The Barron Family

Monday and night 1

2012-01-30T15:57:00.002-06:00

I was awoken by Austin at 7:00 sharp this morning! That is pretty early for him. He did so well for his first night. Kinley was up early at 7:30. What is going on with my kids?! They both usually sleep at least until 8:30!! I made their blueberry waffles and they had breakfast before 8:00. I think it will definitely make school days much easier if we are all up around 7:30. Maybe I can even get them in bed earlier??!! :-)

Last night was night #1 of Austin's 'sleep training'. Doc and I were both on board. *I* am the one who wakes with the kids and deals with all of that anyway. Doc works and wakes up early, so I always have been the one to deal with the kids during the night. Fine with me!

I set the timer for 1 hour at 7:30pm and Austin had one hour to play on the Ipad. When the timer buzzed, it was time to go get in bed and read books. It buzzed, he handed over the Ipad and we went to bed. I read two long books and told him goodnight. He got up a total of 4 times before 9:00pm. He finally fell asleep around 9:15. He woke up at 12:38am and was crying at our door. I had the door locked, otherwise he would just come on in and crawl in bed. I took him back to his bed. He woke up at 2:30am, I took him back to his bed. Then, he finally woke up at 7:00am! I'm the one that was up all night. I had such a hard time sleeping!

I think it is finally going to work. Night one was such a success. It will only get easier from here. I just have to stick to it and we will all be happier!

We did a little Valentine's craft this morning. I had some colored foam sticker hearts, some heart stamps and they colored. Just a little something for me to hang up on the play room bulletin board.

After lunch we went to Super Target to pick up Doc's prescriptions. I didn't put either child in a stroller or a shopping cart. They were pretty good I must say. ;-)

I told Austin as we were leaving the store, grab sisters hand and walk with her.

Today was a pretty eventful day at Doc's office. He sent me a picture of two huge firetrucks, two EMS vehicles, and police car. I didn't know what had happened. I emailed him back and asked what was going on? He replied, the guy we hired 5 months ago to help fix equipment in the shop had a heart attack and died. Please say a prayer for his family. He was only 55 or so years old. It really makes you think about 'life' and how short it really is.

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what a day!

2012-01-29T20:29:00.001-06:00

This day started off pretty good. Kinley has decided the past two days that she will get up around 7:30am now instead of 8:30. Oh well, I'm up anyway and she is so happy and too cute not to love in the morning anyway! This morning while the boys were still in bed asleep we started cooking breakfast. She always wants me to hold her while I cook, and well you know how hard that is! I was looking at pictures the other day when Austin was 18 months old and I remember him always standing in the chair 'helping' too. She LOVED it!! She even broke a couple eggs and made a mess! :-)

Guess what happened to me that hasn't happened in 6 years? I got pulled over! I knew as soon as I saw the cop in his big SUV turn his lights on that he got me. I was on the phone with my mom. Yes, how embarrassing. I told her I had to let her go because I was getting pulled over. She said, "by a cop?!" :-) I was talking, and upset, and just well, speeding! I went ahead and pulled out my license and had my arm hanging out the window with my license in hand. He said, "you know I pulled you over because you were speeding." No shit? He told me, "you were going 67 in a 55". Opps! He said, "can I see your insurance please?" I flung open the glove box, grabbed my wad of paperwork and started thumbing through it and said, "this day can not get any worse!" He checked it, gave it back and said, "I'm going to go run your license". I figured, great now I'm going to get a $150 ticket AND have to take some damn drivers ed class. Kinley was in the back sound asleep during this entire ordeal. Never even woke up. He came back, handed me my license and told me that I had no driver history and that clearly I'm having a bad day and he didn't want to make it any worse. I told him thank you over and over. Whewwwww. I sure didn't want to waste my spending money for the outlets next weekend on some darn ticket! :-) And yes, I did tell Doc. By the way, he can never get mad at me over getting a speeding ticket! Do you have any idea how many times I've had to complete drivers ed online classes for him for the 3 or 4 speeding tickets he has received since living in Texas?!

After I arrived home we all buckled up in my minivan and went to get some lunch and go shopping for Austin some new sneakers, Doc some new work boots, and a new bike for Austin. Academy sports, Sports Authority, and Kohl's. We found everything but Austin a new pair of shoes. It was rough with two tired kids. Rough!

We found Austin a new bike. The one he currently has was given to us and I think I know why now. :-) It is so difficult to ride. It would not go. Doc just thought Austin had a hard time riding it. Our friends were over last weekend and their 6 year old tried to ride it and had the same problem too. So, we went to get him a new bike.

This one works! It works great! He was riding it all over the place and even knows how to brake now. I am so excited to be able to go on walks now and he can keep up and go fast. Before he was riding the little tricycle, and he is too big for it. Yeah, now we can go out and I can finally get some exercise!!

Starting tonight, I will probably be up all night with ~~my baby~~ my preschooler because I am sleep training him all over again. Well, it never really happened. I really sucked at sleep training my first born. He has been sleeping with us for over a year now and it is really taking a toll on everyone. I'm upset, Doc's upset (I bet you can guess why!) and Austin needs to be in his own bed. I'm ready!!

In fact, I'm going to be more strict. He gets away with too much and I feel like he is the one who rules me. Let WWIII begin. I know it isn't going to be easy, but it's time. We have to start now before we have some crazy wild 17 year old on our hands.

If you have any advice, give it to me! I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. ;-)

Oh, I was super lazy this weekend and didn't grocery shop OR make a meal plan for this week. I'm just going to wing it this week. So, there will not be any meal planning Monday. I'm sure I'll have something to post tomorrow. Enjoy your week!!! My Mom is flying in on Friday and I'm so excited!!

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Saturday: hair & grass

2012-01-28T17:41:00.005-06:00

First, want to start by saying, I know that I offended 'anonymous' commenter on my blog Thursday. I'm sure not everyone that reads this blog agree with my opinions and what I have to say. I'm not writing this blog to gain readers or for everyone to agree with me and like me. I'm writing this as a digital scrapbook for my kids and myself. I don't care if you agree with what I have to say or not. I don't always agree with other mom's, bloggers, and posters either. :-) That's all!

We've had such a wonderful weekend so far. Friday night we stayed home and enjoyed our Friday night pizza tradition and the kids ran around playing.

I had a little fun with Kinley's hair this morning. I pulled two pig tails up, then I pulled it all into a pony tail. So much fun!! She actually didn't touch it either.

It's so fun doing her hair and dressing her up. Oh, and buying shoes. Have I mentioned that before? ;-) I have bought her more shoes in the past year that I have bought for myself in the past 5 years! A girl needs different colored shoes to go with all of her outfits. So fun!!

I was so looking forward to my hair appointment today. Two and a half hours of pure alone time.

I always leave feeling much prettier and blonde. Oh, am I ready for the spring and summer months!!

My little guy and his daddy mowing the grass this evening. He still likes to follow his daddy and use his little toy mower.

The guys are outside mowing while Kinley and I are inside in the warm house.

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Friday with friends

2012-01-27T14:22:00.002-06:00

I invited my friends Lisa and Melissa over for lunch and to let all of the kids play. I just love Friday play dates. It's the end of the week and what is better than to have lunch with friends and play?

Austin and Ava were dining by themselves in the playroom. I made the kids chicken nuggets, and us girls had BLT's with avocado. I just love a good BLT!

We all ate lunch, then we let the girls play.

I just love getting these three together. There is a month between them all. It's so fun watching them. We have been getting together since they were all around 7 or 8 months old. It's so cute seeing how much they have all grown.

Alexis (17 months), Kinley (18 months), and Avery (16 months).

We let the kids play while us moms tried to visit. HA! You know how well that went with 5 little ones. ;-)

Melissa brought some delicious Valentine's sugar cookies. I sent everyone outside with one. ;-) They were so good!

After lunch, playing inside, and a cookie, I filled the water table with some warm water and let them have at it! Needless to say, they all had to be changed into dry clothes. ;-)

We had such a fun Friday with our friends! Thanks Lisa and Melissa for coming over to have lunch and play with us. Kinley is curled up in bed sound asleep and probably will be for a long while. She decided yesterday that a 20 minute nap in the car was all she needed!

Enjoy your weekend!! I have a much needed hair appointment tomorrow afternoon that I'm so excited about. It's so nice to go relax at the salon and leave feeling beautiful.

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busy girls day

2012-01-26T14:44:00.000-06:00

I just love my Tuesdays and Thursdays. It means a day with just my girl. I have been feeling kind of guilty about always spending time with Kinley. I need to make more one on one time with just Austin. There for a while we were having date night and going to the movies. I miss my alone time with just my little guy.

This morning after Kinley and I dropped off Austin we went to have some breakfast at Chick-fil-A. We are always in such a rush to get out of the house by 8:30am that we rarely eat breakfast. So we sat down and enjoyed some together. Gasp! We ate the forbidden *fast food*. I'm so damn sick of seeing everyone posting about how sick it is to eat McDonald's and every other fast food - get off your high horse! All of these people used to eat it too before they got on the bandwagon of exercising and eating *clean*. GAG! If you don't like it, don't eat it.

We went to Toys R Us to look at all of the playhouses and climbing walls/slides. I'm debating purchasing one for the kids. If you have one tell me about it. Do they use it? Is it worth it? We have nothing in our backyard and I would love to purchase the kids something fun to play with in our backyard.

I did buy the kids each a bubbles with this cool lid that the wand just slides down and if the bubbles fall over they don't all pour out. Kinley loved them!

She loves being outside. Absolutely LOVES bubbles!

She likes to do it all by herself! Miss Independent!

I pulled the water table down from the attic today. I'm ready to play out on the patio! The weather has been so nice - when it isn't raining! It's so great to put water in, sand, beans, rice, ice, you name it!

When the kids get up from their naps this afternoon I have moon dough for them to play with in the water table and bubbles!

We went to the park and had a picnic lunch and played before going to pick up Austin.

The baby swings were taken, so she sat on the big swing and held on tight! She would not sit on my lap and swing. Again... Miss Independent!

She loves the slides! She went down all by herself.

Right after I took this picture a little ~~shit~~ boy came up to Kinley and grabbed her pacifier out of her mouth and pushed her down. She just stood there and cried. I didn't make a big deal out of it. I just went over to her and picked her up. I'm glad Austin wasn't there, he would have been MAD!

I later told him about it on our way home from school and he said, "will you take me to the boy, I want to say some bad words to him!" HA!!! He is very protective of her. He even tells us, you don't hurt my Kinley, she is my baby sister!

She was so worn out when we got to Austin's school. I do enjoy my days with just Kinley. I brings me back to the days when I had just Austin. I love being able to spend one on one time with them.

Here is a little video I took of her going down the slide today! ;-)

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ice cream and results

2012-01-24T11:32:00.001-06:00

Thank you all so much for the texts, emails, and comments letting me know that you were praying for good results for my dad. I appreciate that more than you know! The appointment was actually this morning not yesterday like I had thought. I talked with my mom and she said that the doctor found no cancer cells, and everything looked good. The prayers were definitely answered.

Yesterday I wanted to take the kids for some ice cream to celebrate Kinley's 'half birthday' :-) My friend Lisa and her girls met us there for some ice cream before we all had to go do some grocery shopping at Super Target!

My little 1 1/2 year old. *tear*

Austin and Ava having their ice cream! Ava is actually celebrating her 4th birthday today! Happy Birthday Miss Ava!

We let the kids play for an hour in the playscape while we sat and talked.

I just LOVE this picture of Alexis and Kinley. Look closely at Kinley's face. HA!!!

Kinley and I are hanging out at home for a bit before we go pick up Austin. This is her 'face' that she and I do with each other. HA!!! :-)

She's busy playing!

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For my sweet Kinley - 18 months

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

Kinley,

I can hardly even believe that 18 months has passed by so quickly. Today, my sweet baby girl you are 18 months old. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was pregnant with you and trying to cherish every single last kick I felt with you on the inside.

I remember that day in March that I had my ultrasound to find out if you were a boy or girl. I can't tell you how ecstatic I was to find out I was going to be having a baby girl. I was going to have a little girl!! That meant that I would get to buy lots of bows, pink stuff, and have a little shopping partner and best friend for life. I was so in love with you before I even laid eyes on you for the first time.

When you were born I remember saying, "oh my gosh, look how tiny her feet are!" That was the first thing I saw. ;-) You were my tiny petite girl, weighing in at 6lbs. 12oz. You were just perfect!

You have always been such an easy baby. The first night I brought you home from the hospital you slept for 5 hours straight. I remember the next morning waking you up at 9:30am because you hadn't woken up yet. I have always been able to lay you down in your bed and you go to sleep on your own.

You now go to sleep at 8:00pm and wake up at 8:30am. You take 1 nap a day in the afternoon for about 3 hours.

You are so happy in the morning when you wake up. I sometimes don't even know that you are awake until I go check on you. You just sit in your crib and play. As soon as I walk in and say, "good morning, Kinley!" you say, "MAMA!!" and are so excited. What a way to start the day off.

You are a pretty good eater still. You don't eat a lot at one time. For breakfast I usually give you either blueberry waffles, french toast sticks, or yogurt and cheerios. For lunch you eat chicken nuggets, mac n' cheese, or grilled cheese. Usually something easy! For dinner I give you whatever we are eating. For snacks you love goldfish, honey nut cheerios, fruit snacks, and apples. You didn't like whole milk at all. You wouldn't drink it! I now give you 2% and you drink it. I guess you were worried about all of the calories in whole milk!? :-) You still weigh right at 20lbs.

You wear size 18 months and most of the pants just fall off of you. You are so tiny! You are wearing a size 5 shoe. Oh, how I love buying you shoes. I knew having a girl was going to be an expense! ;-)

You are still wearing a size 4 in Huggies diapers.

You definitely have my attitude and temper. And that probably isn't a good thing. ;-) You don't throw tantrums, yet! You will stand there and scream and throw your hands, then you are done. I can tell the difference between having a girl and boy, girls cry WAY more!

You have my restlessness. You never sit still. Ever. You are always moving. Always.

You know all of your body parts, always pointing to my nose, ear, hair, mouth, teeth, and eyes. You even know feet and hands.

Your hair is getting so long! I can't believe how long it has grown in the past couple of months. It is already down your back. I'm not cutting it girl! We are growing it out long!! I remember your Aunt Mallory's hair when she was in preschool. It was so long and so pretty. I just love little girls with long hair. I can't wait to pull your hair in pony tails, do french braids, and curl it with the curling iron.

