Driveway Picnic

It rained today, so it's cooler than usual. Rain + Cooler Weather = Driveway Picnic! {It's too wet to sit on the grass but too nice out to stay inside.} I personally enjoyed my PB&J quite a lot!

Cheers!

When did I get such wrinkly eyes? Eeks!

I have passed the gift of hyperbole on to Maya. Lately, every day has been "the best day of {her} whole life!".

I'm digging the new A&W cans. They look like barrels. Very cute.

I bought myself a present today at Target. I couldn't resist them.

Anything for a Cupcake

I had the most ridiculously delicious cupcake at the Ice Cream Festival from a lovely little place called Hey Cupcake. The cupcake below, to be exact. {I had to crop my gross, unshowered, sweaty self out of this one, but I promise it's me. I'd know those unmanicured fingers anywhere!} Today I was in need of a cupcake - it was time to venture out to find this "cupcake stand". From the address, I figured it was near UT campus. I should have been leery. But I won't let a little traffic stand between me and my cupcake, so we forged ahead. But I forgot about one way streets. And nowhere to park. And "friendly" officers milling around waiting to give out a ticket. And lots of 20-year-olds, just out of bed, all "fresh faced" from last night's round of frat parties. {And let's not forget, a real-life sighting of manpris! Did I mention that I HAD my camera and was all set to take a pic for Tara, manpris' biggest fan, when I noticed I'd left the memory card behind. Boo.} Once we finally spotted the cupcake stand (complete with huge cupcake perched up top), I realized that it was impossible. There was nowhere to park at all. For blocks. I contemplating dropping my 3 year old off on the sidewalk with a $20 while I circled the block, but thought better of it. Sigh. We (okay, mostly me) were all terribly disappointed.

But Mamas can't be defeated that easily. I'm an expert on cupcakes. I can make this work. So we swung by Whole Foods for some of their adorable cupcakes. I wish I'd taken pics of Maya's giant teddy bear cupcake or Mason's little monster cupcake, but since I was sans memory card and their cupcakes were consumed immediately (if not sooner), it was not to be. But here's my lovely little darling. I'm about to pour myself a huge glass of milk and enjoy some me time.

Snake Party

My fun friend Stacie is throwing a snake party for her son Matt's 7th birthday, complete with a live snake show. How cool is that? The kids are going to dig that, I'm sure. I did the invites for her, but oddly enough, I couldn't track down any snake themed party supplies online. I would have thought snakes would be a favorite theme for grade-school boys. Oriental Trading does have some fun snake favors, though.

{Do you like how I blurred out the details? That's so you won't hop on a plane and attempt to crash the snake party. Although, knowing Stacie, you'd just be welcomed in and handed a piece of cake and/or her baby.}

Here Comes the Mess Maker

As parents, we're used to a certain amount of messes. They still drive us crazy, but at least we know to expect them. It bugs Chris more than it does me. I'm just naturally more of a slob than he is. {I say that with more pride than I should.} In particular, Chris hates messes on our bed. If any of my stuff or the kids' stuff ends up on "his side" of the bed, he gets very cranky about
it. {I should say, for those who don't know Chris personally, that this is pretty much his only cranky characteristic. And we're all allowed at least one - some of us more - so I should cut him some slack.} That said, it's a good thing he didn't see what Mason was up to on our bed today. This would have bugged the snot out of him.

The Ladies that Lunch

“Being pretty on the inside means you don't hit your brother and you eat all your peas - that's what my grandma taught me."

~ Lord Chesterfield

Maya enjoyed a pre-ballet class lunch at Micky D's with Grandma. I have to say, Grandma is the only person who can actually get these kids to eat. {Perhaps that is because Grandma favors McDonalds and carries a stash of chocolate in her purse.}

Free Banner Fridays! (Part II)

Two things that tickle my fancy right now? The very retro brown/aqua color combo and the lovey damask patterns that are everywhere right now. So that's the inspiration for this week's banner. If this tickles your fancy, leave a comment on this post by Thursday. You'll be entered to win this banner, customized just for you.

