Cheap razors? Yes, please!

I hate spending money on razors.  They are so dang expensive.  I end up not changing out the blades nearly often enough.  Which is no fun either.

A friend of mine found Dollar Shave Club.  Brilliant!  So I signed up.  If you get the $6/month option the shipping is free.  I hate paying for shipping.  I hope the razors are fabulous.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

And if you want to try it out yourself, use my referral code!

http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/ref/index/r/5757/1f34nvq/

I'll keep you posted on whether or not they are good quality when they arrive.  But from here on out I swear I will change my razors more often!

And with that I have successfully finished blogging every. single. day. this. month.  

Don't count on seeing me tomorrow!

Odds and Ends

Random things for you today.

1.  Funny things kids say.  I picked Big One up from school today and she said to me, "Mama, it sure is a blustery day!"  HA!  Well, yes it is, kid.  Yes it is.

2.  I'm feeling overwhelmed thinking of all of the projects I need to get moving on.  I'm making a quilt for Little One.  Not a patchwork quilt, I don't have the patience for that.  One of these days I'll work up the courage to move Little One to her toddler bed, and she will need a blanket.  I have the fabric and the batting.  I just don't have the motivation.

3.  Project number two is that I've decided to make pajama pants for all of us for Christmas Eve.  We usually give the girls Christmas pajamas and then I pick up some PJ pants for the Hubster and he finds something for me.  Last year, I made the Hubster's.  So four pairs?  Why not.  See?  Overwhelmed.

4.  We still have not set up the tree or pulled out the Christmas decorations.  I think we will do that on Tuesday when the Hubster is home from work.  That will give me a chance to get everything else squared away and maybe do some sewing before that room turns into Christmas central.

5.  It is cold here.  And it isn't even December yet.  I have a feeling we are going to have a snowy year.  Sigh.  That will make Big One very happy.  I would much rather have a 70 degree Christmas Day.

Catch Up

The girls had their well checks today (finally).  Having fall birthdays, and having Big One starting preschool means that we have only had a few days since September where the girls have been healthy!

Big One lost interest by the time she got down to the part of the eye chart that really mattered, so she scored a 20/50 for her eyes.  I really don't think she is having trouble seeing.  I could be wrong.  They will check again next year.  She was 34lbs and 39" tall.  Following along her curve still.

Little One is 28lbs and 34" tall.  She is also hitting all of her milestones and following along her curve rather nicely.  They were impressed with her language skills, we have two talkers now.

Little One is catching up.  I think it is probably only another couple of years before she has caught up with Big One in height and weight.  I'm sure at the same time they will be wearing the same size clothing.

The Hubster came with us and he was curious to know how tall they will be.  Apparently there is a formula.  Did you know that?  If you take Hubster's height + My height / 2 and then add 2 inches for a boy and subtract 2 for a girl.  So the girls will probably be around 5'5".  Which makes sense.  That is as tall as me give or take.

Each girl got one vaccine and screamed bloody murder.  Fun times.  But nothing a few munchkins couldn't fix.

Here's hoping they don't pop fevers and sleep tonight!

Girls' Bathroom

I am pretty sure I haven't put up pictures from the girls' bathroom yet.  Have I?  My brain doesn't function when it is this yucky and grey outside.

The Hubster finished this project before starting the Master Bath.  Again, he did a fabulous job.  I think it looks really serene.  I wanted to keep a couple pops of fun in there.  It is the girls' bathroom after all.  So the frogs stayed.

We ended up keeping the vanity and the counter top.  We looked at replacing it, but there really wasn't anything wrong with it.  So we kept it and just updated the faucet and Hubster framed out the mirror.  We also took down a builder's grade medicine cabinet from 18 years ago and replaced it with the one over the toilet.  I had the shower curtain in our pile of extras, we used it when we moved into our first home.  So over all, pretty cheap remodel.

I love that frog mat.

Please excuse the garbage can on top of the toilet.  We have a 2 year old and a dog.  They are both trouble makers.

The Hubster is already going through withdrawals.  Nothing to do?!  A week off?!  Ahh!  He started P90X. I'm not kidding, he cannot sit still.  There are worse things.  Right?!

Family Pic

One of my favorite college friends and her beautiful family came to visit us on Saturday.  I haven't seen her in almost three years, way too long.  We now have three more children between us!

It made my heart so happy to sit and catch up with her and her husband while our children played together.  Amazing.

