Too Much of a Good Thing

my favorite birthday things

2012-02-02T02:19:00.000-05:00

I have been loving all my fabulous new items I got for birthday gifts. I must confess, it was really hard for me to think of birthday gifts for myself this year. Maybe because it was so close to Christmas? Not sure but I am super glad my family knows me and did not listen to my "umms" and "wellll".

Grey Area from Sally Hansen

I am in love with this nail polish that I got for myself as a little birthday gift. I saw it on my sister, who is of course 5 million times more fashionable than me, and loved it because it was warmer than a basic black polish. Make sure to cut your nails short or they will look like talons...never a good idea.

Skin Sense Massage Gift Certificate

Ya'll know how I feel about massages. And luckily, my husband does too and knows my favorite local spa. I am purposely holding on to this baby until my GIANT 420 person gala is finished next Friday. Then I might move into the spa for a week. Sounds like a good idea to me.

Dexas Popware Over-the-Sink Collapsible Strainer with Cutting Board
Okay, I am a kitchen nerd. Brian heard me talking about how cool this was one day and when I opened it on my birthday I flipped out more than Kristen Bell and her sloth birthday surprise. Cutting and rinsing at the same time! It is like tuna and macaroni & cheese. Oh wait, those two don't go together you say? Then I am pretty sure we can't be friends.

Tweezerman Deluxe Metal Eyelash Curler

Oh eyelash curler, where have you been my whole life? Thank God my sister tried to keep me pretty because I am working hard against her with my flat lifeless eye lashes. I cannot believe how much this brightens up my eyes with just 30 seconds.

Brother PT-80 Label Maker

My inner dork is coming to light. And I like it a lot. Who is up for labeled plastic cups at Lila's birthday party in March???

grilled cheesy goodness

2012-02-01T16:11:00.004-05:00

Some evenings you need to feel comforted and remember simpler days. Days of swing sets and mud puddles, with Hello Kitty bandaids on your knee and a warm bath at the end of the evening. Hot tomato soup and grilled cheese may seem simple when served at a dinner table, but it tastes like home and comfort to my family. My daughter, barreling towards two and the independent streak that it ushers in, considers these evenings her favorites. My husband and I know that sitting at our table, practicing dipping the cheesy buttered bread into red broth, teach her more than how to fill her tummy; it teaches her that we are willing to stop in our busyness and celebrate the everyday moments with her. She will only be little for so long, singing “Twinkle Twinkle” in between bites and willingly letting us wipe her hands. Before long, evening dinners at home will be replaced with ballet practice and tutoring. But last night, our family stopped and celebrated our successful day of life with laughter and tomato soup.

one stomach flu away from my goal weight

2012-01-25T20:48:00.000-05:00

All three of us have had the stomach flu in the last 3 days. Yes, all three of us. Imagine many people with lots of throw up. Or don't, because it's too disgusting to imagine. Lila and I got it first and after she got over her round, my parents took Lila over to their house for Mimi and G time so Brian and I could alternate pushing each other out of way into the bathroom. We basically spent over 24 hours lying in bed feeling horrible.

I have never felt so glad to be eating something other than dry toast and Gatorade today. Although soup and plain pasta is not that much further. On the upside, I am down a pants size.

na na na na, they say it's your birthday

2012-01-22T14:31:00.000-05:00

One of my best friends from college, Emily was in town this weekend to help me celebrate my birthday. Oh, did I not mention that it was my birthday this week? Maybe because I keep forgetting. I don't know if it is a mental block to the big 30-1 (30 minus 1 = 29 :-) or if I am just legitimately too busy to remember my own birthday. It's a toss up really.

It was so fun to have Emily in town to play all weekend and have silly girl time. On Friday she introduced us to the best Chinese food in Durham...isn't it sad when friends who haven't lived in a city for over 2 years know more about it than you do? And then we were simply decadent and went out to Parizade, one of my favorite restaurants, for Banana Rum Napoleon and wine. I was too busy stuffing my face to take a picture but you can bet it was delicious.

The food tour of the Triangle continued for lunch Saturday at Parlez-Vous Crêpe Food Truck, which was parked in Carrboro for some yummy lunch. We all got a ham/brie/apple butter/ham crepe and then shared a nutella & strawberry crepe. I love me some food trucks and their simple and delicious yummyness!

For dinner Saturday night, my whole family (including Emily) went out for dinner at 411 West Italian Restaurant where we...ate some more. And I got some fabulous gifts! A new coffee grinder, owl mugs, a label maker (OCD overload!!), a massage gift certificate, new mascara and hair products, clothes and a fabulous new purse. I feel super spoiled and am enjoying my new coffee out of my new owl mug to brighten up this dreary day right now.

Now my life gets back to normal preparing for my huge annual gala that I run every year and is just 19 days! Yikes! And of course, trying to work off the 10,000 calories I consumed this weekend.

camp anawanna

2012-01-13T01:56:00.000-05:00

Did you know that the past year has actually only taken 3 months to fly by? I know, I totally didn't realize my house existed in a space time continuum. Shocking. Perhaps even as shocking as the fact that I am now 1 month and 28 days shy of being the parent of a 2 year old. Say what??? Wasn't I just planning a Fancy Nancy one year old party and worrying about Lila's first bite of cupcake? Obviously when I look at little baby Lila pictures I realize what an almost-teenager I have on my hands now. But the time just does not add up.

When I got over my shock that my ride in the DeLorean with Doc Brown had obviously erased the past 8 months in my brain, I realized it was party planning time! And is there a better place to waste whole hours of time "researching" party ideas than browsing Pinterest? After much discussion that required multiple bowls of ice cream, Brian and I decide on a girly Camp Out theme. So excited to get everything together for her fabulous party!

Source: etsy.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

We are using printable custom invitations to cut down on cost. This Etsy shop will customize the design with all of our info, send us the high res PDF and we can print ourselves or at Kinkos on card stock.

Source: homemakershabitat.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

S'more cupcakes will be a MUST at our party. And actual s'mores. And maybe s'more cookies. And then some more s'mores. Perhaps this part of the party will just be for me?

Source: karaspartyideas.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I am in love with this camp themed table! Hanging lanterns will be a very serious part of our party decorations.

Source: nicolehill.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

So maybe this isn't all about the camp theme, but I love this idea of covering tables with butcher paper and having big jars of crayons.

Source: eventlucky.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

This came from an event planning website and has tons of cute decoration ideas for a camp themed party. I love the flowers in colorful cans and the printable tags on the marshmallow tray.

Source: flickr.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I love this sign and I can just picture it blown up and framed over one of the tables.

one for one

2012-01-11T05:23:00.001-05:00

I am so not a patient person. Not at all. I want it when I want it and I have a hard time waiting for something when it is taking longer than I think. Why yes, this does apply to my life in general right now, but more importantly to my new pair of TOMS coming in the mail.

I have been wanting a pair of TOMS for quite some time but with our hardcore budget over the last several months, there would be no $55 shoes for me. So I hinted for weeks before Christmas that it would be awesome if Santa (cough, Brian, cough) bring me a pair under the tree. And they were there! And they were glorious! And sadly, too big...

So I stood in line on the Tuesday after Christmas at the post office with the rest of the incorrect online ordering world and priority mailed them back to California. And now two weeks later they are finally on a big brown truck on the way back. I think I might wear them every day. Forever.

And just because pictures of little baby Lila make my cry with the epic cuteness, here is Lila rocking her TOMS last spring from her Aunt Mary Allen. Why yes, my baby is cooler than me and had awesome shoes long before I did.

hold me closer tiny dancer

2012-01-10T22:21:00.000-05:00

Lila usually hates wearing glasses. But for some reason, you throw on a little Dave Mattews Band after breakfast, hand her a maraca and suddenly she's rocking a pair ala Elton John.

Shake it, oh oh, shake it like a polaroid picture...

santa claus: the shopoholic

2012-01-07T11:17:00.000-05:00

Hey how about that Santa Claus? Tricky guy...always buying more than he thought and suddenly having 5 million presents under the tree. Last year, Christmas for Lila was pretty low key since she basically slept through the morning. This year, I could not stop myself. Brian would just roll his eyes when I came in the door from shopping. "But it was on sale and it was so cute!" Budget be damned!

I read lots of great blog posts before Christmas about moms who had a Christmas gift philosophy:
-Adriel talked about how much was too much for her two boys under two
-Jen limits the gifts for each child and also makes sure they learn the importance of giving by having each child give $100 to a cause they believe in
-Emily gives each child three gifts: a want, a need, and a surprise
-Kelle loops a string through her house to each child's big gift

I didn't count Lila's gifts but she basically got to open 5 for every 1 we opened. So....a lot. I grew up in a family that does Christmas big. Brian's family has tons of gifts under their tree as well. But as our family grows in the future, I am not sure we can or should keep up this style. I really like the idea of having Lila choose a charity or project to give money to at the holidays. Maybe we can also implement this on her birthday so it keeps going throughout the year? I like the idea of Something to Wear, Something to Read, Something You Want, Something You Need, and Something to Do (an experience). But can I honestly limit myself to that?

::what are your Christmas gift giving traditions? did Santa go all out at your house this year?::

you've got mail

2012-01-03T01:28:00.000-05:00

I know better than to think we could actually get Christmas cards out on time. So this year, I just went ahead and gave in to the idea of New Years cards. And it was a glorious feeling. Love my fabulous cards and the fabulous photos taken by Rebekah Tozer Photography in October. I will share some more of the amazing photos she took later this week. Right now I am going to stare at Lila's gorgeous blue eyes and feel my ovaries crying with the baby cuteness.

Happy New Years from the Heges!

2011 in review

2012-01-01T23:09:00.000-05:00

2011 has been a year of...patience. waiting on God. learning to adjust expectations. being blown away by grace. seeing the world through the eyes of a child. hanging on for the bumpy ride. waiting some more. praying for peace.

Through it all, we have had each other and God's promises. We claim 2012 right now as the year of change. Change for our lives and taking big steps towards the promises that God has for us. We feel like we are right on the edge of that change, at the top of the roller coaster peering over the edge and waiting to take flight. We know it will be full of turns but the end will be exhilirating. Here is a look back at the year of the Heges...

We toured Lila around one of our favorite cities when we visited Charleston with Brian's family, we bought a new (to us) car and officially became a part of the family vehicle driving gang, Lila experienced her first romp in the snow, and we met baby Lilly as our good friends Sarah and AJ became parents.

Birthday party planning abounded as we settled on a Fancy Nancy theme for Lila's first birthday, I successfully threw my biggest event of the year as a fundraiser, I reminisced about the nurse who touched my heart during my pregnancy with Lila, I announced my retirement as a PK, and I worried about whether we were ready for the pain of infertility treatments again.

I remember the last few days before becoming a mom, we celebrated a year in the life of our Lila Bean, I wrote an ode to my favorite beverage, we threw an epic first birthday party in fancy style, I shared my struggle to keep my life in balance, and ended the month with an A-Z intro to all things Lindsay.

We vowed to go shoeless for a day to raise awareness for others, my debit card was too cool for my wallet and ended up buying Target goodies for someone else, I made my first and only vlog, I made up the best recipe EVER, Lila made her first trip to the ER, and the Easter Bunny came to town.

I wondered how God serves justice in an unjust world, Brian lost his grandpa and we as a family lost one of the great men in our lives, I experienced much needed renewal at the beach, my love affair with my Nook began, I spent money on surgery that I would rather have spent on a vacation, Lila took her first steps, Brian and I celebrated six years of marriage and spent a weekend away in the mountains.

Our Four Pack decided to start Round Two, we celebrated the start of summer with the perfect Saturday, we practiced our back stroke at the pool, Lila rocked out her baby groove, I shared how to plan your meals for a month, we celebrated Father's Day with the Durham Bulls, and Lila shared her never-ending love for the Grinch.

Babies waved flags with the best of them, I shook my fist at the youth of America, we introduced Lila to summer time fun, Lila and Daisy tried to catch a butterfly, I experienced Mom Envy, and I shared my love of all things Pinterest.

Tina Fey wrote my prayers for me, we conquered air travel with a toddler, the baby rocked pearls like nobody's business, we misdiagnosed Lila with chicken pox, I spent a much needed weekend with my Elon girls, I read the best book ever, and we were reminded that God is our ultimate provider when Brian was laid off.

Lila learned the word hot at her second trip to the ER for a coffee burn, we sent our little one off to her first day at school at the new daycare, we played in the river as we traveled to TN with Brian's family, Lila perfected the art of the mall tantrum and convinced me to get a haircut.

I realized I was old at my 10 year high school reunion, my obsession with owls reached an all time high, we tried to kick the pacifier to the curb, Lila visited the ER for the third time this year thanks to a raging fever, and I shared my absent heart.

We scored some awesome thrift deals, we basked in the fall leaves and slowed down as a family, the NC fair came and delivered the good time that was promised, Michael Jackson was ruined for me, Lila the cowgirl broke in her boots, and I am and will always be a Hot Mess.

I made a pot pie for the first time in my life, I got a massage and did not speak one word, Lila hated the guy in red, the family pictures were finally updated, and we shared our holiday traditions (all of them) with all of you.

traditions (part 2)

2011-12-29T03:27:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I shared some of our favorite Christmas traditions with you all and I wanted to finish up with the last couple ones here. I would love to hear about your family traditions as well. What makes your Christmas Eve or morning special? Is there something you look forward to year after year? Other than the tins of baked goods and the subsequent overindulgent guilt, obviously...

Stockings filled with goodies

Brian's stocking was given to him by me on our first Christmas...which makes this our eighth Christmas together...holy moly! Mine is from my parents when I was just a little baby. So when we chose Lila's stocking last year, we wanted something fun for her to use for years to come. Love me some Pottery Barn kids! Our stockings had lots of fun candy, gum, bandaids, socks, activity coloring books and lots of other little fun items.

Source: chef-n-training.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Yummy Christmas morning breakfast

Since we were at our house for Christmas morning with my family joining us after they all woke up, I wanted to make something yummy for us all munch on while opening presents. I made this Overnight Blueberry French Toast, which was delicious and easy to make the day before and refrigerate. I would highly recommend it for an easy, pop in the over and still look impressive morning!