Input Needed - "Savior of the World" Production

This is a request to my LDS buddies to give me any input they may have on the "Savior of the World" production. This musical was originally put on in Salt Lake City during the Winter Olympics, and has now been released church-wide for groups to perform. I'm on the committee to put it on in our area a year from now, which is great fun and exciting, as well as a little overwhelming at the moment (we're just getting started)! But what's great about the church is that somebody always knows somebody who's already done this...and if that somebody is you, let me know your thoughts! If you've seen it, heard stuff about it, worked on it...please fill me in.

Just reading the script of this play was an amazing experience. Goose bumps and tears. I think it's going to be a spectacular experience to work on this. If you'd like to check out the script, click here. To download MP3s of the music, click here. Or you can check out parts of a performance here (look for the clips titled "Savior of the World" from this YouTuber).

For The Non-Politically Inclined

I dread presidential elections. I'm just not politically savvy. I don't have terribly strong opinions about most things, I hate debating, political advertising drives me bonkers. It's just so not for me. I do feel the need to be more politically informed. But it's all very overwhelming. So I loved this nifty site. It's a Presidential Selector Tool. You answer questions about your general political preferences and beliefs, and it matches you up with your ideal candidate. This is so useful for me! Now I know which candidates to look at more closely. Do give it a try if you're interested...

{Thanks, Jenny for the tip. Girl, why aren't you blogging yet?}

Don't Just Stand There, Bust a Move!

Maya started her dance class at Little Gym today. That girl's got moves! :)

As always, I'm super impressed with Little Gym's programs. I SO did not want my baby in a $300 costumes, full make-up, sitting around half the class-type of program. Like everything else we've done at Little Gym, this class is all about FUN! I love it! And so did Maya. {And that's the really fun part! Watching her participate with such *gusto*!}

Use Your Six Cents...

...To get inexpensive prints. winkflash has 4x6 prints on sale for 6 cents each! Hello! Stock up! Use the coupon code JC53YR73 to hook yourself up with this deal.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

If you asked Chris, I'm sure he could tell you the exact number of moments until "FOOTBALL STARTS"! He's a college football maniac. And now that we're Texans, we're Texas fans, of course. But first and foremost, we're Utes. Hard core. Red blooded. Loud and proud. They open their season tomorrow against Oregon State! Can I get a "Go Utes!"?

How To Spend the Last Days of Summer

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time."

~John Lubbock

{Hammock available here. Via Design Mom.}

By Order of the Management

I need these for my house. Not that it would help. My kids don't care what management says. {Unless management is yelling.} Oh, and plus, they can't read. But they're cute, right?

{Available here. Check out the other cute designs as well.}

For My Adventureous Girl

I'm about ready for a room re-do in Miss Maya's bedroom. I think the "Around the World" bedding from Kukunest would be a perfect place to start. How cute is this?

Best Imitation of Myself

{Title courtesy of a favorite Ben Folds song.}

Last night after tubby time, I found Mase doing just one last e-mail check before bed. Reminds me of someone I know...hmmm. Who could that be?

Both Sides of the Spectrum

Carolyn & I couldn't decide on colors for her banner, so we did a little experimenting. Care to vote for your fave?

#1 - Amy Butler-esque

#2 - B&W Damask-ish

I also did this one for my brother-in-law Quinn. How manly, right? That was a fun change.

New banner coming on Friday! {I hope!}

Frankly My Dear...

We just finished watching Gone With the Wind. It's one of my all-time favorites, but it's been years since I've watched it. Chris declared it his favorites out of all the movie classics we've been partaking of lately. I don't know if I should be pleased by his good taste or annoyed that he thinks anything could possibly be better than Mr. Darcy.

If you've never watched it, you should! If for nothing but the costumes. And the amazing sets. And for the fact that Scarlett's exclamations include "Fiddle-dee-dee!" and "Great balls of fire!". I am so adopting those as part of my every day lingo.

It's loo-ooo-ng, though. Plan a couple of nights...

10 Splurges, 10 Bargains

Cammie tagged me on this one. So you all know I'm terrible about following through on tags. But this one tickled my fancy. So here we go...

