My Thought for The Day

From Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal (which you should run out and buy/check out or order from convenience of your own couch) :

"He loved constantly, instantly, spontaneously, without thought or words. That's what he taught me. Love is not something you think about, it is a state in which you dwell."

In the midst of such a funny novel, I love the depth of this quote!
(And now I can return your book Kenny because I've documented this great part!)

Oh My Smockness!

 A year ago today we welcomed this sweet face:

And on Sunday he's going to celebrate being a year old wearing this:

How cute! And how talented is my M<3M! (Yes, she signs off that way. She's full of love!) I can't wait to post more about this past year, how amazing he is, and what a journey it's been. But we have a party to prepare, family and friends to entertain, sweet treats galore to bake, and perhaps a date night in the middle. Stay tuned, bloggy friends. We'll catch up as soon as we can! 

I Have Decided...

That people are bitchy about blogging! Geez! I have seen at least 3 posts in the last couple of weeks about blogging/social media pet peeves. I guess these feelings come with everything, but yikes! Bloggers be vicious!

That The Voice finale last night was a bit of a let down, but I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Adam L. singing "Man in the Mirror" with Javier.

That I want my hair to be long again. But growing it not only takes years, but let's be honest, it's just not thick, luscious, and pretty long hair.

That I will therefore keep it short. For a while.

That I want some new bathing suits and might have to spend money. Yes, I realize summer is halfway over, but after baby I have one decent one, and Momma just needs more in her life.

That this fall I want to work on my "mom style." A girl needs to be a little more put together. It doesn't matter much in the summer; we all sweat our tails off here in TX anyway. But come football season, it's on!

That I need to close the computer more often and open a book.

Ten on Tuesday Link Up

I'm skipping the normal Tuesdays at the Table this week to link up with Roots and Rings for the first time. 

1. What’s the recipe for your favorite drink? (Smoothie, alchoholic, coffee, whatever.)
I don't know exact measurements, but I LOVE pina coladas and even went out of my way to make virgin ones when preggers. Some mixture of frozen pineapple, cream of coconut (now availy via squeeze bottle!), ice, and of course, RUM when not with child. 

2. What kind of razor do you use?
I think I have a Venus. I think. It's greenish-blue and has at least 5 blades. 

3. Who is your favorite Sesame Street character?
Elmo hands down. Have you seen his song with the ducks? 

4. What makes the perfect salad? (Lettuce type, toppings, dressing, etc.)
I have actually loved recreating the fuji apple chicken salad from Panera Bread. Hmmm.. Perhaps my recipe to follow at Tuesdays at the Table next week. 

5. What was your favorite subject in school?
English. Give a girl a book already! 

6. What’s your favorite summer tradition?
Until I had a child and treasured my sleep -- fireworks! Ok, I still love them, but do them early neighbors, so they better not keep me up! 

7. Do you suffer from season allergies? How do you combat them?
Nah, I'm good. 

8. How often do you have to charge your cell phone?
Every night. This question is random for sure! 

9. Do you have a bucket list?
Nope, but I should. Maybe I'll work on that soon. Lord knows if I don't write it down, it's not getting done. 

10. Do you have any desire to go back to school?
Yep, especially to teach! 

Now go have yourself some linky fun! 

Ashley's Antics

Poor girl. She's just having a hard time "navigating" "this process" where her "husband is in this room." I do feel sorry for how they are manipulating this season, but she's dumb. Totally dumb. Wait, did she just say that a true relationship is not what I feel for someone in a week? Seriously? That's how you feel head over heels for that jerk-face Bentley who surely only went to Hong Kong for the free trip.

Speaking of, why didn't we get some camera interviews with Bentley? I'd love to be in a producer's meeting when this whole thing went down to fix the girl with "part of her heart left in the United States." At some point earlier in the show, (I was ironing a #@$#load of clothes, mind you.) she did say that she was afraid she wouldn't find her husband there. But then she fell back into "trusting the process." I'm so tired of that phrase. And even the previews for next week still talk about being so thankful for closure with Bentley. Be done with that already.

(Evidence of my getting my domestic on!)

This week?

