A Little Something

i like it simple.

2012-02-19T20:26:00.000-05:00

Source: chrispiascik.com via kristy on Pinterest

pretty much sums up our weekend. we ate out a lot. but we cooked at home too. we shopped. rented movies. took a bike ride.

now i'm baking brownies and m is giving miss lia-bug her bath. the dishes are cleared up from dinner. laundry is going. and i've picked up all the rooms - minus our bedrooms (too scary to enter!). i'm relishing the fact that m has tomorrow off and we can spend another day together.

i live for simple weekends. i live for my family.

{love} day.

2012-02-17T12:40:00.000-05:00

i know, i know. valentine's day was a few days ago. but i just didn't get around to documenting it here on the blog and i love looking back at how we celebrated each year.

promise i'll be back this weekend or next week with up to date stuff. like how lia is talking SO much more. or how she's decided to wake up every.single.night and manage to end up in our bed.

but for now, {love} day. ever since lia was born, we've kept valentines simple and lowkey. the first year, we had m's sister watch lia while we went to the movies (we watched valentine's day!) and that set the tone for the past 2 years. last year, we did homemade gifts, olive garden take-out and watched valentine's day at home. this year? a bit fancier with gorgeous flowers from the hubs and lots of balloons from me. but the basics were there - olive garden takeout and valentine's day.

it's our thing.

driving around with this as a view is SO much fun.

heart pancakes//storytime//flowers//heart balloons - i tied favorite memories from each year we've been married to the strings//presents from m//presents for m//olive garden takeout

how was your v-day?
i try not to buy into the whole over-commercialized holiday factor but i do love the idea of a day devoted to all things pink, happy and full of love.

happy valentine's day!

2012-02-14T13:07:00.000-05:00

check out last year's card here. you won't believe how much she's grown. i'm legit on the verge of tears!

ps
she's wearing the same skirt!

weekend via instagram.

2012-02-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

this weekend was pretty good. the weather was chilly so it actually sort of felt like winter. but the sun shining all weekend made it seem spring{ish}. that was cool with me! i thought i'd miss new york winters. i did miss having a white christmas but now? i am loving this weather SO much.

this weekend

friday night...

we hit up Target and tried out a new pizza/italian restaurant. the food was really good. but the best part? when the owner came to our table to tell us that our kid was behaving so well. we felt like proud parents.

on saturday...

we held a yard sale. i had some serious de-cluttering to do.

some cutie snuck in some playtime with old toys i'm storing in the garage.

this little guy was lost. so we helped him find his family. and i was thisclose to scolding them for letting the dogs back leg hair get so matted and dirty. they claim he was only lost for 30 minutes.

we hit up chick-fil-a for some lunch and ran errands.

we thrifted this awesome chair to go in our office. i love having a chair at the desk vs stealing one from the kitchen table.

mini twilight marathon. i don't know who is hotter - edward with his charm & smile & good looks or jacob and his shirtless bod. swoon.

on sunday...

i have this awesome husband. and he let me sleep in. he's the bees knees.

we rearranged some furniture in our bedroom and put up a few pictures.

and then we ran a few more errands, did some stuff around the house and went to bed earlier than usual. we were really tired.

how was your weekend?

friday night.

2012-02-10T21:56:00.000-05:00

friday night, to me, is the opening credits of the weekend. if friday night is good, i feel it sets the tone for the rest of the weekend.

and this friday night? it was good.

{via}

i spent most of the day getting stuff ready for the yardsale we are having tomorrow. you know, organizing, pricing things, throwing things out, trying to keep a very active toddler from swiping shoes + toys from the sell pile.

and when the hubster got home from work, we ran a few errands. simple things really, but i love doing simple things with my happy family. we went to the library and discovered lots of good dvds to check out. we went to target and the bank. we tried out a small italian restaurant for dinner. we almost didn't go in - when we peeked in the door, it was all old people. and i don't mean that in a bad way but they were grandparent age. older than lia's grandparents age. but m opened the door and it smelled good so we gave it a try. let's just say - we will be going back for more. we kept it low key and got a pizza & garlic bread. it was delicous and filling. and they serve drinks in mason jar. they had me at the mason jars. alsoand? lia was good. the owner stopped by our table to tell us how well behaved our child was and that they didn't get many children like her in there and it was nice. my mouth almost hit the floor. but i politely thanked her. i wanted to high-five m. seriously? lia is a good kid and all but restaurants and lia don't mesh.

tomorrow we'll get up early for the yardsale and hopefully have a quiet rest of the day. and sunday? who knows. but as long as i've got my family and we're in happy moods - i think we'll be fine.

plus, i have season one of one tree hill to watch. i love the show and i'm so bummed it's ending. and since i haven't seen it from the beginning (just episodes here & there and the last 2 seasons), i'm taking advantage of the fact that my awesome library has all the seasons in stock to check out. score!

how's your weekend going?

hello.

2012-02-08T20:27:00.000-05:00

i just wanted to pop in for a minute today. i've been meaning to blog more and this week just got away from me.

it's already wednesday night and this week is flying by. i think it's because i've really got a grip on schedules and things this week. monday was cleaning day. tuesday was storytime. today we had a pancake breakfast playdate and house things to do. it's nice.

lia is on a good schedule lately. she wakes up, eats breakfast, plays/helps me with stuff, has lunch, takes a nap, wakes up and it's almost time for daddy to come home. i like the comfort in that predictability. i like the comfort in our routine. although, i feel like her sleeping habits are on the verge of changing again.

i've been keeping my promise to myself to stay on top of things and not let them pile up. it's little stuff, but it makes a huge difference to take care of it right away. like folding and putting laundry away right out of the dryer. or trying to teach lia to pick up her toys after herself. and washing the breakfast dishes after breakfast, etc. it just feels good to take care of our house and our family this way. and it feels even better to have an uncluttered house (and head) at the end of the day.

on a totally different note - i mentioned that lia had fallen on the sofa over the weekend and smacked her face into the tile flooring. i really hate when my kiddo gets hurt. sometimes it makes me wish i was a doctor so i'd know exactly what to do! the swelling on her lip went down and it looks to be healing. she doesn't complain much and she's eating normally again. but i think she may have chipped a tooth. the bottom of one of her teeth was chipped when she was younger and i think the fall made it worse. and her gums just look off. they were bruised at first and now it almost looks like they are tearing off. like a piece of skin, but on her gums. and they started bleeding again tonight. m had taken her out for a walk in the stroller and i noticed when he brought her back in. i think the stroller hit a bump and she hit her mouth on her sippy cup. i wiped it as best i could, but what do i do now? i called the pediatrician when she first hit it, but we didn't discuss her gums. i think i'll just watch it closely another day or two. her pediatrician said he wouldn't recommend the local pediatric dentist for reasons that i agree with. maybe we'll have to find a non-local one? has anyone dealt with something like this or has this happened to anyone else?

bruised and scraped knees i can do. anything beyond that? i come close to falling apart.

anyways, it's almost bedtime for the babe and i can hear m finishing up her bath. then it's time for this mama to sit down with a bowl of popcorn and one tree hill and unwind. lia's mouth makes me feel on edge all day long now.

happy middle of the week!

monday morning.

2012-02-06T14:03:00.000-05:00

oh boy. as much as i wanted to see the weekend come, i think i was just as happy to see it go.

every now and then, we'll get a couple of rotten days. and i don't mean to say this whole weekend was rotten because it certainly held some good, sweet moments. but it had its share of moments i'd rather have not had.

those moments give me a craving for the fresh start only a monday morning can bring. the glimmer of hope that a new week is coming and we can make anything of it. and monday mornings in our household mean a clean house. and speaking of cleaning; i read this blog post a few weeks back. i think i'm starting to see her lightbulb moment.

so today is full of getting crap done. phone calls and rescheduling doctor visits. scrubbing down toilets, sweeping crumbs and dust bunnies from under the sofa. dishes and laundry. picking up random crayons, shoes and blocks left behind.

i'm lacking motivation. and energy. but i'm arming myself with some good tunes (this one is a current fave) and sweet tea. you know, the sugar has to help somehow. right?

weekend highlights

superbowl grub. nachos, wings and chocolate cake. it was SO good.

sleeping in on saturday. also good.

my bad mood for half the weekend. not so good.

lia falling face first from the sofa to the tile floor. really not good. blood everywhere. the girl has a fat lip and it looks pretty nasty. but she should be good in a few days.

watching new moon with the hubster.

spring-like weather.

reading the hunger games in a day. and reserving the next two books of the series at the library.

i'm off to be productive. happy fresh start day.

i'm doing a book exchange and i only need 3 more people! you buy & send one kids book and your kiddo will receive 36! who doesn't love happy mail? email me for the details.

and, i'm still taking february sponsor swaps!

a little something.

2012-02-04T08:00:00.016-05:00

hello saturday. i'm pretty excited about you. with my love for weekends and all.

i'm hoping for a simple, low key weekend. maybe a bike ride. some grocery shopping. super bowl commercials, half-time shows and game day grub.

for your weekending pleasure, here's some link love.

ferris bueller makes a comeback. i'd much prefer something other than a honda CR-V commerical. but i do love some ferris bueller.

the outdoor wife is no more. she writes over here on this awesome blog now!

i'm loving all the "current{ly}" posts going around the web, like this one & this one.

katie from katie miscellany has some awesome free printables up. check them out here and here.

did you do the #janphotoaday from fat mum slim? she's got #febphotoaday going on too!

and another fun photo challenge.

my good bloggy pal, emily has a new blog look. go show her some love!

i love ellen. she totally called the bachelor ben out on nasty courtney. and check out this hilarious kristen bell-sloth business.

happy weekending!

directions.

2012-02-03T09:56:00.000-05:00

Source: weheartit.com via kristy on Pinterest

i am the worst direction taker. ever. i don't know how i happen to get lost all.the.time but i do. that's one of the reasons driving somewhere unfamiliar to me gives me serious anxiety. it just freaks me out.

so yesterday, l-bug & myself were headed to a friend's house for a playdate. i'd never driven to her house before and knew it was about 40{ish} minutes away. i thought with print-outs of google map directions and navigation on my phone, i'd be fine.

wrong. dead wrong.

i probably took every wrong turn i could - getting there and leaving.

i'm hopeless.

m thought it was hilarious and as soon as i got home, he downloaded two new turn-by-turn navigation apps on my phone. he said "you'll still get lost with these, but at least you'll be less lost". or something along those lines - you get the point.

i'm hopeless.

you know those people you hear about on the news that get lost in the snowy woods/mountains using their GPS and they die frozen and starving in my car. i am that person.

i just have no sense of direction. wouldn't it be nice if we could just buy some?

today.

2012-02-01T14:58:00.002-05:00

Today...

I didn't pick up the scattered mess of toys all around the house.

I didn't continue with my good laundry streak.

I didn't pick up the mess from lunch or wash the dishes piled up in the sink.

I didn't get up, get out and get things done.

Today, I was disappointed. For a few hours earlier, I wasn't sure if I wanted to curl up and have a good cry or say "to hell with the world". I was annoyed. My brain was just so full.

Today, I felt like sitting down and getting real for a minute. Because a lot of people I know (in real life) read my blog it usually makes me a little more careful on what I write and share. But lately, I've been feeling like this is MY blog. And even though it started out as something different in the beginning, it's still MINE. I should have somewhere to be real and honest, about the good and not-so-good, if I need it.

So, today I made a choice.

I chose to cuddle with my daughter, watching episode after episode of Yo Gabba Gabba.

I chose to watch her closely, as she ran through the playroom, in her own world. I watched as the wheels in her brain were spinning wildly and she was just being herself.

I chose to let her drag handfuls of play kitchen toys to the sofa.

I chose to let her play with the fake toys and real granola & goldfish on the sofa. I chose to watch her make that mess. And I chose to wait until she was done to clean it up.

I chose to take a long, hot bubble bath. While losing myself in the love story of Ree and her Marlboro Man.

I chose to eat popcorn for lunch.

And in a little while, once L wakes up from her nap and we head to the store to get some cheese for dinner, I plan to choose to buy chocolate as well. Because not-so-good days and chocolate goes hand in hand in my book.

I chose to tell my daughter how beautiful she is. To tell her how much her mama loves her. And that I was sorry for getting mad and losing my patience when she wouldn't sit still so I could fix her hair.

I chose to take a different route to this day. I chose to throw plenty of good things at it. And tonight, I plan on more love story reading, peace and quiet, snuggles with my girl and watching the new "One Tree Hill" episode to top off my day. And hopefully a hug from my husband.

I choose not to get into details of why my day was what it was. Because it doesn't matter. Life disappoints you. People disappoint you. You disappoint yourself. Things happen. I know that its always okay in the end.

This isn't some "woe is me" story. It's just an accurate account of my day and my personal attempt at clearing my head and my heart.

Why is it that we feel we have to justify or explain a post that is something other than a happy story, adorable photos or an amazing DIY craft?

So I chose to take my bad day, throw some good things at it and believe that all will eventually be well.

How is your today looking?

this and that, lately.

2012-01-30T19:16:00.000-05:00

Oh man. I can't believe I've been away from the blog this long. Except, I should say I cant believe I haven't blogged - because I've logged into le blog almost every day - I just don't find the time to sit down and write. My phone has a growing to-do list of blog ideas and things I want to write down. I just haven't found the time.

So, I'm going to grab bits of time here and there (between cleaning, toddler-wrangling, cooking dinner, the 1525780 loads of laundry there is, catching up on The Bachelor and filling in my calendar for February) and write down all these things. Here's hoping it get's published today. Or tomorrow.

First off, Lia? Uhm. Girl is growing. She had her 2-year wellness visit a week{ish} ago. She's 26 lbs and 35 inches tall. She is perfect, healthy and happy. And so smart! Her vocabulary has grown to include : bird, cat, cookie (goo gie), pee or poo (whichever one she does LOL), awesome, Dora & Boots, fries, cereal (which means anything from actual cereal to Goldfish), snack, eat, towel, duck and draw. She does not like having her hair washed or getting dressed. And whenever she sneezes, she says "nose" and expects a tissue to wipe her nose. Immediately.

I'm going to start a new blog series titled "things my husband says". Trust me, you're gonna want to hear these.

I've decided that I really like living in SC, so far. I missed the snow and real seasons at first - but I'm loving the sunny days that stay in the high 60s. And I don't miss bundling the babe up in boots and hats and mittens and a bulky coat. Plus, we can pretty much go to the park, or for a walk, or even to the beach whenever we want. Good times.

I also joined an online moms group - and after 2 playdates, I think L-bug and myself are gonna enjoy having friends here. She even played at another mom's house today. With other kids around. And me in a whole different room. That's progress, guys. Progress!

Lately, I've been thinking about my blog. I started it a few years ago. I was younger. And not a mom. Basically, I was a whole different person. I feel like I'm really growing into myself lately. I still have insecurities and issues (who doesn't?!) but I feel more like "me" now than ever. I love the blog, but I feel like I've updated only when something big happened. Or just to update family. I really want to use my blog as my outlet. To blog everyday. Or once a week. Whenever I feel like it. Whenever inspiration strikes, you know? I want to share more of the small moments. I want my blog to be a mish mosh of everything I am and want to be. Everything I like. Or dislike. Whatever... as long as it's me. Does that make sense?

See these keys? I lost them this weekend. I realized once we got home from dropping my SIL off at the airport (btw, it's 2 hours away from us) that I didn't have my keys. After freaking out and blubbering (yes, I blubbered. it was bigger than L's toddler tantrums), I thought & thought and figured I threw them away at the aiport in the trash I tossed out. After calling the airport, we decided to drive back up there and look ourselves. We found them. In the trash can, right where I left them. So Sunday was devoted to driving in the car for 8 hours with a cranky toddler and digging through a public trash can. That's what I call a weekend.

