Show & Tell Tuesday

Happy Tuesday Girls!

 

Today I am linking up with Andrea for "Show & Tell Tuesday", be sure to grab the graphic and link up too!!

 

 

So today we are all telling how we met our mates and how we got engaged!  I am looking forward to reading everyones! 

 

Let me start by saying I don't have any glamorous or super romantic story...but I still think it is pretty perfect and super special!  Shortly after I was separated my girlfriends were all over me about getting out and trying to meet someone..the thought of it seriously made me panic!  I mean 34 years old, 5 kids, first of all who even has time to go out and meet someone, and who the heck would even want to meet some lady with 5 kids!  I brushed them off for months and told them I was fine being alone!  And I really was OK with being alone, I had my kids, we were happy, life was pretty good.  Of course I was lonely at times, and wished I had a partner here to share life with it, but I knew I was totally not into any type of dating scene, and the last thing I felt like doing was going out on dates! 

Well, after weeks of NON-STOP pestering I gave in and said I would go on ONE date..it was more just to shut them up!  Ha!

 

So one cold Monday December night, I set out to meet this guy that my girlfriends were setting me up with.  I can remember driving there with a huge knot in my stomach, I seriously could not remember a time when I was ever that nervous..I definitely thought about turning around and just going home quite a few times!  Well, let's just say I am really glad I did not.  I walked in, found Mark, and we seriously just hit it off....we sat and talked for hours, it was easy and comfortable!  We had dinner again the very next night, and well the rest is history!!!! 

 

We really hit it off on the very first night.  As I have written about before, he wasn't even remotely phased about the fact that I had 5 kids...it was pretty much love at first sight for both of us! 

 

I knew pretty quickly that he was the one, I had no desire to go and meet other people, date anyone else, yes I realize how lucky I was to have found exactly what I needed right away! 

 

I was very concerned about introducing him to my children, I knew what a wonderful man he was, but I had a huge fear that if god forbid it did not work out, I would hate to put my children through that...so so tough when you are a parent!  I really felt in my heart he was the "one" and I knew the only way to see if it was going to work was to let him meet my children.  Obviously my kids needed to be OK with him, and it was very important that he saw me as a mom...because that is what I am first and foremost..my kids will always always be my TOP priority! 

 

I was crazy nervous introducing them all, but it really went so smooth...Olivia was not even 2, so she just kinda went with it, the little boys just loved him, Mark wasted no time getting right down playing with them.  Brooke and Harrison were a bit older and they really seemed to hit it off with him too!  You can imagine how super happy I was after that! 

 

I got A LOT of opinions once I let people know I was involved with someone, funny how everyone seems to know what's right for you!!!  I was 34, Mark was 39, we were both responsible adults, very capable of making decisions, and we did move rather quickly, it was not long after we met that he moved in with us.  For us, we just knew it was right, we were very happy, and very anxious to start our life together! 

 

About a year or so in, we started talking about the possibility of getting married, I really did not need a piece of paper to validate our relationship, however we both thought it was important, because there were children involved, that if we were going to be together, to commit fully and get married.  There was no special proposal, we talked about it, looked at lots of engagement rings, and well a few weeks later we were "engaged"!

 

Obviously this being a second marriage for both of us, there was not going to be some big grand wedding, we had both already been there and done that!  Our first thought was go to Vegas and just get married, we were definitely liking that idea...well the kids...not so much!  They were devastated that they couldn't come to our wedding...so we had to rethink things!  I loved that my kids wanted to be a part of this, and they did need to be, this was as much about them, as it was about Mark and I.  We decided to take a long weekend and head up to Pigeon Forge, TN, rent a cabin, and get married there.  It is one of those places, similar to Las Vegas, where you can go get a marriage license and go into any chapel and get married.  Easy peasy! 

 

As I was looking online for little wedding chapels, I came across a drive-thru wedding chapel, and told the gang about it and they all thought it was the coolest thing ever!!!

 

We rented the sweetest cabin!

 

Everyone loved the movie theater room in the cabin!

 

Everyone just hanging out waiting to go get married!

 

 

First stop was getting the marriage license

 

 

We are ready to get married!

 

 

Cutest little drive-thru chapel ever!

 

Best thing ever!!

 

And seriously just like you would drive up and order food at McDonalds, we drove around, the guy stuck his head out of the window and married us...all the kids were in the car with us and it seriously was the most perfect thing ever!  The kids were clapping and cheering in the back of the car, I am so glad we did this..it was crazy, fun and just perfect! 

 

We love going to football games together!

 

We love NASCAR races together!

 

 

We love vacationing together!

 

We are happy to have every holiday together!

 

We love going on dates together!

 

But most of all, we LOVE being a family and doing life together!

 

So there is our story!  Can't wait hear everyone else's story! 

 

Have a great day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Weekend Wrap-Up

Happy Monday Girls!

