Things I say when I'm tired..

I happen to be one of the worst morning people I have ever met. I have been known to say things in that state between sleep and awake that I would never say when I am conscious. I have also been known to talk in my sleep, which can also cause problems. For example.. No one in their right mind would tell their 2 1/2 year old *who is supposed to be potty training* "Can't you just go in your diaper??" *sigh* At least I have a super supportive husband who doesn't hate me because of what I say when I'm half-asleep. Even though I have been known to say, very angrily, "Can't you just leave me alone??"

Maybe he just loves how horrified I am when he tells me later what I said that morning. *sigh*

DPP Last Day

Christmas Day.. My boys and I. :)

DPP Christmas Eve

DPP Wednesday

DPP Tuesday

The man of my dreams....

The Blessing of a College Degree

Ever since I was a little girl my mom has drilled it into me to go to college and get my degree. She always told me that I was smart, determined, and I could do it! I received this message from everyone in my family. When I was in elementary school I decided I wanted to either be a veterinarian or a teacher. During high school I thought perhaps I would teach high school English.

When I was a senior, I took a class called "The School-Aged Child". This class took me into a 1st grade classroom 3 days a week for an hour each time. I loved it so much I took the class independent study the following semester. I was able to spend 2 periods a day, 5 days a week in the same classroom, which equated to an entire year with those 1st graders. I knew within my first week that I could never do anything else.

I applied for college at UNI, which I had heard was THE teaching college in Iowa. I ended up staying home and attending DMACC for a few years, mainly in order to save my relationship with my boyfriend. I am not ashamed of this, because every choice I have taken has led me to where I am today. If it wasn't for our breakup, my friends would never have dragged me to Ames to "take care of me". I ended up attending Iowa State University, and meeting and marrying the man of my dreams.

I am not going to say that getting my degree wasn't a bumpy road.. I had 2 babies, one of which I was on bedrest for 2 months, in the hospital for 3 weeks, and kept him in the NICU for 8.5 weeks. This weekend, with the support of my family, friends, and incredible staff at ISU, I walked away with my degree in Elementary Education. I am the first person in my dad's family to have a college degree, the second teacher in my mom's family, and can help show my siblings and children that persistance, while difficult, DOES pay off!

Thank you to EVERYONE for all of your help and support.. I know this is cheesy, but I dedicate my college degree to: God, for my strength and faith.. My parents, grandparents, siblings, my wonderful husband, Nate, my two beautiful sons, William and Owen, My friends who have stuck with me since, well, forever.. Clifton, Josh, and AJ, and the rest of you crazy Urbandalians, My pals in the program: B.ZO, Nancy, Ehley, Beth, Pat, and so many more, and the wonderful staff of ISU, who helped me through all of my challenges and helped me to fulfill my dream. I love you all!! I did it! :) :) :)

DPP Sunday/Monday

Am I the only one who misses summer?? Oh well. :)

DPP Friday/Saturday.. :)

We have had lots of family in town for my graduation this weekend.. I graduated from Iowa State University with my bachelors in Elementary Education! :) :) Here are the two photos for yesterday and today..

Wednesday DPP, Thursday to come!

DPP Tuesday.. BAKING!

I spent quite a bit of time in the kitchen today, as you can see... On the table you see... Cranberry-Balsamic Vinaigrette, $250 Cookies, Peanut Brittle, Chocolate-Almond Meringue, Whole Wheat Bread, Ginger Snaps, and Yogurt.. All made from scratch with nourishing ingredients of course! Whew!

Sunday/Monday DPP

Saturday, DPP

I felt that these photos really give the true story about what every day is like in the Roelfs household. All I did was watch them and take pictures.. They had no help from me... Enjoy!

DPP Friday (whooops!)

I didn't realize until just now that I never posted yesterday's picture... Here goes. :) I will post today's photo later.

Penne with Broccoli and Sun-dried Tomatoes.. YUM!

Recently I purchased the BEST book.. Feeding Baby Green It's a great resource for recipes and information about feeding your baby wholesome, natural foods. I altered this recipe to fit what we had on hand and it turned out fantastic! Enjoy!

