Simple things in life

Today is Jason's 34th birthday.  I refer to him as my "oldest child" because he really is a kid at heart but that is also why I love him so much.  With that said, buying gifts for him is very easy and fun. This year took some thinking power, LOTS of research, and some sneakiness, but it all came along smoothly.  Me and the boys along with my parents (thank goodness the went in on it) bought him a Crossbow for his birthday.  We ended up buying him a Barnett Wild Cat. Icing on the cake I worked with his friend Drew and scheduled a "playdate" as we are calling it and they are going hunting together on Sunday to test it out. I wish there was a way to pay the buck to just show up!

The actual celebration...although his bday is today we ended up celebrating yesterday with my parents because Jason is going to the Tigers game (7th row).  I tell ya this birthday year wont be beat.  While at dinner I gave him a small gift bag that had a MSU house flag in it. He handled it really well "Wow thanks guys lets put this up later....".  After a great dinner we walked outside and my dad called him to the trunk. POOF 1000s of thoughts running through his head he was in denial. Of course he played with it right then and there. He then got home and played with it (while watching sports) for another couple of hours. 

Jason's first glance and trying to figure out what he was looking at.



In the middle of the parking lot he pulls it out to play.  Gotta love him!
Honestly, I wasn't planning on spending that much money for his birthday but watching his reaction and also listening to him talk with excitement makes it all so worth every penny. That's exactly why I coupon and cut corners wherever I can. Moments like this where I can spoil the ones I love... I'd do it everyday of the week if I could.

What's Cookin

About 3 years ago I was brainstorming about creating my own cookbook. I know, I know stop laughing. Me in the kitchen?!?! It doesn't happen often and when it does I normally complain about it.  However, my plan for the cookbook wasn't to create all new recipes but to adapt ones to my family's needs, taste buds... however I realized that's what everyone does and let's be real its probably best I leave the REAL recipe mixing and changing up to someone else.  My real favorite part about the kitchen is the planning and the creativity!!! Its teamwork in our house about 60% of the cooking is done by my hubby "The Chef".  I like the behind the scenes but still help out with about 40% cooking when we are in a pinch or he is on travel. in addition to pulling the menus together, find sales (couponing is another addiction of mine),  my ultimate favorite part is adding a twist to the kitchen/menu each and every possible way.  We have huge holiday menus with artsy looking food, playing with our food, games with our food. After doing this for a while I realized that we really do have something to share and hope that you and others enjoy it too! Together me and hubby are like the perfect ice cream sundae. He is the ice cream (gets the food prepared and cooked) and I add the syrup, sprinkles, whip cream, and cherry (all the fun, creativity, and finishing touches)!  We are't chefs (well he does have experience in the kitchen), you won't find many "original" recipes on here but the creativity is endless and so is the fun! Enjoy!!!!