Friday Confessional

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Some days I go to work super early because it’s quiet and no body is there.  Not because I want to get extra work done, but because I want to catch up on my blog reading and illegal internet surfing.

I don’t own leggings.  I feel like this makes me an outcast in the social media world.  Like I’m missing some vital part of the so called “momiform.”  Maybe I’m missing out, but honestly they give me bad 90s flashbacks to my jr high days when all I would wear were stirrup pants and oversized sweatshirts.  Those are fashion moments I don’t care to relive.  Ever.

The week Hostess went out of business and people were snatching up Twinkies left and right, I thought I’d be nostalgic and pick up a box of Oatmeal Cream Pies for one last hoorah.  Until I got home and was informed those are made by Little Debbie.  Who isn’t going bankrupt.  Snack Cake fail.

I get a little miffed when I see someone I haven’t seen for awhile and they don’t say one word about my weight loss.  HELLO!  I’ve lost 85 pounds.  Surely you’ve noticed.

I couldn’t tell you the last time we went to church.  This bothers me, but not enough to actually go.

I don’t like Will Farrell.  Or any of his movies.  Including Elf.

Last weekend I went to Target 3 days in a row.  A different one each time.  I think I need a 12 step program.

I didn’t know Elf on a Shelf had boy elves and girl elves.  On one of my many Target trips I just picked one up.  When I got home I discovered it was a girl.  This may bother some boy moms, but frankly I couldn’t care less.

Once I discovered my elf gender faux pas, I spent my next two Target trips trying to find her the Couture, limited edition, elf skirt.  If we were going to have a girl elf, dammit she was going to look like a girl.  My husband says I have problems.

This will be Jamie’s 3^rd Christmas and we’ve never taken him to see Santa.  We may try this year since he’s old enough to actually sorta, kinda get it.  But if we don’t, it’s not going to be the end of my world.

The basement playroom looks like a tornado hit and has since last weekend.  I have no intention of cleaning it up anytime soon.  Outta sight.  Outta mind.

What do you need to get off your chest this week??

Link up and confess!

Two. The good. The bad. The {not so} Ugly.

What’s up Internet people?!  It’s been far too long, so I’m high jacking mom’s blog today!

I’ve been a pretty busy guy since I turned the terrible two in August.  Though honestly, two has proven to be not so terrible after all.  Sure I have my moments, but who doesn’t.  Even mommy puts herself in time out from time to time.  When I do act up, there not much a lecture and good old fashioned arm squeeze from mom can’t fix.  Man does she have the mean mom mug down.  Yikes!  And if there’s one thing I don’t like, it’s making mommy sad, so I try and stay on my best behavior!  Most of the time I’m a pretty sweet, lovable little guy!  Everything is such a BIG deal to me, and I get so ‘cited!!’ {excited} over the smallest things!  It’s been so much fun!  Mom often says if she could wrap me up and keep me this age forever she would!  Except for maybe that stage 5 clinger “I WANT MY MOMMY” phase I’ve been in lately.  That part she said she could do without.  You’d think she’d find it endearing that I want her to “HOOOLLLLDDD MMMEEEEE” 24 hours a day, but apparently there’s something called “personal space” she keeps blabbering on about.  Whatever, I know one day she’s going to miss it. 

I’m pretty much talk nonstop these days and amaze people how well I speak.  My teachers at school talk about what a little smartie pants I am all the time.  There’s even talk of moving me to the preschool room in January with all the BIG kids!  I’ll be super sad to leave Ms. Mary behind, she’s my favorite next to mommy these days, but I’m pretty excited about moving up to Ms. Bev’s “House.”  Mom can’t even believe how fast times flying.  Wasn’t she just dropping me off in the infant room like yesterday??  One day she woke up and I turned into a little boy!  I know all my colors.  Shapes.  Letters.  Numbers.  The entire K-State Fight song.  You know, the basics.  Mom said if it was possible to find a bigger “K-S-U WILDCATS!!!” fan than my Uncle Matt, it would be me.  I LOVE going to the games.  Watching the band.  Looking for Willy the Wildcat and pointing out Coach Bill every chance I get.  Every.single.morning I request my “GO CATS!” shirt and my “GO CATS!” socks.  Some days mommy says it’s dirty and I have to wear something else, but I’m pretty sure she’s lying.  Especially when I can clearly see it hanging in the closet which I’m always so eager to point out.  Nothing gets past me mom.  When are you going to figure that out?? 