Have I mentioned how much the public library here rocks? They have GOOD books. Pioneer Woman and Jodi Picoult and Tina Fey good. And if they don't have it - they will get it from another library for you. And the longest I've waited for a book on hold so far has been maybe a week. Maybe. It's awesome. I've kinda gotten a bit crazy and checked out way more books than I should read. So I squeeze in reading any chance I get. I just finished this one, this one and this one (very sad but very good!). Up next, P-dubs love story, this funny chick from The Office and Jennifer Hudson. Because ever since Sex and the City (the movie), I've loved her. Oh. And I'm starting The Hunger Games. Because why stop at the 4 books I already have?

I'm still taking February sponsors for my blog button swap! I'd love for you to join!

M has been working different hours this week, like 12 pm-8 pm. And in March, he'll be gone for 3 weeks. I know it isn't a lot - but some days it feels like we never left the Marine Corp. Go figure.

And M's little sister came to stay with us for most of January. She left this past weekend. We were sad to see her go, but it was fun while she was here! His older sister just had a baby last week. So there's a beautiful new baby girl in our family!

And that's basically our life these days. We're stuffing our faces with yogurt from the new place that just opened. We ate amazing wings & BBQ at a local restaurant. Me and Lia go to weekly story times at the library. The librarian has a English accent. Makes it that much more fun. And when M is home, we bunker down and hang out.

We like the simple life.

always, kristy

playdates + mommy groups.

2012-01-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like you are on a blind date when you go to a new mommy group or playdate? Because I do. It's sort of nerve wracking.

Am I going to look stupid showing up knowing noone? Am I dressed like a bum today with my two-day old greasy hair pulled back into a ponytail? I did at least put on pearl earrings to show I made an effort{ish}. Of course, they are F21 pearls so not exactly the real thing. Am I going to look stupid bringing an actual picnic basket to a picnic playdate? Maybe I should play it cool with those reusable bags that are in style.

Then, I try to reason with myself. Am I really supposed to know someone in a new town? No. I'm sure they didn't care that I used dry shampoo instead of water and the real stuff. Everyone would pay $3 for F21 pearls given the opportunity and FYI - they liked my picnic basket.

I really do have these conversations in my head. Why do I get so nervous? I mean, I think i'm a pretty cool person to have as a friend. I bake. I love Pinterest as much as the next gal. I only blog embarrasing things about you with your approval. I'm pretty neat, right?

So anyways. Sometime last month, I joined a mom's group online. I wasn't really active (okay not active at all) until today's play date. It was a picnic lunch at a playground in one of the mom's neighborhood. It was right up the road from us and I love any reason to make some egg salad sandwiches. So we RSVP'd maybe, because I was too scared to fully commit, you know. And, we ended up going.

It went good. All the moms knew each other so I was clearly the newbie. But I chatted with almost all of them and they all seem nice. And the kids were kids. Not monsters or anything. Lia didn't freak out about other kids being in the park. She has kid/stranger/germ/dirty anxiety sometimes. Toddlerhood. And I was encouraged to go to Mondays standing playdate that rotates between the moms.

Sounds good enough to me! I'm just happy to be meeting someone. I don't expect to meet my best friend - she's in Hawaii, but we're trying hard to make them move here!, but knowing someone would be nice. It looks like we'll finally be in one place long enough to put down deep roots and a girl can always use a friend.

I just hope they liked me...

I know they liked Lia. Who doesn't find her adorably likeable? Her glasses...they just kill people with cuteness.

Anyways, here's hoping we fit in here. And like it ;)

always, kristy

sponsor swap: february!

2012-01-24T13:54:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love her shy smile? Doesn't it make you want to sponsor our humble, little blog? Wink Wink.

The details are here.

Basically, all I need is a 160x120 button from your blog. And a small "about you" blurb with a picture and your contact links (FB, twitter handle, Etsy shop, Pinterest etc.)

I accept sponsors on a month to month basis. If you want to sponsor me longer than February, just shoot me an email about it!

All I ask in return is you put my button on your blog. Free, easy and supports fellow bloggers!

Email me at blogalittlesomething{at}gmail{dot}com.

Can't wait to work with you!

always, kristy

eye love you.

2012-01-23T09:15:00.002-05:00

For a few weeks now, M and I have been loosely trying to teach Lia to say "i love you". What parent doesn't want to hear those words? She didn't show much interest in repeating us. Just smiling and giggling when we said them. But, she does show an avid interest in pointing. To everything. A lot of times, she tries to get away with not talking by pointing. (Sorry Charlie, ain't happening. You're gonna have to use your words). So I came up with this handy way for her to say "i love you" without all the words. We're still working on the words though.

I point to my eye and say "eye". I point to my heart and say "love". I point to her and say "you". Surprise. Surprise. She just smiled and giggled at that too. But being the mama that IS gonna hear her baby girl say "i love you", I kept trying.

And of course, she does it to M first last night when he was giving her a bubble bath. I take credit though. Wink, wink. Because I had just walked into the bathroom and said hi. Which obviously triggered her brain to show love. That's logical, right?

So, after the bath, Manny comes out and tells me about it and he gets her to show me. Oh. My. Grab me a box of tissues and mop my melted, sappy, mama heart off the floor. I love this girl. With the kind of love that uses up every fiber of my being. The kind of love that turns me into a mama bear when some kid pushes her at the playground. The kind of love you don't know exists until you have a kid. The kind of love that opens your heart and eyes and makes you think "THIS. This right here is what life is about. This is what we live for.".

Mind you, she does this completely adorable thing on her terms. When she wants to. But when she wants to? Oh man, get the mop. Because I melt in a puddle right on the floor. Every. Single. Time.

M took these photos. Lucky him. She just yells "NO!" at me when I pull my phone/camera out. Literally, I can use it as a bribing tool. "Lia, if you don't come over and get dressed now, I'm taking your picture!" Give her a few seconds to think it over, she'll usually choose to get dressed.

Ah, motherhood.

always, kristy

weekending with friends.

2012-01-22T16:23:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a hilarious, beautiful, good-weathered, fun day. One of the funnest days we've spent here. And reconfirmed my thoughts that maybe, just maybe I can see us living here forever. That makes M cheer that he doesn't have to find a new job!

My friend, Heather and her husband, Stephen were close by in Savannah this weekend celebrating their anniversary (Happy Anniversary, again!) and decided to come spend a day with us while they were in the area. Heather and Stephen live in my hometown in NC. She's been my friend since we were born. Literally, I was born in August. She was born in October. We were inseperable from that age on. Then we grew up and changed and grew apart. Then I moved to NC last year and we grew together again. Thats how we roll.

We decided to make the short{ish} trek to Hilton Head and see what's out there. We ate some really good food at this local restaurant. And it was surprisingly not over-priced or weird. Like another place a block away that will not split checks. Because their staff is too small. Hrmmph. Plus, they serve breakfast all day long. Because sometimes a belgian waffle or southern biscuits and grits hit just the right spot in the middle of the afternoon.

Us girls. Jasmine, on the left, is my pretty & sweet sister-in-law. She's staying with us this month.

Afterwards, we drove back up the street to a bike rental place. Stephen haggled the shop guy to give us a good deal (which the shop guy then told someone on the phone he had to go because he was in some weird stuff...uhm? okay.) and we were off. We thought it would be fun. And it was. For a few minutes. Then we realized riding bikes for a mile and a half{ish} on the beach isn't a leisurely activity. We felt like we were dying on The Biggest Loser. Which Heather and I firmly stated - "we'd never make it alive on that show" "never!!".

Once we finally reached the bike path, we cheered. And cursed our throbbing legs, parched throats and sand-filled flats. Until we realized we had bigger problems.

See, the thing is - Heather doesn't have a gall bladder. Which apparently makes her need a bathroom pretty immediately after she eats. I knew she didn't have a gall bladder. I just didn't know the latter part. So here we are - miles from the car, on some bike path driving through gorgeous houses. By the way - M said we can't live in said gorgeous houses. He claims he'll never make enough money. Hrmmph. Anyways - so there we were. She was pretty desperate for a bathroom. In fact - if I had baby wipes with me, I'm pretty sure she would have found a good bush. Just then, a man comes by on his bike and we ask for any public restrooms in the area. He led us to a communities pool (it had a bathroom near it) but it was locked. Heather was all ready to climb the fence and break in (seriously, this all happened. I am not kidding.). Instead, the weird (but very nice) man told her she could use his bathroom. In his little bungalow house in the neighborhood. At this point, I was doubled over on my bike laughing so hard I was crying. Good thing that Heather's a good sport about all this stuff. She gave me permission to write all this, just so you know. It was just too funny. And I was tired. I get weird when I'm tired.

After the bathroom incident, we had to bike another mile and a half{ish} to find our car. At least it wasn't on the beach. But we pretty much laughed while complaining about being tired and thirsty. But we saw an alligator. That hasn't ceased to amaze me yet.

When we got back to the bike shop and our car, we dashed into a gas station for waters and icees. And called it a day. We were tired and sweaty. And Heather and Stephen still had a 6 hour drive back home. So we said our goodbyes and made them promise to come back for a visit in the summer. We've got dreams of spending a week stay-cationing on Hilton Head.

We ended up getting fro-yo, pizza and movies and having a relaxing night in. After showers, of course.

It was good weekending. And I promise, this is all a true story. A very funny, odd true story.

I still love you babe, even if we can't ever afford on of Hilton Head's gorgeous homes! You know I'm happy as long as I'm with you.

PPS

Ryan Gosling is in Crazy, Stupid, Love. Shirtless. You should watch it.

oh, hey ya'll.

2012-01-20T20:50:00.001-05:00

I had a small bought of inspiration and did a mini makeover on le blog and made new buttons! I keep going back and forth on which ones I want to use on the blog now. I think these are the two. The colors make me happy!

On a sad note, Picnik is closing down on April 19th. Anyone know where else I can use my limited design knowledge to do free buttons & headers like I have been using Picnik for?

Oh, and did you guys check out my sponsor love post? These girls have some awesome blogs - go check them out!

I hope your weekending is starting off on the right foot. After one STRESSFUL trip to the grocery store that left me really wanting to rip my hair out and stick my newly bald head into a wall (what gives with the terrible two's!?) - I took a nice bubble bath, finished off "The Help" and started reading Tina Fey's "Bossypants". Have I mentioned how much I love the public library here? Because I do totally love my new library. Now the hubs is making brownies and chatting with his sister, the babe is asleep and I am free to blog my little heart out. And then read my little heart out.

Tomorrow, we're heading out to check out Hilton Head and Gullah Island (if I can find it!) with a friend and her husband who are going to be in the area visiting from NC.

Weekends make me happy.

sponsor highlights : january

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

I decided back in December to open the blog up for sponsorship! Instead of selling ad space, I'm doing a blog swap with other awesome bloggers! I love promoting other bloggers I believe in and helping my small blog grow as I change and grow with it.

You can read more about my sponsor swap here. I am currently taking sponsors for Feburary and I'm really exciting about branching out like this!

Be sure to stop by and show these girls some love on their blogs. They are amazing. ♥

Hello folks. I'm Jessica & I blog over at Sweet Green Tangerine. I mostly blog about my life & the things that inspire me. I love books, sewing, music, art and friends. I am a mom of two crazy boys and wife to one crazy soldier, but you won't find me talking about them much. Sorry guys. Sweet Green Tangerine is my space to be me & talk about all the things that make me Jessica. I hope you come by some time to check it out.

Twitter: @SweetGTangerine

Hello. I'm Emily and I blog over at "Writings of an Air Force Wife".

I take pictures. A lot of pictures. And I love taking these images that I've captured and forming them into a story - a story of our personal lives. I often write about our comings and goings, trials and tribulations, but most of all, the little moments of our daily happenings that I want my children to remember and cherish years from now.

I love Sunday mornings, coffee and conversation with friends, cuddling with my babies under thick quilts, all things sparkly, planning parties, fresh snow, jewel-toned autumn leaves, dreamy newborn photography, painting portraits, sunsets, sunflare... and much, much more.

Seven months ago we traveled from Alaska to Oklahoma City on military orders. We're now planting new roots and rebuilding our nest in the Midwest.

"Life is either a great adventure, or nothing" - Helen Keller

Join us in our journey...

Twitter: @emilyroe

Facebook

i'm melissa. mommy to jc and finacee to charles. blogging started as a way to update out-of-town family about jc but has turned into a passion of mine. i love sharing my daily adventures with my eighteen month old son, crafts (knitting specifically), wedding planning, house hunting and my journey trying to lose weight that i can't blame on my baby. i'm obsessed with all things baby, tweeting, posting pictures on instagram, trying so desperately to fill my domestic role and finding a balance between me time and family time.

blog

twitter: @knitpurlbaby

Facebook

pinterest

instagram

Alexandra from Being Mama

Want to sponsor me next month? Email me at blogalittlesomething{at}gmail{dot}com.

weekly meal plan - jan 16

2012-01-16T12:00:00.001-05:00

We just got back from visiting my parents/M's work trip. The refridgerator needs to be cleaned out and groceries need to be bought soon. But since payday isn't until Friday... this gal is going to scrape up what I do have around that hasn't expired or molded!

Monday - Baked raviolis + garlic bread

Tuesday - Crockpot BBQ chicken + mashed potatoes

Wednesday - Chili

Thursday - Baked chicken legs, yellow rice + a salad

Friday - Tacos - my sis-in-law is cooking!

Saturday - Leaving this open as we may have friends coming for a visit!

Sunday - Chicken and rice - my sis-in-law is cooking again!

This week is full of cleaning, laundry, a doctor visit and trying to get settled back into life and more attempts at planting roots in our new town where I still feel like a stranger most days. There will be blogging and reading and trips to the library for story time. Possible adventures out to Hilton Head and soaking up more time with M's sister before she leaves.

Happy Monday!

PS.

Happy MLK Day.

a little something.

2012-01-14T21:12:00.001-05:00

Staying in this Saturday night? We are! And, we're loving it. We are homebodies to the core.

Here's some links to love...

I came across these amazing iPhone backgrounds a few weeks ago. SO cute.

Loving these free printables. This one and that one. Okay and these too! {1} {2}

Need a new dessert to try? These look delicious!

Check out this letter to the tooth fairy.

It's sweet Nella's birthday! Check out their 2 for 2 fund. They are taking donations & raising awareness for NDSS (National Down Syndrome Society). Whether you can donate or not, go read about them and what they are doing. Spread the word. It's a beautiful family and a beautiful cause!

I wish I was crafty enough to whip one of these up!

Uh, Handmade Ryan Gosling. Hilarious!

And, this post? It was something I am glad I read. Something I needed to read.

Now I'm going to go spend time with my loves. Happy weekending.

just dropping in.

2012-01-11T12:28:00.001-05:00

I have to apologize to you/the blog for being missing. I miss the blog. It's part of my routine that I love and crave and I've missed not having the time to sit and pour out my heart, pictures of Lia or something funny/awesome/tasty I've come across.

I've had a little over a week to scheme and dream about what 2012 should look for me. I've got high hopes and I'm re-inspired to delve back into things I love. Crafts (knitting especially), reading, trying new recipes and restaurants, getting healthy and discovering our new town & state.

I'll be back next week with a real post about twenty-twelve, a little something (links to love!) post and my sponsor love. Huge apologies to my amazing sponsors! This year started out a little hectic but I will have your feature highlights up soon!

We've had family for the New Years, M's little sister is staying with us for January and we're currently in NC on a mini vaca while M takes a class in the area for his job. I've been on instagram and twitter here and there and I've stayed somewhat caught up with reading blogs but that's about it.

I hopped on my moms laptop to get this post out because if I didn't write something, my brain was going to explode. Seriously, blogging is an outlet for me and it's something I truly enjoy doing.

I'm excited to get back home this weekend and jump back into our regular routines and act on my new years goals!

