Yum-O!

I was perusing The Rach's new family cookbook at Sam's Club today, and I have to say, it's a darn good one! Not darn good enough to buy, but we all know how dedicated to cooking I am. If you serve more to your children than the grilled cheese dinner special, you might want to check it out. Lots of fun, quick and healthy options that will please the whole family. You can order it here, but it's cheaper at Sam's Club. {Probably at Costco, too...}

It's Not the Last Decision You'll Ever Make...

This month's Real Simple featured a "things my mother taught me" section, something that's always fun to read. It would be hard for me to pick just one thing to illustrate all that my Mama has taught me - I've learned so much from her! Anyway, I particularly loved this answer:

"There Will Always Be Other Sweaters" - by Jenny Bowers

"Mildly frustrated and bemused by my indecision in choosing a new sweater on a shopping trip, my mother coined the phrase 'It's not the last sweater you're ever going to buy.' This deceptively simple maxim has entered common parlance between me and my friends whenever we need a way of cajoling one another into taking leap instead of dwelling. We have realized that if you make a mistake, there will always be another chance to get it right."

I SO love that! While it is important to take certain decisions seriously and consider them prayerfully (not the sweater thing, obviously), it's also important to remember that this life is all about trial and error. It's okay to take some chances, see what happens and go from there. We're not expected to make all the right choices the first time around. I want to be more that way. More open to new experiences. More willing to try something different. If it doesn't work out, so what? It's not the last decision I'll ever make! It's not like I can't go back and try something else. Because, as the author said, there will always be another chance to get it right...

{PS - this makes it sounds like we're on the cusp of big decisions in our life, which, in fact, we're not. But all around us people are making big decisions. So I'm encouraging everyone to be bold and courageous. And when it's my turn for big decisions, I'll try to do the same...}

Mermaid Firefighter

Maya was decked out in her mermaid gear + firefighter hat, and dying to play fireman. So I let her "put out" the flowers. I love it when play time and work time can intersect, and they're none the wiser!

She also took the liberty of "putting out" Mason. Thanks, Maya! Thank goodness she was on top of that one. Of course, he loved it.

To Drink-Card or Not To Drink-Card

One of the "tough" questions I'm facing as I get ready for our cruise next week is whether or not to buy a "drink-card". It's not that I'm a crazy soda-guzzler, but it does sound convenient to have my drinks pre-paid. But I've never been on a cruise before. So to those that have, should I get the drink card or not? Are the single drinks affordable enough to just get a couple a day? Is water easily accessible?

And while we're at it, how about some packing tips, or just general cruising tips? Because this is my favorite topic of discussion at the moment. I'd love to get some input...

Tell Me About It...Stud!

Does anyone remember Olivia Newton-John saying that to John Travolta when she shows up as the trampsformed Sandy in Grease? That line always cracked me up.

Anyway, how funny are these "stud" earrings? Oh, I find them endlessly amusing. Yes, they rather tickle me. Very funny indeed.

Get them here.

Baby Hawk

I've never gotten much use out of my baby carrier in the past. In fact, I found it pretty darn confounding and uncomfortable as well as rather unattractive. But I'm thinking with baby #3, I'm going to need a baby carrier. And I'm pretty well in love with the Baby Hawk! It looks ultra-comfy and the styles are adorable! You can pick from their large selection on in-stock carriers, or create your own in their design center by picking from a variety of strap colors and then choosing the fabric of your choice from their huge + awesome selection. You can even make it reversible with different fabrics on each side! Man-oh-man! I think this is a must-get...

Simple Indulgence

I've had a tube of crescent rolls in my refrigerator for a while now. Thanks to Real Simple, I know what I'm going to do with them...easy chocolate croissants! How simple does this sound?

>1 8-count tube refrigerated crescent rolls
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped semisweet chocolate

Heat oven to 375° F.

Unroll the dough and separate it into 8 triangles. Place about 10 chocolate chips on the bottom third of each triangle and roll the dough up around the chocolate.

Transfer the croissants to a baking sheet (lined with parchment paper, if desired, for easier cleanup). Bake until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Yield: Makes 8 croissants

Mmm. I guess that doesn't qualify as a healthy breakfast, does it?

Getting Older...

