Grateful for them.
54th Annual Schenectady Parade: Girl Scouts Addition + "Girl Scouts Giving"
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Last Wednesday, we took a late night flight and flew our family of five to my husband's home state.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Since Justin and I have been a couple, we have been fortunate enough to spend five out of six Thanksgivings together. While I love that we've spent these special holidays with one another, it seems as if we completely space on turkey prep each year. I'm hoping this guide will help us for many Thanksgivings to come. We purchased an almost 25 pound turkey this year, to serve to Justin's platoon and our family. While I wasn't thrilled about waking up at 5:30 AM (granted, I went to bed after midnight), we wanted an early start to our day. We also have ham and mac and cheese to cook as well.
* * * REMEMBER TO THAW TURKEY IN FRIDGE AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING WHEN DEALING WITH A 24+ POUND TURKEY * * *
* * * REMEMBER TO THAW TURKEY IN FRIDGE AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING WHEN DEALING WITH A 24+ POUND TURKEY * * *
- WAKE UP AT 530 AM TO COOK TURKEY AND READY IT BY 1PM
- PREHEAT OVEN TO 325 DEGREES
- Wash out turkey throughly. remove gizzards, heart, and neck (Frozen bits of blood may still be present)
- Clean out turkey thoroughly
- COOK STUFFING PACKS WHILE TURKEY IS BEING CLEANED, ALSO USE 4 PACKS FOR 24+ POUND TURKEY **(ALSO, MAKE SURE TO REMOVE STUFFING FROM PAN SO ITS NOT HOT)**
- TRANSFER TURKEY TO ROASTING PAN
- LATHER DOWN WITH BUTTER, SALT, AND PEPPER (SOFT BUTTER PREFERRED TO RUB DOWN TURKEY, MAKES FOR GREAT BASTING)
- STUFF TURKEY WITH STUFFING
- TUCK LEGS BACK IN PRIOR TO PUTTING IN OVEN
- BRUSH DOWN TURKEY WITH VEGETABLE OIL ALL OVER
- DO NOT FOIL TURKEY UNTIL 2/3 OF THE WAY COOKED TO PREVENT OVERCOOKING.
- BASTE TURKEY EVERY 30 MINUTES FOR FLAVOR
Friday, November 21, 2014
This last week has been full of complete holiday cheer and large amounts of hot chocolate consumption. Seriously, as much as people would like to give each holiday the "proper" amount of recognition, how many of my readers are getting ancy for December to roll around? I'm definitely guilty. It's not even just the spirit of Christmas this year for me. It's the countdown, it's the possibility of snow, and it's the added benefit of being around the people I love most in this world. Nothing gets my spirits or mood higher than the holiday cheer all around me. I can't wait to take my family through the streets of downtown Seattle next month. All the lights, the people, the decorated trees... Ahh! This is what this year represents for me: memories that last a lifetime. I'm also itching to take some lifestyle photos of Justin and Ava bug during their first Seattle trip during December. I can just picture them now.. all bundled up, Ava bug holding daddy's hand. Are you swooning yet? I know I am.
Because of the total "Type A" personality I have, I've found myself making mental checklists of everything I'd like to accomplish in the next few weeks. This week is the last of our grocery haul for Thanksgiving, family pictures, and getting our holiday cards finalized and ready to ship out the following week. I love being able to send out cards the first week of December. Nothing makes me happier knowing that my holiday cheer stricken face will be on the refrigerators of my family and friends. Totally joking, but isn't that what we all do? Next week I'm going to take some photos of families at local tree farms.. I'm a bit nervous for that, but excited that I've been sought out to do something like this. I don't consider my photos "top notch" for anyone but myself, so I'm humbled to be doing this for others.
The following week consists of me cleaning out the closets of all three Howland's and donating them to those in need this holiday season. Even with all the crazy stuff happening in my world right now, I try not to forget those who are indeed in need. There are millions of people who won't have a cheery season this year, and sometimes they just need a helping hand. Whether that be clothes, food, or donating to your local toys for tots, anything big or small helps out more than you know. I plan on taking my entire family to a couple soup kitchens this year. I know it's not much, but I really want to be with those who are hurting this year. I want to pray for them, I want to give them optimism, I want to try and give them hope. I know people don't just plan to be in awful situations, and truth be told that can be anyone of us guys. One day we can have it all, and the next all of our stability can be taken from us. It's important to remember that we can all uplift someone in need. If you need help locating a soup kitchen or food pantry near you, homelessshelterdirectory.org has all the information you need.
