Dating...

When Jenna was about 5 and Peyton was 3 years old, one evening all three of us were on my bed reading stories.  Out of the blue, Jenna asked how it worked to get a step dad.  I was stunned for a little bit... now Jenna is a planner and wants to have a plan for everything.  It cracked me up she wanted a plan to get a step dad.  I explained there was no place to go and pick up a step dad, instead it is a process.

She wanted to know the whole process-

First, I explained somehow I would meet someone and he would say, "Wow, I like this girl- I think I will ask her out on a date."  After going on one date and if it goes well there will be more dates!"

Second, I shared how dating is important for a couple to get to know each other! Third, and after many, many dates, I told her that then the guy would ask to marry the girl!

Jenna wanted to know when this would occur.  I let her know I wondered the same thing.

I have also shared with my children how I may never marry and it may be just the three of us, but either way we can choose to be Happy!

I have found joy a long the journey of being a single mom.  I love being at school and love all that I am learning.  I enjoy my job- teaching preschool, and all that I am involved doing.  I love Jenna and Peyton with all my heart!  We have so much fun together and have our routines!  Life is Good!!

I was not expecting to meet anyone!  I have not been on a date in almost two years!  And lets face it- there really are not many opportunities for me to date here in Ohio!  I also have always been concerned about dating and the children.  I have felt it in the best interest to focus on school and being mom!

Well, the rumors are true and I met someone.  I met Brandt only 3 weeks ago!  We met at a mid-singles activity in Kirtland and hit it off right away!

We have talked every night since we have met, he has been to Akron to visit the last two weekends, driving up from Dayton, OH (2 1/2 hours south).  He has met the children and so far has not run away screaming!!!
The children already love him!  I have felt it important for them to be a part of the process and witness what dating should be like and how a guy should treat a girl!!  Brandt is amazing and treats me Wonderfully!!!!
He is good with the kids and so good for me!! 

Life is Wonderful!! I am so thankful to my Heavenly Father for this wonderful Blessing!

I have been told that it happens when you least expect it.  I never expected it- and never thought I could be this happy!!  I am totally head over heels!!

We are enjoying getting to know each other right now and enjoying dating!

Thanks for all your love and support!  It means the world to me to know how many people are happy for us!!!  It is amazing that God is aware of us and wants us to be Happy!!  We are both so happy!!

Brandt and I

Ice Skating

Mango Quinoa Salad

2 cups cooked quinoa- room temperature or chilled
1 14oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium mango, peeled and diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
4 tblsp red wine vinegar
3 tblsp extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tblsp fresh lime juice
Kosher salt
Freshly cracked black pepper

*Quinoa can be cooked in water or broth
Mix together quinoa, mango, red pepper, green onion, black beans and cilantro in a bowl. Whisk vinegar, oil and lime juice together in a small bowl and pur over salad.  Toss to combine and add salt and pepper to taste. Chill before serving.

You can change the veggies or add corn!  The salad in the picture has pineapple in it!!
 Play with it!!  Yummy!!

Peyton lost his first tooth!

Peyton is always comparing himself to his big sister and wants so badly to do what she is doing!! He has struggled and struggled as she has lost each tooth and he wasn't loosing one!  He has not felt like a big kid till now!!!  He feels he is finally growing up now that he lost his first tooth!!!  And so far he has had better luck with the toothfairy- she was not too busy or on vacation!! :)

A Busy January...

We have been very Busy!!!  Besides school, homework, work, church, I try to spend quality time with the kids!!!  Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend we got a lot of quality time!!!

We went Ice Skating and then Sledding at Lock 3, down town Akron!

 Then Monday we went roller skating with the girlscouts!  The kids struggled and struggled on skates till I got them blades to try!!!  Now I know what to get them for the summer- they love blading!!!

Still on Monday we had a birthday party and went Bowling!! So fun, but we were all tired afterward!!

And I have realized bowling is not a talent of mine!!

 The kids did great!!  And mostly had fun!

 This is the Kids Winter Concert and boy was it good!!!

They did such a good job and each had a part to play.  Jenna was a teacher and Peyton played the Glockenspeil.  These are fun years with the kids and I am enjoying every minute!

 

Disney on Ice

I surprised the kids Friday night and took them to Disney on Ice!  We had so much fun!

It was, "Dreams to come True!", and featured the Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and our favorite Tangled!  The music was great, the costumes, the skating, and it had amazing special effects!!!

I again forgot my camera so used my phone- that is why the pics aren't so great!!!  We will hopefully never forget the magic we felt especially being with each other!!!!!!!!!!