The potty has been all the rage at our house lately.  It’s pretty funny to watch two grown people get so excited over where I choose to do my business, but hey, if it earns me a sucker and a high five I’m game for just about anything!  At my 2 year old check up my doctor said there probably wouldn’t be much interest in that area until 2 ½ or 3.  Mom had come to terms with the fact that she’d be changing my diapers for at least another year.  Fools.  All of them.  One day I just decided diapers were for babies and that was the end of that.  She’s even brave enough to finally let me leave the house in big boy undies and just this week I started wearing them to school.  Even during nap time!  I still wear my “nighttime undies” {aka a diaper} to sleep, but about half the time I wake up dry so mom doesn’t think it will be too long before I’m nighttime trained too!  I don’t want to toot my own horn or anything, but mom didn’t really have much to do with any of it.  It was all me.  It’s not all roses and rainbows though.  I still poo in my Thomas undies pretty much everyday.  Not sure what it is about that #2…..I KNOW it’s supposed to go in the potty.  When you ask me I will tell you it goes in the potty.  But it’s way more fun to hide in a corner somewhere and then tell mommy about my fun surprise.  Funny thing is, she never finds it as funny as I do.  What can I say, it’s still a work in progress.  Mom just hopes I figure it out before college.  But enough about that.

Remember Barney?  My BFF?  Well he’s been replaced by Caillou.  Much to mom’s dismay, it’s pretty much all I will watch.  All day.  Everyday.  I’ve picked up a few of his phrases, started calling mom Ms Pirate and will ask you what he’s doing no short of 100923485 times a day.  I’m even asking Santa for a Rexy dinosaur just like Caillou’s.  Joke’s on mom though.  He doesn’t exist.  I chuckle a little every night as she scours the internet looking for one.  I'm pretty sure come Christmas morning there will be an imposter Rexy sitting under the tree, mom's just praying I don't notice.  I also LOVE my Caillou books and request they be read multiple times a day.  All six of them.  Over.  And Over.  And Over again.  They NEVER get old, no matter how many times I read them.  Funny thing is, they’ve gone missing lately.  I have sneaking suspicion mom had something to do with that……

What’s that mom?  There’s a Caillou Holiday special on Sprout???  90 minutes of pure heaven!  Well I better get going.  There’s chocolate milk to drink and goldfish crackers to eat! 

Until next time!

Is this thing on?

Hi remember me?

The girl who used to blog here?

Life's been pretty busy!

Here's what we've been up to!

We Respected the Turkey

Watched the infamous Kansas City Plaza Lights come on

We spent Black Friday at Union Station with PePaw

Jamie was in train heaven!

We adopted our Elf on a Shelf aka Sugarbell who has already been up to plenty of mischief.  Every morning we go look for her and it usually results in lots of giggles. "Mama....what Sugarbell doing?  Sugarbell is soooo silly!"

And we've officially decked the halls!

The holiday season is in full swing and watching it through the eyes of a 2 year old has been pretty awesome.  Every little thing amazes him and gets plenty of ooohhs and awwws and oh that's so pretty!  He's even been talking about going to see Santa, a rite of passage we haven't experienced yet.  Can't wait to see what joys the rest of the season brings!

My heart is full

A few weeks ago our dear family friend offered to update our family pictures.

I couldn't wait and spent the next days toiling over what to wear.

How to achieve that coordinated look without looking too matchy matchy.

Worrying how my shutterbug loathing son would do.

Praying the fall leaves would still be on the trees and the cold weather would hold off.

Well folks, all my wishes came true!