It would have been interesting if the Dragon Boat recruiters ran into Bentley as they searched for a team.

And Ames wanted to take their relationship to the next level on the elevator. I see what he did there.

And the worst part? What the hubs calls "Douchie reality host." Really, Chris? "Speak from the heart. Just be Ashley" and "Push him for the details" and "Don't leave that room with any questions." How annoying is he!

Finally, the Cowboy says, "Don't pick Ames. He's a mouth-breather." Apparently, they're the worst kind! Good luck on your process poor girl!

The Week is Here

It's full on birthday planning mode, and someone's freaking out because it seems like there's so much to do!

I'll give you a hint; it's not The Sheriff! But here's a sneak peak at a couple of preps.

Despite lots to do, we decided to kick off the week with an early morning swim in the backyard before trekking back to planning central.

There's so much to do; there will be a bit of stress. But I can't wait to see our friends and family and celebrate this big guy's special day!

Creepies--Seriously!

Linking up today with Becky today for some SERIOUSLY fun.

Or not so fun.

First, I have trouble getting your button to show Mama! Anyone else have that trouble?

Second, this girl SERIOUSLY cannot deal with bugs, critters, crawlers, creepies, whatever! They freak me out. SERIOUSLY.

So, SERIOUSLY, bugs, let's have a chat. You are dealing with no Raven here who battles rattlesnakes while chasing around her precious kiddos and looks amazing while doing so. I don't even like to pick up a dead bug much less capture a rattler on film. I'd be worried the snake will take offense to my being a snakearrazi and decide to lash out Chris Brown style except with deadly venom. What a jerk-off by the way!

The kitchen rugs SERIOUSLY needed some power washing (via awesome hose attachment scene here). Combine that with a couple of tiny sugar ants who have found their way to The Sheriff's seat (or the floor rather) at the dining room table, and it's all out war.

SERIOUSLY, picture Cowgirl in your head (looking hot of course) with the hose and a bottle of Palmolive on the patio after the first rain TX has had in...well, we stopped counting. So there were bugs galore. Mostly spiders and the pesky ants feasting on a worm that didn't quite make it. (Don't worry Cowboy. Momma took care of that!) Let's just say not only the rugs got some spraying.

But this is the thing. I have this idea in my head that as I spray each creepy that tries to make its way from the grass to dry land, he/she/it is heading back to grass land to rally all the bug troops for an offensive headed my way. Or maybe, with much more stealth of course, they will plan an attack for the nighttime when I least expect it.

SERIOUSLY, Cowgirl, what's wrong with you? I know these things cannot be true, but in my head, bugs have real, thinking brains that get ticked off when challenged.

There you have it.  I SERIOUSLY need a weekend!

Wednesday Whatnots

1. A ripe tomato makes any sandwich infinitely better.

2. Add some avocado to that sandwich, and your taste buds are now blown away.

3. I love when The Sheriff falls asleep in the car (mostly on the way home from The Little Gym) and I bring him straight to his crib. The way he wraps his little arms around my neck is to die for!

4. My mom's been sewing up a storm. I can't wait to see (and show you of course) The Sheriff's new threads.

5. I turned off word verification and am now receiving spam comments. Luckily, blogger has detected and dealt with accordingly.

6. Last night I turned off The Voice to catch up on my RHW New Jersey. With limited TV time, sometimes you just have to make the hard choices.

7. That being said, I want to meet Caroline. I do. I want her to be my older sister. She could be my mother, but I've already got a great one of those.

8. I miss the World Cup. And the naps to the sound of the vuvuzela.

That's it. Done. Have a great day and see ya next time!

Back to Normal

We've done a lot of celebrating and had a few great visits from the fam., which has been fantastic! But it's time to return to some normalcy for a minute. This is until next week when party planning hits in full swing. I've been so lazy; I'm doomed!

Thanks again to  My Life in the Men's Room for passing this along.  (Sorry I've been linking to the wrong site!)

TODAY:

Outside my window...  The Sheriff and I kicked ass! Seriously! The kiddo wasn't napping very well as a huge molar is popping it's little (right now) ugly head through his gums. Poor kid. To keep him entertained? Children's Museum to be followed by the pool to be followed by a jog (my jog, his riding, of course), and LOTS of playing with the "worm pillow." There was a slight nap and some bottles/food in between, but I tell you one thing, getting the most out of the longest day of the year will wear a Momma out! 