"The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been."
~ Madeleine L'Engle

{Visiting Jennifer in NYC in 2007.}

Today my very best friend Jennifer turns 30! She and I have been friends since 7th grade. We no longer spend all of our waking hours on the phone to each other, but when we do talk, we pick right back up where we left off. We haven't lived near each other in 12 years, but we get together every year, without fail. Our lives have taken different roads, to be sure. I'm coming up on 10 years of marriage and 3 kids. She's a PR executive who has lived in New York City for years and now resides in Washington DC. She's got man drama. I've got poopy diaper drama. But it doesn't matter. When we get together, it's like nothing has changed at all. I talk about my stuff, she talks about hers, we reminisce about how we used to be and how much we've changed...and stayed the same. I feel so lucky to have a friend like that!

So happy birthday, Jennifer! Here's to many, many happy years ahead. I know someday, we'll be cackling old ladies, still shopping, eating and gossiping with the best of 'em! And in honor of not losing the other ages we've been, here's a trip down memory lane...

Overton High School Class of 1996 - Jennifer, Melanie, Natalie & Valerie

Senior Prom - Melanie, Valerie, Natalie, Jennifer & Jenni

Last summer before college...Melanie, Jennifer, Valerie & Natalie

Man, we look like babies, don't we?! Who would've thought I'd prefer my laugh lines to that baby face? {And my blond dye job to that dishwater 'do...}

Yarn Octopus

Family Fun had a totally awesome Retro Crafts section in the last issue! Man, talk about a stroll down memory lane...I totally had a yarn octopus! I don't think I made it, but I had one and I loved to braid and re-braid the tentacles. For real. Anyway, I couldn't find the directions online so I scanned 'em in for you. (I've been getting some mileage out of my scanner lately, no?) I'm thinking if you click on the photo, it just might be read-able. In case it's not, I did find some other directions online. They just didn't come complete with the photo of the super-cute teal green octopus...

I'm totally making one. Oh, and I'll let Maya make one, too.

Dip, Dip, Dip: The Weekend Wrap-Up

This was a girls gone wild weekend, baby! We sent our boys packing at 4pm on Friday and Maya, my Mama and I headed to the salon to get out toes done.

Maya enjoyed her mani-pedi, complete with flowers on her thumbs and big toes. I was a little mortified because I hadn't shaved my legs since Sunday (that's how it usually works when it's not quite shorts-wearing season yet...) and they were rather disgusting. Oops. Then I dropped my People mag into the foot bath water. Geez. Can't take me anywhere. Anyway, the best part was when the cute lady picked Maya up and whisked her over to the nail dryers princess style. I was sad my camera wasn't at the ready at that moment. It was really funny.

After our toes were done, we headed to the Melting Pot for a little dip dip dipping. Mmm, yum! We did three courses (we always drop the salad course - don't bother me with rabbit food!) including the meat course, and it was amazing. Maya got a little bored in between cheese and chocolate, but she perked right up when this arrived:

Yin and yang, milk and white chocolate. Oh baby! It took us about 2 minutes to turn it into this:

Oh yeah! We enjoyed ourselves. After that it was homeward bound. Maya and I watched a little Ellen and SpongeBob and turned the lights out around 10, just in time for a spectacular Texas-sized rainstorm. It was impressive! Booming thunder...lightening right outside the window...pouring rain. I was glad she was already in my bed!

Saturday morning it was up and out the door to play rehearsals. I had tons o' copying to do, and Maya was a great sport. She hung in there with me during all of my back and forth and running around and was really well behaved. Chris got back from camping around noon and picked her up. I finished up around 2:30 and came home to catch up with Chris. We lazed around for a bit and chit chatted.

Masey got up around 4 and we decided to hit up the snow shack for the first snow cones of the year! Tiger's blood for Mase, cherry for Maya, rootbeer with cream for Chris and pina coloda with cream for me. My oh my! They were deeeelicious! I do love the snow shack!

We had some time to kill, so we decided to go up and cruise a neighborhood I've been wanting to check out. That turned out to be a bad idea, as my little headache turned into a huge one and my "afternoon sickness" became car sickness and almost killed me. We hurried back home and I conked out from 6-8 while Chris fed the kids and got them in bed. (Have I mentioned my husband is a saint?) I woke up starving and had an incident with some sour milk. Ack. Chris ran out to remedy that and grab me a sandwich. Then we spent the evening catching up on some TV.

