Samantha Jordan

My heart grew on Thursday. My sister gave birth to another beautiful little girl. Samantha hasn't been around for a week and she has already stolen everyone's heart. I can't wait to go see her this weekend!

Samantha Jordan

January 27, 2011 at 8:16am

7lbs, 7oz, 20 inches long.

Little Gym

I took Landon to the Little Gym in Gainesville on Saturday. They offer a free class to try so what the heck! He was exactly how I expected him to be - a CLING ON. He didn't let me go until the last five minutes of the class. The teacher promised that he would get better the more that he went but I am not sure.

He was the oldest kid in the class so I wonder if he would benefit from going to the next class up where all the kids are walking. In the class we went to there were a lot of crawlers/starting to walk. I think he would learn a lot from going to the Little Gym. They teach tumbling, sign language, sing songs, and play games. I guess Adam and I will keep it in mind and see if it is something we want him to do on a regular basis.

Has anyone else been to the Little Gym or something similar that their child really enjoyed?

Saturday Night Live

I think that Saturday Night Live is a really funny show. It has been known to make me LOL from time to time. To be frank with you, it doesn't compare to how much I laugh with Landon. He hasn't been feeling well as you know this past week and even with all that going on he still managed to entertain us for the evening. I hope this is a trait that he carries with him through his whole life.

When times get tough - keep on smiling and laughing!





"What you takin' bout Willis?" Face

One Little Table, One Little Chair

I want Landon to have his own little area to be creative or to sit and read. I think it is important that he has a place for himself that is "Landon" sized. I am still looking for a chair that is a little more comfortable for lounging with mom and dad in front of the television.


Maybe something like this:

But for now he has a cute little blue table and an unfinished chair. Adam didn't really like the chair because of the color but I saw "project" so we picked it up anyways. I plan on painting it to match the table.


We have yet to color and do art projects as I had planned but he is really enjoying sitting at his table and reading his books. Sometimes he just wants to sit at the table because he can. I think he feels important when he sits at his table.

Feet ALMOST touch the ground



Sweet Savannah

Sometimes she is just the sweetest little doggie I know. She gets terrorized by Landon basically everyday so I thought it was cute when she curled up on his pajamas like this.

Seriously, could this photo be any sweeter? Love her!

Barbecue Chili

I wasn't too sure about this recipe at first. I don't like my food to touch on my plate so I was a little hesitant.


Pork Barbecue and Chili? Not a combination I would put together.


Let me tell you it was DELICIOUS! And super easy! And by easy, I mean EASY! Literally dump and stir!


We are always looking for meals that are quick fixes. By the time my husband and I get home from work we have to hustle to get everyone fed, bathed, and in bed. I am talking like I have multiple children but as you know I only have one. It feels like more I guess.


Back to the food - so here is the recipe:

Barbecue Chili Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds shredded barbecue pork
2 (14.5-oz.) cans diced tomatoes with green pepper, celery, and onion
1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/3 cup Chili Seasoning Mix
 
Preparation: (Only one step - LOVE IT!)
1. Stir together shredded pork and remaining ingredients in a Dutch oven; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Serve with desired toppings  




Barbecue Chili



I made a few alternations: 1) I do not own a dutch oven (nor do I really know what one is) so I used a regular pot. I honestly don't know what the difference would be if I had used a dutch over but whatever, it turned out yummy all the same  2) I used packaged chili seasoning instead of Southern Living's recipe. I am just cheap and lazy like that. But if you prefer to go all Martha Stewart and make your own the recipe is below. It looks easy enough but grabbing the 60 cent pre-made package was easy too.

Chili Seasoning Mix:
3/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 tablespoons seasoned salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
 
 
This dish was enjoyed by all so we will be adding this recipe into rotation into our home since it meets the criteria in our home of quick, easy, and delicious.
 
- Ginger

Delicious Disasters 2011

I am a southern girl at heart. I have spent a good portion of my life living in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. I was born a Georgia Peach and I plan on staying that way as long as I can.