Hope you all are having a very happy week!

lia's birthday party!

2012-01-04T11:38:00.000-05:00

I don't know why I get such anxiety before planning parties. I slept horrible the last few nights before her party. Like waking up in the middle of the night with party disaster nightmares and remembering cake plates and extra decorations. It went off without a hitch. Okay, there was a small hitch. The rainbow cake fell apart right before her party. I may have went into the garage and blubbered like a baby for a minute. My dad may have tried to calm me down and tell me everything was going to be okay while I lost it. But then, my siblings went and got the most awesome Yo Gabba Gabba cake and saved the day.

Seriously though, I think her party turned out great! We were worried she'd be shy and clam up and have a horrible time. She was shy but she did great and did enjoy herself.

Mind you, this picture is missing some details! Like the cake that fell apart. And the dazzle berry lemonade (pink lemonade) that I forgot to take pictures of. And the sandwiches.

So the theme of her party was Yo Gabba Gabba-Rainbow-DIY inspired. Lovely, right? I don't do characters. Hate me if you will, but I hate character parties and bedding and yadda yadda. But, this girl? She loves her Gabba. Therefore, we have Gabba dolls, shoes, shirts & jackets, blankets. If it has Gabba on it, we're most likely buying it. And it makes her SO happy. I can't say no. I did draw the line at the whole bedding set though.

Welcome to Gabba land//Having fun decorating our palm tree

But the smile this Gabba-explosion party put on her face? Priceless. She loved it. She'd walk up to the table and point at all the characters and try to say their names. She was happy.

Piñata from Target//All Yo Gabba Gabba printables were found free online at NickJr

Gumballs for fun & color//Chips, pretzels & rainbow goldfish
Not pictured: Dazzleberry lemonade and sandwiches cut into fun shapes like tulips and hearts and stars

The favors were DJ Lance's boom box! Animal cracker boxes with a printable taped on front

Cookie idea from Pinterest//White chocolate covered oreos

Rainbow cupcakes with tinsel pom-poms found at Michaels. I made yarn ones but I wasn't crazy about them.

Most of the decorations, including the cute cupcake stand, were made by me. Budgets around Christmas time are usually a little tight here. But I love the simple, fun feel it gave the party.

We had games & coloring pages set up inside but the weather ended up being so gorgeous that we set up a tent and some chairs in the back yard and the kids had a blast with the sidewalk chalk & bubble machine!

Streamers//Coloring pages found free online at NickJr

Balloon badminton game was a hit//Pin the eye on Muno

Tent//Chalk

Piñata time!

The cake that saved the day!

Make a wish//Family picture

Balloon printables from NickJr with ribbons attached to them//Opening presents

Sometime during the festivities, a cake fight broke out between the siblings. It always happens.

We had a great time and I can't believe that I've got a TWO year old now!

Throwing your own Yo Gabba Gabba party? Here's my Pinterest board that I used for inspiration.

christmas was yesterday, right?

2012-01-03T19:45:00.000-05:00

I am seriously this behind in blog posts? Ack! My head is brewing up some great 2012 goals & aspirations but I want to finish up 2011.

So first things first, Christmas! We had a great Christmas this year. Lia was blessed (majorly spoiled) with tons of toys and new stuff. It was so much fun watching her actually sort of get Christmas. Not the real meaning of Christmas... that's a bit over her two year old head. But presents and tree and lights and love and family? Yeah, she got it. Oh and chocolate? She definitely got that.

I'm thinking next year maybe we should try the Want, Need, Wear, Read tradition I've seen around on blogs. It took Lia from around 8 AM to 7 PM to open all of her presents. Christmas should be more simple, I realize now.

Leaving Santa cookies & milk//Christmas Eve

Christmas morning

Her 2011 ornament. She picked it out herself.

Since we stayed home for the holidays and family didn't come in, I said we still needed to get dressed up for Christmas dinner. I think we looked cute.

It was an awesome holiday and I really enjoyed the time with my little family of three.

p365 - week 51 & 52 : the end.

2012-01-02T12:25:00.001-05:00

With all the holiday drama and party planning, I took a few days away from the blog and twitter and Facebook. I popped in here and there but nothing major. Family is gone now, the holidays are over and I can re-prioritize and focus back on my little family of 3, the blog and figuring out what I want from 2012!

With that being said, here's the last two weeks of 2011 in picture form.

Week 51

351. We hung our stockings.

352. Board game night!

353. I picked my knitting back up.

354. Trying out a new lunch idea - egg salad sammies!

355. Chocolate cake.

356. Afternoon bubble bath.

357. Holy Christmas - look at all those gifts!

Week 52

358. Baking up a storm on Christmas eve.

359. Christmas morning!

360. Me and my girl.

361. Cleaning out the old Christmas decorations before they all get packed up.

362. My new bag I scored for free at Old Navy. I am loving it!

363. Homemade funfetti cupcakes for my L's birthday.

364. Dinner at Five Guys. She's a french fry lover.

365. Lia's 2nd birthday party!

I think this is the end of my project 365. It was fun and I am so grateful for having all these photos but I don't think I want to continue. I'm throwing the idea around of doing a project for Lia. Maybe tweeting a photo a day of her. Or doing a Tumblr blog with it. But no weekly posts here with collages and edited photos. I want that time for other things.

Are you doing any photo projects this year?

kristy'isms of 2011.

2011-12-30T08:00:00.001-05:00

I was tagged by Jessica the other day and I finally remembered to sit down and do this thing.

There's always rules, huh?

- You must post these rules.

- Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.

- Anwser the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

- You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.

- No tag backs and you legitimately have to tag 11 people.

My 11 things.

1. I'm a list maker. I LOVE lists. And crisp new notebooks.

2. I can read really fast. I usually start a 300-400 book and finish the next day.

3. I love my iPhone but I am really mean to it. I dropped it in a pile of mashed potatoes this week. No joke.

4. I love trashy reality tv shows. Hello, The Bachelor + Jersey Shore!

5. I'm a southern girl who belongs more in the city than the country but I can't give up fried chicken or sweet tea.

6. I used to have my eyebrow pierced.

7. I want a tattoo but I'm too chicken.

8. I miss the idea of moving around every couple years in the military. The idea of settling down in our new town makes me slightly claustrophobic.

9. I'm allergic to weird things like bubble bath and bandaids.

10. I have a scar on my wrist where I dropped part of a meat slicer on my hand at work (I used to work in a deli).

11. I have a piece of pencil lead stuck in my knee from when I was a kid. How I got it jammed in there? Who knows...

And the questions:

1. What names did you have picked out for your kids when you were little?

Hmm...I'm pretty sure I was set on something along the lines of Deanna or Zooey. (I am sure the hubs is going to tell me no way, jose are we using those names!).

2. What's your favorite YouTube video?

Anything by Keenan Cahill. Seriously, I don't know whether to be freaked out by him or laugh my butt off. I usually just laugh.

3. What is something/someone you are currently missing?

My best friend, Sonia. We lived in New York together for a few years and now I'm here in South Carolina and the Marine Corp has sent her to Hawaii. But, we're plotting to get back together!

4. Which one of your Pinterest boards has the most pins?

The "good eats" board. It's got over 250!

5. What is something you are proud of yourself for?

Getting through labor! It was all unexpected and painful and turned into a emergency c-section.

6. Do you have any vices/bad habits?

I lose my patience really quickly lately. And, I still bite my nails :/

7. Name a fictional character you want to be more like.

Any character Meg Ryan plays. But probably, Sally Albright from When Harry Met Sally.

8. Share a quote you feel defines your personality/philosophy.

I'm going to share a quote I strive after, not so much what I am now. I'm a work in progress.

"Be believing, be happy, don't get discouraged. Things will work out". Gordon B. Hinckley

9. What is/was your favorite children's book?

Any/all of the Little Critter books by Mercer Mayer. And the Ramona Quimby books!

10. What is the most played song in your playlist/iTunes?

Save Me, San Francisco by Train.

11. What is your favorite era/cast of Saturday night live?

Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler & Rachel Dratch.

People I am tagging:

No pressure, ladies.

Alyssa from Fleur de Lyss

Emily from Writings of an Air Force Wife

Allison from The Diary of a Mrs

Diana from Livy Love

Jenn from My Dear Jenn

Beckie from Turn for the Nurse

Amber from Our Journey with Jax

Alexandra from Being Mama

Allie from It's a Wonderful Life

Melissa from knit purl baby

April from marine parents

And, the questions I get to ask you.

1. What's your favorite TV show?

2. Are you more addicted to Twitter or Pinterest?

3. If you were stuck on a deserted island, what 3 things would be a must-have for you?

4. Are you doing New Year's resolutions this year and if so, what are they?

5. How many states/countries have you been to?

6. If you had an extra $100 to blow, what would you spend it on?

7. What's your favorite food?

8. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

9. A classic debate in my house: iPhone or android?

10. What's the best thing you got for Christmas?

11. Do you have pets?

Enjoy!

letters to lia - 24 months old.

2011-12-29T21:39:00.000-05:00

You did it babe. You turned into a full fledged kid. When people ask me how old you are, I won't be rambling off some double number followed by "months". I'll just say two. She's two. You're two!

I swear, it seems I was just in the hospital yesterday. In lots of pain, screaming at anyone who'd listen that they better get you out of me right away. I know you weren't ready to come out. I'm sure you had your own plans for when your birthday would be. But the doctors had their own plans and I was just caught in the middle.

They finally caved in to my pleas and around 5 PM, you were born via c-section. From the moment I laid eyes on you, my world changed. It became brighter, happier, more beautiful. Since day one, you've had us all wrapped around your tiny fingers. You run the show around here.

I tell you all the time, and I can't seem to tell you enough, how amazing and beautiful and perfect you are. How your eyes sparkle when you are really excited. How the little pitter patter of your feet running across the floor makes my heart do flip-flops. That I can't imagine a day without our house filled with your shrieking laughter. I wouldn't trade your good moments, your bad moments, any of your moments for the world!

I don't know how mommy and daddy were so blessed to receive you as our gift but we are beyond thankful. You truly light up our worlds. The last two years have been amazing and they flew by. I'm so excited to see what this next year brings!

Mommy loves you SO much! Always remember that.

Stats:
Your 2 year wellness visit isn't until mid-January because mommy didn't find a doctor and set up an appt right away like I should have! So I'll update again after the visit.

You take 2-3 hour naps once a day, most days. If we are out and about, somehow a 10-15 min nap does the trick. You sleep anywhere from 8-9 PM to 7-8 AM. And you won't go to bed without your blankie and your "Bee". And someones your baby and Brobee. That's usually when you don't want to go to sleep so you stall by asking to get more stuff!

You love to "clean" by pulling out tissues and wipes and wiping down tables and chairs. But, if you want a wipe - you'll bring the box to me, give me the cutest little smile and hold up 1 finger. Haha it's so adorable - of course I can't say no to that.

Clothes - 24 months/2T. A few random 12-18 month/18-24 things fit you but not many.
Shoes - You've been in 3 different shoe sizes this year! Right now it's a 6. We'll see how long that lasts ;)
Diapers - Size 5. But i'm really hoping to start potty training soon into the new year.

When you want your diapie changed, you run to me and hold your nose and point to your booty. It's seriously really cute! And if someone poots, you laugh and hold your noise. Why gas is so funny to you, I don't know!

We call your paci your "bobo" and you are more addicted to it than ever. I used to keep them in a basket in a drawer but you've learned how to open that drawer and take them when you want. Now when you want one, I tell YOU to go find it because I rarely know where they are!

You also learned how to open all the closest doors and the pantry door. You pretty much do what you want with what you want! Ms. Grown Up! We are going to find some way to child-proof the closest doors though. I cringe thinking of you closing your fingers in them. And, its kind of old to walk in your room and see ALL of your pajamas strewn around the room because you took the liberty of taking all three drawers our of your dresser. How do you learn these things?!

You are talking more and more each day but only when you want to. I mean, you babble all day but I still can't understand most of it. If you really want your point across, you'll slow down and say a word or two and that'll be that.

New words you've picked up & Words you've been using a lot of lately:
Sit (which sounds like a bad s*it, to be honest!)
Back (when i've grabbed something to get you and you don't want it, you tell me "mama, back. back!"
When you call Toby, you say "bee".
Gabba for Yo Gabba Gabba.
You say phone whenever you hear our phones ring or make a noise then you'll run and find them for us.
Milk.
Juice.
Stay.
Come.
Tree.
Dora.

You LOVED Christmas. You would turn the tree lights on every day and just sit in your rocking chair staring at the tree.

You got a baby doll/stroller/crib for Christmas and you have loved playing mama. You carry your baby around and give her a bobo and you sleep with her too!

You've learned where your ears are and now we're working on knees and toes. You can say almost all of the body parts you know too.

You love to follow me around most of the day and copy what I do. If I laugh, you laugh! If I turn on music, you like to twirl around and dance. You usually make me twirl around and dance too! You love watching me put on my make-up and I let you "wear" my powder and lipgloss.

You still love helping me and daddy do the laundry and unload the dishwasher. Knock on wood we haven't broken any dishes yet!

You love playing with your toys in your room. Most of the times when I think it's too quiet so I go searching for you, you are sitting in the bean bag in your room reading books. You love bath time but you hate when we wash your hair/rinse you off.

Lately, all you've eaten is cheese, spaghetti, popsicles and cereal. Along with Goldfish and applesauce, of course. You eat what you like and you throw what you don't like off your plate! You have been eating chicken or turkey when I cook it, so thats a good thing! Oh, and you like to steal my food and my drink and my utensils. Even when I give you regular forks & spoons (not your toddler safe plastic ones). I guess I don't mind sharing ;)

The tantrums run high these days and time-outs and talking-tos are a daily thing around here but I think we're getting a grip on the sassy-diva attitude. It isn't perfect but you are starting to learn whats good behavior and what makes you look like you belong on "Toddlers & Tiaras"! But, I wouldn't change any of it for the world.

I love spending every day with home. It's not always easy, but me and you? We belong together. We're best friends and this is the way it's supposed to be.

You keep changing and growing every day. I love seeing the world through your eyes. I love the excitement you bring.

This weekend is your birthday party and I am so excited for you. You are two! You aren't my little baby anymore.

Happy Birthday mamita. We love you!

XOXO,
Mommy

i'm over here today!

2011-12-29T12:02:00.000-05:00

I'll be here later today with Lia's 24 month pictures and her monthly letter.

But thats after I finish my super long to-do list and find the time and mental capacity to sit down and write the letter! And fingers crossed that L actually participates in the photo shoot I've got in brewing in my head.

For now, you can check us out over here. Jessica is doing a fun sponsor swap and I've got a guest post on her blog today. Go show us both some love!

it's a birthday celebration : part two!

2011-12-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

So a good friend asked me how is Lia already turning two? Well, I don't know. But I say we find a way to turn back time!

Check out le babe during her second year...

Sigh. I'm not even going to talk about how last year this time I was thinking about this year this time. And how this year this time I'm thinking that next year won't be too far away either.

Coming up tomorrow will be a very special birthday edition of letters to lia and her 24 month photos.

weekly meal plan : december 26

2011-12-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

monday - leftovers
tuesday - crockpot BBQ chicken
wednesday - baked taco ring
thursday - baked parmesan spaghetti (and cupcakes for Lia's birthday!!)
friday - leaving options open (we have family coming in!)
saturday - pizza takeout (Lia's party is today!)
sunday - again, leaving options open because we'll be spending time with family!

it's a birthday celebration : part one!

2011-12-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

I feel like all of this happened just yesterday. In reality, it happened two years ago :(

Here's Lia's first year, in pictures!

Part two is coming up tomorrow.

merry christmas & a to-do list update!