♥- Leilani
Because of the total "Type A" personality I have, I've found myself making mental checklists of everything I'd like to accomplish in the next few weeks. This week is the last of our grocery haul for Thanksgiving, family pictures, and getting our holiday cards finalized and ready to ship out the following week. I love being able to send out cards the first week of December. Nothing makes me happier knowing that my holiday cheer stricken face will be on the refrigerators of my family and friends. Totally joking, but isn't that what we all do? Next week I'm going to take some photos of families at local tree farms.. I'm a bit nervous for that, but excited that I've been sought out to do something like this. I don't consider my photos "top notch" for anyone but myself, so I'm humbled to be doing this for others.
The following week consists of me cleaning out the closets of all three Howland's and donating them to those in need this holiday season. Even with all the crazy stuff happening in my world right now, I try not to forget those who are indeed in need. There are millions of people who won't have a cheery season this year, and sometimes they just need a helping hand. Whether that be clothes, food, or donating to your local toys for tots, anything big or small helps out more than you know. I plan on taking my entire family to a couple soup kitchens this year. I know it's not much, but I really want to be with those who are hurting this year. I want to pray for them, I want to give them optimism, I want to try and give them hope. I know people don't just plan to be in awful situations, and truth be told that can be anyone of us guys. One day we can have it all, and the next all of our stability can be taken from us. It's important to remember that we can all uplift someone in need. If you need help locating a soup kitchen or food pantry near you, homelessshelterdirectory.org has all the information you need.
What are some of your holiday prep details? What are some of the fun traditions you and your family do around this time of year? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below or by email. I hope all my readers are feeling that holiday cheer I'm talking about after reading this blog. Not yet? How about now?
Happy Thursday all!
♥- Leilani
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving all! I can't believe we are at the end of November. Our time here in Georgia is quickly coming to an end, and I couldn't be more excited to close this chapter of my life. I am grateful we will be spending our day with friends, people who have become family, and single soldiers that are away from their loved ones. As we wrap up the end of November, I have a few more thing I am thankful for.
Day 26- I am so very thankful for my blog, and my blog readers. Writing is such a comfort for me, and I'm glad I can keep everyone up to date with my daily posts.
Day 27- I am thankful for laughter. Laughter is good for the soul, and the best medicine in life.
Day 28- I am thankful for deployment. I have much more appreciation for the time I have with Justin.
We decided to stick the bird in a little later this year, but everything else is being prepped and ready to go for this afternoon. I made my first dish of ambrosia last night, and I've got to say it tastes divine. While I'm talking about last night, I had the worst freak out of my mommy life. I had been rushing, and doing pretty much everything but focusing solely on Ava. (Justin had her) I hate that. I really do. My daughter comes first. Everything else is trivial compared to Princess A. I hate when my time is taken away from her, or when I rush to do things with her, because I'd been "busy" with something ridiculous. Anyhow, (sorry for my mini vent) when I went to feed bug her vitamin d, I think I may have been rushing, we've given her vitamin d a million times, and I didn't think choking would ever happen, until it did. I was panicked, and freaked out. I picked her up, starting patting her back, I just didn't know what to do. I ended up sticking my finger down her throat, and thank god that worked. I have never been so worried in my life. I was so scared, and I felt completely awful. I just held her, and cried. If I had been more focused on Ava, I would not have been in a hurry to get her prepped for bed. Never again will I allow this to happen.
Whoo! That was a lot to take in. On a happier note, I'm starting some Thanksgiving traditions with Bug and her daddy this year. It involves paint and canvases. I'm pretty excited about it. We leave Georgia in just six days! I'm getting ancy over here! Family pictures are in a day. I'm REALLY praying that this Georgia weather cooperates this time. It looks like we will be doing some small black Friday shopping this year. My hp laptop kind of crapped the bed. Sorry for that less than pretty image. I have to replace it, and it looks like the mac book pro is going to be that replacement. Justin and Ava are coming along, this should make for an interesting trip. Alright all, it's time for me to start cooking. I hope your days are spent with family, and people you love. Don't fight today. Don't meddle. Be at peace, and enjoy your feast! Haha, sorry that was really cheesy, but I couldn't resist.
♥- Leilani
Day 26- I am so very thankful for my blog, and my blog readers. Writing is such a comfort for me, and I'm glad I can keep everyone up to date with my daily posts.
Day 27- I am thankful for laughter. Laughter is good for the soul, and the best medicine in life.
Day 28- I am thankful for deployment. I have much more appreciation for the time I have with Justin.