I want to stick to my roots for this segment of my blog so I decided to use the recipes from the 2007 Edition of Southern Living Cookbook. I not only choose this cookbook because of their great down home recipes but also for the format of the book. They divide up their receipes by month so it will be easy for me to pick a few out and share them with all of you.

We caught a bug!

Stomach bug that is.

After my fourth costume change of the evening (I will spare you the details) we headed out to the ER to get Landon checked out. We wanted to make sure that dehydration wasn't an issue and I'll admit it, we are new parents which means we may over react at times.

I am really glad we went. Even though we were all tired, hungry (you would think we had seen enough food for the evening), and cranky he seemed to make a very quick recovery. The doctors gave him medicine to help with the vomiting and then we slowly let him drink some juice.

So what do you do when you have a one year old who wants his juice but has to wait five minutes in between sips? You start a marching band silly! It is hard to see in this video but he was so cute trying to march his little feet. We either marched in our marching band, played peek a boo with the nurses outside our door, or opened and closed our privacy curtain.

That's why I love my family - no matter what the situation we try and make of the best of what we are given. And thank you Landon for making my 29th Birthday the most memorable yet! XOXO

NOTE: I didn't get a chance to do my vocal warm up so I may be a little out of tune. And this is very bad video quality which could also affect the quality of my voice. Just a few things to keep in mind ; )

Did you know...

... when you are one years old that this is a lot of fun? At 29, it looks like a trip to the emergency room.

He had been jumping, or should I say falling, like that for awhile before I turned the camera on. Landon hasn't figured out that when the camera is on the show begins not ends.

(video taken December 3, 2010)

Dear Landon,

You are your mother's child and I love you for it! The past few weeks you have been testing boundaries to see what you can get away with. It has been a challenge to say the least. Your dad and I have struggled and maybe we didn't do everything right but hey, we are learning here too!

In the end we just want what's best for you. We want you to grow up to be a strong, honest, caring, loving, smart, passionate person who enjoys sitting down at the dinner table to enjoy a nice meal and doesn't throw juice cups at people who love him. I don't think this is asking for too much, what do you think?

It was a rough couple weeks but through good times and bad we love you more and more everyday. Just remember that we are on your side ALWAYS.

Love,

Mom

It's My Birthday!!!!!

I have made it to my 29th year! I am usually not big on birthdays but for some reason this is an important year to me. I guess because it is my last one in my twenties and I want to take full advantage of every opportunity while I am still young, haha.

Every birthday I set goals for the new year and this one is no exception. I have them all listed out and I am looking forward to making tons of progress personally and otherwise. Including but not limited to (a little work lingo):

a. Be more organized!
b. Lose Weight (this one comes around every year but after this one I will say "maintain weight")
c. Cook and Bake more (not to worry - I will keep item 'B' in mind while completing item 'C')
d. Blog More
e. Have more patience (it is a virtue you know!)
f. Read More Books
g. Start a home business
h. Spend more time with family and friends (Get ready the Walls Family is coming for you!)
i. Finish Start decorating my house

There are many more but I don't want to appear TOO ambitious even though I am. I will keep you updated on my progress and the journey in my 29th year. Let's call it "The Road to 30 and the End of Life as We Know it". Well, that seems a bit harsh...how about "Journey to 30"? That even rhymes a bit.

Last but not least thank you to all my family and friends for the birthday wishes! Ya'll are the reason I look forward to everyday. I am so lucky to have so many wonderful people in my life. You are all a blessing to me and are deeply appreciated and loved especially these little buggers (I have been reading a lot of Cecelia Ahearn novels lately - see already working on item "f" - and I just LOVE that word) below and my dear husband Adam.

Hard to Believe....

You used to sleep in this chair every night.

Now you sit in the chair like a big boy.

My Fridge Art!

January 4, 2011 was the first day that I received art work from Landon. This month they are learning about occupations.

This was his first assignment. He colored cute little postcards and now he has his very own mail sack. I scanned in the postcards so maybe I will mail them to some special grandparents.

Then we received this. I am still trying to figure out what it is exactly. I think it is a spaceship or an airplane?

The next activity involved glitter - fancy! I was told that Landon was not a fan seeing as he would have to get his hands messy and all to use it.