10 Splurges
1. Clothing (in volume). I buy mostly inexpensive clothes and shoes, but I buy LOTS of them.
2. Jeans. Tall girls can't wear cheap jeans. It just does not work.
3. Date night food. Chris and I love to eat out at yummy restaurants. The Melting Pot is a particular traditional favorite.
4. Hair. I spend big bucks on my cut and color. And you'd better believe I buy the products. Aveda Rosemary Mint shampoo and conditioner, and Bumble & Bumble styling products all the way!
5. Make-up. I'm mostly a MAC girl. LOVE it!
6. Trips. I wish I could afford to take more trips. But when I do get out there in the big, bad world, I make the most of it.
7. Salon Services. I don't pluck my own eyebrows. And I don't touch my own feet.
8. Tipping. I'm a notorious over-tipper. It comes from my days waitressing at the good 'ol Olive Garden.
9. Skin care. I've been a fan of the Clinique 3-Step Program for something like 15 years. And it's never done me wrong. (And, comparatively, this isn't actually a splurge. There are some pricey products out there!)
10. Diapers. Pampers all the way! There is some brand loyalty here. Nothing but Pampers on my baby's little bottom.

10 Bargains
1. Clothing (individual pieces). I buy nearly everything I own from Target, with a little bit of Old Navy, Forever 21 and Ross thrown in.
2. Shoes (individual pairs). Target and Payless is pretty much all I need in this department.
3. Accessories. I used to be an accessory snob. But since I discovered that Mason is equally adept and destroying cheap and expensive accessories, I've switched to cheap. Thank you La-Di-Da and Claire's.
4. Cars. We buy used and we don't buy often. Nothing feels more wasteful to me than making a car payment. I don't want to drive a clunker, but I don't need top of the line.
5. Furniture. Until my kids are old enough to not destroy my furniture, I won't be buying the furniture of my dreams. I can live with what I have.
6. Gadgets. I do have an iPod, but only the bare minimum and cheapest accessories. And I do have a cell phone, but it's ghetto. And usually dead at the bottom of my purse.
7. Groceries. I'm actually partial to HEB "private label". I seriously prefer it. But even if I didn't, I'd buy it. I'll buy the cheapest grocery item even if it's only 2 cents less than the name brand.
8. Fingernails. My toes need to be gorgeous. But I couldn't care less about my fingernails. I clip them myself from time to time, and that's all the attention they get. No filing. No polishing. No pushing the cuticles back. I can't be bothered to do it myself or pay a professional.
9. Car/Home Cleaning/Maintenance. I won't pay one dollar to get my car washed. That's what my kids are for. They like the hose. And however much I would love to have a house cleaner and a yard guy, I will probably never splurge for that. I feel too guilty to even consider it.
10. Laundry Soap. The big ol' Costco bucket will do me just fine. Costco dishwasher soap works just lovely for me, too.
11. Purses. I love my knockoff Coach and Louis Vuitton bags. My attention span is short. By the time they wear out, I'm ready for a change anyway. I do only buy the "good" knockoffs. They really do look legit! (Had to throw in that extra one.)

And now...as for tagging. I don't want to tag anyone who doesn't want to do it. And I don't want to leave anyone out who does want to do it. SO...if you find this interesting and would like to do it yourself...TAG! You're it.

Cranky Pants

Yo, ho ho! Who's {pirate's} booty wouldn't look fabulous in a pair of Jolly Roger Cranky Pants?! These hand-knit are just too arrrgh-dorable, are they not? Shiver me little timbers, indeed. But, blimey, there's a mile long waiting list for them. They're a treasure worth waiting for, though (click "request restock notice" to get on the waiting list). Unless you're willing to plunder for them.

{$60-$70/pair, depending on the size of your little scallywag. Available in size 3-6 months up to 18-24 months. Also available in Sock Monkey and Monster versions...}

Sock Monkey

Monster

{Available at Maher Dry Goods.}

Hot Fudge Sundae Cake

I have never had any luck making the gooey, molten chocolate cakes. It never does what it's supposed to do for me. But since I'm absolutely giddy about making dessert in the crock pot, I think I might give this one a whirl...{Via the Rach.}

Cooking spray
1 cup flour
1/2 cup plus 1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup plus 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons mild olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
1 1/2 cups boiling water
1 cup heavy cream, chilled

1. Spray the slow cooker with cooking spray. In a bowl, mix the flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa, the baking powder and salt. Stir in the milk, olive oil and vanilla. Scrape the batter into the slow cooker and smooth the top. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, 1/4 cup cocoa powder and the espresso powder. Whisk in the boiling water. Pour the mixture over the batter.
2. Cover and cook on high until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. Turn off the slow cooker, remove the lid and let the cake cool, 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons cocoa. Whisk in the heavy cream. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the mixture until soft peaks form.
4. Scoop the warm cake and its sauce into bowls. Dollop the cocoa whipped cream on top.

