Birthday Party

Today was Emily's birthday party. She is in love with balloons right now, so we went with it.


The icing ran a bit after I got it out of the freezer, but the cake looked good anyway. Lesson learned, don't put it in the freezer after it's iced, even if the kitchen is a sauna!


Enjoying a cookie with Grandpa. She liked the cake, but loved the cookies!


She got a folding chair from Grandma and Grandpa and loves it! It will be great for vacation!


Emily's favorite gift...from Aunt Jenni, of course! She would ride for hours if we'd let her!


Emily and Reagan love each other. Emily wanted to give Reagan a kiss and a hug!


Family pictures

It was a fun day. Everyone enjoyed it and Emily had a great time.

Happy Birthday!

We're still looking for someone (in Abilene!) to be a foster parent to a half Newfoundland, half lab/chow for 6-8 weeks from mid-June to the end of July (roughly). He's a good-natured dog and we'll pay for his food (or course!). If you or someone you know could help us, let me know!!


Today, Emily is 2! I can't believe it. All day, we're looking at the clock, thinking, "at this time, we were {fill in the blank}." At about this time (11:15 am), I think I had pain medication (not an epidural yet) and was really out of it. I'll make sure to ask for something other than that pain medication next time!

Anyway, we're celebrating tomorrow with family and lots of balloons. I'll try to get the pictures up as soon as I can. But, being in the process of moving tends to slow things down, so be patient!

May Farm

Yesterday our MOPS group went to May Farm for a playdate. Emily enjoyed seeing the animals and wanted to feed them, but couldn't keep her hand flat without the food rolling off. So, we compromised. She pointed to the animal she wanted to feed and I fed it.

After we fed the animals one cup of food, Emily decided she needed a snack. So, she stood and ate snacks for most of the rest of the time.


The bigger kids were getting to hold guinea pigs and rabbits and baby chicks. Emily wanted to hold a chick, too, so once a chair opened up, I got her sat down with a towel in her lap and she got to hold the chick. That was about the stillest and calmest I have seen her in a long time!

We finished off the day with a picnic with friends. It was a fun day!

Busy

I know I haven't posted much except for meal plans lately. I just haven't had the time. Between packing and Emily starting to act 2 (probably because of the packing!) I just haven't thought much about the blog. Perhaps this summer will provide more topics. We'll be living in Abilene and maybe doing more activities before we move into our house in early August. I'm excited about the future, but anxious about the present. There's just so much to do and feels like so little time. I know, I know. It will all work out. There's a lot more to buying a business than I ever imagined!!

Meal Plan Monday

We're still looking for someone (in Abilene!) to be a foster parent to a half Newfoundland, half lab/chow for 6-8 weeks from mid-June to the end of July (roughly). He's a good-natured dog and we'll pay for his food (or course!). If you or someone you know could help us, let me know!!


Somewhere in my head there is a plan for the meals this week. Maybe. At this point, meal planning consists of figuring out what's in the freezer and trying to use it up! Then, after we move in with my parents, we'll be living on Mom's meal plans...which is pretty much the same thing! So, until we move into our new house, I think Meal Plan Mondays will take a hiatus. We both need a break!

Meal Plan Monday

We're still looking for someone (in Abilene!) to be a foster parent to a half Newfoundland, half lab/chow for 6-8 weeks from mid-June to the end of July (roughly). He's a good-natured dog and we'll pay for his food (or course!). If you or someone you know could help us, let me know!!


I've about all talked out! We've shared lots of fun stuff this week and I'm in the middle of packing, so you just get the meat of this post. (ha ha!)

Monday: leftovers (or whatever we can find)
Tuesday: chicken of some kind, cheddar broccoli pasta bake
Wednesday: eggs & sausage
Thursday: meatballs, LO cheddar broccoli pasta bake
Friday: traveling

More great news!

If you've been reading for a while, you'll know we've had lots going on...new business, moving, etc. Well, we decided to add a bit more to the mix. I'll let Emily share.

Baby #2 is due around December 21.

Meal Plan Monday

I may not be home, but at least you can read the plan for supper this week!

Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: Toad in the Hole
Wednesday: smoked sausage, cheddar broccoli pasta bake
Thursday: meatballs, corn
Friday: graduation's tonight, so I don't know what we'll have...perhaps leftovers!

Great news! (and 23 months)

First of all, happy 23 months to my sweet Emily. I know I haven't posted many pictures of her lately, but things have been a bit crazy around here.

Some of you already know this, but others may not. We are moving to Abilene (so...the craziness is that I've been starting to pack)! We are buying a business (no, I can't tell you what it is yet, but I will as soon as I can) and will be moving in early June.