I am wondering...  if "Up All Night" with Christina Applegate will be any good this fall. Cowboy will say no. AND, secondly, why is there no wine in this house? 

I just bought... some prints to share with friends and family. Get ready y'all! Some serious cuteness coming your way. 

I am wearing... jammies. Round 2 jammies to be specific. I put on round 1 after the pool thinking we'd stay in but then decided to run and hence, second set for the night. No, I didn't run in my jammies. They are somewhere to be discovered tomorrow. 

I am loving... Game of Thrones. I wish I had read the books, but it's nice to watch the show not knowing what's coming. I am also loving the way Cowboy humors me and throws around random G.O.T. quotes with me throughout our time together. 

I appreciate... hand sanitizer! Still praying for The Sheriff to not have caught any germs from the ball pit today. I'm so not a germ-phobe, but Momma can't handle another stomach virus any time soon. 

From the kitchen... been busting it to please The Sheriff's palette. Today, well, Mr. Jack Johnson would approve. That's right--banana pancakes my friend. Side note -- I'm loving our cuddle time with his bottles, but it's such a "confusing" time for all I think during the transition to table foods. I'm ready for one or the other but am so nervous about dropping bottles. How will he know to eat more? Will he eat more? Will he still sleep well? Guess we'll see...

One of my favorite people... The Sheriff! Shocking, right? He is so funny and getting more goofy every day. 

I am grateful... for that bed waiting for me to crawl into it! 

I am thinking about... how many books I want to read. Pinterest and Google Reader, we now have a love/hate relationship as you delay my old school reading! 

I am praying...for my journey. 

Shrimp... grows teeth like nobody's business! As I've said, the molar's coming. That makes 3! Well, 1 whole one and two working their way out. And there's a possibility that two other bottom teeth will be coming soon. It's a drool fest around here these days. 

Planning for the weekend.. The weekend? It's only Wednesday! :) But I have tons of party planning to get done. 

Picture thoughts I am sharing...

Following in Daddy's footsteps

See that spec back there? Tried to capture
him "resting" on the pillow.

But then he caught me and silliness ensued! 

Tuesdays at The Table -- "Chicken and Corn Patties"

Linking up with Cole this week to share this recipe, but before I do, I MUST tell you:


A. I love Pinterest! It's where I found this recipe (and a ton of ideas for The Sheriff's 1st as well). 
B. And thanks for Pinterest, I found Food 4 Tots! Thank you recipe ideas galore! 
C. It's my new favorite snack. I know; it's supposed to be for a meal.
D. I'm expanding the original "baby food" category to include foods adults and toddlers can enjoy. It's hard finding the right foods for their little palettes, but I'll give it my best shot.


You can find the original recipe here, but I'll post as I added changes. 


CHICKEN AND CORN PATTIES



Ingredients:
1 cup chicken breast – minced (uncooked)
1/3 large fresh corn-on-the-cob
10 strings of fine French beans – finely diced (I used frozen ones and minced)
1/2 red onion – minced
½ cup normal breadcrumb/ panko crumb (Japanese breadcrumb)
2 ½ tbsp cornmeal
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
2 tsp cooking oil (I used olive oil)
Seasoning:
1 tsp salt
¾ tsp sugar
¼ tsp paprika (optional)
Dash of pepper


Methods:

1. Put chicken breast, sweet corn, beans and red onion into a mixing bowl and combine well. Add in breadcrumbs and cornmeal to the mixture.
2. Add in egg, seasoning and oil. Stir in one direction until the batter is well distributed.
3. Heat a little oil in a non-stick pan. Drop1 tablespoonful of batter into the pan and flatten slightly with a spatula/ fork. Lower heat and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Cook the patties in batches. (Be sure not to make patties too large as they will not cook through) 
4. Transfer patties to a serving plate lined with paper towels. Best to serve warm with dipping sauce.

Oh wait, there's more!

Look at those pursed lips! Love it! 

And...cue baby success! 

