Workin' hard 4 candy!

Ahhh, the joys of Halloween! Seeing all the children dressed up and on a mission for candy, brings back such good memories of when I was a child trick-or-treating. I think I was a punk rocker almost every year! LOL! My son, Tristan, has been a Transformer for the last four years in a row.

He's obsessed, or maybe just a wee bit too dedicated?? Either way...he loves them! Maybe he's a bit like his mom?? LOL! For the last three years, he has begged us to make him a "real" Transformer. You know, one that ACTUALLY transforms? We would watch the Youtube videos, and say, "Maybe next year, Son"...thinking to ourselves, that is just too much! However, his energy for them is quite contagious, and this year Dad and Mom finally caught the fever. Unfortunately, instead of starting this crazy project six months prior, we waited until two weeks before Halloween! I really don't think we knew what we were getting into.
Matt worked on the design...which was a very tedious process, especially given the fact we only had a short time to get it done! I must have went to Walmart half a dozen times the day of Halloween for last minute things. I was like a mad woman attempting to finish the final details! Though I wish I would have had a bit more time to add more flames, and minor touches...it looked AMAZING! It blows my mind that some cardboard and LOTS of tape could create something so special to my son. When he slipped that costume on, the look on his face was worth all the stress it had taken to finish it! 

Now, this Halloween was extra special for us, and not just because Tristan's dream of becoming a "real" transformer came true...though, that was pretty awesome!! However, this was the very first Halloween that I was able to spend with my beautiful Bailee! I couldn't wait to help her pick her costume! We decided that she could be a pop star/rock star! We created her t-shirt by shredding the sides of it, and using stencils and spray paint to achieve the "punk" look! The t-shirt turned out great! I even made one for me...LOL! We found her some gloves, a cute skirt, and voila! POP STAR! She did hit me up to let her dye her hair blue or pink, but mom wasn't really on board to go to that extreme. =) So, we settled for some blue and pink hair spray that washes out. She was stoked! Here is a pic of both the kids and their homemade costumes!

We headed to The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg to start our trick-or-treat adventure, and found Tristan's costume to be quite the hit! After that, we headed back over to the lake to finish up. The kids had nice heavy bags, and mom was ready to be done...it was COLD! I have to say even though we had a lot of stress preparing for this day...

it was hands down the best Halloween EVER!

Cherry Salad

So, I figured I would follow up last night's recipe with a family fav dessert. This recipe came from my FABULOUS mother-in-law, who is a wonderful cook! However, you don't have to really know how to cook to make this delicious dish! It's absolute heaven! Perfect for a pot-luck, and guaranteed to get you lots of compliments! 


Cherry Salad
1 can premium cherry pie filling
1 can sweet condensed milk
1 can pineapple chunks
2 1/2 to 3 cups of marshmallows
1 container of Cool Whip
pecans are optional, but soooo perfect sprinkled on top!


1. Gently mix together pie filling, sweet condensed milk, marshmallows, and pineapple chunks in a large bowl.
2. Fold Cool Whip into mixture.
3. Refrigerate for 1 hour, and serve!

This pic doesn't do this dish justice!

Unbelievably quick and easy, and if you like cherries...this recipe is for you! My kids call this Cherry Dream Salad! =)

Chicken & Dumplings

So, there is this page on Facebook that I stumbled across called Crock Pot Girls! It is WONDERFUL! I've found a ton of great recipes on there, and this is one of my favs. I am usually not one for dumplings, but I really liked this! Anyways, I figured I would start sharing my favorite recipes that I stumble across with you! All the recipes that I post will be quick and easy, as I am not one to spend much time in the kitchen. Hope you enjoy!

Chicken & Dumplings
Feel free to substitute any ingredients you wish, and increase/decrease amounts for the size of your family, as I did!

4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons of butter
1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
1 (10.75 oz) can of cream of celery soup
3 1/2 cups of chicken broth
1 cup onion, finely diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup carrots, diced
Chicken boullion seasoning or cube
salt & pepper

*As for the dumplings... You can make your own dumplings, or use 
1 (10 oz) package of refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces

1. EXCLUDING THE BISCUITS put all ingredients in...

2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours.

3. About an hour (give or take) before serving, remove chicken and pull into pieces and return to the soup mixture, place the torn biscuit dough in and cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center.

Conquering clutter!