 

I can't think of a better way to start the week than having a Monday off from school, and what's even better???......we are supposed to get some snow tonight!!! Woot Woot!

 

I hope you all had a fantastic Valentine's Day Weekend...we sure did!

 

Mark and I left Friday afternoon for our weekend getaway and we were pretty excited!  Since I was not going to be here on Valentine's Day, I gave them their gifts Friday morning...and well anytime my kids get candy, they are just happy!

 

This girl looking super cute in all hear hearts!

Olivia was in Shopkin heaven!

 

So...after lunch Mark and I headed out..I had made reservations at what looked to be the sweetest little bed and breakfast....

This was one of the photos of the bed and breakfast online...all of the photos looked beautiful, so I was confident that we were going to be staying at a nice place, and the reviews were all good!!!

 

So, after a two hour drive we finally arrived and as we pulled in we both kinda looked at each other...it appeared the photos were not taken recently, as it looked NOTHING at all as it did online.  So we braced ourselves and we walked in....the owner, a very nice older man, greeted us at the door, explained to us a few things then brought us upstairs to show us our room....and well...the disappointment only continued....the room, as with everything else, was not what we had expected and did not look like the picture they had online of our exact room.  We couldn't help but notice the enormous amount of dust everywhere, and when I say everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE!!!  Mark was getting visibly upset with each passing second, mind you it was not cheap, and he was starting to get extremely pissy about the condition of the room and the ridiculous price they were charging us.  I had already paid for one night, and the other night was being charged to our card upon our arrival.  Mark immediately started looking online for new places for us to stay, us staying there just wasn't happening!  Now not only was it Valentine's Day weekend, but also a long holiday weekend, so most of places were pretty booked...but we did find another room, at brand new hotel...the price for two nights was cheaper than we were paying for one at this particular bed and breakfast..we booked it and planned on losing our deposit of one night and hoping they would not charge us for the second night due to the poor condition of the room.  I went downstairs to the office, spoke with the owner, he offered to have us wait downstairs and he would go and dust the room.  I thanked him for that and told him that unfortunately we would still not be staying there, because it was my opinion that this room should have been ready prior to our arrival.  He walked upstairs with me and was upset as he ran his finger across every hard surface and dust was flying everywhere.  He apologized up and down, and not only did not charge us for the second night, he fully refunded our first night deposit.  I was very happy!  So after that little adventure we jumped in the car, drove about 20 minutes to our very nice, modern, hotel room! 

 

We unloaded, freshened up, and headed to dinner.....

 

...and some much needed drinks!!! Pomegranite martini for the win!

 

We LOVE calamari, and this was pretty delicious!

 

We were back in our room, in the bed watching TV by 9:15!!!!  It's the little things like being able to just watch some TV uninterrupted that bring us pure happiness!

 

We woke up Saturday morning, and it was FREEZING....no lie it was in the 70's last weekend and this weekend was like below freezing temps all weekend, with crazy wind!  But we bundled up and headed out to explore the cute little town!

 

We were super excited to eat at Tupelo Honey Café...well the wait was 3 hours...so we went to IHOP instead, we were disappointed as we have heard so many great things about it, but there was just no way we were going to wait that long to eat!

 

We went into the cutest little candy store, and I just thought these chocolate shoes were fabulous...I am really regretting not getting one!

 

We drove past this high school and not only could I not get over the enormous size of it, but it was the most beautiful school I had ever seen!

 

About a week before our trip I went online to find some restaurants for us to try while we were away, and we found one that we could not wait to eat at for Valentine's Day, the reviews are amazing, the menu looked perfect..we were so excited.  I called them about a week ago and asked if they took reservations, they said no, but did do call ahead seating, so I was cool with that.  We knew everything was going to be crazy and busy because of Valentine's Day, so around 4, an hour before they opened I started calling to put our name on the list, I called no joke 18 times, either got a busy signal or an answering machine...so we decided to just go and put our name on the list, shop a bit and then go back to eat.  Well, we arrive at the restaurant at 5:20...20 minutes after they open, people lined up everywhere...I finally get up to the hostess stand and she tells me it will be 3.5-4 hour wait...I wanted to DIE!!!!  We had our hearts set on this restaurant, we already had our meal picked out, so it was happening!  By this time, the wind was blowing at like 100mph, it was snowing and just miserable outside, so we drove around and stopped in this little Mexican restaurant and ate some queso, chips and drank some beer

 

Best chips and queso I have ever had!

 

Finally at 9 we got back to the restaurant, still slammed, so we found two seats at the bar and just decided to drink and eat our meal there...we were beyond starving at this point!

 

Drinks in a mason jar are just fun!

The 4 glasses of wine were delicious as I was drinking them, I quickly realized Sunday morning it was not the best decision!

 

Scallops, bacon and maple syrup...DELICIOUS!