2011-12-24T21:47:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Eve. We've crossed off what there is to cross off and as for the rest, well there's always next year. As glad as I am to have another holiday with my little family and to see how much fun Lia is having, I'm glad today is over and Christmas will be here soon. I baked way too much today, melted a utensil on the stove, was covered in flour and Lia's chewed up gingerbread men cookies and my contacts felt like they were melted to my eyeballs.

Now, after I finish a load of laundry and blow dry & straighten my hair, I can go to bed. Whew.

~~Have hot chocolate.~~
~~Bake Christmas cookies.~~
~~Take a drive to see the Christmas lights.~~
Watch A Christmas Story. (will do tomorrow!)
Leave milk & cookies for Santa.
Watch all my favorite "25 Days of Christmas" movies.
~~Go to the Christmas parade.~~
Make these DIY yarn ball ornaments. (bought the supplies, didn't get around to making them)
See the town's tree lighting.
Buy our perfect tree.
Decorate our tree.
~~Hang our stockings.~~
~~Wrap presents!~~
Take L to see Santa Clause.
Send Christmas cards.
Donate to Toys for Tots. (thanks to my horrible memory, the toys sat around for over a week while I forgot to drop them off somewhere...boo to me - it makes me really sad!)
Watch "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown".
Bake Christmas goodies.
Add a new Christmas cd to our mix and play it over & over ;)
Watch the Rockefeller Tree Lighting.
~~Make gingerbread men.~~
~~Get a kiss under the jingle bells (my version of the mistloe - because we have none!)~~

the christmas spirit.

2011-12-22T09:03:00.000-05:00

It's lacking around these parts. Our halls our decked (no, not really), the tree is trimmed and the stockings are hung on the wall with care. We've got paper chains and glittery candles. iTunes is chock full of Christmas tunes and the DVR is stocked with our favorite holiday shows.

And as I sit here with my hot chocolate (which I've just now deemed the perfect way to start all winter mornings) and the soft glow of the Christmas tree, I realize the small ball of excitement growing inside as I think of the festive events to go on this weekend really should have hit me a LONG time ago.

Maybe if the ground outside wasn't so parse and brown. Maybe if we didn't need to have the A/C on at night. Maybe if we were back in New York. There's really no better place than New York at Christmas.

But we're here. In the South. Where people really appreciate their snow-less grounds and warm temps. The mail lady drives around in shorts and a tank top. Not kidding people. She, herself, seriously puts a damper on my holiday spirit. I'm tempted to ask her to wear a big winter coat just while she's delivering my mail. I don't know though, I may not get any more mail after that.

I guess I'll just keep drinking my cocoa and blasting the Bieb's holiday christmas cd (i'm embarrassed, but it really is so good). I'll keep planning my Christmas eve baking spree, dreaming of the goodies my mom is sending me and the smile on L-bugs face when she opens all of her billion presents. Spoiled much?

I'll fake it like the best of them.

I do have a few last minute crafts I want to whip up so there's that. Chrismtas is coming either way, right?

I hope the Christmas spirit is abundant in your home and if you've got some extra, send it my way!

weekly meal plan : december 19

2011-12-19T08:00:00.011-05:00

monday - philly cheesesteak sloppy joes
tuesday - braided spaghetti bread
wednesday - crockpot santa fe chicken
thursday - chicken legs + yellow rice
friday - perogies + caesar salad
saturday - christmas eve! spaghetti with meat sauce & garlic bread - our tradition in it's 2nd year.
sunday - christmas! turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls - the usual.

happy weekending.

2011-12-18T19:46:00.000-05:00

Hope you are all having an awesome weekend!

It's Sunday night here, we've just finished dinner + dessert and I'm looking forward to the babe going to bed and playing a board game with the hubs.

We were homebodies this weekend and I loved it. It was nice to not be on the go, go, go all weekend. There will be plenty of that in the next 2 weeks.

We made a quick trip to the mall in Savannah, wrapped presents, played Candy Land with L-bug, fingerpainted, did a little cleaning + laundry, made homemade donuts, strung Christmas lights and left up the broken ones because well, M didn't feel like taking them down after his hard work. That's how we roll.

I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for the upcoming week and I need to make one big to-do list. It just doesn't feel like Christmas to us - it's in the 60s-70s and NO snow. Uh? We don't know how to do Christmas like that. I mean, we had shorts on to hang the lights. Last year, we were bundled up as much as we could be and were still freezing.

It's just an adjustment, I suppose. But I wouldn't mind Ole Saint Nick dropping some snow down our ~~chimney~~...err, front yard.

I'm off to fill out my calendar, start on my to-do list and make a holiday grocery list. Here's to a happy, happy week before Christmas!

PS
The homemade donut recipe should make it's way on the blog this week. Should.

p365 - week 50.

2011-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

WOW! Only two more weeks. SO crazy. I love having all these photos though.

344. The obligatory post office visit during the holidays!
345. Baking cookies for friends!
346. Baking cookies for us ;)
347. Blogging.
348. Baking cookies on a bad day!
349. Just hanging out in the bathroom.
350. Sex & the City and peace & quiet in the bedroom = one happy mama on a friday night.

a little something.

2011-12-17T15:24:00.000-05:00

Hello, lovelies! How is your weekend going? We did a little last minute shopping today (getting great deals, I might add!) and hung up some Christmas lights. Though, it really doesn't feel like the holidays with all this sunshine and warm weather we are having.

Here's some links I am loving right now:

This DIY gift would be great for all of your baking friends!
The Home Alone house is for sale. If only I had $2.4 million laying around!
Free chevron backgrounds for le blog + twitter.
Delicious cookies for Santa.
I wouldn't mind having this under the tree.
Easy christmas craft.

Enjoy!

image source {Source: everygirlneedsalittlesparkle.tumblr.com via kristy on Pinterest}

where I {blog} from

2011-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:00

Back in February, I did this post. It was a small post, linked up with April over at Marine Parents, to show where I am while I blog.

Two houses and about 10 months later, I have a new spot to blog from. And I lurve it. It's everything I've ever wanted my little niche to be. It's not finished, but it's on its way.

So, I thought it would be fun to do another "where I blog from" post. And give you guys a little glimpse of our new home. I've been meaning to take pictures for a house tour but it just hasn't happened yet.

I blog from the office/playroom. I believe the technical term for this room is the "carolina room". It's right off of our living room and dining room and blocked off by an arched doorway and a set of french glass doors. It's beyond cute. And there's a door that leads right out to our backyard. A lot of the homes in our neighborhood have a screened-in porch instead of the carolina room. I like it better this way.

Ignore the toys in the bottom of the picture. And all the frames on the wall will be moving. That vision didn't work out so I have a different one!

Right now it's the home of our desk, christmas tree, L's timeout stool/mail corner and some of Lia's toys. My dream is for it to be our office where I can do my creative thing on the computer/check emails/edit photos and Lia's playroom so we can hang out together. She still prefers hanging out in her room alone most of the time. But, a girl can dream right?

The extra space beside these windows is going to change. I'm getting 6 similar frames, taking the glass out and hanging them. I want to display L's artwork there. After Christmas, the easel L is getting for Christmas is replacing the tree and I want to do another photo wall on that wall. I think. Or a big corkboard/chalkboard for notes and to pin up inspiration and ideas. We also plan on getting some shelving similar to this in white to house extra computer stuff and the printer.

And, we need a nice, fluffy rug because these tiles are COLD! Cleaning up all the cords underneath the desk is a must too.

That should about do it.

Details:
Paper garland for Christmas.
A wedding photo. Because it reminds me of the love I share with my handsome man everytime I look at it.
Mason jar pen cup.
A catch-all dish. Currently catching my iPhone, L's bobo and my camera lens cap.
A family photo.
A sweet little paper weight reminding me to enjoy life.
My fake scentsy warmer.
And, a lamp.

P.S. My wonderful mom gave us this desk as an early Christmas present. A few short weeks ago I was blogging from a side table in the corner while sitting on the cold floor. I am very thankful!

I'd love to see where you blog from! Write up a post and link up in the comments.

p365 - week 49.

2011-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:00

337. Hanging out at our town's Christmas parade.
338. Making cookies!
339. Our tree all lit & decorated.
340. L-bug being cute.
341. Wrapping gifts!
342. Cozy socks + stripes.
343. Self-explained.

just because...

2011-12-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

Two posts today? I know. But this one? It's really funny.

PS. I do these every year. Do you?

christmas to-do list!

2011-12-13T08:00:00.001-05:00

Brought to you today by slacker tendencies...

Source: meggielynne.tumblr.com via kristy on Pinterest

A Christmas to-do list.

Have hot chocolate.
Bake Christmas cookies.
Take a drive to see the Christmas lights.
Watch A Christmas Story.
Leave milk & cookies for Santa.
Watch all my favorite "25 Days of Christmas" movies.
Go to the Christmas parade.
Make these DIY yarn ball ornaments.
See the town's tree lighting.
Buy our perfect tree.
Decorate our tree.
Hang our stockings.
Wrap presents!
Take L to see Santa Clause.
Send Christmas cards.
Donate to Toys for Tots.
Watch "Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown".
Bake Christmas goodies.
Add a new Christmas cd to our mix and play it over & over ;)
Watch the Rockefeller Tree Lighting.
Make gingerbread men.
Get a kiss under the jingle bells (my version of the mistloe - beucase we have none!)

Aren't these the best kinds of to-do lists? What's on yours?

fall to-do list : the final cross-offs.

2011-12-12T09:19:00.000-05:00

*Okay - I wrote this a few weeks back and I am just now posting. Slacker-tendencies.

The original post is over here.

Fall To-Do List
~~Go apple picking.~~
~~Carve a pumpkin.~~
Take L-bug to the Bronx Zoo. Or, any Boo at the Zoo event. (No zoo close enough with a good enough event :( boooo)
~~Drink hot cocoa with extra marshmallows.~~
~~Go to a pumpkin patch.~~
~~Repeat last years photo of Lia in a pile of leaves.~~
~~Make Lia's Halloween costume.~~
~~Bake an apple pie.~~
Jump in a pile of leaves. (There wasn't quite enough leaves for this.)
Go trick-or-treating!
Have a picnic.
~~Go on a bike ride.~~
~~Watch "It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown".~~ (We ended up watching Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving special instead).
~~Go to a fair or street festival.~~
Make this pinecone garland. (My pinecones were not cooperating, but I'm not giving up quite yet.)

All but 3! We had a great Fall. And even though it's technically still Fall for a while, who are we kidding? I am jumping on the Christmas bandwagon TODAY!

Bring it on, holidays.

sponsor swap!

2011-12-11T09:42:00.000-05:00

So here's the deal!

Inspired by my want of getting my blog out there and this lovely gal, I'm hosting a sponsor swap.

I've already started in with the same lovely gal on her sponsor swap but mine will start in January.

It's free, easy and best of all - we're blogs supporting blogs. Seriously a win-win.

One sponsor spot a month will include your button on my sidebar and a solo guest post by you.
Then, I'll host {up to 4} spots that will include your button on my sidebar and a small "about you" blurb. I will post all 4 blurbs in one post on my blog during your month.

It's just a first come-first serve basis! And, we'll repeat it again the next month.

Interested? Email me at blogalittlesomething{at}gmail{dot}com.

I'm really excited for this and I hope you are too!

All this info can also be found on the "sponsor swap" button beneath my header!

weekly meal plan : december 12

2011-12-09T08:57:00.000-05:00

Since I didn't do a meal plan for last week because we mostly just used up whatever was left in the fridge and pantry, I'm including this weekend in the meal plan and posting it early. We'll be doing our shopping tonight.

friday - takeout (we've got a gift cert. for a local pizza place we want to try!)
saturday - bbq chicken legs. mashed potatoes + rolls
sunday - tacos de papa

monday - parmesan chicken + roasted potatoes
tuesday - beef tacos + refried beans
wednesday - crockpot bbq chicken + yellow rice
thursday - cobb salad
friday - homemade pizza + salad
saturday - chicken tacos
sunday - beef stew

this {past} weekend.

2011-12-08T14:43:00.002-05:00

I know it's closer to this coming weekend than last weekend but bare with me. Really cute pictures are involved!

This past weekend was chock full of Christmas fun. Which is the way I'm liking them right about now. L is totally into the holiday spirit (even dancing like the Radio City Rockettes!) and how can you not get infected with that kind of charm and happiness?

Lately with her, tantrums have been a big thing. The little pink "time-out" stool in our house is getting a lot of visits. But I still find myself falling deeper in love with her everyday. Its just amazing what us mama's can tolerate.

Thankfully, we had a good trip to the tree lighting & parade sans bad attitude.

Friday night we headed downtown, which is only about 5 minutes from us. The shops stayed open late, there was a live music being played from the streets, a huge projector on the lawn for christmas movies and a quaint little bookshop where we spent a few magical moments with the resident dachshund (he was CUTE!). I figured the lighting would be a bit more theatrical, at least a countdown of some sorts. But nope, we blinked our eyes and ta-da, tree lit and everyone leaving. I'm still glad we went though. If just to try and set some roots & memories down in this new town.

Saturday morning we made breakfast sandwiches to go, bundled ourselves up and took our loaded car back downtown to set up on the sidewalk for the Christmas parade. I had no expectations (what with the tree lighting and all) but that parade? 2 hours long. Seriously. I've never been to a parade that long.

Lia had fun. We all did. We met up with M's boss and his family and their friends. It was nice feeling like a part of the community.

Near the end, l-bug warmed up enough to wave to the floats and people in the parade!

And we are obviously living in the South again.

And these guys really like their beer.

Afterwards, we grabbed Five Guys for lunch and went to pick out our Christmas tree. L was less than interested in that part but she went to town decorating it the next day!

Not the one we ended up buying.

And, some cookie making went down. With homemade frosting. Homegirl knew what to do. Eat it by the spoonfuls. I taught her so well.

It was a good weekend. A really good weekend.

P.S
Excuse the picture heavy post. I usually use Picnik to make collages to help with that but since we got our Apple Mac, for some reason portrait pictures get turned sideways when uploaded on the internet and I was re-rotating them in Picnik then uploading to Photobucket to put it in the blog but Photobucket turns them again and it's just a big hot badly rotated mess. And, until I figure it out (or Mac figures it out), I'm irked and I don't wanna mess with it! But I will gladly take any tips you may have.

wordless{ish} wednesday : deck the halls.

2011-12-07T08:06:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was chock full of Christmas fun. There was the town tree lighting, the Christmas parade, baking cookies with mama and buying/decorating our own tree!

L-bug was really into it this year She put up most of the decorations herself! We just had to rearrange a little afterwards.

The holidays are going to be so much more fun this year.

Linking up with The Paper Mama and jenni from the blog.

p365 - weeks 47 & 48.

2011-12-05T10:08:00.000-05:00

I've only got 4 weeks left of this year's P365 project. I'm still undecided if i'll do it again next year. I LOVE having all these pictures and memories but I have to admit, I hated getting so behind in posting that it felt more like a chore than fun memories.

I want to do it, but I think maybe i'll do it differently. Still thinking of ways!

For now, here's the past 2 weeks chock full of family, L-bug and Thanksgiving.

Week 47

323. Finally got our Fall leaves photo!
324. We brought Christmas to the bathtub.
325. She was trying to be a big girl and not sit in her booster seat. That ended with milk & cereal everywhere.
326. Sick day. Cough drop motivation?
327. Prepping for Thanksgiving.
328. Turkey. Yum! Happy Thanksgiving!
329. A little magazine browsing while waiting in line on Black Friday.

330. Another epic Santa picture fail.

331. The best onion rings. And I'm not even a fan of onion rings.

332. My L-bug.

333. Mason jars, epsom salt, tealights. The perfect DIY christmas decorations.

334. Toddler tantrums.

335. My new fake scentsy warmer. Smells SO good.

336. Me & my girl at our town's christmas tree lighting.

crockpot bbq chicken : a recipe.