She started her own photography business and does beautiful work.  She actually took some pics of us the last time we visited her.  I had just found out I was pregnant with Little One.  Big One was 18 months old.  My how time flies.

Here is one of her shots.  I love it!

Pine cones

Every year about this time I'll walk into just about any type of store and smell those amazing cinnamon pine cones.  I love that smell.  It instantly makes me ready for the holidays.

I went to Bed Bath and Beyond for those white towels today.  The cinnamon smell got me before I even made it into the store.  Sigh.

Only difference?  This year I didn't have it in me to keep walking.

So hooray for holiday smells!

We will probably get our tree up some time this week while the Hubster is home.

Master Bath Reveal!

I bet y'all are super excited to see the big master bath reveal!  Probably just as excited as I am to have it done!  Ok... maybe not.  I am really glad to have it done.  We have really been living in a construction zone for months.  It is not fun.  At all.

So here is your warning.  Lots of pictures ahead!

Here are the before pictures.

And..... drum roll please.... the afters!

Ahhhhh so much better!

Not a great pic.  I was trying to let you see the lights.  And the Hubster made the molding around the mirror too.

I also need to buy some white towels.

The Hubster made all of the trim himself too!

I obviously have some decorating left to do.  And purchase those white towels.  But 100% better, right?  I love it!  He did an amazing job.  And I'm glad it is done!  Probably not as happy as the Hubster is though!  

Our family

I've been doing a Thankful post daily on Facebook for the entire month of November.  I did it last year too.  It is a good reminder for me that I do have a lot to be grateful for.  I think when times are tough, or when you little ones running around, it is easy to be frustrated at life over silly things.  Sometimes I just need a good dose of taking a step back and looking at the big picture.  I am very blessed.

I am grateful for many things.  The Hubster has a good job.  He works long and hard hours but it affords us the luxury of letting me stay at home and be with our girls.  We are all healthy.  I cannot explain to you the heartache that hits me when I hear of family or friends that are dealing with health crisis.  My family is all at home, under one roof.  I think this is the first year in a very long time that I do not have a family member serving over seas.  What a huge blessing to have them all here in the States.  But that is also a reminder that there is another family that doesn't get to be together this year.  We have a beautiful home, heat when it is cold, and plenty of food.  My children have more toys than they need.

I am really very grateful for the Hubster.  Things aren't always unicorns and rainbows, but he loves me.  Often times I make him want to bang his head against the wall, I know that, but he sticks around.  He chooses us daily.  He is a supportive husband.  He is a fabulous daddy.  Yesterday, the Hubster cleaned up behind me all day in the kitchen.  I cannot tell you what a gift that was!

So here are a couple of shots from our small Thanksgiving feast at home.  Just the four of us.

Awesome picture opportunity of my beautiful girls!

He loves me.

I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving yesterday with their loved ones.  I hope all of you Black Friday crazies stayed safe!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my family, friends, and blog readers!

It is just the four of us this Thanksgiving, and I decided that I wanted to make a super yummy muffin to start our holiday morning.  I've made these several times in the past, and they never disappoint!

Orange-Cranberry Muffins from my fav food blogger, For the Love of Cooking!  Surprised?  Don't be!

They really take very little time to put together.  Whatever you do, don't skip zesting the orange.  It makes a huge difference in the recipe.  Another thing to remember is that you want your orange juice and cranberry mixture to cool down before adding it into the rest of your batter.  If you don't, you will end up with scrambled eggs in your muffins.  Ew.

I do think I will cut the sugar by half or three-quarters next time.  Just a little sweet.  I've never really noticed it before, so maybe my taste buds are just sensitive today!

One of these days I'll remember to take a picture of the final product!  

Oh and whatever you do, don't skip the raw sugar on the top!  It really makes them special!

I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving today.  I have many, many things to be thankful for.  And you, are one of them!

xoxo

Thanksgiving Prep

I have friends that have been prepping for their Thanksgiving feast for days.  It sort of amazes me.  My parents always cooked all day on Turkey Day.  So I guess that is just what I'm used to.

So my Thanksgiving prep?  I have my canned jellied cranberry sauce in the fridge (hey, don't judge).  I have my sparkling cider in the fridge.  And this year I decided to try my friend Kristen's brining recipe for the turkey.  It smelled amazing when it was on the stove.  I have high hopes for the outcome being delicious!