We decided to stick the bird in a little later this year, but everything else is being prepped and ready to go for this afternoon. I made my first dish of ambrosia last night, and I've got to say it tastes divine. While I'm talking about last night, I had the worst freak out of my mommy life. I had been rushing, and doing pretty much everything but focusing solely on Ava. (Justin had her) I hate that. I really do. My daughter comes first. Everything else is trivial compared to Princess A. I hate when my time is taken away from her, or when I rush to do things with her, because I'd been "busy" with something ridiculous. Anyhow, (sorry for my mini vent) when I went to feed bug her vitamin d, I think I may have been rushing, we've given her vitamin d a million times, and I didn't think choking would ever happen, until it did. I was panicked, and freaked out. I picked her up, starting patting her back, I just didn't know what to do. I ended up sticking my finger down her throat, and thank god that worked. I have never been so worried in my life. I was so scared, and I felt completely awful. I just held her, and cried. If I had been more focused on Ava, I would not have been in a hurry to get her prepped for bed. Never again will I allow this to happen.
Whoo! That was a lot to take in. On a happier note, I'm starting some Thanksgiving traditions with Bug and her daddy this year. It involves paint and canvases. I'm pretty excited about it. We leave Georgia in just six days! I'm getting ancy over here! Family pictures are in a day. I'm REALLY praying that this Georgia weather cooperates this time. It looks like we will be doing some small black Friday shopping this year. My hp laptop kind of crapped the bed. Sorry for that less than pretty image. I have to replace it, and it looks like the mac book pro is going to be that replacement. Justin and Ava are coming along, this should make for an interesting trip. Alright all, it's time for me to start cooking. I hope your days are spent with family, and people you love. Don't fight today. Don't meddle. Be at peace, and enjoy your feast! Haha, sorry that was really cheesy, but I couldn't resist.
♥- Leilani
Monday, November 25, 2013
I am completely beat. From the time I woke up this morning, until this very second, I have been on the go and on my feet. I started the day off with a neighborhood stroll with a friend and Coop troop. I got some girl talk in while Cooper had a morning play date. I even managed to reschedule our family pictures for this Wednesday. I'm really excited! I just want good pictures, I feel like of all the things to ask for in the world, that is a reasonable request.
Shortly after that, I got ready for the day, and ran some errands. Justin and I had a lunch date topped off with a day of shopping for holiday decor... AND I got my Christmas tree! I have never been so excited for a tree like I was today! 7.5 ft Douglas fir tree. It's full, and pretty, and just lovely. I can't wait to get some decorations on this baby! While at Target, I signed up for the Target red card. You save five percent on every transaction when you have the red card. It's easy peasy. It's linked to a checking account, so basically it's like swiping your own debit card. Anyhow, the sales associate told me about another awesome savings method. the target cartwheel. It's an app on your phone that allows you to scan or enter a bar code, and it either shows the current coupons for that item, or it says nothing found. It was pretty awesome, and because of those saving techniques, I saved over $20.00 today!
On the way home I sat in the front seat. I know this may seem silly, but since Ava was born I haven't sat in the front seat like at all. I sat in the front on the way to Savannah (only because Ava bug was sleeping), and I sat in the front on the way back (only because our giant tree wouldn't fit in the trunk), I was pleasantly surprised on how well Ava and I did without being right next to each other. It was a sweet trade off too, because I got to hold hands with my sweet man all day! It was so nice. Justin said he missed having my hand to hold! That comment made my day.
The rental company called and said they are showing this house tomorrow afternoon, so when we came home we started packing things up. Oh, before I forget, Ava HATES apples. I know it's tarty, but this is day 3 of apples and she still makes that cringed little nose face. I'm glad we are moving onto pears tomorrow! On the upside, she isn't allergic to apples, she just isn't fond of them. So yes, packing. I packed our entire master bedroom this evening. All by myself! I love that Justin and I are flexible with watching the babe. He kept her happy and entertained, while I organized and packed.
I'm delighted we only have 3 more rooms in this house that need heavy packing like the master bedroom. We are opting to hire a moving company to load up the u-haul (makes moving day easier on us) and that will allow us to relax a bit more this week. We don't feel rushed, everything is on our time. I do have to visit with a few friends before we leave. I only have nine days left in the state of Georgia. With Thanksgiving, and Black Friday right around the corner, I know things are going to busy for everyone.
Day 23- I am thankful for pictures. They allow me to relive all the special moments in my life.
Day 24- I am thankful for bubbles. I'm 22 but bubbles still bring out my inner kid.