This past weekend, while in Abilene, we also found a house! It won't be ready until the end of July so we'll be crowding into my parents' house for 6-8 weeks in the meantime.

On that note, we need a temporary home for Oso during that time. We may have a home...we have a couple of leads, but if you (or someone you know) might could take him for 6-8 weeks, let me know. He's half Newfoundland and half lab/chow.

Meal Plan Monday

Being out of town all weekend really messes me up. But, I promise next week's will be on time! (Is anybody actually reading these?)

Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: leftovers
Wednesday: Desperado Casserole, veggie, fruit
Thursday: chili dogs, cheddar broccoli pasta bake
Friday: not sure...I'm leaving town on Friday but I don't know when yet

Meal Plan Monday

Here we are, once again. And, while you're here, I want to remind you of the Great Moms Walk, Highland MOPS' annual fundraiser. You can find a link to my fundraising page to the right.

Still using up things in the freezer!

Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: spinach, chicken & cheese calzones, fruit
Wednesday: sweet & sour chicken, fried rice
Thursday: sausage & eggs
Friday: Abilene for a great celebration of my dad's Master's graduation, Phillip's birthday and Mother's Day!

Goals Update

Back here, I talked about my goals for the year. Here's how I'm doing.

Do my household cleaning chores each week, 80% of the year: 94%

Follow my to do list each week, 80% of the year: 82%

Exercise (walk or Wii Fit Plus) 4 days a week, 80% of the year: 76%

Meal plan each week, 80% of the year: 100%

Be under budget on groceries (food and household items) every month: 100%

Meal Plan Monday

Here we are, once again. And, while you're here, I want to remind you of the Great Moms Walk, Highland MOPS' annual fundraiser. You can find a link to my fundraising page to the right.

I'm trying to continue using up things in my freezer. I've been amazed at how much food we have in our freezer!! While I have added a few things to my meal plans that aren't in my freezer over the past few months, most of it has come from the freezer! So, again, this week, most of it comes from the freezer. In fact, I only had to buy a potato and carrots for the next 2 weeks (in addition to restocking some staples)!

Monday: leftovers
Tuesday: meatballs, broccoli, green beans
Wednesday: chicken pot pie, fruit
Thursday: waffles
Friday: striploin, Brussel sprouts, corn

Sit 'n' Spin

While you're here, I want to remind you of the Great Moms Walk, Highland MOPS' annual fundraiser. You can find a link to my fundraising page to the right or click here. I'm so close to my goal and I'd love for you to help me!

Remember the Sit 'n' Spin from when you were a kid? Well, as will all the classic toys, they've gone high tech and have built-in music. (Thankfully, there is an off switch!) Aunt Jenni gave one to Emily for Christmas and we just got it out for Emily (have to spread out the toys, you know!). She loves it! Here, you can hear the music (just barely) and it's kind of fun music.

Meal Plan Monday

Here we are, once again. Short and sweet today...I already explained my rationale last week, so we'll just jump right in. And, while you're here, I want to remind you of the Great Moms Walk, Highland MOPS' annual fundraiser. You can find a link to my fundraising page to the right.

Monday: pizza burgers, corn
Tuesday: spaghetti, garlic bread, fruit
Wednesday: chili dogs, butternut squash bake
Thursday: BBQ chicken thighs...putting the crock pot to use!
Friday: no meal planned...could be leftovers

22 months

We actually got this picture taken on Sunday, Emily's 22 month birthday, but our internet went down, so I'm just now getting around to posting it.

And, while you're here, I want to remind you of the Great Moms Walk, Highland MOPS' annual fundraiser. You can find a link to my fundraising page to the right.

Meal Plan Monday

It's Monday...and I'm posting my meals! Okay, so I got on the ball and wrote the post last Thursday. But, still, I got it out on time. The next two weeks were about using up meals that I'd planned, but not made in the last month. So, planning was quite easy and so was making the grocery list! And, while you're here, I want to remind you of the Great Moms Walk, Highland MOPS' annual fundraiser. You can find a link to my fundraising page to the right.

Monday: Ham & Cheese Potato Casserole, fruit
Tuesday: fried rice, sweet & sour chicken, strawberries
Wednesday: Toad in the Hole, purple juice salad
Thursday: Desperado Casserole, chips, broccoli, strawberries
Friday: no meal planned...I'll be on a Girls' Weekend with my dear friend Cara. Phillip and Emily...well...I'm not sure what they'll have yet!