Your home instantly smells like the holidays!

Apple juice (or cider), salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves, cloves, and an orange peel.  Throw it in a pot and bring it to a rolling boil.  Let it come to room temp before sticking Tom the Turkey in there, and then cover the rest of Tom with water and refrigerate.

I will be roasting Tom tomorrow.  I cannot wait!

Now I am off to do my last night before prep.  Onion dip.  Yum.

Dinner Success!

My children like to torture me.  They hate to eat.  Mostly dinner.  And anything I actually cook.  Typical kids, I am aware, but it is still infuriating.

Last evening was sort of chaotic.  The Hubster got home late.  Big One wasn't feeling well and was whining and miserable.  I was trying to get dinner together and the Hubster noticed that BO was wheezing.  Sigh.

Fortunately, we had Little One's nebulizer and meds from when she was two months old.  So I was able to give BO a treatment and then just call the doc on call.

My point?  Oh yeah...

So I was making blackened flank steak.  For the Love of Cooking is one of my favorite food blogs.  She has never ever let me down.  I have tried many of her recipes, so trust me!  Or go check her out yourself!  I cut the pepper down a bit because I had high hopes the girls would eat it.  AND THEY DID!!!!  It must have been a Mommy is tired and it has been a really long day miracle!

Ours was a little more done than this.  I don't like my meet to moo at me :)

The Hubster prefers to drink his fruits and veggies and I have been rather lazy these days in the cooking department, so I paired dinner with smoothies.  Done and done.

And everyone finished their dinner!

Good Samaritans and Acts of Kindness

So while I was getting my tree yesterday I was lucky enough to bump into several good Samaritans.

1.  As I was staring at the trees there were two couples that I was chatting with.  I was asking questions like: what's the difference with LED lights and the other ones?  Really is this worth the money?  etc...  One older woman was just so nice.  Reminded me of my Nana; just incredibly kind-hearted and warm.  The younger couple was chatting with me as well, it wasn't until I was walking away (empty handed) that I realized they had three very well-behaved children in their cart!

2.  As I was waiting in line and was having second thoughts about skipping the tree, one of the employees offered to help me grab another cart and the tree, and bring it to me in line!

3.  As I was leaving and pushing one cart and pulling the other, the same younger mom offered to push the cart with the tree for me.  Her hubby and kids had gone ahead of her so she had her hands free.  Boy did that make the trek to the car a bit easier!

4.  Once I got to the car and tried to pull out the giant box with my fake tree I realized just how dang heavy it really was!  And stuck in my cart.  A young mom with an infant on her hip came over to hold the cart so I could pull the tree out.  She obviously had her hands full, but was really super willing to help, and it was really sweet of her.

5.  And lastly, as I was still struggling to get that stupid box from the cart, a man came over on his way into the store to help me.  Finally, the tree was in the car.  Geesh.

I am well aware that this post makes me sound incredibly weak!  And probably pretty frazzled as well!  But these people went out of their way to be kind to me, and while I could have figured it all out on my own, it was nice that I didn't have to!  What a nice feeling to know that nice people are still out there.  Also, a great reminder that your small acts of kindness really do make a difference to others!

Fake

So I went to a local warehouse store today.  You know the buying in bulk kind of stores.

It was full of crazies doing their Thanksgiving prep shopping.  My timing was impeccable, let me tell you!  I try to avoid those types of stores on a normal, non-holiday weekend.  Bad, bad timing.  But we needed milk.  So.

While I was there I decided to go down the center aisle.  If you have been to these types of stores you know that is dangerous.  And if you have children with you, you have made a grave error.  For those of you that are not familiar, these aisles are full of seasonal item and toys galore.  But I was alone!  No husband.  No children!

I made it through the toys without a single impulse buy!  Be impressed!

But then.  The Christmas items.  Most importantly, the big fake trees.  Sigh.  I grew up with real trees for Christmas.  I love the experience and the memories of going out and picking our tree.  I vividly remember one year that we dug our tree up and then after the holidays we planted it in our front yard.

However, real trees are kind of a pain, right?  Am I alone here?  You have to make sure it always has water all the time.  If we end up traveling it ends up being dead when we get home.  Heh.  It is kind of expensive.  We end up spending a good $75 each year.  We also inevitably end up with a huge tree that the Hubster has to cut a few feet off of (and boy does he get mad!).  Heh.  And they are so messy!  The Hubster gets irritated every single year because the vacuum gets clogged with needles.  But the beautiful smell....