2011-12-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

This recipe has found it's way to our dinner table a huge handful of times and I've only had it for about a month. It's so good. In fact, I make it about once a week. It's incredibly easy and the perfect weeknight recipe.

I pinned it, so I'm sure tons of you have come across it. But we all know that pinterest, as lovely and amazing as it is, can become a black hole of sorts full of amazing ideas and some very funny tidbits.

I typically serve it with yellow rice but potatoes would be great too!

I'll write the recipe as is, but I halve everything because we really only need to use 2 chicken breasts.

And what I love most about this recipe - toss your chicken in frozen! I am a perpetual forgetter when it comes to taking meals out of the freezer. And I really hate defrosting them in the microwave.

You'll need:
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bottle BBQ sauce (my fave is Famous Dave's, but its hard to find here so I sub in Sweet Baby Rays)
1/4 cup vinegar
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 - 1 tsp garlic powder

Mix up the sauce with all the ingredients below it. Place the chicken in your crockpot and cover with the sauce. Cook on low for for 6 hours or high for 4. The chicken is so tender and moist and the sauce sticks to the skin and tastes amazing.

This will make many more appearances in our house!

being a mama.

2011-12-01T20:37:00.000-05:00

Source: etsy.com via kristy on Pinterest

Being a mama is SO many things, all wrapped together.

Most days I curse the toys I trip over 45 billion times. Most days I'd like to pull my hair out and throw massive tantrums like my toddler. Most days I wonder how to get through to the next day. We have some great days, don't get me wrong. But these days, I'm a mama to a toddler. And it's my first time. And I'm still learning.

The ornery ones are turning into the terrible twos and the tantrums and attitudes are coming at me left and right. But that's normal. She's just a kid.

But yes, I do feel like I'm going crazy most days. Including parts of today.

Tonight was different though. As I was trudging through the chore of cleaning up after dinner and doing a quick pick up, my eyes landed on L's teeny tiny crocks laying hazhadarly under the table. She must have kicked them off during dinner. Without really thinking, I grabbed them and layed them on top of her toddler-sized ladybug bookbag and stacked them both in the chair.

Then it hit me. How lucky am I to be able to have these teeny tiny crocs and bookbag to stack? How lucky am I to have blocks and toys and crayons strewn about the house? How lucky am I to find my new scented wax blocks in Lia's play kitchen. Very lucky. Maybe even the luckiest person in the world.

I was handpicked for this job. The job of being Lia's mommy. The job of handling every thing the world has to throw at us. Me. How amazing is that?

Even though some days I really just want to be lazy and not have a toddler screaming at me every 5 minutes. And maybe some days I have a really strong urge to throw away every last.single.toy in this house, I never will. Because I am lucky to be here. To have her.

To hear the pitter-patter of her footsteps across the hall. To be on the recieving end of her kisses. To see her smile. To be the one she calls mama. To spend every second of every day with her.

Being a mama is such an amazing blessing. Nothing worth having is easy, right?

So tonight, I breath deep and try to stay calm. Tonight, I lather my kid in kisses and tell her I love her over and over before I tuck her in. Tonight, I appreciate every last thing about being a mom. Because I am not promised every night with her. I will relish in every night I do have.

hello, december.

2011-12-01T13:25:00.000-05:00

Source: meggielynne.tumblr.com via Teresa on Pinterest

December 1st is here. Already. This is the month where I may very well go crazy every year. Let's just lump three big holidays together within the span of a few days. No biggie, right? Meh...

There's Christmas, then L's birthday, then New Years. The past 2 years L's party has fallen on New Years Eve. So I host two parties?

It's madness, I tell you. Madness.

And, I like to tackle homemade gifts for our huge families. I'm crazy, I tell you. Crazy.

But that's okay. Because I'm waving my holiday freak flag around. I'm actually very excited for this year. Lia gets excited about things, like she knows whats going on. And, it looks like we could have both of our families around for her birthday which is a big deal. And, its the first year Aunt Shell can be around for L's birthday. Last year, Germany and a snowstorm held her back. Barely. So, it'll be nice.

So, I've got a lot of planning + prepping, baking, organizing and crafting to do. Tons. But that's why we love the holidays so much, yes?

Between my new Lady Antebellum Christmas CD, Pandora playlists, yummy smelling candles, Shrek the Halls and the Rockefeller Tree lighting, I am pumped! I think we'll be picking out our own tree tonight. Then we'll decorate it this weekend after seeing our own town's tree lighting + Christmas parade.

Like I said earlier...Bring it, Holidays.

P.S.
Check out last year's hello, december post.

letters to lia - 23 months.

2011-12-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Took these snapshots tonight when I noticed you picked up the Journey catalog and found the Yo Gabba Gabba merchandise. You just sat on your stool, like you were reading the magazine, being all grownup!

23 months. Twenty-three months. 2-3. One month shy of being TWO.

Time seems to fly by without giving a second glance back. It feels like I'm supposed to have a baby yet I am chasing a toddler around day after day.

Little girl, you are spunky and spirited and crazy and funny and loving and sweet and sassy and stubborn. You are amazing and beautiful and smart and creative. You are my world. You are your daddy's world. You wrap everyone you know around your little finger.

These days, you love to play and run around and make messes. You love to dance & twirl around. You love to help with the laundry and dishes. You love to copy whatever we do.

This month, you've learned your body parts. You can point to your eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, hair, elbows, hands, fingers, feet and belly. We are SO close to nailing ears too :)

You say more, need, no, Ashley, bobo (your paci), uh-oh and uh-uh.

You've learned to do the robot. It is sooo cute!

You are quite demanding and you know what you want. In fact, you expect to be given whatever you want. You're pretty spoiled but that's just because you are so loved.

We have our good days and we have our not so good days. But, I love spending every day with you. I so excited to see what the next month brings!

XOXO,
Mommy

wordless{ish} wednesday : early morning tantrums

2011-11-30T09:09:00.001-05:00

The toddler had a few tantrums this morning. They started when I wouldn't let her have spoonfuls of peanut butter for breakfast. Okay, I let her have five. Then I put an end to that stickiness.

Then, she thought since she couldn't have the peanut butter, she should at least be able to take her yogurt to the sofa to finish eating. I put a stop to that too.

She was really mad. I only made her angrier when I tried to tickle her. Now she's on the sofa with her bowl of mini pop-tarts sitting as far away from me as she can. It's a win-win. Sort of.

I'm not a very popular mama this morning.

Linking up with The Paper Mama and jenni from the blog. You should too!

weekly meal plan : november 28

2011-11-29T11:24:00.000-05:00

Meal plans! I try to make one every week because a: it keeps me sane and b: it makes sure we have dinner on the table and avoid random take-out nights.

I try to sit down on Sundays to fill out my house binder, make a meal plan and go through coupons. So my meal plans start on a Monday and go through Sunday.

monday - cubed steak, mashed potatoes + biscuits.
tuesday - crockpot BBQ chicken + yellow rice.
wednesday - baked parmesan spaghetti + salad
thursday - chicken legs + arroz con gandules
friday - sloppy joes
saturday - crockpot swiss steak, mashed potatoes + salad
sunday - toasted raviolis + garlic cheesy bread

This makes it easy to cordiniate meals with events. Like this weekend, we'll be checking out our town's Christmas tree lighting and parade. So I've got easy, crockpot meals for Friday + Saturday. That way, I don't have to worry about dinner while we are out having fun!

turkey day + the weekend.

2011-11-28T15:57:00.000-05:00

I need a week to recover from this weekend. It was go, go, go. And we stuffed our faces a lot too. Thank goodness M and I just bought a treadmill for the garage. I'm going to need it.

We had an awesome Thanksgiving! Seriously, one of the best we've ever had. It was so nice hosting my parents and sister in our new home. Lia had tons of fun hanging out with them. She's really missed seeing them every day.

Our day (and weekend!) was full of great company, amazing food and lots of laughs. Seriously, a good chunk of the actual big day was spent watching Swamp People + hilarious YouTube videos. I cooked everything (minus the gravy, thanks to my dad) and the food was so good. It's actually my 3rd time cooking turkey and I pretty much rocked it this year. I also made a ham. First time ever and it was ohmygod so good. I don't even like ham and I ate it!

turkey/ham/yellow cake + buttercream frosting/s'mores pie/apple pie

We hit the stores around 9 PM for some black friday shopping, came back home around 2 AM, slept and was back out in the morning for a bit more shopping. We didn't go too crazy. Okay, maybe we did. We ended up getting an Apple Mac and a treadmill. Yikes for that credit card bill. But, we got some good deals. We also picked up a few other things and a christmas present for the L-bug.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing at home and visiting with my aunt + cousin who came over.

We spent all day Saturday in Savannah. It was L's second year visiting Santa. And it went just as badly as the first year! I was pretty sure she was traumatized. But when the candy cane was put in her hand, all was well. We grabbed lunch at Texas where my sister and I decided on margaritas a bit early. It was before noon. We regretted it later. We followed with a walk downtown, popping in and out of stores and trying for the perfect Christmas card picture.

It was really one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. It was sad to see them go on Sunday but they'll be back next month for L's big birthday!

I'll be playing catch up this week. Cleaning the house, laundry, making a meal plan and trying to get organized for Christmas. Oh, and not to mention setting up our new computer and the desk my mom gave us for an early Christmas gift. And getting in some exercise on that treadmill...

Hope you all had a great holiday!

letters to lia : 21 + 22 months old.

2011-11-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

L-bug,

Here we are, you are just a week away from turning 23 months old (holy heck, really?!) and I'm just now writing the past 2 letters.

Time kind of got away from mama. Between living at grandma's, daddy's temp + new job, house hunting, moving to SC, settling in and everyday life in between, I just haven't taken the time to write your letters. Shame on me because these letters are really important. I want you to know how cherished and loved you are. How amazing you are. What you learn day to day and how you are growing into the most beautiful, creative, loving little girl.

So. The past two months? You've become a whole new person. Don't get me wrong, you are still the big brown eyed girl who steals hearts but you are blossoming and changing every minute.

Your speech is growing. You are constantly babbling + talking, but I can only make out certain things!

You say :
daddy. all the time!
go
no. all the time :(
more
sit
stop
foofa
bee. meaning Toby.
please. only when you want to though.
mommy need. when you are telling me something you want.
bath.
bubbles.
juice.
baby.
and of course, all the other words you've learned.

You are wearing 18-24 months and 2T clothing. Size 6 shoes. A few of your size 5's work, but only because you don't have enough bigger shoes to fit you! Size 5 diapers.

For the sake of mama's sanity, you are still taking daily naps. From about 1-3 pm, you sleep every day. And when you aren't napping, you are a mess making, toy playing, snack eating machine! You love to drop out every.single.toy you own. You've yet to master picking them back up. You tend to do what you want, when you want. You are very spirited!

You love your Little People, play food and blocks + balls. You love playing outside.You still love Yo Gabba Gabba but lately you have been watching more Wonder Pets and a Dora episode or two.

You've taken to sleeping with your blankie, stuffed Toby, Brobee + Foofah. I don't know why. You also need a nightlight every night now.

You are wearing your glasses more and more, which saves mama a lot of guilt and worry. You look so cute + stylin' in them!

You are sort of nosy and like to know what's going on. If I change the TV channel from your cartoons after you've left the room, you run back in and start yelling at me. Cute + funny - but really kid? You weren't watching it anymore! You love to play alone. Well you love to play with Logan, your new friend. But normally if I try to play, you always snatch the toys out of my hands.

You can open up the closet and pantry doors. If I don't give you a snack when you ask for one, you just grab the closet thing you can reach in the pantry (always cereal) and help yourself. Your an A+ laundry helper too.

You are fascinated by Christmas lights + inflatables. You say hi and bye and blow them kisses every time you see them. I think Christmas this year is going to be so much more fun!

Words can't even describe how proud I am of you, little girl. There's not enough room in the world to contain how much love I have for you. So my heart grows and stretches a little more every day for you. I can't wait to see what the future brings for us.

XOXO,
Mommy

flashback friday : thanksgiving.

2011-11-25T17:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, how did Lia change this much in a year? My mind is boggled by it.

I wish I had taken more pictures but she wasn't too interested in eating much or hanging out at the table. Oh well, tis the life of a mama with a toddler.

happy thanksgiving.

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

Source: pinterest.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

Hope you all happily stuff your faces with delicious food and remember to thank your blessings.

wordless{ish} wednesday : leaves.

2011-11-23T09:37:00.000-05:00

First let me say this, I am only coming to you today with wordless{ish} wednesday because M is back home and therefore his laptop is too. Which means, I don't have to move from the comfy spot on the sofa where I've taken refuge.

In the span of a few hours yesterday, I got sick. I feel like a MAC truck ran over me, backed up over me and ran over me again. I feel like crud. And I have WAY too much to do to feel like crud.

So for now, i'm hanging on the sofa hoping today gets better and my kid learns to talk instead of whine.

Okay so there's that. Onto the post...

I found leaves! This is big stuff. Now I can stop cursing our street and being jealous of the neighbors in the front of the subdivision for having big, autumny leaves and giving me a stinkin' palm tree.

Now this isn't the best picture but out of about 50+ photos, it's the best I got. And it took lots of bribing with m&ms and candy corn and youtube-ing Yo Gabba Gabba and promises to play on the slide later to get this one shot. Hard work, I tell you. So this mama takes what she gets.

And since it's almost Thanksgiving, I feel I should tell you what I'm thankful for. Because there is oh so much.

I'm thankful for:

My amazing hubby, who does everything in his power to make sure we are taken care of and happy.

My gorgeous daughter, because even when I wanna crawl up a wall to get away she still makes my heart swell with love and pride. She's pretty amazing.

My family + friends.

Amazing twitter + blog friends who are always there when you need them. And who offer to send your daughter their daughter's quilt when she is done. Telling you, some of the nicest people I ever met.

The knowledge of cooking, so I can crank out an awesome thanksgiving dinner for my loves.

A home and a bank account and a car and every other material possession that not everyone is lucky enough to have.

M's job.

My comfy sofa.

Some of my family are coming to spend Thanksgiving with us so it'll probably be quiet around here 'till Monday. I plan on kicking this sick crud out, stuffing my face with turkey and watching the parade, spending time with family and a little black friday shopping.

Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours!

Linking up with The Paper Mama and jenni from the blog.

p365 - the past few weeks...again : part 2.

2011-11-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

week 45

309. L hanging out with her new friend. His name starts with L too!
310. Grocery shopping.
311. Pinterest idea put to use!
312. Bathtub drawing.
313. Hanging out at Walmart looking at the Christmas decorations.
314. Her best friend!
315. Fall in Savannah.

week 46

316. Tacos de papa.
317. Bathtub crayon tattoo.
318. A little stocking stuffer for L - thanks to Marine Parents.
319. She's just too cute.
320. The bacon grilled cheese.
321. Great life insurance ad...painting a room while holding a newborn. :(
322. Being adorable.

I should really just do the weekly iPhone linkup. I rarely pick up my actual camera these days! That's sad.

p365 - the past few weeks...again : part 1

2011-11-20T14:45:00.000-05:00

week 43

295. Hanging out at the pumpkin patch.
296. My new yardsale find. Think I will paint it a nice grey.
297. Eating breakfast!
298. Trying Five Guys for the first time. We love it!
299. Baking brownies :)
300. Eating lunch.
301. It was a Halloween candy raiding-pinterest browsing-list making kind of day.

week 44

302. Lunch at Chic-Fil-A.
303. Hot chocolate with extra marshmallows!
304. My super-girl on Halloween night.
305. No pictures :(
306. Date night in Savannah.
307. Playing outside!
308. Selling stuff online ;)

Ugh, I've gotten so far behind in posting these. Let's hope once I catch up, I'll stay caught up!

flashback friday : leaves!

