Kailey's last day of Work!

 

This past Friday Kailey finished her last shift at Solutions. It was a bittersweet time for her, its exciting that she is going off to University but sad she won't be seeing her co-workers regularly. Kailey really likes her place of work and very much enjoys her co-workers. She came home from work Friday night with tears, happy ones and sad ones. When she left they gave her a lovely card which everyone signed. That was so nice, and I sent her with these cake balls. Kailey said everyone loved them and that made me happy.

 

We are very grateful that Kailey will be able to pick up shifts were needed, and if school doesn't occupy too much of her time maybe the occasional weekend she can get a visit in at her work. She is hoping they will have room for her at Christmas, it would be ideal if she could get some shifts in over the holidays and get some extra cash.

I know this year is going to go so quickly, and she'll be back home sleeping in her bedroom before I know it. Doesn't make it any easier, but I will take comfort knowing she's only 30-40 mins away~

Well my lovelies, until tomorrow good night and god bless~

Dog Dayz Saturdayz....

 

Ella Bean~

Oliver <3 p="">

Fashion Friday is starting to concern me...

Ok so here's the scoop, when I did some investigation on the statistics of my blog I came to realize that my Fashion Fridays get a lot of views. My goal is too clearly get more viewers and hopefully possibly become interactive with them. I decided to keep that going, hoping maybe i'll bring in some more views. Even though I do have some readers coming through on those posts, I have absolutely no idea how to keep them interesting. If you know me well enough, then you'll know I don't really have a lot of fashion sense. Sadly I fear I am going to be repeating myself over and over again, just showing you outfits I like from Pinterest. My friends I need to find a way to make my Fashion Fridays more interesting and more personal. So hang in there with me, I am going to do my best to bring something fun to these posts.

I sadly don't have anything to share this Friday, I will leave you with a couple pictures I did find and I do love~
Do any of you look for season outfits to see what is "in" during that season? I do, and then I buy pieces to mix and match in my own wardrobe. I just find it easier that way and I figure if I like it in the picture then I'll like it in the mirror.
Here you go,

I love my jean shorts, you all know that! But I also love grey baggy sweaters, nothing screams comfy more than that picture above. Probably my fav~

 Again another cozy sweater, I think I am going to invest in a couple of these this fall/winter.

Here it is, the total package! This works really well when shopping for your adult children, especially for Christmas or birthdays. I did that last year for Kailey, I had her search her favorite clothing stores and then send me outfits (Complete outfits) that I could get for her. You don't have to have the exact same pieces as the pictures show. I mean Artzia may sell a sweater for 130.00 that you like, but if you look around and find one similar but cheaper then why not go that route? I mean you could easily find a pretty beige cable knit sweater at Forever 21 for 24.99. This complete look you could find for cheaper prices...what does it matter where you get it?
Well my friends there you have it...I hope you got something out of it~
Until tomorrow good night and god bless~

Pool parties with Friends...Throwback Thursday!

Throwback Thursday~

 

Oh these pictures have got to be at least 14 years ago. Again this was another family filled day around the pool one hot summer day. This is The MacPhee family, Greg,Candy,Nick,Kelsey & Riley. According to my notes on this scrapebook page we had a bbq and enjoyed the sun. Look how little Riley was...he was literally just a baby. It was a great day, I loved those days around the pool with friends. Its so weird today not too hear the kids in the back screaming and splashing around the pool.

 

We sure had fun-filled summers, I like to think  my kids were very fortunate. They had many friends, they had a pool, a boat and many many get together's. Blessed~

Although things have changed around here, and yes there are some days I look at the stilled waters of my pool and feel an ache in my heart. I can't express enough how much fun we have now that the kids are grown. Our fun is different, but to be able to have a BBQ with our kids today and share in some drinks. There is nothing like that, we laugh, joke and share stories all while making new memories.