So I got a tree.  A fake tree.  It makes me sad.  And I might drag the Hubster and the girls out to the tree farm in December anyway.  We can pretend to pick out our tree.  I can take pretend pictures.  The Hubster can pretend to cut one down.  And then we can go home and decorate our pretend tree.

Note to self - pick up those "This smells like Christmas Tree" stick at Walmart.

Aladdin

We gave Little One the Aladdin DVD for her birthday this year.  This is one of my favorite Disney movies.  I remember it coming out.  I'm sure I saw it in the theatre, but I honestly don't remember going.  I remember finding out that the voice of Aladdin is Steve from Full House.  Which was a big deal since most girls had a crush on him at one point or another.

What I remember most about the movie though?  The music.  Such great music.

I was in chorus in middle school and we did an Aladdin medley.  Seriously, such fun memories.  Man do I wish cell phones were around back then so I could post a really awesome video of the performance.  Hehe.

I'm pretty sure the Hubster looked at me like I had three heads when I was singing along with with the movie as the girls were watching it in the car the other day.

Ah... memories.  Surely some of my middle school friends remember our Aladdin performance??

Sneak peak

When the Hubster and I were looking at our house for the first time, our realtor pointed out that there wasn't an access to the plumbing on the tub.  That we would need to make sure when we updated the bathroom to do that.  What did that mean?  Essentially if we were to ever have a leak or something worse, we would have had to break and pull up the tiles to fix the problem.  Hope it wasn't an emergency, right?!

So when we were discussing our updates the Hubster already had an idea in mind.  He would build a box.  With a shelf.  And trim it out.  And... and... and... This is where I nod and smile because I am a visual person, and I need pictures.  Heh.

So after he drew me pictures (I am not kidding) I was on board.

And here is the box.  From scratch.  He is pretty handy, have I mentioned that before?

Hey, he got thirsty!  

And a close up.  Bead board backing.  He routed the edges of the shelves and the boards to match the trim he made for the rest of the room.  And a whole lot easier to remove if we need to!

Not caulked yet, but looking fantastic!

The bathroom will definitely be finished by the end of the month as the Hubster has another stretch of time off from work coming up.  Sort of unexpected, but I'll take it!

There are several more things to go on the "Previous Owner was an Idiot" list as well.  Poor Hubster never knows what he's really getting into when he starts a project, thanks to that guy!

Come out come out wherever you are!

So I love to check the little ticker on the right side of my blog that tells me who is visiting.  It is fun to see people all over the world checking in.  Unfortunately, it only lets me see like the last ten visitors.

I'd love to know where everyone is when they are reading!

Leave me a comment and make me feel super important??

(And yes, lame blog, sorry!)

Master Bath

The Hubster has been on vacation for ten days.  He goes back to work tomorrow.  I am pretty certain we are both ready.  Heh.

He has been working very hard though.  And really long hours.

This is where I would love to show you a before picture of our master bath.  Unfortunately, my computer crashed and the pics were on here.  The Hubster wiped my laptop before we backed up the pics.  Bummer. So imagine off white walls.  4x4 white tiles.  Jacuzzi tub surrounded by more 4x4 white tiles.  White double vanity.  White counter top.  White shower.  Boring. And white.  Did I mention lots of white?  Builder's grade.  Oh and ugly lights.

I don't think I've shown you and updated pic for the girls' bathroom either.  I'll have to do that soon.  He did an awesome job.

Our master bath is pretty big though, and we knew it would take a good amount of time.  And plumbing, which just happens to be the Hubster's nemesis.  (Although he might actually have conquered it!)

So this "vacation" has been full of him ripping out lots and lots of tile.  Re-plumbing the tub.  Laying cement board (which smells horrid if you didn't know).  Laying and cutting tons and tons of tiles.  Grouting.  Cutting the trim for the entire room.  Building a box to have access to the tub pipes in case of an emergency.  Putting in the new vanity.  Putting up the new lighting (2 of 3 fixtures are in!).  Framing out the mirror.  Oh and patching the walls etc too.  Lots of work.

It is finally coming together.  I cannot wait to not be sharing the bathroom with the girls.  I also cannot wait to be sleeping in my own bed again rather than the guest bedroom.

So here is a sneak peak.