So, yet another week has quickly come and gone! I feel like things are finally starting to turn around. I no longer suffer from CHAOS, (can't have anyone over syndrome...taken from www.flylady.net), and am feeling confident that I am winning the battle over my clutter! I'm trying to prepare my home for a Thirty-One Open House. Next Saturday, I will have my first party as a consultant, and everything has to be perfect! I've been a bit on the ditzy side, though, trying to prepare. Yesterday, I sent out email invitations, with the WRONG date! LOL! Talk about embarrassing! Hopefully, I will recover gracefully! =P
I started in my office/dining room/music room with the purging. Anything I haven't used in the last six months quickly found the trash can. It seems like this area of my house is the catch all. Bills, school papers, junk mail, and junk in general didn't stand a chance! It was a bit difficult to toss certain things. School work is especially hard. As a parent, you just want to keep everything! The solution I found to this problem was to take a pic of the important pieces, then throw it away! I did save some of my absolute favorite artwork from Tristan. I felt like I on my way to being a hoarder. I will say, once I started chucking stuff, I felt amazing! I have sooooooo much more room for my business stuff now! I think this weekend, I'll be ordering some stuff from Thirty-One to help with my organizational dilemma. I just can't have anymore clutter! I refuse to have it take over my life! It stresses me out, to the point that I don't even know where to start!

We also hit Tristan's room pretty hard this week. Poor kid had so many toys, he didn't know how to find what he wanted to play with! I managed to go through and get rid of around 5-6 garbage bags full of toys he no longer uses! The back of my car and trunk are filled to the brim. Goodwill will be happy! LOL! We took his existing toys and organized them into bins. Each group of toys has its own place. 

My next project will be to paint. I don't know that I am going to have time to do it this week, but it's got to get done. My house needed a fresh coat when we moved in, but we have never got around to doing it. We've been here almost two years already. Time to get off the pot, and get my house the way I want it. I would love for everything to be done before my party...new window blinds included, but there just isn't enough time in the day. I also need to go through my clothes, and get rid of anything I haven't worn in the last year. My goal is to have all this done before the holidays. Here's to making that happen!! 

Got stress?

Is it Friday yet? I honestly can say that I have never been more ready for the weekend. A chance to relax...DE-STRESS! Lord, knows I need it, and maybe some wine, too! Since returning from our trip to Kansas, things have been INSANE! My kiddos returned to school...I love them, but thought, "YAY! Finally, I can have some quiet time!" Boy, was I sooooooo wrong. My days have consisted of work, church, Orange Group, soccer, cheer, play rehearsals, club meetings, Cub Scouts, music gigs, doctor's appointments, and let's not forget my personal fav...finding time to clean my house! I feel like I am getting my ass handed to me. As I write this, I have four hundred other things I should be doing. However, I had to take a moment to vent. My sanity depends on it.

I know most parents have a schedule similar to mine, but I am exhausted. I simply can't keep up! Maybe, it's my Bi-polar that's got me down, or could it be us parents take on too much? I want to know how other moms seem to breeze through all of this, and still manage to make time to volunteer to do more! Are these people super-humans? If any of my readers have any advice...I'd gladly take it. I need to know that I'm not the only person that feels overwhelmed. What are some of the things you do to make juggling a schedule like this easier? I have a planner. Trust me, I use it...she screams at me daily! LOL! However, even using it...I still forget to add certain things. Take yesterday for example. I got a call from my doctor's office reminding me of an appointment I have on Friday at one for a procedure. No biggie, right? Well, except for the fact that I forgot to write it down, (I blame my A.D.D. brain), and guess what? I'm supposed to work until three! I totally forgot about the appointment, and didn't ask off. Fortunately, I don't have to go in to work tomorrow. WHEW! I'm grateful my job is so flexible! 
I get exhausted just thinking about our crazy schedule. I don't want to think I just took on too much, but I feel like I'm always so stressed out! So, maybe I have. Here's the deal...I know everyone "suffers" from brief moments of stress and anxiety, but me...I live in a constant state of stress. There is no amount of medication that I could take that would change this. LOL! I create it. Now, I just have to figure out how to manage it, and quit being so damn hard on myself! I know God never gives us more than we can handle, but I really wish He didn't trust me so much! PLEASE feel free to leave a comment! I could seriously use some advice here people! =)

Home is where the heart is.

Well, it's been well over a month since my last post. Bad, bad, blogger. In my defense, things have been crazy. The day before my 29th birthday, on July 25, my step-dad, passed away. I was going to blog through this whole ordeal, thinking I should share what I'm going through, but it was too hard. I spent my birthday, flying back home to Kansas, dealing with delayed flights, and a sick child to boot! Not the most enjoyable birthday ever. The sad thing about the everything was I had my tickets bought already to come home on August 10, so I could say my good-bye. I am always a day late, and a dollar short. It would be nice to come back to Kansas just to have a visit, but instead, every time I come back...I'm dealing with death in some form or fashion. He was a good man, and though I never got the chance to tell him good-bye, he knew I loved him.

