Project 52 Week 2: Made with Love...

It’s Week 2 in Project 52 and this week’s assignment is MADE WITH LOVE!  My five year old daughter, Zoey, has a passion for arts and crafts.  I know that every time she pulls out this art kit she is going to put her heart into whatever project she creates!

There is no doubt about it…everything she makes with this art kit is MADE WITH LOVE!

Project 52 Week 1: Resolutions...

It’s Week 1 in Project 52 and this week’s assignment is RESOLUTIONS! 

I love the start of a New Year.  It seems like a clean slate and a new beginning.  I enjoy making New Year’s resolutions and this year is no exception.  However, I have decided to do a few things different this year.  I’ve decided to make a resolution each month…one thing I really want to focus on for the entire month.  For the month of January it’s organization.  For those of you out there with a similar goal, I’ve decided to share a few things that have helped me.  I’ve started making a daily to-do list with the help of the app Taskos…I love it!  Each night before bed I make a list of things I want to accomplish for the following day.  It can be a reminder to drop of bills at the post office or a note to clean out the fridge.  The app allows you to cross out things once they are completed and that helps keep me motivated throughout the day.  The first step towards organization for me has started with a Household Binder.  I initially got this idea from the January issue of Better Homes and Gardens.  However, I found a similar one at Professor Poppins.  My binder includes my daughter’s school lunch menu, my husband’s work calendar, a weekly dinner menu, and a cleaning schedule.  I know this sounds like a lot of work but it really keeps you on track and keeps everything handy in one location.  I made mine in thirty minutes with extra office supplies I had around the house.  I found a free weekly meal plan over at Design Finch.  I made several copies and put them all in my binder.  I decide Sunday night what I am going to make for dinner for the entire next week.  I make a grocery list with all the items I need to prepare my meals. I do all my shopping on Sunday so I am ready for the week.  It just makes life easier when you already know what’s for dinner!  I found a free printable cleaning schedule over at My 3 Monsters.  I customized mine to fit my household.  I then printed it and included it in my binder.  It includes daily chores…making beds, washing dishes, and doing a load of laundry.  However, I also have one room listed under each day of the week to do a thorough cleaning.  I don’t want to spend my whole weekend cleaning.  I feel like if I do a little each day I can enjoy the weekend with my family.  Once I’ve gone through each room and done a deep cleaning I find that the maintenance each weekday only takes me about thirty minutes.  I’m also including the kids in on the daily chores…this helps teach them as well!  This plan is working out great for me…hope you all find it helpful!  I’m looking forward to 2012.  I know it’s going to be a great year!

A New Year...

It’s been almost a year since my last blog post.  I’m sorry, Pinterest has completely consumed my Internet time… party ideas, recipes, clothes…what’s not to love!  Yes, my name is Erica and I’m addicted to Pinterest.  However, with the New Year beginning I realized how little I had posted on my blog in 2011…absolutely nothing to be exact.  However, we had so many exciting events happen this year.  We bought a new house, my daughter lost her first tooth, and my son ate his first snow cone.  I feel like I really short changed myself and my family by not documenting these special memories.  I tend to forget details if I don’t write them down…that was my whole purpose in starting this blog.  So, I’m trying to get back in the blogging groove.  Yes, I know I’ve said this before and failed.  So, to get me started I’ve joined Project 52.  Project 52 is a 52-week photo challenge.  You are given a weekly photo assignment and you capture one photo each week for a year!  Anyone can join!  Want more details…click on the picture below! 

This will be a big challenge for me.  I tend to get overwhelmed with the day to day activities of life.  However, I think this project will help me capture those day to day happenings in a new light…in a photo that I can cherish for a lifetime!

Joy of Love {Day 12}...

Joy of Love {Day 12}…the eyes. They say the eyes are the window to a person’s soul. Today’s goal is to capture a picture of your loved ones eyes. Both of my children have beautiful blue eyes. However, when my daughter is really smiling I don’t see any blue. She has this trait that has been passed down from her paternal grandmother…squinty eyes.


Yes, that’s right…her truly happy smile comes with eyes that look completely closed. However, they are her and it’s a trait I love!

Joy of Love (Day 11}…

Joy of Love {Day 11}…Dreams. Dreams come in every shape and form, and my own personal dreams change daily. I have personal dreams, dreams for my children, and dreams for my spouse. However, my husband and I have one predominant dream for our family…to own our dream home.