8 Years Ago Today

It was raining and I could not take wedding photos in the beautiful yard my mother had worked on.

And the air conditioner in the limo broke. (Did you notice that, yes it was June, and yes, it was in South LA?)

BUT
My best friends surrounded me as I prepared for the next chapter in my life.

Two of those best friends walked with me the morning of to get rid of any extra anxiety.

Those best friends sneakily invited our favorite singer/songwriter from college to perform at our reception.

Oh, it's true. (See what I did there Cowboy?)

AND I gave this handsome fellow my hand and never looked back!

So the pictures aren't great but they are two of my favorites!
We were just surprised by Johnny O'Neal! (Rest in Peace, you great songbird!)

Here's to 8 More! And heck, then we'll be really old!

His Daddy

So you don't have to wear ties to work, but then again, as The Sheriff, neither does he. But it's so dang adorable I couldn't resist. 

Cowboy, you are his role model. 

You show him how to reach for his dreams (even if these dreams are currently stuffing as many Goldfish and bananas into his mouth as possible).

You give him the ok to be himself.

You instill in him the value of laughter.

You've got his heart (the part not reserved for Momma!)

You acknowledge that there's a great big world out there, but you'll be with him every step of the way. 

Love you Cowboy! 

My Dad --The Most Interesting Variety

The news media often show up just to see his man cave. 

Alligators roll over, play dead, and "shake" when he walks out the door.

His voice is so alluring, the Pope himself invited him to sing at the Vatican. 

He taught an alligator to read his email for him.

If you were to fb message him without a computer, it would get there. 

His personality is so magnetic, he is unable to carry metal fishing bait.

He never says anything tastes like chicken (stew), even chicken (stew). 

He is the final piece of the puzzle he's never put together. 

His beard alone is listed on the do-not-call registry.

His presence alone makes coffee shop attendees spit out their vanilla lattes.

Father's Day called to wish him a happy day.

His legend precedes him the way chips and salsa precede fajitas.

As a toddler, he taught others to fish. 

His bayou-jumper still has that new boat smell.

You can see his charisma, from the Internet.

(Thanks Dos Equis!)

Stay thirsty my friends! Happy Father's Day to the Most Interesting Dad and Grandpa around! 

By the way, The Sheriff has taken quite a liking to pointing you out in pictures/photo books.

Saturday Morning Scene "Reading Bust"

Meet Michelle:

Winner of my book giveaway here.

See entries:

Lessons learned:
A) Not as many people read this little blog as I thought. Disappointing perhaps.

OR (and more depressing)

B) Not as many people enjoy reading as I hoped.

Sigh....

Michelle entered ("illegally") by commenting on my fb post. But she entered. And now she'll receive a nice package of books to whisk her away on a summer's afternoon. Maybe I'll throw in some other surprises too.  Thanks for always being my biggest cheerleader Reed!


Go link up with Katie!

 

Tuesdays at The Table -- "Unstuffed Pepper Bake"

Lately Kroger has been sending out little coupon books in the mail with recipes and discounts for the ingredients needed. I've been saving a couple and finally decided to try this Unstuffed Pepper Bake last night.

For a casserole--not bad! AND my 11 month old even got in on the action, so you should too!

Unstuffed Pepper Bake

Ingredients:

1 lb. Ground Beef

1/3 c Frozen Chopped onions diced(I used fresh.)

1 1/2 c Tri-Color Peppers diced(i.e. the expensive yellow, red, and orange ones!). I'm sure you could sub green but I found these on sale. 

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, drained

1 1/2 c instant white or brown rice

1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 (8 oz) package finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 (15 oz) tomato sauce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.

Saute ground beef, onions, peppers, and garlic for 10 minutes, or until beef is browned and vegetables are tender. Drain off excess fat and season with salt and pepper.

Stir in the tomatoes, rice, Worcestershire and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup of cheese.

Spread mixture evenly into a 13X9 inch baking dish and top with tomato sauce and remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Store leftovers in fridge. 

Go share something yummy and link up with All the Small Stuff! 

I'm Reading More, So Should You Too GIVEAWAY!