I paint your toenails for you because you bring me finger nail polish from my bathroom. You always notice my toenails painted and want yours done too. You have always sat so still for me to polish them. I just love it!!

You are talking so much. When we tell you what something is, you repeat it back to us.

You are such a little monkey! You still love to sit in the fire place. You climb on every thing you can get on top of.

You love your 'bubba' Austin. You and him play so well together. He loves you so much too. I just love watching you two when you are playing nicely! ;-)

I recently bought you a big girl booster seat for the kitchen table. You sit up at the table with us all for dinner and love it. You do so well. You have been using your silver ware since 15 months and do so well with it.

You still love your pacifier and even stand under the cabinet I put them in and say, "paci" and beg for one. You have to have your lovie (Bearington Bears Bunny) with you at all times! We have two - just in case!

You finally have all of your 1 year molars in and did so well. You love to brush your teeth and you stand up on the step stool for me to brush you teeth too.

We recently started you in Sunday school at church and you are doing so well. When we come to pick you up, you are walking around playing with the other kids. It's so cute!!

You love playing with your baby dolls, pushing your doll buggy around, building with the blocks, playing kitchen, and anything that Austin is doing!

I just love you to pieces! You're my sweet girl. I hope and pray that you and I are the best of friends some day. I can't wait to do all of the mother daughter stuff with you as you grow up. But, please... SLOW down. I will miss you being little.

I love you always,

Mommy

For comparison, my sweet baby boy Austin at 18 months old. Oh how I miss my sweet baby boy! Why oh why do they grow up so darn fast?!

Meal Planning Monday

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

These are the meals I'm cooking for this week. It's actually becoming fun trying to find new recipes and stuff that looks yummy but, is somewhat healthy too. Actually, I think anything cooked at home verses restaurants/fast food has GOT to be better! ;-)

I hope that you all enjoy your week! I do have one favor to ask. My dad is having some tests run today. He has had blood in his urine and it has been weighing heavily on me as I'm sure it has my brother, sister, Mom, and of course my Dad. I ask you to please pray that the tests come back good and that it is just something minor. Thank you all!!

Chicken Fried Rice & Egg Drop Soup
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
4 cups white rice (cold and at least 1 day old)
2 large eggs
2 minced garlic cloves (or more add to your taste)
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 white onion (diced)
½ cup soy sauce (or to your taste)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (or to your taste)
Sesame oil (for stir frying)
Vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions:Step 1: Fry chicken pieces in oil until fully cooked or golden brown. Drain on paper towels and set aside. Beat eggs and fry in oil or butter and scramble. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and one teaspoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Stir fry diced onion and garlic for 30 seconds, add peas and carrots mix and stir fry until vegetables are done to desired tenderness.

Step 3: Add a little more oil and then add the rice and stir fry for a couple minutes. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce to the rice while stir frying.
Step 4: Add the scrambled egg and chicken pieces and mix well. Heat thoroughly and serve.

Quiche
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
3 eggs slightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred over the powdered variety)
1 1/2 - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets OR ham, bacon, spinach (whatever you like)
dash of salt and black pepper
1 (9 inch) deep dish frozen unbaked pastry shell

Preheat oven to 350'F. In a medium bowl, toss cheddar cheese with flour. Add milk, eggs, Parmesan, pepper and veggies. Pour into pastry shell. Bake at 350'F for 50-60 minutes, or until set.

Sour Cream Noodle Bake - link

Cheeseburger Macaroni
1 lb lean hamburger meat
1 pkg taco seasoning
1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies (or petite diced tomatoes)
2 cups beef broth (or water)
1 cup elbow macaroni

Brown and drain hamburger meat. Stir in taco seasoning, Rotel, beef broth, and macaroni. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat and cover pan. Simmer 12-14 mins until macaroni is tender.

Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce….
2 Tablespoons butter
2 tbsp flour
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Melt the butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking for 5 minutes until fragrant and light brown in color. Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Whisk until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the salt and pepper to the cheese sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over the hamburger mixture. Stir gently to combine.

BLTA's - Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, & Avocado sandwiches / Grilled cheese (kids) & Tomato soup

jump for Ava

2012-01-22T19:38:00.000-06:00

Austin's best friend aka girlfriend, Ava is turning 4 on Tuesday. Lisa and Robert rented a big inflatable jump house for the weekend for her birthday and invited us over to help her celebrate!

Austin was so proud to hand Ava the birthday gift we got for her. I found her this adorable little shirt and leggings that have a heart made out of tulle on the top. I thought it would be so cute for Valentine's Day. I also found her this cute little princess puzzle book. It's so much fun shopping for girls!!

When we arrived Austin went out to the backyard to find this! They had so much fun jumping. I even jumped!! It wears you out! I probably won't be able to get out of bed in the morning!

The weather was absolutely beautiful outside. We sat around in the chairs watching the kids and even enjoyed some 'adult drinks'.

The baby girls even got in and jumped around.

Alexis and Kinley mostly played outside on the slide, playhouse, and sat at the picnic table. It's so cute watching these two, they are so much alike. Alexis is just like Kinley climbing on tables, couches, and even jumping on the ottoman! HA!! She's a little stinker too.

Austin and Ava climbing all over Doc!

We had so much fun! They had this cute playhouse that my kids just loved! I know what I'll be purchasing soon.

Doc and Robert were brave enough to get in and jump with the kids! I'm sure these old guys will be hurting in the morning!! HA!

I waited my turn to get in too. It was so much fun! Let me tell you, I was worn out after like 5 minutes!!

I jumped around with Kinley in my arms!

After a couple of hours the kids were pretty worn out too! They finally stopped and had a water break.

Happy Birthday to Miss Ava! I'm so fortunate that we have some of the best friends. With family so far away, I treasure my friends!! Austin and Kinley are so fortunate too that they have some of the best little play mates.

Thanks Lisa and Robert for having us over today and for dinner! We truly enjoyed our Sunday afternoon with you all.

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Happy Birthday Aunt Mallory!

2012-01-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

We hope that you have a wonderful day! What a great 24th year it will be having a little one in just a few short months. We love you so much! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you today.

The kids did a little video for you!

Happy Birthday - Doc, Angie, Austin, & Kinley

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It's Friday!

2012-01-20T18:32:00.001-06:00

wooohooo for Friday's! Even us stay at home moms get thrilled with the weekends. You know why? Of course because there is another body around to help out! :-) It is just more fun with a daddy around too!

The kids and I drove down to South Austin today for some lunch and shopping with Melissa and Avery. We went to Waterloo Ice House (I had never been) I can't say I was too impressed. Maybe we just had a poorass waitress? Anyway, it was nice getting out for some lunch. They kids were pretty good, minus my son playing with all of the knives on the table and Kinley dropping the sour cream all over my jeans! Ugh. They're just kids. Right? :-)

It's Friday night. Guess what that means in the Barron house? PIZZA!! We always pick up Papa John's for pizza night. We are all pizza lovers in this house. It makes for a fun Friday night.

Again, no plans for the weekend except for church on Sunday. I'm thrilled. I hope to relax and lay a round a bit. ;-) Who am I kidding?!

I hope that you all enjoy your weekend. Tomorrow is one special persons birthday. Come check it out tomorrow... there will be a video up in the morning! ;-)

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pajama day and crockpot ravioli

2012-01-19T18:43:00.000-06:00

Today was pajama day at preschool. Austin was excited to wear his pajamas and slippers to school. I didn't even have to pack his lunch because they served pancakes and bacon for lunch!

It was absolutely BEAUTIFUL today! A warm, sunny, 78* Gosh, I love Texas! ;-) It was so nice that I put on my running shoes and took the kids in the double jogger for a walk. I need to exercise in the worst way. It's hard with two little ones. One is either not happy in the jogger, or one wants to ride his own bike... ugh!

While I was cooking dinner, the kids played out on the back patio blowing bubbles, chalk, running around the back yard, and getting into stuff they shouldn't! ;-)

It was so nice to leave the kitchen door open while I was inside finishing up dinner. They love being outside. What kid doesn't?! I hope that I wore them out today. Austin didn't nap and Kinley I had to wake up to go pick up Austin from school. I'm ready for early bedtimes tonight!!

THIS is why I like to play outside! Then, my house is not showered with toys. Just keeping it real... our real mess! :-)

I made the crockpot ravioli casserole for dinner tonight and it was DELICIOUS! Everyone loved it. The sauce slow cooked all day. Then, you boil your bowtie pasta, add the fresh spinach, cheeses, and let it all simmer. So good and healthy too.

Kinley's plate!

Can you believe that tomorrow is Friday?! Already?? Geez. This week has really gone super fast for me. I'm ready for the weekend. :-)

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V-day craft and a hello to Nana

2012-01-18T09:32:00.001-06:00

As we were having dinner last night we were talking about Nana. She's going to be here in just 2 weeks!! We're so excited. It is always fun having company come visit, especially when it is their wonderful Nana! I'm excited too, we have to make a trip to San Marcos!! ;-)

I took this at 2:30AM! I woke up because the TV was still on, the lamps... yes, these two can't ever find their beds! I am always complaining about how Austin is a terrible sleeper and stays up WAY too late, won't ever sleep in his own bed, well... now you see where he gets it from! :-) I didn't mind one bit, I had the big bed all to myself! ;-)

These are just a couple of cute pictures I took yesterday while we were outside playing before dinner.

They love drawing with chalk on the driveway.

Remember I told you that I went to Hobby Lobby for Valentine's? Well, I decided it was time to put a few Valentine's Day decorations up. The problem is, I don't have any. I have never had V-Day decor. I love Valentine's Day and yes, we most certainly celebrate it! What girl doesn't like flowers and chocolates and something James Avery?! I always get the kids little V-Day gifts too. It's a fun day to celebrate how much we love each other.

I hung our red and white garland on the mantle. (Mom, remember I bought this while in ATL?!)

I bought some stuff to make these cute little door hangers on the kids bedroom doors.

I'm pretty sure that they love them! Kinley keeps pointing to hers and says, WOW! They are big foam hearts, foam glitter letters, wooden glitter sayings and I bought a bunch of ribbons. How cute is this Minny Mouse ribbon?!

Our guest room up front is now the 'train room'. Austin received a Cars Geo Trax train set to go with his other Geo Trax set. He loves it. Kinley loves it!

I guess we'll be moving it in 2 weeks for Nana! ;-)

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girls day out

2012-01-17T15:03:00.001-06:00

Kinley and I had a 'girls day out' while Austin was at school. I really look forward to my Tuesdays and Thursdays alone with Kinley. Austin and I had 2 years and 9 months alone together, I feel like these are days that I get to spend with just my girl. And I love it!!
Blueberry waffles for breakfast!

Good morning!! We were ready to spend our day together.

Usually, Austin wants nothing to do with having his picture taken. That is why there are always so many of Kinley. This morning he said, "I want to be in the picture too!"

My two little sweeties early this morning before we were rushing out the door to school.

After making a Target run we came home and unloaded and had a 'tea party'. Kinley received this coffee maker and an awesome tea pot for Christmas and she is so into pouring coffee/tea now. It is so much fun having a girl. And boy is she a girly girl!

We put our sunglasses on and headed out for a day of shopping and lunch together! It was absolutely gorgeous outside today! 68* and I am loving it. Talk about putting me in a good mood! Who isn't happy with some sunshine?!

After some Hobby Lobby shopping for Valentine's we made a stop for lunch. She's so darn good! I am just blown away at how she will sit and I can finish a whole meal! Are all kids like this? Or was Austin just exceptionally bad?! I was NEVER able to take him to lunch and he would sit. Nor could I shop like I can with her. Either she's really good or Austin was just my spoiled little first born! ;-)

We had a couple hours left and it was way too nice to just go home and sit. So, we went to the outlet mall. I had to stop in Bath & Body Works again... I wanted to pick up Austin's teacher a little gift set for Valentine's Day. OK... I also bought some more bulbs, they were only $1.62 now!!!!! Yes, my husband may file for divorce if I spend anymore money in that store! I think I just need a part-time job there. ;-)

We had to go pick up Austin from school and my sweet girl was so tired! She never fussed or cried once, and I know she was so tired. As soon as I buckled her up and she was all snug in her seat in the nice warm car she fell right to sleep. I'm lucky I have such a great little shopping buddy!

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Meal Planning Monday

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

It is Monday again and I have my meals and recipes that I am going to cook this week to share with you all. I searched all Saturday morning on Pinterest for recipes under my 'Recipes I want to try' board. There are some fantastic recipes to be found on there! I am actually excited and ready to cook and of course EAT these yummy meals I'm cooking this week.

I have a total of 5 meals that I am going to cook only becuase we end up with TONS of leftovers. One night during the week is going to be a leftover night! And our Friday night is usually pizza night.

Note: these recipes are not mine, they were taken from Pinterest from different blogs.

Meal #1. Roasted shrimp and green beans

Ingredients

·        For the beans:
·        1 lb. green beans trimmed and cut intobite-sized pieces
·        1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
·        1/2 tsp ground coriander
·        1/2 tsp ground cumin
·        1/4 tsp kosher salt
·        1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
·        1/8 tsp Cayenne pepper
·        For the shrimp:
·        1 lb. medium-large raw shrimp (thawed iffrozen), peeled
·        1 tbsp olive oil (plus a little extra tobrush on roasting pan)
·        zest from one lemon (save the lemon and cutinto fourths)
·        1/4 tsp. kosher salt
·        1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
Directions

Preheat oven to 425.

Once the shrimp has been peeled andcleaned, rinse it under cold water. Be sure to pat the shrimp really dry (ifthe shrimp is not dry it will steam rather than roast!).

Place the trimmed and cut beans in a bowland toss with extra virgin olive oil, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt,freshly ground black pepper, and Cayenne pepper.

Place shrimp in another bowl with the extravirgin olive oil, lemon zest, salt, and fresh ground black pepper.

Brush roasting pan with olive oil or use anon-stick spray, then arrange beans on pan in a single layer (as much aspossible). Roast beans 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, toss the beans and arrangeshrimp on top and roast 8-10 minutes more or until shrimp are just done.

Squeeze the four lemon quarters over theshrimp and beans and serve immediately.