 

On a sad note, yesterday we lost a member of our family. Suzanne came into the family many years ago and married Paul's dad 2 years ago. She had a quiet presence amongst the big group of us, she enjoyed the larger family life. But most importantly she brought something wonderful to my Father in laws life, she brought something new...she was so very smart. Always teaching him, explaining worldly things to him and constantly sharing facts to keep his interest and love of life alive.

He is going to miss her, they were buddies. They loved having lunch out together and then enjoying a cup of noodles in the evening while he watched sports and she had laptop time. I am going to miss her, I truly did love my talks with her. She had such an interesting life, she did so much travelling and was educated much later in life to become an English teacher. She made me laugh, such a wonderful sense of humour. Something you had to listen for, but she was quick and always up for a laugh. I am happy that Paul and I had one last cottage visit this summer with both of them. I will have those memories of our lunch in Port Dover, our trip to buy fruit in our local market. We had a lovely day, even though I am sad we won't share another afternoon like that with Suzanne I am thankful I had that time.

 

Until I see you again Suzanne, good night and god bless~

Above all else..people will always remember you by how you made them feel~ Never forget that!

100 Things I want to Teach My Daughter

 #88 Above all else...People Will Always Remember You By How You Made Them Feel~ Never Forget That~

It's not going to matter what you do for people, what's more important is how you made them feel.

My advice to you is that you always make those around you feel good when they are with you. You will want others to love who they are when they are with you.
Don't mistaken that for feeling like you are responsible for someone else's happiness...that is NOT your job.

It feels really good to make others smile, to share in a laugh. Its important to be there for someone in a time of weakness, make yourself available to those in your life.
Don't get caught up in someone else's drama, its perfectly ok to know when something or someone is effecting your life in a negative way. Once again, its not your job to save someone.
Someone else's problems are not your problems. It's ok to be there for them, to do a little an act of kindness. Drop off soup for someone who may be fighting a cold, deliver a coffee to tired friend. Prepare a meal for a mourning family, there are many many things you can do for someone to make them feel good. But never think you can fix their problems.

You want someone to be able to say at the end of the day "Oh that Kailey Martz really liked my outfit today, she told me how pretty I looked. That made my day..."
Give compliments, LOTS of them. Always pay attention and always looks someone in the eye. That validates their existence. It will make them feel good to be with you~

Don't mistake kindness for taking advantage of, always do something that you want too...not something that you feel you have too.
Well my lovelies, its a quick one tonight. Hoping you got something out of this post...so until tomorrow good night and god bless~

Painting with my favorite girl in the whole world~

On Monday Kailey came with me to a painting class. I had an extra ticket and thought I would ask her. I figured it would be a nice way to spend some extra time with her before she is gone to school in September. She was happy to join me and switched her shift at work. We had a great time, Lynn and Karen also painted.

Unfortunately the instructor who we are use too wasn't the one doing the class. That kinda frustrated me because it was Kailey's first time and Rachel (Owner of Social Art) has the best way of teaching a class. It would have been helpful if the new instructor would have explained to everyone how each brush works. Or maybe demonstrate how to paint certain pieces of the picture. She was a good teacher, but I think she is new and that made it harder for Kailey. Not to mention this painting was actually really difficult. Considering the level of difficulty Kailey pulled it off like a pro. She did a great job, and naturally I think its perfect. I will display it proudly~

 

Finished products...she did a wonderful job~ She said she enjoyed herself and would do it again sometime. I was a proud mom, and I loved every moment we shared.

You can see her progress as we go along...lol

Look at her go....

Working on the lamp post, the shading was one of the harder parts!

She's still smiling....lol and her picture looks great! Thank you for coming Kailey and spending that time with your ol'mom...I love my beautiful Freckled Fox!

Well my lovelies, i'm happy to be caught up on my posts once again. When I fall behind I get a bit upset with myself because I find the quality of my blog posts dies a bit. I just don't take the proper time too add creativity to my words or visuals. I promise to continue to work on that, I am doing my best. SO until tomorrow good night and god bless~

 

 

Monday's Menu~

 One Pan Chicken Alfredo

 

I am sorry this post is late, I did power through 3 posts on Sunday night so that's impressive. Lol

I made this recipe and thought I would share it. I asked Kailey what she would like and she said any kind of pasta with Chicken. I found this simple recipe on Pinterest, thought I would try it and it was actually delicious~

Its sooo easy but soooo good. Honestly you could totally make this for company, add a salad and fresh bread you'd have yourself something amazing. Not too mention its cost effective too...and it tastes even better when you warm it up the second day.

