmer so I can start doing this before Kam goes to work)
8. wearing Christmas socks, even other than Christmas time-although I get crazy looks when I do
9. making the perfect cookie
10. playing games (yatzee, apples to apples, monopoly, you get the idea!)
11. reading the Sunday paper in bed




Okay okay that is enough random information about me to last anyone a lifetime. Most people probably stopped reading at Sushi. For those of you who lasted....CONGRATS! You now know more about me then you ever thought you needed! :) 


Have a great day, thank you for reading.....It does mean a lot to me!