Meal #2. Lasagna Roll ups

Ingredients:Sauce-¼ lb ground beef
2 tablespoons onion (chopped)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
1 (16 oz) can crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 dash cayenne pepper (or more to your taste)
Filling-1 ¼ cups small curd cottage cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg (lightly beaten)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (minced)
¼ teaspoon onion powder
6 lasagna noodles (cooked)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions:
Step 1: In a large skillet cookground beef, onion and garlic until the beef is no longer pink. Drain anyexcess fat from the pan. Add tomatoes, oregano, salt and cayenne. Simmer for 10minutes. Spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9” bakingdish.

Step 2: In a bowl combinecottage cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and onion powder. Spread ¼ cup ofthe cheese mixture evenly over each lasagna noodle. Roll up and place seam sidedown in rows in the baking dish. Top with remaining sauce.

Step 3: Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 30-35minutes. About 5 minutes before the dish is finished cooking remove from theoven and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to oven and cook untilcheese has melted.

Meal #3. Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Ingredients:

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut up into small pieces
1 lb andouille sausage, sliced
1 28oz can diced tomatoes with juice
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 c chopped celery
1 c chicken broth
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 c instant rice

1. Place all ingredients except rice in slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours,or on high for 3-4 hour

2. Cook rice according to package instructions. Add rice, as desired, into eachindividual serving of jambalaya. Store rice separately from rest of stew.

Meal #4. Crockpot Ravioli Casserole

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lbs. leanground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 can stewed tomatoes

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

salt/pepper

10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed (I used freshspinach)

16 oz. bowtie pasta, cooked

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

1 1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded

*Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Put incrock-pot and add sauce, tomatoes and seasonings. Cook for 6-7 hours on low.Add the last 4 ingredients during the last 30 minutes of cooking and turncrock-pot to high. I added the fresh spinach, pasta, parmesan and 1 cup of themozzarella and I mixed it all up really well. Then I added the last 1/2 cup ofmozzarella to melt on the top.

Meal #5. Chicken Enchiladas with Red Chile Sauce

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, chopped fine

2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped fine

1 teaspoon canola oil
3 medim cloves garlic, minced
3 Tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
3 teaspoons sugar
1 15-oz can tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 large beefsteak tomato, seeded and chopped
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 large breasts)
1 cup extra sharp white cheddar, shredded
1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro
12 (6-inch) soft corn tortillas
cooking spray
salt and ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 425.

Combine the onion, jalapeno, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and oil in a large saucepan.cover and cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the onions andpeppers have softened, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin,and sugar, and cook until fragrant, less than 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatosauce, water, and chopped tomato. Bring to a simmer, and cook until slightlythickened, 5 minutes.

Nestle the chicken into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook untilchicken is cooked through (thickest part reaches 160 degrees), about 12-20minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate, and set aside to cool.

Strain the sauce through a strainer into a medium bowl, pressing the onionmixture to extract as much liquid as possible. Transfer the onions to a largebowl and set aside. Season sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add to the onin mixture, and add 1/4cup of the enchilada sauce, 1 cup cheese, and the cilantro. Toss to combine.

Stack the tortillas on a plate and cover with plastic wrap; Microwave on highuntil warm and pliable, 40-60 seconds. Spread the tortillas on a clean worksurface, and spoon 1/3 cup of the chicken mixture evenly down the center ofeach. Tightly roll each tortilla and lay seam-side down in a greased 9x13 inchbaking dish.

Lightly spray the tops of the enchiladas with cooking spray. Place in the oven,uncovered, for about 7 minutes, or until the tortillas start to brown slightly(skip this step if you don't like the crunch).

Reduce heat to 400. Remove enchiladas and pour sauce evenly on top. Top withthe remaining cheese. Cover dish with foil, and bake an additional 20 minutes,or until heated through.

Remove foil and bake another 5 minutes, until cheese browns. Remove from ovenand let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, additional cilantro, etc.

Enjoy your week!!!

Mexican Mac andCheese

Sunday in pictures

2012-01-15T13:45:00.002-06:00

We went to early church this morning. I tried to get a picture of Kinley all dressed up for church, but instead she decided to stay behind the bars! I hope this is no indication of what is to come!! ;-)

She's such a silly girl! She just loves to sit in the fireplace. I handed her off this morning to the 1 year old class teacher and she did fantastic. We came to pick her up and she was just playing with the other children. I'm so glad that she is doing so well. I sure makes me feel better about leaving her for an hour.

We came home after church, had some lunch and I put Kinley down for her nap. She was exhausted after playing!! :-) I started dinner while every one was busy so I didn't have anyone in the kitchen with me. This is one of the meals I am going to share with you tomorrow. It is chicken enchiladas with red chile sauce. The chicken is simmering in the homemade sauce. It smells so good. I always cook the 'hardest' meals on Sunday (since I have Doc here to watch kiddos). The rest of the meals I am cooking this week are super simple. Check tomorrow for the meals I'm cooking this week!!

The boys are just hanging out in the big chair watching TV and relaxing.

I wanted to share we you all my obsession! HA! I went to the outlet mall yesterday with Kinley while Doc and Austin went to Doc's office to work. We went to Bath & Body Works. If you are a wallflower freak like me... GO!!! They had the wallflowers for $1.99 each!!!! I totally stocked up. I had a $10. off $40. coupon too. I still think my mom has a bigger stash than mine. HA!!! :-)

We are just relaxing today! Doc's doing laundry for me, so I'm not complaining about anything. :-) I did tell him I desperately need a house cleaner though! You should see my kitchen floor. Oh, and my bathrooms, and the DUST! Ugh. It's hard with two little ones. Do you think if they come clean my house they will watch the kids too?! HA!! ;-)

Enjoy your Sunday!

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Friday with Friends

2012-01-13T15:13:00.000-06:00

It's Friday you guys!! wooohooo! ;-) My best friend Melissa and daughter Avery come over today for lunch and play time. I haven't seen her since before Christmas, it has been like, forever!! I was so excited to see her and Avery and get caught up. If you don't read Melissa's blog already, go check it out!

Kinley was excited to have Avery over and play with the high heels, coffee pot, and all of the play food. And of course show her some new tricks in being a wild woman! ;-)

Avery is an only child, so she doesn't have an older sibling to ~~look up to~~ learn bad habits from! She was in awe just watching these two wild monkeys I have. HA!

Kinley and Avery tried on high heels, and played in the kitchen. Boy, I bet our husbands wished we wore high heels and played in the kitchen. LOL!!! Oh, to be a little girl again.

We had a wonderful morning and afternoon. My kids thoroughly wore themselves out and are both in bed napping. Thank you, God! My house is all clean, I love playdates it forces me to clean my house! I have an empty laundry basket and both washer and dryer are empty. :-)

We have absolutely no plans for the weekend except church on Sunday. Sometimes that is the best feeling, knowing that you have no where to be and nothing to do. We will most definitely be relaxing this weekend.

Enjoy your weekend!!

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to be a preschooler...

2012-01-12T15:18:00.000-06:00

I was up bright and early getting ready and fixing breakfast before either one of my kids even thought about waking. Today, was my day to help in Austin's preschool class. We were almost late because Mr. sleepyhead decided not to wake up until 8:30 when I went in to wake him!

Doc was awesome and worked from home today and kept Kinley for me so I could take Austin and help. It would be nearly impossible to help with a 1 year old! I can no longer use excuses for why I didn't get the laundry done or the dishes... he did it all. He got laundry washed, dishes clean, worked, AND *hopefully* kept an eye on this wild girl. I'm sure she loved having some one on one time with her daddy!

Austin just loves his preschool class. He loves all of his friends and all of the fun activities that they do all day long. Not to mention, he gets to spend the day with his favorite girlfriend, Ava. ;-)

He played cars with Conner during center time this morning. Ms. Michele, his teacher said that the boys just love playing with the blocks and cars. She has 4 girls, so I'm sure boys are a whole new world to her. ;-)

I had to bring snack for all of the kids in his class today. I made a pan of rice krispy treats last night to bring. They were a HUGE hit!

Ava and Austin right beside each other during snack time. We were asked to make their placemats at the beginning of the year, you see his in front of him. It is a picture of our family and of his Nana and Papa.

They were doing this cute song about a snowflake. It's so cute to watch them. Austin has a hard time with me being there. He wants to sit in my lap, and for me to be right beside him. I'm sure he does much better and interacts more when I'm not there.

I went to music class with them. Their music teacher is Chinese, so they are learning their colors and numbers in Chinese, Spanish, and of course English. I could NOT believe that Austin as well as the other kids knew the numbers in Chinese. Like seriously... it was amazing!

I had such a fun day with Austin at school and I loved seeing what he does during the day. Oh, to be a preschooler again. They are all so carefree, fun-loving, and of course wild! God bless those preschool teachers, they have more patience than anyone. It takes a special person indeed to be a preschool teacher.

After I was done helping, it was lunch time so I went and ran a couple errands (kid-free!!!) and picked up some Hooter's hotwings. I couldn't wait to get home and see my little girl. It is the most amazing feeling having our child run to you yelling, "mama! mama!" It made me feel so wanted, appreciated, and loved! I can only imagine what Doc feels like each night when both kids are yelling, "Daddy! Daddy! You are home!!!!"

It was nice to be able to have the morning with my little guy. But, I sure did miss my little sweetheart!

Both of my babies are in bed taking naps and I'm enjoying this quiet afternoon to myself. Enjoy your Friday!

a day at the playground

2012-01-11T18:23:00.002-06:00

We met my good friend Lisa and two of her three kids today at the neighborhood playground. Austin and Ava were just over the moon to be able to spend 2 hours together running around playing. I have a feeling that Lisa and Robert will be Austin's in-law's! :-) Ava already has the whole wedding planned out. They are too cute together!

Kinley had the best time going down the slide.

Alexis and Kinley playing under the playscape. These two are only a month apart. It's so cute watching them play together.

Austin and Ava ran all over the place. I was able to snap just a few pictures while they were still.

Kinley and Alexis had fun swinging while Lisa and I talked. It was the only time we were able to talk since we have two wild, dare devil girls!!

I look so forward to more days of sunshine and 70* I love the sunshine and warm weather and being able to take the kids outside. I see lots of playdates at the playground and pool in our future for the Spring and Summer.

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no more highchair

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-06:00

Kinley is *almost* 18 months - only 12 more days!! I am so darn sick of this huge highchair sitting on my chair. It won't go under the table, so this big eye soar sits out beside the table. She has done so well eating from a plate and using silverware for a while now. I decided it was time to get rid of the big bulky thing and get a booster.

She can sit up to the table now, right beside Austin and the chair now slides up under the table. No more big highchair! She loves it! I love it!

It straps on the chair just like the old highchair did and it still has a three point harness so she can't just jump out! Because believe me, she would! In case you're wondering, it is the Graco Toddler Booster. I ordered it from Amazon. I did my research and read the reviews. This one was rated high and what sold me is that it will work until she's 4 and it works with a pub table.

I love it! No more highchairs!! I'm not crying about it being gone. Yes, my baby is turning into a big girl. Next, potty time. ;-) HA!! Well, maybe in 6 months. yippeee!

I wanted to show you all my gorgeous new ring that came UPS today!! My parents gave my sister and I each one for Christmas. We had to take them to James Avery while in Atlanta and get them engraved, so we just received them. It is monogrammed with my initials on the outside, and on the inside it says: 12-25-11 Love, Mom & Dad. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE it. This is going to be my new right hand ring. Mallory, yours came in my package too - I'll ship it out on Thursday to you!

We are off to meet my friend Lisa and her two girls at the playground in our neighborhood after lunch. Austin is looking so forward to playing with Ava today. It is supposed to be around 73*, so I'm looking forward to getting out for a couple of hours. I'm going to surprise my two and bring them to Sonic after for a slushie! ;-) of course, I'm getting a diet coke.

Enjoy your day!

It's Tuesday - Roll Tide

2012-01-10T12:02:00.000-06:00

Did you see that Alabama vs. LSU game last night?! HA!! Alabama whooped them! Austin wore his Alabama jersey to school today. I was so excited to watch The Bachelor last night, but unfortunately that didn't go exactly as planned. Doc worked until 8:30 and trying to watch a show with two kids is not exactly going to happen. So, I only got to see bits and pieces. :-( And no dvr in this house!

I'm so happy that it is Tuesday. It's a school day, the sun is shining, and I was able to get all of my errands and to-do list completed. I can only handle one rainy day and then I need some sunshine.

Austin was so happy to go to school today! He said, "I'm going to show everyone my Alabama shirt!"

Kinley was ready to get brother off to school too. So she could have some mommy time! ;-)

My two little people and I getting ready to leave for school.

I had a huge list of to-do's and to-gets today. I was able to get them all done with a toddler in tow.

We even had some play time at home for a couple hours before we have to go pick up bubby.

I'm looking forward to my women's bible study tonight. We are starting a new book. The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller - Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God. I'm excited to have some adult girl time and learn more about God in my marriage.

bouncy horse

2012-01-09T16:29:00.001-06:00

Kinley was enjoying bouncing on her new horse she got from Santa. I think I have finally figured out how to share videos with you all! I know Nana and Papa will enjoy seeing them! :-)

P.S. The Bachelor is on in 2 hours and 18 minutes!!! woohooo!! I just love this time of the year when all of my favorite TV shows are on, and there is so much to look forward to with the warmer months coming upon us.

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meal planning Monday

2012-01-09T10:30:00.000-06:00

I have made my meal plans for the week and I was going to share with you all. Not only that, but it makes it so easy for me to pull it up on the 'electronic device' and have my recipes right there to go by. Since I already did my grocery shopping last week, I found recipes to go with the meats/fish that I already purchased. I only meal plan for dinners, breakfast is super easy, and lunch is whatever we have leftover, or mac n' cheese, chicken nuggets, sandwich, pizza, or you know Chickfila or McD's. ;-)

We had some serious rain last night and even this morning. Look at all of the standing water! I'm happy to know we have no plans today and we get to stay inside and snuggle! Or let's be realistic here... the kids will just make a huge mess! ;-)

After their pancake breakfast they snuggled on the couch for a few minutes together and watched some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

Monday: Rosemary Garlic Roast Beef with potatoes and horseradish sauce
(taken from Everyday Food)

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
coarse salt and ground pepper
1 top round beef roast (3lbs.) trimmed and tied
2 lbs. small potatoes halved or quartered if large
Horseradish sauce

Preheat oven to 400*. In a small bowl, stir together 3 tbsp. oil, rosemary, garlic, and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tbsp. oil over medium-high. Pat beef dry and add to skillet. Increase heat to high and cook, turning with tongs, until beef is browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.