Crazy tall walls.

I know.  I'm a big tease.

Lame.

I don't wanna blog today.  It has just been one of those days that I'm ready to go to bed and start again tomorrow.

So I'm going to eat this insanely large sundae the Hubster got for me and then I'm calling it a night.

So there.  Lame blog.

Sorry folks.

Dance!

Both girls are doing dance class right now at the YMCA.

It is Little One's first dance class, and also her first class of any kind without me.  Last week was not pretty.  Little One did fine in the beginning of class but when she saw me it turned ugly and didn't get better.  Rough for both of us.  It didn't help that the class was huge.  Eleven two and three year olds.  Even with two instructors it was just too big.  Of course I complained, this was not the original time slot we signed up for and they insisted no one signed up for the earlier class and that is why it was canceled.  Well, after the chaos that was the first class, they re-opened it.  I won!

So today there were only four little girls in the class.  So much better!  Drop off was still a little bit shaky.  But bubbles seemed to make her happy and the Hubster and I disappeared quickly.  She ended up doing awesome.  Loved running around.  Loved playing with the horse on a stick.  Had a great class.  And I am so relieved!

Could she be any cuter?!

Big One has done ballet classes before, although we've taken a break for six months or more.  She moved up to the next level this time, and is doing ballet and tap.  She was a little timid at first, but her best friend from school is also in class with her, so that helped her to feel more comfortable more quickly!  Big One said she loved the tap part of class, but we are going to have to work on her getting her shoes on by herself (although they do help).

Tapping on her spot!

Mimicking her teacher with her hands on her hips.

So busy, but great morning here!  The girls both had a fabulous time and the Hubster and I loved watching them have so much fun.  Little One's class is definitely less structured, which is fine.  It will be great for her to be away from me a little bit and learn to obey another person.  Big One's class is definitely more structured, and that is going to be great for Big One to follow directions.

Well that was unexpected!

So this morning I was scrolling through the goings on of Facebook and noticed that a farm about 45 minutes away was having free hayrides, cider, and s'mores.  Sounds perfect, right?!  And it would have been, except Facebook has been screwing up the time stamps and order of postings all weekend and I didn't think to check.  Farm was closed on Sundays.  Which we didn't realize until we got there after a 45 minute drive.

The Hubster was not thrilled.  But really, what can you do?  Mistakes happen.

Well turns out he happened to remember one of our friends was racing his car not too far from there.  We met up with him and the Hubster was in Heaven.  He even got to go on three races (runs?) with them.  Did I mention he was in Heaven?

Where was I?  Where were the girls?  We were watching.  That's right folks.  Coolest wive ever right here.  I took kid duty and he got to go have fun.  During lunch/nap time.  I had a blast.  I really did have a good time watching... I just wish there was less of Little One begging to get out of her stroller.  Heh.

On our way home the Hubster said, "That may have been the coolest thing I've ever done."  Kid duty was totally worth that.  Consider that his Veteran's Day gift :)

Super fast!

Two Years Old!

Little One turned two today!  We have officially left the days of babies behind, now we have a toddler.  Sigh.

LO's language skills have exploded over the last few weeks.  She is speaking in full sentences.  Crazy.  She is running.  She is jumping (and sort of getting some air).  She is playing dress up.  She is laughing.  A lot.  She is tickling people to make them laugh.  If you sneeze, or say ouch, or make a funny noise, she asks you if you are ok.  She still gives amazing hugs.  She procrastinates when I put her to bed.  She loves to read.  She loves to snack.  She is pretty good at sharing.  Oh, and she loves to say, "No!  I don't want to!"  Sigh.

We didn't do much today but just hang around the house as a family.  I am ok with that.  I think she is too.  She loves spending time with us just playing with her toys (new and old).

It is hard not to just stare at her in amazement of what a beautiful (inside and out) child she is.  I cannot wait to see what she decides to do with her life.  But I know it will be something great.  She just oozes love and happiness.  I pray she never, ever loses that.

Sugar. Sugar. And more sugar.

This is the best picture of her all day.  Two year olds don't sit still!

Quick trip

So we took a quick trip to my sister's today. Last minute. And so very glad we went!

We got to see my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin (and her very nice boyfriend)! Such a fun night.

Playing ponies with my Cousin

The girls (minus me)

With my Uncle

Big One and my Auntie (that is not BO's beer.  I swear!)