Opening gifts one by one
This tradition grew up in both Brian and I's house and it is very important to us. We spend a lot of time choosing gifts that mean something for each other and we want to be sure to see the excitement on the person's face when they open the gift. So we go around in a circle and let each person open a gift at a time. Does it mean that present opening takes most of the day? Yeah, but I am okay with that :-)

Ornament for the year
Brian and I started this tradition the first year we were married. We choose an ornament for each other every year that means something to us or that we thought was cute to give to each other on Christmas morning. This has helped us grow our collection for the tree and is a fun way to commemorate each year. Now I am NOT a crafty person (I get overwhelmed just walking into a Michaels) but this year Pinterest got the better of me and inspired me to make an ornament with Lila's thumbprints disguised as an adorable reindeer to give to Brian. I broke out in a sweat the second we got that red paint out, but it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself!

traditions (part 1)

2011-12-28T11:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas was beautiful. It was our first Christmas morning in our house, meaning we got to do Christmas our way and start some new traditions. We loved having Lila wake up and talking about how Santa had come to visit her (even though that thought is a little too complex for the 21 month old mind). I love reading about special things you all do with your families so I thought I would share some of our old and new traditions over the next few days:

Christmas Eve Service

Our church holds a Christmas Eve service that is all about wonder and carols and remembering the day that Jesus was born into a lowly manager. We all dress up (even though it is fairly casual on a normal Sunday), light candles and sing songs about stars in the sky and Jesus in our hearts. Lila did manage to sneak in a picture with her BFF Daisy (part of the famous Four Pack whose mommy Casey took some other adorable photos of them last week).

Milk and Cookies for Santa

We spent Christmas Eve painting our nails (hilarious video of Lila getting her nails done by Auntie KK later this week), wrapping last minute gifts and of course, making home made chocolate chip cookies for Santa. We think this is a super fun tradition that Lila (and of course us *Santas* eating the cookies) will continue year after year. Since we were at Mimi and G's third floor condo when Lila was ready for bed on Christmas Eve, we had to put the treats out on their porch so Santa could find them.

Santa's Favorite Story
I don't quite remember when my Dad started reading this book to us every Christmas but it has been one of my favorite parts of the holiday for a long time. The second year Brian and I were married, we left town on Christmas Eve to drive to his parents 3 hours away only to realize half way there that we had left the book at home. Even though I convinced him it was fine, he veered off the highway, found a Barnes & Nobles and bought us a new copy just for the trip. I love that man. This year we both sat on the floor of Lila's nursery as she snoozed in her crib and read the story out loud for her to hear in her dreams.

dinner shortcut

2011-12-20T02:58:00.000-05:00

We all know how busy this time of year is. Some of the busyness is good: Christmas concerts and choir at church, hilarious White Elephant parties with our bible study group, fun work Christmas parties. Some of the busyness is just white noise: wrapping gifts, shopping, baking cookies to take to work. I just know that I end every night exhausted with no need for Ambien to carry me off to sleep for a few precious hours before I do it all over again.

So we have been spending a lot of extra time together, my Crockpot and I. Or maybe I should say we have been spending a lot of extra minutes together because I only deal with recipes that I can put together in 10 minutes. If I don't even have enough time for breakfast in the morning, I am sure not getting up early to chop and peel. I found this gem in my favorite Crockpot cookbook, "Make It Fast, Cook It Slow" by Stephanie O'Dea of the fabulous blog A Year of Slow Cooking (who has not given me anything for free and has no idea that I exist). It was so stinking easy and it was DELICIOUS. In this busy time of year, we all need a shortcut for dinner.

Cream Cheese Chicken

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (frozen out of the bag works fine)

2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning (I used thyme)

1/2 teaspoon celery seed (who even owns that? not necessary...)

1 Tablespoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black powder

1 teaspoon kosher salt

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tablespoon sugar

1 10oz can condensed cream of mushroom soup

1 8oz block of cream cheese

Put the chicken (frozen or thawed) into the slow cooker. Combine the spices, sugar and garlic in a small dish and then pour on top of the chicken. Add the mushroom soup and cook on low for 6 hours (if chicken is thawed) or high for 6 hours (if chicken is frozen). Shred the chicken and add the block of cream cheese, cooking on low for 30 more minutes until the cream cheese has melted. Serve over pasta or rice (we used rotini pasta). Delish!

it's the fam

2011-12-19T13:54:00.000-05:00

Something about the holidays makes you take more photos, which I love. I love documenting moments in time for Lila that she can look back on later. One of the wonderful gifts we got from Brian's family when we did Christmas #1 this Saturday was a collection of old home movies that Brian's grandfather took of his kids (Brian's dad and aunts) when they were children all the way up through the first several grandkids being born. It was so much fun to watch these old movies of the kids in with their cute pageboy haircuts and bermuda shorts riding Schwinn's around their front yard in the early 60's. It reminds me to take more videos and photos of Lila in the everyday moments of life, as those will be the memories she will treasure one day.

We took some great family photos these past few weeks with my family on Thanksgiving. It is so fun to have us all together, racing out with the turkey in the oven to take pictures and then everyone standing around the kitchen chomping on bites since we were starving. I think I ate more in the kitchen than I did at the table this Thanksgiving.

When Brian's family and his Nanny were in town this weekend, we took some adorable family photos at the Washington Duke Inn, a beautiful old hotel in Durham. Thanks very much to them for putting up such a beautiful tree so we could speak in the lobby and take some family shots in front of it :-) I can't wait to see Lila grow and more grandkids to join her one day in all of these holiday pictures!

miss independent

2011-12-15T03:13:00.001-05:00

Today I was putting a bow in Lila's hair that match her cute yellow dress. She took it out of her hair, looked at it and handed it back to me. "Ummm, nooo?" in her Minnesota accent that she says it with. I picked out another bow that matched and put it in her hair. Take out, hand back, "Ummm, nooo?" So I take the bow holder off the wall for her to look at and asked her if she wanted to pick out a bow herself. She looked at each one individually, finally picking out a small one with little red cherries on it. She handed it to me, nodding her head and saying "Yeah, yeah, yeah" over and over.

And so it starts. I will never be in charge of her outfits again.

santa fail

2011-12-13T03:05:00.001-05:00

Last year, Lila LOVED Santa. Nevermind the two hour line we stood in to see him and his big fake beard. After he took his hour dinner break. Hello, Santa? There is no "dinner break" 3 days before Christmas. You should be working round the clock. And its not like skipping a meal would starve you.

I wasn't sure how Lila would do this year since she now realizes that when we put her down and walk away, there is a scary stranger holding her. This made-for-photo-frames moment was not one I really wanted to spend $30 on again this year since I was pretty sure it would have a tragic ending. So we sniffed out the only free Santa in town. Basically Santa be expensive. A local outdoor shopping center was advertising its grand re-opening and Santa was showing up for 2 hours for free photos. You better believe we were in line 30 minutes early with Mimi and G in tow to watch the cuteness that was about to happen.

I was astounded Lila kept her hat on all night. Apparently she knew how adorable she looked because normally she rips that thing off the moment I put it on her head. And just as I expected, the second we sat her on Santa's lap, she flipped out. Santa though was not as good of a camper as one might expect from the jolly old guy. The second she started squirming, he set her down on the ground and proclaimed, "Oh, she's upset." Clearly she is upset but I still plan on taking a photo of you holding the crying child since I just waited an hour in the freezing cold! So Plan B, Mom saves Lila from scary Santa. At least I did not pay $30 for this shot.

stripping down

2011-12-12T13:05:00.000-05:00

Brian found an old gift card I had forgot about last week. For a massage. How does one forget about a massage? As that is basically the best 55 minutes one can have. I booked it ASAP and prepared for the "good hurt" of the deep tissue rubbing. After showing up and meeting Diane, we exchanged two sentences before I went into the wonderfully warm, lavender smelling, fake fireplace crackling, crazy chime music playing room. And then I spent an hour letting her dig her elbows and hands into my back and hips.

I am a No Talking massage person. I don't care where you went to school. Or about that wonderful enlightening trip you took to India with your college boyfriend. I am sure your new puppy is adorable and your mom will just love that custom picture calendar you ordered her for Christmas. But more rubbing, less chatting. I cannot properly fall into a pseudo sleep where I order myself to relax if I am trying to think up responses to your ramblings.

Sure it is probably rude and kind of weird to only exchange names and a "Hello" with a complete stranger before stripping down to my VS panties and laying half naked under a sheet. When I think about it, I speak more to the store employee I bought my VS panties from and they didn't even see me in them like Diane the masseuse. But part of me just doesn't care how strange the whole arrangement is. Because it was the best 55 minutes of my week.

pot pie time

2011-12-03T12:12:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving was wonderful with our first year cooking a giant turkey in the oven. Which means there was a week full of turkey and cranberry sandwiches and turkey quesadillas. By Tuesday, I was done with the same old turkey. So I decided to try my first hand at a home made turkey pot pie. And it did turn out delicious, if I say so myself. Hope you enjoy some pie yourself this week!

Turkey Pot Pie

Recipe modified from Allrecipes.com

1 bag of frozen mixed vegetables

1/2 c chopped celery

1/3 c butter

1/3 c chopped onions

1/3 c flour

1/2 t salt

1/2 t ground pepper

1/4 t onion powder

3/4 c chicken broth

2/3 c milk

2 c shredded cooked turkey meat

2 nine inch pie crusts (I used Pillsbury)

-Preheat over to 425 degrees

-Cook the frozen vegetables by boiling them or steaming them in the microwave.

-Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the onion and celery until both onions are translucent. Stir in flour, salt, pepper and onion powder. Slowly stir in chicken broth and milk, letting simmer until it thickens and becomes creamy. Remove from heat and stir in turkey and vegetables into the mixture.

-Fit one of the pie crusts into the bottom of a 9 inch pie dish. Spoon the mixture into the pie crust until full. Add other pie crust onto the top, smushing together the edges to seal. Cut slits into the top of the pie crust to let steam out. Cover the edges of the pie crust with foil so they don't cook too quickly.

-Bake for 30 minutes until the center of the pie crust is brown. Enjoy the pie yummyness.

sweater legs

2011-11-28T01:40:00.000-05:00

Boots are so in this year. I can say that with confidence since I have a sister who works in fashion. Because if I was taking advice from my own closet I would have to say that Birkinstock clogs are SO in this year. Which is clearly not even close to true.

But now there is this trend I keep seeing all over Pinterest of people creating boot socks so they stick out the top of your boots over your jeans. Or sometimes they actually go over your boots, like boot cover ups. But here is the thing...people keep posting pictures that were supposedly cut from old sweaters in their closet.

Source: etsy.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Maybe I am just a crafting/sewing novice but I am pretty sure if I tried to cut the arms off an old sweater and wear them under/on top of boots, I would like look a crazy homeless person who was trying to stay warm. People would probably think I had plastic grocery bags underneath my sweater for insulation from the cold. It would not look trendy or intentional.

Source: madebylex.com via Alexus on Pinterest

I appreciate the creativity but I would like to call BS on this one. The only person who I have seen do this for real and look adorable is Mandy from Harper's Happenings and she could make a potato sack look chic. I challenge anyone else to show me a real picture of their homemade sweater socks that do not make their legs look like stuffed sausage. In the mean time, my Birkenstocks and I will just keep fashion real in the 1999 kinda way.

turkey comas for all

2011-11-24T01:32:00.000-05:00

Can you believe this little baby with her turkey bib eating strained pees at the table and sitting quietly on the grass last Thanksgiving...

Is the same girl as our walking, talking, cell phone wielding, email corresponding, bucket wearing toddler?

Today we will be eating lots of turkey, trying a new stuffing recipe, throwing apple peels at my sister, making inappropriate "that's what she said" jokes with my brother, enjoying a whole day off with my hubby, and letting Lila lick the mixer beaters. Salmonella, be damned.

We are thankful for the life God has given us and his grace that is new every morning. Hope you and yours have a Happy Turkey Coma Day.

shades of gray

2011-11-22T02:27:00.000-05:00

I felt like a loser for asking my mom to be there. Seriously how hard could it be? The directions are written for the education level of a preschooler. But I needed her to reassure me that it was not that bad. That even though this was the start of many years of evenings locked into the bathroom to come, I would be just fine.

Luckily it doesn't look any difference, minus the crown of grays that sparkled in the sun. I cannot believe I am this old. Botox and tummy tucks, here I come.

You can keep your black and your red heads
You can keep your brunettes too
I wanna girl that's semi intelligent
Gimme a blonde that's six feet two boy
and that ain't all

~"Blondes Have More Fun" by Rod Stewart

hot mess

2011-11-21T16:38:00.005-05:00

You know how some days you think you look cute and you put all this effort into actually wearing concealer and putting on a cute outfit and blow drying your hair? But you still end up looking like a hot mess?
I call it Working Mom Curse...

Oh hey there. Check out my cute new shirt that apparently turns even the smallest hint of sweat into giant color changing armpit stains. And check out my rocking wrist brace from my tendonitis from typing and/or carrying a 25 pound toddler on my hip all day. Oh and my sexy glasses since I used the last of my contacts and am too busy to be bothered with trivial things like vision appointments.

At least it's not as bad as that time I went to the bathroom at work at 3pm, looked in the mirror and thought, "GOOD GOD who is that exhausted looking old lady staring at me??" And then I realized I forgot to put makeup on that morning and had been walking around all day with splotchy skin and under eye circles. Classic.

cowgirls and blogger guilt

2011-11-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

I think I have had a breakthrough about this blog. When I first created it, it was a private blog for our family and friends to document our journey through IVF. And then it became a sort of baby book for Lila during the pregnancy from hell. Then as my readers were growing I started to think about what people wanted to read, whether my blog was funny or witty or engaging. But the more I try, the further apart my blog posts have become.

So I will stop trying. Stop trying to meet a blog post length in my head. Stop trying to come up with interesting topics that I am not invested in and hope people like reading it. I will stop trying to make my blog something it is not. I love writing and sharing and connecting with other women around the world. And that is what my heart needs right now. So I will share my heart and if you like it, stick around. If not, I am sure your Google Reader is still full of other witty women and I hope you enjoy their blogs as well.

That is what I will not be ashamed about writing about Halloween on November 20. Because that is about how my life is rolling right now. Here is Lila the cowgirl in all her glory.

Her daycare had a Halloween parade, but of course it was raining and 40 degrees on Halloween in North Carolina. So they paraded around the hallways of the daycare while all the momma/daddy-razzis took a million pictures of them.

Another picture Mom?? Fo real??