Brush or spoon rosemary mixture over roast and place in oven. Roast 20 minutes. Remove from oven and place potatoes around roast, tossing in pan juices. Roast until potatoes are tender and beef is medium-rare. Transfer roast to a cutting board, loosely tent with foil, and let rest 10 minutes. Toss potatoes with pan juices; tent with foil. Thinly slice meat against grain and serve with potatoes and horseradish sauce.

Tuesday: Chicken Chipotle burrito bowls

This is my own version of Chipotle's burrito bowls. I put my frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot with one chicken taco seasoning packet, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup water, and 1 can of rotel. Cook on high for 6 hours. Shred chicken and serve with white rice. I place white rice in a bowl, shredded chicken, lettuce, shredded cheese, black beans, corn, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, onions, whatever you like! Delicious!! Super easy to throw in the crock pot and have a quick and easy dinner.

Wednesday: Salmon pinwheels

I purchased these ready to bake salmon pinwheels and I will serve broccoli and rice or potato with them. They look really good, I will post a picture when I cook them.

Thursday: Beef Stroganoff (http://annies-eats.com/2009/08/20/beef-stroganoff/)

1½ tbsp. olive oil, divided
¾ lb. top sirloin, cut into strips 1-inch wide and 2-inches long
Salt and pepper, to taste
1½ tbsp. butter
2 leeks, white and light green portions only, cleaned and finely chopped
8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2 tsp. tomato paste
1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
1¼ cups beef stock
2-3 spoonfuls sour cream
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. lemon juice
Cooked egg noodles, for serving
Fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the about half of the olive oil. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Add some of the beef strips in a single layer, being sure not to crowd the pan. Sauté until browned but still slightly pink on both sides, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a bowl. Repeat with remaining oil and meat.

In the same pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the leeks and sauté until lightly browned and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the mushrooms and sauté until nicely browned, about 5 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the tomato paste and cook until well-blended, about 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to incorporate. Increase the heat to high, add the stock and bring to a boil, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the pan. Boil for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to medium. Return the meat to the pan along with any accumulated juices and cook just until the beef is heated through, about 2 minutes. Stir in the sour cream, mustard and lemon juice and heat just until the sauce is warm. Remove from the heat, serve over egg noodles and garnish with fresh parsley.

Friday: PIZZA

Friday nights are our pizza nights! We usually order from Papa John's - but Sam's has some great to-go pizza also!

Saturday: Breakfast! Turkey sausage, pancakes, and eggs

Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner?! :-) This is a win win dinner for the kids for sure!

Sunday: Swai with florentine stuffing

I picked up this ready to bake swai fish that is stuffed with florentine stuffing. It looks delicious. Again, I will serve a vegetable and rice or potatoes.

OK, that is my meal plans for this week! It is so easy to have it already planned out so you never have to think and wonder what to cook. That is my biggest problem when I don't have meals already planned out. Enjoy your week!!

great start for the week

2012-01-08T19:24:00.000-06:00

We started our day off right with going to church. Since this past summer we have really slacked on attending. It was totally my fault because I wasn't ready to leave my 'baby' in the nursery class. She's *almost* 1 1/2 and I am finally ready to leave her in the 1 year old class and be able to grow in my faith and hear the gospel each Sunday with my husband. I love going to church, I love the feeling that it gives me, after all we are on this earth for one reason.

Kinley did awesome! She loved playing, she even colored her first picture for me! She did wonderful. It is great for the kids to have an hour of social time and to learn about Jesus too.

Austin loves going to his Sunday school class and playing with the other kids. They read a bible story, do a craft, have snack, and even play outside. I feel that the best thing I can do for my children is to teach them who Jesus is.

We spent the afternoon at home. I was lucky and got to sneak in an afternoon nap! Our good friends Robert and Lisa and their three little ones stopped by this afternoon. Alexis and Kinley had fun playing with all of the dominoes!

Austin was beyond thrilled when we told him that Ava and Drew were coming over. The other day he told me, "I want a brother, like Drew!" He looks up to him, because Drew is 6. ;-)

Doc and his girl. She's been a handful lately! She wants to be held constantly. And she cries over everything. Is this just a girl thing?! Ugh! Girls are tough. I told Doc, "she's lucky she's so darn cute!" HA!!

Doc grilled some steaks and potatoes and I put together a salad and steamed some broccoli. It was delicious. I love a good steak dinner.

Well, tomorrow is already the start of the work week. I actually love Monday's. That is probably one of my favorite days of the week now. That is the one day of the week we do nothing and stay inside.

Check tomorrow for my 'Meal Planning Monday'. It should be up mid morning!! :-) Enjoy your week!! OH... and tomorrow is The Bachelor!!! wooohoooo!! I didn't get to watch it last week. I'm so excited you guys. :-)

I wanted to share with you, my little sisters cute little baby bump at 19 weeks! Isn't she just the cutest?! I'm so excited to see what she is having... she's being ~~boring~~ patient and waiting until the baby is born to find out the sex. She's due June 2nd!

pop pop with daddy

2012-01-07T19:14:00.000-06:00

Well, friends it has been a very productive Saturday! Our Christmas decor is down and packed away in the attic until next year, the laundry has all been washed, the kitchen is cleaned, the dirty ring around the tub has been scrubbed clean, I ran some errands this afternoon, and even cooked some beef and tomato stew served over rice for dinner! Woohooo!! Days like this only happen when Doc is home to keep the kids attention so they aren't at my feet all day. I love productive days!!

We can now relax when we get home from church tomorrow. The weather has been so wonderful the past few days, I have some NY strips to grill for our Sunday dinner. I love a good steak and baked potato.

Doc and Kinley both LOVE popcorn! She will ask for 'pop pop' aka popcorn. Doc made a bowl tonight and she was thrilled to be sitting with her daddy eating a big bowl of popcorn.

Friday at home: outside & new design

2012-01-06T21:53:00.002-06:00

We had a fun Friday at home. The weather was absolutely gorgeous today, 76*. I am loving the warm weather and sunshine. I'm a sun and heat kind of girl. I hate the cold weather, it just depresses me. It's the new year, the sun is shining, it's warm outside, I have two happy kids, what could be better?! I have been in the best mood lately. If only I could get some energy. I've been so exhausted this week. I think my body is trying to recoup from our Christmas vacation. A big thank you to A & K for letting me have 2 hour naps for the past few days. Thanks kiddos, mommy needed it!

I FINALLY updated the main picture on our blog. I kept looking at it and realized what a baby Kinley was in that picture. I love this picture that I took of the both of them yesterday at the playground. It's a new year, time for a new picture and background!

While Austin was napping today, Kinley and I went out on the back patio for some vitamin D and bubbles.

Later this afternoon we went outside for a walk to the mailbox and to play with the cars on the driveway.

These two have the best time. Austin pushes her all of the way to the end of the driveway, then he pushes her and she comes flying down the driveway in the car. It's hilarious!!

They had some pizza for dinner, it's Friday you know! :-) A bath, and played in their pajamas until bed time.

Kinley is so stinking full of herself! She's hilarious. I said, 'say cheese Kinley'. This is the smile and pose she gave me!! HA!! Today, she said, "pizza". I can't believe all of the words she is saying now.

Since we have been back home from Atlanta, Austin now calls us "Mom" and "Dad" instead of Mommy and Daddy like he used to call us. I think we are both a little heartbroken over it. Also his new phrase is, "Oh yeah, baby!" Thanks to Papa for that one!! ;-)

Have a great weekend! We will be home organizing and cleaning!! :-)

healthy snacks and meal planning

2012-01-05T12:31:00.000-06:00

We arrived home on Monday night from vacation to a refrigerator and pantry full of nothing but diet coke, a few eggs, and beer. That would be fine if we were still a couple of DINKS, but the two little ones needed their juice, milk, and of course string cheese! ;-) I also made a resolution/goal this year to make healthier meals and actually meal plan weekly.

I had planned on going grocery shopping on Tuesday while Austin was at preschool. Well, you know how great that went with a 1 1/2 year old. All I could get in the cart was two gallons of milk, a couple packages of meat, and some bread before I had a runaway toddler. Kinley hates sitting in the cart! So, I went last night and spent a whole car payment on groceries! We are full and stocked now!!

I made a big container full of my favorite, cucumber salad. I could eat this for every meal!

I used 4 cucumbers, 1/2 onion diced, 1/2 cup fresh salsa, 1 bell pepper, vinegar, water, olive oil (few tablespoons) salt, pepper, garlic. - really you can use whatever you like in it. Let it set in the refrigerator and serve.

I also made 5 avocados worth of guacamole. My kids both love it, so do I. If there are healthy ready-made snacks in the refrigerator that is what we will eat. Otherwise, I'm in the pantry getting snack crackers, chips, BAD stuff for myself.

My little sidekick was with me in the kitchen. We dropped Austin off at school, went to run a couple of errands and came home. While I was making the salad and guac she pulled every piece of tupperware out of the cabinet! ;-)

I have a few ideas in my head for my blog that I plan on starting next week. I want to start sharing my 'meal planning Monday' with you all. Not only to share my meals and what we're cooking, but to hold myself accountable! I usually do my meal planning on Sundays, so I thought Monday would be a good day to share on the blog.

I can't believe that today is already Thursday, it feels like a Tuesday to me. Yeah for tomorrow being Friday!!! :-) Enjoy your weekend! Doc and I have a whole front guest room full of Christmas that needs to be put in the attic. We have a lot of organizing to do this weekend. :-) (hear me, Doc??!!)

the last of our ATL Christmas

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

I forgot that I had taken a few pictures with our actual 'camera'. Since I got the fancy phone (HA!) I haven't even been using my regular camera. These were taken on Christmas Eve before we went to evening mass.

Kinley and Nana and dressed up and ready to go to church!

Austin and Jeremy - best buds!

Doc and his girl. The wild woman!

Here we all are together before leaving - thank goodness for dad's tripod. We had to take a total of 4 pictures to get this one. It turned out so good though! I love my family!!

Christmas morning!! We were all up early and so excited! Matt played Santa and handed out the gifts one by one so we could see what everyone got. It took a few hours, but we had the best time!

My kiddos watching Nana's laundry. They thought it was the neatest thing ever! :-)

We had the best time! There is nothing more fun than being with the ones you love. I'm super excited for the new year and to get everything cleaned, organized, and get on track with my goals and resolutions for this new year. I just know it is going to be an amazing 2012!!

we survived - home sweet home Texas

2012-01-03T20:36:00.005-06:00

After the LONG 950 mile road trip to Atlanta, Georgia and another LONG 950 mile road trip back home yesterday, we survived. We're still breathing, barely. ;-) I feel pretty much like a zombie. My hair is unwashed and a nappy mess and I'm just wearing some mom jeans and a Pirana Joe t-shirt. The good thing is my Christmas is down, our bags are all unpacked and put away, it was like Christmas all over again because we finally got to get all of our gifts out of boxes and bags. I would do it all over again in a heart beat! We had the best time at Mom & Dad's house with everyone for a full 10 days. It was wonderful. Austin and Kinley loved it, we had quite a few date nights, lots of shopping, and tons of good food! Mom even washed every piece of laundry for me before we left and folded it in laundry baskets. It was wonderful to come home and not have any dirty laundry to do. Thank you Mom & Dad for everything!! You're the best!!

We celebrated New Year's Eve together and on New Year's day we celebrated with some amazing king crab legs, cilantro lime shrimp, baked potatoes, and a blueberry brie.

We left early on Monday morning - 3:30am (eastern time) and the kids were wide awake! We were completely packed from floor to ceiling.

Doc and I traded off driving. It wasn't near as bad driving during the day verses in the middle of the night like we attempted to do on the way there.

I grabbed my pillow and took a nap! It isn't near as bad when you leave in the early morning. I love leaving super early, it makes the trip feel that much shorter.

The kids were both perfect! They slept for a while, would watch movies, play with their new games, and ate.

It was a pretty good trip home! We made it last night at 8:00pm. We had to stop in a small town 100 miles out and had some Mexican at a little local restaurant.

Austin had school this morning, so there wasn't any relaxing today and laying around. Kinley was up first, so I quickly got her dressed and she brushed her teeth. She's getting so big. She steps right up on the step stool, grabs her toothbrush out of the drawer and brushes her teeth!

We were a few minutes late today since *I* had to get ready! ;-) They were all excited to go. Kinley even asked several times, "backpack" because she wanted to wear hers too.

Aunt Mallory bought Kinley this adorable tiara and 3 pairs of high highs to play dress up with. She's such a girly girl. She LOVED wearing her tiara and having Austin and I putting the shoes on her. Aunt Mallory, she loves it!!

We have so many new toys, our play room is starting to look like a toy store! As I'm sure many of yours are too. It is so much fun to have all of these new toys to play with!!

2011: Year in review & my resolutions

2012-01-01T11:57:00.000-06:00

This past year has just flown by so quickly. As I was searching through my photos to choose for each month it made me realize how fast time is flying. Since having children my days are long, but the years are just passing so quickly.

We had one amazing 2011, minus a few bumps in the road and losing my sweet grandmother and Doc losing his mamaw. I feel like I am so blessed for my family, friends, and everything that I have in this life. I do want to make a few changes this year and I have a few goals/resolutions for this new year!

This year I plan to take more time for my children, I want to read to them every single night. I want to set Austin on a better schedule for bedtime and work on him sleeping in his own bed.

I am going to pay off all of our debts this year. We will no longer have consumer debts!

I'm going to have a budget for this year. *I* am going to be better about my spending. We are going to cut out the unnecessary wants and just spend what we need.

I want to grow in my faith. I want to take time daily to read the bible. We are going to get back to church and go faithfully this year. I am starting a new bible study with my girl friends about marriage and I am so excited!

I want to eat healthier and meal plan weekly for my family. I want us to cut down on portion size and make healthier choices for meals.

I want to be a more positive person. This will be a huge thing for me. I want to look at the bright side of things and not the negative side.

I want Doc and I to have a date night once a month. We need the time for just him and I to have a drink, dinner, or a movie. We have to make time for each other and put each other first.

I am going to be better about getting my kids on a schedule. A nightly sleep schedule for Austin!

I want to be a better mom and wife this year. I want to be on my electronic devices less and spend more face to face time with my husband and children. I will just make better use of naptimes and bedtimes! ;-)

I want us to have more physical activity, both the kids and Doc and I. I want to make a point to get the kids outside once a day for a walk, to play in the backyard, or at the playground. We all need more physical activity and exercise.

