Happy Homemaker Monday

Hi Lovelies! 

It's 9:23pm on a Monday and I'm just now sitting down to write this post. I have been a happy little homemaker today. Thanks to my wonderful hubby (who entertained the Little)  I was able to clean the house and finish up the laundry. So, how fitting is it that I'm linking up with Sandy for Happy Homemaker Monday? 

So, grab the button, answer the questions and have fun! 

The Weather......I think Fall is almost here! I cannot wait to start decorating for Halloween.

Right now I am........writing this post and watching one of my favorite movies on Netflix

Thinking.......that I really need to work on class tonight since I have a paper due on Wednesday. I also need to update my planners and my home management notebook.

On my reading pile........I'm still reading "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks. In my opinion, this book is so different from his others. I'm really loving it. 

On my TV.......right now I am watching some older movies on Netflix and watching old reruns of Full House and Friends on Nick and Nite.

What I found while surfing the net.......some websites discussing clean eating (I can't find them at the moment, but as soon as I do I'll link the posts.

On the menu this week....... (recycling this menu)

Monday: Old fashioned crockpot roast with potatoes and carrots
Tuesday: Spaghetti (red and white sauce) with garlic bread
Wednesday: Baked potatoes with salad
Thursday: Beans with Mexican cornbread and salad
Friday: Catfish with orzo and carrots
Saturday: Chicken lasagna roll ups with salad
Sunday: Smothered steak, mashed potatoes, and corn 

On my to do list.......work on homework assignments for class, general household chores and of course the never ending laundry.

In the craft basket......I'm working on  blanket for the Little.

Looking forward to this week....... story time and dance class with my Little

Looking around the house....... again, my house is actually clean!!!!All that is left to do is to fold and put away the laundry

From the camera.......

Devotional....... I'm using this devotional again, because it's my favorite

 Genesis 21:1-7

The Birth of Isaac

21 Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. ² Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. ³ Abraham gave the name Isaac^[a] to the son Sarah bore him. ⁴ When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. ⁵ Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

⁶ Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” ⁷ And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

~Angie

Five on Friday

Hi Lovelies!

I hope everyone has had a great Friday! Ours has been fun and a bit busy with a park playdate and dance class. I thought I would write a Five on Friday post. Enjoy!!!

~One~

 

 "A" had her dance class today, and she did great. We are so proud of her. I can't wait until to see the whole routine. It's going to be so cute. 

~Two~ 

I have been doing some reading the last few days and I have been enjoying "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks. I'm a few chapters into it and I'm loving it so far. 

~Three~

The weather. It has been so nice here lately. Not too hot and not too cold. Although there are still some days where it's in the 90s, but from the looks of the 7 day forecast the 90 degree weather my out of here in the next few days. Fingers crossed.

~Four~

I found this water bottle at Target last week and let's just say that I'm loving it! 

~Five~

I have been on the hunt for a purse/handbag that I can carry everything in like, snacks, drinks, wipes for the Little, and still have enough room for my wallet, keys, phone, and planner..... well, I think I finally found one. Last night, I found this beauty and fell in love. So, naturally I ordered it.

~Angie

Mom Caves: Why Can't We Have'em?

Hi Lovelies!

Sorry about not posting since Monday. Whenever I have assignments and papers due my blog tends to get neglected, so I apologize for that. My goal is to start scheduling my posts and hopefully that will help some. Anyway........

I was on Facebook (naturally) one day earlier this week and came across a status update from "What to Expect" about women having "mom caves" and types of items you would have in them. Well, I decided to google "mom caves and I also checked Pinterest and realized that there are tons of "mom" caves out there! Let me tell ya, I did not know that these even existed!!! Now, I thinking that if my hubby can have a man cave, then way can't I have a mom cave?

So, I did some browsing, I think I came up with the perfect "mom cave" for me. Here is mine:

This is how I would want my "mom cave" to look like. Wouldn't it be nice just to hide from everyone and everything, just to recharge your battery, and to R-E-L-A-X? It's a DREAM of mine to have one of these rooms one day.

What would you have in your "mom cave"?

Have a nice evening Lovelies!

~Angie

Sunday Social on a Monday

Hi Lovelies! 

I decided to take Sunday off from blogging just so I could enjoy the day with my little family. We had a great day yesterday. We went to the park, made a couple of Halloween crafts with the Little, and we also made the best chocolate chip cookies this afternoon.