I couldn't be happier with how they turned out and my friend even snuck a smile or two out of Mr. Refuse to Smile.  Winning!

 

My heart is full.....
Happy Thanksgiving Friends!

Friday Confessional

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Last week I purposely bought the coconut cupcake so I wouldn't have to share.

There are times I wish I could just take off my mom hat, hang up my wife coat and check out for a day.  To think single Emily used to think she was soooo busy all the time.  I'm going to go back in time and smack her.

I still think Twilight is dumb.  But Vampire Diaries??  Best.show.ever.

Last Friday night I was in bed by 9:30.  Party animal right here folks.

I get odd satisfaction from popping a good zit.  Bonus points if it hits the mirror.

Now that pants weather is here....I consider it a good week if I shave my legs once.

I also wear these super awesome fuzzy grandma socks to bed every night.  My husband is the luckiest man alive.

The self proclaimed queen of "Respect the Turkey!" smiled a little when she saw some Christmas lights on her drive home.

At least once a week there's this guy called Psychic Andy on the morning radio show I listen to.  Usually I call bullshit on those people, but I'm totally tempted to call.  I mean really, who doesn't want to know who their spirit guide is.

I chuckle a little on the inside when I hear moms talk about major blowouts with disposable diapers.  Especially when that mom is all "Ewwww!  Cloth Diapers?!?  Gross, I could NEVER deal with all that poop"  Ummm...newsflash, you're touching WAY more poop than I ever have.  And I've never had to throw away or cut my child out of a onesie.

Call me old fashioned, but I think it's weird when you see a couple or family in the car together and the wife is driving.

Every single week that TV show Parenthood makes me cry.  Every stinkin' time.

What are your deep, dark, burning secrets??
Link up and share!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies {Hey! That's Pin-Tastic}

It's been awhile since I've whipped up any sweet treats in the kitchen.

Weight Watchers put a bit of a damper on my baking itch.

Well when I saw THIS recipe on Pinterest, I knew it was time to come out of retirement.

Holy amazing.

Here's the recipe exactly as originally posted.

I wouldn't change a thing!

Caramel Apple Cider Cookies

what you need

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 (7.4 oz) box Alpine Spiced Apples Cider Drink Mix {Not sugar free}

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

3 cups all purpose flour

1 (14 oz) bag Kraft Caramels

what you do

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. In stand mixer, cream together butter, sugar, salt and all 10 packets of apple cider mix until smooth and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla extract, then mix in baking soda and baking powder.  Add the flour and mix until just combined.

3.  With a standard size cookie scoop, scoop the dough, scraping off the excess on the side of the bowl.  Flatten the dough with your thumb and place the caramel in the center.  Work the dough around the caramel sealing well.  Place on cookie sheet spacing them about 2 inches apart.  {I found the dough to be really sticky, the less you can handle it the better}

4.  Bake 12-14 minutes {Mine took 18-20} or until golden brown around the edges.  After baking, carefully slide the parchment with the cookies onto the counter.  Let cool until they are no longer soft, but still slightly warm.  Twist gently to remove and cool the rest of the way upside down on the parchment or in a cooling rack.

Enjoy!!

Tried any new recipes or projects off Pinterest?
Make sure to link with AP over at I Love you More Than Carrots!
 

Happy Monday Peeps!

Brave Winner!!

CONGRATS

Rachael H!!

You're a winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered!
Happy Weekend Peeps!

Friday Confessional

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This past weekend we were out at a park taking pictures.  When Jamie saw the playground he of course immediately wanted to go play.  We were pressed for time, so I told him it was closed.

The only reason I voted on Tuesday was because my employer gave us paid time off to do so.  I will do just about anything for extra time off.

While helping Jamie go to the potty one day he shot right over the worthless splash guard and hit me right in the thigh.  I didn't change my pants.  Honestly, in the scheme of parenthood, pee is one of the least offensive thing I've had on my clothes.

Sometimes when my coworkers invite me out to lunch, I tell them I can't go and blame it on WW.  Really I'm just looking forward to having the break room to myself and eating in peace for once.