I'm really trying to clock more hours on the reading front, and just finished a must-read! Go to your local library, bookstore, Internet shopping spot, wherever, and pick up a copy of Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore.  It's perfect! (More on what I'm reading now in a later post. Ohhhh, it's good!)



Need some convincing? How about finding out who was Jesus' (as in Christ, yes)  BFF? How about learning how sarcasm came about?

Not enough? What about finding out what the H stands for in Jesus H. Christ? Yea...that!

I'm not trying to be disrespectful or offensive. My faith made this book all the better!

With humorous anachronisms and even a soap opera watching angel, Moore takes us on a journey with Christ as he figures out this whole I'm-divine-yet-fully-human thing. Check out reviews on amazon if you aren't convinced.  Then buy it.

And yes, I mentioned a give-away. What else is summer for but for trying to catch up on all the reading you plan all year long? BUT, I can't give you Lamb. I would love to. It's not mine, and frankly, it would be rude to give away a friend's book, right?

So I did a glance over the bookshelf and decided that there are three worth sharing. No, I'm not giving away something new. No, they aren't expensive. I don't have a ton of followers. I don't have sponsors. It's just little ole me and my bookshelf aight! Don't judge; let's just share some literary love. If you enter and win, at least you can say you won something. And maybe it'll start a great string of awesome giveaway winning luck on your end!

Get to the books already right? Well, let me tell you the rules. First, entering ends Friday, June 17 at midnight CST. Winner will be announced Saturday for my SMS!  Good luck!

You must:
A. Be a follower
B. Comment on this post telling which sounds the most interesting to you

Easy right?
If you want more chances (Extra chances for each):
A. Share this link on fb and leave a comment telling me you did so.
B. Share this link on twitter and tell me you did so.

Boom. Done. Win, and get your reading on!

**Atonement is pretty old. You've probably seen the movie or read it, but maybe not. But here's what the reviewers give us:

From Publishers Weekly

This haunting novel, which just failed to win the Booker this year, is at once McEwan at his most closely observed and psychologically penetrating, and his most sweeping and expansive. It is in effect two, or even three, books in one, all masterfully crafted. The first part ushers us into a domestic crisis that becomes a crime story centered around an event that changes the lives of half a dozen people in an upper-middle-class country home on a hot English summer's day in 1935. Young Briony Tallis, a hyperimaginative 13-year-old who sees her older sister, Cecilia, mysteriously involved with their neighbor Robbie Turner, a fellow Cambridge student subsidized by the Tallis family, points a finger at Robbie when her young cousin is assaulted in the grounds that night; on her testimony alone, Robbie is jailed. The second part of the book moves forward five years to focus on Robbie, now freed and part of the British Army that was cornered and eventually evacuated by a fleet of small boats at Dunkirk during the early days of WWII. This is an astonishingly imagined fresco that bares the full anguish of what Britain in later years came to see as a kind of victory. In the third part, Briony becomes a nurse amid wonderfully observed scenes of London as the nation mobilizes. No, she doesn't have Robbie as a patient, but she begins to come to terms with what she has done and offers to make amends to him and Cecilia, now together as lovers. In an ironic epilogue that is yet another coup de the tre, McEwan offers Briony as an elderly novelist today, revisiting her past in fact and fancy and contributing a moving windup to the sustained flight of a deeply novelistic imagination. With each book McEwan ranges wider, and his powers have never been more fully in evidence than here. Author tour. (Mar. 19)Forecast: McEwan's work has been building a strong literary readership, and the brilliantly evoked prewar and wartime scenes here should extend that; expect strong results from handselling to the faithful. The cover photo of a stately English home nicely establishes the novel's atmosphere