Penne With Broccoli and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

(Altered from Feeding Baby Green)

3/4c sun-dried tomatoes, julienned

5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

1/4c olive oil

8 oz whole wheat penne pasta

3 cups broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces

4 oz black olives

4 oz swiss cheese

2 oz Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Put the sun-dried tomatoes and chopped garlic in a small bowl

and pour the olive oil over them.

Let them stand for at least 30 minutes before cooking,

or overnight,to allow the tomatoes to reconstitute

and to flavor the oil. If you let the flavors sit for more than 4 hours,

put them in the fridge.

2. Cook the penne according to package directions

While the pasta is cooking, begin cooking the sauce.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the tomato mixture to the pan.

Saute for one minute. Add the broccoli and saute over medium heat,

stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.

If the mixture is dry, add a little water.

3. When the pasta is al dente, drain the water and pour the penne back into the pot.

Add the sauce to the pasta. Gently stir in the olives and cheese.

Divide into four servings and sprinkle Parmesan on each (if desired)

DPP 12/9 and 12/10

I missed yesterday's post mainly because of "the storm of the century" (local news channel). Granted, we're only 9 years into this century, but hey, why not?! We only managed to venture outside for a few minutes due to the extremely cold weather. I learned that my toddler DOES NOT like the cold weather! When the wind blew he shrieked and said "Mommy, go inside now please!!" So of course, we did. :)

Earlier today I was changing Owen's diaper (who was very upset) and I asked William if he would talk to Owen to make him feel better. I kid you not, this is word for word what he said.. "Of course, Mommy!" He then walked over to his brother, kissed him on the head, and said "You're a great baby, Owen!" I don't know what we're doing, but we must be doing something right... :)

DPP 12/8 and the STORM OF THE CENTURY!

According to the weather channel, this is an "epic and extremely dangerous storm".. In case you don't know, I live in central Iowa.. Sunday morning there was not one speck of snow on the ground. By tomorrow we are expected to have between 10-18 inches.. The photo shows what we have so far. In other news, my 2 1/2 year old is THRILLED!

DPP 12/7

I love plants. I especially love the Wandering Jew my mom gave me. I have dropped this poor hanging plant at least a dozen times, forgot to water it enough times to kill any other type of plant, and it even was blown off my balcony in a fierce storm last summer. The other day I was looking at it and saw the sweetest, most delicate flower I have ever seen. I forgot to take a picture, and by the end of the day it was gone! I talked to my mom and she said that she had never seen one flower before. Today I was searching in vain to find another flower and AH HAH! I found one! I just had to post this picture..

DPP 12/6 Just Gotta Dance!

DPP 12/5 CHILI EXPLOSION!

Well, today I decided I would make a big ol' pot of chili and can a bunch of it for those lazy days when I don't want to cook.. Okay, so it was all going swimmingly until I decided to tip the pot up onto it's side to scoop out the last few cups.. That's when the chili hit the fan.. I slipped (thanks to my arm injury from yesterday) and spilled all over myself, stove, and floor. I have huge burns on my arm and another one on my tummy. Tear.. Thankfully, my loving hubby cleaned up the mess while I attended to my injuries. :)

DPP December 4/Only Me...

Well, If you know anything about me, you will know that I am EXTREMELY clumsy... Today I managed (don't ask me how) to whack the soft part of my elbow against the very corner of my handrail as I was running up the stairs to show Nate the packages that came in the mail.. Well, I hit it "just perfectly" according to the Dr.. That's right; I hit it SO HARD after 2 hours it was very red, swollen, and painful. I was tingling all the way up to my neck and down to my fingertips (still am). I went to the Dr. and had xrays done. Good news, I didn't chip a bone. Bad news, I hit my nerve so "perfectly" that I won't heal for 2-3 weeks. Yaaay me! *sigh* Only me! Oh well, it's not like I have two little kids to carry around all day long.. DOH! At least I can laugh about it! :)

December Photo Project December 3

December Photo Project

This just looks like so much fun I have to participate! I love taking pictures, I have thousands on my computer, and this seems like a great way to share! :) December Photo Project Click here to see more information! SO; here's the first photo!