 

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1¼ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 14 oz can of low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ½ a pound of penne pasta, or any bite-sized shape pasta, uncooked
• 2 cups of freshly shredded real parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Flat leaf parsley for garnish

Start by cutting chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces. Season with ½ a teaspoon of kosher salt and a few turns of pepper.

Brown chicken in olive oil over medium high heat.It does not need to be cooked through at this point, it will continue cooking as it simmers.

Once chicken is browned, add minced garlic and saute for about one minute

Add chicken broth, cream, and uncooked pasta to pan and stir.

Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender

Remove from heat and stir in shredded parmesan cheese.

Season with salt and pepper as needed.

Can you see that shredded cheese in there, O' the goodness!!

Well my lovelies there you have it...Monday's Menu.

Until tomorrow good night and god bless~

Dinner with Great Family Friends~

There really is nothing better than dinner with great family friends~

The Carrigan family  is one I have been a part of since a very young age...like maybe as young as 2 years old. Tonight we were invited over for a dinner party, and I can't express to you how much that meant too me. Not only were Paul and I invited but so were my parents. Well actually my dad and Gary pictured below throwing the bean bag during a game of Corn hole have been friends for over 40 years.

Now I am not too sure how much I want too divulge about Colleen and her parents feelings around entertaining. But what I will say is that even though they don't do it often...they certainly pulled off one hell of an evening tonight. I think we kinda all feel the same as they do sometimes, its exciting to have friends and family over but that can always sometimes bring anxiety and nervousness. Honestly for years I didn't have any kind of fear around entertaining. I absolutely loved it, and I did it ALL the time. It was nothing for me, I could whip up a party in a day....and not to brag, but I think I did a darn good job. I will also say that confidence comes with the company I was always serving. I mean, I loved everyone in my home. There was just something about everyone eating, drinking, laughing and swimming that made me feel complete.

Lately however, I have had some anxiety around entertaining and I've shied away from it. Everytime I open my home up and have people here I have major panic attacks. I know I will work through it and gain my confidence again.

SO back to Colleen and her parents having us for dinner. I know it is something they enjoy, and I know if they didn't want to have us they wouldn't. But I cannot tell you in words how wonderful it was for them to open their home and invite us over for dinner. It meant the world to me, after all these years of having my own dinner parties its so nice to be invited somewhere else.

To top this whole evening off, they even had Corn hole. That happens to be Paul and my dad's favorite summer game at the cottage, so those two were in all their glory today. They shared in a few games with Colleen, Brenda and Gary. Right up their ally....

Colleen, you did an amazing job...all of you did! We had a lovely time, and your meal was delicious. I didn't get any pics..sorry...because it was busy with the dogs there. But they had quite the meal, Pulled Beef with a homemade sauce along with pasta salad, broccoli salad and veggies. Another relaxing evening with our glasses filled, wine chilled and music that made me smile. Of course...it was 80's. They truly catered to us, well done my friends it was marvelous.  

Couple serious games of Corn hole was had....Brenda taking her shots. She was a natural at it, really gave the other team a hard time. I have a feeling if Brenda were an athlete she'd be one of those who was good at everything!!

Dad and Paul, working hard to keep up too Brenda!

Colleen and Brenda's fairy garden. I fell in love with this little village. I have been contemplating doing my own fairy garden. They have been quite the hype this summer, maybe I will start one this coming spring. I just love it!!

They have a big beautiful backyard, so they told us to bring the little dogs. With all the dinner parties and wedding this weekend we didn't get much time with the pups. It was super great that they told us to bring them. The only problem was Ella's big mouth. She is such a barker....she annoyed me but in time she settled and I was able along with everyone else to relax and enjoy the evening. Little buggar!!!

