WORDLESS(ISH) WEDNESDAY | EARLY MORNING TANTRUM

November 30, 2011

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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!

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weekly meal plan : november 28

November 29, 2011

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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!

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TURKEY DAY AND THE WEEKEND

November 28, 2011

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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!

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LETTERS TO LIA | 21 AND 22 MONTHS

November 26, 2011

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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

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flashback friday : thanksgiving.

November 25, 2011

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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.

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING

November 24, 2011

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                                                                                    Source: pinterest.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

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

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WORDLESS(ISH) WEDNEDAY | LEAVES

November 23, 2011

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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.

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

November 21, 2011

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

November 20, 2011

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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!

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FLASHBACK FRIDAY

November 18, 2011

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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.



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WORDLESS(ISH) WEDNESDAY

November 16, 2011

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



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tacos de papa : a recipe.

November 13, 2011

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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!

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thanksgiving plans.

November 9, 2011

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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.

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LIFE AS OF LATELY

November 8, 2011

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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-



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i'm back + i brought halloween.

November 7, 2011

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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?

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