Oh thank God, snack time makes it all better

Brian, Auntie KK and I felt obligated to take her trick-or-treating even though she clearly didn't care, nor would we let her eat the candy. Score one for the parents! Basically Halloween was a major let down for Lila, but luckily she did not have high expectations. A lesson for life from the toddler ya'll.

Many precede and many will follow, a young girl's dream no longer hollow
It takes the shape of a place out west but what it holds for her, she hasn't yet guessed

She needs wide open spaces, room to make her big mistakes
She needs new faces, she knows the high stakes

~"Wide Open Spaces" by Dixie Chicks

not very smooth criminal

2011-11-14T01:23:00.000-05:00

Showers when you are a mom are as close as you get to relaxing. Yes it is sad because in essence, we are cleaning filth from our body and usually rushing to get out the door. But we are blissfully alone and there is hot water. I might as well be at a spa as far as I am concerned. Usually I try to let Brian keep Lila downstairs when I am taking a shower so I can enjoy the relaxation for an extra five minutes.

Saturday morning I pumped up the Glee Pandora station and jumped in the shower for some sing along time while I went about the arduous task of shaving...bleh, I hate being bothered to be a lady. I was jamming to some Journey when all of a sudden the next song switched on. My moment of relaxation was quickly altered when the loud orchestra strings version of "Smooth Criminal" (not the original delightfully 80's version by Michael Jackson) came blasting into the shower.

I had a dilemma...did I get out of the shower dripping wet with soap all over my legs just to change the song? Or do I suck it up and listen to the super annoying music? I contemplated for several minutes, now wasting the hot water and relaxation. I tried to hurry up and finish shaving with the very fast paced string music now making my heart race and feel like I was in a race against the evil song.

And wouldn't you know it, the moment I finished and jumped out of the shower, "Walking on Sunshine" came on. I do not link to the David Garrett version of "Smooth Criminal" so you can enjoy it's musical delight, only so that you too can now have a MJ song ruined forever. Hey, at least it didn't ruin your shower.

Annie are you okay

So, Annie are you okay

Are you okay Annie

You've been hit by, you've been struck by

A smooth criminal

~"Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson

wait your turn Santa

2011-11-11T03:29:00.000-05:00

I would love to give this cartoon credit, but I cannot find the original source. Basically it sums up how I feel about Christmas music in the stores, eggnog flavored everything, and commercials that remind me there are only 44 shopping days left. What happened to enjoying the holidays in order? Why can children not prance around in Halloween costumes without eating red and green M&M's? Why are there Christmas wreaths on trees that still have brilliant fall leaves on them?

I am on a Christmas list boycott. I will take advantage of Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping like everyone else. But in the meantime, I will make turkey cutouts from Lila's hands, practice apple pie recipes and think about how thankful I am for the people in my life. And then I will become an over-consuming American capitalist.

Turkey for the girls and turkey for the boys
My favorite kind of pants are corduroys
Gobble gobble goo and gobble gobble gickel
I wish turkey only cost a nickel
Oh I love turkey on Thanksgiving

~"The Thanksgiving Song" by Adam Sandler

a few of my favorite things

2011-11-09T11:17:00.001-05:00

As I was drinking my favorite new coffee this morning, I decided to put together a monthly "favorite things" blog post, inspired by the fabulous Katie from Cleared For Takeoff. No, I was not paid to review any of these items, nor did I receive them for free. I paid for them with cold hard cash (and maybe a double stacking coupon scam I am not authorized to discuss). Hope you enjoy some of my favorites and if you now spend the whole day singing about brown paper packages tied up with string or whiskers on kittens, you can thank me later.

Lucky Duck Cabernet Sauvignon

This is what happens when you are aimlessly wandering through the aisles of Walmart enjoying the peace and quiet of a toddler asleep in bed at home. You buy cheap wine with a shrug. At $3.48, even if it sucks I won't feel too bad pouring it down the drain. But it doesn't suck! Score for me!

Spencer Dual Compartment Food Storage from Pottery Barn

I saw this awesome kids tupperware in Pottery Barn one day and then spent multiple weeks dreaming about it and looking in every other store that wouldn't cost $12. But alas, its beauty was only to be found in the PB world of $500 cribs and $99 pillowcases. But is was so worth every dollar for Lila's lunches. It is divided straight down the middle and is the perfect size to hold several different kinds of foods or a half sandwich and has a frozen gel pack that pops into the lid.

Erin Condren Life Planner

I saw this beauty on Alison's blog and totally scored a Plum District coupon code for half off. I am IN LOVE with my new planner. It is so adorable and stylish. And it lays out every week with lots of room for notes, full month calendar pages, a zipped and folder compartment in the back and lots of labeled stickers. It takes this planner, the one on my phone and my Outlook to keep me in place. And I am still inevitably 15 minutes late to everything.

Joe's Dark Coffee from Trader Joe's

My mom was staying with us last week and I kept using her coffee in the morning. Which means it was better than mine. So we took a trip to Trader Joe's and I bought my own new coffee. See what a grown up I am?? It is darker than our old coffee, which means I do not use as much and therefore it lasts longer. Double score!

Revenge on ABC

I am so an angsty fifteen year old girl at heart. Let me take out my retainer, click over to call waiting on my curly cord phone and turn off my mix tape on my tape player. I am in love with this new show on Wednesday nights. I loved Emily VanCamp on "Brothers & Sisters" and I love her even more now that she is fabulous and ruthless...two things that go together so well. I would highly recommend you start from the beginning of the season and work your way up to now to not miss any of the backstabbing drama.

meet me at the fair

2011-11-08T03:17:00.007-05:00

One of my favorite things about living in North Carolina is the fall. All of the beautiful colors of the leaves. The swing back and forth between chilly mornings and warm afternoons in the sun. Pumpkin patches on every corner and without question the best thing, the NC State Fair. Growing up in California, we did not have ferris wheel rides and local craft displays, fresh grilled corn and blue ribbon pies.

Brian and I have been to the fair every year that we have dated (eight years this weekend!) except for the year I was on bedrest all fall when our big night out was a walk down the driveway. Last year, Lila slept through the entire fair while we pushed her in the stroller.

So this year was super exciting to show her all of our favorite things at the fair. We also got to introduce Brian's family to the state fair, as they have lived in NC their whole life and never been to see the giant butter sculpture. If that's not art, I don't know what is.

Highlights: fried pickles and fried oreos (clearly not consumed at the same time), the NC Farmers display where Lila got to help pick vegetables, local honey sticks.

Lila's "Fair Hit List": rude people who tried to walk over her stroller, giant pumpkin that was looking at her the wrong way, old saggy men in tank tops, and the adorable newly hatched chicks that were clearly about to attack her with their fuzzy bodies and dangerous beaks.

Meet me in St. Louis, Louis
Meet me at the fair
Don't tell me the lights are shining any place but there
We will dance the Hoochee Koochee
I will be your tootsie wootsie
If you will meet in St. Louis, Louis
Meet me at the fair

~"Meet Me In St. Louis, Louis"

slowing down

2011-11-07T22:15:00.000-05:00

A week off work. Time to recharge and reflect on God's work in our lives.

A chance to catch up with my mom who was staying with us recovering from knee surgery. Learning the word "pumpkin" with Aunt KK.

Sweet park dates and playing in the fallen, brilliant leaves.

Mornings in bed sipping coffee with Brian watching Lila laugh at her own sillyness. Long date nights knowing Lila is asleep in her crib with my mom standing guard.

Discovering the joy of biting into a whole apple and tasting the sweet treat under the leaves.

Taking deep breaths and feeling moments, even though they may be brief, of peace.

I get kissed by the sun each morning, put my feet on a hardwood floor
I get to hear my children laughing down the hall through the bedroom door
Sometimes I sit on my front porch swing just soaking up the day
I think to myself, I think to myself, this world is a beautiful place

I have been blessed and I feel like I’ve found my way
I thank God for all I’ve been given at the end of every day
I have been blessed with so much more than I deserve
To be here with the ones that love me, to love them so much it hurts
I have been blessed

~"Blessed" by Martina McBride

dressed to impress

2011-11-01T22:48:00.000-04:00

Lila has been growing so much and when the weather started to turn several weeks ago, I sadly realized she has no clothes with long sleeves. So after several weeks of dressing her in inappropriate capris and short sleeves with her tummy hanging out of her shirt (class, class, class), I realized it was time for a new wardrobe.

Since I do not have the luxury of waltzing into a store and buying her all new winter clothes, I had to improvise. We love buying consignment because the clothes are already a little softened up but I can always find them in great condition. I am able to buy her so many more clothes and then I don't feel guilty when she only wears them a few times before her rapidly lengthening legs shoot up.

Our favorite kids consignment store in the area, Kid To Kid, has lots of great deals with this season clothes in excellent condition (some times with original tags still on them) for a quarter of the price. But I knew that even at a few dollars a piece, I could not get enough items for Lila's large dresser that needed to be filled. So my mom and I ventured out to our first large community consignment sale at a local church. I found this great website that listed all of the consignment sales in the state by area and by date.

This sale was the craziest thing I have ever seen! Women were everyone just mobbing the racks and grabbing piles of clothes. I definitely did not know the "insider tips" and now feel more prepared for future consignment sales.
1. Measure arm lengths, inseam and waist and then bring a tape measure with you to check clothing.
2. Trace your child's feet on a piece of paper so you can check shoe sizes.
3. Bring a very large shopping bag or a small cart to put all your purchases in while you are walking around.
4. Take photos of any nursery decor you are trying to match.

We racked up and got almost 30 items for $65, including a winter coat, toys, shoes and lots of clothes. Everything was in great quality with no stains and looks like this fall's current style. And she got a little purse that she now carries around the house on her arm to the front door and says "Bye bye!" And that alone is worth $65.

Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends.

Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts.

~Henry David Thoreau

bejeweled sweatsuits ahead

2011-10-30T22:55:00.000-04:00

I am trying to be open and genuine, even if it is hard. So it makes it a lot easier with all of the sweet comments, texts and emails after my post last week. And then I saw this pin on Pinterest which perfectly describes the last month. One day, this will all seem hilarious. Maybe.

Source: Uploaded by user via Lindsay on Pinterest

absent

2011-10-28T10:55:00.001-04:00

I have been absent from this blog for about 2 weeks now. Well, who am I kidding. I have been absent for a lot longer. If blog posts have seemed like fluff, that is because they are. Fluff on a page to make me feel normal when I am everything but normal. My life is fluff and my heart is absent.

This season has overwhelmed me with its never ending waves of stress. I want to be fair to the people in my life and not disclose too much because some of the waves are their own to ride. But I am tired from keeping a smile on my face and feeling like our life is not one of peace right now. Brian left his job of six years for a new opportunity early this summer, one I completely supported him in. I was so proud of him taking a risk that could lead him on a new path in his career. For 2 months, he intensely studied for a national exam. During that time, I was constantly trying to juggle an extremely busy job, a toddler, a house, and supporting my hardworking husband as he was working around the clock. After two months, he took the exam and did not pass, causing him to be let go from the program. He was devastated and I was too, as we felt God had led him to this opportunity and he had worked so hard to study all of this information.

The last 2 months since he was let go has been an overwhelming parade of crisis after crisis, never so much that we could not stay afloat but just enough to feel like we were barely able to paddle above the waves. Lila had a burn accident with hot coffee and a severe virus with high spiking fevers, multiple car problems, unexpected medical bills, extended family health problems, daycare juggling and huge work issues for me.

Through all of it, I have tried to "be still" and keep going back to the ways God is providing for us. We have managed to stay okay financially. I still have my job and can provide us health care. I have an amazing husband who spends his free time organizing kitchen cabinets, taking care of our house and caring for Lila, all while looking for a new job. Lila is safe and growing into a smart, beautiful little girl. And we have a wonderful family that supports us.

But I am tired. Tired of this roller coaster. Tired of waking up every morning and already feeling defeated. I am ready for God to move us past this season of unrest and the unknown. I want to be able to enjoy the blessings in our lives without feeling like it is the high before the crashes that keeps coming. And I am tired of fluffing. Jesus, please take my absent heart and make it new again.

How many times have I turned away
The number is the same as the sand on the shore
But every time You've taken me back
And now I pray You do it once more.

Please take from me my life when I don't have the strength to give it away to You

Please take from me my life when I don't have the strength to give it away to You Jesus

How many times have I turned away
The number is the same as the stars in the sky
But every time You've taken me back
And now I pray You do it tonight.

~"Take My Life" by Third Day

we just got a letter

2011-10-17T02:12:00.000-04:00

We got an unmarked piece of mail for Brian this weekend. It did not have a return address but was postmarked from Santa Ana, CA. We live in NC but I grew up in California so it did not seem that weird. However when we opening it, it had a newspaper story with a post-it note on it that said

"Brian, I thought you might be interested. ~J"

The article was about one of those self-help, we can help you get rich schemes. Brian has been looking for work so we spent an hour texting people who we knew in California with a J name. None of them had sent them. So then we started to get freaked out. Why would they send a real piece of newspaper with a handwritten post-it note, but no name and no return address? Why would they use a printed font on the envelope that looked like a typewriter? Suddenly all of those Criminal Minds episodes started running through our brain.

We were being slowly poisoned by time-released glue on the envelope! There was a tracking device in the paper to see our movements! They wanted us to Google the self-help book and then a virus would be downloaded on our computer! At the end of the day, we threw it away and shook our heads at the weird, no-name note. Has anyone else received strange mail they could not track?

Please Mister Postman, look and see, if there's a letter in your bag for me

Please, Please Mister Postman

Why's it taking such a long time for me to hear from that boy of mine

~"Please Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes

fever pitched

2011-10-15T14:07:00.001-04:00

Craziest week in quite a while, hence the lack of posting. Lila has been feeling bad all week and Tuesday was just not herself with Brian at home. She would not eat all day and then refused dinner, instead crawling up on the couch and falling asleep next to me. This was not my little girl, who is usually jumping off the couch instead of sleeping on it! I felt her head and she was not warm but I decided to keep her next to me on the couch for a while. 30 minutes later she startled awake, looked at me and said "Hot!" very loudly. Sure enough a temperature check read 103.5 degrees. We immediately gave her motrin, put a wet cool towel around her neck and jumped in the car to the hospital.