Sunday morning we all took it pretty easy; then it was off to church. I enjoyed my 2 hours with the nursery kids - they are mostly so sweet and cute. Then home again for lunch and naps - for pretty much all of us. Then Sunday dinner with my parents - grilled steak & hot dogs and some yummy rice, with my favorite cookie bars for dessert.

Home again, kids in bed. Kristen dropped off some ridiculous cheesecake filled chocolate cupcakes that were insanely delicious. We enjoyed them alongside some un-sour milk while watching "We Are Marshall". Then off to bed again...

And it's Monday! Hope you had a happy weekend! And here's wishing you a lovely week!

Masey Went Camping!

Chris took Masey on his first Father/Son camp out this weekend! I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about sending them off. Would Mason jump into the fire? Or the river? Would he cry all night? Or eat an entire bag of marshmallows, perhaps? Turns out he only did one of those things (and judging from the diaper rash, all those marshmallows gave him quite the tummy ache). And when the crazy Texas thunderstorm started around 10pm, I though for sure they'd come rolling home, but they hung in there - and didn't even get wet! All in all, a success! Complete with oh-so-many cute pics of my baby boy...

Ways To Enrage a Pregnant Lady: Rotten Milk Edition

I love milk. Love it. And I drink lots of it. So tonight I poured myself a big ol' glass of delicious milk, took a huge swig and...ACK! Rotten milk! Chris came running into the kitchen in response to my yelling and retching. "I thought it tasted weird. Like it had graham crackers in it." Oh gross! He drank it?! That did not help the gagging, I have to say. Within moments I had the gallon of milk (dated May 2) and my receipt (from yesterday!) in his hands and he was out the door long before I stopped yelling at it.

"This is exactly why I started buying organic!" Gag, gag.

"That milk cost $5 bucks!" Retch, retch.

"I brought it straight home and put it in the fridge!" Gag, retch.

"It's only April! It's not even that hot! Milk should not spoil on the two minute drive from the grocery store to home."

He was probably already at the store by the time I stopped hollering. Although he could probably still hear me.

Messing with my milk is a mistake. Messing with an already sick and gag-y pregnant lady's milk is a grave error. This is the first time HEB has done me wrong. Not like Target and their toxic, nasty, more rotten than not milk. So I will give them another chance. Not that I have much choice. My laziness is more powerful than my indignation.

Still, it's upsetting. What will I dip my cookies in tonight? I'm still recovering.

Elph'n Around

After months without a point and click and much deliberation + indecision, I finally decided on the Canon Elph! {I just kept missing too many fun moments trying to figure out how to operate Chris' lovely, complicated, clodhopper of a camera!} Chris picked it up for me today {Since I have a phobia of electronics stores - who's with me?!} and is getting it all set up and charged for me this afternoon. I'll be trying it out tonight on our li'l girls night, while the boys are camping. Yee haw!

Black & White Hilton

I never imagined I'd have much in common with Nicky Hilton. But I do LOVE her black & white dining room! Tres chic, no? The chairs, the ornate white mirror, the chandelier...it's all rocking my world. Which is strange, because I live in a rather colorful home...

{Image scanned from InStyle.}

New At Target...

...some cute + summer-y tops! I picked up the purple one and the brown one of the exact same style - I tend to do that when I find a cut that works on me. They're nice and lightweight for summer, and they're billowy enough to allow for a bit o' belly. These should get me through the coming months quite nicely! And they're on sale! There are lots o' funky prints (my favorite!) - do check them out in person...

Penguins

The kids insisted on some kiddie pool time on Saturday. It was a sunny day, and warm, but certainly not hot. They about f-f-froze. Although it didn't seem to bother them all that much. Must be because they're 25 percent Canadian, eh?

Cake Decorating For Dummies

The Rach had some fun ideas for simple cake decorating with candy and food. These seem like things even I could do! {Maybe...} I especially like the shoelace licorice - sooo cute! However, last time I tried to track down real shoelace licorice {for making cereal necklaces - my fave!} all I could find was that nasty pull 'n peel! Please tell me it still exists?! However, if Walgreens doesn't have it, I have little hope of ever finding it. Because Walgreens carries every every everything.

{Excuse the scanned picture - I couldn't find it online, but really wanted to share...}

Loaded Baked Potato Salad

Nothing says summer (to me) like potato salad - it's my favorite - as long as it's a GOOD one! And a good one can be kind of hard to find (Donn's Texas BBQ is the home of my personal favorite...). But this recipe for Loaded Baked Potato Salad sounds downright delightful! Hooray for The Rach! Get the recipe here.