Well my friends, I am exhausted. It was one of those weekends that was non-stop but filled with family and friends. It was a perfect weekend, I loved every minute of it!

I'm caught up on my blogs...so I'm a happy blogger tonight~

Well my lovelies, until tomorrow good night and god bless xo

 

Dog Dayz Saturdayz and Dinner with great Neighbours

Can you believe we are already at Dog Dayz Saturdayz? Didn't I just upload a photo of the pups and already its that time.

This Saturday our neighbours Bonnie & Al invited us for dinner and a swim. It couldn't have come at a better time. After the wedding on Friday it sure was nice to relax in their pool. No dogs, no kids...nothing! It was all about us and them. We had such a nice time, they made dinner for us and let me tell you it was definitely something to blog about. I mean look at that picture below.... 

We had a delicious salad, tomatoe, mozzarella, basil and balsamic oil (I think) drizzled over to finish off this taste sensation. Potatoes were done to perfection and Al timed the pork perfectly. It was marinated in sauce that just added the right amount of flavor. They really are amazing hosts, our glasses were never empty and the laughs were plenty. It was a lovely evening, so relaxing~

Thank you Bonnie and AL, it sure was nice to get caught up and see you guys again.

 

                     One of my favorite side dishes~

 

Bonnie and AL recently had their home renovated. They did many upgrades throughout the house and also completely redid their kitchen. It looks gorgeous, what a wonderful spot to entertain.

 

 

Since it is technically dog dayz Saturdayz I figured I would share a pic of the pups....

 

This is how I find them every Saturday morning....the loves of my life~

 

Well my lovelies, I am wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with lots of love and family. Until tomorrow good night and god bless~

Fashion Friday~A wedding to Remember!

Happy Friday Friends!! This Friday our family had a wedding to attend. Our nephew Josh and his beautiful bride Ana tied the knot. SO naturally as this day approaches I go into hysterics because I can NEVER find any type of dress to fit my body type. It is the biggest non-important struggle of my life. It  is something I have had problems with my whole life, mostly because I am terribly short. Secondly, as I gained weight I sadly gain it all in the middle. This leaves me with the dreaded "Apple shape". That's any woman's worse fear, you see...because I am larger around the middle I have to buy bigger sizes. But then I have these incredibly fine looking, toned, tanned thin legs that drown in a sea of material due to the over sized circumference of my middle. Its just so ridiculous. I can't even shop for a nice pant suit without having alterations done to it that I could seriously come away with a whole new outfit from the material being shaved away to accommodate these legs.

I am tired of stressing, crying and getting angry trying to find just the right outfit. This wedding I got smart. I did a lot of research and really took my time finding something that I knew would work for my Apple Body.

Knowing that my best bet would be to look at Petite stores again cause I'm 5 foot nothing, off we went to Laura Petite. I tried on 4 dresses and then found this one, and you know what? It was the most comfortable, flattering dress I have ever owned. It is amazing what a dress can do to someone's confidence.

I haven't always had that problem, I didn't start gaining weight until I was in my 40's. Well I have always been short, but the weight struggle didn't happen until my 40's. I am however back on track and working very hard to get rid of some of this apple body.

Here I am with Paul, seeing some of these pictures confirmed to me I had made the right choice~
I was very comfortable and felt great, we stayed until almost the end and danced a few dances with family. It was a lovely evening, and an absolutely beautiful wedding.

I wanted to share with you some dresses that I had looked through while searching for a dress to suit my body. So my friends if I have any other Apple body types out there, this is the style for you~

This one here I feel is stunning, if you are a tall apple body type you could totally keep it long. I however would have too shorten it. Bring it up just over the knee, show off some of my sexy legs~

I loved this one below too...the cape effect is great. Totally me~

I know there are many other body types and maybe next Fashion Friday i'll divulge into the other types. I wanted to share with you my diliama and what I did to make it better for myself.