They got us back into a room in five minutes and had several different doctors checked her quickly to make sure there were no signs of meningitis or anything more serious. Thank God she is easily distracted by cell phones because she was not happy with all these doctors bugging her. Turns out she has an ear infection and a nasty virus that is going around. My adrenaline was still rushing when we got her home several hours earlier and laid her down to sleep in our bed. We were told she should be feeling better in a day or two, but this entire week has been a never ending cycle of temperature checks, spiking high fevers, alternating tylenol and motrin, trying to convince Lila to eat ANYTHING and bribing her to drink her sippy cup with juice. Today (five days after the first fever) she is finally fever free. On Thursday it spiked to a high of 104.1 and I am telling you what, my heart cannot take any more.

I have also been laying low as I was sharing the same cold with Lila last week that turned into a nasty sinus infection and virus on Wednesday. Which meant a low grade fever for me, popped ears and swollen glands. Top that off with four nights of a toddler kicking me in the face while I sleep and I was DONE yesterday. I of course "took it easy" by spending the entire day at a budget meeting and then last night I told Brian I quit. I put Lila in her crib with a dose of Tylenol, prayed over her that she would stay fever free all night, got into bed at 8:45pm and slept for 11 hours. And it was beautiful.

Today I feel more energized than I have in days and Lila is slowly starting to eat again. Brian is being the best husband ever by cleaning out our linen closet and I have taco soup in the crockpot. Let's pray we are on our way back uphill.

I love sleep. My life has the tendency to fall apart when I'm awake, you know?

~Ernest Hemingway

rockabye baby

2011-10-09T23:12:00.001-04:00

She never lets me snuggle her anymore. Always too busy to lay her head down, always wanting to look around and laugh. This week's cold meant that she could not really keep her pacifier in while she fell asleep because it was hard for her to breath. We had already weaned the paci to just naptime and bedtime once she started at her new daycare earlier this month. This seemed like the time to go ahead and stop the paci entirely.

As a mom, something in my heart was breaking listening to her cry in her bed and being unable to soothe herself. I knew she would fall right asleep if I would just let her have it. There is nothing dangerous or wrong about a pacifier, so why I would keep it away from her? So many moments I stood there by her bedroom door, praying for her to let herself rest and give in to the sleep.

Saturday might was the fourth night without a pacifier and it was by far the worst. She cried and cried, quieting down for 10 minutes and then back to crying. I finally couldn't take it anymore and busted in the door, picking her up. We sat in the rocker in her nursery and I felt her relax against my body, still shuddering from her crying. I rocked us back and forth, singing the lullabye I would sing for hours every night as a newborn.

Her breathing started to become more even and I stroked her long hair, remembering the feeling of a little newborn snuggled against my chest. As I felt her long legs curled up in my lap, I could remember her little arms and legs tucking up against my body fitting in just one crook of my arm. Her weight slowly pressed against me as she finally gave into sleep. And I reminded myself that if a little plastic pacifier could not be the one to calm her down, I still could. I am still the momma that rubs her back, strokes her hair, pats her bottom and rocks her to sleep, no matter how big she becomes.

I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always

As long as you're living, my baby you'll be

~"Love You Forever" by Robert N. Munsch

hoot hoot

2011-10-05T03:50:00.002-04:00

I have this thing for owls right now. Not sure why but I am in love with all things owl. They are cute and inquisitive and slightly mischievous. Or at least this is what all the owl pins I have been pinning on Pinterest are showing lately. Owls in real life are probably dirty and loud and dangerous. Which is why you will not see any pins of real owls. Obviously.

Source: etsy.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

My favorite owl necklace I bought on the shop OwlNest on Etsy and have been wearing lately. Because it reminds me that my nest will grow one day when God is ready. But right now, my little Lila keeps my nest and my heart full.

Source: None via Lindsay on Pinterest

Adorable owl mobile, so colorful and fun.

Source: studio5960.tumblr.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

A whole little owl family! Oh my gah, be still my heart with this owl cuteness.

Source: nicolehill.blogspot.com via Alice on Pinterest

I love themed cupcakes. Okay, I just love any cupcakes. Or any sweet dessert. Or any dessert for that matter.

Source: etsy.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I really do need a case for my phone. So I can keep it from getting dents in the side of it when I drop it. Maybe I should just stop dropping it. Eh, probably not going to happen so maybe I should just buy this cute case. Owl purchase justification?

Source: etsy.com via Dana on Pinterest

I wish I was the kind of person who could have white pillows on my couch. But this would just get covered in black lab dog hair. And spilled juice bottles. And buried under piles of laundry that never end and eat pillows and small children.

so very big

2011-10-03T03:30:00.001-04:00

She is so grown up. Suddenly she is in 2T clothes. She only even asks for a paci at naptime and bed. She walks to the fridge and tries to open it when she wants milk. She wants to walk ahead of us without holding out hand. She repeats EVERYTHING...seriously, she started calling Brian by his first name instead of Daddy because she heard me calling him that..."Brrrriiiiaaan! Brian! Brian! More more!"

She grabs her bow in the morning and walks to me so I can put it in her hair. I tell her it is time to put on shoes and she plops down on the ground, sticking her feet in front of her so I can slide them on. She picks up her fake purse and loops it over her arm, walking to the front door saying "Bye bye!" She walks around the house on her fake cell phone having whole 5 minute conversations "Hello? (lots of garbled words) Cracker? Uh huh. Okay! (lots of garbled words) Daddy? Mimi? Mommy? Okay, bye bye!"

I can't decide if I like this one better in color or black & white

She is getting so heavy it is hard to carry her on my hip for more than a few minutes. Which is just fine with her since she would rather be walking around, exploring on her own. She picks up her Grinch and cradles him in her arms, patting his bottom and rocking him back and forth like a baby. She tries to feed him her sippy cup and sets him in her rocking chair.

Her new wooden kitchen I snagged off Craigslist for $40 (STEAL!) is her favorite thing ever and she can spend forever taking plastic food in and out of the oven and stirring pots. Maybe she will love to cook like mommy one day. I have a feeling that one day is becoming not so far away anymore.

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today.

~Stacia Tauscher

head of the class

2011-10-02T20:29:00.001-04:00

This weekend was my 10 year high school reunion. Which makes me old. Or at least so old that I feel weird standing around talking about marching band and who has the good parking spot in the Senior Lot. I was friends with a lot of different groups of people in high school, but the majority of my good friends graduated the year prior to me. So there was no one I was dying to catch up with this weekend but I wanted to go because it seemed like one of these things you would regret if you didn't do. I feel like Facebook has almost made reunions obsolete because we already know who gained weight, who lost weight, who is balding, who has cute kids, who is married (or divorced) and what we have all "done" with our lives.

Our high school had a cute idea and started the reunion with a potluck barbecue at a local park so we could all bring our kids. Funny enough, most of the kids there were born within 9 months of each other. So there were two dozen 1-2 year olds running around and stealing each other's juice boxes. I wanted to bring something super yummy so I decide to fuel my Pinterest addiction and look for the perfect fall recipe. And I succeeded with this Pumpkin Dump Cake.

Source: cookiesandcups.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Pumpkin Dump Cake from Cookies & Cups
Ingredients

1 15 oz can Pumpkin Puree
1 10 oz can Evaporated Milk
1 cup light brown sugar
3 eggs
3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup (2 sticks) butter melted
1 cup coarsely crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup toffee bits

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350
Spray a 9×13 baking pan lightly with cooking/baking spray
In a large bowl combine the pumpkin, evaporated milk, sugar, eggs and pumpkin pie spice. Stir to combine.
Pour into your prepared pan.
Sprinkle your entire box of cake mix on top, followed by graham crackers and toffee chips.
Pour your melted butter evenly on top.
Bake for 45 minutes until center is set and edges are lightly browned.

I ended up overcooking the cake just a little bit because the edges were brown but the center still seemed a little wobbly so I kept it in another 5. Next time, I will take it out right at 45 minutes since the top became too crunchy when overcooked.

That night we dropped Lila off at Mimi and G's for a sleepover and got all dressed up. We out to sushi by ourselves and enjoyed spending some time just the two of us. And then joined the rest of our class for the late night. Maybe I am really old if I think 9pm-midnight is late. It was fun to see everyone and hear about their lives, but it was funny to see the people who I could have discussed gossip with for hours 10 years ago and now we struggled to have 15 minute conversations. I left being thankful for the friendships I now have based on how God works in our lives, yummy martinis that I only drink once in a blue moon, and a sweet husband who introduces himself first to the people with no nametag so I don't have to pretend to remember their name.

Seventeen only comes once in a lifetime
Don't it just fly by wild and free
Going any way the wind blew baby
Seventeen living on crazy dreams
Rock and roll and faded blue jeans
And standing on the edge of everything
~"Seventeen" by Tim McGraw

moonshine. and the moon shining.

2011-09-29T22:37:00.001-04:00

I got all nostalgic about the mountains and seeing Lila playing in the river and it taking me back to my days of tubing down the French Broad as a camp counselor...and then I totally forgot to write about the rest of our weekend in Gatlinburg! I guess that is what happens when you have 3 major events at work in nine days. And then your brain dies.

We had a great Labor Day weekend trip to Gatlinburg, TN with Brian's parents, brother and grandmother. I had never been to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, so I was excited to see what all the fuss was about. And it meant I got to spend at least 20 minutes of the 6 hour drive reading Brian fun facts about Dolly Parton (Pigeon Forge's most famous native) off Wikipedia on my phone. Did you know she has been married for over 45 years and her husband has only seen her perform in public once because he is so shy and does not like to be in the spotlight? Oh, and she has big boobs.

Photo Credit

The 6 hour drive with a toddler? Not so much. My personal limit is five hours in the car and this was pushing it. Especially when Lila decided to go on nap strike so she felt all the pressure changes as we drove through the mountains. Poor little one just cried and cried because her ears hurt. I was never so glad to get her out of the car and run around.

We had an awesome time exploring the Gatlinburg area, the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Pigeon Forge. Some of our favorite moments...

The Adorable Apple Barn, a cute apple orchard, store, bakery etc. that sells anything apple you can think of. We stocked up on apple pancake mix, apple butter and enjoyed some delicious apple cinnamon homemade ice cream. Lila enjoyed her nap.

We also had the whole family down at the river in Great Smokey Mountains National park for a picnic and enjoying the amazing cool mountain air.

Tennessee is a lot cooler than North Carolina and allows the sale of moonshine. Or more importantly, the tasting of moonshine. It was hilarious to watch the whole family taking mini-shots (imagine tiny communion cups filled with high alcohol content burning moonshine) as they all hopped around from the shock of the first taste. And it was obviously my first taste since responsible mothers have never taken shots out of unlabeled mason jars full of moonshine at fraternity parties. Obviously not. BTW: the peach moonshine was our favorite.

We also had lots of fun being silly together and spending time watching Lila splash in big rain puddles and not caring about staying clean, enjoying the beautiful sunshine and beautiful moon beams on the mountain tops, and making memories together. Vacays are just the thing you need some time!

If we took a holiday
Took some time to celebrate
Just one day out of life
It would be, it would be so nice

~"Holiday" by Madonna

hear me roar

2011-09-26T21:25:00.000-04:00

You know it is time for a haircut when...

You are innocently coloring with your toddler on the floor of the living room after dinner. She stops and looks at you, tilting her head to the side with a confused look on her face. And then buries her crayon in your curly hair, laughing as it sticks in place. And then does it again, and again, and again. Until you realize that you have lost robin's egg blue. Burn.

I almost cut my hair, it was happened just the other day.
It was getting kinda long, I could've said it was in my way.
But I didn't and I wonder why, I feel like letting my freak flag fly,
And I feel like I owe it to someone.

~"Almost Cut My Hair" by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

more! more!

2011-09-22T01:31:00.007-04:00

I had a work meeting today at a very yummy bakery close to my office. I justified the cranberry scone I bought along with my latte, saying I would take at least half of it home to Lila. Funny enough, that trick actually worked and I only ate a few delicious bites. I made it home just as Lila was waking up from her nap and my little one's empty tummy was ravenous. It was like she smelled the pastry bag from upstairs.

As she was drinking a giant cup of milk, I pulled apart a handful of pieces of the scone and put them on her plate at her little picnic table. I started answering a few emails while she ate and soon (way too soon for the amount of food), she came over to me asking for "More! More" with both words and sign language, which means she is very, very serious.

I told her one minute while I finished my email, knowing I only needed less than the 60 seconds to get it sent out. Fifteen seconds later, Lila toddles over with her empty plate, setting it on the floor in front of me. "More! More!" Less than a minute Lila, Mommy promises. Fifteen seconds later, I realized she had won the battle as she toddles around the corner, now holding the pastry bag that she apparently sneaked off the table. "More? More?" Well played, Lila. Well played.

I like to eat, eat, eat, apples and bananas.

~"Apples and Bananas" by Raffi

i'll keep dancing anyway

2011-09-21T19:30:00.000-04:00

As an event planner, my work flow comes and goes in waves. Down time when I am planning for an event, big build up right before, the high of getting it all out there and done, slowly wrapping up the details afterwards, and then crash. The fall is always busy with fundraising event for my job and this month is the pinnacle, with five events in six weeks. This week in particular included a golf tournament in Wilmington on Monday and a 5K this upcoming Saturday. Four days apart. Basically I don't sleep for multiple nights in a row, take some Ambien to try and grab a little rest and then run like crazy again. Not really the best for my sleep or body but it must be done. Don't feel bad for me, I thrive off of my job and the excitement of seeing my work played out into an amazing event.

On Saturday night, I had worked all day trying to get some last minute details done that could not be completed until right before the event. I had to leave the next day to drive down to Wilmington to start the prep work for the tournament. As I wrapped up my work in the evening, I realized the printer labels I had bought were the wrong size...doi! So I jumped in the car to run to Walmart, praying they for one time actually had the exact thing I was looking for. I was feeling so tired and turned on the radio hoping for something to distract me.

Apparently our Christian radio station felt my pain and announced they were playing something to get me dancing, so crank the radio up. And then God gave me just the pick me up I needed to make it through the next two days, put on a successful golf tournament, raise a lot of money, and fall asleep last night mid-sentence to Brian.

When life wont play along and right keeps going wrong
And I cant seem to find my way
I know where I am found so I wont let it drag me down
Oh, I'll keep dancing anyway
I'm gonna move, I'm gonna move, I'm gonna move

~"Move" by MercyMe

kicking and screaming

2011-09-15T00:38:00.000-04:00

You trick yourself into actually thinking you have a choice about what and when you eat dinner. But there is no choice, in reality. It seems so normal to be able to sit and enjoy a wonderful meal you made (or lovingly bought pre-made). Such a simple request. And then you had a toddler.

