Update To Going Private

Just a quick post to let everyone that left me a comment know that I am completely blown away and even a little overwhelmed at the number of people that still follow us!  I feel so bad because in an ideal, perfect world I would be able to allow everyone access.  Sadly, we live in a world where people don't always read blogs for the right reasons and I just can't take chances with my family's safety.  I just wanted to let everyone know that I am very thankful for all of the support you all have given me over my decision to go private and that I am actually embarrassed that so many people would want to read about our boring life! Haha!  One last time, let me ask that you please understand why I am doing this and I hope that one day I can go public again and see you all again.

The Time Has Come, Going Private

It has been almost four years since I first started blogging over on my mac blog and I've found a lot of support during the lowest point in my life through blogging.  I was able to meet most of my blog/Twitter friends last year and I've met several others since.  During the past fifteen months since I became a mom, I've started to feel vulnerable on my blog.  I started to feel like maybe it was time to not be such an open book, especially when I have between 800-1200 hits a day, even when I don't have a new post (I'm sure that doesn't sound like much to a lot of you, but to us it is).  Truthfully, that scares us a little thinking about who could be reading about our family and seeing pictures of Nicholas.  Sometime in life you have to realize what is most important.  It isn't having a popular blog, the most friends on Facebook or Twitter, but protecting your family.  

Michael and I have debated taking the blog private for a long time and the time has come.  There hasn't been anything specific or anything that has happened to lead to this decision, it is just something we feel we should do. Please understand if I have unfollowed you on Twitter, Facebook, and now taking the blog private.  It has not been a personal thing against anyone, but I've said all along that I only accept people I've met IRL on FB and the time has come to put that policy into effect on Twitter and on here.  I never set out to be a "big blog".  It was simply just an outlet for me to journal and vent about our journey to have a baby.  I'm hoping one day I might can go public again, but now isn't the time. 

Thank you all for joining us on the journey to becoming a family, for reading about our boring lives, and for understand why I am doing this.  As of this Sunday, Life With The Ledfords will become private, let me know if you want to keep reading by commenting on this post with your email.

Meal Planning Monday

I didn't do any freezer meals or really plan ahead last week and it was big mistake.  It lead to a lot of stress during a crazy week.  I did freezer/plan ahead meals yesterday and I already feel more organized and on top of things.
Monday - Crockpot Stuffed Peppers
Tuesday - Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
Wednesday - Salad and Twice Baked Potatoes (Nicholas will have chicken tenders)
Thursday - Beef Enchiladas
Friday - Pizza night
Saturday - UT/FL party, so we will probably just snack on tailgate foods.
Sunday - Grilled Chicken and veggies

All of these recipes have come from Pinterest.  If you aren't on there, let me know and I'll send you an invitation, just leave me a comment with your email!

Little Acrobats, Good Friends, and Cricuts

We had a fun weekend full of friends.  First, I just had to show you our big boy's latest skill, using a spoon!  He has been working on it at school and I let him feed himself yogurt Friday night! He did pretty well!

We've been going to The Little Gym for about 2 months and Nicholas LOVES it!  He loves being able to run and play and use his energy constructively! Ha!  Saturday morning Michael had to work, so Gigi went with us and I was able to get a few pictures since she was there to help chase our little gymnast!

 He LOVES hanging from the bars! His teacher is always surprised how well he does hanging for his age!  He has a lot of upper body strength and does really well.

 Nicholas' friend Tate joined us for the first time yesterday!  We were excited to have a few friends there.  His friend, Jake, also came for the first time!

 Look at the excitement on his cute little face as he hung from the high bars for the fist time! Haha!

 He also enjoys playing with the balls at the end of class.  He loves to bounce them and throw them at me.

Last night Michael went to Atlanta for a bachelor party, so I invited Nicole and Amy over to use the Cricut to make banners for the 1st birthday parties coming up soon!  They brought wine and I got everything out and we just laid it all on the rug and got to work.

Since Baylee's birthday is in less than two weeks now, we focused on her banner.  It isn't my banner to show you, and I don't want to give it all way, but I'll show you a sample of the cuteness of her party!  I don't know about Nicole, but I am still covered in glitter even after a shower! Haha!

We also started working on zoo animals for Tate's zoo party in a few weeks.  Obviously, the girl zebra is for Baylee's party, but I LOVE my 1st cartridge, Create a Critter.  We were able to make some absolutely adorable diecuts!

PTL Michael and his friends made it home from Atlanta in one piece, no one got arrested, lost a tooth, or got any crazy tatoos (if you've seen the Hangover, you get that).  I spent the day making our meals for the week, but more on that tomorrow for Meal Planning Monday!