Prom

While you're here, I want to remind you of the Great Moms Walk, Highland MOPS' annual fundraiser. You can find a link to my fundraising page to the right. (Click through to my blog if you're reading me in a reader...you might see something new!)

Tonight was the Panther Creek Prom. Emily and I went up for a bit...to get a family picture!

The main decoration was a balloon "fountain." Well, you know Emily loved that! She kept running up and grabbing a balloon and then taking it back. She did return all the balloons she got out!
She also discovered (again, I think) a love of grapes. They had a chocolate fountain and various fruits. While Emily didn't get any chocolate, she did enjoy the green grapes they had. So much so, that she couldn't decide whether to hold on to her grape, her balloon or Papa! (She ultimately, chose to pick up the grape that she dropped.)


This was the picture set-up. While our family picture may not have turned out great (Emily kept her thumb in most of the time during the picture), this one sure is cute!

Picture update

It's been a while since I uploaded many pictures of Emily and I know that's why you all come here. It's okay. Really, it is. So, here are a few of my favorites from the last month or so. And, while you're here, I want to remind you of the Great Moms Walk, Highland MOPS' annual fundraiser. You can find a link to my fundraising page to the right.

The lighting on this one is just really cool! We were at Snuffer's in Dallas and Jenni was taking pictures with her phone. Love that Emily learned how to hold water in her mouth, too!

We were just trying to get a smile for Laurie. This is what we ended up with!

Emily loves playing the piano at my parents' house. She turns the pages of the songbook, too!

I love to watch Emily reading!

Emily was showing off her first big-girl pigtails and her flashlight. She loves flashlights!

We took Emily to The Grace Children's Museum in Abilene over Spring Break. She loved the amulance!

Such a precious shot. I caught Emily and Papa watching TV one Sunday, after a floor picnic!

Showing off her "guns up"!

Phillip took this shot. The original picture wasn't that great...a bit washed out, but I played with it in Picasa and this is what I got. I LOVE it!

For some reason, we don't have too many pictures of Emily and Grandma, so I love this one.

While not the greatest picture, you can at least see how we looked for Easter Sunday!

That's all for now, I hope you enjoyed the show!

Meal Plan Monday

I, know, I know. it's Tuesday! So sue me. I know you don't really come here to read about my menus (but I hope someone might get some inspiration at some point!). So, here it is for the week.

Monday: spaghetti
Tuesday: waffles
Wednesday: Hungry Boys' Casserole
Thursday & Friday: I left these open so we'll have either some meal I skipped this month or just leftovers.

Goals Update

Don't forget about the Great Moms Walk. I'm raising money for Highland MOPS. Click here to find out more and how you can help! I'm about half-way to my goal and hope to get there soon!

~~~~~

Back here, I talked about my goals for the year. Here's how I'm doing.

Do my household cleaning chores each week, 80% of the year: 92%

Follow my to do list each week, 80% of the year: 77%
Exercise (walk or Wii Fit Plus) 4 days a week, 80% of the year: 69% (eek! Need to work on this one!)
Meal plan each week, 80% of the year: 100%

Be under budget on groceries (food and household items) every month: 100%

~~~~~

While I have your attention, I thought I'd share a few pictures of the real reason you came!

Emily's first big-girl pigtails. I cried when she came to show me what my mom had done.


We went to an Easter egg hunt last weekend and Emily (in the yellow jacket) showed me how much she's growing up. She sat down with all the other kids and listened to the story. She didn't sit for the whole story and wanted me beside her most of the time, but she sat right down like she knew what to do!

She enjoyed the chocolate chip cookie we gave her!

Meal Plan Monday

It's Monday again. Last week was a bit hectic at our house. I didn't see Phillip much because PC hosted the district UIL meet, so he didn't get home until 7:20 on Tuesday and 6:45 on Thursday (but went to hang out with his boss on Thursday night...got home about 9:30). Hopefully, this week will be calmer. I know I haven't posted much lately other than meal plans, but honestly, with a 21 month old toddler around, I don't have a lot of time. I promise to post a few pictures of Emily this week and especially next week after Easter.

On to the meal plan...
Sunday: Apple Nut Muffins, Delicious Bunny Treats and Make-Ahead Maple-Pecan Breakfast Casserole for church
Monday: cracker crumb chicken, corn, sweet potatoes
Tuesday: herbed cheese stuffed salmon, broccoli, leftover mashed potatoes
Wednesday: BBQ meatballs, corn, leftover baked beans
Thursday: Candis' Chicken, Butternut Squash Bake (I made and froze this on Friday. It looked pretty yummy!)
Friday: Desperado Casserole, chips

Meal Plan Monday

I promised exciting things! Sadly, it will have to wait for a while. But, I'll go ahead and fill you in.