I sit her down at in her high chair at the food court at the mall, trying to toddler food prep as fast as my hands can cut fruit with a flimsy plastic knife, pour milk into the sippy cup, and simultaneously blow on the chicken strip as she screams "HOT! HOT!" at the top of her lungs. I am starting to sweat and the odd non-parent is glancing over. I finally have her contained and content, happily chewing away at her Chick-fil-a and giving me silly smiles.

I breathe a sigh of relief and start eating my delicious indulgence of a Five Guys burger. If I am going to eat a burger, I go big or go home. As I am half way through enjoying my yummy dinner, I start noticing Lila glancing around and pushing her chicken to the edge of her plastic placemat. Uh oh.

I start eating faster. She appears to sense my panic and starts swinging her leg, kicking her high chair. I am now inhaling my burger. She counters with a loud screech, knocking her sippy cup over. Now parents and non-parents alike are craning to see why no one is attending to the clearly distraught and neglected child. I reach in my purse and pull out the last resort, the squeezable applesauce. I know from experience the eating is over. I have approximately 45 seconds to throw away trash, pack up the bags and get her in the stroller before she sucks the end of the fruit. I am over by 10 seconds.

And the toddler fit ensues. The kicking and hitting, the high pitched bellow, the throwing of the Grinch stuffed animal. I am now that mom, head down and refusing to make eye contact as Lila arches her back against the constraints of her evil stroller straps. "NO, NO MOMMY!" She screams as I walk us across the mall, trying to turn herself around in her stroller until the very moment I walk out into the parking lot. Silence. "Hi Mommy! Bye bye? Haha!"

There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

breezy mountain day

2011-09-12T21:40:00.000-04:00

I closed my eyes and heard the sound of the river as it rushed over the rocks, getting caught in swirling pools between the boulders. I can still taste the salty mix of M&M's, raisins, sunflower seeds and peanuts we would munch in the canoes for a snack. I hear the sounds of the girls laughing, reaching over the wooden edge of the boat to cup a palm full of cool mountain water and splash it on each other's arms.

Those days working as a camp counselor always seem closer than the many years ago when I go back to the mountains. I think back to the mornings waking up at dawn to hear the birds chirping outside my cabin and pulling my sleeping bag closer against the morning chill. I hope Lila has a summer at camp when she is older, a summer filled with lake dives, hand built camp fires and friendship bracelets.

As I watched her surprised look of excitement as I let her feet edge into the cold water, I giggled along with her. She edged out along the riverbed, squealing with glee as the water climbed higher on her legs. Reaching over and patting the top of the water with her hands, she would try to catch the leaves drifting by. I closed my eyes and laughed, knowing my girl felt the same warmth of the mountains in her heart as I still do today.

Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you,

you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.

~Winnie the Pooh

too cool for school

2011-09-09T23:08:00.000-04:00

Since I went back to work when Lila was four months old, she has stayed two days a week with a wonderful lady named Tammy at her home daycare. She was amazing for our baby, loving her, teaching her, helping her grow from a baby to a toddler. We loved knowing Lila was safe in Tammy's home, being taught to sit up, then crawl, then walk with her Tammy-Momma to celebrate with her at every milestone. But in the last few months, we felt it was time for Lila to move to an educational center where she could have more interaction with kids in her age group. We were also ready to have her a little closer to our house, since Tammy's daycare was 30 minutes from our home and work.

So we said goodbye to Miss Tammy last week after a year at her home. We will miss her and I know Lila will be excited for our playdates at her house every now and then! Today was Lila's first day at her new daycare, The Goddard School, which is an educational center that has centers throughout the country. They focus on teaching skills through different activity centers and a focus on flexibility and fun (duh, who doesn't like to play?).

Getting Lila ready for her new "school" was totally overwhelming as there are five million forms, medical releases, labeling of all her extra clothes and food items, etc. I totally had a freak out moment where I felt like she was actually going off to start her school year and you guys, she is only eighteen months old! She still drinks her milk sippy cup next to me in bed every morning while watching Fresh Beats Band. And then two seconds later she is sharing her toys with Andrew and giving me an annoyed hand wave while I try to kiss her goodbye. I am so five minutes ago.

To prepare for her big day, we got our first haircut last night from Auntie KT to trim up her bangs that keep falling in her eyes. Which I then collected and put into a ziplock which my sister labeled "creepy".

I packed up her little lunch of whole wheat pita slices, steamed carrots, sliced strawberries, string cheese and a Trader Joe's Apple Banana Crusher (her favorite snack EVER!) I ordered these adorable cup and plate labels for Lila from Cherry Hill Designs. This is not a sponsored post but boy, do I think they are super cute and they totally stay on and do not fade in the dishwasher.

We had to pick her perfect first first day of school outfit. Which of course had to match her new cupcake backpack. And the Grinch.

Her day was amazing, minus the first hour of the day when she apparently sat with her Grinch and pacifier crying and watched the other kids play. Until it was snack time. And then all was right with the world. She played hard outside and didn't want to come in from their super cool playground. She made a painting with her handprints. Fell asleep in under a minute during nap. And tried to trade her string cheese for a little boy's chicken at lunch...obviously. We celebrated with pizza dinner for a successful first first day of school. The first of many first days to come.

We don't need no education, We don't need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom, Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey teacher leave them kids alone

~"Another Brick In the Wall" by Pink Floyd

grande soy caramel macchiato

2011-09-08T21:43:00.000-04:00

My boss and I are taking a road trip to Wilmington tomorrow (about 3 hours away) for a monthly meeting we have in that town to plan a golf tournament there. The golf tournament is in a few weeks so thank God the 6 hour roundtrip drive for an hour and a half meeting is our last one until next year's event. Seriously people, carbon footprint? Conference call? 2011? Ever hear of them?

The only perk in this otherwise waste of my day is that my boss and I meet up at Starbucks to hit the road. Meaning I get to splurge on one of these lovely drinks and enjoy it the whole way there. Okay, who am I kidding, it will be gone before I get out of Raleigh.

The sad thing is that I have been thinking about that coffee goodness since I packed up my work bag at 5pm. All evening. Like there is not a Starbucks five minutes from my house where I could just get one tonight. Apparently I need more suspense and anticipation in my life.

I believe humans get a lot done, not because we're smart,

but because we have thumbs so we can make coffee.

~Flash Rosenberg

pinning for fall

2011-09-07T01:41:00.000-04:00

I haven't done a Pinterest post in a while, which is sad because it is basically my favorite time waster ever. I would just like to go on the record though and say that Pinterest needs to get with the times and get an Android app. Because lots of cool people do not have iPhones. Step up Pinterest.

We spent this last weekend in Gatlinburg, Tennessee with Brian's family and I came home in the mood for fall. Maybe it was the slightly tinted leaves already turning beautiful shades of buttery yellow, burnt orange and cherry red. Maybe it was the air that did not choke me like a wet paper towel on my face when I opened the door. Maybe it was wearing my super cute Ann Taylor khaki jacket I bought last spring to replace the corduroy jacket I have been wearing since high school. The only thing I still own from high school. Cause you know my hips can't fit into any pants from then. I like big butts and I cannot lie.

Source: polyvore.com via Lindsay on Pinterest
I want to feel boots on my feet and a sweater on my arms. Without sweating profusely.

Source: anniesdish.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

My slow cooker better be busy this fall. And my tummy better be full of pumpkin. I'm just sayin.

Source: craftychickscuppacoffee.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Maybe I will head over to Michael's and buy supplies to make a fall wreath with Lila instead of using all those coupons as bug killer smushing paper. Or maybe I will just shrug my shoulders, say "Eh, screw it" and go buy a radically expensive one. It's a toss up really.

Source: food24.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

My brother-in-law Peter makes the best risotto on planet Earth. Maybe I will bribe him with free MBA paper editing if he makes this for me. That is my idea of "homemade" by the way.

Source: knithacker.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I want to put these adorable pants on Lila's little toddler butt right this second. Girls can rock the monsters too.

mom autopilot

2011-09-05T23:12:00.000-04:00

There is that moment as a mom. Where you see your child right in front of you, but just out of reach as it is happening. When your body goes into mom autopilot and you move before you can even think to move. But you still can't make your feet move any faster. I watched her reach for the hot cup of coffee from across the room and gasped as she grabbed it from the table that should have been out of her reach, turning it upside down as she pulled it off. I heard her scream as the hot liquid hit her face and I ran to grab it away from her, scooping her up and running with her to the sink. My body knew to turn on the cold water and spray her face with the sink hose when all I could think was "Oh my God, her face. Oh my God."

Thank God for being at the house of another mom who acted in the same quiet, calm mom movements, testing the coffee temperature and giving me a silent look that let me know it was way too hot. Who quickly followed me up the stairs and turned on the cold water in her tub without needing explanation. Who yelled down to Brian to call our friend who is a PA before I could even finish the sentence. Who quickly packed Lila snacks and a fresh sippy cup of water as I watched the allover redness from her screaming fade away and the angry red burn mark outline appear. Who stopped and had her husband pray over Lila before we whisked her out the door to the Emergency Room.

I held it together until my parents arrived, racing into the parking lot just moments after us, seeing the look on her face and knowing I did not exaggerate on the phone. And then the tears started to fall. The nurse quickly assessed us and by then, Lila was able to focus on the Ritz crackers and singing songs in her G's (grandpa) lap while we prayed for the doctor to hurry up. While we were waiting, our sweet friend Josh walked into the ER holding an adorable stuffed monkey and a talking Minnie Mouse. He apparently had left his house where we were not long after us, ran over to Target and came by just to try and do something to help. Thank God for friends and their sweet hearts.

We watched the redness slowly start to fade and the doctor confirmed that by God's grace she had only suffered first degree burns (which apparently is not as bad as third degree...sneaky doctors labeling burn levels backwards). He said we were really lucky since he had seen coffee burns much worse than hers. He says lucky, I say covered in prayer. After several days of Ibuprofen for swelling and silver burn cream, it just looks like a small sun burn. My heart is slowing returning to a normal beat, helped by the little one giving her new Minnie big kisses on the nose.

You want to protect your child from pain, and what you get instead is life, and grace; and though theologians insist that grace is freely given, the truth is that sometimes you pay for it through the nose.

And you can't pay your child's way. "

~Anne Lamott

be still and know that you're in this place

2011-08-29T20:02:00.000-04:00

This week has taught me a lot of lessons. Lessons about faith that I thought I had already learned, but apparently needed a refresher on. Lessons about talking less and listening more. Lessons about loving my husband and standing beside him. A couple of months ago, Brian got an amazing opportunity to take a training program at an international financial advising company. He would study for several months, take several national exams and if he passed, become a financial adviser with the company. It was risky, leaving a study job for one with the chance he could be let go if he did pass the exams on the first try. But we prayed and God gave us such peace as he breezed through the five interviews (you read that right).

Through the last several weeks, we have rallied around each other as he studied every day at work, every evening at home and all weekend long. I was exhausted from working all day and trying to keep Lila out of the house at night. I cooked Brian's favorite meals, scheduled a massage for him and tried to be as supportive as possible. He was passing every single one of his practice exams and feeling extremely confidant as he left the house on Tuesday very early in the morning. That afternoon, he came home with that confidence broken.

How do you support your husband who feels as if he has failed as the provider of your family?

You remind him that God is the ultimate provider.

How do you hold your husband up when he falls?

You rely on the strength that comes from above, not what comes from within.

What do you say to help remind him of his future which God holds in his hand?

You let the silent embrace speak for itself.

I know God has a plan for us, even though it is hard to understand why Brian has to work through this disappointment, looking for another job and feeling let down by the months of studying. I know this will be one of those moments we will look back on as a turning point in our path. Probably not ever with a knowing smile, but still believing it was part of a plan that could not come to pass without this uncertainty. In the meantime, we pray, we love each other, and we bow our heads.

I'm finding myself at a loss for words and the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard but to hear what You would say
Word of God speak, would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see your majesty
To be still and know that You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness
Word of God speak

~"Word of God Speak" by Mercy Me

picnic time

2011-08-22T21:18:00.000-04:00

Looks like someone is loving her new picnic table from her great-grandma.

This is where we start every morning, with our cup of cold milk and a blueberry whole grain waffle. Or maybe a banana dipped in peanut butter. Basically anything yummy to fill our starving belly while we catch up on the latest episode of The Backyardigans. Because Lord knows what we missed since last night. Basically it is like her Facebook, but without bad 90's pictures and oversharing.

When late morning rolls around and you're feeling a bit out of sorts, don't worry;

you're probably just a little eleven o'clockish.

~Winne the Pooh

putting on my big girl panties

2011-08-20T23:57:00.001-04:00

One of the best things about our kids are sharing the stories that we learn as moms. The times we sympathetically nod at the mom trying to check out faster at Target while her little ones is throwing themselves on the floor of the aisle at Target. The laugh we share with strangers when they make silly raspberry noises at the restaurant table. The kind words when we are having a hard day and just don't know how to balance it all.

For me as a mom, I have been able to learn to laugh off the dramatic stage falls on the floor when Lila does not get her way. For the most part, I try not to be frazzled when I am "that mom" with a diaper bag full of tricks and still holding a screaming toddler. I have a much harder time with the balance. The balance of being everything to everyone. Of trying to be an employee at work, a mom at home, and maybe finding myself for a few minuted in the middle.

I read a recommendation for a new book from Raechel at Finding My Feet (who is fabulous and has two adorable blond haired kiddos) called "Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches." I have taken my time ordering it on Amazon since every time I am on there I get distracted by cheap diapers. But when it arrived in the mail this week, I swallowed it whole in one sitting on the coach. So many amazing mom moments turned into God moments. The author Rachel Jankovic has five kids under five and if she can find a way to turn afternoon carpool from hell into a teachable moment about how lucky they are to have a car and how God has blessed them, then I should probably shut up and read.

One chapter in particular really spoke to me as she talked about letting ourselves feel pitiful and overwhelmed at our life as a mom, which I have a tendency to do occasionally (cough, every day, cough).

God gave this to me. I may not be overwhelmed about it. I can try as hard as I can, and maybe fail sometimes. I can try as hard as I can and fall asleep at the dinner table. I can try as hard as I can and be completely burned out at the end of the day. But I may not be overwhelmed. Actually, I may be overwhelmed, but I may not say I am overwhelmed! The words have a power over us. If you say it, you allow it for yourself. You give yourself that little bit of room to say, "But I can't."