I hated that I missed one of my favorite link ups, Sunday Social with Neely. So, here is my 

 contribution on a Monday:

1. What is your favorite handbag that you have ever owned?

I don't really have a favorite handbag, mainly because I just buy the cheapest ones that I can find. However......

2. What is your dream handbag that you lust over?

3. What are the daily essentials in your purse or work bag?

Let's see.... my wallet, my phone, my keys, a comb, chapstick, my makeup bag, some pens, wipes (for my toddler), some snacks (again, for the Little), and my planners (My Erin Condren Life planner and my student planner).

4. What's in your purse (with pictures)?

I'll have to post the pics later today! 

~Angie

Meant to Be

Hi Lovelies. Today I'm going to talk about my relationship with husband and how we came to be a family of three. However, in order to talk about my relationship with my husband, I need to start from the very beginning, like 20 years ago........

When I left home I was 20 years old and was madly in love with my boyfriend. My dad told me to break up with him or else (he was very controlling), I chose to leave home. The night I left home I left with the clothes on my back and one change of clothes in a duffel bag. My boyfriend's parents opened their home to me and let me live with them. During that time, my dad, brother, and step sister stalked us for 5 years. We went through numerous police reports, and two protective orders (the first was denied because the judge knew my dad, and the second one was granted). After the second protective order was granted my family finally got the hint that I wanted nothing to do with and we were finally left alone. 

It's been almost 20 years and I have only talked to my dad once. 

It's been almost 20 years and my husband and I still together and we have a beautiful 3 year old daughter. We were told we would never make it past a year, well 20 years later we are stronger than ever and our love had grown even more.

I love this quote and it perfectly describes my relationship with my husband. He is my rock and he has made me the woman that I am today.

Have a great Saturday Lovelies! I'll talk to you soon!

~Angie

P.S. If you are interested in the rest of the story please click here.

10 Things that Women should not apologize for while in labor

Hi Lovelies!

Today, I'm going to talk about labor and the things that women should not apologize for. As soon as I pee'd on the stick and it came back positive, I realized that I would have to surrender some of my dignity when it came to pregnancy and to the birthing process. I remember during the first few months of being pregnant I would refer to good ol' Dr. Google for all pregnancy related questions and that included questions about labor. I was one of those women who worried about pooping while pushing, and I was one who actually apologized for throwing up in the delivery room. LOL!

Anyway, I was browsing the internet and found this article about 10 things women should not apologize for during labor and I thought I would share it with you:

10) crushing the bones in your husband's hand during contractions. Considering what you're about to endure, serving as your human squeeze ball is the least he can do for you.

9) having your water break on the bed, floor, nurse or birth plan folder. My water actually broke in our bed (at 35w6d).

8) Falling asleep after you get the epidural. This did not happen with me! My OB missed the window for the epidural and I had the spinal block! Not Fun! 

7) Begging for the epidural. I begged for it, but we missed the window because my OB didn't think I would dilate so quickly.

6) Not dialating or being "ripe enough".

5) Swearing like a sailor. I can say that I did not do this. I don't know why, I just didn't see the need for it.

4) Losing control of bodily functions. I was worried about this, but it did not happen to me. Although I did throw up when I has to sit up for the second spinal block (I had to have a c-section).

3) Not pushing hard enough.

2) Declining the invitation to touch your baby's head. I DID NOT want to do this at all. I had no desire to do this.

1) Needing help with breastfeeding, or anything baby related, for that matter. I wanted to breastfeed but I was not able to. Nurses tried to help me, but Angelina would not latch on, plus not matter how often I pumped, my milk never came in. So, she was formula fed and I'm proud of it.

~Angie

Fall Bucket List 2013

Hi Lovelies!

Here is my first attempt at making a printable! Our Fall Bucket List!

I might change the background

What's on your Fall Bucket List?

~Angie

Tasty Tuesday- Halloween Edition Part 1

Hi Lovelies!

I don't have any recipes to share for this edition of Tasty Tuesday, however, I do want to share some pins of some Halloween related desserts that I would like to make with Angelina. I know.....I know..... Halloween is still over a month away, but it's one of my favorite holidays and it's Angelina's favorite holiday as well. 

