Menu Monday Linkup

We are back from the beach and trying to get back into the swing of things. While it was nice to take a few days off from cooking, I'm ready to get back into the kitchen. So without further ado... Our menu for the week!

Be sure to link up with Rachel from In No Simple Language for Menu Monday!

GO USA - Summer Olympics

Source: Google Images

The countdown is finally over! The day has come! Being an Olympic junkie, I have been eagerly anticipating the opening ceremonies for awhile. It will be hard to top Beijing but we will see what London's got.

Perhaps my favorite sports to watch at swimming ( I mean, have you taken a look at Lochte?), gymnastics ( I miss the days of Kerri Strug and Bela Karolyi) and women's soccer (is this any surprise?). 


Although we will be celebrating this years Olympics a little different than we did in 2008, I have no doubt we will enjoy it just the same. 


I'll leave you with a fun video of the US Women's Soccer Team.... GO USA!!!



Are you excited for the Olympics? What's your favorite sports to watch? Favorite athlete?

Wordless Wednesday: Moore Munchkins

Tiny Prints: Three FREE Samples!

For a limited time, our friends at Tiny Prints are offering three free samples of any of their outstanding stationery products! 

This includes their thousands of invitation designs for all occasions, boxed cards, announcements, labels, and more.


Just use the promo code 3FREESAMPLES when you checkout to get this incredible deal. Please note that the offer is limited to three samples per customer and you can only do it once, but it is a great way to try out their stuff. It is truly classy stationery. 


Check them out today and remember to use the promo code 3FREESAMPLES to get them free!

Legalese: Offer is limited to three samples per customer. This promotion cannot be combined with other offers and is valid for one-time use only. This promotion code is applicable only to stationery products where samples are available and excludes previously placed orders, greeting cards, photo books, calendars, gift certificates, Erin Condren products, notebooks, stamps, embossers, photo gifts, wall art and boxed sets. Offer is only valid on Tiny Prints and is not applicable to third party or partner websites. To prevent abuse, we reserve the right to discontinue or modify this offer at any time without notice. We reserve the right to cancel any order at any time. Offer is for a limited time only.

Happy Second Birthday, Reagan!

Reagan,

It's hard to believe that you are turning two years old today. It seems like just yesterday I was racing to Jacksonville to meet you right after you were born. I couldn't be more proud of the toddler you have become. You are the perfect combination of your mom and dad! It is clear to see just how much they love you as well as everyone around you. I can only hope and pray that you, Mason and Caroline will be as close when you are older as your mom and I are.

We can't wait to see you and celebrate with you this weekend! Caroline is eager to meet "Ray Ray", as Mason calls you.

We love you so very much!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY REAGAN!!

Caroline's Newborn Pictures

I've wanted to share Caroline's newborn pictures for awhile but just haven't had the time. Emily Elrod Photography came out to our house when Caroline was just 9 days old and took some of the sweetest pictures of our little girl. I've said it before and I'll say it again that I completely regret not having professional newborn pictures taken of Mason. So if you are a mom-to-be and are thinking about newborn pictures.. DO IT!!!

Instead of posting ALL the pictures and overloading you with them, I thought I'd just post the Shutterfly book I made of them! So sit back and enjoy the "show".

Also, Thanks to Klout perks I was able to get this 8x8 Shutterfly book for free!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Build your own high-quality photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Menu Monday Link Up

Another Monday, another menu planned. Honestly, meal planning saves my sanity. It is so nice to know each day what I need to prepare for dinner instead of rushing around at the last minute trying to throw together a decent meal.

Last weeks menu was a huge success! The pork chops were a big hit with the men of the house.

As for this week, this is what we have to look forward to:

What's on your menu for the week?

My Erin Condren Life Planner - Link Up

Today I am linking up with Meredith from the tichenor family to show my 2013 Erin Condren life planner. I raved about this planner in the past and was so excited when they announced the dates for the 2013 planners!

The hardest part of choosing a planner is picking out which design cover I liked the best. Last year I went with the zig zags. This year I decided to change it up a bit and chose the mod morocco in custom colors of coral and pool. Instead of using my monogram, I chose to do my first name and then the rest of my name under neath. I really like the way it turned out.

This year the Erin Condren team really listened to their customers and made some amazing changes to the planner. Some of these changes include metal binding, laminated tabs, pocket folder as well as a choice between a 12 month version and an 18 month version. I decided to do the 12 month version this time. It is not as thick but honestly, I never minded the thickness.

This year I also ordered the notepads and pens to go along with my planner. I love it all and can't wait to start writing in it!

I honestly asked for this planner as a birthday gift  (yes, my birthday is not until October) so Brian thinks it's hilarious that I got one of my birthday gifts four months early. Thanks Mom and Dad! And I must admit, I already have other Erin Condren items on my wishlist for birthday and/or Christmas!

Do you have an Erin Condren planner?  Perhaps you use an different planner? Or are you one to have everything stored electronically? Please share!

Caroline: One Month Old

Well Caroline just turned six weeks old so I am a little behind in getting this posted but that's just the way life is these days.

Birth Stats: 6 lbs 4 ozs, 20 inches
One Month Stats: 8 lbs 12 ozs, 21 inches

Caroline is exactly 1 pound heavier and .5 inches taller than Mason was at his one month check up.

Since birth we have discovered she has colic. So yeah, that's been fun. But she is doing better and isn't fussy ALL DAY LONG anymore. I feel like I have part of my sanity back. I will say that she is a better night sleeper than Mason ever was at this stage so that has been a welcomed relief.  She is currently eating 4 ozs every 3 hours during the day and is averaging around five hours at night. Size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothing. All newborn size clothing is too small on her and some of her 0-3 pjs are becoming too short. I think we will have a length not width issue with her, just like her big brother!