I want to share with you some photos from the wedding. I have to say it was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been at. Ana and Josh made their day so elegant, classy and personal. They had so many personal effects throughout their wedding that made it just their own. We had a wonderful time, and loved spending an evening with family.

Below is the head table with the Bride and groom and wedding party. Stunning table~

Some of the nieces and nephews at their table. We are one blessed family to have such great kids,

they are all close and love spending time together.

And here is all the adults/parents.  Clearly another good looking group.

Kailey with her Uncle Dave and Uncle Thom~

Guess who caught the garter...yep the boy did!

Here are some of the personal touches that I loved so much. It was an outdoor wedding and while the guests waited for the Bride we could help ourselves to fresh lemonade or cold water.

The sign is adorable~

 

 

Here comes the Bride

Ana if you are reading this I want you to know you were a beautiful bride.  Your wedding was gorgeous and we had the best time ever~ I wish you all the best in life, and I know I don't have to tell

 you that you have married one hell of a guy! Welcome to the family darling,  we've certainly gained one special woman.

Well my lovelies, I hope everyone has had a fantastic Friday. Until tomorrow my friends good night and god bless~~ xo

Happy birthday Spark~

Happy Birthday to my hubby, he turned 49 today.

We had a lovely evening, decided to have his celebration on his actual birthday. Usually we celebrate on the closest Sunday. But we have a busy weekend so I thought it would be nice to have dinner and cake tonight.

 I always try to get something funny for the birthday person to wear on their head when we have their dinner party. Hubby sported this funny hat during dinner, and of course while we sang happy birthday. He is such a good sport, anything for me~

The next two pictures are my Throwback Thursday. These pictures were taken on his birthday 24th birthday. 1990, and we had been together for just over a year. I had gotten him this basketball net for his bedroom at home. We had cake at my mom's, and of course did the whole birthday celebration. Even back then we celebrated on the closest Sunday. My mom would have cooked dinner, then we had homemade cake.

That's my brother Shaun in the picture below, can you believe he was only like 14/15 years old. He was just a baby. Its so nice to look back at these pictures and see how far we've come. LOL we have had so many birthday celebrations together. Looking forward to many more to come!

So here is the cake I made, it is a wood barrel, filled with beer and ice lol. Both the kids were around today so they helped me with this somewhat. Well they actually supported me during this process. I made the "ice" out of Rock Candy.

I emptied the beer cans and obviously cleaned them out before I put them on the cake.

Candles, birthday wishes, love and family~

Paul's brother Dave and his wife Char dropped in this evening as well. We had a great visit with them. I am glad them came over...I know Paul was thankful as well~

Well lovelies, I am pretty tired. Its been a long wonderful day. SO I wish you all a wonderful evening. Until tomorrow good night and god bless~

Happy Birthday Paul, I love you too the moon and back~

Wednesday Ramblings~

I'm sort of lost for a post at the moment, I guess because I have a lot going on right now and life is busy. We have a busy couple weeks coming up, exciting times. There is a wedding this Friday in the Martz family and then our daughter moves into her residence. We have 2 birthdays in October, a wedding and a Halloween party. SO that's awesome!

Little side note here, I am sitting here trying to blog and I am eavesdropping on Braden and his attendants. LOL...there is a new one here today supposedly being trained. I could tell within 2 minutes the new one and Braden wasn't mixing well together. Can I even begin to tell you how difficult it is for me too sit back, watch and listen to the exchanges that go on between the new help and Braden. Once I introduce them, I leave. Back in the day I would do all the training, they would ask me all the questions. Today, however when going through a government funded organization and Braden being an adult things have changed drastically. This service sends in their own staff to train their workers. In our situation the attendant who was going to train this new one has literally only had about 4 shifts here. Where on earth does someone think this training session is going to go anywhere. Let me tell you, I'm just not ok with that and quite frankly Braden isn't either. Honestly this poor new attendant had never even come close to doing some of the care things that Braden needs. When I think of what could be happening in there right now, its basically the blind leading the blind. I would love nothing more than to run in there and take over this situation...but I have to trust that Braden will handle it like an adult. If he needs reinforcements he'll come out and get me. Its taken me many years to be able to do what I am doing right now...sitting back and just waiting to be called upon.

