Oh What a Decade!

It's almost the beginning of the new decade. This morning I got to thinking about everything I did over the past 10 years. Once I got to thinking about it, I realized my entire life changed in a decade. Who would have thunk that!

Here's the breakdown:

Graduated from college!

Moved a total of 9 times.

Changed my name - for a good reason!

Met my husband.

Married my husband.

Adopted our dog, Holly.

Started a family.

Changed jobs 5 times

Changed careers 1 time

Went up a shoe size

Traveled to Seattle, Las Vegas, Jamaica, Nashville, St. Louis, NYC and everywhere in between.

I'd say that all in all I've led a very charmed life. I hope the next 10 years are even more life changing and exciting!

Happy New Year!

A Christmas for the Record Books

It started out as any other Christmas holiday. Gifts bought/wrapped, decorations up, food in the pantry, schedules of where to be, in-laws coming from Texas. You know, the usual.

Ahh...but this wasn't just any Christmas.

Noooooo....this year we had a blizzard.

They had been warning us all week, but we all know the Will Rogers quote, "If you don't like the weather in Oklahoma, just wait 24 hours." So we all thought, "Whatever. A sprinkling of snow would be nice." Well, how about 14 inches? It's the most snow the state has ever had and add to that 50 mph winds!

Needless to say, the state shutdown. Family gatherings were cancelled and we were indoors for the day/night. Good thing my mother-in-law is like a boy scout. She's always prepared! We had delicious Norwegian meatballs and lefse. After our feast we opened gifts and enjoyed each others company.

Here are some pictures of our time celebrating.

The snow in our backyard. Holly decided to venture out to "take care of business."

Clay and Terry got a great fire going in the fireplace. It kept the entire house toasty warm!

Family picture time!

Clay's folks, Terry and Cheryl.

Courtney opening presents. She's one of those careful unwrappers. We'll have to work on this!

Courtney got a wagon from Mimi and Papa. She loved it!

Courtney's Grammie Nelson (Clay's grandma) sent her a keyboard complete with microphone. She was rockin' out! American Idol here she comes!

Courtney must have been REALLY good this year. Santa brought her a slide! We spent most of the morning sliding down. Well, she did. There is a weight limit, you know! You'll have to excuse her "Nick Nolte" hair. It has a mind of its own!

We had a wonderful holiday despite being indoors. Terry did brave the roads to go pick up my middle sister, Tiffany. She was home alone and I wanted her with us. Thank you, Terry! It made my holiday very sweet!

Today is the day after Christmas. We've tidied up the house, took long naps and watched a lot of Dora. When I came into the living room after cleaning, this is what I found. Can you say Christmas crash?

Hope everyone out there had a very Merry Christmas!

Is That Leftover Ham In Your Fridge or Are You Just Happy to See Me?

We cooked a ham for Christmas Day and we have a ton leftover. So what is a girl to do with all that ham before it goes bad? Make soup, of course! Here is a recipe I stumbled upon while looking online.

Cheddar Ham Soup

2 cups diced peeled potatoes
2 cups water
1/2 cup sliced carrot
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (I use fat free milk)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 cup frozen peas, thawed ( I leave these out)

In a large saucepan, combine the potatoes, water, carrot and onion. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add the milk, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir into undrained potato mixture. Add ham and peas; heat through. Yield: 5 servings.

It was delicious! We didn't have any frozen (or canned) peas in the house. We did have a tiny can of lima beans. (Yes, we eat them!) I added that to the soup and it was really good. If you wanted to add broccoli or green beans, I'm sure that would work too!

ENJOY!

Cruising the Mall at Christmas

It's official! We're on Christmas break here in the Harstad house. Better yet, my new USB flash drive came in today. YIPPEE!

This morning I dressed Courtney in one of her holiday dresses and we headed to a nearby mall. No, it wasn't to get a picture with Santa. She likes him from far away, but doesn't want to sit on his lap just yet. This mall is very tiny and doesn't have many stores in it. Plus all the stores close early. I call it the mall for the Ladies Who Lunch.

During the holidays, the mall does have Santa there and that's all fine and dandy. However, they have Christmas trees throughout the mall and other decorations. It's just beautiful! So this year I took full advantage of the free backdrops and snapped away. Thanks to my mom who came to be my wrangler/assistant!

And away we go!

Where's Santa?

I promise I've been good!

Being shy....

Touching the "snow."

She REALLY wanted to eat the "candy."

Sitting in Santa's Sleigh!

Here's wishing all of you a magical holiday season!

No Worries!

We're still alive and kickin' over here. I've been a tad busy with teaching 21 angels, running a house and chasing a 22 month-old. Goodness has she found the energy lately!

The downside is that my USB memory card flash drive (I'm sure there's a more technical term for it, but that's what I call it.) decided to go out on me. So downloading any pictures to my computer is out of the question right now. I've got a new one on order and hopefully will be able to download pictures soon.

Here's a list of things we've done for the last month and a half.

1. We went to Georgetown, TX for Thanksgiving. We had a grand time with Clay's family despite our 10 hour drive from hell. Let's just say that we splurged on a portable DVD player for the car and a Wow Wow Wubbzy DVD and we were all smiles the way home.

2. Courtney loves Christmas. She loves to point out Santa and Frosty ornaments on the tree to us. She also loves Christmas lights. On the way to school, I'll point out all the lights that are still on and she likes to tell me what color they are.

3. While I'm talking about Courtney - She's counting up a storm. This morning on the way to school we practiced our counting and holding up fingers. She surprised me by saying, "FIVE!" right after we said four. Then tonight she shocked Clay by saying six after five.

4. I took Courtney to have breakfast with Santa my friend Melissa's church. Melissa's little girl, Katie Beth, is Courtney's friend from the summer. They were born 24 hours apart. Anywho.....we went there dressed in our finest and walked in all smiles. I noticed that Katie Beth was taking her picture with Santa and wasn't crying. I thought this was wonderful. If Courtney saw her friend not crying, she wouldn't either. We stood in the back and I pointed out Santa and Courtney pointed at him too. Then it was our turn. I'll cut the story short right here. Whining, crying and terror ensued. We snapped the picture and it's a keeper!

5. This is my last week of school before a glorious two week break!

6. We're gearing up for Clay's parents to come celebrate Christmas with us! Let's hear it for a good ol' fashioned Norwegian Christmas!

That's pretty much what we've been up to in a nutshell. Hopefully, my new flash drive and computer will cooperate and I'll be up and running soon with posting new pictures.