Would I Be Wasting My Money...

...if I bought this dress? The waist line isn't an empire - but it still seems high enough to accommodate a bit o' belly. If I went up a size, maybe...? I just think it's so feminine and pretty. And a good price. Anyone seen it in person?

Crafty Crow: A New Favorite

Here's an awesome source for all you Mama's looking to feel inferior...er...I mean, looking for inspiration. The Crafty Crow is FULL of amazing, fun ideas of things to do with your kids. What a great resource! Do check it out...

I'm feeling inspired right this very minute, in fact.

Kick-Starting Your Spring...

The lovely Merry Marleen has a great picnic giveaway going on her blog - a picnic set, handmade table cloth and homemade jam! Are you kidding me?! I SO want it! Or I want one of you to have it. So head on over there and enter, won't you?

Bakerella Goes Cartoon-y

I've professed my love to Bakerella in the past. And look what she's up now: the cutest cartoon-y cupcakes ever. These are adorable. Find out how here. She makes it look so easy - but I know better.

Bakerella, I love you.

Found: A Suit That's More Than Just Suitable!

I've been doing the frustrating job of swimsuit shopping recently. It's extra complex this year with the pregnant belly. I'm swimming (ha!) in maternity suits but regular suits seem ill-fitting and like a waste of money. Of course, I could just stick with what I have. But I've been sticking with what I have (something I only sort of liked in the first place) for about 3 years now. It's time for something new.

So how thrilled was I to come across these?! I love love love the retro styling, the coverage and the fact that they'll probably work with my belly for most of the summer! I think they're the cutest. My only quibble with them is that they're from a company that uses representatives to sell the products, via parties, etc. In matters of clothing shopping, I prefer to represent myself. But these are so cute, I'm willing to make an exception. If you're intrigued by these cuties, find yourself a representative here. (You'll probably have better luck than I did if you're not in Texas...) You can check out the entire swim collection at my rep's site here.

Lucky lucky me, I did find a sweet lil' representative that's going to try to get these to me before my cruise in 2 weeks. Now, I just need to find a floppy hat...

{Via the lovely Sandi at Portabellopixie.}

Zoom Zoom

Maya was the star {okay, maybe only in her Mama's mind...} of our church talent show on Saturday. She wow'd us all with her scooter skills. Well, and her awesome sunglasses, too. That girl makes her Mama proud!

{PS - this is Maya's outfit du jour. Her Giselle princess shirt and her "soft pink pants". She wears it to bed every night and around the house almost all the time. It's in dire need of a washing right now, but it's hard to wrestle it off her body...}

Putting Some Spring In My Step

These peep-toes might be just the thing to distract me from my current state of pudge. {"You're pregnant!", Chris reminded me. Yes, but I don't look pregnant. Just chubby.} How springy and fun, right? And oh-so-affordable at the Tar-jay!

{Via Ali Loves Curtis.}

For My Green Guy

It probably won't surprise you that I harass Chris when he brings home plastic bags. And in fact, the nagging seems to be working! Last time I sent him on a grocery run, he remembered to grab a bag from the car and came home toting his green grocery bag! And I've noticed that if he just has an item or 2, he'll just forgo the bag altogether. I'm so proud!

To reward his efforts, I should probably get him his very own bag for his car. I think this one would do the job pretty nicely, right?

{Thank you, Leezard for the link!}

Silhouette Blue

How great are these cards from Silhouette Blue? I think I'm in love! Check out the whole collection here.

{Thanks, Robyn, for the link!}

"I Wan Blay, Mama! BLAY!!!"

I've probably mentioned before that Masey has been a slower talker than Maya was. I don't know if it's a boy/girl thing or just an "every kid is different" thing, and I don't care - it doesn't bother or concern me, it's just interesting. In fact, it almost makes the things he is starting to say even more exciting. His latest new word is "blay" or rather, "play". I'll say, Masey, let's get in the bath. "No, Mama! I wan blay!" Masey, get your shoes on, we've got to go. "No Mama! I wan blay!" Today I got him up from his nap and tried to hold him for a second and give him a kiss, but he wiggled away quickly. "I wan blay!"

And I love it. I love that he loves to "blay". He's darn good at it! Go "blay", Masey. As a two-year-old, that's practically your whole job.

Lucky duck.