 

This meal was definitely worth the wait...it was absolutely delicious!

I love this guy so much...I was so thankful to have a weekend alone with him!

 

We drank a lot of Starbucks and consumed a decent amount of chocolate...and it was all just perfect!!!

 

While we were off having fun, Olivia spent the weekend with my mom and they picked up my nephew Saturday afternoon and did a little bowling...they had the best time!

 

We got up Sunday morning, packed our things and headed home, it was so nice to get away, but we really missed the kids! 

 

Big hugs and these Girl Scout Cookies were waiting for us when we got home!

 

We spent the rest of Sunday just hanging out, the perfect way to end a perfect weekend!

 

We are supposed to get some snow/winter weather here tonight, it doesn't happen often here, so we are really hoping it does happen!  I can't say I would mind if tomorrow was a snow day and our 4 day weekend turned into a 5 day weekend:)  Now I am off to grab milk and bread and wait for the snow...HA!!

 

Be sure to check back tomorrow, it is "Show & Tell Tuesday" and we are talking about how we met our partners and got engaged...be sure you all link up!

 

Have a great day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!

 

It's Friday...so that means it is time for Friday Favorites.  I am once again linking up with Andrea , Erika and Narci , grab the graphic and link up too!

 

Today is Friday the 13th...for some odd reason my boys think this is the greatest thing ever!!!

 

ONE

Yesterday after I was done running around picking up my last minute Valentine's Day gifts I stopped and got a much needed pedicure...definitely a favorite of mine!!

 

TWO

I love seeing my kids with their friends....friends and candy..favorites for sure!

 

THREE

These two...always a favorite for me!

 

FOUR

Mark and I are leaving this afternoon for a little kid free getaway....it is supposed to be ridiculously FREEZING this weekend, so I doubt we will be drinking wine outside...but we are super excited to escape to this adorable little Bed & Breakfast for the weekend!  Any alone time with my hubby is most definitely a favorite of mine!

 

FIVE

Any day we get a day off from school is for sure a favorite of mine!

 

SIX

Any holiday....always a favorite of mine!

 

Hope you all have a wonderful Valentine's Day and are able to spend it with the ones you love.

 

Be sure to check back Monday for our weekend wrap-up!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday Thoughts...Last Minute Valentine Gifts

Happy Thursday! 

 

We are excited over here because we have a four day weekend...and Mark and I are leaving tomorrow for a KID FREE getaway and we are super pumped!

 

I don't know about you guys, but I have been having a super hard time "getting it together" lately.  Usually I am pretty organized but the past few weeks I have been off my game!  The kids don't have school Friday so they are having their Valentine's Day Celebrations on Thursday.  AJ could pretty much care less, I guess when you are in 5th grade passing around cards and candy just isn't a big deal.  Well, when you are 6 and in 1st grade...it is definitely a big deal.  My girl is so excited about bringing in her decorated shoe box and Valentine Cards to her classmates! And I am major slack this year...her box is a shoe box wrapped in heart wrapping paper...lame mom award goes to ME!!


Anyway.....I am way behind on getting Valentines for my little loves, so I will be running around today getting the little gifts I need! 

If any of you have little girls, than I am sure you know all about Shopkins...seriously these are the craziest little toys, and my daughter is OBSESSED with them.  They sell out pretty quickly from what I have seen, so I was so glad I picked her some up for Valentine's Day for Olivia.

 

Beanie Boos are also a big hit over here...this is the perfect little gift to give a little girl with some candy!  Olivia is also getting a new Beanie Boo!

 

You can never really go wrong with a gift card...stick it in a card and you are good to go...I always love getting a gift card...especially one from Starbucks!

 

Chocolate...I mean seriously you can never ever go wrong with that right???  This is a great last minute gift to just run in and pick up.  I always love the day after Valentine's Day, and Target has all the candy for 50% off...I stock up!!

 

Not sure why this image is so small...but I know my hubby always love to get cologne!

 

And perfume is always a great gift for the ladies!

 

Legos are always pretty much a great pick for little boys!!

 

So there you have it...a few last minute Valentine's Day Gifts!

 

Be sure to check back tomorrow for Friday Favorites!

 

Have a great day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What We Are Wearing...Cover-Up Edition

Happy Wednesday Ladies!

 

I know some of you think I am ridiculous because I wish my week away, but we love the weekends over here!  And I am extra excited for Friday this week because Mark and I are headed out of town for the weekend KID FREE!!

 

 

We have had some major spring like weather here the past few days, but it is coming to an end because Friday it isn't even going to get out of the 30s....but with this little wave of warm weather, it has me thinking SUMMER!  I always love when a new season starts, I am always tired of what I have been wearing, and am ready to switch up my wardrobe! 