I want to schedule at least one playdate a week for my kids to interact with other children. I feel that it is necessary for their social skills. Plus, this mommy needs adult interaction too! ;-)

I hope that you all have a wonderful New Year in 2012. I can't believe that this year I will have a 5 year old and 2 year old. Once you get older you realize what your grandparents and parents were always talking about how fast time goes.

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T20:09:00.001-06:00

It is so hard to believe that this year has finally come to an end. My first baby turned 4 on Halloween and my baby girl turned 1 in July. I love my kids so much, but man it is so difficult having a preschooler and a toddler. It is the toddler who is wearing me out! I know that this is only a stage, and next year will be so much easier. I have quite a few resolutions/goals set for myself this year. I will share them in my year in review post that I will have up *hopefully* tomorrow.

I took this picture of Austin and Kinley yesterday while we were at the mall. They were holding hands while enjoying their suckers.

If only they were this sweet always. This sweetness only lasted for no more than 10 minutes! I had to carry little miss sugar high out of the mall kicking and screaming!

Mom surprised us girls when we woke up and told us to get ready because she was taking us to breakfast and for pedicures. We had an awesome breakfast (kid-free!!).

After breakfast we went to the nail salon and enjoyed pedicures. I am planning on keeping it up and getting a pedicure every month.

My pretty toenails. The color suits me well, Your a pisa work!

When we came home the kids were in the backyard golfing. Little Kinley had papa showing her how to hold the club and hit the ball. She was loving it!

Austin and Kinley were hitting golf balls all over the backyard and running around playing. It was beautiful outside today, 60*.

Austin was learning to skate with his new skates that Nana and Papa got him for Christmas.

Papa took him skating up the sidewalk and then took him up to the neighborhood park. He had a fun time!! He is not ready to go home at all. He keeps telling me that he wants to live at Nana and Papa's house.

We made a bunch of appetizers for tonight and have been munching. I love appetizers! Who doesn't?! We had queso, Tex-Mex dip....

Buffalo chicken dip, sausage cheese muffins, veggie tray, and dad made a big pot of ham and bean soup. We have been having the best food!!

Both kids are in bed asleep and we are all sitting around watching Dick Clark's New Year's Eve. The guys are having some beer, girls are having champagne, darts, pool, more appetizers, surrounded by family... nothing could get better! Happy New Year's 2012.

Christmas vacation: Atlanta

2011-12-29T18:09:00.000-06:00

We are having so much fun in Atlanta at Nana and Papa's house. The kids are having so much fun, staying busy, and loving all of the attention. Austin even told us, "I want to live at Nana and Papa's house!" He doesn't even want to go home. HA!

We have been staying on the go every day with shopping, having lunch out, and date nights. Kinley is loving her Aunt Mallory and even says, "Mallory" so well. I wish our kids were around family all of the time.

Mom and Dad have been telling us every night to go out and they watch the kids. I could get used to this!! We dined out at my favorite, Pappadeux! Drinks at the bar and calamari for appetizer.

It was so nice being able to spend some time alone and have drinks and dinner.

Mallory and Justin (my sister & BIL) met us there for dinner. We had such a great time!

Austin has been having so much fun playing with some new toys from Santa. He loves the 'little helper' set that Nana and Papa found for him. Just like daddy! ;-)

Nana helped Austin paint some Christmas ornaments while Kinley sat and snacked! ;-)

He really had fun painting the ceramic pieces.

We have been having some of the best meals. Papa really knows how to cook!!

We all gather in the kitchen and everyone is on their 'electronic devices' HA!!

Kinley is having so much fun checking out all of Nana's cabinets, climbing stairs, and keeping us busy! I'm afraid they are going to be bored when we get home.

We have been having a wonderful time. The guys are going golfing tomorrow and us girls are going to get pedicures. Only a couple more days and it will be the new year!! Can you believe it??!! I have some great goals set for myself. ;-)

Our Christmas day

2011-12-25T19:37:00.003-06:00

Austin was so excited last night ready for Santa to arrive. We finally got him to sleep around 10:45pm and 5 of us did operation Santa from Nana's basement 'Santa's workshop' to under the tree. It was the most amazing sight. We all stood around the tree in awe. Christmas is such a fun and exciting time of year.

We all woke up early. Doc was up so early he went to QT and bought a bunch of donuts. I woke up a few times in the night. We were all super excited!! We all met on the stairs. Austin was the last one up!! He finally woke up and we all had donuts, muffins, and then opened presents.

Kinley was so excited when she came down stairs and saw that she had a beautiful new doll buggy. Nana and Papa sure know how to make a little girl happy! I'm kind of jealous... I want one of my own. She loves it. She strolls it around all day.

Aunt Mallory and Kinley this morning after opening presents. We had such a wonderful time. Aunt Mallory is going to be having one of her own (baby) in just a few months. We are all pretty sure it is a little girl. She is going to let it be a surprise... but, I just know it is a girl. ;-)

Uncle Justin and Aunt Mallory waiting for our Christmas dinner to be cooked. We all hung out in the kitchen today. Mom made some delicious spinach artichoke dip that was completely gone after about 5 minutes. It was awesome!!

Dad did most of the cooking, only because he is the best cook! We had a huge spiral cut honey baked ham, scalloped potatoes, rolls, green bean casserole, and homemade noodles.

We were all starving and ready to eat Dad's awesome Christmas dinner!

Kinley and I today after she woke up - she's been napping so well. She goes to bed easy at night and has been napping for her usual three hours during the day. She's been worn out! She is staying busy!!

All of us girls! Me, Kinley, Mom, and Aunt Mallory. It kind of happened that we all wore gray today!

Mom set up the dining room table and we ate in there on her pretty Christmas dishes.

It was so pretty with the white Christmas tree. Nana even put the kids table in there too. ;-)

My honey and I. We are so blessed. It's so wonderful being with family. I can't tell you how much fun we are having. It is absolutely wonderful being with everyone. I couldn't think of a better way to spend our holidays.

Aunt Mallory is now 17 weeks pregnant! We were comparing Aunt Mallory and Uncle Justin's belly's. HA!!

She's so cute!! I just *know* it is a girl. I wish she was going to find out, but she is going to have it be a surprise. I could never be that good and wait. But, it will be super exciting on that day that the baby is born.

Mom made this amazing bourbon pumpkin cheesecake. It took 10 hours to cook!! I think we all died and went to heaven while eating it. Oh my gosh... it was so good!! Better than Cheesecake Factory! Mom, this is definitely going to be a tradition at Christmas time now!

Dad and Mallory cleaning up the kitchen and doing dishes while everyone was napping and playing on their *electronic devices*. ;-)

Poor little Austin is just beyond tired. He has been going non stop. He skipped dinner and went straight to sleep in Papa's big chair!

Uncle Matt was asleep on the couch and Doc was playing with his new Christmas gift.

We have had the best day! I'm so thankful for my family. I love being around them all every chance I get. Tonight, we are sitting around the kitchen table playing blackjack! That is a tradition too. I hope that you and your families have had a wonderful Christmas day.

Happy Birthday Jesus!!

Atlanta Christmas: we're here!!

2011-12-24T20:08:00.000-06:00

We arrived to Nana and Papa's house after a very long, exhausting drive with two perfect little kids. They were wonderful on the long drive, but they did stay up until 3:20AM! Yes, like in the morning, after midnight!! We decided to leave after Doc got home at 7pm on Thursday night so that they kids could sleep all night while we drove. Not exactly the way it happened. ;-) We stopped a couple of times at two different rest stops and slept for an house here and there and finally arrived at 3:30pm on Friday. Yes, you are reading that correctly, it took us 19 hours in the car. Never again will we leave at night.

Our little babies were so good and slept the whole next day on the drive there. Kinley got to Nana's house and went to bed for the night at 7:30pm. She's been so great and napping like usual and going to bed early every night. She's been wearing herself out with all of her Uncles, Aunt, and Nana and Papa. Our kids are absolutely loving all of the attention from their family.

Christmas Eve morning we enjoyed some bloody mary's around 11:30am as soon as Matt and Jeremy arrived. Perfect way to start the day!

Uncle Matt has a new baby girl - Ellie. She's a great dane and Austin has just absolutely fallen in love with her. Kinley isn't as sure of her and just waves, saying "hi". HA!! :-)

Uncle Justin and Aunt Mallory arrived about an hour after Matt and Jeremy and we all just sat around and had lunch and all of the sweets mom has made.

We got ready and went to evening Christmas Eve mass at church. Kinley got to wear her new Christmas smocked dress I bought her for Christmas church service. She looked so pretty! I must say she was such a great girl in church, minus the breaking of my beaded bracelet and beads went flying every where! HA!! Little stinker.

Austin will not leave Matt and Jeremy's sight when they have little Ellie with them. He LOVES her.

I think he has found his new best friend!

After Dad's awesome lasagna dinner, I put Kinley to bed and we all headed down to the basement for some pool and darts. The girls played pool...

The guys all were drinking beers and playing darts.

We had a great day! It has been one memorable Christmas Eve for all of us and the kids. I look forward to Christmas in the morning with Santa. I know one little boy who is so excited! His Uncle Matt keeps checking the Santa radar and telling Austin where he is and how long until he will be at our house.

Tomorrow is Christmas - so exciting! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May each of you have a wonderful Merry Christmas with your families. God bless!

sausage cheese muffins

2011-12-21T17:52:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Pinterest, I made some sausage cheese muffins this morning for breakfast. It seems like we always have the same old thing every single morning... waffles. They love them, they eat them, why change it?! Well, I decided to try these because 1. I had all of the ingredients 2. I wanted to try something different 3. I LOVE sausage balls, these are just like that only more breading and soft.

They are pretty healthy, easy for kids with no mess (HUGE plus in my book!!) and so super easy to make! Austin and Kinley LOVED them. They both ate a bunch of them. I wanted to share this recipe with you all since it is Christmas time, you probably are having guests around and this recipe makes 48 mini muffins. These are a perfect appetizer to bring to a party.

Sausage Cheese Muffins

1 lb. hot ground sausage (I used lean ground turkey sausage)

1 tsp. onion powder

3 cups Bisquick baking mix

1 10.75oz. cream of mushroom soup

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

3/4 cup whole milk

Cook sausage and onion powder in a large skillet over medium to med-high heat, stirring until it crumbles and no longer pink. Drain and cool.

Preheat oven to 375. Combine sausage, baking mix, and shredded cheese in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the mixture. Stir together the soup and milk; add to sausage mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon until lightly greased mini muffin tins, filling to tops of cups. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.

ho ho ho!!

2011-12-20T17:24:00.001-06:00

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paint project

2011-12-20T17:16:00.002-06:00

The kids and I did a little canvas painting today. Austin and I did all of the colors and had so much fun this morning while miss sleepy head Kinley slept in until 10:00!!!

This afternoon once all of the colors dried, we took some black paint and Austin and Kinley did their foot prints and hand prints. I love making canvas artwork like this, because it is something that I will keep forever with their small little hands and feet.

I painted on a ton of the modge podge to give it a clear coat and to protect it. It turned out perfect! I love it!! We have it hanging in the playroom. I love all of the fun colors.

Playroom: new shelving

2011-12-19T12:12:00.002-06:00

I'm so excited and happy with our new cube shelving from IKEA. We had planned on purchasing the 8 cube shelving piece AND a bookcase but, once we saw this larger 16 cube shelving wall unit I fell in love. It works perfect, it holds all of the books AND toys. I was trying to decide on whether to purchase the black or white. I ended up deciding on white and I LOVE it. I think it keeps the room light, isn't as harsh as the black would have been. I also have future plans for this piece when we no longer need/have a playroom.

This is the view looking in from the family room.

We moved the play kitchen from the opposite wall. I found the new bulletin board that I have been wanting at Hobby Lobby. It was the LAST white one they had. When we are no longer needing a toy room, I think it will look beautiful in Kinley's big girl room.

I have all of the Christmas cards we have received on it. Do you see yours?! :-)

The wall unit looks so great. Everything is so organized now and has a place. I took the big round tubs out and they are now in the garage holding all of the garage/outdoor toys.

I took this picture before the kids woke up and starting playing! :-)

Only thing I have left to purchase is a kids wooden table and chairs set. I think I will talk to Uncle Matt about ordering one! ;-) Uncle Matt works for Pottery Barn!! *wink*

This is the every day 'natural' shot! How it usually looks. I'm so pleased with the room now. It's amazing what less than $200 can do for a room. Now, it all goes together and is organized. I love it!

It's just a perfect rainy day in Texas. We are staying home and doing a load of laundry, I'm cooking meals for the last few nights before we leave, and I need to start laying stuff out to pack. I hope we don't have to rent a Uhaul to get it all there! HA!! :-)

6 days until Christmas!!

Company Christmas Party

2011-12-18T22:17:00.002-06:00

Sunday evening was Doc's company Christmas party at Moonshine restaurant in downtown Austin. We had our favorite babysitter Alicia come watch the kids while we went to enjoy the evening to ourselves. Kinley totally broke my heart when she was crying and upset when we left. I sent Alicia a text and she told me she was perfectly fine and playing. Austin and Kinley both had a wonderful time with Alicia! I can't wait to go on more dates now!! ;-)

Doc and I were so excited to get out for the evening and enjoy some drinks and dinner with his co-workers.

We all sat down, ordered some drinks, had beer battered asparagus and calamari, and laughed so hard all night long.

We sat with from left to right: Isaac, Tracy, and Kevin (boss!) ;-)

Doc, Kim (office administrator) and Isaac. We were sitting at the best table. We all laughed so hard all night. It was a lot of fun!

The food was amazing. Doc ordered this HUGE chicken fried steak with red beans and rice.

I had horseradish crusted salmon and mashed potatoes. The food was very good. The portions were so big, no one was able to eat it all.

After dinner we ordered desserts. Our table ordered the skillet apple pie with ice cream and the brownie with ice cream. So good! It was a much needed night out for us. I now can't wait to have a few more date nights while in Atlanta!!

I'm going to share my pictures of the playroom with the new pieces we added later. Enjoy your Monday!!

Saturday: shopping & food

2011-12-17T22:02:00.000-06:00

Does it get much better or more fun than a day of shopping AND food? I think not. Especially when it is spent with my two little ones and hubby. We haven't had a day of shopping and eating out in a long time. Usually Doc just tells me, 'go and have fun, I'll stay home with the kids'. I usually ~~feel so bad~~, hit the door running! As fast as I can. HA!!