I have been browsing through Pinterest (I'm still a newbie pinner), and have come across some fun and easy desserts that I cannot wait to try. Here they are:

Marshmallow Witches

Candy Corn dessert

Boo Mix

Bowl full of bones

Pumpkin Poop

I cannot wait to try some of these with Angelina! I plan to post pics of everything that we make.

Have a great evening!!!

~Angie

Happy Homemaker Monday

Hi Lovelies! 

 It's Monday again! UHG! We had a fabulous weekend where we spent time at the park, playing in the front yard, and watching movies in the evening. This morning Husby and I had eye appointment and just as I suspected, this girl needs bifocals. I'm a bit nervous because it will be my first pair of bifocals. Hopefully I will adjust them quickly. The Little had her first eye exam today as well. Her eyes are great! She was so brave!

Anyways, I'm linking up with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday. So, grab the button, answer the questions and have fun! 

The Weather......it looks like Fall is slowly creeping up on us. I cannot wait until we see the temps in the 60s and 70s. Hopefully that will happen by the end of the month.

Right now I am........writing this post and watching a movie on Netflix

Thinking.......that the neighbors next door better not wake up my kid!

On my reading pile........right now I'm reading "Safe Haven" by Nicholas Sparks. I watched the movie and loved it, so I decided to read the book.

On my TV.......right now I am watching some older movies on Netflix and watching old reruns of Full House and Friends on Nick and Nite.

What I found while surfing the net.......nothing interesting at the moment.

On the menu this week.......

Monday: Old fashioned crockpot roast with potatoes and carrots
Tuesday: Spaghetti (red and white sauce) with garlic bread
Wednesday: Baked potatoes with salad
Thursday: Beans with Mexican cornbread and salad
Friday: Catfish with orzo and carrots
Saturday: Chicken lasagna roll ups with salad
Sunday: Smothered steak, mashed potatoes, and corn 

On my to do list.......work on homework assignments for class, general household chores and of course the never ending laundry.

In the craft basket......still working on a blanket that my mother in law is buying from me for her preacher's wife and their new baby.

Looking forward to this week.......dance class with my Little

Looking around the house....... again, my house is actually clean!!!!All that is left to do is to fold and put away the laundry

From the camera.......

Devotional....... I'm using this devotional again, because it's my favorite

 "And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." Mark 12:30, (NLT)

~Angie

Sunday Social

Hi Lovelies!

 Happy Sunday! It's been a great day with the sun shining and a few rain showers in the early evening (I sound like a weatherman, huh?). It's time for Sunday Social with Neely? So, grab the questions, answer them, and link up!

1. What is the name of your blog?

Life with the Vanns

2. What do you love most about blogging?

Meeting new people.

3. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging about a few months before I found out I was pregnant in 2009. Then my blog became sort of a pregnancy journal. Now, it is just about my everyday life with my husband and little girl. 

4. What is something you’d want to tell someone just starting out in the blog world?

Just blog for you. Write about what makes you the happiest. 

5. Biggest blogging learning experience you’ve had?

People aren't who or what they seem to be.

6. What are three blogs you love?

Everyday Joys

From Mrs. to Momma

A Complete Waste of Makeup

~Angie

5 on Friday....on a Saturday

Hi Lovelies! 

I know, I know, I have been slacking on posting this week. I have a good excuse though.....I have been spending some quality with my hubby and our Little. We have been having so much fun just going to the park every day and having little picnics. I have enjoyed these days with my family.

Anyways, I have seen "5 on Friday" on several different blogs that I follow, and I thought I would join in on the fun. So, here we go!

~One~

We have been spending everyday at the park lately. We have been playing on the slides and climbing on every toy that can be climbed on. We have been playing baseball, soccer, and basketball.

~Two~

Date night with my Hubby. We have been enjoy at home date nights every weekend for the last few weeks. We have been enjoying some much needed adult time together. We just kind of "veg out" on the couch and watch either a movie or a tv series on Netflix. Right now, we are enjoying "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows".

~Three~

We have enrolled our Little in dance class. She is enjoying every single minute of. Plus she looks so cute in her dance outfit! 

~Four~

A clean house. I have worked all week to deep clean my house. And it's finally done to the point where it only takes me 90 minutes to complete all of my housework in the morning. Thank you Flylady!!

