so i got the boot. from the den, that is. up until last night, todd and i "shared" the den AND the computer (well, we went back and forth a few times of having one to two household computers). We each had a desk in the den, and our dog commanded the lone couch in the den. Let's just say it is in need of an extreme makeover. We have been talking for quite awhile about "the den" and our plans for a little den pick me up. No time line has been set... up until last night. Todd spontaneously left the house, picked up the computer for his desk (it was a blessing how this computer came about). And with no warning, I got THE BOOT from the den!!!! It's all his now (except the couch, that's kinja's). I have to say that todd didn't really give me the boot, he kindly set up my computer downstairs and got the wireless connection working... it was a gentleman-ly boot : ). I am really excited for this new set up. My computer is downstairs in my crafting area, which will work very nicely. All of my stuff is together, and i really like that. Often i need acess to pictures while i am working downstairs, and have to run up and down the stairs to get what i need (and who am i kidding, i definitely can use the up and down the stairs) but this time, i am going up and down the stairs to check email ; )

Computer time can be my downfall, so it's nice that my set up is out of site while i am upstairs. I used to walk by the den and see a new email had popped up, i would go check it, and i would be sucked in for 15 at least. So this is better.

I would like to say it's all nice and organized and beautiful... but it is SO not right now. I am majorly cleaning stuff out and getting things back together. It feels good to start over.

So i will leave you with a picture from a year ago. January 2008:



And June 2008:



I plan to share an updated picture soon. Stay tuned!

Princess Heaven.

You may remember awhile back I blogged about my favorite princess, and about the slightly embarrassing mishap where i thought I purchased these adorable little ribbon princesses to use in my disney scrapbook. I ran to my mailbox everyday, and to my dismay they never came. I emailed the company and asked them what gives and come to find out I ordered DIGITAL princesses and they were sitting in their royal glory in my junk mail folder the whole time.

I mean, don't get me wrong, they are adorable, but what the heck i am i going to do with a digital princess? I know the intent is to use them in my scrapbook projects through photoshop, but seriously, it's just not as cool to have a digi-princess.

So, I have my digital princesses in a nice little folder on my computer, waiting for the perfect time to use them (other than my blog of course). Until... I found this little gem on etsy. (by the way, have i ever mentioned how much I LOVE etsy?)


Maggie at Livi Lou's handmade these for me. They are actually HAIR CLIPS (but can also be used in a scrapbook.) She also can make Mulan, Jasmine, and Pocahontas. This is the real deal my friends- totally handmade and with real ribbon : ) I must mention, she also has other adorable hair bows for your little girl. I saw minnie mouse ears, a rabbit with a carrot for easter, and a ballerina (similar style as princesses) among many others. A.dor.able. Go visit her esty shop here.... and if you end up ordering anything, please tell her I sent you!

and to give you an idea on size, Here's a picture of my little princess wearing Tink:

A Historic Day.

Do you think little Jonah has any idea what is going on behind him? Nope, he was much more interested in his Elmo computer and his chocolate milkshake reward for a peaceful 3 year old checkup at the Doctor. : )

I love what Beth Moore wrote on her blog this morning, "Today it makes no difference how anyone voted. God in His sovereignty has appointed this day and our new president needs our prayers. "This is good, and pleases God our Savior." 1 Timothy 2:1-3."

White Chicken Chili

Nothing warms you up on a cold winter day like a cup of hot soup. We are always on the look out for good soup recipes... it's a quick, easy, lighter way to do dinner. I LOOOVE sit down dinners, but i equally love evenings where we grab a quick bowl of soup (and not have to do as many dishes afterwards:)

So.... i found this recipe on line, Don Pablos' White Chicken Chili. I have had it at the restaurant, and it is so good, so we tried it at home! Just as wonderful...

Don Pablo's White Chili

---

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion peel/chop fine
2 medium garlic cloves peeled/chopped
1 medium red bell pepper chopped fine
2 cans white beans, 15 oz. each drained and rinsed
4 ounces green chilies canned/diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) low sodium chicken broth (i used more than this- actually more than doubled it. i used a whole box.. not sure what the oz number is)
1/2 pound roasted chicken breast meat cut in 1/2 inch cubes
2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
2 tablespoons cilantro minced, fresh
6 tablespoons salsa (optional)

In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion,
garlic, and red pepper. Saute for 5 minutes. Stir in the white beans,
chilies, cumin, chili powder and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the
heat and simmer 10 minutes. Stir in the chicken and simmer for 5
minutes. Stir in the lime juice and cilantro. A tablespoon of salsa
can be used to garnish each serving if chili, if desired.

(during the simmer time at the end, we covered the soup and turned the heat up... that really allowed for the soup to thicken).

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

What to do on a cold winter day (-11) !?!?!

How about snuggle up close and tight to your favorite sibling....


Or put on your new favorite pair of Baby Legs? Whatever you are doing today, I hope you stay warm!!!!!

I'm baaaack!

Sorry for the bloggy silence. Let's see, about 1 hour after i blogged about Jonah's birthday, I came down with a vicious stomach flu. I have not been that sick in a long time... scratch that, EVER! Just a friendly reminder to everyone to wash your hands (and your kids) frequently... apparently this mean old bug is really going around! I promise you DON'T want it!

Anyway, Monday was Jonah's little birthday.... And then Thursday was mine! The big 3-0. I had wonderful intentions of blogging about the big transition out of the 20's and into the 30's but it just didn't happen... maybe later : ) It really is amazing as i reflect on all the milestones that occured in my 20's. College graduation, 9.11, meeting and marrying Todd, having 2 children. It makes me excited to see what God will do in this new decade of my life.

On my actual birthday (Jan 8) little did i know that Todd had planned a surprise get together for me. Poor guy had a lot of running around to do- especially since i tried to cancel what i thought was just a quiet dinner out just the two of us. I figured.... why don't we wait until i am feeling a big better? So he had to tip me off that there would be a few people there : ) It was alot of fun, we met downtown at Zing truley a different and very neat restaurant. Check it out. I have pictures, but they are on my mom's camera... will post later. Here's to the next decade!

Happy Birthday Jonah Bear

The celebration continues at the Hufford House as we celebrate two big birthdays this week- Jonah turned THREE today (and I turn 30 on Thursday- eeekkk!). Todd and I began the morning by going into Jonah's room while he was still sleeping and waking him up with singing Happy Birthday, he loved it! Then we gave him his birthday presents- his very own guitar from daddy and big curious george (ok it's just a monkey, but don't tell jonah) from mama. He was so happy and he loved having these presents brought to him in bed.

He couldn't stop playing his guitar at breakfast.
Time to get ready for school! He took treats to his class today and was so excited to see his friends after christmas break. Sorry this isn't the best picture, but i love the little shirt he is wearing- "I'm Three!" I am so proud of Jonah and of the sweet little boy he is. He is such a happy go lucky kid, and so much fun to be around. I can hardly believe how fast is is growing up . he has grown so much this year and has become such a wonderful big brother to Jordan. I would have to say the biggest difference between today and his second birthday is his vocabulary! He just chats with us all the time- counts, know's his ABC's, and is doing pretty well with colors. He loves Curious George, Mickey, Peter Pan, and Winnie the Pooh. He loves coloring, play dough, trains, books, and jumping on his bed (little stinker). just a busy boy! he blesses our lives more than we can express! Happy Third Birthday Jonah!!!