Today they learned about dentists. It is very hard to see in the photo but Landon did a little doodle on the white lined paper.

Mother Goose Preschool

Have I told you lately how much I LOVE Little Treasure's Daycare?

Since music class is coming to an end Ms. K is offering "Mother Goose Preschool". The class just started the first of the year and I love it so far. I am no longer the jealous mom who wants cute art work that her kid made. I am now a mom who has cute art work! I can't wait to post it all over my fridge!

Before I show you all the cute stuff Landon has made I first want to give you a little more information about the program. Below are a few of the newsletters that we received from Ms. K.

Foodie

I feel myself slowly becoming a foodie. We have been really slow at work lately so to kill some time I have been reading A LOT of food blogs. I don't recommend this to anyone who is trying to diet. VERY BAD IDEA. All of the food looks so delicious and I really want to try out some of the recipes. The more I read the more I feel I can actually cook. This might be another bad idea.

I am in the middle of menu planning for the week and I had an idea (now that I think I can cook and all) what if I took a cookbook and did my own Julie and Julia thing. I don't think I could commit to blogging about everything and I KNOW I wouldn't be cooking out of Julia Childs' cookbook. I guess it could be fun to see what I come up with. Maybe I will call it "Delicious Disasters".

Stay tuned....

Me & My Kids

I have days when I feel like I am literally going to loose my mind. I feel overwhelmed with everything that I need to get done to take care of everyone and myself. At times it is just feels like too much. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to go to the bathroom without anyone else in the room or eat my dinner while it is still hot. I dream about having a conversation with my husband without having to speak over barking or whining. I try to remember what it was like to make dinner with the full use of both of my hands.

Then you reach out your little arms to me and climb into my lap and I forget about everything else. Every sacrifice is totally worth it! I love my family and I wouldn't change my life for all the riches in the world.

Now if I could only get Landon to look at the camera. Hmmmm...

Epic Fail!

Landon got a cute little guitar for Christmas from my Dad and when the music comes on he dances to the beat. Obviously I think that is the cutest thing ever so I wanted to get it on camera. Let's just say things didn't work out quite like I had planned.

Attempt One = FAIL

Attempt Two = FAIL



Attempt Three = FAIL

Attempt Four = FAIL

Please note that as soon as I put the camera down he was back to dancing again. Oh well I guess there is alway tomorrow.

Sprinkles!

After a few minutes of decorating the cookies Landon figured out that the sprinkles tasted pretty yummy!

Christmas Cookies

We started a new Christmas tradition in our house this year of making Christmas cookies. They didn't turn out to be the prettiest or the tastiest cookies ever made but we had a lot of fun baking them. Next year we will try and up our game a little and try some new receipes. This go around we stuck to traditional sugar cookies decorated with sprinkles. I think the sprinkles were Landon's favorite part (see next blog).

Browsing the Circular

A.C. Moore must have been having a good sale because Landon was very interested in the ad.

Please excuse the mess. This video was filmed in the black hole of our home.

The Great Adventure Tent

I read an article once that said children Landon's age like having a little house of their own to play in. We don't have the room for a play house in our home so for Christmas we bought Landon an Adventure Tent. It is good for indoor and outdoor play and comes with a little tube. We weren't sure how he would react and I was surprised at how fast he took from crawling in and out of the tube.

I am hoping as he grows up and his imagination expands this little tent will turn into a pirate ship, mysterious caves, and whatever else his mind will take him. The possibilities are endless.

Crawling through the tunnel.

Psycho!

Landon is acting out scenes from Alfred Hitchcock movies now.

Be on the look out because he is coming to a shower near you!

Hibernation

We're back! We have been hibernating the last few weeks enjoying the holidays. The past few weeks have been filled with family, friends, and lots of fun! The holidays are definitely my favorite part of the year but I am glad that it is over. There are so many activities to do and it truely is a lot of work. We managed to start and continue a few traditions and I hope that we will be able to add a few more as Landon gets older.

I am sure you are all wondering what all we have been up to the last few weeks. I have tons of photos and videos to share with you. It may take me all week to fill you in on everything so hang in there it will be worth the wait. I promise!