Thursday, August 23, 2012

Lifes Adventure.



We sure have been keeping busy in the Funchion household. We've had our fair share of ups & downs. Tuesday Avery will be 15 months old and I seriously am in utter shock. Time is flying by & things are certainly getting interesting; toddler tantrums are in full force. I am looking for any advice/tips on how to tackle toddlers tantrums & please don't say "just ignore them & walk away" because she is mainly trowing fits in public & that is not an option. Avery is still not handling the car very well; I can count on a tantrum every.single.time were in the car....argh! She seems to do well for me throughout the day though.Thank God! She is eating better than ever when were home & sleeping great throughout the night. Naps are another story, she is confidently taking one nap a day. However, I partially think that evening tantrums are coming from the lack of naps or length of nap. Before our trip to Florida, she was taking 2 decently long naps a day with no problems. Since we've been home she is down to one short nap. I think if I can manage to get her to bring back her afternoon nap she will be more pleasant in the evening! Every kid is different and my little girl needs her sleep!

 
As many of you already know we have been house hunting for the last 3 months & it's going to be the death of me. Not literally, but it is putting a dampening on our relationship. I'm really just so anxious to be in a house for the Holidays. I want this so bad for Avery. However, I know waiting until we find 'THE' house is the right thing. Really though...what are we even looking for? That's how I feel lately. Bryce wants one thing, I want another. Its frustrating. I truly do think opposites attract; although just this one time I feel like were in trouble.


We've also been keeping busy with an array of other things: my family reunion, checking the deer cams, fishing & going for walks, play groups once or twice a week, daily trips to the Y, camping with friends, birthday celebrations, walking through houses and even going out to dinner when at all possible!Life is really good to us we are really ready for the next step. It's equally frustrating for Bryce & I to want somethings so bad & not attain them. I remind myself daily to never give up & that we already have the most beautiful gift of all, our daughter!

 
 
Its been a few weeks since the last time I've posted & these pictures are proof! Avery is getting so tall & her hair is definitely growing in the back. Her well check is coming up next week & i'm not ready to hear the numbers. She is wearing almost all 18mo clothes, some 24mo pants due to length & she is in size 5 shoes already. Monster feet run in the family. She has 12 teeth still & the cutest little dimple on this planet.
 
Love,

Friday, August 10, 2012

This girl.


just keeps getting better & better! Sure, I miss my little babe to hold tight and cuddle next to my skin, but this girl right here is a hoot. I think I've said it every month, but her personality has exploded! The love she has is magical; who knew a 14 month old could bring so much love?! The way she kisses & hugs, the way she smirks at just the right moment, the glisten in her eyes...she is breathtaking! Vacation has made her into a little fish; her new love for the water is incredible. Her way of telling me what she wants, without speaking, is a connection I never knew was possible. I'm pretty anxious that fall is right around the corner: the pumpkins, cider, orchards and decorations are going to make her eyes sparkle even more! Bryce & I have so much to be thankful for. 








Thank you God for this beautiful miracle,

Thursday, August 9, 2012

A little bit country.



Bryce grew up as an avid hunter and I learned about hunting when we started dating almost Seven years ago. I am starting to get more and more into the sport considering we LIVE off venison meat throughout the cold months! The health benefits of venison really make it worth wild, plus it saves us so much money.

Venison houses fewer calories, less fat and more iron than chicken breast, as a lot of fat is removed in the cooking process; therefore you meat lovers won’t have to compromise much with the taste. I have found that there is a gamy flavor if you do not cook the meat properly. I have been experimenting and perfecting my venison cooking for a few years and the key is to season well and marinade often; each season I get better. Venison meat is lean with a deep woody taste, it is rich in various nutrients, including proteins, iron, vitamin B12, B6, riboflavin, and niacin. On the other hand, it is low in saturated fat, making it all the healthier. Here's the real kicker, venison does not have added antibiotics in it. I feel the best nourishing Avery with meats that do not get commercially raised. When the freezer is full, were happy!

We went out Monday to place deer cam's in a new hunting location! This was Avery's first glimpse at one of her daddy's passions. I am even considering getting more involved with hunting. Mainly so Bryce & I have another hobby to spend together in the cold months. I don't think I'll ever be okay with him leaving the house at the butt crack of dawn to hunt all morning if I don't join him myself!

I would love to hear your views on hunting, preparing & cooking venison.
New recipes are always welcome!

Love,