2011-11-18T15:09:00.000-05:00

Leaves! One of my favorite things about Fall. Lots of houses in our neighborhood have yards full of leaves. I get a little jolt of Autumn everytime I drive by them. And then there's my house. Some dead looking bushes and one palm tree. No leaves. We picked the wrong street to live on ;)

I am on the hunt for a great place to take this years "leaf" picture. Here's last years, taken at my parents house.

wordless{ish} wednesday.

2011-11-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

♥

Linking up over at The Paper Mama and Jenni from the Blog.

tacos de papa : a recipe.

2011-11-13T15:42:00.000-05:00

All credit for this recipe goes to my best friend, Sonia. Before we moved to SC and she moved to Hawaii - gatherings at her house were just natural. I brought dessert and she supplied the food. And she makes some really good mexican food. Seriously, I still crave her enchiladas.

Anyways, one day she called and asked if we wanted to come over for tacos de papa. I, of course, said yes - but I had no idea what they were. Basically tacos made of potatoes. Well, I love both so I figured it would be a hit.

It was a slam dunk! These things are so good. And simple. Honestly, 4 ingredients. Thats it.

Tacos De Papa

You'll need potatoes. I use regular baking/yellow potatoes. 2 med-large sized ones made about 14 tacos for us.
Parmesan cheese. I don't measure it but if I had to guess, I'd say about 1/4 cup. Maybe a little less.
An egg or 2.
Corn tortillas - the small size.

Wash, peel and dice your potatoes. Throw them in a pot and boil them until they are soft, about 30 mintes.
Drain and toss back into the pot or a bowl. Mash them and let them cool for a few minutes. You don't want the egg to cook in them just yet.
Once they are cooled some, add 1 egg and parmesan cheese. Stir well.

Don't be freaked by the egg!

Heat up your oil in a pan or a fry daddy, if you have one. Does anyone else call them fry daddy's or is that a weird thing in my family?
Spoon a small amount of potatoes in your tortillas and fold in half. Don't fill your tacos too much - they don't fry well and they won't taste good. You may want to heat the tortillas for a few seconds beforehand so they don't crack.
Place your taco in the oil and fry until crispy brown. I really can't tell you how long to fry them, a couple minutes, if that? M does the frying - I don't do good with hot grease.

Place your fried tacos in a strainer thats on top of a plate to help let the extra grease roll off.

When ready to serve, top with cheese, lettuce, sour cream + hot sauce! M likes cotija, which is a mexican crumbling cheese and crema de mexicana. Both are pretty pricey for things we just eat with one meal. So unless we are splurging, we stick with mozzarella & parmesan cheese and regular sour cream. Oh, and Tapatio is the best hot sauce for these. It's hot + spicy, but with a sweet hint. Its just really really good.

I made these last night and honestly, I hate like 5. I felt like a beached whale later but my belly was nice and full.

And, if you wanted to go with a taquito style taco - just roll them instead of folding in half.

If you try these - I'd love to know what you think of them!

thanksgiving : recipes!

2011-11-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

Okay ya'll, I am back today with some recipes!

This turkey recipe is the same one my dad has made for as long as I can remember. It's simple but tasty. The turkey is all about memories and tradition for me.

thanksgiving turkey + gravy

You'll have to take your frozen turkey out of the freezer and put it in the fridge to defrost a few days ahead. Depending on the size. I'm going for a 10-15lb turkey this year so I'll be putting my turkey in the fridge the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

I'll be up bright and early Thanksgiving morning. We like to eat around 2-3 in the afternoon on Thanksgiving - one big meal. It's just the way it's always been done in my family. So,
I'll get up and get the turkey in by 7 am.

Pull your turkey out and cut the wrapper off. I leave it in the sink while taking the giblets out and washing out the insides really well. I trash the giblets, but I do cook the neck. M loves the turkey neck.

Settle your turkey on the roasting pan, and get your stuffing going. My dad makes homemade stuffing every year and even though I don't eat it, I love the way it makes the kitchen smell. Whenever it's done, go ahead and stuff your turkey.

Add 1 inch of water to the bottom of the pan. Salt + pepper your turkey really good. I think I'll use some Lawry's on it this year. I'm kind of addicted to putting that on everything lately. Rub the bird down with some olive oil. Then put a few pats of butter around the breast.

*If you are cooking the neck, I season it with salt + pepper and throw it in the bottom of the pan with the water.

Wrap your pan up in aluminum foil - like a tent. Bake in the oven at 325 degrees. It will be a total of around 7 hours. More if your turkey is bigger. Check the water level after 3 hours, add more if needed.

In the last hour, remove the foil so the bird can nice and roasted. Baste it a couple times.

Once the turkey is done, set the rack with the turkey on a different pan (a cookie sheet works great). Set 2 stove burners on low and set your roasting pan with the drippings on them. Mix 1 oz of water and 2 tbsp flour then add to the pan. Whisk it continuously to make your gravy! Sometimes, the gravy doesn't come out very dark or thick for me. There is something in the grocery store called gravy browner. That helps with the color. Or you can do what I'm planning to do - add in some McCormick gravy mix with your pan drippings. It helps the color and flavor!

Carve your turkey and eat up!

deviled eggs

Put your eggs in a pot of cold water and then place them on a burner and set them to boil. Once they start boiling, let them boil for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes - take one egg out and run it under cold water enough to cool it. Then crack it open to make sure it's boiled. You want the yolk to be a fluffy, light yellow.

Crack, peel and slice your eggs. Toss the yolks in a bowl and add miracle whip (you can use mayo but it will taste different and it's a taste preference thing), mustard, relish and paprika. Mix all together and taste - adjust whatever needs it. Fill up your eggs and sprinkle with paprika!

candied yams

Another Thanksgiving food I don't eat ;) But M does and I bet l-bug will too. This is seriously the easiest thing to make. Warm up a can of candied yams on the stove. Dump the warmed yams into a oven-safe dish (it helps to coat it with Pam or butter) then top with a bunch of mini marshmallows. Stick under the broiler until they are toasted. You can top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a little extra taste and prettiness!

apple pie

I found this apple pie recipe a few years back in a magazine and it's been my go-to ever since. I don't even follow the measurments anymore, I just do what I think looks (and tastes!) right. I do have my grammy's homemade apple pie + crust recipe but most days I'm too lazy to mess with homemade crust and her pie filling calls for something I can never find in the grocery stores. Bummer...but that's how it goes.

You'll need:
About 4-5 small to medium sized apples. Tart apples work great but I really just use whatever I have on hand. And fresh-picked apples always taste best ;)
3/4 cup sugar - if you use less or smaller apples, you can cut this down a bit.
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 pie crusts (I like Pillsbury refrigerated pie dough rolls best)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Peel, slice and core apples.
Coat pie pan with cooking spray. Lay one crust out in pan and cut edges to fit.
Toss apples in a bowl with all the ingredients. Let it sit there for a few minutes, the apples and sugar create a natural glaze together.
Fill crust with mixture and top with second crust. Cut the top crust to fit then pinch the crusts together to close.
Cut a few slits in the top.

Bake for 35-45 minutes, once the juices are bubbling you will know it's done.

That's our Thanksgiving plan. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

And if you are looking for a cute craft - I just saw this today over at Dandee. It's adorable and looks easy enough!

thanksgiving plans.

2011-11-09T13:16:00.000-05:00

I may be going out of town next week. I don't know. I'm undecided. Since Thanksgiving is like two weeks away, I figured I should settle on my meal plans this week. Just in case. I love traditions. I love cooking from-scratch recipes every year on Thanksgiving. It just makes me feel all fuzzy and warm. It's a good kind of feeling.

I'll be doing a simple roasted turkey with stuffing and gray made from the drippings. I don't eat stuffing, but it helps keep the bird moist. I just throw together a box of stuffing and fill up the bird.

Last year, I started using this recipe for mashed potatoes. P-dubs knows what she is talking about when it comes to comfort food. I highly recommend this recipe. Simple, easy and so SO good.

I also serve rolls, which I'm still on the fence whether I want to tackle homemade rolls this year (recipe unknown). Then we'll have a spread of veggies, deviled eggs and candied yams topped with marshmallows & then broiled to a melty, browned perfection.

And for dessert? I do a cake with butter cream frosting topped with pecans or walnuts and an apple pie. I don't eat apple pie. I just really like baking them. I think this year I'll be trying out this recipe for a cake and either this fudge frosting or a good ole can of Betty Crocker frosting. Probably the latter. Just keeping it real.

Then we eat the same thing the rest of the week ;) And, I'll put another post together later this week with the actual recipes for what I use.

What are some of your Thanksgiving traditions? With Lia getting older, I really want to start some traditions that deal with giving thanks and other good things besides food.

life, as of lately.

2011-11-08T13:54:00.000-05:00

Life lately.

It's been a crazy, funny (the sarcastic way, not the ha-ha way) messy ride. But what would life be if it wasn't all of those things?

Here's the short version of what's been going on with our house. We, meaning us and the property agency we rented through, were not informed the house we signed a year lease on was on the market. For sale. Can't for the life of me figure out how that little detail went by untold but it did. We were approached by the owner's son about moving to another one of their houses so they could sale our current one. Something didn't feel right to M and myself so we contacted our property agency.
Another long story short - the house owners were not legally allowed to do what they were trying and once we turned in our 30-day notice, I guess they either spooked or felt guilty and took the house off of the market.

Therefore, we are staying here for our years lease. Come next October - we'll be moving again. Seems to be a big part of our lives. Since M and I got married, we've moved 5 times. 5 different houses in 4 different cities. A bit much? We've only been married 4 years. I guess change just finds us.

I am happy we aren't moving again. But, house hunting will commence again soon. We are hoping we can get our ducks in a row and buy a house after this one. The house we'll raise our children in. Hopefully the house we'll settle in for a very. long. time. I love change and different experiences but at this point, I think we are all over moving. Packing boxes are becoming the bane of my existence.

We are settled in. Again. The last of the boxes are in the trash. And with the exception of a put together office and a few pictures, we're moved in. I am happy. But I am also very ready for the next chapter. The chapter where we find our forever home.

So on to other, much cuter things. The L-monster. She is SO big. And, so smart! She is 22 months now - I will be posting her monthly letters soon - and changing by the minute. I do wish she would talk more instead of yanking my hand in whatever direction she wants something or grunting at me but she does talk so I guess she just chooses when to say what. More on her later!

We had a great Halloween. Lia loves her candy! Fall isn't over yet but I feel it slipping through my fingers more and more each day. Christmas is oozing in and I can't help but be excited. I'm excited for Thanksgiving too. But mostly for the parade - ha :)

I'm trying to find our way into mommy groups or play-dates or friends or anything. I know one person here. That's great! But, I'd love to know more.

I was talking to M the other day. The military is such an awesome, unique experience. I hate leaving friends behind (or being left behind by friends) but I really didn't mind finding new places to live. And I know I just said how we are ready to settle down and all. We are. But, we've never had to, and that's scary. It kind of sends me into a claustophobic mood when I realize this town is where we could live for good. To raise our children. To grow old together. I love the South, I'm from the South. But, New York just gave us so many more opportunites. Here, in "lowcountry", I'm kind of nervous about staying here.

Don't get me wrong, I do like it here. And I am up for the challenge. I'm also up for expressing how I feel. And right now, I feel kind of like a fish in a bowl.

I'm sure it will get better, right? Right.

Oh, and I mentioned M and I are talking about having another baby. Can I get some honest opinions here? Does it scare any other first time moms to do it all over again? When L was born, I craved another child. I was THAT much in love. I am still very much that much in love. But L is a toddler. And for the past 7 months, we've lived with my family. Life was different and I had built-in help. Here, life is back to normal but I'm used to taking care of a household with a babe. Not a toddler. It's like I am learning all over again how to do this. I want a baby so bad. And I know once I take that step, I'll be fine. Nervous, but fine. Any advice? I just want to know I can handle a newborn with my crazy stubborn full-of-love child.

I think you're caught up now. And, if you read all that - well you either have a lot of time on your hands or you are really sweet. I'm sticking with the second one.

& because what's a post without pictures, here you go-

i'm back + i brought halloween.

2011-11-07T13:33:00.000-05:00

You know how it goes - you take a break for a few days and suddenly it's been almost a week and you are so behind. I was literally antsy while blow-drying my hair so I could get my blogging time in while L is still napping!

I really need to make an update post - chock full of all the craziness that's been going on in our lives lately. We were told we had to move out, we went house-hunting, we're trying to teach Lia manners and how to pick up her toys, we found out we don't have to move (after SO. much. stress), we've talked about having another baby (I know, right?!). It's been messy. I've been messy.

But all that will come later. It needs it's own post. Or two.

For now, here's a very late post about Halloween. But L-bug was seriously way to cute to not post.

Over the weekend, we carved our pumpkin. It was fun to see Lia trying to help. Last year, her being helpful was hanging out in her highchair!

Halloween Day was rough. We were told we would most likely be moving in the next few months. My patience and nerves were on end. But, we made the most of it for L. I made macaroni and mummy dogs {hot dogs wrapped in crescents} for dinner. We got dressed up in our super hero costumes and headed out. I thought our neighborhood would be big on Halloween but they really weren't. We started around 6 and we were half way done (walking slowly, might I add) when everyone else seemed to come out. By that time it was getting dark and Lia was getting tired.

We trick-or-treated at a few houses around ours and L got the hang of it quickly. Once she realized candy was involved, she was game! If the house was scary looking, we'd have to carry her to the door but she'd patiently hold out her treat bag and wait for her candy! She never quite caught on to saying "trick or treat" or "please" or anything for that matter. She did test out a pretty serious stare after she got her candy. Maybe she thought she should have gotten more?!

Towards the end, she realized that I would carry her house to house and she could run to the doorstep, collect her treats then toss the bag and herself back at me! Funny little girl, she is.

We had a great Halloween. It thrills me to see the changes in Lia year to year, holiday to holiday. She is such an amazing girl.

Now that Halloween is over, I've really got to jump into more holiday planning. We'll be staying home for the holidays and we're hoping family will join us. Anyone else as excited as I am?

november.

2011-11-02T14:35:00.000-04:00

Source: google.it via kristy on Pinterest

November. My favorite month. Oh, I hope you are full of oranges.

Oranges is a little personal thing I have going on - life has been hard for everyone lately. Not just me. So there's been talk of asking god to send us some oranges instead of lemons. We're a bit tired of making lemonade.

November is here just as I was settling into October. Time is flying by and little moments are hard to catch. But right now? I've got a special little moment going on and I am basking in it. L-bug is snuggling in bed beside me. We're quietly doing our own thing but being together, all at the same time. I'm house-hunting (don't get me started on that...), looking at our budget, checking emails and browsing pinterest, just a bit. All grown-up stuff! She's eating a snack, watching cartoons. Being a kid. It's a rare moment that she just hangs out so it's a happy moment.

And I wasn't even going to blog. My thoughts have been so jumbled lately. I don't even know where to start once I delve into all the crap going on. But, this moment just overcame me and I wanted to remember it. To savor it. To use it to remind me that there is good + hope everywhere.

Happy November. I hope that tonight when my little family sits down at our table and eats dinner (frito pie, by the way) with some cozy candles lit that we feel the good and the blessings and all the happiness life can bring even during some of the hardest times.

happy halloween!

2011-10-31T10:44:00.000-04:00

We didn't have much of a spook-tastic weekend, as I had planned. And since we don't know anyone here yet, there were no fun Halloween funtions or parties to attend. How about a little flashback for now?

Halloween 2011 pictures will come later this week.

I lurve these photos of L-bug on her first Halloween last year.

This year we'll be eating a festive dinner (mummy dogs + macaroni), hitting the streets in our superhero capes and hoping for good weather and minimal meltdowns/stranger anxiety!

Hope you all have a fun + safe Halloween!

flashback friday : the pumpkin patch.