We love you so much Caroline! You have been the perfect addition to our family and you make our family of four complete. Can't wait to see how much you have grown at your two month appointment.

Semi- Wordless Wednesday: Toddler Attention Span (or lack of...)

Begged to hold Caroline. Wouldn't take "no" for answer. 

And literally less than a minute later... So over it. 

This happens in our house no less than 10 times a day. Gotta love that toddler attention span.

And yes, that's a hamburger in his hand. First day back at school = special treat.

Mason: 19-21 Months

Is it just me or as soon as you have your second child your first born appears my grown up? I swear, the minute Mason walked into my hospital room after Caroline arrived, he looked bigger. Not only did he look bigger but he acted more grown up. I wanted to scream.. where's my little baby boy? I think these pictures alone show just how much he is growing up.

He just turned 22 months but I am only going to share his 19-21 months pictures and save 22 for 22-24. Seriously, 2 months away from being TWO YEARS OLD! What? Someone hold me. I might cry.

The kid always has something in his hands. Trucks, rake, food.. something. I love this stage. He is so much fun. Yes, we have our moments. Yes, we have meltdowns and tantrums but the good ALWAYS outweighs the bad. Watching him grow into his role as big brother melts my heart each day. He loves Caroline so much. Always wanting to hold her, give her her paci, help feed and burp her. Where Caroline is, Mason is.

Just a few stats for our on "bookkeeping"
-  No idea how tall he is but he is tall.
- around 27 pounds.
- Wearing all 2T clothes
- Size 8 - 8.5 shoe. Big feet!
- Size 5 diaper

I have a question for boy moms... when did you start potty training? I've been told boys are harder to train and typically potty train later than girls. Truth?  I'm honestly not in a hurry as I would rather wait until he was really ready so it doesn't backfire on me. Plus, in a diaper it is contained! :)

Menu Monday Link Up

I'm really excited about the menu for this week. All new recipes that I can't wait to try. I really hope they turn out as good as they look! I'll report back and let you know! In the meantime, be sure to link up and tell us what you are having for your meals this week!

Monday: Shrimp Pasta with Tomatoes, Lemon and Spinach

Source: bevcooks.com via Lynsey on Pinterest

Tuesday: Freezer Meal/Corn on the Cob

Wednesday: Balsamic Pork Chops, Green Beans, Fruit Salad

Source: myrecipes.com via Lynsey on Pinterest

Thursday: Mini Mexican Pizzas

Source: dashingdish.com via Lynsey on Pinterest

Friday: Pizza/Salad

Saturday: Fend for Yourself

Sunday: Leftovers and/or Broccoli and Orzo

Photo credit: Skinnytaste

Hopefully things will still taste as good without the cheese. I sure do miss cheese but I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help Caroline feel better!

Do you have any favorite pinterest recipes to share?

Family Friday

Yesterday evening Mason and I surprised Brian at his softball game while my mom babysat Caroline.

 It had been awhile since we had been able to make it to one of his games so it was nice to be able to cheer him on again. Of course, Mason loved seeing dada. So much so that he played in the outfield one inning with Brian.

This also gave me a chance to have a little one on one time with my buddy! And Caroline thoroughly enjoyed napping in the cool a/c at Grammie & Grandpas house!

Wordless Wednesday: Happy 4th of July!

Brian's Baseball Birthday Party

I love to threw parties. Birthday, random holiday, special event.. it doesn't matter. Making someone feel special and loved through a party is the language I speak. I really do believe my "love language" is gifting. So naturally when Brian's 32nd birthday rolled around, I was determined to throw a party. 

But.. we had a newborn in the house, we had father's day to celebrate the day before.. all that to say I had a lot on my plate. Instead of making it a big party, I downsized everything and kept it simple. We had just our family and it was perfect. The 4 of us celebrating the rock of our family. 

Brian loves sports. One of his favorite sports is baseball. With that in mind, I had my theme. Mason gave Brian his presents that morning and then we had the birthday party later in the day. 

All of his gifts were baseball related and he loved it. Especially his new Dodgers hat. Before the "party" I changed the kids into their party attire... which was a complete surprise to Brian. 

Shirts from Pumpkin Butter Kids

Then it was time to celebrate our special man of the house with an All American Baseball inspired dinner..

Hot Dogs. Baked Beans. Popcorn. Cracker Jacks. Peanuts. Coca Cola. Cake. It was a feast and we certainly feasted. 

It was a perfect family birthday. Brian really enjoyed his "party" and said it was one of the best he has ever had. Hearing him say that made everything worth it. 

And I have a feeling this little guy is going to follow in his daddy's footsteps with loving baseball.. 

 

We hope you had a wonderful birthday Brian! We had a lot of fun planning and throwing this small family party for you! 

Menu Monday Link Up

Time for another menu Monday! We did fairly well following our menu last week so hopefully we are slowly but surely getting back on track.

 

This week you will notice one thing that seems to be missing (for the most part) from our menu... dairy :(. At Caroline's one month appointment her pediatrician and I came to conclusion that she has colic. One of the things that has been studied and seems to help colic some is giving up dairy if breastfeeding. I am willing to try anything and everything to help our little girl feel better so needless to say, I am trying very hard to not eat dairy. So some meals (pizza) will still be eaten by Brian and Mason while I eat something else that night. Hopefully this will help Caroline feel better and scream/cry less!!

Don't forget to link up and share your menu for the week. 

What are your plans for the 4th of the July? Cookout? Parade? Fireworks?