September 11, 2011

In some ways, September 11, 2001 seems like it was just the other day, in others it seems like it was a lifetime ago.  On that day, we all lost a piece of security and innocence that we cannot ever get back.  It was a day we remember every year and on this anniversary, I'm not going to do a "where were you" post, I did that last year.  This year I want to focus on remembering how we felt, how it must have felt for those directly involved, and being thankful for those that have given everything to defend our great country.  I have spent the morning and most of the afternoon today watching the coverage and it is still as heartbreaking and chilling as it was that day.  When they show the pictures of the firefighters climbing the stairwell and looking straight into the camera, you can feel the fear they felt, but yet continued the climb to help others.  Today as you remember how YOU felt, try to instead remember how they must have felt.  Try to remember the pride we all had in our country, the week where no one was a Republican or a Democrat, but instead we were just Americans.  It is sad that it took such a tragedy for our country to be united and that it couldn't last longer than a couple of weeks.   Take the rest of today to remember what sacrifices have been made to allow us to have the freedoms we have and to live in such an amazing country.

Labor Day Weekend

We have had a busy, but good weekend, as always.  Saturday morning I got up early to get in line to shop the consignor presale at Jack and Jill consignment sale before football came on at noon.  I had never consigned or shopped this sale, but after the ease of drop off and seeing how many good deals I got shopping, I'm convinced to consign/shop it again!  My friend Amy and I got in line around 9:30 for the 10:00 sale and it was fun to spend some time catching up before the doors opened.  I was on a mission for a new diaper genie since mine has never really worked right and I found one, with a refill for $10!  It looks brand new!  I also found Nicholas a Halloween costume for his school parade and carnival for $4 that was brand new in the bag! SCORE!

Yesterday Michael was moving his business to a new location so my mom and I went shopping for some Fall clothes for Nicholas.  I found some really cute things at Carter's.  I am beyond excited that we FINALLY got a Carter's store in Chattanooga.  I also got my Christmas present a little early because JoAnn's was having a good sale.  I am now the proud owner of a Cricut Expression.  If you have one, what are your favorite cartridges?

Last night we went to Marc and Annie's house for Will's 8th birthday.  I know I say this all the time, but we are so thankful for awesome neighbors that we are friends with.  It was good to see them all for a little while before Nicholas' bedtime.  Sadly, I forgot my camera, but let me just say that Nicholas LOVED the cake and we both wore quite a bit of it! Haha!

Today has been a cold, rainy day.  Chattanooga hasn't seen any rain in over a month, so our ground was so dry, it couldn't absorb all of the rain fast enough, so we have some major flooding going on.  We had received almost 9 inches just today!

Nicholas' water table was empty this morning, but here it is now, overflowing!

We are making gumbo, playing with my new Cricut, and getting caught up on laundry. Nicholas and I have ate a lot today (for some reason rainy days just make me hungry)! Haha! 

Here is a look at my 1st Cricut project. We are having a UT party in a couple of weeks, so I made a banner to hang on the mantle. 

Hope everyone is having a good Labor Day and staying safe and dry!

Football Time In Tennessee...Well, Technically In Georgia

Today Kelly's post was titled "It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year". Can I get an AMEN on that?!  Many of you know, but I grew up in a household that FOOTBALL was the 4th most important thing behind, God, Family, and School.  My dad is a high school football coach and I have actually found myself on many occasions explaining the game and rules to my husband and his friends! Ha!  With that being said, I LOVE me some FOOTBALL and yesterday was the 1st day of college football!!!

Friday was wear your team colors day at school, so Nicholas and I both sported our UT wear!  How cute is my little UT fan?

 Yesterday I knew he would get dirty before the game at 6pm, so I dressed him for football in general.  He was so busy, I never got a good picture, but as you can tell, we have quite an active little man on our hands!

 He played so hard outside we had to have a bath and wardrobe change before the game started! Ha!  I found this adorable UT onesie at the Jack and Jill sale yesterday morning.  It was so cute and perfect for the 1st game!  Since he wears his UT shirts to school on Fridays, I try to find them at the consignment sales rather than good, expensive ones.  We save those for Saturdays or when we are having a UT party.

Michael's dad was at our house for the weekend and to watch the game.  We always subscribe to the college football package on DirectTV, so not only do we get to see all of the UT games (even those not broadcast in GA), but also some of my alma mater games!  UT-Chattanooga is a small school, so they are rarely on TV in GA!  We decided to have a day of snacking and watching games.  I made my refried bean dip and Michael made wings.

Refried Bean Dip

2 cans refried beans (I use the no fat beans)

1 pkg taco seasoning

1 8oz sour cream

2 cups cheddar cheese

1 tomato, chopped

1 can sliced black olives

Mix the beans and taco seasoning and pour into serving bowl.  Layer with sour cream, cheese, and toppings.  I have also added guac, salsa, and lettuce before, but this is all I had handy this time.  It takes about 10 mins to make and is always a hit!

Michael's famous wings

3 pounds of frozen chicken wings

garlic salt

chili powder

fresh ground salt and pepper

olive oil

Before placing on the grill, soak the wings in water for about 30 mins-1 hr.  Place on a platter and cover in olive oil.  Sprinkle the rest of the ingredients over the wings and cook on the grill or smoker until cooked throughout.  They are really good!

What do you mean I can't eat wings???

Sadly there was a rain/lightning delay at the game, so it didn't start until 7:40, so Nicholas had to go to bed before game time, but he is already looking forward to cheering them on next week!!!