2011-10-28T09:22:00.000-04:00

2010
L-bug at the pumpkin patch in New York. She was 9 months old!

2011

My girl at the sweet little patch down the road from our new house here in South Carolina.

They grow way too fast.

p365 - the past few weeks : part 2.

2011-10-26T15:13:00.000-04:00

Here's what happened the last two weeks...

Week 41

281. Moving day!
282. Hot Krispy Kreme donuts - yum!
283. The way you eat breakfast right after you've moved.
284. Trying out a new restaurant with my loves. The Mellow Mushroom.
285. Flowers.
286. A peek into our new house (the master bath).
287. Fried pickles. Not horrible but not amazing.

Week 42

288. Our front door decked out for Halloween. We added a pumpkin, a mum & lights.
289. Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe in Myrtle Beach with my loves & parents!
290. A sweet little yard sale find for L.
291. My whateverisinthefridge stir-fry I thew together for lunch. And the much needed caffeine.
292. Playing outside!
293. It was a good mail day.
294. A little walk around our new 'hood.

p365 - the past few weeks : part 1.

2011-10-26T09:53:00.000-04:00

I am SO behind on my p365 posts. Life has just been too busy for me to catch up. But I did still take a picture every. single. day. That's pretty awesome for me. Granted most of them are iPhone/Instagram pictures, but photos nonetheless.

Week 39

267. Me and L took a walk downtown one drizzly morning for Toby's birthday treat.
268. Having Sunday lunch at one of our favorite places.
269. Quiet mama time.
270. My fortune cookie fortune a few nights before M was offered his new job. M's fortune said something along the lines of being very successful in business soon. They were right on the money.
271. She wanted to draw. I gave her a pen. This was the outcome.
272. Swings!
273. Ice cream/goodbye date with a friend & L-bug!

Week 40

274. Hello, New York.
275. Apple cider donuts & hot cocoa at Maskers Orchard.
276. Swedish meatballs,
277. My girl ♥ At a rest area on our way back to NC.
278. Our bathtub at the hotel in SC.
279. Spent the morning in the hotel blogging and debating which house to rent.
280. Helping mama pack on our next to last day living in NC.

Stay tuned for part 2...

fall to-do list : an update!

2011-10-24T09:27:00.000-04:00

I am loving Fall.

This past weekend, we hit up a pumpkin patch and a street festival. We had SO much fun! And we stuffed our faces full of the most delicious food (I'm talking BBQ, Belgian fries and deep fried Oreos & snickers!)

L-bug enjoying her pumpkin-shaped cookie at the festival! Between the orange frosting on it and the Cheetos she had for a snack (mine, not actually hers!) she looked like a pumpkin herself!

I'll post more pictures later but I wanted to go ahead and cross some things off our fall list. I posted this here almost a month ago.

Fall To-Do List
~~Go apple picking.~~
Carve a pumpkin.
Take L-bug to the Bronx Zoo. Or, any Boo at the Zoo event.
Drink hot cocoa with extra marshmallows.
~~Go to a pumpkin patch.~~
Repeat last years photo of Lia in a pile of leaves.
~~Make Lia's Halloween costume.~~
~~Bake an apple pie.~~
Jump in a pile of leaves.
Go trick-or-treating!
Have a picnic.
~~Go on a bike ride.~~
Watch "It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown".
~~Go to a fair or street festival.~~
Make this pinecone garland.

Pumpkin carving and hot cocoa drinking will come later this week! The Boo at the Zoo probably won't happen because no one can touch the Bronx Zoo. Leaves are hard too, but does anyone know if I can buy them somewhere? The only tree we have is a palm tree :(

And of course, trick-or-treating and watching Charlie Brown will happen closer to Halloween. So most of everything will get checked off!

Now I'm off to work on the house. We unpacked the last of the boxes in the garage and cleaned the garage up - but the office/playground is still a disaster. We don't have a desk (I've been using a small side table and L's bean bag chair) and we're waiting to buy the perfect one at Target.com. But otherwise, the house is coming along. I'm going to try to tackle the spare bedroom today - it's full of L's old baby stuff but it's going to be the guest bedroom and my scrapbooking/crafting closest.

We hung some pictures and shelves yesterday so the house is looking homey, but once it's finished - I'll post pictures!

Wish me luck & Happy Monday!

chicken and black bean quesadillas : a recipe!

2011-10-21T21:56:00.000-04:00

Oh, how yummy dinner tonight was. Like, so good we had seconds and would have gone back for thirds had there been any food left! Even l-bug ate some.

I whipped up these awesome quesadillas using this PW recipe, this other recipe and a bit of my own touch. They were amazing. If I had known how good they were then I would have planned this post out a bit.

But since I didn't know how awesome of a cook I was going to turn into tonight (ha!) here's what you get:

It's a really simple recipe - I made ours using only one chicken breast since L doesn't really care for meat. You can use more just double up everything else!

Ingredients:
1 chicken breast, sliced & diced
1 can of diced green chiles
1 can of black beans, drained
Chili pepper, ground cumin, pepper, Lawry's salt and a pinch of crushed red pepper.
Shredded cheeses (I used cheddar and mozzerella)
Butter/Margarine
Olive oil
Flour tortillas

Slice and dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss 'em in a bowl and season them. I just eyeballed everything - no measuring. You can taste the chicken once it's cooked and see what it's missing.

Heat up some olive oil in a pan. Add the chicken and cook a few minutes. Add the can of chiles. Mix together and let cook until done.

Put a pat of butter in another hot pan, letting it melt some. I make the bottom layer of the quesadilla first and then put it in a pan. So on a plate, I lay out one tortilla and top it with cheese and some black beans. Place that in the pool of butter, add your chicken mixture then top with another tortilla. Let it get browned and toasty then flip over and let the other side cook.

Then, plate up and eat up! So so good.

october.

2011-10-20T13:11:00.000-04:00

Source: positivelypresent.com via kristy on Pinterest

October,
You are more than half way over and I never stopped to properly greet you. While you may not be my favorite month (I save that kind of love for November...) you are a strong contender for second favorite.

I have to say - I haven't been very happy that you don't like to show yourself much in the "low country" parts of South Carolina that I now reside in. But today? Today you showed yourself. You sent me the glorious sun, temperatures in the 60s and a refreshed spirit.

You are looking pretty good, my dear October. The house has a chill, the crockpot is simmering and smelling so delish, an apple pie will be finding its way to the oven very soon and the weekend brings hope of homemade chili in bread bowls, pumkin patches, cuddly time at home and maybe even a street fair.

I hope you decide to stay awhile.

XOXO,
A big fan of you.

hello from south carolina.

2011-10-17T09:15:00.000-04:00

We are home. We are sort of settled in. We are happy.

I really thought I would get the house together so fast - you know, being that we didn't have this luxury for so long. But one tends to get used to having upto7 family members always around and a mostly unemployed husband to help with the toddler. Now it's just me. And Toby, the dog. But he isn't much help.

Evenings and weekends with M off work have been nuts. We've had errands to run and things we need for the house and about 5 trips to Home Depot for missing furniture bolts. We had a big grocery trip to make and a 4-hour ride up to Myrtle Beach to meet my parents for the afternoon. Needless to say, we bought a bunch of stuff this weekend and none of it got put away. Minus the groceries which just got shoved into an open cabinet. Our house is a W.R.E.C.K.

I'm going to pull all my motivation together and get alot of stuff done today, along with dinner in the crock-pot. Then I am hoping by the end of this week, we'll be settled in for real. Then regular life and blogging and photo taking and pinterest browsing and Fall festivities can resume.

But, can I just say? Can I just say how happy we are to be where we are and to have been given the opportunity we got. Because we are so happy. We are so thankful. It is going to take some adjusting and learning and hardwork and supporting each other and hopefully neighbors that eventually open their blinds and introduce themselves but we'll make it. And I have a feeling we'll love it.

So sorry again, for being missing so long. I promise I'll be back soon with pictures and updates and posts that you'll love! But now I have to go. The house isn't toddler-proof yet and I am pretty sure Lia is doing some serious contemplating about sticking a USB cord in the electrical outlet. Yikes!

Happy Monday!

P.S.
Lately L has been letting me cuddle her like a newborn for a few minutes here and there. Can't say I dislike it!

P.P.S.
Remember this post? I had my pumpkin caramel latte candle burning and When Harry Met Sally playing the other day. ♥

hello, Tuesday.

2011-10-11T08:57:00.001-04:00

Hello, Tuesday morning. You are looking pretty good. Can I just say that it's great to see you in my own home. I don't even mind the rain. If only I had a crockpot and chili ingredients, things would be fab.

As it stands, my crock pot (and other pans) were taken over by mold during the last 7 months they spent in storage. I guess they didn't appreciate laying around, being unused.

And my fridge is unstocked.

But all that will be fixed in a few days. I just wanted to pop in and tell you (and remind myself!) how happy and blessed we are. So far, we are loving this.

Thanks for being patient while I put blogging on the back burner. Cable should be out here tomorrow to hook up cable/Internet but we don't have a computer desk yet so I don't see blogging happening soon - minus random phone posts when i feel the urge.

Happy Tuesday! I hope today treats you well.

home.

2011-10-06T16:39:00.001-04:00

Im testing the blogger app I just downloaded on my iPhone and writing this post from the road.

We got a house! We chose the second house. The one with a bit more space, no laundry issue and most importantly, no pet alligator ;)

I knew once we walked in it was a better fit for us. Not as charming, but I make our house a home - not the built ins.

We are driving back to NC now. We'll be picking up our moving truck tomorrow morning, using the whole day to pack & load it. Saturday morning we are spending a couple hours at a local festival with my family then making the big move!

We are so excited. And so blessed and thankful. To our families for their endless support and help and our friends who were always their for us - you have no idea how much it means to us!

Now: time for the next chapter in our lives.

I will be back to post once we are somewhat settled in!

house hunting.

2011-10-06T07:53:00.001-04:00

It's 7:15 in the morning. I can't sleep. I guess after little sleep this week, 7 am is sleeping in?

So, I'm going to blog. Maybe if I just put this out there in the blog-iverse, I can get a clearer picture on what to do

We have 2 days to house hunt. Yesterday and today. We ~~want~~ need to move in this Saturday. Yeah, like in 3 days. Apparently, this area of South Carolina is quite the popular place. We had a huge list of houses to look at and almost every. single. one has been rented already. Before we even made it to SC. Several realtors never even called back. Except 2.

One guy showed us about 5 houses yesterday. One was a townhome. I wasn't expecting to be wowed with such last minute shopping, but I thought we would find something you know. The first house was outdated and would need all the closest doors/fans/paint changed (it was a ugly salmon color throughout the house and the fans were from the 80s. Oh, and don't get me started on the fact that every closest door was mirrors - I felt like I entered a jazzercise class). But the small front office and backyard impressed us. The second house didn't stick out, at all. I don't know if that's good or bad. The townhome was nice, but small. And no storage or backyard. The fourth home would have been perfect. Beautiful hard wood floors, big windows where the sun streamed in, lots of closests, a nice eat-in-kitchen, 4 bedrooms, a garage. It even came with a play set that would be ours while we lived there in our backyard! Only the owners must have been color-blind. The carpets upstairs were blue. Yeah, blue. With lavendar and pastel yellow walls. It was hideous. But the rest of the house was great - as long as I could paint all the walls (upstairs and down). It was top runner (even with the blue carpets) until he showed us the last house. We didn't know anything about this, so we didn't know what to expect.

We drive up to a gated community, drive through some quiet tree-lined streets and pull up in front of a quaint cottage. It's not tiny but it isn't huge. The upstairs has good space and the attic is partially finished so we can have that bit of storage. There is a small separate garage out back. The kitchen/dining room/living room are much smaller than we are used to, but it's because our master bedroom/bath/walk-in closest is downstairs. We love this place. It's cute and quaint and has character. It feels like I could pour charm and coziness into this place and it would be a good fit for the 3 of us. Even working with the smaller living areas. I mean, it's got a real fireplace and built-ins on either side of it. Freshly-painted. Nice big room upstairs for an office/playroom. Ready to move in on Saturday. Oh, and did I mention it comes with a gator? Yeah, there's a gator in the lagoon across the street.

I know what you are thinking...what's the problem? Other than the whole gator issue which seems to be the norm down here in "low country" - so they like to call their location. One, to be exact. One small yet big problem. The laundry room. It's techincally a small closest in the kitchen. It comes with a one piece laundry unit. Those really small, stackable washer/dryers? This one must be ancient. I wouldn't even pretend to wash our clothes in that thing. We own our own washer & dryer, but I don't know if they will fit in that small closest. We *think* that they will, but getting them in there is a whole 'nother story.

We have the application and are pretty sure this house could work - but we can't be sure about the washer/dryer until we move in. We've got measurments of the closest and the washer/dryer - and we think if we take the closest door off, it'll fit and we'll just make a quick fix by hanging a pretty curtain.

And then that brings us to today. We have one showing today. Only one. Then we have to make a decision. We are out of time and houses.

The one today looks nice. We drove past it yesterday and I found the rental ad online last night so we saw a few pictures of the inside. It seems nice. Larger than the one yesterday by about 300ish sq ft. It's a corner lot, nice neighborhood. No gator across the street (although he seems to just add charm to that cottage!). If it is nice and clean on the inside - it's easy to move in. No painting or changing things, we hope. We should be able to move in on Saturday. But it's already lacking the charm of the cottage.

I know there will be more space and I know we will probably like it. We haven't seen it yet so I think we'll have a better idea when we see it later. But, do we go the easy way where the house is slightly bigger or do we go the "cozy charmy house with the laundry issue that could possibly be fixed and the small living room/kitchen issue but oh those built-ins and the cottage-style windows upstairs that M loves".

I don't know. We don't know. Both are affordable. In fact, I think there's only a $25-$50 difference per month. This time, it's not about money. It's about space and what works for us. And charm, because we lurve the charm.

We have to remember - this isn't permanent. It's a 1-2ish year house. We want to buy. We want to settle. We'll probably start house hunting again very soon. So, what do we choose to work best for us for a short time period? And, I'll put it out there. M wants another kid. Soon I am going to be ready for that. I think both houses will allow us to grow our family. Maybe not a ton of extra space - but I think it can happen.

We need help!! But here's hoping that with a little luck and a whole lot of prayer, M and I will drive away from SC today having a home to come back to on Saturday. A home to start our new chapter and raise our daughter. A home to get back to us, as the small family of 3 I am in love with.

Fingers crossed.

just a quick one.

2011-10-05T21:47:00.001-04:00

Oh man, I feel like I haven't blogged in months! The past week has been nuts. First off, M got a job! He got a job!! We are beyond excited and thankful. He starts work on Tuesday, therefore we have until this weekend to get a house and move.

His job is in South Carolina and we've been here since this morning. We've see a few houses today and one stood out. We have one more showing tomorrow and then by noon, we should have a house. We are having a little trouble deciding. It's kind of slim pickings when you have just a few days notice but we are working through it.

In the past week, we've gotten the great news, quit our jobs, traveled to NY for 2 days and traveled sans L-bug to SC. Tomorrow we'll head back home and hopefully start packing everything so we can move on Saturday. We are running on very little sleep but we'll get it done.

I just wanted to pop in and let everyone know we are okay! Once we settle in somewhat, I'll get another post going and hopefully catch up on p365.

Thanks for all the prayers and support!!!

fall to-do list!

2011-09-28T09:28:00.000-04:00

I saw this on Pinterest the other day and fell in lurve. I made a summer to-do list, why not make one for my favorite season!

Source: google.com via kristy on Pinterest

You can bet if I knew anything about anything relating to photoshop or how to make a gorgeous list image like that - I would!

For now, I'll just be typing a list like last time.