We went shopping for a nice, new, in style (not 5 years old) outfit to wear for Doc's company Christmas party tomorrow evening. It was lunch time by the time we finally found outfits and checked out. We had some Mexican for lunch and Kinley was totally not having it. She decided it was way more fun to run around our table with her squeaky shoes and annoy all of the people in the restaurant trying to enjoy a nice peaceful lunch! :-)

IKEA was next! We went in search of the big cube shelving wall unit I wanted for the play room.

We let Austin play in the IKEA kid land for an hour while we shopped. It was wonderful, gave him an hour to play and gave us time to look around and purchase our new play room beauty.

After shopping we got some ice cream cones and my favorite Lingon Berry drink. mmmm...

Austin had so much fun in the kid land. After Doc went to pick him up, he enjoyed an ice cream cone!

This little hot mess enjoyed some ice cream cone too. She stayed wake all day long! We finally got home at 4:00 and she went to sleep for 'maybe' an hour. Tonight? She stayed up until 9:30. I know one family who will be able to sleep in tomorrow!! :-)

I think our playroom is finally looking pretty darn awesome just after the huge wall unit. When I finish with it all I will post some pictures.

I made one of my favorite meals tonight. Mediterranean Puff Pastry. It is so darn good. I rarely make it, but it is delicious so I wanted to share it with you. It is a great meal to serve when having guests over for dinner because it is a little different. Who doesn't like chicken and puff pastry? mmm...

You need one package of the Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry sheets - 2 sheets (cut each in half)

4 chicken breasts

fresh spinach leaves

sun dried tomato pesto

feta cheese

Lay the pastry sheets out flat to thaw. - cut each one in half

place spinach leaves on bottom

place chicken breast on spinach

Spoon pesto on top

feta cheese over pesto

another layer of spinach

Roll pastry sheets over to completely cover it and seal. Place seam side down on greased sheet. Bake at 375* for 40 minutes.

You can add or subtract whatever ingredients you like to your puff pastry. Kinley devoured this tonight at dinner. I guess it was good! ;-)

boys will be boys

2011-12-16T17:19:00.001-06:00

This was my sweet, clean, warm boy before he left to go play in the backyard this afternoon. He always wants to either go ride cars in the driveway or play in the dirt in the backyard. Today, he decided dirt!

It was pretty cold out there! He told me he needed gloves. AFTER his hands looked like this! He had fun digging around in my old garden patch. Our backyard is completely fenced, so I don't worry about him. Plus, I can see him out the back windows.

Baby sister was sleeping ALL afternoon. Here it is 5:15pm and she is still snoozing away. I put her down at 2:00. :-)

I came out for a little bit to watch him. But, it was too chilly for me! I was in my Friday casual outfit. :-) We just ran some errands today and spent the afternoon at home.

It was beautiful outside! Just chilly. Not too breezy.

We're having our usual Friday night dinner - PIZZA! I hope that you all enjoy your weekend. LAST weekend before Christmas, REALLY??!! Oh, my gosh I totally just realized that. Geez, it has gone so fast!! I'm super excited though. Happy Friday!!!!!

my next project: playroom

2011-12-15T21:43:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to get started on this room. After the holidays I am going to start fixing this room the way I want it. I purchased the black cube shelving from Target on the quick because it was on sale, but it was never what I really 'wanted'. Why do I do that? I wish I would have waited and purchased something a little better. I know, I know Mom &Dad. I don't want to hear it! :-) {Always purchase the best, because you will end up spending more money in the end replacing the 'cheap pieces'. Yes, I really do listen!}

This is the playroom. I just have to add a couple of pieces of furniture, purchase a table and chairs for the kiddos, and buy the bulletin board at Hobby Lobby that I am just in love with! :-)

The kids and I took Doc some lunch today. Austin stayed with Doc for the afternoon while Kinley and I came home. It's always so nice to have an afternoon with just one child. She was so sleepy, she slept the whole afternoon while I put together a vegetable beef stew for dinner.

All of our toys and books that were on the shelves are now just sitting on the area rug. Doc came home and was like, "what's going on?" I said, "oh I'm redoing the playroom!" I'm so glad that he always just goes along with me. Thank you, honey! You're the best for putting up with me!! :-)

Tomorrow is Friday and that means only 1 week until Georgia!!! I'm so excited to go. I just hope my parents are ready to put up with us. Enjoy your weekend!

Grandma Jenny, you're the BEST!!

2011-12-14T13:35:00.000-06:00

Austin was outside playing today, riding his cars around on the driveway. He came inside with a big brown box and said, "look mommy, what the guy in the big brown truck gave me!" I said, "OH, it is from Grandma Jenny!" Jenny is really Doc's first cousin, but she has really stood up and taken the place as Grandma in our kids lives. She's so sweet and always sends them birthday gifts and Christmas gifts. I only wish our kids could be able to be around her and all of the other cousins more often. She's the best!! Thanks so much Grandma Jenny. We love you!!

I decided to go ahead and let them open the box since we wouldn't be here for Christmas anyway. They were so excited to see what was inside. I opened the tape and let them open it all themselves.

Austin took out each package.

I read the labels and gave each one their gift to open.

She got them the MOST AWESOME gift ever!!! OH my gosh Jenny, I LOVE THEM!!!! I am more excited about the backpacks. You know I love anything with their name monogrammed.

They were so excited with the playdoh. Playdoh is their most favorite thing to do.

Kinley just loves backpacks. She always wants to put Austin's on and wear it. She had to try hers out.

They are just too awesome!! I can't wait to pack them full of their stuff for our trip to Georgia. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! What a great gift.

They were so excited with the bag full of playdoh tools. They love to do playdoh and we don't have any of these tools. Perfect! I usually give them my stuff. Now, they have their own set of tools to play with. So perfect for them!!

I'm glad that I let them open it today! They spent forever sitting at this table playing and trying out all of the awesome tools. Too cute!!

Grandma Jenny, you're the best! Thanks so much for all that you do for us! I know that you don't have to take the role as 'grandma' but, we love you so much and you are so wonderful to step up and be such a wonderful grandma to our kids. We love you, Merry Christmas!!

our monkey

2011-12-14T11:00:00.000-06:00

OH MY GOSH!! I don't even know what to do with Kinley. I'm not even kidding, I have started taking pictures just to prove it. Every time I turn around the girl is on top of the stool, on top of the table, on top of the bookshelf... it's crazy! She just climbs up there in like two seconds. If she wants it and it is too high, she goes and gets her stool and carries it to where she can get it.

The other day I looked and she was on the stool on tippy toes getting in the play kitchen to get the basket of play food out.

One morning she was playing with the oven. She even knows how to turn the light on and off on the oven!!

This is the one that about killed me!! I walked out of the kitchen into the playroom to find her SITTING on the stool ON TOP of her anywhere chair! OH MY GOSH!! She's the littlest stinker ever!! She's going to give her daddy a run I tell you. :-) *laughing* I'm afraid she is both Doc and I's payback. eeeekk!

Then, one night I walked in the playroom and she was ON TOP of the play table. She does this all of the time. She just pulls herself up and stands up there. What in the heck do I do? Should I enroll the little fart in gymnastics??!!! Do they have bootcamp for toddlers?!

Last night, I turned around and LOOK... she's sitting on the bookshelf. There is no stopping this little girl. She is a monkey and that is all there is to it. Doc has always called me, 'monkey'. I think this is his real, 'monkey'. :-)

She loves to stand on her horse and bang on my laptop. She always gets to where she wants to be. Lord, please help us! This girl is always into everything. She's a workout. Everyone thinks it's so awesome that she naps for 3 1/2 hours. THIS is why... she completely wears herself out.

She's such a little stinker. She is just cute as can be, she is always saying, "thank you" and a totally fun baby girl. But, dang she just doesn't stay out of anything. Remember the fireplace? Oh, yeah she still loves to sit in it. She's a mess!! Austin was NOTHING like that. Still isn't. He has never been a climber and is very cautious. Kinley is a little DAREDEVIL!!!

Christmas program and lunch with daddy

2011-12-13T15:33:00.001-06:00

Today was Austin's Christmas program at school, so I decided to put the kids in their matching reindeer shirts that I ordered from Lions and Lily Pads off Etsy.com - they are the cutest little shirts. Of course they are two pretty cute kids wearing them too. ;-)

We were rushing this morning trying to get ready since I had to wake up little miss sleepyhead from snoozing past 8:30! I wanted to get a couple of pictures of the kids since they were all dressed up cute in their Christmas shirts.

We were just a few minutes late! Doc met us there and for once he was on time and waiting on us! It was so fun seeing all of the kids dressed up in their Christmas shirts and all festive. It is such a fun time of year!!

See him?? The one in the white. He sure stood out. Not only for wearing the white reindeer shirt, but because he just stood there. With his dog. Did NOT sing, just stood there. Oh my gracious! I didn't know what to do. I know that he would not sing. He told me he wasn't going to. Oh, goodness... it starts at 4!

This was all of the 3 year olds. (well, and 4 year olds who have already had a birthday)

After the program they had refreshments: COOKIES! Lots and lots of delicious cookies. He did partake in that! :-) Kinley did too.

Kinley was so perfect during the program. She just sat on my lap and watched the kids sing. She loved it! I know she will sing when she starts preschool. After the program she thought it was pretty awesome to run around and hear her shoes squeak! She kept her daddy on his feet too. ;-) hehe!!

We had a fun time, minus the part where our kid was the one that just stood there. Oh, boy! He is definitely all boy and was not interested in singing! :-)

He was very happy that his daddy was there!

After the program Kinley and I went to do some shopping while Doc went to his eye appointment. It was lunch time and Doc was in the area where us girls were, so we met for lunch at Chili's. It's hard to meet for lunch because Doc stays so busy with work. We enjoyed the opportunity to have lunch together.

Kinley loved having her daddy there! She snuggled up to him and just smiled. She's such a good girl. It's so nice to be able to go out to eat and she stays seated the whole time. She ate a whole bowl of mac n' cheese and some oranges since we didn't get to have breakfast this morning.

It was a fun day for sure! Does she not look exactly like Doc??!! I think she does. A lot of people think she looks like me, I say she looks like her daddy!

Austin is through with school until January 3rd! We have 10 days until we leave for vacation. I have got to find some stuff for us to do. :-) Enjoy your afternoon. I have lots to do around the house.

Monday in pictures

2011-12-12T15:19:00.000-06:00

We had our usual Monday at home. I cleaned the kitchen, ate a cookie, washed dishes, did laundry, ate a cookie, picked up toys, changed a couple diapers, ate a cookie, fed a couple little people, changed sheets, ate a cookie... damn you Doc, I told you to take the cookies to work!!!!! :-)

Both kids are in bed napping and I'm just sitting here in the big chair with my furry blanket half asleep! I just love the cool weather, the Christmas lights on, the candles burning, and the PEACE and QUIET! It's been a lovely Monday. :-)

My busy body little girl who WILL NOT stay off the darn stools. I swear, this girl goes and grabs the stool, carries it to where so needs to get up to and does what she wants!!! She is for sure her daddy's child. She is W.I.L.D.

After playing with my oven she decided to pull out all of the bibs and dish towels. Sometimes you don't even care. Sometimes it is easier to just let them do it and put it away later. At least that is how I felt this morning. HA!

My little guy and his pizza. He loves pizza. He begged for it. For breakfast. Finally, I gave in and baked the pizza at 11:00 and he had an early lunch!

I made a pot of Grandma's homemade noodles. I just love them. The kids love them too - this will be part of their dinner.

I always have the Christmas music going on the TV once I turn off the kids shows in the morning. I love listening to it and singing to them. Oh, you need to feel sorry for my kids having to listen to me! HA!!! It sure puts me in the holiday spirit. I'm so excited for Christmas this year.

Austin and I pulled out a bunch of candles I had in the 'candle drawer' and put them in the fireplace. Since Doc isn't being very much fun and won't let us have a fire, we decided we would have our own fire! Austin asked me, 'Can we do marshmallows in here?' HA!!!

Kinley is napping and Austin and I were relaxing in the big chair with our 'fire'. Oh, and looking at the Kohl's ad for tomorrow. ;-) Yes, we even still have our pajamas on at 3:15 in the afternoon. Gross, I know.

I hope that you had a wonderful Monday. Tomorrow is Austin's Christmas program at school. I'm looking forward to watching my son stand up there. I know he isn't going to sing. Heck, he didn't even make it to music class last week because he decided sitting in the office eating a cheese stick was a better idea. *LAUGHING* He is so my child. :-)

girls just like to party!

2011-12-11T15:54:00.001-06:00

Today was little Miss Sophia's 1st birthday!! Kinley and I went to the party this morning and left the boys at home. They had plans to go see Puss in Boots at the theater, get hair cuts, and run errands.

All of the pretty little girls at the birthday party!

Kinley and Avery were loving the ball popper, she played with this toy the entire time. Guess I need to go get batteries for our ball popper! :-)

After we enjoyed a wonderful catered brunch from Panera Bread and drank a mimosa (YUM!!!) the girls had so much fun playing in Sophia's play room.

We left the party and went to Homegoods and TJ Maxx. There is only one Homegoods in Austin and I LOVE that store!! It was so nice to have a day with just Kinley. I know that Doc and Austin had a great time at the movie theater and out together too. We are so lucky that we each have our little 'sidekicks' to hang out with.

I'm going to snuggle up with my little loves and my hubby and enjoy the afternoon together!

HAIR

2011-12-10T20:33:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share these cute pictures of Kinley's pony tail. I pulled her hair up today again. This time I actually combed it and did it nicely.

Is it not the cutest little pony tail??!! :-) It sure makes her look like a little girl now.

She's growing into a little girl, not my baby anymore. If only I had her big beautiful blue eyes! Both of the kids have the prettiest blue eyes just like their daddy.

OK... I got my hair done today! I was so beyond excited!! Aren't I just the cutest thing with all of my foils?! :-)

It's not as blonde as I had hoped for, but when you dye your hair a DARK brown it's a little hard to go back to bright blonde. I will go more blonde at my next appointment for sure. I'm very happy with it though.

The color is perfect for the winter. I cut off a couple of inches and had layers put in. It will be so much easier to style and maybe I will actually do something with it besides just pull it up in a pony tail everyday. A pony tail is cute on little girls, but I'm not young thing anymore! I did get carded last night being beer!! :-)

The back of it. I'm happy!! I finally fit in with my family again. HA! I was a total outcast. I love it that we all have the same color of hair again.