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

**Sarah's Key was...interesting. You just have to check it out.

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. De Rosnay's U.S. debut fictionalizes the 1942 Paris roundups and deportations, in which thousands of Jewish families were arrested, held at the Vélodrome d'Hiver outside the city, then transported to Auschwitz. Forty-five-year-old Julia Jarmond, American by birth, moved to Paris when she was 20 and is married to the arrogant, unfaithful Bertrand Tézac, with whom she has an 11-year-old daughter. Julia writes for an American magazine and her editor assigns her to cover the 60th anniversary of the Vél' d'Hiv' roundups. Julia soon learns that the apartment she and Bertrand plan to move into was acquired by Bertrand's family when its Jewish occupants were dispossessed and deported 60 years before. She resolves to find out what happened to the former occupants: Wladyslaw and Rywka Starzynski, parents of 10-year-old Sarah and four-year-old Michel. The more Julia discovers—especially about Sarah, the only member of the Starzynski family to survive—the more she uncovers about Bertrand's family, about France and, finally, herself. Already translated into 15 languages, the novel is De Rosnay's 10th (but her first written in English, her first language). It beautifully conveys Julia's conflicting loyalties, and makes Sarah's trials so riveting, her innocence so absorbing, that the book is hard to put down. (July)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

**And finally, The Postmistress was my favorite of the bunch.

From Publishers Weekly

Weaving together the stories of three very different women loosely tied to each other, debut novelist Blake takes readers back and forth between small town America and war-torn Europe in 1940. Single, 40-year-old postmistress Iris James and young newlywed Emma Trask are both new arrivals to Franklin, Mass., on Cape Cod. While Iris and Emma go about their daily lives, they follow American reporter Frankie Bard on the radio as she delivers powerful and personal accounts from the London Blitz and elsewhere in Europe. While Trask waits for the return of her husband—a volunteer doctor stationed in England—James comes across a letter with valuable information that she chooses to hide. Blake captures two different worlds—a naïve nation in denial and, across the ocean, a continent wracked with terror—with a deft sense of character and plot, and a perfect willingness to take on big, complex questions, such as the merits of truth and truth-telling in wartime. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

#Suburbwinning = Elmo, Homemade Mac n' cheese, and a Father's Day Deal

Yes, my friends, you heard right. I've got a bajillion things I want to get done while The Sheriff naps, so let's get started.

I love dollar stores---so much fun to be had for, well, dollars! The Sheriff seemed to get a kick out of what I grabbed for him on our outing today. Meet Ehhhhh (his name for Elmo). The only bad part was that instead of laughing at it or perhaps batting it back and forth, he wanted to go after Elmo WWE style. Yes, Cowboy, I've got a video for you. So we had to let him float up to the ceiling to be admired from a distance in order to avoid injury.

And that recipe and coupon you were looking for? After the jump!

Saturday Morning Scene "Date Night Prep"

Linking up with Katie at Loves of Life this morning and showing off my "new" do. It's just a trim, but a much needed clean-up to prepare for our first DATE NIGHT in a long time! Here's to dinner sans (there's that word again!) finger food on the floor, high chair covers, stuffing our faces so we can escape before anything escalates, and heading out as early as 5:00!


I posed for a quick shot (yes, quick, we can't keep him still!) of this morning's activity.

And guess what came in the mail yesterday? This gem!

My mom is a sewing extraordinaire, and we LOVE receiving sweet outfits for The Sheriff. The ducks hurt his street cred a bit, but until he can dress himself, he's just going to have to maintain law in this town rocking adorable all-in-ones!

So cute!

Let me tell you why I'm sharing. Yes, they are just darn cute, but I want to host a give-away. Would you be interested? Would you enter? I'd probably change the design to fit the time of year or age of baby/toddler.  Please, please, pretty please leave me a comment and let me know if there would be an interest.

Link up and let us know about your Saturday!

 

Thursday Loves

No, this isn't about what I love only on Thursday, but it's Thursday, and I'm just not sure what I want to write about, so here goes.

1. So You Think You Can Dance is back! We're in Vegas baby which I love because it's a bit closer to when the "real" show begins and we have our top contestants. I will watch, but not really enjoy, the rounds leading up to this. Vegas is also fun because there is always drama with group choreography. And Nappy Tab, I missed y'all!

2. The little things! Safety plugs in the wall, an empty car seat in the back when I occasionally am driving alone, the pitter-patter of tiny feet coming through the hall when I'm in another room,  a Puffs container on the counter, a ball or book in EVERY room of the house -- these tiny reminders of God's great gifts. It wasn't the easiest journey to get here, and we are blessed!