When you have children you alter the dreams and hopes you once had. Those things no longer seem as important. When my daughter was born I knew I wanted the opportunity to stay at home with her. I have now been a stay-at-home mom for almost five years. Though, sacrifices have to be made. One of those sacrifices has been putting off buying of our dream home. I know if we purchase what we want I’ll have to go back to work. I don’t want to settle for just any house. I just know when I find my dream home…it will be it. The home I grow old in, the home my children will come home to with their children, and it will be the place our family's memories are made. Deep inside I know any house can be a home. However, dreams make us work harder, think outside the box, and push ourselves. It also makes us not take for granted the accomplishments we make in life. I know with time our dreams will come true, and I will appreciate all the hard work it took to get there!

Joy of Love {Day 9}…

The objective today is to document your loved ones passions and hobbies. My husband has one hobby and one hobby alone…horses.


I truly believe that people are born with talents. My husband was born with the gift to ride. He has a connection with horses that is very obvious to see. I believe he has passed this passion onto our daughter…she is a natural too. I delight in watching them together. You can see the ease and comfort they feel while riding. It’s the prefect hobby for them to share together.

Joy of Love {Day 8}...

Day 8 in the Joy of Love workshop is here. Today's assignment…What has your spouse (or loved one) given or promised to you (material or immaterial)? Try to capture this “gift” from their heart. The best gift my husband has ever given me is the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mother. Right after my daughter was born my husband took a job working out of state. He was away from home and traveling for extended periods of time. He did not get to visit often; to this day he still feels like he missed out on so much in my daughter’s life. This picture was taken right before he was called out on his first job and had to leave both my daughter and I at home.


I believe sometimes he feels unappreciated and taken for granted. I want him to know that his hard work and dedication to our family is the best gift I could ever ask for. I do understand the sacrifices he makes for our family and I’m grateful. I know that the time I spend at home with my children makes a difference in their lives. I have only one person to thank for this opportunity and I love him very much!

Joy of Love {Day 7}...

Today’s focus…generations. This is my four-year-old daughter with her great-grandmother.


My own mom died when I was eleven. My grandmother was the one who was always there for me. She took me to buy my first prom dress, she was there when the first boy I cared about broke my heart, she cried when I found the perfect wedding dress, and again when I gave birth to my first child. I will always have a void in regards to the loss of my mother; especially in respect to my children. I have no doubt she would have adored them. However, I’m so grateful to have my grandmother here to lessen the loss and feel a special place in my children’s hearts.

Joy of Love {Day 6}…

Today’s theme…who THEY love! We were asked to capture a photo of what our loved ones love. My daughter, Zoey, loves her stuffed animal “Pinkie”. Pinkie was a Valentine’s Day gift from her Daddy and me a few years ago. It came attached to a box of chocolate. Who would have guessed a $4.99 gift from Target would mean so much to a little girl. She sleeps, plays tea party, and often totes Pinkie in the car even if it is a quick trip to the grocery store. Pinkie has seen better days; however, I’m afraid to send her through the washing machine…I’m not sure she would survive. Zoey’s love for Pinkie is very special and I’m glad I was able to capture this in a photo.


I took one photo and one photo only. I’m really trying to work hard on my skills during this workshop. I don’t want to take twenty quick shots in an attempt to get one I want. I want to take my time, focus on what I need to do, and take only a few shots at different angels. That is sometimes easier said than done with kiddos. However, I’m going to try my best. In regards to camera tips, we were asked to work on selective focus and metering. So, I got in close and attempted to only have Pinkie’s face in sharp focus. I wanted the ragged look of the cat’s fur and whiskers to show how much this stuffed animal is loved. I’m happy with the results and I think this is a picture I will truly grow to love.

Joy of Love {Day 5}…

Today’s subject…Love to Hate! We were asked to capture a photo of what we LOVE to hate about our loved ones? This one was hard for me and it took me an extra day to complete the assignment. However, when Zane was throwing a fit in the car last night for this one particular thing I knew I hated it...


Yes, I know he is too old for it. Yes, I know it will mess up his teeth. Yes, I need to get rid of it. However, he loves it and I hate that it is such a comfort for him. If he is tired it consumes his every thought and you can guarantee I get to hear about it. He only gets his “bink” when he sleeps. However, sometimes I feel like an awful mother for not letting him have it when he wants it. To deny him something that brings him security is difficult. At this moment in our lives this small piece of plastic causes a lot of grief in our house. Not to mention all the misery I get from people who tell me he does not need it. So all in all…I hate my son's love for this bink!!!

