Friendzoning.

I can't tell you guys how sick and tired I am of hearing people complain about being "friendzoned".  It's absolute crap.  

Basically, people complaining that this exists don't understand friendship, nor do they understand how the real world works.  

There is no such thing as friendzoning.  Dudes that say that has happened to them have treated a woman nicely in hopes for sex later on.  That's not real friendship, that's not the kind of person a woman wants to be with.  You can't put X amount of niceness in and expect X amount of sex in return.  That's not the real world.  That's called being a giant douchy dick.  

Women can be friends with men and vice versa.  Shouldn't it be able to be that way?  I have plenty of guy friends, and even before I was married, none of them disrespected me or any of my other gal friends like this.  

Think you've been friendzoned?  Take a look in the mirror and tell yourself to grow up and be a man.  If a girl doesn't want to be with you, maybe you need to reevaluate the relationship, or keep being her friend, or both and find someone else to be interested in.  Not every girl wants you, even if you're nice to her.  

That's life.

/endrant

Visiting family

Well, the family reunion went wonderfully.  Got along famously with my cousins and my great uncle and great aunt.  The kids were some of the nicest, most well-behaved kids I've ever seen.  They didn't have their faces glued to any electronics, they all were playing outside and talking to the family.  Delilah loved all of them, and the feeling was mutual.  They'd run up and high five her or talk to her and she just soaked it all in.  Me, Mom, and Delilah got invited to the big 4th of July bash that they throw.  I think we're going to go. It's going to be a lot of fun.  I love that we are connecting with family again.

Aside from all the fun, I was really thankful that a couple of the estranged family members didn't show up.  We had a day without any family drama or issues, which is something that couldn't have happened if they had shown up.  It's kind of like they bring the Jerry Springer type vibe, and it's unpleasant.  There was someone there that hadn't met Delilah yet, and we didn't speak.  My choice. I don't enjoy her company due to her behavior stemming from her treatment of my grandma while she was sick with cancer. (Among other things).

Delilah, Mom, and I also went to go visit my other great uncle in the hospital tonight.  He is such a wonderful man, and is at a point now where he is coherent, but unable to speak.  No stroke, he just can't get the signals from the brain to the mouth.  I sat and talked with him, shared some yogurt covered pretzels with him.  He knew who I was, and knew who Mom was.  I told him about what was going on in my life, and Mom did the same.  Delilah perched near his bed and rubbed his knee.  He tried to smile.  I'm so lucky to have such a tender-hearted sweet baby.  She also gave him a fist bump and he seemed to like that.  

It is such a terrible thought to be completely lucid, but unable to speak.  He has a big family that loves him and will take good care of him though.  

Upcoming stuff:

I'm running in a 5K on Saturday!

Yes, I'm excited.

Yes, I'm nervous.

Yes, I think I'm ready. 

It's the color run, the happiest 5K on the planet.  I only wish Ben would be here at the finish line to see me run across it.  

Thanks.

Today, I'm thankful for:

1. A husband that I've known and loved for more than 10 years (Married almost 5) who works hard in the USAF to support us and make a great life for his family.

2. The most beautiful, intelligent, wonderful daughter in the world. My sweet Delilah brings me joy every single day.

3. A fantastic Mom who has my Grandma shining through her more and more every day.  

4. A great dad who gives and gives and doesn't ask for anything in return.

5. A super group of friends who I can count on for support anytime.  

6. 3 amazing furbabies that give me cuddles and love.

7. A warm house, nice things, and all the comforts that I need.

8. The ability to cook a healthy and delicious meal and share that with my family.

9. A church that I'm really feeling comfortable in.

10. Last, but not least, a true relationship with God.  Without Him, nothing I mentioned above would be possible.

In light of the recent tornadoes and devastation, let's all take a minute to be thankful for what we have.  

I need to be better about updating.

Phew. 

Life is a bit crazy with Ben gone and taking care of a toddler 24/7!  My mom and Jack are amazingly helpful.  Had a long week last week...first time Delilah had a hard time teething.  Once she was feeling better, I definitely needed a break, so I went out and saw friends a couple nights and Mom, Jack, and Lilah hung out.  It's amazing how close they are.  How excited Lilah gets when they get home.  It so reminds me of me and my Grandma and Granddad.  I absolutely love it.  She's so happy here.  The only thing that would make it better is if Ben was here.  

I made this dress. She's the perfect little model.

Started doing the RedditGifts exchanges and got this shirt!

On our way to Wichita to visit Uncle Eli!

Just like she did with Daddy.

Went to my friend's baby shower.  She's such a beautiful person, inside and out.

On our way back.  She's such a good travel buddy.

Made this dress too!  May the Fourth be with you!

Another dress I made.  Getting creative with the ribbon!

Walking the dogs on the beautiful sunny Missouri days.

Walking through the woods and came out into a clearing to find a hidden pond!

Made this dress too.  Anchors ahoy!

Been having playdates with a couple friends.  Total of 7 kids running around and it's actually not hectic at all.