Make Up Tips

So it really has to be an emergency for me to leave the house without make up on.  I am a little vain.  You never know who you are going to run into!

So I have a well crafted make up routine each day.  It doesn't take me more than ten minutes.  Maybe not even that long.  But I am guilty of skipping it if we are having a quiet day at home.

Then I saw this pinned on Pinterest last week.

Under eye concealer.  That is something that I have never bothered with.  I probably should have tried it out while I was up all night with my children.  Heh.

My face is way too uneven to use a powder foundation, but I decided I would give the concealer a shot.  I picked it up when I was at Walmart and I think it was less than $8.

Pretty sure there is some improvement, but I wish they had an even lighter shade, because I am as white as they come.  :)

I'll be sure to ask my sister when I see her next.  No doubt she will give me an honest answer.  I asked the Hubster how my make up looked this morning and he said fine.  Thanks, honey.

So my review of Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (longest name ever)?  I like it.  It isn't super heavy.  It is easy to use.  The first use I felt like I was turning forever before it started to work.  To the point that I was thinking bummer, is it broken?  My only complaint is that even the Fair isn't light enough to do exactly what it is supposed to do.

One of these days when the sun is shining I might take a pic for you.  Might.  And it might just be an After picture.  I did mention that I was a little vain, right?

Happy birthday, Dad!

Today is my dad's birthday.  I will be polite and not tell you how many years young he is today.

We didn't get to see him, as he lives so far away.  But the girls and I called him this morning and wished him a happy birthday.  Big One sang the birthday song.

We also got to quickly Skype with him tonight.  BO drew a picture of him and her together.  She had a flower in her hair.  She made sure to ask me what color his eyes were so she could get the picture just right.  I don't think she could have been more excited to show him.  Maggie was thrilled to see Papa and scream for him every time he exited the computer screen.  Heh.

So now to brag on my dad a bit.  He is one of the most hardworking people I know.  He has made sacrifices without prompting in order to make his family happy.  He traveled a lot when we were growing up, and I was always sad when he missed different events (most memorable was a piano recital of mine) but now that I am older, I get it.  I imagine it wasn't easy for him to miss either.  But he was working hard to provide for his family.  He has taken jobs that didn't really excite him just so he could contribute.

He also is great at staying in contact with so many people from his past and has gotten several of them new jobs or edited their cover letters or their resumes.  Which brings me to my next point...

My dad is generous.  He is incredibly generous with his time.  He will help out anyone who asks, even if it means his body will pay for it later, or he has something else he would really rather be doing.  Why?  Because it is the right thing to do.

He has also taught me that doing the right thing isn't always the easy thing.  Most of the time it is the opposite, it is the hard choice.  Going against the grain is often frowned upon... but if you are doing what is right then the goal at the end means the journey is worth it.

My dad has taught me the value of money.  That it is important to work hard to earn it, but also that you should not be spending more than you have.  I should have listened to that while I was in college and making poor choices and paying for them with a credit card I had no business having.

And when I was in over my head after graduation, my dad helped me see I could find my way out of the hole I created.  All. By.  Myself.  After all, that was how I got into debt too, right?  He helped me come up with a plan, a budget, and a schedule.  Nice to know I had someone (and lots of others) in my corner at a really scary time!

My dad is a pretty decent listener, but he is an awesome advice-giver.  I know that I can go to him when I need help sorting through things and need a solution.

Now please know that growing up our relationship was not all unicorns and rainbows, we argued.  a lot.  But when it came right down to it, we are family.  Have a differing opinion is fine.  Arguing is fine.  Telling each other how you feel is fine.  Work it out and move on.  If everyone was the same and thought the same, life would be pretty boring.

It will never cease to amaze me how important my parents are to me still.  How much I depend on them still. A lot.  I talk to them.  A lot.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happy birthday, Dad!  And here's to many more!  Thanks for being the best dad I could ever ask for!

I love you!

School Pic!

Big One had her first school picture a few weeks ago.  I have been very anxious to see it.  She has a fabulous real smile.  But she also has a funny silly smile.  I TRY to get her real smile when I take her pictures.  I have found that the best way to get it is by laughing myself.  That makes her laugh and she just lights up.

I think her school picture is somewhere in between, but she looks beautiful, as always.  And boy have I seen worse!

Starbucks Knock Off

I grew up drinking hot apple cider.  I have never been a chocolate milk drinker.  Never a hot chocolate drinker.  Ew.