I need to get these kiddos in bed. We have another busy day tomorrow. Kinley and I have a birthday party to attend and Austin and Doc are going to the movies. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Christmas since 2007

2011-12-10T11:26:00.001-06:00

Since 2007 our Christmas has never been the same. We had a brand new 7 week old baby Austin to celebrate with. In 2010, we had a 5 month old baby Kinley to add to the fun. This year we will have a 4 year old and 17 month old. Since having babies our Christmas time has become so much fun. I look forward to all of the years we will have together to celebrate! I absolutely love being a parent and seeing the excitement in my kids eyes. There is nothing better!

I have been talking with Austin now that he is old enough and understands what Christmas really means. He knows that we celebrate Christmas because it is Jesus' birthday! Santa brings us gifts because we are celebrating the birth of Jesus our Savior!! So, when you ask him why we celebrate Christmas, he will tell you because it is Jesus' birthday! ;-)

2007 - Austin 7 weeks old (1st Christmas)

2008 - Austin 14 months old

2009 - Austin 26 months old

2010 - Austin 3 years old

Kinley 5 months old (1st Christmas)

2010

2011 - Austin 4 years old

Kinley 17 months old

I'm off to get my hair done! Check back for a post later. ;-)

It's Friday!

2011-12-09T17:16:00.001-06:00

It's Friday! I slept in until 8:00 and Kinley slept in until 9:20!! She's a miracle child. I love her. I was never that lucky with Austin. He does sleep in now, but when he was her age?! Nope. I was up at the crack of dawn. I like to be able to sleep in when I want to. Thanks Kinley!!

Since it is Friday, we had no plans I cooked up some bacon, scrambled eggs and made the kids a waffle too. Austin ate his whole plate. I have never seen him eat like that. Especially all of the eggs too. Woohoo!! Kinley... she only ate 1 slice of bacon. Yep, that's it. I wish I had her appetite. She's a stick! She's a little busy body too. She stepped on the scale yesterday and weighs exactly 20lbs.

I had a little fun and was playing with her hair today. It all goes up in a pony tail. It's getting so long. I am not cutting it for a long time. I'm keeping it long! Little girls look so cute with really long hair. I remember my little sister having the longest prettiest hair. I can't wait for Kinley's to get really long too.

Look at it! So stinking cute. It doesn't even look like her from the side. :-)

We made some green rice krispy treat balls and puppy chow for my girls night out tonight. All of the girls are bringing snacks, we're having popcorn, and WINE! I can't wait for my kid free girls night out!!

My yummy treats I'm bringing to share tonight.

Kinley and I all dressed and ready. I had on my new necklace and she wanted one on too, so I grabbed one out of my jewelry box that matched her shirt too. She's such a little girlie girl.

Last picture of my brown hair. Tomorrow is the day!!! I'm so darn excited. :-)

We went by the bank and Austin deposited all of the coins we had in our jar in his savings account. It was the first time I have taken him and shown him how to make a deposit. He thought it was so neat putting all of the change in the machine.

After we went by the bank we made a stop at McDonald's for some play time. Austin asked me, 'can we go play on the play ground?' I said, 'sure'. I'm sure that he was surprised! :-) They had so much fun. It was freezing though. It was 58*, but the sun was not out and I was about to die. Perfect way to waste some time this afternoon. Kinley only napped an hour today and Austin didn't nap at all, their daddy is lucky! They will both be in bed early I'm sure.

I'm so ready for my girls night out (or in) watching a chick flick and having snacks and wine. Perfect Friday night for me! Tomorrow I have my hair overhaul appointment. Goodbye ugly brownish/redish long scraggly hair. I'm cutting it off. You'll have to come back tomorrow to check it out!!

my WILD child

2011-12-08T15:04:00.001-06:00

Oh my gosh! I can not leave this girl for two seconds and she is climbing the chair and sitting up on top of the bookshelf in the play room. She's standing on a stool playing at the kitchen, she's standing on the step stool in the bathroom brushing her teeth because that is how bubby does it! She is wearing me out! :-) I know my dad is just sitting back laughing.

And if this picture does not explain her little personality and attitude I don't know what will! HA! This is her exactly. Little Miss Independent. Up on top of her chair. She's not afraid of anything! I find her with a stool in the drawer of our entertainment center getting a remote out. If she wants it, she's going to find a way to get it. Not sure if that is a bad thing or good!

She is always into something. This picture just makes me laugh so hard! She's such a little stinker.

Meanwhile, brother is home from school and sound asleep in bed. He was my calm one, one got into things that were at floor level. Always stayed close to me and was my snuggler. Moms of boys and girls... is it just a girl thing??

Kinley and I dropped off Austin at school this morning and went to Walmart to pick up some food and a few other items that were on my list. We came home and I had a nice 2 1/2 hours to myself. Kinley had a nap and I listened to the wind. Peaceful I tell you!

She didn't wake up until minutes before we had to rush out the door and go get Austin at school. I decided today was a perfect Happy Meal day. She loved her two chicken nuggets and ate the entire bag of apples. Me? I had people puppy chow! :-)

I'm so glad that tomorrow is Friday! I am in such a great mood. I have a lot going on this weekend and I can hardly wait. I love it when we have a lot of plans. I'm super excited for my girls night out at my friend Monica's house - we're having movie night in her awesome theater room. Saturday I have a MUCH needed hair day. Sunday Kinley and I have a birthday party to go to. It's going to be a fun weekend!! Check back on Saturday evening for my new hair pictures. :-)

Kinley is so funny, when I tell her to smile this is the smile she gives me! HA!!! Doc says she has squinty eyes like me when I smile. We just can't help it. :-)

Happy Thursday!!

my happy kids & Christmas card explanation!

2011-12-07T12:58:00.001-06:00

It's Wednesday! Wooohoooo!!!

Kinley was all smiles and happy this morning! We had some yummy blueberry waffles for breakfast, played all morning long, watched some Little Einsteins, broccoli mac n' cheese and pineapples for lunch, and this girl is snoozing away!

I love when my mornings go exactly like planned. Well, really nothing was planned, I just wanted to get my laundry done and dishes and kitchen cleaned. Once this little cutie wakes up we are headed to the outlet mall for some final Christmas shopping and to see if we can find some warmer clothes. It's been FREEZING here. Like in the 20's at night. Brrrrr!

Austin always begs me to go outside and ride cars. I have been pulling my car out and shutting the garage and letting him ride in there, but today it was just a tad bit warmer so I let him ride on the driveway. I first told him he had to let me cut his hair. Yowzas was it getting LONG. It looks so much better now and he looks like a little boy again!

He is always happy as can be when outside riding the cars!

On the topic of hair... I know you guys didn't think I was crazy enough to do my hair RED!? Right?!! Well, those Christmas cards I sent out... YIKES!!!! I so would have never sent them out, but I wasn't about to spend another $50. to redo them. This is the actual picture that was taken for our cards. The cards that I had printed from Shutterfly turned out RED and awful. Everyone else looks perfect. Me? Terrible!

I made myself an appointment for this Saturday to get an overhaul. I need it. I'm getting my hair highlighted, cut, and an eyebrow wax. Hopefully I will look better. ;-)

Anyway, this was our Christmas card picture this year. This was how my hair actually looks, not bright orangish/red. Yikes.

Well, I'm going to finish my lunch since one is asleep and the other is riding his cars. Enjoy your day!

There's no place like home for the holidays!

2011-12-06T13:22:00.001-06:00

While Austin was at school and Kinley was snuggled up warm in her bed taking a nap I decided it was time to make a few Christmas treats. I always make puppy chow and the rice krispy treat balls. They are so simple to make and the kids love them. It's always so much fun to have yummy treats around the house. Especially around the holidays.

As I was making treats in the kitchen I had the Christmas music going on the TV. Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays came on, and isn't that the truth? There really is no place like home for the holidays. I can't tell you how excited I am to go to Mom & Dad's house for Christmas!

My mom always goes all out with the decorating for Christmas. It is always so beautiful! She has this beautiful garland that goes up the front stair case.

She puts a dressy gold and white tree in the dining room.

We always make frosted sugar cookies and decorate them all.

It is so much fun having everyone there. I can hardly wait that we will all be together. We always have so much fun, all ten of us. Next year it will be eleven!

This is their big huge Christmas tree in the family room.

All eight of us! We are just missing two in this photo. I was pregnant with Kinley in this picture. This was Austin's last Christmas as an only child. ;-) It sure is a lot more fun now with two!! Next Christmas we will have a 6 month old baby too. Well, not me... my sister! ;-)

We play pool in their basement, have a few drinks, and laugh the night away.

The only thing we hope for is a white Christmas! Wouldn't that be fun!!

It sure is fun having Christmas memories. I remember mine as a child. Now it is time to make Christmas memories and traditions with my babies. I look so forward to spending a LONG ten days in Georgia.

Enjoy your evening! I'm going to do some Christmas crafts with the kids.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-05T19:36:00.001-06:00

I wanted to share our Christmas tree! I have been meaning to do a post about all of our Christmas decorations, I just haven't done it yet. So, here is our tree and two cute little kids in their Christmas pajamas.

All dressed in their Christmas pajamas.

I was trying to take a couple pictures of them but, they thought that it would be more fun to play hide and seek in the drapes! It turned out to be a cute picture.

Tomorrow is Tuesday and I can hardly wait! Except for getting out in the cold weather. It has been freezing here!! My patience is gone for today. I am ready for tomorrow so I can get out of the house and buy my last couple of Christmas gifts and I am done.

Only 18 more days until we are with the family!!!

stuck inside

2011-12-02T18:55:00.001-06:00

We stayed inside all day today. Some days it is nice to not have any plans or lists to check off. I slept in with the kids until 8:30 this morning. Wonderful. I normally get up at 7:00 or before just so I can jump in the shower, blow dry my hair and get ready in peace and quiet before the kids get up.

It was nice to not have anywhere to be or anything that just had to get done. I washed sheets, did laundry, vacuumed, and we just played the rest of the day. Kinley just loves wearing her back pack. Today, we put her baby dolls in it and she put it on. See, she wears an Ergo too! :-)

She was dressed in her little snowman shirt. I had to take a picture of her in it. So fun to wear all of the Christmasy shirts and outfits.

Since Halloween Austin just begs me to put his 'dog costume' on. He loves this outfit. I can see why, it is just fleece and so comfy. He thinks its the coolest thing ever! HA!! Why not? We were home all day.

This is the 'real reason' I didn't leave the house. It was rainy all day, and then just misty. By the afternoon it was nothing but fog. It was the most perfect day to be stuck inside. I can't stand to get out in the rain, especially with two little ones to have to get in and out too.

I just love this time of the year. I love having our Christmas tree lit and the garland on the entertainment center, candles burning, lamps turned on, and of course Christmas music on TV. It was a perfect day to be stuck inside. I crave rainy days that we can just cuddle up and stay inside.

I am ready to get out of the house tomorrow though! :-) I get cabin fever if I am stuck inside for more than a day. We are going to Melissa and Eric's house tomorrow for our Christmas dinner with them. Eric has prepared a homemade lasagna and Melissa made a chocolate cake. What is even better? Melissa and I are going to the outlets in San Marcos after lunch tomorrow - WITHOUT KIDS!!!! Thank you Doc & Eric!! :-) I hope to finish my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy your weekend!! Hard to believe only 23 more days until Christmas! I can't hardly wait to be with all of the family. So exciting!!!

let them be little

2011-12-01T15:01:00.001-06:00

Austin and Kinley still almost always take a bath together every night. You should here the giggles and splashes and see all of the water on the walls, and floor. They have the best time together. I am always so busy watching them and bathing each of them that I always forget to bring my camera in there with me.

It won't be much longer until they bathe separately. Austin already wants to take a shower 'by myself' most nights. He is growing up so fast. I know I am going to miss them being little. I am trying to just overlook the messes, the bed sharing, the Tupperware thrown all over my kitchen, and just enjoy them. I already look back at pictures of Austin when he was Kinley's age and wonder where the time has gone. Makes me want another one. ;-)

Both of my babies have a favorite 'lovie' that they always have with them. Austin has had his since he was little bitty. Not sure why he choose this blanket. It was a cheapo on the end cap at Target that I picked up for him to use in the stroller and he has carried it ever since. He always has to have it to sleep with and when he is upset. I have to sneak it in the washing machine. I told Doc, I'm going to cut it in half when he gets older and he can have half of it and I am keeping half of it. :-)

This is also his favorite stuffed animal that he just loves. He always brings it with him to school and lays with it at rest time. You will never believe it. I bought this stuffed animal before I was ever pregnant or we even thought about having kids. I always picked up stuff for my 'one day kids' and he loves it. :-)

Kinley has a favorite 'lovie' too. She always has her bunny lovie with her. It is the Bearington Bears bunny lovie. She received it as a baby gift when she was born. I have always had it in her crib. She actually has two now. If they are both out, she has them both in her arms. I told Doc they reason why she has two is so I can have one and she can take the other one someday when she is big! I'm such a sap.

Oh, and she is a paci queen! That thing is always in her mouth. We have a thousand of them and if she finds one, it goes straight to her mouth. I think we will have a hard time taking those away at 2.

It was just Kinley and I today since Austin had school. We dropped him off and made a trip to Target. Then, we just spent the day at home. I had a lot of picking up to do, and washed dishes and laundry, made beds, and put a beef brisket in the crock pot.

I pulled her hair up in a pony tail today! She's getting so big. She thinks she is already grown. I just love this picture. I love how she is smiling and looking at me. I just love her!!

She is 16 months old already. Talking a lot and running like a pro! If you tell her, "I love you" she blows you a kiss and says, "mmwwwaah" She knows her nose, eye, ear, hair, and teeth. If you tell her, "Kinley, let's go change your diaper" she runs to her bedroom, opens the closet and lays on her changing pad to get her diaper changed. When her daddy comes home she yells, "dadddddyyyy" and smiles so big!

She fell asleep on the way to pick up Austin from school. This morning, I told Austin "I think I am just going to go home today once I drop you off, I'm tired!" He said, "mommy just bring your big blanket with you and you can take a nap on my rest map" Awww, I just love him. He's seriously the most kind hearted little boy. (when he wants to be)

I love my babies. Being a stay at home mom is a lot of work. But, I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love being with them every minute of every day. It won't be long and they will be all grown up. I want to enjoy them little bitty and forget about the mess!

We saw Santa!!

2011-11-30T15:22:00.001-06:00

We have been talking about seeing Santa and telling him what we want for Christmas for the past couple of days. Austin was so darn excited he couldn't stand it. It made it even more exciting since we just saw the movie Arthur Christmas. I can't tell you how much fun this Christmas season is having a four year old and 1 1/2 year old. I just LOVE it. It makes me feel like a kid again!!