~Five~

Fall/Halloween decorating. We love Fall and Halloween around here. The Little and I can't wait to start decorating the inside and outside of the house. I hope to browse on Pinterest in the next couple of days for some ideas. Does anyone have some favorite fall/halloween decorating tips that they would like to share with me?

Oh, I wanted to add that I am so excited that I was nominated my very first blog award, the Liebster award. I'm so so so excited!! I will have my answers posted this weekend!! 

Have a wonderful evening Lovelies!!!

~Angie

Currently I am......

Sitting: on the couch in the living room. 

 

Looking: at the computer screen  and the TV (watching Friends on Nick at Nite. 

 

Reading: my textbook and an ebook on my kindle PC. 

 

Hearing: Roar: Katy Perry

 

  Clicking: through music videos on youtube.

 

Planning: our weekend, next week's menu

 

Excited: that we are taking Angelina to dance class tomorrow!

 

Wearing: shorts and a purple t-shirt. 

 

Typing: this post.

 

Feeling: relieved that I turned in my paper that was due yesterday.

~Angie

Midweek Randoms

Hi Lovelies! 

Sorry I haven't posted since Sunday. We have been busy and just having fun. Here's what has been going on around here lately.

Midweek Randoms:

1) We spent the weekend at our local park. Angelina loved it, she played on the slide, rode her bike on the track, and played basketball with Daddy.

2) Football season started this weekend, and our beloved Cowboys beat the Giants. We were happy!!

3) Our little girl started dance class last Friday and we bought the ballet slippers, tap shoes, and her leotard. She is so excited and has practiced this afternoon. 

4) We are in the middle of watching Sherlock Holmes (with Robert Downey, Jr.) and so far we are loving it. We hope to finish it this week.

5) I was nominated for the Liebster Award!! My first blog award, I'm so excited!! I will post the my questions and answers later in the week! 

6) I am loving this song lately and have been listening to it several times a day.

Roar- Katy Perry

7) I made an A in my last class and my next started last Thursday. Let's hope I can keep up the string of A's.

There are my midweek randoms. Hope you enjoyed reading them. What are your midweek randoms?

~Angie

Sunday Social- Fall traditions

Hi Lovelies! 

It's time for Sunday Social with Neely!  This week's questions are all about Fall and traditions. Have fun and link up!

Here are this week's questions:

1. What is your favorite fall activity?

I would have to say hay mazes and pumpkin patches. 

 2. Do you follow a football team? If so, which one and why?

Of course! I'm a Dallas Cowboys fan and I married a Dallas Cowboys fan, so my favorite football team would have to Dallas Cowboys. I have been watching them for a very long time and no matter if they win or lose, they will always be my team! How 'bout them Cowboys!

3. What is something fun about fall in your area?

Going to haunted houses and fall parades. 

 4. What are your favorite fall staple outfits?

I love sweaters, jeans, and boots.

5. What things are his looking forward to most about this coming fall season?

Football season, decorating the house, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

6. What is your favorite fall holiday? Tradition?

Halloween is my favorite fall holiday and of course Thanksgiving. And, yes we do have traditions. 

~Angie 

Thursday Confession

Hi Lovelies! 

I have a confession......I love back to school shopping, especially the school supplies. I made a quick trip to Target just to see what types of supplies I could find. I already had the planners, the one on the left is from Lilly Pulitzer (my school planner) and the one on the right is my Erin Condren Life Planner (my daily life planner). I also found the papermate flair pens that other bloggers have been raving about. I can't wait to try them. I also found some sticky notes that I can use in my planner, and a to do list and little menu planner. And of course I bought some notebooks and some filler paper. 

School supplies!!!

I cannot wait to start this class, it should be an interesting one. Well, it's getting late, so I had better say goodnight!

~Angie

Goals for September

Hi Lovelies!

 I have seen the monthly goals posts for quite some time now. So..... I thought I would jump on the band wagon and join in. I have decided to work on 3 goals, which should be pretty manageable for me. We'll see in two weeks if I have made any progress on them.

So without further adieu here are my goals for September. 

September Goals:

1) Work out 4x a week

This will be a challenge for me as I am lucky to even work once a month. We'll see how this goes. 

2) Read two books a week.