And then I got pregnant with Little One.  And we have a Starbucks in our grocery store.  And it gets cold here.

So I tried their Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate.

Boy was that a mistake.  Yum.

There are certainly more expensive drinks you could get at SB.  Certainly less healthy things too.  But still.  I'm cheap.  $2.70 for a tall?  Ouch.

And then I ran into this recipe for Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate on Pinterest today.

I will be trying it this week.  Sure it is a good amount of work.  But it sounds awesome.  And it is going to get chilly.  So perfect timing.

I'm sure the Hubster would be happy to hear I cut our grocery bill by $2.70 each visit.  Heh.

Family

I've been thinking about family a lot recently.

More specifically, how blessed I am.  My parents have a strong marriage.  Not to say that things were always easy, certainly they are not.  But they work through obstacles together.  They are always a model of the marriage that I want to have with the Hubster.  I have memories from childhood and adulthood where after dinner they would turn on some music in the living room and slow dance.  I used to think it was silly.  Now?  Now I think they have the right idea!  Take some time from the dirty dishes and reconnect with a slow dance.  The dishes will keep.

I shared a room with my big sister from the time I was six until I was fifteen.  I am certain that those were not all great times.  I'm sure my messes drove her insane.  I am also sure that it drove her crazy when I would go through her things.  There are only three years between us, but growing up it seemed like an eternity.  Now? She is one of my best friends.  I talk to her almost every day.  I see her at least once a month.  It isn't always easy, she has a busy schedule, and so do we, plus the almost two hours distance between us.  But she always makes the effort.  And having her so close keeps me a little less sad about being so far from my parents.

My little brother, who is much bigger than me, is six years younger than me.  We were not super close growing up.  Six years is a big difference.  Also, he was a boy.  So.  Not much in common.  But over the last several years I kind of just look at him in amazement.  He really has grown up.  We have adult conversations.  He gives me advice.  He is a good listener.  And he is making quite the life for himself.  I don't get to see him quite as often because of the distance, but he makes the effort to spend as much time with us as his schedule will allow.

I have lots of Aunts and Uncles and cousins too.  Lots of them.  And I grew up having them around a lot.  Holidays, birthdays, vacations.  Some of my favorite memories involve them.  Playing card games.  Baseball games.  Ice cream after dinner.  Days at the beach.  Sleeping on every inch of the floor in the living room because that is just where we wanted to be.  Talking until very late at night.  It sort of amazes me how close we all were, this was before the Internet.  Before cell phones.  Before long distance was free!  We just picked up where we left off.

Then I have the family that I chose.  My life with the Hubster.  Again, not always easy, but always worth it.  He chose me.  Pretty incredible, right?  What a cool feeling knowing that the person you have fallen head over heals for wants to spend the rest of his life with you!  And we have these amazing little girls together.  They are the best parts of me and the best parts of the Hubster.  We get to see them grow.  Give them opportunities.  Teach them right from wrong.  And hope that they have wonderful memories of their childhood, just like I do.

Having this life takes a lot of effort some days.  I'm not sure that I would necessarily give myself an A+ each night.  But I know that my girls love me.  They absolutely know that we love them.  My husband doesn't go a day without me telling him how much I love and appreciate him.

So, if you come by unannounced my house may not be show room ready.  But that is ok, we are busy making memories here.  The dishes will keep.

Girls Weekend

The girls and I are spent Friday night and today with my sister.  We love having Auntie so close!  The rest of my family is way too far away for a weekend trip, so it is nice that I don't have to be completely homesick!

We went on a subway!  The girls were thrilled!  Last year Big One was in total amazement at the big train!  Little One was very little, so I bet this year she is going to be over the moon!

And we went to a big food expo, so that is right up my alley. A lot of walking and chasing the munchkins. Lots of crowds.  Lots of taste testing things.  

And Greek food for dinner!  My sis has this super tasty restaurant right by her house.  Chicken gyro?  Yes please.  Greek fries?  Mmm hmmm.  Greek salad?  Yup!  Heaven.  And someone else is going to make it!  With no clean up!

It was a great time.  Well, most of it.

LO decided that she didn't want to sleep in the Pack-N-Play.  So after her yelling/screaming/crying for a good long while, I gave it, put her in the bed I was going to sleep in with a bunch of pillows around her.  Heh.  That didn't work either.