My dad  =)

The first two weeks of my visit where bittersweet. My younger sister, Miranda, drove down from Tacoma, WA, and made it to town just as I was flying in. It was awesome to see her, and my two BEAUTIFUL nieces, Alexis and Cheyenne! Miranda and I got to spend a great deal of time together. Tristan, my son, finally got to spend some quality time with my family! Grandma Da had him made toffee and homemade hot cocoa, and though she had just lost her husband...I have never seen her so happy! She had all of her grandkids, including her oldest, my niece Faith, cheering her up! My step-dad found a way to bring us all together again...it was a blessing. It has been a long time since I have had such a quality visit with my family! I even got to spend a couple nights at my grandma's house!! It's been a long time since I've been able to do that! It was just what the doctor ordered!! Grandma always has a way of making you feel better. Tristan and her danced and did karaoke, on top of painting many pictures together. My heart was on cloud nine! He finally got to see how wonderful my grandmother is, and I know that he will never forget that time we shared with her.

Karaoke with Grandma

I'll be honest, it was hard to be sad, with all the joy I was experiencing! God has His way of making it okay. I also got to spend A LOT of time with two of my very best friends in all the world. My friend, Amanda, came to pick me up at the airport in Kansas City! Boy, was I happier than ever to see that beautiful face!! We got to have coffee together again, and sit on her gorgeous front porch to her stunning new home, and talk our faces off! It was FABULOUS! Another friend of mine, Brook, kidnapped me for a couple of nights as well, and for the first time in many years, I was able to celebrate her birthday with her! She had an amazing toga party for her and her son! I had never officially been to a toga party before...I can now cross that off my bucket list!! I am so glad that I have such great friends. They would do anything and everything for me, and I know that without a doubt. It was incredible seeing them.

Manda and me =)

Brook and me =)

Soon enough, my handsome hubby joined me in Kansas. I knew the second he got to town, we were going to be busy...and, we were! The day after he arrived, he was playing a gig with his good friend, Harely. They have an amazing chemistry on stage...it's truly magical. The following Saturday, they both played another gig at a local bar owned by a good friend of ours. WHAT A BLAST!! All of our nearest and dearest came out for it!! I was in heaven!!

Aren't we cute?

                                                           

Harley and Matt gettin' er' done!

So, after all that fun, we had dinner with my grandma, sis, and my beautiful nieces at my favorite hometown restaurant! Matt and I decided to give my sister the night off, and take the girls (our nieces), and Tristan to the county fair. Before we could get started though, and huge storm blew through town. As quick as it came, it was gone, leaving us with a double rainbow! I had been craving a storm like that...hadn't had the chance to see one in over four years! 

Dinner at the Creamery!

Double rainbow! <3

Next, we were off to New Mexico to celebrate the best mother-in-law ever's birthday!! It was her and my Uncle Jimmy's 60th! I was able to con my little sister into joining us, as well! It was incredible! We had a giant pig roast, live music, and the best company you could ever ask for. It was truly awesome seeing all our family! We were able to scoop Bailee up while we were there as well! YAY!! We all had missed her soooo much! Such a happy day. However, my camera broke. =( I was devastated! This really upset me, and still does! I missed out on so many great shots! 

Breakin' out the claws! My sis and me!

On our way back to Kansas, I got to drive the 2011 Tahoe!! Although the trip was long, I didn't mind a bit! I felt like a hot FBI agent rolling around in that beautiful SUV!! LOL! Our vacation was also, finally coming to an end. Such a bittersweet visit. One I will not soon forget...if ever. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to see all my dear family and friends. It was exactly what I needed. It made me realize what's important in life. Home is always where the heart is, and mine is forever in Kansas.

Upside Down

Well, this week has been a roller coaster of emotions. Yesterday was absolutely AHHH-MAZING! The day started off with me plucking away at my blog, feeling as though I hadn't made much progress. This process is quite daunting. However, I managed to pull myself away from the computer shortly after the kids woke up. I had my work cut out for me, as both of my kids had a sleepover with some friends from town. I couldn't allow myself to get distracted by my new found blogging addiction. We enjoyed our morning, and after taking their friends home, I checked the mail. Finally! My package had arrived! My beautiful Coach wristlet! I earned some reward points at work (Gap Outlet) that I could turn around and shop online for something for myself. Sooooo, I saw this fab wristlet, and decided it was time to cash in my points! She was calling my name! LOL...I just love it! I would never buy something like that on my own. It's not much, but I'll definitely enjoy it! 