Day 25- I am thankful for my husband's kisses. They can turn any frown of mine upside down
Whoo, well the baby is asleep for the night, Justin and Coop are perfectly content with the PS3, looks like I'm off to do homework! Oh, guess who aced her last two courses with 97 percent? This girl! Happy Monday all! ♥- Leilani
Shortly after that, I got ready for the day, and ran some errands. Justin and I had a lunch date topped off with a day of shopping for holiday decor... AND I got my Christmas tree! I have never been so excited for a tree like I was today! 7.5 ft Douglas fir tree. It's full, and pretty, and just lovely. I can't wait to get some decorations on this baby! While at Target, I signed up for the Target red card. You save five percent on every transaction when you have the red card. It's easy peasy. It's linked to a checking account, so basically it's like swiping your own debit card. Anyhow, the sales associate told me about another awesome savings method. the target cartwheel. It's an app on your phone that allows you to scan or enter a bar code, and it either shows the current coupons for that item, or it says nothing found. It was pretty awesome, and because of those saving techniques, I saved over $20.00 today!
On the way home I sat in the front seat. I know this may seem silly, but since Ava was born I haven't sat in the front seat like at all. I sat in the front on the way to Savannah (only because Ava bug was sleeping), and I sat in the front on the way back (only because our giant tree wouldn't fit in the trunk), I was pleasantly surprised on how well Ava and I did without being right next to each other. It was a sweet trade off too, because I got to hold hands with my sweet man all day! It was so nice. Justin said he missed having my hand to hold! That comment made my day.
The rental company called and said they are showing this house tomorrow afternoon, so when we came home we started packing things up. Oh, before I forget, Ava HATES apples. I know it's tarty, but this is day 3 of apples and she still makes that cringed little nose face. I'm glad we are moving onto pears tomorrow! On the upside, she isn't allergic to apples, she just isn't fond of them. So yes, packing. I packed our entire master bedroom this evening. All by myself! I love that Justin and I are flexible with watching the babe. He kept her happy and entertained, while I organized and packed.
I'm delighted we only have 3 more rooms in this house that need heavy packing like the master bedroom. We are opting to hire a moving company to load up the u-haul (makes moving day easier on us) and that will allow us to relax a bit more this week. We don't feel rushed, everything is on our time. I do have to visit with a few friends before we leave. I only have nine days left in the state of Georgia. With Thanksgiving, and Black Friday right around the corner, I know things are going to busy for everyone.
Day 23- I am thankful for pictures. They allow me to relive all the special moments in my life.
Day 24- I am thankful for bubbles. I'm 22 but bubbles still bring out my inner kid.
Day 25- I am thankful for my husband's kisses. They can turn any frown of mine upside down
Whoo, well the baby is asleep for the night, Justin and Coop are perfectly content with the PS3, looks like I'm off to do homework! Oh, guess who aced her last two courses with 97 percent? This girl! Happy Monday all! ♥- Leilani
Sunday, November 17, 2013
I feel better today. Knowing that our chances of being relocated to Washington aren't diminished have a lot to do with that. The main reason I feel better today is because I am a mother to a six month old. Today my precious Princess is half of one year old. I can't believe how fast these six months came. Pretty soon I'll be writing a post about being a mother to a one year old Princess. It's completely insane how quickly children grow.
Today I am steaming sweet potatoes for Ava! I'm also (FINALLY) thawing some of my frozen breast milk. A lot of my readers know that due to my enzymes breaking down too quickly, Ava refuses to drink any thawed breast milk. I'm glad she drinks freshly expressed milk, (I plan on bringing out the pump again) because I plan on using my milk to give Bug's purees the proper consistency.
I won't lie, I'm excited about house hunting. This next house will be the home my family spends their first Christmas. It will be the first home we have in a new state. Change can sometimes be really good. As many emotions as I have going through my mind, I am finding some order in my life. This move is allowing me to focus on something that is time sensitive, I need that right now.
I didn't think I wanted to do a big Thanksgiving after finding out the news of our move... looks like we will be. We bought a 25 lb turkey yesterday! I'm so excited about it! Roasting pans, basters, stuffing.. Ahh, I can't wait to wake up at 5 a.m. to let the cooking commence. There is something about the holiday season that completely keeps my mood out of the slums!
Ava bug has a little bit of a cold this morning. I think she's going to be like her daddy, always getting sick with the weather changing. She's stuffed up! No fever, but she has this dry cough that makes me want to cry. I hate when she's sick. She's a champ though. My daughter is the only baby I know that smiles when she's sick. She's giggly, and happy. I love it! Best sick baby ever! I hope it clears up though. I get extremely OCD with germs, and hand washing, and people when Ava is sick.