Joy of Love {Day 4}…

Today’s task…what they wear! My husband has been riding horses his entire life. When I married him I knew I married a cowboy. Cowboys and their boots come with sweat, dirt, and a few other smelly things. However, I have to say when my husband walks in the house with spurs on my heart skips a beat.

Joy of Love {Day 3}…

The Joy of Love {Day 3}…then and now! Our assignment today is to take a picture of our loved one from the past and compare it to a picture of our loved one in the present. My daughter is my topic today; she will probably be my subject tomorrow. In all honestly, she is the only cooperative person in my house when it comes to the camera. However, I knew she was PERFECT for today’s post. When I read today’s topic I knew exactly what picture I wanted to use of her from the past. It seems like yesterday that my sweet daughter was born. I’m so thankful to my sister-in-law, Lacie, for taking this picture. It brings up so many emotions each time I see it. Around our house we jokingly refer to it as Zoey’s “monster picture”.


However, the only thing I see is her beautiful birth. I remember her Daddy calming her cries right after this picture by simply saying, “Its okay, Daddy’s here”. I remember holding her in my arms for the first time and the immediate bond and love I felt for such a small being. I love every aspect of this picture and will always treasure it. The second half of our assignment is to post a picture in the present and to get in close. We were asked to crop in close and fill the frame with our subject’s face.


Zoey has gained weight, grown taller, and now flaunts a full head of long blond hair. However, she has grown in many other ways as well. In 4 years, 10 months, and 16 days she has become her own individual self. She is strong willed yet sensitive and I love that about her. I appreciate the fact that she stands up for what she wants but still cares about other people’s feelings. However, no matter how much she grows and changes she will always be my “Precious”.

Joy of Love {Day 2}...

It’s Day 2 in the Joy of Love workshop and our assignment is to capture how your loved ones look. The goal is to capture their TRUE essence, expression, attitude, and posture. My lovey dovey nature is a little dormant today. It’s 19 degrees in Texas, my heater is broken, and I have no hot water. So needless to say…you do not want to see a picture of any of my family members today. In fact, I took a picture of my husband and he threatened my life if I posted it! So, I’m saving that one for a day when he really burns my hide. Don’t worry it will come and the picture will be exposed….ahahaha (that’s my evil laugh). I just took these pictures of my daughter and I love them.


They are her…down to the pearls and frilly pink shirt. I see only warmth and love in her expression and these are quickly becoming my favorite photos to date.



This is what love looks like in my eyes!

Joy of Love {Day 1}...

I received my first assignment in the Joy of Love workshop…capture a photo of what your loved ones “do”. With the freezing temperatures outside I knew that my photo would have to be an indoor shot…not my specialty by any means. However, I quickly came to the realization that this photo does not have to be perfect. The whole purpose of this workshop is to capture the love in everyday moments. Which I can honestly say, after a day of fighting kids and piles of dirty clothes is something I sometimes take for granted. When bedtime comes my daughter wants one person and one person only…her Daddy. She wants him to tuck her in, read her a book, say her prayers, and snuggle to her until she drifts off to sleep. It is a special time for both of them and a bond the two of them share. I can not think of a better way to remember this time in their lives then with a photo.


I know someday I will look back and absolutely adore this picture. It won’t matter that the lighting is not perfect or that my daughter’s hair is a mess. I will only see my daughter’s favorite book and a love between a father and daughter that will span a lifetime.

The Joy of Love...

Dear Blog,

I have been seriously neglecting you and myself. I blog for one reason and one reason only…to capture all the little moments in my life that I don’t want to take for granted. Therefore, to get myself back in the groove of blogging and focus more on the “love” in my life…I have joined Willette’s the joy of LOVE class. With this FREE 28 day class participants will receive daily email prompts/photo assignments with some tutorial/instruction built into a daily email lesson.


I love the month of February and I look forward to capturing my life in a month of photos… don’t be surprised to see a few of my assignments here on my blog!

P.S. Blog, I have missed you and promise to do better!

Happy Cooking...

If you read my previous post you know I’m trying out new recipes this week. Luckily, my family is not too picky. I don’t include Zane’s opinion…he’s only two and his taste buds are set to love only things sweet! However, luckily he will gag a few times and continue eating...I’m one lucky mom! However, I can honestly say all my family members LOVED the last two recipes I made and ate EVERY SINGLE BITE on their plates.