The day gets even better! As I am fawning over my new toy, I get a phone call from a friend. She informs me that she got her official invite to Thirty-One Gifts to be a consultant, and that I should check my e-mail for my invite. Sure as the sun, it's there! The wait is OVER!! YAY ME!! I can hardly wait to get started!! I'll let everyone know more about it, as soon as I know more! OH, HAPPY DAY! Please do contact me if you are interested in hostessing a show! You can get some free stuff, and who doesn't love free?! 
After happy dance #2, I settled down and decided I needed to get to the store, and also finish packing my daughter, Bailee. She headed to Texas this afternoon to meet up with her dad. =( While the boys stayed home, we went on our way. Grocery shopping is always a bit overwhelming for me, but with Bailee by my side, it makes it fun! My ADD usually kicks in hard at the store, and I get scatter brained. Though, I forgot a couple things, all in all we made out great! I didn't even have a list...I know, it's shameful! I forgot that at home. Oh, how I am going to miss my sweet girl. She just makes me so happy. Normally, I would have been crazy upset at myself for forgetting my shopping list, but with her help, I felt like I could still enjoy the rest of my day! While at the store, we bought stuff to make "Puppy Chow!" You know, the Chex Muddy Buddies recipe? Anyways, we quickly whipped some out. HOW YUMMY!! It was the perfect ending to a perfect day! After that, we finished getting her packed up for her trip. She's becoming such a beautiful young lady. As I packed her clothes, I realized how much she has changed. She's no longer is into Disney Princesses or playing with Barbies. She's becoming more and more independent, and it's so hard to let go of that little girl. I see so much of me in her. That terrifies me! She's a great kid, though...we are so very blessed! I'm already missing her company, and she hasn't even been gone but twelve hours. 
This morning was rough. Tristan got very upset that his sister was leaving. I felt terrible for him. He's such a softy! We hit the road, and got her to the airport by 11:00 am. She was in the air by 12:55, and I was devastated. I was happy for her that she was going...she was super excited! But, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed that she was leaving. Our family isn't complete without her. We will be meeting up with her while on our trip back to Kansas and New Mexico in August. We are all so ready for a vacation!
It's been a crazy couple of days. I feel happy, sad, excited...it's hard to really know how to feel! I'm most definitely ready to see what tomorrow brings. =P 

Blogging

Hello. For those of you who don't know already, I'm Megan, (obviously), and this is my blog! I'm a 28, almost 29, year old wife and mother. Though I was raised in Kansas, I've spent the last four years of my life in Pennsylvania. I love my location! We live in historic Gettysburg. I work part-time in retail at Gap Outlet, and spend the rest of my time trying to keep my house clean, and my family happy! I've got two great kids, and am married to my best friend! Bailee is my girl...she's 11, going on 25! She has just recently has come to stay with me full time, and we are loving it! Tristan is my little man...very chivalrous for a 7 year old. I know that it won't last, but I like to think it might! Then there's my rock star, Matthew. We've been together for 11 years!! Where does the time go! He's crazy talented at anything he sets out to accomplish...I just adore him. I'm crazy in love, however, everyone has their moments, and trust me...we've had our fair share! As for hobbies, I love to read, journal, karaoke, or play music with my husband! We have such a good time! I love the pool, spending time with my kids, and of course, SHOPPING! I have recently been introduced to the wonderful world of scrapbooking, too! Digital and traditional! I LOVE IT! This girl also enjoys the occasional cocktail or glass of wine, as well. =)
So, what's my blog going to be about? Well, in May 2010, I was diagnosed with ADD, and Bipolar II Disorder. This finally gave me closure to a lot of unanswered questions. It is very difficult to be a working wife and mother. PERIOD. However, you throw these two disorders into the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster! I struggle every single day to accomplish the basic things that "normal" people do without thinking twice about. It can be seriously overwhelming! My faith in God keeps me grounded. I don't know how I would manage without God in my life. So, I figured why not share my struggles, my happy moments, and everything in between, with others. The way I look at it is it can't hurt, and honestly, it will help me to have a way to vent! If my blog can reach out and help just one person, then I will feel accomplished with this venture. I don't plan to focus just on my disorder, but also, my hobbies, and everything else a wife or mom should come across...hence, the name, "All Thingz Megan"! I look forward to adding blogging to the mix of things! Let's see how I do!

Here is a picture of my beautiful little family taken last summer at Hershey Park.