Banner Winner!

Yay, Carolyn, you're the proud owner of this banner! Email me {natcottam AT yahoo DOT com} and let me know what you'd like it to say! I can also change up the colors for you if there's a color scheme you like better...just let me know!

Ummm, so I didn't get to making another banner to give away this past week...it was a crazy one. But do watch for more banners in the future!

10 Things I Love About My Mama

My Mom declined to take Tib up on her "tag" to make a list of 10 things she loves about herself. She claims she couldn't think of 10. I say baloney to that! I could think of 10 in the next 10 seconds. But since I'm not the only one who loves my Mama, I'm going to let you in on the fun. Those of you know her, (or know her via the world wide web) leave a comment with something you love about her. And we'll create a little list for her! I'll start...

I love that she takes incredible care of the people she loves.

Fluffy Clouds & Feeling Closer to God

We have had the best, fluffiest clouds in the skies over Austin lately. Sunshine-y days, blue skies and huge, fluffy clouds. I absolutely love it. I was explaining to Chris the reason why - fluffy clouds make me feel closer to God. I remember trying to explain the concept of Heaven to Maya. Boy, it's hard to explain something to children that you don't really "get" yourself. An area of particular interest for her (and for me) is the "where" of it all. Where is Heaven? I don't really know. I sort of gesture at the sky in my explanation of where it is. "It's above us. And all around us." I think that's why I like the clouds. They sort of "define" the space of where Heaven might be. They give me something physical to look up toward, instead of just gesturing at the air around me. It gives me an actual spot where angels might be looking down from, on me, and my family - on everyone. Maybe that sounds crazy, but it helps me to have something tangible to grasp on to...or look up to, in this case. Not only is it a reminder, yet again, of the all-powerful nature of God, it's also a reminder of the absolutely amazing beauty that God has blessed us with on this earth. And it brings to mind a favorite scripture, one that brings me great comfort in my days...

"But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his works. And thus it is. Amen."

1 Nephi 9:6

Photo via Flickr.

A Few Friends, A Little Chocolate - A Lot of Laughs!

My friend Stacie has the ultimate party house. So we invited a few friends over, told them to bring their best chocolate treats, and had a mini-chocolate festival. It was fun sampling everything - then we voted and awarded prizes for the yummiest stuff. {Which - hello, we're all winners here! Everything was ridiculously delicious.} The chocolate was great - the games were even better. One in particular, "telephone charades" had everyone in stitches. It was hilarious. {If you want a full description on how to play - e-mail me. It's hard to explain, but easy to play - and fun!} At the end, everyone took home a bag full of treats. A very fun little gathering to throw together, if you're looking for a reason to party! {And who's not?!}

Some how I didn't get any pic of the chocolate. Does the voting ballot do anything for you?

Stacie is the perfect partner in crime. What a fun girl!

Chris acts out "first sloppy kiss" in telephone charades.

This is how Kurt interpreted it when it got down the line to him. Juli seems amused!

Tim, Chris & Shelly have a laugh about the sloppy kiss. Chris is a very descriptive actor! {That's my baby!}

Kristen & I demonstrate "Jazz Hands!"

Conga line? Nope, it's telephone charades!

Natalie acts it out for her hubby, Ryan.

Kristen & Naomi like this one!

The team prepares...

A few of my favorite girls...{me}, Shelly, Stacie & Kristi.

Scroll past this one quickly. It is somewhat cute at first glance but gets uglier the more you look at it.

Ryan & Nat are telling secrets!!!

More favorite girls: Natalie, {me} and Juli. Juli and I have a pregnancy pact. Our kids (my #1 & #2, her #3 & #4) were each born 2-3 days apart. But she ran off & got preggers (that's #5, y'all!) without me. Lucky for her, I still look more pregnant at -zero weeks pregnant (and let's keep it that way) than she does at 4 months. Yes, being pregnant with her is a trial indeed, little Miss Tinyness. But I'm still bitter that she abandoned me. It was a PACT, people! :)

Anyway, it was a sweet night indeed. This will have to be repeated again soon. And again. And again.