I couldn't decide what outfits I wanted them to wear to take pictures with Santa. They both have matching reindeer shirts with their names monogrammed on them, but Kinley has this most adorable outfit ever that I just had to put her in because she will only wear it a few times this month and that is it. I wanted to be able to remember it from the pictures.

I stood her on the table because the girl will not stand still for a picture anymore. Of course Austin climbed up on the table to get in the picture too. I knew if I put her up on the table she wouldn't move. :-)

We left our house around 10:45am and drove to Barton Creek mall near downtown Austin. We were meeting my friend Melissa and her daughter Avery for Christmas pictures with Santa, lunch, and some shopping. I wanted to get there somewhat early so the kids were still in a good mood.

We waited in line for only a few minutes and Austin could hardly stand it. He ran up when it was our turn and jumped right on Santa's lap. He was not afraid at all. He told Santa that he wants a motorcycle. Oh, Lord!

I brought Kinley over to Santa and she immediately freaked out! She was scared to death of him. She was wiggling and trying to get out of Santa's arms. I had to get a picture though. ;-)

I told Austin all morning, Santa is watching you today while we are at the mall. You better be a good boy so he will bring you presents! Sure enough, he was a very good boy. Yes, I know I'm bad. But, hey it works! Kinley was the one acting up. She didn't care what Santa thought of her!!

I wanted to get a 'cute' picture of both of the kids. Not one with my child hanging out of Santa's arms screaming bloody murder, so I jumped in the picture too. This is our official Santa picture 2011. Little miss pouty face!

After we took our pictures we went to take a look at the train track and all of the Santa stuff. She was a happy girl after the picture.

Melissa and Avery showed up after we took our pictures, and it was time for Avery's picture with Santa. She wasn't very fond of Mr. Santa either! Melissa jumped in the picture too.

We went to grab some lunch, did a little shopping, and headed home. My kids were D.O.N.E. They were both tired and we all know tired kids don't do very well shopping! They both fell asleep on the way home.

So guess what I did??!! I went by Sonic and grabbed a treat! I can't do this while they are awake. Why? Because Kinley sees it from the back seat and screams wanting it too, Austin has to have one and then Kinley screams wanting his. Yes, I could get her one too, but then her outfit is a mess and my car... well, I am as picky about having a clean car as I am a clean house! So, I enjoyed my pumpkin pie shake in peace and quiet and didn't have to share!

Both kids are in bed asleep and I am thoroughly enjoying my quiet time. I deserve it! ;-)

Happy ~~Hump Day~~ Wednesday!

oh, just shopping

2011-11-29T16:07:00.001-06:00

It was freezing this morning!! We actually got to wear the Uggs! AND the cute new leopard jacket. Kinley and I dropped Austin off at school and hit the stores. I am so thankful for Tuesdays and Thursdays during the holidays. I can shop with just one kiddo and it is so easy! Seriously, why did I ever think it was hard with one kid?! Piece of cake!

She was shopped out. Her poor little feet must have been hot in her boots, she wanted them off and next thing she fell asleep! I reclined her seat and she snoozed for a little over an hour. So, you see what I was doing...

When she woke up it was after 12:00 so we took a lunch break in the food court at Chick-fil-A.

We left the mall to go pick up bubby and head home. He clearly had a great, tiring day at school. He fell asleep on the way home and took a long nap when we got home.

I absolutely love days like today. I marked off two names on my Christmas list, had a fun day of shopping with my girl, lunch out, and came home and relaxed and took naps. Can I have a day like this everyday?! :-)

no TV today!

2011-11-28T13:47:00.001-06:00

I ~~kind of~~ had a melt down yesterday about my kids. It bothers me that the TV is on most of the day and they sit there and watch it, play with toys, run around the house, watch more TV... you get the point. I want them to have more stimulation than just watching TV and playing with toys. I logged on Pinterest and began searching for crafts to do with the kids and activities for toddlers and preschoolers. There are a million and one things to keep them active besides sitting on their butts in front of a TV. Don't get me wrong, we will still watch a show or two or three in the morning, but that is it. They need to stay busy. And they need to have activities to do alone so that I can still complete my stay at home wife/mommy duties such as cleaning, laundry, and cooking.

I was going to share some of the few things we did today in case you are in a rut like we have been! I actually made a 'lesson plan' of what I wanted to do today. It worked out awesome! Our day has flown by, the kids have stayed busy, we had snack time, lunch time, and nap time/quiet time. I think on our Monday/Wednesday/Fridays I will do this. Tuesday and Thursday are school days, so no need to make a plan. Those are my shopping days with Kinley! ;-)

I made that colored play dough that I found on Pinterest and they just went nuts over it! Like seriously, that is all they have wanted to do. All morning they sat at the table playing it with. If it makes a mess? So what? It really doesn't make a mess at all. I put the rolling pin out, cookie cutters, and a kids knife and they went to town with it.

I found these awesome little sensory bottles on Pinterest too. You just take a water bottle, remove the labels and add glitter, those little pom pom balls, string, eye balls, whatever you like, fill it with water and super glue the lid so the kids can't get it off. They love to shake them up and turn them upside down and watch all of the stuff move around.

I put some elbow macaroni in these silicon baking cups and had Austin count how many noodles were in each cup. You could use beans, candies, goldfish crackers, whatever. I know Kinley can't count, but she had fun just playing with the noodles and putting them in each cup. A good counting game.

Our morning went by so fast! After doing all of the activities, having a snack, and then lunch, I put Kinley down for a nap. Austin went to his room and watched Rio (for the 20th time!) and had quiet time. I went ahead and made our dinner for tonight, and finished doing my laundry.

It's been so chilly outside. Doc and I were talking yesterday about what to make for our meals this week and we decided some soups would be good. Yesterday we had noodle soup, tonight Chili!

I'm just relaxing and typing this blog post while the kids are napping and having quiet time. Awww, nap time, my most favorite time of the day. :-) Off to finish my laundry and get Austin dressed so we can go outside and ride bikes. Enjoy your day!

By the way, our day wasn't just picture perfect. I found Kinley playing in the toilet AGAIN. I dropped the huge bottle of olive oil and it splattered all over my pants and all over the kitchen floor. AND... it is only 2:17pm and it is a Monday. Let's hope that is all that will go wrong. ;-)

our Thanksgiving weekend

2011-11-27T16:43:00.001-06:00

We had a long four day weekend at home. It was wonderful having Doc home so I could run out and go shopping when I wanted too, so I had help with the kids, I could even shower any time of the day when I wanted too. I was wonderful!

I promised to share a family photo Melissa took of us. This was one of the runners up for our Christmas card photo. There was an even better one that I choose and used as our Christmas card photo. She did such a great job taking our family photos. Thanks again, Melissa!

On Friday, I wasn't one of the crazies that went shopping at 3am like usual. I stayed home with my family and then later that afternoon Austin and I went to see Arther Christmas in 3D. It was my first 3D movie, I am spoiled now. I LOVED it!! If you haven't seen it, go! It's a great movie to start off the Christmas season. So fun!!

The kids and Doc never left the house these past four days. They watched movies, played with the train and all of the toys, tried to walk in my boots, and just relaxed at home. I'm lucky I have a husband is is content to stay home with the kiddos while I shop. :-)

We watched movies at night. I picked up the movie Rio at Target for $10 and everyone loved it. Austin watched it three times last night!! It really is a great movie.

Fun to be snuggled up at night around the Christmas tree and munching on popcorn. These two LOVE some popcorn. Kinley snuggled up with her daddy and ate so much popcorn!

Sunday was so cold and windy. Doc took them outside to mow and hang Christmas lights while I snuggled up in bed for an hour and took a nap. ;-) Kinley was wearing her pink knit hat and boots. Austin didn't look too thrilled! HA!

I woke up and made some homemade noodles for our chicken noodle soup. These are my grandma's recipe and they are the best ever. I just can't bring myself to make chicken noodle soup with bagged noodles. It is just not the same. They are super easy to make, 4 eggs, 2 cups of flour, pinch of salt, knead the dough, roll it flat, roll it all up and slice really thin. Then, just let them dry. Boil.

While I let the noodles dry, I made some homemade play dough for Austin and Kinley to play with. Austin just LOVES play dough. I have always heard of people making making it, but honestly I have been too lazy and just bought it. I found a recipe today and decided to try it out. Oh my gosh, it takes like two seconds to make and is feels awesome. I added some food coloring, and ta da! It's great!! The recipe for the PLAY DOUGH.

I put the noodles in to boil and our chicken noodle soup is done and ready for dinner. I can't wait to eat a huge bowl of it. I even bought some crusty french bread. Not, like the soup doesn't have enough carbs with the noodles. Oh well, I love some good french bread.

The kids are loving that play dough. I got out a couple of cookie cutters and kids knifes, and they are having a ball playing with it.

I hope you have enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday and weekend. I'm ready for the Christmas season. I can't wait for our family to all gather for Christmas!! Enjoy your week.

Our Thanksgiving Day - part 2

2011-11-24T19:36:00.001-06:00

When Melissa and Eric arrived she came in the kitchen and gave me this beautiful ornament that she bought while they were in Colorado last week. I just love it! These are the gifts that you treasure and put up every single year on your tree. It is so true, 'Friends Are Life's Treasures'. I am so lucky to have such a 'true' friend. When you are older, 'best friends' are so hard to come by. ;-)

These are some of the most adorable pictures that Melissa took of the kids today. Austin and Kinley just LOVED the cupcakes she made.

I love this one! She's getting so darn good with her camera, I think she needs to start up her own little photography business on the side! ;-)

We had such a great day with Melissa, Eric, and Avery! Thanks so much guys for coming over and spending the Thanksgiving holiday with us!

Our Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T16:29:00.001-06:00

Doc and I woke up early this morning to get the bird in the oven and prepare all of the sides. Once the kids woke up he sat down with them and ate Cheerios!

Doc worked on making the deviled eggs while Austin tried to snack on everything we had cooking. ;-)

I was busy trying to get all of the side dishes cooking and making batter for pumpkin muffins.

Austin took this picture of me in my turkey apron. ;-) Last time I wore this I was pregnant with Kinley. Hard to believe she is now 16 months old - as of yesterday!

Doc and I busy working in the kitchen preparing our Thanksgiving meal. I sure did miss having my mom and sister in the kitchen with me. It just isn't the same without family around. :-(

We made the turkey in the oven, green bean casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, crescent rolls, deviled eggs, grandma's mac n' cheese, broccoli, corn, pumpkin muffins, Melissa brought cupcakes, and apple crisp.

We had a ton of food, which is normal for Thanksgiving Day!

Melissa and Eric and their daughter Avery came over to spend the holiday with us. Melissa made some darling cupcakes and Eric made the most delicious hot apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. mmm...

I had our table all set for our Thanksgiving feast. It is always fun to use the chargers, plates, and nice glasses. I even had some cute Thanksgiving napkins.

After our huge meal Melissa was so awesome and took our family photos for our Christmas cards this year. She did a fantastic job and I can't wait to see them later. (check back!) Thank you, Melissa!!

The kids were just loving all of the extra attention. Austin loves wrestling and playing with Eric. He had Eric read him a few books and Kinley was all over Melissa today. We are so lucky to have such awesome friends. When you don't have family around it sure makes you appreciate your friends!

The baby girls were just loving on Eric! Lucky guy. ;-) Why are they in their diapers you ask? It was hot! We had the air conditioner on full blast. We're living in Texas baby, what do you expect?! :-)

Austin finally went to sit with his daddy and had him read a book too. We just sat around after dinner, pictures, and dessert and watched TV and let the kids play. It was such a great day.

After Melissa and Eric left, I went to the family room and this is how I found Doc. I guess he had too much turkey! ;-)

I hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We all are so blessed. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Black Friday! I'm a little bummed that I won't be participating in the Black Friday events. :-) Doc is off work, but I just can't bring myself to do it alone. It's just not the same. Those of you that are getting out with all the crazies... have fun!!!

what a day Wednesday

2011-11-23T20:38:00.001-06:00

Today really is Friday, right?! Well, it is in our house, thank goodness. Doc is off until Monday and I NEED him to be here to help me out. I had a disastrous day. Let me just tell you about it. Where do I start? Oh, yes. The soaking wet puddle of pee I woke up next to in bed this morning at 7:00. I totally ignored it and went back to sleep until 8:00. Sick, right?! Well, I didn't have any plans to go anywhere today and I needed my sleep! As soon as 8:00 hit, I was up and ripping the sheets off of the bed and comforter and yelling, "WHY did you pee in my BED??!!!!" Ugh. This happens like once every 6 months. Oh, well... I guess it is sheet cleaning day today. Well, I wasn't really that calm about it.

The house was a pure mess, kitchen floors needed to be scrubbed, I needed to vacuum, laundry, clean bathrooms, oh the list goes on and on. I decided to vacuum the floors first. Then, I got into vacuuming the dust off of the lamp shades. They were sick. I got to thinking, where is Kinley? I turned off the vacuum and asked Austin, "where's Kinley?" Oh, she is in the bathroom. NICE. I go into the kids bathroom and the toilet room was covered in water and she was giving her stuffed bunny a bath in the toilet. It wouldn't be so bad if it was clean water. Oh, yes it was a toilet full of pee! I told Austin, "be sure and flush the toilet and put the seat down." Typical man. Now, my child was covered in pee water and giving her stuffed bunny a pee water bath and the floors were wet. So... I had to give her a bath.

Back to my vacuuming. Next thing you know, every single book we own is thrown off of the book shelf in the play room and all over the floor.

I finally fed them lunch, and prayed I could get some peace and quiet with Kinley napping. She went down for a nap at 12:45 and slept until 3:00. Thank you! I actually took a shower. Even if Austin was in there with me. Heck, at least I got showered.

The rest of the day was much easier. I thought I was going to pull my hair out. I shed a few tears, screamed a few times, and even sent my poor husband a few "I'm on the verge of a breakdown" text messages. ;-) I am in need of him being home for the next 4 days!! Even if he is going golfing on Sunday.

I need to start prepping my Thanksgiving dinner for tomorrow. I hope that you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Remember everything we are all so blessed to be thankful for. We are taking our Christmas card pictures tomorrow. Check back tomorrow for pictures from our Thanksgiving Day and a sneak peek at our Christmas pictures. ;-)