3. Snacking! What's on the list? Grapes, watermelon, dark chocolate covered raisins, dried pineapple, Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. When working I wasn't so much of a snacker, but pregnancy, nursing, and then running after the little guy changed everything! Bring on the food! At least most of it is pretty healthy.

4. Family visits! Grandpa and Grammie are here from LA, and we are really enjoying some good ole down time. In fact, I might be the only one awake right now. Relax, y'all!

5. Ending each of my listies with an exclamation point! Nah, just kidding. It just happened, but a post about what I love surely calls for some excitement right?

Have a great Thursday!

Quacking Our Way to One

Dear Sheriff,

I asked for a word last month, and we got it. You aren't even a year old but you've got a signature phrase, and it goes a little something like this ---- QUACK! 

We love it, and love you. Here's a quick look at how your are making our world turn these days. (Oh, and this post is late. Come to expect that.)

If I had to guess... you will own a farm. Animals on this farm: ducks, puppies, monkeys, horses, birds, meerkats (called quacks), roosters, sheep, lions, tigers, giraffes, and we can't forget the bears.  I'm sure everyone will get along great. 

You're happiest when... around ducks. Real, rubber, heck, even birds, squirrels, penguins (who are sometimes called quacks). 

You taught me...that a scotch-guarded couch is a parent's best friend. Oh, and that pack and plays NEED quilts at the bottom to be comfy. 

Your belly loves..We aren't going to talk much about your belly this month. You were on a hot streak trying new foods, and then...the stomach virus struck! Let's just move right along. 

You're still working on...hopping! But it's cute as pie to watch you bend your knees up and down and think you are jumping. 

The photo that represents you... You take your reading very seriously!

One of your feats...dancing! You must know it's So You Think You Can Dance season opener month! 

What I want you to know.. You are so well behaved and rather flexible. We took our first flight this month, just you and me kid, and you were an all-star. We even got compliments from business flying on our mid-week trip. I was one proud Momma! 

If all else fails... get Momma's keys??? Well, I wish. You love those things, but unfortunately, so does your little teething mouth.  You don't get to play with these very often. I have to be desperate, and even then, they are not allowed in your mouth. 

New to you...saying "bubble" "bear" and "airplane," and "banana." Ok, so they all just sort of sound like the B or P sound, but you are going for it. 

A favorite day... your Parrain's graduation, well "hooding" day. I am so grateful that we got to be a part of the celebration. We even sat next to your Uncle Rich who did not hesitate in getting you to say your favorite word. A special thanks goes out to your Nanny who let us borrow her car seat and pack and play. 

Your jams are..."Forget You," Ok, so that might be my jam, but you humor me.  You really love any music on television, and one favorite is Laurie Berkner's (apparently named) "Mister." It comes on during our DVR'ed Jack's Big Music Show. Momma likes it too and sings it voluntarily in the shower. But that'll be our little secret.  

My heart melts when... we sing "5 Little Monkeys." Out of nowhere, you learned to hit your head when "one fell off and bumped his head." You are one smart one, little guy. 

We don't get great lighting in your room thanks to the ole' black out shades, and you are quite the mover. But here's 11 months:

Piglet, what big ears you have! 

Father's Day Gift Ideas

Editor's Note:  I asked my husband to do a guest post about Father's Day gift ideas.  So here it is.
- Cowgirl

With father's day around the corner, Cowgirl asked me to write a guest post about some possible gift ideas.  I guess she figured with the way I obsessively research after deciding I want something, I might have some good thoughts.  So here are a few things that I have that I really like.  I linked everything to its direct product page but you can find most of it on Amazon.

Bon-aire Hose Attachment
Few people put much thought into hose attachments.  I do.  Some things I was thinking about when trying to pick out the perfect attachment...

1. I want this thing to last forever.
2. Variable settings.
3. It has to shoot water really hard.
4. I don't want to have to keep a trigger pressed if I want to shoot water for a long time.
5. I want to be able to day dream that I am saving a family from a burning building because my hose attachment closely mirrors the one that's on a real firetruck hose.  

This attachment does all these things.