I'm lucky if I get to read one book a month. I'm hoping that I can read two books a week, so we'll see how this will work out for me. I plan to take a couple of hours a night to read a book instead of always reading my textbook.

 3) Make time to work on my cookbook

I have been gathering recipes for my cookbook and I hope to begin writing it this month.

What are your goals for September?

Have a nice day! And Happy Hump Day!

~Angie

Tasty Tuesday-Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Hi Lovelies! 

It's Tasty Tuesday again and I'm so excited. I have been playing around with the idea of making chicken cheesesteak sandwiched for some time. I have done some research on the recipe and I decided to combine two of them and I came up with an awesome recipe for the sandwiches. Both Husby and the Little loved them and gave them two thumbs up! 

So here is the recipe. Enjoy. 

Chicken Cheesesteak Sandwiches

 

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces, weight White Velveeta
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 6 whole Deli Rolls
• 1 pound chicken tenders, poached, then shredded
  
• 1/4 cup oinion
  
• 1/2 green pepper, seeded and chopped

Preparation Instructions:

First poach the chicken tenders in 4 cups of boiling water, about 20 minutes. Then take out, cool, and then shred. Set aside. 

Next, make the cheese sauce by combining the Velveeta and milk in a small pan. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's melted and hot. Keep warm.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Throw in the chicken and move it around with a spatula.  Cook/warm for about a minute or so, then remove it to a plate and set it aside.

Add the remaining tablespoons butter to the same skillet and throw in the onion and pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the veggies until dark golden and soft, about 8 to 10 minutes.

To build the sandwiches, place a pile of chicken on the bottom half of each roll. Top with pepper and onion mixture, then top with the cheese sauce. Place the top half of the roll on top and serve immediately!

~Angie

Happy Homemaker Monday

Hi Lovelies! 

 First of all, Happy Labor Day! I hope everyone is enjoying their extra long weekend. I have been in the kitchen trying some new recipes this weekend. Both of them were big hits with Husby and the Little. I think the favorite was chicken cheesesteak sandwiches. So yummy and so easy to make. I'll post the recipe and a pic on Tuesday. So, be on the look out!

Anyways, I'm linking up with Sandra for Happy Homemaker Monday! So, grab your morning coffee and link up!

The Weather......it's another hot week here! I cannot wait for Fall to show up. I'm so ready for jeans, sweaters, cardigans, boots, and hot chocolate.

Right now I am........writing this post, listening to Husby play a game on the Xbox, and watching a movie on Netflix

Thinking.......that I should be working on my paper and other assignments.

On my reading pile........right now I'm just reading my textbook.

On my TV.......still watching House of Cards. It's getting good. I hope to start Orange is the New Black later. 

What I found while surfing the net.......nothing interesting at the moment.

On the menu this week.......haven't made the menu for this week yet, but I plan on making smothered steak for tomorrow.

On my to do list.......still need to make eye appointments for Husby and I , work on homework assignments for class, general household chore,s and of course the never ending laundry.

In the craft basket......a blanket that my mother in law is buying from me for her preacher's wife and their new baby.

Looking forward to this week.......just spending time with my little family.

Looking around the house.......my house is actually clean!!!!All that is left to do is to fold and put away the laundry

From the camera.......

Devotional.......

 "And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." Mark 12:30, (NLT)

~Angie

Sunday Social

Happy Sunday Lovelies! 

I hope everyone is enjoying their three day weekend. Well, it's Sunday and that means it's time for Sunday Social with Neely!  So, grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and answer the questions. You will enjoy it!! Trust me!!

This weeks questions:

1. What was your favorite trip/vacation/activity this summer?

Since we didn't take a vacation or go on any trips, we did see a couple of movies and we took Angelina to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time. 

2. What was your favorite outfit look/clothing item of the summer?

This was one of my favorite looks. I tried to re-create it but it didn't work out too well.  Oh, well, maybe next time!

3. What is one thing you wish you’d gotten to do this summer?

Take an actual vacation!!!! And read more.

4. What was your favorite song of the summer?

American Girl - Bonnie McGee

5. What was your favorite movie/tv show of the summer?

Keeping Up with the Kardashians. What can I say.... it's my guilty pleasure.

 Well, I'm off to plan tomorrow's menu, prep the chicken for chicken cheesesteak sandwiches, and to make banana pudding with my favorite little helper. Have a great day!

~Angie