So back in the PnP.  Um, no.  Cue violent coughing/gagging noises that made me fear for my life that she was going to get sick all over the place (fun times, BO never ever did that!).

Back in bed, this time I said fine, I'll go to bed too.  It was around 10pm. I tried singing to her.  I tried rubbing her back.  I tried playing with her hair.  I tried pretending I was asleep.  I tried turning my back to her.  I tried hiding under the sheets.

Nothing worked.

She kicked me in the back.  She kicked me in the head (how is that possible?!).  She sang twinkle twinkle little star.  She played with my hair and told me it was "pwitty."  She poked my eyes and said, "Mama wake up!"

At 12:12 I put her back in the dang PnP.

Done.  So. Very. Done.

She was out like a light at 12:15.  Sigh.  

It is a good thing she is cute.

Sisters <3

I know I say this all the time, but Big One could be her kid!

Good thing you are cute, kid.  Mama is tired.

Artist and a Snack-a-holic

Big One loves to color.  Loves.  Her amazing Auntie brings in all of the recyclable paper from work (you know, the stuff that has one random line printed on it?) whenever she visits so she has a ton of paper to use.  She goes through at least 5 pieces a day.  And that is being conservative.

Who knows, maybe she will be an artist some day!

Her ability to recreate something is pretty cool.  She has the memory of an elephant.

Cinderella - complete w/ blue ribbon in her hair.

Winnie the Pooh.

In other funny news, Little One is quite the Snack-a-holic.  She will happily push away most things you give her for meals during the day and then five minutes later declare that she is hungry.  Sigh.  This is a pretty common site if I forgot to put the child locks on the pantry.

What?  I'm not going to eat it out of the bag, I have a bowl!

And it is popcorn!  That is healthy!

Rainbow Party and NaBloPoMo

It is that time of year again.  What time?  Crazy time for our household.  Birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Craziness on top of craziness.

And.  NaBloPoMo.  So.  Here is Day 1.

Over the weekend we celebrated the girls' birthdays!  We do them together because our families live several hours away, so one trip is really the easiest.

This year we did a Rainbow Party!  I think it turned out awesome.  Thank you Pinterest for all of the fab ideas!

My amazing friend, Brie, made an amazing party package of labels for me!  Everyone knew what they were eating and what all of the activity centers were and they were just so gosh darn cute!!  You can check out her shop ModInkDesign and take advantage of her Grand Opening Sale!

This was probably the first party that I didn't have a ton of leftovers.  Well, except hot dogs.  We cooked way too many of those.  Even the two layer cakes were almost gone!  There were about 50 of us.  But that is a lot of cake!

The kids had a blast.  The bounce house we bought for them (used) was a huge hit.

And the girls got an insane amount of gifts from our generous family and friends.

Next year I swear I will get more of my party projects done ahead of time so I don't put my family to work so much.  Really!  I promise!

It really was a fabulous day.  Thanks to everyone who made the time to come and celebrate with us.  These are for sure the memories that the girls will keep with them forever.

This balloon banner was a last minute addition to my To Do list and I think it made for an awesome entrance!
(Thanks mom!!)

All dressed up and ready to party!

The dresses I made!

This was supposed to be a good picture opportunity for the parents/kiddos.  It went unused.  Oh well.

"Special Cheerios" aka Fruit Loop necklaces were a big hit!

Big One could happily color all day long.  This was a big hit.

I should have covered this Ikea table because it is now covered in paint.  The kids loved this.

Little One painting.

Dessert table.  Skittles and sugar cookies on the left.  M&M bars and twizzlers on the right.
The cloud and rainbow turned out awesome.  I think I'll put it in the playroom.  I can't imagine throwing it away.

Rainbow cake!  It tasted as good as it looked!  The fondant rainbow was also a late add to my To Do list.  I am so glad I made it though.  What a statement, right?!

Big One was very excited about the cake!

Before you ask, it is Funfetti Cake.  Surprised?  I have done cake from scratch before, but I haven't found one that I like as much as a plain ol' box mix!

These were also a big hit.  And again, I took some help from a pre-made mix.

Appetizers.  The cucumbers were served with a chive and basil cream cheese spread.  It was awesome.
I may or may not have bought another cucumber the next day for all of the leftover spread.

We had a hot dog bar and a ton of fixin's

Absolutely no leftovers.

Rainbow veggie platter was also gone.