Well as predicted, he politely escorted the "new" attendant out the door, lol!
He isn't too happy, so we just had a talk and I tried to explain that he was her first time ever client and she was probably just nervous. He thinks she talked to him like he had a "Mental" disability. I have to agree a little, when someone is uncomfortable with him and not sure what to do they tend to speak loudly and slowly at him. LOL....(Sorry Braden I am dying laughing right now!!)
Kailey was listening to her from her room and after the lady left she came upstairs and asked why she spoke to him like that? She was really upset, again I explained that when people are uncomfortable they tend too act that way. Poor Kailey says..."Jesus, if she wants to talk to someone who's mentally challenged meet me on the couch in 20 mins)...lol
What do I do? We get to this point in government services where we get frustrated and then just cancel. Its so much easier to just hire privately, but we do need to start mixing both worlds. Braden is entitled to services, he does qualify. It would be perfect if we could save some of Braden's money by incorporating funded services. Then we could use that saved money towards equipment and supplies.
Its not easy my friends, and to be honest we have it pretty darn good. My heart aches when I hear of others situations and circumstances. I cringe at some stories, so I am not trying to complain or sound like I am not thankful. I know we are lucky and fortunate to have the means to get Braden all the things he needs. When I say its hard, I just mean more emotionally...things related to the quality of his care. I have no idea how people in our community with disabilities can stay healthy and strong when their care providers and attendants don't have the proper education and training. I could go on and on around the topic of our government replacing nurses with "attendants" in community homes. I so struggle with that. If the day ever comes and I am no longer living close to Braden I made him agree to always have an RN on his health care team. He'll have to hire privately, maybe have that nurse in once a week to just go over things. I want someone who is highly qualified to always have their eyes on him, especially if I can't. Hopefully his sisters profession will lead into some form of medicine. At least then I will know she'll always make sure he is well taken care of. I also have to be thankful that 2 of his good friends are becoming nurses as well, and I pray they stay apart of Braden's life forever.
Fast forward about 7 hours, everyone is in bed and I am here finishing up this blog. Well the day ended on a happier note. I think I have Braden convinced to give this poor girl another chance. One more shot...that's all I ask. I do think in time, and once she relaxes the two of them will get along just fine. She's gonna have to come to terms with the fact that Braden is in charge, she is not the boss and will have to take a back seat in this house. I think that's one of the reasons why Braden didn't care much for her, she came in guns hot ready to rumble. She had a plan, she had her papers and all her ideas laid out. The only problem is...Braden wanted nothing to do with it.
Well my lovelies, I would love to keep rambling on this fine Wednesday but its bed time. I am tired, so until tomorrow good night and god bless~

Are you Dorm Ready? What you need to make your space all your's while in University~

Oh my lovelies, we've come to this time in our lives that we work so hard towards.

The leaving of the nest, when your youngest is off to University.

Yep, we are preparing. We are looking at lists, checking out the best of the fluffiest towels, admiring and choosing sheet sets that match and coordinate a dorm room. Measuring beds, looking through countless comforter sets, duvet options and the endless battle of school supplies.
I sorta feel like we're preparing her for her wedding day, going through Bed, Bath and Beyond searching for the coziest of blankets, pillows, gizmo's and gadgets . Its feels like we are registering patterns, china and appliances for a bridal registry. Going over websites, watching for deals, constantly comparing prices and "what looks best" or "what looks cool?". Endless online shopping for items to bring forth some sort of homey comfort too the sterile looking walls that will house my daughter over the next 8 months.