 

I am probably one of the most self conscious people on the planet and when I tell you I have not worn a bathing suit in 3 years, I would not be lying!  That being said I am going to buy a bathing suit this year, however I am like 99.99% sure I will wear a cover-up the whole time!  I always see the cutest cover-ups, but I never buy them and when I think I want one all the good ones seem to sold out...so this year I am going to get a jump on it!

 

Victoria's Secret, in my opinion, always has great cover-ups, they can be a bit pricey, but I definitely think they are worth it.

 

I thought this one was super cute...simple and I like it

 

My favorite out of all I have seen is this one, and I went ahead and ordered it...I can't wait to get it!

 

I thought this one was so cute with the little knot

 

I love Old Navy...always a good deal there!  This cover-up is adorable and so reasonably priced!

 

This one from Target is crazy cute and under $20!  Don't we all love Target!!

 

I was really loving this one from Target too!  And it comes in some other great colors!

 

This one I love with the long sleeves!

 

And totally off topic, but I wanted to share with you an awesome shirt I bought last week. 

 

This shirt is probably the softest shirt I own...it is definitely pricey (in my opinion)...however I only bought it because Mark had won some money in Las Vegas last week and he gave me a little to buy myself something...and this shirt...I love it.  I got it in the white, and I am thinking the blue one is going to be on my birthday list for sure!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Have a great day!

 

 

 



Tasty Tuesday....A Few More Crock-Pot Recipes

Happy Tuesday Ladies! 

 

So I am officially saying that every Tuesday will be "Tasty Tuesday" here at Kimm's Korner!  I know that I always love when women share recipes, so if you have a favorite recipe about the topic I am talking about, please by all means share it with us! 

 

I really love the crock-pot for so many reasons, and I use it pretty much year round, not just in the winter months.  With a very busy life, I have found the crock-pot to be a life saver!  I can throw everything in there in the mornings, and then BAM at dinner time everything is all ready to eat!  I especially love it during our "sport" seasons, so great for the nights that we are all eating at different times!  Two weeks ago I shared a few of our favorite recipes to make in the crock-pot, and today I am sharing a few more with you guys!

 

Creamy Ranch Potatoes

2 pounds small red potatoes, quartered

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 envelope buttermilk ranch dry salad dressing mix

1 10 3/4 ounce can cream of potato soup

 

1.  Place potatoes in slow cooker.  In a small bowl combine cream cheese and salad dressing mix.  Stir in soup, add to potatoes.

 

2.  Cover, cook on low for 7-9 hours or on high for 3.5-4.5 hours.  Stir to blend before serving

 

Makes 6 servings

 

This is a super yummy side dish...we love it

*recipe from Better Homes & Gardens Crockery Cookbook

 

Nacho Chicken & Rice Wraps

2 cans Campbell's cheddar cheese soup

1 cup water

2 cups pace chunky salsa or picante sauce

1 1/4 cups uncooked regular long grain white rice

2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cubed

10 flour tortillas (10 inch in diameter)

 

1.  Mis soup, water, salsa, rice and chicken in the slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or high 4-5 hours or until done.

 

2.  Spoon about 1 cup rice mixture down center of each tortilla.  Fold tortilla around filling.

 

This is easy and very good!

*recipe and photo from Better Homes & Gardens Crocker Cookbook

 

Big Al's Hot & Sweet Sausage Sandwich

4-5 pounds Italian sausage (we use sweet)

1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce

1 large onion sliced (Vidalia preferred)

1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced

1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

Italian rolls

Provolone cheese (optional)

 

1.  Combine sausage, spaghetti sauce, onion, bell peppers and sugar in slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low 8-10 hours or high 4-6 hours.

 

2.  Place sausages on rolls.  Top with vegetable mixture and add cheese if desired!

 

We LOVE sausage and pepper sandwiches, and I love that I can avoid all the mess of cooking the sausage on the stove top!  We had these for the super bowl and we ate them all up!

 

*recipe and photo from Rival Crock Pot cookbook

 

Deluxe Potato Casserole

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup

1 container (8ounces) sour cream

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons melted butter, divided

1 teaspoon salt

2 pounds potatoes, peeled and chopped

2 cups (8ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

1 1/2 - 2 cups stuffing mix

 

1.  Combine soup, sour cream, onion, 1/4 cup butter and salt in small bowl.

 

2.  Combine potatoes and cheese in slow cooker.  Pour soup mixture over potato mixture; mix well.  Sprinkle stuffing mix over potato mixture; drizzle with remaining butter.

 

3.  Cover, cook on low 8-10 hours or high 5-6 hours or until potatoes are tender.

 

We love a potato casserole as a side dish, and this is yummy!

 

*recipe from Rival Crock Pot cookbook

 

If you have any favorite crock pot recipes I would love for you to share them with me!

 

Thanks so much for reading today!  Be sure to check back tomorrow for some great spring clothes!

 

Have a great day!