I've been reading Life as Mom and Money Saving Mom for a while now and have read about their freezer cooking adventures. For my birthday, Phillip gave me a book about once a month cooking and I've been just waiting to be able to use it. I was planning to do freezer cooking last Tuesday, but an unexpected trip to Abilene waylaid my plans. So, that'll wait for a while. I'm not sure when, but since I've already got meals planned through the middle of April, I imagine it will be after that! I'll still make the same things I planned to do with freezer cooking, but it will be day-of now!

So, for this week's meal plan.

Monday: MOPS means leftovers!
Tuesday: rotini with leftover spaghetti sauce
Wednesday: spinach chicken & cheese calzones
Thursday: Angel Food meal (Phillip has a high school UIL meet to work until who knows when!)
Friday: chili dogs

I imagine Emily and I will bake a few things this week...things I had planned to bake last Tuesday, but I'll just have to look at my to do list and see.

Highland MOPS

You may have noticed the new widget on my sidebar. (If you're reading this in a reader, click through to see it.) Highland MOPS has one annual fundraiser to raise money for scholarships, help pay for childcare and keep our dues low. I hope you'll join me in this effort to raise awareness for MOPS and let others know that "...Mothering Matters." If you'd like to donate, just click on the link on the sidebar. Thanks for your help!!

Meal Plan Monday

I promised exciting things! I'm sorry to say that it won't be this week. We are spending some unexpected time in Abilene this week. (Good time, but unexpected.) So, the food announcement will have to wait. In the meantime, well, we'll be in Abilene so there's no need to plan meals!

Quality Aunt Jenni Time

As I wrote the title, I remembered that Aunt Jenni is in none of these pictures, but that's because she was taking them. Emily and I have been enjoying time in Dallas, doing a bit of shopping and visiting friends.

After forgetting to take Emily's month picture yesterday, we got it this morning. Emily has recently re-discovered Horton, a gift from one of the elder couples at Skillman Church of Christ in Dallas. He's been taking in the sights in Dallas.


Laurie, this picture is just for you. We asked Emily to smile and this is what we got!


This afternoon, Horton was getting Emily's neck and I decided that it would be cute to stick his trunk down Emily's shirt. She left it there for 15-20 minutes!


Ok, enough updates for now, I have more investment info to put into Quicken. Fun! :-)

Packages

I just love getting packages in the mail. Because I frequently request samples, I get them in the mailbox quite often. However, I rarely get packages from UPS or FedEx unless I actually order something. So, when William the UPS Guy showed up today, I was a little surprised. I wasn't expecting any packages. I asked what he had for me (he frequently has to leave packages for the school here because he gets here too late) and he said he had a package for ME! When I saw who it was from, I had an idea of what it might be, but never imagined all that I would find. Here is what I found.


A while back, the ACU Campus Store had requested product ideas on their Facebook page. I've always had a hard time finding good (and not too expensive) baby and toddler items so I made a few suggestions. (I think it was for toddler place settings.) I am so excited to start using Emily's new bowl (with lid!), snack cups, sippy cup, blanket and to get her into that t-shirt and onesie! Thank you ACU Campus Store!!

Meal Plan Monday

I finally got it up on time! Phillip & I will both be traveling this week so it made planning a bit easier. I have some exciting stuff going on (in regards to meals!) next week so be sure to tune in.

Monday: leftovers (MOPS day)
Tuesday: leftover chicken & beef stew (and using up baby food chicken!), cornbread, fruit
Wednesday-Friday: traveling...no meals to plan!

Goals Update

Back here, I talked about my goals for the year. Here's how I'm doing.

Do my household cleaning chores each week, 80% of the year: 88%

Follow my to do list each week, 80% of the year: 63% (mostly because I seem to be making up for days I've been gone!)

Exercise (walk or Wii Fit Plus) 4 days a week, 80% of the year: 75% (only because of days I've not been at home)

Meal plan each week, 80% of the year: 100%!

Be under budget on groceries (food and household items) every month: yep!

Meal Plan Monday

It's still Monday. I've got to set my reminder for Fridays so I can have this post ready to go! Anyway, here's our meal plan for this week.

Monday: leftover angel hair chicken & veggies
Tuesday: spinach, chicken & cheese calzones, peaches
Wednesday: leftovers
Thursday: homemade pizza, peaches
Friday: ribeye and striploin, cheddar broccoli pasta bake, mixed fruit