                                      Not Kailey's dorm, lol...just thought I'd share some pictures~

Thankfully Kailey has some friends who have already started University and have lived in a dorm room, so she has a pretty good idea of what to expect.
Let me mention and too be fair, Kailey is not a high maintenance kinda girl. In fairness she is not putting ridiculous expectations on us, her wants and needs for dorm life have been more than reasonable. Thank god for that cause let me tell you I am truly living my life through her at this time.
I grew up watching one too many 80's teenage movies were life in a dorm was a gift granted to only the best of the best. I did NOT have that experience. I didn't strive for it, I wanted other things in life and to be honest I guess I didn't believe in myself enough to make it happen.
I did go off to College, too a program in Early Childhood Education, which I can say today was my true calling. I can say this with even having a diploma in Nursing which I achieved later in life.
So, even though my dreams led me to Community College, I still lived on my own. Well sort of....I did move in with Paul my first year of college. We got ourselves a cute little apartment and began our life together at the tender age of 20.

I always wonder where my life would have taken me if I had of accepted my acceptance to Fanshawe College in London Ont. That was a choice I had to make, either I go away to college and live independently OR I move out my "at that time" boyfriend and really try to have a future with this guy.

I chose the latter, and I am so happy I did.

I know back in the day my mom was really rooting for me to go away, its not that she didn't want me to be with Paul. It was because she wanted me to be with me. Find out who I was, grow into a wonderfully independent young woman. This is exactly what I want for my daughter.
Luckily she is going to do just that. I am truly blessed. I did not want my daughter to follow in her mothers and grandmothers footprints. There was absolutely NO falling in love during high school happening in this house.
We made it through,  highschool is done for good and she is on the right track to fulfilling her own life dreams.

When I envision her going off to University, living in residence as a single, beautifully brilliant young woman...I see all MY dreams come true. So going back to me living my life through Kailey, this leaves the options for shopping way too flexible. Thankfully Kailey is not trying to take me for all i'm worth in this venture of dorm shopping.  She is being very honest in her choices of accessories. Honestly, I almost don't want too say this out loud but the excitement that I am feeling could very easily having me purchasing  many unnecessary items. Leaving me in debt and her with the coolest, bedazzled dorm room that ever whirled around U of G.
No joke, I am seeping with  joy at the thought of decorating her space. She on the other hand is naturally playing it all off like its "no big deal". I know she's eager, excited and nervous all wrapped up in this ever so cool exterior. But that's why I love her, she's her fathers daughter and she has learned to not feed off my high spirits. The excitement pops off me like flea's,
 you can almost see the little bastards popping off me with little firecrackers lighting up and sparking my whole universe. It's outrageous~

Anyone who knows me, knows I am a planner. I like my lists. If you haven't started shopping yet let me tell you that Bed, Bath and Beyond has their shit together. Kailey and I ventured into that store and right before our eye's they provided lists....lists to your exact dorm room..within your very own University.
They did all the work for you, it was amazing! They had Kailey's residence listed, along with all the do's and dont's. It was perfect.

I am going to share with you a generalized list, some items you can at least start to think about. It's just the time to start planning~

My daughters dorm room provided these items:
Bed/mattress (check for sizing)                            Cable TV
Dresser                                                                   Internet Access
Wardrobe/closet                                                     Shower
Desk/chair                                                           
Overhead lighting
Mirror
Window coverings

We have to provide the following:

Bedding & Accessories:                                           Storage & Organization:

Sheets (suggest 2-3 sets)                                              Hangers
Mattress pad and protector                                           Double closet rod
Mattress Topper (Foam Topper)                                  Storage crates/utility Bins
Bed pillows, Pillow cases                                             Under bed storage                                       
Comforter                                                                     Bed Risers
Blanket/Throw                                                              Memo Boards
Alarm clock                                                                  Over-the-door Mirror
                                                                                     Wall safe Adhesive (3M) For hanging pictures
                                                                                     Flashlight
                                                                                     First aid kit
                                                                                     Umbrella
Bath/Personal Care:                                                 Desk Accessories:
Towels/washcloths (2-3 sets recommended)              Desk lamp/light bulbs
Bathrobe/shower shoes                                               Desk supplies/calculator
Shower caddy                                                              Lap desk/bed desk
Personal supplies/soap/shampoo etc                           Bulletin board/dry erase board
Hair dryer/curling iron etc
Toothbrush
Shaving supplies