Campfire Popcorn Satchels

Chris & Mason are headed on their first father/son camp out this weekend! Chris is thrilled, of course! {Personally, I'm wondering how he's going to keep Mason from jumping into the fire and how he'll convince him to sleep, but that's his problem!} Real Simple has a great method for doing campfire popcorn satchels. I'll have to whip up a couple of these for them before they leave.

Meanwhile, Maya & I have an outrageous girls' night planned. So far she's suggested pedicures, dinner at the Melting Pot and shopping for new clothes. Oh yeah! Is that girl related to me or what?!

Memory Lane

This post brought back some lovely memories! My Mama used to make rainbow Jello for us every Christmas and/or Thanksgiving. But it's such a royal pain, she's opted for something a little simpler the last few years - and I don't blame her for that. But maybe I can convince her to pull out all the stops this year. The kids would flip for it. Oh, and so would I.

{Via Design Crush.}

Too Busy To Blog?!

Chris has been on my case. "You haven't blogged in two days! What's the deal?" He of all people should know what the deal it. I'm never here! And when I am here, I'm in bed, not on the computer. And when I'm on the computer I'm typing up play-related schedules and e-mails. Play mania has officially begun. That plus pregnancy sickness = less bloggin' time. Ack. My baby! Neglected! :) But hopefully just on the weekends...

While I do have a moment, how about a run down of what's new around here:

• My kids are the best ever. These ages are the greatest. I want to freeze them and keep them exactly the way they are now.
  
• I find myself thinking about going on vacation constantly. Only 2 weeks and 3 days until Chris & I leave for our cruise. Oh my gravy. I cannot wait.
• Texas allergies are EVIL!!! I lost my voice again last week (4th time in 5 months). I spend my days sneezing my head off and my nights coughing. I'm not wishin' for spring to pass & the Texas heat to descend upon us, but mercy me. These allergies!
• I finally, finally for the first time in months thought of somewhere that sounded good to eat. Ready for this? Golden Corral! I know, I know. A gross buffet? But I wanted some fried chicken. And pot roast. And mashed potatoes. And giant dinner rolls (the best rolls ever, really). Comfort food. And it really hit the spot. We ate with the 80+ crowd at 5pm and I came home and fell asleep at 6:00 on Saturday. Seriously.
  
• Chris enjoys movies more than I do. I have no attention span. I notice that before any movie hits the 2 hour mark, I've already said "Geez, this movie is LONG." But we're trying to make better use of our Netflix, so that means a movie each weekend. Any recommendations? We watched "The Prestige" this weekend. It was sort of good, kind of interesting. Good cast. I'm hoping for "Lars and the Real Girl" next, but it's got a "short wait".
  
• Teenagers aren't scary, like I thought they'd be. In fact, the ones working on the play are the greatest kids. They keep surprising me with their talent and enthusiasm. I actually don't mind spending my entire Saturday with them.
  

I have some great photos of Maya riding her scooter in the church talent show this weekend that I need to share with you! And shots of my lil' penguins playing in the kiddie pool this weekend. I also have millions of cool finds I want to tell you about. I will try my best to get my act together today and get back to bloggin'!

Happy Monday!

Grown Up Girls Tea Party

These tea-cups are so lovely, aren't they? They would make sipping my cup o' chocolate seem oh-so-elegant.

I've been racking my brain, trying to figure out what to get my very best friend for her upcoming 30th birthday. Something significant. That she'd hold on to. And something that I've put some thought into. {In other words, not a gift card to Target, my go-to gift...} And I'm thinking a set of 4 of these would perfect. There were 4 of us in our tight-knit circle o' friends growing up. So they represent the past, but are more of a grown-up gift. What do you think? Any other suggestions?

Of course, I'd love a set for myself, too...

{Via Real Simple.}

Laundry List

How much do I need this "To Do List" notepad, seeing that laundry is perpetually ON my to-do list! {And never, ever, no never scratched off!}

Freshline has bunches & bunches o' adorable illustrations, available in the form of note cards, notepads + more. Check it out!

{Via Modish.}

Onesie Shopping

Shopping for baby is one of the best parts of being pregnant. How fun are these onesies?

"This Is How I Roll" {sold out - but maybe more coming soon?}

Custom Warhol onesie {Maya would love to see the baby wearing a Maya-Warhol tee, no?}

Nesting Dolls onesie

See more at Chicken & Fifi's Boutique.

{Via Your Heart Out.}