Saturday Morning Scene -- "The Farmer in the Hall"

We are linking up with Katie again this morning to give you a peek into our weekend morning with The Sheriff. Cowboy asked if everybody's SMS had pics of kids, and I said, "Well, if they have kids..." because what else do we do with our weekend mornings except hang with our favorite little people! We hung around the house for a while, and I ran a few bday errands while The Sheriff took a nap. 

Momma, Cinn. Burst Cheerios are legit!

 And here's to my favorite little farmer. This kid loves these animals!

Go tell us what you've got going on this Saturday.

 

Going Seriously! Again

Just linking up over at From Mrs. to Mama this Thursday to tell you what's got me going Seriously! this week.

Does each cast member of The Jersey Shore SERIOUSLY earn get 100K an episode. What?!?!

And speaking of reality television, why do these housewives of NY SERIOUSLY hang out with each other. They must be making some SERIOUS jack (or need D List celeb status) as well because they can't seem to stand one another.  And they get to throw out SERIOUSLY complex metaphors, i.e. "She's a thug in a cocktail dress." :)

I am SERIOUSLY over this heat. It's.Only.June. BUT, it is giving me an excuse to go looking for a cute beach  zoo hat. Who doesn't need to look fab at the zoo right? But, SERIOUSLY, it's for the sun protection.

SERIOUSLY, if you don't have a scotch-guarded or leather couch before you have a baby, run to your nearest furniture store and pick one up. (You're welcome. Signed, Mother of Reflux (and now stomach virus) Baby.)

We are SERIOUSLY getting a new light fixture in the kitchen. Sayonara fluorescent bulbs and dumb ass fixture! (Excuse the French. It's been a LONG day!) We didn't think the fixture would be in for 4-6 weeks, so thank  you online lamp store the C.Cowboy used.  Now let's just hope the instructions stating something to the effect of needed a professional electrician don't mean anything!

SERIOUSLY, it's almost 9:30? Where did my night go?

Sick Bebes!

Does this look like the face of a wee one battling a tummy bug? A vicious, gut-attacking critter most probably contracted over at Germfest 2011, coming to a mall playground near you this summer?

I don't think so either. Lucky for this momma, he is such a great kid, even when sick.  Yes, there was some whining, some clinging, some overall, everyone is in a bad mood, but for the most part, he would sport that toothy grin as long as you were sure to play with him. Ok, so while I did my best to make him #1, a stomach bug makes laundry and house cleaning somewhat of a priority. 

Anyway, I've got a few "Momma thoughts" about sick littles. (Side note--I enjoy coming up with new terms for things/people. Ex: littles = babies/toddlers/wee ones :)

First, there is nothing like a sick child to make you feel like you are totally unfit for this whole parenting thing. It rips apart your soul. And it's not like he was in any severe danger; it was a stomach bug.  Maybe that was the hard part--I couldn't fix it. No antibiotics, creams, gels, pills, liquids, biscuits (you know, for teething), nothing! Just wait it out and make sure the kid can tinkle! 

I'm a fixer. This was not easy for me. 

Then there's the ever nagging mom guilt. We should have never gone to the mall! And he ate in a high chair (gasp!) without the cover! What have I done? It's my job to protect him, and I just threw him out there with other children and their germs!  What kind of mother am I? 

But you can't keep them quarantined. You can't deny them social experiences, growth experiences. You can't sequester them until school age when they will contract every illness under the sun. 

Funny thing is, this is just like practice. At some point, the same tiny hands (let's hope they've grown by then) will be on the steering wheel of a car. And he will be driving a girl to senior prom. Or his tiny feet will be running up and down a field with someone chasing him trying to get him and/or some ball. He will leave for college. He will stay out way too late on roads with the crazies. He will go on road trips.  He will forget to call his momma. 

He will leave me sleepless at night for bigger reasons than tummy troubles. (Thanks for that gentle reminder Nicole!) So, come on Cowgirl. Put on your big girl panties, get your Rosary, and always remember to call on the Big Guy Upstairs. 

(Someone remind me to re-read this when I am posting about any of the above in the next 21 years!)

Just have to leave you with another pic too. I've been getting a flirty little smile when telling him, "You're so handsome!" Love this kid! 

Happy Late Memorial Day!