I would highly recommend you pick yourself up a copy. Or just read that paragraph above over and over. Not a sponsored post, I just really needed to hear that this week.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

~2 Corinthians 12:9

slice and serve

2011-08-16T20:27:00.000-04:00

I get so lazy with cooking over the summer. I don't feel like using the crock pot a lot because it is already hot enough inside my house. And we take longer getting home and getting into the swing of the evening because we still feel like playing in the beautiful weather. Or sitting longer with an open bottle of my favorite summer wine ever, Rex Goliath Cabernet Sauvignon.

So by the time we are all starving and I am trying to throw a non-hot, non-extra-food-prep, non-toddler-offensive dinner together, all I can muster is the main course. Vegetable sides? Who needs em?! We get enough sides at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas to make up for the rest of the year. But enter the Farmer's Market, in all its glorious ripe vegetables. We have decided on two easy to throw together side dishes that we have yet to get tired of to end our no-vegetable streak.

One of our new favorite things to make for dinner is Caprese salad. With tomatoes and basil fresh from the Farmers Market and yummy cool Mozzarella cheese. We slice the tomato as thin as possible, cover with washed and dried Basil leaves, add sliced mozzarella cheese from a fresh block, and then drizzle the whole thing with balsamic vinaigrette. I could eat this every day and die happy.

Our other favorite standby was taught to me by a mom who I helped babysit for in college. She made this for dinner one day and I fell in love. So simple and so delicious. Slice up a ripe (but not squishy) avocado, halved grape tomatoes, sliced red onion, tossed with poppy seed dressing. This side is great fresh for dinner and yummy for lunch the next day. Hope you enjoy some summer sides tonight!

A fruit is a vegetable with looks and money.

Plus, if you let fruit rot, it turns into wine, something Brussels sprouts never do.

~P. J. O’Rourke

bff's

2011-08-12T01:53:00.000-04:00

Today Lila and I hit the road to spend the weekend with my two besties from college, Mary Allen and Emily. MA, Emmy and I have been through some fabulous, crazy, hilarious moments throughout the years. We met in the first few weeks of our Freshman year at college, bonding together over strange roommates, Steak N' Shake late night meals, library study sessions, fraternity parties and random beach trips. Our college years were spent laughing at football games, celebrating birthdays in style at country line dancing bars, sneaking cigarettes outside the dorm, working together at mountain summer camps, sending care packages back and forth between breaks, laughing and crying, hating boys and loving boys, and learning to share life together.

As we grew older, our moments together changed. Meeting new boyfriends and giving them a hard time, visiting new cities, sharing in family events and birthdays, taking vacations together in the mountains, and finally being bridesmaids in each of our weddings.

And now we are having babies and growing families. Still best friends. Still call every other week to tell a funny story and catch up. I can't wait for our fabulous weekend of fun ahead and Lila cannot wait to see her Elon Aunties!

When you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand

And nothing, whoa, nothing is going right.

Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there

To brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am

I'll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call

And I'll be there, yeah, yeah, you've got a friend.

~"You've Got A Friend" by James Taylor

sweet seventeen

2011-08-10T01:25:00.000-04:00

Happy seventeen months Lila!

This has been the most fun, ever-changing, laughter filled and silly age. Every day you discover something new. You LOVE to sing and dance, stepping around in a circle then stopping to clap for your twirl. Your favorite songs to sing are Baa Baa Black Sheep, If All the Raindrops (circa 1997 Barney), Party In the USA, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Part of Your World from Little Mermaid, and Here We Go by the ever-so-annoying Fresh Beat Band. Here We Go is your current favorite song of choice and I can stop a full blown toddler fit mid floor roll by starting the music video on my phone. You now go pick up my phone, walk over and hand it to me and start singing the song to ask me to turn on the video.

You love to sort things, taking items out of drawers and baskets and putting them back together. You love shape sorter toys and the stacking blocks. You think Zaxby the Dog is your personal playmate and last week, spent fifteen minutes trying to put your pink sandles on her paws while she stared at me with sad eyes, begging me to save her from this impromptu game of dress up.

You love meeting new friends and will ride in the cart at the store or at other tables while out at dinner, desparately trying to catch their eye until you can giggle, smile coyly and say "Hiiiiii." Your toddler walk is more of a waddle, always a few steps ahead of your balance. You are repeating so many words now, telling us "I do that!" when we try to help you or pointing at Zaxby saying "Go away!" and then running after her laughing. You yell for momma and daddy the second we leave your sight, just to make sure we can still hear you.

Your big kisses on the lips, full arms hugs around the neck and high fives show us you know your family and love being around us. You call for your Grinch when you can't find him, yelling "Ohhh Eeeee, Ohhh Eeeee" and then grabbing him around the neck and hugging him in a death grip. We are not sure what that means but I am sure it somehow expresses your love for this green monster you adore so with so much passion.

Every day is a new adventure with you and you keep us on our toes with your never-ending energy, quick mood swings when we cannot understand what you want and your constant games of peek-a-boo. We love this stage of life and watching your playful, friendly, silly personality emerge.

If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.

~Winnie the Pooh

spots and stripes

2011-08-09T03:54:00.000-04:00

For eighteen hours this weekend, we thought Lila had chicken pox. For eighteen hours, I felt such guilt that I had taken her to a children's toy store, where she touched everything and possibly exposed a dozen children and several pregnant women that I could not warn. For eighteen hours, I let her walk around without a shirt to stare at her torso, searching for raised red bumps that kept popping up. For eighteen hours, my mind was racing with WedMD questions and Google image searches for rashes.

Chicken pox were no big deal when we were little. We all had them, including my poor little brother at five weeks old. It got you two weeks off school, lots of slurpees, pink Calamine dots all over your face and a free pass to watch The Little Mermaid five consecutive times in one day. But since all these crazy kids and their crazy vaccines, chicken pox is almost unheard of. My heart was racing about the discomfort, pain and confused sad cries I knew were coming. How do you explain normal childhood illness that helps your immune system to an itchy toddler?

And the working mom part of me was rethinking schedules, replanning trips, going through my mental rolodex of illness approved babysitters so I could sneak over to the office for an hour or two. All while feeling guilty that there was a part of me that was thinking about this illness as an inconvenience to the busy week ahead.

Thank goodness Brian's parents were in town to watch her so we could break away to my dad's retirement day at his church of 20 years. Thank goodness the pediatrician's office has a "Chicken Pox Room" with a separate entrance and could see us on a Sunday. Thank goodness that Lila has inherited my family's penchant for unexplained, weird looking illnesses. No chicken pox, just a strange looking rash. And 18 hours of mind racing, heart pumping, baby chasing worries put to rest.

A leopard does not change his spots, or change his feeling that spots are rather a credit.

~~Ivy Compton-Burnett

stepping out

2011-08-08T11:36:00.000-04:00

So I meant to finish up my Alabama wrap-up last week. And then I got a cold/flu. That turned into a raging sinus infection. And then we had company this weekend. And then my dad had his retirement celebration on Sunday from our church where he has been the Senior Pastor for 20 years. And then we thought Lila had chicken pox (but she didn't). Basically my life exploded last week. More on that later...

The wedding was a whirlwind trip, but it was fun to have a little time with my parents, Lila and my sister. My dad had to fly back to NC right after the ceremony to preach on Sunday morning, so it was a girls only reception party. We don't get all gussied up too often so it was fun to just have some dress up pictures and time together.

Lila had been playing with my sister's jewelry when we were getting dressed and decided she wanted to wear some pearls to the wedding. We were worried she would get tired of them and try to pull them off, but apparently we have an accessorizer in our midst. She spent the whole evening lovingly touching her pearls and smiling whenever anyone told her she looked pretty. Oh the hearts this girl will break...

We got to spend time with my aunt and uncle from California and my cousins who live in Chicago and in Alabama. We don't get to see them very often so it was fun to catch up and laugh all night. All the cousins met in Asheville for a long weekend in January this year and we are hoping to keep it an annual tradition since we are all so scattered about the country. DC Cousins Weekend January 2012 baby!

Stepping out with my baby
Can't go wrong cause I'm in right
It's for sure, not for maybe
That I'm all dressed up tonight

There will be smooth sailing cause I'm trimming my sails

In my top hat and my white tie and my tails

~"Steppin' Out With My Baby" by Irving Berlin

kicking and screaming

2011-08-03T03:35:00.001-04:00

This weekend was a whirlwind of airports, port-a-cribs in hotel rooms, very little sleep, and lots of Starbucks. Traveling to Alabama for my cousin Matt's wedding, we ventured on our first plane ride with a toddler. Actually, four plane rides. We have discovered the key to traveling with toddlers:

1. Bring a brand new toy for them to play with for the first time on the plane. That will buy you approximately 90 seconds. Hopefully she will forget about it by the second plane and you can relive the excitement for another 90 seconds.

2. Pack more snacks than a college football player can eat in a weekend. We had a small insulated lunchbox with a freezer pack filled with organic Go-Gurt, string cheese, steamed carrots, applesauce, mandarin oranges and Trader Joe's fruit crusher packets (Lila's new favorite thing EVER).

Photo Credit

3. Let the toddler run up and down the hallway of the airport, yelling baby talk at every passing person. Regardless of how embarrassing or annoying it is.

4. Stock your phone full of baby music videos, i.e. "Part of Your World" by Little Mermaid and "Here We Go" by Fresh Beats Band.

5. When the toddler full on meltdown happens, hold on for the ride, smile apologetically and then close your eyes and know it will be over soon. Or you will land at your destination soon. Whichever comes first.

Our meltdown occurred on the last flight of the day after missing two previous flights because we were flying standby. Meaning Lila had been in the same airport terminal for 6 hours. Which is even unacceptable for adults. Coupled with Lila's inability to take her aggression out in passive aggressive conversations with the airline employees or partake in an in-flight adult beverage, she was long overdue to lose it on someone. Then the flight attendant stopped by our row (where were sitting in the middle seat between two big burly men) and told me Lila had to sit down from where she was standing on my lap to baby talk to the people in the row behind us because we were taking off. Lila decided she had enough with being told what to do.

The screaming. Oh the high pitched screaming. And the kicking and hitting me (and the burly men). And the throwing of the bow and shoes. And the biting of my finger when I tried to shove her paci in her mouth, so hard that I started to cry. I ended up holding all of her flailing limbs against my body, holding her paci in her mouth, singing Baa Baa Black Sheep over and over in her ear. About five minutes of screaming later, she passed out mid-scream, arms going limp, and slept on top of me for the next hour and half.

We have never been more glad to see our suitcase, car seat and stroller on the roundy-round.

And Brian's smiling face. And a big glass of wine.

Weatherwise it's such a lovely day
Just say the words, and we'll beat the birds
Down to Acapulco Bay
It's perfect, for a flying honeymoon - they say
Come fly with me, let's fly let's fly away

~"Come Fly With Me" by Frank Sinatra

if only we could all be as eloquent in our prayers for our children as tina

2011-08-01T21:59:00.000-04:00

“First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither the Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches. May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty. When the Crystal Meth is offered, may she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half. And stick with Beer.

Guide her, protect her when crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.

Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes. And not have to wear high heels. What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.

May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers. Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, for childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long, and dry-humping in cars will wait.

O Lord, break the Internet forever, that she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers. And the online marketing campaign for "Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed." And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.

And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back. “My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes. Amen.”

~Tina Fey

don't call me, i'll call you

2011-07-27T08:00:00.002-04:00

You know your life is crazy when your therapist has to call you twice to remind you to reschedule your appointment from three weeks that you had to cancel last minute because you had a meeting come up unexpectedly. I am pretty sure I am in for a lecture at our appointment today. Some days I just go into her office and shut my eyes and listen to quiet for minutes at a time while she drinks tea. And it is worth every penny. It's almost better than wine. But definitely better than yoga. Because I am not sweating.

Men will always be mad,

and those who think they can cure them are the maddest of all.

~Voltaire

hula girl worship

2011-07-26T22:31:00.000-04:00

I have been trying to find quiet time to recharge and de-stress over the last few weeks in between the busyness. I squeezed a quick trip into our local library with Lila this last weekend for some new books. They just finished our library last fall and it is gorgeous, with lots of natural light, reading nooks, self-check out computers and scanners, toddler toys and craft room. Oh yeah, and the kids book section that has books in bins close to the floor. For toddlers to walk up and down the aisles emptying the bins on to the floor. Genius people. Who apparently like to do a lot of clean up at the end of every day. Perhaps they would like to visit my house if they are still looking for some more pick up work?

On the recommendation of my friend Blair (friend, cough, fabulous lady who's blog I stalk), I picked up a copy of "Such A Pretty Fat" by Jen Lancaster. Jen is my soul mate. Every time I read one of her books, I stay up reading waaay too late in bed, giggling under my breath while Brian shoots me weird looks for laughing at a book. In this book, Jen talks about her journey to lose weight, a goal I am so feeling right now.

"But ever since I made the decision to drop a few pounds - way less easy than it sounds, by the way- I've become obsessed with my size and in so doing I've inadvertently allowed my inner critic to have a voice. And you know what? She's a bitch. Like now when I see my underpants in the laundry, I no longer think Soft! Cotton! Sensible! Instead I hear her say Damn, girl, these panties be huge."

My other moments of quiet have been loading up my iPod with new worship music for the car. I get bored with worship music after a while. Which sounds bad because I should be thinking, "Wow, what an awesome song about God that someone wrote and we are still singing it years later." But instead I am driving along thinking, "This song is super old. I used to listed to it on a cassette tape in Roxy, my '88 maroon Honda Civic in high school. I loved that hula girl on the front dash. I wonder when hula girls started being portrayed with coconut bras? They can't be comfortable...oh right, I could sing of your love forever..."

We sang this new worship song, "Song of Moses" by Aaron Keyes at church several weeks ago and loved it. I started singing it in my head all week so I finally gave in and paid the $1.29 so I could listed to it for real and not with the made up words in my head. Love it. Hope it gets you out of your worship song rut as well.

Praise the Lord, our mighty warrior

Praise the Lord, the glorious one

By his hand we stand in victory

By his name we overcome

~"Song of Moses" by Aaron Keyes

pinning away

2011-07-24T08:56:00.000-04:00

The weeks of this summer continue to fly by, with meetings for work in the evening, trips to Target that take 5 million hours, and a little trip to Wilmington for meetings this Friday and Saturday (minus my Lila Bean and Brian). So since my real life is too busy to actually stop and take pictures, let's have some photos from my fake life: Pinterest. Follow me on Pinterest and we can steal each other's ideas :-) Here are my favorite pins of the week.