I'm a really supersticious person, especially when it comes to my weigh in day.  I have the same ritual I follow everytime.  I realize this makes me look crazy. 

After having complete control over my body and consistently losing weight for the past 10 months, I'm scared shitless to get pregnant.

Jamie still isn't allowed to wear underwear to school.  Don't ask, it's a stupid rule. 
Another post for another day.  Anyways.  One morning he was throwing a fit because he wanted to wear his Thomas underwear.  I didn't feel like fighting with him so I let him wear them and told his teacher I didn't have any clean diapers left. 

I've been known to purposely call someone back when I know they won't be home just so I can leave a voicemail and not actually have to talk to them.

This weekend I had a small love affair with a box of girl scout cookies.  Damn you thin mints.

On Sunday I raked leaves.  I still haven't actually put them into leaf bags so now there's all these random piles all over our yard.  At least I brought the Halloween decorations in.

While watching the movie Brave for my review/giveaway, I fell asleep about 30 minutes in.  My husband is convinced that I haven't stayed awake for an entire movie the entire time he's known me.  He's probably right.

Now, for those of you who don't suffer from movie insomnia like I do...don't forget to enter the giveaway!  Winner will be announced tomorrow!
Happy Friday Peeps!

Disney/Pixar BRAVE Giveaway!!

I'm pretty much a self proclaimed Disney fanatic.

And I have a pretty impressive VHS collection to prove it!

So when Disney/Pixar contacted me with the chance to review Brave, the #1 animated movie of the year, you better believe I jumped on it!

As a busy working mom with date nights few and far between and a toddler who can't sit still for more than an 11 minute episode of Caillou, it's safe to say I did not get the chance to see Brave while it was still in the theatres.  When it showed up on my doorstep I was giddy.  I couldn't wait to watch it!  Even my husband was stoked.

Disney did not disappoint.
I laughed.
I cried.
I simply fell in love with the wild haired heroine, Merida.
She's headstrong and determined to go against the grain.
To stand up for what she believes it.
 Even if it means wreaking a bit of havoc along the way. 
She is definitely my kind of princess.
Definitely the kind of hero I want my kids to look up to.
This is one movie you don't want to miss!

How would you like to win your own BRAVE Ultimate Collector's Edition 5-Disc Set??
Just enter my giveaway below by Saturday!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***I received a copy of this film to review, however all opinions are my own***

Tasty Tuesday: Szechuan Chicken with Noodles

I've been in a bit of a cooking rut lately so when I spied a new WW cookbook at a friends house I was ecstatic.  First up:  Szechuan Chicken with Noodles.  This recipe did not disappoint.  It was a great change of pace from the usual stir fry I make and the noodles really bulked it up.  The serving was huge!  And only 8 points!  The only thing I'd change next time is maybe adding some seasoning to the chicken before cooking.  Or come up with a low point marinade.  It just needed a little something extra to punch it up.  Other than that, it got 3 thumbs up!  The hubs has even requested it become a regular dinner around our house!

Szechuan Chicken with Noodles

what you need

3 (5 oz) skinless boneless chicken breasts cut into strips or chunks

2 T cornstarch

2 t canola oil

3 garlic cloves minced

1 (10 oz) package broccoli slaw

1 bunch scallions thinly sliced

1 red pepper, diced

1/2 t red pepper flakes

4 ounces whole wheat spaghetti broken in thirds and cooked according to package directions

2 T reduced sodium soy sauce

1 T sherry vinegar

2 t sugar

2 T toasted pine nuts (I didn't use these)

what you do

Combine chicken and cornstarch in large zip close bag.  Shake until chicken is coated.

Heat wok or deep fry pan over high heat.  Add 1 t oil and coat pan.  Add chicken and stir-fy until cooked through, about 3 minutes.  Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds, transfer to plate.

Remove wok from heat; wipe clean with paper towel to remove any cornstarch.  Set wok over high heat and add remaining 1 t oil.  Add broccoli slaw and red pepper, stir-fry until tender crisp, about 4 minuted.  Add scallions and pepper flakes, stirfry 2 minutes.