Alright, I'm being summoned by my husband for football. Enjoy your Sunday all!
♥- Leilani
Today I am steaming sweet potatoes for Ava! I'm also (FINALLY) thawing some of my frozen breast milk. A lot of my readers know that due to my enzymes breaking down too quickly, Ava refuses to drink any thawed breast milk. I'm glad she drinks freshly expressed milk, (I plan on bringing out the pump again) because I plan on using my milk to give Bug's purees the proper consistency.
I won't lie, I'm excited about house hunting. This next house will be the home my family spends their first Christmas. It will be the first home we have in a new state. Change can sometimes be really good. As many emotions as I have going through my mind, I am finding some order in my life. This move is allowing me to focus on something that is time sensitive, I need that right now.
I didn't think I wanted to do a big Thanksgiving after finding out the news of our move... looks like we will be. We bought a 25 lb turkey yesterday! I'm so excited about it! Roasting pans, basters, stuffing.. Ahh, I can't wait to wake up at 5 a.m. to let the cooking commence. There is something about the holiday season that completely keeps my mood out of the slums!
Ava bug has a little bit of a cold this morning. I think she's going to be like her daddy, always getting sick with the weather changing. She's stuffed up! No fever, but she has this dry cough that makes me want to cry. I hate when she's sick. She's a champ though. My daughter is the only baby I know that smiles when she's sick. She's giggly, and happy. I love it! Best sick baby ever! I hope it clears up though. I get extremely OCD with germs, and hand washing, and people when Ava is sick.
Alright, I'm being summoned by my husband for football. Enjoy your Sunday all!
♥- Leilani
Monday, November 11, 2013
BEFORE I POST ANYTHING.. I want to say, thank you. I am so thankful for our military members and the freedoms they allow us. I am completely humbled to be apart of the military community, and I will remain forever grateful for the sacrifices they have made. I want to give a special thanks to my husband; five years and two combat tours later, he's still just as proud to be serving such a great nation.
I realized due to the long weekend, I have been slacking on the daily thank yous. Here they are!
Day 9 - I am thankful I know how to love, and accept love in return.
Day 10 - I am thankful for my marriage. I have never been so selfless in my life.
Day 11- I am thankful for my pup, Cooper. He has taught me how to get dirty, and like it (sometimes)
This weekend has been a busy one! Between cleaning this house out, and getting Ava adjusted to new changes, I have barely had a moment of free time. I made a video of the past 5 (almost six) months of Ava's life. I wanted to share that with all of you, I hope it warms your heart, as much as it does mine.
I realized due to the long weekend, I have been slacking on the daily thank yous. Here they are!
Day 9 - I am thankful I know how to love, and accept love in return.
Day 10 - I am thankful for my marriage. I have never been so selfless in my life.
Day 11- I am thankful for my pup, Cooper. He has taught me how to get dirty, and like it (sometimes)
This weekend has been a busy one! Between cleaning this house out, and getting Ava adjusted to new changes, I have barely had a moment of free time. I made a video of the past 5 (almost six) months of Ava's life. I wanted to share that with all of you, I hope it warms your heart, as much as it does mine.
If you watched it, you'll see Ava took no time warming up to her highchair, bowls, or spoons. We also gave her one tablespoon of deluded apple juice this evening. She seems to be very comfortable with her sippy cup, and within minutes, she was sipping juice down. It was such a wonderful feeling, seeing my daughter pass this milestone. I'm excited for this week! I get to pick out Ava's first foods, shop for Thanksgiving, and make Bug her Thanksgiving tutu! We made a trip to Carter's today, and purchased some "my first" Thanksgiving accessories.
This year will be the VERY first time I make every dish myself. I complied a Thanksgiving menu, and I'm hoping all the soldiers we are having over, LOVE my cooking!
Hopefully tomorrow we hear some good news about where the compassionate reassignment is; we are beyond ready to know the outcome. I really can't believe we are almost halfway through November. the time is moving so very fast. In the spirit of being proactive, I have been looking up ideas for Ava's first Birthday. We know we want a Ballerina theme, so I just kind of pinterested from there. We are wanting to do cake pops, a smash cake, and a decorative cake for all of our family and friends! (if we are in Washington) I found a company in Puyallup, i really love. Here is a few pictures from their work.
Wanna Cupcake does great work! I'm really hoping we end up at Fort Lewis. Alright, this post was longer than I expected. I'm off for now! I hope everyone enjoyed their Veteran's day! Happy Monday all!
♥- Leilani
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