Crunchy Garlic Chicken

2 tablespoons butter or stick margarine, melted
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed (1 cup)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon paprika
6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons butter or stick margarine, melted

1. Heat oven to 425 degrees. Grease rectangular pan, 13 X 9 X 2 inches.

2. Mix 2 tablespoons butter, the milk, chives, salt and garlic powder. Mix cornflakes, parsley and paprika. Dip chicken into milk mixture, then coat lightly and evenly with cornflakes mixture. Place in pan. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons butter.

3. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.

This recipe is from my Betty Crocker Complete Cookbook. I served it with Rice A Roni Long Grain Wild Rice, steamed carrots, and green onions. It was a big hit!

The next recipe and picture are from my Taste of Home Church Supper Cookbook.

This recipe is not me…I’m not a big meat eater but I knew my family would enjoy it. Geeze…the sacrifices a mom will make. Boy, was I shocked when I really enjoyed this meal. It was really something I would not normally eat and I think I needed that…it hit the spot! When I originally picked out this recipe, I did not realize the meal was completely made in the microwave. My husband will die if he reads this. He loved the meal but HATES a microwave. He will only use it as a last resort…like when I’m not home to feed him and he has to fend for himself. I’m not lying when I say this meal took me 15 minutes start to finish to make. If you made the meatballs beforehand you could have dinner ready in 10 minutes max! This meal serves 12 so I cut it in half. The sandwiches are VERY FILLING. Joey could only eat one.

Meatball Sub Sandwiches

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 pounds ground beef (I used lean ground beef)
1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce
Additional Parmesan cheese, sliced onion, and green bell peppers, optional
12 sandwich rolls, split

1. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. Crumble beef over the mixture and mix well. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place in a single layer in a 2 quart microwave-safe dish.

2. Cover and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. Turn meatballs; cook 3-4 minutes longer or until no longer pink. Drain. Add spaghetti sauce.

3. Cover and microwave on high for 2-4 minutes or until heated through. Serve on rolls.

I used wheat sandwich rolls. I split them and toasted them with butter and garlic powder. For Joey and me, I added the meatballs and topped with purple onions, green bell peppers, jalapenos, and Parmesan cheese…YUMMY! I served these sandwiches with potato chips and fruit for the kiddos. Happy Cooking!

What's For Dinner???

Do you ever feel like you’re in a food rut? Nothing sounds good to eat; you cook the same meals week after week. Well, I have felt like this lately and decided to do something about it. I pulled out all my dusty cookbooks and vowed to cook something new each night for the next seven days. I sat down and made a menu and grocery list. I tried to find recipes that had ingredients that I already had at home or that were on sale at the grocery store. Last night on facebook I posted that I was making stuffed cornbread and bacon pork chops and creamy corn and avocado salad. I had several people ask for the recipe…hence this blog post. Both of these recipes were easy and can be made in advance for an easy late night supper. When I saw the stuffed pork chop recipe it sounded so good; however, I was a little reluctant to try it because it was not a cooking technique I’m familiar with. I was presently pleased to find out how easy it was to make. This picture and recipe are from the Betty Crocker Complete Cookbook.


Corn Bread and Bacon Stuffed Pork Chops

6 pork rib or loin chops, 1 to 1 ¼ inches thick (about 4 pounds)
4 slices bacon, cut into ½ inch pieces
1 medium onion, chopped (½ cup)
1 small green bell pepper, chopped (½ cup)
1 cup corn bread stuffing crumbs
½ cup water
½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 ounces)
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon dried marjoram leaves
¼ teaspoon pepper

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees

2. Make a pocket in each pork chop by cutting into side of chop toward the bone.

3. Cook bacon in 12-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Stir in onion and bell pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender; remove from heat. Drain. Stir in stuffing crumbs and water until well mixed. Stir in cheese.

4. Sprinkle both sides of pork with seasoned salt, marjoram and pepper. Fill pockets with about 1/3 cup corn bread mixture. Cook pork in same skillet over medium heat, turning once, until brown. Place pork in ungreased rectangular pan, 13 x 9 x 2 inches. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

5. Bake 45 minutes. Uncover and bake about 15 minutes longer or until pork is slightly pink when cut near bone.

The corn salad recipe and picture are from the Taste of Home Church Supper Cookbook.