Source: meghan-blum.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I would love to replace the builders double vanity in my bathroom with something like this. I think that would totally change the look of the room.

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I think sharks are fascinating. And any show or movie where they eat people or animals is both hilarious and cool. So basically, Shark Week on Discovery Channel that starts in a week is the Best. Week. Ever.

Source: une-deuxsenses.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I have been spending a lot of time looking at fall styles since I will need to buy some new clothes when the weather changes. Because I have lost seven pounds this last month (blatant bragging and show-off-isms). Lots of running on the Duke Trail 5K loop that is all hills while pushing 40 pounds of baby and stroller will do the trick.

Source: g4tv.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I cannot begin to fathom how many screaming matches and subsequent arrests outside of minivans in the Target parking lot that would ensue from actually having these cards. But it would be pretty awesome to watch.

Source: ginnyphillipsphotography.squarespace.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Loving this idea for Lila's room redecoration. Especially if I could change photos out. And the color scheme is fabulous.

mom envy

2011-07-19T01:36:00.000-04:00

I know all full time working moms envy stay at home moms. We envision them lovingly sitting at their cleaned off (never full of laundry and unopened mail) dining room table doing art projects with their toddlers, both of them dressed in the latest Gap styles with brushed hair and full makeup at 9am, drinking their hot coffee (never left to sit until it's lukewarm but still gulpable if you hold your nose) and setting up play dates with the neighborhood toddler group for story time at the local library that afternoon.

And I know my stay at home mom friends think wistfully of our days spent at an office, talking to adults about actual current events (not singing the new Fresh Beats song "Here We Go" for the 23rd time in the last two hours), sitting at our desk browsing through email while drinking a cold diet coke with dry clean only outfits (without peanut butter smears), and having a day doing something that fulfilled our passions.

Basically all moms have mom envy from time to time. And right now, I have got a serious case in need of a quick shot of Shut-Your-Whining-icilin to the hiney. It is so easy to use the flippant response about how easy it would be to just stay home, especially in the mornings. When I am running around half naked trying to keep Lila away from the ironing board (and dog food bowls) while I pass an iron over my most wrinkle free clothing that hopefully passes as business casual, putting on makeup on my drive to daycare because if I try to put it on before I head downstairs than I sweat it all off before I get to work, chugging coffee into my empty stomach since who has time for breakfast, trying to pack up a diaper bag and laptop bag and purse (and make sure the pacis don't end up with the laptop cord), trying desperately to make it to work before 9:15 so I am not over fifteen minutes late AGAIN.

Some days it is hard to see that God gave us this life and it is a blessing to have two jobs that pay our bills. Sometimes it is hard to remind myself that God did not give me more than I can handle. That I am working damn hard and that is good enough for me and Lila and God. And that I have an amazing husband that runs outside with his tie undone to carry the baby out to her car seat even if it means he is late for work.

I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.

~Louisa May Alcott

butterfly in the sky

2011-07-18T22:35:00.000-04:00

Lila and her BFF Daisy took a trip out to the Museum of Life + Science recently to see how they liked all the interactive exhibits. We are so luck to live only 15 minutes from this great museum and have been contemplating buying an annual membership. But I was not sure if she was old enough yet to enjoy the museum. I stand corrected.

Daisy and Lila are such awesome play date friends because their demeanor is so similar. They both like to play hard and get upset when they get pulled away. They like to steal each others' snacks and cups back and forth without getting upset. And they both are very inquisitive and social.

They both loved the museum, especially the giant playground with percussion wall. The butterfly house was pretty cool to Casey and I, however the girls did not seem to care that there were beautiful winged creatures all around them. They cared more about snack time.

We were having such a good time outside and in the butterfly house on the back side of the museum that we barely made it inside the actual museum before it was time to go. I still think the exhibits are a little over their head, as it is hard to explain space travel to someone who does not understand shoes. Nevertheless, I think it was a successful trip. It inspired me to continue to get out and try new places for Lila, even if they seem a tad too old for her. And to always bring Daisy along for play dates.

You've got a friend in me, You've got a friend in me
You've got troubles then I've got 'em too
There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you
We stick together we can see it through
Cause you've got a friend in me

~"You've Got a Friend In Me" by Randy Newman

shamless plug

2011-07-13T01:39:00.002-04:00

I don't ask people to vote for us on Mommy Blog sites or help us make money by having sponsors. Not that I am judging that, it's just not my thing. However, FREE family photo sessions by amazing photographers are my thing. The photographer that did Lila's newborn photos (you can see the recap here) is having a photo contest on her Facebook fan page. She posted her favorite photo from all her 2010 sessions and people can like a photo to vote for that family. The family that gets the most "Likes" in the next two weeks wins a free family portrait session! And she is randomly choosing one of the new fans that participated in the contest for a free portrait session for you too! Win, win....win win win.

And so my dear, dear, fabulous, funny, best person ever blogger friends...will you take two seconds and vote for us?? We are currently in third place out of 51 so we have a shot. And because I want you to see the adorableness that is my baby. The photo above is the actual one you will be voting for and who could not vote for that precious chubby arm, tutu wearing little love??

2 steps to be my BFF

1. Click on this link for Rebekah Tozer Photography, LLC Facebook fan page and click "Like" at the top of her fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebekah-Tozer-Photography-LLC/138544702884370

2. Click on this link to go straight to Lila's photo in the contest and click "Like" on her photo to vote for her: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=160496690689171&set=a.160495370689303.40819.138544702884370&type=1&theater

I see we gonna break it down in just a few seconds
Don't make me break it down for nothing

Now I wanna see y'all on y'all baddest behavior
Lend me some sugar, I am your neighbor
Shake it, shake it, shake, shake it, shake it, shake it (OHH OH)
Shake it, shake it like a Polaroid Picture

~"Hey Ya" by Outkast

tuesday tips: blind as a bat

2011-07-12T01:20:00.000-04:00

Welcome back to another edition of Tuesday Tips! For this blog hop, you can write a post with a tip about life, kids, marriage, your house, favorite products, etc, grab my button, and come on back here to link up your post! Hope you will join us :-)

This week's tip is our favorite website find for ordering glasses. Both Brian and I need glasses because we are super cool and blind. Okay, I am just mildly near sighted so I am basically fine until I have to see things more than fifteen feet in front of me. Like when I am driving...so kind of important. Brian on the other hand is legally blind without his contacts. He has to lean over six inches from his contact case to make sure he is picking up the right thing.

And vision insurance is a rip off. They pay for $100 off your glasses, as long as you do not try to order contacts in the same year. Because apparently you could not possibly need both contacts and glasses at the same time. And then we found Zenni Optical and suddenly we have glasses abounding. We can have several pairs, depending on our mood. Or perhaps the color of the sky that day.

Zenni Optical is super cheap. Brian can order his prescription glasses for his astigmatism, reading needs, distance needs and like super high strength for $45. NO JOKE. My kind-of-needed-but-not-really-needed glasses were $20. So you go to the eye doctor, endure the air blowing in the eye craziness, feel like a crazy person because you cannot tell #1 from #2 no matter how hard you squint, and then get your glasses prescription. The only measurement the doctor will not do, since they normally do it at the glasses store, is the distance between your pupils. To measure this, sit down very still and have your spouse/significant other/best friend/child with a study hand hold a ruler up to your face and measure the distance between the center of your two pupils when you are staring straight ahead.

So grab yourself some new specs today! And just to clarify, I received no free products or endorsements from Zenni Optical, I just think it is awesome to pay $20 instead of $200.

I wish I could remember where I put things. I spend half my life looking for my keys.

With the other half I look for my glasses.

~Sara Paretsky

summer time girls

2011-07-11T01:59:00.002-04:00

The last couple of weeks have been so much fun, hanging out with family and friends. I love seeing Lila laugh and play with the community she has grown up in. I love how freely she opens her arms and leans into others with no reservations. I love how she toddles about, always pushing away hands, too big to be bothered by my cautious assistance. I love how Brian and I can laugh and hang out on a date night, knowing that Lila is having a fabulous time with her G and Mimi while we get to be with each other. This summer has been a time to stop and enjoy the moment, even as life and jobs and craziness swirl around us. I pray that Lila will grow up learning how to put down the dirty dishes, grab hands and step out into the sun for an impromptu pool party in the baby pool or a walk down the street. Because moments are what count and the dishes will always be there.

Lila playing with her new popper push toy from her Papa and Nanny

Lila and her Uncle Patrick at Cracker Barrel

Bunny cheddar snacks at the pool

Itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini time

Saturday morning trip to the Durham Farmer's Market

Such beautiful colors and beautiful yumminess

Lila's first taste of freshly squeezed lemonade

"Kung Fu Panda 2" movie night in the park

Come and catch me Mommy!

Don't forget that tomorrow is Tuesday Tips blog link up, where you can post a tip, any tip about life, family, products, cool places to go. Hope you will join us for Tuesday Tips tomorrow and link up your blog post!

New Kids On The block had a bunch of hits
Chinese food makes me sick

And I think it's fly when girls stop by for the summer, for the summer
I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch,
I'd take her if I had one wish,
But she's been gone since that summer, since that summer

~"Summer Girls" by LFO

has anyone seen my dentures?

2011-07-10T00:01:00.000-04:00

Some days I feel old. Like when I try to jump out of bed instead of roll. Or when I fall asleep on the couch before 9pm (all time record of 3 nights in a row this week). Or when I keep track of how much fiber I have consumed in a day. But never do I feel more like a crotchety old woman than when I listen to the radio. What the heck is up with all these ridiculous songs by these ridiculous teenagers who cannot sing?

One artist I cannot even begin to understand is Ke$ha. Someone please explain to me why she has a dollar sign as an actual letter of her name? Or why it sounds like she has the hiccups when she is singing? A new song from Ke$ha (it is ridiculous to even type) came on the radio this week and I almost crashed my car because my mouth was hanging open in shock while stared at the radio. Allow me to share these absurd lyrics...

O when you get back my pop quiz
What will you think when you read this?

Mr. Watson I Want To Get With You
I Won't Tell A Soul What We're Gonna Do
Want To Get My Hands In Your Khaki Pants
Teacher, Teacher, what cha' gonna do?
'Cause I am coming on to you

~"Mr. Watson" by Ke$ha

Basically Ke$ha makes me turn into an old lady staring down my reading glasses and waving my cane at all the young'uns and their bad influence on the next generation. Little girls think she is cool with her overuse of sparkly makeup and it makes me want to vomit. And lock Lila in the house with Psalty playing on repeat all day.

So then J Lo come on the radio next. And please, Jennifer Lopez? You are and will always be Jenny From the Block. Apparently Jennifer is having a mid life crisis. Because her new song is supposed to be the "party anthem of the summer."

Its getting ill it’s getting sick on the floor
We never quit, we never rest on the floor
If I ain’t wrong we’ll probably die on the floor

Dance the night away, Live your life, and stay young on the floor
Dance the night way, Grab somebody drink a little more

~"On the Floor" by Jennifer Lopez

I think the fact that she uses the phrase, "It's getting ill on the floor" should really point out that it might be time to leave the dance jams to those that don't need a touch up on the roots every four weeks. And seriously? She has twin toddlers. I am pretty sure she has never even seen a dance floor in the last two years. Her evening drinks probably come out of a sippy cup. J Lo, sweetie we love you and your bodacious behind but throw on some yoga pants, grab a half glass of chardonnay and call it a night with a Lifetime Made for TV movie.

Like everyone else who makes the mistake of getting older,

I begin each day with coffee and obituaries.

~Bill Cosby

momma in focus

2011-07-08T10:08:00.001-04:00

Linking up with Casey this week for Momma In Focus with a patriotic theme. I am not going to lie. I did not get any photos of just Lila and I being patriotic. Probably because we had horrible thunderstorms all afternoon and evening the 4th of July which means all fireworks in our area were cancelled. There were fireworks the next day, but of course I took the opportunity to fall asleep on the couch at 8:30pm. Wouldn't you rather take that choice too?

So we will have to make due with pictures of Lila being adorable with a flag, one of the 3 of us, one of Lila and her Auntie Katelyn and one from the memories of last year's fireworks when she was just a little bald baby. Don't you love the adorable dress Lila's great-grandma made her? By the way, whenever I see that one of Lila with her flag, I start talking like Will Ferrell impersonating George Bush and spouting about "'Merica, home of the brave...err, free? Ya'll I can't remember what the saying is..." Seriously, if you have never watched this video, you are WELCOME.

I'll use this shovel on this devil horse if I have to. They move so fast!

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives.

I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.

~Abraham Lincoln

tuesday tips: so fresh and so clean

2011-07-05T11:53:00.000-04:00

Back for another edition of Tuesday Tips! This blog link up is super easy: you post a tip, any tip, on your blog and then come back here to link up. It can be tips about kids, household, jobs, anything! Just share it with us so we can all learn something new.

I hate going to the dentist. Not a fan. My teeth are well taken care of and clean, but they are not shiny white chicklets like you see on some people. Not that I am in any way saying that I would like to look like I have blinding white horse teeth. No offense Hilary. But when I go to the dentist I develop a sever case of smile envy. One that cannot be fixed unless I were to shell out thousands of dollars to lay in a chair listening to bad 90's music while I let a guy drill in my mouth.

Photo Credit

My teeth have never been crazy white, no matter what gel, cream or toothpaste I tried. And then my sister recommended her new toothpaste and I tried it. And in no way received the product for free or was endorsed to write about it. And I am loving the Arm & Hammer Complete Care Extra Whitening Toothpaste! My teeth are definitely a couple shades whiter and they do not hurt or get super sensitive like the effects of some of the whitening gels, which sucks when you have to do pesky things like eat or drink. So grab yourself some whiter teeth today!

Photo Credit

The tooth fairy teaches children that they can sell body parts for money.

~David Richerby

things that make me go ooooh

2011-06-30T10:35:00.001-04:00

It's been a week. Reading some of my friend's blogs and Facebook statuses, I would say that has been going around a lot lately. Maybe crappy weeks are catchy. Like strep throat. Or yawns. Or grumbling in the grocery store check out line. When I feel that grunge coming on, I try to do everything I can think of stop it in its tracks.