Fall To-Do List
Go apple picking.
Carve a pumpkin.
Take L-bug to the Bronx Zoo. Or, any Boo at the Zoo event.
Drink hot cocoa with extra marshmallows.
Go to a pumpkin patch.
Repeat last years photo of Lia in a pile of leaves.
Make Lia's Halloween costume.
Bake an apple pie.
Jump in a pile of leaves.
Go trick-or-treating!
Have a picnic.
Go on a bike ride.
Watch "It's the great pumpkin, Charlie Brown".
Go to a fair or street festival.
Make this pinecone garland.

I am sure I'll be adding more to this list - I LOVE Fall. But for now, this is it!

rainy days.

2011-09-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

Source: fuckyeahkatespade.tumblr.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

This is me today. Minus the boots, which I'd love to own. And well, the rain wasn't must of a surprise today. It's been rainy for days.

But the mood it put me in - that was a surprise. It probably has to do with M taking the day off of work yesterday and spending it with us. Yesterday was the first day in 3 weeks that we've spent together. We probably won't get a day again for the next 2-3 weeks.

I am on top of things today. I've made breakfast, lunch and a yummy pot of chili for dinner. It's only 2 in the afternoon, mind you. Finished the dishes and laundry. Tackled my to-do list. And when L wakes up from her nap, we'll be making these.

Source: None via kristy on Pinterest

Cute, right? We can fake the sun for today.

It's just been a good, productive day. Plus, the rain makes a good backdrop for cozy days of watching TV and reading books. Lucky for me, Gossip Girl premieres tonight!

I don't have the case of the Mondays this week. How about you?

P.S.
I've got sort of an unspoken request. I don't to jinx us, so if you could send any good prayers and vibes our way - I would be so thankful!

p365 - week 38.

2011-09-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

260. My beautiful girl, swinging outside.
261. Silly trip to Target with my brother & sister.
262. We love our fro-yo!
263. Materials for L's Halloween costume.
264. Rocking her first braid!
265. Smile!
266. Rainbow.

summer to-do list : the wrap up.

2011-09-24T13:20:00.001-04:00

Summer is officially over! To say goodbye to the season of BBQs, beaches & baseball games here is our final cross-off of the summer to-do list I posted a few months back.

My summer to-do list:
~~Watch classic summer movies like The Parent Trap and Dirty Dancing.~~
We got these through Netflix and I loved watching The Parent Trap! We had a mini-marathon watching The Parent Trap 1 & 2 and the remake with Lindsey Lohan. Even M enjoyed it! *wink*
~~Go to a baseball game.~~
We made it a family event and headed out to the Kinston Indians game on military night & their last game.
Make homemade popsicles.
~~Raleigh Flea Market.~~
Total bummer. We went later in the day to try and beat the heat and most people had left. Most likely because of the heat. But, we ended that night with a rodeo so we still had some summer fun!
Fly a kite.
~~Have a picnic.~~
Bought a new picnic basket & blanket and we have put it to good use. Several times!
Take Lia to the aquarium.
Play a round of mini golf.
~~Feed ducks at the park.~~
Go to a fair or street festival.
~~Take a trip to Myrtle Beach.~~
Go to the Outer Banks.
Wash our cars.
Play croquet.
We didn't play croquet but we did play many rounds of corn hole (kind of like bean bag toss)
Perfect my chicken salad recipe.
It's a classic miracle whip vs mayo debate.
Start my herb garden.
~~Sonic happy hour.~~
~~Rent bicycles and ride downtown.~~
We'll be doing a repeat of this for my birthday!
~~Take Lia to the library for story time on Fridays.~~
~~Water park.~~
~~See fireworks!~~

So, we accomplished 11 things. Not too shabby. Summers in NC are HOT. Sometimes, too hot to even wanna go outdoors. We had fun doing what we did!

First column: bike ride - picnic in the park - story time @ the library
Second column: waterpark - flip flops - rodney atkins concert
Third column: sonic happy hour - chalk drawings - indian beach
Fourth column: kinston indians game
Fifth column: indian beach - myrtle beach - tiki jims @ myrtle beach

Be on the lookout next week for a Fall to-do list!

abc. 123. me.

2011-09-22T10:34:00.001-04:00

I'm taking a cue from Chelsey over at The Paper Mama and doing this A-Z:Me thing.

A. Age: 25

B. Bed Size: Queen, but dreaming of a king!

C. Chore you hate: Scrubbing tubs and folding laundry. Blech.

D. Dogs: Toby the Dachshund.
E. Essential start to your day: Peeing then brushing my teeth.
F. Favorite Color: Mustard yellow.

G. Gold or Silver: Silver. But gold is starting to grow on me in tiny doses.
H. Height: Right around 5'3.
I. Instruments you play: I played clarinet in middle school.
J. Job Title: Mama. Wife. Blogger. Wanna-be baker.

K. Kids: Lia.
L. Live: Born, raised & living again in New Bern, NC. Wishing I was back in New York.

M. Mother's Name: Sylvia.
N. Nicknames: Kris
O. Overnight hospital stays: Yep - a week.

P. Pet Peeves: Crappy drivers. Rude people.

Q. Quote from a Movie: Don't you love New York in the Fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies - Tom Hanks, You've Got Mail.
R. Right handed or Left handed: Right. Very right. I can't even paint my nails with my left hand.

S. Siblings: My older sister, Michelle. My older brother, Matt. My little sister, Ashley.
T. Time to wake up: When I hear Lia screaming "mommeeeeeeee" through the monitor every morning like my alarm.
U. Underwear: Yes, please.

V. Vegetables you hate: Butter beans.

W. What makes you run late: My lack of planning and my horrible memory. Oh, and when my kid fights me on what shoes she'll be wearing for the day.
X. X-rays you have: Teeth. Possibly shoulder from the many times I pulled it out of it's socket as a baby.

Y. Yummy food that you make: Tacos and white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.

Z. Zoo animals: Penguins. And, monkeys!

So, that's me in an alphabet nutshell.

halloween costumes & pinspiration.

2011-09-20T21:34:00.000-04:00

Let me preface this by saying: I blog better at night. Which is why lately, most of my blogs have been done at night. I do better when I have had my whole usually-chaotic day to sort my thoughts and most days, an idea will pop into my head. I don't do forced-blogging. Then, once I know the babe is down for the night and I've got my comfy worn-out yoga pants on then and only then can I sit at the computer and really have the mental state to get out what I need to get out. Side note: I look like an over-sized bumble bee tonight with my favorite black yoga pants and yellow tee. Meh.

Okay, now that it's all out there - big bumble bee reference and all, let's move on to costumes!

I pinterested costume ideas. Yeah, I just used that as a verb - like Google, only with the pinterest search bar :) I came up with an owl and a sheep. Both were totally cute. And homemade! But, Lia would have ripped the owl mask right off and the idea of glue-ing a ton of cotton balls to a sweatshirt lost it's appeal quickly.

Then this lovely picture showed up on the boards.

Source: etsy.com via kristy on Pinterest

It's perfect. And Lia can rock the pigtails like no other girl. First, I was going to order a cape off Etsy. I even had a coupon code for free arm bands from this awesome blogger but then I got a tutorial for a no-sew fleece cape from a friend. Score! I am really into making Lia's Halloween costumes for as long as I can.

One trip to the fabric store a few towns over, one trip to the craft store and 3 trips on the hunt for glue gun sticks later: a cape was ~~born~~ made!

Layed out, making sure the placement is just right before glue-ing.

This is my nephew. I dragged him out of bed to try it on. He totally said he didn't care if I told people it was him ;)

I think next time that I'll make the collar a little shorter. Otherwise, I think it's pretty cool. And, I love bragging to people that I made it myself!

But once I started making the cape - my mind started rolling. Another costume idea popped into my head: Red Riding Hood and the Big, Bad Wolf! I threw around the idea of me and M going as that and L a superhero but I think I'll save it for next year. Maybe I'll be the grandma or maybe me and L will both be Red Riding Hood and M can be the Wolf!

Here's some (p)inspiration I found that I'll be saving for next year.

Lia has a traditional german dress, a dirndl, that my sister sent to her while they were living in Germany. She could use that and I could make a red cape. It looks simliar to this.

Source: costumeexpress.com via kristy on Pinterest

Source: hartandsew.blogspot.com via kristy on Pinterest

Of course, I would be the one to plan next year's costume before Halloween even arrives this year! Now, I've got to get more stuff and make two more capes. We're gonna be a super-hero family!

What are you planning for Halloween?

pumpkin patch.

2011-09-19T20:31:00.002-04:00

Taken last October at a local church we bought pumpkins from every year we lived in New York.

Taken exactly a year ago from yesterday at our favorite apple orchard in New York. Okay it's the only one we know but who's counting?

I saw the first pumpkin patch of the season today. L-bug and I ventured a few towns over for a trip to Jo-Ann's for the fabric for her Halloween costume and some fro-yo.

I was driving home when I saw it out front of someone's home. They had lots of pumpkins and quite a few crafty signs for sale. I felt like a kid in a candy store when I saw it. I can't say how much I love Fall!

I can't wait to take pictures of Lia at a pumpkin patch this year - she has changed so much!

p365 - week 37.

2011-09-19T10:04:00.000-04:00

253. A cookie jar blizzard from Dairy Queen - yum!
254. My beautiful girl looking too grown-up @ the Rodney Atkins concert.
255. We finger-painted for the 1st time!
256. Playing with mommy's make-up.
257. I have a new love with slouchy shirts and M says they are from the 80s. I still love 'em though.
258. :(
259. Do you see the temperature? 65! Fall is coming!

a little something on sunday.

2011-09-18T14:08:00.000-04:00

Source: projectsbyjess.blogspot.com via Kelly on Pinterest

Isn't that so true? And from one of my all-time favorite movies that happens to be playing right now.

Life is this crazy, fast, whirlwind experience. Especially with a toddler. Most days, I feel like I am never fully in the moment. I'm picking up something, or handing out "no"s and "stop that"s left and right or chasing after a little girl who likes to do things her way.

It's nice to sit back and just reflect. Just enjoy what's going on in the moment. Like right now. I've got my favorite movie in the background, my new apple crumble candle in an adorable owl holder and some free time for a little pinteresting browsing. It's nice. With M working a lot now, nap time is my only time for moments like this and I am soaking it up.

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On a side note - we're going on a bobo detox today. We call Lia's pacifiers "bobos". Lately she has been a little too into her bobo. She will carry 2 or 3 around and switch them back and forth. It's a rare moment when there isn't a bobo in her mouth. So, I am cutting her back to just naps and bedtime. Once we get a good handle on that, I'll work on cutting it out completely. Eeks!\

I'm cutting back on work hours while M is working so I'll be home all the time with Lia now. I'm so excited for the upcoming months. Fall seasons are coming back on TV (did anyone catch The Secret Circle on CW?), cozy weather and more fun things to do with my girl as she grows older. Festivals & county fairs, my sister is moving home and holidays. It's totally my favorite time of the year!

good grief.

2011-09-15T12:00:00.000-04:00

That's how I feel today. Good Grief. I am just so. over. everything.

We've had a few pieces of slightly promising good news. But still, I am hoping for the best and expecting it to not come my way.

I took this video the other day and it always puts a smile on my face so I thought i'd share. Enjoy + Smile!

remembering.

2011-09-12T12:52:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was the 10 year anniversary of a very sad time in our country's history. I know you all know that but I felt I wanted to recognize it. The only way to prevent things from happening again is knowledge.

via

I ~~wanted~~ meant to post this last night but I was dog-tired. By the time we got home from the Rodney Atkins concert it was around 7:30. By the time I got L-bug bathed and in bed and did a few things for myself it was 8:30 and M was finally home from work (with a pizza!) so we ate and showered and headed to bed.

Lia doesn't nap as much as she used to so I get 2 hours of me time to do what needs to get done and the rest of the day is hers. Then M gets home around 8 pm and I hate doing anything but spending those few minutes we get together. Leaves this mama feeling like I never have time!

Anyways, back to remembering. Wanna know where I was when I found out the first tower had been hit and then saw on TV the second tower being hit? My high school Literature of the Holocaust class. Ironic, I think. We spent every day learning about how horrible the Jews got treated at that time and then there, in our own time, something horrible was happening to us because of who our country was. I know we all can't be happy and sing kumbaya but do things have to get so nasty?

I got to visit New York that December. We saw where the towers once stood. The devastation. The crowds of people with the same heartbroken look that we all had. We stopped at the Burger King right across the street - we were shocked that nothing happened to that building and others near it.

I met M a few years later. Turns out, his high school was the building right next to the Burger King I had been in a few years before. First off, how crazy is it that my future was right next door and I never knew? Secondly, that building only has windows on one floor. What would have happened if, somehow, they didn't get out? If someone didn't happen to look out one of the few windows? I am so blessed that the love of my life was so close to all the terror and danger and was left unharmed.

My heart goes out to all the heroes and heroic families of 9/11. You will never be forgotten. I am forever grateful to you.

To our military - past, present and future. You rock! You are amazing and I am forever grateful and supportive of you and your families.

p365 - week 36.

2011-09-10T11:42:00.000-04:00

Welcome to week 36 of project 365. Also known as the week that I really sucked. I have to get my crap together and get back to pulling out my camera (at the very least, the camera on my iPhone).

246. No picture and no idea what we did :(
247. Notice the big cup of sweet tea? Yea, she got that honest.
248. Playing around in the backyard.
249. Just hanging out, eating a snack :)
250. The only picture I took that day. It's my mom's dishes and I emailed it to my sister. That's sad.
251. Lunch with my baby girl.
252. The first meal we've had with M since Sunday. We had fun. And this describes my family perfectly: I'm trying to take a picture, M's got a great smile and L-bug is only concerned with the food!

a few things - lately.

2011-09-08T11:59:00.000-04:00

Source: tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com via kristy on Pinterest

This is totally me today.

So, M is working all day, every day. In the past 3 days, we've spent about 5 hours together. It makes me miss him. I am so thankful that he's got some work right now and we can deal with being apart. It's just an adjustment. Trust me, no complaining here!

But you know what I crave? What I am trying to work through so badly, so strongly. I crave life. A life different than this. Our own life. I miss everyday life in our own place, on our own terms. Big house, small house. Lots of money, little money. It doesn't matter. As long as we have each other and we can make it through.

I miss my cozy sofa thats perfect to sink into on a long, hard day. I miss my crisp, white dishes. I miss having our best friends live just houses down from us. I miss scouring the dollar store with said friends on search for Halloween decorations. I miss the family we left behind. I miss the city we left behind.

I miss making to-do lists and meal plans and shopping every week with my loves. I miss the feeling of summer shifting into autumn. Where the temps in New York drop quick. I miss dragging in boxes from our shed and pulling out harvest-y decor. I miss family weekends spent in the city. I miss cuddling on the sofa, watching "You've Got Mail" and "When Harry Met Sally".

Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. - Tom Hanks, You've Got Mail.

Oh that quote gets me every time. I crave New York in the fall.

I miss it all. It hurts my heart knowing that I may not get to celebrate Fall and the holidays like last year. It's not like the holidays aren't around, but I am a homebody. I want comfort and coziness and I can only get that in my own home with my loves. It's not the end of the world but it sucks all the same.

I know one day we'll have it back. That this temporary life we are living is going to change it's course. I know that I have hope, if nothing else. But, going on 7 months into it is pretty hard. We didn't know we'd still be living here in my parents house this long. We didn't know life was going to be this different. And while I appreciate the time we get here with my family and the memories Lia will make, I will be so relieved when we get the news that a permanent job has come along.

I know being angry doesn't help anything but some days I just want to throw a total tantrum. Instead, I search for hopeful words. Words that make me feel like something is going to change.

Source: kristyvilla.tumblr.com via kristy on Pinterest

Let's hope this is true.

PS. Does anyone have any good tips for toddler fun? For the next month or so, it'll be me and L-bug, all day long with nothing to do. We need help!