She loves lipstick.

This beautiful work of art is hanging up in my living room.

Playing with Grandma in the playset box.

Made this dress too. I just can't help it.  She's so adorable.

Playing cards with Grandpa and the boys.

Enjoying her new playset. 

She loves to pick me flowers.

A good picture of her new play set.  Amazing.

I've been doing a lot of artsy stuff lately too.  Having a lot of fun with it and selling a lot as well.  I have one customer who has made at least 5-6 orders through me and is planning on more next month.  I love doing it. 

Sent this to Ben.

Cheshire Cat for my redditgifts person

So baby, friends, art, family makes up my life right now.  It's a good life.  

(Oh, and hello to the people who come here to get information about me.  Hope you found what you needed!)

Meals I make and like:

I'm trying to get organized with the meal planning (because I obviously fell off the train last time).  Not doing this as a way to diet, but just get the grocery shopping and planning to all come together beautifully.  I eat healthy anyway. 

So I thought I'd list out all the meals I make and like:

Lasagna

Quesedillas

Chicken and Dumplings

Crockpot pineapple chicken

Spaghetti

Crockpot teriyaki chicken

Chicken fried rice

Fried chicken

Honey/Vanilla chicken

Burritos 

Crockpot beef and broccoli

Salmon

Crab cakes

Parmesan chicken bake

Won tons

Gumbo

Stuffed Chicken

Stuffed peppers

Pizza

Pizzadillas

Wing Sauce Crockpot Chicken sandwiches

Chili

Beans and cornbread

Double Crunch Honey Garlic chicken

Enchiladas

Manicoti

Beef Stew

Taco Soup

Kitchen Sink soup

Breakfast

Ok, that's all I can think of for now.

whoop

Menu for this week:

Monday: X

Tuesday: Breakfast

Wednesday: Stir fry

Thursday: leftovers

Friday: Chicken teriyaki and egg rolls

Saturday: ?

Sunday: Meatloaf and veggies

I've had an interesting week.  Went to a funeral last Friday. Spent most of the time with Aunt Margaret and Uncle Rick. It was a trying time, of course, but the air was much different than other funerals I've attended on Ben's side of the family.  I have a feeling that there's going to be some deep conversations happening soon.  

I really enjoy hanging out with Margaret and Rick.

I've packed up Delilah's Easter basket already. Instead of filling it with crappy junk toys and loads of candy, I filled it with books, a chocolate/pear buddy pouch, and some all natural lemon treats.  She's also getting a lamb, because that's the Easter tradition.  I wish Ben was here to celebrate with us..but I'll take loads of pictures to help him feel like he was almost there.

I'm taking Delilah to a Spring celebration at church on Saturday as well.  They're having an Easter egg hunt, food, pictures with the Easter bunny, pony rides, face painting, etc...It's kind of like an open invitation to the town for some good fun.  I'm really looking forward to it!

It's really hard not having Ben here.  I'm getting used to doing things on my own, but it's wonderful that my mom helps out so much.  I don't know what I'd do without her and Jack.  They are keeping me sane, along with my amazing friends.  I just wish he was here seeing all the new things she does every single day.  Just in the last 2 weeks, she has learned how to:

*Tada

*wink (a cute blink)

*she says a slew of new words and signs including please, thank you, grandpa, love, dog, kitty, more, and a bunch more

*she barks when she sees dogs

*she can sign the word dog

and tons more. I take as many pictures and videos as I can...and send him a bunch daily.

Got some great news about Otis...he isn't a pitbull and can come to Germany with us.  I've met with some amazing trainers, and they're helping me find ways for him to not be afraid and defensive with other dogs.  I want to really get him trained well before we go to Germany.  

That's all for now.  Goodnight.

(Oh, and hello to the girls in Clovis who are still stalking my blog.  It's really creepy!)

Time to start some serious menu planning.

I have been seriously slacking in the menu planning department.  I figure if I make it tonight, go to the store tomorrow, I won't lose my list or forget...right?

Keep in mind, I will usually not do all the meals in order.

Dinners:

Monday: Porkchops

Tuesday: Wontons with rice 

Wednesday: Crockpot Pineapple/Soy sauce chicken

Thursday: Quesedillas w/ guacamole and black beans

Friday: Parmesan chicken bake w/ veg.

For breakfast this week, I'm making breakfast cookies (the recipe can be found on my pinterest).  They are basically baked oatmeal.  No sugars or other unhealthy stuff in it.  I'm even using almond milk instead of regular milk.  (Honestly, if I could never drink cow milk again, I'd be OK with that.)

I'm also going to use Delilah's yogurt and make some frozen yogurt drops for the morning.  

Speaking of mornings, I absolutely love love love waking up in the mornings and having coffee and breakfast with my mom and Delilah.  We are right next to their big sliding glass windows, so we can watch all the birds, squirrels, and hopefully soon...rabbits in the yard, and it is just a really nice way to wake up!