Source: thirtyhandmadedays.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I grab a cold Diet Coke from the 25 cent soda machine in my office. Because it quenches my soul. And it makes me want to gloat that my soda machine is so freakin cheap.

I dress Lila in ridiculously adorable outfits because she smiles and flirts when she knows I think she looks cute.
And that makes me smile.

Source: gatherlove.tumblr.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I try and spend a few more minutes in the morning reading devotions instead of catching up on Facebook. Because honestly, could that much have happened to my friends between 11pm and 6am??

Source: google.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

I spontaneously dance with Brian to "Come Fly With Me" in the kitchen in between filling sippy cups, stirring dinner on the stove and drinking from a big glass of wine.

Source: imgfave.lg1x8z.simplecdn.net via Lindsay on Pinterest

And I change my normal screen saver to this hilarious one so every 15 minutes, as the stress is settling into my shoulders, my screen goes to sleep and I start laughing. And then laugh harder at the panicked look of my coworkers as they slowly realize I am loosing it.

you're a mean one

2011-06-29T22:28:00.000-04:00

I am not sure if I have ever documented the unfailing, never ending, deeply serious love between Lila and her Grinch. She and Mr. Grinch have been joined at the hip since she crawled over to fetch him under the tree on Christmas morning. I don't get it. She has adorable bunnies, soft lambs, polka dot puppies and little dollies. But it is the Grinch she loves, the Grinch she clutches to her neck when she is tired, the Grinch she drags behind her around the house.

My favorite moment is when people take a closer look when we are Target, with a "Oh what a bright green stuffed animal you have...is that the Grinch??" And then they look at me like a terrible mother who obviously chose the scary, mean monster as her child's companion.

Lila has two Grinches (shhhhh, don't tell her), one who stays in the House and one in the car. That way, there is always a Grinch close at hand. Her second Grinch was gifted to her on her birthday by her friend Cruz who also got him for Christmas, but was more than happy to share his stuffed animal he didn't care much about with someone who would obviously adore it. Every now and then, the two Grinches end up in the same room together and you would think it is the BEST. DAY. EVER. Forget world peace, this is the moment that takes Lila breath away and all has become right with the world.

I know one day he will be tossed to the side and his reign of earth shattering importance will be over. But for now, the Grinch is where it's at. That Grinch and his bright green, fuzzy necked snugly self.

Photo by Casey Martinez Photography

blueberries and hot dogs

2011-06-24T18:09:00.000-04:00

At least I got a Father's Day post in the same week ;-) This past weekend we got to spend a lot of time celebrating Brian and the great papa and husband he is. On Saturday, we spent the morning lounging in bed watching Yo Gabba Gabba with our coffee cups (and milk sippy cup). Then we took off for a fun hamburger lunch at Char-Grill and an adventure to the RDU Observation Deck to watch the planes take off. Not quite as thrilling as one might hope, but Brian recognized the effort and spent a lot of time trying to explain "First In Flight" to Lila to pass the looooong time in between planes.

Sunday was the big day and Lila and I got up early to make Brian breakfast in bed. I decide to try a recipe I found on Pinterest, which is my newest obsession. Basically, it is a website that lets you "pin" ideas and photos and share them with friends. Comment below if you want an invitation so you too can spend every moment mumbling about pins and boards.

Source: chef-n-training.blogspot.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

Are you drooling? Because I am drooling just looking at it. Ya'll this Overnight Blueberry French Toast was to.die.for. I will post the recipe below. Because you need it. Like you need air.

Our breakfast in bed stage was set so Lila and I walked (crawled) upstairs and met dad with a delicious breakfast, coffee and card (with oh so lovely pink marker scribbles). Brian's response as he polished off his plate in 5 minutes: "What IS this?? And more importantly, is there more??" We then headed off to church where all the men where celebrate in a "Dad Center ESPN" theme, complete with nachos being served out of the back of a truck in the sanctuary, neon green Dad sweat bands, and an awesome dad tips sermon. Lunch was a yummy German cafe with outside seating and lots of gifts for Brian and my dad.

Brian got a round of golf from my parents, some new clothes from all of us and a Durham Bulls baseball package with a new Bulls hat, toddler Bulls shirt for Lila (he had been begging me to buy her one) and tickets to the home game on Monday. We live less than 10 minutes from this fun summer regular event and love going out for a hot dog and cold beer. Oh yeah, and the baseball game itself.

Even though it was hot on Monday, we all still enjoyed ourselves and spent some family time with our favorite hometown baseball team. And that hot dog was delicious.

Overnight Blueberry French Toast

12 slices of bread, cut into cubes (french or Texas toast. I used a large loaf of soft French bread)

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cut in cubes
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
12 large eggs
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 cups milk (I used whole milk)

Arrange half of the bread cubes on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Then layer down the cream cheese cubes and blueberries, spreading evenly. Then another layer of the bread cubes. In a bowl, mix together eggs, maple syrup and milk. Pour over the top of the bread evenly, then let sit overnight in the fridge while covered. This part is crucial cause the bread soaks up all the eggs and milk. The next morning, bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes while covered with foil. Then uncover and bake for another 30 minutes.

There is also a blueberry sauce you can make. I did not because I am lazy like that but I bet it would be delicious!
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
2 T cornstarch
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 T butter

On the stovetop, cook water, sugar and cornstarch until thickened. Stir in blueberries and let simmer for 10 minutes. Add butter and stir until melted. Serve over the french toast.

My father didn't tell me how to live. He lived, and let me watch him do it.

~Clarence Budington Kelland

Tuesday Tips: how to plan meals for a month

2011-06-21T01:23:00.001-04:00

Welcome back to Tuesday Tips! This blog link up is for any fun tips you have for others, including household tips, kid tips, money saving tips, time saving, and sanity saving. They do not have to be super involved and can just be a little morsel of wisdom you want to share. Just use the code below to place the button on your blog, and then come back here and link up!

This week's Tuesday Tips is courtesy of my good friend Jodi. She has been using monthly meal planning (you heard me right) for two years, much to the awe of all our friends. After much prodding, she agreed to do a class and teach all of us novices how to plan your meals and shopping by month.

1. Think realistically about how dinners you eat at home a week. Don't overestimate. We decided 4 dinners a week was good, since we eat out between 1-2 and we eat leftovers the other nights.
2. Then think about your favorite recipes and any new ones you have been wanting to try. I needed 16 recipes since we were planning for 4 weeks x 4 meals a week.
3. Dowload this form and fill out the weeks on the left-hand side. You can also use the shopping list tab to separate your shopping list among your stores.
4. Then add the names of your meals in the next column, putting as many meals as you decided for each week. Think about grouping your meals together with common fresh ingredients, but still spreading out the types of themes and meats (not all chicken meals or all Mexican meals in one week).
5. Looking at your recipes, use the "Monthly Shopping Items" to list items you can buy at your monthly shopping trips (and it is okay to do monthly trips to multiple store. I plan on doing a monthly trip to BJ's Wholesale Club and Trader Joe's). Put all your meats, shredded bags of cheese (can be frozen), breads, canned goods, rice, pasta, chips, pizza dough/biscuits. Then use the "Weekly Shopping Items" to list items fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, sour cream and fresh bread.
6. Then you make shopping lists for your monthly items, splitting it out between the stores you use. You can also add the regular items you use for breakfast and lunches to your monthly or weekly shopping lists.
7. And now you are ready to shop! My friend Jodi buys meat in bulk packages and then splits it up into the amount she needs for different meals and freezes it in those quantities. She doesn't cut up veggies that day when she does her weekly shopping, but I know others that do all their weekly prep work on Sunday to cut down on dinner time throughout the week.

I am posting a screen shot of my 4 weeks of meals right here and will be happy to send recipes to anyone who likes what they see :-) You will notice I have at least one crockpot meal a week. I work from home on Mondays and Fridays and I find it super easy to throw those into the crockpot during nap time on one of those days. My favorite crockpot book is Make It Fast, Cook It Slow. If you like to crockpot, get this book now. Amazing recipes and for those that need it, they are all gluten-free.

So who is in for trying the monthly meal plan over the summer? Let me know what you think! I hope it will save us a lot of money, time and wasted food. Oh yeah, and I like to look at spreadsheets so that is a plus also.

Always plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark.

~Richard Cushing

hold me closer tiny dancer

2011-06-20T11:52:00.000-04:00

It appears Lila likes the new Sara Bareilles CD as much as I do. And let me tell you what, those baby hips don't lie. What are your favorite summer songs to jam out to?

Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did,

but backwards and in high heels.

~Faith Whittlesey

razor sharp

2011-06-16T01:28:00.001-04:00

You know how when you are in the shower, time seems to stand still? Sometimes, you forget if you just put shampoo or conditioner in your hair. Sometimes you close your eyes and enjoy the feeling of hot water pounding against your hair. And you have no idea how long you just stood there pretending you were underneath a tropical waterfall (with warm water? hey, it's my daydream, step off) and forgetting how exhausted you are and how the coffee hasn't hit your bloodstream yet.

And then you hear the baby babbling over the monitor and she has now woken up and is yelling for daddy to get her out of the crib and Give! Her! The! Milk Cup! And you are trying to open the shower door and yell downstairs for Brian to stop eating cereal and get the baby. And then you jump out realizing this semi-relaxing moment has now made you 10 minutes late.

And then you get to work and go to scratch your leg and cannot figure out why it feels like you are scratching a cactus bush. And then you realize you only shaved one leg. So you spend the rest of the day paranoid that everyone can see the stubbly hair on your left leg and that there might somehow become a moment when it would be appropriate or necessary for your coworker to touch your leg and then they will be totally disgusted and spread office gossip that you lack basic personal hygiene.

Yeah. That sucks.

welcome to Tuesday Tips!

2011-06-14T02:56:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite things about reading blogs is getting great tips from other women. Tips about raising babies, tips about loving your husband, tips to save time and money around the house, tips about life. So in order to facilitate all this fabulous tipping, I have decided to start a weekly blog link up called "Tuesday Tips".

You can link up to your blog with tips about anything you would like. They can be super involved tips, like tutorials. They can be quick tips, like something you read in Real Simple magazine. Tip away on whatever your heart desires. And then, make sure to come back here, grab the button using the code below to put on your blog, and link your blog post up so we can all read your amazing tips. And then do it every week :-) This first week, feel free to link up to your favorite past post with some fun tips. Hope to learn lots of exciting and new things from you all this week!

My Tuesday Tip: With all of the lovely summer fruits and veggies we have been getting at the Farmers Market, grocery store and through our produce delivery service, I have to keep up with how long each have been ripening, etc. However, busy moms = forgotten potatoes in the pantry. I noticed last week that I had some yucky fruit flies visiting my pantry and flying all around my kitchen. After some googling and advice from my sister, I came up with this at home remedy that has completely eliminated the flies!

In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar and several tablespoons of sugar until sugar is mixed in. Put saran wrap over the mixture, poking several large holes (large enough for the flies to go in). They will drown in the mixture and voila! Fruit fly free!

baby beluga

2011-06-13T10:24:00.000-04:00

It is so fun to watch Lila playing with her friends. They are still at the age where playing mostly involves stealing sippy cups and snacks. Nonetheless, Lila's face lights up as she points and yells every time she sees other kids her age. One of her favorite friends is Daisy, the little one of my friend Casey. Lila and Daisy were born three weeks apart and there is something so special about having kiddos that are at the same stage of life, growing and exploring and learning more every day.

PS- this is what results when babies try to share kisses. They end up eating each other faces.

Can you see the look of totally annoyance on Daisy's face? Kills me.

I had the week off this last week for a little staycation and relaxation at home. For those of you cool kids who have not every "stayed," a staycation is where you have time off and instead of travelling, spending lots of money and being generally stressed out, you stay at home. And do all of the things you normally are too busy to do. We grilled out. We went to the park. We ate LOTS of ice cream. We slept in and drank lots of yummy morning coffee. And we went to the pool...four times.

We stepped out one day to visit Daisy and Casey at their neighborhood pool and my goodness these two babies were adorable in their ruffled swimsuits. CANNOT deal with the big tummy, fluffy swim diaper bottom, squealing with glee baby cuteness.

They had a fabulous time splashing in the water, sharing water toys, spinning around singing motorboat songs. And then when they tired of the pool, it was time for naked baby snack sharing with animal crackers. Can't you just imagine them 15 years from now, laying out in their bikinis (full coverage bikinis, of course), listening to music on their future invention non-ipod music players, and discussing their teenage angst while Casey and I embarrass them talking about their naked bottoms toddling around the pool? Oh gosh, one of the things I most look forward to in life is embarrassing Lila in public one day.

Motorboat, Motorboat

Go so slow

Motorboat, Motorboat

Go so fast

Motorboat, Motorboat

Step on the gas!

and the truth shall set you free

2011-06-11T23:14:00.000-04:00

Some days, you just need to hear a little good, hard truth. Even though it might suck. Even though it might make you feel like someone doesn't understand what you are going through. Even though I sometimes want to throw myself backwards on the floor and yell like Lila when God doesn't answer the way I want, when I want.

Photo Credit

inspired kitchen

2011-06-09T11:23:00.000-04:00

This week, I decided to link up with Gussy's Inspiration Workshop. Who is Gussy you might ask? Gussy is a fabulous small business owner who makes lovely ruffled things and likes to inspire the rest of us to go after dreams. Basically, she's pretty fab.

This week's prompt was about where you find inspiration for your kitchen. I love my kitchen and its busy space. It holds my files, my mail, my important papers, my wine, a fridge full of yummy produce just delivered from our new produce delivery service (more on that later this week) and our fabulous colorful dishes we were gifted for our wedding.

Photo Credit

But I still haven't done a lot to our kitchen since we bought our house almost four years ago. We did paint it a fun bright yellow, but it has bright green laminate counter tops and I have a hard time finding wall space for more organization. I have been eying chalkboard paint for some time now and trying to convince my hubby to let me chalkboard something.

I have one little wall in our kitchen that now holds a wall peg rack for Zaxby's leashes and brush. And underneath it, I put up a month whiteboard calendar. It is still listing dates from March-April. Clearly, I am not inspired by this calendar. I would love to try one of these fabulous chalkboard walls in our kitchen, using that wasted space for good! And organization! And To Do lists!

Photo Credit

What is your favorite organization wall you have seen? How do you keep your kitchen organized?

One of the advantages of being disorderly is that

one is constantly making exciting discoveries.

~A.A. Milne