Laundry & Cleaning:                                               Electronics & Auto:
Laundry bag/basket                                                     Surge protectors/Power strips
Laundry supplies                                                         USB Hub/ Wall Adaptors      
Drying rack                                                                 Extension cords
Iron w/auto Shut off/steamer                                      Ear buds/ Headphones
Cleaning supplies, Broom/dust pan                            Portable charger
Hand vacuum             
Step stool
Wastebasket & Trash bags

Room Décor:                                                             Kitchen Tools & Dining:
Area rug                                                                     Water pitcher                 
Toss Pillows/floor cushions                                       Food storage
Frames                                                                        Plates, Bowls and eating utensils
Backrest                                                                      Can opener
Odour eliminator/room fragrance
Fan

So there you have it, this was the list I found at Bed, Bath and Beyond. Your best bet would be to go to your nearest store and find the list that suits your child's dorm. But if you are just stopping by and hadn't given this much thought then there you go...its a start.
Well friends, we put a dent in this list but have a long way to go. Its fun, we are having a great time with it. I hope if this is what you are experiencing right now in your life that you too can enjoy it.
Until tomorrow my friends, goodnight and god bless~

Monday Menu Weight Watchers Butterfingers Dessert~

Weight Watchers Butterfingers dessert~

Well my friends, on Sunday I made this weight watchers Butterfingers dessert. The family didn't believe it was a low-fat dessert, but according to weight watchers it is!!

It was also one of the most easiest recipes ever!

Let me start with the creamy filling. That my friends was made from a one box of Low fat Butterscotch pudding mixed with 1 1/2 cup of skim milk. Beat that together until the pudding thickens.

Add 2 cups of low fat calorie wise cool whip, blend in until mixed thoroughly. The cake mixture is just your basic Angel food cake.

So tear apart the cake, into bite size pieces and put a layer in the bottom of your chosen dish. Then add a layer of the butterscotch/cool whip mixture, then top with broken pieces of the small Butterfinger candy bars. You will need about eight of those, repeat the layers and finish off with the chocolate bars.

Honestly this recipe is so easy and was really good. The whole family enjoyed it!

Well my lovelies, its been a busy day. This week is busy, plus I am getting Kailey ready for University so we are out this week looking for stuff she will need.

So, with that said its short and sweet tonight,

good night and god bless~ xo

Dog Dayz Saturday~

                                 DOG DAYZ SATURDAYZ

On Friday we had a rain day, here is Ella lounging on the couch wearing her Ralph Lauren Polo shirt. Looking absolutely adorable.

Below is Finn, doing what she does best...swimming. Poor girl loves it so much that she can't move for days after she has had an afternoon in the pool.

Oliver below DOES NOT like the pool, he avoids it the best he can. We do however make him take a dip occasionally. Mostly because its so hot and it will cool him down. Ella loves to swim she and Finn do really well. But poor Ollie, wants nothing to do with it.

I have just chosen an assortment of Saturdays around the Martz home and cottage.

Enjoy~

Ohhhh these I made on a really hot day. The dogs really liked them. They were a little bit too big for the little dogs as the dog cookie is large and could be quite filling for them. But I just made some low sodium chicken broth and froze it with a dog cookie inside. They turned out cute, and they worked well on really hot days. Kept them busy for a few minutes anyways lol...
~Pupsicles~

The bottom picture isn't the nicest looking one around of our environment. lol...never mind the state of the tables and concrete. Looks old, which it is...we do have nicer patio furniture but this stuff was out and in the shade. Ethan was swimming at the time so we wanted to be close enough to engage him. Ella looks majestic with her daddy. She loves him, shes with him constantly when he is home. She is definitely a daddy's girl.

Baby Ella on a Saturday morning at the cottage, chillin~

Well Lovelies, i'm all caught up on blogging. Feels good....so until tomorrow Good day and god bless~ xo