This recipe serves 12. So, I halved it and we ate the leftovers today as a dip with tortilla chips. It was even better the next day and the avocados did not discolor.

Creamy Corn and Avocado Salad

6 cups frozen corn, thawed
3 cups chopped seeded tomatoes
1 cup cubed avocado
2/3 cup sweet red bell pepper
2/3 cup green bell pepper
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

1. In large bowl, combine the corn, tomatoes, avocado, peppers and onion.

2. In a small bowl, whisk the dressing ingredients.

3. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat.

4. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until chilled.

Overall the new dishes were a big hit. If you don’t count the gagging sounds that came from Zane every time he got a piece of onion in his mouth. I hope this motivates you to pull out your cookbooks and try something new for dinner tonight!

Back to School...

Name: Zoey Blakley

Age: 4
Height: 42 ¾ inches
Weight: 46 pounds

School is back in session for the 2010 school year!!! Along with the first day of pre-school came new supplies, clothes, and shoes.

Zoey was not excited about waking up early this morning. She kept going on and on about an incident last year when she and a friend argued over who had a toy first. What can I say; my daughter has a hard time letting things go and does not forget ANYTHING! However, once she shook the sleep out of her eyes and made it out the door she was looking forward to her day.

She was excited to give her teacher a hug and catch up with all her old friends.

She found her name tag and headed straight for the play dough…one of her favorite craft items.

We made apple cupcakes for her classmates to welcome them back to school!

When I asked Zoey what she was most excited about learning this year she told me being a “betinarian”. For those of you who don’t speak Zoey dialect…she wants to be the veterinarian in the school play! Zoey reported that she had a great day and learned about the letter A. She also sang the song “Apple Annie” for the remainder of the day…Zane was even able to pick up a few of the lines (we sang it that much)! She also said she met many new friends.

She especially liked “the girl with the red hair”. I’m glad she had such a good day today and we both look forward to a great year!

Pre-School Photo Shoot...

Zoey will be starting her second round of pre-school at Mrs. Connie’s on Monday. Last year, I decided to start a tradition and take Zoey out on a little pre-school photo shoot. I think this is a great way to document the changes in a child each year and I’m determined to keep this little tradition up.

However, I can honestly say that Miss. Zoey gave me a run for my money today.

She had me really second guessing the need for traditions. She has been a little testy this week. Okay, I’m minimizing this…she has been a TERROR this week. She has been pushing my every button. If I tell her not to do something...she does it! If I tell her one time to do something...I have to tell her five times. Combine her honoree mood with hot temperatures, wind, and what has now become her “underwear issue” and you get lots of deep breaths and counting to ten.

Her underwear issues you ask? Yes, I have bought over fifty pairs of underwear for her this summer in an attempt to find some that she is not constantly pulling at. If they move an inch in the wrong direction she has a complete melt down. Why has this become such an issue this summer? I don’t know. If you happen to find out...please inform me so I can resolve this issue. I’m sure no one really cares about her ongoing need to readjust her underwear a hundred times a day, but I just have to get that off my chest. So, when you see my child around town pulling at her pants and crying while I attempt to drag her into some remote corner so she can fix her “underwear issue” you know what is going on...I’m not dragging her off to beat her as she cries and holds her backside! I also failed to mention I had less than four house of sleep prior to this lovely photo shoot.

Let’s not forget the SCREAMING two year old, who was more than willing to tell the world about his dislike with being constrained in the car seat while I begged his sister to at least look in the camera’s direction.

When all else fails you go for the bribe...

So, when you look at these pictures...I want you to see the sweat and tears this mama put into getting just a few shots of her beautiful, loving, kind, UNCOOPERATIVE daughter!!! Precious, I hope you have a GREAT first day back to school and I hope Ms. Connie nips that bad mood in the butt!!!

Photo Challenge...

When one of the blogs I read, Willette Designs, posted a photography challenge to its readers it peaked my interest. When I saw the subject, photograph your loved ones eyes, this picture instantly came to mind.

I took this picture of my son, Zane, and I love everything about it...including the baby drool in the corner of his mouth. Seeing all his sweet baby features in this picture always evokes an emotional response from me. I think photo challenges are fun for everyone...it's a great way to think outside of the box. I'll be taking more eye photos this week and look forward to next weeks challenge. I hope you join in on the fun and photograph your loved ones eyes! Leave a comment with a link to your blog if you join in on the challenge...I would love to see all your photos and I could use a little blog love!