Return chicken to wok along with spaghetti; stir-fry until heated through, about 2 minuted.  Add soy sauce, vinegar and sugar; stir-fry until mixed well, about 1 minute. 

Serves 4 (1 3/4 cup per serving)
8 points plus

Bon Appetite!

Friday Confessional

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When sitting in the lunch room at work, I often silently judge other peoples bad food choices.

I have an unhealthy fear of driving next to semis.  Being in the middle lane, with one on either side of me, aka the dreaded "semi sandwich" is seriously one of my biggest fears.  I realize how crazy this makes me sound.

The only reason I donated to the United Way through work this year.....was for the 2 extra PTO days.  And the Visa gift card.

We went to the pumpkin patch this year and didn't buy any pumpkins because I was too cheap to pay their ridiculous prices.  So at the last minute I was scrambling around to get some which are now still sitting on my porch.  Uncarved.  Mom fail.

A few weeks ago while leaving Target, I noticed one of the carts in the cart corral had a forgotten 12 pack of Dr. Pepper on the bottom rack.  It was late.  Dark.  And raining.  I was the only one in the parking lot.  So I took it.  I don't even drink pop, but I felt like I hit the finders keepers lottery.

My inlaws are coming in town for the weekend.  As of this morning my house is a wreck.  There's still crap in the guest room.  And I haven't washed a sheet or a towel in preparation for their visit.  Daughter in law fail.

The other night I texted my husband a picture of Jamie.  He was sitting on the other side of the room.  I was too lazy comfy  to just get up and show him.

I said I wasn't going to buy any Girl Scout cookies this year since we didn't need the extra cookies in the house.  In a weak moment I bought 3 boxes.

The next day someone at work was selling them and I bought 3 more.

The last trick or treaters hadn't even left my doorstep and people were already talking about Red cups and Christmas music.  This literally makes my blood boil.  I love me some Christmas, but come on.  Respect the turkey people!!

Now that the weather is getting cooler I've had to bust out my son's beloved "sacky"  aka his sleepsack.  You know.  The things babies wear.  Yeah, we're one growth spurt away from needing the one with foot holes.  The same one I saw last year and made fun of.

Confessions.  It's good for the soul.
Link up and share yours!

It takes a village

I have a friend who's currently looking for daycare.

Something I know first hand is no easy feat.

As a lot of moms do, she's struggling with the thought of having to leave her girls.

While talking about it she said something that immediately rubbed me the wrong way.

 

"How can I just let someone else raise my children?"

 

Now she didn't mean to offend me.

She's just feeling the working mom guilt.

But those few little words really struck a cord.

As I'm sure they do to ALL working mothers.

Dropping my 3 month old baby off at daycare that first day ranks up there as one of my hardest mom days to date.

I was basically leaving my son with people I didn't really know.

I was trusting them his care.

I had to believe that while no one replaces me as his mom, they would care for him like he was their own.

But never once did I ever think of it as someone else raising my child.

Sure they make sure all his basic needs are met.

Help teach him his letters and numbers.  Shapes and colors.

But I'm the one who continues to teach him at home.  Trying to make everything we do a learning experience.

I'm the one who read him his favorite book 100 times a day which I fully credit to the fact that by 18 months he could count and identify all his numbers 1-10.  Something that amazed even his daycare teachers.

And I'm the one who boasted with pride when his teacher said he's continually the only child in his toddler class who says "please" and "thank you"

That's because of me.  His parent.  The one who's raising him to be good person.

Just because my child is in someone elses hands 5 days a week doesn't mean I've washed my hands of this whole parenting gig.

The same way a SAHM isn't done raising her child when she sends them off to kindergarten.

Honestly, are we really ever done?

Daycare is simply my village.

The ones who help reinforce the things I'm teaching him at home.

The ones who care for him when I cannot.

But at the end of the day, I'm in the driver's seat.

I make all the decisions.

I'm the one raising my child.